It's Time to Speak Out

September 27, 2021

IT'S IT'S TIME TIME TO TO SPEAK SPEAK OUT OUT

Editorial Board Mary Mathieu Editor-in-Chief marymathieu@stfrancis.edu

Student led, student written

UNIVERSITY

4 Letter from the Editor

NEWS 6-10 Encounter News

ENTERTAINMENT 12-15 Sports 16-18 Music 17 WCSF Music & Staff Picks 19 Movies

FEATURE 22-23 Jesus Is Not Plan B 24 Slut Shaming 26-27 Colleges, Take Action on Sexual Assault 28-29 Too Much Pressure: College Students As Adults 30 Literary Censorship: The Problem 31 Slowing Down Fast Fashion

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Sarah Vandermolen Assitant Editor sarahvandermolen@stfrancis.edu Paula Garcia Layout Designer paulagarcia@stfrancis.edu Jessica Scroppo Layout Designer jessicascroppo@stfrancis.edu Deonte Bryant Entertainment Editor deontebryant@stfrancis.edu John Respante Entertainment Editor johnraspante@stfrancis.edu Dallas Matlock Sports Editor dallasmatlock@stfrancis.edu Shayna Griffith PR Specialist shaynagriffith@stfrancis.edu Dr. Scott Marshall Advisor smarshall@stfrancis.edu

Staff Allison Heard Amanda Dutkiewicz Brady Jones Collin Gilmere Cosme Lozano Emily Eagen Eve Odum Harlie Mast Kathryn Drey Lucy Erika Ann Magat Matt Lauterbach Rebecca Giese Sara Cahill Sister Gayle Rusbasan Starla Farmer

EDITORS Mary Mathieu Sarah Vandermolen

Paula Garcia Jessica Scroppo

John Raspante Dallas Matlock

Not Pictured: Deonte Bryant Shayna Griffith

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. The USF Encounter 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.

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Letter From the Editor-in-Chief Dear Reader, It is time to speak out now and forever.

As we start this new school year, let us always speak out about the things that are important to us. Our voices matter just as we matter. Speak out and be the difference this world needs starting today!

For those of you who do not already know me, I am Mary Mathieu, the new Editor-In-Chief of The Encounter. I am a Junior here at USF studying English, Psychology and Theology. This information portrays me as a somewhat normal individual but the reality is that I am far from normal. I like to think that the most special thing about me is that writing is my voice. In other words, it is the only way one can truly get to know me as an individual. If you have ever had a conversation with me in person, you know how socially awkward I can be. Words never find their way to me when I am communicating verbally but when I am writing they come so easily. I can voice anything and everything I want to say if I have my pen and paper but without them I am left stumbling for words. Without words, my voice is silenced completely. I hate when this happens but it still happens, nonetheless.

I recognize that this is both a strength and a weakness because although this makes me unique, verbal communication is an essential life skill to have. The reality is that I did once have a verbal voice but after enduring abuse and neglect throughout my childhood and teen years, I learned to be silent because silence meant survival. I was raised to believe that my voice did not matter and would never matter to anyone. Even when I would find the courage to speak out on those rare occasions, my voice would only be further silenced through invalidation. After constant invalidation and silencing, I forgot how to speak. It is difficult to not have a voice in this world.

As an individual who battles a severe anxiety disorder, I constantly need to analyze everything. I stay quiet because I am afraid of upsetting someone. When I was younger, anything I said would set off a “bomb” and all hell would break loose. It seemed like no matter how hard I tried to use my voice for good, it just was not enough. I never want anyone to feel like this because our voice is the most powerful tool we have to make a difference in this world. We must never let our voices be silenced again.

Choose to speak out because your voice matters. You are the difference this world needs so always use your voice for good!

My goal as Editor-In-Chief is to provide a safe place for everyone to use their voices for good. Starting today, our voices will no longer be silenced, both as writers and as human beings. We bring you the "It’s Time To Speak Out" edition of The Encounter to remind you that your voice matters. We hope you join us in speaking out today and every day!

With love,

Mary Mathieu 44

September 27, 2021

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Everything First Gen

By: Allison Heard Staff Writer

At USF, we use the term to capture our excitement about First-Generation college students. Honestly, when I went to college, I do not remember the term ever being used. I did not realize, until well into my adult years, that I was a firstgeneration college student. There are two federal definitions frequently used. The University of St. Francis uses the definition to reference those college students who do not have a parent or legacy before them that has ever graduated with a four-year college or university degree. Indeed, neither of my parents had ever attended any college or university.

Now, here we are today at USF. I want you to meet Elvia Cardenas. She is bright, unassuming, shy and quiet. A little-known secret about her is that she has one of the BEST laughs. If she really gets into what you are saying, she will unintentionally snort at the end of that laugh. Everything about her SCREAMS first-generation and everything about her is beautiful. However, that is the interesting thing— she does not scream at all. She is polite and kind. She is a microcosm of all that is wonderful at USF. Everything that our world should be screaming about, but we are not. We are so busy and so enveloped in our daily routines that we often do not understand where these gems exist on our campus. I am inclined to say that we are all gems, in our own special way. Indulge me a bit.

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Elvia is from Joliet, Illinois. Her parents are immigrants from Guerrero, Mexico where they met shortly after her mom’s quinceanera. This celebration has cultural roots in Mexico and is widely celebrated by girls throughout Latin America as a special way that girls celebrate their fifteen birthdays. Elvia’s parents worked both inside and outside the household to make ends meet for their family. Like my parents, they did not forego college because they wanted to. Instead, they did not have the access and opportunity to do so. This is the story of many of our Joliet and USF families.

Elvia graduated in May 2020 from Joliet West High School.

Everything about her last semester of high school could be firstgen and unprecedented in itself. She did not have the senior prom that she always dreamed about, nor did she have a formal high school graduation ceremony.

She could not finish learning how to drive a car so that she could get her license. Elvia was the first child in her traditional Mexican family to graduate from high school in a COVID pandemic and she was the first to attend college in this unprecedented reality. Forget learning the first-gen language like how can I add a class or what does it mean to withdraw from a class. She had to learn how to Zoom in a college environment when she did not fully understand what college was about anyway. Elvia was also the first in her family to be supported by organizations like the Giving Back Foundation.

She was invited to apply for a scholarship. It was a long and competitive process but she made it through. Elvia saw college as an opportunity for freedom. She saw a horizon, untouched land, exploration and adventure. When I asked her about her major, she said she started as Undecided. She did not know exactly what she wanted to do. Her shoulders seemed to slouch

Photo courtesy of Allison Heard & istockphoto

Sometimes we bounce the word first-generation around as if it is a ball to be thrown and whisked about in the air. It often rolls off our tongues like night and day. However, there is something powerful and magical about the reference. If you do not believe me, just ask any person who has ever described anything about their existence in this way.

down as she was telling me but I told her “I get it!” Our country often expects our students to have their “shiza” together before they even understand what they are doing. This is a new experience for first-gen students! Are we making firstgen students plan their life out decades ahead and then lower their self-esteem when they do not live up to our standards?

It sure feels that way.

Elvia decided to join the USF Radio Club. She got interested in the station and found a wonderful niche of people who she grew to trust. She created a two-hour segment about K-pop. Her show is called The Lightstick Ocean Crew.

There is an entire theme behind the show and I was impressed listening to its history. After working on her show, Elvia was approached about a part-time job as a Musical Director by Anthony Musiala and she jumped at the chance. Being a part of this radio family has encouraged Elvia to think more about her major which has landed her on the path of Communications and Media Arts.

Being the first in her family to attend college is not the only thing that is first-gen about Elvia. She is a first-generation proud Mexican-American mujer. She just got her driver’s license right before coming to college at USF (online, of course). She recently set up her first-ever bank account. She learned how to use a debit card for the first time. She learned about responsibility, school, homework, managing free time, prioritizing projects etc. Elvia also said she learned how to say “No.” There is power in the word “No,” she told me.

When I asked Elvia what is special for her about USF, she spoke about her Catholic roots. In her family, some of the most important days are Sabado de Gloria, Easter, Christmas and Dia de la Virgin. If you wonder which Dia, please reflect upon la Virgin Guadalupe and the focus on faith. Faith is important to Elvia and I would venture to say it is important for most first-gen families. First-gen students often do not know what lies ahead and they have to be brave and step out on faith. Sometimes all it takes is the faith and encouragement of others who make you feel like you can do it!

If you want to hear more, I encourage you to follow Elvia’s show on WCSF Radio on Fridays from 6 to 8 pm. You can also find her sitting on the USF Quad, right behind the Grotto in one of her favorite spots. When asked why this is her favorite space, she said the area has the perfect blend of sunlight, breeze, trees and foliage. The perfect recipe, I would argue, for hope and faith.

Elvia Cardenas, we salute you and our other USF First-Gen students and families!

Written by: Allison Heard, Director of Institutional Diversity and Title IX Coordinator. If you have comments or want to be featured in upcoming corners relating to, Everything FirstGen, please reach out by email to aheard@stfrancis.edu.

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By: Mary Mathieu Editor-In-Chief After 100 years of serving community members, USF has a rich and admirable history. According to https://www.stfrancis.edu/centennial/, it all began in 1920 with the Franciscan sisters working hard to establish what would one day be our very own University of St. Francis. Without its history, USF would simply not be what it is today—an amazing home where one USF family thrives together. It is incredible to see how far we have come over the course of 100 years. We can only imagine where life will take our USF Family in the next 100 years. Here is to all good things!

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

To honor how far we have come, USF will be hosting a Time Capsule Burial Ceremony that represents our university’s history over the last 100 years. This event will take place on October 2 at 4:30 pm during our annual Homecoming & Reunion. Over the past few months, USF has been requesting photo submissions from students, faculty and alumni that represent favorite USF memories. These photos will be buried in the capsule, which will be opened in 2045. Be a part of USF’s rich history by attending the Time Capsule Burial Ceremony this October.

For more information, visit https://www.stfrancis.edu/timecapsule. We hope to see you there!

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ABORTION BAN IN TEXAS: WHAT IT MEANS FOR AMERICA By: Shayna Griffith Staff writer In May of 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation that bans women from getting an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy, or as soon as a heartbeat in a fetus is detectable. Additionally, any private citizen can sue abortion providers as well as anyone who helps a woman get an abortion outside of the six-week period. This even includes giving someone a ride to an abortion clinic.

The law would have gone into effect if the United States Supreme Court did not intervene by September 1, 2021.

Twelve other states have tried to create similar legislation that would ban abortions, but all have been blocked from going into effect due to them being “completely unconstitutional” since the famous Roe v. Wade trial ruled it a woman’s choice to get an abortion without government restriction.

To many women’s concern, no action was taken by the Supreme Court and the law was put into place on the first day of September, making it one of the strictest bans in America. It goes without saying that the law created an uproar amongst protestors, saying that the law infringes upon women's reproductive rights since six weeks into gestation is well before many women even know they are pregnant.

Photo courtesy of the New Yorker

As of now, the Texas abortion ban is in full effect. Protests from abortion rights group are imminent and lawsuits against antiabortion-rights groups are underway. Tezas' Right to Life, a prolife organization, for example, has set up an annonymous tip line Some call it ‘The War on Women’ and others call it law and to whistleblow against those who may be voilating the ban. order. What does it mean for women in America?

Now that it is illegal for women in Texas to get an abortion past the six-week mark, many will be forced to travel far distances over state lines to get the procedure done.

However, those who need it most due to financial struggles and other exceptional circumstances will not be able to do so because of a lack of resources. Not to mention that the Texas ban will likely influence surrounding states to put the same kind of laws into effect, making it near impossible for women to travel to surrounding states to lawfully get an abortion.

"These lawsuits are not against women," John Seago of Texas Right to Life told NPR. "The lawsuits would be against the individuals making money off of the abortion, and the abortion industry itself. So this is not spy on your neighbor and see if they're having an abortion." Many believe the ban in Texas will lead to a nation-wide restriction on abortion, which would affect women for years and years to come.

usfencounter.stfrancis.edu

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USF Substance Abuse Counseling

The University of Saint Francis offers over 50 undergraduate programs, but only a few provide students with the ability to get certified right after graduation. One of those programs is Substance Abuse Counseling.

In order to become a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor, one must first cover the major requirements of the program. This includes a total of 58 credit hours (49 of those being Core requirements and nine credit hours of electives). This does not include the required 51 general education credits and additional ten elective credits of the students choosing.

This program is incredibly important to society and community health. By having counselors available to those who suffer from a mental illness that may lead to drug or alcohol abuse, people are able to overcome their addictions and reach sobriety. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) mission is to "Reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities."

SAMHSA is a major part of substance abuse counseling and mental health fields. The Administration helps counselors and psychologists learn new and proven forms of practices and treatments along with teaching preventative measures for families and communities.

Lawrence Dunbar, a substance abuse counselor at the University of St. Francis, states “If we are able to teach families and communities about addiction before it reaches them, we have a stronger chance at preventing it.” Professor Lawrence believes that the need for addiction counselors is increasing due to the ever changing and growing drug networks.

For those USF students who are undecided and are considering going into a form of counseling such as addiction counseling, clinical psychology or social work, having a background in addictions can help you to better understand and assist future clients.

Any questions about becoming a substance abuse counselor or psychologist can be directed to Lawrence Dunbar at Ldunbar@ stfransic.edu or Brady Jones at Bjones@stfrancis.edu.

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Photo courtesy of istockphoto

By: Rebecca Giese Staff Writer

VISIT US! 815 W Jefferson St

(815) 727-3511

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Fall Sports Schedule This Week By: Dallas Matlock Sports Editor

Tuesday, September 28th, 2021

7:00 P.M. CT | HOME Pat Sullivan Center 7:00 P.M. CT | HOME | ATI Field @ Joliet Memorial Stadium Wednesday, September 29th, 2021

7:00 P.M. CT | HOME | ATI Field @ Joliet Memorial Stadium Thursday, September 30th, 2021

7:00 P.M. CT | AWAY | Atheletics & Recreation Center Saturday, October 2nd, 2021

TBA | Men's/Women's | Tom Sawyer State Park 1:00 P.M. CT | HOME | ATI Field @ Joliet Memorial Stadium

XC

2:30 P.M. CT | M/W | AWAY | East Chicago Central High School 6:00 P.M. CT | HOME Pat Sullivan Center Monday, October 4th, 2021

8:30 A.M. CT | M/W | Cog Hill Golf & Country Club For more information visit: gofightingsaints.com

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September 27, 2021

Football is Back!

By: Matthew Lauterbach Staff Writer

In addition, there are new rules about how the NFL is trying to push players to get the Covid-19 vaccine. On July 22 the NFL informed its clubs that if a game cannot be rescheduled during the season due to a Covid-19 outbreak amongst unvaccinated players on the team, then the team with the outbreak will forfeit the game and be credited with a loss for playoff seeding, according to NFL Networks Tom Pelissero.

This year, things will be different for the NFL. In March, NFL The NFL also announced that teams could be dealt financial owners approved expanding the 16 games, 17-week season to penalties such as fines, withholding players' salaries and 17 games, 18 weeks starting this year. This means that NFL potential discipline from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. teams will get an additional inter-conference game between an NFC team and an AFC team starting this season. These Immediately following the announcement several NFL players include games between NFC and AFC powerhouse teams such spoke out against the new rule most notably star players as the Green Bay Packers vs. The Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Deandre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals and Cole Beasley Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys vs. of the Buffalo Bills who has been amongst the most vocal of The New England Patriots. This addition is part of the new players against the vaccine. Some people on campus believe CBA the owners agreed on to increase the season and to avoid that it is important for the NFL to do this. “I think that it is a potential lockout between the owners and NFLPA, according strict but at some point they have to be strict,” says USF Junior to www.sportster.com.

Liam Bachman. He further states that “It is a business and if you want to play this year follow the rules.”

As summer ends and fall quickly approaches, the 2021 NFL season will finally begin. Yes, football is back and the excitement from fans who are now able to attend games in person is extraordinary. The best part is that the season is less than a week away.

Photos courtesy of nwahomepage.com, sportskeeda.com

The 2021 NFL season is set to kick off on Thursday September 9 at AT&T Stadium with the Dallas Cowboys hosting the defending Super Bowl Champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The season will last until January 9, 2022 with the playoffs starting January 15. Super Bowl LVI will be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on February 13 while the Pro Bowl will be held at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada on February 6. With several teams making drastic improvements to their rosters in the offseason, it will be interesting to see who can make it the distance to the Super Bowl Championship. Go Football!

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THE U.S. GYMNASTICS SCANDAL By: Cosme Lozano Staff Writter

As complaints started to build in 1998, another individual closely related to the team would begin his spree of sexual assaults.

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Larry Nassar, one of the top trainers and coordinators within the US Gymnastics program, would be one of the prime individuals in the US Women’s Gymnastics team scandal in 2016. Going back to 1998, Nassar would begin to sexually assault a family friend's six-year-old daughter. At the time, Nassar was working as the team physician with Michigan State University (MSU) where a student-athlete would begin to raise concerns with the school. According to USA Today, a future lawsuit would later claim that MSU “Failed to take any action.” Larry Nassar would continue to work at MSU for several years and would go on to the Olympic Games with Team USA in 2000 and 2008. At this time, Nassar would receive another complaint from a different student-athlete who had concerns about him. Again, Michigan State failed to take any action. Larry Nassar would sexually abuse Rachael Denhollander in 2000 during treatment for lower back pains.

In 2014, Michigan State University would clear Larry Nassar of any wrongdoing, even after a graduate accused Nassar of sexually assaulting her during a medical exam. 2014 would also bring Nassar to retire from his coordinator role at USA Gymnastics.

However, he would still stay on as a doctor for women's artistic gymnastics.

About a month after the first Indy Star article was published, everything would come crashing down for Nassar when an additional article was published. It largely exposed Nassar for what was discussed above. MSU fired Nassar eight days after

Photos courtesy of nbcnews.com

Let us revisit 2016. “Closer” by the Chainsmokers was one of the most popular songs of the summer, season one of Stranger Things had just come out and Leonardo DiCaprio finally won his first Oscar. For many young individuals, 2016 is regarded as “one of the best years.” It would not be until August when everything would come crashing down on one organization. On August 4, 2016, the Indy Star news outlet would post its first article regarding sexual assault within the US Women’s Gymnastics team. The article covers the coaches and the complaints filed against them, with sexual assault and sexual exploitation of minors being the common theme among the coaches involved. The main coaches in question include Marvin Sharp, Mark Schiefelbein, James Bell and William McCabe. Indy Star attempted to shed light on how the top executives of this program failed its athletes and failed to pay attention to the women affected when the warning signs were right in front of them. When looking at William McCabe, he began having complaints made about him in 1998. A gym owner expressed concerns to US Gymnastics involving McCabe and minors. With this tip, the executives at the time never passed the information along to the police. McCabe would begin to have inappropriate sexual relations with minors the following year in 1999. It would not be until 2006 when one mother of McCabe’s students, Lisa Ganser, would share troubling emails between McCabe and her daughter with the FBI. Due to Lisa Ganser speaking up, William McCabe was finally caught and put behind bars where he is currently serving a thirty-year prison sentence.

the article was published and have since dealt with the fallout of their negligence. On the USA Gymnastics side, executives, coaches and other personnel would either leave, be suspended or fired. In the end, Larry Nassar would face punishment for sexual assault as well as child pornography. According to www.indystar.com, “At least 150 people have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Dr. Larry Nassar. He was sentenced January 24, 2018, to 175 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing seven girls.” The Indy Star news outlet also found that 368 gymnasts had alleged forms of sexual abuse from coaches, gym owners and other people working within the sport.

made it their mission to not be defined by their past and have even dominated the sport in recent history. 2016 would see them win gold for their fifth consecutive Olympics. The streak was unfortunately broken this summer when China and Russia topped America. Regardless, the US Women’s Gymnastics team has made significant strides towards changing their sport. They truly are incredible!

Among the victims are United States superstar Simone Biles as well as Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney, Gabby Douglas and many others.

People like Simone Biles, who were affected by Nassar, have not shied away from using their immense platforms to be voices for change and advocacy. University of St. Francis Junior Matt Lauterbach states “I think that's brave and strong for her to do that. She was his victim for so long, and I am glad she had the courage to speak out against him and the other people involved. Thank God she will not have to deal with him again.” Simone and the US Women’s Gymnastics team have

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r o , i H v a a S s r R u e t O u , e r n d r ed o L

After what seems like a lifetime, but was actually more like four years, the New Zealand native singer, Lorde, has returned to music. And I, for one, have been awaiting for this moment with open arms.

"Melodrama" is meant to be listened to with your first love, not your forever love. It should be blasted in the car with your friends, as you sing so loud that you know you’re going to lose your voice before the night is over.

Lorde rose to stardom in 2013, at the young age of 16, with her chart topping single “Royals.” Since then, she has produced a handful of popular titles, such as “Team”, “Green Light”, and her latest single “Solar Power.” Her debut album, "Pure Heroine," has been one of my favorite pieces since I first heard it. It completely took over my life in the eighth grade, and I can safely say that I have never been the same since.

After seeing both aspects of Lorde’s musical capabilities, many people were expecting a tragically sad album when she returned, especially given the circumstances that we all had to experience this past year. This expectation led to a lot of disappointed fans when they first heard the single off Lorde’s third album, "Solar Power."

"Pure Heroine" was full of moody, edgy, and realistic lyrics that captured the life of a 16-year-old growing up in suburbia. I remember feeling so seen at the ripe age of 14 and not knowing how to express the amount of joy that this feeling brought me. This album was made for solitaire joy rides. "Pure Heroine" should only be played when one is willing to look into themselves and realize how absolutely crappy their life is, and should only be turned off when you realize that life could always be a hell of a lot worse.

After being labelled as the embodiment of sadness, Lorde came back with one of the best pop albums of our time, securing an 8.8 on Pitchfork.

Her sophomore album "Melodrama" is full of lyrics about young love, both the good and the bad, and upbeat melodies.

Although the lead single off the album, “Green Light”, came as a surprising change in direction in comparison to her debut album, Lorde knows how to pair perfectly happy bops that you can’t help sing with a smile, with heart wrenching songs that are guaranteed to make you cry.

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The lead single off the album, also titled “Solar Power,” is the personification of summer. It should be blasted with all of the windows down during sunrise, as you drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. It hints at love, loss, and the exploration of the self. Other honorable mentions from "Solar Power" include “Big Star”, a love song to the singer's dog, “Mood Ring”, an ode to the confusion that is expressing our emotions, and “California”, a reflection on the singer’s time spent in the Golden State.

Although the album is presented as more of an upbeat piece, the majority of the songs are quite relaxed and melodic.

Similar to the previous Lorde albums, "Solar Power" is full of self-reflection and the evaluation of life. However this time, everything doesn’t seem so bad.

Life happens and sometimes everything isn’t going to be great. But, as long as we know that sometimes things are going to suck, and other times things are going to change, we can learn to appreciate what we have now and embrace whatever we will become.

Listen to Lorde’s new album "Solar Power" on all streaming platforms.

Photos courtesy of floodmagazine.com

By: Sarah Vandermolen Assistant Editor

Top 10 Artists 1. JOY FORMIDABLE

“The Adults Are Talking” The Strokes

"Sevenwater" [Single]

4. TORRES Thirstier

5. GIRLPUPPY Swan [EP]

6. DAMON ALBARN "Particles" [Single]

The USF Encounter Staff took to Spotify and shared their favorite songs from this month in their "Monthly Staff Picks" playlist

"Flower Power” Greta Van Fleet

2. HALF GRINGA “Mold” [Single]

Staff Picks

“Don't Shut Me Down” ABBA

Into The Blue

3. LUNAR VACATION

MONTHLY

“Dream Girl” Idina Menzel “hope ur ok” Olivia Rodrigo “BDay” Tory Lanez “Louie Bag” Yebba ft. Smino “Jesse Jesse” Trixie Mattel “That's All” Genesis “Wake Up Everybody” Tobe Nwigwe

7.

BURR OAK

Late Bloomer

8.

“So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings” Caroline Polachek

GINGER ROOT

Want to hear more?

Follow us on Spotify!

City Slicker [EP]

9. FLEECE

Stunning and Atrocious

Artwork courtesy of WCSF

10. THE STRANGERS

"And If You Should See Dave"

Let’s get in touch!

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

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Equal Representation: Let's Celebrate Differences By: John Raspante Entertainment & Arts Section Editor

According to www.pbs.org, a writer interviewed 144 middle and high school students on seeing themselves reflected (or not) in the media they consume. One student stated,“I do think it is powerful for people of a minority race to be represented in pop culture to really show a message that everybody has a place in this world.” On the opposite side, students said that not seeing themselves represented in pop culture can affect their mental health and self-esteem.

Diversity in film and television is so important because it gives audience members something to relate to. When actors of a minority race are given a starring role in a movie or series, it gives viewers of that minority group a way to connect to the media on a more personal level. With the release of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” Asian kids around the world will be able to see a superhero that looks like them that they can look up to and aspire to be like. In an interview with www.bustle.com, Simu Liu, Shang-Chi’s lead actor, shared that “Our story is the way it is because it was told through an Asian lens and this is why it is such a celebration of Asianness, of our culture, of our language and so much more. Regardless of whether you are a part of our community, I think it is something that you can watch and feel like you are participating in.

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Similarly to the rise in racial diversity in film, LGBTQ+ representation in the media has grown over the years. Animated shows like “The Owl House” and “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” feature main characters that are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and it is openly accepted in each of their respective fictional worlds.

Photos courtesy of netflix.com, imdb.com, and disneynow.com

Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has just been released this month and while many audiences will just see the film as another Marvel blockbuster, it has so much more meaning within the Asian community.

The movie features Marvel’s first Asian superhero lead and will have millions of kids around the world seeing themselves represented through this character. The world we live in is so diverse. There are people of all different cultures, races and sexualities that populate the planet. Why should the media that we consume not portray this same diverse population?

In an article from www.latimes.com,“On Etheria [‘She Ra’s’ fictional planet] princesses are just as likely to be married to each other as they are to have boyfriends. It is a planet where gender is not constricted, heteronormativity does not exist and queer people just get to be.”

that, “It is so important for people of all kinds to be represented in the shows and movies they watch. To see someone that looks like you or thinks like you and to be able to relate to that is such an empowering feeling.” Similarly, USF sophomore Emma DiFiore states that “When I find a character in a show that resonates with me, it makes me feel like I am truly seen. If that Since the release of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” back in character is struggling with an issue that I have or comes up 1937, the idea of true love’s kiss has been very prevalent in fairy with a solution to a problem the same way I would, it makes me tales and animated movies. The kind of kiss that can break a spell realize that I am not alone.” or save the world has traditionally always been shared between a male and a female character. However, the final kiss in “She-Ra” Diversity in movies and shows is so important for viewers of was shared between the two main female characters of the show. all ages. The ability to see your race, gender, sexuality, body Their confession of love for one another and eventual kiss is the type, disability or any other attribute that makes you unique catalyst that saves the world in the show and this is a huge step being reflected in a character in the media should be something forward for LGBTQ+ representation in the media. every person gets to experience. The media we consume should celebrate the differences of all people and give everyone the I talked with students from the University of St. Francis about feeling that they belong. equal representation in the media and Junior Drew Toke believes

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THEY SPOKE OUT! 20

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Jesus IS Not

Plan B

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By: Sister Gayle Staff Writer People have many misconceptions, misinformation and misunderstandings about Catholicism, even Catholics themselves. One of them is the idea that Jesus became human to die to save us because we were bad. The Fall of Man. Adam, Eve and the infamous apple. This is what we are taught in Catholic schools and religious education classes.

It is even in the Exultet during the Easter Vigil Mass, “O happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer!” The idea is that out of a bad situation, we got Jesus who died to save us. It sounds like the classic how good can come from bad motif we see so often in life.

However, if we look at it closely, it does not sound so logical.

If we break this idea down, it sounds like God sent his Son exclusively to die because humans messed up their one chance at paradise in the Garden of Eden. God looks to be an angry being who sends his beloved Son to earth to die an excruciating death. The very word “excruciating” comes from the Latin excruciatus, past participle of excruciare, from ex- + cruciare to crucify, from cruc-, crux cross, according to www. merriam-webster.com . Also, in this scenario, God is not the one in control. Human error and sin force God into sending Jesus. Christians believe God is omnipotent. In other words, God is the one in control, so this often-heard explanation becomes more questionable. What follows is a more positive explanation of why Jesus became a human.

This explanation that Jesus became human because humans messed things up and God had to find a way to fix what humans had broken takes the power away from God. The incarnation of Jesus becomes Plan B. There are two glaring omissions in this view. The first is that the Incarnation, the greatest event in salvation history, was always the Plan, not even Plan A because God’s perfect plan needed no contingency plan. We need only look to the Gospel of John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him and without him nothing came to be.” Jesus is the Word who existed before time.

The second glaring omission is God’s reason for the Incarnation. God delights in His creation of the world, especially in human beings made in His image and

likeness. God loves humanity--us--with a love beyond our comprehension. God knows that full knowledge of Him as our Creator is beyond our abilities, but He wants us to know Him, so He became incarnate, in the flesh, in the person of Jesus. The Almighty, All-powerful God became a baby born of a woman. God humbled Himself to become a human being. Why? Because He loves us. Because He invites us to love Him as well. Jesus came out of love, tremendous, mindblowing love. Jesus did not come to earth because we are bad, but because we are good. God made us that way.

This idea does not negate Jesus’ sacrifice in dying to save us. Rather, it puts it in the proper perspective. Jesus died to conquer sin because he loves us, not because we were bad. Throughout history, parents made sacrifices for their children because they loved them, not because they made mistakes. Yes, we are human. We make mistakes and commit sins against our brothers and sisters and ourselves. We are not perfect, but we are redeemed. Love is the reason, the driving force.

This is a huge part of Franciscan spirituality. Franciscan scholar John Dun Scotus wrote the ‘Doctrine of the Absolute Primacy of Christ in the Universe”. Scotus rightfully puts Christ at the center of the Incarnation, not sin. He also has love as the primary reason for the Incarnation and our redemption.

Scotus’ thoughts on the Incarnation turns much of what we have been taught on its head. His view is so simple and so positive. We are not wretched sinners Jesus was obligated to save. God does not keep a record of the transgressions we commit in life, so He can punish us. We are beloved children of God. A God who loves us and wants us to know Him. A God who wants us to spend eternity with Him. When sin is used to control people’s behavior, it oppresses people and makes them feel worthless. Love does just the opposite. Love makes us feel worthy just as we are. This is how it should be because we are all Children of God. *This is written from a Catholic perspective

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Slut Shaming

By Sarah Cahill Staff Writer It was introduced at an early age. Maybe the first time you heard the word ‘slut’ is in a book or conversation. Potentially you heard it while watching Tina Fey in "Mean Girls" speak to a high school gym filled with young women who upheaved the entire school over the “Burn Book.” While Fey used the term for comic relief, slut-shaming has been used to describe appearances, mannerisms and choices in more serious, deprecating ways to harm others. It is a word that slices through the air and leaves a sharp dagger in your stomach. While the first encounter of the word appeared in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales as a nonsexual description of one’s appearance, the word has morphed into an accessible, dangerous weapon. Slut-shaming is not a new concept, and while it happens to males, females are the predominant target for this derogatory term.

Slut-shaming is the act of stigmatizing someone based on behavior that is stereotypically known for being promiscuous or sexually provocative. In a study done by the Personality and Social Psychology Review, “Slut-shaming is experienced by 50% of girls compared with 20% of boys,” according to www.journals.sagepub. com. Slut-shaming comes in many forms including (but not limited to) verbal comments, images, videos and texting. It is done by various people, ranging in age and demographics. With the increased usage of technology, slut-shaming has become more accessible through social media and other forms of technological communication.

Without having a break from the constant bombardment, mental illnesses and suicides have been on the rise, including a young woman named Felica Garcia who took her life in 2012 due to cyberbullying.

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Photo courtesy of imdb.com

It is important to realize that we can do better. While this issue begins at a young age, it is worth looking into how schools play a role in addressing slut-shaming. School dress codes have become a heavily debated topic as they can enforce an ideology that girls should not wear certain articles of clothing because they are “distractions” to their peers, more so their male peers.

A senior at USF who chose to stay anonymous stated, “In high school, I can remember having to cover up my shoulders while wearing a tank top during the first few weeks of school when it was 100 degrees outside. It made me feel self-conscious about my body and I felt like I had to accommodate my look for others around me.” Along with dress codes, many schools’ sexual education programs lack resources and funding to give students a quality understanding of how to respect themselves and others regarding sexual preferences and choices. Including discussions about slut-shaming in sex ed classes can help break down the stigmatization and build an overall understanding of how to address slut-shaming, so that unhealthy patterns are not developed. We need to hold ourselves accountable for our actions and having honest conversations, whether they be built into a curriculum or not, is one of the best ways to make the world a more accepting place. It is time for a change and we are it. It all begins with us!

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COLLEGES, TAKE ACTION ON SEXUAL ASSAULT Trigger Warning: Sexual Assault

For as long as I can remember, my biggest fear has been being raped. I am aware that this is not something that people usually say when they are asked about their deepest, darkest fears but I cannot pretend that I am even remotely more afraid of anything else on this earth.

I also will not lie and say that this fear has not impacted any other aspects of my life. I find myself avoiding eye contact with all men, including family and friends. Whenever I hear anyone shouting a name or making loud noises, I keep my head forward and pretend that I did not hear a word they said. I have changed how I walk, talk, dress and anything else that would give any man the idea that I want them.

I feel that I must stress that I have never been sexually assaulted.

I have never been verbally harassed, nor have I ever been the butt of a crude joke. I feel that this is a crucial piece of information for you to hear because if a woman that has never experienced any form of sexual harassment is deadly afraid of being assaulted, imagine how someone that has been assaulted feels. Sexual assault victims will forever have that dreaded image in their minds. Most blame themselves and continuously think about what they could have done differently. These victims may never recover.

This is something that I have always been passionate about and my passion was intensified when I heard about the assault on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

On August 24, a seventeen-year-old student on the University These changes are not new by any means. I started altering different things about myself when I was twelve years old, since of Nebraska-Lincoln campus was assaulted by a nineteen-yearold student from the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. According I knew that being raped would be worse than being killed. I can safely say that I would rather be brutally murdered than be to www.journalstar.com, there have been five demonstrations in raped and have to live with that memory for the rest of my life. the following seven nights after the attack, all student-organized and student-led. A majority of the demonstrations have been When I think about the possibility of being sexually assaulted, outside of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as FIJI. Students have told www.1011now.com that “They will my chest gets tight. My hands start to sweat and I cannot stop thinking about it for hours, sometimes even days. During these continue to protest until FIJI is permanently shut down.”

According to a statement from the university's chancellor, times, I get so anxious that I avoid contact with anyone, even Ronnie Green, “The fraternity is currently under probation for my family. Writing this article is even taking a toll on me, but I cannot sit and watch the blatant lack of action that universities previous violations of university policy.” If the student body take when a student is brave enough to come forward and share did not take a stand for this brave soul by organizing protests and showing their support for the victim, would the university that they have been sexually assaulted.

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Photo courtesy of womensrunning.co.uk

By: Sarah Vandermolen Assistant Editor

have done a damn thing?

them unless the accused confesses, which they rarely do.

Judges claim that the victim wanted it, otherwise they would If the victim still decided to come forward and share the attack not have dressed that way. They give rapists short sentences with the university, would they have done as much as they are and let them go with a simple slap on the wrist. This blatant doing now? If the press was not as heavily involved, would disregard for victims and their experiences needs to stop. We Chancellor Green have even released a statement regarding the need to show victims that we believe them and understand assault? how hard it is to come forward and share something that is so disgusting and traumatic.

Since the report of the August 24 attack, five other victims have come forward and reported assaults, according to www.

University of St. Francis Junior, Jessica Scroppo, agrees that journalstar.com. These people believed that the university “Victims should always be validated and heard, regardless of would not have supported them or brought justice to their the situation.” situation.

Universities should be protecting the people that are brave Why did these people think that? Why were they so sure enough to come forward and do everything in their power to that their attacks would have been neglected or disbelieved? end sexual assault once and for all.

It is because universities in the past have not stood with the victims. They did not believe the people that were so brave My fear of being raped will never go away. This is something enough to share their experience with the university and with that I am certain of. However, my anxieties will be eased when the world. universities across the nation start to genuinely care about their students and become willing to do whatever it takes to As a society, we have shown sexual assault victims of all races, make them feel safe and comfortable on campus. genders and sexual orientations that we do not fully believe

"

Victims should always be validated and heard, regardless of the situation.

"

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too much pressure:

College Students As Adults By: Mary Mathieu Editor-In-Chief “You are adults now,” says every college professor ever. Oh, the pressure of this adult life, at least the adult life that we are expected to now be living as college students.

“Do your homework,” our parents and teachers still demand in our ears whenever we choose to listen to them. We are rebellious kids, after all, or as they now say, adults. Should homework even be on our agenda then if we are adults because is homework not something that kids do? Are we not still in school or is this all just a dream or even a nightmare for that matter?

Oh, the innocence of childhood or adulthood as they like to call it. It is a never-ending war—whether we college students are kids or adults.

Photos courtesy of digiday.com

Where does this leave us you might ask? More confused than ever, that is for sure. Oh, and what about our identity? Does it even exist anymore?

Quite frankly, no, because we are supposed to have it all figured out by now, right, at least that is what is expected of us from our fellow adults. We are expected to not change our minds because adults are supposed to have it all together, are they not?

Well, I will tell you what—we college students think all of this adult talk is a joke because we are hardly out of high school and are still finding our way in this life. We barely know who we are as individuals and need your support more than ever in these vital developmental years of our life. Yet, we are adults and are supposed to have our life together as our fellow adults expect.

Do you see a flaw in this argument yet? You probably do not so welcome to part two of my written Ted Talk.

College students do stupid things, right? We kids are not afraid to admit it because we know it is true. We try to control our impulses but sometimes we just are not able to. As much as professors and the other adults in our life hate to think about

it, we “adults” like to have fun by doing stupid things.

Ever hear of the prefrontal cortex of the brain? It is responsible for impulse control and emotional regulation. Adults would know this, right? Kids would probably know this too as we are learning about it in our psychology courses. The funny thing though is that the prefrontal cortex is not fully developed until one is 25. We college kids are adults though, right?

Sometimes, on those rare occasions, we college kids are more mature than the adults in our life because we can recognize that we are just kids. Adults claim to have it all together and appear as such but in reality, they are afraid to admit that they are in an identity crisis. They project their problems onto us college kids by expecting us to be adults like them and so we are.

I am tired. As a college kid, I am so sick of hearing the phrase “You are an adult now.” If you cannot resist using this phrase, please just reword it to provide me and many other college students with peace of mind. This new phrase might look like “You are expected to be an adult now.”

Let us be. We are still learning and growing and trying to figure out our way in this life. Let us be kids just for a little while longer because we have our entire lives to be adults. Just let us be.

Why are you rushing us to grow up so quickly? If you are parents, do you not want your kids to stay little forever so you can cherish the good times you have left with them? Let your students do the same. There is no difference.

Let us college kids enjoy the rest of our childhoods in peace.

Stop with your expectations. We are doing our best. Just let us live our lives at our own pace. We will be okay one day. For now, just help us along the way by walking with us through the darkness of the day.

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In the United States, citizens have the right to speak freely. However, this has not always been the case due to literary censorship.

Censorship happens when a person or a group of people find words, images or ideas to be offensive or harmful. Censorship by the government is unconstitutional but private censorship campaigns are protected by the First Amendment, according to www.aclu.org. Many American citizens attempt to censor the words and ideas of others by banning or challenging literary works.

A challenge is an attempt to remove materials based on content and a ban is the successful removal of materials based on content, according to www.ala.org.

Literary Censorship: The Problem By: Starla Farmer Staff Writer

According to the American Library Association, “273 books were affected by censorship attempts in 2020.” These books were banned or challenged for many reasons including LGBTQIA+ content, anti-police content, religious or political viewpoints and more. People challenge these books at public libraries, schools, school libraries and other academic environments. In 2020, fifty percent of censorship attempts were made by parents says www.ala.org. This raises the question of whether children’s books should be censored. Children are young and impressionable and can easily be affected by the content they read. USF student Lexi explains that censorship can “...inhibit growth and education in the younger years, especially if parents censor a lot of information that does not line up with their ideals.” If a parent censors what their children read, watch and listen to, they are making sure that the content that their child is consuming fits their worldview. This can become problematic if the children are unable to view concepts and information differently than their parents.

On the other hand, some works of literature are censored because the content causes discomfort for those reading it. For example, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee is challenged because of its racial language and stereotypes. USF student Jasmine believes that “We must read and teach our young folks the wrongdoing of our past.” She further notes that, “Censorship will not help us create a more inclusive environment in the future.” Reading different and uncomfortable perspectives allow us to see things in different ways and grow intellectually. Although people may disagree about what is offensive, uncomfortable or inappropriate, we must all agree that censorship does not help anyone. It must be nonexistent and it is up to us to ensure its end. Let freedom ring!

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Slowing Down Fast Fashion

Photos courtesy of fashionpotluck.com

By: Jessica Scroppo Layout Designer Whether online or in store, shopping can bring us instant gratification. Companies know exactly what we want: a good deal. Stores advertise sales weekly, if not daily, and offer us deals we seemingly cannot refuse. At every turn, there is something new to buy. Online retailers like Amazon enable us to order exactly what we want and receive it as soon as the next day. According to www.market.us, it is estimated that Amazon ships nearly 1.6 million packages daily. Whether it is home décor or a new phone case or a pair of shoes, one purchase can turn into a cart full.

Suddenly, peoples’ wants have become needs.

Overconsuming is a habit that has become acceptable because of trends that constantly evolve. In the fashion world, staying “trendy” leads to the constant production of new styles. Apps like Tik Tok and Instagram have even introduced “micro-trends” to consumers. Micro-trends have an even shorter life expectancy than the traditional trend. Must-have items become dated just weeks after they reach the height of popularity. This summer’s chunky beaded necklaces, 90s platforms and loungewear

may be obsolete by next season. Then what?

Micro-trends may not be a concern when making purchases for some. However, impressionable teens and young adults often fall victim to spending paychecks on keeping up with the latest and greatest items.

According to www.forbes. com, popular junior apparel websites like Shein have capitalized on the market’s demand for affordable trendy clothing with 700 - 1,000 new styles introduced daily. Even more concerning, these same mass-produced items have started showing up in thrift stores months after they are purchased.

What does this mean for shoppers? Consuming things because they are cute or cheap can lead to harmful habits. University of St. Francis student Calista Muraskas states, “I go shopping at least once a week. Even though I like to buy more expensive things, I feel like I balance it out by going to Goodwill too.” A good rule of thumb to remember while shopping is questioning if you will wear an article of clothing more than seven times. If not, reconsider buying! Being more conscious of our purchases can save us money and lessen wasteful consumption.

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My Current Obsession: By: Sarah Vandermolen Assitant Editor

Recently, Squishmallows have risen in popularity and are becoming increasingly more difficult to find. I should be upset by this because I am fully in love with these little guys.

However, I cannot help but be happy that other people are finding so much interest in them as well.

My friends and I have been taking trips to go hunting for them, stopping at every store imaginable just to hopefully catch a glimpse at one of them. My friend John, a true Disney lover if I have ever met one, has managed to buy almost all the Disney related Squshmallows in a day. My friend Jessica and I have searched far and wide for the cutest ones we can find and we have become quite selective about which ones are added to our clique.

Although my parents see Squishmallows as another thing to waste my money on, I see them as an opportunity to spend time with my friends. I also see them as a way to keep in touch with my sister who is back home in

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Wisconsin. Finally, I see them as a way to make friends, both online and in real life.

If you have never heard of Squishmallows, which I highly doubt, I encourage you to give them a quick search and marvel at their cuteness. I also encourage you to go out and find one for yourself, even if you do only ever buy that one. You will soon realize that it is a great listener and by far the softest thing you have ever had the pleasure of feeling.

P.S. - If you just so happen to come across a Jellyfish Squishmallow, please reach out!

Yours, Sarah

Photos courtesy of Sarah Vandermolen & Squishmallow.com

My latest fascination comes in the form of cute and cuddly plushies.

I know that I am not the only one that is simply infatuated with Squishmallows. They are the stuffed creatures with unique names and stories that have swept the world off its feet.

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The Positive Psychology Corner: By: Dr. Brady Jones Staff Writer The theme of the September issue of The Encounter is “Speak Out.” I want to use this – my first “Positive Psychology Corner” column – to introduce the topic I will “speak out” about over the course of this school year: making school a place students can really thrive.

In this first column, I will argue that those of us who work and study in educational institutions should think more about human thriving. Then, in each successive month, I will explore one aspect of thriving that psychologists have identified, describing the research that has been done on the issue and imagining how schools might incorporate it into the work they do.

I want to write on this topic because in my time as an educator and researcher, I have noticed that something is missing from our cultural definition of a successful school. A lot of people spend a lot of time thinking about how to improve education. Nearly always, however, whether they are studying kindergarteners or college seniors, they gauge a school’s success using only some extrinsic measure of achievement. How many reading levels did the first graders climb? How well did the sixth graders do on state testing? What were the juniors’ SAT scores? How many college seniors were employed at graduation?

We should certainly consider how much students learn and how prepared they are for their careers when we think about school quality. However, developmental psychologists have found in their research (and all of us know, deep down, when we are not too stressed out to think straight) that there is much more to life than achievement, achievement, achievement.

A good life, most developmental psychologists argue, is characterized not by money, fame, or accolades, but by attaining “success” in a constellation of areas. Models of human thriving vary, but they usually share a few key concepts: physical health (nutrition, movement, rest, etc.), social belonging, a feeling of competence, a sense of purpose and regularly experiencing positive emotions. We all know people who are nailing their classes but who are sick or miserable or lonely, right? They meet our societal definition of success, but are they truly successful? Is this what we want for ourselves or the young people in our lives?

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Are You Thriving?

I believe the challenge for educators, administrators and parents today is to move past an obsession with achievement toward a more holistic model of thriving in childhood, adolescence and – most relevant to USF – young adulthood. What would this look like? I will explore this more in the months to come, but you can begin to imagine it.

It might mean asking our students, children or friends not only about their GPAs but also about how they are feeling. How much sleep are they getting or how often do they feel sick? Do they have good friends? Do they feel like they have something to contribute to the larger world? How often do they experience peace, joy and awe?

It might mean that those of us who do developmental research start to measure different outcomes. For example, my lab has just started a study on USF students who have average grades but love the work they do. They are not particularly “successful” in a traditional sense but they are thriving. We want to know how you think about their work. What strategies do they use when they get bored, tired or frustrated? How do they take care of themselves?

It might mean reevaluating our workloads by learning to say no. Recognizing that there is an infinite number of good things we can do and that we must prioritize those that are most important, leaving the rest behind or for later is of uttermost importance here.

It could mean any number of big or small changes in how we work or study here. USF is the perfect place to ask these questions. If you translate the Latin motto on our university seal it reads, “First holiness and then wisdom.” First holiness. Here, we recognize that you are a sacred, precious whole human being first before you are a student or a worker. This school year I am really going to sit with that idea. I hope you join me! Let us think about how we might pursue thriving and dream together about how our schools might help.

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Mary’s MovementMy Story: National Suicide Prevention Month By: Mary Mathieu Editor-In-Chief

Trigger Warning: Suicide

More than 15 times. This is how many times I attempted to end my life throughout my childhood and teen years, with my youngest attempt being at the mere age of seven. I live today to tell you my story so that we learn to love others as if they are not broken and to truly see them for who they are— loveable and capable beings who deserve to be fought for.

To anyone who thinks suicide is selfish, you are wrong. The selfishness exists when we label suicide as a sin and outcast those who are suicidal when they need our love most. Love is all they need. They do not need fixing, as our mental health care system often attempts to do whenever the word suicide is even whispered. We fail suicidal individuals when we attempt to fix them because what they need is to be seen, heard and validated. They need to know that nothing is wrong with them because they are not broken. It is their environment that is broken.

If we stop fixing and start loving our fellow brothers and sisters, maybe then suicide would not even be a thought because we would see ourselves how others see us—worthy and lovable beings. Simply put, love is the answer. It is both the simplest and most complex answer in existence, but it is the answer. Choose to love more. You can save a life that way if not more than one.

Maybe this is the reason why I survived. Maybe, just maybe, my story can move mountains with the help of others. It is up to us to start this movement and end suicide once and for all. I have spent my whole life believing that I was never worth fighting for as I suffered through years of abuse and neglect. Everyone continuously tried to fix me, but what I needed most was to be loved. Their fixing led me to believe that I was broken and that no one could ever love me because of my trauma. I never want another person to feel as if they are not worth fighting for because I know how broken that People end up thinking that suicide is the answer because they truly believe that they are a burden on society that needs leaves an individual. I am here to remind you of your worth, to tell you that this world is better with you in it. I choose to to be killed off. They are continuously told that there is be this someone because I have always needed this someone something wrong with them even though they are loveable in my own life. I will always be this someone for others if I beings who deserve to be fought for. We are all worthy of can help it because no one deserves to fight the war alone. being loved, especially on our darkest days. Love truly does I promise to fight with you to the very end. Keep going heal all wounds. It is up to us to give our love freely to each other. We can be the change that our world needs—that each because you are worth fighting for! of us needs.

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

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Remembering Eliza

By: Mary Mathieu Editor-In-Chief Two years old. This is the age a brave little girl named Eliza died. The vicious disease known as cancer took her life.

According to www.cancer.org, “Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children.” Too many of our world’s children are dying to this evil disease, and we have yet to find a cure. One cannot help but feel hopeless as we watch our children die. What a sad reality it is but it still is a reality, nonetheless. We honor Eliza and the many other children who lost their lives to cancer today and every day. You will not be forgotten!

Eliza’s story has touched the hearts of many, including mine. Her TikTok videos would always brighten my day because despite the immense battles she was facing, she still managed to have a positive outlook on life. For her young age, she possessed the wisdom that most of us will never develop in this life. She knew that life was meaningless without laughter, love and joy. We must live like Eliza, for we never know when our life will be cut short.

Eliza’s smile was contagious. It was so warm and comforting. This little girl was the definition of life. Her innocence was love itself. I wish to live just as Eliza has lived—a life filled with laughter and smiles even amid the hardships I face.

She truly has taught us all how to live and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of many. Thank you, Eliza, for being the light. Your light will forever live on. And to cancer, Frog You. If you wish to support Kate Hudson and Chance Moore in this difficult time, please visit Eliza’s GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/huwz2f-hey-eliza to make a donation.

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