Volume XXX Issue 8 April 29 2022

29 April 2022

scrippsvoice.com

Uncompromising commitment to inclusivity and justice. since 1991

The Graffiti Wall: A Scripps College Tradition Marca chose the location of

fairy lights are so lovely and it’s become a hub of the campus just

We were the first class to leave, then come back, and get to graduate from campus.

That’s really special.

- Grace Tomblin Marca Marca shared that the pandemic taught us not to take being together and being on campus for granted. “I felt like that image and that landmark on campus (Elm As a dual major in art and theater, Marca is excited to take on

Graphic Courtesy of Grace Tomblin Marca '22

By Lauren Marler ’24 Staff Writer a remarkable part of the Scripps College campus. Since 1931, a graduating student from each class has designed a mural to represent their cohort of Scripps stumembers of the graduating class.

This design signifies the class of 2022’s return to campus after the pandemic and the strong community that they have created since.

years to come. In their report, designs from 65 graduating classes

ca chose to focus on the joy of be-

-

class to leave, then come back,

to leave their mark on the campus

to seniors on April 18. Seniors previously submitted sketches of their designs to be voted on, and a design by Grace Tomblin Marca

the bottom of the mural. This de-

The designs range from class inside jokes to political messages:

return to campus after the pandemic and the strong community that they have created since.

When thinking of ideas for her design, Marca asked herself the same questions that many of

class of 1970. Each design is a remnant of history from the time it

asked themselves: “What is the legacy of the class of 2022, and -

and Zebala Partners carried out a mural conservation treatment to

Much of the class of 2022’s college experience has been shaped by the pandemic. But instead of creating a design involving masks or another less positive represen-

Photo by Annika Ragnartz '22

IN THIS ISSUE Major Declaration Event Creates Space for Celebration

of her senior year. She hasn’t had many opportunities to paint muperience. During commencement

Scripps’ 10th Sustainability Fair Sheds Light on Student Work

Maya Lynch ’22: A Look Into the Year of a Leader

“The voice, the pen”: A peek into historical Scripps student publications

1030 Columbia Avenue | Claremont, CA 91711 | Box 839 | scrippsvoice@gmail.com | Volume XXX | Issue Eight

News • 2

The Race for SAS President Begins Again!

By Belen Yudess ‘25 Social Media Manager

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n April 23, the Scripps community received an update regarding the resignation of the newly elected 2022-23 SAS President Ana Rodriguez ’23.

The email sent out by SAS began by acknowledging the impressive voter turnout this election. Almost 600 students voted this year, exceeding records since 2017.

Following this information, the email proceeded to share the news regarding Rodriguez’s difficult decision to step down from their new position. This included a letter of resignation from Rodriguez themself. Rodriguez cited her plan to graduate a semester early, amidst other personal considerations, as part of her reason for resigning from this role.

“Know that my resignation does not mean I will no longer continue to fight for our wellbeing and education.”

-Ana Rodriguez During their time at Scripps, Rodriguez has been a par t of many campus organizations and committees. She has participated in SAS as sustainability chair

a n d d i ve r s i t y a n d i n c l u s i v i t y chair, served as an admissions ambassador, worked for res-life as an RC and CC, and shaped the Scripps community as a cohead of the Scripps International Community.

“We felt strongly that the best, and most legitimate, way to move forward was to allow the student body to elect the new SAS president.”

-Maya Lynch Although Rodriguez will not hold an official leadership title this upcoming year, they are extremely thankful to the Scripps community for allowing them this opportunity and will continue to support the student body through other means.

“I am so grateful to the Scripps community for trusting me in these roles and for allowing me to help improve our community, making it safer, more inclusive and representative of our values and beliefs,” Rodriguez wrote in their resignation letter. “I am thankful for everyone who supported and followed my campaign and voted for me to be your next SAS president, and I am truly sorry I cannot fulfill my role. Know that my resignation does not mean I will no longer continue to fight for our

wellbeing and education.”

The SAS email also stated that there will be another election to fill the vacant position. Maya Lynch ’22, the current SAS president, explained that this process follows a bylaw in the SAS constitution that says that any candidate must receive 50% of the vote to be elected into a position. “The SAS President position is an important elected position and as such, we felt strongly that the best, and most legitimate, way to move forward was to allow the student body to elect the new SAS President,” said Lynch.

“If the Scripps student body believes a student without previous SAS experience is the best for the President role, I think it’s important we respect that.”

-Maya Lynch The email also detailed that no prior SAS experience was needed to run for this position.

Although the two candidates in the initial race had both been in SAS before, Lynch believes this rule encourages a larger portion of the student body to consider running for this important role. “Currently, due to the pandemic, I believe

fewer students on campus have had the opportunity to be a part of SAS than usual, and as such, at least for now, if the Scripps student body believes a student without previous SAS experience is the best for the President role, I think it’s important we respect that,” said Lynch. “While I believe previous SAS experience is incredibly valuable, it is currently not a requirement to run for SAS President, and as such I encourage any Scripps student who is interested in the position to run!”

Since a typical election cycle takes about three weeks, SAS Executive Vice President, Emily McElroy ’22 has been working to create a streamlined process to name a new SAS president before the end of the semester. On April 24, the updated election guidelines were sent out to the student body.

Candidates will still be required to meet with Lynch before applying, declare their position, campaign, and then be voted on by the Scripps community on May 2 and 3, with results being announced on May 3.

Campaigning began April 27, where Medha Gelli ’23 and Megan Chow ’23 were declared the two new candidates for SAS President.

Don’t forget to vote for the 202223 SAS President in the upcoming weeks!

Major Declaration Event Creates Space for Celebration

By Alyssa Wend ‘24 Copy Editor

While a larger event to celebrate major declarations was unable to happen this semester, students appear to be looking forward to future events instead of lamenting the ones they missed. “With COVID it’s hard,” said 2022-23 SAS 5C Events Chair Trinity Walker ’24. “It’s really easy to get stuck on the things we’ve missed out on. I see that a lot with, ‘oh, let’s redo prom’ or anything. I think that can kind of get you a rut and still focusing on that time where you couldn’t have things, and I think sometimes it’s better to move forward than try to relive the past, because I feel like it’s never going to be as great as it could have been in your imagination.”

O

n April 15, Sophomore Class President Loren Mello ’24 set up free stickers at a table outside of Denison for the class of 2024 to celebrate declaring their majors.

Major declaration forms were due on April 11, and in the beginning of April sophomores could be seen going to forms.

While declaring a major is an important marker in one’s college career, COVID-19 restrictions due to a rise in cases across the 5Cs prevented a larger gathering of the entire Scripps class of 2024. At Mello’s small event, students stopped by to pick up their stickers and congratulate one another.

However, not many people were able to participate as many Scripps students were in isolation or quarantining.

“In many ways I feel like I never left high school, and declaring my major I’m like, ‘oh, so this is real, like I’m really in it… I’m halfway done with my college education.’”

-Loren Mello For those who were able to participate, the event was still a chance for students to engage with each other as larger events have been canceled for the rest of the semester. “I always love hosting these events cause it’s just nice when people stop by and you get to talk to them,” said Mello. “So I always end up somehow meeting new people… and then it’s always nice to check in with people who I know but

Photo by Ellen Hu ‘24

I don’t share any classes with them because we’re not in the same major.”

Mello held her event to give students a chance to stop by, get stickers to celebrate the occasion, and recognize how far the class of 2024 has come. Although students were not able to come together as an entire class at a larger event, Mello’s event allowed students to reflect on the actual process of declaring their majors individually.

“I think sometimes it’s better to move forward than try to relive the past, because I feel like it’s never going to be as great as it could have been in your imagination.”

-Trinity Walker The class of 2024 had an unusual end to their high school experiences

online, so major declaration felt surreal to some students. “I didn’t really get a graduation from high school, so it’s kind of hard to process that I’m actually in college,” said Mello.

“In many ways I feel like I never left high school, and declaring my major I’m like, ‘oh, so this is real, like I’m really in it… I’m halfway done with my college education.’”

Mello was one of the students excitedly running to the registrar to declare her major. “I went straight from getting my second advisor’s signature down at Mason… ran to the registrar’s office,” she said. “It was a month-long process getting that worked out… We defeated the institution and declared the major.”

On the other hand, the process felt unspecial to some students as they rushed to get their forms in. “I felt like it was an assignment,” said Adeline Rogers ’24. “It was just something on my to-do list.”

Having a new event, that’s just class of 2024…could be...a cool new way to celebrate instead of just marking it as something that we’re catching up on.”

-Adeline Rogers Rogers expressed a similar sentiment.

“I feel like it doesn’t need to be marketed as a redo event, because I feel like at a certain point people just move on and don’t want to have to reminisce about past losses,” she said. “But having a new event, that’s just class of 2024… that could be kind of a cool new way to celebrate instead of just marking it as something that we’re catching up on.”

Depending on COVID-19 restrictions and the amount of cases on campus, there may still be opportunities for students to come together and celebrate both the big and small moments of their college careers as the year comes to a close.

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

News • 3

Admitted Students Day Introduces a New Group of Students to Scripps’ Campus

By Belen Yudess ‘24 and Jihae Oh CMC ’24 Staff Writers

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in-person admitted students day since the spring of 2019. The campus to learn more about the Scripps experience. The prospective families arrived at Garrison Theater for an 8:30 fair. They were greeted by admissions ambassadors and faculty, given complimentary Scripps water bottles, and were free to explore the many programs the college has to offer.

This included representatives from Student Health Services, the Queer Resource Center, SCORE, the Tiernan Fieldhouse, and CMS Recreation.

Following this initial meet and greet, families were ushered inside the theater for an opening speech and overview of the Core curriculum.

Siena Hinshelwood ’22, a current to speak. She welcomed everybody to the event and acknowledged Scripps’ presence on the land of the Tongva people. Hinshelwood then handed the mic over to the Vice President of Enrollment, Victoria Romero. Romero expressed her enthusiasm about seeing the crowd in person and thanked her fellow faculty and groundskeepers for their dedication to the school. Before introducing Interim President Amy Marcus-Newhall, Romero reminded the audience about the purpose of the day’s activities. “We hope today allows you the opportunity to see if you can see yourself [at Scripps] for the next four years,” said Romero.

Marcus-Newhall began by stating her background at the college as a former psychology professor and dean of students. She emphasized Scripps as a home away from home and asked students to remember this when making their choice. “Make the right decision for you, what you want to ultimately decide at the end is

where do I want to live the next four years of my life, and study, and be a part of that community.”

She highlighted the benefits of attending a small liberal arts college, such as the small class sizes, interdisciplinary studies, and the ability to connect with one’s professors. Marcus-Newhall also pointed out how Scripps’ participation in the 5Cs allows for the resources and student body of a larger university, noting the saying of Gestalt psychology that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

The session then shifted gears and transitioned to a discussion panel about the Core curriculum facilitated

by Director of Admissions, Laura Stratton. The panel featured a student from the class of 2025 named Lily, Head of the History Department and Professor Corey Tazzara, and French Professor Dr. Julin Everett. Professor Tazarra proceeded to explain Core’s s tr uc ture as a thre e - s e m e s te r program, and the differences between Core 1, 2, and 3. He then detailed Core’s purpose as a way to expose students to relevant issues occurring today. “Core introduces students to in our society, [such as] inequality, class, gender, and race … [it] opens and heals wounds in the process of these discussions.”

After the panel concluded, Romero came back to the stage and separated students and parents for their respective sessions. At 11:30 a.m., families regrouped in front of Malott for a catered lunch and a CLORG fair. A majority of Scripps clubs were present, such as Scripps Associated Students (SAS), Watu Weusi, the Scripps Pre-Law Society, Babes and Blankets, Casual Swim Club, and The Scripps Voice. The Browsing Room also hosted a pop-up sale so students could purchase their Scripps merchandise and squirrel stickers.

After participating in the morning’s events, prospective and committed students were beginning to feel

Photo by Corina M. Silverstein ‘25

Photo by Corina M. Silverstein ‘25

more at ease with one another and the campus itself. This comfort allowed students to open up about what excited them about Scripps.

Kimberly ’26 said, “I feel like it’s a very tight community, [where you can] know everybody’s name.” Sophie Folger ’26 shared this sentiment and expressed her love for the college’s environment and traditions. “I just loved the atmosphere and the energy here,” said Folger. “Everyone was so kind and welcoming … Also, one of the big things [for me] was tradition.

I grew up in a really big extended family that all lived close by, so we had traditions for all of my life. I heard about traditions like orientation, graduation, and Scripps tea, and that felt personal and like home to me.”

Sinclair Strong and Lu Nimmo, two prospective students, also participated in the DIVE program for “That’s been pretty cool, connecting with all of the other POC who are interested in coming here, and hearing their stories and why they’re so interested in Scripps, especially the ones who have come,” said Strong. “You kind of see two different perspectives, the POC perspective on one hand, and then the entire Scripps perspective on the other hand.”

Nimmo shared this sentiment and appreciated the ability to look around the other campuses as well. “We got to basically explore the 5Cs. We just walked around and just saw how different the styles of the schools are.”

Committed students, Ari ’26 and Stella Shaw ’26 expressed their readiness to be a part of the supportive and empowering space a historically was hesitant about it being a women’s college, but then I realized this is a very supportive environment that I like a lot,” said Shaw. “I wanted to be somewhere where I’d be learning for the sake of learning and surrounded by people who had a similar mindset.

We only really have one chance as women to be part of the majority and that’s going to a place that’s dedicated towards women to be in a majority space.”

Ari also appreciated Scripps’ emphasis on advocacy and acknowledgment of the injustices occurring in the world today. “I like how conscious everyone is about inequality and how people are focused on making sure everyone has an equal chance,” said the prospective student.

“There are a lot of opportunities to speak up about stuff, and they encourage that.”

As the CLORG fair came to an end, and Spanish major, was thrilled about all the chances to get involved on campus. “I’m very excited about the Scripps Voice,” said Heffner. “I’m also hoping to join mock trial. And we’ll see Heffner’s dad, Mike, was also very emotional about his daughter’s new journey. “It’s a bit of a culture shock for a lot of people to come from Wisconsin to California,” he said. “This place is really the kind of place that makes people feel at home. I think she’s going to do great here.”

Following the CLORG fair, families were able to choose from a wide array of academic or spirit-related activities. The schedule included CP&R, SAGE, and LASPA sessions, a campus tour, mock classes, a Scripps scavenger hunt and sticker search, and the sustainability fair. At 3:30 p.m. everyone joined together to partake in a community favorite, Scripps tea.

Many administrators noted how exciting it was to see a group of prospective students on campus again. Families and students really got a taste of what the Scripps community looks and feels like.

Between the Sustainability Fair and CLORG fair happening side by side on Bowling Green and Jaqua Quadrangle respectively, the culture and values of Scripps were actively expressed.

The day was packed with high amounts of information, activity, and energy. It was obvious that the faculty and staff put a lot of dedication into organizing the day, and it is clear from the passion of the prospective students that the class of 2026 will thrive at Scripps.

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

News • 4

Scripps’ 10th Annual Sustainability Fair Sheds Light on Student Work

By Eleanor Dunn ‘24 Staff Writer

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n April 22, tables and tents populated Bowling Green Lawn in preparation for the 10th annual Scripps Sustainability Fair. Though it’s technically an annual event, the last fair was held in 2019 due to COVID-19. The event was open to all as a way to build community, spread information about sustainability at Scripps, and generate excitement and momentum around sustainabilityoriented community groups.

Volunteers at the check-in tent explained the various raffles and free sustainable goodies available for participants. Prizes included Dr. Bronner’s lavender soap, menstrual cups, and eco-friendly food storage solutions. Participants could enter the raffles by having students at each table stamp their bingo-like cards, encouraging participants to experience all that the fair had to offer.

The Scripps Student Garden, Scripps Scrapps, Emergent Strategy Club, Nobody Fails at Scripps, Tiernan’s Green Bike Shop, Denison Library, and Scripps Facilities and Grounds all tabled at the event. Also in attendance were cross-consortium groups including the HMC Makerspace, the Pomona Farm, Pomona Eco Reps, and the Hive. The Tiernan Field House provided lawn games, and Post Baccalaureate Office Staffer Messina Zurbuch offered a yoga class while her husband, Chris, gave massages. The 5Cs’ student-run radio station, KSPC 88.7, provided this bustling sustainability and wellness

menagerie with a rocking soundtrack while Malott provided lunch from a local farm. Despite the cloudy day, the fair was a heartening display of community engagement, excitement, and cross-consortium collaboration that many students missed during the pandemic.

Scripps Sustainability Coordinator Lauren Ng shared her disappointment at not having the chance to try out the Green Bike Shop’s smoothie bike. She also highlighted the work that the program has been doing on campus. The Green Bike Shop had a blender powered by pedaling in front of their tent, where participants could make their own delicious smoothies in just a few minutes. They were also raffling off some of their extra bikes while promoting human-powered transportation and buying secondhand.

Catherine Sunding ’25, a Tiernan Green Bike Shop employee, was one of the students in charge of the smoothie bike. Though she had only planned to work the event for a few hours, Sunding enjoyed the festivities so much that she stayed from set-up through breakdown. “It was really fun,” said Sunding. “I got to meet a lot of new people, like prospective students and admin who I normally wouldn’t interact with. Also, a lot of people don’t know about the Green Bike Shop, so it was great to raise awareness.” For those in need of Bike Shop in the Tiernan parking garage. It offers free, sustainable, and student-powered solutions to your biking needs.

Photo Courtesy of Lauren Ng

Ng was pleasantly surprised to find that around 20 students volunteered for the event. She noted the power of the collective care we have at Scripps. It seems this goodwill extends beyond our campus community, as brands from Dr. Bronners to DivaCup and local vendors like the Cheese Cave, Claremont Yoga, and I Like Pie, donated their products.

Volunteers and donations made this event relatively low-cost, but Ng secured additional funding through the Scripps Student Investment Fund’s open application on Facebook.

Though the tables and activities appeared seamless, Ng had been planning this event since January: emailing brands, working around

COVID-19 restrictions, and reaching out to clubs.

Ng is currently working to promote sustainability at Scripps by expanding both academic and paid internship opportunities for students (which will be posted on Handshake, for those interested). Additionally, she will be the faculty affiliate for next year’s green living dorm community, which will contribute sustainable events and projects to the whole community.

From jam-making to learning about the Robert Redford Conservancy, the 2022 Sustainability Fair was informative, collaborative, and downright fun, shedding light on the impressive work Scripps students and coordinators have been doing all year.

Fresh Check Day Engages Students in Conversations on Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

By Ellen Hu ‘24 Editor-in-Chief

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n April 15, Scripps College hosted Fresh Check Day, an event focused on promoting student mental health and providing a space for reflection on personal wellness. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., students were able to interact with a variety of booths and activities on Bowling Green Lawn.

Fresh Check Day is a program put on by colleges around the nation to bring awareness of suicide prevention and promote mental health. It was created by the Jordan Porco Foundation, a to raise awareness of young adults’ mental health and prevent suicide.

The event has been held at over 100 colleges and universities, including all Scripps has hosted Fresh Check Day. The event was co-sponsored by the Case Management. During the spring 2021 semester, when all classes and events were virtual, the 5Cs hosted the event collectively. However, this year Fresh Check Day was held at each of the separate schools.

According to the Fresh Check Day website, “Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and

the mental health resources available on campus, in the community, and nationally.”

13 booths were available for students to interact with. The Jordan Porco Foundation requires any institution who hosts Fresh Check Day to provide booths were required for the event, as per the Fresh Check Day design, but an additional three booths were designed who wanted to participate.

In an attempt to increase participation at all of the booths, students could participate in a scavenger hunt to get free tacos and enter a raffle to win prizes. Each booth had a stamp and stamps could turn in their card to win.

The scavenger hunt aspect of the event drew in many students. “I work at Tiernan Field House, and they’re running this,” said Nyarai Khepra ’22.

“My friend, who also works there, told me they have tacos so I was like, ‘I’m While it was up to attendees to decide which booths they wanted to visit, one booth was necessary for hunt: “Nine out of Ten.” The booth was located directly next to the check-in table and brought attention to suicide prevention.

After learning that one out of every 10 college students contemplate committing suicide, students were asked to think about what they could

do to support their peers as well as the resources that are available to them.

As a last step, attendees were asked to sign a pledge to help their peers who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Pre-designed booths covered a variety of mental health and wellness topics. Activities such as “Trash your Insecurity” fell under the category of “Younique’’ and encouraged students to embrace what they love about themselves while physically being able to throw away one of their insecurities.

Other booths took on a more information-based approach. The “Know your Limit” booth, run by the Student Alcohol Working Group, provided information on alcohol safety and awareness. Through two activities, the booth encouraged students to consider how much they knew about safe alcohol consumption.

“We recognize that drinking is a student behavior that happens, and we’re just trying to mitigate to make sure that people know their limits, to stay safe while they’re doing it,” said Jayati Reddy ’24, a member of the Student Alcohol Working Group. “Here we have a series of activities that will help people realize when there’s a serious problem or when they should call for help regardless of anything else.”

Attendees had the opportunity to use drunk goggles while walking a line or trying to solve an illustrated maze.

Additionally, students were provided a red solo cup and asked to pour certain amounts of water that corresponded to a standard amount of different types of alcohol.

“It’s been fun seeing people with the goggles,” Student Alcohol Working Group Member Aalia Malik ’24 said.

“Also, people pour a lot more than the standard size.”

Kyra Brosnahan ’24 enjoyed the “Know Your Limit” boot the most, that were available. “My friend was there, and I got to use the drunk goggles which was very entertaining,” Brosnahan said. She had one of her friends record her while she had the goggles on, only to show how disoriented she was.

Many students were drawn to booths where they were able to take a hands-on approach through crafts and painting. Two of these included rock Engagement and motivational pendant with the Chicano Latino “I made this cute little heart,” Khepra said while discussing the pendant booth. “It’s to encourage yourself, so I wrote myself a little message and it made me smile.”

Overall, students greatly enjoyed the event, and saw the importance of what was being addressed. “It’s really important to spread awareness of mental health issues,” Grace Zhang ’23 said. “These events help do that.”

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

Feature • 5

Scripps Presents: A Conversation on Plant-Based Seafood

By Isabel Li ’25 Staff Writer

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n April 19, Scripps Presents hosted “The Future of Food” in Balch Auditorium, an event from this month’s series relating to food, food justice, and food sustainability.

Specifically, this event featured scientists Aryé Elfenbein and Taeryn Kim, the two co-leads of San Francisco-based company Wildtype Foods, which specializes in labgrown salmon. Elina Shatkin, the producer of the KCRW podcast Good Food, interviewed Elfenbein and Kim and discussed the future of their cultivated seafood startup.

The event began with Elfenbein and Kim displaying a brief presentation on the projector and discussing why it is necessary to create a new source of fish. With their colorful, eye-catching slides, they argued that factors such as overfishing, global warming, plastic pollution, and mercury contamination have contributed to declining sources of healthy seafood. The two scientists also talked about the general lack of transparency in the seafood industry caught and processed.

Elfenbein then introduced Wildtype’s primary product on the screen: a fresh, delicious-looking raw salmon strip, served as nigiri sushi. The product looked virtually indistinguishable from a normal, conventionally made salmon dish, with the same recognizable pinkorange color and translucent white stripes.

Kim discussed Wildtype’s approach to producing the lab-grown salmon with a flowchart infographic. The company would start by taking cells from one small salmon fish and propagating these cells in large steel tanks resembling those used in a beer brewery. To replicate the iconic texture and flavor of the salmon, the Wildtype team would create a scaffold from plant-based proteins and carbohydrates and incorporate the cells into the structure.

After the cells mature into the salmon is complete and ready to eat.

Photo Courtesy of Scripps College

“All of our salmon samples come from those cells that we took years Since the meat does not come would need to be killed for Wildtype’s meat. The salmon products are not exposed to any antibiotics, heavy metals, or microplastics, which are commonly found in conventionally caught fish. The two scientists discussed more about the ethical products with Shatkin, who nodded in approval.

When Shatkin asked the two panelists about their visions and goals for the startup, Elfenbein said that he plans to have Wildtype’s plant-based seafood accessible in local grocery stores, sold at a price lower than normal salmon. However, bringing Wildtype to market depends on two factors: infrastructure and FDA regulation. The startup is looking

Elfenbein, who usually refers to the salmon as “cultured meat.”

“I prefer the term ‘cultivated seafood,’” said Kim. “The term ‘cellbased meat’ does not make sense, since plants are also made of cells.”

Elfenbein and Kim also explained their focus on lab-grown salmon rather than other types of seafood.

Since Wildtype is based in San Francisco, a place known for its salmon, they thought it would be helpful to produce a plantbased version of a local delicacy.

Furthermore, salmon is the secondmost consumed seafood in the United States and is very versatile in

terms of cooking.

Wildtype is currently experimenting with different processes that mimic real meat. However, they are planning to produce other types of popular seafood, like shrimp and tuna, in the future.

Kim talked about her experience taste-testing the salmon samples and mentioned the variation in taste and texture with how the meat is prepared. To capture the range of recognizable tastes of salmon, the startup has produced two types of cultivated salmon: one meant to be served raw, and the other able to be cooked and baked.

The two leaders also said that they plan to start supplying a handful of restaurants in the Bay Area once their product first gets launched.

Their facility also offers tours to those who are curious about Wildtype’s processes, with glass windows for visitors to clearly see how the salmon is made.

Although it is unlikely that plantbased meat will completely replace normal fishing practices, both Elfenbein and Kim are optimistic that the addition of Wildtype salmon to shelves nationwide can provide consumers with a more sustainable, ethical, and safer alternative to normal seafood. Overall, during a time when sustainability and conservation are so crucial to providing a better future for posterity, small initiatives and efforts like these can make a great difference in the long term.

grow cells at a large scale while seeking FDA approval, which has been a smooth but slow process.

Shatkin also asked them about how they refer to their products — terms such as “lab-grown,” “cell-based,” or “in vitro” may sound unappealing to those who value naturally sourced foods.

“Words have power, and there’s a lot of rhetoric [for these meats] that

Dorm Puns

Photo by Isabel Li ‘25

Because it is their Browning moment

By Belen Yudess ‘25 Social Media Manager Clark your calendars, because room selection is upon us! If creating roommate groups and choosing dorms are taking a Toll on you, here are some puns to inspire a Revelleation about your ideal living situation!

Which dorm did Lightning McQueen recommend to speedy Scripps students?

Ka-Schow Why do Scripps squirrels take pride in scaring students?

Why were *Scrippsies only* camping out in front of Malott?

To ensure they Wilbur there before the pineapple dole whip runs out How did the Scripps student explain where the exit to Malott was to the CMCer? There’s the Dor-sey?

Don’t Froutt about this process and remember that I believe in GJW-you!

Photo Courtesy of Drisko Studio Architects

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

SPOTL

Feature • 6

Maya Lynch ’22: A Look Into the Year of a Leader

Photos Courtesy of Maya Lynch ‘22

By Belen Yudess ’25 Social Media Manager Maya Lynch ’22 is a rockstar. Being SAS president is a daunting task any year, but it requires a special person to take on this challenge after returning to campus after a year and a half online.

Although there were many new paths to navigate, Lynch always prioritized the well-being of the Scripps community. She is a humble leader, a thoughtful activist, and a genuine person who strives to bring out the best in those around her.

Lynch is originally from Montgomery County, Maryland. A politics major, when she participated in a student protest. Lynch co-founded the organization that planned this demonstration, riety of social justice issues and helped to get police out of schools, which culminated in the largest student walkout in D.C, Maryland, and Virginia history.

During this experience, Lynch was assured of her love of advocacy and working with other like-minded people.

“I think I’ve always been lucky to be surrounded by cool people who are working on social justice issues,” she said. “Learning from those around me, I think [that] got me into it before then, jump into organizing.”

Although Lynch was not set on a politics major when applying to colleges, Scripps proved to have a passionate and vocal student body that shared her values. “I remember coming to Scripps and there was actually a protest to get Sodexo, which was our previous dining hall service provider, out of Scripps,” said Lynch. “I watched I came to visit and I was like oh, damn.

They’re cool.”

This protest also introduced Lynch to the power that an entity such as SAS can have in creating change, citing Niyati Narang ’20, the SAS president at the time, as a contributing factor to the success of the Drop Sodexo Movement.

Lynch did not immediately join SAS involved her junior year when she ran

and was elected as class co-president with Madeline (Maddie) Moore ’22. The dynamic duo hosted many innovative events and continued to advocate on behalf of the Class of 2022. “I did a jewelry student artist workshop that I really love[d], which I actually carried into SAS president this year,” said Lynch. “I love working with student artists so much and loved seeing them share their skills with students.”

Following her term as junior class co-president, Lynch was not planning on running for SAS president. The inspiration came from the 2020-2021 SAS

break flights, creating a winter break housing program, stocking menstrual supplies in each dorm, and Sunday Snack.

“I love that SAS gives me the chance to act on issues as they are coming up,” said Lynch. “If we get to a break and realize that students need rides to the airport, we can work on getting airport shuttles, or if we realize that students don’t have housing over winter break, we can create a whole housing program to ensure all of our Scripps students are housed.”

Lynch also appreciated SAS’s ability to facilitate community through grants and additions to residential spaces. “I also love that I can work on community building events,” she said. “We’ve got two student murals going up in the student union very soon. We did community grants that I was proud of and I also love that we can have a forward facing outlook, where we’re doing things like ensuring all students have access to free menstrual products or kitchen supplies.”

connecting and actively working with SAS and the rest of the student body — but she is also a direct mediator for administration. Although this can prove challenging, this experience has taught Lynch the importance of communication and determination.

One part of her meetings with adVID-19 policies to maintain an environment that is safe for the community. “In meetings with admin to discuss COVID policies or advocate for students, we think [of events] that are COVID safe and how we encourage a community that cares about all of our students, especially our immunocompromised students in this setting,” she said.

Aside from her duties on SAS, Lynch

I sat down in the student union and was like, I have 17 people who I’m not in charge of, but am supposed to lead — my voice was shaking,” she said. “I

spending time with her friends and enjoying living on campus. This includes off-campus adventures or hanging out with her girlfriend. One of Lynch’s favorite memories from this year involves her suitemates, a bed-couch (or bouch), and H2O. “Me and my suitemates have been watching H2O together,” she said. “And just getting to be exhausted from busy days, coming together and curling up on our couch and watching H2O is really fun.”

As this year comes to a close and next year’s SAS board prepares to be-

didn’t know how to lead a meeting. I had done that a little bit [before], but not on that scale. So even just trying to coordinate 17 different people was stressful and I had no idea how to do it.”

Lynch notes that the passion and endless support of the SAS team have allowed her to become more comfortable in her position and grow as a leader. “One of the things that I appreciate most about Emily [McElroy ’22, current SAS Executive Vice President], but also SAS as a whole is that I feel like I frequently just walk into a meeting with six ideas of things that I want to do, and I’m just like, ‘hey, does anyone want to take this idea on and see if they can make it happen?’” said Lynch. “Frequently that means that I’m leaning on Emily or other people in SAS to be facilitating different projects. Everyone’s so supportive, and always so excited to tackle new projects, which I really appreciate.”

Lynch is not only responsible for

gin their term, Lynch expresses her gratitude for this opportunity to make an impact on the Scripps community and work with an exceptional group of people. “This position was scary for me,” she said. “I was worried about compromising my values in this position. I was worried about not being able to do as many things for students as I wanted to. I feel like at every point I have felt fear or stress in this position, Scripps students have shown up, whether it was in telling me that this was a better way to do something and I got to pivot and listen to them, or friends just supporting me through something. Or the SAS board telling me, ‘Maya, that’s a ridiculous idea. This is better.’ I just feel so grateful towards the Scripps community for supporting me, and for letting me lead in a way that I hope has made Scripps a better community for students and made sure that we are centering our most marginalized students and building a community that cares for everyone.”

the job, Lynch reflected on her initial

interest in running for SAS president,” said Lynch. “I knew I wanted to be in SAS again. But maybe as senior class night and said, I think you should run.

And I was like, absolutely not, no thank you. But then after talking with her and thinking about it for a really long time, it felt like a good next step. So I ended up running and here I am.”

After making this decision, Lynch ran unopposed for the position. She campaigned on the basis of uplifting concerns of the community. One of her behest of a student suggestion, was changing the reimbursement system for CLORGs. “SAS operated on a reimbursement system, which meant if you were leading a club and wanted to buy pizza, you had to do that out of pocket and then wait for reimbursement from SAS,” she said. “Reimbursements are still [an] option, but that was one of the big things that I really wanted to work on because I think it’s such a barrier for lower-income students who are leading clubs.”

To rectify the situation, SAS partnered with PEX, which is a company that allows SAS to give pre-loaded debit cards to student club leaders. SAS was then able to place a CLORG’s budget on the card so all expenses could be directly charged to the SAS budget.

With Lynch’s leadership, SAS has accomplished many other impressive feats this past year. Among many projects, they have been responsible for assisting with transporting students to Ontario and LAX airports for spring

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Vo

LIGHT

Feature • 7

Goodbye Garb: A Look-Book

By Maddie Moore ‘22 Fashion Columnist You’re invited to a big party in two weeks. The dress code: saying goodbye.

Here are some of my very best friends (who I’ll be hugging very tight) and what they’ll be wearing for graduation:

Maddie Moore ‘22 “Saying goodbye to your home of four years is quite the occasion.

Why not dress like a princess for it?”

Lily Lucas ‘22 “I wanted to wear something light that would keep me comfortable in the heat, as well as something that would incorporate spring colors.

When I saw this dress I loved the floral pattern and the colors, and I’m hoping the green leaves will match our gowns too!”

Uma Nagarajan-Swenson ‘22 “For some reason this feels like prom even though I know I will be covered up the whole time so really I should be worried about what shoes I’m gonna wear instead.”

Kendall Lowery ‘22 “My graduation dress had to fulfill two key criteria: it couldn’t clash with our green gowns, and it had to withstand Claremont summer weather. This fit checks all the boxes! My dress is loose-fitting and has a low, open back for maximum breathability. But honestly, after seeing its green and white color scheme, I was sold.”

oice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

Jess Maurice ‘22 “I wanted a look that felt comfortable and breathable. I feel very sentimental going into graduation so I made sure to find something I could celebrate in and cry in that also didn’t clash with the green gown.”

8 • Opinion

COVID Cases Drop by Easter, (Some) Students Rejoice

By Nina Howe-Goldstein ‘25 Judge, Jury, and Executioner

A

lleluia! An Easter miracle! On the third day after the massive COVID-19 surge, Scripps adminisnumbers had swept away back into the single digits. The door to isolation housing was thrown open, and no pitiful students could be found inside.

The surge in cases had come as a shock to the campuses — though not so much to the average student, who awoke daily to friends’ increasingly casual alerts (“lol, fyi, i just tested positive”). Instead, it shocked adults and community leaders across the board. Email-watchers Dean di Bartolo-Beckman’s signoff switch from “In Community,” to “Stay Safe,” which many speculated was one of the seven apocalyptic seals breaking.

In the endearing, inexplicable stylings of a liberal arts college, panic immediately set in. Scripps took cross-campus dining to a farm upstate. Apparently influenced by the

pro-eating disorder lobby, Malott imposed a labyrinthine takeout-only system that barred students from “swiping in” for a second time. Even SAS, in a Nietzschean attempt to increase knowledge of the Primary Contact Dean system, published an error-laden hot pink infographic that seemed to declare that students with “H” last names (a marginalized group near and dear to this author’s heart) had no PCD at all.

No further action was taken, though. One can imagine the percreativity, this author frequently imagines as New York Governor Kathy Hochul) brushing off her hands, declaring the Motley open, the college into the “Seven Sisters” Wikipedia page. Eat shit, Vassar.

However, many students have still been feeling deprived of their Godgiven right to party. The news that Scripps would soon host an alumni weekend came as a shock to such Claremont luminaries as Instagram user @5c_nightlife_, who declared it an appalling lapse of health protocols. In response, she suggested

the formation of a sort of frat bro picket line to protest the blatant favoritism.

(Scripps College being unfair?

Quelle horreur! They’ve never done that before! No wonder 5c_nightlife_ was so upset.)

This author, however, must respectfully decline to partake in such a protest. She’s noise-sensitive, migraine-prone, and was a victim of the frankly underreported “Pissgate,” in which several male partiers had urinated in front of doorways on the Routt hallway carpet. (Less than a week later, the scandal was followed by “Shitgate,” in which a Clark bathroom was reportedly, well…)

She has little patience for those who feel that their right to spread COVID-19 is being infringed upon in favor of people who are actively giving the school donations.

Now, this author is (as she so often emphasizes, to her friends’ dismay) a proud, uptight, red-blooded Episcopalian. And in the Episcopal tradition, the Sunday after Easter is often called “Low Sunday” in recognition of churches’ low attendance numbers. Indeed, the week follow-

ing Easter even proved to be a “Low” case week, for which she is glad.

And when she got out of her threehour, chanted-through Easter Vigil, and had the opportunity to celebrate the redemption of mankind through our Lord with ice cream and wine in the parish hall, she’s glad to not have given the church a severe respiratory disease either.

In spite of a federal administration that (despite its campaign promises) seems fully ready to toss immunocompromised people under the bus for a few extra points in the polls, Scripps may well continue with COVID-19 mitigation protocols like mask mandates, 1C dining, and even party restrictions in the fall. It’s impossible to know for sure. As this author reflects on her brief career as a student, she must conclude that the often-reactionary, confusing rules must be the result of a higher power beyond her comprehension — one not unlike her faith in the gay, incredibly formal Episcopal God. She will leave you with the immortal words of Dr. Anthony Fauci: “Don’t get the ‘VID, chucklefucks.”

‘Malott Maze’ Leaves Students with Eating Disorders Feeling Lost

By Beth Gardner ‘25 Guest Writer Content warning: discussion of disordered eating. will begin by admitting that I stole the phrasing of “Malott Maze” from my friend Nina Howe-Goldstein ’25 who discusses the dining hall in her satire column in this very issue. Nina isn’t wrong (she never is). Following the spike in COVID-19 cases, Malott has transformed into a one-way barren landscape of chairiers (chair barriers). The sudden change begs the question: where were all these chairs hiding when CMC basketball bros

I

how are they SO tall)?

However, Dean di Bartolo-Beckman’s April 6 email regarding COVID-19 spike-induced changes had unintended consequences. The following meal period, I walked into Malott with my roommate as I normally do, and was handed a singular paper box. Odd, but it has to be a starter box, right?

Surely, there are more boxes. During free reign to-go dining, everyone was leaving with at least two boxes. Then, when I asked for a second quesadilla at the grill, my request was denied.

I felt a panic in my chest that I had somehow been able to avoid thus far in my college career. A feeling that this was my last meal, so I should cram as many calories into this flimsy paper box as possible. It’s a feeling every person with an eating disorder knows: lack of control. I proceeded to stuff half a pizza on top of my quesadilla.

That night, I ate all of it, despite my

stomach telling me I was full.

Once outside, I began to complain to my roommate about the interaction.

“How does giving me a second quesadilla give me COVID-19?” A girl (who I did not know) overheard and offered me hers, stating that she didn’t realize it had meat in it. I took it. A second quesadilla from Malott won’t give me COVID-19. You know what will? Accepting a quesadilla from a stranger because policy has sent me into a spiral.

The force at play here is The Restrict-Binge Cycle. Quickly summa-

rized: restriction causes a person to crave foods (often because they aren’t eating enough), this craving inspires anxiety about eating (since they are trying to restrict), anxiety is calmed by emotional eating (frequently in the form of binging), and binging is followed by a state of shame that causes a person to want to restrict again.

Given our usual dining setup, I’ve found I don’t binge when I’m at college. In fact, I’m eating smaller meals than I ever have. I know there’s more if I want it. I know it’ll be there next week

if I’m too full to eat any more. I can dedicate a box to salad, a box to chicken, a box to pasta, and nothing has to touch (the ableism involved in neglecting to accommodate for sensory issues is another article). Now you get one box, and you are not allowed to re-enter after you have gotten your food.

I get why they’re doing it. In a TSV article last semester, Malott was the only dining hall not offering reusable dining ware (challenging “5C sustainability efforts,” per the title of the September article). The one-box policy is a result of Malott trying to reduce its environmental impact.

I’ve found a solution, but it comes at a price (literally). You can purchase a second meal ticket for the food trucks with flex, but it will cost you $7. Listening to your body now comes with a sticker price, and for those who don’t have the flex to burn, it creates equity issues. Students may be on smaller meal plans (therefore less flex included in the plan) to save money to pay for college. This puts students in the position to have to choose between is a choice no human should have to make (and yet people do, both inside and outside our expensive white walls).

So, some words for Dean di BartoloBeckman: if you are going to charge $78,274 for the luxury of going to Scripps College, try not to start another health crisis by denying people the right to eat intuitively (wait, why does that sound so familiar?

Graphic courtesy of @miaharrisnutrition

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

Arts and Entertainment • 9

The Simple Life is the Best Worst Show You’ll Ever Watch

By Cecilia Blum ’24 Design Editor

W

hen people ask me what my all-time favorite show is, my default answer is The Simple Life: the early aughts ‘reality’ production in which Beverly Hills socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie travel around middle America, working ‘real people’ jobs and living with working-class families. Most people assume this answer is a joke, and to an extent, it is. Obviously, the show is not artistically brilliant or groundbreaking in terms of dialogue. Yet, there’s something about it that makes it more than just a fun guilty pleasure watch.

I first discovered the show through a single image I stumbled across one day whilst sifting through the dregs of the internet looking for something to soothe my aching soul. On Instagram, I found a photo of a fast-food marquee sign — you know, the ones that say things like “all-day breakfast” or “free shavacado.”

Except this particular sign read “HALF PRICE ANAL SALTY WEINER BURGERS,” and something about that ridiculously juvenile sentence struck a chord with the innermost harp of my soul.

A Google search of the phrase led me to discover The Simple Life.

I knew very little of Paris Hilton at this time, only that her house was repeatedly robbed by teenagers, as depicted in the godawful movie The Bling Ring. I started watching the show because it was free on Amazon Prime (this was before the world turned on dear old Jeffery Bezos, and being an Amazon Prime subscriber was not a fraught moral issue). As is the case with any good-bad show, I felt myself being pulled under by the quicksand of its easy watchability until I had finished three seasons in one

weekend.

The Simple Life is downright hilarious, and not in a trying-tobe-funny-but-obviously-extremelyscripted way. Obviously, Nicole and Paris play up their perceived airhead personalities for laughs, behaving at times almost buffoonishly in the interest of comedy (see 1/2PASWB above), but surprisingly enough, they also possess genuine wit.

Mostly, the show is funny because Paris and Nicole are not afraid to look stupid on camera. In the same episode mentioned earlier, the girls are forced to dress in ridiculous slushie costumes and stand outside to draw in business for the town’s Sonic restaurant.

In a top-10 moment of slapstick comedy, they trod across a busy street, bogged down by their stuffed cylindrical costumes and 15-inch clown shoes, struggling to maintain balance. They clomp around town in these ridiculous costumes, garnering stares from innocent townspeople who are likely unaware they are in the presence of two legends – that they are witnessing history in the making. The sequence ends with their flustered manager finding them toppled over inside a local store, unable to right themselves.

Why is The Simple Life important?

Well, it’s not, but I think there’s something to be said about the right to act like an idiot. When I lament the struggles of being a teenage girl, there is one particular injustice that stands out to me as especially grievous because it is so often accepted. Teenage boys are allowed, nay encouraged, to behave in a way that is, for lack of a better word, utterly idiotic. Teenage girls are not afforded this same luxury, as we are expected to behave as young women — responsible, level-headed, disciplined. The way that Paris and Nicole embrace

chaos and reject traditional female decorum is almost cathartic.

While Paris and Nicole certainly (and self-admittedly) play to their stereotypes of incompetence and weakness, they are moments — iconic moments — when we see them break from these caricatures.

One of these moments comes in the form of Nicole Richie’s ruthless diatribe against a coworker who flagrantly calls her and Paris “stupid” and “dumb.”

After said man refers to them as “dumb and dumber” Nicole swiftly pulls her designer sunglasses from her eyes, stares to the center of this man’s soul, and says the following: “ J a m e s , I h ave re s p e c t f o r myself, and this is my best friend and I have respect for her. And I’m being dead f*cking honest right now, that if you call me dumb or her dumb one more time — I don’t care how many steroids you take, how many egg yolks you drink, how many pushups you do — I’m being dead f*cking serious, I will beat your f*cking face in. You think I haven’t done it? I’ve done it before and I will do it again. I really

like no one else, and I’ll give you a hint: it’s not Marvel.

A24’s Everything Everywhere All at Once follows a Chinese American family navigating the troublesome mundanities of everyday life: Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh) runs the struggling laundromat below her apartment and is being faced with an IRS audit, while also trying to balance the expectations and health needs of her aging father (James Hong).

Her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan), attempts to assuage some of his wife’s stressors, but feels undervalued and ignored in his own home, and seriously considers serving divorce papers.

All the while, their directionless daughter Joy (Stephanie Hsu) puts more and more distance between herself and her parents due to her mother’s incessant nagging and their general reluctance towards accepting her girlfriend into their lives. But all of these seemingly tedious problems reach their head when Evelyn’s reality is disrupted and she is thrown into the chaos of the multiverse. She must master a skill known as “verse-jumping,” which allows her to access the thoughts, memories, and skills of her parallel universe selves, to defeat a great evil that threatens

the destruction of reality as they know it!

The first thing I’ll say about Everything Everywhere All at Once is that all 139 minutes of the film feel exactly like its trailers — which is to say, a total fever dream. Mind you, it’s the best possible fever dream your subconscious could cook up. As Evelyn verse-jumps, we get glimpses into the lives that other Evelyns are living: a movie star, a severe teppanyaki chef, a martial artist with the world’s buffest pinky finger, a tender-hearted queer woman with sausage-like fingers and can play the piano with her toes (yeah, you read that right the first time). As her consciousness flips between universes, the film’s genre warps with it, switching from romance to comedy to a sci-fi drama until it becomes a monster of its own, refreshingly absurdist in every way.

Despite its main cast, Everything Everywhere is not a diaspora story.

While you can and should regard the film as another monumental piece for the Asian American film canon, the film spends no time worrying itself with its racial identity, yet feels very distinctly, very familiarly Asian American.

Joy’s strained conversations with her mother about her sexuality and

Photo Courtesy of Amazon

don’t care, so watch your f*cking mouth.”

There’s a raw energy that this speech exudes. Not only does she read this man to absolute filth, but she also does so in a language he can understand. It’s somewhat surreal to watch a mixed-race woman threaten to beat up a white man who is twice her size.

I find the language of physical violence fascinating here because it is probably the one regard in which Nicole is actually less powerful than the man. Yet, her choice to employ a physical threat is telling. She speaks to this man in his language, and by the end, I found myself fully convinced that Nicole could and would beat this man up. Evidently, so did he, because he promptly retreated into himself like a turtle in the cold. The scene is nothing short of empowering.

If you’re looking for a show that is equal parts mind-rotting, hilarious, and surprisingly earnest, look no further than The Simple Life. If not for the plot, then at least for the trashy-glam fashions and Paris Hilton’s ASMR voice.

Move Over, Dr. Strange: Everything Everywhere All at Once is the New Multiverse Madness

By Aanji Sin ’24 Editor-in-Chief

Editor’s note: contains spoilers for Everything Everywhere All at Once. here’s one film production company that does a multiverse

T

Photo Courtesy of A24

her weight, threads of generational trauma, making jokes and switching seamlessly between English and Mandarin and Cantonese, even the offhanded remarks Evelyn makes about her husband’s incompetence — “honestly, I don’t know how your father would survive without me” — it was like I was watching my life up there, my entire existence on blast in the subtlest and most meaningful of ways, in a multiverse movie of all things.

I’m having trouble trying to find a note to end this on because Ever ything Ever ywhere s i m p l y cannot be contained in one ending comment; that’s kind of the entire point. It’s also where the film falls short in many aspects, sometimes feeling like you’re getting a pizza thrown at you (in a good way and a not-so-good way). It’s a lot to cram into one film without getting lost in the extraneous plot, but it accomplishes what it means to and has you trudging back to your car at 1 a.m. with unsteady legs and watery eyes (I mean, seriously, Mitski as the end credits? Are they trying to incapacitate me?).

In the end, Everything Everywhere is just… everything. The dramatic, the hilarious, the way-too-real, the messy, the poignant — it’s everything, just as intended.

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

Arts and Entertainment • 10 It’s 2016 Somewhere: My Montgomery Origin Story and His Skyrocketing Career

By Belen Yudess ‘25 Social Media Manager

T

o my roommates, teammates, friends, Instagram followers, and GJW residents who use the bathroom during my 2:00 a.m. shower concerts, I would like to formally apologize for subjecting you to more of my Montgomery madness. You are all troopers.

Oh baby I am a wreck when I’m without you, Ricky Montgomery – I need you [and your music] here to stay. Whether I am writing an essay about homosexuality in Othello (I’m looking at you Iago), eating avocados and tortilla chips with Medha Gelli ’23 (who now joins me in my “Last Night” sing-alongs), or watching the sunset outside Roberts, Ricky Montgomery’s Montgomery Ricky album is always playing on my phone or in my mind. I owe this obsession to two of my closest friends from high school and AP Psychology.

As part of the class of 2021, my senior year was spent on Zoom.

Fortunately, my two closest friends and I had a majority of our classes together, leaving us no choice but to be on FaceTime from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For some reason, our AP Psychology class (aka the class with the most notetaking) also became ukelele time. While I took illegible notes on

had always represented tragedy, he hopes that things will get better.

Whenever the opening lyrics, “Only in my darkest moment, can I see the light,” softly ring out from my computer, I believe it.

Montgomery’s music felt like my own special secret. Listening to his album was something sacred. But little did I know that Montgomery was gaining several new fans through an unlikely source — TikTok. entitled Caught in the Moon in 2014.

From there, he came out with his Montgomery Ricky album in 2016, followed by The Honeysticks EP, which he recorded with the band he started of the same name. Although none of his songs originally took off, viral TikToks in 2020 featuring “Line Without a Hook ‘’ and “Mr. Loverman‘’ caused Montgomery’s name to resurface.

Montgomery’s platform proceeded to grow dramatically, leading to him being signed by a new label and rerecording “Line Without a Hook” with fellow artist and friend mxmtoon. But just like looking at a picture of your fourth-grade self (in my case, poofyhaired with pink and purple braces), it invokes an equal sense of nostalgia and a readiness to move forward.

On March 19, Montgomery announced the creation of his second EP to go along with his newest single “Settle Down.” Via an Instagram post,

Image Courtesy of Cut It Out Magazine

Image Courtesy of Spotify

functions of the brain, my friends would play acoustic versions of “Mr. Loverman” and “Line Without a Hook,” much to my original dismay.

But soon after I found myself dancing around my living room repeating Montgomery’s catchy bridge, “And she’s a she’s a lady, and I am just a boy.” In other words, I was hooked.

I began to explore the album, beginning with “Snow” and “My Heart is Buried in Venice,” appreciating their calm yet melancholic sounds, and slowly moving to more upbeat tunes like “Get Used to It.” Although I adore all of Montgomery’s music, my heart will always belong to “This December.” My 2021 most-listenedto song according to Spotify, “This December,” details Montgomery’s complicated history with the month, and how even though December

himself as an artist apart from his success on TikTok. “It will be an EP that reflects on my time since getting signed over old songs of mine getting big on TikTok,” wrote Montgomery. “A great thing, but ultimately a little stagnating.

You want to grow, but the only version of you anybody knows about happened six years ago and you hardly anybody did when it happened The EP, titled It’s 2016 Somewhere, which I immediately blasted while writing the weekly response for my history class, was gifted to the world on April 15. The album has seven tracks, including acoustic versions of “Mr. Loverman” and the Honeystick’s “I Don’t Love You Anymore”, two of

Montgomery’s previously released singles “Talk to You” and “Sorry for Me,” an intro, a voicemail from Montgomery’s mother, and “Settle Down.”

The intro is a 19-second instrumental with limited vocals, that quickly reaches a pinnacle volume only to suddenly cut off, creating anticipation for what will come next.

Next, is “Talk to You,” which features an electric yet rhythmic melody. It narrates the speaker’s wish to reconnect with a long-lost love. It reflects on the oddness and excitement that comes with seeing an old friend, or even getting to know one’s reinvented self.

The tone of the album shifts dramatically to the wistful and somber tune and lyrics of “Sorry for Me.” This very personal piece details Montgomery’s experience convincing his mother to leave his abusive stepfather. It is a letter to Montgomery’s mother, sister, and victims of abuse conveying that they Montgomery then hands the mic over to his mother, who expresses her love for him over an accidental voicemail. As his mother frantically tries to hang up the phone, she converses with an unknown party about whether she dial, which, *shockingly* leads to a crude joke. This real and relatable interlude reminds the listener about the importance of family and appreciating the simple yet comedic moments life has to offer.

The fifth song debuts “Settle Down,” an optimistic confession to they are ready to “settle down” and begin a new life together. There is a maturity and vigor present in

“Settle Down” that is not apparent in Montgomery’s past work. No more tales of future or unrequited crushes, but of honest and natural reasons for wanting to partake in commitment. This is evident in the line, “I want to settle down with you/I want to complain about my day with you.” In the end, everyone is looking for the right person who will listen to ridiculous rants with a sympathetic smile. This song marks a new phase in Montgomery’s life, one characterized by a meaningful and long-term relationship.

The album concludes with the two acoustic renditions of Montgomery’s older songs. “Mr. Loverman’’ tells the story of Montgomery’s father, and his sexuality. It discusses the harmful realities of addiction through the lyrics “I’m shattered now/I’m spilling out upon this linoleum ground/I’m reeling in my brain again/Before it can get back to you.” Then through a clever play on words, expresses an acceptance and longing for an unexpected lover, “I’m Mr. Loverman/And I miss my lover, man.” It’s a heartbreaking tribute that “I Don’t Love You Anymore” talks about an abrupt realization that the speaker has fallen out of love, but hopes to spend one final day together with their partner. This song is a farewell message to the past six years of Montgomery’s life and career. He has reconnected with his previous work one last time, but is ready to move on and see what else his music has to offer.

Montgomery is a diamond in the rough. He has the ability to turn unimaginable trauma into beautiful art. As Montgomery gains popularity, I hope others join me in my It’s 2016 Somewhere karaoke nights!

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

11 • Arts and Entertainment

By Anne Friedman ’25 Staff Writer

The Light of the Canyon

It is half past noon, and the sky is red. That isn’t a good sign. You knew you should have left earlier, but you were busy preparing. You felt bad about leaving and wanted to help the most you could at home before you left. You look out at the plains again, hoping the red was just a vision, that the sky isn’t red. But it’s still red: a murky amber tinged with orange and dark red spread across the horizon. You want to scream, but you can’t. You can’t wake the baby up from its nap. You can’t alert your family to your predicament.

They wouldn’t understand. You need to leave without telling them.

You’ve spent the last few months writing, erasing, and rewriting your message. You feel guilty, but you know you must leave. It’s now or never.

It is half past midnight, and the house is quiet. You silently leave your bed. After noticing the sky was red, you had gone about your day like it was normal. You postponed your plans until the middle of the night. Quietly standing up, you leave your room, hoping no one else is awake. Some nights people congregate in the kitchen. You pray that tonight isn’t one of those nights. You release a sigh of relief as no one’s there. As you place the note on the kitchen table, you hear movement. Startled, you look to your right but it’s just your cat.

Crouching down, you pet the cat for the last time. Then, you stand up and walk outside, breathing in the fresher air. It’s still slightly murky, but it’s more a bright yellow.

It’s safer. While white would be the best, you’d stand out more in the plains.

It is two hours later, and your feet hurt from walking. But you can’t stop yet. You can’t be seen or stopped. It’s dangerous until you you needed from the barn where you hid it, then you headed off on your trek. You have been walking northwards. It is out of your way, but you hid more essentials up in the mountains on many of the errands you had run the week before. Your plan is to go north to grab your extra supplies. Then, you’ll be in the mountains, so you’ll take a break because it’s easier to hide

A meditation

By Aviva Maxon ’24 Staff Writer You breathe in And hold your breath until your head, starts to float, Then out You breathe in And wait for the bird’s morning song, Then out You breathe in And then sit and feel your body Know you have toes, and fingers, and a nose, and Know you have lungs, and skin, and a heart, and Wiggle your ears, And remember to breathe You breathe in And hear the beating of your heart Fast and slow Racing and sitting All at the same time Then out

and not be seen. After your break, you’ll continue north a bit, beginning to veer towards the east. You the stream until the desert. At the edge, you will continue to walk east across the divide until you see the large light in the far distance to the southeast. Then, you will have to cross the desert, quickly and safely, your destination. But it will be a long trek, a while until you make it to the cavern in the canyon and to a new life. sweeps out in front of you. You’ve been walking nonstop, too scared to stop. You took a much-needed bath in the waterfall and stream. Now you trek across the divide, hiding in the forest and on the lookout for any patrols.

It is eight days later, and you think you see the large light. It is dark out, stay hidden. The next morning you will get up and look at the light and plan your next move.

It is nine days later, and you’ve just woken up. You make breakfast and pack up your belongings. As you walk to the edge, excitement

Photo Courtesy of Ashim D'Silva via Unsplash

bubbles up. You’re almost there.

You’ve almost completed your journey. However, as you reach the edge of the forest, you look out onto the desert. Your eyes scan across the desert looking for the light. You saw it last night. You sit at the edge, staring out at the desert, willing the light to show.

It is twelve days later, and you’ve just been waiting, hoping that the light you thought you had seen was real. But it hasn’t shown up again.

It is thirteen days later, and you moving. Your body and mind sag from the disappointment. You hadn’t realized how much of a toll this journey was taking on you until you thought you had reached your destination. put your disappointment behind you, only focusing on what’s in front of you.

It is nineteen days later, and you place to rest and sleep. You sleep and sleep and sleep. You wake up,

drink, and fall back asleep. You sleep and sleep and sleep.

It is twenty-one days later, and you wake up from your two-day sleep. You stretch, standing up. You walk back to the edge, looking out across the desert. And there, right to your left, to the southeast, is a light. You blink, thinking it’s another hallucination or trick of your mind.

It’s still there. You’re in disbelief.

You’re so happy. Finally!

It is twenty-two days later, and you quickly, quietly set across the desert towards the light. Excitement seeps out of you, but you must remain calm and keep your wits about yourself. You’re not there yet.

You’re not safe yet.

It is twenty-four days later, and in the distance, you see a crack in the ground. The canyon, you suspect.

The canyon, you hope. the earth stretches out below you. You’ve made it. Your journey entrance and climb down. You keep to the shadows as you walk on the narrow pathways, heading deeper into the canyon.

Are you looking for an answer?

By Rebecca Allen ’25 Staff Writer

Sometimes I dream Of getting in The car, Turning on the ignition, No destination in mind, And just driving until I’m sore, Until I can’t anymore.

I imagine myself Gliding over the Multi-laned, overcrowded, Inland Californian highways, The windows down, The wind And the mountains And the emptiness And the freedom Of abandoning Everything and Then I imagine Stopping at the beach.

The sea and the salt And the cigarettes and The beer and the gulls Watching the tide roll In and out And And And I’ll make the sea my home.

Photo Courtesy of Benjamin Voros via Unsplash

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight

Feature • 12

“The Voice, The Pen”: A peek into Historical Scripps Student Publications

By Ellen Wang '25 Copy Editor

L

ong before The Scripps Voice was founded, a range of student publications graced the racks of Scripps’ campus. Several of them will be highlighted in this piece, along with a hodgepodge of tidbits I discovered while looking through the hard copies at Denison Library.

The Scripps Voice was started in 1991 by Dara Pressley ’93 for women of color and of diverse cultural backgrounds, “the voiceless,” to express their voices on a campus where they were silenced. The origin story as well as a call from Pressley for the paper to a noteworthy article from 2018 that can be accessed through the TSV website. That article underscores the value of remembering our history, not just the histories of this paper but of our campus too.

The Scripture The Scripture (1931-1955) was the earliest and once the longestrunning student newspaper at Scripps, now overtaken by TSV. The first edition from Feb. 23, 1931 can be found through the Claremont Colleges Digital Library, where almost half of the editions are digitized. “We believe Scripps College has reached the point in its development where a paper devoted to the news of this campus can be supported and maintained properly,” wrote the founding editors. “The only way to prove this is by the famous trial and error method, so we present the Scripture to the Student Body at large for any criticism and comment.

The Scripture, then, is a trial to see whether it can be helpful in any way, if only an amusement. We have not severed our connections with the Pomona Student Life, and we feel that this paper, issued only once a week, will supplement and not replace that publication on the campus.”

A front-page World News segment ran for much of the publication’s history, including snippets such as Volume V Number 9 on Nov. 27, 1934: “President Roosevelt has caused a stir among the representatives of major industries in Washington by his recent pledged support to a program of employment insurance…” Letters to the editor, including one in response to a previous letter allegedly championing “separate but equal” policy (see The Associate section for more on segregationists), offered students an opportunity to

express opinions on nearly anything under the sun.

Other neat sections included “Book Marks” spotlighting books at the library and “Odd Passages” – short snippets on happenings around campus: “Last Thursday Browning gave forth the beautiful perfume of burnt frog — just a zealous biology student cooking her project too long. You’ll have to ask her why anyone should want to cook a frog for a biology project.”

The Associate The Associate was started in 1953 between Scripps, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer College. In the the editors wrote: “THE ASSOCIATE Scripps, CMC, and HMC, published every Thursday during the academic year, with the exceptions of holidays and examination periods. It strives to promote the best interests of the Tri-Colleges and stands ready to speak out against any action traditions of those institutions.

Editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the college administrations, facilities, or the student bodies but the power to express them has been granted by all.”

Among the columns going back and forth about experiential learning was something that stuck out to me, then confused me, from Governor of Alabama George Wallace to The Associate was published in the Jan. 23, 1964 issue on the Brown v. School Board Supreme Court case, in which he droned on promoting segregation, asserting that the court’s decision was not “the law of the land” and to be obeyed by all citizens. For the sake of length, please look him up.

What was more disturbing was the editors’ agreement to publish the piece in the name of representing an article of its own.

The Grain The longest-running literary magazine at Scripps, The Grain, published poems, prose, and artwork was published by the Scripps Class of 1961; an editor’s note at stated: “It has been felt for several years that Scripps, as a Liberal Arts college, has a definite need for a literary magazine, in which students would be encouraged to express themselves through creative writing.

Towards this end, the class of 1961 is publishing the first

edition of The Grain. Through the selections chosen, we have tried to capture some of the spirit of the students and the college. We hope that this edition of The Grain will of publications.”

A piece from 1969 covered activism on campus surrounding racial tensions, where Scripps students and faculty met and

form of action that [they] could commit themselves to in order to demonstrate their support of the autonomous Black Studies Center."

The Ivy T h i s S c r i p p s n e w s p a p e r ’s first issue was Sept.-Oct. 1984 containing the headline: “Search Firm Assists in Dean Choice.”

The paper also included letters to the editor and covered campus stories like the planning of racism workshops, discourse surrounding a “women’s dorm” corridor, and “Where are the Claremont students on a Friday night?” piece on 5C nightlife.

The then recently-established Pink Triangles, a student organization for LGBTQ+ women, submitted a humorous list for “When You Meet a Lesbian Person: Hints for the Heterosexual Woman,” including #5: “Do not assume you are not attracted to her.”

Bonus Pubs: Amaranth was a literary magazine from the ’90s that published poems, prose, artwork, and even included an alumni contribution section.

The Script was a short bulletin started in 1975 that showcased a calendar for events on campus as well as student life news and notices. It was put together by one person, similar to our Gossip Squirrel today.The former Social Science/Political Science corridor had its own weekly publication that featured opinion and miscellaneous writing from its members, such as a 1989 pro-choice piece rallying for action that made me feel things in light of today’s anti-abortion legislation.

The Scripps Journal of interdisciplinary academic writing produced by the Scripps College Writing Program started in 1999, student essays: among them a Core 1 essay, a Core 3 essay, a Writing 50 Sands Award-winning essay, and The Scripture Volume VIII Number 8 Nov. 23, 1937 issue covered the of the Pomona-Scripps literary magazine, ‘The Criterion.’”

Voice

called “Voice” (now The Scripps Voice) was published on Oct. 16, 1997. Stories included “Lack of free condoms sparks controversy” regarding resident assistants no longer being required to put a basket of condoms outside their doors and the construction of a new dining hall, Elizabeth Hubert Malott Commons, breaking ground in the old Lang Art building.

The paper began to also publish student poems in addition to feature stories, like the 2000 Dorm Olympics, and opinion pieces, like the April 2, 1998 discourse surrounding starting a sorority at Scripps (a survey reported students voting majority ‘against’).

A “Community” page published community such as Residential Network Technician Donna Rueff, who helped Scripps students (then 73% owning computers according to a survey in the article) connect to the network.

In the May 8, 2000 issue, a story covered the Pomona acapella group Men’s Blue and White putting up racist flyers for their winter concert, followed by demands for accountability from AASA (Asian American Student Alliance, a 5-college political group): “The flyer showed a racist picture of a ‘Mongolian warlord’ from old movies, speaking broken English, and advertised the Blue and White concert as ‘more fun than being chased by ‘Mongrel Hordes.’”

Needless to say, TSV has always been a needed channel for feminists and women of color on campus.

Venturing through the history of Scripps student publications was quite the journey. It felt bittersweet seeing the progressive measures or calls for progress from decades ago that still remain critical today — heartwarming to know there are histories of activism that precede my enrollment, generations of Scrippsies (once a derogatory term referenced extensively in the publications I combed through) who have fought these same battles and offer inspiration and hope, and also a poignant reminder that women of color and other marginalized groups were previously barred from attending Scripps, a sentiment reflected in the student body and still pertinent today.

I encourage everyone to check out these historic publications through the library, digitally or inperson at Denison via rare materials appointment, so as we may know our history and never lose our way.

29 April 2022 • The Scripps Voice • Volume XXX • Issue Eight