Winter Finals Edition 2019

DECEMBER 9, 2019 | VOLUME 110 | ISSUE 94 COVER BY ELI SAVAGE | CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Angel Lezark Salon

Student discounts up to 50% off services and 30% off haircare products!

Complimentary styling tips!

IG: @AngelLezarkSalon

Call Angel at 724-678-0364 and visit us at 5921 Baum Blvd. Suite 3 in East Liberty!

the pitt news

FINALS EDITION

THE TEA ON THE DECEMBER GRADUATES LOOK STRESS-RELIEVING TEA IN POSVAR HALL TO THE FUTURE Rebecca Johnson Senior Staff Writer

Daniel Walsh | staff illustrator

Ashton Crawley Staff Writer

The culmination of every student’s college career and hard work is graduation. For Pitt seniors graduating in December, with the holidays around the corner and many of their peers making schedules for the spring, the experience is a little different.

Pitt’s main graduation happens at the end of the spring semester, though there are some seniors who opt to graduate at the end of the fall semester in smaller ceremonies. These include the optional main fall graduation ceremony for all of Pitt’s schools, held on Sunday, Dec. 15, in Soldiers and Sailors this year, as well

pittnews.com

as individual graduation ceremonies for certain departments.

Steven Roth, a senior studying mechanical engineering, attended a small graduation ceremony only for mechanical engineers on Sunday morning at Carnegie Music Hall. Roth is graduating a semester later than the rest of his class because he completed a co-op, a common practice for engineers.

Graduating in the fall semester is a bit different from graduating in the spring, according to Roth.

“Obviously, it’s smaller. I guess it almost feels like less of a big deal,” Roth said. “There are people you start freshman See Grads on page 5

A study conducted at City University London found that drinking tea really can relieve stress — a common feeling among students during finals week. For participants placed in a stressful situation, those who weren’t given tea experienced a 25% increase in anxiety, while those who were had a 4% decrease.

Findings like these prompted Pitt’s Global Hub, located on the first floor of Posvar Hall, to host a free global tea tasting every day last week and this week from 9 a.m. to noon.

Global Hub Manager Karen Lue said the tea tasting, which attracts about 15 to 20 students per day, is a perfect opportunity for students to destress and enjoy tea with calming properties from around the world.

“We just thought it would be a nice way for students to just enjoy some free tea and hopefully destress a little bit for finals,” Lue said. “We have teas from around the world — China, Morocco and some other stress-free calming teas.”

The tea tasting features six rotating flavors donated by Pitt’s Asian Studies Center or purchased in the Strip District by Global Hub employees. Emily Higginson, a senior Spanish major, tried a stress-soothing tea from Thailand made with Pandan and lemongrass.

She said the tea helped relieve her stress before studying.

“I’m going to go study and it’s something nice to have because it definitely calms me down,” Higginson said. “I always drink tea before bed every night. It’s something nice and warm and comforting especially being in a stressful environment.”

Student employees working at the Global Hub also noticed the tea’s calming properties.

Aspen Narvarte, a senior political science major and global ambassador, said one of her favorite parts about working at the tasting was peaking students’ interest in the teas.

“It’s always funny when someone walks by and we’re like ‘Oh do you want some tea?’ and their immediate reaction is no,” Narvarte said. “But then they think about it and they’re like ‘Yeah I would like some tea that would

December 9, 2019

be great.’”

Meghan Dillon, a senior environmental studies major and global ambassador, said she also thinks tea is a great beverage for students, especially before class, which is why it’s one of her favorite events to work.

“My favorite events to work are ones like this that are really interesting and get a lot of traffic,” Dillon said. “Even if it’s a quick five minutes, hurry up and grab your tea and go to class, even in class you can sip on something warm and calm down for a second in between the craziness.”

But the Global Hub’s event goes beyond sampling tea — it also partnered with the Stress Free Zone to offer guided meditation sessions on Wednesdays led by Yoga U owner Laurel Chiappetta. Guided meditation is when participants practice mindfulness techniques under the direction of a trained professional.

Narvarte said the Global Hub’s various calming activities makes it a great place for students to take a break from studying.

“I think overall the Hub doing more stress free things is a good way for students to take a quick break and fix themselves a cup of tea or go meditate,” Narvarte said. “Breaks are super important. If you take a break it can’t just be playing on your phone. You need to relax your brain, because if not, your work will not get better.”

As an alternative to scrolling through social media or YouTube videos, Narvarte thinks brewing tea is a great option.

“Tea is a good way to relax. You get to make it which is why it’s almost like cooking in a sense,” Narvarte said. “It’s relaxing to focus your mind on something else that isn’t work.”

Researchers who published a 2017 study in the science journal “Nutrients” noted that the “anti-stressful effect” of green tea is only measurable if the tea is decaffeinated. The difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated tea is something Narvarte, who was sipping on decaffeinated tea at the Hub, easily See Tea on page 6

2

BRAS, DRUIDS, 7-ELEVEN: OUR MOST-READ STORIES OF THE DECADE

Elise Lavallee

Contributing Editor The Pitt News celebrated 100 years of student journalism in 2010. Now, we’re 10% closer to our bicentennial. Here are some of the stories that our readers found most intriguing and thought-provoking — or at least clickable — over the past decade.

Read them all at pittnews.com.

April 18, 2010: “15-minute rule myth busted” Can you really leave class if your professor is more than 15 minutes late? The rumor still persists today, but in 2010, Tony Jovenitti went looking for answers.

“Is the top floor of the Cathedral really haunted? Does stepping on Forbes Field’s home plate really give you good luck on your exams? Can Dave Wannstedt’s mustache actually fight crime?

We might never know the answers to these questions.

But there is one campus legend that definitely isn’t true: The 15-minute rule.”

Feb. 13, 2012: “Boys, bras and boobs — five stories under the collarbone” “For many girls, starting to develop breasts is a sign of becoming a woman.

But for those who mature early, it can be a source of trauma with long-term effects.”

In this piece, five writers considered what it was like living in the world when you have breasts. The answer? It’s complicated.

April 10, 2013: “Druids dominate student government: Members of secret society continue to deny involvement” The Druids are a secret society that has

pittnews.com

operated on Pitt’s campus since the 1920s.

In 2013, six of the nine students elected to Student Government Board belonged to the Druids, but this information wasn’t disclosed until after the election, inviting scrutiny from the student body. “[Former Druid and then-student Rose] McKinley, who left the group in the fall of 2012 because of disagreements with other members, believes the Druids are exerting undue influence on SGB politics. She recalled the experience of her first meeting as a member of the society in October 2011 after having been ‘tapped’ — or initiated — into the group about two months prior to the SGB election that year.

‘The first meeting after my initiation was all about getting James Landreneau elected president,’ she said.”

Aug. 24, 2014: “Capitalism: The worst economic system, except for all the others” Former Assistant Opinions Editor Matt Barnes got a lot of attention for his take on the U.S. economic system. Barnes said he’s happy to live under a system granting him so much freedom and commended the capitalist system’s ability to bring people out of poverty.

“As an American, I am incredibly fortunate to live in a nation whose economic tradition centers around capitalism,” he argued. “It has made this nation prosperous and provided me with opportunities unrealized in centrally planned economies — a thriving free market in which I am free to use my earned money as I wish, enroll in

the university I wish to attend and lead the life I wish to lead — unburdened by the dictates of inefficient and ineffective central planning. All of this stems from the economic freedom and choice that capitalism, not socialism or Marxism, provides.”

Aug. 23, 2016: “Pitt student gets stuck between buildings trying to impress woman” This headline says it all.

“Instead of going into a restaurant on a Monday night date, a Pitt student tried to woo the object of his affection by jumping over them,” then-news editor Lauren Rosenblatt wrote.

He was stuck for more than four hours, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., until emergency response personnel were able to cut a hole in the wall of the building now occupied by CHIKN — then home to a Qdoba.

Sept. 8, 2016: “Sandusky saga has no place in Pitt-Penn State rivalry” A tradition that began in 1893, the

December 9, 2019

Pitt-Penn State football rivalry, finally returned in 2016 after a brief hiatus. But playful banter got out of control when students started to bring former Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky’s history of child abuse into the conversation, according to sports writer Dan Sostek.

“Imagine a sexual assault survivor walking Downtown, or watching television, and hearing a Pitt fan gleefully chant that former Penn State coach Joe Paterno knew and ignored sexual abuse committed by a member of his coaching staff. Imagine how a mom would feel, scrolling through social media to see Sandusky’s grinning smile cropped into a photo of a Penn State locker room. There’s nothing funny about it, and it won’t create any productive dialogue,” he wrote.

Nov. 16, 2016: “Voter suppression helped decide presidential election” Former Opinions Editor Henry Glitz See Decade on page 7

3

STRESS DREAMS ARE MADE OF FINALS Charlie Taylor

Staff Writer This week, no students in Oakland are dreaming of sugarplums. Instead, their nights are full of visions of forgotten exams, maze-like academic buildings and unlocatable classrooms in what feels like one long “Nightmare Before Christmas.”

University-related dreams are common amongst students. A 2017 study by career website Debut found that 84% of college students surveyed reported having nightmares about school, half of which were recurring.

These nightmares most commonly pertained to taking exams, followed by failing those exams or their classes altogether.

Emma Krofcheck, a sophomore double majoring in physics and astronomy, has particularly unsettling dreams during finals season. She said over Thanksgiving break, she dreamt she was forced to go to a class even though, in her dream, the professor had passed away.

“I had a dream that my professor died,” she said. “They sent out a call to all of us about it, but then said that we would have to finish out the semester with a different professor.”

In another dream, Krofcheck found herself in elementary school, except she was still subjected to the stresses of college. She said this dream in particular felt long and vivid.

“I was back in my elementary school, but it was still like college,” she said. “I was enrolled in a whole bunch of classes that I had never gone to, and it was finals week, and I was gonna fail all my finals because I didn’t go to any of my classes.”

In order to understand the meaning of their dreams, some people will turn to people who claim to have the ability to interpret dreams, such as psychic mediums, for an explanation. Sara Sachs, a Pittsburgh-based psychic medium who operates a storefront in Wilkinsburg, said the stress of finals season may bring up unresolved issues, whether related to the death of loved ones or traumatic moments from childhood. She said she thought that Krofcheck’s dream

pittnews.com

about her professor’s death may have been provoked by unaddressed feelings of grief surrounding the loss of a mentor figure.

“I really feel as though it could be someone from the other side trying to maybe reassure her a little bit, that you really have to go on, you really have to take that test,” Sachs said. “It almost feels like it could be someone that she lost that could have been a parental type of figure, that was maybe very intelligent, that was maybe a little professorial.”

through her dreams, although she did see validity in Sach’s assertion that her elementary school dream was caused by unpleasant childhood experiences. She found another explanation, offered by Brant Hasler, an associate professor in the psychiatry department and a faculty member with the Center for Sleep and Circadian Science, much more likely.

Hasler said that psychologists have found that our brains process and store our memories while we sleep in a stage called rapid eye Promiti Debi | staff illustrator

Similarly, Sachs said Krofcheck’s dream about being in elementary school could be a manifestation of unresolved childhood feelings of inadequacy, likely originating from the criticisms of an authority figure.

“That [stressful] part of her childhood, that’s the real interesting thing that may be giving her the anxiety about the tests now,” she said. “There’s something very important about those primary school years that would bring her the stress to take her back to those times.”

Krofcheck said she didn’t think any lost loved ones were trying to reach out to her

movement sleep. Because dreaming occurs during REM sleep, the memories we process when we sleep may influence the content of our dreams — which explains why students dream about school during exam season.

“Given that we know that this memory consolidation is happening during this time, it’s reasonable to think that dreams are an offshoot of that … what we’re dreaming about has to do to some degree with the memories that we’re consolidating,” Hasler said.

He also said the dreams students have during finals season may seem particularly

December 9, 2019

vivid because their waking memories from the day are both particularly emotional and particularly important during exam season.

“If they’re stressed during finals season, if they’re experiencing more of these emotional things during the day, especially around things that they’re studying,” he said, “then that makes it more likely that it’s going to be something that their brain is gonna try to remember especially during REM sleep.”

Dreams, however, don’t directly copy our daily memories. Often, they include seemingly random, unconnected moments from the past, like when Krofcheck dreamt about her elementary school days. Hasler said that the appearance of distant memories are another part of the memory consolidation process. In order to store new memories, our brain connects them to elements from our past.

“Our brain is trying to make sense of [a memory], put it into our brain to keep for a longer amount of time, and then as part of that process it may be linking it to things that happened in the past as well,” he said.

So why do students have such vivid dreams during finals season? Hasler said the answer lies in the fact that they’re experiencing heightened emotional states while studying, a function which requires the brain to work overtime in terms of memory consolidation.

“If [students are] stressed during finals season … especially around things that they’re studying,” he said, “then that makes it more likely that it’s going to be something that their brain is going to try to remember … during REM sleep.”

Sachs agreed that odd dreams help people come to terms with stress, but also said she sees them as an outlet for subconsciously discovering more about themselves.

“It’s really interesting what stress does, because sometimes in dreams, that can be a way of dealing with it, but also to see what it reveals about you not only in where your growth is, but in where your spirituality is as well,” she said.

4

Grads, pg. 2 year with that you assume you’re going to graduate senior year with. So you see them finish first. But a lot of my friends did co-ops too so I’ll be graduating with them,” Roth said.

Like spring graduates, December graduates must also balance finishing their degrees with searching for jobs.

Unlike spring graduates, they must coordinate their searches around the holiday season.

“You have to work around holidays for scheduling. I had job interviews this past week, it was a very busy few days,” Roth said.

However, some feel that graduating in the fall is actually less hectic. Emmy Rogers, a senior studying anthropology, is glad she’s graduating in the fall instead of the spring. It has always been part of her plan to graduate at this time because she started at Pitt a semester late.

“I’m excited to be done with undergrad. It’s also the dichotomy of being excited to graduate and then ‘being in the real world.’ But I’m nervous for the

future,” Rogers said.

Saving money on tuition is a big motivation for many students to graduate early, especially those from out of state.

Sumi Shah, a senior studying human resources management in the school of business, is graduating a semester early after completing her credit requirements.

“I didn’t necessarily come into college thinking that I would graduate a semester early. But as the semesters went on, I realized I had the ability to,” Shah said.

One of the benefits of graduating early is having more of a break before launching into a full time career, Shah said.

“Do I wish that I was entering the job market in the spring? Not really. Honestly, I think a solid break is good. If I were to have graduated in the spring, I just would not have had the break that I needed between college and entering the workforce,” Shah said.

Like many students graduating this semester, Shah will continue to live in the Oakland area for a period of time.

“I’m most excited because I still get

Large 16” 12 cut cheese pizza +tax

$6.00

emony in the spring.

“I kind of like it because I get overwhelmed and it’s not going to be a big production. I think it’s kind of positive,” Rogers said. “For some reason, at the end of the spring semester, because everyone’s getting done and everyone has summer break, it’s like a unified exhale.

But I’m working towards this end goal.’”

According to Shah, many students in the business school end up graduating early.

“Usually the full time jobs don’t start until May or June. So I think just having those few extra months here, without the stress of college classes and tests and all of that is what’s really motivating people to be happy about it,” Shah said.

The period after graduation can be an uncertain time for students. Shah said that this can be a good time to figure things out for yourself.

“It took so long to finally get comfortable here and then you have to leave. So I think the biggest thing about graduating early is kind of overcoming that uncertainty and making peace with it before jumping into something new,” Shah said.

Open 7 days a week, between 9AM and 6PM

All day, every day 247 Atwood St, Oakland now accepting credit cards pittnews.com

a few more months with my friends in Pittsburgh before I have to move for my full time job in June. I think I’d be a lot more sad about it if I had to just graduate and leave right away,” Shah said.

Rogers, who works for Pitt doing qualitative data analysis programming, plans to extend her job from part-time to full-time in the upcoming months.

Although she has fond memories of her college years, she is ready to move on.

“Aside from work, I’m not setting foot in Oakland. I don’t want to see a 10A for the rest of my life,” Rogers said.

Rogers said she is also ready to focus on work instead of school.

“I’m looking forward to not having consistent deadlines. It’s different going to work versus going to school,” Rogers said. “It’s this weird mix. You have finals, graduation, Christmas, New Year’s.”

Rogers said there are benefits to graduating in the winter as opposed to the spring, especially for those who don’t enjoy the spotlight very much.

She’s a fan of the smaller size of the December graduation ceremony as opposed to the large commencement cer-

Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

December 9, 2019

5

Tea, pg. 2 noticed.

“I usually don’t drink decaffeinated tea so I usually don’t find tea relaxing because it caffeinates me,” Narvarte said. “It’s definitely the thing I like to drink at night as opposed to coffee because it is a little bit less aggressive.”

Green tea isn’t the only kind of tea that helps alleviate stress. Peppermint tea, which includes menthol, reduces anxiety by lowering blood pressure and body temperature.

Chamomile tea is also proven to reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, according to a study published in the science journal “Phytomedicine.” Black tea can also help to reduce stress levels, according to University College London researchers who studied people who drank it over a six-week period.

But no matter what type of tea students decide to drink this week to relieve stress, Lue suggests making the trip to the Global Hub. “Come by the hub to enjoy some stressfree mindfulness activities, and make sure to take breaks,” Lue said. “Finals are only a week or two then it’s winter break. This happens every year, it’s not make or break.”

Pitt’s Global Hub, located on the first floor of Posvar Hall, will host a free global tea tasting every day this week from 9 a.m. to noon. Joy Cao | staff photographer

Applications for The Pitt News 2020-2021 Editor in Chief and Business Manager positions are now being accepted.

The Personnel Committee of The Pitt News Advisory Board at the University of Pittsburgh is now accepting applications for the editor in chief and the business manager of The Pitt News for the 2020-2021 school year. Prior employment at The Pitt News or at another college newspaper is preferred but not required.

Applicants for each position must be an undergraduate Pitt student enrolled for a minimum of nine credits for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 term. Applicants must also have and maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA. The term for each position is May 2020 through April 2021. The editor in chief and business manager each must work a minimum of 25+ hours per week during the fall and spring terms.

These are paid positions. The editor in chief and business manager each earn between $8,800 - $9,500 per year and also receive a $14,500 academic scholarship.

Application deadline is Tuesday, January 7, 2020.

Interviews will be held Friday, January 24, 2020.

If you have any questions or want an application, please contact Terry Lucas, General Manager of The Pitt News, 434 William Pitt Union, trlucas@pitt.edu or Harry Kloman, News Adviser, kloman@pitt.edu.

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

6

Decade, pg. 3 presented an argument that voter suppression played a key role in the 2016 election, but nobody was talking about it.

“There’s one narrative that’s received surprisingly little post-election attention from the media, despite the fact that it may have decided the election: voter suppression,” Glitz wrote. “Ahead of Election Day, media outlets expressed some concern about the topic, but the analysis has all but disappeared since Trump won the Electoral College.”

April 13, 2017: “Silhouette: Jack Stauber” Before topping spotify playlists with close to four million monthly listeners, Jack Stauber was playing the saxophone, shirtless, on an Oakland fire escape. The profile — one of The Pitt News’ mostread pieces online ever — follows Stauber through creating his album “Pop Food.”

“The 21-year-old creative whirlwind isn’t messing around about staying firmly outside the box. In fact, as he tackles music, movies and live performance, he seems to wear his distinctly scatterbrained

process proudly on his sleeve,” Henry Glitz wrote of Stauber. “‘I take goofing off very seriously,’ [Stauber] said, in an abruptly dour tone.”

Now his song “Buttercup” — featured on “Pop Food” — is a popular sound byte on the Tik Tok app.

July 29, 2017: “Letter to the Editor | Grad student: How can I produce my best work if I can hardly afford to eat?”

Andréa Hanna’s letter to the editor arguing in favor of graduate student unionization, particularly to help grads cover costs of living, remains one of TPN’s most read stories of the decade.

“I have struggled massively this past year to literally eat. If it weren’t for the Pitt Pantry I would genuinely have starved …

I have had to sell clothes and furniture to ensure I can cover food and utility costs,” Hanna wrote.

Sept. 20, 2017: “7-Eleven to close with Oakland Bakery moving into Forbes location” It was a dark news day when the muchbeloved 7-Eleven on Forbes Avenue announced it was shuttering its doors.

“The owner of the 7-Eleven franchise location, Don Young, said Pitt owns the

FINALS WEEK SPECIAL $2 PBR POUNDERS ALL WEEK-ALL DAY 212 Oakland Avenue

property and 7-Eleven will move out Sept.

29,” then-News Editor Rachel Glasser wrote. “‘We’re leaving because they want to move their bakery shop here. Corporate told us we had to go,’ Young said.”

Sept. 9, 2018: “Op-ed: Pitt alumnus, former New York Times sports writer says time’s up for Pitt football” 1950s Pitt sports editor Murray Chass weighed in on the state of Pitt football — it had to go.

“Sixty or so years ago, I was first sports editor and then editor of The Pitt News.

During my tenure in one of those positions I took the drastic step of writing an outrageous column about the Pitt football team. The team was so bad, so consistently bad, I recall writing, that there was only one step for the team and the school to take,” Chass wrote.

“The University of Pittsburgh, which would soon be my alma mater for life, had to do something to erase the stain that the football team was inflicting on the school.

The solution I suggested — de-emphasize football and play on the level of its Oakland neighbor, then known as Carnegie Tech, now named Carnegie Mellon.”

After The Pitt News ran Chass’ column, another former sports editor, James S. Urban — who worked at TPN in the 1980s — wrote in with a rebuttal.

Sept. 8, 2019: “Everything we know about the Starship food delivery robots” Before Starship launched testing of its delivery robots around campus — leading to a disability rights controversy — details about when, what and how the robots would deliver weren’t quite clear. This story got attention in part because of its later inclusion in wheelchair user Emily Ackerman’s viral Twitter thread in late October about her experience crossing the street and finding one of the robots in her way.

“Starship announced in August that it will partner with Pitt and its dining contractor Sodexo to allow customers to order products from campus vendors like Forbes Street Market for home delivery via the robots,” News Editor Emily Wolfe wrote.

“The delivery robots move at a maximum of 4 mph to fill orders placed through the Starship Deliveries app. They’re 98% autonomous, according to Starship, monitored remotely by humans who can take control if necessary, and each is equipped with its own locks, GPS and camera.”

USE YOUR PANTHER

FUNDS! Take a study break and use your Panther Funds before they disappear!

(412) 682-FIRE • fuelandfuddle.com

JOIN OUR TEAM AT WWW.SMILE.JOBS

Must be 21+ to purchase Alcohol. Valid ID Required

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

19HB3144

7

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

8

BALANCING FINALS AS A STEM AND ART DOUBLE MAJOR

Hayley Lesh

Staff Writer For most students, the idea of a STEM and fine arts double major seems foreign, especially with finals season now here. To many STEM and arts double majors, this means balancing traditional exam finals with turning in semester-long projects and portfolios.

The difference between junior computer science and music performance major Jordan Bender’s dual majors is apparent in his finals. For computer science, he is often presented with a traditional paper and pencil final, while his music classes often evaluate his skills through performances. For his Music Theory 3 course, Bender needed to apply the musical knowledge he gained throughout the semester through a final research paper.

“Skills in music classes tend to compound upon one another, so it’s more of a cumulative sort of final,” Bender said. “Whereas computer science classes, in my experience, have been less cumulative and more ‘what have you done since the last test.’”

Growing up, Bender played percussion as a member of the school band, yet his love of music never overshadowed his love of technology and video games. He’s interested in possibly coding for video games and working in game design, while he plans on using his music degree to work toward a performance career in musical theater.

Though he’s following his passions, balancing two courses of study hasn’t always been easy for Bender — he didn’t realize the extreme differences in his two majors would make his experience a lot tougher than others’.

“I don’t think I realized how busy I would be going into having a double major because people have double majors in related areas quite often,” he said.

Two majors can be difficult to balance, especially with a minor attached. Junior Alex Johnson is currently pursuing an environmental studies and communications double major as well as a studio arts minor. In contrast to Bender, Johnson said his interests do not conflict as much as other students may think.

“It’s honestly been super helpful to have different ways to approach the things I care about,” he said. “[Double majoring] offers an interesting perspective, and it’s never been entirely separate things that are hard to think about at the same time.”

In preparing for finals, Johnson said that he spends five or six hours preparing for an environmental studies final. Meanwhile, a final project in studio arts can take 10 to 15 hours to complete because of the artistic detail that is often involved.

“I think the studio arts classes are a lot more time consuming and require more commitment than studying for a written final for environmental science,” Johnson said. “You just have to be on top of it and be proactive about starting things well before they’re due.”

Delaney Jenkins, chair of the studio arts department, said studio art finals are different from a traditional paper and pencil final because students have to show how they’ve developed their skills over the course of the semester and are then critiqued by their professors and classmates.

“A critique in studio arts is like a final exam.

You show up with your accomplished piece and

you present it,” Jenkins said. “You’re getting full feedback now. You’ve been getting feedback on the parts, but now here’s the final thing.”

During a critique, students present their finalized piece to the class. Their peers provide feedback and explain its possible meanings. The artist then interprets their work in front of the class, where they are provided with additional comments from their classmates and professor.

Johnson originally planned to enter college as an art major, but said he found that he is more passionate about the environment. Johnson said he hopes to use his interest in the environment and his communications and studio arts background to promote a better understanding of scientific issues through artwork.

“I think creating artwork that talks about environmental science, and in particular environmental issues, is just another way to get people interested and contribute new ideas in a nontraditional way to that discussion about environmentalism and science in general,” he said.

While Johnson views his studio arts classes as more time-consuming than his STEM work, Ari Freedman, a sophomore who majors in neuroscience and music, sees his situation differently.

He said his neuroscience major often presents a greater challenge than music due to the amount of material he must remember for finals.

“My finals for my STEM major rely a lot more on my ability to memorize information, whereas my finals for the music major require more of a bodied understanding of what the music is,” Freedman said. “It seems that there’s more weight in the classes that are science based. Maybe because I feel there is more of a challenge, more of

a pressure in the world of professional sciences.”

Biology professor Erica McGreevey said STEM finals often assess students’ ability to recall information from the beginning of the semester as well as the material they are currently learning, citing the Foundations of Biology exam, which consists of 40 multiple choice questions covering material from the entire semester.

“Often times, it will have a section of new material as well, so students are learning something new in addition to having to demonstrate their understanding of the entire course content,” she said.

While remembering material for his neuroscience exams adds to Freedman’s stress around finals, it’s important for him to pursue in regards to what he wants to do. His goal is to analyze how music can affect mental and emotional states. He utilizes his music and neuroscience interests in his current research position at an occupational lab, where he conducts EEG studies of patients and examines what parts of the brain are affected when a musical stimulus is present.

“I liked the fact that we could use an empirically based understanding of the world to change what we were doing,” Freedman said, “that we could realize certain things are flawed and that we could learn what is the best way to go about doing things using science.”

Despite the differences between the arts and STEM, Johnson still finds that they can work together in harmony. He said he utilizes both of these fields and feels that others should do the same.

“I would encourage people to pursue art, even if they are a science major, because you can always find a way to connect the two,” Johnson said.

Late Night Study Break!

½ PRICE PIZZA (Mon - Thurs: 9pm-11pm)

www.DineAtThePorch.com pittnews.com

Still have Panther Funds? We accept them here!

19P3158

December 9, 2019

9

column:

REFUEL WITHOUT REPERCUSSIONS

Ana Altchek

Staff Columnist The final exam period often evokes extreme and irrational behavior from college students. Desperate to do anything for the grade, students often pull all-nighters, scavenge for unprescribed stimulants, skip meals to save time and push themselves to emotional breakdowns. And while I’ve always been intrigued by Machiavellian ideologies, when it comes to these strategies, the ends don’t necessarily justify the means.

As a first-year student during finals week, I convinced myself that I needed to do whatever it took to get the grade I wanted. Even though my finals ended within two weeks, the lingering anxiety, caffeine addiction and sleep disorder that I developed during that time took much longer to get through. Sure, I got an A, but like other students, I didn’t need to sacrifice my mental and physical health to get there.

In an effort to preserve my sanity and physical well-being, over the last year I decided to experiment with less extreme study methods. I still defend that hard work serves as a vital criteria during this period of assessment, but I’ve discovered that moderation and relaxation are equally important factors in the equation for success.

Rather than forcing myself to push through and get my work done at all costs, a method that actually decreases your performance and productivity, I’ve found that clearing my head and fueling my body is a much more sustainable way to approach this stressful time. Without proper sleep, food and study breaks, my productivity was stunted and my efficiency decreased.

As I get ready to enter the last semester of my third year in college,

pittnews.com

I realize that quality does outweigh quantity — 10 hours of writing means nothing if I’m thinking about how hungry I am the entire time. While it may be difficult to fall out of this mindset, it’s certainly worth a try. Below, I’ve listed five methods that can help students relax without a hangover, and refuel without facing the negative repercussions of sleep deprivation and excessive caffeine.

Indulge … a little When morale is low, and stress levels are at an all-time high, a little sugar can go a long way. While students should refrain from 3 a.m. pizza-runs every night of the week, or snacking on junk throughout the day, there’s nothing wrong with a little chocolate or ice cream. After a two-hour exam and a day spent in Hillman, I like to allow myself some kind of edible treat, a form of self-reward that can help students feel re-energized and cared for.

This not only serves as a mood enhancer, but positively reinforces good study habits.

Social interaction Humans need social interaction — it’s a fact. While the fourth floor of Hillman doesn’t exactly replicate solitary confinement, the extended period of silence can make studying particularly unpleasant. When classes end and studying takes over, the isolation can make the work feel even more draining. While students are often busy during the week, a simple lunch break or coffee run with a friend can help boost confidence, improve positive thinking and enhance mood.

Comic relief For most of the semester, the white walls and silence of Hillman’s fourth floor helps me focus — but during fi-

column:

TAKE AN

ART BREAK

Leah Mensch | contributing editor

Leah Mensch Opinions Editor

In the corner of a classroom in Cathy’s basement last week, my writing class used glue sticks and scissors with fever. With our writing and the writing of other artists, we formed our own collages. I cut up a copy of James Agee’s lyric essay to make my own look better.

The art collage took me more than two hours to complete, though I was in a time warp for most of it. My professor called this “art night,” where each See Refuel on page 11 writing student brought in a copy of

December 9, 2019

an essay they’d written and made an art piece out of it. The assignment was meant to cultivate inspiration as we make edits to this semester’s writing for our final writing portfolios, but it was also unexpectedly calming.

As it turns out, amongst other benefits, creating art is proven to relieve stress and cultivate brain activity — even for students like me who don’t regularly sculpt, paint, draw or make collages at all. Art is accessible for everyone, and so instead of taking a See Breaks on page 12

10

Refuel, pg. 10 nals week the atmosphere changes drastically — some students have their heads on the tables, a handful cry, some pace and the rest stare absently at their laptop screens with bloodshot eyes. This morbid environment can feel heavy and discouraging, which makes the overload of often dense material even less appealing. Whether it’s a stand-up comedy episode, internet memes or a classic rom-com, a little laughter can really help lighten the mood, change your outlook on your task and even increase your pain threshold — which means a strenuous act, like studying, may become less painful.

Retail therapy Retail therapy is an expensive little habit, but numerous studies have proved that it’s nonetheless an effective one. It not only functions as a mood booster, but it helps combat sadness and decreases stress levels.

For a shopaholic like myself, the combination of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and finals week drains my bank

pittnews.com

account every year — but it doesn’t have to. While I always make at least one purchase during finals week, the coping mechanism works just as effectively when I window-shop or fill up my online shopping cart and save it for another time. In fact, by reminding myself of the money I can’t spend, I become more motivated to do well in school and return to studying with increased focus.

Work out On most days, I avoid exercise at all costs. However, I have to admit that in rare situations, like finals week, I enjoy working out. After spending an entire day exerting myself mentally, physical movement can feel weirdly cathartic — and there’s science behind that. Exercise releases endorphins and triggers a positive emotional reaction similar to that of morphine. It also triggers a response from the same neurotransmitters as sedatives — which can help combat insomnia, which often occurs during finals week, even without the stimulants. So even for those students like myself, who dread working out, it may be worth it.

Retail therapy, especially sifting through clothes at a thrift store like Thriftsburgh, can be a good way to destress between tests. tpn file photo

December 9, 2019

11

Breaks, pg. 10 workout break or going shopping to relax this finals week, we should all just consider taking an art break.

While STEM students are studying for finals, many students studying the arts — whether it be linguistics, literature, writing, sociology or philosophy — are straining to write their final papers for classes. Though these papers are often deeply rooted in research, they still require creative thinking and writing. Exposure to art and creating art enhances these creative tendencies.

The Journal of Business Research synthesized a series of studies and found that people who are exposed and open to aesthetic experiences — like art — showed measurable signs of increased inspiration in daily life and performed better on creativity tasks.

This inspiration extended past the liberal arts and also showed increased performance in business and STEM environments.

And if not for increased brain activity or inspiration, take an art break simply to destress. A 2016 study conducted by researchers at Drexel University invited a group of participants to channel their creativity in a lab and measured their cortisol levels — which is the human body’s stress hormone — before and after. Many of these participants did not consider themselves to be artists at all and only drew with markers or made small collages with paper while participating in the study. Still, researchers observed a cortisol drop in more than 75% of the participants after only 45 minutes of creativity.

As seen in the operation of this study, making art doesn’t have to be complicated. While some students may enjoy creating complex visual art or poetry writing, something as simple as an adult coloring book — or coloring pages available for printing online — and a package of colored pencils can do the trick. Perhaps return to a childhood favorite, and buy a container of Play-Doh to play with for 30 minutes in between writing an essay or studying for an exam. Or, you can just make a collage out of something you or someone else has written. You don’t need to

pittnews.com

be a writing major, or even a liberal arts major, to do any of these things.

For students looking for a more structured art break, consider visiting Pitt’s Center for Creativity. Located in the basement of the University Store on Fifth, the center has a collection of niche art supplies like lettering pens, canvas, acrylic and watercolor paints and 3D printers. The Center for Creativity also holds events for students to get creative. Last week, it had a yoga paint party in the Stress Free Zone. It’ll be open for students

to drop in and get creative until finals are over. On Wednesday, the center will be holding a notebook creation event, where students can create their own notebooks and work with a letterpress. They can also look at other art that peers have created throughout the semester.

Art has long been proven to relieve depressive symptoms, and while this, along with stress release is always helpful, students can benefit from it particularly during finals week. Unlike exercise and shopping, art and

December 9, 2019

creativity are accessible forms of stress release and study breaks for everyone.

It can be incorporated into a 15-minute break, or a two-hour one — the benefits will be evident in both cases.

Make an art break the new study break this finals week. Your brain will thank you for it, and you might just make something worth hanging on your wall.

Leah writes primarily about mental health advocacy, cumin, essays and books for The Pitt News. Write to Leah at LEM140@pitt.edu.

12

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

13

THE PITT NEWS REMEMBERING PITT’S FINEST FINALS PLAYLIST 2019 FINAL MOMENTS Photo illustration by Sarah Cutshall | visual editor

Delilah Bourque Culture Editor

Then-seniors Qadree Ollison (30) and Darrin Hall (22) shake hands after Hall Every person with a 4.0 GPA and two surprises Ollison with a game ball on Senior Day — a celebration of the seniors at their last home game — after the Panthers defeated the Hokies Sat- majors will tell you that the key to a great urday. tpn file photow study sesh is a great playlist. Some people prefer instrumentals while they spend The two seniors each rushed for more Nick Carlisano hours in the library, while some reach for than 1,000 yards and combined for more Senior Staff Writer the biggest bops imagineable. Whether than 2,300 total on the ground. The tandem Although final exams are undisputedly your Spotify Wrapped was topped by also reached the end zone a total of 21 times horrendous, not all things “final” are bad, BROCKHAMPTON or by The Lumand rushed for multiple scores four times. It especially when it comes to sports. Final ineers, there’s perfect study music out was rare to see an opponent find a way to moments in sports are often truly magithere for you. Hear our staff ’s favorite slow down the frighteningly talented paircal — players going out with a bang in their study songs, from lo-fi hip-hop beats for ing. final seasons, buzzer beaters, last-minute studying and relaxation, to songs guaranNumbers aside, there were some abfield goals. Pitt sports has had some incredteed to hype you up enough to finish that solutely absurd moments along the way. ible “final moments” over the years. From 10-page paper.

Against Virginia in a must-win game, Ollihistoric final seasons to the last game in Pitt Songs: son battled an injury and Hall put the team Stadium, here are some of the most memo“GummyBear” by Mini Mansions on his back with a 200-yard, three-touchrable closures Panther fans have witnessed “Taking What’s Not Yours” by TV Girl down performance. Up 14-13 in a dogfight in the past few decades.

“Adore You” by Harry Styles with under 10 minutes to go in the fourth Ollison and Hall lead the way to first “Would That I” by Hozier quarter, he iced the game with a 75-yard Coastal title “Table Top” by Austin Giorgio sprint to the endzone. Not to be outdone, Sometimes there’s nothing wrong with a “Dixieland Delight” by Alabama Ollison followed that up against Virginia little recency bias. That certainly holds true “Feel It Still (Medasin Remix)” by Tech with a 200-yard, three-score outing of here, as tailbacks Qadree Ollison and DarPortugal. The Man his own — including this 97-yard run where rin Hall both had special senior seasons in “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” from he channeled his inner Marshawn Lynch to 2018 for Pitt football. From the stats to the the Lilo + Stitch Soundtrack give Panthers more than 50 points on the eye test, both backs passed with flying colors “I Want It All” by COIN day. and made last season a wild ride for the ages.

“Norman F****** Rockwell” by Lana See Moments on page 16

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

Del Rey “Elephant” by Tame Impala “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves “Ribs” by Lorde “Cold War” by Cautious Clay “London Boy” by Taylor Swift “The Bones” by Maren Morris & Hozier “Legend of the Martial Artist” by Yoshihisa Hirano “Infiltration” by Hans Zimmer “Rocket Man” by Elton John “Duel of the Fates” by John Williams “Last Surprise” by insaneintherainmusic “Sweet Victory” by David Glen Eisley “Last Train Home” by Pat Metheny Group “Archangel” by Two Steps from Hell “Dragon Road - Night” by Keinchi Tokoi “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”

by Eurythmics “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners “Arid Sands - Night” by Keinchi Tokoi “Megalovania” by Toby Fox

Read the rest online at Pittnews.com.

14

FORMER PITT STRENGTH COACH SUING OVER ALLEGED AGE, RACE DISCRIMINATION Stephen Thompson Assistant Sports Editor

Former Pitt strength and conditioning coach Tim Beltz filed a civil lawsuit Friday against the University of Pittsburgh for alleged age and race discrimination, according to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania and originally obtained by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Beltz, described in the civil complaint as a Caucasian man older than 40 years old, served as a strength coach for Pitt Athletics from 1999 to 2018 until administration hired Kevin Stallings who, according to the complaint, “insisted”

pittnews.com

that current strength coach Garry Christopher be hired to handle all men’s basketball training.

Christopher, described in the complaint as an African American man in his 20s, worked with Stallings’ men’s basketball program at Vanderbilt for three years before Stallings made the move to Pittsburgh in 2018.

Beltz was then reassigned solely to the women’s basketball program under head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio, but McConnell-Serio was fired after the following season and replaced by current head coach Lance White.

Following the addition of White in April 2018, Pitt athletics administration

informed Beltz that he would be terminated at the end of June and that the women’s basketball program was free to hire its own strength and conditioning coach. Beltz claims administrators told him not to apply for the position, but that White complimented his job performance and said he wanted to retain Beltz, but had to “check with the administration.”

Then, in May, administrators allegedly told Beltz that White “wanted to go in a different direction,” and hired a new strength and conditioning coach 20 years Beltz’s junior. Furthermore, Beltz claims that the University retained all African-American strength and condi-

December 9, 2019

tioning coaches following his termination.

The complaint also identifies a number of complaints Beltz had concerning Christopher in relation to the cleanliness of weight rooms, team performance and roster turnover, to which he claims his superiors were indifferent.

Beltz is asking for compensation in the form of the value of wages and benefits he would have received had he not been fired, in addition to punitive damages determined in trial and compensation for the cost of litigation from the University.

Pitt declined Sunday night to comment on the litigation.

15

Moments, pg. 14 In a season where not much was expected from the team, Ollison and Hall’s heroic senior seasons led to the crowning achievement — the Panthers’ first ever ACC Coastal title. It may be some time before the likes of such a talented duo run rampant in Heinz Field again.

The original Big Three: 2008 Pitt basketball In basketball the term “Big Three” will likely call to mind the 2010-2014 Miami Heat, when Chris Bosh and Lebron James joined Dwayne Wade in South Beach in a move that altered the landscape of the NBA forever. But before James promised “not one, not two …” championships, Panthers basketball had its own version of a Big Three here in Oakland. Sure, Pitt’s Big Three didn’t have the starpower of three future Hall of Famers, but Levance Fields, Sam Young and DeJuan Blair will be forever remembered as the most exciting team to grace the Pete.

Both Fields and Young were seniors, and Blair was drafted, making it his final season, too. Blair earned co-Big East Player of the Year and was a consensus first-team All-American after a dominant season in the post. Sam Young earned third-team All American honors, averaging nearly 20 points a game and wowing the country with his play in the NCAA tournament. Fields led the offense from the point, breaking Pitt’s single season assist record with 270 dimes.

Alas, the season was the best of times and it was the worst of times. The Panthers ranked in the top 10 all season and held the top spot for three total weeks. The trio knocked off No. 1 UConn in both contests, with Young averaging 28 points a game against the Huskies. Their regular season success enabled Pitt to earn the school’s first No. 1 seed as the Panthers plowed all the way to the Elite Eight.

Villanova’s Scottie Reynolds ended their title hopes in the most devastating five seconds in Panther fandom history — an easy selection for the “worst final moment” Pitt sports has ever witnessed. Despite the unhappy ending, Fields, Young and Blair provided endless entertainment for not just Pitt fans, but the entire nation, with three spectacular final seasons.

Tony Dorsett’s Heisman heroics Pitt has been home to some incredible tailbacks over the years, from Curtis Martin

pittnews.com

to LeSean McCoy to last year’s aforementioned duo. But the legendary Tony Dorsett sits atop them all as the most prolific rusher Panther football has ever seen. After a ridiculous first three seasons, it’s no shock that his senior year in 1976 was even more impressive.

Dorsett was the unquestioned best player in the country his last year in Oakland.

The future Dallas Cowboy rushed for more than 2,000 yards and ran in 22 touchdowns.

The Pitt legend led the nation in rushing yards and he finished his career with a thenNCAA record 6,526 yards, a record that would stand for more than 20 years. Dorsett was a first-team All-American twice before and added a third his senior year, along with the prestigious Heisman Trophy and the iconic Walter Camp and Maxwell awards.

Dorsett was also able to do what not many players get the chance to do — go out on top. The 1976 Panthers blew away their competition all season, including wins against ranked rivals in Notre Dame and Penn State. Facing off against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Dorsett and his squad achieved a 27-3 victory on New Year’s Day. After four years of dominance, Dorsett said farewell to Pitt as not only a legend but a national champion.

Sweet victory: Goodbye Pitt Stadium Pitt alumni and current students alike grumble about the football team playing at Heinz Field and the absurdity of not having a stadium on campus. That wasn’t always the case — the Panthers used to play their games right here on campus in the dearly missed Pitt Stadium. The arena was home to Pitt football from 1925 to 1999, and after nearly 75 years, the last Pitt football game in Oakland was one to remember.

Facing off against Notre Dame — the Irish had won eight straight against Pitt — the Panthers upset Notre Dame 37-27 to send Pitt Stadium off with a bang. Packed to more than capacity, 60,190 people watched as the final Fighting Irish pass fell incomplete with nine seconds on the clock. The refs waved off the final ticks and hundreds of fans rushed the field. Fans tore down the goal posts, tore up small strips of turf from the field and the players returned to the field to toss equipment in the air in celebration.

With Heinz Field now home to Pitt football, the nostalgia for an on-campus stadium lives on. The final victorious moments of Pitt Stadium live on, too, as fans wait for the day that magic returns from the North Shore to Oakland.

December 9, 2019

16

True Love 1. Why was there explosive growth of Chrissanity in the ďŹ rst century despite intense persecuuon by the Roman Empire?

2. Were the martyred Apostles powerful eye-witnesses to the Resurreccon or were they Liars?

3. Does your soul, the source of your life, have an eternal dessny?

Catholic Mens Fellowship St. Paul of the Cross Parish pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

17

READ MORE STORIES ONLINE Find these stories at pittnews.com OPINIONS SATIRE | 12 THOUGHTS WHILE WRITING AN ESSAY DURING FINALS WEEK ALLISON DANTINNE, SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST

CULTURE

WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU’RE DONE WITH FINALS BUT CAN’T GO HOME YET MJ LAROCQUE, STAFF WRITER STAFF PICKS: UNCONVENTIONAL STUDY SPOTS CULTURE STAFF

TIPS FOR A VERY MERRY FINALS WEEK JULIA KREUTZER, SENIOR STAFF COLUMNIST

SPORTS PITT TO FACE EASTERN MICHIGAN IN QUICK LANE BOWL TRENT LEONARD, SPORTS EDITOR

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

18

Sponsored Content

The Pitt News

CHOOSE A MAJOR GUIDE Music Department The University of Pittsburgh

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Contact Information: Prof. Roger Zahab, Director of Undergraduate Studies (Music Major advisor) // Email: rzahab@pitt.edu // Dr. Susan Rice, Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies (Music Minor advisor) // Email: srice1@pitt.edu

The Department of Music offers an innovative undergraduate program that confers a bachelor’s degree and a minor in music. The department’s dynamic faculty offer strong support for undergraduate research and creative expression. Undergraduates also engage with the department’s renowned graduate programs and are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of the department’s research and performance culture.

Undergraduates choose a course of study from among five major tracks, which offer students a broad foundation in music scholarship while tailoring specific elements of music study to the student’s individual talents and interests. Major tracks include composition, global and popular music, jazz, music and cultural history, and performance.

An audition is not required in order to declare a major or minor in music, but interested students should schedule an appointment to meet with Prof. Roger Zahab, director of undergraduate studies, or Dr. Susan Rice, associate director, prior to completing declaration paperwork.

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

19

Sponsored Content Your future is waiting, and Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is prepared to help you get there. Begin your application today.

School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences The University of Pittsburgh

/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Athletic Training: Apply by March 15

Become a certified athletic trainer. Prepare to enter the field through rotations with four on-campus and several off-site athletic training facilities. Develop valuable clinical skills to help you prepare for the field of tomorrow.

Communication Feb. 15

Science:

Apply

by

Start your path to speech-language pathology, audiology or other health-related or education fields.

There’s something for everyone in communication science, whether it’s counseling, engineering, teaching or research – discover how you fit.

Dietitian Nutritionist Program: Apply

by March 15

Become a registered dietitian. This accelerated

pittnews.com

program provides a competitive edge for today’s health care environment with a 12-week specialty rotation in one of nine areas of dietetics.

Emergency March 15

Medicine:

Apply

by

Treat patients as a licensed paramedic. Spend more than 500 hours in clinical settings developing the skills needed to be a competent entry-level provider. This foundation provides an excellent opportunity to continue in nursing, physician assistant studies or medical school.

Health Information Rolling Admissions

Management:

Become a health information professional. Enter a field that combines health care, information technology and business. Professionals are in high demand as

December 9, 2019

new technology makes information more accessible and new regulations evolve to safeguard individual privacy.

Nutrition Science: Apply by March 15

Discover the role nutrition plays in disease prevention, treatment and recovery. This program provides a strong foundation for graduate health programs such as physician assistant studies, medical school and public health.

Rehabilitation Science: Apply by Feb. 15

Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of rehabilitation and health. Prepare for graduate studies in medicine, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, rehabilitation technology, physician assistant studies, prosthetics and orthotics, and other areas of health care.

20

Sponsored Content

relates to the career you have in mind, one that relates to another interest altogether, one that focuses on a subject you didn’t have the opportunity to study while in high school.

Dietrich School Advising

Here are my tips for choosing a major:

The University of Pittsburgh

1. If you’re a new student, don’t stress about choosing a major right away. Just take some courses. Explore different areas and try to find your passion.

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// 2. Don’t just consider the career you want after college when selecting courses. I am working to become a doctor, yet I studied music. Majors don’t define careers!

Advising That’s More Knowledgeable: Expert Guidance for Major Decisions

By Maggie Stiffler (A&S ’18) Contact Information: visit asundergrad.pitt.edu/advising or call the Dietrich School

Academic Advising Center at 412-624-6444. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// My plan was always to go to medical school. When I started in the Dietrich School, I realized I needed to actually pick a major because pre-med is just a set of prerequisite courses. Biology or chemistry just didn’t feel right for me, but I was under the impression that I needed to stick with what others were doing.

I’m here to tell you that you can pursue anything that you wish! When I realized that music was my real passion and finally accepted it as a path for myself, everything became easier. I was excited to learn again.

3. When you do choose a major, make sure it’s a program with courses you will enjoy.

4. And no matter what, don’t worry. Remember that many students are undecided, or will change their majors along the way and that’s perfectly fine.

5. Visit the Academic Advising Center! You can meet with a peer advisor to hear about other Pitt students’ experiences, or talk with your dedicated academic advisor.

Learn more at asundergrad.pitt.edu/advising.

In the Dietrich School, you can explore vast course offerings: Choose a class that

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

21

Sponsored Content

Cultures and Languages The University of Pittsburgh Contact Information: To learn more about departmental advisors as well as required credits and core courses, go to: www.pitt.edu/languages

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// We live in an increasingly diverse and global society. When you graduate, you need to be world-ready, not just work-ready. You need to demonstrate flexibility, versatility, sensitivity to different cultures and people, and the enriched interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills that come from increased cultural awareness. These are traits both employers and graduate school admissions officers want to see. No matter what the field, fluency in cultures and languages outside of your own give you a competitive edge.

Popular Majors: Students interested in cultures and languages often explore such majors and minors as Chinese, classics, French, German language and cultural studies, German studies (minor), interdisciplinary German studies, Italian language and literature, Italian studies, Japanese, Korean (minor), Portuguese (minor), Russian, Slovak studies (minor) and Spanish. “To learn more about departmental advisors as well as required credits and core courses, go to: www.pitt.edu/languages�

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

22

Sponsored Content

Study Smarter with Study Lab The University of Pittsburgh

“Everybody learns at different paces,” says Rachel Fry, a peer tutor in the Dietrich School’s Study Lab. “Sometimes going through the material with another student can help clear up confusion.”

That’s the core idea beyond Study Lab: Pitt students are all smart, motivated, and hard working. But they’re not all the same. People learn in vastly different ways, and there is no one-size-fits-all-approach to studying.

Study Lab provides tools and resources for students to discover the most efficient and effective ways to study. Students can experiment with strategies to customize a study plan that works for them, explore how to study smarter, not harder, and make the most of their time at Pitt.

Fry describes peer tutoring as providing a more relaxed atmosphere than some other academic support options. “Since the tutors have recently gone through the classes they tutor,” she says, “they remember how they learned the material and could be better at re-explaining at a level that is easier to understand.”

From one-on-one appointments with a peer tutor to short online video tutorials to drop-in study sessions, Study Lab services are available in a variety of formats to meet every students’ needs.

“Even if an hour-long one-on-one appointment won’t fit into your schedule, drop in hours are a great way to take care of questions that pop up as you are working on your homework,” says Fry.

Study Lab is home to a large staff of experienced students, who serve as guides and mentors.

pittnews.com

December 9, 2019

23

I N D E X

Rentals & Sublet • NORTH OAKLAND • SOUTH OAKLAND • SHADYSIDE • SQUIRREL HILL • SOUTHSIDE • NORTHSIDE • BLOOMFIELD • ROOMMATES • OTHER

For Rent North Oakland 2 bedroom 1 bath townhouse. $825+util­ ities. Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off‑street parking, dishwasher, and spa­cious bedroom.

Avail­able August 1st.

Call 724‑309‑4193.

214 N. Craig Street.

Safe, secure build­ ing. 1BR, furnished.

Newly remodeled, no pets. Rent $850 and up, including heat. Mature or Graduate students.

412‑855‑9925 or 724‑940‑0045. Email for pictures: salonre­ na@gmail.com 3 Bedroom 2 Baths 2nd Floor apartment.

Laundry in basement.

Walking distance to Pitt/CMU. $1,800­/mo. +utilites North Oakland loca­tion. “Country in the City”. Call 412‑999‑3112.

3BR, 1‑1/2BA town­ house at 3826 Bates Street. Maximum of 3 tenants. Bonus study room and in‑unit laun­ dry. $1,600­/month in­ cludes wa­ter, garbage and sewage. All other utilities tenants’ re­ sponsibility. No pets.

Available Au­gust 2020. 724‑351‑1846 4 bedroom 1 bath­ room. Newly up­dated. $1595+utili­ties.

Washer/dryer, granite countertops, off‑street parking, dishwasher, back­yard, and spa­

pittnews.com

Employment • CHILDCARE • FOOD SERVICES • UNIVERSITY • INTERNSHIPS • RESEARCH • VOLUNTEERING • OTHER

cious bedrooms.

Available August 1st.

Call 724‑309‑4193.

Starting at $775.00.

Studio, 1 , and 2 bed­room. 3 Min walk to Pitt! 1, 2 and 4 bed­room units also avail­able in North Oak­land.

For more infor­ mation call us at 412‑586‑7575 Updated 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units for a summer 2020 move in! Call today for more info and to set up your tour!

412‑441‑1400

South Oakland ** 3 Bedroom Town­house, fire­ place, LAUNDRY, DISH­WASHER, off street parking, patio, yard, clean. Partially Fur­nished. Located on Blvd of Allies & Dawson Street. PITT Shuttle stop, only 15 minute to PITT CMU. $1995+. Avail­able 8/1/2020. NO PETS. Coolapart­ments@ gmail.com video tour at tinyurl.­com/blvdo­ fallies ** 5 Bedroom/2 full bath; HUGE HOME‑ duplex style, three sto­ ries. COM­PLETELY REMOD­ELED, 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 dining rooms, LAUN­DRY, DISH­WASHER and a huge yard to enjoy!

Huge Bedrooms!

Located on Dawson Street. PITT Shuttle stops di­rectly in front of house, only 15

Classifieds

For sale

• AUTO • BIKES • BOOKS • MERCHANDISE • FURNITURE • REAL ESTATE • PETS

services

• EDUCATIONAL • TRAVEL • HEALTH • PARKING • INSURANCE

minute level walk to PITT/CMU. $3,395­+.

Available 8/1/2020.

NO PETS. Call Jason at 412‑922‑2141. Pic­ tures‑ Info: tinyurl. com/­dawsonhome ***AUGUST 2020: Furnished studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. No pets.

Non‑smokers pre­ ferred. 412‑621‑0457.

1‑2‑3‑4‑5 Bedroom apartments/houses.

Rents starting at $650 for 1BR. May or Au­gust availability.

412‑999‑2124 1‑2‑3‑4‑6 bedroom apartments and houses available for August 2020. Owner Managed. 40+ years on campus. Fully fur­ nished or unfur­nished, most units are newly remodeled Kitchens and baths , located on Atwood, Semple, Oakland Ave., Ward, Mckee Place, Juliet and Parkview Ave. Call or text Tim @ 412‑491‑1330 www.­ TMKRentals.com 2 BR 1 BA on cam­pus bus route. Avail­able immediately. $750/ month includ­ing utilities and ca­ble.

On street park­ing. No pets. 412‑576‑8734 3 BD apartments available in South Oakland from $1195‑$1600 M.J. Kelly Real Estate mjkellyrealty@gmail.­ com. 412‑271‑5550.

322 S. Bouquet.

Huge 2 BR apart­ ments. Available May 1, 2020 or Au­gust 1, 2020. 412‑361‑2695

notices

• ADOPTION • EVENTS • LOST AND FOUND • STUDENT GROUPS • WANTED • OTHER

3444 Ward St. We have studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apart­ ments. Bright and spacious. Free heat­ ing and free parking.

Move May 1, 2020 or August 1, 2020. Call 412‑361‑2695 416 Oakland Ave., Garden Court. Bright and spacious 2BR, 1BA. Hardwood floors, laundry. Move May 1 or Au­gust 1, 2020. $1395 includes heat. Call 412‑361‑2695.

Apartments for rent. 2 and 3 bedroom apart­ ments available. Some available on Dawson Street, At­wood Street, and Mc­kee Place.

Newly re­modeled.

Some have laundry on site. Min­utes from the Univer­sity. For more info please call Mike at 412‑849‑8694 Before signing a lease, be aware that no more than 3 unre­lated people can share a single unit. Check property’s compliance with codes. Call City’s Per­mits, Licensing & In­spections.

412‑255‑2175.

Dawson Village Apts. near CMU and Pitt.

One bedroom apts. $935 + electric. Avail­ able for immedi­ate move in. On bus line, close to restau­rants and shops. Contact Jerry at 412‑722‑8546 Fall 2020 Rentals ‑ 1 and 2 bedroom apart­ments very close to campus, well main­ tained, 24 hour laun­ dry, secured build­ings.

Rates starting at $700

R A T E S

Insertions

1X

2X

3X

4X

5X

1-15 Words

$6.30

$11.90

$17.30

$22.00

$27.00

16-30 Words

$7.50

$14.20

$20.00

$25.00

$29.10

6X $30.20 $32.30

Add. + $5.00 + $5.40

(Each Additional Word: $0.10)

Deadline:

Two business days prior by 3pm | Email: advertising@pittnews.com | Phone: 412.648.7978

with some utili­ties in­ cluded. Call us today at 412‑682‑7622 Now renting for Fall 2020. Apartments and houses of all sizes.

Conveniently located throughout South Oakland. Rents start­ ing as low as $620.

John C.R. Kelly Re­ alty. 412‑683‑7300 www.jcrkelly.com Pet Friendly!!

Studios ‑ $695‑$705 1Beds ‑ $795‑$815 2beds ‑ $975‑$995 3beds ‑ $1,245 412‑455‑5600 South Oakland Houses and Apart­ ments with Laundry and Central Air Call or Text 412‑38‑Lease Studio, 1, 2, 3, and 4 BD apartments avail­ able in South Oak­land from $800‑$2500 M.J. Kelly Real Estate mjkellyrealty@gmail.­ com. 412‑271‑5550.

Studio, 1BR, 2BR available. Heat in­ cluded. Parking Avail­ able. Fall ‘20. Greve R.E. 412‑261‑4620. greve.co@veri­zon.net.

Shadyside Luxury 2 bedroom apartments and charming 3‑4 bed­ room duplexes in Shadyside for sum­mer 2020! Beautiful and modern updates, call today! 412‑441‑1400

Squirrel Hill Gorgeous and unique

December 9, 2019

duplexes in the beau­ tiful neighborhood of Squirrel Hill! 2‑5 bedroom options for summer 2020! Call now! 412‑441‑1400 Half‑double, 3 BD with garage, on bus line.

Call 412‑281‑2700.

Available Now! Squirrel Hill duplex, 5547 Beacon St., available June 1, 2020. All on one level, no steps, 3BR, 2 full baths. Five minute walk to bus to Oakland, Pitt, CMU, downtown Pittsburgh and major Squirrel Hill shopping dis­trict.

Hardwood floors entire house, bedroom #1 (18’x16’), bed­ room #2 (12’x16’), bed­room #3 (12’x8’).

Large eat‑in kitchen (13’x12’), includes gas stove, stainless steel refrigerator, dish­ washer and dis­posal.

No pets, no smoking. $1795 +utilities. Call Ray at 412‑523‑2971 or email rwiener602@ g­mail.com.

Rental Other Apartment for rent.

Highland Park area, 3rd floor, 2BR, living room and kitchen, pri­ vate entrance. Close to bus stop. No pets. $750/month +elec­tric.

412‑719‑0321.

Sublet Sublet Other SUBLET unit ‑ 1BR, shared kitchen

and bath. Atwood Street. Available Dec. 1, 2019 thru July 31, 2020. $400/ mo., utili­ties extra.

Contact Robert at 412‑889‑5790

Washington County location. Call 724‑223‑0939 any time.

For Sale

Employment Real Estate Internships OFFICE INTERN Shadyside Manage­ ment Company seeks person w/ min 2 yrs. college, for upcom­ing spring semester, to interview & pro­cess rental appli­cants, do internet post­ ings & help staff our action‑central of­fice. Part time or full time OK starting in January; full time over the summer. $13/ hour. Perfect job for current sopho­mores & juniors, graduating seniors set to enter grad school, returning grad stu­dents, and first year law students!

Mozart Management 412.682.7003 thane@mozartrents.­ com

NEAR LIGONIER. Scenic location. $278K. 2BR house and 1BR guest house.

Detached garage, plus stu­dio/shop. Income op­portunities. Reply to: The Benton Group PO. Box 634 Ligonier, PA. 15658‑0634

Employment Other Be Fit and Be Paid!!

Our 7 year old dog needs daily robust walks/jogs. Every day for 1 hr, Mon‑Fri, sometimes be­tween 11‑2. Lovely pitbull mutt. Oak­land/Schen­ ley Farms Area. crosano51@hot­mail. com.

Personal, profes­sional masseuse needed.

Long term position.

24