Feb. 19, 2019

Grad Guide Special

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February 19, 2019

COLLEGIATETIMES

An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903

HOKIES BOUNCE BACK AFTER CORNELL LOSS

The Hokies were able to finish the weekend strong against rival UVA on Saturday.

Provost Clarke envisions future of Virginia Tech In a Q&A, Cyril Clarke discusses why he came to Virginia Tech and his future plan.

TAHREEM ALAM

assistant news editor

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Hokies’ Billy Miller throws Cavaliers’ Tyler Love to the mat at Moss Arts Center. The Hokies win 30-6 to the Cavaliers, Feb. 16, 2019.

NICHOLAS HATCH MADDIE THOMPSON sports staff writer and sports editor

To begin a critical weekend of wrestling, Virginia Tech welcomed No. 9 Cornell to Cassell Coliseum to face off in what would appear to be an intense dog fight of two top contenders in the NCAA top-15. What appeared to be a beatdown by Cornell would turn out to be one of the Hokies’ most intense and impressive performances

of the year. They then closed out the weekend on a high note in the Moss Arts Center, crushing conference foe No. 22 UVA. The energy in the Moss Arts Center was electric as the Hokies tried to improve their record at the location to 8–1 and bounce back from a stinging loss against Cornell the day before. That Saturday, the Hokies dominated the ‘Hoos for the second time this season, winning eight of ten bouts.

After a tough day against

Cornell, Zack Zavatsky bounced back to usual form, scoring a win off Virginia’s Drew Peck, 18–3. He wasn’t the only winner of the night, as Mitch Moore kicked off the night with his 16th overall win during his true freshman season.

Joey Prata, facing his second top-10 opponent of the weekend, held No. 5 Jack Mueller to a 6–2 decision.

Brooks Wilding was also able to hold his top-10 matchup to a 14–7 decision to help the Hokies top the

‘Hoos, 30–6.

The Hokies had their work cut out for them to begin Friday night against a well-coached Cornell team, but they sent arguably their best wrestler to test the water in Zavatsky. After moving up four spots to No. 2 following his victory over No. 14 Chip Ness of UNC by major decision, Zavatsky put on a performance that the audience was not particularly used to witnessing RECAP / page 5

On Jan. 1, 2019, Cyril Clarke assumed his role as the executive vice president and provost at Virginia Tech. Previously, he served as dean of the VirginiaMa r yland College of Veterinary Medicine from 2013 to October of 2017, and he became interim executive vice president and provost at Virginia Tech after Thanassis Rikakis stepped down.

Collegiate Times: Why do you believe you are fit for this position?

Cyril Clarke: President Sands said some very nice things about me. But I want to point out that in all of those programs, whether it was the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative or whether it was the early phase of the Calhoun Discovery Program or with the innovation campus, I was just one of a lot of people working to make that happen. I think to be a provost you need to firstly (have) a commitment to the core mission of an institution. And the core mission of an institution like ours has to do with preparing students, preparing graduates to meet their own expectations, and serve their communities for the rest of their lives. And so I’ve

been an educator for over 30 years now, and I’ve been an educator at universities that are all land-grant universities. So, Virginia Tech is a land-grant institution, and land-grant institutions are a particular type of university that are committed to this tripod-type mission involves teaching and learning and research and outreach and service. And so, these are already connected. So, while I am a health scientist, a veterinarian, and while I’ve done a significant amount of research in my career that’s fascinating, what really grabs me is trying to understand how students learn and how to facilitate that by advancing, supporting and enabling faculty in that task.

And I don’t know, maybe that was part of (becoming provost).

CT: What interested you the most about Virginia Tech?

CC: So previous to that, I actually served as dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State.

So, I left Oregon State to serve as dean at Virginia Tech. I had a great experience at Oregon State, very satisfactory and I liked living there, but I was really excited by Virginia Tech because on the one hand, it’s

PROVOST / page 4

New fitness park aims to improve student wellness Virginia Tech Housing and Residential Life and Campus Recreation opens new park to encourage students to go outdoors.

KEVIN SANDLER news staff writer

Virginia Tech Housing and Residential Life and Campus Recreation has recently opened a new outdoor fitness park with the purpose to improve s t u d e n t s’ wel l ness.

University officials hope that this $120,000 park will get students to spend more time outside.

The fitness park is located at the Prairie Quad in front of Lee Hall and behind Peddrew-Yates Hall and New Residence Hall East.

Director of Recreational Sports Ali Cross researched which type of equipment would be best for the students and the execution of the project as a whole. The park is composed of three sections. The first section, which is closest to Pritchard Hall, has outdoor fitness equipment for students to use.

“There is a series of outdoor activities,” said Frances Keene, the interim director of Housing and

Residence at Virginia Tech.

“There’s rings, there’s bars, there’s all sorts of way to exercise in the fitness park.”

T he s e c ond m a i n component is the improvement of two sand volleyball courts, resurfaced basketball courts, areas implemented for people to spectate, and the installation of programmable lights.

Currently, these lights are set to shut off at 10 p.m., but can be adjusted to accommodate late night events.

Finally, on the side of the quad closest to PeddrewYates Hall and New Residence Hall East lies a grassy area, intended for soccer or any other activity not requiring outdoor equipment.

“We’re trying to improve the outdoor amenities, particularly around the residential quadrant of campus,” said Frank Shushok, senior associate vice president for Student Affairs. “If we create great spaces for students to do fun things, they’ll use it.”

The project, which

SHOULD I BE A DOCTOR OR A DOCTOR? The difference between an M.D. and a Ph.D. page 9

com mence d i n Ju ne 2018, was intended to be completed before the start of the fall semester in 2018, but weather implications over the summer halted progress.

While parts of the park unofficially opened for students at the end of last semester, final steps of the project such as laying down sod and adding more sidewalk to the area should be completed in the upcoming weeks according to Keene.

Additionally, Keene stated that Housing and Residentia l Life a nd Campus Recreation are look ing into sta r ting programs such as “Friday Nights in the Park,” which are intended to provide students opportunities to be active and meet new people.

“I hope the students get enjoyment out of it, build community with other students, and try something they would not normally try,” Keene said.

Shuskok said that there is a major push to improve student wellness in regards

TAHREEM ALAM / COLLEGIATE TIMES The fitness park is located at the Prarie Quad in front of Lee Hall, Feb. 17, 2019.

to spending time outside, thus the commencement of projects such as the fitness park or the renovated patio outside of O’Shaughnessy Hall.

“There’s lots of good research that says students who spend more time

IS TAKING A GAP YEAR FOR YOU? Consider the pros and cons of taking a year off. page 7

outside are healthier, have a greater sense of wellbeing, they’re more active. I won’t be surprised if we do another fitness park somewhere at some point too,” Shushok said. “We think students using the fitness park will make friends, be healthy,

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and enjoy Virginia Tech. If those three happen then it is 100 percent successful.”

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opinions

PAGE 2 February 19, 2019

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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column

‘Laptop sticker feminism’: Quick, convenient and utterly superficial

LTE: Calling for resignation of Northam, Herring

Those who truly wish to consider themselves feminists should stop treating the movement like a trendy new jacket and look at it as a lifestyle to be embraced.

A

n “empowered women empower women” sticker costs $3.09 and has become a hallmark of college-aged feminism. Slap that on the back of your laptop and you’re just forward enough to be socially acceptable, yet moderate so as to not scare off anyone that might judge you. If you toss in an Instagram post about how much you love your mom on International Women’s Day and share the latest viral video of a little girl questioning gender norms, you’re golden. It’s convenient feminism. You do the bare minimum — telling everyone that you care — without doing any of the work to actually uphold feminist values.

This isn’t by any means a practice pioneered by only college students. It is just an adaptation of the simplified, commercialized feminism that the media tends to sensationalize. For example, celebrities like Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence are idolized as feminists for being quirky and talking about eating pizza, while in the meantime, Schumer jokes that Hispanic women are “crazy” and Lawrence serves as the face of a collection inspired by traditional Mexican female equestrians in a “modern” take. This lazy and shallow interpretation of feminism has unfortunately become mainstream. As long as you persistently express that you are a feminist in a marketable way, your true actions and values are swept under the rug no matter how wrong they may be.

W hile there is no clear-cut right or wrong way to uphold feminist values, no matter how much you speak about something, it doesn’t make it true — talk is cheap.

Feminism is a complex issue that requires a deeper understanding and effort. Take the sticker, for example. Surely, it has a good message, but it fails to recognize a lot of what feminism embodies.

E mp owe r e d women empower women, but what about the feminists who are genderfluid, trans or male?

Feminism doesn’t only serve women, and when you narrow it down to that, you undermine its message.

It’s not just about freeing the nipple or clapping back at your ex, but rather all the burdens that a patriarchal society has on all groups of people. Because misogyny is so ingrained in our society, its traces become present on a daily basis in even the most subtlest ways and affects everyone. Failing to try to understand that feminism is beyond just you and your circle is failing to be what

your views [letter to the editor]

A

s Virginia Tech students and residents of the great Commonwealth of Virginia, we are ashamed, disappointed and angered by the news that has come out regarding our governor and state attorney general.

The recent revelations that have come out about their past behaviors are shocking and unacceptable to say the least. We, as the College Republicans at Virginia Tech, believe that Gov. Northam and Attorney General Herring have no choice but to step down from their respective positions.

Unfortunately, it is no secret that racism has historically plagued

Laptop with stickers, Feb. 17, 2019.

you so persistently claim.

Feminism means something different to each individual, which is what allows it to be so convenient for some. However, its truest form is when it motivates you to be more knowledgeable about the issues that affect people besides you. Poverty, racism, homophobia, abuse, discrimination, prejudice and toxic masculinity are all issues that contribute to the greater cause. If we say that feminism is a cause we

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NEHA OGALE

treats someone poorly will make a difference, but if you can hold one person accountable for their toxic behavior, then they can learn to do the same. If you can’t change them, then you may change the perspective of someone else present by exemplifying that it isn’t normal or cool to be bigoted. Nevertheless, even if you aren’t able to successfully reach people, at least you tried rather than being complicit. It takes far more

“Truly understanding

feminism is the determining factor between whether you decide to stand up for a cause or simply stick it on the back of your laptop.

”

care about, we have to be attentive to all these matters and be open to learning about them so that we can be empathetic and supportive to those who have been victims of them. We cannot only accept feminism when it’s fun and trendy.

When we make an effort to understand all that feminism embodies and consider those who are impacted by it, then we can understand what it means to be a feminist. It is not just stating it and believing it, but also acting on it and not just when it is convenient or selfserving. It means speaking up and taking action, even when it may not be easy to do so. The small sacrifice you make by getting out of your comfort zone serves a greater purpose for people who cannot do that.

You may not think that something as insignificant as correcting someone who uses harmful language or

character and strength to try to elicit change than to simply accept and excuse poor behavior.

Feminism is also a global issue and is more pressing in different areas of the world. In some countries, the problems that feminists face are far more severe than the ones we deal with in the western world, which is all the more reason for us to provide support and advocacy for these areas. We have a platform to discuss the issues that concern us, whereas many don’t have that luxury.

While we tackle the feminist issues facing our own nation, it is equally important to learn about those that plague parts of the developing world and try to provide any aid possible.

This doesn’t just entail volunteering every so often for another bullet point on your resume. It also means actively doing your research,

Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times.

All letters must include a name and phone number. Students 365 Squires Student Center must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include Blacksburg, VA, 24061 position and department. Other submissions must include city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason.

Anonymous letters will not be printed.

Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times.

Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors.

keeping up with the latest news, sharing information with your peers and encouraging people to do the same no matter how difficult of an issue it may be. We cannot only get involved when it is easy and approved by mainstream trends. With all of the resources we have, it is important that we attempt to extend a hand to those who don’t.

It isn’t difficult to state that you’re a feminist and speak up about trendy, topical issues that directly impact you or the people in your circle. This is what we commonly accept as feminism, but it barely scratches the surface.

Feminism is an understanding of the values that become a part of you and your way of thinking. It isn’t something you can pick up and put down when you want. Rather, it should change the way you look at things throughout your daily life, your decisions, and how you delegate your activism. Truly understanding feminism is the determining factor between whether you decide to stand up for a cause or simply stick it on the back of your laptop.

DONYA MOMENIAN • opinions columnist • sophomore, business information technology

to make the case that “it was a different time” or “they were young” when Northam and Herring wore blackface. These defenses are weak at best. We’re talking about actions taken by men in their late teens and early 20s, during the 1980s. As for the age-based argument, are we not all in college? Are we not all in the same age group as they were at the time? We are, and the idea of putting on racist blackface costumes in an ill-conceived attempt at humor for a party would never enter our minds.

As far as the times-based argument is concerned, we are talking about the 1980s, not the 1880s. There is no way they will convince

“How can we allow

top-level state officials to continue in their roles after their actions have targeted and marginalized nearly a fifth of their constituents?

Virginia. Fortunately, those ideologies and behaviors do not exist nearly to the extent today that they used to.

Allowing two elected officials who have participated in crude, racist behaviors in the past to remain in office is clearly a step backward.

We as Virginians, and as Americans, are eager to continue to progress forward and do everything in our power to make racist ideologies a thing of the past. Allowing our Governor and Attorney General to get by after having both admitted to wearing offensive blackface costumes is not only inappropriate, it’s simply wrong. According to an estimate from Census. gov, blacks made up 19.8 percent of Virginia’s population in 2018. How can we allow top-level state officials to continue in their roles after their actions have targeted and marginalized nearly a fifth of their constituents?

This is not the Jim Crow South of the past, it’s 2019 and we need to be holding ourselves, and especially our leaders, to a higher standard. Some have tried

”

anyone that as recently as 40 years ago they didn’t know any better than to participate in this kind of behavior.

The past actions of Northam and Herring have created a large, non-partisan call for their resignations. We as the College Republicans at Virginia Tech share this view and believe that Northam and Herring’s resignations are a necessary first step for the healing of the countless Vi rginians who feel betrayed by their elected officials. We as a state are moving forward, and there is no way we can accomplish this while being led by individuals whose behavior holds us back. We hope Northam and Herring will take responsibility for their actions and do what is necessary to best serve the Commonwealth of Virginia.

AJ VAIL FIRST VICE CHAIR COLLEGE REPUBLICANS AT VIRGINIA TECH

COLLEGIATE TIMES NEWSROOM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-9865

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The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2019. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.

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Students enjoy War Memorial Hall’s gym facilities during summer sessions as well as the academic school year.

BEN WEIDLICH / COLLEGIATE TIMES

War Memorial Hall to see new renovations in 2019 The project will add features such as an expanded weight room, a meditation room and a bridge connecting to Payne Hall.

DYLAN HANES news staff writer

Vi rginia Tech will begin a renovation project on War Memorial Hall at the end of 2019. Working with CannonDesign, the university plans to create a more pleasant gym experience for students and bring one of the older buildings on campus into the future.

The front tower of War Memorial Hall has been a part of the Virginia Tech campus since the 1920s. It was funded by a group of alumni as a way to memorialize Hokies who fought and died in World War I. The back half of the building was added in the 1970s.

The renovation project will add features such as an expanded weight room, spaces designed for mental health and air conditioning. “(A i r cond it ion i ng) and the overall aging and health of the building are what really pushed this project to be at the front,” said Ali Cross, director of Recreational Sports. “If you look at anything that folks say about War, it’s that it’s hot.”

But air conditioning is just the beginning. The redesign of War Memorial Hall will give it an open and inviting look from the outside to go with the cooled indoor spaces.

“It’s going to look like a glassed-in facility where, when you’re driving around the Drillfield, it’ll light up the building,” Cross said.

“It’ll draw attention to the building because of the design, the lighting, and how much glass is on the building instead of just being Hokie Stone you can’t peak through.”

For some, War Memorial Gym has the feeling of being just that: a gym. Cross hopes to challenge that perspective by expanding student access to different kinds of physical activity.

“I’m hoping that adding in the elements of different activity types with the trend around body weight exercise and Ninja Warrior, we’ll have a space in there that will be more about strength and conditioning and not just about selecting weights and plates,” Cross said.

Weights and plates will still be given attention in the redesign.

“Now there’s about 5,000 square feet for weight and cardio and that’s going to about triple,” Cross said.

“There are going to be some spaces that you can reserve off in the weight room.”

Some activities have been in high demand from students, and War Memorial Gym, as it stands, doesn’t facilitate them.

“Climbing is something

we have had a lot of requests for,” Cross said. “The way we’re designing it is recognizing the trend for exercise and people wanting to do things in group settings.”

Designs for the new and improved War Memorial Hall also place an emphasis on spaces for mental health.

“We’re trying to look at well-being in multiple ways,” Cross said. “We’ll be designing some experiences that are activity- and nutrition-based, there is a lot of mindfulness work that will go into this.”

Mental health is a major topic of concern on college campuses in recent years.

Survey data compiled by the American College Health Association showed that 63.4 percent of students reported feeling overwhelming anxiety in the past 12 months and 41.9 percent felt so depressed that it was difficult to function.

With this unfortunate trend in mind, Virginia Tech Recreational Sports is working to incorporate mental health into the spaces that make up War Memorial Hall. One such space will be the meditation room.

“There are some multipurpose rooms there that will offer ongoing workshops about some healthy behavior in some sort of workshop setting,” Cross said. “But the meditation

room we hope just stays open and available for people to come in and out of.”

In addition to the meditation room, plans have been drawn to build a dedicated community space for students suffering from alcohol and drug addiction.

“It’s more of a community space for people that have had addictions and are trying to find a space; they don’t always want to go downtown, they don’t want to always be around alcohol and other drugs that might be tempting,” Cross said.

“This can be a home for that.

And it’s outside of their own apartment, because you still want to get out, otherwise you may just feel that you’re secluded and locked into your own home.”

For students interested in living a healthy life during college, the new livinglearning community in Payne Hall is aimed to help them find their place with other like-minded Hokies.

The new LLC will include a teaching kitchen and reviving a bridge that once connected Payne Hall to War Memorial Hall, which would give residents immediate access to the facility.

“It’s just going to be people who want to be healthy physically and mentally while they’re here,” Cross said. “But it’s not isolated to one academic

U.S. Department of Energy awards power centers $1.8 million in funds Two Virginia Tech research teams are developing a more efficient power system, referred to as the “future grid,” to use renewable energy resources.

KELLEY GATES news staff writer

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded the Virginia Tech Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES) and the Power and Energy Center (PEC) $1.8 million to come up with a new system of power distribution that adjusts for the changes in power supply from renewable energy resources.

Leading this project is Dr. Rolando Burgos, an associate professor at the CPES. The two teams are working on new systems that would make the power f low quicker and more efficient.

Burgos explained that the limited periods of power generation from renewable resources creates what is called a “duck” curve. This is a mathematical model that shows the time when power generation from renewables increases and power from traditional sources can decrease. This change in power sources is at times unpredictable and places strain on the current power grid. This is because the current grid does not have

the capabilities to quickly switch sources or loads.

According to Burgos, the U.S. Department of Energy decided to be proactive in its approach to this problem by creating a grant to help researchers solve this problem before it happens.

Burgos’ team is working on a new system of power converters that can handle these quick changes in power generation as a part of what he refers to as the “future grid.” These power converters work similarly to the processors inside a computer and can perform switches in power use and production over 1,000 times faster than the current system. These devices are also compact and can handle many large loads at a time.

“Electronics are very fast, and the old system is very slow,” Burgos said.

Burgos’ team first simulated these new power converters in computer programs before building fully functioning miniature models to test in the lab.

Each miniature power converter is a functional model put through various simulated loads. With these

simulations and models, Burgos and his team can gain more accurate data on the performance of these new technologies.

The converters will give engineers working on the grid direct control over where power is generated and sent, reducing cost and waste. With these power converters, the power grid can be converted into a network of small power generation stations and renewable energy resources that can actively adapt not only to changes in power sources, but also power usage. These innovations will help make the power supply even more stable than it is today.

“The future grid will form a network of power generators, like the internet for computers,” Burgos said.

Burgos said that the collaboration of the two departments is something unique to Virginia Tech because most universities only have either a power electronics depar tment or a power and energy department, not both.

Burgos believed the c ol l a b o r a t io n pl a c e d

Virginia Tech in a unique position to receive the grant from the Department of Energy. Before this grant, usually only the PEC would be involved in the innovation and maintenance of the power grid, but the CPES’s experience producing similar, smaller systems for the Air Force made it a valuable asset for this project. The ability to cooperate with each other ensured that a innovative solution could be found.

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department.”

Overall, Cross hopes that redesigning War Memorial Hall sends a message to current and future students.

“It being right on the Drillfield, center of campus, that is a loud statement from the University to say that we’re going to dedicate that building and put these kinds of resources into it to make

health and well-being more available and better serving to our students,” Cross said.

Construction is set to begin in December of 2019 and expected to be complete in mid-2021.

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Portrait of Dr. Cyril R. Clarke, Provost of Virginia Tech, Feb. 5, 2019.

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aspiration, it’s aspiration for program development, moving ahead in a manner that really served student interest and that met the mission of a land-grant institution. But on the other hand, the balance of that aspiration with this commitment to Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve,” there’s a certain humility that is embedded in that ethic of service.

And so, Virginia Tech is a very interesting institution because it has this ambitious aspiration. But that aspiration is framed within this commitment to service, which is a commitment that actually depends on

terms of its reputation, its legacy connected with engineering and science and technology, but in addition to that, it will be recognized across many other areas disciplinary contexts.

I believe that the Blacksburg campus will continue to have a strong core identity as a hub of an institution, but we’ll see an even stronger presence of Virginia Tech in northern Virginia, centered around the innovation campus. Roanoke, I think, is going to be much more expansive as an academic health center with not only a vibrant and reputable school of medicine, but a very productive and impactful research institute and then through the partnership

“We will continue to

adapt and adjust ... as we go foward in innovative and creative ways, but building on the tradition and legacy that we have.

”

Cyril Clarke executive vice president and provost humility as well. It’s got the aspirations, but it doesn’t have the swagger that I think is often inappropriate with a land-grant institution.

And then from a personal reason, I came to Virginia Tech because I was fascinated with the prospect of being part of that enterprise that was building health sciences, education research and outreach in a very interesting way.

I think as we move forward in the future, Virginia Tech will continue to climb in terms of its national and international visibility. I think it’s going to continue to advance in

with Carilion Clinic and other enterprises. The third element, I think, is really going to be one of economic development and the impact through the translation of research discoveries into business enterprises that ultimately allow us to apply those discoveries to the health and welfare of the patients.

CT: Can you describe your experience during your time in South America?

CC: I’ve been an American citizen for quite some years now, but I arrived in the United States in 1983.

Well, in 1983, I was already a veterinarian and I’d seen

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practice for a few years in South Africa and I came to United States to enroll in a graduate program (for a) Ph.D. When I completed that, I stayed. And so, I am in every respect a citizen of the United States and fully committed to this nation, but there’s part of me that’ll be African forever that’s connected with a sub-Saharan Africa and its people and its geography, its topography. And so, as an immigrant, I think about this experience in certain ways.

One of the ways is with a very high sense of appreciation for the opportunity to advance a career, to serve a community, to be part of a nation and its welfare, even though I wasn’t born here. That to me is a special privilege.

CT: Is there anything else that you would like to mention?

CC: You know, just to reiterate, Virginia Tech is an extraordinary institution. It is built on a foundation, a commitment, a tradition that serves as an important legacy. But, we’re a forward-looking institution and in the coming year and the coming years, we will continue to adapt and adjust in a manner that we can really move forward and meet that goal of serving the needs of students, of advancing research that makes a difference in people’s lives and taking both that education and that research and extending it to the communities; and this commitment, Ut Prosim, we’ll continue to do that as we go forward in innovative and creative ways, but building on the tradition and the legacy that we have.

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sports

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February 19, 2019 PAGE 5

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RECAP: Wrestlers end on a win at Moss Arts Center

from page 1

out of the 2018 NCAA All-American, when he was bested by opponent Max Dean, a sophomore out of Lowell, Michigan, by major decision. The final score of the match was a depressing 9–0 with the Virginia Tech 184-pounder on the losing end for the first time since the Cliff Keen Invite. The major decision would put a sizeable dent in the Hokies’ chances of making a comeback. After losses by No. 11 Korbin Myers, Prata and Moore, the Hokies would not help their

cause, making for a lopsided 16–3 deficit.

True to its values of resilience and determination, Virginia Tech would turn the tides and muster up a bit of momentum evident by wins from Ryan Blees, B.C. LaPrade, No. 10 Mekhi Lewis and No. 8 David McFadden.

Down to the Hokies’ final match of the night trailing by three points, McFadden would rise to the occasion.

“Be a hero!” a man in the audience yelled during the first period of the match, and McFadden did just that for the Hokies.

The contest began and the talent level of both wrestlers immediately appeared transparent as each fought to best the other in point total.

The two would grapple for quite a bit while the score awarded each side two points.

Suddenly, McFadden found himself face-up on the mat struggling to solve the sticky situation that he was in. The arena was in chaos as both coaches threw their challenge brick screaming at the referee to make the correct call. Despite the close call, McFadden settled down to take care of business,

ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES Hokies’ Mekhi Lewis interlocks with Cavaliers’ Cam Coy at Moss Arts Center. The Hokies win 30-6 to the Cavaliers, Feb. 16, 2019.

defeating Brandon Womack 8–6. The dual would be tied at 16–16, but the Big Red would take home the victory due in part to their bonus point advantage, providing the Hokies with a deflating 17–16 defeat.

While Virginia Tech

wrestling took home the loss, the team expressed a tremendous amount of grit to fight back and virtually dominate one of the best teams in the nation during the second half.

The Hokies will be back in Cassell this weekend as

they get set to face off against ACC opponent N.C. State to close out their regular season.

@CTSportsTalk

Women’s basketball stung late by Yellow Jackets Despite a late second-half surge and a 27-point performance from Taylor Emery, the Hokies were unable to get key ACC win.

CLAIRE CASTAGNO sports staff writer

Virginia Tech (16–9, 3–9 ACC) looked for its fourth consecutive road game win in its only matchup with Georgia Tech (16–9, 6–6 ACC) this season. Down by double digits for most of the game, the Hokies were able to make a late game comeback to put the Yellow Jackets in trouble.

But Virginia Tech’s effort was simply not enough and the Hokies fell to Georgia Tech, 76–68.

Head coach Kenny Brooks showed his frustration with his team from the slideline

th roughout the ga me.

Virginia Tech’s chances of making the NCAA tournament are growing very slim and lots of work must be done in its remaining five conference games and the conference tournament in order to secure a bid.

Asia Sheppard of Virginia Tech opened up the scoring with a quick three. Despite Georgia Tech’s full court pressure, the Hokies went on an early run, including a fourpoint play from Taylor Emery, who ranks fourth in the ACC in scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game. After only coming up with eight points

on Feb. 10 in the Hokies’ loss to No. 2 Louisville, she was due for a big game in Atlanta. Georgia Tech then went on a 10–2 run, using Virginia Tech’s tendency to turn the ball over to their advantage. Francesca Pan hit a three-pointer for Georgia Tech at the buzzer to end the first quarter and cut Virginia Tech’s lead to only three.

During the second quarter, shots were not falling for the Hokies and their lead slipped away. Many playmaking opportunities were lost due to some costly Hokie turnovers.

The Hokies were scoreless in the last two minutes of the

half, and the Yellow Jackets outscored them 25–12 in the second quarter, giving them a 10-point advantage at the half.

The third quarter was more of the same for the Hokies.

Georgia Tech played with lots of aggression, and Virginia Tech made many sloppy mistakes during critical possessions. However, after trailing by 17 at one point, Virginia Tech was able to get within six points with 7:39 left to play in the second half; a few open threes from Francesca Pan was the Yellow Jackets’ response. Redshirt senior Regan Magarity took charge for the Hokies

and emphasized during timeouts that they have to stick together. A late game 3-pointer from Dara Mabrey brought it to a one possession game. Still down with less than a minute to play, the Hokies were forced to foul.

Georgia Tech hit eight of their 11 shots from the line in the last minute of regulation, and it was ultimately enough to secure an eight point victory.

Taylor Emery ended up having a huge scoring game for the Hokies, finishing with 27 points and shooting 50 percent from the three-point line. Regan Magarity was also big for Virginia Tech, with a

double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds. For Georgia Tech, Francesa Pan was key to its victory, contributing 26 points and a steal on the last play of the game.

Virginia Tech has its rematch against No. 20 Miami coming up on Feb. 21 in Cassell Coliseum. The Canes were Virginia Tech’s first ACC opponent this season and that game also resulted in a tough loss after a close game.

@CTSportsTalk

column

Justin Robinson’s return is key to Hokies’ success Since Robinson’s injury against Miami, Virginia Tech has had big shoes to fill, averaging 13 less points per game in his absence.

GRIFFIN SCANLAN sports staff writer

Star point guard Justin Robinson’s foot injury that has kept him out the last few games has put a strain on the Virginia Tech Hokies’ success so far this season, and with the uncertainty of his return, the Hokies have a lot of questions that need answering. Without Robinson running the offense, guards Wabissa Bede and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be forced to shoulder the load of ball-handling duties.

Robinson was an enormous part of Tech’s success, especially on the offensive side of the court, and his presence will be greatly missed by the Hokies.

As we have seen in the last two games against N.C. State and Louisville, AlexanderWalker and Bede have huge shoes to fill without Robinson’s 5.5 assists per

game and numerous hockey assists.

“It’s almost like you’ve got to be perfect,” AlexanderWalker said after the Louisville game on Monday night.

Robinson has the ability to move past any man or zone defense thrown his way, creating holes for himself and his teammates within the defense and attacking opposing teams at their weak points. This elite point guard mentality is not something that is taught, but rather a sign of high basketball IQ and talent for the game.

The Hokies got off to a rough start against N.C. State without their starting floor captain, and we saw a very slow and stagnant offense as a result. Eventually, AlexanderWalker and Bede began to find ways to the basket, but they still only had a combined assist count of five. The Hokies were not at their best,

ending the game with only 47 points; however, they still got the win because of N.C. State’s poor shooting after shooting an atrocious 16.7 percent from the field and 7.1 percent from three. While N.C. State did not shoot well, a large factor was Virginia Tech’s stellar defensive performance.

In the next game against the Louisville Cardinals, A lexa nder-Wa l ker a nd Bede played the game with a much more ball-dominant mentality. They almost doubled their assists with a combined nine dishes, and they moved the ball much more efficiently. However, even with the improvement in their ability to move the ball and score, it was obvious the team was missing Robinson.

“I think all of their roles have changed dramatically and I think we need some more reps to figure out how we can be better,” head coach

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ Justin Robinson (5) expresses frustration in the second half of a 103-82 loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Dean Smith Center, Jan. 21, 2019.

Buzz Williams said after their Louisville matchup.

The Hokies ended up losing to the Cardinals 72–64, but they played a much better all-around game after their successful performance against the Wolfpack.

Alexander-Walker continued to show development as a point guard after his 17-point showing against Georgia Tech at home last Wednesday. He also contributed seven assists.

Still, the team has struggled against far less talented teams without Robinson.

After watching the games in the last week, it’s clear that Virginia Tech desperately needs its star point guard back on the court to have any chance against dominant teams like UVA or Duke.

@CTSportsTalk

AHMED MUSTAFA / COLLEGIATE TIMES Virginia Tech Hokies’ Justin Robinson (5) walks off the court at halftime of a 59–51 loss to the Clemson Tigers at Little John Coliseum. Robinson suffered a toe injury in conference play against Miami, Feb. 9, 2019.

ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES The men’s basketball team, with an injured Justin Robinson, does its pre-game ritual before facing off against Pittsburgh at the Petersen Events Center. The Hokies would go on to win 70-64, Feb. 16, 2019.

PAGE 6 February 19, 2019

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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627

Residencies in 2018 in 20 disciplines

YOUR ROAD TO RESIDENCY STARTS HERE medical.rossu.edu

RYAN W. DAY, MD ’12

COMPLEX GENERAL SURGICAL ONCOLOGY FELLOW MD ANDERSON CANCER CENTER

DR. DAY AT A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP IN HAITI.

Questions? Contact Ross Admissions:

admissions@rossu.edu | Phone: 855.637.6778 | Text: 954.780.6396 ©2018 Ross University School of Medicine. All rights reserved.

Grad Guide Special

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February 19, 2019 PAGE 7

collegiatetimes.com

Mind the gap: Pros and cons of taking a year off Considering a gap year? Our writer assures you there is nothing wrong with taking some time off to sort out your future plans.

CALLIE FENTRESS lifestyles staff writer

When gearing up to make the complex decision of whether or not to take a year-long detour on the road to furthering your education, there are numerous factors to consider. These factors often stem from personal priorities; whether a straight-line education path is necessary for you to feel secure in your career path, or whether a small break in between big steps can assist you in being totally sure you made the right choice.

When making the big decision, it ultimately comes down to your own personal priorities and beliefs. It can be a stressful decision for a young adult to make, so hopefully this objective, non-judgemental explanation supporting both sides of the argument will assist in your final decision.

You’ve heard about friends and family members taking gap years between high school and college, college and grad school, or grad school and careers. So, you wonder, what are the pros of taking a year for yourself?

One of the main reasons students opt for a year off is to plan for the future. But college is all about planning, right? Wrong.

With so much on your plate for all four years of college, it can be hard to find the time to really sit down and organize your thoughts.

Advisers can assist in your planning, but they cannot make any concrete decisions

decisions. Some students simply need a break after college, which as we all know can be draining to our mental health. It is perfectly acceptable to need a year off to transition. A common path students opt for is to travel, or to explore the world before life gets in the way. Maybe you never got the chance to study abroad in undergrad and always regretted it. Or, maybe you caught the travel-bug during your semester abroad.

Whatever the case, taking a year off to explore the world

“A common path students opt for is to travel, or to explore the world before life gets in the way. for you, which often leaves students confused about which future path is best for them. Taking a gap year gives you a whole extra year with no projects, exams or papers to figure out what to do and where to go. Sure, a year is a long time to come up with a relative plan, but the future is not guaranteed, and having some extra time to adjust for unseen circumstances can certainly be helpful.

Another reason to give yourself a break between college and grad school is simply to make up your mind.

It sounds like something that could be done in a day’s time; however, because grad school is not required post-undergrad for many majors, it can cause uncertainty about whether it is truly worth it to suffer through even more school — We’ve been in school since we were five years old, give me a break!

Having a year off to speak to current grad students, ex-professors, friends and family can ensure that you are confident in your final decision. Not to mention that if you do decide to go, you will have a whole year uninterrupted by other schoolwork to scope out your future school and decide which program is right for you.

Not everyone is concerned with planning and tough

”

and open your eyes to new experiences can be extremely beneficial. Not only will you return with a new appreciation for airplane neck pillows, but you will have had a chance to lose yourself in other cultures, which can lead to you finding your true path.

As with any big decision, there are a few cons to consider regarding gap years as well. Firstly, taking a year off may lower your motivation to even consider furthering your education at graduate school. After 16 consecutive years of school, finally having some time off may feel so good that you never want to go back.

This can be especially problematic if you were originally planning to attend grad school. “Planning to go” turns into “might go” and finally rests at “going when you get around to it.”

We have all procrastinated on a big project or paper at one point during our academic career, and this is essentially just a more intense version of that. Opting for a gap year and procrastinating on grad school can reduce your intent to follow through, which can lead to the abandonment of the idea all together.

Another con of waiting a year to go back to school is the tough transition. It’s one thing to have a week or

two off school for winter or spring break, but a whole year can cause you to fall out of the routine of juggling all of the school work, which can make grad school overwhelming as your mind and body attempt to keep up with the heavy demand of deadlines. Students who attend grad school directly after undergrad have the advantage of being used to the workload.

Finally, students who wait a year to attend grad school may be less desirable to prospective employers when looking for jobs post-graduation. The employer is sure to wonder the reasoning behind taking a year off between schools, and if you haven’t used the time to do something worthwhile and beneficial to your future such as an internship or research, you can appear lazy. Employers look for people with high motivation who enjoy challenging themselves.

Finishing college and graduate school are two big accomplishments on the path to your career, but if there is no motivation to continue all that hard work after graduation, those bachelor’s and master’s degrees won’t help you much in your job search.

Another factor to consider is students who do not take a gap year get a head start on job searching, making them more competitive than someone the same age who is still in school and unable to join the workforce yet.

There are quite a few aspects to consider when deciding whether a gap year is right for you, and hopefully you now have a better idea of which path you’re leaning toward. There are pros and cons to both sides, but the most important part is to be confident in your decision and trust that it will lead you to where you’re supposed to be.

@CollegiateTimes

study break

FILE 2011

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Deep opera voices 6 Quaint “you” 10 “SOS” pop group 14 From square one 15 Pair on a Disney World hat 16 Little brook 17 *Sore loser’s reaction 19 Live __: party hearty 20 Temporary period 21 Clytemnestra’s son 23 Soap-making chemical 24 Often 26 Road’s end?

27 Versatile vehicle, for short 28 Handel’s “Messiah” is one 32 Vertical billiards stroke 35 Not fresh 36 Ambient music pioneer Brian 37 Apple computer 38 Fifth and newest member of the set that includes the starts of the answers to starred clues 39 NYPD rank 40 Zero, like chances 41 “Full court” NBA defense 42 Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of __” 43 Corporate infosharing system 45 Hawaiian dish 46 “Chestnuts roasting __ open fire” 47 Online craft store 49 Rap sheet abbr.

52 Elks, in Canada 55 __ Kodak 57 Top poker cards 58 *Valentine recipient 60 Ready for harvesting 61 Half of Mork’s sign-off 62 Novelist Joyce Carol __ 63 Smartphone ancestors, briefly 64 Cookbook amt.

2/19/19

By Paul Coulter

65 “Elder” Roman scholar DOWN 1 Fragrant herb 2 Ecstasy’s opposite 3 Fry 4 “Your Highness” 5 Unappreciative one 6 Pedro’s “I love you” 7 WWII General __ Arnold 8 Crumbled sundaetopping cookie 9 Cold War power: Abbr.

10 Noble Brit 11 *Finale to fight to, with “the” 12 Treatment for gray hair 13 Swiss peaks 18 Irritate but good 22 90° from sur 25 How food may be seasoned 27 Trojans’ sch.

29 Male sheep 30 Thrilla in Manila boxer 31 “My bad!”

32 Revealing skirt

Previous Puzzle Solved Monday’s Puzzle Solved

©2019 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

33 Protein building block 34 *Hip-hop trio with a condimental name 35 “Peter Pan” pirate 38 Reception server 39 Three, on a sundial 41 Breathe heavily 42 Kid’s favorite store, often 44 Elevates

2/19/19

45 10th-grader’s exam, for short 48 Start a golf hole 49 Vintage violin 50 Megan’s “Will & Grace” role 51 Anxious 52 __ speed: “Star Trek” rate 53 Fails to be 54 Q-tip 56 Greenish-blue 59 Nav. rank

PAGE 8 February 19, 2019

editor@collegiatetimes.com

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How networking can give you a competitive edge for graduate school Cultivating a network of key supporters during your grad school application process is a priceless tactic you can start anytime.

EMILY HANNAH

assistant lifestyles editor

Believe it or not, getting into graduate school is not totally composed of your academic records and accomplishments. Though graduate school applicants may focus on the personal statement, resume or transcripts, it is important to note that the value of a solid network is priceless.

N e t wo r k i ng sometimes gets a bad reputation –– people confuse making connections with “cheating,” when really, networking is all about building relationships.

Many don’t realize they’ve been networking their whole lives, from connecting with professors to peers to roommates.

Here are some tips to help you learn the ins and outs of networking, and how to build up the skill that can carry you through the graduate school application process.

Networking is of crucial importance to your professional career. Whether you choose to acknowledge this or not, a large percentage of professional success can come from connections and knowing the right people, and Virginia Tech is known for its solid networking.

Networking can lead to a plethora of opportunities and open doors, so it pays off to know the right people –– whether it’s a professor in a your targeted graduate program or your mom’s best friend’s cousin, who is an executive in your targeted

career field.

Networking with faculty is crucial if you plan on submitting solid letters of recommendation. Most graduate school programs require you to submit more than one letter, with at least one being academic. Is there a professor who teaches a class in your field that you truly enjoy? Here’s a tip: stop by their office hours a few times, get to know the professor and ask any questions you have about a career path in the field you’re interested in. If you get to know the professor well enough, you may earn an awesome let ter of recom mendation. Creating a strong connection with faculty in your chosen field can truly increase the quality of your letters of recommendation.

If you plan on using your campus resources to network, there are a few do’s and don’ts of networking you need to keep in mind.

Remember, shyness and nerves are your enemy –– going out of your way to make a strong connection with someone takes confidence and guts. Leave your nerves at home, and just go for it. The worst the person can do is turn you away.

If you plan to meet someone you have a connection with, don’t just drop in unannounced and ask for a letter of recommendation. Send an email, call, do at least something before you show up in their office and ask for a huge favor.

Do not abuse the connection, don’t name drop to better yourself (you’re not

EMILY HANNAH / COLLEGIATE TIMES A student searches for possible grad school programs via LinkedIn, Feb. 13, 2019.

really helping yourself out) and don’t over-contact your connection. The do’s and don’ts of building a strong network are simple: just be respectful.

happen overnight, and building relationships takes time. An excessive amount of forwardness can make anyone feel uncomfortable.

As you are working on your

“At the end of the day,

networking isn’t that difficult — ­ it’s making the best situation possible out of who you already know.

”

There’s a chance that you are seeking a more isolated graduate degree program and you don’t have many local experts in the field to speak with. This is an opportunity for you to broaden your social media network.

LinkedIn is a great resource for graduate students. Not only can you connect with peers and potential employers, but you can use LinkedIn as resource to research graduate school programs.

The next time you find yourself on LinkedIn, try searching your priority graduate school and follow the page. If the page allows you to see any mutual friends who are currently enrolled or have graduated from the program, you’ve hit the “grad school advice” jackpot. Is an older high school friend of yours a graduate of your targeted grad school program?

Shoot them a message, say hello, ask your questions!

Having a connection who understands the struggle of applying to grad school may lessen your nerves –– plus, you have the relief of receiving answers to all of your pressing questions.

Net work i ng do esn’t

graduate school applications, now is the perfect time to craft relationships with those that can help you in the future.

At the end of the day, network ing isn’t that difficult –– it’s making the best situation possible out of who you already know. If you enhance your networking skills, you have the ability to build a strong connection with a total stranger.

Ta ke adva ntage of Virginia Tech’s abundance of faculty, students and alumni, and craft some worthwhile connections while you can. Hopefully, by the time you’ve been accepted to your dream graduate school program, you have a slew of connections with people who genuinely want you to succeed.

@HackySack_Em

Careers in medicine that don’t require the hassle of earning your doctorate Do you want to work in health care while managing to avoid medical school? Take a look at these less demanding professions.

SAMEERA SUNKARA lifestyles staff writer

In today’s world, so many college students dream of acquiring a medical degree in the near future, but medical school isn’t for everyone. Not only is it extremely expensive and time consuming, it also has a highly competitive application process where not everyone makes the cut.

Over the past decade, the number of people applying to medical school has increased by more than 35 percent, which makes it more challenging for someone to acquire admission. Luckily, those with an interest in the medical field can pursue a number of other careers that will still enable them to follow their passions.

For those who have

Additionally, podiatrists have the opportunity to further specialize within this field, and diabetic foot care is a popular focus due to a recent increase in diabetics. Entrance to podiatry school requires a high GPA as well as a decent MCAT score, and many of the college level prerequisite courses are similar to those required for medical school.

Just like medical school, it is a four-year program.

A not her prestigious career that is very similar to general medicine but slightly less common is dentistry.

While most dentists have their own general practices, it is possible to specialize in fields such as periodontology or orthopedics. In addition, a dentist’s work schedule is much more stable compared to that of a

“Additionally, PA school

does not require the MCAT as an entrance exam in most cases; instead applicants must submit a GRE score.

”

difficulty getting into medical school but still want to have the prestige of being considered a doctor, podiatry school is an excellent option. Podiatry focuses on treating any conditions related to the foot, ankle and other parts of the leg and, in some cases, even involves surgery.

doctor, as life-threatening emergencies are quite rare in this field. Dental school is four years long, just like medical school, and requires a high GPA. Applicants are also required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), which consists of four sections: natural sciences, perceptual ability,

reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning.

Those who desire to spend their lives working wit h patients should consider becoming a physician’s assistant (PA). With a few exceptions, like surgical procedures, PAs are capable of performing the same medical procedures as a doctor would. The biggest difference between a doctor and a PA is that, unlike a doctor, a PA cannot have his or her own private practice.

In terms of education, PA school is not only less time consuming, but also is more cost-efficient in comparison to medical school. Additionally, PA school does not require the MCAT as an entrance exam in most cases; instead applicants must submit a GRE score. However, a PA school applicant should have a certain amount of clinical exposure prior to applying.

A not her hea lt hca re profession that serves as an excellent alternative to medical school is optometry.

Optometrists specialize in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of the ocular system; duties include the prescribing and fitting of glasses and contact lenses, as well as treating common eye conditions like glaucoma. Like medical schools, optometry schools also require an entrance exam, the Optometr y Admission Test (OAT), but the test is much shorter than the MCAT, only four hours

REBECCA DROKE / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

and 40 minutes long. It is divided into four sections: natural sciences, physics, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning.

While optometry school is no walk in the park, the path to becoming an optometrist is significantly shorter than that of other medical professions.

For those who do not enjoy the science involved in the medical profession but still want to play a role in the world of healthcare, a service administrator is the perfect career choice.

The job covers a wide range of professions, including, but not limited to, business managers and case workers.

This career does not require a whole lot of medical

knowledge; however, it does require the ability to communicate with patients and their families. It is an extremely important role in any healthcare field because no hospital can function without its service administrators. It is an excellent way to help those in need, and unlike the other jobs mentioned, this career does not require a specific degree or graduate program, but many of them have at least completed their associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

While students with perfect GPAs as well as research experience and other extracurriculars who spend their weekends volunteering at hospitals are clearly meant to become

doctors, not every student is able to create the perfect medical school resume during their four years in college. So, while it is incredibly difficult to get into medical school, there are plenty of other options available.

@SameeraS97

editor@collegiatetimes.com

February 19, 2019 PAGE 9

collegiatetimes.com

Get to know your doctorates: The difference between an M.D. and a Ph.D. At first glance, they’re just a few fancy letters to put before your name, but there are differences between the two degrees.

BRANDON ALIMANESTIANO lifestyles staff writer

In the words of Chris Farley, ”A lot of people go to college for seven years.”

When you tell your family about your science-related major, ranging anything from biochemistr y to HNFE, you probably get the usual, “Oh, have you looked into medical school yet?” multiple times a year. If you have a doctor in the family, they probably tell you how hard medical school was for

In general, people who earn an M.D. practice medicine in a clinical side of the field they work in, while the career of a Ph.D. graduate is based on pursuing research. In better terms, an M.D. would be the one diagnosing a new virus to a patient, while a Ph.D. would be looking up how it spreads.

The completion of an M.D. program is required in order to diagnose and treat patients, and can last around two to three years depending

“However, (the M.D./

Ph.D. program) is the closest someone can ever get to the title of ‘Mr. Doctor Professor.’

”

them, and ask whether you have decided on pursuing an M.D. or a Ph.D. This may stress you out even more if you haven’t even done research on that.

However, there’s nothing wrong with doing some research a little early –– or now, if you’re late. Before you decide on which medical schools to apply to, you should probably look into whether you want to be an M.D. or go all the way to a Ph.D. first.

The first thing you need to know is whether you want to spend your medical career in a clinical setting or a more research-based setting. This is the most important step because it decides where your fate lies if you go on to medical school.

on the specific program. It also requires that all applicants take the MCAT exam before applying, and will likely also require a GRE graduate record exam as well.

If you are looking into being a dentist, then yes, you still have to get a full M.D. like everyone else, contrary to what some may think, and that applies to other professions such as psychiatry.

A Ph.D. is not always a medical degree, while an M.D. is. Graduate schools offer doctorates in anything from history to agriculture.

It is meant to show that you are a Doctor of Philosophy in that field, and that you are qualified to conduct proper research within that field. It should also be said

BILLY CLARKE / COLLEGIATE TIMES

The atrium of the Graduate Life Center, Feb. 1, 2017.

that in the medical field, most full-time professors at a university are required to obtain a Ph.D. in order to teach at the post-secondary level.

A Ph.D. program requires at least three years of school –– lasting around five in most cases –– and depending on which graduate school you attend, a Ph.D. typically follows a master’s degree. In medicine, a Ph.D. applicant will also likely need to take the MCAT exam, as if they were applying to any M.D. program.

Many medical students

also take the M.D./Ph.D. route. This is somewhat of a dual degree between the two med school tracks. It includes the full course load of a typical M.D. program with added education on research and formal education, but not as much research as a Ph.D. People who go with this route usually want to be doctors but also be qualified to conduct research and show some scientific footing in their field.

The M.D./Ph.D. program also helps prepare students to teach in an academic

setting, which many Ph.D.s also find themselves doing alongside their research.

This route is longer than either program individually, lasting around eight years, which is a lot more costly. However, it is the closest someone can ever get to the title of “Mr. Doctor Professor”.

So in short, an M.D. is someone who can treat and diagnose patients clinically –– and, with the right qualifications and extra schooling, conduct research –– while a Ph.D. conducts research. There are also

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many professions that require these degrees and each one has its own benefits and disadvantages.

Hopefully, this answered some questions, as the choices for each degree are difficult and costly.

@CollegiateTimes

PAGE 10 February 19, 2019

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Should you pursue or pause your plans to attend graduate school?

Grad school is costly, emotionally draining and requires plenty of patience. Consider whether it’s better to go now or later.

EMILY HANNAH

assistant lifestyles editor

There are countless benefits of going to graduate school. You have the opportunity to expand your education, complete research, have a competitive edge over others in your job market, and potentially receive higher future promotions.

If you are reading this article, you are more than likely considering attending grad school after graduation. If you find yourself stuck weighing the options about whether to attend grad school right after graduation or to wait a few years, fret not. There are pros and cons to both options; don’t get caught up in the back-andforth. Here are the benefits of both options.

Before you even commit to the idea of pursuing a master’s degree, consider the level of commitment that grad school requires: a seemingly unlimited amount of time, effort, emotional stability and money. If that’s peachy keen with you, keep reading.

Why you should pursue a master’s degree right after graduation You’re young This is a factor that will set you apart from other job candidates after you’ve received your master’s degree. Potential employers will remember you if you’re a “kid wonder” with a master’s degree. Many people will procrastinate when it comes to receiving their master’s while getting

caught up with work, kids and mortgages instead. In addition to this, you can also study and learn with your own generation. You may even find a few opportunities to shadow a professor and see how the industry works from a different point of view.

It may be required Though many pursue a master’s degree to further their education and set themselves apart in the business world, some attend grad school because it is required. For example, if you plan on working in the field of psychology after receiving your bachelor’s, you need a master’s degree in psychology to legally practice.

You can define personal goals Attending grad school right after you receive your bachelor’s is a smart move if you aren’t sure which part of your job field you are interested in yet. When students are studying for their bachelor’s, most don’t worry about jobs until the last year or so of studying. After graduation, you could feel indifferent about the work you’re completing, despite your love for the studies you’ve previously completed.

Going to grad school gives you the opportunity to plan your career goals and hone your skills before you enter the workforce.

Why you should wait to pursue your masters degree

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You’l l h ave m o re financial security If you find yourself interested in going back to school a few years after graduation, there’s a great chance you’ll be more financially stable. If you’ve held a job in your field for a few years, you will be able to financially support yourself through grad school more than you were right out of your undergrad years. In addition to this, if a master’s degree is recommended for a promotion you desire, there’s a chance the company you work for may sponsor your grad school endeavors.

You’l l h ave m o re experience Getting into grad school is a competitive process.

Going straight into your career field for a few years after getting your bachelor’s gives you the chance to gain some valuable experience before applying to grad school, which can give you a competitive edge in the application process.

You know exactly what you want Once you have spent some time working in the field of your choice, you know what you love about your job and what you

don’t love. Recognizing this information can help you tremendously in grad school, as you can choose a master’s program that focuses on the parts of your job that you want to improve upon or focus on. This is a benefit that shines over jumping into grad school right away because you aren’t sure about the ups or downs of your career before you actually start working in your target field.

At the end of the day, if you want to go to grad school right after your receive your bachelor’s degree, go for it.

Thinking of the career you are trying to cultivate after

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college: Will you be just as successful with or without a master’s degree? Grad school is a commitment that you must be ready to fully embrace. If you feel an ounce of hesitance, it may be safe to return to the drawing board for a bit to brainstorm ideas before graduation.

@HackySack_Em

editor@collegiatetimes.com

February 19, 2019 PAGE 11

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5 classic movies to inspire you to pursue graduate school further

Do you look to movies for inspiration and need that extra push to apply to grad school? Our editor has some suggestions.

JOHN BATTISTON lifestyles editor

Education is a gift. We students spend a good chunk of our breath on complaints about essay deadlines, uncooperative professors and senior design. Well, maybe only engineering students have that last one to worry about, but we so often wallow in the inconveniences of getting the most out of our schooling that we forget just how cool it is that we have access to a world of advanced knowledge and can obtain educational certificates possessed by less than seven percent of

the earth’s population.

I think we are short on movies that appreciate the privilege of education and what it does for the world, probably because you get more butts in multiplex seats by putting out films that stand firm in anti-establishment rebellion. And while there are plenty of great movies that fall into that particular category such as “Dazed and Confused” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”, or that stylistically portray the sleazier, boozeaddled side of university life like “Animal House”, not many show the benefits of pursuing a collegiate

education, and fewer still focus on the pursuit of a professional degree.

If you’re like me and sometimes find inspiration in good movies, and if you’re needing that final nudge to get you on the grad school application train, these five movies might get you going.

“The Theory of Everything” (2014) Heartfelt, beautifully shot at the University of Cambridge, and an Oscar-winner for Eddie Redmayne’s remarkable leading performance, “The Theory of Everything” follows Stephen Hawking

JOHN BATTISTON / COLLEGIATE TIMES Photo illustration of movies featuring graduate school, Feb. 17, 2019.

as a young theoretical physicist in the early years of his studies into the origin of the universe. The first half of the film focuses on Hawking’s years at Cambridge and the beginning of his struggle with ALS, as well as the role his girlfriend and eventual wife, Jane, played

by Felicity Jones, played in his pursuits. As a student, Hawking enjoys discourse and collaboration with some of the world’s most brilliant minds, a privilege without which we would not have his research on the Big Bang today.

“Good Will Hunting” (1997) You will never meet a more likeable mathematician than Boston wunderkind Will Hunting, played by Matt Damon. A 20-year-old orphan living on the south side of the city, Will is eventually discovered to have superior intellect by a driven, if not sometimes pervy, gradlevel math professor, Gerald Lambeau, played by Stellan Skarsgard, at M.I.T. He is given the opportunity to expand his intellect under Lambeau’s guidance, should he agree to see a therapist, the mild-mannered Sean Maguire, played by Robin Williams in an Oscarwinning performance, so that he might gain more direction in life. Though his relationship with the professor is complicated, Will clearly gets a firm grip on his magnificent talents through Lambeau’s mentorship. However, if we’re being real, even if you

go into this movie for the equation-porn, you’ll stay for the touching father-son bond formed between Will and Sean, a pairing that continues to endure as one of the most affecting in cinema history.

“Legally Blonde” (2001) “Legally Blonde” introduced the world to the quick, bright-eyed wit of Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a beautiful sorority girl who attempts to win back her high-pedigree ex-boyfriend … by following him to Harvard Law School. Though she initially seems out of place among the world’s best and brightest aspiring lawyers, she comes to discover a talent she didn’t know she had and a profession she didn’t know she’d love.

Witherspoon shines as Elle, bringing energy and charm to the screen while also posing as a brilliant foil to the high-brow snobbery of Ivy League culture.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1962) Though this classic film, based on an even more classic novel, doesn’t take place at college — rather, Depression-era Alabama — it is sure to appeal to anyone out there considering law school. Atticus Finch, portrayed by Gregory Peck in one of the best performances ever committed to film, is the embodiment of reason and justice as he represents a wrongly accused African American man in a heated sexual assault case. It is a portrait

of how important rightful, impartial application of the law is to society, and may just give you that extra push to go for your Juris Doctor. Not to mention, it’s an incredibly touching coming-of-age story, and the charisma and realism of young Mary Badham’s turn as Scout is impossible not to adore.

“The Graduate” (1967) This one may seem like a contradiction, but bear with me. Benjamin Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman, returns home after completing his undergraduate studies to find himself in a rut, completely clueless as to the next steps of his life. So what does he do? Sleeps with the older woman next door then falls in love with her daughter, of course! “The Graduate” is a beautifully directed, deeply affecting tale of the post-graduate, pre-corporate malaise that defined a generation, and if it doesn’t motivate you to postpone that inevitable angst by putting yourself through several more years’ worth of classes and student loans, I don’t know what will.

@JB3Writes

PAGE 12 February 19, 2019

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