The Breeze 1.25.24

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January 25, 2024 VOL. 102 NO.16 BREEZEJMU.ORG

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

Vol. 102, No. 16

Vol. 102, No. 16

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

On the cover This week’s front page story brings new information to the accident involving a 18-year-old female pedestrian who is a JMU student that occurred Friday night at the intersection of South Main Street and Port Republic Road.

The Breeze is continuing to report on this story as updates are made available from JMU and the Harrisonburg Police Department.

HPD Lt. Chris Monahan said he expects the investigation, which began last weekend, to take about one week. The JMU student who was hit was contacted by The Breeze, but she declined to comment.

As we continue our coverage, we will reach out to those who may have been on the scene of the crash or know people involved. For any tips, contact breezenews@gmail.com.

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What’s inside...

For the developing story on the crash, see page 4.

Correction

In the senior spotlight story in the Jan. 18 print edition, it was incorrectly stated that this football season’s final Marching Royal Dukes performance was against Coastal Carolina on Nov. 25. It was against Appalachian State on Nov. 18. The online version of the article has been updated.

Newly hired JMU football head coach Bob Chesney receives a standing ovation during halftime of men’s basketball's game Saturday versus Marshall.

Along with Chesney, nine of the 10 assistant coaches on his staff came to the court to be introduced. The staff has a tall task next fall, leading a team fresh off an 11-2 (7-1 Sun Belt) campaign but that lost many key contributors in the transfer portal, especially to Indiana, where former JMU head coach Curt Cignetti departed to for the same job in late November. Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze For the full rundown on JMU football’s 2024 coaching staff, see pages 14-15, as well as more photos of them at breezejmu.org/multimedia

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MISSION The Breeze, the student-run newspaper of James Madison University, serves student, faculty and staff readership by reporting news involving the campus and local community.

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NEWS

EDITORS Eleanor Shaw & K. Mauser

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JMU student hit by car, recovering from non-life-threatening injuries Investigation ongoing, Harrisonburg Police Department says

By ELEANOR SHAW The Breeze

was going the speed limit.

“I don’t know the girl, and I don’t know the injuries,” Miller said.

Saturday afternoon, Monahan confirmed the student was transported to the UVA University Hospital with

Graphics by Abby Paredes / The Breeze

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at breezejmu.org for updates.

On the night of the car accident that injured a JMU student, junior Lexi Miller said she was Ubering down South Main Street shortly after it happened.

All roads surrounding the Port Republic Road and South Main intersection had been blocked by fire trucks, police cars and flares on Friday around 11 p.m., Harrisonburg Police Department (HPD) Lt. Chris Monahan confirmed, which Miller said caused her Uber to take an alternative route.

She assumed a fraternity party had been shut down after noticing several girls running from nearby houses, but after seeing emergency vehicles, she realized someone had been injured.

An hour later, Miller said she found out about the incident anecdotally and through Snapchat.

The Breeze, through multiple mediums, attempted to contact the woman hit — who a JMU spokesperson confirmed is an 18-year-old JMU student — but she declined to comment.

“We did think somebody got hit because that intersection is so busy and there are always people running across,” Miller said.

Shortly after the crash, JMU LiveSafe

sent a notification to students: “Please try to avoid the area of S Main Street/Port Rd due to a traffic crash. We will advise when the area is clear.” Over an hour later, another JMU LiveSafe notification confirmed all lanes of the intersection had opened.

The student was hit by a gray Ford sedan.

Near the scene on the side of South Main leading from JMU’s campus, the sedan was pulled over and its windshield was cracked. At least seven HPD and JMU police cars, multiple fire trucks and at least one ambulance responded to the scene.

The next day, Saturday, Miller was in another Uber and mentioned the incident to her driver.

Her driver, who claimed to be friends with the man driving the car that hit the woman Friday night, informed Miller that the driver insisted he

On Saturday afternoon, Harrisonburg Police Department Lt. Chris Monahan confirmed the pedestrian was an 18-year-old female who experienced serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

A university spokesperson confirmed Monday she is a JMU student. Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze

“s e r i o u s b u t n o n - l i f e threatening injuries.”

The man told Miller’s driver he was making a turn in the intersection and collided with the girl as she was “sprinting a c ro s s t h e ro a d .” W h e n describing the scene, Miller’s driver said he heard there was “a lot of blood.” Miller said the driver was told by police to go home and they would “figure stuff out later.”

According to HPD arrest reports, none of Friday’s five logged incidents referenced the collision.

On Wednesday, The Breeze contacted Harrisonburg Director of Communications Mike Parks about the incident three times for more details about the accident but did not receive a response before print publication.

Monahan said the Harrisonburg Accident R e c o n s t r u c t i o n Te a m i s working on the investigation and anyone with any information should contact HPD. The investigation should take about a week, he said.

K. Mauser contributed to this report.

CONTACT Eleanor Shaw at breezenews@gmail.com.

For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

NEWS

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

Students, Harrisonburg residents support Palestine at City Council meeting Friendly City for Palestine coalition provides platform for JMU students to address world issues

By LORENZO SALAS & MATEO CSERNECKY The Breeze

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, JMU students and Harrisonburg residents voiced their support for Palestine in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Among the attendees were members of the Friendly City for Palestine Coalition (FCPC), which was founded by JMU students. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

A recently formed coalition, Friendly City for Palestine (FCFP), urged the Harrisonburg City Council to pass a resolution in favor of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during its regular meeting Tuesday.

Jade Oh, a junior who uses they/them pronouns, said they joined the coalition because they saw the FCFP as a community for them to meet people and get involved in advocacy for Palestine while pushing back against what they believe to be JMU’s inaction in addressing the Israel-Hamas war. The extent of the university’s messaging concerning it is an Oct. 11 statement condemning terrorism and Hamas’ “brutal” attack on Israel.

The coalition formed on campus in October and is dedicated to spreading information and educating people regarding the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

When speaking on the coalition’s values, Oh said they saw a discrepancy in JMU’s support of Muslim students when compared to other religious groups. Oh said they thought it was interesting that JMU “forced” the vigil in support of Palestine to take place on East Campus’ Festival lawn on Oct. 25, whereas the Oct. 12 vigil organized by Jewish students in support of Israel was held in front of Wilson Hall on the Quad.

“I understand if JMU doesn’t want to take sides, but it seems like they have by not speaking about students who have been impacted by the conflict — Muslim and Palestinian students in particular,” Oh said. “Not saying anything at all is insulting.”

Oh said they think JMU should play a part in educating students about conflict, which could spark important conversations to help advocate for Palestine.

In a written statement to The Breeze on Wednesday evening, JMU Assistant Vice President for Communications and university

spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass said Vice President for Student Affairs Tim Miller worked “closely and collaboratively” with organizers of the vigil for Palestine. Vass said organizers were offered several locations based on “availability, safety, and meeting [students’] logistical needs.”

“The university cares deeply about all of our students and is diligent in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff,” Vass said in the statement.

Graduate student and FCFP founder Dalia Abdullah said she was inspired to form the group after attending a screening of “Five Broken Cameras” held by Peace Praxis, another Harrisonburg activist group that has been hosting monthly movie screenings at Horizon Gifts downtown. The 2011 documentary recounts tensions between Palestine and Israel.

After viewing the film, Abdullah discussed it with other attendees.

“We had a discussion talking about our feelings on the movie and the unfairness that’s going on in Palestine,” Abdullah said.

“Everyone agreed we need to do something about this.”

Afterward, she formed a group chat with those she spoke to, forming the base of the FCFP. Since its establishment, Abdullah said the coalition has organized a vigil on campus, a carpool event to a march in D.C. and a teachin at the Harrisonburg Public Library.

The FCFP has plans for future events, including a second teach-in, protests and eventually financial support for Palestine relief groups through donations.

Most recently, the group addressed the Harrisonburg City Council during its open comment period.

During the council’s meeting Tuesday, Abdullah, alongside fellow FCFP members, delivered prepared speeches, held signs and shared personal stories encouraging council members to pass a res olution suppor ting a ceas efire. see PALESTINE, page 6

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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NEWS

Paredes / The Breeze

from PALESTINE, page 5

“As of now, Palestinians are being denied basically every human right that us Americans are blessed with,” Abdullah said during her speech to the council.

Abdullah also mentioned allowing Jewish members who were in favor of a ceasefire in Gaza to have their voices heard, to provide another point of view on the conflict.

“Sometimes when you’re supporting one side all the time, you forget how the other side feels,” Abdullah said, adding she felt that a lot of rhetoric people have been repeating comes from a place of ignorance and fear of safety.

Avi Stein, who uses they/them pronouns, is a member of activist organizations a Jewish Voice For Peace and Judaism On Our Own Terms. They spoke about their experience being Jewish amid the war and differentiated what is and isn’t propaganda, cautioning against ignorance.

Stein said they developed their understanding of the conflict in middle and high school. Stein credited education and listening to others’ points of view in helping them draw their own conclusions.

“Education is one of the greatest weapons,” Stein said.

Stein said they understand feeling uncomfortable when confronting personal biases and encouraged listeners to engage with activist groups and people with different perspectives.

“Join organizations. Community is an activity — it is not something you are just a part of,” Stein said. “Everyone thinks they are one person; that’s why nothing happens.”

After the group’s speeches at the meeting, Mayor Deanna Reed and council members thanked the speakers who addressed the leaders and encouraged them to contact other elected officials.

“We’re going to come together on all sides,” Reed said. “We’re going to keep moving forward to see what we can do together.”

Eleanor Shaw and K. Mauser contributed to this report.

CONTACT Lorenzo Salas at salasld@dukes. jmu.edu and Mateo Csernecky at csernems@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

After attendees addressed the council during its open comment period, Mayor Deanna Reed and other council members encouraged protesters to reach out to elected officials who work at the state and national level. Reed thanked everyone for sharing their stories and pushed them to continue telling their experiences. Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

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Vol. 102, No. 16

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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NEWS

SGA approves dress code, speeds up communication protocol Attire guidelines apply to senate meetings; time-sensitive messages to bypass votes

SGA approved their dress code amendment, first proposed in fall of 2023, at their meeting on Tuesday. This dress code applies to both SGA members and guests, and those in violation of the dress code will receive an absence. Daria Ausen / The Breeze

By SIXUAN WU The Breeze

The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate approved a dress code amendment to its house rules and on the Communication Committee’s role in releasing statements, and it nominated a finance liaison during its Tuesday meeting.

Dress code passes with concerns

CONTACT Sixuan Wu at wu3sx@dukes. jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU.

Ab by Pa re de

ze ree

enough, or is her Vans more presentable than mine? ”

Th e S G A u na n i m ou s l y p a s s e d t h e amendment on statements, which gives the communications director authority to release ones deemed “time sensitive” without a vote from the entire SGA. The amendment specifies that when normal procedures do not guarantee time efficiency, the communications director, in collaboration with the Communications Committee, will decide whether a statement requires urgent action.

“We’ve found ourselves in situations before when there was [a statement to be made], and presenting and waiting and voting on it wouldn’t be really respectful to what the situation was,” junior Communications Director Alex Schleyer said.

Many members agreed that this new procedure is a simple and effective way for the Communications Committee to speak for the SGA as a whole. Several senators pointed out that it’s necessary to make statements on urgent matters without sometimes having to wait for a week to vote on it.

For time-s ensitive statements, the communications director will discuss with members of the Communications Committee to make a collective decision.

“Consulting with the committee is to get a second set of eyes,” Schleyer said. “Even if the decision isn’t unanimous, it’s to get more input and advice.

The SGA unanimously approved junior Carson Tighe to be finance liaison. Tighe will assist to the executive treasurer, follow up with all program grant groups and collect receipts from contingency funding.

“Carson has been a valuable member o f ou r c o m m i tt e e,” s e n i o r E xe c u t i ve

Treasurer Matt Haynicz said. “He has all the skills required for this position t o h e l p u s b e c o m e m o re e f f e c t i v e.”

B he /T

“ Is my Reebok good

New statements procedure approved

SGA nominates finance liaison

s

The SGA’s dress code amendment pertains to members and guests, calling for formal attire to be worn during Senate meetings. It passed with a two-thirds majority vote. The amendment, first introduced during SGA’s last Senate meeting of the fall semester, states “no ripped jeans, sweatshirts, gym shorts, gym sneakers or cutoff shirts will be allowed in Senate.” Failure to adhere to the guidelines will result in an absence.

“As an organization that represents the student body, we want to dress in a way that reflects our values, which is to represent, serve and inform,” senior Parliamentarian Elena Finelli said. “Keeping it more professional is the goal, and it’s kind of difficult to have that professional mentality when people are showing up in pajamas.”

While the amendment passed, it was not without concerns. Several senators questioned the ban on all gym shoes from the Senate and if a lack of specificity within the amendment implies some shoes are more “professional” than others.

senior Sen. Zach Fox said. “I just hope the language could be more precise so it’s better for interpretation. Because even after we are gone, the effect of these things will last.”

While the dress code applies to both SGA members and guests, its impact on student media attendees remain unclear.

“I guess I’m not sure about media,” Finelli said. “[The amendment] was mainly geared toward presenters who are going to be standing up and talking to our organization.”

NEWS

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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At least 62% of temporary triples resolved since August

By ELLE HART The Breeze

CentralValleyHabitat.org/ReStore

de-triple, and she offered to sit down with them and weigh their options. These residents were Out of the 58 first-year “very clear” on staying together, students who were placed in Estep said. temporary triple rooms at the As a first-year RA, Estep said she beginning of the fall semester, appreciates having a team behind 22 remain in the triples as of her, helping to build an inclusive Dec. 15, according to an email environment, which is one of the from Assistant Vice President of reasons she took the job she did.

Communications and university “I got into this wanting to really spokesperson Mary-Hope Vass. be there for residents,” she said.

The Breeze reached out to “Having [temporary] triples was Vass for updated information another way for me to navigate on Monday but did not receive and find leadership skills to be a response before publication. there for residents.”

Vass said the Office of Freshman Ty West lives in a Residence Life (ORL) is de-tripled dorm in Chandler continuing to work toward Hall. “Around October,” West de-tripling — a process that involves moving one of three said, he and his two roommates students from a temporary triple received an offer to de-triple. The dorm into a double room. The email listed a dorm room and an temporary triples were set up in The Chandler and Chesapeake residence halls on East Campus housed 58 triple rooms at the beginning of the academic assigned roommate. Initially, year. As of Dec. 15, the number of triples has lowered to 22. Kimberly Aikens / The Breeze Chandler and Chesapeake halls at none of them wanted to leave. direct communication with RAs at the beginning of the year the beginning of the year.

“All of my classes were in King Hall,” he said. “For me, there Vass said all students in temporary triples have been offered to help one another navigate the temporary triple situation, was no good reason to move out of the area. The other two the chance to de-triple. Those who have declined are waiting which Estep described as “a little scary, just because it’s mostly had classes here as well.” for rooms in areas where space is not available, she said. Vass something new.”

However, the Friday before residence halls reopened after “Having that direct communication … from the beginning of did not specify what “areas” there were before print publication. winter break, West said, one of his roommates said he was going training about how this was going to work was something I was In a poll conducted by The Breeze, 22 respondents (31%) to be moving out of their temporary triple with no explanation said they or someone they know lived or currently live in a super grateful for,” she said. for West and his other roommate. By Jan. 14, West’s room had While Estep could not speak to the status of temporary triple room. One respondent said their son lived in a triple officially been de-tripled. triples on other floors, the temporary triple on her own has dorm described it as a “nightmare,” while another respondent become permanent. described the experience as “fire.”

Sophomore Cheyenne Estep is a first-year resident adviser “[My residents] love it,” she said. “They absolutely don’t want CONTACT Elle Hart at hart2ej@dukes.jmu.edu. For more coverage of JMU and Harrisonburg news, follow the news (RA) in Chandler Hall. She had one temporary triple on her floor. to get de-tripled.”

Estep said her residents had been offered the chance to desk on X @BreezeNewsJMU. Estep said ORL staff and Chandler’s hall directors were in

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CULTURE

EDITORS Morgan Blair & Evan Moody

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EMAIL thebreezeculture@gmail.com

@Breeze_Culture

Do students’ majors align with their interests?

At the dawn of spring semester, some Dukes are split on their career

By LUCE SAMPSON The Breeze

At JMU, there are 46 majors and even more minors to choose from. Some students find a course of study that both satisfies their interests and opens career opportunities, but some students’ coursework, career goals and interests all don’t align. Some don’t necessarily feel the need to have their major or minor match up with all of their interests, while others — at any point in their college career — are looking for that synchronicity as the spr ing semester takes off.

Getting active

Sophomore kinesiology major and coaching minor Christopher Dillard said his academic journey — as well as his career goals as a physical education teacher and coach — satisfy his love of sports.

“One thing we talk about in kinesiology is, the things you’re interested in, make that your career,” Dillard said.

Dillard said his coaching training has taught him valuable skills that he didn’t anticipate, including for his relationship. For

Dillard added his girlfriend is a psychology major, and her studies also apply to their relationship.

“It’s literally so perfect,” Dillard said. “Our relationship has … been able to develop through stuff that we learn through school.”

Taylor emphasized the importance of having a career that matches up with interests. He said he doesn’t see a boundary between his work and play and said university students are at the age to “summon up the courage” to pursue their passions.

“You have one life,” Taylor said. “How do you want to spend it?”

Inside the lines

Freshman architecture major Kate Motley said her major allows her to pursue two of her biggest passions: art and math.

Dream on

Gillian Saunders, a fifth-year senior, is graduating in the spring as a music and media arts and design (SMAD) double major, concentrating in music industry and journalism, respectively.

In a “perfect world,” Saunders said her indie-rock band, Not a Saint, would tour around the world and get signed to a record label. “More realistic” career ambitions, however, include working in the production or media aspects of music, she said.

“Part of our job … in the music industry concentration is to help [students passionate about music] find a way to make their dreams work — find a way to finance it, find a way to make it pay,” music industry professor Joseph Taylor said. “It just breaks my heart when I hear people give up on their passion because, well, ‘They’ve gotta pay the bills.’”

Saunders said the music industry concentration taught her many useful skills for managing Not a Saint, including handling finances and bookings.

“As annoying as it is to be in an accounting class, I think it will be good in the long run,” she said.

Taylor said there are a variety of career paths within the music industry, and the skills the music industry teaches — such as interpersonal communication, marketing and working with numbers and spreadsheets — apply to fields outside of music as well.

Saunders considered a career in reporting while contributing to Breeze TV earlier in her career. As time went on, she lost her passion for journalism and quit The Breeze but does not regret double majoring despite its challenges, she said.

“I knew I wanted to do music and kind of stumbled upon journalism, but I ended up really liking it and learning so much from the program,” Saunders said.

She said music and journalism don’t have much in common, except for one thing: storytelling, one of Saunders’s passions. She compared telling others’ stories through journalism with music.

Saunders also said the interviewing skills learned in journalism help her collaborate with other songwriters.

Motley also likes to listen to music and read, she said. Although those interests aren’t part of her major, Motley incorporates artists like Taylor Swift and Zach Bryan into her daily routine by listening to them while walking to class or working on projects. She also tries to make time to read a few times a week.

Motley said it’s disappointing how difficult it is to double major or minor and to explore new potential interests within her major.

However, she doesn’t feel the need to have all of her interests covered by her school courses.

“I feel like I just kind of read for fun,” Motley said. “Maybe it’s a good thing it doesn’t go with my major … When I read … it’s a good, like, mind break for me.”

Thinking alike

From left, Christopher Dillard, Gillian Saunders, Kate Motley.

All students agree it’s “pretty important” to have careers that match individual interests. Grace Sawyer / The Breeze

example, his learning of “team cohesion” could be compared to forming a relationship.

“You want to continue to have some bonding experiences,” Dillard said, “so that whatever you go through, you guys are strong together, and you’re able to succeed.”

Still, Motley said it is “pretty important” for careers to match interests, as did Saunders, Dillard and Taylor.

“I think it’s really important that you pursue the things you want to do, no matter what they are, no matter how hard it is,” Saunders said.

Not A Saint continues to get gigs, including at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in March. This summer, Saunders will intern at Sill and Glade Cabin, a music recording studio and truly align her career with her interests.

“If your work is seperate from your interests …you’re not interested in work? What, is it just a job?” Taylor said.

CONTACT Luce Sampson at sampsoll@dukes.jmu.edu.

For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

CULTURE

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

UREC exercise opportunities provide warmth during the winter

By MALLORY EVANS The Breeze

With spells of cold and snowy weather kicking off the spring semester, it’s no shock students yearn for the comfort of indoors. But that doesn’t mean health and wellness can’t still be prioritized throughout the winter on campus at the University Recreation Center (UREC).

UREC offers a number of workout options, giving opportunities for people to fulfill their New Year exercise goals. Photos by Landon Shackleford

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For almost 30 years, UREC has served as a shelter from the cold and as a versatile workout space for the JMU community all year round.

With a multitude of class options and a mission to encourage healthy lifestyles, there are many ways to experience UREC and create individual fitness goals.

Group exercise classes

Four categories of group exercise classes are offered at UREC: cycle, dance, mind-body and athletic based (cardio and strength focused).

UREC group exercise coordinator Ben Zwilling said the activities can be experienced in both small- and full-group classes, ranging from foundation dance and full-body strength to boxing fitness and step athletic formats.

Zwillig said UREC’s popular classes right now are express cycle, pilates, boxing fitness and power yoga.

Senior group instructor Lexi O’Donnell teaches an express cycle class on Thursday mornings and also has experience with cardiobased classes such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio dance party. She said by reminding her classes they are all a team, camaraderie is established, and people leave the session feeling accomplished.

“UREC is a place that is filled with teamwork, encouragement, kindness, commitment and passion,” O’Donnell said. “The staff members genuinely want to be there and want to help support every person who enters the building.”

Group exercise instructor prep course

If you’re interested in teaching classes, Zwilling recommended the non-credit,

Students looking to workout inside during cold months have access to a variety of individual athletic equipment with UREC employees available to assist with exercises.

eight-week group exercise instructor prep course, which trains new UREC instructors.

This course prepares students to create safe, purposeful classes and effective instructorparticipant relationships. Weekly lectures, practical skill sessions and a personalized internship are also included.

O’Donnell also completed the prep course; 2024 marks her fourth year as an instructor.

“I have been a group exercise manager since my junior year, which has allowed me to grow in countless ways,” O’Donnell said.

Consistency during cold weather promotes energy levels

Although it can be challenging to implement an exercise routine during the winter, doing so can lead to health benefits. Boosting energy levels, lessening the chances for anxiety and depression, and allowing for year-round workout stability are rewards of creating a fitness plan.

Even though cold weather can take a physical toll, Jessie Purcell, UREC’s assistant director for fitness and nutrition, said a greater risk for vitamin D deficiency occurs in the winter due to daylight deprivation.

“It can be easy to allow the cold weather and snow to become an obstacle to staying active, so continuing to exercise despite the cold helps to maintain momentum with your health and fitness goals,” Purcell said.

More popular spring semester

UREC assistant director for member services said the spring semester is usually more busy for the facility than the fall semester.

Exercise motivation can be increased by big crowds at a workout facility, as a highly populated group setting can encourage people to pursue fitness goals actively. At UREC, the spring semester is usually busier than the

fall. Stephanie Nielsen, assistant director for member services, said numbers typically peak in February; that month last year, over 120,000 people visited UREC. She said on the first day of classes this semester, Jan. 17, roughly 30% of JMU’s student population visited UREC, totalling 6,073 visits.

Weather prohibiting gym access? No problem

An inability to visit UREC doesn’t have to throw your exercise routine off course. If weather conditions are too dangerous or limit driving, there are still plenty of ways to maintain movement, like frolicking in the snow and following online workout tutorials.

At-home workouts can be simplified by picking three bodyweight exercises (e.g. pushups, jumping jacks, unweighted squats) and assigning several reps to each one, then completing as many as possible in a small window of time (e.g. 5-10 minutes), Purcell said.

She said an example of an at-home workout for the next snow day could be “complete as quickly as possible with good form: 10-9-87-6-5-4-3-2-1 of walking lunges, burpees and sit-ups” in descending order of reps.

No matter a workout’s intensity or duration, students can benefit from any form of movement.

Whether participating in a group class or engaging in individualized exercise, UREC can serve as athletic inspiration for people to achieve their 2024 fitness goals.

CONTACT Mallory Evans at evans4mr@dukes. jmu.edu. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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CULTURE

Reflection in the gold A look back at an unusual, delayed Emmys ceremony and the programs that triumphed

By HAYDEN HUNDLEY & EVAN MOODY The Breeze

Because of the actors and writers strike last year, fans of the screen arts had to wait in anticipation for the awards season.

Following the theatrics of the 81st Golden Globe Awards, the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards finally arrived on Jan. 15, delayed from its usual fall showing. Because of this delay, any program that aired between June 1, 2022, and May 31, 2023, was eligible for nomination, making for an unusual selection that included the first season of “The Bear.”

After awards were announced, it appeared the delay may have elevated the status of “The Bear,” along with shows like “Succession” and “Beef.” Collectively, the three shows were nominated for 21 awards, and took home 17 awards between them. In light of the 2024 Academy Awards nomination snubs, here are the official award selections from the Emmys, and the programs The Breeze believes deserved the hardware.

Outstanding Drama Series

Winner: “Succession” The Breeze’s winner: “Succession” “Succession” has proven to be one of television’s most esteemed dramas since the turn of the decade, racking up 19 Emmy wins and a staggering 75 nominations since the show aired on HBO in 2018. “Succession’s” fourth and final season had the same raunchy comedy its viewers cackled at since the first season, but it offered a deeper look into the Roy’s media conglomerate, Waystar Royco, amid an ongoing buyout with another, Gojo. British writer and creator of “Succession” Jesse Armstrong explored the U.S. election process thoroughly in the season-hit eighth episode “America

Decides.” At times, the social commentary this season may have crept into a territory of ridiculousness, but watching the Roy family fall to pieces — and our country along with it — undeniably makes for great entertainment.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Winner: “The Bear” The Breeze’s winner: “The Bear” “The Bear” won for outstanding comedy series despite its anxiety-inducing, tear-jerking, fast-paced style. Due to a lot of shows being drama-centric, it seems the Emmys are opting to throw shows teetering between drama and comedy into the comedy section if their episodes average 30 minutes. In this case, that worked out well for “The Bear,” which competed against shows like “Barry,” “Jury Duty” and “Abbott Elementary,” instead of shows like “Succession” and “The Last of Us.” Still, it’s difficult to undermine the exceptional quality of “The Bear” from its dynamic filming techniques to the addiction-worthy dialogue. As the first season of the series dominated in the showcase, we can expect further acclaim for “The Bear’s” second season.

Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series

Winner: “Beef” The Breeze’s winner: “Beef” Possibly 2023’s most pleasant surprise, “Beef” is a gripping thriller that covers timely themes like depression and judgment, while the show’s lead characters deal with similar personal issues despite their extensive class gap. When the show is most ambitious is when it’s at its best. Amy and Danny, portrayed by Ali Wong and Steven Yuen, respectively, become consumed with each other’s lives after a road rage incident that turns into

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Both Jeremy Allen White and Ebon Moss-Bachrach earned Emmy awards for their performances in “The Bear.” Photos from Tribune News Service

a chase scene someone would expect to see in a Jason Bourne movie. “Beef” became (sort of) an obvious winner for this year’s Outstanding Limited Series Award after 2022’s winner, “The White Lotus,” switched to the drama series category, leaving Amazon’s “Daisy Jones and the Six” as its toughest competitor.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Winner: Kieran Culkin, “Succession” The Breeze’s winner: Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul” We understand this choice may be from out of left field given the overwhelming critical success of “Succession’s” last season. However, because of the unusual eligibility stretch, the final season for “Better Call Saul” sneaked its way into nominations. Since the show’s premiere in 2015, “Better Call Saul” has received 53 Emmy nominations and didn’t win any.

While the series has gained success from the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes, the disdain from the Emmys is unwarranted. With some holding the series to a higher regard than its source material, “Breaking Bad,” “Better Call Saul’s” lead deserves more recognition.

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Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Winner: Sarah Snook, “Succession” The Breeze’s winner: Sarah Snook, “Succession” It’s rare you’ll find an actor mastermind the fine details of a family power struggle the way Snook did in “Succession,” as her performance in the show’s final season is second to none. While she had plenty of captivating scenes in the first three seasons, Snook had more room to showcase her acting prowess in this season’s climax amid the falling out of her character’s marriage to her husband, Tom — portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen, who won

the Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor.

Snook, alongside Macfadyen, delivered a bone-chilling couple’s fight scene in her nominated episode “Tailgate Party” that will flood your Instagram Reels for months. This is Snook’s first Emmy win and, ironically, the first time she’s campaigned for lead actress after losing the Outstanding Supporting Actress Award to Julia Garner for her role in “Ozark” in 2020 and 2022.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Winner: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” The Breeze’s winner: Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” White is no stranger to acting in emotionally challenging dramedies since his portrayal of Lip in the hit show “Shameless.”

The experienced actor took his game to another level with his portrayal of three-time Michelin Star award-winning chef Carmen Berzatto. White’s performance captivated Carmen’s development to a tee as he seemingly slipped into different characters as the show explored different time spans and heightened emotions. From the grief of his passed brother, to the anxieties of implementing world class standards, White delivered on all cylinders to encompass his best performance yet. If we learned anything from the first season, it’s that White can hold his own in a leading role, and we can expect the actor to be the new favorite of casting directors for years to come.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:

Sarah Snook won her first-ever Emmy in the lead actress category for the final installment of “Succession” after her supporting performances in prior seasons.

Winner: Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” The Breeze’s winner: Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” Brunson, creator, co-writer, producer and star of “Abbott Elementary,” has proven time and time again that she can do it all. From the basis of her masterful writing that sets the standard for the modern “mockumentary” sitcom style, she shines emphatically on screen. By the sheer tenacity of her character, Janine Teagues, audiences have no choice but to root for the protagonist who plays perfectly to the personalities of her costars, including Tyler James Williams and Janelle James. As the third season of “Abbott” returns next month, we foresee continued excellence from Brunson.

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Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Winner: Steven Yuen, “Beef” The Breeze’s winner: Steven Yuen, “Beef” Yuen won his first Emmy for his emotional performance as the struggling handyman Danny Cho. Since coming to fame for his performance in “The Walking Dead,” Yuen has had a few performances deserving of awards for films like “Minari” and “Burning,” but it seems that this character was the one for him to pick apart. His most relatable performance to date is a character that Yuen said at the awards show taught him “judgment and shame is a lonely place, but compassion and grace is where we can all meet.” A quick turn from his standout performance in the film “Nope,” Yeun has proven his versatility in this limited series.

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or TV Movie

Winner: Ali Wong, “Beef” The Breeze’s winner: Ali Wong, “Beef” Wong’s work before “Beef” was mostly unknown to average TV audiences, but her performance in the hit Netflix series absolutely deserved her first Emmy. Wong’s performance worked cohesively with the show’s sarcastic, sadistic and unnerving plot line as she showcased her experience with impeccable comedic timing and facial expressions while also showing off her acting chops in the show’s more emotional scenes.

As the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards loom in the distance of fall, it’s difficult to determine just what programs may continue their hardware streak. While many consider “The Bear’s” second season higher quality than the first, “Succession” is now out of contention and the future of “Beef” is uncertain. Will this allow for less popular programs to gain critical acclaim? Can we still anticipate epic media moments, such as Elton John completing his EGOT run? No matter the controversy or achievement, The Breeze will be there to report on it all, including upcoming coverage of the 2024 Academy Awards nominations.

CONTACT Hayden Hundley at hundleh@dukes.jmu.edu and Evan Moody at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on X and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.

SPORTS EDITORS Kaiden Bridges & Jackson Hephner

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EMAIL breezesports@gmail.com

@TheBreezeSports

Chesney finalizes 2024 JMU football coaching staff

By JACKSON HEPHNER The Breeze

Over a month after JMU hired Bob Chesney as its new football head coach, the program announced its 2024 coaching staff through its X account on Jan. 16. Here are the coaches who will be leading the Dukes alongside Chesney next fall:

Dean Kennedy — offensive coordinator/ quarterbacks coach

JMU football head coach Bob Chesney and his staff were introduced to fans at the men’s basketball’s game against Marshall on Saturday. Photos by Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze

Kennedy comes to JMU after two seasons working for Chesney at Holy Cross, first as quarterbacks coach, then as offensive coordinator. Now, he will be both for the Dukes.

Kennedy’s offense averaged 466.6 yards per game last season, the fourth most in the FCS. The year before that, then-junior quarterback Mathew Sluka finished as a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, passing for 2,489 yards and rushing for an FCS-best 1,234 yards among signal-callers.

Lyle Hemphill — defensive coordinator/nickels coach Hemphill joins JMU after two seasons at Duke. He joined the Blue Devils in December 2021 as an assistant coach working with the safeties before he was elevated to co-defensive coordinator in March.

With Hemphill, Duke ranked first in the ACC in scoring defense, giving up just 19 points per game.

Drew Canan — special teams coordinator/tight ends coach A longtime assistant of Chesney, Canan spent the last six seasons working the same positions at Holy Cross. Before that, he was Chesney’s special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach at Assumption College from 2014-17.

In 2022, Holy Cross ranked first in the FCS in blocked punts with eight, led by thensenior cornerback Devin Haskins’ Patriot League record four. The Crusaders only blocked one punt in 2023.

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

Justin Harper — wide receivers coach Harper joins JMU after two seasons as tight ends coach for its conference and in-state rival, Old Dominion. He mentored tight end Zack Kuntz (2021-22), who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Damian Wroblewski — associate head coach for offense/offensive line coach Wroblewski is entering his sixth season at JMU following an historic three-week stint as acting head coach that saw him lead the Dukes in their first-ever bowl game ­— a 31-21 loss to Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Wroblewski has coached five offensive linemen to six all-America honors and six linemen to eight consecutive all-conference accolades, most recently Tyler Stephens (2020-23), who made All-Sun Belt Second Team.

Zach Sparber — linebackers coach Sparber spent the past three seasons as an analyst working primarily with the linebackers at Duke. Sparber mentored Second Team All-ACC redshirt sophomore linebacker Tre Freeman in 2023 after spending 2021-22 with linebacker Shaka Heyward (2018-22), who was named to the All-ACC Third Team in 2021 and earned an honorable mention in 2022. Heyward is now with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Eddie Whitley Jr. — cornerbacks coach Whitley joined the Dukes in 2020, first coaching the safeties before working with the rovers the past three seasons. From 2020-22, JMU’s defense ranked in the top 10 nationally in total defense and finished in the top 30 this past season.

Anthony DiMichele — safeties coach/ recruiting coordinator DiMichele joins the Dukes in the same title he held with the Crusaders for two seasons.

A three-year starter and 2011 graduate of Holy Cross, DiMichele previously returned to his alma mater in 2017 as an assistant secondary coach, then spent a year as running backs coach in 2018 before leaving to coach the running backs and coordinate special teams at Lehigh.

David Sims Jr. — running backs coach Sims spent the last three seasons mentoring running backs at Penn. Last season, he mentored freshman running back Malachi Hosley, who earned Ivy League Rookie of the Year and freshman all-American honors. He finished the year with a team-high 723 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Sam Daniels — defensive line coach Daniels spent the past two seasons with the same title at Delaware, a former conference foe of JMU from its time in the CAA. Last season, the Blue Hens ranked 20th in tackles for loss per game (6.8).

Daniels (’10) was a two-time FCS All-American while playing defensive lineman for the Dukes.

CONTACT Jackson Hephner at breezesports@gmail.com. For more football coverage, follow the sports desk on X at @TheBreezeSports.

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

SPORTS

‘I had to learn how to adjust’: men’s hoops’ Bickerstaff expands role

By JACK FOSTER The Breeze

JMU men’s basketball fans are becoming more familiar with highlight T.J. Bickerstaff moments — like when the graduate transfer forward stole a pass at the top of the key against Coppin State in December, glided down the court and slammed the ball home. But considering Bickerstaff’s background, despite being new to the Dukes, these highlight plays shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Bickerstaff brings a wealth of game experience with him and is no stranger to basketball culture. He’s the nephew of an NBA coach and grandson of a league executive.

“I’m glad they introduced it to me,” Bickerstaff said. “I was able to be a ball boy a few times when my uncle was with the [Chicago] Bulls. Being around that culture, it was something I wanted to be a part of.”

A talented player in his own right, Bickerstaff has evolved his play style in various environments. He played two years at Drexel and two more at Boston College before arriving at JMU for his final year of eligibility.

“I felt like [transferring] helped complete my game,” he said. “I had to learn how to adjust.”

This winter, JMU fans have grown accustomed to seeing Bickerstaff’s powerful play in the paint. From deep, Bickerstaff went 21.3% from 3-point range across his second and third college seasons, attempting 53 shots from behind the arc in that time frame.

“I had different roles at those schools,” Bickerstaff said of Drexel and Boston College. “Now I’m at a school where I can have more freedom and be more of a playmaker on offense.”

In his time with the Dukes, Bickerstaff has improved aspects of his game on both ends of the floor. This season, he’s averaging 5.8 field goals per game compared to 2.4 per contest across his previous four seasons. He’s also making 63.6% of his shots this year, the highest percentage of his career.

On the defensive side, Bickerstaff is averaging 8.9 rebounds per game, once again the highest mark in his career. JMU head coach Mark Byington has emphasized efforts on both ends of the court to his team.

“You can be impactful without scoring,” Byington said. “Scoring gets the most limelight, but there are other winning plays you can make.”

A frequent contributor to these winning plays, Bickerstaff has led every player in rebounds in nine separate games this season. He's also recorded multiple assists in five of his last seven contests, including five against Texas State on Dec. 30.

Bickerstaff has been having these successes while battling through nagging injuries and sickness. Byington said he is hopeful that a healthy Bickerstaff will lead the Dukes to even greater heights.

“T.J. has been dealing with a little bit of illness and tweaked his ankle,” Byington said on Monday. “We’re excited that this will be his first healthy week. But we’ve gotten great production out of [the center] position.”

Being one of the most experienced players on this year’s team, Bickerstaff assumed a natural leadership role within the squad. While some leaders inspire with their words, Bickerstaff lets his actions impact his teammates.

“I feel like I lead more by example, but I’ll say what I need to when it needs to be said,” he said. “I take pride in trying to help these guys perform every single night.”

Bickerstaff’s leadership shined brightly in a tough win over Buffalo on Nov. 29. He led the Dukes with 18 points and seven rebounds as they held off the Bulls 81-66.

“During the beginning of the game, I didn’t feel like we were playing JMU basketball,” Bickerstaff said. “I think what we can learn from this game is that no matter who [the opponent] is, we need to continue to keep doing what we’ve been doing to win.”

Bickerstaff developed his game in various environments to become the well-rounded player he is today. He's been a key contributor to the Dukes’ successes this season and will look to guide his teammates to even greater achievements in the future — maybe even their first-ever Sun Belt Conference championship.

CONTACT Jack Foster at foste2jr@dukes.jmu.edu. For more men's basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

Graduate forward T.J. Bickerstaff is averaging 5.8 points and 8.9 rebounds a game this season.

Kaiden Bridges / The Breeze

SPORTS

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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JMU basketball coaches on how MAC opponents could impact tournament chances

By KAIDEN BRIDGES & HAYDEN HUNDLEY The Breeze

Just three days after upsetting No. 4 Michigan State 79-76 on the road in overtime, JMU men’s basketball found itself neck-in-neck with Kent State on Nov. 9 — a team with a 23game win streak at home.

With 3.8 seconds left in regulation, redshirt senior guard Noah Freidel hit a 3-pointer, putting the Dukes down by two. Then, as the clock ticked down to zero, Freidel stole the ball back on an inbounds play, scoring a layup and tying the game at 89 apiece.

JMU went on to win in double overtime over Kent State, winning its first game in the Sun Belt-Mid-American Conference (MAC) Challenge.

Back in the Atlantic Union Bank Center a day later, JMU women’s hoops played its first matchup of the two-game challenge against Toledo.

Despite having a comfortable 20-point lead at halftime — the Dukes couldn’t keep up with the Rockets’ tenacious second half comeback and fell 60-49 — head coach Sean O’Regan described the game as a learning experience for his team.

When O’Regan was looking at the challenge and saw Toledo marked on his team’s schedule before the season began, he knew it would be a tough opponent but an exciting opportunity for the Dukes against a “Sweet 16 level team” — and for the Sun Belt as a whole.

“I think it’s great for the league — it’s challenging though,” O’Regan said on Oct. 24. “It’s a cool, creative idea to help you get your NET raised up and give you another chance to beat somebody good.”

A team’s NET ranking is calculated through a system that ranks squads through strength of schedule and where the games are played.

Contrary to O’Regan’s comments back in the fall, men’s basketball head coach Mark Byington had a different opinion on Tuesday.

“Neither of these games are going to help your NET ranking,” Byington said, “not enough to be impactful to be able to do something whether it’s NIT or NCAA for that kind of bid.”

With the first half of the challenge completed, the latter half of it was released on Monday. The women’s team will travel to face Ball State (16-2, 6-0 MAC) while the men are back at home playing Akron (15-4, 7-0 MAC). The opponents scheduled for each team are based on NET rankings, but because the women’s team already played Toledo — who’s the highest ranked MAC team in terms of NET — they’ll face the Cardinals instead.

With both teams entering their 19th games of the season, the men’s team is ranked No. 63 — 22 spots ahead of Akron, while the

Women’s basketball head coach Sean O’Regan and the Dukes will face Ball State in the second game of the Sun Belt-MAC Challenge on Feb. 11. Ryan Sauer / The Breeze

women’s basketball team sits at No. 101, 18 spots behind Ball State — so it’s understandable why Byington and O’Regan have split opinions about the challenge.

O’Regan acknowledged not every coach — men’s or women’s — in either conference is going to agree with the challenge.

“I think it’s hard for a team that’s 1-6 or whatever in the league, right?” O’Regan said. “You’re 2-5 in the league, why do I have to go play this game up at Western Michigan or something? I can understand why some people feel that way, but I think it’s I think it helps our league get better.”

Both O’Regan and Byington compared the Sun Belt-MAC Challenge to the Bracket Buster (2003-13), which was a series of games played between a higher — and lower — seed team, giving mid-major schools an attempt to boost their chances of an atlarge bid to the NCAA Tournament by playing tougher opponents.

Byington recalled when Atlantic 10 Conference team VCU matched up with the Missouri Valley Conference’s Wichita State on Feb. 18, 2011. The Rams edged out the Shockers 68-67 during a month in which they had only gone 3-5, helping their hopes to qualify for an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament and eventually made a run to the Final Four that year.

“They used to do that [Bracket Buster] in I think it was in February, and it was great,” Byington said. “There were some unbelievable games where teams were going in the RPI and Wichita State’s playing VCU, and these games are incredible.”

The same concept of the Bracket Busters has bled over into the Sun Belt-MAC Challenge, as O’Regan said he hopes a win over Ball State would boost his team’s chances at an at-large bid into the tournament if they don’t win the conference tournament.

“If we can find a way to win, that’s a Tier 1, Tier 2 NET win,” O’Regan said. “That’s a big win for us. Does that slide us down to [No.] 75 in the NET? And now, hopefully, we can get to the NCAA Tournament, and if we get to the NCAA Tournament, does that help us with seeding? Are we [No.] 10 seed or [No.] 11 seed instead of what we were last year?”

While Byington may not trust the challenge to boost the Dukes’ odds at a bid, he understands it’s still another tough opponent for his team and that what might not give them a tournament berth will still give them more experience.

“We’re going to play a really good team,” he said, “and hopefully it gets us ready for a tournament. I mean, that’s everything we’ve got to get ready for right now.”

CONTACT Kaiden Bridges at breezesports@gmail.com and Hayden Hundley at hundlehf@dukes.jmu.edu. For more basketball coverage, follow the sports desk on X @TheBreezeSports.

OPINION EDITOR Evan Weaver

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The benefits of studying abroad transcends academics Immersion in a foreign culture and going outside of your comfort zone is more consequential than time in the classroom MAYA SKURSKI | contributing columnist Every study abroad student knows that while overseas the primary focus is about experiences, which overshadow the academic aspects. Be that as it may, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The genuine learning takes place on the streets of the country you’re in, not the classroom. While that might encourage some students who are tempted to study abroad, it’s crucial to recognize how many lessons could be learned out in the world, making it truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. More students at JMU should seize the opportunity to study abroad, as the life lessons taught can be so much more significant than anything learned within four classroom walls.

The conventional concept of studying abroad usually revolves around lectures, exams and academic achievements. While this is mainly what my parents focused on during my study abroad, the essence of this experience transcends the realms of textbooks and standardized tests.

Lauren Oudine, a junior dietetics major and Italian minor, recently returned from her study abroad in Reggio Calabria, Italy. She said the most profound lessons emerged from experiencing the food, learning to effectively use Italian, embracing moving around the globe and stepping out of her comfort zone when

adjusting to the culture. Oudine said the most difficult part of her study abroad was leaving such a simple and genuine lifestyle behind when she returned.

An extensive 2022 study conducted by Frontiers, The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, sheds light on both the benefits and complications associated with global and academic learning. While academic achievements are obviously a large part of the equation, the study shows the development of essential life skills through exposure to diverse perspectives.

Oudine’s personal experiences only echo these findings, emphasizing how lessons were learned and created through everyday encounters such as going to authentic restaurants or simply making new friends in the region.

Another study conducted in 2013 explored students’ immersion experiences and focused more on the cultural engagement aspect of studying abroad. It’s not simply about attending classes and taking tests — it’s about actively participating in the local community, forming connections and immersing yourself in the daily life of another culture. Oudine resonated with this idea, recounting the richness of Italian food culture.

“They just go when they need food, and there’s not a big selection,” Oudine said. “It just is what it is, and it’s very simple and they value it a lot. And I love it.”

The values of these real-life lessons extend far beyond the immediate study abroad experience.

It’s something you learn to appreciate the older you get because, unlike your general education English 222 class, for example, there is wisdom you’re more likely to hold on to. Things like adaptability, learned while studying abroad when navigating u n f a m i l i a r JMU's Center for Global Engagement facilitates numerous study abroad and environments, are valuable assets study away programs during the summer and academic year. in a constantly April Weber / The Breeze

changing atmosphere. Studying abroad doesn’t just look good to future employers for no reason. The ability to communicate across cultural and possibly even language barriers and demonstrate success in the face of challenges pushes you far ahead of your peers in a competitive job market and in life.

Traditional education styles build a foundation of knowledge while the study abroad experience offers a unique curriculum of life lessons. Many study abroad students like Oudine start to realize the importance of gaining outof-classroom experiences while away, traveling as much as they can. While Oudine chose not to travel outside of Italy, she did explore the country.

“Just being able to meet people from across the globe and being able to communicate with them in their language, I’m never going to have that chance in the near future, and that’s so cool,” Oudine said.

By doing this, she gained a greater appreciation for the world and the endless opportunities and friendships she could create.

While traditional academic methods undoubtedly play a role while studying abroad, the real value is in the experimental, spontaneous moments that unfold in a foreign land. As students set sail on study abroad adventures, it’s essential to approach the experience with an open mind, recognizing that the cultural, social and personal lessons are just as, if not more, significant than the academic ones.

Studying abroad will completely transform your college experience. It may not always be easy, but it’s almost always worth it. In just two weeks abroad, you could gain more applicable knowledge than in 18 years in an American school system. Not enough JMU students grasp the opportunity to study abroad, maybe because of our program options or means, but we are highly encouraged to.

This kind of adventure, where every interaction and each challenge contributes to an education and goes beyond the confines of the traditional classroom, is truly a lesson of a lifetime.

The Breeze reserves the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and if material is libelous, factually inaccurate or unclear.

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dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

There’s more to pole than meets the eye Karen McIntyre, the owner of Pink Ambition Pole Fitness, a pole dancing studio in downtown Harrisonburg, said students often gain a sense of confidence and the ability to express themselves creatively through learning pole. Kailey Garner / The Breeze

JACQUELINE DUA | contributing columnist Imagine a dimly lit room. There are strobe lights and music. It smells of varying perfumes and there’s one spotlight on stage. There on the stage surrounded by viewers is one scantily clad woman and a pole. She performs on the pole effortlessly.

Her movements are captivatingly hypnotic and evoke a different emotion with each change. You may have just imagined a strip club, but in actuality, I described a pole dancing competition. Pole dancing is commonly known for its association with nude women and erotic dancing, but it’s far more than that. It’s a community; it’s artistic expression; it’s confidence boosting; and it’s great exercise.

The exact origins of pole dancing is unclear, but many cultures could have led to the iteration of pole dancing we have today.

An article from Polepedia details varying influential origins of pole dance, such as a rumored African tribal dance that involved a woman moving seductively around a large wooden pole that simulated a phallus for her betrothed. This dance was intentionally representing sexual intercourse to show her soon-to-be husband she was fertile and ready to marry.

There’s also the 12th century Pagan Maypole fertility dance, when nude women holding ribbons connected to a large pole would dance around it in alternating movements to wind and unwind a ribbon from the pole. Following the dance, a feast and orgy would take place. It was intended to celebrate fertility and the union of the Beltane god and goddess.

Another possible origin is the Hoochie Coochie dancers of the late 18th century.

They were circus performers of Middle Eastern or Eastern European heritage.

They would use the main pole that held up

the circus tent to show off their elaborate tricks and do spins as they descended.

They wore jewelry, short skirts and exposed their midriffs. The term Hoochie Coochie developed as a description for the performers’ sexually provocative belly dancing.

In later years, pole dancing grew in popularity, apparent from its presence in burlesque clubs of the 1950s to the first exotic dance studio opening in the 1980s in Vancouver, Canada. But it really took off in the early 2000s. A Canadian exotic dancer named Fawnia first created and released at-home instructional videos on pole dancing for a worldwide consumer base.

She sparked wide circulation of videotapes, DVDs and at-home pole kits. Later in the 2000s, Sheila Kelly popularized the term “pole fitness” and pushed pole dancing as a sport. Additionally, the rise of the internet led to increased discovery of pole dance and the development of competitions.

Different for everyone

Pole dancing is so popular that here in our small town of Harrisonburg, there’s a studio called Pink Ambitions Pole Fitness owned by Karen McIntyre. The pole dancing studio is complete with pink wall lights and striped pink wallpaper reminiscent of a Victoria Secret store. A thick curtain adorned with strings of blue lights covers the entrance to the dance room. Six-inch platform stiletto heels are displayed on the farthest wall of the room. McIntyre opened her pole dancing studio at the suggestion of one of her students in 2015 after the one she worked for shut down. She said she started pole dancing not only because it was fun but also because it saved her life: It helped her conquer her eating disorder, which she’s struggled with most of her life. Pole dancing made her see what her body could do for her instead of how it looked.

“It makes you look at yourself different,” McIntyre said. “It makes you appreciate yourself.” Through teaching, she can see how her students develop confidence from learning pole dancing, based on how their clothing changes over time she said. One of her favorite things is watching her students go from wearing long, baggy clothes in one class, to buying their first pair of booty shorts and seeing the excitement on their faces. Short clothing isn’t just a necessity for proper gripping onto the pole, but it also can be seen as a rite of passage in her studio.

A joke in her studio is “the higher the pole class difficulty, the shorter the clothes get.”

After speaking with McIntyre and attending her studio open house, the passion she has for her craft and teaching her students is evident. The best way to describe McIntyre and her style of teaching is this: She’s “The Magic School Bus’” Ms. Frizzle of pole dancing. At her studio, various types of pole dancing are taught in the styles of each instructor. The instructors are intent on not making clones when teaching. They want to provide the space to express yourself as creatively as you want and give you the tools to forge your own path. How quickly a new student can learn pole is solely dependent on their motivation and base physicality.

Pole is an intense activity that involves the incorporation of more than just upper body strength. You will use your core, quads and back. It involves cardio, strength training and builds flexibility. Pole is something anyone can do, and it has diverse appeal.

There’s something for everybody. During McIntyre’s studio open house, a male student attended. The instructors also come from diverse backgrounds, working in massage therapy, teaching, project management, physical therapy, gymnastics and even biomedicine.

Studio instructor Mari Gambino said

during her first pole dancing competition, she danced like a creepy circus performer.

What inspired her to teach pole was the fact that it didn’t have to be the typical sexy dances — also, how much she enjoyed it and her desire to give back to the community.

She said she wants to switch the narrative from pole being just for strippers to it being for any kind of artistic interpretation that people can make their own. Pole is just a different creative outlet. For Gambino, pole means fitness, confidence inducement, community and upliftment.

“Everyone has a different pole journey.

Just because I started here doesn’t mean you start there. You can also surpass me,” Gambino said. “Do it as a group thing, like a girls’ day, or a friends’ evening. Come together so you have your support system.”

I got to witness a pole dancing competition hosted by the studio at Clementine Cafe in Harrisonburg. The event was so popular the venue filled to capacity and tickets sold out.

Rows of people had to sit on the floor due to a lack of seating. The talent and physicality of the studio’s students and instructors was amazing. Each performer had a different theme and style of dance. One performer faked a drop to the ground and another ended her routine with a political statement about abortion. There was one routine that started out creepy. It initially reminded me of the horror movie “The Ring,” but had a lively and bold ending. The dancer wore only a white T-shirt with her long, pale blonde hair obscuring her face. She moved from hypnotically slow movements to intense, hair-raising music as if she was a puppet. She moved circularly around the pole in different ways. At one point in her routine, she held onto the pole as if channeling King Kong. Once her legs were above her head, the music switched and the tone became vibrant. see POLE, page 20

20 from POLE, page 19

During my time trying out Pink Ambition’s classes at its open house, I felt welcomed and comfortable. There was no pressure. The instructors always met the students where they were and did not belittle them for making mistakes. The studio also offers private lessons for those not comfortable doing group lessons.

There were two classes that particularly challenged the comfort of some students — a twerk class and one called “Lights Down, Heat Up”.

During the twerk class, a song titled “Ms. New Booty” played in the background while we learned to twerk and gyrate in various ways. With each new move added, I could feel the exertion in my muscles. The class was high energy, fun and upbeat. It was like doing power cardio in the way the instructor, Kenesha, taught and the amount of movement. During the “Lights Down, Heat Up” class, which took place in a dark room with blue light, we expressed a more intimate and sensual part of ourselves while the song “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” played while our legs were in the air.

New pole dancing student Diana Rosinskiy said the desire of wanting to try something new was her motivation for learning pole. She described the class as fun and empowering. She also explained how the class made her feel like a woman and embrace her body.

“If you’re feeling shy, just go with somebody … I promise everybody opens up in that room,” Rosinskiy said. “It was fun, it was so fun. I would gladly do it again with somebody.”

McIntyre said, to her, pole inspires

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org feelings of pride, confidence, power, self-appreciation, acceptance, love and compassion — the latter two because “the pole world is a giant family.”

She said the mission of her studio is to build confidence, self-appreciation and self-love in her students, and to provide a community that nurtures and encourages that.

Pole has many positive effects such as the benefits to physical and mental health.

However, it unfortunately comes with negative perceptions. For those who are considering pole but are apprehensive because of the negative stereotypes, McIntyre said “it’s a physical activity and there’s nothing moral about it or immoral.”

“People that have those perceptions, they got it from somewhere. They were taught to believe that pole dancing is inappropriate,” she said. “But for the most part, those people I have found are looking at pole from a spectator mindset as opposed to from the poler mindset. It’s not about the spectator. It’s about you. Pole is a way to appreciate yourself.”

McIntyre said, yes, there are strippers in pole. But she also talked about pole art and pole comedy. She said she believes all styles of pole deserve respect because it’s just a style of pole — a style of an acrobatic strength on a tall metal apparatus.

Similarly, Rosinskiy said pole is a workout: “You feel good about yourself.

You’re in your feminine energy. Just give it a try anyway. That’s how you grow and change and get a different perspective on something, if you actually go out and try it.

Then you can judge.”

To those held back by negative conceptions, I say there’s empowerment in doing something

taboo. When I looked around the room after the class ended, I saw many people who left feeling better about themselves than when they started. I saw two girls walk in shy and leave with their heads tall. I think trying something taboo in a different light where it’s not taboo can build a sense of confidence.

It also builds inner strength and resilience because you’re learning to make your own

OPINION wave in a still ocean. Pole dance is not the stereotype — it’s your individual experience and perception.

CONTACT Jacqueline Dua at duaja@ dukes.jmu.edu. For more editorials regarding the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the opinion desk on Instagram and X @Breeze_Opinion.

Pole dancing is a challenging physical activity that requires strength, cardio and flexibility.

April Weber / The Breeze

MULTIMEDIA

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On-campus organizations gathered in the Festival Ballroom on Jan. 18 for spring Student Org Night. Students stopped by the various tables to learn more about groups and clubs at JMU. Photos by Landon Shackelford / The Breeze

This week on Breeze TV Top Stories Ashlyn Campbell (’23) discusses coverage of RCPS book removal A couple prepares to tie the knot with a trip to Finnigan’s Cove Women’s basketball suffers slim defeat vs. Marshall Weekend weather forecast

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Vol. 102, No. 16

Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org FOR RELEASE JANUARY 22, 2024

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Patti Varol

1/22/24

By Billy Ouska

3 Freedom from an obligation 4 Opera star 5 Hamstring, for one 6 Place for a passenger 7 Chem lab vessel 8 Not within walking distance 9 Female sib 10 Trying to find 11 Wipe away 12 Rodeo rope 13 Give voice to 18 Old Testament book before Nehemiah 21 Vocal quality 22 Goes from hot to warm 23 Broadcast’s sound component 25 App with reviews 26 Long-handled garden tools 28 Nevada city near Lake Tahoe 31 Actor Rockwell 32 Pioneering latenight host Jack 33 Passport info 34 Big venue DOWN 35 Fenway Park 1 AC meas. team, casually 2 Made a break for it

Saturday’s Puzzle Solved

stumpe

find the answers online

d?

ACROSS 1 Raised, as horses 5 Dust-ups 10 Rights org. with a Smart Justice campaign 14 Lyft alternative 15 Former Chinese premier Zhou __ 16 Shoe with little to no heel 17 Artistic gymnastics event 19 Sample 20 Miatas and CX-5s 21 Fluff, as hair 22 Cough syrup dosage unit, maybe 24 Campy musical comedy starring Tim Curry, to fans 27 Have a higher position than 29 Geologic span 30 “Garfield” dog 31 Place to observe undercover activity?

36 Safari park roarer 37 Rolled sandwiches 39 Prefix with space 40 First picture in a baby book, perhaps 42 Historic spans 43 Slangy aboutface 44 Voice range of many a 4-Down 47 Cocktails with peach schnapps and orange juice 52 Far from strict 53 Ram of horoscopes 54 Make a priest, say 56 Mario Kart units 57 Inauspicious beginning, or a feature of 17-, 24, and 47-Across 61 Narrow opening 62 Like agts. who no longer work for “the company” 63 Outback birds 64 “¿Cómo __ usted?”

65 “Stunning!”

66 Far from bold

www.breezejmu.org/ site/crossword_ answers/

©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

37 Small, chirpy bird 38 Disney’s “__ and the Last Dragon” 41 “__ Grocery Games”: Food Network series also called “Triple G” 44 Spanish golfer García who won the 2017 Masters Tournament 45 No longer in style

1/22/24

46 Educational TV ads 47 Untrue 48 Range between Europe and Asia 49 “Quiet, you!”

50 Brand of saltine crackers 51 Go to bat (for) 55 Celebrity couple 57 Hi-__ image 58 Good Grips brand 59 Feel shame about 60 “For shame!”

Vol. 102, No. 16 DUKE DOG AUTO ALLY LOCAL AUTOS FOR SALE

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Thursday, January 25, 2024 | breezejmu.org

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