May 2020 | The Pace Press

Est. 1948 May 15, 2020

THE PACE PRESS

INSIDE: @thepacepress @thepacepress

/ThePacePress

Volume 72 | Issue 5

NEWS

International students adjust to online learning during COVID-19

page

4

ARTS Arts

students face virtual learning woes

page

12

FEATURES Missing senior year: an unexpected COVID-19 consequence

page

17

2

NEWS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Students weigh in on Cuomo’s newfound fame SAM UNGER Executive Editor In the last two months, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has become a household name thanks to his acclaimed daily press briefings, Twitter updates on COVID-19 and comical sparring with his brother Chris Cuomo on “Cuomo Prime Time.”

His briefings, featuring shots of state officials sitting six feet apart from each other at an exceptionally long table and accompanied by homemade PowerPoint slides, are live-streamed on Twitter and shown on cable news stations like CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. For some University students, these press conferences— “part briefing, part sermon, part inspirational talk,” per the Washington Post—provide reassurance and comfort, establishing a sense of fact-based leadership where others feel President Donald Trump has lacked.

University junior Carla Peregallo, an international student from Argentina, said, “I’m trying to stay away from the news a little so my anxiety doesn’t get bad. I only check Twitter news once or twice a day and there is always something about Cuomo there. He is pretty good at talking to people and calming them, but at the same time he still tells us what we need to know and advises us on what to do.”

“It’s hard right now because it’s just me in my New York apartment and I can’t go home anytime soon, so it’s comforting to be updated with helpful and factual information,” she continued.

University junior Sarah Perniciaro commented, “I watch his press conferences every morning and it’s been nice hearing a reassuring voice. He’s not perfect, but I think he’s doing what he can at this time.”

With hashtags like #cuomosexual trending on Twitter and a wave of memes inspired by his PowerPoints, Cuomo, once on the sidelines, has somehow transformed into a figure of comedic relief during the pandemic.

“It’s been really interesting to watch him become not just a strong model of leadership but a social media icon too,” continued Perniciaro.

If you miss the daily briefings, the famously stoic governor—once dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” and “Darth Vader” by Albany media outlets—can also be seen cracking jokes on his younger brother Chris Cuomo’s nightly CNN show. The pair often debate on which of them is their mother’s favorite and urge each other to call her more frequently. They also offer humorous anecdotes about their teenage years, including Gov. Cuomo recalling the many times Chris broke curfew.

“I really like watching Cuomo and his brother on TV. Their conversations are really funny,” added Peregallo.

Now set to appear on the cover of the May issue of Rolling Stone, Cuomo’s newfound glorification and heroization do not sit well with other University students.

“I honestly think a huge problem right now is that being better than Trump is enough to be considered ‘good,’ so whenever any politicians call him out or act rationally, they’re automatically considered heroes without any question,” said University senior Alex Bosworth.

“Cuomo is getting tons of praise right now. In reality, he is using prison labor to bottle

FLICKR hand sanitizer, trying to cut Medicaid and isn’t really addressing the COVID outbreaks in New York prisons. I think it’s really weird that people are hyping him up as a hero when the state has had the most deaths in the country. I just don’t think calling out the president automatically makes you a hero.”

Bosworth is referring to Cuomo’s “New York State Clean” hand sanitizer plan—in March, he announced that prison inmates will begin producing 100,000 gallons of hand sanitizer every week to be distributed among the state for free. According to Vice, workers at the Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, New York said they are doing nothing more than taking existing hand sanitizer and rebottling it into “NYS Clean” labeled packaging. Inmates are bottling the sanitizer 24 hours a day in three eight-hour shifts, are paid under a dollar an hour and prohibited from actually using the sanitizer.

Cuomo has also recently come under fire for his plan to cut the budgets of the state’s Medicaid system and other social programs by $2.5 billion a year. The initially structured plan would have made the state ineligible for the $6.7 billion in emergency federal assistance for New York’s Medicaid program for the duration of the pandemic.

At the end of a press conference on April 2, however, Cuomo’s budget director Robert Mujica announced their solution—the cuts would be delayed until after the crisis passes so the state can “get its share of federal money and slash the program later,” said the Huffington Post.

Although University students remain divided on their stances, Cuomo’s leadership at the epicenter of the pandemic has quickly thrust him into the national spotlight, bringing along both an increase in fans and critics. While he currently has no intention to run for president, how he handles the remainder of the pandemic as governor with the nation watching will have an effect on the way people—not just New Yorkers—see him, perhaps inspiring support for a potential White House run in the future.

Students react to online schooling on Twitter KENDAL NEEL Features Intern On March 16, the University announced its decision to transition to remote classes for the remainder of the spring semester due to the highly contagious coronavirus. Since the announcement, students, faculty and administration alike have spent countless hours trying to normalize online education in an effort to make it as beneficial as possible for the final months of the school year.

With students from all across the globe and in a variety of different learning environments, many professors have made strenuous attempts to make sure that each student feels supported and capable of succeeding no matter their circumstance. However, despite the effort of several professors, there are still a number of students who have come forward with stories about professors who have not been accommodating or understanding in the midst of the global pandemic.

On March 31, just two weeks after the announcement regarding remote learning, a university student came forward on Twitter to talk about a classmate of hers who was asked by a professor to purchase a webcam for the class because she did not have one. The student who reported the incident continued on to explain that many students are losing jobs and family members as a result

of the virus, making it nearly impossible for instructors to demand full-time educational commitment from students.

Additionally, many students do not have the traditional classroom resources that are often needed to complete homework and other assignments. On top of that, not every student is able to afford a webcam and it is unfair for professors to require one.

The tweet, which directly tagged the University, garnered attention from a number of other University students with similar stories. When asked about her thoughts on the incident, University sophomore Veronica Reyes said, “I’m not surprised something like this would happen. I have fallen way behind in a lot of my classes because my professors just don’t understand what I’m going through at home.” As a result of the misunderstanding and miscommunication between students and instructors, several students have expressed the need for pass/fail courses instead of letter-based grades through University wide student petitions.

One of the most common grievances about online school noted by students is the excessive amount of schoolwork given by professors. Several students have reported that instructors have been assigning more work than ever before in the weeks following the remote learning announcement. University sophomore Vicky Navaroo said, “I understand that professors have to make up for the work missed in in-person classes and that all

of us are stuck at home, but at the same time, I don’t have time to write six essays in a 48-hour period. It’s just impossible.”

With fear and anxiety already running on high as a result of the recent global events, adding excessive schoolwork to the mix has been a breaking point for some students. University sophomore Becca Ambrose said, “I am almost to the point of giving up. My parents are essential workers and I have a million other worries on my mind; I just don’t have the time or the mental capacity to be devoting my time to a class project that just seems irrelevant at this point.” While school was once a safe haven and distraction from the external worries and anxieties, for many it has become an almost unmanageable stressor amid a sea of other troubles.

Despite these challenges, many students remain hopeful about the rest of the school year. University sophomore Matt Cartwright said, “I really hope that this is a learning experience for both students and professors.

I think after these first few weeks, professors will see that it’s just not possible for school to be the main focus right now and they’ll start to be more flexible.”

Although the world may seem upside down right now, one thing is clear: University students are more than ready for fall semester and a return to a blissful sense of normalcy.

NEWS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

3

Student employees transition to working from home BROOKE SUFRIN Business Manager In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and the University’s transition to virtual learning, Human Resources is allowing certain student employees to work remotely. From giving campus tours virtually, to managing social media and others capable to do so, the University is finding ways to still compensate their student employees who are able to continue their roles, even as they work from home.

According to a recent email from Human Resources, the University will be flexible in allowing students to work remotely. They emphasized that students do not have to continue working, but they can if they choose to do so.

“We know many of you want to or need to continue to work, and also that others do not,” said Matt Rena, Vice President of Human Resources.

“Whichever choice is best for you, we will support your decision.”

The new structure for student employment will be that if a student is “willing” to still work but is “unable to do so” due to external factors like internet or security access, these students will still be paid for their usual hours, pre-pandemic, by the University. For those who are able to work but cannot maintain their previous hours, they will be compensated for their usual allotted time cards.

Rena explained in the email, “For example, if a student employee typically worked 15 hours per pay period and now works 10 hours per pay period, that student would be paid for 15 hours.”

In regards to students who are paid through grants or funds, Rena advises them to, “…check with your supervisor about how the guidance above may or may not apply to your particular position.”

One of the largest departments that employ students on campus is the University’s Welcome Center. Tour guides who normally give campus tours to prospective students in person are now switching to Zoom.

“Now that we have moved to remote learning, the Welcome Center events have also gone virtual this semester,” said Kimberly Alonso, Welcome Center Manager. “Monday through Friday we are offering ‘virtual visits’ which give prospective students the opportunity to learn all about Pace, the application process, and to even get a virtual tour of the NYC campus from our student tour guide staff.”

Student tour guides have been clocking in their hours by logging onto Zoom and meeting with prospective students to give them a (virtual) look at life on campus.

University sophomore Akash Seeramreddi finds giving online tours an “odd experience.”

“Tour Guides were always taught to be personable to people by getting to know them through our tour so going online definitely creates that distance between us and them [prospective students],” said Seeramreddi.

Not all departments that employ

students are able to accommodate students who are willing to work from home. The Call Center, which hires students to make calls to University alumni and prospective students, does not have the bandwidth to aid students in a remote work adjustment.

“The Call Center has to use certain technology and the students are not permitted to handle credit cards when unsupervised,” said Colleen McGovern, a former Call Center student employee and University junior.

Some on-campus jobs already entail online work, allowing for a smooth remote transition.

University junior Brianna Adkins, the social media manager for the Seidenberg School of CSIS Events Team, feels “really grateful and privileged to be able to work from home now that the University is remote.”

“I was worried about whether or not I would be able to continue to work, because I’m living paycheck to paycheck,” said Adkins. “It’s really hard to shift into working remotely, because it’s hard to engage a community when you can no longer have events as planned. It’s been a shift trying to figure out how to get students to attend webinars, interact with our accounts on social media, and read our articles on the Seidenberg Blog, but we’re starting to figure things out as a team—one that I am grateful to be a part of.”

Although these are trying times for the University community, some are hoping to use this time as a way to enact

positive change moving forward.

“As someone from California, I wish I had something like this [a virtual tour option] when I applied to colleges,” said Seeramreddi. “I think with this being introduced that it is definitely very innovative and could change the way campus tours are led going forward.”

Alonso also shared that moving forward, when the University resumes inperson operations, virtual tours will still be an option for prospective students who are unable to attend campus in-person.

“We are also hosting virtual PaceBounds for accepted students, virtual regional receptions, and have lots more planned for the future,” said Alonso.

It seems that, amidst the struggles of adapting to online working and learning, the University is learning new ways to be more inclusive and accessible.

“I’d like to see some dynamic change going forward,” said McGovern. “Now we all know how it feels to lose access and we can be more mindful in the future to those who do not always have the luxury of being in-person.”

Finances seem to be a concern for all during this pandemic and the University is “working hard to accomplish” keeping student employees financially afloat.

“Our goal is to keep students engaged and working when they are able to, and to continue financially supporting our students when hardships exist,” said Rena.

The University Health Center and COVID-19 meditating, relaxing, falling asleep and journaling.

The Pace Press contacted two students currently living on and off-campus regarding whether they are currently utilizing the UHC and/or counseling center.

University senior Michael Smith who is currently living on campus shared, “I have never been to the health center or used any of its resources.” Meanwhile, University sophomore Emily Drachman said, “I have been to the health center before and taken advantage of their resources. However, I have not recently used any of their services nor have I heard much about how to utilize them during this remote learning period.”

During this period of remote learning, the University will be conducting a “deep cleaning of all public spaces across the University, including classrooms, meeting spaces, libraries, and cafeterias.”

The UHC has informed that all high-touch areas such as stair railings, elevator buttons and doorknobs are being cleaned frequently on campus with a new disinfectant product, as opposed to “the usual cleaning spray.” They also added that all leased buildings have been working with the University to ensure they are also thoroughly cleaned.

For more information on this matter, students can visit www.pace.edu/coronavirus.

NAOMI BITTON News Intern Although the University transferred to remote learning, the University Health Care center continues to offer services to students both on and off campus.

For those who have university health insurance, it continues to be valid whether or not you are still in New York City. Additionally, the UHC remains open on campus on weekdays from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

The center allows students to report any symptoms they are experiencing on the patient portal and wait for a medical professional to contact them. If you are on campus, the UHC does not accept walk-in appointments and advises students to schedule an appointment at patient-pace.medicatconnect.com/ . For immediate appointments, students can call the center at (212) 346-1600.

The UHC understands that this period of change can be very challenging for students. While faceto-face interactions are not advised, the Counseling Center remains available for students to utilize and seek professional help. Though the counseling center is closed for in-person appointments, services are available remotely between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Students can visit www.pace.edu/ counseling/coping-with-coronavirus for tips on how to emotionally cope with the current situation and for free smartphone applications that can be used for

PACE UNIVERSITY

4

NEWS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

International students learning during COVID-19 Transitioning, travel and time-zones ALEXANDRA PUGA News Editor The University is home to over 2,500 international students from more than 120 countries working on getting their education in New York City. Adapting to life and education in the city is enough of a challenge for students around the globe. In the midst of the pandemic, international students have had to quickly adapt. The Pace Press spoke with three international students, two who went home and one who decided to stay at the University.

University Freshman Michael Goh flew back to his home country, Singapore, on March 17. As of April 7, Singapore has a total of 627 cases and six total deaths. 377 people in Singapore have fully recovered from the disease and have been discharged from the hospital or community isolation facility.

“The number of COVID-19 infections has rapidly increased in Singapore due to a lot of imported cases,” Goh said. “Though not on official nationwide lockdown yet, we are practicing social distancing very seriously and many public venues have been temporarily closed.”

As a result of the time difference, Goh is 12 hours ahead of the east coast. When not focusing on school, Goh finds ways to entertain himself. “I am watching movies and TV shows, reading books, chatting with friends through social media, watching YouTube videos and having conversations with my family at home,” Goh said.

As the University has put a temporary hold on moveouts from the residence halls, Goh is in no rush. “I was not able to move everything out of my dorm room. I plan on graduating from Pace University NYC in 2023, so for sure I’ll be back to get my things and earn my degree here!”

University freshman Relle Reavis has relocated to Oahu, Hawaii, which is six hours behind EST. She now has to wake up early in the morning to attend her online classes. “It’s a hard transition,” Reavis said. “Right when I felt comfortable with living on the mainland for the first time in my life, I’m taken away from my new home. For the first week of online classes, I woke up at 3:30 a.m. HST every weekday for my 10 a.m. EST classes. By the end of the week, I finally had a new plan with my teachers to do online classes that included not waking up at 3 a.m.”

In her area, social distancing has caused a stay-athome order and like all other states, only essential workers

are allowed out of the house. According to ABC Island News, COVID-19 cases jumped by 23 percent over the past day as of April 5. According to the state’s Department of Health, Hawaii has 410 confirmed cases, with Oahu totaling 312 cases as of April 5. “If you are caught, you could receive a $500 fine,” Reavis said.

Reavis went home for spring break without knowing what the future could hold. “I have not moved any of my belongings out and I only have a week’s worth of clothes I brought with me for spring break because I thought I would only be home for the break. I have no idea when I can come back and get my things. I have asthma, so I’m a bit worried to be leaving my house.”

To pass by the time when not focusing on work, Reavis said, “I’ve been playing lots of Animal Crossing and enjoying spending time with my family. I also just joined a sorority, so I have lots of online meetings to attend as well!”

Reavis continued, “I am very lucky, though, to live in Hawaii where the weather is very beautiful and I get lots of sunshine.”

University freshman Jasmine Pham from Vietnam has decided to settle in New York City. Pham was unable to gather her things and head home in time. There were many things for Pham to consider about where she was going to settle during th3 pandemic.

“I couldn’t go home because it just takes so much work,” Pham said, listing concerns such as transportation and the time difference, among others.

Pham continued, “What if I catch the virus on my way home?

I don’t want to spread it out to everyone else! So the best option for me was staying still.”

“Thanks to Pace’s generosity, they keep the campus open and safe,” said Pham, a resident of Maria’s Tower. “Also the cafeteria is available, so I don’t need to worry about being starved or having nowhere to go during this sensitive period of time!”

Aside from attending Zoom classes, Pham has found ways to stay busy. “During this time, I allow myself to relax a bit more like sleeping more than I need, or eating whatever I want to kill time,” Pham said. “Also, I spend more time taking care of myself like doing my skincare, self-care, reading more books, listening to music and watching Netflix. I also spend about 20 to 30 minutes every night before bed to do meditation.”

As the country grows frustrated with continued isolation, instances of NYC residents not practicing social distancing are happening more and more frequently. “I am kind of mad because I have seen some people around me not taking this COVID-19 thing seriously. They still gather as [a] group when they should practice self-quarantine now! Last week, I went to Fulton Market to do my grocery shopping and there was a man coughing right in the middle of the way without covering his mouth.”

Pham plans on heading home as soon as the situation dies down. “Right now I don’t need to pack my things,” Pham said. “I will do all those processes to move out later on.”

Whether you are studying in New York, on the West Coast or on another continent, you are not alone. Besides attending Zoom class or doing homework, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of quarantine. Practicing social distancing may be hard, but it is important to flatten the curve and stay home.

ADOBE STOCK

English Dept. Writing Awards postponed KELSEY NICHOLSON Editor-in-Chief The 2020 English Department Writing Awards have been postponed until the fall semester. The director of the Writing Awards, Dr. Eugene Richie, announced the news on the University’s English Department Facebook group on Friday, March 20. This decision comes as a result of the University’s decision to move all classes online due to the coronavirus.

“Because of the change to online classes for the remainder of Spring semester, the 2020 Writing Awards competition and the annual ceremony have been postponed until the Fall 2020 semester,” Richie wrote in his post. The deadline was originally April 6, with the awards ceremony to be held sometime in May. There is no word yet on when the ceremony will take place in the fall.

Students who are planning to graduate this spring are still eligible to enter the

2020 Writing Awards. Richie continued, “A new deadline for submissions will be announced in September 2020. Please submit your work then.” Graduating students will hear of the new fall deadlines via several channels. “Graduating students will be alerted to the awards by Blackboard emails from their Academic Year 19–20 professors, and by the English Dept.

Writing Awards webpage,” Richie told the Pace Press.

As of March 22, 2020, the Writing Awards is planning to give out $18,000 in awards across nine categories: fiction, poetry, non-fiction, writing for film and television, playwriting, journalism, writing on film, literary criticism and linguistic and rhetorical analysis. The money is awarded from the Sarah Willis, Billie and Curtis Owens, Richard Gill, Gerard Cannon and James Rose funds (former English Dept. faculty members). The prize money has increased by $3,000 since the 2019 Writing Awards, which awarded a total of $15,000 to University students.

Richie also had some words for students during this time, saying, “For now, focus on finishing all work for this semester with the guidance of your professors. You also may have some finished work from fall 2020 to consider for submission, too.”

You can find more information on the awards on the English Dept. Writing Awards webpage, including the typical guidelines for entry, how to enter and any updates concerning the future of the Writing Awards.

You can also email questions to Dr. Richie at erichie@pace.edu.

PACE UNIVERSITY

NEWS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

5

How to navigate quarantine without sports SAM UNGER Executive Editor Over the last few months, students have found creative ways to occupy the extensive free time that is not consumed by assignments or virtual classes. For those who rely on televised sports for entertainment, however, it has become increasingly difficult to participate in normal pre-pandemic activities. While a number of suspensions and cancellations have rendered live sports unavailable, fans can turn to other methods of distraction to keep themselves connected to their favorite games.

After the NBA released a statement announcing an indefinite suspension of the season, and with no plans to return to the court anytime soon, the NBA and ESPN partnered up to prepare an official e-sports tournament on NBA 2K. The tournament premiered April 3 on ESPN and features an all-star lineup of players including Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell and DeMarcus Cousins. The final game was held on April 11 and the winner chose a charity to receive a $100,000 donation on behalf of 2K, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association to support COVID-19 relief efforts.

The Pheonix Suns guard Devin Booker took the win making his $100,000 donation go to Direcect Relief and Arizona Food Bank Network.

Additionally, several basketball players have been streaming NBA 2K matches on Twitch, a live streaming video platform. If online gaming isn’t your thing, you can head to YouTube or turn on the TV to find reruns of old games when you’re missing the sound of squeaky sneakers on the court.

“Right now, I’m relying on reruns of older basketball games on TV to keep me occupied,” said University freshman Marly Gourley.

You might not get “Drake on the sidelines” content and Kawhi Leonard memes, but it is still possible to engage with your favorite team and players while practicing

responsible social distancing.

Following the NBA’s decision, the MLB announced it would also suspend its season indefinitely two weeks before the first series of Opening Day games. While fans await the return of baseball amid speculation of holding games in Spring Training facilities or abroad, there are a few alternatives to enjoy America’s national pastime.

Sports networks like Fox Sports and ESPN (or SNY and The YES Network for our tri-state readers) air reruns and highlights of past games and are a helpful resource to stay informed on how the pandemic is affecting sports.

On social media, team and personal player accounts have been interacting with fans and regularly posting content to stay engaged. If you’re more of a sports film fanatic, however, there are plenty of baseball movies to stream instead— “Major League,” “42,” “The Natural,” and “A League of Their Own,” to name a few.

Other organizations like Major League Soccer and international leagues soon followed suit in suspending seasons and tournaments; while the UEFA Champions League tournament is suspended until further notice, the UEFA Euro 2020 and Copa América 2020 were postponed until summer of next year.

In light of the extra free time, soccer teams and players alike have ramped up their social media presence. F.C. Barcelona, for example, has been posting highlights and interactive quizzes to their Twitter accounts, while some players have inspired trends like the toilet paper juggling challenge to ease their boredom and get fans to participate alongside them. Other players have taken to live streaming on Instagram, like Christian Pulisic on the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. Often inviting other players into his stream, you can join to hear him talk about his experience playing for Chelsea and rank the best Girl Scout cookies.

You can also play FIFA matches on gaming consoles alone (or with friends) to hear some

comforting commentary and play as your favorite athletes.

If you’d rather watch instead, players from around the world have been live streaming FIFA 20 matches on Twitch and YouTube with the hashtag #stayandplay.

Despite being a university in lower Manhattan with a limited number of athletic spaces, you’re likely to find a large population of sports fans on campus, most of whom are undoubtedly disappointed by these cancellations and suspensions. While hours on gaming platforms or Netflix partying baseball movies with your friends might not be enough to fill the void of live sports, there are plenty of ways to continue enjoying sports responsibly from home; the better we are at keeping our distance and practicing healthy behaviors, the closer we are to seeing the return of sports.

ESPN

Graduating students await commencement details KELSEY NICHOLSON Editor-in-Chief In an email sent on April 16, University Provost Vanya Quiñones provided a list of updates concerning the University community. Included in those updates was news about the spring 2020 graduation ceremony. The email read that students who have completed their degrees will be receiving them at the end of the semester. However, there are no concrete plans for a ceremony as of yet.

The 2020 graduates will not be getting an in-person ceremony this spring—they will have the option to participate in a virtual ceremony later in May. The details are still being worked out, according to the email. Should students wish to walk in-person, they will have to join underclassmen in the spring 2021commencement ceremony, or participate in a still unplanned December ceremony.

Much of the draw for attending the University’s commencement ceremony relies on its location: Radio City. However,

it is highly unlikely that the class of 2020 will be able to walk at Radio City in their own personal December ceremony, as the venue is in the middle of its Christmas Spectacular performances and will not be available. In the past, students who graduated early in December received their diplomas in the mail and were expected to walk in the spring.

University students who planned to walk this spring are frustrated with the communication given by the administration. “It just stinks that after everything we are going through they can’t be transparent about this,” said Natalie Bevilacqua, a graduating senior.

Graduating senior Leah Cozart is similarly upset with the University’s communication regarding commencement.

“I’m annoyed we paid so much for education and I understand we don’t and can’t have commencement, but I wish they communicated more,” Cozart said. “I feel like I have been missing vital information I should get.”

“They’ve been so uncommunicative; I feel PACE UNIVERSITY completely in the dark,”

commented senior Tyler Zeoli.

“They’re doing the best they can and I’m glad they didn’t cancel it, but I’m sort of annoyed that we’re probably going to get lumped in with another graduating class,” said Elise Graham, another graduating senior. “They’re sending a lot of emails but not really saying much in them.”

As the semester draws to a close and the month of May is fast approaching, graduating students have still not been given any concrete details for a virtual ceremony, despite claims from administration that they are “developing plans for school-by-school virtual events in May.” Hopefully, the administration provides the class of 2020 with more specific information before their college careers officially come to an end.

UPDATE — 4/28/20 The Provost sent out an email regarding further ceremony details.

A virtual celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 1 p.m. EST. The events will be school/college specific.

There are still no details concerning an inperson celebration as of yet, though the administration is working on it.

For more information on how to attend, please visit the University’s commencement page.

6

NEWS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Krislov talks construction and COVID-19 The Pace Press sat down with President Krislov to discuss the Master Plan and the state of the University in the era of COVID-19 KELSEY NICHOLSON Editor-in-Chief On Feb. 3, 2020, University President Marvin Krislov gave his State of the University address. In it, he discussed the University’s plans to construct a new building at 126 Nassau St. as a part of the ongoing Master Plan construction. The Pace Press sat down with Krislov via Zoom to discuss the new building, as well as the current condition of the University.

The new building, to be called 15 Beekman, will contain a new cafeteria, new suite-style student housing, a new library and new modern classrooms. It will effectively replace the east side of One Pace Plaza. “It is conceivable that we will still have some of the east side,” Krislov told the Pace Press in a recent interview. “We had one set of assumptions before this all happened, and now we are having to think about it again. But I think most of what’s on the east side will go into that building, [but] there are some pieces that may not.” One piece that will not be a part of 15 Beekman is a new theater. The University is working on new spaces to put a theater in if the east side is completely taken down.

The reason behind the construction is that there is $200 million worth of development rights on One Pace Plaza that construction will free up. As the building is over 50 years old, constructing a new building will allow the University to avoid required renovations on One Pace Plaza.

The timeline for the construction is currently on track, according to Krislov. The University is currently in the planning phase of the new building, with construction set to begin in January 2021 with a grand opening in September 2023. In addition to this construction, the University is planning to begin work on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors of One Pace Plaza this summer. “We are still hoping to start this summer,” Krislov said. “The state has stopped non-essential construction and our project

was not considered essential, so it’s a week-by-week discussion depending on where the state is. We will have a go or no-go decision to make by May 1.”

Though the construction is still in the planning phase, the Master Plan section of the University website says that the decision on new construction was “discussed and approved by the NYC Master Plan Advisory Board, which is composed of faculty, staff, and students.” Much of the criticism surrounding the first phase of Master Plan construction concerned the low number of students who were consulted. “Part of it is not just Marvin having conversations, but his team of people…speaking to specific groups in a smaller setting where they can get more feedback,” said Marie Boster, head of Media Relations at the University. “So some of those things were happening at faculty council, [and] some of those were at student government.” Krislov also emphasized that discussions with the community are “upcoming.” They have been put on pause as a result of the remote learning period and ongoing nationwide quarantine efforts.

“I think the big takeaway from the first phase [of the Master Plan] is how important it is to have learning and community spaces that are accessible to students. The students have told us that they like it, prospective students have told us they like it. It feels as though there is just a stronger sense of community and connection,” Krislov said. “We are going to try to take some of those lessons and import them to the new spaces we have, like the NassauBeekman space as well as the Lubin renovation when that happens, and the libraries. As you know, the capital right now is in a little bit of a moment of pause, and some of these things might take a little longer than expected but we just don’t know. We just don’t know.”

The coronavirus pandemic has had other impacts on the University aside from construction. “There are some financial

repercussions for us,” Krislov said. “We’re spending a lot more on cleaning and sanitizing. The cash flow is good at the moment, and we think we are okay for the near future.”

The most pressing thing on Krislov’s mind at the moment is the health and safety of the University community. “You know, we’ve got a very small essential workforce going on campus and we have some students in dorms, and we’re really concerned about them social distancing, covering themselves if they can with facemasks, washing hands, all those kinds of things,” said Krislov. “Academic continuity is the probably the other big one which I think has gone remarkably well which I give credit to a lot of people, especially faculty and staff who have had to adjust in a short period of time.”

Only time will tell what the future of the University, and the world, will look like. As it stands, the University community has been adjusting incredibly well. Hopefully, construction and the fall semester will be able to continue as previously planned.

PACE UNIVERSITY

EDITORIAL

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

7

How to deal with loneliness OWEN MCGONIGLE Events Manager They say that being alone allows for more time to think introspectively, and retrospectively. When you’re single, everyone tells you to focus on “you”. It’s almost like a preparation for when you are in a relationship, to use up all the time you can before it is stripped away from you. So when you’re alone, you spend your time thinking about you and only you. Proud singles boast their self-love for their world (and ex lovers) to see in anyway they can. All this to the point of making those stuck in a gray area believe that the single life might actually be the path they have desired.

But what happens when you are alone, but not by choice? No, not when every single guy you approach finds some way to reject you, or when you have had a dry spell of a month. I’m talking when you find yourself in the midst of a global pandemic, one so bad that you, nor the possible lovers in your life, may leave their residence.

Now of course, a love life is not priority in a situation as such. When global health is at risk, the last selfish thing on your mind should be the status of a possible relationship in the midst. However, one cannot deny the underlying human desire that does not find a halt upon sudden events. Those urges bubbling beneath your skin at every moment, even in those moments when you feel as though they should not. The desire to love and be loved continues throughout the light and dark, throughout the glories and hardships, and everything in between.

My own desire to love and be loved, and everything in between, was met with yet another roadblock along the way: quarantine. So while I fully knew that I possessed no lovers in the moment, the reality hit that I would probably not be finding any new ones anytime soon. It was a romantic pause, one that held an indefinite time stamp on my life.

So I found myself doing what any young single would do: I phoned an ex.

It is human nature to crave a sense of comfort, one that will shield you from every sense of fear or pain emerging from the outside world. In all honesty, I had no idea where I would find comfort in him. Everything in our history, and everything in our past, lead to the most intense sense of emotional pain I could inflict on myself. I had spent months prior doing anything to erase his name, erase his face, and to erase the song in my head that haunted my mind on an endless loop. Months of work to rewrite and retell months of my life gone by, all to waste over a single message.

At first, I couldn’t tell what my true motive was. I could not decipher why I allowed myself to give in to the man who had once caused me such pain. My mind battled with my heart, but it wasn’t clear what either was battling for. Instead, I continued onward for our conversation. For a while, we talked as if we had not ended the way we had. As if he had not unfollowed me on social media, as if he hadn’t spent weeks ignoring me at every chance, acting as if we had never known each other.

But, in my state of physically being alone, I could not allow it to continue in that fashion. For hours on end, I spent the days thinking about myself. My thoughts rattled around thinking about my work, my art, my friends, and everything it could possibly analyze. I thought about the way I spent my time, critiqued the routine I had set for myself during isolation. With this, everything in my mundane life had become layered. And I couldn’t sit with the man I had once adored, and had once feared, and talk about the shallow. Whether he knew it or not, I had mentally dived into the deep end. And while I did not require him to dive in after me, I found myself unable to float in petty thoughts.

So gradually, I let little bits slip in here and there. Our past, which I had spent months trying to erase from my memory, began to rewrite itself. While we didn’t exactly agree on how each piece was to be written, it was still being done. They came back in bits and pieces, as memories stored away for me to rediscover later in life. We

laughed about our good times, and even our bad. It was a fairly meta thing to do, to go back and analyze the rise and fall of a relationship with the said partner. Even still, I found myself continuing the conversation. I thought back on all the days I knew I had been hurting, but with him I found a new sense of comfort in looking back at them.

The scary thing was that I couldn’t tell why. It was hard to understand the way it worked. All I knew was that I was remembering negatives memories with the individual who inflicted them, and they didn’t seem as bad as they had been.

So I thought with myself. Had I just grown up? Did I begin to realize that the pain I had felt merely a year prior had been dramatized by the righteousness of the moment? Or, in the strangest twist of it all, was there still a sense of comfort within him that alleviated the pain I had once felt?

I woke up the next morning thinking about the events of the night prior. Even in the clarity of the morning sun, I couldn’t find a motive to my actions. Where did I stand with him? Did I suddenly forgive him for everything that had happened prior?

Was this the start of a new chapter? Whatever that may be.

So I made myself a coffee, and sat. In quarantine, I couldn’t really do much else.

I was on the final film in my Harry Potter marathon. Emma by Jane Austen sat at my bedside finished, and the thought of starting a Marvel marathon was a bit too daunting for the moment. Every few days, I had done my makeup just for fun, and would occasionally wear some to my online classes.

It was strange how swiftly your life could completely alter, and shift on its heels.

Just a few weeks prior, I was reaching a new peak in my social, academic, and artistic life. After a year of scrambling to rebuild what I thought had been broken, I felt at ease. My friendships were refined, and stronger. I felt as though every single friendship I possessed was meaningful, and genuine. My life in regards to academic was doing was well as I had been used to, and I had finally found my true niche within my art. With all this, I felt as though I had been experience a personal renaissance.

Throughout this all, he had not crossed my mind. Well, of course he did.

Everyone is lying when they say that do not think about their exes in any sense. You can be over someone completely and still have them cross your mind from time to time. This is only human nature. If they never even skipped across your mind once in a blue moon, then evidently they meant absolutely nothing to you. But long story short, he did not plague my mind in the way that he had prior, and how he would again.

It was as if my personal goals and successes had distracted me from the true pain that had never really escaped. The pain that I had merely placed in a box and attempted to lock, but fumbled for the key. The pain that would probably make up my being for a little while after. Had I been ready to move on, or was I just ready to distract myself?

But in the field of love, do we ever fully move on? Is distracting ourselves with a new endeavor, whether it be romantic or not, the only way we moved on as a collective? If that was the truth of it all, what would happen when one was stripped away of all their distractions? Would they revert back to their old ways, or would they come out with a new sense of emotional and mental clarity?

But as I sat to write and reflect on it all, the reality of it all come to light. The false feelings of my life did not lie within the happiness and joy. In fact, they were the most genuine feelings I had experienced in quite a while. The lie of it all came through with the distraction of false-loneliness. While I was isolated physically, and my borders had shrunk to become the limits of my childhood New Jersey home, I was far from alone. It was a merely a trick of the mind, an imperfect illusion, to which I felt as if I had no one left to run to. The truth was that, in the comfort of my self isolation, the true love of my friendships had flourished and blossomed past the negativity of the world around me.

So, like any young single would do, I phoned a friend.

WALLPAPER FLARE

8

STAFF

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

THE PACE PRESS EDITORIAL BOARD

K elsey N icholson E ditor - in -C hief S am U nger E xecutive E ditor B rooke S ufrin B usiness M anager O wen M c G onigle E vents M anager A lexandra P uga N ews E ditor B ritni D unn A rts E ditor B arbara R ucci F eatures E ditor J essica L a F rance G raphic D esign D ylan S hare A rt D irector D uke H uang P hoto E ditor B rianna A dkins S ocial M edia M anager D r . K elley K reitz & I nbal A bergil F aculty C onsultants

The Pace Press is the student newspaper of Pace University’s New York City campus. It is managed and operated entirely by members of the student body as it appears above.

The Pace Press welcomes guest editorials and letters from students, faculty, administration and staff.

The Pace Press reserves the right to not publish any submitted material, both solicited and unsolicited.

All submissions must include the author’s full name and contact information.

The Pace Press 41 Park Row, Rm. 906B New York, NY 10038 www.thepacepress.org editor@thepacepress.org Copyright 2020

DISCLAIMER: These opinions are expressed by contributors to The Pace Press. These opinions are solely those of the individual writers and do not reflect the opinions of The Pace Press or the University. The Pace Press is not responsible and expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind of arising out of use or relevance to any information contained in this section.

Dear University Students & Staff, Thank you so much for clicking on the last Pace Press edition of the 2019–2020 school year. It has truly been quite a journey that none of us could have anticipated. Thank you all for staying home and staying safe.

The articles contained in this issue have already been published online at thepacepress.org (which recently got a makeover!), but we wanted to compile them all in one issue! These have been written from the end of March 2020 through mid-May 2020, the date of publication, so some information contained in the articles may seem a bit out of date at the time of reading.

Regardless of the details, we hope you enjoy The Pace Press’s final issue of the year. I want to give a special shoutout to the staff members who are graduating this semester: Barbara Rucci (Features Editor) and Duke Huang (Photo Editor). I will also be graduating, so this is all of our last issue!

The Pace Press has truly been the largest part of my college experience.

From going to my first meeting as a freshman and becoming features intern to today, ending my time as Editor-in-Chief, I could not have asked for a better organization and better group of people to fill my time at Pace with. Thank you to my staff, my mentors, the office, the gender neutral bathroom on the 9th floor of Park Row, and all of the opportunities this paper has brought me. I’m going to miss it very, very much and will always look back fondly at my time on the Pace Press.

Congratulations Class of 2020, and for the underclassmen, see you next year.

Warmest, Kelsey Tice Nicholson, Editor-in-Chief

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

9

Michigan Rattlers bring midwestern rock to NYC BRITNI DUNN Arts Editor On Tuesday, Feb. 12, Michigan Rattlers made a stop in NYC on their current tour, singing new songs and songs from their 2018 debut album, “Evergreen.”

The Mercury Lounge was filled with people waiting to hear the alternative country sounds of the band. The room was filled with an array of people. There were young Brooklyn hipsters, middle-aged men with country accents, and some people over 60.

The crowd was diverse and clearly excited as the band set up the stage.

Lead singer and guitarist, Graham Young, started the night off with the bands more rock-like single, “Desert Heat.” The crowd was immediately swaying to the exciting midwestern rock. It was an odd, exciting scene in the middle of Manhattan.

One might think that they were in a dive bar somewhere in the south with the twangy, western vibes.

The stage was strung with golden Christmas lights, adding an indie vibe to the night. With string lights shining around, Christian Wilder, the band’s pianist, consistently added beautiful harmonies into the mix with a keyboard on the left side of the stage. With fans or friends consistently cheering Christian throughout the night, it was easy to feel the excitement from the keys.

Each song had a different sort of sound to it. Bassist, Adam Reed, added an exciting element that one rarely sees live.

A stand-up bass is a unique sound that really brought the act to life. Each time Reed would get to have a solo moment with the bass, the crowd would go wild.

Tony Auda, the band’s drummer, kept the night alive, adding exciting beats and getting the crowd into the music.

ALL PHOTOS BY BRITNI DUNN The band did a unique and beautiful cover of the Three Dog Knight’s song, “Spain.” The crowd of giddy individuals lit up at the song, excited to hear a familiar tune. The crowd bopped their heads up and down and danced around to the song.

A fan favorite of the night seemed to be “Late Night Cigarette Talks,” a bluesy-bop

lamenting a lost love. The crowd knew all the words and were electrified by vocalist Young’s gritty voice.

The twangy number “Sweet Diane,” says it all in the title of the song. The song was sweet and folksy, a highlight of the night, with the audience singing “Just open up the door and we’ll hit the road,”

along with Young. The song left a smile on everyone’s face but a lingering in the heart. The Rattlers closed the night with their song, “Illinois Sky,” a soulful song that recalls their midwestern past. The crowd was left feeling energetic and lighthearted. The fans smiled as the band began to pick up their instruments and head out for the night.

The band of four’s charm shined through their instruments and vocals, leaving smiles on the faces of those in the Mercury Lounge. In between songs, the members’ quips showed their personalities to the audience, with lead singer Young stating, “where we’re from, the tallest building is three stories.” Wilder replied, “That’s a stretch,” from his piano and the band laughed about their love for NYC. After the show, the Pace Press was given the opportunity to speak with Graham Young, who explained that the Michigan Rattlers were not always a four-person electric set. The band was once just Young and his close friend, Adam Reed. The pair of childhood friends began as a two-piece acoustic band that played mostly country music. The band evolved throughout the years, adding their friends Wilder and Auda. Young said the “goal was to become more electric than acoustic.” I asked Young why the band had such a midwestern rock sound while they are from Michigan. Young said “the midwest is rural and industrial, the sounds bend storytelling and country and rock.” Obviously, the band has found their groove with a more electric rock set. The Michigan Rattlers are sure never to bore, and to bring listeners to a new place they perhaps have never been.

10

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

ALL PHOTOS BY BART CARMODY

Spencer Ludwig sells out first show at the Mercury Lounge BART CARMODY Arts Intern On the night of Feb. 13, 2020, New Yorkers gathered in the starlit Lower East Side, ready for a night of tenderness, emotion, and dance - and not just because of Valentine’s Day Eve. On that same night, LA-born and now Brooklyn-based multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Spencer Ludwig shook the house when he sold out the Mercury Longue for a night of almost entirely new music. With already an astonishing amount of accomplishments in his music career from earning a Latin Grammy for the track “Por Pura Curiosidad” with Fonseca, to performing at multiple festivals and touring the U.S. and Europe with artists like Bebe Rexha and Betty Who, it’s hard to believe that his show at the Mercury Longue was his first-ever sold-out headlining concert.

Equally as surprising is the fact that Ludwig has yet to release his first full-length solo project, although the artist has been teasing the release of one for some time now. To celebrate both of these milestones, a very ready-to-party

crowd gathered at the Mercury Longue to spend the night boogieing to a setlist of both familiar hits and unreleased dance tracks from Ludwig.

Ludwig kicked the night off right by opening up with a track that immediately got the audience moving. His look complete with a gorgeous fringed leather jacket and limegreen hair, Ludwig’s stage presence is just as impressive as his performances. The artist danced from each side of the stage delivering compelling vocals between stunning trumpet solos. After the dancy ballad concluded and the crowd had a chance to catch their breath, Ludwig eventually moved onto his hit song “Best Life”, revving the energy right back up. Throughout the night, the crowd was consistently switching between fiercely moving their feet to swaying back and forth to the more melancholic songs. For example, Ludwig debuted new songs like “Us” and “Falling Out,” the latter featuring a sample of his late father’s old music. He earnestly explained that he sampled the track so that he and his father could live on forever in the music. The serener tracks evidently touched the crowd, a response that Ludwig was very grateful for. “I could feel everyone connecting with the lyrics and analyzing my music in a way I’ve never felt before,” he told The Pace Press, “which meant a lot since it was my first time performing new material and taking some personal and musical risks.”

Despite the moving anecdotes, Ludwig was consistently able to recapture that same energy that emitted from the crowd during the most upbeat of tracks. Throughout the night, the stage was graced with performances from a wide range of instruments, from Ludwig on the trumpet and guitar to some friends on the drums, keyboard, and even life-sized tuba. Perhaps the most notable music highlight from the night was when Ludwig’s bandmate on guitar delivered one of the most wowing vocoder solos that the crowd had ever seen, judging from their reactions.

As the night came to a close,

Ludwig made it clear that he was no stranger to NYC nightlife - he announced that he was looking forward to meeting everyone at an after-party and an “afterafter-party” coordinated by him and his team. This announcement seamlessly transitioned into his biggest song “Diggy,” which immersed the crowd in its infectious chorus and trumpet sections. The immediate next cut was dedicated to his wife, a heartfelt serenade to fit the mood of Valentine’s Day, and Ludwig ended the night with a cover of Lionel Richie’s “All Night Long.”

The atmosphere at the Mercury Longue was starkly different after Ludwig’s unforgettable dance party.

The crowd had been completely moved by the synergy throughout the venue after singing, dancing, and swaying the night away. “The energy at Mercury lounge last night was really special,” said the artist himself. “I felt like the sold-out venue was there to really listen and show their support.” Keep an eye out for Ludwig’s first full-length solo release, slated to release this summer.

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

‘Birds of Prey’ fails box office, not fans SARAH BERGIN Contributor

Warner Bros. has had major success after their critically acclaimed adaptation of “Joker”, gaining them two Academy Awards and a total of $1.72 billion in revenue. After this film was released, “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” was set to soar high above the box office. Feminists everywhere were thrilled that Harley Quinn would be getting the validation she deserves, allowing her to be more than a feminine sidekick to the Joker.

“Birds of Prey” focuses on Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, and her life after the Joker broke up with her. Throughout the film, she meets three other female powerhouses, including Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya. By joining forces, they work together to save a child by overcoming a manipulative master of crime. The film incorporates humor, action and the appropriate amount of chaos in order to convey Quinn’s immaculate character development.

The storyline puts emphasis on Quinn’s Ph.D. in Psychiatry, as well as her ability to be independent. Robbie brings out the soft side in Quinn, showing her not as a villain, but as a hero. The majority of the creative team behind this new and improved version of Quinn primarily consists of women. This explains the costuming, writing, and directing, as none of the characters are meant to be shown in an overly sensualized light. Quinn

@MARGOTROBBIE ON INSTAGRAM

11

isn’t fighting for any men this time around—she is there to be herself and to show her true identity. Feminists were quick to share their appreciation for the film by promoting it on social media, applauding the piece for its individualism and diversity. Even though women around the world who identify with Harley Quinn’s story attempted to broadcast the societal themes that it tackles, the film did not do very well. “Girl power” is a heavily present concept, which may have contributed to why it did not do well in the box office.

The budget for this film was $84.5 million. On opening weekend, the motion picture grossed $33 million, the lowest that a DC movie has grossed since “Jonah Hex” in 2010.

As of late, “Birds of Prey” has grossed nearly $200 million worldwide, which comes out to be almost a quarter of what “Joker” has made. The disappointing turnout led to outrage from feminist-identifying fans and also caught the attention of certain cinemas around the United States. Many marketers for Warner Bros. believed that the low attendance was because of the name of the film. There were rumors that Warner Bros. would officially change the name from “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” to “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey.” While the company did not follow through with this action, many movie theaters did. The rumors allowed the movie to gain more attention, as they were appearing on national news and social media. Despite the popularity of the circulated reports, there was still low turnout at cinemas across the world.

Paramount Pictures released “Sonic the Hedgehog” a week after “Birds of Prey” and proceeded to gross $58 million on opening weekend, almost doubling “Birds of Prey.” Many viewers compared the two films, despite the subject matters being entirely different. Despite the complaints from DC fans, the turnout for “Sonic the Hedgehog” continues to increase, while “Birds of Prey” fails to fly off the ground.

“The reason for ‘Birds of Prey’ grossing less than ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ on its opening weekend might simply be due to the fact that it’s female-led,” University freshman and English major Jayni Nielsen said. “The problem in this situation is not that the movie is female-led, but rather that some men refuse to see a movie simply for that reason. In our society still filled with gender roles, it’s commonly more socially acceptable for women to enjoy masculine things than it is for men to enjoy feminine things. This movie showcases very real situations and emotions that women go through every day in a way that doesn’t feel forced.”

Despite the grossing numbers behind this film, critics tend to love Robbie’s interpretation of Quinn. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has close to an 80 percent approval rating from both the audience and critics. Many reviews state that the film’s storyline is rather scattered, while some reviews say that the dispersed writing accurately shows what it is like to be inside of Quinn’s mind. Additionally, many of the reviews praise the motion picture for its diversity and energy.

At this point, fans of the motion picture will not be able to salvage what “Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn” has grossed. This film may mean a great deal towards the ones who saw it, but it won’t survive a sequel. After its downfall at the box office, it is appropriate to predict that Harley Quinn won’t be enough to make money— the Joker’s name has to be attached to it too. It is a shame that this memorable mayhem did not receive the appreciation it deserved, but it certainly did affect those who saw it.

DC COMICS

12

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Arts students face virtual learning woes BRITNI DUNN Arts Editor The world has changed a lot in the past few weeks, especially for students. With the suddenness of the COVID-19 outbreak, many students left NYC in a hurry, unaware that they would not be returning for the rest of the semester.

Now that virtual classes have begun, University students are facing a new set of issues. The toll of a whole new system is affecting students mentally and academically, especially students who need to be in certain spaces to work or need access to resources only available on campus. The Pace Press asked art students to explain how their classes are going and how they are navigating online learning.

Sophomore Luke Petronella is a Film major at the University and is currently taking a 16mm film production class. “For the most part, Film majors have it pretty hard,” Petronella said. “But it’s not as bad as some of the photography students. The most unlucky are the people in the film production classes. In 16mm film production, the first half of the semester was spent teaching us how to use the expensive Bolex cameras. But now that we don’t have access to them anymore, it’s a bit of a waste.”

Petronella continued, “The plan we’re getting from a lot of production professors is to simply use whatever camera you have at home—most people have iPhones— and rewrite and shoot the film that you’ve been planning for a month and a half.”

The new structure of the class, however, is not what students expected going into the semester. “The biggest downfall is that everyone is asking themselves if this is really the class they paid for. You don’t need much training to learn how to film something with your iPhone,” Petronella explained. “Most of the other film classes, however, are mostly writing/analysis based, so those will remain pretty much the same.”

Film majors are now having to work with whatever they have, and their visions for films at the beginning of the semester are mostly unattainable. Sophomore Pratul Kalra, another University Film major, spoke with The Pace Press as well. “Currently, I am enrolled in a film class which requires us to shoot a film with the proper equipment as a major part of the grade. However, due to the recent complications with the coronavirus, and classes being shifted completely online, the core curriculum of the class has also changed. Now, since we are not allowed to rent equipment from the campus, we have to shoot either a documentary or a short narrative film with any equipment that is available to us (including DSLRs and iPhones),” Kalra explained. “While a major part of

the class was learning how to use the aforementioned equipment, it is still very fascinating to learn more about the theory of films and then practically apply it to the ones we are making.”

The set up for sophomore Art major student Kayla Bugeya, including her digital camera and Adobe applications on her iPad. Photo by Kayla Bugeya.

Isaiah Smith, University sophomore Biology major with a passion for photography shared, “I was very disappointed by the news that classes were going online.

Amongst all of the other reasons to not want to have online classes, my photography class was one of those classes that really engaged me and actually showed me new things that I didn’t know,” Smith said. “This class is through the International Center of Photography. It’s called Portraiture my Way. It was taught by Neal Slavin, a very wise, well-rounded artist who had made an amazing career out of photography. He held the first two classes in his personal studio where all of his works were on exhibition, then the rest were in the ICP school.”

In light of the University’s closure, Smith’s ICP portraiture class has had to move online. “After having two online classes, I can say that it’s an interesting experience and it took time to get used to. Also, there are aspects of physical class that are impossible to recreate virtually.

Being in an institution like the ICP school and museum (they’re in the same building) brings me, and likely other photographers, the feeling that I am an artist and that I am doing something that means something. These feelings aren’t ones that come around often for artists.

Smith continued, “The resources and technologies that are available at the ICP school are more plentiful and complete than anything that Pace provides, and, likewise, anything that I can afford. Without these resources, I’m unable to make prints, develop and scan film, as well as many other things. Not only has this change affected my class, but it has also made me unable to shoot in the environment of New York City which has driven my art for the past two years.”

Outside film and photography, other Art majors have been facing similar challenges. Imani Nelson, a sophomore BFA art major with a focus in drawing and painting has had to overcome many challenges during virtual learning. “To say the least, this quarantine has been very disorienting.

Everyone is doing their best, however, but taking classes like painting or graphic design online was never anyone’s intention. It’s really difficult to progress as an artist without the studio time and your teachers present to guide you, especially for graphic design (learning illustrator by

myself has been... a process). I was also disappointed that we won’t be able to show our artworks in the Gallery at Pace for the end of the year exhibit, but again, we’re all just trying to do our best from home,” Nelson shared.

The gallery is currently closed to the public, but it will be transitioning to a virtual experience.

A number of Art majors have had to go home and buy all new supplies, a hefty expense, including sophomore Psychology major and Art minor Lauren Quattrochi.

“My Painting II class is really weird to do online. It’s not bad, but it’s not the same as doing it in person. There is only so much of the painting that the camera can capture.

Paintings always look different in real life than they do in a picture so it’s hard to properly critique paintings when we can’t physically see them. My professor is being really nice about it. She’s giving us two weeks to work on things and then we will have a critique. We’re just working on our final projects now instead of doing that and having homework. Overall it’s not bad but it can be kind of frustrating especially because sometimes when you photograph a painting not all of the details are visible in the photograph.”

Studio Art major Desiree Rousseau who is currently enrolled in digital photography shared, “I am only in one art class this semester (I feel terribly for those in more).

Over half of my class could not get equipment from their dorms, we’re all unable to get studio time and it’s difficult to safely go outside in order to learn and experiment with our photographs.”

Rousseau also brought up the point that University freshman are not getting a traditional first year. She continued, “I am also deeply saddened for prospective Art majors and minors who have taken an art course this semester to discover whether they want to truly follow this path because none of the art classes are remotely the same anymore.”

University students are doing the best they can to cope with online classes, but it comes with many expected obstacles. With film, photography, graphic design and art classes being very personal and requiring materials, it has been a difficult transition to online learning. Despite the challenges, University Art students are making the best out of their situation, inspiring students to get through the unexpected online semester with creativity and grace.

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

13

GOOD NEWS ON YOUTUBE

Performing on Zoom isn’t easy Performing Arts students tackle online learning difficulties NAOMI BITTON News Intern Due to the coronavirus, the University has transitioned to remote learning for all students. For countless students in the Lubin School of Business, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, or Seidenberg School of CSIS, this means attending general lecture classes online. However, for students in the Pace Performing Arts program, online classes are far different from their norm. Attending dance classes in a large studio, practicing dialogues, or directing performances are lessons that can be more difficult to learn at home. The Pace Press interviewed several PPA students to understand how transitioning to remote learning is like for them.

As a Musical Theater major, University freshman Ricardo Lopez Montilla experiences how remote learning entails various benefits and challenges. Montilla said, “Recording ourselves singing, dancing and acting is such a different challenge than performing live because the pressure is lessened by the fact that we can start over and film again if there is something we don’t like. This seems like it could be useful, but for most performers, myself included, this just means that we record a song or dance dozens of times, and take up exponentially more time than if we were to perform once.”

Montilla also weighed in on some benefits for Musical Theater majors, stating that, “the [musical theater] industry is doing more and more online auditions nowadays, and we are practicing that skill much more frequently than before, which is useful. What we get in the end is maybe more polished, maybe less natural. It really depends on the person and what their relationship is to the camera.” Montilla also compared the matter to someone trying to take a photo, saying, “Students take a bunch of selfies and post just one—it’s the same thing with video performances.”

The Pace Press was also able to hear insight from University senior Sherena Medford, a Commercial Dance major with a double minor in sociology/anthropology and urban studies, on multiple aspects of PPA’s online learning. “First of all, being a performing arts student at Pace comes with many benefits that we don’t take for granted, such as our studio spaces and faculty! Having our own building, we call the PAB (short for performing arts building), has become our home where we train, learn, and grow for countless hours of the day,” Medford said. “But that’s the beauty of our craft: we get to be passionate, inspired, and motivated all day, every day!”

Medford continued, “When the University said that we would be transitioning to online classes, all of PPA was shocked. We didn’t know how that could be possible for us.

We thought, ‘Well, this is the end of our training.’ Especially being a senior, we thought once we were advised to go home, that this was it, this is how we end our four years of hard work, which isn’t ideal.”

“Dancers such as me are doing the best we can to adjust but are finding it difficult to stay motivated and give our full energy to dancing on Zoom,” Medford added. “We were overwhelmed the first week with waking up for our dance classes on their usual time and trying to learn via video rather than in person. This is a difficult learning process for us and with our limited to no spaces and uncontrollable distractions.”

Commercial Dance majors, in particular, are at a greater disadvantage when adjusting to remote learning. Medford gives insight into the unique challenges of classes online, “It’s been a struggle when the WiFi causes Zoom to glitch so the music or video

lags and every second. We get fumbled on doing the movement because we either can’t hear the music, our professor’s corrections, or we can’t see the training video properly.”

When asked about the structure of her classes, Medford went on to say that though it varies, some instructors ask students to learn choreography by themselves and report back footage of their performance for a final grade. Medford commented on this teaching method by saying, “This isn’t ideal, because we can only do much with the space given in our homes. We aren’t students who only learn from textbooks and written assignments, we learn from seeing, from doing, from putting in the actual physical work and from feeling the technique ourselves.”We are all trying to stay positive and stay motivated to be better and finish this semester strong!”

In order to stay home and healthy, much of the PPA experience been sacrificed.

Medford concluded, “Our performances for the spring semester are obviously canceled and some may be postponed but for our seniors and myself, we close this year with not completing our last shows,” Medford explained. “It’s sad, and I know we’ve all taken a minute to reflect on this and accept that this isn’t the end we wanted but hopefully we can come out of this, online learning experience with something to gain, to make us better artists.”

University sophomore and Stage Management major Anna Lieberman offered her insight on how her required classes have changed for all students of the same major.

“Multiple new applications and supplies were required when we transitioned to remote learning. All required supplies were brought home (e.g. foam core, cutting mats, watercolors, and paper),” Lieberman said. “It is hard to learn something like lighting design and programming when you don’t have an ETC board or a grid with hanging lights in your home. I am also taking an acting class…the class was practically cut in half.

We are now meeting via Zoom and working on monologues rather than scene work. To replace all the scene work we are missing, we are now just given writing assignments.”

Lieberman then commented on her challenges with online classes, including the time difference she must work out, as she lives on the West Coast. “I think the biggest con regarding online classes is the lack of communication,” Lieberman said. “Communicating strictly via email is difficult especially when you don’t live in the same time zone as your professors. They don’t take it into account that I am three hours behind. The amount of emails, meetings, and assignments I have missed is ridiculous due to an email coming in while I’m asleep with the expectation [that] I am awake at 8 a.m., EST.” Lieberman continued, “I think the hardest part about being a PPA student is that a large part of my semester is the grade and review I receive from putting on a show. Now that all shows have been canceled, one of the biggest learning experiences Pace has to offer its performing arts students has been taken away. A lot of PPA is taught and learned by doing. It’s hard to learn how to properly stage-manage a show outside of the rehearsal room.”

Though many students are having a challenging time adjusting to the coronavirus, it is important to recognize that this period of remote learning cannot last forever. As students, we must work to change our learning techniques to ensure we are gaining as much from our education as we can. Despite all students being presented with benefits and challenges, students enrolled in Pace Performing Arts are ultimately challenged with a greater obstacle by having to perform at home.

14

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Events and festivals affected by COVID-19 BART CARMODY Arts Intern While there are far more pressing issues to consider when talking about the consequences of COVID-19, event attendees and festival-goers are saddened to see that a number of celebrations are being either canceled or postponed. Here is the definitive guide to major events and festivals that are adapting to the effects of COVID-19.

GOVERNOR’S BALL MUSIC FESTIVAL Much to the NYC festival population’s dismay, Governor’s Ball had to cancel their 2020 lineup as a result of the ongoing pandemic. “Due to current government mandates and the evolving situation in NYC, it is neither safe nor prudent to move forward with our June dates,” the Gov Ball team said on their website, “the well-being of our fans, artists, staff, vendors, partners, and the surrounding NYC community is always our #1 priority.”

The organizers also shared that while they attempted to find a postponement date that worked for all parties involved, it was to no avail. Considering that the lineup contained artists as huge as Tame Impala, Flume and Missy Elliot as headliners, this comes as no surprise. As of right now, the next Gov Ball is set to take place in June 2021. “These are crazy and unprecedented times, but New Yorkers are no strangers to challenges,” they continued on the website. “As a city and a community, we will all get through this. New York always does.” Visit the festival’s official website for refunds.

COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL Although quite far from NYC, many New Yorkers planning festival travel recently got some bad news—Indio, California’s famed Coachella Music Festival, has also been unfortunately postponed. The festival will instead be held on Oct. 9–11 and 16–18, rather than on April 10–12 and 17–19. Goldenvoice, the festival organizers, assured that all who bought passes for April’s dates will have their purchases honored in October. However, this isn’t 100 percent comforting for the festival-goers, as many are scrambling to cancel their flights and Airbnb reservations. For now, it’s unclear if any of the scheduled artists will be dropping off of the October lineup due to conflicts, as artists like Rage Against the Machine, Travis Scott and Lana Del Rey all may have previously-determined plans for that time of the year. While we can only wait in anticipation and see, there is one heartbreak that comes with this news for sure: we may have to wait even longer for new Frank Ocean music. Visit the festival’s official website for refunds.

2020 TONY AWARDS The 74th annual Tony Awards is another grand event that has fallen victim.

Originally scheduled for June 7, the awards are now postponed to a later, undecided date.

Along with the closure of several theaters throughout NYC, Broadway is perhaps one of the industries to have taken the biggest hit in response to the regulations implemented by Gov. Cuomo. A large number of theater workers have lost their jobs, openings of several shows, such as “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Take Me Out,” have been postponed and some shows, such as “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Hangmen,” were forced to close before they even opened. Nonetheless, organizers stated that the night of the Tonys will be officially announced once Broadway re-opens its doors.

2020 MET GALA It seems that invitees of the 2020 Met Gala will be having to trade their elegant and eccentric suits and gowns for gloves and masks, as the organizers of the annual benefit have announced that the event has been postponed indefinitely due to the crisis.

Originally scheduled for May 4, the much-observed Gala was themed “About Time: Fashion and Duration,” partly inspired by writer Virginia Woolf and the theories of French philosopher Henri Bergson. “Fashion is indelibly connected to time,” said Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. “It not only reflects and represents the spirit of the times, but it also changes and develops with the times.” This quote stands as true and ironic as ever because a simple look out of the window will show the in-fashion wardrobe for at least the next couple weeks: pajamas, homemade facemasks and blue latex gloves. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with the Museum of Modern Art, are both closed for now, with no re-opening date determined.

CLEMENTINE GALLOT

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL Another renowned NYC event with an indefinite postponement is New York’s very own Tribeca Film Festival. For nearly 20 years, the festival has been dedicated to exhibiting a diverse collection of independent films, metamorphosing itself into an outlet for independent filmmakers to gain their footing in the tough industry of film.

Now, on their 19th year running, organizers had no choice but to postpone the festival, originally scheduled for April 15–26, to an undetermined date. Organizers are using www.tribecafilm.com for any official updates.

LATE-NIGHT TALK SHOWS Several late-night talk shows, such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” are either indefinitely or briefly suspending production due to the pandemic. Many talk show hosts, including Trevor Noah and Samantha Bee, initially planned on continuing filming without a live studio audience—something that “The View” had just recently pulled off. However, they decided against it and have put their shows on a brief hiatus in order to abide by federal restrictions. This hiatus has given the chance to offer a brighter side of social distancing, though; Jimmy Kimmel released a lighthearted “quarantine monologue” from home with the help of his family and Steven Colbert delivered a “very special social distancing edition of the ‘The Late Show’” from the comfort of his bubble-filled bathtub, wearing a suit, tie, AirPods and all.

RECORD STORE DAY An internationally known and admired event, one that conjoins and relates connoisseurs of music perhaps like no other, has also been postponed: Record Store Day 2020. The unofficial holiday celebrated by record stores across the globe will be pushing back their day of vinyl appreciation from April 18 to June 20. They released a statement on their Instagram, saying: “We think this gives stores around the world the best chance to have a profitable, successful Record Store Day, while taking into consideration the recommendations of doctors, scientists, the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and the need to be good citizens of both local and worldwide communities.”

Record Store Day is a day valued not only by music-listeners, but artists as well, as many musicians tend to re-release sold out albums on vinyl, or release previously unreleased material in the name of the big day. In times of uncertainty and distance from one another such as these, we may need the holiday more than ever.

WIKIPEDIA

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

15

Theatre to stream during quarantine BRITNI DUNN AND GRACE POTTER Arts Editor & Arts Intern Due to the shutdowns surrounding COVID-19, Broadway has been shut down for over a month. These are unprecedented times for actors and theatre-goers alike.

For many University students, theatre is a huge part of life and can feel like another loss amid quarantine. The Pace Press has compiled a list of ways to stream theatre until you can be back in the audience again! If you have been missing nights at the theatre, sometimes there can be no better solution than watching a musical or play from the comfort of your own home!

BROADWAY HD Broadway HD is a streaming service specifically for theatre! It does have a price of $8.99 a month, but it allows subscribers to watch many professionally recorded shows that can only be found on this site. You also get a 7-day free trial! This is a theatre-lover’s jackpot! There are hundreds of titles ready to be streamed. Here is a list of a few great musicals and plays available to stream: “The Last Five Years” (2015): This movie musical was recently taken off of Netflix, to many viewers’ dismay. This film, starring Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, is one of the few movie musicals to truly go above and beyond. Jordan and Kendrick are both shining stars that give their all to the performance and make Jason Robert Brown’s characters come to life. This musical is a heartbreaking tale about young lovers in New York City, telling their stories from beginning to end and from end to beginning, meeting in the middle. The unique writing style has been celebrated for years and broken the hearts of viewers over and over again. Definitely worth a watch for a good laugh and cry!

“Falsettos” (2017): The timeless musical “Falsettos” was revived on Broadway back in 2016 and filmed by PBS. The filming of the stage musical is an absolute treasure and a rarity to see. This show is especially profound to watch in the current world climate, as it recalls the 1980’s AIDS Crisis, the closest thing in recent years to COVID-19. The musical stars Broadway legends Stephanie J. Block, Christian Borle, Andrew Rannels, and Brandon Uranowitz. The two-hour-long musical incorporates composer William Finn’s classic humor into a heartbreaking story. The classic musical about family, love, and death is not one to miss!

“Kinky Boots” (2019): “Kinky Boots” is a Tony Award-winning musical that was recently revived on Broadway, gaining a huge following. The musical follows shoe store owner Charlie Price, who is trying to save his father’s company. Charlie meets struggling drag queen Lola, who just happens to need some new heels.

The musical is an exciting combination of love and understanding, and an absolute riot to watch.

“Indecent” (2017): This controversial show made news again when it’s Broadway run was extended to be filmed in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The play is a historical look into Sholem Asche’s 1923 show, “God of Vengeance.” This is a must-see for theatre lovers. It includes stars like Katrina Lenk, Mimi Lieber and Max Gordon.

“Puffs” (2018): A spinoff and parody of the Harry Potter series, the play “Puffs” gives the Hufflepuff house the storyline they have been waiting for! The main character, Wayne Hopkins, finds out that he is a wizard and is headed off to go to school for magic, and he is sorted as a “Puff.” He meets two other Puffs, who end up becoming his best friends. This storyline is parallel to Harry Potter’s, but with modern twists thrown in for younger audience members. “Puffs” stays in the Harry Potter universe and keeps all magical references Potterheads know and love.

amazon prime “Carousel” (2013): A 2013 recording of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel” live from the Lincoln Center is now available! Starring Kelli O’Hara, Nathan Gunn, and Jessie Mueller, this recording can give “Carousel” lovers their fix of the show since its recent closing on Broadway.

After visiting her town’s carousel in Maine with her friend one day, the main character Julie Jordan catches the eye of barker Billy Bigelow. This complicated love story features incredible songs such as “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Soliloquy.” “Carousel” can be found with a monthly BroadwayHD or Amazon Prime membership!

“The Spongebob Musical: Live on Stage!”

(2019): Since it closed on Broadway in late 2018, the cast members of the hit musical based on everyone’s favorite Nickelodeon series reunited to perform “The Spongebob Musical: Live on Stage!” once more. Similar to the live performance of “Rent,” this musical aired on TV in December of 2019. Let Spongebob, Patrick, Squidward, and more in all of their musical glory make you smile in quarantine! A recording of this live performance is available on Amazon Prime.

Netflix “Oh, Hello On Broadway” (2017): “Oh, Hello” is a filmed version of John Mulaney and Nick Kroll’s Broadway play. The two comedians teamed up to create an absolutely wacky show featuring their two characers, Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland. This is based on Nick Kroll’s “The Kroll Show,” a sketch comedy series featuring the prank sketch, “Too Much Tuna.” The sketch is incorporated into the Broadway show in which the two men prank many celebrity guest stars. The old men navigate life in NYC as an aging actor and writer. This show has no shortage of laughs and memorable moments.

It is a perfect watch for fans of Steely Dan, classic theatre, and comedy! For added quarantine pastime, you can listen to the new “Oh Hello: The P’dcast,” a new podcast narrated by Gil and George (Kroll and Mulaney). The podcast can be found on any streaming platform and has had a few episodes about Princess Diana.

“Jersey Boys” (2014): This movie-musical is a close look into the creation of the popular 1960s band, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The musical was on Broadway for 10 years and is now still running off-Broadway. It was one of the few smash-hit jukebox musicals—musicals about bands had previously never done as well as “Jersey Boys.” The movie is a fun adaptation of the stage musical and tells the tale of The Four Seasons, their odd rags to riches to rags to riches again story. This is a must-see!

cast albums “Hadestown” (2019): If you seem to be wondering when spring will come, this is the musical to listen to.

Winner of Best Musical and many other Tony Awards, this show is a celebrated masterpiece of theatre. Since there is no way to go see it, the Broadway cast album is a great introduction to the underground. The musical is a jazzy take on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set on a railroad track. It is a riveting tale of love, joy, and persistence.

“Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812” (2017): Quarantine is a great time to catch up on some fantastic musicals that weren’t around long, like “Great Comet.” This is a perfect time to immerse yourself in 1800s Russia. Dave Malloy’s insane musical is based on about 70 pages of the classic “War and Peace.” The show is deeply existential, with a focus on the point of life and love. The show stars Josh Groban, Denée Benton, and Amber Gray—a truly enchanting set of voices.

“Co-Op (Original Cast Album)” (2019): John Mulaney and Seth Meyer’s short take on a Sondheimesque musical for the comedy show, “Documentary Now,” is an under 20-minute soundtrack for a good laugh. The musical is set in 1970’s New York in a co-op building. It is a nostalgic and hilarious look into various characters in a classic co-op. While listening, the Sondheim influences are clear and make the album even more fun to listen to.

“Six The Musical” (2018): While the public will not be able to experience the new-to-Broadway show, “SIX,” for a while, they can certainly enjoy the soundtrack while stuck inside! Based around the wives of Henry VIII, these stories are told in a more modern way, the musical performance itself being similar to a pop concert. Each one of Henry’s wives sings about their agony brought upon by the infamous husband, trying to outdo each other for who has suffered the most, and who should, therefore, be deserving of the title of the group’s lead singer. The soundtrack for “SIX” is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and several other music streaming services.

youtube Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Shows Must Go On”: Every Friday, you can now stream a free fulllength recording of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical on YouTube! In light of Broadway being shut down due to the pandemic, these one-time weekend specials began about a month ago. Once you’ve watched the musical, it will still be available for the next 48 hours. Classic shows such as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Love Never Dies,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” have been made available in the past few weeks. Each week’s musical can be found under the YouTube channel, “The Shows Must Go On.”

WIKIPEDIA

WIKIPEDIA

16

ARTS

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Fiona Apple releases “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” Apple’s latest album is a raw, eccentric ode to female empowerment and self-realization BART CARMODY Arts Intern

TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault and Rape Singer/songwriter Fiona Apple is no stranger to going against the grain with her music. Both lyrically and thematically, her seldom-released projects often cover difficult topics, with her 1996 release “Tidal” exploring topics such as the then rarely-discussed detrimental mental effects that result from sexual assault, to her 2017 LP “The Idler Wheel...” offering insights into topics like the easyto-neglect negative aspects of a toxic relationship.

In the time of strong recognition and revolt towards hegemonic masculinity that we live within today, Apple’s release of her newest album “Fetch The Bolt Cutters” is timely. Touching upon more topical subjects like the #MeToo movement and the institutionalized oppression of women in general, Apple maintains her status as a beacon of inspiration for many women suffering such hardships.

This album feels particularly different compared to her other unique works. As any artist is bound to go through aesthetic changes after a considerably long hiatus, Apple sounds rawer and fiercer than ever, even to the point that her new minimalistic and intentionally “unfinished” sound is almost unheard of.

Although her previous releases have effortlessly offered a stark exhibition of self-actualization and bluntness, the listener feels most familiar with Apple on “Fetch The Bolt Cutters,” as even her production sounds more fragmentary than ever before although in the most entrancing way.

Through whispers, voice cracks, sharp breaths, imperfect pianos, makeshift percussion and yes, even dog barks, Apple offers us an immensely personal introspection that we have never seen before.

The record kicks off charmingly with the intro track “I Want You To Love Me,” a melodious and poignantly innocent ballad to a potential partner that evokes the juvenile hopefulness that comes with falling in love. The listener is instantaneously grabbed by Apple’s visceral and unapologetic tone of unadulterated “want,” a word that is effectively reiterated throughout the track. When speaking upon the track, the artist told Vulture: “That whole thing of, ‘if a tree falls in the forest and no one’s around to hear it, does it make a sound?’ Yes, it does. Because a vibration happens. Whether or not you’re there to hear it. I exist whether or not you see me. These things about me are true whether or not you acknowledge them.”

Apple passionately belts these pleas of being seen and loved over a combination of fluttering key progressions and hard-hitting kick drums, before progressing into the usual display of experimentation that the artist has so effortlessly delivered in the past by letting her vocals spiral into a disconcerting yet mesmerizing semi-laughter at the end of the track, a bit that is sure to set the tone for the

remainder of the album’s stunning madness.

The end of this segment blends seamlessly into the sonically juxtaposed “Shameika,” arguably the most buoyant track on the record, in which Apple swiftly delivers the narrative of a group of bullies from her childhood that, despite not being friendly to her, got through to her and brought to light her previously selfunacknowledged “potential” at a particularly young age.

This track once again transitions into another contrast of sound with the starkly bare-boned title track, “Fetch The Bolt Cutters.” With an ensemble of scattered pseudopercussion, lulled vocals, and even a feature from her credited dogs Mercy, Maddie, Leo, Little and Alfie, the singer crafts a spiteful chant of jadedness and resentment towards the psychological walls that enclose one within their own mental prison, whether formed by one’s own subconscious or built by the scrutiny of others. Hence the lyrics, “Fetch the bolt cutters, I’ve been in here too long.”

But as most Apple records do, the artist goes far beyond a theme of self-realization and self-love and delves deeper into issues that pertain to today’s sociopolitical climate and the modern-day feminist movement. In the #MeToo era, female artists across genres are courageously opening up about their experiences with harassment and sexual abuse in a male-dominated industry and world, and Apple certainly is no exception. She makes her vehemence towards the subject abundantly clear, sometimes even to a possibly triggering extent. The unforgettably soulstirring track “For Her,” which was written in the wake of controversial Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination hearings, she frankly recites experiences that several women she’s been acquainted with have had with sexual assault and rape, including the punch-to-the-gut line: “You raped me in the same bed your daughter was born in.”

Apple also delivers some similar harrowing yet necessary narrative on the song “Newspaper,” in which she acknowledges how suppressed trauma can make one feel isolated, yet at the same time can offer a sense of connection when bonding over the endurance of such experiences with another person. More specifically, the song seems to be about the new girlfriend of an ex of Apple’s, as she voices her regret of not being able to get closer to this woman while she still had the chance, and the pain of watching from the sidelines as her exlover manipulates and lies to his new partner, as she has experienced the same. The lyrics “I too used to want him to be proud of me/And then I just wanted him to make amends/I wonder what lies he’s telling you about me/ To make sure that we’ll never be friends...” specifically stand out as an exceptional illustration of the toxicities of a relationship turned sour, along with the aftershock of it.

Although “Fetch The Bolt Cutters” is in no shortage of solemn tracks, that does not mean that it lacks a sense of playfulness and wit. The song “Under the Table,” for example, contains many comedic instances, most of which resulting from Apple’s straightforward jadedness and adamancy towards her significant other as they drag her to places and events that she quite obviously couldn’t care less about, a fact that she is not hesitant to make clear, as the track unashamedly opens up with the artist singing “I told you I didn’t want to go to this dinner.” Even the hook of this song, at least in its most literal sense, paints some admittedly humorous imagery, as the thought of her partner kicking her under the table to prevent her from embarrassing him and her refusing is brilliant.

The swaying song “Ladies” also captures this sense of playfulness. Apple extravagantly addresses her female counterparts, frenemies, and listeners by making the hook a joyfully ludicrous and simple repetition consisting of her suavely singing, “Ladies, ladies, ladies, ladies.” In contrast to the very robust yet justifiable bitterness and resentment that the singer puts forth towards sour relationships on a good majority of the tracks on the record, Apple’s tone feels more inviting and unifying on “Ladies,” even including a bit in which she invites her ex-lover’s new girlfriend to make use of all the memorabilia that she once held dearly: “There’s a dress in the closet/Don’t get rid of it/ You look good in it/I didn’t fit in it/ It was never mine/It belonged to the ex-wife of another ex of mine.”

Apple goes into entirely new depths on “Fetch The Bolt Cutters”— not just with her new sound, but lyrically, too. Sure, upon first listen, what may be most predominant are the unconventional rough-andready drums, the twangy guitars, and the beautifully bizarre vocal progressions. But upon a deeper and more scrupulous listen, it’s clear that the artist is more fed-up, trenchant, and outspoken than ever; her gnarled words and demanding commandments is evidence enough that Apple has spent enough time in the cage of suppression from a man’s world, and it’s about time that she broke free. This conceptual aspect, when paired with her home-studio aesthetic, makes us feel closer and more intimate with the enigma of an artist than ever before.

FIONA APPLE

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

17

#IStayHomeFor sweeps social media in light of COVID-19 Social media is a universal language. A place where users all become in-groupers and band together to communicate. When delving into the waters of these platforms, each individual is able to share their thoughts on the world at any given moment in time, positive or negative. Today, in light of the current global pandemic triggered by COVID-19, social media has become more important than ever. It is the one place where each individual’s voice and story can be carried across the globe. The comfort of our own homes is the new place of unique storytelling during these early months of 2020. The new normal is that social media and technology are both temporarily replacing all in-person communication in the time of social distancing.

When hearing the phrase “global pandemic” it is easy to feel confused, scared, sad or angry. In fact, these emotions may seemingly be the first feelings to arise. Instead, social media users and citizens across the globe during this time have shown quite different attitudes and have taken a different route of thought. In a time where people may feel disconnected from fellow citizens and civilization, the trending hashtag #IStayHomeFor reminds us of the beauty of staying connected while being apart, as well as spreading positivity.

The hashtag began with social media users in the world’s hardest hit country, Italy. Many of the country’s biggest celebrities have even took part, including pop

BROOKE SALAMONE Staff Writer

singer Tiziano Ferro who has dedicated his posts to the hashtag, #IoRestoACasa, translated to “I stay at home” in English. Each of his recent Twitter posts include different individuals all sharing the same message with the same hashtag.

The hashtag rapidly caught on in various countries across the globe ranging from France to Spain to Argentina to here at home in the States. Depending on the location of the user, the language of the hashtag may be different, but its message is universal: I stay at home for the greater good of everyone. A rather uplifting message of community, strength and selflessness in a time of global need.

Here across the United States, celebrities have also joined in on this trend. Actor Ed Westwick posted on Twitter “#IStayHome for my Mum, you, NHS and because it’s cool!”

Singer and actress Demi Lovato also took to Instagram to remind fans to stay at home, and who she herself is staying at home for.

The list continues on and on with celebrities like Ashley Graham, Kevin Bacon, and Elton John. While celebrities receive the most attention, most of the world is participating in this hashtag trend and challenge. Even University students are following the trend. Below, three University students share their thoughts and who they are staying home for during this time.

“#IStayHome for all of those immunocompromised.

I know that people can contract the disease and not be showing symptoms- putting others at risk.We are a part of a global partnership for protection,” shares University sophomore Marisa Medici. “IStayHome for myself and my grandma. I am choosing to stay home and not risk the potential of affecting my own health, as I am immuneimmuno-compromised. I am also staying home for my 90-year-old grandma who is also immuno-compromised and would not recover if afflicted with the virus,” shares University junior Kacey Riordan from the comfort of her home in New York. “#IStayHome for the health of my friends, family and for all of the healthcare workers risking their lives to protect us,” shares University junior Richard Passafiume from the comfort of his home in New Jersey.

From celebrities, to everyday social media users, to our fellow students here at the University, it is important to remember the central theme of the #IStayHomeFor trend: during this pandemic, it is important to stay apart from each other physically, but to unite emotionally for the common good. The University community is strong, will fight together during these times and always have each other’s backs. For more information on COVID-19 in direct relation to the University and how it is affecting students, visit www.pace.edu/coronavirus.

Missing senior year: an unexpected COVID-19 consequence CATHERINE HARVEY Contributor On March 16, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order closing all public schools in the state until April 1. Following this order, New York City schools followed suit, closing until April 20 at the earliest. As the COVID-19 crisis worsened, these closings were extended until mid-May. Now, New York City schools are not slated to open until September. One of the most heavily affected groups of students in all this is high school and college seniors, who are seeing postponements and cancellations of events like prom and commencement. The uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation is making it difficult for school administrators and teachers to plan alternatives. On the college front, some city schools like New York University have announced that they will be holding online commencement ceremonies with conditional events later down the line when social distancing practices are relaxed enough for large gatherings.

The University has been working to find alternatives to the traditional May commencement and has seemingly found its solution: virtual, class-specific ceremonies on Zoom, and an in-person ceremony for the class of 2020 in the winter, with an opportunity to walk in graduation with the class of 2021 next May. Even though these winter ceremonies will be held, they won’t be in Radio City Music Hall, where University commencements are typically held, something that students have called disappointing. Additionally, students who would prefer the Radio City ceremony may be out of luck if they live in, or plan to move to, another area of the country.

Other schools across the nation are considering drive-in commencements, in which everyone stays in their cars.New York City public schools are in an equally unsure situation, and their teachers don’t have much information either. “We may have [graduation] in the summer if the quarantine lets up, or try to do something over Zoom at least for all of them to get together virtually,” said Karen Gomez, a teacher at an NYC public high school. “My assistant principal is very close with the seniors, so she is being as honest as she can while also trying to find alternatives.”

In addition to the public health aspect, the NYC school situation is being exacerbated by a long-standing feud between NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo; the pair have been at odds on many issues relative to local and state governments. Cuomo claims de Blasio has no authority to close schools for a long period of time.While it is logistically a nightmare for officials, missing senior year has had a big impact on students like one high school senior from New Jersey, Pia Paola Gonzalez. Gonzalez likely won’t miss high school as a whole, but that doesn’t

make this any less difficult, saying “I don’t really miss school, but I do miss seeing my friends.”Much of students’ time in school is defined by the relationships they develop, and seniors in both high school and college are dealing with an abrupt end to many of the friendships they’ve cultivated over the last few years. While the postponement and cancellation of these events is the right choice from a public health perspective and will help flatten the curve, it’s a sad way to end what is often a rough four years.

UVA

18

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Small businesses to support in lower Manhattan during quarantine BART CARMODY Arts Intern As everybody faces an unprecedented amount of uncertainty during the COVID-19 lockdown, many small businesses are struggling under extreme amounts of pressure, with some forced to put their services on a hiatus, and some shutting down entirely. It can be tragic to watch one’s favorite family-owned restaurant, local coffee shop or classic vintage consignment shop go under due to the consequences of the NYC shutdown. It is also hard to support from a required distance. Below is a compiled list of New York City’s favorite small locally-owned businesses on the Lower East Side and in the Financial District with tips on how to support them in these trying times.

ID-19 chaos, but luckily, Orchard Grocer is still available for almost every animal-product-free provision that they typically offer—for delivery! With a wide selection of products from Beyond Beef Burgers and Oatly Oat Milk to chorizo seitan and dairy-free mac and cheese, their site is certainly worth a glance. Even the basics, like produce and firm tofu are still available, accompanied by some necessary quarantine snacks, like mushroom jerky, chips & hummus and Amy’s Cheeze Pizza Bites. Head to the link in their Instagram bio at @orchardgrocer to check them out.

MOO SHOES

RUSS & DAUGHTERS In a city full of places to grab a bagel at every turn, people are most likely doing their part in helping small businesses by grabbing bagels just about anywhere. However, it’s this century-old spot that especially deserves support during these times. Although they are closed to walk-ins, Russ & Daughters cafe on Houston Street is still offering deliveries to locals via Caviar. For those growing tired of the stale cereal stored in the back of a cupboard or the faithful whatever-veggies-are-going-bad-tomorrow omelette, this authentic and family-owned bagel spot is worth a try. Their unfailing bagels and lox paired with a side of crisp fried latkes is the perfect combo to take anyone out of their bland quarantine breakfast routine.

ORCHARD GROCER On a good day, Orchard Grocer is an all-vegan grocery shop that offers unbelievable vegan takes on Reubens, Cubanos, and Bacon Egg and Cheeses. They have now shut down their sandwich shop amongst the COV-

For anyone looking to support retail businesses, look no further than Moo Shoes. Residing right next door to Orchard Grocer is the famously cruelty-free Moo Shoes, an all-vegan shoe shop that specializes in shoes and accessories free of leather, fur, and other commonly worn animal products. Started in 2001 by Queens natives Erica and Sara Kubersky, the store has made it their mission to draw attention towards the still-fashionable side of cruelty-free. With products available from notable brands such as Noah, Birkenstock, and Dr. Martens, there’s certainly something on their site that may be a good find. If that’s not enticing enough, they are offering 25 percent off on all of their online products with the code WEMISSYOU25.

Check them out, get some new shoes delivered and plan to still serve looks post-lockdown.

percussions of the Coronavirus the harshest due to blatant ignorance, xenophobia and racism. That being said, it is especially important to show them support during these times, as it would be even more of a shame to stand idly by and watch such renowned and well-established restaurants fall victim to such prejudice. One particular local Asian restaurant is the booming Uncle Boon’s team Thai Diner, who is offering both takeout and delivery through apps like Seamless and Caviar. Truly offering it all, from cooked meals to groceries to liquor, the Uncle Boon’s team is certainly doing their all in order to keep customers fed and happy during this quarantine. Try their green mango salad or Uncle Boon’s famous crab fried rice and finish it off with a sweet serving of milk toast.

MCKENNA’S BAKERY Another place to fix that sweet tooth is none other than famous vegan and gluten-free chef Erin McKenna’s Bakery on the Lower East Side. McKenna has been a renounced cruelty-free chef for some time now, with thriving locations in NYC, Los Angeles and Orlando. With a wide selection of donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and even coffee beans, Erin McKenna’s Bakery is ready to ship it all to you via her website or Postmates. Customers can still celebrate a birthday with a personally-engraved birthday cake from one of their many selections. Or, for anyone looking to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth, their brownie bites and chocolate chip cookie sandwiches are very much worth the delivery fee.

THAI DINER While it is very much a shame to say, many Asian and Chinatown-based NYC restaurants are facing the re-

A medley of quotes to support you during social distancing BROOKE SALAMONE Staff Writer Inspirational quotes make the world go around. They make people laugh, cry, empathize and feel a whole array of emotions. While in quarantine, emotions may be running high and University students may feel a bit scattered. Whether they want to laugh, cry or just need some motivation, The Pace Press has compiled quotes from University students and professors.

From University students and faculty.

“

Lately I’ve been trying to pull out all my saved videos on TikTok and Facebook as I finally have access to ingredients and a hungry crowd. Making a meal from start to finish has been one thing I can feel accomplished about each day.

—Kevin Gurdon,

University senior

If Britney Spears can get through 2007, we can get through this quarantine.

—Colleen McGovern,

University junior

How deeply I miss the smiles on my student’s faces, and the odd looks when my point was a bit unclear. After almost four decades, it takes a pandemic to shock me with the realization of the depth of gratitude I feel as a professor.

— Dr. Lawrence Hundersmarck,

Enjoy the nice weather, go for a walk, get a good run in, go for a drive. Or start a new hobby, like cooking or baking or even start reading. Get organized! Go through old clothes and stuff and donate.

Professor of Philosophy and Religious Studies

—Bennett Hausman,

Be kind to your parents, they are doing their best. Since this is the most time you are spending with them, you will see all their faults. Give them a break! Don’t let the traffic and congestion from your bed to your computer make you late to your online class.

— Gail-Ann Venzen,

Adjunct Professor of Communications

In a time of stress like this, use all your anger and energy to keep busy, and do something positive for yourself and others.

—Mckenna Jennings, University sophomore

University junior

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

19

University students hope for change this upcoming semester KENDAL NEEL Features Intern With the 2019-2020 academic year coming to a close, University students are beginning to look forward to the incoming fall semester. As the Coronavirus continues to ravage the globe, stay at home orders and closures are still in place in regions across the United States. For many University students, self-isolation and quarantine has given them the chance to reflect on what they would like to achieve during the coming school year as well as what they would like to see change at the University. While the University has done their best at assisting their students, families and faculty during this difficult time, there are still many areas of normal university life that students feel need improvement.

One of the most noted areas of needed improvement is communication between the University administration and the students. This situation has proven that good communication is key to a successful educational institution and many University students feel that this is an area that the University has slacked on in recent years.

University sophomore Yianni Nicolaides said, “I think the University would be a much better school if the administration actually listened and valued what students have to say about their learning environment.” Many students have reported making complaints about several different issues around campus including the health hazards in the cafeteria, dorm maintenance and hygiene, the counseling center and many more. With so many complaints made on a weekly basis and almost no progress or follow-up, University students are beginning to wonder if their voices are being heard at all.

As mentioned above, another area of University life that needs improvement is the campus cafeteria. Countless students have made reports regarding severe cases of food poisoning, cross-contamination, and expired food. University sophomore Vicky Navarro said, “The cafeteria is absolutely disgusting. I never purchase food from there unless I have no other option and even then there are very limited foods I can actually eat there.” Despite the managers that can frequently be seen monitoring the cafeteria, University students complain that nothing seems to change and that is increasingly frustrating to see the University

advertise “fresh” and “healthy” food when that is clearly not what is being served. Navarro continued, “I wouldn’t be as upset if they at least listened to our complaints and tried to make the necessary changes, but I haven’t seen it happen yet.” Overall, University students have expressed that this is this the most pressing issue on campus and hope that the situation improves for the incoming class.

Another frequently discussed issue among University students is dorm maintenance and upkeep. The University is situated in one of the safest and most historical neighborhoods in Manhattan making it the perfect location for the four dormitories. However, while the location may be perfect, many students have spoken out against the University’s seeming lack of dorm preservation citing mold, bug infestation, plumbing issues and broken air conditioners as the main issues for student housing.

When University sophomore Veronica Reyes put in a work order form to help get rid of the mold growing in her room, she was disappointed when the University failed to fill her request for weeks. When asked about the situation Reyes said, “As someone with asthma, mold could cause

a huge health problem for me so it was really frustrating because I felt like the University really didn’t care about my well-being. That’s why if there’s anything I’d love to see change, it’s dorm hygiene.”

Other students have complained about the near constant unsanitary conditions of the community kitchen areas. University sophomore Becca Gugliotta said, “On multiple occasions I have attempted to use the kitchen area to make meals for myself and my roommates and each time I have come across roaches on the floors or ant infestation in the cabinets and fridge.” Gugliotta is not the only one who has come in contact with unwanted pests in the kitchen as several University students have made advances to call attention to this issue during monthly town hall meetings and online forums.

Although the student body has many critiques when it comes to what the University could improve upon, the Setter community cannot wait to get back on campus and make new memories with their peers in the city that they have come to call home.

Ads and empowerment: inclusive or exploitive?

DYLAN SHARE Art Director LGBT+ inclusivity and female empowerment are the newest and most profitable marketing campaigns seen in a long time. Extensive marketing research has concluded that consumers respond more positively to brands that use this type of advertising, which in turn boosts sales dramatically. The old adage “sex sells” has been retired and replaced with “inclusion sells.”

However, with this new wave of rainbow inclusivity and “femvertising,” many people have questioned the sincerity of these brands. Are these sudden supportive advertisements truly promoting inclusivity or are they exploiting marginalized groups in order to maximize profit?

From Target’s rainbow-themed merchandise to Dove’s “real beauty” campaign, many prominent brands have chosen to implement this type of marketing strategy. In an effort to promote the acceptance of LGBT+ people, brands have used advertisements featuring gay couples: Campbell’s “Star Wars” advertisement perhaps taking home the gold medal. Similarly, brands have featured feminist advertisements and slogans, with Dove spearheading the movement.

As a whole, these campaigns and advertisements are important from a societal standpoint. They often stand as aspirational goals for what women and LGBT+ individuals can accomplish. The messages of body positivity, of challenging stereotypical gender roles, and of normalizing queer relationships all truly empower our disenfranchised citizens.

Though it would be a mistake to diminish the strong messages of empowerment and acceptance, many brands have been accused of exploitation in regards to their inclusive advertising campaigns. Take Target, the billion-dollar company which rivals none when selling rainbow apparel for gay pride. Previously, Target had generously supported anti-gay groups and politicians, only changing sides a year after the nationwide legalization of gay marriage. While Target has since atoned for their past sins by heavily donating to LGBT+ charities and organizations, many other brands that promote gay pride simply don’t.

Likewise, brands such as Walmart, that promote feminism and female empowerment (as seen in their 2015 Star Wars commercial) still heavily donate to anti-abortion programs and politicians. These disingenuous marketing promotions have a name; faux activism.

When brands promote feminist ideals and LGBT+ acceptance while not supporting these movements or even financially supporting their opposition, their motives become clear. It is important to recognize

that companies practice faux activism to jump on trends only if it helps them increase profits.

As University junior and Advertising and Integrated Marketing major Elizabeth Hecht said, “Selling empowerment is the strategy that many companies have been using with their brands within the last few years, but it’s important to make sure the brands you support are actually making real change happen and not just slapping the word empowerment onto an ad.”

While practicing faux-activism isn’t illegal, it is important to recognize it. Research the brands you purchase from and see if they do more than merely spout equality and inclusivity. Do these brands support gender equality within their own organization? Do they participate in LGBT+ community events or charities? Simply put, do these brands practice what they preach? In order to fight against accusations of exploitation, perhaps these million dollar companies can donate some of their profits to organizations and charities which support these marginalized groups.

CAMPBELL’S / YOUTUBE

20

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Keeping relationships healthy and interesting during quarantine BROOKE SALAMONE Contributor As University students surpass a full month in quarantine, the current state of the world may seem strange.

For those who prefer to stay inside, this may be glorious.

For others, this is rather tough as the absence of human connection and interaction is missing. It is important to try and maintain our interpersonal communication ties while still trapped inside whether that be with friends or romantic partners. While some may be quarantined with a group of friends or their significant other, others have gone almost a month without seeing their favorite people in-person. Sometimes this distance can be stressful and put a strain on relationships. For those who feel their interpersonal ties have been strained, it is important to focus on ways to combat these tensions. It all begins with the reminder that these changes are only temporary. After that, take some time and think of activities to do from a distance that will help bring friends or romantic partners closer together.

1. Gaze at the stars Hop on a FaceTime call with a friend or significant other. Instead of staying inside, take the party outside and get some fresh air. Grab a blanket, a towel and a beach chair to set camp outside. Lay down, place the phone upward to the sky and gaze at the stars. If doing this with friends, play a little game and tell them what shapes and figures the stars are making. If doing this with a significant

other, take deep breaths and take in the moment. Gazing at the stars together can be a romantic bonding moment.

It can help everyone feel that sense of togetherness while being apart.

2. Game night Switch from a blue mindset to a positive one with a game night. Games can provoke a little fun and competition between players. Get ready to laugh t h e night away. There are many different games try on a Zoom call. Some are board games and some are card games.

Here are a few ideas to get you started: Cards against humanity, Bingo, Charades, Do you know me? , Scrabble, Code Names, Loaded Questions Saying Anything.

All of these games are available for purchase on Amazon or Walmart. They also help to keep the mind going and the interest alive in the relationship.

3. Questionares/ 20 Questions Similar to having a game night, questionnaires and playing the infamous “20 questions” is a great way to keep a relationship entertaining. Whether dating or just friends, there is nothing more interesting than learning hidden secrets and facts about loved ones. There are many websites that help come up with questions, but it may be fun to get creative and make an original.

4. Go through memory boxes/ photo albums, old gifts from that person For those who have old photos or gifts saved away from friends or romantic partners, take a walk down memory lane. Remember what it was like to receive those gifts or take those pictures. Maybe even create a little something special for a romantic partner to thank them in return. Now is the perfect time to get crafty, maybe even create a box to home all the memories.

5. Plan a dream vacation Get creative! Plan that dream vacation with friends or a significant other. To Italy, to China, to the Bahamas; the sky’s the limit. Pick a place and search the details. Make a Google document and share it. Let everyone contribute, putting in places and excursions to embark on when there.

This can be a fun way to escape into fantasy-land for a bit, and who knows – maybe it can become a reality in the future. At the end of the day, it is important to keep in touch with loved ones. Practice self-love and spread it.

PUBLIC DOMAIN PICTURES

Petitions regarding reimbursement circulate social media BARBARA RUCCI Features Editor After the transition into online learning, questions and concerns bubbled up in the University community about what would become of the remaining Spring 2020 semester.

The initial news of the COVID-19 pandemic not only presented a time of uncertainty for the academic world but also in the personal lives of everyday people. Now, families fear for their loved ones who are now high-risk patients, students who lost their jobs and internships are searching for ways to financially support themselves, and many feel lonely during this time of self-isolation. In order to seek change during the pandemic within the University community, University junior Kara Oates decided to use her voice and write a petition regarding student reimbursement.

The petition is addressed to University administration personnel and requests student reimbursement in areas such as (but not limited to) partial refunds of student fees that are not being utilized during this time, increased discount for Summer 2020 courses and discount for Fall 2020 courses if the University transitions that semester to online learning.

The petition includes a list of partial refunds and credit for fees that Oates believes the University should consider for providing reimbursement. This may require further investigation and clarity from various University departments; for example, meal plans may roll over to the next semester for students who remain at the University, but graduating seniors may not yet be qualified for this refund. The petition also calls for a refund for the student activities fee, though that money is allocated to the budgets for clubs on campus—budgets that are still being utilized by student organizations. Regardless, members of the student body who agree with the petition or would like further clarification on how these finances are being handled by the administration can access the petition here.

Prior to writing the petition, Oates discussed the possibility with other University students. “I brought up the idea to write the petition to two of my friends who are also members of the Honors College. We were discussing how we are all in a financial predicament at the moment and how this greatly inhibits our ability to obtain an education, let alone pay for everyday necessities. Many of the fees that students give to the University every semester are not being utilized now that we are off-campus,” she said. After asking her friends for advice on which important topics to include in the petition, Oates decided to reach out to more University students through social media. “I then went on to a couple of Facebook pages and asked students to list the fees they incur every semester so that I could add them to my list. I had about 50 responses, 49 of them positive, and only one negative.”

In searching for the fees she listed in the petition, she described the process as a bit tedious. “I had to go through my own Pace Portal, as well as search through the Pace University website, which holds a lot of infor-

mation! In order to remain organized, I made a spreadsheet on my computer. This helped immensely due to the fact that every student has a slightly different financial breakdown, depending on year and college affiliation,” she said. “When I wrote this petition, I initially did not want to name myself as the writer for fear of push-back from the University.

However, once I finished writing it, I knew that in order to gain exposure, I needed to share it on my social media platforms.”

Oates attends the NYC campus, but does not live in the dorms, does not have a $1500 meal plan and does not need to pay costly special course fees. However, she said she knows that there are many University students who do and are facing these financial challenges during the pandemic. “I would encourage students to use their voice as much as they can, especially during times like these,” she said, “I think it’s important to focus on things that could be in your control if you vouch for yourself. Nothing can be done if we just accept defeat, and sit with the fact that hundreds of thousands of dollars that students pay every semester is now up in the air. That doesn’t sit well for me.”

Oates is not the only University student to present a petition. University students on the Pleasantville campus are facing similar circumstances. Ashnique Powell, a student from the Westchester campus, also wrote a petition regarding housing fees and an email sent by the University on April 1 about the Early Departure Adjustment resident refund.

University students who have questions or concerns about how the administration is handling these finances can stay tuned for further updates from the University.

DUKE HUANG

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

21

FAIRCHILD AIRFORCE BASE

Where to donate to help NYC’s Covid-19 relief efforts SAM UNGER Executive Editor It can be heartbreaking to watch the effects of the pandemic unfold from home where you may likely feel unable to help local causes you are passionate about, especially if the University’s closure forced you to leave New York City. Regardless of if you are able to volunteer from within the city, it is still possible to contribute and help the city’s recovery from afar—listed below are a few ways to donate and get involved in supporting local relief efforts.

New York City’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund In response to the pandemic, Mayor de Blasio created an emergency relief fund to provide resources and support to health care workers, essential staff, local businesses, hourly workers, and “families, youth, and vulnerable New Yorkers.”

For those who can donate needed supplies like personal protective equipment, the state has also set up a phone number; you can call 646-522-8477 or email CO-

VID19supplies@esd.ny.gov The New York Blood Center If you have recovered from COVID-19, The New York Blood Center is looking for blood plasma donations to treat ongoing infections with the antibodies present in recovered patients. More information regarding the donation process, requirements and eligibility is available on www.nycbc.org Fuel the Fight NYC Originally started in Philadelphia, Fuel the Fight sponsors meals catered by local restaurants to NYC hospital workers. 100% of the money raised is used to buy meals from NYC restaurants in need of financial support and feed healthcare workers at hospitals like New York Presbyterian, NYU Langone, NYU Bellevue and Lenox Health. The group has created a GoFundMe to raise money as well as accepts donations via Venmo (@FuelTheFight-NYC).

You can also directly help support local businesses in the area by ordering food from your favorite small restaurants as opposed to major chains and, if possible, tipping generously for delivery workers who are tirelessly working to provide food for those at home.

Selfhelp Volunteers at Selfhelp can lead online sessions for homebound seniors based on a topic of choice, including art history, music appreciation, language learning and wellness. There are also opportunities for volunteers to host virtual game sessions like online trivia and crossword puzzles.

The initiative is a fun and heartwarming way of checking-in on the senior citizen community affected by the pandemic in the NY metro area.

Invisible Hands Invisible Hands works to bring groceries and supplies to those in high-risk demographics like the elderly, disabled

and immunocompromised.

You can volunteer to make deliveries or donate to operational costs that the group describes as “purchasing protective gear to distribute to our volunteers, performing community outreach and maintaining our digital infrastructure.”

NYC United Against Coronavirus Their frequently updated Google Doc created by volunteers contains hundreds of links to other aid efforts around the city. The 27-page document is organized by borough and outlines additional relief funds, links to mental health and domestic violence support and provides other local information.

Aside from the ideas on where to donate listed above, this comprehensive list can help you find more specific initiatives to contribute to—ones that might even hold personal significance.

NEW YORK BLOOD CENTER

22

FEATURES

www.thepacepress.org May 15, 2020

Virtual volunteering in a time of social distancing KENDAL NEEL Features Intern As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to move throughout the United States and across the globe, countless individuals and families are being dramatically affected socially and economically. While many people once refused to believe that the virus would reach the United States, it has now become a significant part of everyday life. For many people, this means not being able to return to work and constantly wondering how they are going to financially make it through the coming weeks. For others with immunodeficiencies and similar health-related issues, the virus is a symbol of mortality and keeps them from living freely without worry.

Luckily, first responders and essential workers are working tirelessly to help prevent the spread of the virus and millions of people across the country are doing their part to flatten the curve. However, with so many families in need during this difficult time, charities and foundations are looking for extra volunteers to reach more people in their communities. Of course, with stay at home orders still in place, leaving home to do volunteer work seems ill-advised, but many charities have thought of a new way to keep people involved: they are going virtual.

One of the easiest ways to get involved is through online non-profit organizations like New York Cares. Founded in 1987 by a group of New York residents hoping to

take action against various social issues, this organization boasts nearly 65,000 volunteers every year and the numbers continue to grow. The organization focuses on volunteer management and offers participants a chance to focus on projects they are passionate about. Frequent volunteers also have the opportunity to apply for a team leader position where they will get to plan their own service projects and be a role model for their fellow volunteers. Those interested in signing up should visit newyorkcares.org. In order to begin signing up for volunteer positions, participants will need to attend a virtual orientation that further introduces them to the program. From making medical masks to sending out care packages, the New York Cares mission is to bring out the best in humanity during this crisis.

With schools and universities across the country shutting down for the remainder of the academic year, homes are turning into classrooms and parents are stepping into new roles as educators. Though only for a short time, the transition has been difficult for everyone, especially families with essential workers who are juggling exhaustive work hours in addition to making sure their children are staying safe, healthy, and involved in academic life. With that being said, another great way to virtually volunteer is through online tutoring sessions for students in need. University students who are interested could also offer editing and revising services for their peers and other students who do not have access to workshop resources

during exam season.

It is often said that the best way to rise is by lifting others, and during the age of the Coronavirus, there can never be too many ways to put a smile on someone’s face.

For those with family members in nursing homes and hospitals, the grim reality is that these people are going days and weeks without being able to see and hug their loved ones. That is why hospitals and nursing homes alike are looking for virtual volunteers to get creative and do whatever it takes to lift resident spirits. For performers who are hoping to put their talents to special use, hospitals and assisted living facilities are allowing singers, dancers, and actors to do online shows via Zoom and Skype for residents and patients. Not only do these shows help lift spirits, but they also help create a more calming and hopeful atmosphere during a time when everything feels gloomy and uncertain. For pediatric patients, hospitals suggest that volunteers organize a virtual storytime to help curb the extreme physical and mental stress they are under. The stories provide a healthy escape from the world while also keeping their imaginations active.

Coronavirus continues to influence the state of the country, but volunteerism, whether in person or online, is a useful way to lift the spirits of those affected by the virus altogether by helping spread a little more love and goodwill along the way.

Group work and collaboration: Zoom edition

BROOKE SALAMONE Staff Writer At the college level, University students are no strangers to group work and the struggles it often presents. The list of issues goes on; from one student doing all the work, to another student never showing up to class, to the constant disagreements, to students waiting until the night before the project is due to begin.

The complexities and complaints continue on. Regardless of the class subject and the assignment, tracking equal participation and effort can often become difficult for professors when deciding on the final grade.

In light of COVID-19 and the current societal circumstances which have moved the rest of the spring 2020 semester to remote learning, these complications with group work have just become more complex. However, some University students feel they have been adjusting to online learning well.

“My overall virtual school experience through Zoom has been very pleasant,” shared University junior and Business Economics major Bennett Hausman. “My professors and peers have seemed to adapt very well and I enjoy using Zoom as a platform. Although this is a very different approach to school than I am used to, my professors have been very generous with assignments and due dates which is a big plus after being sent home due to COVID-19. In addition, class meetings are effective and the time we have is used efficiently to learn new material and ask the professor any questions we may have.

Also, preparing for group projects has been great as Zoom has many tools to help do so.”

While taking virtual class on Zoom, the platform does offer many ways to present to the class through a computer or tablet. The platform allows students to share their screens in just a few clicks, where they can broadcast a slideshow presentation to their entire class. In addition, the platform gives students the ability to still be seen on the side of the computer screen as they speak and click through the slides of their Powerpoint. For step by step instructions on how to work this in Zoom, click here.

The Pace Press took to Instagram to survey students on their group presentation preferences. The results were as follows: out of 24 students surveyed, 22 students prefer in-person group presentations, while 2 prefer to present online.

We also opened up the floor for students to share their opinions on virtual group work.

“Group work over Zoom is pretty challenging,” shares University junior Phillip Sgobba, who is studying Public Accounting. “With lagging internet connections and frozen screens, it is super difficult to get your thoughts and opinions out in a collaborative manner. What helps me is preparing notes and talking points beforehand, and to picture myself in an actual classroom setting.”

Many students have also shared how this virtual experience has also brought them closer together as a community.

“I feel like having to do group presentations virtually has been a little difficult, but has also brought us together,” shares University junior Alycia Alvarez, a Childhood Education major. “We are all able to relate to each other more, making the preparation for these projects smoother!”

Some feel that Zoom has been difficult to adjust to with sound complications, whether it be a group presentation or a club meeting.

“Zoom meetings are definitely difficult to adjust to,” shares Colleen McGovern, a University junior and Arts & Entertainment Management major.

“For example, my club, The Industry Network, held a virtual event with a few music industry veterans yesterday and our president was hosting it. Unfortunately, her audio stopped working and I had to take over, and I wasn’t necessarily prepared to do so. It is also very difficult to increase our engagement rates, as during this time individuals don’t feel the desire to join zoom meetings without an incentive. We prepare as much as possible through texts and group calls, but there is only so much

you can do during a time like this.”

Some students have yet to try group presentations via Zoom, but have tackled presentations on the individual level.

“I have not had any virtual group presentations yet,” shares University Junior Christian Benke who is studying Finance. “But I imagine they are definitely more difficult. However, I have had a solo presentation, and it was not so bad through screen sharing” At the end of the day, getting used to classes online is an adjustment for all.

It is important to remember that in times of need, University students will rise and come together as a strong community. With any questions or regarding online learning, reach out to professors or advisors who are here to help guide University students through these difficult times.

ZOOM