Women’s Soccer Ella Petrosh Captures NJAC Rookie
of the
Year
By Caroline Pease
For the fourth time in Kean Athletics history, a women’s soccer player has garnered the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Rookie of the Year award.
Freshman Ella Petrosh is the first athlete in 13 years to receive the award.
The Egg Harbor City native earned the Rookie of the Year title and second All-Conference selection after making key plays throughout her initial campaign, such as tallying two goals in the late-season match against Rutgers-Camden University, which helped secure a spot in playoffs.
The newcomer registered 999 minutes of playing time over 19 games, starting 12 of them. She totaled 15 points with six goals and three assists in the season. Going into the preseason, Petrosh said she was nervous but intended to get on the field as much as possible.
“[I wanted] just to play as much as I could,” said Petrosh.
By Nefertiti Nzameyo
The end of November is notorious for a bustle that complicates the urge for many, including students and professors, to have a peace of mind.
Members of the Kean P.U.L.S.E. (Programming for Unique and Lively Student Experience) united to offset the burdensome academic overload at their Paper Dreams event in the East Campus lobby on November
“I had tears in my eyes. I never thought in a million years that I was going to get it.”
“I didn't know if someone was in my spot, but my biggest thing was getting on the field.”
Head Coach Brian Doherty saw Petrosh’s immediate presence on the field and knew early she had the potential to be Rookie of the Year.
“[Ella] has the rare combination of speed and technical ability,” Doherty said “.…She can score goals, she can finish and put it in the back of the net. Those three things together in one player are really hard to find. I thought she would be a difference-maker from the moment I saw her.” continued on page 4
“It’s not just just an event, and it's not just something that students can enjoy but [it] helps you with anything that has to do with mental health,”
18. The flyer read “UNFOLD YOUR CREATIVITY: LEARN, SNACK, AND CRAFT,” a glimpse into an outlet of calm and cultural appreciation inspired by the Japanese themed event.
Aside from the check-in table where attendees were prompted to show their event passes, other tables introduced unique aspects of the East Asian country. There was origami (the art of paperfolding), calligraphy (Japanese artistic writing), Kendama (Japanese cup and ball game), and onigiris (Japanese rice balls).
Kean P.U.L.S.E. manager Shaun Hunter wished for attendees to realize the importance of origami and its benefits on mental health.
“It’s not just an event, and it's not just something that students can enjoy but [it] helps you with anything that has to do with mental health,” Hunter said.
According to The Spruce Crafts , the term origami derives from
Photo by Nefertiti Nzameyo
undeniable concentration and peace exuded from one attendee as she dipped
Photo by Kean Athletics Petrosh pressures the ball downfield
MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN?
By Ross Rodney
One of President-elect DonaldTrump’s favorite sayings is “Make America Great Again.” As he embarks on his journey to do so, what will that look like for the economy and American citizens?
Prof. Gabriel Gluck, an adjunct professor at Kean University who teaches Political Communication, shared some of his feelings on what some of Trump policies can mean for the economy.
“I think that if Trump's economics go forward, especially the tariffs… from all the different economists that I’ve read, it will reignite inflation, probably even worse than it’s been…it’s going to make the price of eggs irrelevant to what we're going to see across the board” said Gluck.
Dr. Joshua Guitar, assistant professor of Communication who researches the topic, said he thinks Trump’s campaign promise to eliminate the Department of Education and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) might never happen. But then again, he said he nor anyone else really
knows.
“In one sense, any intention to dismantle important public institutions like the FDA and the Department of Education certainly threatens foundational civil liberties, like the freedom to access education and the freedom from predatory pharmaceuticals,” Guitar said.
“In another, though, some Republicans have been
will make the dissolution of these departments unlikely,” he continued. “But, as we have learned in recent years, anything can happen. So, it is imperative that citizens, like our students, stay well-informed on everything.”
In addition to the presidency, Trump’s Republican party won the majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. What will having a majority across the board mean for Trump during his term?
“Any intention to dismantle important public institutions like the FDA and the Department of Education certainly threatens foundational civil liberties”
trying to dismantle these departments for decades, and they have been unsuccessful. Despite the causticity of political discourse, there remain enough sensible people in Congress, and the US Senate more specifically, that
Guitar said:
“Republicans had control of the House and Senate when Trump took office in 2017 as well, although they did not have as large a conservative majority in the Supreme Court then as they do now… I suspect that any harsh legislation or executive orders will
be immediately taken to the courts… So, while some measures may make headlines, the implementation processes will likely drag through the court systems for quite some time.” n
Owning Your Path and Building a Community: The Story of MJ Torres & MGCA
By Veronica Vila
MJ Torres’ early years were filled with constant moving between the US and Mexico, as she continuously tried to adapt to new languages, school systems, and cultures.
Today, the charismatic Torres is a busy junior at Kean University majoring in industrial design, and serving as both captain of the women’s tennis team and founder of the Michael Graves College Association (MGCA) — a new student-led club that promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and representation.
“I always say: Kean healed me!” – MJ Torres
Born and raised in Mexico, Torres first moved to the United States at the age of five when her father pursued a PhD at Kansas State University. Her town back then was predominantly white and Republican, which required a degree of cultural adaptation.
Four years later, her family returned to Mexico, driven by her parents’ wish to immerse their children in their cultural roots.
“My parents wanted me and my siblings to have more of a cultural identity,” said Torres.
Life back in Mexico was exciting and
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Photo by Library of Congress on Unsplash
Photo by MGCA’s Instagram account MGCA e-board members at their first event, Rome Talk. From left to right, Sujeiry Jerez, Giovanna Marques, Anthony Sorrentino, MJ Torres, Gabriele Santos, and Julia Gomez
Photo by Federico Rancati on Unsplash U.S Capitol building in Washington D.C.
Communicating Across Cultures Course Leads Kean Ocean to the Nation’s Largest Temple
By Jordan Beaudoin
Every semester at Kean University, each department always has something fun to do for its students, and this semester allowed a fun field trip for students to get involved in.
This semester, students had the opportunity to take a course called Communicating Across Cultures. Professor Courtney Atkins, who teaches in the communications department, runs this course. It is a 33,000-free electives course open to students currently on track for a communications degree and students on track for a different degree.
Students in this course have gotten hands-on experience in all aspects. This course prepares students to be aware of the world's intercultural elements. This class is
primarily a hands-on experience. They have been doing many projects in the course. Students in this class have been having Zoom calls with the students on the Kean Wenzhou campus in China and getting to know them while they learn about Kean in the States. Students in the class have been having interviews with the students and approaching the meetings using the Anxiety theory. Students have also been given another assignment to talk to someone from a different culture; currently, one student is talking to someone from Turkey, one is interviewing someone from Romania, and someone is interviewing a catholic priest. This semester, the course has also focused on group projects, genocide, and the
continued on page 6
Kean University student competes in Mr. Philippines
By Sarah Rosales
Kean University’s FUNK, or Filipinos Uniting Nations at Kean, hadn’t sent a representative to compete in the Mr. Philippines (Mr. PHL) cultural pageant in over three years until John Etrata took a courageous chance to win the title.
On Nov. 17, fourteen young men competed in the annual Mr. PHL pageant at the Lerner Roone Arledge Cinema located at Columbia University. The pageant was organized by District III (D3), the united front of collegiatelevel Filipino organizations all across New York City and New Jersey. It was one of many Filipino cultural events the group hosts, with its feminine counterpart, Ms. Philippines, happening in February and the singing competition, Wanna Canta, occurring after that.
catch the most points. The second act was the cultural portion in which the contestants had to showcase how they can relate back to kapwa and the greater Filipino culture as a whole. The talent portion featured stellar and eye-catching performances designed to rack up as many points as possible for the Mr. PHL title.
“Everybody has this aura of ‘we’re just here for a good time’... We just want to have fun with it and grow together as a group,” Etrata said about his fellow contestants.
community.
“Attending the Mr. PHL practices are definitely as fun as attending Ms PHL,” remarked Romero, who had also been part of FUNK’s Ms. Philippines entourage at the beginning of the year. “I can say with full confidence that John is going to spread the joy that he brings to FUNK to the world!”
[Kapwa] describes the deep connection between human beings, tied together by something stronger and greater than blood or nationality.
This year’s theme was “Kapwa”, a word in the Filipino language, Tagalog, that roughly translates to “kindred”.
“It describes the deep connection between human beings, tied together by something stronger and greater than blood or nationality,” wrote the official Mr. PHL Instagram when the show’s theme was announced. The pageant consisted of the barong walk, the show’s first act, where the contestants dressed in traditional Filipino attire and walked out with a dramatic flair to
Etrata’s performances couldn’t be done without the help of his entourage. He sought out help from Carlos Lantigua and Heldreth Yu, his peers in his architecture program, as Etrata performed a dance medley of several popular K-pop songs for his talent portion; Lara Romero and Mikylla Baluyut, FUNK’s Historian and Cultural Chair respectively, assisted in his cultural portion as they helped set the stage for him for the cultural portion while a heart-warming video played of Etrata’s growing
Etrata did not place among the top five contestants, however, he was met with proud and resounding applause nonetheless as he was named Mr. Congeniality, a category reserved only for those voted the kindest among the group by his fellow contestants. Rightly deserved, Etrata is known among his community for his passion of skillfully photographing his friends at candid moments, cooking meals for them, and pulling others into his love of dance.
“The best way I believe we can embody kapwa into our lives is simply making sure we interact with others! Whether that is through the smallest acts of service or catching up with a good friend, interaction is the foundational key,” said Etrata. “There are many ways to build our connection not only with our own Filipino community but with other communities.” n
Photo by Lara Romero
All the contestants competing in Mr. Philippines
Photo by Sarah Rosales
Etrata posed post-pageant with Khadija Sankoh (left) and Alexis Orallo (right), current President of FUNK
Photo by Sarah Rosales
Courtyard view of the Lerner Roone Arledge Cinema at Columbia University
Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins
One of the many Outdoor Areas of The Temple
Women’s Soccer Ella Petrosh Captures NJAC Rookie of the Year
The forward earned one-time Rookie of the Week honors early during the regular season. In the second week of competition, she collected five points across two competitions against Fairleigh DickinsonFlorham University and Sarah Lawerence College.
Petrosh was in disbelief when she found out she had claimed the rookie title, describing the immense talent within her own class and across the entire conference.
“I had tears in my eyes. I never thought in a million years that I was going to get it,” she said. “There is so much talent in our freshmen class that I never thought I would get Rookie of the Year.”
Petrosh credited her success both to the support from her parents and also to the seniors on the team who she said fostered a culture that made the team feel like a family.
in the regular season and a berth into the conference playoffs.
Petrosh and other playmakers were able to improve upon last year’s campaign, finishing the regular season 7-93, besting their previous record of 4-10-3.
“I couldn't pinpoint just one person… But, the seniors really helped all the freshmen settle in and become family,” said Petrosh.
Doherty also described the strong leadership from the senior class.
“She had a great supporting cast around her this year… a very experienced senior class, a lot of great leadership,” said Doherty.
The seniors’ presence and effect on the program led the team to a strong showing
This was the Cougar’s first trip to the playoffs since 2021. Ranked seventh coming into the season and the conference’s dark horse, the team was determined to make it to the postseason.
“[The seniors’] leadership was the single most important thing that got us back to the playoffs, they wanted it really bad and it trickled down to the rest of the team,” said Doherty.
Overall, the team culture was the deciding factor for the success of the season. The players’ determination and coachability worked in tandem with the coaching staff.
“This group was a really good group of people… and I think that’s why we were as successful as we were,” Doherty said. “Because everyone accepted their roles, even if they had questions, they accepted the answers. They always put the team first.”
Petrosh will continue her athletic campaign into the spring season as a member of Kean’s lacrosse team. n
Department of Communication
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: JOSEPHINE CARRILLO
ONLINE EDITOR: DOMINICK IONNI
FEATURES EDITOR: NEFERTITI NZAMEYO
SPORTS EDITOR: CAROLINE PEASE
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: VERONICA VILA
STAFF WRITERS
JORDAN BEAUDOIN
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LAYAH LOPES
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OPINION PIECES AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Tower welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor from any source. Such material should be submitted to thetower@kean.edu or left at The Tower’s offices. To verify sources of written material, submissions must include the writer’s name and contact information. Students should include their class (sophomore, graduate, etc.) and major. Faculty and staff should include campus title or position. On request, names may be withheld from publication if The Tower staff determines there is a legitimate reason to do so, but no anonymous letters will be accepted for publication. The Tower reserves the right to edit, and refuse publication of any submission.
Photo by Kean Athletics
Head Coach Brian Doherty
Photo by Kean Athletics Ella Petrosh
CougarsPop-upAnnual Shop
By Cam’Ron Johnson
November, the time of year when one’s schedule is filled with many activities. A time when family and friends begin to plan towards the end of the month, especially for college kids and professors, as they look forward to getting through
The Cougar Pop-Up Shop is an event at Kean University where a large number of clothes are donated and the students from Kean get to come in, scan and pick from a large variety of their choosing, and take them home. This is located at the Miron Student Center on the 2nd floor in room 228. When students enter, the staff
“This is much better than going to any mall a round this time of year”
Kean film association: A creative Space for student filmmakers
By Layah Lopes
The Kean Film Association, a newly established club on campus, has had its first semester at Kean, drawing a positive turnout of students.
President Helen Dominguez, a senior Film major, proudly shares her passion
upon herself to make the vision a reality.
Soon after, she teamed up with a group of students she had bonded with through Keantv, and together, they built a community for like-minded individuals passionate about filmmaking.
With diverse majors, Dominguez believes the space has attracted creative
“It’s a place to build bonds and create with fellow students! As a student filmmaker with no budget, it’s good to start somewhere,” says Dominguez
and talented people.
for the club and its mission.
She shares that the idea emerged when she realized her daily routine of school, work, and home was becoming monotonous. She soon realized she wanted something more exciting.
Dominguez, passionate about film, initially sought a club centered around the subject. However, what she came across was more of a social club where students gathered to discuss past and present movies, but what Dominguez envisioned was something more hands-on.
“It’s a place to build bonds and create with fellow students! As a student filmmaker with no budget it’s good to start somewhere,” says Dominguez.
She hopes the club will continue to thrive, and she desires that those who follow in her footsteps be as dedicated to keeping the club's momentum going.
Currently, the E-board is working hard, seeking an open room where they can have the space to formulate ideas and film.
midterms and finals to enjoy their Thanksgiving break. Thanksgiving is all about giving to others, and showing how much you care. Kean University starts its Thanksgiving early with its yearly Cougar Pop-Up Shop.
will greet them and let them know about the rules.
First rule, students can only pick and take 10 items, students are asked to always try them on as there are
She craved an environment where students could actively create their own films and where creativity could be shared and produced.
When she found that such a space didn't exist at Kean, Dominguez took it
Vice president Armani Reynoso, a senior film Major, shares his optimism for the club's growth. He believes the club has the potential for even greater success with various creative minds involved. Reynoso commends Dominguez’s
Photo by Helen Dominguez
Photo by Helen Dominguez
Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson Students are scanning the clothes trying to decide on what should go home with them
Communicating Across Cultures Course Leads Kean Ocean to the Nation’s Largest Temple
continued from page 3
United Nations. Students have also been studying a lot of Japan this semester within the course.
On November 7, Professor Atkins took her Kean Ocean students to Robbinsville, New Jersey, to explore the largest Hindu temple in the United States. They went to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. She wanted them to understand another culture outside of the classroom.
“One of the reasons I wanted to take the students there was because it was a lot more attainable than traveling to India. It was an opportunity to be in another culture without leaving New Jersey. Another Reason is that I went to a sibling temple in India. When I was in Delhi, I went to this temple, and I think it’s amazing that it’s the same cultural branch as Robbinsville. They’re all related to the same organization, and I thought my experience in Delhi was beautiful. I wanted the students to see what Hindu culture was like in person,” Atkin said.
It’s a hand-carved temple shipped from India that is assembled in pieces. Many volunteers work there, and the project is still in progress. There is a lot to do there.
Professor Atkins thought this would be a great idea, considering everything students have been studying this semester.
“It also provided equity for Kean Ocean Students to have an opportunity to explore something off campus that relates to their curriculum,” said Atkins.
The group took a Kean Bus from the Kean Ocean Campus to the Temple in Robbinsville. There was space for up to 40 students to go on the trip. Atkins opened it up to one of her other courses, Event Planning. She then opened it to different courses, students, and other students involved in the communications program.
While they were there, Students had a great time. When they first got there, there was a welcome video.
After that, everyone felt welcome and felt they would not be lost at all.
One custom in the Temple was for students to remove their shoes. Students were split into two groups and led by volunteer tour guides.
We had the chance to ask one of the temple's volunteers a few questions.OJay Kapadia, who has been volunteering at the temple for the last two decades., was one of the volunteers we talked to We asked him about his fascination with the temple and why he enjoys working there.
“I’ve been part of BAPS for over 2 decades, and it is tough to pinpoint what fascinates me. However, there are two things I initially thought of. First, the people of BAPS constantly fascinate me. Worldwide, you will find people who dedicate their lives to selfless service. These individuals are not free of other responsibilities - they have a family, their careers or businesses (many of whom are at the pinnacle of their industry), or their education they’re working on; the list is endless. Yet, you will find them volunteering their time wholeheartedly, without any expectations. Second, our lineage of gurus.” Gurus are spiritual teachers who mainly impart initiation.
among the many other people who do. “At a young age, I began attending the weekly children’s classes, and I started to feel a sense of purpose and felt I was in the right place. I would see many others volunteering in various capacities, and naturally, I wanted to get involved as well. When I began studying and learning more about the lives of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, and who we worship as ultimate God) and our gurus, I understood the importance of volunteering selflessly and serving others.” He has also continued to learn and grow from volunteering at the temple.
“The nature of my involvement with the temple has evolved as I grow older, but the principles have stayed the same - it is a way for me to give back and work on ridding myself of the innate selfish qualities embedded in our human nature. Simply put, volunteering at the temple nourishes my soul.” Kapadia said.
The tour lasted about two and a half hours, and students could explore independently.
Some students who attended the trip had a great time and had nothing but good things to say about it. They all had the chance to learn something new.
Adam Crist, a junior this year studying communications studies, had these things to say about the trip: “I enjoyed myself more than I thought I would.”
“I learned that everyone has a different perception of their life. I learned that everyone has their values.” – Jack Larkin
Maharaj, who passed away in 2016, and our current guru, Mahant Swami Maharaj. Their lives and teachings inspire everyone - irrespective of religious affiliation - to be the best at what they pursue and to treat and love everyone equally. The purity of their thoughts, words, and actions is unparalleled.” Said Kapadia.
He learned several new things while on the trip, “I learned about their spiritual leaders and how it was constructed.”
Nina Fiocco, a senior this year studying communications studies, had a few things to say about the trip. “I did have fun on the trip. I enjoyed learning about it and experiencing the aspects of Hindu culture.”
In talking with Fiocco, she explained what she had learned on the trip, “I learned a lot about Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He is the god this temple has been dedicated to since he started the Swaminarayan Hindu Tradition.”
Jack Larkin, “I thought it was cool. I loved how authentic it was; it was a new culture, and I loved every bit of it. I even had a little food, which I never had before. So I said, " wow, this is different compared to what I usually have,” said Larkin. Larkin also shared what he learned while on the trip.
“I learned that everyone has a different perception of their life. I learned that everyone has their values," said Larkin.
Professor Atkins also enjoyed this trip. It wasn’t her first time going, but she enjoyed it with her students. “I liked how many representations of different Deities and symbols were in the temple's carvings. I feel like there was just so much for my eyes to witness. It was also very relaxing," said Atkins.
“I have been blessed to spend time with Pramukh Swami
We also asked him why he volunteers at the temple
She intends to take her future cross-cultural classes here again. It’s something students should look into in the future. They will have a blast. Other students who attended this trip have also gone back to the temple since the trip. This is something for Kean Students to look into and a class for their future courses. n
Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins
Students Who Attend the Trip to the Temple With Professor Atkins
Photo by Professor Courtney Atkins
Kean Ocean communication students travel with Professor Atkins to tour BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham located in Robbinsville, N.J. This is the largest Hindu mandir in the USA
Owning Your Path and Building a Community: The Story of MJ Torres & MGCA
continued from page 2 welcoming but also challenging.
Nine-year-old Torres had a limited four-year-old’s Spanish vocabulary and was constantly trying to catch up with her classmates.
Her determination back then helped her overcome readaptation challenges – without knowing that five years later, she would have to do it all over again.
“I remember how hard it was for me to leave my house in Mexico,” Torres recalls, “it was the first house that felt like home to me.”
Adapting to her new reality was “brutal.” This second time in the U.S., Torres not only needed to catch up with language levels and a new school, now she also fought against anxiety and the pressures of adolescence.
responsibilities— as a sophomore, she became the tennis team captain and decided to build a supportive, collaborative network among MGC’s students.
Growing up in predominantly white environments, Torres claims she was “pretty whitewashed.” Faced with Kean’s diversity, the thing that once had made her feel special now made her feel “ordinary.”
"In high school, I compared myself to others, but knowing that my story was different helped me to ground myself," she reflected. “I was lucky. My parents were huge on mental health and took time to check how me and my siblings were feeling.”
Torres’ also turned to her loyal outlet: tennis, where her competitive spirit pushes her to overcome challenges.
“When anxiety kicks in, I stop and ground myself,” she said. “I imagine winning. You have to tell yourself every day that there’s something out there made for you, and you’re going to get it.”
Her dynamic journey, combined with family support, helped Torres find industrial design.
Though Kean University wasn’t her first option, she considers it a “hidden gem” — mostly overlooked by big-name schools.
“When I toured the campus, [my Dad and I] found MGC’s Dean and Chairperson,” Torres recollected., “I asked them about the program, and they sold it!”
“Kean made me realize how my internalized racism behaved, especially with my own culture,” Torres admits, “I always say: Kean healed me!”
After realizing MGC students lacked common ground for sharing projects, ideas, and inspirations across the Michael Graves College disciplines, the desire for community gave MGCA a place to be born.
“Designing a product is like designing a community,” Torres explains, “You’re building for an audience need.”
Torres has put together a team of self-motivated MGC students to foster an interdisciplinary, equitable, and inclusive space for creative expression and professional development.
Though her vision was bold, the club’s beginnings were humble. Torres’ close friend Gabriele Santos, MGCA’s co-vice president and event coordinator, recalls initial struggles to find the perfect advisor and Torres’ determination to make it happen.
The small class size and personalized support convinced her to enroll, as she quickly connected with her coursework and athletic
“Denise Anderson, our current advisor, told us no in the beginning,” Santos confesses, “But MJ was so persistent with a vision that you just couldn’t say not to.”
Still, Torres said, “Nothing looks like what I imagined it was going to be like,” she continued, “Sometimes I’m like, ‘I hate this, I hate this, I hate this,’ but it’s my pursuit of greatness talking.”
Through consistent effort, the MGCA team began to establish a presence on campus among design students. Today, MJ and her team host events like "Social Sunday" and panel discussions, as well as the 5 Stars Magazine, to be published in late November,
a platform celebrating student work and amplifying student voices within the design industry.
Torres’ vision and goals for MGCA don’t stop with creating a supportive network for professional development. Her ambitions extend to researching and reshaping how Black Indigenous and People Of Color (BIPOC) individuals are represented in design.
Additionally, she aims to use the club as a resource for her senior seminar research project and dreams of presenting it at the famed MIT’s MATLAB, which is widely recognized for its research projects in STEM fields like engineering, math, science, and technology.
Giovanna Marques, MGCA’s public relations manager and graphic design representative, described Torres as motivated and organized, noting that she implemented a Google Doc planner and a Miro board that the e-board uses as a virtual office.
“MJ taught me a mindset of ‘if you want to do something, you gotta do it,’” said Marques. “She is very resilient and taught me how to go about being a student, speaking up professionally, and establishing professional connections.”
For Torresr, Kean has been a ride of self-discovery, empowerment, and the creation of a community that likely will shape Kean University and the field of design for years to come.
“I love my homework. I love what I do.” n
Photo by MJ Torres’ Instagram account
MJ Torres at the Monterrosso (Italy) train station
Photo by Kean University Athletics page
MJ Torres’ Kean Athletics headshot
Photo by Kean University Athletics page
MJ Torres at tennis practice
Kean film association: A creative Space for student filmmakers
continued from page 5
leadership, noting how her passion and commitment have kept the club moving forward.
“She’s gone through a couple of different hurdles to make sure we’ve been able to stay afloat and while doing so makes everyone in the club feel heard as much as possible, which just helps set a positive mindset for our members,” says Reynoso.
He expressed gratitude for having such a strong leader, where ideas can be freely exchanged and open communication is encouraged.
The supervisor, Professor Kathleen Rugh, shared her thoughts on how film projects become much more manageable when students collaborate, building momentum.
She emphasized that the E-board excels in communication and organizational skills, noting that the group functioned more as a team than a traditional hierarchy.
She highlighted Dominguez’s role in the club, praising her investment and dedication to keeping things organized and running smoothly.
She described Dominguez as not only communicative but also calm and positive in her demeanor, with the ability to take initiative.
Rugh expressed that she hopes more people will come and stay involved, especially different majors, encouraging a weave of student collaboration.
“It doesn't have to be a huge commitment; stop by
Cougars Annual Pop-up Shop
continued from page 5
multiple fitting rooms to your disposals. The second and most important rule is “Everyone’s style is different. Please do not speak negatively about anyone's personal style.”
This rule stood out because it set the tone strongly telling that this event encourages respect and creates a safe space. It was amazing to see the lively energy when you step into the room so many students talking and gravitating towards the clothes.
Furthermore, Ms.Vivian Zambrano one of the leaders of the Pop-Up shop spoke on some of the details & how this event even gets established. “Well in this room now there are over 10,000 different types of clothes that our students can try.”
When asked where they come from she elaborates “Majority comes from faculty and staff donations. We are even able to get alumni to pitch in too. This event has become so popular that some off-campus organizations & corporations like LAB CORP are one of our partners and they donated a ton as well.”
30 minutes early before the actual open time. The team was over-prepared for this moment.
meetings or the student film screenings.” Says Rugh. Current Member Milo Andreola also reflects positively on his experience with the club.
He expressed his excitement about the club, explaining that he had had the opportunity to make new friends and learn from others.
Andreola explained that he would be interested in continuing his involvement in the club and even envisions joining the executive Board to help carry the club's legacy forward.
“I want to put as much as I can into the club because I really like the community that’s been established by the current E-board,” says Andreola. n
makes my life so much easier because it almost feels like I am shopping for free.”
He goes into detail discussing some of
She continues to discuss how it's the students who create the atmosphere you see, those students use their community service hours to endlessly fold clothes, prepping to make sure sizes are in order, and even much more, students along with VIP ones which means if you are attended any event before, they get to come in
“We want our students to look and feel their best because these clothes can help create a moment in their lives.” The Kean staff even had a stylist there to help create outfits if the shoppers wanted some extra help. They thought of everything here.
To continue with, Jadiel Racine, a freshman who majors in Exercise Science gave some kind words on this event. “Living on campus and being a freshman, money isn’t something I have a lot of. The fact that my school holds this kind of event
energy in a blink of an eye.
Furthermore, Jazmine Rivera, a senior business management major also shared her feelings about the pop-up shop. “It’s the coolest thing ever and a great opportunity.”
his favorite clothes. “My attention has been wrapped in the blazers. I really like suits, so all of the colors give me so many possibilities to choose from and I can mix and match them. I am just really grateful to have this.” When watching him search and locate different clothes he looked like a kid in a candy store, feeling perfectly at home and wanting to take everything with him. This kind of reaction is why this event was made. To give anyone a chance to change their wardrobe but also their
She went into detail dissecting those thoughts. She valued the fact that around this time college students don’t really have a chance to go out, so this event is like if the stores came to you.
“This is much better than going to any mall around this time of year. ” Jazmine didn’t have a specific clothing piece that she was looking for but she was very impressed with the variety of sizes. “I’m taller than most girls and yet I still found a lot of clothes that fit me. That tells me they really thought about everyone and I appreciate that.”
However, it’s the last thing that Rivera says is the perfect capsule of what the Kean University pop-up event represents. “The staff was so helpful, and even with the large number of students shopping at once they made time for everyone, it made me feel like I was at home.” Your KU pop-up shop isn’t about the clothes or the shoes, it’s about creating an atmosphere in which students can express themselves through whatever they desire to wear. n
Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson
The rules for the pop-up shop
Photo by Cam’Ron Johnson
Staff continues to work and setup things as students begin to pour in looking at the clothes
Kean P.U.L.S.E. Hosts Japanese Crafts for the Soul
continued from cover
the Japanese words oru (to fold) and kami (paper). The Japanese were the first to use paper as a medium for art during the 6th century. Although the popularization of the craft has allowed people from various cultures to learn the intricacies of the art form, it was once only accessible to the elite.
At the origami station, vibrant square sheets lay waiting to shapeshift and assume form like the rabbit and bird models inches away from them. As time passed and the seats at the station filled, members of P.U.L.S.E. supervised and hovered on standby to assist those confused with the instructions.
When they were done, their eyes widened and smiles emerged as they admired their tiny, paper masterpieces.
Laurie Theodule, a graduate PR major, is a frequent attendee of Kean P.U.L.S.E. events. The food, giveaways, and chance to interact with other peers are memorable parts of her time at past events. However, Paper Dreams unlocked a childhood memory for her when she was a middle schooler in after school, serving as a pure moment of nostalgia.
“ I heard they were doing origami and I was like ok, haven’t tried that in a while… it helps [with] stress and everything,” said Theodule.
On the opposite side of the origami station were the calligraphy and Kendama stations. Japanese caricatures reading “faith, peace, love, strength, and Japan” were models for attendees to practice the artistic writing style. An undeniable concentration and peace exuded from one attendee as she dipped the paintbrush in ink, dabbed the tray edge to remove excess ink, and made gentle strokes on her calligraphy paper sheet.
Minutes later she was at the table next door with an identical concentration trying to land the ball (tama) in one of the cups (ozara/kozara). Cheers and gasps broke out as the ball sat balanced in the cup. Pulse’s media team hurried to her to seize the photo op.
Kean P.U.L.S.E. is a student-led programming board that fosters unity and school spirit through event planning. They are actively looking to organize experiences that are unique in engaging the community with cultural lessons that expand their knowledge of the world around them and serve as a mode of self expression.
Justina Dejesus, a board member of P.U.L.S.E. said, “We are planning events for the spring… we're currently in the process of researching other cultural events so that’s still to be determined!”. n
Photo by Nefertiti Nzameyo Origami models
Photo by Kean University
The flyer reads “UNFOLD YOUR CREATIVITY: LEARN, SNACK, AND CRAFT,” a glimpse into an outlet of calm and cultural appreciation inspired by the Japanese themed event.