April 5, 2018

The Huntington News Vol. XI No. 10

The independent student newspaper of the Northeastern community

HUSKIES RUN

April 5, 2018

Photo by Alex Melagrano Illustration by Michelle Lee

NORTHEASTERN STUDENTS TRAIN FOR MARATHON

F

By Tom Perini and Tori Sullivan | News Staff

or some Northeastern students, the biggest challenge of the spring semester will come just before finals.

This year, Marathon Monday in Boston falls on April 16. It will be the 122nd running of the world’s oldest annual marathon, which ranks as one of the most prestigious road racing events on the planet. Runners from across the globe will travel to the Bay

SGA leaders reflect on term

By Alyssa Lukpat News Staff

S

uchira Sharma and Paulina Ruiz, the current student body president and executive vice president, said their year in office yielded successful legislative revisions but was marred by gender and racial bias.

Sharma, a fourthyear business admin-

istration major, and Ruiz, a third-year psychology major, are the first all-female of color slate in school history to lead the Student Government Association, or SGA. They said their two proudest accomplishments were increasing representation in the SGA Senate and updating the Student Bill of Rights.

“We added provisions on Title IX, access to mental and physical health care on campus and access to support for students with varying immigration statuses,” Sharma said as she sat behind her laptop in the SGA conference room. “I think that’s a document that if you SLATE, on Page 3

State to participate, but others will just make the short trip to Boylston Street from Northeastern’s campus.

Erin Dillman started training more than a year ago when she decided to try qualifying for the Boston Marathon. To achieve that, she needed to run under 3 hours and 30 minutes for her first marathon in Providence, Rhode Island.

RUNNING, on Page 6

Student rallies for gun control

By Katie McCreedy City Editor

B

eca Muñoz stood close to her sister, Leonor, as they faced the sea of protesters packed on Boston Common. The Muñoz sisters never imagined that they would become a vocal part of a national movement for gun control.

“We want to tell

you about February 14, 2018,” they said as they first addressed the crowd.

For the next three minutes at Boston’s March for Our Lives, the sisters, who are residents of Parkland, Florida, detailed their fear during the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where Leonor Muñoz is cur-

rently a student. Beca Muñoz, a second-year politics, philosophy and economics major at Northeastern, told thousands of people about the moment she received a text from her sister that there was an active shooter at her school — about the shock and worry she felt.

PROTEST, on Page 9

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April 5, 2018

Political clubs debate immigration

By Charlie Wolfson Deputy City Editor

For a night, the national debate on immigration was crammed into an International Village classroom.

Northeastern University College Democrats and Northeastern University College Republicans sparred for more than an hour in a debate moderated by the Northeastern Debate Society, resulting in a 2-1 win for the Democrats.

The Republicans pointed out the similarities between the two sides’ views, while the Democrats dismissed such similarities as unrepresentative of national Republican thinking.

Each time the Republicans voiced moderate points, the Democrats said they did not align with Trump or

Sheinfeld, the other Democratic debater, voiced disgust over removing DACA recipients, or Dreamers, from communities.

“As far as them not wanting to deport people, let’s be clear what happens if DACA isn’t renewed and one of them goes in for a driver’s license,” Margolin said. “They could be deported. It’s that simple. If you don’t give them this status, they’re constantly living in fear that any contact with the federal government could lead to them getting deported.”

NUCR said they didn’t want to “rip” innocent people from their homes.

“We didn’t say they have to leave,” said Noah Tagliaferri, a Republican debater.

“They can continue their lives while in line [for legal

Photo by Charlie Wolfson Representatives from the College Republicans and Democrats met in International Village to debate.

admit people based on their Border security “benefit” to the country, On border security, the saying this system would be Democrats wanted “fiscally problematic. responsible” measures, such “Who gets to decide and as using advanced technolinterpret which people are ogy like drones to identify to the benefit of the counillegal crossings, while the try?” Margolin said. “I have Republicans wanted, among a friend who dropped out other things, Trump’s wall.

I think the main point of this debate,” Jake Margolin said, of high school to start a Sheinfeld said the wall “was that the Northeastern University College Republicans successful business. If you is problematic practically, agree with the Democrats more than Trump or Republicans in looked at him on paper a fiscally and ethically.

Congress do. month before he started “It’s not reasonable in that business, you might terms of securing the full not have thought this guy length of the border, due congressional Republicans. status.] Nobody is saying ization of sanctuary cities. was a benefit to society, to geography and eminent “I think the main point rip them out of their homes Sheinfeld again pointed taking care of his mom and domain,” she said. “We also of this debate was that the … neither is Trump.” out that her opponents were his sister.” believe it’s a waste of money Northeastern University Tagliaferri and Steil said straying from their national Margolin said he was sus- and resources with little College Republicans agree they favor a merit-based leaders toward the left. picious that this standard foreseeable change.” with the Democrats more approach to immigration “Again, I would like to would be unfairly enforced She said more than half of than Trump or Republiin which each immigrant is thank you for essentially on lines of race, class, ecoundocumented immigrants cans in Congress do,” said judged on how “beneficial” taking the Democratic nomic status and gender. are not the product of illeJake Margolin, one of the they are to the country. stance on immigration,” “We’re doing policy that gal crossings, but are people Democratic debaters, in an Margolin repeatedly Sheinfeld said. affects millions of people,” who were here on visas interview with The News. accused the Republicans A major split between Steil said in response to whose documents expired.

Jack Steil, one of the Reof misrepresenting their the sides was on how to Margolin’s example, “not The wall would have no afpublican debaters, said the national party throughout determine who gets to just someone’s friend.” fect on that population. She biggest disagreement of the the night. Margolin said it remain in the United States.

Steil then pointed to other took issue with the symbolnight was over what the na- was unclear if the NUCR The Democrats favored a countries who use similar ism of the wall, too. tional Republican policies debaters were representing are, not the immigration the views of themselves, We want to look at people and say, ‘You provide qualifications issues themselves.

Trump, the GOP or some that would be useful to the United States,” Jack Stiel said. “You The debate was divided combination of the three. do not. You go. You stay. It’s as simple as that. into three sections: Border Margolin said he’s glad security, Deferred Action NUCR doesn’t want to “rip” lenient approach in which approaches like Canada, “The wall acts as a symbol for Childhood Arrivals, or people out of their homes, only violent criminals Germany and other “basof protection and security,” DACA, and non-DACA but that the Republican or drug distributors are tions of immigration.” she said, “giving Americans undocumented immigrants. policies don’t reflect that. deported; the Republicans “We want to take an indi- a false sense of security The judges deemed that the “I don’t know why a Rewanted a system where vidual look,” Steil said. “We based on nationalism. It’s Republicans won on DACA publican Congress couldn’t each immigrant is evaluated don’t want to just say, ‘Hey, inefficient, irresponsible, and the Democrats won pass that [DACA extenholistically and a decision is you were here on June 15, unnecessary and altogether the non-DACA and border sion],” he said. made based on their value 2012, so you get to stay.’ We misguided.” security sections. as an “asset” to the country. want to look at people and True to the Republicans’ Path to citizenship “These people are comsay, ‘You provide qualificanight-long pattern, TagliDACA The Republicans promitting less crimes than tions that would be useful aferri followed that up by On DACA, the program posed a long process for the American citizens,” Sheinto the United States. You do looking for middle ground.

Trump is trying to suspend millions of undocumented field said, “and are modnot. You go. You stay. It’s as “I think we actually agree which gives nearly 700,000 immigrants in the United el people in the U.S. … simple as that.” on a lot of those points,” he immigrants brought to the States to achieve citizenLooking back on it, these Though he reiterated said. “When I asked for wall United States as children ship, involving a seven-year people should be living in his belief in a merit-based funding, I wasn’t saying no the right to live in the coun- probationary period. this community. The facts system, Steil didn’t explain to drones. I think you hit a try, the debaters exhibited “This seven-year probado back that up.” exactly how that merit, or great point with visa overa lack of clarity on Trump’s tionary period would allow Margolin questioned the those “benefits to the Unit- stays … I think you’re mispolicies. Margolin and Yael workers who are being Republicans’ proposal to ed States,” would be judged. representing our points.”

“

exploited for cheap labor to come out of the shadows and come under the protections of other workers,” Tagliaferri said.

He said this plan must include increased border security and the criminal-

,,

“

,,

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April 5, 2018

Page 3

Sharma and Ruiz review successes did a before-and-after, there would be a stark difference, and I’m really proud about that.”

Throughout their term, Sharma and Ruiz said they faced obstacles because of their gender and race. Sharma said she met with male university administrators who didn’t make eye contact with her and tearfully recalled an incident when a female SGA member criticized her outfit and chastised her for not smiling.

Ruiz said it was difficult to be the only woman or person of color in meetings.

“It felt like we never really won the election,” Ruiz said before she left to meet with the Office of Student Affairs. “And that’s kind of baffling to think about because of the margins by which we won, but it felt like we were constantly having to prove ourselves. I think we kicked [expletive] considering the odds.”

codes and add provisions to the Student Bill of Rights wouldn’t impact the entire student body, Sharma said.

“No matter what we do, it will always be painted as a special interest issue,” Sharma said. “I think that’s what made this year incredibly difficult.”

Looking forward Sharma and Ruiz are proud this year’s SGA elections saw the highest voter turnout in school history.

However, they are worried that 25 percent of voters expressed no confidence in either slate this year, compared to 7 percent last year.

Ruiz said she hopes next year’s administration will improve SGA’s relationship with the student body.

Sharma and Ruiz conclude their terms at the end of the semester, but both said they plan to help Nathan Hostert and Dylan Balcom, SGA’s next president and executive vice president, transition.

While they are participating in the smooth transfer of power, Sharma and Ruiz are disappointed with

Photo by Alex Melagrano Suchira Sharma and Paulina Ruiz will be finishing their term as SGA president and vice president at the end of this semester.

the election results. They endorsed the losing candidates, Walter and Nina Kalantar, a third-year international affairs and political science combined major.

“We obviously felt as though there was a firm better option for the organization based on level of experience and interactions we had on our leadership team,” Sharma said. “That’s not to say we don’t absolutely wish the winning slate the best of luck.”

Sharma and Ruiz look forward to the rest of their time in office. Ruiz said they want to empower women on campus by increasing attendance at women’s sporting events.

They plan to bring the

Senate to the women’s track and field meet April 21.

“We’re going to be getting one of those Northeastern vans and driving out there,” Ruiz said. “We’re super excited to support our female athletes.”

Sharma is especially eager to attend the track and field meet.

“I’m driving one of the vans,” she said with a laugh.

Sharma’s eyes filled with tears as she said she was grateful to lead SGA alongside Ruiz.

“I met someone who’s going to be my best friend for the rest of my life,” Sharma said. “I don’t think we would’ve made it through the year without each other.”

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assignments. Sharma and Ruiz are still working to guarantee co-op workers are paid the same regardless of gender.

“Paulina and I are working on institutionalizing the equal pay for equal work policy in the co-op manual,” Sharma said. “When employers are brought on, they’ll know exactly what’s expected of them in terms of gender parity.”

Sharma and Ruiz said by encouraging Northeastern’s Roosevelt Institute to submit the referendum to accredit University Health and Counseling Services, which students approved in the March SGA elections, they took a big step to increase students’ resources.

To improve SGA’s campus relationships, Sharma and Ruiz met with Northeastern’s cultural centers and collaborated with the LGBTQA Resource Center to raise the pride flag on Centennial Common last October. Sharma said they closely follow Reddit and Keeping campaign the NU Meme Collective promises Ruiz said the pair divided on Facebook to learn what the five pillars of their cam- students are thinking.

Collin Walter, SGA’s paign platform — represenexecutive director of comtation, reasonable pricing, munications, was Sharma rights, resources and relationships — among the and Ruiz’s campaign manager during the 2017 SGA SGA committees to ensure elections. Walter, who ran they addressed each one. unsuccessfully for SGA To better reflect the president this year, said diverse student body, Ruiz Sharma and Ruiz connected said she increased SGA with the student body in a Senate recruitment efforts way previous administraby holding more informations had never done. tion sessions and reaching “Suchira and Paulina are out to student organizavery justice-seeking inditions. Senators this semesviduals and they’ve really ter, she said, represented more colleges and organiza- shaped the way that SGA serves the student body tions than last year. with an almost activist “It was previously a source of criticism for SGA mindset,” said Walter, a that our Senate was not the third-year biochemistry major. “As two women of most representative of the color, they have connecstudent body,” Ruiz said. tions to a lot of students “I’m proud of the growth who may not come from we saw this year based on this privileged background.” conscious efforts and reSharma and Ruiz said cruitment.” several students, SGA Sharma said she increased members and administraaffordability on campus by convincing the Office of the tion officials criticized them for not serving student Provost to invest around interests because they are $30,000 in homework women of color. These incodes. The office will pay dividuals told Sharma and to access homework webRuiz their efforts to reduce sites so students don’t have the cost of homework to spend money obtaining SLATE, from front

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April 5, 2018

NUPD NU student seeks to ease traffic with app CRIME LOG Compiled by Jill Sojourner, news staff

By Nick Hirano News Correspondent

A Northeastern student believes he can bring innovation to the largest form of mass transit in the United States: school bus transportation.

First-year business administration major Keith Corso’s startup company BusRight aims to make busing more efficient through a GPS-enabled app that creates attendance-based bus routes — eliminating stops for students who don’t take the bus on a given day. The company, which has earned recognition on campus and beyond, is set to compete at the Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge in Minneapolis on April 12.

The idea for BusRight grew out of Corso’s experience driving home after school during his senior year of high school.

“I was the first car behind one of the buses and the bus made four consecutive, necessary stops where students did not get off,” Corso said. “Right then and there, I realized that there was over a mile and a half of cars behind me and there was one bus that we were all waiting on that may not have had to go down this road.”

Working with a friend who studies computer science at the University of Pennsylvania, Corso set out to create an app-based solution.

“I realized that there had to be a better way to create some kind of attendance system so that the bus driver can know exactly who’s on the bus and create the most optimized route from the students who are on the bus that day,” Corso said.

Corso sought to create a solution for parents as well.

“I wanted to integrate GPS into the app so that parents get notifications on how far the bus is relative to their house, so that they can plan their day accordingly,” Corso said.

Although similar services are already in use, room for innovation in the category still exists, said Steven A. Simmons, president of the National Association for

MARCH

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10:56 a.m.

The manager at Wollaston’s Market in the Marino Recreation Center reported an NU student shoplifted.

NUPD responded and reported banning the student from both Wollaston’s Market locations and sending him on his way. A report was filed.

11:49 a.m.

A lab supervisor reported a computer monitor was stolen from a room in Churchill Hall. A report was filed.

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MARCH

Photo by Alex Melagrano Keith Corso started BusRight after observing buses on his ride home.

Pupil Transportation.

“Everybody nowadays needs to integrate with some kind of student identification system that would let a parent know that a student got on and that a student got off,” Simmons said. “Those things have to be done.”

Real-time information and turn-by-turn directions are the future of bus routing technology, said Simmons, who gained extensive experience with routing systems while working as the transportation director of the largest school district in Ohio.

Simmons believes the competition in developing this new technology is “vicious” but that opportunity exists to target smaller districts that can’t afford the latest and most advanced services from large providers — a space that BusRight could potentially fill.

Last semester, Corso took his idea from concept to reality through the Husky Startup Challenge, a series of bootcamps on the startup process. The challenge culminated in Demo Day, during which participants pitched their ventures to a panel of judges. Corso’s company won first place, earning $2,500 in prize money and recognition within Northeastern’s business community.

To Corso, the collaborative element of the experience proved just as valuable.

“Speaking to students

throughout the process, it’s more relatable and it’s a more personal experience,” he said. “There are so many benefits to being surrounded by people who have done it before.”

Recently, BusRight was one of only two Northeastern startups to qualify as a finalist for E-Fest, a national competition for undergraduate ventures that offers a $250,000 cash prize and a meeting with BestBuy founder Richard Schulze.

Northeastern entrepreneurship professor Kimberly Eddleston began advising BusRight as Corso prepared for the national level.

Eddleston said she sees great potential in the concept, praising Corso’s insight.

“It could be a phenomenal idea,” Eddleston said. “A lot of it is being able to recognize pain points. What’s bugging people? That takes a certain kind of person. He recognized a problem and came up with a solution.”

While Corso has his sights set on the $250,000 prize, he believes the true benefit will be the opportunity to rub shoulders with entrepreneurs and investors at the national level.

“With E-Fest coming up, who knows what kind of opportunities that’s going to provide? One thing leads to the next,” he said.

“Networking is huge as an entrepreneur and that’s something that I’ve come to realize during my time at Northeastern.”

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A confidential rape case occurred off campus. A report was filed.

10:10 p.m.

An NU student reported her roommate, also an NU student, stole $2,000 in cash and a cellphone from her.

A report was filed.

11:51 a.m.

An RA reported finding drug paraphernalia inside an apartment on Symphony Road while conducting a health and safety inspection. NUPD responded and reported confiscating the paraphernalia. A report was filed.

5:59 p.m.

NUPD officers reported speaking to an NU student in Ell Hall, who was found to have a criminal history and a warrant for his arrest. NUPD further reported placing him under arrest for the warrant. A report was filed.

8:24 p.m.

An RA reported finding drug paraphernalia in a room in IV while conducting a health and safety inspection.

NUPD responded and reported confiscating the paraphernalia. A report was filed.

8:51 p.m.

A confidential rape case occurred on campus. A report was filed.

1:13 p.m.

An NUPD officer reported an individual, who was affiliated with NU, stated a group of kids were trying to fight him with possible weapons involved. Additional NUPD officers responded and reported there were no weapons. NUPD reported checking the area and stopping two suspects in the West Village area. The Boston Police Department was notified. A report was filed.

2:54 a.m.

An individual reported an intoxicated NU student was vomiting and stumbling. NUPD responded and reported requesting Emergency Medical Services, or EMS, who transported the student to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The RD was notified. A report was filed.

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5:06 a.m.

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3:04 p.m.

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The proctor at White Hall reported an NU student was extremely intoxicated and that his friend, also an NU student, reported he was unconscious and hit his head when he rolled out of bed. EMS responded and reported transporting the student to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. The RD was notified. A report was filed.

An RA reported finding a covered smoke detector in an IV room while conducting a health and safety inspection.

NUPD responded and reported removing a plastic bag covering the smoke detector. A report was filed.

SPORTS

April 5, 2018

Page 5

Northeastern wins first conference series

By Jenna Majeski News Staff

The Northeastern baseball team returned to conference play this weekend, defeating James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, in a three-game series with a final score of 2-1.

The Huskies also remained victorious in Tuesday’s semifinal Beanpot game against University of Massachusetts Amherst, winning 10-8.

The two victories over JMU earned the Huskies fourth place in the CAA conference rankings.

Last weekend Northeastern had a bye in conference play and instead played No. 10 Texas Tech University with a disappointing series loss, followed by a 15-8 win against University of Rhode Island Tuesday.

“We came off a rough weekend at Texas Tech so it was nice to see us be able to bounce back and really focus on being able to win conference games,” thirdyear Ryan Solomon said.

In their first game on Friday, the Huskies beat JMU 10-2, starting off their lead in the first inning and maintaining it throughout the game.

Second-year Scott Holzwasser hit a double in the first inning, batting in one runner and setting the tone for a successful game. By the bottom of the second inning Northeastern already had a 3-0 lead that they would add to in the last three innings.

Third-year Tyler Brown pitched six innings for the Huskies, including five straight shutout innings and three strikeouts.

The Huskies’ momentum did not continue into Saturday’s game as they fell to James Madison 6-3.

Northeastern was unable to score in the first six innings, but impressive hits by third-year Charlie McConnell, third-year Cam Walsh and Solomon brought the team onto the scoreboard.

Solomon’s home run brought his total for the

season up to four, tying him with third-year Jake Farrell for the team lead. Solomon totaled a .500 batting average this week, and his performance earned him the honor of CAA Player of Week.

“I didn’t actually even know about it until one of my teammates texted me,” Solomon said. “It was a really good week for me and I’m hoping to build off that and continue it throughout the rest of the year.”

In Sunday’s tiebreaker game, Northeastern took a decisive 8-1 win to clinch the series.

Farrell surpassed Solomon for the team’s leader in home runs, hitting a two-run homer in the third inning to take the lead. Farrell had previously batted in Northeastern’s first runner in the first inning.

“On Sunday I thought we did a great job right from the start in preparation for the game and in showing up ready to play,” head coach Mike Glavine said. ”That carried over right

into the first inning as we scored a run and played a really solid game the rest of the way.”

The Huskies faced UMass Amherst Tuesday in the Beanpot semifinal game; they overcame a five-run deficit to win, 10-8.

Northeastern brought in five different pitchers throughout the game to total 12 strikeouts.

With runners batted in during the seventh inning

by McConnell, Walsh and Mason Koppens, the Huskies ended the inning 7-5, only two runs behind UMass. But the victory wasn’t set until the eight inning, when second-year Kyle Peterson pinch-hit for a grand slam.

“We had a lot of contributions from a lot of different guys, like we had Kyle Peterson come off the bench and hit a pinch-hit grand slam which is crazy and basically won us the game,” Solomon said. “We had some guys come in from the bullpen to pitch, they came in and did a great job under tough conditions.”

This victory will bring the Huskies to the Beanpot Championship game against Harvard University next Tuesday at the New England Baseball Complex.

“We’ve been to the championship game now a few times, but we haven’t been able to win it,” Walsh said.

Northeastern currently holds six Beanpot championship titles and hasn’t won the Beanpot since 2013, when they beat UMass 6-3.

The Huskies faced Boston College in the 2016 championship game, but came up short with a score of 8-2.

This weekend the Huskies will continue conference play against Elon University at home in a three-game series.

“It’s gonna take all nine guys for 27 innings,” Walsh said. “Elon’s definitely a top team in this conference and they’ll be one of the teams at the top at the end of it, so it’s definitely a challenge for us, but I think if we prepare and just play our game we’ll be okay.”

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SPORTS

Page 6

April 5, 2018

Students prep for marathon START RUNNING, from front

“Running Providence is probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, running-wise or otherwise,” Dillman said. “At least I know I can do it.”

Dillman is the president of Northeastern Club Running and is currently on co-op at BuroHappold.

The community of runners she has grown to love here inspired her to go for the biggest race in the city.

“A lot of my friends [run],” said Dillman, a third-year civil engineering major. “It’s a great way to hang out with them.”

As far as training goes, running 60 miles a week and 20 miles on long days is incredibly taxing. The distance and time commitment is both draining and daunting, especially considering busy student schedules.

“You can’t really do a long run every day,” Dillman said. “You’ll get burnt out.”

For her and many others, exhaustion isn’t just physical. Chelsea Wojeski, a fourth-year industrial engineering major, has found training for her first Boston Marathon to be a test of self-motivation.

“It’s more mentally challenging than it is physically challenging,” said Wojeski, a fourth-year industrial engineering major.

While on co-op at Apple in Cupertino, California, she made friends who can keep up for five miles, but the rest of the time, the only footsteps she hears are her own. She is alone with the challenge ahead of her, fueled by self-improvement and the idea of reuniting with her loved ones at the finish line.

“The main motivator for me is knowing that when I come down Common-

wealth, my friends and family will be there cheering me on,” Wojeski said.

Like Dillman, Wojeski also qualified in Providence, but said she has missed the social aspect of training.

“When I was training for Providence, I always had people around me that were training, too,” Wojeski said.

“Now, I’m on my own.”

While some runners experience a more independent journey leading up the Boston Marathon, others, like Mikey Maichen, find motivation from their family and friends and run in support of a cause close to home.

Five years ago, Maichen’s older brother was involved in a severe car accident and was comatose for some time.

He stayed at the rehabilitation hospital for a few months before he was released.

“I’m running for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston,” said Maichen, a third-year electrical engineering major. “My older sister has run in support of them before, and this year we are doing it together for the special nurses that work at Spaulding.”

The Maichen siblings will also be joined by their brother’s main

physical therapy nurse as they run the 26.2 miles from Main Street in Hopkinton to Boylston Street in Boston. The family grew up in Natick, Massachusetts, and Maichen fondly remembers giving out water and oranges to marathon runners as they ran through his town.

“The marathon is always special for the Natick community,” Maichen said.

“Whichever friends and family members that won’t be at the finish line, I know

they’ll be there for us in our hometown.”

In addition to receiving support from his family and the Spaulding community, Maichen has found new connections within the Northeastern community, namely a friendship with his training partner Olivia Maeder.

Maeder, a third-year physical therapy major, was preparing for her first semester of college at Northeastern via the N.U.in Greece program when she learned there was a half-marathon in Thessaloniki, where she would be staying.

The day before she left for Greece, she got her feet wet by running her first half-marathon in her hometown of Manchester, Vermont.

Maeder has since run the Vermont City Marathon twice. She finished in 3 hours and 20 minutes last year, fast enough to qualify for the 2018 Boston Marathon.

Maeder had hoped to run the Chicago Marathon last fall, but because of a stress fracture in her leg she was forced to put that long-time goal on hold.

“Leading up to the qualifier, I was super excited,” Maeder said. “However, due to the stress fracture, I was unable to run the Chicago Marathon and now I’m super nervous.”

With a year between the last time she ran Vermont City and her upcoming run in Boston, it is getting harder for Maeder to find time to train, especially while juggling classes and the looming worry over another leg injury.

“The support from everyone is what is getting me excited,” Maeder said.

“It’s a surreal feeling. I never imagined [qualifying for the Boston Marathon]

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would happen so soon.”

Seeing loved ones on Boylston gives many runners the emotional boost and adrenaline needed to

ran behind someone wearing a shirt in support of Team with a Vision.

“I had heard about them before but looked them up when I got home, and saw that they incorporate two things I’m passionate about,” she said.

On the organization’s website, runners have the choice of running for Team with a Vision, which entails raising around $7,500 to get a bib, or to run as a sightpower through the finish ed guide. With Simonds’ line. Maggie Simonds, a experience as a sighted third-year health science guide for children on co-op, major, hopes to run to help she felt she could also do someone who can only hear it for adults on a marathon the roar of the crowd. course.

Simonds applied to run as On the application, Sia sighted guide in the mar- monds had to include her athon with the Team with a pace, a pace she is comfortVision organization, which able being paired with and raises money for the Massa- how much of the marathon chusetts Association for the she is willing to run. A Blind and Visually Imhuge part of the application paired, a statewide network included personality comof vision rehabilitation patibility and situational services. Simonds became questions. interested in the organiza“It wasn’t what I was extion after serving as a teach- pecting [to be asked] but I ing assistant at the Perkins completely understand that School for you need be the Blind in able to build Watertown, trust with the Massachuperson you’re setts, during guiding and her co-op last have things fall. to be able to “I was talk about,” looking for Simonds something explained. challenging Simonds and the job will not be description was somenotified if she has been thing I saw myself doing. matched as a guide until up I was blown away by the to two weeks prior to the experience. The four kids marathon. She disclosed in my class changed my that her training regimen is life,” Simonds said. “I cried not as structured as some in my interview. I met a of her peers, and that she is student unlike I had ever just running to run. seen before with deformed “Either way I’m happy. I’d facial features, yet he was rather be paired with somethe happiest kid I ever met.” one that is a perfect match,” Simonds comes from a Simonds said. “I’m just as family of runners; her dad happy making a huge postand brother both ran track er and supporting Olivia in high school and college.

[Maeder] and all the other Simonds remembers being runners. If I don’t do it this inspired by the runners she year, next year for sure.” watched with her dad while growing up in nearby Brimfield, Massachusetts.

Last year, Simonds finished the Vermont City Marathon with Maeder and described it as the hardest thing she’s ever done. When she ran the Cambridge half-marathon last fall, she

MARATHON

SPORTS

April 5, 2018

Page 7

Maggie Simonds Third-year health science major Simonds is running for the Team with a Vision Organization, which raises money for the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired Simonds hopes to run as a guide for someone with a visual impairment

Photo by Alex Melagrano

Olivia Maeder Third-year physical therapy major Maeder ran the Vermont City Marathon twice, and qualified for Boston with a time of 3 hours and 20 minutes last year After a stress fracture kept her from running the Chicago Marathon, she’s nervous for April 16

“

Photo by Alex Melagrano

The support from everyone is what is getting me excited,” Maeder said. “It’s a surreal feeling. I never imagined [qualifying for the Boston Marathon] would happen so soon.

Mikey Maichen

”

Third-year electrical engineering major After Maichen’s brother was in a car accident, he recovered for months in Boston’s Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Maichen is running for the center with his sister and his brother’s main physical therapist Maichen and Maeder are training together

Photo by Alex Melagrano

CITY

Page 8

April 5, 2018

Justice Stephen Breyer speaks in Boston

By Christian Triunfo News Staff

Since U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s appointment, he has been considered a pragmatist in his interpretation of the Constitution. But during a forum on hate speech and the First Amendment March 29 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, he upheld the First Amendment as untouchable.

“The first thing to remember about the First Amendment is that it’s there for people whose

speech you don’t like,” Breyer said. “Speech can do harm. But, the greater harm is to put somebody up as a censor to decide when it goes too far.”

Jeffrey Rosen, president of Philadelphia’s National Constitution Center, moderated the event. He said Breyer’s approach to the First Amendment is distinctive.

“It’s unlike any of your colleagues,” Rosen said to Breyer. “You have argued that the value of speech should be balanced against its social cause, and that

Photo by Christian Triunfo Attendees wait to hear speakers at a forum including Justice Breyer.

rather than being categorical, it should be reasonable.”

Breyer expanded, explaining that it doesn’t matter what he specifically thinks, but rather what the courts decide. However, his versatility as a justice surfaced in his response as well.

“I think life is a mess,” Breyer said. “If you go and write something too definite for the indefinite future, it’ll come back and hit you in the face.”

Following Breyer was a panel of experts moderated

by Rosen, who discussed differing perspectives on the First Amendment. Jud Campbell, an assistant professor of law at the University of Richmond, said Breyer’s pragmatism didn’t go far enough.

“At the end of the day, the justice still honors this notion of sanctity toward the First Amendment,” Campbell said after the panel

discussion. “I don’t think governmental regulation should be feared as much as it is. Speech really has a lot more power than people may think.”

Another panelist, Nadine Strossen, former president of the American Civil Liberties Union, disagreed.

“This is not a binary question,” Strossen said.

“Hate speech should only be suppressed if and only if it creates a clear and present danger.”

At a reception before the event, Shahrier Emon, an attendee and software engineer from Dorchester, said he was eager to hear what the justice would say about the First Amendment.

“The notion of hate speech is cringe-worthy,” Emon said. “It screams censorship to me. Justice Breyer is known to toe the line in his decisions, and to hear him address the First

Amendment in a public forum will be enlightening.”

Breyer’s 2010 dissent in the court’s controversial Citizens United decision argued that corporations should not be considered members of society and that their speech can have a negative impact on the outcome of elections.

“In cases like these, the game is worth the candle,” Breyer said. “Otherwise you’d find so many people silenced by massive entities.”

Rosen asked the audience to vote on whether the First Amendment should protect all speech, including hate speech, Breyer smiled when the outcome was a unanimous “yes”.

Rosen asked Breyer if he feels optimistic about democracy. Breyer smiled as he said, “I’m very biased, but I don’t think my grandchildren are so bad.”

Mass. gun laws criticized following Parkland

By Ellie MacLean News Correspondent

Both federal and state gun control laws are being scrutinized as a result of the Parkland school shooting on Feb. 14 that left 17 dead.

Several states are considering stricter gun laws, including Massachusetts, the state that currently holds the country’s lowest rate of death by firearm according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Massachusetts had a firearm death rate of only 3.4 people per 100,000 in 2016, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is significantly lower than states with similar populations, like Arizona, where a permit is not required to purchase a gun and the firearm death rate was 15.2 people per 100,000 in the same year. Though it’s impossible to discern a single cause, data from The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence suggests a correlation between stricter gun laws and fewer firearm deaths.

Following the Parkland massacre, Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) introduced a bill March 14 that would incentivize other

states to adopt Massachusetts’ gun laws.

The Making America Safe and Secure Act, would authorize the Department of Justice to allocate $20 million in grants every year over the next five years to states that implement laws similar to those in Massachusetts.

Still, gun rights advocates oppose these strict laws.

Jim Wallace, the executive director of Gun Owners Action League, the Massachusetts affiliate for the National Rifle Association, said these regulations infringe on Second Amendment rights.

“There is certainly the argument to be made as to why you even need a license to exercise a civil right,” he said.

In 2017, Massachusetts passed Bill H.4008 and became the first state to ban bump stocks — a device that makes assault weapons fire faster — after they were used in the Oct. 1 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Since then, CBS News reported that several states increased bump stock restrictions.

But many gun policy experts find Massachusetts’s most successful restriction often goes unmentioned in

national gun control discussions. One of the state’s more distinct policies lies in An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence, which allows local law enforcement to deny, suspend or revoke licenses for handguns and long guns, similar policies have been enacted in other states including California, Connecticut and New Jersey.

“Police chiefs in Massachusetts have the discretion on whether to issue a license, and most other states only use the federal criteria,” said Jack McDevitt, a Northeastern professor of criminology and the former chair of the Massachusetts Committee to Reduce Firearm Violence.

McDevitt said this part of the legislation in particular helps keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people.

“Federal criteria allows people to get guns who have a history of violence, but might not be convicted on a violent offense,” McDevitt said.

Though a person is not forbidden from purchasing a firearm at the federal level, he said, local police can revoke a license application from someone they know is dangerous.

Photo by Katie McCreedy Massachusetts was the first state to pass a law banning bump stocks.

However, McDevitt said 97 percent of Massachusetts gun license applicants are approved, which he said indicates police are not vigorously denying applicants.

Wallace said this law causes to law-abiding citizens to lose their Second Amendment freedoms.

“Restricting someone who’s lawful is nonsensical,” Wallace said of the clause that allows police chiefs to determine suitability.

“If you’re going to restrict somebody, restrict a criminal, but not us.”

Though states may independently pass gun laws as they see fit, McDevitt said other states would benefit from sharing the same firearm regulations as Massachusetts.

“If we were able to convince other states around us that they should have a

similar licensing structure, I think that would be helpful in tracing more guns and sharing data more widely,” he said.

Though Massachusetts ranks lowest in terms of death rates by guns and one of the highest in terms of restrictions, McDevitt said more could be done. He suggested implementing laws like those in Europe, where gun death rates are even lower.

“That would mean further identifying which kinds of people shouldn’t have guns,” McDevitt said. “It would mean getting mental health services for people who are mentally ill and it would also mean having programs for young black and Latino males, who are the most common victims of gun violence, to be able to help them.”

CITY

April 5, 2018

Page 9

Q&A with Boston March for Our Lives speaker PROTEST, from front

“Shooter still at large at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, it was real. My Earth shattered,” Beca Muñoz said during the speech. As the pair finished their speech, they declared the march was only the beginning of a growing movement.

The News spoke with Beca Muñoz about her experience and the change she hopes local anti-gun action, like the march will inspire.

The Huntington News: What was it like to speak to a large crowd during a national movement?

Beca Muñoz: I think the speaking was the easiest part, actually. The organizing was the thing that required the most work. I have to give credit where credit is due — it was really the high school organizers that put in a big bulk of the work.

The thing that [Leonor and I] said was our favorite part was that we were able to see each other again. I think for me it was kind of shocking to be with her.

I just had a lot of nightmares the days following the shooting and a lot of feelings that are hard to articulate, but seeing her, I think I realized how real her trauma is. I remember I needed to go to the bathroom and she was in there, so I knocked quickly on the door and the knocks kind of triggered her and I wasn’t prepared. No one’s ever prepared to see their sibling that way.

HN: How did you and your sister write the speech?

BM: I wrote my own speech and shared it with her. She wrote her own speech entirely separately from mine. So, she pieced them together and it was actually really interesting because when we talk about the day that it happened, like the piece where I write, “I remember not knowing how to respond and the only thing I knew how to say was I love you.” And in her piece she talks about how, “I remember the only time I cried that day was when my sister said she loved me.” So, it was just really interesting seeing the

Photo by Ellie MacLean The Muñoz sisters march in Boston during the March for Our Lives. Beca is a Northeastern student, Leonor, her sister, is a Parkland survivor.

way we both wrote about that moment and that moment was so life-changing for both of us.

HN: How did your sister get to the event?

BM: My sister actually wasn’t supposed to come, or we just didn’t plan on it.

I wasn’t able to book a flight home and I hadn’t seen my sister since the shooting.

I wanted her to come to the Harvard event, where five of the Parkland kids came to Harvard and talked about the movement. So, I emailed a ton of people from Harvard saying, “Can my sister please be at this event?” And I emailed Emma [Gonzalez]. I told Leonor to tell Emma to pressure Harvard and [the school] said that we can’t offer her a spot on the stage, but she can be in the crowd.

At that point, I had already talking to the [March] organizers about possibly flying her in and they were

like, “That would be so cool to do a joint speech.”

She ended up not going to the Harvard event because my dad was like, “She can’t miss a week of school,” even though school isn’t really taking classes, it’s just PlayDoh and dogs and therapy.

HN: What was the purpose of the march for the organizers? What were you hoping to do?

BM: Our hope is to keep our messaging as solid as we did during the march, [to keep] the voices of communities of color central to this movement and [to make] sure gun reform is taken into effect in a way that would benefit all people … We really wanted to frame the event in a way that showed that Parkland is not the whole story. It’s just the beginning of the story for this particular march. But even before Parkland, this movement was already here.

HN: Is there anything you would have changed about the event or would do differently in the future?

BM: I’m incredibly glad with how the things turned out. When we all came together, we decided the conversation would be about communities of color here in Boston. There was a lot of pushback to that, initially, and we had to cut people off, or tell people this is our message, our vision, and if you don’t follow this vision entirely, then a leadership position is not for you. And once we got that settled, every logistical step we made was following that core mission.

HN: Did you meet any of the other speakers? There is a photo of you with Elizabeth Warren, were you able to meet her?

BM: Yes, we had breakfast together. Well, it was cool, the coffee was hot. We can’t endorse any politi-

cian, we’re a non-partisan organization. But, I feel like the politicians are really starting to listen to us and I feel like we really need to hold them all accountable for their ratings and with the things that they support and the ways that they support other policies that can possibly be intersectional to this movement.

HN: What does the movement hope to see in terms of change?

BM: Moving forward, I think it’s important to move toward those achievable goals of passing policy changes and changing the conversation around these issues. But, I think ultimately there’s so much pain behind gun violence and hopefully it’s learning from that pain, channeling that pain toward energy and action and learning how to handle that together as a community is how we’ll get through it.

Photo by Ellie MacLean Beca Muñoz helped to lead protesters through the streets of Boston to the Common where she and other speakers addressed the crowd.

OPINION

Page 10

April 5, 2018

Editorial: We need to talk about diversity

I

t is crucial that we have difficult conversations about diversity and inclusion now.

At Northeastern, it is the job of students, faculty and the administration to actively promote an open dialogue about acceptance on campus. We must also turn conversations about systemic discrimination into concrete actions that will result in real change.

We should support people of marginalized groups who run for leadership positions, attend demonstrations against oppression and learn from our mistakes. For example, although the term Me Too was coined by a black woman named Tarana Burke, the credit for the movement was given to Alyssa Milano, a wealthy white woman.

Injustices like this cannot

keep occurring.

Northeastern does not lack opportunities for students to find their place, with 44 international and cultural clubs, 18 religious clubs, five LGBTQA+ clubs and 12 political action clubs. But to have productive conversations, students need to speak to peers with different identities.

Northeastern’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion recently introduced a training series for staff and faculty including talks like “Addressing Unconscious Biases” and “Recognizing and Addressing Microaggressions.” These same programs addressing stereotypes and biases that affect our perspectives need to be actively offered and advertised to students, too.

While a group of white people may be well-inten-

The Huntington News Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Campus Editor Opinion Editor City Editor Lifestyle Co-Editors

Paxtyn Merten Hannah Bernstein

Sports Editor Photo Editor Design Editor

Morgan Lloyd Ysabelle Kempe Katie McCreedy Kiana Jones & Samuel Kim Calli Remillard Riley Robinson Michelle Lee

Deputy Campus Editor Deputy City Editor Deputy Sports Editor Deputy Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor

Patrick Burgard Charlie Wolfson John Hagerty Alex Melagrano Albert Tamura

Business Manager Social Media Manager Multimedia Manager Outreach Coordinator

Shaina Richards Olivia Arnold Glenn Billman Julia Preszler

Opinions expressed in The Huntington News by letters to the editor, cartoonists and columnists are not necessarily those of The News staff or of the Northeastern administration. Northeastern University undergraduate students conduct all operations involved in the production of this publication.

Staff Writers

Alyssa Lukpat, Ava Sasani, Chris Butler, Christian Triunfo, Claire Wallace, Irvin Zhang, Jenna Majeski, Jill Sojourner, Julia Crooijmans & Sam Cronin Staff Photographers

Brian Bae & Lauren Scornavacca Copy Editors

Alyssa Lukpat, Anson Huang, Ava Sasani, Hazel Solender, Jenna Ciccotelli, Kaitlyn Budion, Lily Rupert, Lindsay Lowery & Maria Lovato

tioned, they cannot truly understand racism without conversing with people of color. The same holds true for other inherent biases.

But not every conversation we have needs to be blindly diversified. Traditionally powerful groups, including straight people and white men, tend to dominate conversations because they have historically been the ones in power, and marginalized groups might feel more comfortable without those voices constantly present.

Northeastern can also create an inclusive campus by carefully selecting their sponsored speakers. We need to hear from leaders who encourage students to lean into the discomfort of talking about discrimination. For example, the First Pages speaker for 2017,

News illustration by Pete McKay

Brian Stevenson, is a lawyer who works to fight racism in the justice system.

At The News, we are aware that we have not reached the level of diversity that we want. Recently, we had a diversity work-

shop with the editorial board to discuss inherent biases and how it affects our reporting. While the conversation is far from over, we are committed to reporting on issues that affect people of all identities.

Column: NU needs to expand beyond Boston

B

Maria Lovato

oston has more colleges in or near the city than any other location in the country. These schools include Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Boston College, Tufts, Emerson, Simmons, Wellesley, Brandeis, Suffolk, University of Massachusetts Boston and, of course, Northeastern. Half of these are ranked in the top 100 national universities, according to U.S. News. In a city filled with cutting-edge learning establishments, eager employers and an abundance of college students, it can seem like there is no reason to ever leave. There is never a shortage of experiences and opportunities to explore, from concerts and museums to the many professional connections and opportunities.

However, students shouldn’t be afraid to branch out for their co-op experiences. A majority of Northeastern University students are choosing to stay in Boston during coop. Many students believe that applying to a co-op in another city, sometimes as far as the West Coast or even abroad, would be too difficult. Many of these co-ops are unpaid, or pose housing challenges.

These perceived problems can be easily fixed. Northeastern should educate students on national and international co-ops as much as they do the ones located in Boston or nearby, and market them the same way as well, both to employers and students. By showing increased interest in national and international co-ops, we can prompt the administration to encourage them and treat them as feasible options.

For many incoming students, Northeastern’s location is a major factor in their college decision.

This is one reason the administration focuses on Boston co-ops more than

those farther away. It is true that without connections to many Boston employers, the creation of co-op program would not have be possible.

But Northeastern has outgrown this dependence on the city of Boston. Northeastern has turned into a top-50 national research institution. Northeastern is expanding in recognition, in the size of the student body and in the amount of physical space required to support these students.

In order for Northeastern to continue to grow, the administration must look beyond Massachusetts.

During the admission process, Northeastern focuses heavily on attracting international students to the school and boasts its status as an international university. It is time that Northeastern becomes a international university in more than just title or during the admissions process.

Not only will this enhance the experiential learning of Northeastern students, but it will spread the Northeastern’s name around the world. It’s about time.

April 5, 2018

LIFESTYLE

Page 11

Column: Tips to eat healthy as a student dinner to get a balanced spread of food throughout the day.

If waking up early to get breakfast seems too optimistic, there are also quick alternatives. A banana may be a classic on-the-go breakfast, but don’t let that be the only thing you eat.

Allie Kuo Since beginning college, it Despite their high levels of potassium and antioxidants, has been a miracle if I can bananas are also high in sit down for three meals a sugar, so balance it out with day. I remember my mom a healthy fat or protein like being concerned that 15 nuts or yogurt. I’ll usually meal swipes wouldn’t be grab a handful of almonds enough for a week, but I to go along with the fruit. often have plenty left over An article from The New on Saturday. Between York Times writes that balancing classes, work, breakfast shouldn’t taste meetings and everything else that comes with being a like dessert — a good point. student, eating often takes a As tempting as a bowl of Lucky Charms are, choose back seat. less sugary options such as If you consider finding granola or eggs so you don’t time for food an accomcrash from a sugar rush in plishment, eating healthy the middle of class. might sound daunting.

Lunch is a great time to Why make sure you’ve hit make sure you’re eating your daily recommended healthy because for stuservings of the five food groups — fruits, vegetables, dents, it tends to be smaller and quicker than dinner. grains, proteins and dairy So, you can go a little — when you can just grab lighter with it. If you find a burger and call it a day? yourself at Rebecca’s Cafe, This shouldn’t be a surpick an apple instead of prise, but filling your body chips. You can never have with nutritious foods does too much fruit, which can more than ease your guilty conscience about that third give you energy to power through your day. cookie you’ve had — it Sandwiches are great could also positively affect your academic performance because they usually hit all of the main food groups. If and contribute to a better possible, ask for extra dark overall lifestyle. leafy greens like spinach, At home, I would always which is filled with vitafeel a bit off if I missed a mins and minerals. meal, but now I can cruise Another great and quick through morning classes lunch is the West End in on just a banana. I’m sure the Curry Student Center, some skip breakfast altogether, and I now know this where you can use a meal swipe for a salad and a is the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to drink. A spinach and mixed greens salad with beans and eating well. veggies, as well as chicken Though it’s debatable or tofu, is my go-to if I’m whether breakfast is the running to work and want most important meal, missing your first meal can something portable yet throw off your entire eating nutritious. Avoid creamy schedule. When I had time dressings to bring down fat for even yogurt and berries, content and calories; the balsamic vinaigrette is a I was more awake and full good alternative. Side note: of energy. While Greek Drizzling balsamic vinegar yogurt has more protein than normal yogurt, the fats and olive oil with some salt from both provide the push on your greens makes a healthy, flavorful dressing. for your mind and body to Come dinner time, there get through the morning. are many options, making it Instead of holding out for lunch, where your growing a bit trickier to stay focused on picking the healthiest hunger might make you choices. If I’m in the dining scarf down more than you hall, my usual strategy is would typically eat, try to to go for a whole grain as eat breakfast, lunch and

my carb — such as picking brown rice over white rice — and eating various vegetables of different colors. Not only is eating the rainbow aesthetically pleasing, you also intake a good variety of nutrients.

As far as protein goes, the best rule is to stay away from anything breaded and fried — grilled chicken or roasted pork are delicious alternatives. Round out

your meal with some fruit, instead of dessert. It will leave you satisfied without weighing you down.

Despite what concerned family members may think, the “freshman 15” is not inevitable. The incentive for maintaining a healthy, consistent diet also goes beyond its physical benefits.

By making a conscious effort to put good things into your body, you are set-

ting yourself up for success, whether it’s having enough energy to stay focused in a lecture or going for a positive lifestyle change. While it’s still important to treat yourself and go for that deliciously greasy pizza every once in a while, just make sure to balance it out with a healthy dose of fruits, vegetables or some other form of nature’s goodies. Your body will thank you.

EVENT CALENDAR Calendar compiled by Samuel Kim, lifestyle co-editor

Thursday, April 5

Northeastern’s Council for University Programs and Resident Student Association will host a carnival as part of ongoing Springfest celebrations this week. There will be plenty of free food, Springfest gear and fun activities like stuffing a toy husky. 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.; Curry Student Center Ballroom; Free.

Photo courtesy Creative Commons

Friday, April 6

“Range 15,” the first film written, funded and produced by veterans, is a comedy about zombies. “Not a War Story” is a documentary about the making of “Range 15.” Before and after the screening, you can enjoy refreshments and speak with director Tim O’ Donnell and cast members Nick Palmisciano, Mary Dague and Mike Schlitz. 12 p.m.; 5:30 p.m.; Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex Room 102; Free.

Photo courtesy Michael Mcmahon

Saturday, April 7

As the final event of Springfest week, artists Logic, Charli XCX and A R I Z O N A will perform at Matthews Arena. Enjoy a night of hip-hop, rap and rock from Grammy-nominated and platinum-selling artists. Ticket prices vary and start at $15 for NU students. 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.; Matthews Arena: Prices vary.

Photo courtesy Creative Commons

Sunday, April 8

Join student improv troupe NU & Improv’d as it hosts an evening of comedy. Students will be performing alongside guest improv groups Seriously Bent from Suffolk University and Liquid Fun from Boston University. Bring your friends and be prepared for plenty of laughs and giggles. 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Blackman Auditorium; Free.

File photo by Ashley Wong

Monday, April 9

Head to Pour House on Boylston Street for a night of trivia about Boston’s history, sports and more, hosted by community service organization NU Circle K. You may form a team with up to five members. Proceeds will go to Rosie’s Place, a women’s shelter in Roxbury that helps feed and house thousands of women each year.

The event is 18+. 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Pour House Boston; $5 per person.

Photo courtesy Creative Commons

Tuesday, April 10

If you want a mellow evening to unwind as you listen to some great indie and rock music, Green Line Records is hosting a concert with Julie Byrne, Ellen Kempner and Mal Devisa. Green Line Records described the event as a great opportunity to relieve stress as the semester comes to an end. 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.; AfterHours; Free.

File photo by Alex Melagrano

Wednesday, April 11

Photo courtesy Creative Commons

Stop by Curry Crossroads to support blood cancer survivors as you participate in NU Love Your Melon’s “Be the Match” swab drive. Love Your Melon is an apparel brand with a mission to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America. You will have the opportunity to enter into a marrow registry and potentially save lives, along with getting free stickers, snacks and a chance to participate in a raffle. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.; Curry Crossroads; Free.

LIFESTYLE

Page 12

April 5, 2018

Student startup inspires young tour guides

By Claire Wallace News Staff

Last year, Lucrezia Seneso took third place in Northeastern’s startup challenge.

Now, her five-person tour company spans three cities, where it employs students as specialized tour guides.

The company, EXPLORAC, gives local residents the opportunity to act as tour guides and show off their knowledge of their cities. Guides can create tours that showcase the niche experiences their city has to offer. For instance, tourists using EXPLORAC in Boston can personalize their tours to focus on the city’s architecture and photography, or put a local spin on the Museum of Fine Arts.

“It’s basically an experience that connects travelers and locals,” said Seneso, a third-year business administration major. “Locals have the opportunity to create unique experiences in a city at a lower cost.”

Tourists can search for and reserve tours through the company’s website.

While EXPLORAC currently only operates in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, the team hopes to expand domestically and internationally.

Anthar Nieto, a third-year communication studies and media and screen studies combined major, joined EXPLORAC recently.

Nieto, who is in charge of the company’s marketing strategies, said EXPLORAC is in the process of recruiting tour guides, also known as city experts. These people are required to have extensive knowledge of the cities they are operating in and good ideas for a unique city tour.

The company attempts to pull clients in their 20s or 30s, Nieto said, and capitalizes on its lower costs and tour guides to create an experience that works for young adults and families.

“A thing we hear a lot is that people really enjoy it because our city expert is very young,” Seneso said.

“Kind of the same age as people that go on the tour.

So that makes it a lot more personal and easier to connect than just being with a complete stranger who is from a different age.”

Grace Bettinson, a second-year communication studies major, did a tour of the Museum of Fine Arts through EXPLORAC. It was one of the first official tours the company offered.

“It was one of the first ... run-throughs, so it was fun being a guinea pig for the afternoon,” Bettison said.

Bettison mentioned that one of the best parts was her guide, Eugenia Camargo, a fourth-year business major at Babson College.

“Eugenia is only a couple of years older than me, so it was nice to have someone you can relate to,” Bettison said. “It is also just nice to

Photo courtesy EXPLORAC Two travelers represent EXPLORAC in Bangkok, Thailand.

see someone passionate about a topic that I feel a lot of millennials are not into.”

Many private tours can cost upwards of $400, but EXPLORAC’s two or threehour tours costs somewhere from $50 to $100. For example, EXPLORAC’s New York City photography tour costs $55 and the Museum of Fine Arts Boston tour runs around $50.

Along with young tour guides and low prices, the company has made a point to invest in extensive social media outreach to appeal to

younger age groups.

“Compared to other startups I’ve seen, the social media response for EXPLORAC is crazy,” Nieto said. “I joined the team less than a month ago and I remember that we had 600 followers, and now, it’s [grown to] around 1,000 in less than three weeks.”

Nieto, Seneso and the EXPLORAC team expect that following to continue to grow.

“I really see this going somewhere … this is my baby,” Seneso said.