CULTURE

Culture Editor: Katelin Pompa – xzgw@iup.edu Lead Culture Writer: Haley Brown – tbfx@iup.edu

Graduation is the moment that most students are waiting for to close their college experience. (The Penn Archives)

Students are upset by virtual graduation

HALEY BROWN Lead Culture Writer tbfx@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

IUP seniors who are graduating this month will celebrate through a virtual graduation ceremony, and they have a lot to say about it.

While some students could not care less about whether or not they attend a graduation ceremony, the idea of not having a choice about it is extremely disappointing and discouraging to many college students who are graduating. With COVID-19 still running rampant throughout America and case numbers continuing to climb, having an in-person graduation ceremony was simply not a viable option.

Many find that they are now dispirited about the ceremony that will end their college career, and some find it difficult to even want to participate in the virtual version of the ceremony since it will not be the same. The idea of walking across that stage to bring their college years to a close in front of proud family and friends is a sorely lost hope and is not the way they wanted to end this difficult year.

“I’m honestly mad, disappointed and almost cannot put my emotions into words,” Hannah Snyder (senior, biology) said. “I actually didn’t even put my name into the virtual graduation ceremony because I feel that [it’s] like a movie credit scene. You see your name scroll across the screen, and you pretend to hold a piece of paper like your diploma and act happy, but it hurts. I feel that I was robbed of an actual graduation and will never get that.”

Family members who would normally participate in an in-person ceremony are also disappointed and are being forced to offer their congratulations from afar. Despite the difficult nature of the situation, many are trying to keep their chins up and be positive and realistic about why the change must happen.

“My family’s feelings on graduation being virtual is slightly bittersweet,” Ashley O’Hara (senior, middle level education) said. “It is a big moment in my family right now to finally have someone graduate college, and not being able to celebrate that by seeing me walk across the stage and get my diploma is very upsetting to them. It feels as if a big moment was ripped from our families.”

Many students find that it adds insult to injury to have the ceremony be virtual, but they still understand that right now, the in-person ceremony would only make the situation drag out longer.

Despite the safety perks of the virtual graduation ceremony, students still feel cheated from what some would consider to be one of the most important milestones of their lives.

“Graduation being virtual is sad to me,” O’Hara said. “I am the first in my family to actually graduate college, and ever since being accepted into IUP, I always dreamed of my family watching me walk across that stage. However, I am happy that they did give us at least some option for graduation. That way, everyone is able to stay safe.”

Families remain supportive of the graduating classes, from a distance of course, but the lack of opportunity for in-person contact makes congratulatory exchanges hard for students and may even make the occasion seem less meaningful. So many students are struggling with the impacts COVID-19 is having on their lives, and not having a “real” graduation ceremony feels like rubbing salt in a wound for many.

“I don’t really feel that my family cares too much about it being virtual other than the idea that they can see how much not having a graduation affects me,” Snyder said. “My mom isn’t even buying a cap and gown because there will be no ceremony and no pictures, so she feels it is a waste. I feel that I had a part of my college experience stolen from me.”

Seniors are finding it extremely difficult to find the bright side of things, and despite everyone understanding why the virtual ceremony was a necessary evil, it doesn’t make the disappointment of not having a real ceremony less difficult to deal with. “I am a little upset that graduation is virtual,” Kaitlyn Reilly (senior, middle level education) said. “It’s hard to know that after four-and-a-half years of hard work, I won’t be able to fully participate in the one thing that was an expected piece of closure and celebration. I have been looking forward to graduation for a while now, so it is definitely hard knowing that I won’t be able to walk across the stage for my family.”

Since the cases across the country are rising, many seniors find it easy to agree that the virtual conversion was completely necessary. Keeping people safe and healthy is, and should be, everyone’s top priority at the moment no matter what “normal” milestones of life this goal might disrupt.

“I do think it was smart to make graduation virtual,” Reilly said. “While I am upset that I won’t have a ‘normal’ graduation, I know that it is safer for everyone involved. In fact, even if they were offering small ceremonies for departments, I do not think that I would attend. COVID is something that needs to be taken seriously, and moving graduation online is evidence that IUP is acknowledging that. The biggest positive of virtual graduation is that my family and I will be safe.”

Despite the many ups and downs of 2020, this semester will come to an inevitably virtual close for many seniors who deserve all of the warm congratulatory wishes and uplifting praises from family and friends. If you know a senior that is graduating this semester, do your absolute best to ensure they know how supported and loved they are by you and the other people in their life.

We must also make sure to express to these seniors, and really to any student, how extremely proud we are and how proud they should be for getting through what has likely been one of the most difficult and trying semesters of many people’s lives.

The student debt crisis evokes feelings of anger

MARIAMA MANSARAY Staff Writer mbpbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Speaking to graduating seniors at IUP, one of the issue they voiced is the rising student debt crisis. They express the “frustrations” and “fear” that go through their minds during this time.

For many students, graduating college comes with a lot of excitement and feelings of accomplishment. However, students stated that graduating college also comes with a lot of “doubt,” especially when it comes to the repayment of their student loans. According to Forbes, as of 2020, “there are 45 million borrowers who collectively owe nearly $1.6 trillion in student loan debt.”

“The student debt crisis is definitely scary, and I feel like I’m not completely educated about my loans,” Kamrynn Wantz (senior, communications media) said. “I don’t necessarily know my next (Mimzy/Pixabay)

Student debt can be very stressful for graduates.

step. I recently looked at the amount I owed, and I got scared because it was a lot.”

Wantz said because she’s also a graduate student, she finds solace in the fact that though she’s finishing undergraduate school in a few days, she still has a few more months left before she starts thinking about paying her loans.

Kaitlyn Ciancio (senior, journalism and public relations) agrees with Wantz.

“This is horrible and really bad,” Ciancio said. “I just went through my exit counseling training to review all my student debts, and it is incredibly disheartening to know that the government doesn’t invest a lot of money into students anymore. I’m very angry that If I wanted an education, I have to be in so much debt.”

According to Federal Student Aid, there are 27.1 million loan borrowers in repayment. Though the federal government offers different repayment plans, the Department of Education states that 20 percent of student loan borrowers are in defaulting. The consequences of default often leads to wage garnishing, bad credit and sometimes loss of “favorable” repayment options.

“Though I knew what I was getting into, it’s still really stressful to think about,” Evan Weaver (senior, psychology) said. “It’s hard to focus on school while constantly thinking that six months after I graduate, whether I have a job or not, I have to start making payments on my loans.”

Weaver said he believes it’s unhealthy that students in America are pressured to go to college right after high school. College, he said, is not for everyone, and society is forcing 18- and 19-year-olds to get a huge debt that might not be worth it in the end.

“Student loan debt can be crippling to people who are not well prepared for their future,” he said. “Getting into this much debt is a personal decision that everyone has to weigh carefully before deciding.”

Having all these student debts, Wantz said, can be mentally and emotionally draining for students at such a young age.

“I’m just 21, and I don’t think I’m even going to be able to enjoy my 20s because I would always be worrying about my debt,” she said. “It takes a toll.”

“I know President-Elect Joe Biden has been talking about erasing all student loans or some part of it,” Ciancio said. “If he could do something like that, it will be a dream come true.”

Students face many anxieties and fears about upcoming student debt. If you know a graduate, give them some love.

IUP students favorite winter activities

MEGAN DONNY Staff Writer M.Donny@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

While the first day of winter is still a few weeks away, students have already begun getting into the holiday and winter spirit.

The winter season brings with it many exciting activities and traditions that families and friends usually partake in. These activities include baking, shopping, decorating, watching festive movies and enjoying time by the fireplace.

“Winter is probably my favorite season because I love the holidays and the snow,” Olivia Tavoletti (senior, marketing) said. “I feel like everything feels so magical this time of year.”

Even though this year has been rough on us all, these activities can surely brighten our lives as we wait for the year to be over.

“My favorite part of the winter season is the snow,” she said. “I love when it snows and wish it would snow more.”

Even though snow can be EMILY LOOSE Staff Writer e.d.loose@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

Even after they receive their diplomas, students will always remember those who impacted them most.

As graduation approaches, IUP seniors have thought about their favorite professors during their time in college.

The students all agreed that the kindness they received from their professors helped boost their own morale and hard work.

Tara Logan (senior, communications media) was most impacted by the professors who tried remembering their students. “I’m always saying how the professors at IUP actually care about us,” she said.

One of her examples of such professors was Dr. Anna Ortiz, the assistant chairperson in the communications media department. beautiful to watch from the comfort of your home, many prefer the sunshine and heat of summer to the chill and ice brought by winter.

“While I love this time of year because of the holidays, it’s too cold for me,” Dani Zdrale (senior,

“In COMM 101, Dr. Ortiz memorized all of our names and faces,” Logan said. “I literally did not have another class with her until last semester, but she remembered me for four years and would always say ‘hi.’”

Emma Russek (senior, theater) said her favorite professor was Dr. Michael Schwartz from the theater department.

“He genuinely loves theater and always encouraged us to be passion(Larisa-k/Pixabay) marketing) said.

Watching holiday and seasonal movies are one of the best ways to stay cozy during the cold weather.

“My favorite winter activity is watching holiday movies, especially the ‘Santa Clause’ movies,” ate about what we do,” she said.

For Russek, Schwartz made college feel like a “home away from home.” She also enjoyed his personality.

“He’s just hilarious and a truly good person,” she said.

Austin Dukes (senior, criminology) said his favorite professor, Dr. Eric Kocian, helped influence his love for his major.

“He made learning quite interZdrale said. “They’re festive and enjoyable.”

Zdrale is not the only student who loves festive movies.

“My favorite winter activity is watching Christmas movies and baking,” Maran Davis (senior, fashion merchandising) said. “These activities always remind me of home, so they are comforting.”

Baking is a tradition many students love to partake in as well.

“I love to watch Christmas movies and bake cookies,” Thea McCollough (senior, fashion merchandising) said. “It’s the one time a year you can do these things.”

Many families have long standing winter traditions that involve baking certain foods and desserts, watching particular movies and gathering to enjoy the season.

“Every year, my family picks out a Christmas tree from Simmons Farm,” Zdrale said. “It’s something I’ll never tire of doing.”

Some families have traditions of watching their favorite holiday movies.

“Every year ,my family watches ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,’” McCollough said. “It’s my family’s favorite esting,” Dukes said. “He used real life examples to teach rather than teaching from a book.”

Dukes said he took Kocian’s CRIM 401 class, Contemporary Issues in Criminology.

“I learned more from him that semester than I did in a year of anything else,” he said. “He really kept my interest.”

David Laughead (senior, political science) said his favorite professor comes from his own department, Dr. Aleea Perry. She had acted as an inspiration for him.

He said she not only impacted him, but all political science students.

“Dr. Perry has become a role model and a life coach for me,” he said. “To hear her accomplishments and experiences after college, it gives me hope that I can also be selfmade and accomplish anything that I put my mind to.”

Laughead said that Perry and he had been through similar hardships over time, which made her even holiday movie.”

However, families of different religious backgrounds sometimes have different ways of celebrating the season.

“Every Christmas Eve, my family does the feast of the seven fishes, which is really fun and special,” Tavoletti said. “Also, whoever finds the pickle ornament on the Christmas tree on Christmas morning gets to open the first gift.”

Some families have less traditions than others.

“We don’t really have any seasonal traditions,” Davis said, “except my family usually goes to my aunt’s house for Christmas Eve dinner.”

One thing is for sure, though: this time of year is when we all get to wind down and have fun with friends and family before the start of the new year.

“I really enjoy spending this time of year with my cousins because this time of year has always been fun for us,” Tavoletti said.

The holiday season is usually spent with friends and family, though this year that might be

Seniors share their favorite professors over the years

(PublicDomainPictures/Pixabay)

slightly different. more special to him.

Something that he will always remember about her is how she put students’ needs first.

“Dr. Perry created a business attire closet that would allow students to buy a suit for less than $20,” he said. “She also uses low-cost textbooks in her class and has the books on reserve for students who can’t afford them.”

To Laughead, Perry is an integral part of IUP, and he knows that she will continue to be after he graduates.

“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for IUP students with someone like Dr. Perry around who will continue to help fight and support those students in who are need.”

Every student finds a professor that gives their education extra meaning.

For these graduating students, the professors who impacted their own lives will continue to be of support to them. The impact they made will last a lifetime.

Culture

Future plans for grads

The next step after graduation is finding a job. (Tumiso/Pixabay)

AMARI WALKER Staff Writer jqtbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

With the year of 2020 being so hectic, there are many graduates who have accepted the changes of this year.

Graduates have utilized this year as their motivation to finish their schooling and move into the next chapter in their life.

“The best thing IUP has taught me is to never say no and always push myself beyond my limits,” Patricia Pinson (senior, communications media and theater) said.

Her concentration was production in the communications media program. However, she is also currently working toward a certificate in photography. She has learned a lot from her experience at IUP and plans to use the tools taught to her in the future. Her professors motivated her to flourish both academically and personally because of the advice they have given her.

After college, Pinson is willing to work toward becoming a licensed commercial drone pilot and schedule her exam for the Federal Aviation Association. To prepare for this next chapter in her life, she hopes to work with a production crew or photography while developing her own scripts and projects that she will eventually release. Her goals are getting a job and gain some experience in her field before she goes for her grad degree.

Another student similar to Pinson, Tyler Manko (senior, communications media), said that from his experience at IUP, he has learned a lot from Dr. Anna Ortiz.

“With Dr. Ortiz as my advisor, she was very helpful in just showing me which classes that I might be interested in,” Manko said.

Ortiz’s suggestions led him to trying different classes to see what he liked and disliked, which led him to where he is today. Along with Ortiz’s advisory, Manko was able to learn how to be in control of his time management and how to handle everything in a professional manner from each of his professors.

After he graduates, Manko’s next chapter in life includes working in sales or public relations. He plans on applying to jobs this upcoming week, so let’s wish him the best of luck.

Additionally, Kamrynn Wantz (senior, communications media and marketing) has grown personally and professionally during her time at IUP. To help prepare for her future, she attended workshops and mock interviews which has helped her become more comfortable speaking publicly and becoming more of a leader in the classroom.

Wantz’s next step in her new journey is to continue her education at IUP as a graduate student for the strategic communications program. Her dream job is to work for a sports team or other venue.

Despite this year being a rough patch for everyone, these soonto-be graduates have remained focused on their goals and are ready to begin the next chapter in their lives. They’ve put in the hard work, time and effort into accomplishing their time as undergraduate students.

Therefore, let’s send a big congratulations to all of the 2020 graduates on all their hard work and wish them the best of luck as they move onto their new journey. The best advice comes from those who are about to graduate. (AnnalieseArt/Pixabay)

Parting words from the class of 2020

JULIA ROBINS Staff Writer spxbc@iup.edu @ThePennIUP

College is a learning experience and starting out as a freshman or a sophomore can be intimidating, but thankfully, seniors have passed down some advice.

Seniors have been there and learned everything from not partying on a Sunday night to the best way to study for an exam. Some current seniors will be graduating Saturday, and others will be graduating in May.

David Laughhead (senior, political science) served as student body president from 2018-19 in addition to being the vice-chairperson for University Senate and Phi Sigma Kappa president. He spoke of the importance of getting involved on campus as it can help one find their passion like he did.

“As a freshman, I had no idea what I wanted to do career-wise or what my passion was until I got involved on campus,” he said. “I joined student government, and I immediately found my passion. For me, that passion was to help and advocate for others.”

He said that because of student government, he changed his major from biology to political science.

“It was the best decision I ever made. I finally felt confident in what I was going to school for, and the classes were better suited for what I wanted to learn.”

Katie McLaughlin (senior, English) has been a member of the Cook Honors College and had the opportunity to study abroad in Spain. She advises underclassmen to reach out of their comfort zone and make connections with other students and faculty on campus.

“Focus on exploring relationships just as much as you focus on your studies,” she said. “College is a strange space. It’s the only place where you spend the majority of your time surrounded by like-minded, similarly aged individuals who are all learning and exploring the world together.”

She recommends hanging out in common areas, asking the people sitting around you in class to grab a coffee or going to your professor’s office hours and talking to them.

“Get to know the ladies that make your sandwiches,” she said. “Studying is important, but if you always have your head shoved in your laptop, you’ll miss part of what makes college so great— the people. Grab a drink with a new friend and discuss the philosophical ways of this world.”

Other students like Keris Ladd (senior, criminology and criminal justice) had similar advice about getting involved on campus and meeting new friends, saying that it “will make your college experience so much better.”

McLaughlin also spoke about how “it is OK to not be OK.” While being social is important, peer-pressure is real, and it is perfectly fine to be one’s own person. It is OK to decline a date, fail a quiz, change one’s major or feel depressed. Everything is not going to be sunshine and roses all the time. In fact, do not let it be.

“Do what scares you,” she said. “Ask that person you like out on a date. Wear the crop top. Dye your hair, cut it, give yourself the 70s fluffy bangs and shag cut it like all of TikTok is obsessed with.

“Raise your hand and ask your professor the question. Go on the study abroad trip even if you do not speak that language.

“Switch your major. Switch it again. Switch as many times as you need to. Allow yourself to not know what you are doing. Admit you are afraid and live anyway.

“After these four years, 98 percent of the people who were judging you in the Oak Grove as you confidently rocked an off-kilter outfit will not matter. They will not remember you, and you will not remember them. Make mistakes and seek out adventure. You never know what or who you might find.”

Trying new things is also the advice of Alexis Sterner (senior, communications media) who recommended taking a mixture of classes in different subject areas. If one enjoys space, try taking an astronomy class. “Branching out” is how Sterner became a creative writing minor.

It is also perfectly acceptable to ask for help when one needs it, and one student who advocated for it is Megan Keyser (senior, natural science/pre-audiology and deaf studies). She is the president of IUP Sign Language Club, treasurer of IUP Women and Gender Studies Club, and member of Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, Delta Alpha Pi and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“Stress can put a dampener on the college experience, and stress is OK,” she said. “But don’t let it consume you, and it is OK to ask for help if you need it. Being a STEM major can be tough, but all of the professors are truly there for you, especially in the biology department.

“IUP offers free counseling services which are a huge help if you need it. Also, take advantage of the tutoring in Stabley, or in your departments if it is offered, and attend supplemental instruction sessions.”

Supplemental instruction, common in many science classes, is when a student who has excelled in the class before, teaches review sessions and creates practice tests. This is just one example of the many resources available to struggling students.

Being new to college is tough, but with the advice of these seniors, it can make it more bearable. Giving advice to underclassmen is always the best gift you can give.