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 21, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “This ranking is based on a school’s performance over a set of excellence indicators, and the competition is between over 200 different liberal arts colleges.” -P. 8
The Benefits of Having a Dorm Pet PAGE 7
CULTURE
“If Netflix continues the trend of adapting movies from their original book forms, then they will be guaranteed hits if they remain true to the story.” -P. 9
OPINIONS “The benefits of volunteering could even help with a students’ mental health, allowing them to feel like they have done something positive, therefore building their self-worth.” - P.13
SPORTS
“While his position can be challenging, Wolf tries to work on the little details at practice and improve on small aspects of his position that are especially important to his coaches.” -P. 17
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Molly Riley ‘19
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21 September 2018
Club Spotlight: Colleges Against Cancer Beth Boyles Red & Black Contributor
Cancer affects us all in one way or another. It has no boundaries, spanning from the young to the old and the rich to the poor. This disease is a worldwide dilemma that is one of the leading causes of death everywhere. Washington & Jef-
boasts an astounding 75 members. CAC organizes events and activities like Presidents Purple Out Football Game, Relay for Life and flower sales. These events help fundraise money to put toward the American Cancer Society. They also promote cancer awareness through Messages of Hope by writing encouraging messages to cancer patients. These notes are distributed to the Washington Cancer Center for patients to read. Halie Ankeny ’20 is the student who started W&J’s involvement in the organization, and she serves as the club’s
“It was mainly my passion for the fight against cancer. I was very involved with the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life in high school. I wanted to continue my work with the ACS in college, but W&J was one of the few colleges that did not have a Colleges Against Cancer group.” -Halie Ankeny ’20, founder of CAC at W&J ferson College’s Colleges Against Cancer club (CAC) offers a great opportunity for students to be active in the fight against cancer and be involved with their community. CAC is a nationwide organization of college students, staff and employees who promote the American Cancer Society and advocate awareness about cancer issues in college communities. W&J’s own Colleges Against Cancer club has only been on campus for three years, and the organization
current president. When asked about why she started the club, Ankeny said, “It was mainly my passion for the fight against cancer. I was very involved with the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Relay for Life in high school. I wanted to continue my work with the ACS in college, but W&J was one of the few colleges that did not have a Colleges Against Cancer group.” Three years ago, as a first-year student, Ankeny decided that campus needed its own chapter of CAC. She gathered students who were passionate
Courtesy Beth Boyles
Colleges Against Cancer organized the Purple Out Football Game.
about the cause to be on the executive board with her. She followed the steps to become a club recognized by SGA. Through this process, Ankeny had to obtain at least 20 interested followers of the club, draft a constitution and bylaws and then present the club to SGA. The Student Government Association voted to make this a recognized club on campus. Today, CAC is one of the most prominent clubs on campus that continues to grow and impact life outside of W&J. Ankeny said, “The club brings
students together whose lives have been affected by a common cause and provide support to survivors and caregivers.” She believes that the club bridges a gap between W&J and the community because it not only serves the W&J community but the entire Washington community. This club allows students to be active not only in their academics but in something more. CAC gives students the opportunity to help with a much bigger cause: the fight against cancer.
21 September 2018
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3 CAMPUS NEWS
Professor Spotlight: Dr. Ficco Student Spotlight: Kevin Bergen Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
Dr. Danielle Ficco is a professor in the sociology department at Washington & Jefferson College. She has Bachelor of Arts degrees in psychology and sociology as well as a Masters degree in sociology with a concentration in gender, race and class studies. Dr. Ficco has also completed a Ph.D. in sociology with a certificate in women’s studies. When she was working on her undergraduate degree, Ficco was involved at a research institute where she studied incidents of domestic violence, and it was during this time that she became interested in gender, race and class differences in narratives and police reports of violence. This semester, she is teaching an interesting line-up of classes, including sociology of gender, introduction to sociology and a first-year seminar titled “Princesses and Villains: gender, race and culture in Disney animation.” It is no surprise that there was a significant number of upperclassmen upset that they could not enroll in her first-year seminar course this semester, as this particular class piques many students’ interests in the gender and women’s studies field. When asked about her favorite class to teach, Ficco said, “A special topics class for gender and women’s studies called Sex Work. Students are able to critically examine the industry from a number of different perspectives including legislation, entrepreneurs, law enforcement and the workers themselves.” Her favorite academic accom-
plishment so far has been earning her Ph.D. in sociology and being able to display her research about the victims of violence that she studied. Ficco was very excited to talk about her current academic projects for this semester, including the new JayTerm course that she has been working on. The class is called “On Display: Cultures of Paris and Amsterdam.” She was very excited to talk about this project for many reasons. The last Paris trip she took with students over Intersession 2018 was a great success. Additionally, W&J has never taken students to Amsterdam before, and the city is a great place to explore body politics and how women’s bodies are displayed in art, theater and advertising throughout the Red Light District. Ficco gave her best advice to freshmen in college, which is particularly relevant because her own daughter is now a freshman in college. Dr. Ficco’s advice is to not be afraid to ask questions or to ask professors for help. She encourages students to explore the world and travel when they can.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Dr. Ficco is a professor in the sociology department.
Beth Boyles Red & Black Contributor
Kevin Bergen ‘20 chose Washington & Jefferson College because of his love of the campus, the people and the location. Although Bergen grew up in Stroudsburg, Pa., he loves the city of Pittsburgh. With W&J being in close proximity to Pittsburgh, he was sure W&J would be a great fit for him. He said, “My favorite part about W&J is the people. I've been able to see the social culture on a couple different campuses, and W&J always shines through as the warmest and friendliest.” He is a very involved student on campus, and he serves as a Student Government Association class representative. This has allowed him to voice his own opinions about the College and represent his class. Bergen has taken advantage of his excitement and knowledge of this school by giving campus tours to future potential students. He is also currently involved with an internship at Carnegie Mellon as an undergraduate researcher in Holt Lab. Holt Lab is an auditory neuroscience lab in their department of Psychology. However, this is not Bergen’s first internship. Bergen said, “This past summer, I was a research assistant in Chawarska Lab at Yale Medical School. The research I assisted with focused on temperament in children with autism.” This internship was funded by the Maxwell Internship Award that Kev-
Courtesy Beth Boyles
Bergen is a Resident Assistant on campus.
in received through W&J. Kevin has a rigorous academic schedule, as he must keep up with his double majors in psychology and computing & information studies as well as a minor in Spanish. Even with this intense schedule, Bergen is also a Resident Assistant. He has served in the first-year hall Beau for the past two years and loves creating a welcoming environment for new students. He also likes being a source of information for them and being there for them in times of need. Bergen says that above all, he cannot stress how much he loves W&J because of the great friends, professors and opportunities the College has given him during his time on campus. You can typically find Bergen keeping up with his academics, representing his class in Student Government Association, giving campus tours to prospective students and helping firstyear students feel welcome in the W&J community.
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21 September 2018
Study Abroad Spotlight: Julie Bush ’20 in France Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
This semester, Julie Bush ’20 is studying abroad in Rennes, France. She is from West Newton, Pa. where she attended the Yough Senior High School. At Washington & Jefferson College, she is a French and economics
double major. After taking economics and French classes her freshman year, Bush discovered she had a passion for both topics and decided to pursue them. One of the main reasons Bush decided to study at W&J was all the travel opportunities that are offered. When she was touring undergraduate colleges, she was very interested in W&J’s different study abroad programs, but it was not until this past year that she decided to study in Rennes, specifically. Bush explained, “My main reasons for studying abroad
were to experience new cultures, see new things, meet different people and speak French. Because Rennes is not a popular tourist city, I feel that I am in the best place to experience all of the aspects of studying abroad that initially interested me.” This trip was not Bush’s first time abroad. Growing up, she explored places throughout the United States and Canada. She was awarded a Walker Scholarship to complete a Magellan project over summer 2018. She spent three weeks traveling throughout Cork, Dublin and Galway, Ireland to study the tourism industry’s effects on Ireland’s economy. Despite her experience with French, the biggest culture shock Bush has faced is the language barrier. The locals speak much more quickly than
and were able to walk to two different islands during low tide. Around noon we got lunch at a crêperie, and then we spent the rest of the day at the beach.” During her free time, she is usually able to find something to do in the city with her friends. For example, every Saturday there is a huge outdoor market in Rennes. The market has different stands that sell local foods like bread, cheese, pastries, desserts and produce, as well as food trucks. Some weekends, her friends and she go to the market and buy food to have a picnic in a park in the city. Bush highly recommends considering Rennes when looking for places to study abroad. Bush did not initially want to be in a huge city, but she now believes Rennes is a perfect size. Because it is not a very
“My main reasons for studying abroad were to experience new cultures, see new things, meet different people and speak French. Because Rennes is not a popular tourist city, I feel that I am in the best place to experience all of the aspects of studying abroad that initially interested me.” - Julie Bush ’20
Courtesy Julie Bush
Julie Bush ’20 is currently studying abroad in France.
she is used to, so it took her a couple of weeks to adjust. Her favorite part of being abroad is how easy it is to travel to other European countries. Because her program started relatively late, she has not yet had a chance to travel extensively. However, she has already planned trips to Germany, Italy and Greece. Bush said, “I really enjoyed Saint Malo, a town along the Northern coast of Bretagne. During this day, my friends and I walked around the island
big city, it is easily accessible by public transportation. Bush has been able to find countless things to do in the evenings or during the weekends. Bush advises anyone looking in to studying abroad to plan ahead. Being away from W&J for an entire semester requires room in a student’s schedule and must work carefully around students’ major requirements. While the application process may seem tedious, Bush believes that it is well worth the trip of a lifetime.
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CAMPUS NEWS 5
Magellan Recipient Spotlight: Parker Laughlin Beth Boyles Red & Black Contributor Parker Laughlin ’21, from Cranberry Twp, Pa., is majoring in biochemistry at Washington & Jefferson College. This past summer, Laughlin was a recipient of funding from the Magellan Project. He was able to travel to Spain to study the culture of Spanish football fans, to Americans, these are soccer fans, during the World Cup. Laughlin was inspired to do this project when he completed a similar project in his FYS course. His FYS course only used research from the internet, which in turn inspired Laughlin to do a more intensive research experience on the subject matter. This could only by accomplished by traveling to Spain and seeing what it
was really like instead of just reading about it online. The process of creating his project took around five months. This is longer than what a typical Magellan applicant usually takes to complete because Laughlin’s first project was initially denied funding. He reorganized his project to fit into the approved travel list. Laughlin said, “During my month in Spain, I traveled between Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid. All were very different cities with completely different soccer cultures. During the three group stage games that the Spanish national team had, I went to the pub and took observations.” At the pub, Laughlin attained primary research about what soccer culture was really like in Spain. Laughlin’s research revealed how different areas of the country have different passions for their national
team. Laughlin also found that the areas’ respect for their government had a relationship with their passions for football. Areas like Barcelona, which had a larger amount of people wanting to leave their country, had less of a passion for their national team than the other areas Laughlin visited. The Magellan not only gives students the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and research practice but also life lessons. Laughlin said, “The greatest thing I learned from the trip was the ability to be self-reliant. I had to learn how to do many things by myself, like how airports and planes work, how to check into hostels, buy and cook my own food, speak a different language, travel within a country, learn a new culture and customs and to simply be responsible for myself for a month without
help from familiar people.” During his Magellan experience, Laughlin faced many challenges, but the trip also helped him to learn about himself and the world around him, which he will remember for a lifetime.
Courtesy Parker Laughlin
Laughlin’s Magellan took him to Spain.
Senior Student Spotlight: Melina Georgiades Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
Melina Georgiades ’19 decided back in 2015 to attend Washington & Jefferson College after learning about the opportunities of traveling during the school year. She was intrigued by these oncein-a-lifetime experiences as well as the small student-to-faculty ratio. Now that she is a senior, Georgiades’s reasons for loving the College may have
changed and extended, but she is still happy to have picked this school. She is a political science major with a focus in conflict and resolution studies. Georgiades plans to attend law school next fall to continue her education. When discussing her future at law school, Georgiades said, “I would like to focus my studies to a particular field of law to hone as my trade.” She does not have any preference in what area of the country she attends school, but she would ideally like to take and pass the Bar Exam here in Pa, so she can be near her friends and family. When asked what her favorite classes were at W&J, she immediate-
ly brought up her Human Trafficking course with Dr. Vdovichenko. Georgiades said, “While it was a tough subject to talk about sometimes, it was interesting to look at the laws and legislation that [go] into the subject.” She also enjoyed taking introductory psychology with Dr. Klitz. She felt it was a great class to take as an incoming freshman because it opened her eyes to new subject matter and helped prepare her for subjects she would end up studying in her major. This summer, Georgiades had the opportunity to intern at the Federal Public Defender’s office in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa. Specifically, she worked in the Habeas division as well
as in trials, meaning that she had plenty of hands-on experiences looking at case work and interacting with the people involved. The important thing she learned this summer was that no matter what crime a person commits, there is an underlying story that explains from the start why the person did what they did. It gave her a larger understanding of the term “innocent until proven guilty.” Those words had a heavy impact on her after this experience. As Georgiades prepares to graduate this spring, she anticipates having a great senior year at W&J. She eagerly anticipates the new experiences she will have and all the new people she will get to meet.
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Speak Out: What are you most excited about in the new library? “That there will be room for more study tables.” -Melina Georgiades ’19 Courtesy Nicole Walters
Courtesy Chris Fiorina
“I’m excited for the close place for printing. Whether it’s for breakfst casserole recipes or volleyball posters!” -Chris Fiorina ’19
“That there will be an additional place to go study again.” -Katie Hahn ’22 Courtesy gopresidents.com
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Kayla Marasia Hannah Kail Holly Sauer Brie Sutherland Brianna Floryshak Brie Sutherland Christian Buckley Sydney Kightlinger Karli-Ann Sanders Hannah Kail Joe Reedy John Santa
21 September 2018
7 Life
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The Benefits of Having a Dorm Pet
Courtesy Molly Riley ‘19
Molly Riley ‘19 is the Resident Assistant in Monroe Hall, which is W&J’s designated “pet hall.” She and her borderdoodle Lola love making new friends on campus.
Lauren Phillips Red & Black Contributor With college being a new and unknown experience for first-year students, it is no surprise that a certain type of anxiety and loneliness is associated with heading off to school. Making new friends is a major goal for most students, though people sometimes choose to bring along a friend of their own. Washington & Jefferson College remains one of the most pet-friendly campuses in the country, with Monroe Hall reserved for students who choose to bring specific types of pets to school. All students are welcome to keep fish in their dorms as well. The decision to bring
a pet to school requires a lot of responsibility on the student’s part. For many, the benefits of having an animal with them throughout their college journey outweighs many negatives. Having a pet around while living in a dorm can help reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. These feelings are normal for most students, and having a pet that forces owners to take care of them in a regimented routine can help. When asked about her feelings about the subject, Rosa Messersmith ’22 said, “While I am in college, I plan to bring an animal with me in the upcoming years. It will definitely help with any anxiety and loneliness [other people or I] may encounter. I can’t wait.” A lot of this anxiety comes from the stress of making new friends and meeting new
people, so having an animal constantly there means students will always have a friend in their pet, even when things get hard. Dorm pets may also help their owners exercise and become more sociable. Having a dog that needs consistent walks can help students get outside and exercise. This is an excellent way for students to take a break from the stress of school and focus on keeping their pets happy and healthy. This also makes it much easier to meet new people. Having a pet, regardless of the species, is a great conversation starter. These conversations about dorm pets can lead to students interacting with new people and making new friends. While there are countless benefits to
owning a pet in college, there are definitely some factors students must consider before making the trip to buy a pet. Owning a pet is an obligation, and owners must ensure that these animals remain happy and healthy, regardless of other work and activities. The time consumption, cost and numerous other responsibilities involved must be considered. Interference with schoolwork and even jobs may arise. Balancing these responsibilities with caring for an animal proves to be a challenge for some college students. Although, for students like Messersmith who own a pet already or plan to bring a pet in their upcoming years, there is no question that having an animal with them is well worth the effort.
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21 September 2018
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Studying with Music W&J Ranked 103rd Nationally Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
Studying to music is a common practice in all corners of colleges and universities. Whether to drone out the outside world or to simply relax, it becomes a daily practice among students. Some students claim they memorize the information better with music playing in the background. Are the tunes in your ears beneficial or distracting? According to some studies, there are pros and cons to music. For some, it may provide an enhanced environment for focusing. As the ears are isolated by headphones, other people or sounds are less likely to distract you. This can block out the sounds of shuffling feet, printers and fellow students’ chatter. Music can also provide some relaxation benefits. Music can be a comfort during a stressful day. It can also reduce anxiety. putting its listener into a better study mood. The effects of music can positively impact a students’ studies and increase grades. However, there are negatives to listening to music as well. Music can be a distraction to the studier if it is not the right genre. Lyrics can cause reading to take longer or become nearly impossible to digest, as the eyes and ear compete for the brain’s attention. Some people cannot resist singing along to the words. This distracts them and those around them. Another downfall to music is the excess noise it can create. It may become an annoyance when the
student tries to multitask while listening and trying to comprehend their homework. “I absolutely cannot listen to music with lyrics when I read or study,” said Kayla Marasia ‘19. “I start focusing too much on the sad indie song’s story rather than the novel I’m trying to analyze.” If music becomes too much of a distraction, there are a few ways to fix the problems that accompany the music. Listening to music with a simpler workload is one solution. Listening to music without lyrics is another. Covers to albums, classical music or slow tempo songs can still provide auditory stimulation without too much distraction. In the end, it comes down to personal preferences. Students can try to avoid loud or distracting music to fully experience the benefit of listening to music while studying. Some students can benefit from studying to music, and others are distracted by it. It is best for each individual to figure out what works best while they are studying and develop a routine that works from there..
Courtesy Homework for students
Certain types of music work better than others to help students focus on their studies.
Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
The 2019 National Liberal Arts College rankings were released last week. Washington & Jefferson College ranked 103rd nationally against other liberal arts schools in the United States. This ranking is based on a school’s performance over a set of excellence indicators, and the competition is between over 200 different liberal arts colleges. This places W&J around the middle of the list as far as ranking. It seems far from the top, but W&J has several similarities to the top ranking schools. The top school on the rankings list has been Williams College for the last 16 years. However, W&J has some advantages over higher ranking schools. W&J has lower tuition, smaller classes, better financial aid and a higher early decision acceptance rate. Sixteen main indicators are used to place a school in its ranking. Some of the factors are calculated with first-year student retention. Graduation rates and the strength of faculty are also factored into the ranking. The ranking of a liberal arts school is focused on its undergraduate education. Some of the ranking also comes from the retention and graduation rates of students ahead. For most liberal art schools, the average time before graduation is six years. Less time than
Courtesy Fiveprime
W&J places 103rd in the National Liberal Arts rankings for 2019. this helps a school to be ranked higher than others. With correlation to graduation rates, classroom to professor sizes aid in success. Therefore, a school like W&J has an advantage with an 11:1 student to faculty ratio. “I think this ratio is crucial to my education at W&J,” said Sarah Janczewski ‘19. The lower student-to-professor ratio, the better chance a school has of a higher ranking. The ranking is not the only benefit. The students personally benefit from small, intimate learning environments. This helps them to graduate on time and feel as if they have a sense of belonging on campus, which in turn aids in retention. With constant improvement each semester, W&J has more opportunities to move up on a national level. The performance of the school will be revaluated with the other liberal arts schools each year. This gives the opportunity to access the rankings for the year and make room for improvements. W&J can create a better environment for current and future students and hopefully advance in national rank.
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Culture 9
culture Netflix Movie Review: ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
Netflix faces a challenge when the ratings and preferences for TV shows significantly decrease the amount of movie content the streaming network has available on its website and channel. Netflix specifically has been combating the decrease in movies available to viewers by producing spectacular films to cover the basic ground. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” is no exception; it is an amazing film that reminds viewers of some of their favorite films such as “The Breakfast Club” and “16 Candles.” The latter is ironically referenced in the movie itself. On top of bringing back classic cinematography, the movie also incorporates many standards viewers expect to see in newer films. This includes dynamic family relationships, women choosing their careers or futures over a relationship and more diverse casting for the culturally specific characters written in the orig-
inal novels of some adapted movies. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” began as a book written by Jenny Han and was published in 2014. If Netflix continues the trend of adapting movies from their original book forms, then they will be guaranteed hits if they remain true to the story. This movie explicates many important parts of a young girl’s life, but most importantly it focuses on all the boys that she loved while growing up. Lara Jean, the movie’s main character, has loved several boys by the time she reaches her junior year of high school. For each of the boys, Lara Jean wrote one letter expressing her deep feelings for them, but the catch is that she never actually sent them. That is, until one day when the letters are mysteriously sent, leaving her to deal with the very real consequences of these boys knowing how she feels about them. What at first appears to be a catastrophic event to Lara Jean turns out to be the biggest adventure of her life, which makes for a great film to watch. The rest of the movie is endearing, comedic, charming and romantic. Everyone should do themselves a favor and watch this movie—it would be a great choice for a Friday movie night.
Courtesy IMDb
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved the Before” is a culturally diverse film that will remind viewer of some classic films such as “The Breakfast Club” and “16 Candles.”
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21 September 2018
NYC Art Exhibit Featuring ‘Neo-Nazi’ Canceled
Courtesy ARTNEWS
Courtesy FACT Magazine
Controversy surrounding Rice’s support of Nazism has endured for many years.
Brooke Beck Red & Black Contributor
Amidst allegations that a participating artist was a neo-Nazi, Greenspon Gallery owner Amy Greenspon was forced to cancel a New York City art exhibit that was set to run during the week of Sept. 3. It was artist and musician Boyd Rice’s exhibition that also featured artist Darja Bajagić. While Rice was the initial focus of the controversy, allegations were eventually made against Bajagić as well. The controversy began on an artist resource Listserv called Invisible Dole. This is where artists typically receive information about trends and upcoming galleries. In this case, it was used to forward Rice’s gallery invitation with the new subject line, “WARNING: Neo-Nazi Showing in NYC.” This im-
mediately sparked confusion, outrage and much debate. The evidence found against both Rice and Bajagić was extensive, but influential artists find themselves on both sides of the debate. It is events like these that force people to ask: should this show have been shut down, and should problematic artists have an audience? When Invisible Dole members dug up Rice’s past, they found questionable behavior, including a 1989 photoshoot for “Sassy Magazine” in which Rice is holding a switchblade and posing with the leader of the white supremacist group American Front. He also participated in a television interview with white supremacist Tom Metzger, included misogynistic songs on his albums and stated that he is a misogynist in one of his interviews. Rice denies the claims that he is a neo-Nazi, saying this along with an Instagram photo of Bajagić and himself in front of his work: “THE SHOW YOU WILL NEVER SEE . . . me and artist Darja Bajagić. Before it was taken
Rice created black and white abstract images for this canceled show.
down this is what it looked like. Sorry to disappoint, but it might look far less controversial than one might expect. We’re posed in front of one of my black and white paintings, six feet tall and 18 feet long. I started doing these at age 17 or 18, and I still love them. Not terribly incendiary just FABULOUS.” As for Bajagić, she was no stranger to controversial art. She has used Nazi-related imagery like swastikas in her work, and she often connects fascist symbols of far-right groups to those of mainstream corporations. Many conversations have surfaced about whether this is acceptable to be shown or if it depends on what the artist is trying to convey by including these symbols. In the canceled exhibit, Bajagić was to show pieces of this kind, and Rice was to show a series of black and white abstract paintings. They do not appear offensive, but the artist’s use of black may be an anti-establishment gesture. While many argue that both artists’ pieces reach beyond a countercultur-
al shock to an offensive level, others value the range of expression that art allows and question whether these pieces were meant to be offensive. One artist who participated in the online debate, Jared Madere, said, “I do not think the show should have been cancelled for the same reason I believe that prisoners and felons should have the right to vote. Count the population of the planet, they are included—who gave who the authority to make decisions on their behalf or strip them of their voice?” As tension builds and more artists come forward to voice their opinions about the cancellation of this exhibit, the New York art world seems to become more divided. The Greenspon Gallery did not expect the uproar that this decision has caused, but gallery executives see the potential for a better art world to arise from it. If everyone shared their views about a controversial exhibit like this one, better decisions could be made about artistic platform and voice in years to come.
21 September 2018
Red & Black
Poetry Corner
Fake Adulting Brie Sutherland Red & Black Editor
I listen to that background clatter. Real adults being proper and polite. Kind yet empty introductions. Questions. Answers. I sit in a back corner. I catch the sound of polite laughter. Or perhaps it’s nervous laughter. I do not wish to grow up and be polite like the world wants. I want to spill art from my mouth my hands my soul. Instead I pick up the phone. A new tone comes out of my mouth. It’s a voice that is not my own. It is the same voice my mother answers her work phone with. A voice that society picks for me. So I can grow up. So I can get a job. So I can be suffocated and shaped. Leaving my art locked inside. Every time I answer that phone a part of my art my whimsical side. Slips away Faded. Sad. Discolored. It hides. Perhaps forever. But I must grow up.
Culture 11
12 Opinions
21 September 2018
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opinions
The Comparative Cost of Unpaid Internships
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Sarah Janczewski ’19 received a prestigious paid internship over the summer to research traumatic brain injuries. Students who are in the STEM fields typically find it easier than their peers in the humanities to find paid internships.
Gabrielle Feldman Red & Black Contributor
Many people complain about the lack of money invested in internships for students. In my field, at least, most science internships are paid, and students often do not have to worry as much about the financial costs of an internship. Because of this, they are able accept them with much greater ease. This
is why it shocks me that internships outside of STEM are typically unpaid. Not only are students gaining skills in their fields, but they are also becoming assets to the teams they work for by providing their own labor and skills. When asked about his opinion on the subject, Dylan Bertovich ’21 said, “For the sciences, it is different because we can get grants, but other majors don’t receive money [when they] do [companies’] dirty work. Most people who get paid internships get more money in the first 5 years of their careers compared to the unpaid interns.” More importantly, students need experience to get any kind of job. The
most common way to get experience is through an internship. However, students who may not be able to afford a summer off work are put at a major disadvantage. Unfortunately, the students who often cannot afford to take time off paid work are often the students who need the connections more than ever. This also makes it hard for these individuals to develop professionally and places more stress on them when they go to apply for jobs. These students may believe they do not have a resume that is as developed as other individuals. Also, by having interns and using them as free labor,
organizations steal the opportunity from candidates who could do the actual work, and it devalues their labor by writing off those tasks as designated for interns. This, in turn, devalues the market and makes it harder for other individuals to find work. When explaining her view of how interns are treated, Amanda Fitzpatrick ’22 said, “Why would a company want to pay someone to do work that a college student would do for free?” Hopefully, in the future, we can see a rise in the number of paid internship positions offered to all students. For now, we should continue to push the issue and hope to see a change.
21 September 2018
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Opinions 13
Students Debate the Benefits of Community Service
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Mandatory community service adds more to students’ lives than another obligation to satisfy; it is a networking opportunity in disguise.
Julia Adams Red & Black Contributor
One often hears the term “mandatory volunteer servicem” and it generally evokes a collective sigh of annoyance from a large percentage of college students. At first glance, volunteering is a nuisance and holds little value. This is far from the truth after a student experiences involvement in the community. Volunteering holds opportunities and lessons that the classroom cannot teach, and it is helpful to all who participate. When asked her opinion on volunteer work, Lindsey Kozier
’22 said, “I think it’s a great way to get college students involved and active in the local community.” Superficially, students can benefit from service because it grants them access to a more impressive resume. Volunteer service shows potential employers and schools that a student has superior time management skills compared to other applicants. It gives a student the opportunity to explore career opportunities that the classroom would not be able to offer and shows students potential careers. Working in a soup kitchen may not encourage a student to work for a soup kitchen for the rest of their life, but it could give them direction in terms of their major or give them experience with low-income living, possibly leading them to study economics or pol-
itics to solve those issues. Students are able to build connections with the community, which allows for a more positive environment. Brandon Eisel ’22 expressed his passion for the connections made by volunteering. Eisel said,“I love being in a community where everyone can come together and work together to succeed.” The benefits of volunteering could even help with a students’ mental health, allowing them to feel like they have done something positive, therefore building their self-worth. Someone working in a food kitchen can walk away at the end of the night knowing they have helped a family fulfill their needs. A student volunteering in a political campaign, or at the polls on Election Day, will understand what it takes
to run for office, and perhaps one day they can aid a cause they believe in. Finally, volunteering is free.It only has benefits towards those who are less fortunate. Within the stressful environment of college, students can unwind by spending a little bit of time focused on someone other than themselves. This teaches students selflessness, allowing for more compassion for others. The benefits of volunteering outweigh the costs; the only drawback is unpaid labor. However, if a student were to weigh the positives against the negatives, they would see that the few hours of free work would weigh as much as a feather when compared to the invaluable experiences they gained helping others.
14 Opinions
Red & Black
21 September 2018
Metal Band Iron Maiden Will Stand the Test of Time Gabrielle Feldman Red & Black Contributor
Some people may have never heard of this band, but to any metal fan, the impact they have had on the genre cannot be denied. In my opinion, the band that has the potential to stand the test of time is Iron Maiden. If one were to ask any true fan of metal the top metal bands of all time, Iron Maiden would definitely be one of the first ones they would list due to their influence on this genre of music. From 1975 until today, Iron Maiden has been a staple in the world of heavy metal. Even after almost 40 years as a band, they are still touring and writing new music. Besides their large assort-
ment of albums, the way in which they can compose and write their songs is outstanding because they rarely rely on hooks or trends, both incredibly popular musical features, to add interest and depth to their music. To the listener, no two songs sound the same, and by having different themes for their albums, it feels as if they are telling a story rather than playing a singular song. When asked what truly makes a band a breakthrough, Brendan Troesch ’21 said, “[It’s] the type and quality of the music and their presentation, which often becomes a key factor in recognition.” This is exactly what Iron Maiden has done. Within the chaos of their music, the melodies that are present in songs such as “Blood Brothers,” “Rime of the An-
cient Mariner,” “Revelations” or even “Caught Somewhere in Time,” one feels as if he or she is in the position and world that Iron Maiden is singing about, and very few bands can do this as well as this one has. When asked how she viewed Iron Maiden’s music, Amanda Fitzpatrick ’22 said, “Music has to be focused on the musicianship of each individual, and Iron Maiden has shown that they are composers and musicians with every single release by always focusing on the quality of what they release.” Beyond the music, they were able to attach their mascot Eddie to every single album artwork, merchandising and even incorporating him in their live shows. Eddie has changed his appearance with every theme of the album. For example, he changed from
an Egyptian mummy to a cyborg. By having a mascot, anyone who sees Eddie immediately thinks about Iron Maiden, and this gives the band more exposure. Finally, the fans of Iron Maiden cannot be compared to any others. When the band goes on tour, they can easily sell out shows all around the world. Generations of fans can be seen in the audience, and this shows that they are here to stay. The band’s impact on the genre cannot be denied. Their concerts are always high quality with incredible lighting and props, and this allows the viewer to become transported into the universe of Iron Maiden. Very few bands in the world can withstand the test of time, but I know that Iron Maiden will continue to live for years to come.
21 September 2018
Red & Black
15 Opinions
The Effect of Expensive Textbooks on Education Julia Adams Red & Black Contributor
College can be daunting given the price tag attached to it. The cost of college is not just the sticker price presented during the application process; it includes the time, energy and money spent to be there. What is a student giving up to go to college for four years? They are giving up all of the other best alternatives: the opportunity to work and the salary they would have made in those four years. Students disregard their credit to take out loans that will sit heavily on their backs in the foreseeable future. They surrender all of their time to homework, studying and working, as well as any volunteer opportunities to build their resumes. Students are told that a college degree leads to a higher-paying job and an easier future. A degree holds the key to multitudinous doors that are otherwise unattainable without a degree. In contrast, the cost of not attending college could lead to a difficult future lifestyle. Those who rush into the work force run the risk of having fewer opportunities later in life, including
access to jobs with higher salaries. The initial monetary cost of college including tuition, housing and meal plans results in a massive amount of debt. To top it all off, piled higher on the breaking backs of students are out-ofpocket costs of textbooks. Students have no choice but to buy the ludicrously-priced books in order to be prepared for class. College students without their books are unable to properly prepare for class and suffer the consequences of lower grades. For any student coming from a background of a lower income, the prices of textbooks are heartbreaking. Some students’ summers are spent working at least eight hours per day, six days per week earning just enough to cover five or six books. When giving her opinion on textbook costs, Sam Gooch ’22 said, “I think prices of textbooks could be lower, especially the ones with the online access codes. I think we stress out a little bit too much about textbooks when we shouldn’t. We should be stressing out about the class more.” Jeffrey Seabury ’22 shared a similar opinion as Gooch when he stated, “There needs to be a considerable drop in the prices. Many students barely make it into school on scholarships and are already putting forward a lot of money, and the hundreds of dollars spent on books is another punch in
Courtesy Flickr
The expensive cost of textbooks adds significantly to student stress levels.
the gut on top of an already growing debt.” College today is synonymous with debt. The prices of textbooks add weight, both literally and figuratively, to student’s backpacks because of the out-of-pocket cost. College already creates a lifelong burden on the backs of young adults. Some students are giving up on paying
C ontac t
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays with the exception of exams and break periods. Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the
College or its students, faculty, or administration. The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency. The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.
the high prices of textbooks simply because they cannot afford them. By having to resort to this, these students are giving up a part of their education. The outrageous prices are forcing students to obtain a less than adequate education. Textbook publishers should make textbooks more financially attainable for all students.
Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.
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(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
16 Sports
sports Red & Black
21 September 2018
Club Sport Spotlight: Men’s Volleyball
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Courtesy Creative Commons
The W&J club men’s volleyball team was started four years ago by Chris Fiorina ‘19 because of his passion for the sport.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
The men’s club volleyball team at Washington & Jefferson College was founded four years ago. Chris Fiorna ‘19 started the team because he had a passion for the sport, but Washington & Jefferson College did not have an official Division III mens’ volleyball team despite having a recognized womens’ team. “I started this club because I could not give up the sport I love,” said Fiorina. “This was a great decision because it has allowed an amazing group of guys to come together over a sport
they all care about. It has been a pleasure to watch the team grow, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish this year.” Last year, the team gained momentum after having a very successful season. They finished 6-2 in their conference. Their success is attributed to
environment, which creates a bond off and on the court. They credit a lot of their success to their ability to enjoy themselves and have fun during every game. This year, the members of the club volleyball team plan to keep their momentum and have another successful season. The team is expanding, and
For anyone interested in joining the club volleyball team, they are currently holding open practices at 8:00 p. m. in the Henry Ross Recreation Center on Thursday nights. the womens’ volleyball team helping to coach them. The chemistry of the team is a very welcoming and friendly
more men on campus have been getting involved. They plan to tackle the season with the same attitude as last
year. At the end of the year, they are traveling to Colorado for the National Club Volleyball Tournament. “I think we have a lot of potential this year,” said Tony Columbus ‘21. “There is a lot more interest, and more guys have been coming to our practices. We see a lot of talent in some freshmen who could potentially contribute to the team in big ways.” The club volleyball team is holding a fundraiser around Halloween to help cover their team costs. It is an intramural costume-themed volleyball tournament. For anyone interested in joining the club volleyball team, the they are currently holding open practices at 8:00 p.m. in the Henry Ross Recreation Center on Thursday nights. All students are invited and welcome to come if the team “spikes” their interest.
21 September 2018
Red & Black
Sports 17
Student Athlete Spotlight: Andrew Wolf ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff
Andrew Wolf ‘21 is a business major at Washington & Jefferson College. He is from Ashland, Oh., and he attended Hillsdale High School. He started playing football when he was eight years old. Wolf continued to play through middle and high school, and he has now been on the W&J football team for two years. Growing up, Wolf played
important plays is a good feeling that motivates me.” After the first couple of games, Wolf believes the team is succeeding in all aspects. He thinks that they have the potential to have a successful year. The 2017 W&J football team won the PAC tournament, so Wolf would like to respond with an equal, or even better, result. In his first career start at St. John Fisher College, Wolf caught nine passes. Three of the nine completions resulted in touchdowns. “I am very glad I could help the team win, but most importantly, beating St. John Fisher in New York was
“I like making the big plays when our team needs it most. Having the pressure from my coaches, teammates, and fans to make the important plays is a good feeling that motivates me.” -Andrew Wolf receiver and running back on offense and cornerback on defense. Since being at W&J, he has narrowed his focus to wide receiver. While his position can be challenging, Wolf tries to work on the little details at practice and improve on small aspects of his position that are especially important to his coaches. He hopes that focusing on the details will allow him to perform to the best of his ability during games. “I like making the big plays when our team needs it most,” said Wolf. “Having the pressure from my coaches, teammates and fans to make the
extremely important and special to both myself and the team as a whole,” said Wolf. As the team proceeds, he thinks that they need to focus on each game individually. In order to make the PAC and possibly NCAA tournaments, the team needs to come out of every week 1-0. The W& J football team’s next home game is Sept. 22 against Grove City College. The team will play at Cameron Stadium and the game is set to start at 1 p.m. The Presidents hope to have another big crowd supporting the team.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Andrew Wolf is a wide reciever for the W&J football team.
18 Sports
Red & Black
21 September 2018
Steelers Have Rough Start to Their Season
The Steelers are hoping to win their next game this Monday, Sept. 24 at 8:15 p.m. against the Buccaneers.
Courtney Finney Red & Black Contributor
The Pittsburgh Steelers played the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 9. They may have walked away with a tied score of 21-21, but for many this was a huge disappointment. The Steelers have a history of constant victories over the Browns, but for this game, luck was not in their favor. Despite good plays made by Steelers players, James Conner, T. J. Watt and Bud Dupree, the Steelers struggled with interceptions and defensive tackles. To shed some positive light on the game, Conner worked hard to fight back against the Browns with impressive rushing yards and his first touch-
down of the season in the second half. To add to the excitement, Watt had quite the game, making numerous sacks. He also prevented the Browns from winning the game by blocking their last field goal. Another play that caught the eye of Steelers fans was Dupree’s snatch. In the third quarter, he slapped the football right out of
played Kansas City on Sept. 16. The Steelers walked away from the game with a loss of 42-37. Once again, the game was another disappointment to Steelers fans. The Steelers were down until the third quarter when Conner finally tied the game at 21-21. Not only did Conner get the touchdown, but also he did so in style. Some fans compared it
With one tie and a loss, the Steelers are hoping to get their season back on the right track soon. quarterback’s hands. Although Roethlisberger threw three interceptions, he did manage to run the ball 12 yards in the second quarter, and this helped his team to get back into the game. For our second game outlook, the Steelers
to an “Odell Beckham Junior catch.” Juju Smith-Schuster also made some great plays in terms of runs, catches and touchdowns, and this helped the team stay on up to speed with Kansas City’s scoring pace. The Steelers once
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
again showed their, speed, aggression and creativity, but it was not enough to close down Kansas City. The Steelers seemed to struggle against Kansas City’s offensive lineup, and others described their attack as “super-fast and aggressive, catching the Steelers off guard.” The Steelers defensive lineup also struggled to shut down and sack the Kansas City quarterback, who completed six touchdown passes. Despite Kansas City’s high speed and ability to aggressively attack, the Steelers held the ball for the majority of the time, and Roethlisberger threw no turnovers. Instead, he managed to score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. This may have caught the Steelers up, but there was not enough time on the clock for the Steelers to get the victory they needed. With one tie and a loss, the Steelers are hoping to get their season back on the right track soon.
21 September 2018
Red & Black
19 sports
Steelers Player Spotlight: Ben Roethlisberger Lexey Finney Red & Black Contributor
Ben Roethlisberger has been a key part of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense for years. As quarterback, he is often seen as the face of the team, and a lot of pressure is put on his shoulders every game. The Steelers have arguably one of the best running backs and the best
for the season.There is no doubt that Roethlisberger is a leader on the field for the Steelers. Throughout his years as the starting quarterback, he has lead the team to a great deal of winning seasons and two Super Bowl wins in 2006 and 2009. Perhaps Roethlisberger is past his prime, but that does not mean that he is not one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has a long history with the Steelers, putting in multiple impressive seasons with them, so he should not be
As quarterback, [Roethlisberger] is often seen as the face of the team, and a lot of pressure is put on his shoulders every game. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
receivers in the league, meaning they need to keep him focused on the game, rather than the stresses. Due to the Steelers not having Le’Veon Bell in the past few games, there is more pressure on Roethlisberger to throw over 70 percent of the plays. According to ESPN, Bell stated that the Steelers need to stick to their game plan and have a more balanced game next time. It is difficult to determine Roethlisberger’s performance this season based after looking at one game. Nonetheless, his quarterback rating has significantly gone down when compared to previous seasons. It has dropped over 30 percent. It is hard to argue with statistics. Although Roethlisberger’s peak was most certainly in 2014 when he was throwing 309.5 yards per game and 4952 yards
judged solely on the recent game. It was not his best performance, but it is inevitable that if the game plan is to consistently throw the ball, the other team will catch on, leading to some interceptions. Roethlisberger may be past his prime in terms of his physical condition as he is now at age 35, which is older than most other athletes in the NFL. However, at this point, his wisdom and experience on the field become more valuable to the team. There is no denying that, as he ages, Roethlisberger’s physical skills are beginning to diminish, and his quarterback ratings are steadinly declining through the years. However, his role as a leader on the team becomes just as important as athleticism and skill while he continues to lead the team to wins.
Roethlisberger wears no. seven for the Steelers.
Courtesy Flickr
20 sports
21 September 2018
Red & Black
Men’s and Women’s Soccer Struggle to Succeed Brianna McGowan Red & Black Contributor
On Sept. 12, the men’s and women’s soccer teams competed in a double header at Alexandre Stadium, the home field to the Washington & Jefferson College Presidents. The two teams brought a total of 145 people to watch the double header. At 5 p.m. the mens team battled the La Roche Red Hawks. During the first half, the Presidents outshot the Red Hawks 10-4, and the Red Hawks had ten fouls compared to the Presidents’
seven. Neither team was able to find the back of the net during the first half. The score remained 0-0 at halftime. During the second half, the Presidents outshot the Red Hawks once again, this time 13-5. The Red Hawks goalkeeper was able to make four saves. La Roche took the lead in the 50th minute when they were able to redirect a cross in front of the goal and find the back of the net. In the 66th minute, the Presidents tied with the Red Hawks when Joseph Feola ’22 beat La Roches’ goalie, finding the bottom left corner of the goal. This goal was assisted by Michael Komaniak ’22 and Paul
Mokrzan ‘19. Right before the final buzzer, in the 87th minute, Joseph Feola ’22 scored another goal, assisted by Junior Mensah ‘20. The final score was 2-1 in the Presidents favor. This game left the W&J mens soccer team with a 2-1-1 record after this game, and a 2-2-1 recod after their loss on Sept. 15 against Frostburg State University. They will face Franciscan University of Steubenville Sept. 19 at Alexandre Stadium. At 7 p.m. the womens team battled the Kenyon College Ladies. During the first half, the Ladies outshot the Presidents 3-2, but only the Ladies were able to capitalize on their
opportunity. With one-minute left in the first half, the Ladies found the back of the net to make the score 1-0. During the second half, neither team was able to find the back of the net. By the end of the game, both teams had ten shots on goal. The Ladies out fouled the Presidents 10-7 throughout both halves. The final score was 1-0. This game left the W&J womens soccer team with a 0-3-1 record, adn then 1-3-1 after an overtime win at Penn State Behrend the following Saturday. They will face Franciscan University of Steubenville on Sept. 18 at home.
Next Week’s Games Last Week’s Scores Sept. 21
Women’s Tennis v. Saint Vincent (H)- 6pm Women’s Soccer v. Carnegie Mellon (A)- 7pm Men’s Water Polo v. Mercyhurst (H)- 7pm
Sept. 22
Cross Country at Waynesburg Invitational (A) Women’s Golf at Westminster Invitational (A) Men’s Water Polo v. Connecticut College (H)- 10am, v. Gannon (A)- 4:40pm Volleyball v. Westminster (H)- 11am Women’s Tennis v. Westminster (A)- 11am Field Hockey v. Nazareth (A)- 12pm Men’s Soccer v. Marietta (H)- 1pm Football v. Grove City (H)- 1pm Volleyball v. Theil (H)- 3pm
Sept. 23
Women’s Tennis v. Saint Vincent (H)- 6pm Women’s Soccer v. Carnegie Mellon (A)- 7pm Men’s Water Polo v. Mercyhurst (H)- 7pm
Sept. 25
Women’s Tennis v. Geneva (A)- 6pm Volleyball v. Point Park (A)- 7pm
Sept. 26
Women’s Tennis v. Fairmont State (H)- 6pm Men’s Soccer v. Muskingum (A)- 7pm
Sept. 27
Volleyball v. Geneva (H)-7pm Women’s Soccer v. Penn State Altoona (A)- 8pm
Sept. 11
Women’s Tennis v. Pitt-Greensburg 7-2 Win
Sept. 12
Men’s Soccer v. La Roche 2-1 Win Field Hockey v. Slippery Rock 1-0 Win Volleyball v. Grove City 3-0 Win Women’s Soccer v. Kenyon 0-1 Loss
Sept. 14
Women’s Tennis v. Muskingum 9-0 Win Men’s Tennis v. Muskingum 6-3 Win Volleyball v. John Carroll 3-0 Win
Sept. 15
Cross Country at Allegheny Invitational (M) 4th of 10, (W) 7th of 7 Golf (M) 1st out of 14, (W) 6th out of 10 Women’s Tennis v. Thiel 9-0 Win, v. Ohio Northern 2-7 Loss Field Hockey v. Stevens 1-0 Win Volleyball v. Hiram 0-3 Loss, v. Albion 3-2 Win Men’s Soccer v. Frostburg State 1-2 Loss Men’s Water Polo v. Salem 14-11, v. Bucknell 8-24 Loss Women’s Soccer v. Penn State Behrend 1-0 Win Football v. Carnegie Mellon 36-14 Win