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 September 14, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “Box subscriptions come from a variety of industries, including but not limited to fashion, food, beauty products and dog toys.” -P. 8
Olin Fine Art Gallery Debuts ‘Strange Empathies’ PAGE 10
CULTURE
“Beautifully detailed and stunning to admire, these large prints are captivating to the audience as person and bird switch roles between the observed and observer.” -P. 10
OPINIONS “While some may choose to embroil themselves in a fiery debate with their keyboards, shooting words like bullets, others simply ignore these posts and choose to refrain from social media stresses.” -P. 14
SPORTS
“In fact, Saturday’s game was W&J’s 49th win under Coach Sirianni and their 30th straight regular season home game win.” -P. 17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
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 September 14, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “Box subscriptions come from a variety of industries, including but not limited to fashion, food, beauty products and dog toys.” -P. 8
Olin Fine Art Gallery Debuts ‘Strange Empathies’ PAGE 10
CULTURE
“Beautifully detailed and stunning to admire, these large prints are captivating to the audience as person and bird switch roles between the observed and observer.” -P. 10
OPINIONS “While some may choose to embroil themselves in a fiery debate with their keyboards, shooting words like bullets, others simply ignore these posts and choose to refrain from social media stresses.” -P. 14
SPORTS
“In fact, Saturday’s game was W&J’s 49th win under Coach Sirianni and their 30th straight regular season home game win.” -P. 17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
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 September 14, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “Box subscriptions come from a variety of industries, including but not limited to fashion, food, beauty products and dog toys.” -P. 8
Olin Fine Art Gallery Debuts ‘Strange Empathies’ PAGE 10
CULTURE
“Beautifully detailed and stunning to admire, these large prints are captivating to the audience as person and bird switch roles between the observed and observer.” -P. 10
OPINIONS “While some may choose to embroil themselves in a fiery debate with their keyboards, shooting words like bullets, others simply ignore these posts and choose to refrain from social media stresses.” -P. 14
SPORTS
“In fact, Saturday’s game was W&J’s 49th win under Coach Sirianni and their 30th straight regular season home game win.” -P. 17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
2 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
14 September 2018
Senior Student Spotlight: Mario Tiberie Brooke Beck Red & Black Contributor
In August 2015, Mario Tiberie ’19 set foot on Washington & Jefferson College’s campus with a positive attitude and a strong desire to succeed. He is also
eager to take advantage of every opportunity presented to him. Now, just eight months from graduation, Tiberie reflects on all that has passed and all that lies ahead for himself. He has flourished here by becoming a leader, social butterfly, role model and, above all, an achiever. Tiberie is a triple major, studying public policy, international studies and Spanish with a concentration in conflict and resolution studies. Tiberie is also involved with many other activities
Courtesy Mario Tiberie
Upon graduation, Tiberie plans to continue his education and attend graduate school.
outside of the classroom. He is president of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and the student supervisor of the Matthew Brown Fellowship. Tiberie is also an active member of the Peer Mediation Club and an employee at Hershey’s Creamery in Houston, PA. Tiberie previously served as a LINK Mentor and was a student supervisor and ambassador at the Office of Admission. In addition to all these activities, Tiberie also finds time to work as a Red & Black contributor and as a team member at UnderArmour at the Tanger Outlets. With all off these activities and involvements to juggle, he still maintains his good grades. Tiberie made the Dean’s List every semester, earned both Alpha and Beta Scholar status and remaining an active member of the Washington Fellows. He is also a recipient of the Franklin Internship Award, the Scholar in Conflict and Resolution Studies Award and the Latin American Studies Scholar Award. Despite his busy schedule, Mario remains a socialite and a sincere resource that everyone can turn to for advice. In addition to academics and employment, Tiberie has taken advantage of several travel opportunities during his four years. He took two travel Intersession courses, one of which took place in Nicaragua. On this trip, the group taught English to children in schools and performed community service. TIberie also traveled to Italy, where the group learned about the country’s rich history and culture. In January 2018, Tiberie spent two weeks at the Institute for Leadership in the Americas in Santiago, Chile. He
returned during summer 2018 to complete an internship at the Office of International Relations at la Universidad de Los Andes. Alex Sossi ’13, a former colleague of Tiberie’s and a W&J graduate, said, “Mario is an extremely dedicated person. No matter what new organization or team he joins, he throws his whole self into making the group prosper and thrive. He does not shy away from taking on a new challenge and is extremely passionate about continued learning through study abroad and internships.” After graduation, Tiberie plans to attend graduate school to earn more specialized degrees in international relations and public policy. As he prepares for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and tours graduate schools, he is also applying for other post-graduate opportunities like the Fulbright Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship would allow him to travel abroad for a year after graduation to either teach English or conduct research. Tiberie offers advice to W&J students on how to get the most out of their time here. His main advice is to get involved and stay dedicated. Tiberie said, “W&J’s small, family-like atmosphere really allows you to get involved on campus and in the local community, so my advice is to take advantage of it. Being involved allows you to network with so many people, which ultimately leads to new opportunities.” Students should start getting involved as early as they can, whether it is by joining a club, volunteering or getting a part-time job on campus. Tiberie’s advice can be applied to all students; his unique college experience is a perfect example of what W&J is all about.
14 September 2018
Red & Black
3 CAMPUS NEWS
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Dan Stinson Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
Dr. Dan Stinson is a professor in the religion department of Washington & Jefferson College. He is a favorite teacher for many students on campus. Stinson received many degrees before finally coming to teach at the College. To start, he received a Bachelor of Science in secondary education with a focus in social studies from Union College. He then continued on to get his Masters from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Stinson’s third and final degree, Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), focuses on international Christian education. He received this degree from the United Seminary School in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Stinson said that although he loves what he does now, ministry and religion was not his original path in life. He said, “Upon high school graduation, I began working in the Municipal Bond Dept. at a major bank in New York City. In the evenings I pursued studies in Drafting with the intention of becoming an architect,” When it became apparent that becoming an architect was not the path for him, Dr. Stinson worked to improve his financial skills at community college. He continued on this path until what he referred to as “the call of min-
istry” became too strong for him and he found that he could no longer ignore it. He then enrolled himself full-time in college, which led him to the seminary school and finally to his doctorate of ministry. When asked about his influences, Dr. Stinson said, “It was my education professor in college who made me promise that I would somehow combine my ministry with education.” Dr. Stinson said the best class he has taught here at W&J is Religion in America. He chose this class as his favorite because it was the first class he ever taught here on campus. He enjoyed this class’s broad range of topics that included history, government, sociology and religion and how they all interact with each other. A big change coming up for Dr. Stinson: this year is sadly his final year before retirement. Students will miss his influence and expertise on campus. After 15 years of teaching as an adjunct in the religious studies department, he will be moving on to his next adventure. Dr. Stinson has advice for all students, but especially for firstyear students. He said, “Relax, not everything is about grades . . . you will discover that you will learn more about yourself and the world through your involvement with your peers outside the classroom. College is where you go out and find what you do and do not want to do with your life.” He advises that seniors remain true to themselves and never allow anyone to steal the good things they have discovered about themselves.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Dr. Stinson is a professor in the religion department.
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14 September 2018
Junior Student Spotlight: Virginia Weber, Chemistry Major Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
Virginia Weber ‘20 is a chemistry major at Washington & Jefferson College. She was born in Virginia Beach, Va. and grew up in Cranberry Township, Pa. When she is not at school, Weber currently lives with her mother and her dog Tebow. She also has a 24-year-old brother who attended and graduated from
Temple University in 2017. Weber is a chemistry major. While chemistry has challenged her immensely, she believes that the challenge is the best part. She chose to study chemistry because she wants to gain a thorough understanding about how things work at different levels and can come together as one. She is not entirely sure what career she is aiming for at this point. Weber said, “It’s quite thrilling when I think about all the possibilities a chemistry major has. My intended career seems to keep changing. I came into college wanting to be pediatric oncologist. However, sophomore year I noticed how much I enjoyed lab and
working hands-on. So this past summer, I worked at a blood bank in Pittsburgh where I realized I love research and hematology. Thus, I would love to do clinical research.” On top of her chemistry classes, Weber offers her spare time as a chemistry lab assistant. She enjoys helping students learn about chemistry. She also likes to get to know other students who are as enthusiastic as her about chemistry. Weber is the Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer, a club on campus. One of her best friends started the club her freshman year. Weber has a family history of cancer, so she decid-
ed to check out the club. She ended up loving it, so she ran for the executive board and ended up earning the role of Vice President. Weber said, “The club is a volunteer-based club. We hold a Relay for Life in the spring and throughout the year we have a close connection with the Washington Cancer Center. Around Easter and Christmas we make baskets of candy and inspiration notes and personally deliver them to the center. The faculty and patients love it. It’s the most wonderful feeling seeing all their faces light up.” Weber is eager to continue to study chemistry and cannot wait to see what her junior year has in store for her.
Club Spotlight: W&J Sustainability Committee Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor The sustainability committee consists of a group of students and professors at Washington & Jefferson College who monitor and help improve the sustainability standards and procedures on campus. In the past, they have created posters about global warming and raised other environmental awareness. The organization plans Earth Week activities and recruits speakers to present about solar energy, recycling and many other environmental topics. Committee chair Dr. Cory Christenson said, “We will bring speakers to campus, host events around Earth Day in April, work with other groups on campus to promote sustainability and are sending some students to a conference on Sustainability in Higher Edu-
cation in October. We are also excited to be working with Bon Appetit (the W&J food provider) this year, as they have a similar vision.” At the College, he is an assistant professor of physics and has always been heavily involved with the sustainability committee. Other staff members involved are Dr. March, Dr. Caffrey, Dr. East and Justin Dandoy, the head of community engagement. Dr. Christenson said, “The goals of the Sustainability Committee are generally to work towards sustainable operations in campus life and foster awareness of these issues in the community. It is a volunteer committee, and the goals are driven by the interests of the members and especially the students.” The committee operates with a system of proposals. Proposals can be as simple as increasing recycling bins on
campus or scheduling an Earth Day event. However, they can be as complex and expensive as booking a visiting speaker or planning a group outing. Erin Herock ‘21 said, “As a student member of the sustainability committee, I look forward to this year. I am looking to submit more proposals this year, such as adding recycling bins to parking lots. I also plan to try to bring more environmental speakers to campus to educate the student body as a whole.” From Oct. 2-4, students and professors from the sustainability committee will be attending the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) conference. This is North America’s largest conference that acts as a platform for the exchange of effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transfor-
mative actions that benefit the surrounding schools and communities.
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Dr. Christenson is the chair of the Sustainability Committee.
14 september 2018
CAMPUS NEWS 5
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Professor Spotlight: Dr. Wilson Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor Dr. Lynn Wilson works in the psychology department and teaches classes about physiological psychology, drugs and behavior, sex and gender, evolutionary psychology and behavioral sciences. Dr. Wilson received a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. from the University of Arizona. When asked about how she became interested in this field, she replied by saying it was an accident. As an undergraduate, she responded to a bulletin board notice from a new professor looking for students who wanted to do research with him. She was interested and followed up with the professor in charge. The professor conducting the research turned out to be a well-known and respected authority on the workings of the brain structure called the hippocampus. When Dr. Wilson attended graduate school, she requested for this renowned professor to be her graduate advisor due to their past work together. This semester, Dr. Wilson is teaching Introduction to Neuroscience, Introduction to Gender and Women’s Studies and Psychology of Sex and Gender. She is excited to influence lots of new minds with her courses this year. In the past, she has had several versions of the “best class ever”, but she says it really comes down to the chemistry of the class. Wilson said, “Sometimes the combination of the students and the topic just seem to work in a way that feels almost magical.” She is a strong believer that it is the personalities of the students that make a class unique. The greatest academic
accomplishment for her is when a student tells her that she has had a great impact on their life. Wilson said, “I am always touched when this happens and it makes everything I do worthwhile.” After recognizing how close she is to retirement, Dr. Wilson decided to take the opportunity to do something she had been thinking about doing for a while. She decided to develop a science course for non-science majors. Dr. Wilson wanted to do this to convey to non-science majors the joy one can have from taking a science class, not so much about how electricity works but what chemical changes the color of the leaves in the fall. Wilson said, “I hope it helps future non-scientists deal with a world full of scientific findings that affect many areas of the life and health.” For first-year students, Dr. Wilson encourages taking every opportunity to explore something new that comes their way; not to explore all the chances, but at least to investigate a few. For the seniors, she warns that there is not much time before graduation. Seniors do not have to plan it all out; they just have to be willing to try everything once.
Courtesy washjeff
Dr. Wilson is a psychology professor.
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6 CAMPUS NEWS
Red & Black
14 September 2018
Magellan Spotlight: Adriana Rodriguez Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
This summer, Adriana Rodriguez-Ruiz ‘21 travelled to six countries throughout Europe. Despite being busy traveling this summer, she calls Chicago home. She attended Round Lake Park Senior High School in Round Lake Park, Ill. At Washington & Jefferson College, she is a French and English double major. She decided to study these topics to explore her love for reading and writing. Also, she believes these majors are great preparation for law school. After her freshman year, Rodriguez-Ruiz planned and pursued a Magellan Project. Her project was about studying transportation between various tourist nodes. She travelled to the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Switzerland. A large number of destinations was necessary in order for her to have enough data. Also, traveling through so many countries allowed her to explore an assortment of routes and draw comparisons between different locations and their transportation systems. This was not Rodriguez-Ruiz’s first time out of the country. She has done a significant amount of traveling throughout her life. She visited Germany and Poland over spring break with her German
Film class. Besides these countries, she travels frequently to Mexico to visit her family. Because of her experience traveling and the fact that she attends college so far away from home, Rodriguez-Ruiz did not struggle adjusting to independent traveling. In fact, she was quite comfortable considering the time difference and distance between Europe and her home. She did experience an interesting culture difference regarding finding water. Because of the pressing state of refugee and immigration status in Europe, tap water was not free under any circumstance. Rodriguez-Ruiz enjoyed the different foods she had the opportunity to try in each location. Rodriguez-Ruiz said, “I absolutely loved the food. Let’s just say nothing compares to a Parisian croissant, and Spanish food is everything my life has been missing. Because I spent a lot of time traveling on trains, I largely depended on dark chocolate, a full Nalgene, a croissant and an apple to keep me alive. It worked pretty well, if you ask me.” Rodriguez-Ruiz plans to utilize all the travel opportunities W&J has to offer in the next three years. She believes traveling is the best opportunity to learn about the world and to reflect on what people can learn about themselves. The Magellan Project is an unparalled opportunity to explore the world while learning more about a particular interest. Rodriguez-Ruiz said, “I encourage students to travel to Europe for the sake of experience, though I know that the next person’s will inevitably be
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Rodriguez has taken full advantage of the Magellan Project opportunity.
different than my own. I wasn’t always a happy movie, sometimes far from it, but I learned far more about my myself and the world around me than I
ever imagined I would.” The Magellan Project has helped countless students through the years explore their dream destinations around the world.
14 September 2018
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7 Life
The Importance of Student Community Service
Courtesy sites.google
The benefits of student community service include personal improvement and the of campus and the surrounding community.
Marygrace Depp Red & Black Contributor
Community service impacts people in many different ways. It makes students feel better, betters the people around them and brings people closer together as a community. Every college student should have to do a certain number of community hours. The number could be very
small; even a couple of hours per semester would have a positive impact. This would truly benefit the students and the local community. For the students, this would help them feel better about themselves and give them a break from studying. It could even provide students with opportunities to meet other people in the college and community and even give them something to put on their resume. Community service helps the students to better themselves, and sometimes they do not even realize it is happening. Albert Einstein once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This quote truly embod-
ies what community service could do for a college community. Once someone starts helping others, helping others starts to become second nature. This would be a great trend to happen on a college campus, especially here at Washington & Jefferson College. Jeff Warner said, “We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.” This quote shows that everyone has a bigger purpose in life than merely to live, and that purpose is to help others in whatever way they can. This could simply be fulfilled by community service. Community ser-
vice can be completed in so many different ways. It could be as simple as tutoring at a local school or reading to young children. Students can help with clubs or even help to build houses; it depends on their availability and desire to help. It’s not recommended that every college student should go out and start building houses, but each college student should spend a couple hours out of their busy schedule to help those around them. For all of these reasons, community service is a great way for W&J students to get involved. This would benefit the community, the students and the college as a whole.
8 LIFE
Red & Black
14 September 2018
Box Subscriptions: The New Online Shopping
Courtesy Hello Subscription
Hello Fresh is a box subscription that sends recipes and ingredients directly to consumers’ front doors.
Kate Sullivan Red & Black Contributor
Box subscriptions are a service where a consumer pays a certain amount monthly, quarterly or weekly to receive a box of products from a company. The idea behind these boxes is that the common consumer has little time to shop for new products, so the subscriptions provide a surprise and a welcome taste of new goods. Box subscriptions come from a variety of industries, including but not limited
to fashion, food, beauty products and dog toys. The most popular boxes on the market are beauty boxes because there are so many products on the market, and beauty boxes help to narrow down the choices. They also help consumers try products without committing large amounts of money to an expensive serum or lipstick that does not work for them. Products can range from sample to full-sized and from drugstore brands to luxury brands, so a customer’s yield depends on the type of subscription they choose. Sephora, Ipsy, Birchbox and Target send a mix of high-end and drug-store products in their boxes, while some
subscription services send only highend, full-sized products, including the company Glossybox. Fashion boxes are another innovative type of subscription box. The premise is that people do not have time to find clothes that fit and look good together, so these companies put together outfits for their consumers. Trunk Club and Stitch Fix are two brands that do exactly that. Customers send in their measurements and preferred styles, and stylists pick pieces for them. These subscription services also help people who normally cannot find clothes in their sizes, such as plus, petite or tall sizes. However, buying clothes online is difficult because
gauging the fit of an article of clothing is difficult to do in an online shopping environment. Some subscription box companies allow their customers to send clothing back if it does not fit. Food subscription boxes are also in demand. Hello Fresh is the most well-known service because the company provides the ingredients for a meal and the recipe, but customers cook the meals themselves so they feel they have some help in preparing their meals. Now that subscription services have become more popular, there are subscription boxes for toys, books, wine and countless other options. These boxes provide the perfect service for the busiest of consumers.
14 September 2018
9 Life
Red & Black
Professional Cuddling: A High-Paying Career
Courtesy Youtube
Professional cuddlers can provide the intimacy and the healing benefits of human touch with none of the attachment of real emotional bonds.
Kate Sullivan Red & Black Contributor
A professional cuddler is paid by a client for the product of high-quality cuddles. All touch is nonsexual, and everything must be consensual. There are different places professional cuddlers may seek employment. Some professional cuddlers work out of their homes, and others like the company Cuddle Up to Me in Portland have an office. Boundaries are defined by the cuddler in order to create a safe, welcoming and consensual environ-
ment. The people who seek professional cuddles range between lonely singles, recent divorcees and clients whose significant others do not provide enough physical contact for their needs. Those seeking cuddles are also able to define their boundaries to ensure that they are comfortable. There are also rules in place about hygiene. For example, cuddlers and clients are both required to have showered and brushed their teeth shortly before the cuddle session. To become a professional cuddler, one can take a class offered by the Cuddlist website. This will allow a cuddler-in-training to get a certificate in cuddling. The site also offers the option of working for Cuddlist after one re-
ceives their certificate in cuddling. The cuddle communication between client and cuddler is simple. The client emails Cuddlist to get in contact with a professional cuddler. Cuddlist then connects the cuddler and the client, and they set up a time and place to meet. This particular website charges $80 per hour for cuddling. There are no current regulations for this business, so cuddlers can sometimes risk their safety when getting these appointments. Although Cuddlist is the liaison between the cuddler and the client, they do not guarantee safety for their cuddlers. If someone seeks being cuddled professionally, then going through Cuddlist and other websites like it are one option. There is also the option of
going to an office that specializes in cuddling, such as Cuddle Up to Me. Founded by Samantha Hess, Cuddle Up to Me is a business in Portland that specializes in cuddling. Hess creates a safe and caring environment for her clients with themed rooms that the clients can choose. The difference between using an online connection and Cuddle Up to Me is that, with the latter, the cuddlers always respect the clients and the clients are expected to respect the cuddlers. It is a real business operated solely in person. In today’s society, the business of cuddling is on the rise. With people glued to technology, physical relationships are less likely to develop, so professional cuddlers are able to step in to fill that space.
10 Culture
Red & Black
14 September 2018
culture Olin Art Gallery Debuts ‘Strange Empathies’
Courtesy Rosa Messersmith ‘22
Rebecca Hamlin Green’s “Strange Empathies” debuted at the Olin Art Gallery on Sept. 7.
Rosa Messersmith Red & Black Contributor A new special event has just opened up in Olin Theatre Sept. 7: Rebecca Hamlin Green’s artistic renderings titled Strange Empathies. This is an art show that everyone can enjoy, where Green examines what she calls, “Elements of social and personal identity through our associations with the natural environment,” and aims “to examine our relationships with animals, wild and domesticated, in order to investigate larger notions surround-
ing our historical role in controlling our immediate environment, through living and non-living interactions.” Rebecca Hamlin Green lives and works in Chicago, Ill., and received her MFA from The University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz. and her BA from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. After receiving her education, she began focusing heavily on her art, which now focuses primarily on birds. Beautifully detailed and stunning to admire, these large prints are captivating to the audience as person and bird switch roles between the observed and observer. With this new perspective,
the artist wants the audience to reflect on themselves, their imagination and their roles in nature. The pictures do a great job of getting the observer to stand and take in what is shown on the canvas—the stature of the birds and the intimate details in the feathers and colorings. Though most of the art is drawn in black in white, it still shows deep detailing and care in the style. Green writes in a statement that the birds were specifically chosen because they are present in many myths, histories and narratives where nature and humanity cross paths. The bird can be
depicted as a gatekeeper to the subconscious, bearer of peace, harbinger of death and holder of collective memory. Allyson Zornak ’22 said, “They were so realistic. I liked how the pictures were scaled so large [that] you really got to see the small details in all the drawings and see how much time she put into these.” The artwork cannot be missed. Do not forget to stop by and see the incredible drawings. Green’s work will continue to be exhibited in Olin until Oct. 14, followed by a brief closing during fall break. The exhibit is open daily from noon to 7 p.m.
14 September 2018
Red & Black
Poetry Corner
Netflix Movie Review Nicole Waters Red & Black Contributor
“I’m pretty underneath, i promise” Olivia Engl Red & Black Contributor The beauty of my body lies hidden under layer and layer of insecurity I’ll break my skin to start and they can peel off the rest so we can all examine the beauty of my body. Go deeper and remove section after section of me until everyone can survey my thoughts then tear those down to find my soul. I’ll pluck out my hair to start and they can say the words to do the rest. The beauty of my body doesn’t reflect the soul. String me out with your words and stares the hurt means I’m alive. The beauty of my body is right there I can see The beauty of my body doesn’t exist the beauty of a body found by someone else says more than I ever can.
Culture 11
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is a thrilling movie adaptation of the contemporary novel by Mary Ann Shaffer. Shaffer’s novel was published in 2008 to great reviews from many other well accomplished authors, including Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of “Eat, Pray, Love.” In 2018, the novel was adapted into a Netflix original movie so that both book and movie lovers alike could enjoy the wonderful cinematography. The story tells of Juliet Ashton, a budding author and book lover who lived during the aftermath of World War II in London, England. Ashton herself loses some loved ones in the war and attempts to return to a normal life by advertising her novel. It is during this dark time that she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams, a man who lives on the island of Guernsey. Adams comes across a book by Charles Lamb that has Ashton’s
name written on the inside of the cover and wants to thank her for donating it. The two begin writing to each other, sharing their stories. Juliet quickly becomes enthralled by Dawsey’s tales of a literary and potato peel pie society – a book club that has saved a few of the Guernsey island residents’ lives during the occupation. Juliet soon feels compelled enough by Dawsey’s letters to travel to the Island of Guernsey herself to meet these people of whom she has heard so much about, and enjoy their discussions of good books. When she arrives on the island, she finds a place very different from the London she calls home. As she begins to get to know the people in the book club and learns how it was started in the first place, she begins to see there is a deeper part of the story than she had realized. What then follows is a masterfully woven story of history and passion, friendship and loyalty, sacrifice and grief. This is one of those movies that has a little bit of everything to entertain audiences and keep them coming back to watch it again the next day.
Courtesy ComingSoon
“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” is a Netflix film that has something for everyone.
12 Culture
Red & Black
14 September 2018
History Repeated: Berlin Wall Art Exhibit Leah Segal Red & Black Contributor
This November marks the 29th anniversary of the destruction of the Berlin Wall. Such a monumental moment in modern history demands to be recognized in a big way— which is exactly what the “Dau Freiheit” exhibit hopes to accomplish. Just like the concrete barrier that separated East Germany from West Germany for more than two decades, this interactive art installation will recreate the wall and immerse locals and visitors alike into the harsh reali-
ties that the Berlin Wall projected onto Germans and the world at large during the Cold War. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, Thomas Oberender, director of the Berliner Festspiele, emphasizes that this interactive art piece “Does not strive to be a ‘Disney-style East Germany.” Instead the installation, “Provokes an encroaching sense of unease as participants yield to the restrictions of an unfriendly surveillance state.” Such information is quite important as it draws attention the fact that this is not an exhibit to be taken lightly and it’s deserved due attention and somber recognition—similar to interactive exhibits at Holocaust Museums. It can be easily forgotten that real
individuals lived in a world wracked by fear and division, with a 12 foot physical barrier blocking them from friends, freedom and loved ones. In terms of what the installation will offer to viewers, the artists and producers have meticulously planned out every detail, so as to provide a realistic experience. A report from the Agence France-Presse states, “Event organizers plan on constructing the facsimile wall out of 900 concrete slabs, each measuring around 12 feet tall.” Also, Smithsonian tell us that those hoping to visit the city within the city must purchase online visas and surrender their cell phones upon arrival. Such strict rules help to create a microcosm that takes viewers back in time to the age of the Cold War in
order to truly educate people on what living life under the “eye of constant surveillance and division” was actually like. Although viewers will not have smartphones, the installation plans to give out internet-less devices that will serve as tour guides in the walled-in space. The exhibit is set to open October 12 and the ceremonial tear down is planned for November 9, exactly 29 years to the day that President Ronald Reagan uttered the iconic phrase, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Such a momentous art installation is sure to make waves and encourage visitors and the world alike to reflect on how far we have come and how to further conquer walls that still plague our society today.
Courtesy Smithsonian
The Berlin Wall exhibit will give visitors insight into the harsh reality that the Germans faced during the Cold War.
14 September 2018
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Culture 13
Hozier Releases EP ‘Nina Cried Power’ Kate Sullivan Red & Black Contributor
With the release of Hozier’s first new music since his debut album in 2014, fans and critics pounced on the opportunity to listen. “Nina Cried Power” is his latest EP, released on Sept. 7, and it gives fans a taste of what the reclusive artist has been working on for the past few years. The title track is full of power and strength, which is reflected in Hozier’s voice and accompanied by a heavy drum set and a choir to pronounce
to the fact that Nina did, in fact, “cry power.” The second track, “NFWMB,” is haunting and echoes the sound of the artist’s first album. Hozier’s unique voice completes the song by creating the perfect combination of smooth sounds. While his third track, “Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue)” resembles more of the first song, Hozier continues to lean away from the organic sound of his first album. Snapping sounds and an electric guitar are a far cry from the acoustic and natural sounds Hozier was known for on his debut album. However, his last track “Shrike” draws back to his classic sounds inspired by his home country of Ireland. He could easily be sitting in a sea of
flowers and serenading the moon with his last track. This fluctuation from powerful notes to the sweet melodies that he can create from song to song has me excited for a full album to level out these juxtapositions. Hozier’s music is not like any other popular music being released currently. Kayla Marasia ’19 listened to the album as soon as it was released, and she felt that Hozier’s first new music in four years was well worth the wait. Marasia said, “The EP is absolutely incredible. Hozier sings about politics, relationships and bodies in a way that few artists can do. Each song has a different feeling, and I like all of those feelings.” Brie Sutherland ’20 said, “It was definitely different from his other mu-
sic, but it was a good different. It triggered my inner feelings as a poet.” Against the background of musicians like Kanye West, Travis Scott and other popular artists, Hozier stands out. He is an unproblematic figure who does not sound like the music on the top charts because he embraces his own sound. To relate the new music to current affairs, Hozier describes the album as a tribute to the spirit of protest and encourages this spirit through his lyrics, which is a more explicitly political message than his last album. I look forward to hearing the rest of the album and seeing whether or not Hozier resorts back to his original organic sound or takes on the new, gritty sound of “Nina Cried Power.”
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
In the new EP “Nina Cried Power,” released on Sept. 7, adds a new twist to his signature sound.
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14 September 2018
Red & Black
opinions
Social Media’s Impact on Our Everyday Lives Leah Segal Red & Black Contributor
Social Media has become an ever-present and inescapable element of our everyday lives. From the very early days of Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, these online communities have wielded great power and fundamentally changed the way we connect with others and analyze ourselves. In its most basic form, it is easy to say that social media positively impacts everyone’s everyday lives. It allows people to stay in contact with friends and family abroad and helps to spread messages of positivity and healing to those in need of a friend, even if they cannot be physically present. Nevertheless, for all the good that has come out of social networking apps, they have also caused immeasurable difficulties and emotional scars on users of every age. Whether it is a political scandal or a possibly over-edited picture on Instagram, there are thousands, if not millions, of people indiscriminately spewing hatred and causing distress. With both realities in mind, it is common to believe that it is not social media itself that positively or negatively affects a person’s life, but the ways
Courtesy Flickr
Social media users are bombarded by posts and statuses every time they open the apps on their phones.
in which people utilize it. According to CNBC, there are currently 800 million Instagram users, 2.23 billion Facebook users and 336 million active Twitter users. The sheer number of individuals using these social media platforms causes quite the commotion online, constantly commenting, liking and interacting with posts. When users interact with a negative post or a status update with which they do not agree, it is their own mind that causes them to make their social media experience
positive or negative. While some may choose to embroil themselves in a fiery debate with their keyboards, shooting words like bullets, others simply ignore these posts and choose to refrain from social media stresses. It is in this way that people allow social media to dictate its positive or negative outcome. To avoid the latter, follow and subscribe to accounts that bring joy and peace, rather than accounts that create anger or hateful judgement. Also, although it is easier said than done, people should not
compare their life to the glamorous influencers of Instagram; rather, they should follow people they know and love to bring a genuine smile to their faces. Above all, keep in mind that it truly is up the users to determine how social media affects their life. With such incredible technology, one should take the time all the positives that Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have to offer, and the negativities once associated with these platforms will most assuredly disappear.
14 September 2018
Red & Black
15 Opinions
The Negative Effects of Plastic Straws on Marine Life
Courtesy Pixabay
Plastic straws, which are not reyclable or biodegradable, are making their way into the oceans and harming marine life.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
According to For a Strawless Ocean, over 500 million straws are used every day in the United States. 71 percent of seabirds and 30 percent of turtles are found with plastics in their stomachs. Most of the plastic found in the ocean comes from straws. Plastic straws are not biodegradable. They are too small and lightweight to make it through a mechanical recycling sorter. Instead of being recycled, they end up in landfills. Unfortunately, a large portion of straws
do not even make it to a landfill. Based mostly on human error, many plastic straws end up on the beach in coastal communities when they are blown out of overfilled garbage cans or intentionally littered. Even if the straws are littered in a town far from a coast, they end up in gutters and drains. These drains carry water and anything floating in the water to lakes and oceans. In oceans, plastic straws make up the majority of pollution. They get stuck in sea turtles’ noses and are eaten by marine creatures. Once a marine animal ingests the plastic, they have a 50 percent mortality rate. It is devastating what harm can arise from a single-use plastic item. Erin Herock ‘21 said, “The issue at hand, for me, is much bigger than a single straw. Plastic consumption is out of control, and I don’t think we realize
how crucial it is that we stop polluting our oceans and land with this material. I now carry my own straw and try to use reusable cups when I can, not only to reduce my plastic waste, but to get a conversation going about plastics.” Plastic straws are typically single-use and are usually used for under a half an hour at a time. Such a short life span means that people go through them, and throw them away, rapidly. Herock said, “There is no effective system to ethically get rid of plastic straws. No matter how we try to dispose of them, they always end up somewhere. As a campus, I believe we can serve as a role model to other schools by switching to biodegradable or paper straws.” It is up to society, not only in the United States but all around the world, to demand a change. The easiest solu-
tion is to eliminate straws altogether since they are not necessary to drink a beverage. While certain people, including those who have suffered a stroke or have Multiple Sclerosis, need straws, there are eco-friendly alternatives. A few of these alternatives include meterials like bamboo, glass and stainless-steel. These reusable straws have gained popularity in the past year as more consumers learn about the consequences of plastic straws. While many other large factors play into the ecological damage planet Earth is facing right now, the elimination and replacement of single-use plastic straws is a difference that can be made to catalyze larger changes. These differences can be made on smaller scales, such as on a college campus, and then they can escalate into much larger plans.
16 opinions
14 September 2018
Red & Black
Students Question the Benefit of AP Classes
Courtesy Pixabay
Many students feel preasured to take AP classes in high school to prepare for college, but some feel these classes did not prepare them for a collegiate course.
Sydney Kightlinger Red & Black Editor Over the period of two years, I spent nearly 450 hours in courses designed to help students master the Advanced Placement exams in various subjects. While my experience was not comprehensive, as I took only three courses focused in the humanities, some students at Washington & Jefferson College took seven or eight AP courses per year. What lured me into taking AP classes was the potential to transfer the credits into college. At the age of 17, I thought graduating from college a semester or two early would be wonderful, but what I did not realize is that I would miss out on a lot of opportu-
nities by having half of my major or all my general education requirements completed upon matriculation. What has made my college education unique and beneficial are the hours I have spent in class conversing or analyzing texts with peers, not because we had to find the right answer for the standardized testing sheet but purely because we were curious. Marilyn Burkhardt ’21 took AP classes, but she felt that they did not offer students a true chance to demonstrate academic success. Burkhardt said, “[I] see the point of AP classes, and if you do well on the exam, it is great. But I personally think that college-in-high-school classes are better. I don’t care for AP because I feel like they’re all just taught so you can pass the exam instead of [offering] a
more dynamic way of learning.” Ashley Faulkner ’20, who did not take AP courses, had a similar opinion. She said, “I took dual enrollment classes with local colleges, and I feel like I got more out of those classes than [the students] who took AP classes.” Additionally, financial obligations should be taken into consideration. Ana Noriega-Cota ’20 pointed out that the cost of each exam could equate to the cost of a textbook. Noriega-Cota said, “You have to pay so much money to take the exam, and if you manage to [score] a three and below, it was basically useless. Then all that money goes to waste. I could have bought a textbook here with two of my AP exams.” Alternatively, some W&J students look at AP classes with a positive slant. Gabrielle
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.
Feldman ’21 said, “I feel like some of the AP courses I took gave me an unrealistic sense of college . . . in AP Calculus, we learned a section [per] day, and his tests were designed to make you fail. When I took calculus at W&J, it was a cakewalk.” However, the pacing of these courses also led to Marygrace Deep ’20 to pick up bad habits for college. Depp said, “We didn’t focus on what was on the exam, we focused on what the teacher thought was important. When the exam got close, we had to cram for what was on the test. None of us did well on the exam, and I don’t think that prepared me for college classes other than showing me to cram for exams.” It would seem that nothing can prepare students completely for the transition to college academics.
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(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
17 Sports
sports
14 September 2018
Red & Black
W&J Overwhelms Thiel at Home Opener
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Courtesy gopresidents.com
The Presidents had a promising start to PAC play with a 55-0 victory over Thiel College, and this win makes the team undefeated.
Brooke Beck Red & Black Contributor
In an outstanding display of athleticism and teamwork, Washington & Jefferson College defeated Thiel College 55-0 in the 2018 season home opener on Sept. 8. Despite the cold and rain, fans of all ages piled into Cameron Stadium to watch the Presidents earn their 1-0 standing in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) and their 2-0 standing overall. By the end of the first quarter, Thiel was struggling to breach the 50-yardline and the Presidents were leading
21-0; it became apparent that they were carrying the game away. The matchup was complete with penalties on both sides, but W&J was able to overcome theirs, as many were against the visiting team. Although the game could be described as a blowout, many fans stuck around to support the Presidents through the fourth quarter. Spectators enjoyed each other’s company and some yummy hot chocolate and pizza. With the perfect football weather chill in the air and some good, old-fashioned competition, players and fans alike created an enthusiastic environment throughout the game. Alumnus Alex Benner ’18 said, “At a small school like W&J, it can be hard to find pride in a sports team because
they don’t have all the flash and awe of a big school. But every Saturday, we tune in to cheer on our red and black football team because of the powerhouse Mike Sirianni brings to the gridiron every season.” In fact, Saturday’s game was W&J’s 49th win under Coach Sirianni and their 30th straight regular season home game win. Not only did the Presidents please the hometown crowd with their win, they did so in an outstanding fashion with 653 yards of total offense on 92 plays, including 391 passing and 262 rushing yards. W&J was on the board after just over one minute of play; quarterback Jacob Adams ’20 passed to wide receiver Andrew Wolf ’21 for a 34-yard touchdown. An exciting start was met
with an equally-exciting end as running back Joey Koroly ’22 reached the end zone for the first time in his collegiate career from eleven yards out. This play made the final score 55-0. Head Coach Sirianni said, “We have a young team, but we are talented. Our goals remain the same — go 1-0 every week, and by the end of the year hopefully all the wins add up to a championship.” After an exhilarating start to the season, the Presidents look forward to continuing their three-game home stand as they take on Carnegie Mellon at the Presidents Purple-Out on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Come out to Cameron Stadium and support the black, red and purple as W&J raises money for the American Cancer Society.
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Red & Black
14 September 2018
Student Athlete Spotlight: Chandler Marteeny ’20 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
Born in Somerset, Pa., Chandler Marteeny ’20 has been playing soccer since the age of five. She went to Somerset Area High School. Marteeny decided to attend Washington & Jefferson College because of the College’s dynamic relationship between academics and athletics. She knew that she wanted to be a part of a winning sports program, but she also wanted to be able to prioritize her classes to succeed in undergrad-
cord and do well in the upcoming PAC tournament. Marteeny said, “Right now we’ve only played three games, and while the results haven’t been exactly where we’d like them, we’ve gotten to see a lot of underclassmen step up into starting roles. We’ve put a lot of heart into the games we’ve played and when we finally ‘click’ on the field, we’re going to be dangerous both from the attack and on the defensive end.” Marteeny plays attacking midfield for the Presidents. She believes the most difficult part of her position is staying organized in the middle of the field. She explained that, as the connecting line between the defense and offense, it is crucial that the midfield stay connected. If the midfield does not stay connected, the whole team suffers. Her fa-
freshman year with the previous coach of the team. He was so angry that the team tied with Wooster that he knocked all of their water bottles onto the ground. As a result, the team did not have anything to drink post-game for the two-and-a-half hour bus ride home. She thought it was incredibly entertaining how passionate and invested in the game he was. Playing for W&J, Marteeny has learned many life lessons. She has learned how to rebound from loss and thrive in excellence. Marteeny said,
“My favorite part of playing for the W&J women’s soccer team is the support from the faculty, other athletes and non-athletes on campus. People know when you’re on a sports team, and it’s nice to hear ‘good lucks’ from friendly faces on campus.” As a psychology major, Marteeny plans to pursue a career in counseling upon completion of her undergraduate degree. No matter where life takes her, Marteeny believes she owes part of her success to everything that playing soccer at W&J has taught her.
“My favorite part of playing for the W&J women’s soccer team is the support from the faculty, other athletes and non-athletes on campus. People know when you’re on a sports team, and it’s nice to hear ‘good lucks’ from friendly faces on campus.” - Chandler Marteeny ’20 uate school and eventually get an esteemed job. Marteeny is a three-year member of the W&J women’s soccer team, and she was voted to be a captain as a junior this season. Despite the team’s shaky start to the season, Marteeny still feels confident that the team can end with a great re-
vorite part of the position is being involved in both the attack and defense. As a central midfielder, she must support the forwards as they get close to goal, but also get behind the ball and defend when the other team has possession of the ball. Marteeny’s favorite memory with the Presidents occurred during her
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Marteeny wears no. 24 for the Presidents women’s soccer team.
14 September 2018
Red & Black
19 sports
Presidents ‘Kick Off’ Home Opener Against Frostburg State Brianna McGowan Red & Black Contributor
On Sept. 5 at 7 p.m., the Washington & Jefferson College women’s soccer team faced Frostburg State University under the lights. The game took place on the brand new turf in Alexandre Stadium with 180 people in attendance. This game was the women’s first home game of the season. The Presidents had one away game so far this season that ended in a tie. During the fourth minute of the game, a Frostburg player snuck in a
mined to change the intensity. The ladies were focused and began to see many opportunities at the net. The Presidents began connecting passes and ended up with six shots on goal during the second half. By the 90th minute, the Presidents had some promising opportunities but finished the game with nothing on the score board. The final score was 1-0 in favor of Frostburg State University. Although the Presidents did not end up with the results they had intended to earn, head coach Scott Gerseny admitted he is proud of the heart the team showed in the second half. This game marked Gerseny and assistant coach Kendra Jones’ first debut
Although the Presidents did not end up with the
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Michelle Cicalese ’21 scored the single goal against Wooster this past Saturday.
results they had intended to earn, head coach Scott Gerseny admitted he is proud of the heart the team showed in the second half.
goal off a rebound save by freshman goalkeeper Shayla Watkins ’21 from Charleroi, Pa. The Bobcats also had one corner kick during the first half, but the Presidents managed to successfully protect their net. The remaining time in the half was a battle between both teams, but the Presidents only had one shot on frame compared to the Bobcats’ seven. By the end of the half, the score was 1-0. At half time the Presidents jogged into the air-conditioned locker rooms to regroup and escape the heat, they came out into the second half deter-
with the womens’ soccer team. The Presidents traveled to Ohio Wesleyan University for the following game, where they ended with a tie. The game ended with a 4-1 loss at the College of Wooster against the Fighting Scots. The W&J women’s soccer team currently has a record of 0-1-2. This week, members of the Presidents women’s soccer team ask for students to come out to Alexandre Stadium and support them during their next home game. The game will be on Sept. 15 against Penn-State Behrend at 2 p.m.
Courtesy gopresidents.com
The Presidents look forward to their next home game on Sept. 15.
20 sports
Red & Black
14 September 2018
Last Week’s Scores This One Time... Sept. 4
Men’s Soccer v. Pitt-Greensburg 0-0 Tie
Sept. 5
Volleyball v. Carnegie Mellon 0-3 Loss Women’s Soccer v. Frostburg State 0-1 Loss
Sept. 8
Women’s Tennis v. Thomas More Cancelled Volleyball v. Bethany 3-1 Win, v. Waynesburg 3-0 Win Football v. Thiel 55-0 Win Women’s Soccer v. Wooster 1-4 Loss
Sept. 9
Field Hockey v. Kenyon 2-1 Win Men’s Water Polo v. La Salle 11-14 Loss, v. Caltech 13-10 Win Men’s Golf at Guy and Jeanne Kuhn Invite 7th out of 14
Next Week’s Games Sept. 14 Men’s and Women’s Tennis v. Muskingum (H)- 5pm Volleyball v. John Carroll (A)- 5:30pm
Sept. 15
Men’s and Women Cross Country at Allegheny Invitational (A) Men’s and Women’s Golf v. Carnegie Mellon (A) Women’s Tennis v. Thiel (H)- 10am, v. Ohio Northern (H)- 3pm Field Hockey v. Stevens (H)- 12pm Volleyball v. Hiram (A)- 1pm, v. Albion (A)- 3pm Men’s Soccer v. Frostburg State (H)- 1pm Men’s Water Polo v. Salem (A)- 1:45pm, v. Bucknell (A)- 6:45pm Women’s Soccer v. Penn State Behrend (A)- 2pm Football v. Carnegie Mellon (H)- 7pm
Sept. 16
Women’s Golf v. Carnegie Mellon (A) Men’s Golf v. Carnegie Mellon (A)
Sept. 18
Field Hockey v. Denison (A)- 5pm Women’s Tennis v. California (H)- 5pm Women’s Soccer v. Franciscan (H)- 7pm
Sept. 19
Volleyball v. Chatham (A)- 7pm Men’s Soccer v. Franciscan (H)- 7pm
Courtesy gopresidents.com
“This one time, on the way back from our game at Ohio Weslyan University, our coach made us do some team bonding. He had an idea for karaoke with a twist. We had to wear headphones and listen to the song and sing, but nobody else could hear the music. So all anyone could hear was us blurting the song out with no music, and they could hear us loud and clear. Eventually, it was our coach’s turn. It was the aboslute best when he did his own rendition of ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ by Journey. It was so funny hearing him shout the lyrics at the top of his lungs. Eventually, the whole bus joined in singing the song. It was awesome! ” -Brianna McGowan ’21 Women’s Soccer