Terror Tower

Valerie Reyes Editor-in-Chief valeriereyes@stfrancis.edu

Jessica Scroppo

Assistant Editor & Art Director jessicascroppo@stfrancis.edu

Saba Aamir

Layout Designer sabaaamir@stfrancis.edu

Sarah Vandermolen

Sports Editor sarahvandermolen @stfrancis.edu

Hannah Mitchell

Commentary Editor hannahmitchell@stfrancis.edu

Noëllie Inard

Entertainment Editor

Rory Richards Advertising roryrichards@stfrancis.edu

Dr. Scott Marshall Advisor smarshall@stfrancis.edu

Saba Aamir

Noëllie Inard

Harlie Mast

Alex Mielcarz

Hannah Mitchell

Mathias Woerner

Jessica Scroppo Noëllie Inard

Val Reyes

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 USFEncounter phone number is 815.740.3816.

As a member of USF Campus Media, the USF Encounter strives to produce a publication that stresses quality writingand design.By reporting on issues that may be sensitive in nature, the USF Encounter aims to educate, inform andpersuade students on topics that affect their lives on and off campus. Editorial pages provide USF Encounter staffwith opportunities to express thoughtful views on controversial topics. Letters to the Editor represent the opinion ofthe author and are not necessarily opinions of the USF Encounter Staff. Publications of letters to the editor are subjectto space availability and management discretion. Letters are also subject to editing. Letters to the editor or anyother submissions may be dropped off at the USF Encounter office or emailed to encounter@stfrancis.edu. The USFEncounter is printed by RICOH Services on the campus of the University of St. Francis.

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.

Sarah Vandermolen

Valerie Reyes

Saba Aamir

Hannah Mitchell

Jessica Scroppo

Noëllie Inard

Rory Richards

Letter From the Editor-in-Chief

Thank you for picking up the September edition of The USF Encounter “Tower Terror.” In this issue you will find stories so good that you’ll get goosebumps.

If you need last minute costume ideas, Saba’s got some DIYs for you. Looking for some horror stories to get you ready for Halloween? Sarah’s got your back with some scary book recommendations. The Encounter staff is excited for fall, and I hope this issue makes you just as excited.

This is the first semester that the USF Encounter has had a combination of both old and new staff. I’m grateful for the old staff doing an amazing job guiding, mentoring and working with our new writers and editors. It’s great seeing everyone come together to help one another in their different areas of expertise.

The staff is full of hardworking and dedicated individuals. We have lots to learn from oen another, and I can’t wait to see how much we grow as a team throughout the semester. After all, our collaborative effort is what makes our issues so special!

Again, thank you for picking up the “Tower Terrors” edition of the Encounter!

All the love, Val Reyes

CAMPUS

By: Encounter Staff

Alumni Artwork Displayed at USF Art Gallery Exhibition

The University of St. Francis (USF) Art Gallery in downtown Joliet opens its doors to the community, so that they come and see The Alumni Exhibition.

The USF Art Gallery will be open to the public every Tuesday through Thursday from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. The Last day of the exhibition will be on Thursday, September 29.

The artwork is not just from recent Alumni, as the exhibition holds artworks from alumni ranging from 1973 to 2021.

Visit the USF Art Gallery at 25 E. Van Buren Street in Joliet or go to www.stfrancis.edu/artgallery/ for more information

USF New Student Assistance Program

The University of St. Francis (USF) has a new Mental Health Services change this year.

USF partnered with Advocate Aurora’s University Student Assistance Program (Advocate Aurora USAP).

Advocate Aurora USAP is available to USF students who may need help with personal, relationship, or family issues.

Professional counselors can assist with academic motivation, stress, anxiety, worry and much more. You can also get assistance with financial consultations, legal consultations, childcare and elder care information and referrals.

They provide confidential and free assistance, to request counseling call 800-236-3231 or by submitting an online counseling request form.

Photo: www.stfrancis.edu

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The Princeton Review Ranks USF in 158 Best College By Region List

The University of St. Francis (USF) is ranked one of the 158 best colleges in the Midwest Section according to The Princeton Review’s 2023 Best Colleges: Region by Region website. This marks the fifteenth consecutive year USF has been named on this national listing.

The Princeton Review is arranged to five regional categories (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West and International) and recognizes 655 colleges and universities that the organization considers both academically outstanding and a valuable collegiate option.

According to Rob Franek, The Princeton Review’s Editor-in-Chief, the University of St. Francis was chosen primarily for its academics. The company considered data from the survey from its administrators at several hundred colleges in each region, information from staff visits to schools over the years and the opinions of college counselors and advisors.

Regarding the ranking, USF President, Arvid C. Johnson, stated, “USF is dedicated to preparing women and men to contribute to the world through service and leadership and continues to work together build

a Franciscan future in our second century as an institution of higher education. National recognition such as this – a fifteenth consecutive year of recognition by The Princeton Review – demonstrates the University of St. Francis’ longstanding and ongoing commitment to student success in terms of retention to graduation rates to in-field job placement.”

To learn more about The Princeton Review or to view the listing, please visit www.princetonreview.com/ bestMWcolleges.

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LOCAL

By: Encounter Staff

NWCSRA Program for Special Needs Athletes

The world is becoming a more diverse and open-minded place; especially in the world of sports. Athletes are not stereotypical jocks from high school anymore, today they come in all shapes and sizes.

Everyone can be welcomed into the sports world because of places like Northern Will County Special Recreation Association (NWCSRA), a local organization with partnerships with the Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Romeoville and Lockport Park Districts.

NWCSRA’s main goal is to get people with special needs to have a part in their community through various programs, most of them having to do with sports.

Although the games do appear to be friendly and fun, they are competitive. If athletes and/or teams place first in a competition, they will represent their community in the State Special Olympics. From there they have a chance to make it big and get their name in the shining lights, as it can be anyone's game.

Experience Beatlemania with The Fab Four

The Fab Four is coming to the Rialto Square Theatre on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, to perform “The Ultimate Beatles Tribute.”

The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four is a tribute act known for wowing audiences across the United States and worldwide for over two decades with its fantastic homage to the Beatles.

With uncanny and noteperfect live renditions of songs

such as "Hey Jude," "Twist and Shout," "Here Comes the Sun" and much more. The Fab Four presents a simply stunning portrayal of the Beatles.

Tickets are on sale now on the Rialto Square Theatre website. The prices for various sections are $52.50, $42.50 and $32.50.

For more information on The Fab Four, visit www. thefabfour.com.

Photo: Northen Will County Special Recreation Association

Photo: Rialto Square Theatre

Whirlpool Warehouse: The Biggest Sale in the Chicago Area

On September 6, 2022, the owner of a Whirlpool distribution center in Joliet sold its property, which, as of now, made the biggest sale of a Chicago-area industrial building this year.

According to www.chicagobusiness. com, the one-million-square-foot warehouse situated at 3851 Young Road in Channahon was sold for $104.4 million to Bank of America.

Whirlpool Corporation is a business providing services in the field of storage and moved into space in 2015. Whirlpool bought the building in 2018 for $71.5 million, showing an increase of almost 50% in the price. If today’s

prices are high, it is mostly due to a booming logistic market and the rise of e-commerce, according to www.rejournals.com.

The selling price of the warehouse has surpassed the $102.5 million sale in Channahon by Denver-based Ares Industrial Real Estate that happened a few months ago.

Based on research by Colliers, an investment management company, warehouse values have increased along with the decrease of the local vacancy rate which reached 4.58% in Q2, the tax quarter of the year that includes the months of April, May and June. Moreover, this price rise is also due to the rise in rents as

well as businesses that continue to invest in the market, according to www.chicagobusiness.com.

However, in the last couple of months, the market’s momentum has slowed down with rising inflation and supply chain issues. Despite COVID-19 impacting the world economy, the U.S market values have increased by 39% since the onset of COVID-19, as stated by www.chicagobusiness.com.

The sale of the warehouse property by Whirpool highlights the rise of prices in the real estate market but also shows the strength of the industrial real estate market over the past several years.

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Photo: www.twitter.com

Queen Elizabeth II Dies at Age 96

Queen Elizabeth II, the reigning Queen of the United Kingdom passed away on September 8, 2022 at the age of 96.

Queen Elizabeth II was officially laid to rest on Monday, September 19, 2022 in London. The Queen was laid to rest in the royal vault at Windsor Castle. Her service took place at St. George’s Chapel, where the Queen often worshiped.

According to www.washingtonpost. com, “More than 90 world leaders, representatives from dozens of royal families, and members of the House of Windsor. There were 2,000 guests were in attendance for the Queen’s funeral including United States President Joe Biden.

According to www.news.yahoo.com, “The queen’s coffin was draped with the royal standard — a flag that represents all nations in the U.K.: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Colorful wreaths were also placed on the coffin along with a goodbye note from the queen’s eldest son and heir, King Charles III.”

The Queen’s reign was not exclusive to Europe and the United Kingdom. Her influence affected both Americans and their overseas counterparts over the course of her 70 year and 214 day reign.

Queen Elizabeth II has been the longest-reigning British monarch, and second-longest-reigning monarch of all time, according to www.gq.com.

One of the longest-reigning leaders of the world was never supposed to rule at all. According to www.history.

com, Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle, King Edward VIII, abdicated the throne, giving it up because of his marriage to a divorcee.

Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne in 1953. Her father, King George VI, died on February 6, 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II was just 25 when she was crowned. According to www. news.vcu.edu, Queen Elizabeth’s coronation in 1953 was the first ever to be televised.

According to www.cfr.org, Queen Elizabeth II’s commonwealth, or the countries under the British monarchy, is made up of 150 million people across 14 countries and the UK.

However, Queen Elizabeth II’s powers, now King Charles’, were mostly symbolic. Elected parliament and prime ministers are all allocated to govern their appropriate countries under the Queen (and now King).

For the past 70 years, Queen Elizabeth has had to endure countless

By: Jessica Scroppo Assistant Editor

historical events—both momentous and tragic.

Since Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of England, the Polio vaccine was declared safe (1955), the birth control pill was approved for use in the U.S. (1960), Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated (1968), Apollo 11 landed on the moon (1969), AIDS was reported (1981), the 9/11 tragedy occurred in America (2001) and of course, COVID-19 took over the world (2020) according to www. abc11.com.

Pictured below: King Charles attends his mother, Queen Elizabeth II's, funeral service on Monday, September 20, 2022.

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Best Dressed Celebs

Best Dressed Celebs

By: Sarah Vandermolen Sports Editor

Once again, the time has come for us to spend weeks stressing over what to wear on the beloved holiday, Halloween. Some people buy their costumes months in advance while others buy them only moments before midnight.

Halloween costumes are one of the biggest statements a person can make. We spend days after October 31 looking at everyone’s costumes on social media, especially celebrities.

We can admit it, celebrities have the biggest advantage when it comes to Halloween costumes, and they know how to use it. These people spend tons of money on an outfit designated for only one night of the year, and a few of them are known for throwing an extravagant and annual bash.

I’m sure we all have our own opinions about who we think rules Halloween, but if you don’t, here’s a couple people to consider.

The certified queen of Halloween is none other than Miss Heidi Klum. According to www.worthly.com, “[Klum] hosts one of the most exclusive Halloween parties in Hollywood,” with guests walking away with outrageous goodie bags. Along with being one of three celebrities (Bette Midler and Kate Hudson being the other two) who host a party every year, Heidi Klum is extremely dedicated to her craft.

She spends hours every Halloween getting ready for the event and posting the process on her social media for all to see. Some of her past costumes include: an older version of herself, Fiona from the movie “Shrek” and Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

In terms of a celebrity couple that goes all out, Neil Patrick Harris and his

husband, David Burtka, know how to make Halloween costumes a true family affair. Every year, the family does a group costume and has no intention of holding back. They’ve dressed as almost anything you could think of: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” “Peter Pan,” “Star Wars,” “The Wizard of Oz,” classic horror movie characters and so much more.

Another contender is Beyonce Knowles and her array of costumes honoring other Greats in pop culture. Queen B likes to have the best of both worlds – a family costume and a chance for her to shine on her own. According to www.glamour.com, the Knowles-Carter family has dressed as “Coming to America,” Salt-N-Pepa” and Barbie, while her individual costumes range from Lil’ Kim to Toni Braxton.

Finally, you know I couldn’t end this list without including at least one of the Kardashian. In this case I chose the best, Kim Kardashian herself. The Kardashians are known for having several costumes for Halloween, and they have no shame in this fact. In my opinion, I believe Kim has the best Halloween costumes among the other member of the family. Her past costumes include: Catwoman, Cher, Selena, Jasmine from Disney’s “Aladdin,” Madonna, a mermaid and, trust me, the list goes on.

Since I know my opinions are so solid, I figured other University of St. Francis (USF) students would have their own celebrity that they believe dominates Halloween. After asking around, USF students believe that Harry Styles, The Weeknd, the Hadid sisters and Paris Hilton have some of the best costumes by far.

No matter who you think runs Halloween, I can be sure of one thing. When October 31 come, we’ll all be on Instagram liking our little hearts away.

Do It

By: Saba Aamir Layout Designer

YOURSELF

Did you get busy with college and now have Halloween creeping up? Well, here are some last-minute Halloween costumes ideas you can make with things you may already own!

Pumpkin Costume

Here’s what you’ll need:

An orange shirt or dress

Black and Green construction paper

Fabric Glue Scissors

To make the costume, start off with cutting pumpkin eyes and a mouth from the black construction paper. Then, with the green construction paper, cut out the stem for the pumpkin. Take an orange shirt or dress and using fabric glue, attach the eyes and mouth in the middle. Glue the stem around the collar of the shirt or dress and there you have it—a quick-and-easy pumpkin costume!

Ghost Costume

If you want simple, then this one is for you. Here’s what you’ll need:

A long white cloth

Scissors

Just take a white cloth and cut it, if you need to, to fit your height. Once you are satisfied with the length, cut two holes where your eyes will be, and you are done! Wear your costume and go out to spook your neighbors!

Halloween COSTUMES

Arthur Costume

Do you want to walk down the street on Halloween day in your Arthur costume? Here’s what you’ll need:

Yellow sweater

Collared dress shirt Blue Jeans Headband

Brown and light pink construction paper Glue

Here’s how to start. Get a brown construction paper and cut out ears in the same shape as Arthur’s. Now, do the same with pink construction paper but make it smaller so the pieces can be the inner ear. Then, take a headband and glue the ears to the headband. Next, put on some blue jeans and a white collared dress shirt with a yellow sweater on top. Put on your headband ears, and now you are ready to bring out your inner Arthur! Don’t worry, you won’t win the ugliest costume contest at school.

Mummy Costume

What? You want a simpler costume? I got you! Here’s what you’ll need:

White shirt and pants Toilet paper roll Fabric Glue

Put on a white shirt and pants. Grab a toilet paper roll and get rolling! You might need a friend to help you wrap yourself in the toilet paper roll. You can use a fabric glue to make sure everything stays put (and start praying that it doesn’t rain on Halloween).

Whatever you pick from these ideas, I hope the result comes out good. Have a Happy Halloween!

By: Elvia Cardenas Staff Writer

FALL FASHION

As the summer days drift away, the autumn season approaches with its cool breeze. Along with falling leaves comes fall clothing.

The dropping temperatures mean it's time to update your closet with the latest trends. This fall season, expect to see returning trends from the 90s and 00s with the Gen-Z twist of layers, bright colors and new modern details.

Thanks to shows like “Euphoria,” Gen-Z has found a way to take inspiration from the 90s and 00s by turning the dial to the max.

Fashion expert and Flannels head of womenswear elevation Emma Ilori, says, "Over-the-top, more-is-more, experimental wardrobes—pushing the boundaries of everyday dressing. We're ready to be out and be seen. Think fresh-off-therunway social media moments and head-turning full looks."

Gen-Z’s fashion is known to be aesthetically pleasing and well put together no matter the style. So, it's no surprise that collections like Valentino, Prada and Versace this season are showing bright colors that stand out compared to their Spring 2022 collections where more neutral colors mixed with eye-catching patterns were used.

This fall, the color green is the most used color as it takes 11% of current investment, followed by blue at 10% and pink at 7% according to Kayla Marci, the market analyst at Edited.

Pierpaolo Piccioli, the main designer of the Valentino Fall 2022 collection is the one responsible for all the use of pink. The use of pink from head to toe was to “subvert” the color’s cultural meaning confirmed by Picciloi.

In the collection, menswear is walked next to the womenswear, all in pink, of course, except for the few outfits

Photos: www.vogue.com, www.numero.com, www.prada.com

that were all black. Pierpaolo Piccioli will also be the reason we see the use of oversized or micro clothing for this fall.

Micro-mini skirts are one of the most popular items this season. Even though micro-mini skirts first appeared in spring, they are not going back anytime soon. For the risk takers out there in fashion, these skirts are most likely going to be solo with nothing underneath. To help prevent the cold, the skirts will most likely be seen paired with an oversized jacket, blazer or sweater depending on the event.

However, this season sheer tights, bright-colored leggings or high-knee socks can be paired with micro-mini skirts. Most of the outfits that you might see this fall will be monochrome, but to keep it interesting the use of different materials will be useful.

Pictures on www.vogue.com show Valentino collections using sequin, sheer, beads and other embellishments to create different patterns on clothes. The only catch is these details are all the same hue of pink. In the past, the use of this monochromatic trick was used with different hues of the same color to create a balance in the outfits 2016, according to www.vogue.com

Another must-have item is a leather jacket because of the heavy-duty material that can last you years. The leather jacket has appeared time and time again in the fall collections in different styles. This year, the classic motorcycle leather jackets are making a comeback. They make almost any outfit look put together or warm and comfortable.

The use of leather can also be found close to the ground with heavy chunky boots as the center of footwear. Like leather jackets, chunky boots have made a comeback since the 90s. No fall outfit can go wrong with a pair of these boots.

The flare that Gen-Z will bring to the new trends this fall season will be sure to turn heads and grab the attention of any room. This group has taken inspiration from the 90s and 00s and completely changed the original concepts that we once knew. They have put their own spin on trends with bright colors, layers and textures.

Fall Travel Guide

By: Valerie Reyes Editor-in-Chief

Fall is coming which means it’s not only time for chunky sweaters, bon-fires and pumpkin spice, but it is also the best time to book a vacation. Need some advice on where to go during fall break? No worries, here is a quick guide to give you a few ideas for your next trip.

The fall season is one of the best times to plan a vacation. According to www.lifehack.org, “The hype of vacations and holidays are over hence hotels, hostels, flights and everything else in between reaches an almost 35% drop in prices.” Not only will you be saving money on booking, but you’ll also have more money to spend during your trip. Another great thing is that you can experience your trip without having to worry about large crowds while enjoying the beautiful foliage, scenery and activities new places have to offer.

University of St. Francis Senior, Diana Ortega says, “I recently went to Madison, Wisconsin for the first time during the summer with my friends. Although I went in the summer, there are a lot of fun things you can still do in the fall. Every Saturday morning, they have a large farmers market on the Square which is right in front of WI State Capital. There are lots of beautiful places you can visit such as the Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Chazen Museum of Art and Madison's Museum of Contemporary Art.”

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors because of the brisk weather. You can enjoy the foliage by hiking in the mountains in Aspen, Colorado or Acadia, Maine. Take scenic drives through North Fork, Long Island or Woodstock, Vermont where you can go to a local orchard to pick apples or check out their local shops and restaurants. If you enjoy the fall and would rather have warm weather, visit Orlando, Florida to experience Disney World’s Mickey’s Halloween Party and Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit or interested in history, Salem, Massachusetts is the place for you: “…there are more than 1,000 events in the month of October and people from all around the world flock to the city in the fall to experience the spooky celebrations,” states . Salem is known for the witch trials of 1692, and you can experience what the witch trials were like by visiting the witch museums and going on historical tours. Salem is also known for going above and beyond to celebrate Halloween. Locals take Halloween costumes seriously, you can visit a psychic, go ghost hunting and even visit some of the “Hocus Pocus” filming locations!

Wherever it is you chose to go, I hope this provides you with a few ideas for your next trip. Take advantage of these low prices to book a trip for the upcoming fall— or, get ahead and book for next year.

Monsters, Ghosts and Cannibals, Oh My!

By: Sarah Vandermolen Sports Editor

As the leaves change color and the Starbucks drinks get warmer, autumn comes blowing in along with our favorite fall festivities: pumpkin carving, apple picking and horror story reading.

Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket, dim lighting and the scariest book you've ever read. If you're unsure what book you want to dive into for this season, fear not (yet)! I've gathered an assortment of horror books that will bring a chill to your spine.

A true classic that I believe everyone should read is "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley. On www.goodreads.com, this novel has 3.84 stars out of 5 stars. Like every good horror story, this book makes you jump at any sudden noise and question everything you've ever known.

Although this book isn't all that scary in the gory sense, it does serve as a great thriller and a perfect introduction to scarier stories. If you make it to the end, hopefully, you'll pick up on the deeper meaning embedded within the novel.

Another horror classic is "The Shining" by Stephen King (4.25 stars). Let's be honest, any novel by King serves as a horror classic, but this one is a universal favorite. The Shining has a little bit of everything: ghosts, psychic abilities and death (a whole lot of death). This one is sure to freak anyone out.

If you're not a reader, you can still enjoy this story by watching the film adaptation. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, "The Shining" is sure to leave you scared and confused.

If you're interested in reading something that you can eventually watch, another novel for you is "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson (3.83 stars). You've probably heard of the Netflix adaptation that shares the name of this novel because it's based on the book. Perhaps you've heard of the sister series, "The Haunting of Bly Manor," based on the novella "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James (3.40 stars).

Either way, whether you read them or watch them, I highly recommend both novels/series. They are both such amazing ghost stories with so much heart, you're sure to grow increasingly attached to the characters. However, don't come after me if you finish it in tears.

Now, let's get into the freaky side of horror stories. Lately, I've been noticing many… odd book recommendations on my TikTok feed. Almost all of them have to do with cannibalism. I know what you're thinking, but this has nothing to do with me and my analytics. There's been a lot of praise surrounding two books specifically, "Tender Is the Flesh" by Augustina Bazterrica (3.90 stars) and "Lapvona" by Ottessa Moshfegh (3.66 stars).

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Listen, I understand that this topic may be a little too horrific to read about, but I personally won't knock it until I try it. By that, I mean reading the novel, not indulging in human flesh.

Of course, if nonfiction is your fancy, true crime is the way to go. I know it can be a little creepy reading about how real people were kidnapped or murdered, but you can't deny that it sure is interesting.

University of St. Francis senior and VP of Sustainability, Lexi recommends "Mindhunter" by former FBI agent John Douglas (4.07 stars), stating:

Douglas documents his time interviewing countless killers and becoming a criminal profiler in his book "Mindhunter." It's fascinating to see how he analyzes crime scenes and everyday life to pinpoint behavioral patterns that lead back to the culprit that an untrained mind would never pick up on.

He also touches base on how most killers are masters of manipulation and analysis and how those key traits are also skills he has honed to perfection. He just utilizes them differently, which goes to show how anyone can possess the ability to be a killer. That is why, most of the time, the killer is not someone we would initially suspect.

Overall, this book is a must-read for any true crime fanatic (or if reading isn't your thing, give the TV show a chance)! I would warn potential readers that it is quite graphic at times because Douglas is a man of details.

When I think of a good horror story, I want something that will make me afraid of the dark and have me sleeping with a weapon under my pillow. If that's not for you, maybe pick up a true classic – any of the "Goosebumps" books.

Happy reading!

By: Noëllie Inard Entertainment Editor

Everyone knows that Halloween is full of superstitions. Between ghosts, witches, black cats, vampires (the scary one, not Edward Cullen and his glitter) and Bloody Mary, it is hard to know exactly where many myths and superstitions came from. However, we can always speculate about their roots.

Let’s start with a legend we often see in movies. You know, the scenes where a group plays truth or dare, and the dumb one bullies the shy one into going in the bathroom to look in the mirror and call Bloody Mary. Maybe we all haven’t watched the same movie, but most people know of Bloody Mary either way. According to www.grudge.com, the Bloody Mary legend came from Mary I, the surviving child of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aaron. She hated Protestants, as they were the ones responsible for her cousin being on the throne before her. So, during Mary I’s ruling from 1553 to 1558, she executed 300 protestants in just five years and earned the nickname “Bloody Mary.”

The next one on the list is the Black Cat. This myth is not only a Halloween superstition but also a sign of bad luck in many cultures. However, in some cultures, a black cat is also a sign of good luck. It seems that black cats have a lot on their shoulder.

Though it is uncertain why cultures fear or praise black cats, here is a potential story for why some believe black cats bring bad luck. According to www.cricketmedia.com superstition comes from England, where black cats were associated with witches. Based on the legend, in the mid16th century, a father and his son were walking on the road when they saw a black cat and threw rocks at it.

The injured cat ran to the home of a lady who was subject to rumors saying she was a witch. The next day, the father and the son saw the lady/witch walking with a limp, so it made sense that the witch could transform herself into a cat. Today, black cats are still associated with witches, and according to www.cricketmedia.com, were even banned from some colonies in Massachusetts.

Finally, even if it is not a legend but more a symbol, let’s discuss why ravens are associated with death. For our Vampire Diaries viewers, we all know how ravens dramatically appear in the first season every time the bad vampire appears. The myth again originated in England when at the time, there was no refrigeration and no efficient way to get rid of rotten meat. Because of this, people were giving it to ravens. According to www.cricketmedia.com, it was even illegal to kill ravens because of how useful they were.

However, the number of ravens increased when diseases were spreading and killing people. So, as we saw earlier, people were extremely good at drawing conclusions and thought ravens were bringing death upon them. Some European cultures saw ravens as the ghosts of the lost soul that weren’t buried properly. In Ancient Greece, they were seen as the messenger for the God Apollo.

Whether you believe in myths, legends, superstitions or original stories, it is always interesting to hear about ancient

interesting part is that what happened hundreds of years ago

Spooky Politics

Fall is time for all things spooky: ghosts, goblins and vampires. Have you ever considered adding Donald Trump and Joe Biden to that list? In today’s climate, politics are as scary as it gets. If you’re a republican or a democrat, you’re bound to get spooked at every news story or press conference released. Let’s touch on a few noteworthy thoughts that have sent chills up my spine in the past few months.

Donald Trump

Did Donnie see a ghost in his Mar-a-Lago mansion? No, it was just the FBI searching for classified presidential documents. I don’t know about you, but it’s scary when White House records reach Florida in any capacity. I guess confidentiality is a thing of the past.

In my opinion, presidents should not be able to do whatever they want, whenever they want. I know our politicians get used to calling the shots, but when is it ever enough?

At the beginning of this year, Donald Trump turned the Capitol into a haunted house with politically passionate citizens dressing in their best costumes to prove… I don’t even know what. According to www.nbcchicago.com, 32 people from Illinois have been charged with the January 6 attack. Was the election rigged? No, depending on your beliefs. Should you storm a government building in response? Yes, depending on your beliefs.

Joe Biden

By: Jessica Scroppo Assistant Editor

Boo! No, Joe Biden is not wearing a “Scream” mask. He is 79 years old. According to www.investopedia.com, “Joseph Biden has been a fixture in U.S. national politics since 1973.” Joe has seemingly brought us into a calmer state of politics through his experience—he uses Twitter responsibly, after all. However, it is a scary thought to think that someone born before World War II ended is president.

Indeed, there are plenty of well-educated, enthusiastic politicians vying to be president. In fact, I know most of the world is becoming educated with the amount of student debt accumulated. Yes, many are thankful for a $10,000 handout promised by a recently proposed student loan forgiveness program. We did it, Joe! Not. $10,000 does not solve the underlying problems that got students all over the United States into debt in the first place. The horror lives past Halloween for those looking at 6 figures of debt to pay back to their loan sharks.

These are just a few thoughts on major political figures and the many dramatic, questionable stories plaguing news outlets. Horror films can’t hold a candle to the events unfolding at the hands of our politicians, both locally and nationally. I’m sure you can think of a few political ideas that have made you flinch in the past year.

Young adults like you and I shouldn’t have to fall for the “trick” to get a “treat.” Stay informed and learn about politics beyond our presidents’ promises and seemingly extremist

By: Noëllie Inard Entertainment Editor

Photos: www.thesun.co.uk, www.wondermondo.com

Halloween Around World

Photos: www.geo.tv

Before people start going crazy over Christmas decorations and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas," the leaves begin to change color, the air becomes cooler and the Halloween festivities begin. As a country, America has many traditions when it comes to Halloween, from decorations to Trick-or-Treating. Don’t forget the costumes and the parties for college students. However, some people might not know the history beyond those Halloween celebrations.

The etymology of the word Halloween comes from "All Hallows Eve." It was a time during the year to remember the dead on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallow's Day. According to www.britannica.com, it is a Christian solemnity to celebrate all the Saints, whether known or unknown.

Halloween came to America when England colonized North America and imposed their religion and traditions on Indigenous Americans. As of today, attending church services on October 31 and lighting candles on the graves of the dead is still an active part of Indigenous Americans’ traditions. However, for most, Halloween is a more modern tradition without religious involvement.

Even though Halloween is known all over the world, every country has a different story about how Halloween came about and which traditions developed. Internationally speaking, the most popular ways to celebrate Halloween are the American way and the celebration of Día de Los Muertos, mainly because Disney decided to make an animated fantasy film about the holiday.

In the Philippines, families honor their dead during a holiday called Pangangaluluwa, celebrated on October 31. The tradition is that until November 2, people spend most of their time in cemeteries to commemorate the dead and spend time with the living. Additionally, like children in America, children in the Philippines wear costumes to go door-to-door; however, they do not ask for candy but for prayers for all the souls stuck in Purgatory, says www.spirithalloween.com. In Ireland and Japan, Halloween is tied to festivals and parades. Everyone wears costumes and has a good time, whereas, in South Korea or China, Halloween is not deeply rooted in people's lives as it tends to be in America.

Jerryl Varughese, a University of St. Francis (USF) international student from India, says “Halloween wasn't an actual thing in Indian culture, which makes sense when we know that Halloween is rooted in Christianism and is not one of the three primary religions of India. We do celebrate on October 31 and have little things going on, but it is more something that happens within our generation rather than India in general.”

For more perspective on Halloween around the world, I asked USF student Saba Aamir, who's originally from Pakistan, if Halloween is popular there. Saba told me that it isn't, which makes sense since, just like in India, Christianism is not the major religion in Pakistan. Saba also stated, "I never went to a Halloween party, wore a costume or went trick or treating in Pakistan. I don't think kids do that. People may just wear costumes but since it’s a Christian tradition, we don't celebrate it.” After she told me that, I was curious to know what her first American Halloween experience was like. "It was really fun and new! I dressed up in a Halloween costume and went trick-or-treating with my neighborhood friend," she responded, "Though it was my first and last trick or treating, I enjoyed it."

From my own experience in France, Halloween is not that big of a deal. I did wear a vampire costume and went trick-ortreating once, but it was never about the religious aspect. It was more like a fun thing to do on October 31, even though Halloween has never been as big of a celebration as it is in America. When I first came here, I was surprised by how seriously people take Halloween. They decorate their houses, buy costumes and many children are in the street going from door-to-door.

So, it seems that even though some countries have traditions that have stayed present for Halloween, it is safe to say that Halloween, like Christmas, has lost its sense of traditions and history. Most people don't know where Halloween comes from; I sure didn't know it before writing this article. Halloween is now widely celebrated as the night where people dress up in costumes, children go door-to-door trick or treating, chocolate and candy are eaten and teenagers dress up for the parties. Even in countries with no ties to Christianism, where Halloween comes from, October 31 is now celebrated with no regard to tradition. Just like Christmas has lost its religious component among capitalism and family traditions, Halloween is now tied to candy and horror movies.

Photos: www.iStock.com, www.starbucks.com

Fall Flavor Test: Coffee Edition

By: Hannah Mitchell Commentary Editor

The first day of fall may be September 22, but fall seems to begin as soon as the large coffee chains launch their seasonal flavors. In the past two weeks, I've had some time to try these drinks, and I'm here to give you the best recommendations to treat your taste buds this season. Whether you need a stronger sip or have a super sweet tooth, I have a drink for you to try!

When it comes to fall, drinks are what excite people. Who doesn't like a new variety of drinks to try on their everyday coffee runs? I’m going to give you my take on some of the fall feature favorites from Starbucks and Dunkin’.

First up, let's discuss the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks. This seems to be a fan favorite that coffee lovers look forward to. I would say this drink closely competes with the Pumpkin Spice Latte. The base is your average cold brew but sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with the key ingredient… pumpkin cream cold foam. This stuff is the most perfect addition to any coffee. It's sweet and has a fluffy texture while being dusted with pumpkin spice topping. It falls into the cold brew to adds the right amount of sweetness without being overbearing.

I asked University of St. Francis junior, Cheridan Matan, how she liked the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. She said, “The first sip of pumpkin spice this season tasted as if I was a kid again, jumping in a big pile of crisp, fall leaves.” If that statement doesn't make you want to try this drink, I don't know what will. If you need a basic but somewhat festive option look no further than the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. This drink receives an 8/10 for me due to its ideal balance of flavors.

Next up is a brand-new option from Dunkin.’ The Nutty Pumpkin iced coffee made its way to stardom when people all over TikTok raved about it. The Nutty Pumpkin combines flavors of creamy pumpkin with nutty hazelnut. If you have a sweet tooth but want something relatively

simple and cheaper than Starbucks, the Nutty Pumpkin iced coffee is a really good choice for you. This drink would receive a 6.5/10 from me because of the way the ice changes its flavor once melted into the coffee–just make sure to drink it up before it’s watered down.

Looking for a dairy-free alternative to sip on?! This year, Starbucks relaunched their Apple Crisp Macchiato made

Our Favorite

Name: Valerie Reyes

Age: 8 years old

"Here I am as Minnie Mouse back in 2008. My favorite thing about this costume is my yellow heels and make-up.

I hit that pose and slayed halloween that year."

Name: Jessica Scroppo

Age: 1 month 21 days

"This is my first Halloween costume. I was my mom's little pumpkin... LOL. From a young age, I have always loved Halloween. My brother's birthday is October 29, so my family always had back to back celebrations at the end of October.

BTW: I wonder if those Beanie Babies are worth something now."

Name: Sarah Vandermolen

Age: 3 years old

"For Halloween in 2005, I dressed as Odette from Barbie of Swan Lake. I was absolutely obsessed with this movie as a kid, and this dress was everything!!

I spent the whole night pretending that I was a ballerina. I can assure you that I wasn't any good and probably fell over a handful of times."

Costumes

Name: Noëllie Inard Age: 4 years old

The USF Encounter took to their family photo albums to find their favorite costumes from their childhood.

Name: Hannah Mitchell Age: 1 year old

"My mom was inspired by Anne Geddes, an Australian photographer that would catch photos of babies in bug costumes. She had me put on this Halloween costume and took me over to get some photos!"

"This is me as the princess in Beauty and the Beast. My aunt was the one who bought me this costume for the carnival at school.

Be glad that my mom couldn't find any picture of me in the chicken costume that my childhood babysitter made for me."

Name: Saba Aamir Age: 3 months

"We do not celebrate Halloween in Pakistan. However, this is picture of me when my mom dressed me up as a Princess!

There is no crown because my bald-head couldn't hold it."

By: Valerie Reyes Editor-in-Chief

How to ActiveStay in Fall

As the weather becomes cooler and the sun begins to set earlier, you might find yourself having less motivation. Having little to no “get up and go” during these upcoming fall months is normal, especially as students who take multiple classes, work, play sports and try to simply take care of ourselves—all at the same time! Using the cold months during the last part of the year to binge a TV show or do absolutely nothing can be tempting, but here are a few ways you can stay active and motivated.

Get out and enjoy the brisk weather and colorful trees by signing up for a local fall themed 5k race. If that isn’t your thing, you can try going on quick walks or even bike rides. If it gets too cool for outdoor activities, you can improve your fitness by signing up for a gym membership, following a fall fitness challenge or even trying at home workouts on YouTube. If you need more motivation, find a partner to do these activities with and push each other to do your best. Someone keeping you company can definitely make exercise feel like less of a chore!

However, just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. According to www.verywellmind.com, “The weather may also present some mental health benefits. The cooler temperatures and spectacular foliage encourage us to spend time in nature, which has been connected with improvements in our happiness, wellbeing, relationships, and sense of having a life purpose.” It may be worthwhile to layer up and spend a few hours out in the leaves!

Beyond exercise, fall is full of activities. It’s the perfect time to make plans with friends, family, a significant other or to try some things alone. Plan outings to visit a local pumpkin patch, go apple picking or try out a haunted house (even if they seem overrated).

For the homebodies, clear your mind by picking up a new hobby such as reading, journaling, baking or anything else you might find interesting. Do some yard work, and, while you’re at it, you can decorate for Halloween. Start the new season fresh by doing some fall cleaning and decluttering, such as replacing your summer wardrobe with your fall wardrobe or rearranging your room. Making your surroundings comfortable and cozy may help improve your mood.

Fall is also a great time to begin reflecting on the past year and start thinking ahead towards new goals. According to www.cuesta.edu, “Goals provide the direction you need to reach your destination, the motivation to sustain you on your trip, and a way to measure your progress.” Setting your goals now will give you the motivation to work hard for what you want in the future. This is a great way to begin making positive changes for yourself, and it doesn’t have to start with the new year.

During the fall and winter months, it is okay to take it one day at a time and rest as much as you need. Being active can help improve both your mind and body in addition to much needed rest. Finding things that will keep you moving and motivated can be beneficial in the long run –don’t “fall” into the habit of doing nothing!

USF HOMECOMING

By: Mathias Woerner Staff Writer

It just wouldn’t be a full homecoming experience at the University of St. Francis (USF) without a football game at Joliet Memorial Stadium. For the final non-conference game on the 2022 slate, the Saints will be hosting Siena Heights University (SHU) on Saturday, September 24.

The Saints from Michigan will be in for a tough time at Busey Bank Field when they take on the reigning MSFA Midwest League co-champions on their home turf. Coming off a 2021 campaign where the USF Saints earned a share of the league title, it will be hard to put on an encore, but with 17 returning starters they have as good a shot as anyone in the CCAC.

Buoyed by the homecoming faithful, Joe Curry’s troops will look to rebound from last year’s defeat against the Saints up north and send SHU back to Michigan with a defeat. In what was a low scoring, close matchup last year, SHU prevailed 13-8. The Fighting Saints will look to leave that bad taste in the rear-view mirror for this year’s homecoming treat to the USF community.

To support your Saints, go to Joliet Memorial Stadium, south of Jefferson St. and past 129th St. to witness Saints v. Saints. There will be plenty of time for additional homecoming festivities on Saturday evening after the 1 PM kickoff start at Busey Bank Field.

Following this game, the USF Saints will turn their focus to the conference schedule in the packed CCAC, as they continue their journey towards defending the conference crown.

At the inception of the 2022 season, the USF Fighting Saints were ranked 25th in the nation among NAIA institutions. The Sienna Heights University Saints follow not far behind in the polls, leading most to believe that the 9/24 clash will be a great contest to watch.

The Encounter encourages you to show your support for your Fighting Saints this homecoming!