February 2021 - In with the New by USF Encounter

February 26, 2021

IN WITH THE NEW

Editorial Board

Student led, student written

UNIVERSITY

4 Letter from the Editor 5 Editorial Columns 6 "Ask A Queer Person" - GSA

NEWS

8-9 Encounter News 11 WCSF Top Ten

ENTERTAINMENT

13 The Rise of TikTok Songs 14-15 PS5 Review 16 WandaVision 17 A Review of “Soul”: A Life Deconstructed 18 The Bachelor Franchise: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

FEATURE

Richie Mroz Layout Designer richardmroz@stfrancis.edu

26 Understanding COVID-19 Vaccines

Lauren Wozniak Layout Designer laurenwozniak@stfrancis.edu

27 Spotlight: Black-owned Businesses in the Joliet Area 28-29 I Am In Love... Photo Essay 30-31 Celebrating Black Excellence

COMMENTARY

32-22 A Girl Like Me: What Kamala Harris’s Ascension Means to Women of Color 34-35 Professors and Education Degrees 36-37 Stay You (Because You Are Worth It) 38 The Top Five Fashion Trends of January 2021

19 Super Bowl LV Highlights 20 Da Bear's QB Dilemma 21 USF Sports Update

February 26, 2021

Mary Mathieu Assistant Editor marymathieu@stfrancis.edu

24-25 The Start of the Biden Presidency

SPORTS

Janelle Suriaga Editor-in-Chief janellemariesuriaga@stfrancis.edu

Front cover photo courtesy of Beatriz Sindac.

Clarissa Del Rio Layout Designer clarissadelrio@stfrancis.edu Paula Garcia Layout Designer paulagarcia@stfrancis.edu Beatriz Sindac Photographer beatrizannesindac@stfrancis.edu Dr. Scott Marshall Advisor smarshall@stfrancis.edu

Staff Writers Cosme Lozano Elizabeth Badalamenti Evelyn Odum Lucy Erika Ann Magat MaKenzie Munson Matthew Lauterbach Rodolfo Pérez Sara Cahill

Are you stuck at home? Attending class in-person? Send your stories and opinions to The Encounter! usfencounter@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of Beatriz Sindac

Policies The USF Encounter is published by the students of the University of St. Francis, 500 Wilcox Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60435. The newspaper office is located in room S413C of Tower Hall. The USF Encounter phone number is 815.740.3816. As a member of USF Campus Media, the USF Encounter strives to produce a publication that stresses quality writing and design. By reporting on issues that may be sensitive in nature, the USF Encounter aims to educate, inform and persuade students on topics that affect their lives on and off campus. Editorial pages provide USF Encounter staff with opportunities to express thoughtful views on controversial topics. Letters to the Editor represent the opinion of the author and are not necessarily opinions of the USF Encounter Staff. Publications of letters to the editor are subject to space availability and management discretion. Letters are also subject to editing. Letters to the editor or any other submissions may be dropped off at the USF Encounter office or emailed to encounter@stfrancis.edu As a Catholic university rooted in the liberal arts, we are a welcoming community of learners challenged by Franciscan values and charism, engaged in a continuous pursuit of knowledge, faith, wisdom, and justice, and ever mindful of a tradition that emphasizes reverence for creation, compassion and peacemaking. We strive for academic excellence in all programs, preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership.

Letter From the Editor Dear reader, Thank you for picking up the February edition of the Encounter, “In with the New.” I felt this title applied to the current atmosphere of our society. For starters, the United States has a new President! In January, Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States (thankfully with no attempted coups) and he’s already hit the ground running with some executive orders. We cover Biden’s first couple of weeks in this edition, with perspectives from students on both sides of the political spectrum. No matter what side you’re on, we can all appreciate the absence of nonsensical Twitter updates from a guy with a poor spray tan. Speaking of new things that everyone can appreciate, 2021 is the year that we finally have COVID-19 vaccines! These vaccines were a culmination of the hard work of scientists and medical professionals from all over the world. Rarely do we see this kind of concerted effort for a singular cause. If you have the opportunity to get a COVID-19 vaccine, please do so! I would like to see people’s smiles in person again. We can only get rid of this virus if a good portion of the population is vaccinated and stays on top of the precautions we already have. I secretly wish that things would start getting back to normal this semester because this is my final semester of college. It’s bittersweet; I have truly made some amazing memories during my time at the University of St. Francis and I would not be the person I am today without the friendships and connections I made here. Part of me thinks that I have to drastically change myself, from a college adult to an actual, ‘for real’ adult. This might sound naive but I had always envisioned that my transition from ‘baby’ college student to ‘mature’ college student involved wearing more business formal attire (it does not; I’m wearing sweats in Brown Science Hall as I write this), using fancier jargon (I hate using jargon), and having more money (this cannot be further from the truth). This is a weird transitional period that I and other college seniors have to go through and sometimes I don’t know what to make of it. But the pressure to change doesn’t just limit itself to college seniors. We just started a new year and people constantly go around throwing the phrase “New Year, New Me.” Does that actually work though? What if you don’t want to change and you like yourself already? We cover that topic in this issue as well! Many of the Encounter’s staff are also graduating this year and we are looking for some new talent to join our team for the next semester. If you are interested in joining the Encounter as a writer, graphic designer, social media coordinator, or website developer, please reach out to us at encounter@stfrancis.edu or follow us at @usf_encounter on Instagram! From myself and all the staff at the Encounter, we hope you enjoy the “In with the New” edition!

Janelle Suriaga Editor-in-Chief

February 26, 2021

EDITORIAL COLUMNS Do What

The Wonder

Wanted to Do!

the Best

Years: One of

Thoughts and opinions of the USF Encounter staff is not reflective of those of the University of St. Francis.

You’ve Always By: Lauren Wozniak Layout Designer

By: Richie Mroz Layout Designer

I recently dyed my hair purple. It is amazing! This was the first time I have ever done something crazy to my hair. The closest I have ever gotten to “crazy” was getting a balayage, which I did this past Fall. I was so nervous to dye my hair a completely different color but then I thought to myself if not now, when? Hair dye is temporary, anyways. I knew I would regret it if I did not dye my hair a fun color while I was still in college. It took some courage but I did it and it was so worth it!

The Wonder Years is a TV show that stands the test of time and is a piece of entertainment that I will always love. The Wonder Years, which was released in the 1980s, follows the life of a kid named Kevin Arnold as he grows up in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is important to note that this is a period of time that is similar to the one we are living in now.

Now I want to encourage you. If there is something you have always wanted to try but have not due to fear, just bite the bullet. Dye or cut your hair the way you have always wanted to or grow your hair out. Get that piercing and wear that clothing style you do not know if you can pull off. You will never know how you will feel about it until you try. This advice does not just apply to personal style. You can apply this to all aspects of life. Talk to your crush or to that person in your class who you think you could be friends with. Try a crazy new food, go somewhere you have always wanted to go, or pull an all nighter eating junk food and finish binging that show. Life is too short to be held back by what ifs. I understand that it can be really scary to go outside of your comfort zone but taking that leap can lead you to places you never thought you would go. It is completely worth it!

The show is narrated by an adult Kevin who recalls stories from his childhood and teenage years. Kevin lives a suburban middle-class life with his parents Jack and Norma and his older brother and sister Wayne and Karen. Each episode tells a story of Kevin’s past by focusing on his family and his adventures with his best friend, Paul and his childhood crush, Winnie. The show demonstrates what it was like living in a time of social change amid the Vietnam War and the trials and struggles of growing up. “The Hardware Store” is an episode that focuses on Kevin getting his first job at a local hardware store. Another great episode, “Hero,” explains what happens when Kevin’s grades suffer as he spends all of his time idolizing his high school’s star-studded basketball team. What I love most about the show is how relatable it is and that each episode provides viewers with a lesson to be learned. It makes me reflect on my own life and the times that have passed and the times that are yet to come. This is one of my favorite shows and I encourage you to give it a try. You will not be disappointed!

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Ask A Queer Person “Ask A Queer Person” is a column where people can ask about queer things! Got a question on your mind? Submit it to usfencounter@gmail.com! Can you describe any gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender people in your life, or in popular culture, that inspired you to be more comfortable with your identity? One of the trans women I follow on Twitter started a thread to help other trans lesbians accept themselves because the lesbian mast doc kind of only interprets being a lesbian through a cisgendered lens. I never really felt comfortable with who I was until I went through that thread and I experienced a sort of compulsory heterosexuality by claiming I was bisexual, but when I think about it, I really don’t have an attraction to men, so being bi doesn’t explain me well. It’s definitely taken a lot of thought, but that thread that lady posted really helped me feel better and more comfortable with how I identify. - GSA Member (This is directed towards someone who identifies as transgender) When did you first become familiar with what it means to be transgender? I don’t really have much of a say when it comes to this, but from the little familiarity I’ve had while not being out completely yet, I really figured out what it meant to be trans when I started following trans women on social media. Albeit I’m not trying to live vicariously through them, I see some of their experiences and I feel for them. There was a lady who posted about being misgendered when she was literally passing. I see their experiences and I know that, that is not what it means to be trans because they also talk about all the euphoric feelings they have when they are treated correctly and people respect their identity. From where I stand with my gender identity and not being out yet, I feel like being trans is like a constant battle of wanting to just be treated with respect from others, but more importantly treating oneself with respect and realizing how far you’ve come from who you were to who you are now. - GSA Member I would imagine that POC who also identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community have unique experiences. What

February 26, 2021

kinds of experiences does LGBT-POC have that make their experience distinct from their white counterparts? There are many ways that queer POC’s experience differ from our white counterparts. However, the one thing that comes to mind the most in this moment is representation. In terms of queer representation in media, it is already lacking and a lot of the time we exist as the sometimes sassy, sometimes unrequited love, sometimes butt of the joke side kick to the main characters. Even in the instances that queer people exist in a tv show or movie, for some reason we’re the only one and if we’re not the only one, the other queer person exists to be our default love interest. For example, in Riverdale (2017) some actors such as Vanessa Morgan have argued that their characters were “…being used as side kick non dimensional characters to [their] white leads,” which is a statement on being the only black regular on the show but also includes the injustice of being portrayed as nothing more than a love interest. Now seeing as how sparse queer media is and the quality of that media is always up for debate, it’s no surprise that the queer POC representation is also lacking. According to GLAAD’s 2019 overview, 55% of queer media was white and only sexual minorities were seen on the screen, i.e., there were no transgender people to account for. This skew does more than leave queer POCs without someone who looks like them. It gives a lot of people the impression that being queer is a distinctly white thing. Such a misconstruction opens the door to family members and friends thinking that our queer identity is a white thing like a bad habit that rubbed off on us from our white friends. Making it an overall bad thing or something we as POCs don’t have the privilege of being. One of my friends, who also happens to identify as bisexual talked about how homosexuality didn’t originate in Africa (referring to the fact that all human life came from Africa) and that it was a white person’s notion (maybe even impurity) that caused homosexuality. Which is an idea that obviously has a lot to unpack and is also something that our queer white counterparts would never have to deal with because they’ve been made the base model. - E. Porter

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ENCOUNTER News

By: Elizabeth Badalamenti Staff Writer

Applications Open for Campus Leadership Various campus organizations are looking to fill student leadership positions for the 2021-2022 academic year. The Student Life department welcomes commuter students to apply for the Commuter Assistant (CA) role. In exchange for a scholarship, CAs will serve as ambassadors for the commuter population and host various programs and events that cater to the needs and interests of commuter students. Applications open from March 22 to April 7. Any questions can be sent to Dalton Jenner at DaltonJenner@stfrancis.edu.

spiritual growth, small faith communities and liturgical music. Any questions can be forwarded to Jessica Peek at JPeek@ stfrancis.edu.

The Residence Life department is in search of responsible and motivated students to serve as Resident Assistants (RA) and Multicultural Assistants (MA) in the university residence halls. In exchange University Ministry hopes to find for room and board, RA’s and MA’s work supportive and spiritually-inclined to build community among residents students to fill their Peer Minister (PM) and keep halls safe. To learn more about positions. In exchange for a scholarship, the positions, consider attending an PMs promote the university’s Franciscan informational session on February 26 or values of respect, integrity, compassion March 4 at 8 p.m. (Zoom ID: 963 6942 and service among resident and commuter 8321; Passcode: RA). Inquiries can be sent students alike. There are a variety of PM to Ceddi Carver at CCarver@stfrancis. positions available, including leaders for edu. retreats, missions and justice, interfaith,

Photo Courtesy of stfrancis.edu

In preparation for USF’s 2021 SOAR (Student Orientation And Registration), the Student Life department is looking for two students to serve as orientation co-chairs as well as a group of students

to serve on the orientation board. Students in these roles will help plan and execute orientation to provide next year’s freshmen and transfer students with a warm welcome to USF! Applications will open February 24 and last until March 16. Got questions? You can email Mollie Rockafellow at MRockafellow@stfrancis. edu.

February 26, 2021

USF & Local News covered by the USF Encounter Student Government to Host Relay for Life Pending review of Joliet officials, the empty Kmart store at West Jefferson Street and Larkin Avenue may soon house indoor and outdoor storage In an effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, Student Government Association (SGA) will host a weeklong Relay for Life celebration March 22 through March 26. While COVID-19 restrictions will make this year’s celebration unique, SGA is embracing the change with the theme “We Stand Together, Even Apart.” An official schedule of events will be sent out to the campus community closer to the celebration and will feature programming hosted by Alpha Phi, Saints in Action, Servant Leaders, Student Activities

Board, Student Government Association, Student Nurses Association, Unidos Vamos a Alcanzar, and several other campus organizations. SGA President, Rodolfo Perez, is excited to still be able to host this event despite COVID-19 related challenges. “Relay for Life is a staple student activity at USF,” Perez explains. “I find it truly inspiring to see groups work so hard to adapt in order to keep this annual tradition alive.”

participants who join a team by March 13 will receive a free Relay for Life t-shirt and a ticket into a raffle for USF merchandise, gift cards, or other donated prizes. Those interested in serving on the Relay for Life planning committee or hosting an event during Relay for Life week should email Liz Badalamenti at ElizabethBadalamenti@stfrancis.edu.

For more information, to sign-up for a team, or to donate to the American As in years past, all faculty, staff, students Cancer Society, please visit USF’s and community members are invited Relay for Life website: https://secure. to participate in events and contribute acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/ towards the cause. One of the best ways RFLCY21NCR?pg=entry&fr_ to get involved is to join a Relay team by id=100882 visiting USF’s Relay for Life website. All

USF Partners with Kodo Pharmacy to Vaccinate Community Members Through a partnership with Joliet’s Kodo Pharmacy, Leach College of Nursing students played an important role in the nationwide effort to provide vulnerable populations with the COVID-19 vaccine. In just three days, the students administered an astounding 1,660 COVID-19 vaccinations and 200 COVID-19 tests. These vaccinations benefited residents in Joshua Arms Senior High Rise and Trinity Services as

well as clients at Cornerstone Services and the Will County Health Department. Prior to aiding with vaccine distribution, all nursing students received their own vaccine for protection as part of the 1A vaccine allocation plan. According to a news release published by the University of St. Francis, Chad Kodiak, the owner and pharmacist of Kodo Pharmacy, was very appreciative of

the students’ help. “It is no exaggeration to say the COVID vaccines that have been administered … would not have been possible without the help of the USF nursing students,” he said. “We continue to receive compliments about how professional, skilled and wonderful the nursing students are at doing their job.”

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-Natalia Cruz Director Women-In-Coffee

get your pure CANOPY today at the three oaks bistro! Learn more at www.purecanopy.com

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Disney+

Photos courtesy of Pure Canopy

Join me and the entire Pure Canopy team us on our journey to support these women and the amazing coffee they produce in the beautiful mountains of Colombia!"

Top 10

Artists Let’s get in touch!

musicdirectorwcsf@stfrancis.edu -- 815-740-3697

1. ARLO PARKS

Collapsed In Sunbeams

2. CABARET VOLTAIRE “Billion Dollar” [Single]

3. XIU XIU

“A Bottle Of Rum” feat. Liz Harris [Single]

4. BURKHARTS, THE

Who Are The Burkharts [EP]

5. OKEY DOKEY Once Upon One Time

6. WIDOWSPEAK Honeychurch [EP]

CLOE WILDER

BAIO

Teenage Lullabies [EP]

Dead Hand Control

9. BESNARD LAKES, THE Artwork courtesy of WCSF

The Besnard Lakes Are The Last Of The Great Thunderstorm Warnings

10.

MIDNIGHT CALLERS, THE

Red Letter Glow

MONTHLY Staff Picks

The USF Encounter Staff took to Spotify and shared their favorite songs from this month in their "Monthly Staff Picks" playlist “Heat Above” Greta Van Fleet “Hate” Plush “Fake Woke” Tom MacDonald “Overthinker” INZO “No Money” Galantis “Lo vas a olvidar” Billie Eilish, Rosalia “Is It True” Tame Impala “Wildflower” 5 Seconds of Summer “3Hunna” Chief Keef ft. Rick Ross “Greater” MercyMe “Face to Face” Natalie Grant “Holy Water - Church Sessions” We The Kingdom, Tasha Cobbs Leonard “Buss It” Erica Banks “Roddy” Djo “Take Me Away” Ayron Jones

Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify!

“Blinding Lights” The Weeknd

“Tough Ones” Cooper Alan

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Upcoming Are you interested in writing, editing or photography? Join the Encounter staff in producing USF’s very own student-runStaff news in magazine. Join the Encounter producing USF's

student-run Forvery more own information, email our magazine! Editor-in-Chief Katie Wozniak at KatherineWozniak@stfrancis.edu

USF ENCOUNTER 12

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Disney+

By: Eve Odum Staff Writer The way I often discover new music is based on Youtube suggested videos and recommended songs on Spotify. But more recently, I have discovered less well-known musicians thanks to TikTok. I would argue that there are two music phenomena forming on this platform. The first (and unfortunately more popular) is the pairing of music with dances or trends. I hardly need to mention any, as I am sure that any TikTok user can name a few. For the laymen out there, some songs associated with dances and trends include: • • •

·“Say So” by Doja Cat, · “Blinding Lights'' by The Weekend · “Buttercup” by Jack Stauber

The second phenomenon is artists using TikTok as free marketing and advertising, which is something they may not be able to afford without the platform. Thanks to the algorithm, small artists’ music pops up on the “For You Page” of those most expected to like the song. And the bios of musicians’ accounts often links to their Spotify music or website. Luckily, I have watched, liked and sent enough videos so my “For You Page” is full of music. My ultimate favorite discoveries range from alternative to pop to indie. Those songs include: • • • •

·“Silly Goose” by More Fatter ·“i don’t really like your boyfriend” by Avenue Beat ·“Unsolicited Contact” by Cassie Dasilva ·“Light Of My Life” by Dafna

reported increases in their Spotify downloads and YouTube views after promoting their music on TikTok, according to Robley.. People have even created playlists on Spotify strictly with songs from TikTok, although those songs are usually tied to popular trends or dances. In 2020, 176 different songs racked up over one billion listens each, according to the TikTok platform. TikTok is a tool that is used to share music quickly. USF junior Alyia Cady states that she “usually hears music on TikTok before hearing the same songs on the radio.” There really is something to be said about the power of this social media app. One song in particular that Cady mentions is “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo. Part of the reason this song did so well was the real-life drama connected to it. Many TikTok videos were created to speculate about who the ex-lover and “blonde girl” were that the song mentions. Some TikTok memes even find their way onto Twitter and vice versa. Starting in late 2018, the “gummy bear Adele'' craze began and it resurfaced a few months ago. The video begins with a single gummy bear, a goldfish or another small object“singing” “Never mind I’ll find” and then pans to a crowd of a multitude of gummy bears, gold fishes, etc. singing “someone like you.” If you can’t tell, this is based on the live performance of Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Ultimately, music drives TikTok. Creators harbor an emotional connection or feeling with music and use that to connect to listeners. If you want to stay ahead in music trends and find new artists, then you need to start scrolling through TikTok today. There is no time to waste!

It is interesting that artists like Lil Nas X, Joji and ZaeHD have

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

By: Richie Mroz Layout Designer

n November 12, 2020, Sony released the PlayStation 5 and promised the best graphics and performance of any console before it. Production of the PS5 was hindered by COVID-19 and the consoles that are being produced are commonly bought by scalpers looking to make some money. Needless to say, the console is hard to find. I was lucky enough to find one in December. Since then, I have put in a little less than 50 hours on the machine and I have to say that the PS5 is Sony’s best console yet.

care taken with the design of this controller. The controller has the same black and white color palette as the system itself. Again, I think it is the sleekest controller to date. The motion sensing and touchpad technology is back as well as a slew of other new features such as haptic feedback, a builtin microphone and my personal favorite, adaptive triggers. According to Sony, the DualSense’s haptic feedback feature allows the player to “feel physically responsive feedback to their in-game actions with dual actuators which replace the traditional rumble motors. These dynamic vibrations can simulate The design of the PS5 is the sleekest to date. The the feeling of everything from walking in different black main portion of the console is encapsulated by environments to the recoil of different weapons.” two white panels. Two LED light strips reflect off of The adaptive trigger feature provides resistance to the panels and give the machine some ambience. The the R2 and L2 trigger buttons, which allows the panels themselves can easily slide off, which allows player to be physically connected to their actions. An for easy access inside of the console. According to example of this feature being used can be found in Prima Games, third party manufacturers are already the first-person shooter game Call of Duty: Black Ops selling custom panels to give users the option to Cold War. In this game, the player can fire different customize their system the way they want. The guns and the way each gun is fired is unique. The system can be placed vertically or horizontally via the player must pull harder on the trigger when shooting stand provided in the box. The PS5 also comes in an assault rifle or shotgun rather than shooting a two different versions: the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition handgun. When shooting an automatic weapon, and the PlayStation 5 Standard Edition. The PS5 Digital the trigger bounces back and forth to simulate Edition is on sale for $399 but does not include a disc recoil when firing a real gun. Another game that drive. This means the user can only play games by makes good use of the DualSense’s features is Astro’s downloading them virtually via the PlayStation Store. Playroom. The PS5 Standard Edition is on sale for $499 and does include a disc drive. I opted for the Standard Edition for reasons I will get into later. Both systems have an HDMI port, a power port and an ethernet port. The systems also have 4 USB ports- two in the back and two in the front. An HDMI 2.1 cable is provided and has the capability of transmitting 8K quality. One negative aspect is that there is no dedicated audio output port such as digital optical or coaxial for connecting to a receiver in a home theater system. The new DualSense controller is also provided with the system. I thought the PlayStation 4’s Dualshock 4 was the best controller I had ever used until I held the DualSense for the first time. The overall build quality of the DualSense is beefier and of higher caliber. I could tell right away that there was more time and

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Sony Entertainment Studios

REVIEW

Astro’s Playroom is a platformer that comes pre-loaded onto the system and it is honestly my favorite PS5 launch title. In the game, you take control of Astro Bot, a cute little robot reminiscent of Wall-E. The game’s setting is inside an actual PS5 system. Astro Bot can explore four different levels that take place in different internal PS5 parts, such as “GPU Jungle” and “SSD Speedway.” Throughout the levels, players can find and collect PlayStation memorabilia. Ultimately, the game is one big tribute to PlayStation. Another PS5 specific game I completed was Spider-Man: Miles Morales. This game is a spin-off to Spider-Man on PS4. In this title, the player takes control of Mile Morales, who is another SpiderMan. Players learn more about his backstory while experiencing a whole new story. This game takes advantage of the system’s new solid-state drive (SSD) by giving players extremely fast load times as well as raytracing technology. According to Tech Radar, raytracing is the technology that allows light to reflect and appear realistically on objects and through a given space. One of the best features of the PlayStation 5 system is that it is backwards compatible with PS4 games, which is one of the many reasons why I bought the system so early. There is a library of games for the PS4 that I own as well as games I have not purchased yet that are still really good. I give major props to Sony for adding this feature. As previously stated, I have the Standard Edition with the disc drive. I consider myself old school because I actually enjoy collecting the physical case and disc of both games and movies. If I wanted to take advantage of the backwards compatibility feature, I needed to buy the disc version of the console. So far, I have tested The Last of Us Part II, God of War, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, and Resident Evil 7 via backwards compatibility and have had no issues. Some games, such as God of War, were even updated to take advantage of the technology of the PS5. From the design of the console and the system’s new clean user interface to the DualSense controller, I truly feel Sony has knocked this new iteration of PlayStation out of the park. I am excited to experience what the PlayStation 5 has to offer in the years to come. I hope you are too!

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By: Matt Lauterbach Staff Writer

hen I first learned that the Marvel Cinematic Universe was expanding into TV shows alongside its movies, I was initially skeptical of the idea, especially after hearing that the series would be on Disney’s newest streaming platform Disney+. I felt as if Disney was trying to take advantage of its fan base by making movies or shows that people would want to see due to impressive visual effects but did little in terms of story building or characters like they did with the Star Wars sequel trilogy. I was even more skeptical when I saw the trailer for the first MCU television series, WandaVision. It was confusing to me as to how two Avengers, Scarlett Witch and Vision, were living in a 20th century setting.

MCU’s First Television Series

WandaVision was released on January 15, 2021. I came across reviews of the show on Youtube with several people praising the show. After watching the first four episodes of the show, it can be safe to say that the MCU has succeeded in their first television series. WandaVision explains the 20th century sitcom feel of the show with several dark tonal shifts, and unsuspecting plot twists that make you want to watch the next episode to find out why something happened the way it did.

On the weekend its first episode was released, WandaVision had 1.6 million households watching, according to Samba TV. The weekend debut had a higher viewership rating than the season two premiere of The Mandalorian, which had 1.04 million households watching. With the high viewership and praise the series has had so far, many believe that the future of the MCU will take place on Disney+ “I really hope the MCU takes place on Disney+ and I hope they play other characters into the show,” said USF student Jonathan Garcia. WandaVision will continue its season one release until nine episodes on March 5, which is when the MCU will begin its next series, Falcon and Winter Soldier.

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Disney

As the series leads the audience through the twists, Elizabeth Olsen (Scarlett Witch) and Paul Bettany (Vision) give outstanding performances. The chemistry and character of their relationship from the MCU films is still present in the series and viewers are able to understand their struggle as they try to settle in their new home while trying to hide their superpowers from their neighbors. “It’s very unique and because of that it draws you in with all the plot twists,” said USF student Lizzy Tuck. The first three episodes of the series pay homage to famous 20th century sitcoms such as Leave it to Beaver or The Brady Bunch while incorporating the MCU style into those episodes.

A Review of “Soul”: A Life Deconstructed

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

By: Rodolfo Perez Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Cinema Bravo

The premise of Pixar’s 2020 film Soul is to answer a seemingly dense question that I initially could not see being included in a film that is geared towards children. The question is very simply, “How do we find meaning in our lives?” We are introduced to Joe Gardner, a middle aged man living in New York City aspiring to become a jazz musician. After delivering a great audition, he is invited to perform with Dorothea Williams, a well known jazz artist. However, his unbelievably good day comes to a startling halt as he experiences a near death fall that results in his soul leaving his body. Rather than moving “toward the light,” Joe mistakenly gets labeled as a mentor for souls that have not found their “spark” yet. He gets paired up with 22, a stubborn soul played by the witty Tina Fey, and the two find themselves in a conflict of intentions. This conflict arises when Joe tries to find his way back to his body and 22 mistakenly gets stuck in Joe’s body instead. While Joe is trying to find a way back to his body, 22 is trying to avoid leaving their metaphysical existence in exchange for a physical life.

friends. It is here that Joe enters into a state of existential dread. He asks himself, “Is my dream possible,” and if it is, “Is it worth the pain and isolation?” Those questions are ultimately answered in the film's emotional and enchanting climax, which personally left me shedding a few tears as it played out.

One of the most profound aspects of Soul is the statement that it makes about the connection between passion and the meaning of life. Throughout the film, all the time and effort Joe spent working towards his dream is presented in front of him. We see the holidays he has missed, the lack of intimacy and affection that is present in his life and the fact that his work is often met with criticism from family and

Ultimately, Soul is a great film that has the ability to captivate all audiences and is one of the films of 2020 that I found genuinely moving due its themes and plots. The freeform musical score and exceptional cinematography help create vibrant realms of reality that will leave young audiences excited for what life will provide and older audiences more appreciative of what life has given them.

FEATURE

Soul introduces a heavy topic in a way that makes it accessible to all audiences. It never strays from its depth but it also does a good job of keeping things light through the use of some funny jokes and references made throughout the film. My only criticism of Soul is the same criticism I have for films made by Disney. I always get an uneasy feeling whenever I see a Black leading character (a rare occurrence when looking at the history of protagonists used in Disney films) lose their bodily autonomy in order to move the plot forward and provide some comedic relief. We have seen this done in other Disney films like The Princess and The Frog and it just seems like a dated concept at this point.

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Franchise The Good The Bad The Ugly By: Janelle Suriaga Editor-In-Chief Chris Harrison, the stately host of The Bachelor franchise, is known for saying his infamous phrase, “This is the most dramatic season yet,!” for almost every season of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. And yet, I would agree with Harrison’s statement for season 16 of The Bachelorette and season 25 of The Bachelor.

outside their race. It’s a conversation starter for a lot of people. And hopefully again it paves the way for a lot of diverse love stories, because those are beautiful stories.”

Let’s look at the good, the bad and the ugly that The Bachelor franchise had to offer.

I am going to be completely honest. I am not surprised about the breakup of season 16 Bachelorette Claire Crawley and her choice, Dale Moss. Previous seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelor in Paradise (its famous spin-off show) have shown Crawley as an genuine, yet over-emotional, woman who chooses men that are just not good for her. This idea was reinforced by her abruptly ending her Bachelorette season after only three episodes to pursue an engagement with Moss. Many viewers (myself included) were extremely hesitant about this couple, as the pair only had two weeks to explore the relationship before their engagement.

These past two seasons of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette have been historic in many ways. First, Tayshia Adams, a former contestant on season 23 of The Bachelor, was brought in after Clare Crawley decided to cut her season short to chase after Dale Moss, the season’s frontrunner. Former Bachelor contestant Tayshia Adams was brought in to fill out the remaining part of the season. Adams is the franchise’s first biracial lead and the second black female lead after Rachel Lindsay, the first Black Bachelorette, according to ABC. Adams is half-Mexican and half-black, so conversations around current race relations in America and interracial relationships occured on her season. Conversations around Black Lives Matter and racial prejudice in prisons are rare in the franchise. ABC was able to foster these discussions because Adams and her contestants came from diverse backgrounds.

The Ugly: Bullying on Matt James’s Season

Despite Matt James’s history-making run on The Bachelor, his season will notably be remembered for the amount of bullying that occurred between the contestants. When producers decided to introduce four new contestants during the fourth week of filming, this upset the current contestants on his season and the bullying truly began. One particular instance is when contestant Anna Redma spread rumors about one of the newer contestants, Brittany The following season of The Bachelor turned out to be even more Galvin. Redman accused Galvin of being an escort despite having historic, as Matt James became the first Black male lead of The no concrete evidence and no relation to Galvin by any means. Bachelor. With 2020 centered around denouncing racial prejudice, There are countless other instances of bullying on the show, most there was an increased call for leads of color in the franchise. James of which were instigated by Redman, along with fellow contestants recognized that while this decision took a long time, he felt that it Victoria Larson and MJ Snyder. The toxic atmosphere created by was better late than never. According to Us Weekly, James says, “I the contestants makes the show unbearable to watch at times and don’t think it’s ever the wrong time to do the right thing. I think a lot puts a damper to an otherwise historic season of The Bachelor. of people are in that situation where they’re uncomfortable dating

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Disney+

Photos courtesy of abc7ny.com, abc7chicago.com and ewnews.com

The Good: Casting People of Color as Leads

The Bad: Clare Crawley and Dale Moss’s Breakup

SUPER BOWL

HIGHLIGHTS By: Cosme Lozano Staff Writer It is now a sad time in the NFL for all fans (unless you are a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan). The underdog Tampa Bay Buccaneers spoiled the Kansas City Chiefs and their hopes of going back to back in the Super Bowl by beating them 31-9. This victory came from a strong team effort, but it would not have been possible without the G.O.A.T. himself, Tom Brady. Brady would go 21/29 on the day, throwing for 201 yards and three touchdowns. Leonard Fournette led the way with 16 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown. Rob Gronkowski would be the Bucs leading WR with six receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns. Brady and Gronk prove yet again to the NFL world that they are indeed one of, if not the greatest, duo in NFL history. The Buccaneers defense went into this game hungry and they feasted. The defense would generate two turnovers and make life uncomfortable all night for Patrick Mahomes. I have to give a lot of credit to Buccaneers defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, who schemed the perfect game to stop the seemingly unstoppable Kansas City Chiefs offense. Photos courtesy of Sporting News

Switching sides, Patrick Mahomes would go 26/49 for 270 yards, 2 interceptions and zero touchdowns. It is quite a rarity to see Mahomes play this poorly but the blame does not all fall on him. The Chiefs’s WRs really let him down, dropping some of Patrick Mahomes best throws of his career. Travis Kelce was really the only receiver to get the job done by catching ten passes for 103 yards. Tyreek Hill was second with seven receptions for 73 yards. Clyde Edwards-Helaire was the team's leading rusher with nine carries for 64 yards.

Looking at the Chiefs defense, they started strong in the first quarter but fell off afterwards. During the night, the defense only sacked Tom Brady once. They also failed to force any turnovers. It seems the defense truly fell apart after Chiefs Safety, Tyrann Matheiu, got into a heated altercation with Tom Brady. Matheiu claimed after the game that Brady said something to him he couldn't repeat over TV. He ended the discussion by saying, “Listen, Tom Brady's a great quarterback. I never really saw that side of Tom Brady, to be honest. But whatever. No comment. It's over with. I'm done with it." It was a very disappointing day for Chiefs’s players and fans alike. There is still a strong sense of optimism about the Chiefs among fans of the NFL. USF Senior Jordan Missing states, “The Chiefs need to get one more playmaker on offense and just run it back”. The Chiefs have the foundation for multiple Super Bowl runs in the future, so it is almost certain that this will not be the last we see of them. This is in large part due to phenom QB, Patrick Mahomes. His game is electrifying and is like nothing I have ever seen. Each game he does something new that makes you question how it is even possible. It is expected that he will be the new face of the league once Tom Brady retires and the league will be in good hands if this is the case. In the meantime, Tom Brady continues to defy time and just keeps winning championships. With his most recent Super Bowl, Tom Brady now has seven rings. With more rings than any franchise in the league, he is the undeniable G.O.A.T. of the NFL.

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bear's

qb dileMma

By: Cosme Lozano Staff Writer

In an attempt to save their jobs, many expect the Bears to be big contenders in obtaining a new franchise QB this offseason. This is due to the belief that Mitch Trubisky will not be retained for next season, making him a free agent. While on NFL Gameday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport had this to say on the matter: “QB Mitch Trubisky, who has played better lately, still has a lot to prove to be Chicago's QB of the future. It begins today.” The Chicago Bears played the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the playoffs but would go on to lose that game 9-21. Potential candidates for the Bears’ QB position are Derrick Carr, Carson Wentz, Sam Darnold and (if Ryan Pace really wants to make a splash) Deshaun Watson. Each QB has strengths and weaknesses, especially since some have outrageous asking prices. I would like to see the Bears go after Derrick Carr; I feel he is a solid and reliable QB who would help open up Matt Nagys’s offense as it was designed. USF student Chris Kelley gives his take: “They need to start looking at new QBs like Carson Wentz and definitely Derrick Carr.

February 26, 2021

I would like Deshaun Watson but he may be out of the price range. Carson Wentz is another candidate, since he is a professional that the Bears have been closely linked to.” The Philadelphia Eagles were reported to have asked for two first round picks for Wentz. Asking prices like that turn teams off right away, especially when you play as bad as Carson Wentz did last season. The Bears were rumored to have offered a first round pick of RB Tarik Cohen and QB Nick Foles to the Eagles in exchange for Carson Wentz and draft compensation. This would send Nick Foles back to Philadelphia with the team he won Super Bowl LII with. As a lifelong Bears fan and as someone who covers them on social media, I would probably cry in frustration if we traded those assets for Carson Wentz. Wentz has the potential to return to MVP level of play, which we saw from him in 2017. The problem is that Carson Wentz has not played anywhere close to that since. The Bears desperately need to solve their QB problem, which has plagued them since the departure of Sid Luckman in 1950. It is hard to determine whether the solution is Wentz, Carr, or Watson, since the choice ultimately comes down to a matter of opinion. The Bears can also be players in trading up on draft day to select a rookie QB. Regardless of the direction, change needs to happen. Chicago is a city that is beyond starving for a franchise QB, and I do not think that the fans can go on much longer.

Photo courtesy of The New York Post

In the midst of another mediocre season, the Bears find themselves back at square one. The team started the offseason by extending both Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace through the 2022 season. This decision split fans since some appreciate the work that both have done for the team. Regardless, the team has been subpar for the last two seasons.

USF SPORTS By: Eve Odum Staff Writer “We have all been deprived of the game we love,” said USF junior baseball player, Kevin Kardas. He is right. Athletes have been itching to get back on the field for almost a year and it has finally happened! At the start of February, multiple sports teams began competing with great precautions and rules in place.

Photo courtesy of Amy Polhemus

One of the most obvious precautions is wearing a mask. Track athletes are only allowed to take their mask off while running or competing in a field event. After the race ends, they are expected to put it back on. The same applies for bowling, since masks can only be off if they are on the approach to throw a shot. Another rule is that no spectators are allowed at any USF sporting event. Basketball, volleyball, soccer and football home games will be livestreamed at the University of St. Francis Fighting Saints Athletics YouTube account. Most away teams are also doing live coverage of the games. The lack of spectators and limited capacity impacts the energy in the room. The silence feels unnatural. In Illinois, track athletes who are not competing are required to stay in a team room outside the indoor track. Dance teams are taking an interesting approach to the season by being completely virtual and live streaming

update

competitions. Junior Alyia Cady says that the USF dance team watches other teams compete by tuning onto their school websites. Similarly, the cheerleading squad has a hybrid season with the regional competition being held in person at the end of February. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, they will be unable to attend their annual Florida competition. The softball and tennis teams have a bunch of games lined up starting at the end of February. Golfers are practicing hard but competitions do not start until the end of March. Despite seasons being different, teams are still looking forward to competing and have high hopes for the semester. The cross-country team’s national competition normally takes place in the fall but was pushed to April this year. A handful of men and women are likely to compete and do well. Track indoor nationals will be in March and medals are expected. The baseball team is ranked first in the conference and is working hard to try and get a spot in the NAIA World Series. “We are in good spirits for the most part. We all want to win,” said Kardas. Win we will! Go USF Saints!

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IN WITH

THE NEW

The Start of the Biden Presidency By: MaKenzie Munson Staff Writer

“Now we’re going to be tested. Are we going to step up, all of us? It’s time for boldness for there is so much to do. . . Will we master this rare and difficult hour? Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children?” Just about a month ago, the United States inaugurated Joseph Robinette Biden as the 46th president of the United States. He concluded his inaugural address with a call to action for every American to join him in working together to overcome the coronavirus pandemic, systemic racism, the growing climate crisis, and a slew of other life-changing issues currently affecting our country. After the ceremonial transfer of power, President Biden wasted no time and began passing executive orders at a rapid pace. On the day of inauguration, he signed nine orders, most of which focused on COVID-19 regulations and the reversal of former President Donald Trump’s orders. According to the Federal Register, Biden has published 30 executive orders as of February 10, 2021. These orders address immigration, COVID-19 relief and guidelines, civil rights and the climate crisis. The COVID-19 guidelines, specifically any of his previous social and economic policies. While Biden makes history with the sheer number of executive orders he has passed so far, his cabinet and advisors also stand to be the most diverse this country has ever witnessed. According to NPR, details of each of Biden’s administrative choices and whether they have been confirmed by the Senate were revealed to the public. Most notable of the picks were Pete Buttigieg, General Lloyd

September 21, 2020

Austin, Deb Haaland and Miguel Cardona. Buttigieg was confirmed by the Senate on February 2 and is the first openly LGBTQ person to receive a permanent cabinet position. General Lloyd Austin has also been confirmed and is the first Black Secretary of Defense. While Haaland and Cardona await Senate confirmation, they stand to be the first Native American person in a Cabinet role and the first Secretary of Education of Puerto Rican descent, respectively. There are plenty of other people within the Biden administration who represent the diversity he wishes to achieve, hoping to become a more representative microcosm of the United States. The divisiveness that came with last November’s election means that many students have their opinions about Biden’s presidency and his actions thus far. Despite the monumental measures passed during his first month in office, students on both the right and left still understand the importance of criticism in order to hold our elected officials responsible. Representatives from USF’s student political clubs, Saints for Progress and St. Francis Conservatives, offered their critiques regarding the Biden presidency. Diego Quevedo Carrasco, a leader of Saints for Progress, speaks highly of Biden’s decision to end American support for the Saudis in Yemen and his plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. However, he says that “with a Democratic Senate and House there should be way more ambition in [his] agenda.” He also criticizes Biden’s lack of accountability in regards to stimulus checks. Carrasco explains, “He claimed to support $2,000 checks after the $600 in December

The Start of the Biden Presidency

By: MaKenzie Munson Staff Writer

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of The Boston Globe, & The Atlantic

were already sent out and now believes that people should only receive $1,400 checks. He should deliver on his promise to get everyone $2,000 checks.” Clayton Yde, president of the St. Francis Conservatives, lauds Biden’s efforts to enhance national security via denying the migrant caravan entrance into the country during the pandemic. Similarly, regarding Covid vaccinations: “I’d like to compliment Joe on not making it a federal mandate to take the COVID-19 vaccine as it uses stem cell research and is against my faith.” However, Yde maintains some criticism of some

decisions already made by the Biden administration. Yde’s first criticism is in regards to abortion, stating that “taxpayer funding of abortions both at home and abroad, especially in scenarios where a culture prioritizes male children which leads to sex-selective abortions” was the first low point in Biden’s presidency. Yde also criticizes the decision to rejoin the WHO. “WHO, who played a large role in the spread of the pandemic by taking China’s word at face value,” Yde comments. While having a few successes in the first month of his presidency, Biden is not immune from the opinions of the right and left, just as he promised to be a “President for all citizens” upon his inauguration. His job over the next four years is to find a proper balance between appeasing both sides while making truth on the promises with which he so fervently campaigned. Only time will tell of the successes and failures associated with the Biden presidency. His inaugural address sparked hope in the hearts of many who felt unrepresented by former President Trump. Will he keep the promises he made? It is the duty of every American citizen to demand our elected officials uphold the oath they take upon swearing in and satisfy their constituents’ needs. Will Biden answer the questions he posed at the end of his inaugural address through action? Will he bring about the changes he campaigned so passionately for? Will American citizens receive the follow through they deserve? In his inaugural address, Biden remarks, “Will we meet our obligations and pass along a new and better world to our children? I believe we must. I’m sure you do as well. I believe we will.”

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Understanding

COVID-19

Vaccines

By: Lauren Wozniak Layout Designer

Currently, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), two vaccines are authorized and recommended for use. These vaccines are the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine. Both types are mRNA vaccines and are administered in two doses. An mRNA vaccine is a new development in the vaccine world. In the past, vaccines put a weakened or inactive virus into our bodies so that our cells could learn to fight it. This new technique injects mRNA into the body, which teaches cells how to make a certain protein or piece of protein. When the protein is made, our immune cells recognize it and are triggered to fight it. The antibodies that are produced from fighting a harmless protein make the body more immune to a virus once it enters the body. The immune cells will recognize the protein on the virus and fight it off as they did with the vaccine. In the case of the COVID-19 vaccines, the protein code being injected is being dubbed the “spike protein.” This protein is on the outside of the COVID-19 virus. This technique is better than the old way of doing vaccines because there is no risk of actually catching COVID-19 from the vaccine since there is no actual SARSCoV-2 virus in it. The vaccine will not be given out to just anyone all at once since the vaccine is still being produced. Instead, the vaccine will be given out in priority phases. As of February 11th, the Illinois Department of Public Health is distributing vaccines to Phase 1A and Phase 1B qualifiers. Phase 1A consists of healthcare employees and residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1B consists of individuals over the age of 65 and essential workers who cannot work from home and thus have a higher exposure risk to the virus.

February 26, 2021

USF Senior Caleb Campbell, a Sports Management major with a Recreation Therapy concentration, received his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine through his internship at the Hines Veteran Affairs Hospital. Talking about his experience getting the first dose, Campbell recalled that, “It felt like I got punched really hard in the arm for the first few days after my first dose. I’ve heard the second dose is when you will feel the most side effects.” The CDC states that common side effects include fever, chills, tiredness and headache, along with pain and swelling on the arm the shot was administered in. Campbell is excited to become fully vaccinated and explained his reasoning for getting the vaccine by saying, “I got the vaccine to protect my patients from getting COVID from me.”

Photo courtesy of statnews.com

Since March 2020, COVID-19 has taken over our lives. Schools and businesses shut down, stay-at-home orders were put into place, and masks were mandated. It can be hard to believe that this virus has affected almost an entire year of our lives. The world is finally seeing the beginning of the end of the pandemic as vaccines begin to be approved for distribution.

Local Local

Black-Owned Businesses Businesses

By: Lucy Erika Ann Magat Staff Writer February is Black History Month and here at the University of St. Francis, we celebrate the rich Black culture that surrounds us. We’ve decided to feature some local Black-owned businesses that we love in honor of Black History Month.

Cheesecake By James

Located in the heart of Downtown Joliet at 81 N Chicago St., Cheesecake by James was established in June 2020 and has quickly become a local favorite due to its rich and creamy cheesecakes, which are made fresh every day. Many USF students find themselves frequently visiting Cheesecake by James because it is in walking distance from the Saint Bonaventure campus. USF student Adesuwa Imafidon is a fan of this sweet spot. Imafidon states, “Cheesecake by James is an incredible small business in the Joliet area and the hospitality of the employees and the quality of the desserts are beyond impressive. I would highly recommend it to everyone.” As of right now, dine-in is not available but they are open for pre-orders and pick ups and can be reached at (815) 409-7339 or online at cheesecakesbyjames.com.

Louisiana Barbecue

Photos courtesy of facebook.com and popusgourmetpopcornil.com

Another local favorite is Louisiana Barbecue, which is located at 1220 Richards St. The restaurant opened in 2007 and is owned by Allan and Theresa Washington. Known for its delicious and savory wings, rib tips and beef briskets, it also offers affordable and freshly made smoked barbecue. They are open for lunch and dinner and are available for catering. They can be reached at 815-774-0131 or are available for online ordering through Grubhub.

Popus Gourmet Popcorn

If you are a huge popcorn fanatic like me, Popus Gourmet Popcorn is a must! With ten locations in nearby cities, they are one of the best businesses to purchase popcorn from. Their Joliet location is found at 2004 W. Jefferson St., located less than ten minutes away from USF’s main campus. They are open for pick up and walk-in ordering. They can be contacted through their website www.orderpopusgourmetpopcorn.com, or by phone at (815) 280-5133. For those who are unable to pick up their orders in-person, shipping is also available. Not only do they have a large selection of popcorn flavors, but they also serve root beer, candies, slushies, taffy and so much more. Joliet is filled with numerous small-local businesses that will surely indulge your cravings. Aside from the businesses discussed above, check out our website, encounter.stfrancis.edu, for some more of our favorite black-owned businesses!

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"I AM IN LOVE...

A photo essay by Beatriz Sindac

...with achieving my goals."

Vanessa McLean

freshman

Liam Bachmann Sophomore

February 26, 2021

...with playing my music for others."

...with science."

Michael Prendergast Sophomore

Jude Suriaga SENIOR

...with art."

Riley Harper

junior

...with creating music." usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE By: Clarissa Del Rio Staff Writer and Layout Designer America has had a long history of silencing, belittling and blatantly erasing the contributions and advancements of Black individuals in this country. Our nation intentionally stripped the identities, cultures, languages and histories of each person that was kidnapped and stolen from their land to build a country that gives nothing in return. The America we know and celebrate today would not be where it is without the innovation, persistence and exertion of Black people. The topic of race often makes people uncomfortable in America. We often like to lie to ourselves and say that racism and civil rights are things of the past, that “that time” was a dark and far away place that is no longer relevant to the present. This lie functions as a way to alleviate the guilt, shame and accountability we must confront. This marginalization and violence persists to this day and led to the rise of the biggest international civil rights movement of 2020. Now more than ever, it is crucial to support, include and celebrate our communities of color and their achievements. Despite every obstacle Black individuals face, they continue to innovate, make meaningful contributions and be inspirations.

something or creating an initiative to push our people forward. Black excellence isn’t a word to describe just one person but it’s used to describe a movement to me. It’s about breaking generational curses, feeding habits, and knowledge into the community that we once didn’t have access to.” Stephen also speaks on how Black excellence needs support here at USF. “As far as supporting and celebrating Black accomplishments at a predominately white institution, it’s important to not fall silent when major breakthroughs are made for the Black community even when the majority of students who may not be of color can’t relate. Showing genuine support for its Black student’s accomplishments should be normal. It is important to genuinely learn about ways to halt microaggressions within predominantly white institutions and to uplift the Black student the same way you would any other. It is not an aspiration to be treated differently but to be treated equally.”

Assistant Director of Residence Education Cedricka Carver shared her thoughts on what Black excellence means to her by stating, “... Black Excellence is such a complex and layered concept. It is being able to see, recognize and nurture the fullness of Black and brown people. It is the fundamental belief that in all our greatness, we must Looking from 2020 and beyond, there have been substantial allow our creativity, confidence, skill, talent, and authentic selves to achievements for the Black community in every area one can think shine in any space and on any platform. Black excellence is admiring of. In music, The Weeknd’s “record-shattering single” Blinding that so many things were invented, created and brought to life by Lights led to “breaking records for the most weeks spent in the top Black people. Black Excellence is the Obamas taking seats at the five and the top ten among all titles in the Billboard chart's 62-year White House and gracefully exiting at the end of their term. Black history,” according to Billboard. We also saw progress in the political excellence is Colin Kaepernick taking a knee against police brutality. landscape as Kamala Harris became the first woman of color to Black Excellence is Imelme Umana making history by becoming hold the position of Vice President. Black excellence was also seen the first Black president of Harvard Law School. Black Excellence in science, with the development of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is black women being named as the most educated women in the being led by the African-American female scientist, Dr. Kizzmekia United States. Black Excellence is acknowledging all the firsts- the Corbett. It is difficult to imagine how life would be without the ones who are still striving and the ones who are thriving amidst all contributions of people of color in America. the adversity.” USF senior Mikeya Stephen shared, “Black excellence to me means anyone within the African American community achieving

February 26, 2021

Carver also expressed how Black excellence carries with it a hefty responsibility. “Although Black excellence is all these things and

Photos courtesy of New Times, King Kong Magazine, & Time Magazine

“What some people do not realize is that Black excellence is deciding to continue to be and do our best in our everyday lives. It is deciding to go back into that workplace although we have been mistreated. It is deciding to continue to live and thrive despite the world wanting you to die... therefore, each day that a Black person decides to show themselves regardless of what obstacles come their way is a form of Black excellence. It is often seen but may be habitually overlooked. ”

more, it can also show its face as a heavyweight carried by many in the Black community. The weight to do more, be more and show more; the weight to always be conscious of actions, appearances and reputation; the weight to be the one to make our community, family and parents proud. At its core it is the love for the self even when the world tells us we are unlovable.” Carver also acknowledges that Black excellence is found in daily life, not just in spectacular displays of genius and innovation. She states, “What some people do not realize is that Black excellence is deciding to continue to be and do our best in our everyday lives. It is deciding to go back into that workplace although we have been mistreated. It is deciding to continue to live and thrive despite the world wanting you to die...therefore, each day that a Black person decides to show themselves regardless of what obstacles come their way is a form of Black excellence. It is often seen but may be habitually overlooked. ” As we strive to represent the beauty, contribution and power of the Black community, it is important to note that the notion of should not be used to apply pressure to Black individuals as a measure of their worthiness. In a society that has a history of silencing the Black community, the act of surviving against every obstacle deeply embedded in our system for over 400 years is, in itself, astounding. Against the odds that Black and Brown citizens are faced with, there is resilience and perseverance. To reiterate the wisdom of Miss Carver, “Being one’s true authentic self in a system that has actively made every effort to erase the identity and strip away the power of one’s entire race of people is indeed an act of rebellion and excellence in itself.”

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What Kamala Harris' Ascention Means to Women of Color

A Girl Like Me 32

By: Janelle Suriaga Editor-In-Chief “It is my honor to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your Vice President.” - Kamala Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States From the comfort of my living room, my eyes were glued to the nightly coverage of Inauguration Day. Earlier that day, Kamala Harris took the vice-presidential oath of office. She was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latina member of the Supreme Court; two historic women in a moment that people could have only dreamed about decades ago. “We not only dream, we do. We not only see what has been, we see what can be. We shoot for the moon and then we plant our flag on it. We are bold, fearless, and ambitious. We are undaunted in our belief that we shall overcome, that we will rise up,” Harris remarked in her first speech as Vice President. The ascension of Kamala Harris to the Vice President role is significant in so many ways. Harris is the first female Vice President of the United States, making her the highest ranking female official in the United States government. She is also the first person of color (POC) to occupy this position. Harris, the daughter of an Indian mother and a Jamaican father, now assumes a leadership role that was only occupied by white men. To most people, her rise to power is historic because nobody of her background and heritage has successfully climbed this high before. It is more personal for young women of color like myself. It is so rare to see elected officials who look like us or come from backgrounds similar to us. I was born in the Philippines but have lived in the United States for most of my life. I am an American but I grew up as an immigrant for most of my adolescence. In the past, there were times where I felt like an outsider in my own country and I know first-hand the barriers women of color face. Women of color face sexism and misogyny, not only in mainstream culture but also within our own ethnic communities. We are taught that our bodies are not for ourselves and that societal norms like marriage and motherhood are a necessity for our identity. Women of color also face racism. This can be in the form of hate-speech, microaggressions or predatory legislation. We are told from a young age that we will have to overcome more barriers than other people simply because of who we are. I say this to show how astounding it is that Kamala Harris got to where she is today. She had to overcome barriers placed by a society that has historically silenced the roles and contributions of women, Black people, Indigenous people and people of other minority communities. Despite those barriers, she became one of the most powerful women in the world. Many women of color can relate to Vice President Harris and for them, she is a symbol of hope. USF alum Maria Macias-Bedolla shares what Harris’ role as Vice President means to her. “For me, Vice President Kamala [Harris] is serving as a role model to so many women, especially women who are BIPOC. Many women can identify with her and her struggles, as well as her family dynamics. I also think that her

February 26, 2021

“It is my honor to be here, to stand on the shoulders of those who came before, to speak tonight as your Vice President.”

-Kamala Harris, 49th Vice President of the United States

Photos courtesy of People magazine and politico.com

intersectional identity as a Black, biracial woman from an immigrant family allows her empathy around issues that are important to me and so many others. Her achievements show the world that women are more than capable of stepping into these important leadership roles and that resonates with me.” The advancement of a woman of color to an important role in government also gives people hope that legislation will have the interests of minorities in mind. The events in 2020 centered around racial injustice and police brutality, so more people are looking to their elected officials to support reforms that help marginalized communities. With this in mind, supporting the ascension of Vice President Harris does not necessarily guarantee more reforms for people of color. During her tenure as California’s Attorney General, Harris described herself as “tough-on-crime” and opposed several bills that the Black caucus pushed for, including one that would have required police officers to wear body cameras, according to NPR. And according to the New York Times, Harris had largely avoided intervening in cases related to excessive force by the police, which was seen as a failure on her end to address the national issue of police shootings in the 2010s. During her first day on the presidential campaign trail in 2019, Harris explained that she acknowledged her mistakes by stating,“The bottom line is the buck stops with me, and I take full responsibility for what my office did.” Although I disagree with her actions during her time as California’s Attorney General, it does not take away from the significance of her ascension. Young women, especially those who are Black or South Asian, now know that becoming a Vice President is something that is achievable for them. In her victory speech as the Vice President-elect, Kamala Harris shared her hopes for more women in her office. “I’m thinking about [my mother] and about the generations of women – Black women, Asian, white, Latina, and Native American women throughout our nation’s history who have paved the way for this moment tonight. Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality, liberty, and justice for all, including the Black women, who are too often overlooked, but so often prove that they are the backbone of our democracy...But while I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

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We can all agree that education is an important concept for selfdevelopment and is a driving component of our economy. Our society thrives on people who pursue education for their jobs, whether those jobs stem from attending college, trade schools, the military or other forms of training. Getting an education is especially important for people pursuing the education field. I am in my third year of courses at USF where I study secondary education and English. I have been introduced to a plethora of teaching strategies and techniques that would take hours on end to describe. Each of these strategies has supported research to enhance student learning and help them along their educational journey. I have recently been taught about aligning learning targets and assessments to state standards and how to provide bridges from the classroom to students’ lives to increase motivation. Altogether, these skills are used in the field and have positive responses when it comes to creating a cultivating learning environment.

However, at the highest level of education, it is not required for professors to obtain an education degree. This, of course, does not discredit them for their rigorous studies in their fields because as a minimum requirement, professors need to have a master’s degree. However, most go on to get their Ph.D.’s, which can take years to complete, according to Teacher.org. Since I am still a student learning about these concepts, I do find it interesting that an education degree is not required for instructors who are teaching important concepts and strategies to people who are preparing to go into the workforce. As I poked around the internet, I came across an article written by a College of DuPage professor, Alexander H. Bolyanatz. His article is called “Please Don’t Call Me a ‘Teacher,” which immediately grabbed my attention. He described how the word ‘teacher’ has certain connotations that do not apply to professors. He states, “The state of Illinois does not view me as a teacher, since I have no formal training in fields like pedagogy and learning…I do read. I do read about grit and student success and the neuroscience of developing brains. But I am ill-equipped to consistently provide skilled interventions when students have difficulties with attention, comprehension, and reading deficiencies.” After reading his statement, I wondered if this is a problem in higher education. Is it a concern that professors are not trained like K-12 teachers, especially since they would be trained to help students who have attention and learning deficiencies? As college students, would our learning experience be enhanced if professors were required to have educational backgrounds? While pondering these thoughts, I decided to reach out to two of my fellow education peers to get their take on this topic. USF junior Eve Odum is studying elementary education with endorsements in special education and middle school English. While Eve has been in many education courses, she also has taken English courses, which are helping her receive her writing minor and a variety of general education courses. When I asked if this topic is a concern to her, she commented, “There is, for the most part, a very distinct difference between the education professors and other professors,

February 26, 2021

Photo courtesy of usnews.com

By: Sara Cahill Staff Writer

Professors and Education Degrees

which can be attributed to the education professors’ background in teaching. It becomes a concern to me when professors are not clear about learning targets and throw an overwhelming amount of information at us. In every one of my education courses, the learning targets for each day are posted or discussed at the beginning of class. This helps me focus my attention better on the information presented.” While considering her learning experience in college, Eve supported the idea of professors having training on research-based teaching strategies and being knowledgeable on student learning. She continued with, “Professors that do not have a background in education have a tendency to overload students with academic readings, busy-work and long lectures. It can be hard for students to pick out key information when this happens. I know for me, I have retained the most information from classes that involve more student participation whether that be from discussions, small group activities or higher-order thinking. Pairing lessons down to main ideas and utilizing formative assessments and closures could provide more takeaways for students. Assessments can help guide instruction because it shows if students are grasping concepts and if they are not, it highlights the areas that need to be reviewed again.” Along with Eve, I asked USF sophomore Sarah Deffenbaugh if she has any concerns about professors not having education degrees and if it has had an impact on her learning experience. She commented, “It is not a concern to me. I have learned so much from all of my classes, and I never felt as though I was ‘lacking’ or missing out because my professors do not have an education degree. Something that I have learned is that college is about self-driven learning. The professors’ main goal is to provide information to you and it is important for them to be proficient in the subject matter. It is up to us as students to take that information and apply it to our studies and understanding of a topic. If professors had training like k-12 teachers do, it might help them present it in a more understandable way, but I have never really struggled with professors who do not have an education degree.” With Eve and Sarah’s responses in mind, I realized that college grants students a chance to understand how they learn and their preferred ways of learning. In the grand scheme of things, I cannot say with certainty that there is a “correct” way to teach and learn. However, with having professors and students collaborating on goals to excel in a subject and learning from one another, the opportunities for personal growth and deepening understanding are endless.

"...I do find it interesting that an education degree is not required for instructors who are teaching important concepts and strategies..." usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

Stay You Because You're Worth It 36

February 26, 2021

By: Mary Mathieu Assistant Editor “New year, new me.” This mantra has been used throughout the centuries to encourage self-improvement at the start of each new year. Self-care is essential in maintaining mental and physical health, yet keeping New Year’s resolutions are extremely difficult. The common pattern is committing for a week or so and then breaking resolutions due to them being too challenging to maintain. We want to improve ourselves, yet are willing to give up after a few days. According to the New York Post, “80 percent of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions.” Is the mantra “New year, new me” worth repeating year after year knowing that New Year’s resolutions are often not kept? I will describe the pros and cons of using this phrase to aid in self-improvement at the start of each year.

since we always wish for new beginnings, especially after times of trial and hardship. We must take advantage of these chances to start anew.

On the other side of the argument, the mantra “New Year, new me” can be viewed as a statement that should never be repeated. As an individual who struggles with anxiety, hearing the statement “New year, new me” often provokes anxiety. Society often leads us to feel pressured to be someone completely different in the new year. We are often encouraged to change our diets, exercise more, and learn to be more outgoing and happier among many other improvements. However, we often fail to see what we really want. It is so easy to only do what is expected of us and let society guide our lives. Self-improvement is always important. The mantra “New year, Humans are only capable of changing so much and becoming a new me” does encourage self-improvement, so it must be a good better person is a lifelong process. It is not something that can occur thing, right? According to the Leadership Skills List, benefits of in a year’s time. We can make a lot of progress each year but there self-improvement include “increased self-awareness and confidence, is only so much room for improvement. Do not rush the process. future success and a healthier and happier you.” With each new year, Take the time you need to become the person you are meant to be! we dream of becoming a new and improved version of ourselves. But why do we so often fail to do so? As USF sophomore Sam To conclude, we so often feel the need to improve all areas of our Raspopovich states, “Some people take the new year to better lives but fail to do so due to the constant pressures we face each themselves while others use this saying but do not act upon it.” I day, especially at the start of each year. We need to become who would argue that wanting to be a new version of ourselves is the we want to become, not a new person. Rather than seeing the new reason we fail, since we need to remain true to who we are. We can year as an opportunity to change entirely, it must be embraced as focus on self-improvement, but we do not need to become a new a continuous opportunity to nurture the person we already are. As version of ourselves. Rather, we must come to love the person we USF senior Anna Nguyen believes, “It is important to remember currently are, flaws and all. We are all imperfect beings, so there is that you can make a change anytime throughout the year.” Rather no reason to become a new person. There is a reason, however, to than rushing the process, we must treasure each tiny step of growth. love the person you currently are, for you are wonderful just the way The person we are becoming can be molded and inspired by new you are. things throughout the entire year, not just at the beginning of each year. We do not need to become someone different to meet the On another note, we all strive to be happy, so development is a expectations and pressures that society demands. Discovering who must. If we remain stagnant, we often deprive ourselves of many we are is a process, and it is more than okay if it takes a longtime. wonderful opportunities in life. For example, if we are shy, we might As Alex DiRoma from Odyssey states, “You are in control of your miss out on meeting wonderful people. This does not mean that own self-improvement journey. No one else.” Take the time you we need to change who we are completely but we can challenge need to become the person you have always dreamed of being. Do ourselves to overcome our shyness by going outside of our comfort not rush your journey for others. You are doing just fine where you zone. In a way, this new year provides us with a new beginning. If are and will reach your goals with time. Do not feel the need to rush we recognize something that we do not like about ourselves, we the process. The person you are is beautiful and you do not need have the chance to start anew. With each new year comes a new to change for anyone. Your differences make you strong. You are canvas to paint. Rather than being stuck in one chapter, we can write worth fighting for each new year. Stay you because you are worth it! a new ending for our story. New Year’s is a blessing for this reason,

"Take the time you need to become the person you are meant to be!" usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

The Top Five Fashion Trends of January 2021

By: Paula Garcia Layout Designer

Most trends for spring 2021 are inspired by the late 80’s and early 90’s. The 90’s have definitely impacted fashion with its oversized coats and boyfriend fit jeans. These were a must-have in the 90’s generations closets and still are today. For 2021, fashion trends do not look too different from 2020. However, there is emphasis on some concepts due to the constant changes that 2020 has endured. For example, according to TheTrendSpotter, masks are the new must have accessory in wardrobes. In addition to the fashionable mask trend, here are five other fashion trends for 2021 that are must haves. 1. Oversized pieces These can include sweaters, tops, jeans, dresses and so much more. These pieces are always comfortable and are fashionable, so be sure to include them in your wardrobe! The baggy “boyfriend” jeans are a favorite. With these pants, your figure will stand out looking more attractive and fashionable. Another thing I love from this trend is that it is basic and flexible. You can wear your boyfriend jeans with a t-shirt when you just feel like wearing something chill or you can wear a blazer over them to make the look a bit more elegant. Another oversized piece you will need in your closet is the Shoulder Pad Boyfriend Jacket. This jacket will make you look smaller since it enhances your shoulders. It is also super comfortable, which is always a bonus! 2. Washed-out Pastels After quite a few years of wearing basic and neutral pieces, fashion has finally responded to the resurgence of minimalism. This palette of colors brings in calming and happy vibes into our wardrobes. Colors such as powder blue, bubble gum pink and light lemon yellow are all personal favorites. Be sure to include them in your wardrobe for a fashionable look! 3. Platform Sneakers This trend has been present for a while but it recently has become a favorite. Nike AirForce One was the most sold sneaker in 2020 due to their flexibility. These shoes go great with a variety of clothing styles and help women look a bit taller. Platform sneakers are also super comfy and provide great support, making them a must have for 2021. 4. Buttons up! This is another trend that has become popular these past few months. Wearing shirts with buttons can make a huge difference in your outfit. One can always layer buttoned pieces with other pieces like sweaters and crop tops. You cannot go wrong with this fashionable look!

This is not exactly a trend but it will help you style your clothes in a fashionable manner. According to Fashionisers, to get the ultimate look, one needs to find a harmonical combination of two colors. Be sure to use this method to ensure your stylish look!

February 26, 2021

Photos courtesy of Pintrest

5. Color Blocking

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ENCOUNTER

February 2021 - In with the New

Articles inside

The Top Five Fashion

Professors and

Celebrating Black

The Start of the Biden

USF Sports Update

Da Bear's QB Dilemma

The Bachelor Franchise

PS5 Review

Editorial Columns

WandaVision

Encounter News

The Rise of TikTok Songs

Letter from the Editor