The Commonwealth Times; Sept. 19, 2018

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VOL. 60, NO. 5

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SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Deadly weather systems strike central Virginia Category 3 hurricane batters the Carolinas, spares Richmond after universities close LOGAN REARDON Staff Writer

The St. John Furniture store was rendered unrecognizable after a tornado tore through this Chesterfield shopping center. Photo by Erin Edgerton

One dead, buildings destroyed after tornadoes touch down in Richmond area See TORNADOES on page 3

Originally forecasted to travel up the east coast, Hurricane Florence took a last-minute shift south, missing Richmond.

Florence, downgraded from a Category 4 to a 3 before making landfall, caused massive damage to the Carolinas over the weekend. Its accompanying storm surge resulted in extensive flooding and the deaths of at least 32 people. That number is expected to rise in Florence’s wake.

According to the National Weather Service, record rainfall of 20 or more inches was documented in some areas.

Additional rainfall came to Richmond on Monday and Tuesday after Florence was downgraded to a tropical depression Sunday.

See HURRICANE on page 3

been infamously associated with the Catholic community, a great deal of Richmond members conversed about hope and progMembers of the Cathedral of the Sacred ress for their church.

Heart celebrated a Mass of Atonement FriSome members believe the church’s adday to recognize the survivors of the de- ministrative operations and lack of accountcades of sexual abuse recently uncovered in ability — as opposed to the teachings of the Pennsylvania Catholic church system. the faith — are what continuously lead to In August 2018, a Pennsylvania grand the issue of sexual misconduct by clergymen. jury reported thousands of cases of sexual “The Catholic religion is about the people abuse by more than 300 “predator priests” and there [are] always going to be problems had been covered up by the Pennsylvania in governing bodies where there is no demdioceses’ “wholesale institutional failure that ocratic voice,” said Katie Dickens, a Richendangered the welfare of children.” mond local and new member of the church.

As the issue of sexual misconduct has In a letter published by Barry Knestout,

bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, Knestout highlighted that the church has recognized the agony of the victims. Titled “From Tragedy to Hope,” the letter discusses the revelations of the “brutal ugliness and perverse nature of crimes by some clergy.”

“We are a community in which trust has been broken and we hear calls for resignation of Church leaders and implementation of transparent and effective mechanisms of accountability,” the bishop wrote in the letter. “I am vividly aware of my own limitations to address the open wound within our Church. But, I will do all within my power to work with other bishops to learn the full truth and to share the full extent of the problem with the Church.”

Knestout also stated the names of the priests from the dioceses in question in the Pennsylvania report will be revealed to the public, saying this will be key in helping the survivors of the abuse heal. A complete audit and examination of clergy files, Knestout said, will be done by a separate entity of the church to disclose as much truth to the public as possible. Funds have also been prepared to further assist survivors in counseling and grief aid.

Accountability is not a new concept to the Sacred Heart community, according to Patrick Golden, Rector of the Church.

“All of our priests get fingerprinted and background checked frequently,” Golden said.

Golden said he believes priests and bishops involved in the Pennsylvania controversy did not understand the difference between the consequences of sinning and criminal behavior.

“We forgive sins but, if those sins are criminal, they have to be prosecuted and

priests failed to recognize that this behavior is against the law,” Golden said.

Golden has attended masses with Pennsylvania survivors, meeting them to understand their anger and address their concerns with the church. Since the church is dealing with crimes that happened many years ago, priests and bishops like Golden said they are assuring members the future will be very different from what the past has shown.

Transparency from the church to the public was the main focus of the bishop’s message during Mass. Knestout acknowledged that in the past the church kept too much truth away from the public, which is what has led to so many issues in this community. The Pennsylvania survivors were mentioned numerous times and the Knestout called on the hundreds of people in attendance to help guide them through this difficult time through prayer and song.

Even as the church tries to lay new groundwork, some members in the community are still not pleased — it is not lost on some that this is not the first time the Catholic community has battled the issue of sexual misconduct.

“Nothing concrete ever seems to be done in the Catholic community when it comes to sexual abuse allegations and it’s hard to believe that anything has changed now,” said VCU student and former Catholic Liza Hazelwood. “Instead of repeating thoughts and prayers when abuse has taken place, the Catholic community should deal with these issues in a more sustainable way so the trend can finally stop.”

A confidential victim assistance reporting line is available at 1-877-887-9603 for survivors of abuse from a member of the church.

NEWS Rao roundtable 2

SPECTRUM Ice Cream Social 10

OPINIONS Ode to Self Care 11

Bishop of the Diocese of Richmond, Barry Knestout leading Mass. Photo by Shayla Bailey

Richmond Catholics gather for atonement Mass in light of Pennsylvania scandal REZVAN EGI Contributing Writer

SPORTS Siad Haji 6

2 The Commonwealth Times

A progressive group wants a Confederate flag gone from the Capitol FADEL ALLASSAN Special Projects Director SEBASTIAN GRANT Contributing writer A progressive group which takes credit for a successful push to remove a photo of notorious white supremacist Jason Kessler from Virginia’s Capitol weeks ago now wants a Confederate flag out of the building.

The flag has been part of a display at the Capitol since 2007, according to the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates clerks. The leaders of Progress Virginia said it is a hate symbol that doesn’t belong in a public statehouse.

“Government buildings are for the public,” said Jennifer Lawhorne, a spokesperson for Progress Virginia. “But when those buildings are flying flags that represent the subjugation of other human beings, not all members of the public feel welcome.”

The flag is in a display near the Capitol Visitor’s Center, along with the U.S. flag, Virginia flag and an early-pattern U.S. flag.

According to General Assembly clerks, the displays are meant to “help interpret the history” of the Virginia State Capitol building, which housed the government of the Confederacy during the Civil War. The dispute was previously confounded by an exhibit dedicated to Capitol Police near the flag — added to the welcome center in late August — which included a photo of Jason Kessler, the “pro-white” organizer of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville.

Lawhorne said Progress Virginia members first noticed Kessler’s photo when The American flag on display next to a Confederate flag at the Capitol. Photo by Erin Edgerton they were at the Capitol for a special re-

districting session last month. They then started a campaign to encourage people to call the clerks and urge them to take the photo of Kessler and the flag down, using local and statewide media coverage to get the word out.

The clerk’s office and a curator from the Library of Virginia, who organized the exhibit, said they did not realize Kessler was in the photo. The clerks said they removed the photo less than a day after it was brought to their attention.

The debate surrounding the place of Confederate artifacts has had a home in Richmond, the former capital of the Confederacy, for many years. A commission started by Mayor Levar Stoney recommended in July that a monument of Confederate general Jefferson Davis — who was not a Virginia native — should be removed from the city, and that three statues of other generals should have signage added to “reinterpret” their meanings.

In a news release, the clerks said the flags were placed in the visitor’s center because of their “shared historical significance since each had flown over the State Capitol at some point since it began operation in 1788.”

The Capitol is a public museum, with more than 100,000 guests a year, in addition to housing the state legislature. Lawhorne said the display appears to glorify the Confederacy by giving its flag the same treatment as the American flag.

“While we can’t change the fact that Virginia was part of the Confederacy, it is not something to be glorified,” Lawhorne said.

“This is a flag that represents traitors to our nation who went to war rather than stop the practice of owning other human beings.”

Student housing, VCU expansion prominent in President Rao roundtable GEORGIA GEEN Managing Editor

grades are better by at least one letter grade.”

Rao said he believes more upperclassmen will want to live on campus in the future due VCU President Michael Rao answered to the nature of a city campus, where rents student questions regarding upperclassmen in surrounding areas are rising. This is in on-campus housing, university expansion, part because of VCU’s heightened presence branding and other topics at a Sept. 17 in the city, though Rao said the university roundtable discussion. has played a role in improving the area.

Hosted by the Student Government Association, about 20 students attended the hour-long event. Rao, in addition to student government members, expressed a desire When you have somebody to attract more students to the semesterly who stands up and event, which SGA president Vivek Kuruvilla said started last year. represents what the future “There’s nothing that [SGA] can do if needs to look like, you’re the student body isn’t coming out to talk to really being a leader and these administrators and talk to us about you’re making a statement.” what they want or what questions they might have,” Kuruvilla said.

Michael Rao, VCU President Several students posed questions regarding on-campus housing for upperclassmen, “I can tell you that there are two differalluding to the fact that few students are ent voices in communities, there are voices able to luck into a spot in the housing lot- of people who say, ‘Thank you for coming tery beyond their freshman year. Follow- into our community, because you’ve actualing the construction of the new Gladding ly made it a better place and you’ve made Residence Center, six residence halls now it safer,” Rao said. “Then there are other provide a capacity of about 2,500 beds for people who say, ‘We just don’t think the non-freshman students. university should be here at all.’”

Freshmen, Rao said, are the university’s Expansion is inevitable with a rising stupriority for on-campus housing, followed by dent population, but Rao said it’s better — sophomores and upperclassmen. and more economical — for the university “Freshmen are your biggest risk if they live to “go up in the air” in the form of high-rise off campus for getting into trouble or not buildings. coming to class,” Rao said. “We know when To international relations and economics they live on campus, they do better. Their student Cameron Luster who attended the

President Rao discusses VCU expansion plans at SGA roundtable. Photo by Erin Edgerton roundtable, VCU has already taken steps toward the future in the form of “social competency,” which encompasses racial and economic diversity in addition to projects like all-gender bathrooms.

“The people here are very socially intelligent and socially competent,” Luster said.

“When you have somebody who stands up and represents what the future needs to look like, you’re really being a leader and you’re making a statement.”

CORRECTION In the Sept. 12 issue, an article titled “Established tennis coach takes on new director title,” mistakenly wrote that Anthony Rossi played tennis for VCU. Rossi, the Men’s head coach, was recruited by VCU but never played for the team.

Wed. September 19, 2018 3

Human rights organization plans to participate in national march against police brutality

TORNADOES

Tornadoes spare VCU, devastate surrounding area

SARAH ELSON Contributing Writer

Top: Debris from the storm causes damage to house next to St. John Furniture store. Photo by Erin Edgerton Bottom: Trees collapse onto house and nearly down a power line on Weldon Street. Photo by Jon Mirador LOGAN REARDON Staff Writer At least one person has died, another was left injured and several buildings were destroyed when one of at least seven tornadoes in the surrounding area tore through Hull Street in Chesterfield.

Multiple tornadoes are confirmed to have touched down in areas across Chesterfield, Henrico, Richmond and Powhatan on Monday evening. It is unclear as of publication exactly how many tornadoes spawned from this storm.

One of the tornadoes hit Weldon Drive in Tuckahoe, causing three trees in a woman’s yard to be uprooted — one of them falling onto a nearby powerline and another falling onto her house. The woman was not injured, according to Jason Miller of Spartan Construction and Tree Service, who was at the scene to help assess the damages to the property. The resident was not available for comment.

No tornadoes touched down on campus, however people in VCU buildings were confined to those spaces for about two hours until conditions outside cleared

up. The tornado warnings, in place at VCU until about 5:45 p.m., caused class and event cancellations.

Over the next few days, The National Weather Service in Wakefield will travel to these areas to survey the damage caused by these tornadoes. The NWS said they will

make tracks of the damage to figure out the strength of the tornadoes and will publish the data they find online.

“After surveys tomorrow we’ll make a nicer summary page with tracks and photos,” said Scott Schumann of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

HURRICANE

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“The worst flooding is yet to come for portions of the Carolinas, the southern [and] central Appalachians from western NC to west-central VA and far eastern WV,” the National Weather Service said in a tweet on Saturday.

Florence’s effect on Richmond was small compared to other areas in Virginia — the city only received scattered showers between Friday and Sunday. Before the storm shifted, the forecast predicted Richmond to experience severe flooding, so VCU prepared for the worst.

The Siegel Center was designated as a back-up shelter to be run by the Department of Social Services in the event

that other facilities ­— at Christopher Newport University and the College of William and Mary — were overcrowded by people who were evacuated from their coastal homes in parts of Hampton Roads and the Carolinas. The facilities closed at noon on Saturday when the weather cleared up.

VCU closed Thursday, cancelling classes and multiple events through Sunday. VCU junior Gina Cutler said she understood the school’s decision, but still thinks it was a mistake to cancel classes.

“They did their best with the knowledge they had,” Cutler said. “It was a good idea at the time, but it ended up being a huge waste.”

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VCU sees rainfall Monday and Tuesday as Florence passes Continued from front page

Amnesty International at VCU focused its collective attention on the shooting of a local, black Richmond man at its first meeting of the fall semester on Sept. 10.

Members buzzed around the room handing out fliers to newcomers in order to broadcast their upcoming events. Along with information about the club came the main item on the agenda for the meeting: information about the death of Marcus-David Peters, the unarmed man gunned down by a Richmond police officer in May. Amnesty International is a non-partisan human rights organization. The non-governmental association focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide through education, awareness-building, advocacy and lobbying.

During the meeting, the executive board members wore shirts with Marcus-David Peters’ face and information on his death.

“Tonight we’re wearing the shirts because we went to city council to demand that they act and take accountability for the actions that happened after he was killed by the police officer,” said Nathan Land, outreach coordinator for Amnesty International.

Prospective new members were interested in learning about the issues addressed by the club.

“The reason why I came to this meeting was because I liked how they covered social justice and a lot of hot topics,” said VCU freshman Rose Shahid.

To raise awareness about the shooting and its repercussions, Amnesty joined a coalition with other human rights organizations, including Justice and Reformation for Marcus-David Peters and Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality.

The coalition will participate in a national march on Saturday, Oct. 13. Individuals from the Richmond area will march to stand up against the recent ruling that Marcus-David Peters’ death was justifiable — and to raise awareness of systematic police violence throughout the U.S. Amnesty International and Justice and Reformation for Marcus-David Peters invite students to participate in the National March for Justice and Reformation. To sign up to attend, visit justiceandreformation. org/march-details.

4 The Commonwealth Times

Higher speed internet, improved cell service to be implemented on campus SEBASTIAN GRANT Contributing Writer VCU will improve campus internet connectivity and cellular network capabilities in the coming weeks.

This internet overhaul began recently, as the university’s MARIA Circuit — the external network connection provided by the Mid-Atlantic Research Infrastructure Alliance — was multiplied tenfold, according to Alex Henson, VCU’s chief information officer.

On average, there are 20,000 devices connected to the VCU wireless network at any given time. That number is nearly triple what it was back in 2015, Henson said.

The bandwidth was upgraded from 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) to 100, immediately affecting the VCU Computer Center on Main Street. However, an upgrade to the network’s backbone to 40 Gbps is planned to be implemented by the end of 2018.

Such improvements in the near future will allow for improved connectivity to Researchnet — the research network used largely for the transfer of large data sets by students and faculty. According to Henson, the increased bandwidth capacity will benefit the entire VCU community.

“Patrons would have less issues transferring files. People complain a lot about the services [in the library]. Accessing files is another thing that would benefit a lot too from an upgrade,” said Coleman Jennings, a senior who works as a library assistant.

As it stands, overall feelings about the internet services among students are mixed.

“My tuition is being wasted every year on stupid stuff like this,” said Khalid Elshowaya, a sophomore studying biochemistry.

“I pay large amounts of money and it seems like nothing else gets better.”

While some consider the current network capabilities insufficient in regard to supporting online coursework or hobbies, others are thankful the internet is not as bad as other places they have visited.

“I’ve found that, for the most part, I stay connected and updated throughout the day and across campus on a reliable and safe network,” said Kelsey Ward, a junior studying psychology. “Although it’s often not the fastest, I’m confident that learning is always at my fingertips.”

The university is also tackling the issue of certain areas suffering from weaker cell phone coverage than others.

“While cell coverage is good in most areas, there are some locations that could benefit from a stronger carrier signal,” Henson said.

One strategy to remedy this problem would be the addition of strategically-placed cell towers across campus, according to Henson. A school-wide meshed cell network is also being considered. The school is in talks with carriers to determine what plan would be most fulfilling and beneficial to students.

“Sometimes the call will drop, or it will break up mid-conversation,” Amber Pierson, a freshman living in Gladding Residence Hall said. “Sometimes that’s frustrating, because then I have to call people back, and sometimes I’ll just have to give up and text them.”

Illustration by Summer McClure

Today, students and staff on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses can utilize upward of 3,750 wireless access points with an average weekly download of 43 terabytes. This proliferation of access points — up about 1,000 WAPs compared to three years ago — can be attributed to the initiative from VCU Technology Services to bring more widespread, stronger internet to the university.

To that end, according to Henson, VCU

has already planned to replace all 3,750 access points within the next year. The access points will be swapped out for state-ofthe-art hardware that will support dual-gig connections which allow devices to connect simultaneously with two networks.

“This will result in faster throughput speeds for faculty, staff, and students as well as make management of the system easier,” Henson said.

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CHIP LAUTERBACH Contributing Writer September marks National Recovery Month in the U.S. — the goal of which is to educate the population, promote a healthy lifestyle and provide assistance to those who battle addiction issues and mental health-related struggles.

There are many recovery-related efforts in full swing in the Richmond area, including at VCU. VCU student Eric — who requested his last name be withheld for privacy — said he owes the Richmond recovery community for his ability to return to classes as he approaches graduation next May. “Eliminating the stigma is one of the most difficult hurdles that I try to combat every day,” said Eric, who works at True Recovery RVA, a local recovery community organization. “With the opioid epidemic at the plateau it seems to have reached, almost everyone in the United States has been affected by addiction. I hope that the stigma words like ‘heroin,’ ‘addiction’ and ‘addict’ carry will soon evaporate.”

Another active organization in the local recovery community is the McShin Foundation. Founded in 2004, McShin has been on the front lines of the opioid crisis, led

by CEO Honesty Liller and founder John Shinholser.

“We celebrate National Recovery Month every September to help the community understand substance use disorders,” Liller said. “This gives hope to those still in active addiction, their families, people in recovery, as well as the community at large to reduce the negative outlook on addiction.”

In addition to assistance in the Richmond community, VCU has its own orga-

nizations dedicated to helping people with addiction, such as Rams in Recovery — a peer-to-peer recovery group. Additional student resources, including information about groups and meetings, can be found at The Well at 815 S. Cathedral Street.

National Recovery Month began in 1989 through efforts led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In Virginia alone, overdose deaths have more than doubled in the last decade, increasing from 721 in 2007 to 1,538 in 2017, according to the Virginia Department of Health. Furthermore, 2017 was the worst year for drug overdose deaths nationwide at more than 72,000 — nearly 200 deaths a day. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than two-thirds of those deaths were from opiates, like heroin and fentanyl.

The local recovery movement is making some gains, with data from the first quarterly report by the Virginia Department of Health showing drug related fatalities have slowed in 2018.

After facing ups and downs throughout the past several years, Eric said going back to school and being a student in recovery helps him prioritize his life.

“My recovery is extremely important to me. You could almost say my life depends on it, because it does,” Eric said. “I also find that when I am clean I feel a part of something bigger than me, not only the organization I help out, but also in society as a whole.”

For students looking for external help, the McShin Foundation can be contacted at 804-249-1845 and True Recovery RVA can be reached at 804-690-2204.

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Community efforts raise awareness for National Recovery Month

Wed. September 19, 2018 5

Stat of the week

Senior forward Emily McNamara set a new school record for career goals and points during VCU’s victory against Saint Louis last weekend.

PRESS BOX

Photo courtesy of The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Illustration by Steck Von

Serena backlash sets double standard ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer The second weekend of September brought the heralded U.S. Open women’s tennis tournament to its conclusion as the final pitted the legendary Serena Williams against relative newcomer Naomi Osaka.

Williams — reportedly one of Osaka’s heroes as she rose through the ranks of tennis — has emerged victorious in nearly every event she has competed in, winning title after title and cementing her place among some of this generation’s best athletes.

Despite all this, the sequence of events over the course of the U.S. Open women’s final brought controversy, anger and support from all angles. The match saw several penalties handed to Williams via chair umpire Carlos Ramos, many of which Williams took issue with. These infractions included coaching, racket abuse and verbal attacks on the umpire. Williams had several discussions with both Ramos and officials at the match.

Online criticism following the match was rife with insults and attacks directed toward Williams, presenting a double standard rooted in hypocrisy and inherent gender bias. Williams had every right to be displeased with a call she felt she did not deserve, and her reaction — justified or not — certainly did not call for the backlash she received.

Among other factors during the final, Williams took offense to the penalties she received, seeming to come to an understanding with the umpire at one point. Later, after Ramos tacked on more infractions, she threatened he would never umpire another match of hers and

demanded an apology, calling him a “liar” and a “thief.”

After meeting with officials, Williams accused Ramos of penalizing her because she was a woman, implying sexist and racist rulings, and referencing previous penalties she had received. Osaka held serve in the following set to win the set 6-4 and the title in straight sets.

After the match concluded and footage of the incident hit the internet, Twitter and other social media entities lit up with opinions, ranging from insults to support.

With multiple angles of various opinions, there still seems to be no consensus.

The aftermath of the match put a critical double standard on display. For example, the great John McEnroe frequently had heated arguments with officials and umpires during his career. McEnroe earned a reputation as a competitive player and hothead, known for having an easily inflamed temper.

Now, who’s to say Williams’ incident was any different? Granted, her reputation is one of a cool, calm, collected staple on the court, not easily rattled. On some level, her exchange with the umpire was an anomaly, given her history. Maybe the norms of tennis have changed so much that outbursts are no longer accepted.

There is a massive rift in that logic, however. In August, French player Benoît Paire smashed two rackets in frustration at the Citi Open, receiving only a point penalty. Social media platforms saw very little of Paire’s outburst, and any blowback that might have occurred died down quickly.

Williams made a reasonable argument when asserting that Ramos penalized her harshly because she was a woman.

Granted, Williams’ reaction was a relative anomaly among female tennis players,

but historically, male athletes in the sport are given more of a reprieve in these situations. McEnroe and Paire are just two of those players. Male players to this day seem to receive that pass more often.

It’s quite possible — and the stark difference between the backlash following the two incidents seems to support this — that there exists a sexist and racist bias behind the public’s reaction.

Williams fought back against these penalties in the same spirit as how she has battled back against societal norms in recent years. The icon continues to fight for equal pay for women and has supported the LGBTQIA community and movements such as Black Lives Matter.

Associate Director of the Humanities Research Center at VCU Brooke Newman penned an article published in The Washington Post on the incident and the resounding aftermath. Newman not only raised strong arguments against Williams’ detractors but also provided a history of adverse depictions of African-American women. Williams’ depiction in a cartoon published in an Australian newspaper enters those ranks as she is portrayed as an angry, overweight, large-lipped player throwing a tantrum.

This reaction goes beyond just public critique, as some tennis umpires have considered forming a union and even boycotting Williams’ future matches.

Whatever the future of this debate holds, it clearly presents a double standard rooted in hypocrisy and inherent gender bias. Williams was rightfully displeased with a call she did not agree with, and her subsequent reaction — right or wrong — did not deserve the attacks and outright hatred directed at her in the following days.

Hurricane Florence cancels eventful weekend of VCU Sports SAM HOOPER Contributing Writer VCU had a lineup of games and meets scheduled for last weekend, but Hurricane Florence had other plans (or so we thought).

Florence intensified into a Category 4 hurricane Sept. 10 but weakened to a Category 1 upon making landfall in North Carolina Sept. 14.

Currently almost 300,000 people are without power in North Carolina.

Richmond, and other areas in Virginia, braced for much worse than what occurred, hence VCU’s closing Thursday through Sunday.

Volleyball was scheduled to play a televised game on ESPN+ against the University of Virginia Sept. 14, followed by matches against the University of Toledo and the University of South Carolina Sept. 15.

All three games were canceled and will not be rescheduled.

On Sept. 13, Women’s Soccer was scheduled to play the Bison from Howard University in Washington D.C. Due to Hurricane Florence, the game was canceled and there has been no makeup date announced as of publication.

For Cross Country, the Adidas XC Challenge was scheduled for Sept.

14-15 in Cary, North Carolina, at the WakeMed Soccer Park Cross Country Course. The event was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Golf was not affected by the hurricane and continued their planned schedule.

6 The Commonwealth Times

Ram in Action: Siad Haji NOAH FLEISCHMAN Contributing Writer U.S. U20 National Team member and junior midfielder Siad Haji continues to make a major impact this season on the Men’s Soccer team. Haji had a team-high eight assists during his first year with the Black and Gold last fall and will play in the 2019 U20 Men’s World Cup in Poland.

This season, Haji led the Rams to two nail-biting wins as he scored the deciding goal in two straight matches, the first against Temple University Aug. 31 in a 1-0 win.

Haji’s second game-winner came during a golden goal overtime period against Santa Clara University Sept. 2 to propel the Rams to their third straight shutout victory, 1-0.

When did you first start playing soccer and what was that experience like?

I started playing soccer when I was about five years old. The experience was amazing because I always played in the streets back in Kenya. I always had the ball to my feet at all times, and played every chance I got with my friends.

Junior midfielder Siad Haji has made a shot attempt in every game this season.

Photo by Teresa Bricker

You played for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the U15, U17 and U19 levels.

What did you learn from playing on those teams with the best soccer players in the country?

helped my development as a player growing up. The experience playing with the best players in the country [means] you need to be physically and mentally [fit] every day to train. [The] speed of play is much faster and players are smarter on the ball in terms of choice-making and solving problems on the field. Being with the national team has helped me as a player to play faster, play smarter and staying engaged and giving your best at all times.

You played at New England College your freshman year before transferring to VCU. What’s the difference between the Division III level and the Division I level?

The biggest difference that I’ve noticed with [Division III] level to [Division I] is the speed of play and playing teams that always compete and find ways to win. In [Division I], you are playing the best players in the country, where most games are intense and fast.

Why did you transfer from New England College to VCU? I transferred from New England College because my goal was to be able to play for a [Division I] school and be in an environment to be able to compete with top college players and also develop as a player.

Last year you were a key player throughPlaying for the national team is an honor. out the regular season and the playoffs, Being able to receive such opportunity really leading the team in assists. What was that

like, scoring regularly throughout the season?

Last year being able to come to VCU and make an impact was my goal. We, as a team, worked really hard to stay compact defensively and also to be able to work for each other for 90 minutes. Every guy on the team wanted to help the team win and that’s why we were successful.

You have earned accolades including Preseason All-Atlantic 10 and A-10 Offensive Player of the Week. Are those awards an added motivation?

Yes, I use these awards as motivation, but what’s more important to me is how we compete as a team and how we get results week-in and week-out. Getting better on areas that we aren’t good at during training and, most importantly, having fun and trusting the process.

What did it feel like to score those two game-winning goals that led to your being named A-10 Offensive Player of the Week?

The feeling was amazing, but being able to help the team and getting the three points was very important. [There is] still a lot to improve as a team, but we are willing to work hard and learn each day at training.

Rams trounce Tribe 1-0 JESSICA WETZLER Sports Editor

Field Hockey improved to 3-3 after a pair of wins at Cary Street Field last weekend. Photo by Erin Edgerton

Field hockey enjoys record-setting weekend NOAH FLEISCHMAN Contributing Writer

two assists for the Rams.

Graduate midfielder Shannon Pereira scored two goals for the second straight Field Hockey returned to Richmond game. Pereira transferred from A-10 foe and picked up two more victories — in- St. Francis University, where she started cluding an Atlantic-10 Conference win all 54 games and received All-Atlantic-10 over St. Louis University — setting mul- honors during her three seasons there. tiple school records during the big wins Sophomore midfielder Svea Sturm addat home. ed two goals for the Rams and freshman defender Litiana Field scored once.

VCU had 35 shots, including 25 shots TOWSON on goal against the Tigers. Towson recordThe Black and Gold defeated the Tow- ed four shots and had one on goal. son University Tigers in a 9-0 rout Sunday afternoon with five different Rams recordST. LOUIS ing goals at Cary Street Field.

The nine-goal victory marked VCU’s It was a wet and dreary Friday in Richlargest goal margin since joining the A-10. mond as Hurricane Florence moved up the VCU took an early lead as sophomore east coast, but the Black and Gold walked midfielder Maite Sturm connected on a away from St. Louis with a 7-1 win. Mcpass from star senior forward Emily Mc- Namara led the Rams with four goals.

Namara seven and-a-half minutes into the contest. Sturm also recorded two assists in The six-goal margin of victory was Sunday’s win.

VCU’s second largest since joining the McNamara recorded her second hat A-10, the largest being a 7-0 victory over trick of the season, bringing her season La Salle University in 2017. It is now third goal total to 12. She, like Sturm, added after Sunday’s 9-0 victory over Towson.

McNamara scored 15 minutes in for her first goal of the game. The tally set a new VCU record of goals and points in a career, breaking Kelsey Scherrer’s 53 goals and 130 points. McNamara logged three more goals in the contest, all in the second half.

Pereira got the scoring started 13 minutes into the match in a one-on-one opportunity. The goal marked Pereira’s first since joining the Rams. Pereira scored again 23 minutes into the game to make the score 3-0 in favor of the Rams. She also recorded two assists in the win over the Billikens.

Maite Sturm added the seventh goal 45 minutes into the game. The goal was the first of the season for Sturm, who scored six last season.

VCU recorded 23 shots and a season-high 19 shots on goal Friday afternoon. St. Louis recorded five total shots, four on goal. Freshman goalkeeper Sasha Elliott recorded three saves.

The Rams continue their 2018 campaign against the University of Richmond Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. at Cary Street Field.

Despite a home game cancellation due to Hurricane Florence, Women’s Soccer traveled to the College of William & Mary Sunday afternoon to battle it out in the rain with the Tribe.

The game started off with a foul called against William & Mary and a wide shot attempt by VCU sophomore forward CiCi Fox in the first five minutes. Sophomore midfielder Samantha Jerabek came right behind Fox, making another shot attempt, but it sailed over the goal.

Ram Stat Junior defender Susanna Friedrichs’ game winning goal against William & Mary was her first collegiate goal since becoming a Ram in 2016.

The Rams took control early on. As VCU made shots on goal, William & Mary received one foul after another, subduing the Tribe’s momentum.

As the second half began the sides traded shots for the first 10 minutes until junior defender Susanna Friedrichs scored for the Rams with an assist by senior forward Kelly Graves.

After the goal, both teams took their time rotating out starting players and bringing in substitutions.

Outdoing the Tribe, the Rams made 22 shot attempts on goal compared to William & Mary’s five. The lack of shot attempts ultimately lost William & Mary the game as VCU headed back to Richmond with a win.

The Black and Gold stays on the road for their next game against St. Bonaventure University Sept. 20. The game will be televised on ESPN+ starting at 7 p.m.

Wed. September 19, 2018 7

Washington Training Camp’s conclusion marks season’s beginning ADAM CHEEK Staff Writer The 2018 NFL season began anew Sept. 6, with the close-tohometown Washington professional football team emerging victorious in Glendale, Arizona, against the Arizona Cardinals in the first game of their schedule. Washington concluded their training camp in Richmond, Virginia in mid-August.

After a 7-9 effort last season that caused the team to miss the playoffs, the Washington Redskins have built a Washington’s training camp featured 25 public on-field sessions. Photo by Adam Cheek solid foundation going forward.

One of the biggest stories heading into the team showed its resilience and depth in the among players and several all-out brawls in team’s visit to Virginia was the acquisition running department. the first day of their meeting. of veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Smith Wide receivers Josh Doctson and Paul Tre McBride, although later cut by the — who has played for the San Francisco Richardson Jr. tallied a number of catches Jets, ran plays as a wide receiver during 49ers and, most recently, the Kansas City over the course of the training camp. Along the team’s visit. The College of William & Chiefs — was picked up as former quar- with several other wideouts, they worked Mary graduate expanded on what it meant terback Kirk Cousins’ replacement. Cous- closely with Smith to plan routes and orga- to return to Virginia as a Jet, having continins played for Washington from 2012-2017, nize plays. Doctson and Richardson made ued his college career into the pros. becoming their go-to passer in recent years. spectacular catches day after day, including “Virginia’s like a second home to me,” At 34 years old, Smith took a large number a Smith-to-Richardson pass that the receiv- McBride said. “I spent four good years out of the snaps at camp, with veteran backup er caught in midair before touching down, here playing ball, and it feels good to be back.”

Colt McCoy controlling a number of plays in-bounds, in the end zone.

Virginia colleges also have heavy repas well. Smith appeared solid behind cenThe team also possesses strong depth at resentation on the Washington roster. ter, coolly managing plays and consistently the tight end position with Vernon Davis, Morgan Moses attended the University hitting his receivers.

Jordan Reed and Jeremy Sprinkle all return- of Virginia, as did Quin Blanding — latThe offensive side also saw standouts on ing for another season in Washington. The er released by the team — and three other the running and receiving ends. Running receivers all have varying amounts of expe- members played for Virginia Tech. backs Derrius Guice, a draftee, and Chris rience, but appear to be one of the team’s Moses is a staple of the team’s defense, Thompson, a roster staple since 2013, took strongest positions, displaying sure hands and this side of the team showed its worth handoff after handoff and recorded hun- throughout training camp and solidifying as well. Cornerback Josh Norman contindreds of yards. Although veteran Adrian their place on the roster. ues to be one of the most notable defensive Peterson was signed to replace Guice — The training camp concluded with a vis- players, hauling in interceptions and makwho is out for the year with a torn ACL it from the New York Jets for scrimmag- ing play after play, including a pick that saw — about a week after the camp’s closing, the es, a matchup that led to some skirmishes the cornerback leap into the air, catch a pass ADVERTISEMENT

headed straight toward him and land nearly flat on his back.

Norman, safety D.J. Swearinger, draftee Daron Payne, linebacker Zach Brown and a host of other talents make up the defense.

Richmonders and fans from all around flocked to see their favorite players suit up and take the field. The training camp first hosted the team in 2016 and thousands of fans have attend each year, with some of the biggest crowds arriving on Fan Appreciation Day. The event not only included on-field action, but also Washington legends, the team’s cheerleaders and an influx of food trucks and other vendors for attendees.

Fans were also treated to time with the players, as the team ventured over to the sidelines to sign memorabilia, take photos and talk with fans.

Many fans look forward now to the 2019 offseason, when the team will make the return trip to Virginia for their stint at training camp. Set to enter its fourth year hosting the camp, the event has become a landmark in Richmond, providing the Washington faithful, and even football fans in general, with a direct link to the NFL. The fans and team look forward to a solid season on both sides of the ball, with projections favoring a winning season for the organization. Fans also seem confident with the team adding depth in all facets during the offseason. Washington will look to improve on last year’s performance and utilize these additions over the course of this season, hoping to finish with a winning record and a possible playoff berth.

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Need a lift?

VCU students and employees can ride GRTC’s regular, local, and express routes at no cost!

Use the Pulse and Route 5 to travel to and from VCU’s campuses.

Learn more at go.vcu.edu/grtc.

Wed. September 19, 2018 9

On this day

The classic mob movie “Goodfellas” starring Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta was released on Sept. 19, 1990.

UPCOMING EVENTS See something

SUN. 9/23 L’Avventura presented by VCUarts Cinematheque

As part of VCUarts Cinema Michelangelo Antonioni’s showcase, Cinematheque will present the 1960 Italian classic “L’Avventura.” The film will be projected on 35mm. Free admission.

1:30 p.m., The Byrd (2908 W. Cary St.)

Do something

FRI. 9/21-22 Oktoberfest

Ice Cream Social provides a safe space for QTPOC. Photo courtesy of Wes Mcwillen

Ice Cream Social churns up Richmond’s live music scene FADEL ALLASSAN Special Projects Director

endeavors. Some of the most prominent names of the area’s house show scene – like Dazeases, Dan Mango and Wabey – are current or former members.

The collective was founded months before the mainstream Richmond bar scene reached its arguable peak for incidents of thinly-veiled racism. In the fall of 2016, a new dress code at 7 Hills Brewing Co. in Shockoe Bottom banned accessories like Timberland boots, large chains, do-rags and Black and Mild cigars – a series of items some suspected was meant to target black people. Around the same time, the music booker at Balliceaux, a bar which used to be in the Fan District, resigned after public furor he had caused by wearing a blackface costume for Halloween.

It was hard for people in marginalized groups to book sets in this type of atmosphere, Flowers said, and that’s exactly the problem Ice Cream Support Group and Ice Cream Social were meant to help remedy.

“It’s been a great vehicle for me,” said Sophia Lakis, a local DJ. “It’s the first regular party that I can guarantee if I’m not playing,

I’ll be attending and promoting.”

The group, which was founded by Flowers and Richmonder Christian Something, started out as a few people getting together to talk about music, movies and to host DJ nights – at which people would come dance to spins by their close friends, oftentimes at Flowers’ house.

More than two years later, it has burgeoned into a staple in the local DIY music scene. DJ nights at Flowers’ house turned into Ice Cream Socials with several-month-long residencies at Gallery5, and until last month, Flora, two of the most highly frequented bars among VCU students.

When it comes to growth, there’s no end in sight for Support Group or Social – both are undergoing a transition period. The former is looking to revamp the roster of artists and has plans for a number of events in the future, while Social is looking for a new host venue post-Flora.

These changes, Flowers said, make for exciting times ahead.

Jafar Flowers – an artist, DJ and eminent face in many of VCU’s creative circles – still laughs when they remember the cringeworthy scene that took place when they talked to a DJ during a set at one of Richmond’s most popular bars.

“I asked him to play Migos or something,” Flowers said. “He told me to come back on urban night.”

Flowers knows from first-hand experience that Richmond night life can be an unwelcoming environment for people in marginalized communities. And that highlights the necessity for Flowers’ brainchild, Ice Cream Social, a dance party which looks to provide a something of a safe space for queer and/or transgender people of color, a group often referred to as QTPOC. Ice Cream Social, which is on the first Friday of every month, will typically punctuate DJ sets with live performances by artists of varying genres like techno, electronic dance music, trap and R&B. White and straight people are allowed to attend, but the billed artists typically consist of QTPOC. Flowers organizes, bills and curates the events, and frequently steps in to DJ. The name may seem curious, given the fact that ice cream isn’t served or even discussed at the event, but it’s actually laughably straightforward.

“Everybody loves ice cream,” Flowers explains.

Flowers decided to create the event after going to similar parties in other cities.

When they came back to Richmond, they realized just how badly the River City was crying out for a space in which QTPOC could feel secure in the comfort of knowing they could be themselves and dance.

“For me dancing is a really huge form of healing and catharsis.” Flowers said. “It literally feels like stress and oppression is gone in that moment [when dancing.]”

Ice Cream Social is an offspring of Ice Cream Support Group, a collective of queer and transgender artists and creative Ice Cream Support Group has become a staple of local DIY music in about two years. thinkers that support one another in their Photo courtesy of Wes Mcwillen

Capital Ale House’s annual Oktoberfest is back for two nights. Enjoy traditional German food, like Bavarian pretzels and bratwurst, imported German-style beer and polka music. Free admission.

4-11 p.m., Capital Ale House (623 E. Main St.)

THURS. 9/20 Richmond Food Truck Court

Join Hardywood every Thursday for family-friendly fun and food trucks. Several vendors from the Richmond area will set up their trucks and serve food until 10 p.m. The brewery is also open until 10 p.m. with last call beginning at 9:30 p.m. All ages are welcome, entry is free and there will be live music every other week.

5-10 p.m., Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (2408 - 2410 Ownby Lane)

Learn something

WED. 9/19 The Opioid Epidemic in Virginia: Individual, Family and Community Consequences

The annual Health Sciences Lecture Series discusses subjects related to the U.S. healthcare system and how it impacts the population. To kick off the series, speakers such as Jodi Manz, Omar Abubaker and Thomas N. Bannard will highlight the opioid epidemic in Virginia.

The event is presented by VCU’s Department of Kinesiology. Free admission.

7-8 p.m., Academic Learning Commons (1000 Floyd Ave.) room 1107

TUES. 9/25 Bob Woodward: Truth, Freedom of Expression, Democracy, and the Age of the American Presidency As part of the Humanities Research Center at VCU’s Fall 2018 Speaker Series, renowned journalist and author Bob Woodward will speak about his new book, “Fear: Trump in the White House” and the current state of the media. Free admission. No registration is required, but plan to arrive early to get a seat.

6-7:30 p.m., WE Singleton Center for the Arts, (922 Park Ave.)

SUN. 9/23 Pretzel Making Workshop

Join The HofGarden and learn how to properly roll, season and cook a homemade pretzel. Admission is $10 and open to the public.

5-8 p.m., The HofGarden (2818 W. Broad St.)

10 The Commonwealth Times

Virginia PrideFest is hosted by Richmond nonprofit Virginia Pride. PrideFest is the largest LGBTQIA celebration in the commonwealth. Photos courtesy of James Millner

Virginia PrideFest empowers LGBTQIA community ANDREW RINGLE Contributing Writer Brown’s Island will soon be the site of celebration when Virginia PrideFest 2018 rolls into town Saturday, Sept 22.

The free, family-friendly festival focuses on the empowerment of the LGBTQ community in Richmond and throughout Virginia.

Attended by more than 30,000 people last year, it is the Commonwealth’s largest LGBTQ celebration.

Hosted by Richmond nonprofit Virginia Pride, the event will feature national, regional and local entertainment acts includ-

ing Jake Shears of the Scissor Sisters and Alexis Michelle from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

“The day itself is magical,” said Virginia Pride President James Millner. “You can feel the love in the air. It’s happy and fun and very, very gay.”

The theme for this year’s PrideFest is “This Is Me.” Millner said the theme choice was made in support of the idea that “pride is about empowerment.”

“We chose this theme because we want people to feel accepted and celebrated for who they are and how they identify without exception,”Millner said. “We want LGBTQ people to be emboldened to stand

up and say, ‘This is who I am, and your approval is neither requested nor required. But I do demand your respect and expect to be treated with dignity.’”

Virginia Pride was founded in the 1970s.

From its humble beginnings of a group made up mostly of men, the organization has now developed to include a diverse range of identities.

Starting as a small festival which, according to Millner, was largely ignored by the media, PrideFest has now grown to attract thousands. Included in this year’s audience is Mayor Levar Stoney, who said he is “thrilled to join everyone… to celebrate

love and friendship in our great city.”

VCU sophomore Jason Oakes, who attended Virginia PrideFest in 2017, said he’s excited for the festival’s return to the riverfront.

“I loved how PrideFest was so welcoming to anyone that showed up,” Oakes said.

“Everyone was so social and ready to meet new people, so it was awesome. I definitely think it is an event everyone should go to because there is so much to do.”

Those interested in Virginia PrideFest and Virginia Pride can visit www.vapride. org for more information. PrideFest starts Saturday at 11 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m.

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Shane Black’s “The Predator” preys on your nostalgia

Many of the action set pieces before the film’s final act are still exhilarating. The tight interior set pieces make the action easier to follow, allowing Black to focus on longer takes instead of the constant hardto-follow editing seen later in the film.

Pacing of earlier scenes in the film is very breakneck, sometimes going from point A to point C without covering B. This is mostly because of certain editing choices and the film’s desire to get into the action and one-liners as quickly as possible.

Yes, the one-liners from the original Predator do make an appearance and some are handled well, but many fail to land — much like the rest of the humor and characters.

Besides McKenna, most of the characters are flat and one-dimensional. They rely solely on defining characteristics which tend to be some type of mental disorder like Tourette’s or PTSD. Instead of delving into these characters and their psyche, the film makes their disorders the butt of a joke in a distasteful way.

Even with some mishandled characters and foolish conflict, “The Predator” succeeds at being a somewhat fun, entertaining action film with heart at its core — and an enjoyable two hours spent if you’re in the mood for some mindless action.

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Reviving ‘80s action hero classics seems to be the new norm in Hollywood. Many of these revivals, however, fail to garner the same admiration the originals earned.

So when Shane Black, screenplay writer for 1987 sci-fi thriller “Predator,” was set to helm 2018’s soft reboot “The Predator,” many expected a return to form.The finished product, however, feels like a mixed bag of ‘80s action and modern blockbuster filmmaking that fails to meet its full potential.

“The Predator” follows Boyd Holbrook’s Quinn McKenna and a band full of misfits played by Trevante Rhodes, Keegan-Michael Key and Olivia Munn in their attempts to protect McKenna’s son from The Predator, a high tech alien bent on hunting down the best human kind has to offer.

Holbrook plays the perfect ‘80s action hero, proving to be the film’s biggest success. He encapsulates everything you need for a strong hero figure with his witty one-liners and unwavering confidence following his every encounter. On top of all this, he brings the film a little more character and heart through his constant mission to protect his son from the looming predatory threat.

The creature effects for the predator are stellar — when they are practical. The realistic effects tap into the nostalgic feeling brought on by classic action movies.

However, later on in the film, when the set pieces and suspense increase, Black shys away from the practical roots and tends to focus on computer-generated imagery.

These moments, designed as spectacles, miss the intended effect because of the uncanny valley-like effects comparable to a late PlayStation 2 game.

Illustration by Summer McClure

LANDON ROBERTS Contributing Writer

Wed. September 19, 2018 11

Quote of the week

I’m not used to crying. It’s a little difficult. All my life I’ve had to fight. It’s just another fight I’m going to have to learn how to win, that’s all. I’m just going to have to keep smiling.

— Serena Williams

Sports can inspire, serve as agent of change KAYLEIGH FITZPATRICK Online Editor

people forget. World Cups united broken, civil-warring nations. Baseball helped America begin to heal after 9/11. The New “Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy, ask if Orleans Saints marched back into town they are crazy enough.” and resurrected their city after Hurricane It’s a phrase that has been echoing Katrina. The story was always the same: through my head. sports provided a temporary distraction It’s from a commercial. It’s the inspi- from reality. rational one, in honor of Nike’s 30-year anniversary of the “Just Do It” advertisement campaign. It’s the one showing athletes competing and overcoming incredible odds: the wrestler with no legs defeating Colin Kaepernick is the able-bodied opponents; the soccer player type of role model all of born in an African refugee camp starring for Canada’s men’s national team at age 16; the us should aspire to be, one-handed football player not just making and be thankful to have, an NFL defense, but starting in one; the particularly in today’s homecoming queen that’s also a linebacker; the “girl from Compton” becoming arguably hostile political climate.” the greatest athlete ever and the high school Kayleigh Fitzpatrick, Online Editor basketball phenom turned legend opening a school to better his community.

I’m sure you’ve seen the commercial. The But, occasionally, sports are transformed one with Colin Kaepernick. from a distraction to an agent of change.

In 2016, he was the NFL quarterback Athletes like Muhammed Ali, John Carlos that kneeled during the Star-Spangled Ban- and Tommie Smith, Billie Jean King and ner in silent protest of multiple acts of racial Arthur Ashe risked their sporting careers injustice throughout the United States. The to speak out against major social injustices.

NFL quarterback that opted for free agency Colin Kaepernick reminded us all that following the 2016 season. The NFL quar- this kind of athlete is still possible. As he terback left without a contract offer. took a knee, he figuratively made a stand.

Now, he’s the NFL quarterback suing He reminded the nation — and the world the league owners for collusion in refusing — that professional athletes are more than to sign him. people being paid ridiculous sums of money He’s the man who sacrificed everything, to play a game. He freely acted with bravery because he believed in something. He’s the during the song that reminds us that the man who forever altered the role athletes U.S. is the “land of the free and home of play in society. the brave.”

Throughout its history, sports helped The U.S. needs Kaepernick and athletes

Kayleigh Fitzpatrick. Photo by Erin Edgerton

like him. We have an egocentric and embarrassing president who has made demeaning and discriminating against others fashionable. We have a president that outwardly calls journalists, our nation’s truth-seekers, “the enemy;” a president that has a senior member of his administration publicizing that there “are adults in the room;” a president that demands athletes “be fired” for engaging in freedom of expression, the very first “inalienable” right of the United States Constitution.

The racist violence and police brutality that prompted Kaepernick to kneel has continued. In late July, a white man shot and killed an unarmed black man outside a convenience store in Clearwater, Florida., and used the state’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law as his defense. The shooter was arrested nearly a month later by the Pinellas County state attorney, only after

that county’s sheriff refused to bring murder charges. On Sept. 6, an off-duty white Dallas police officer mistakenly entered a black man’s apartment, and thinking he was an intruder, shot and killed him. In May, VCU graduate Marcus-David Peters was shot and killed by Richmond Police during a mental health episode.

Sadly, the mounting list of racial injustice could go on and on.

As a transgender woman, I have experienced outward and obvious discrimination: by police officers, by U.S. Customs Agents and by the State Department that recently invalidated my passport. I watched helplessly as leaders of this nation withdrew my rights and protections from Title IX, my access to adequate health insurance and from discrimination by businesses and employers who won’t hire me if they can cite a “religious reason.” Last December, the Trump administration forbade the Centers for Disease Control from using the medical term “transgender” in official clinical documents.

The transgender population will not even be counted in the 2020 census. This list too, could go on and on.

Colin Kaepernick is the type of role model all of us should aspire to be, and be thankful to have, particularly in today’s hostile political climate. He took a stand for the ideals this country was founded on, that there should be “liberty and justice for all.” I will be a fan of his forever, because I can relate to him.

I can relate to him because I once had a dream people called crazy. A dream to be my authentic self.

So what did I do? I just did it.

An ode to Self Care

Illustration by Steck Von

to have a real conversation with him. It’s really hard to intentionally sit down and have an awkward conversation. I believe wholeheartedly that if it is mentionable, it’s manageable — so mention it, access your situation and manage it.

of mine. Within all relationship-oriented advice this question is without a doubt the most polarizing. There are those who try to salvage what’s good after a bad situation, and of course, people who would rather move forward and not look back. While it is possible and works for certain couWhy am I so incredibly sexually ples, I would exercise caution when trying attracted to people with whom I have to go from a romantic state to a platonic nothing in common? one. Crossing that line can be hard. For some people, the chemistry of their relaWell, it is on you to decide whether tionship doesn’t shift so easily, but if there you want to get to the root of this issue. is someone you deeply care for and you From the outside looking in, though, it can make that shift, go for it. Just don’t get seems like an ill-advised defense mech- caught in a cycle and deny yourself new anism to keep you from feeling any relationships or experiences on account of and all types of vulnerability. When fractured remnants of the past. you choose these people, I think you are doing so in an effort to avoid any My boyfriend cheated on me and is SHAUN JACKSON kind of emotional investment, so you now dating the girl he cheated on me Staff Columnist seek out partners with whom you share with. Yet, I would still take him back if no commonalities. Why share yourself he asked. What is wrong with me?

What is a good way to break it off with people who do absolutely nothing when he keeps calling after one awkfor you outside of the physical? It is in no Now I’m going to go real wild on this ward date? way a healthy orientation to have toward one and hazard a guess that you are alyour interpersonal relationships. ready painfully aware of what is wrong First, there’s no real ‘good’ way to with you. The short answer is that you break it off. Nine times out of 10 it’s Can you remain friends with your ex? have a complete lack of self-respect for probably going to be a tad uncomfortable. yourself. This is why you haven’t only Second, keep cool and actually sit down Oh, boy. This one is always a favorite given it thought, but you have enter-

tained the idea of letting someone who sounds so cloyingly toxic back into your life. Look, relationships are so difficult to navigate. When you finally find someone who works with you, it can be very hard to let the idea of them go, in spite of what they show you with their actions.

You are worth so much more than him.

Don’t lessen your self-worth and value by going back to him.

Recommended listening while reading: “Give A Little” Maggie Rogers

12 The Commonwealth Times THE CT STAFF EXECUTIVE EDITOR Zach Joachim joachimz@commonwealthtimes.org MANAGING EDITOR Georgia Geen geengr@commonwealthtimes.org NEWS EDITOR Nia Tariq news@commonwealthtimes.org SPORTS EDITOR Jessica Wetzler sports@commonwealthtimes.org

Body Building Contest by Adam Goodman

SPECTRUM EDITOR Katie Bashista spectrum@commonwealthtimes.org OPINIONS EDITOR Caitlin Barbieri opinions@commonwealthtimes.org COPY EDITOR Saffeya Ahmed ahmedss2@vcu.edu MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Erin Edgerton photography@commonwealthtimes.org ILLUSTRATIONS EDITOR Steck Von illustrations@commonwealthtimes.org SPECIAL PROJECTS DIRECTOR Fadel Allassan allassanfg@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF WRITERS Logan Reardon, News reardonlj@vcu.edu Adam Cheek, Sports cheekan@vcu.edu Sam Goodrich, Spectrum goodrichs@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF COLUMNISTS Shaun Jackson, Opinions jacksonsk@commonwealthtimes.org STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Shayla Bailey baileysl4@vcu.edu STAFF ILLUSTRATORS Summer McClure mccluresl@vcu.edu

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TornaDon’t by P.M.