Tag: Grace O’Connor ’22
A Writer’s Recommendations
by The Cowl Editor on September 17, 2020
Film and Television
Getting through Quarantine with TV
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
Being stuck in quarantine offered ample opportunity to watch new and exciting shows. On July 31, Netflix released the second season of The Umbrella Academy, an intriguing show that explores a dysfunctional family with superpowers. The show is an adaptation of the comic book The Umbrella Academy and has the original author, Gerard Way, and artist, Gabriel Ba, serving as executive co-producers. 43 infants with superpowers are born to random women who show no sign of pregnancy. Seven of these children are adopted by Mr. Hargreeves who turns them into the “Umbrella Academy.” Their task is to save the world. The Umbrella Academy highlights the characters’ teamwork dynamics‘ as the siblings share more differences than similarities.
Dear White People is another new release on Netflix, which follows several students of color at an Ivy-League-type institution discussing issues related to social justice. The first season was released in 2017, and it is now in its final season. The students shed light upon the underlying tensions and issues that surround the predominately white school they attend. The first few episodes of season one are told from different characters’ perspectives in 30-minute increments. The show explores each student’s story and perspective.
The Netflix series is based off of the 2014 film with the same title. The film’s writer and director, Justin Simien, wrote and directed Netflix’s Dear White People as well. This show is extremely important, now more than ever, as it presents people actively fighting against societal inequalities. These issues should not be ignored, and Dear White People forces viewers to acknowledge them
Euphoria is an American teen drama television series created by Sam Levinson which premiered on HBO in 2019. The show is based on high school students and their experiences, especially regarding their identities and social lives.
Popularity surrounding Euphoria has picked up significantly over the past few months. The characters each fight their own battles, and the beauty of the show is the authentic portrayal of said battles. Euphoria is one of the first shows to tackle many different issues that teenagers struggle with daily, including substance abuse, cyberbullying, relationship violence, and mental illness. These issues are not frequently discussed, and the show portrays struggles that many go through that are not always obvious. By bringing awareness to these issues, it reduces the stigma surrounding them.
Outer Banks quickly became a favorite on Netflix following its release. It has rapidly gained popularity since season one was released on April 15 and season two was just recently announced. The show follows a group of four close friends known as the “Pogues,” who are on a mission to find treasure that is linked to the missing father of one of the main characters, John B. The Pogues, who are disdained by the “Kooks,” the wealthy and superior group, overcome many obstacles throughout the show that strengthen their overall bond.
The show tackles the idea of social inequality through the Pogues and the Kooks. In today’s society, social inequality is a prominent issue that impacts a large majority of individuals. Outer Banks reels viewers in by adding mystery into the mix of these issues. The loyalty between the Pogues is clear and makes the audience feel closer to them. Season one ended on a cliffhanger, leaving the viewers wanting more and looking forward to the next season. The creators of the show, Josh and Jonas Pate, expect Outer Banks to run for four to five seasons.
Love is Blind is a new show that was released in early 2020. This series explores the distinction between emotional and physical attraction. Love is Blind brings together men and women who have never met prior to the show. These individuals get to know each other by speaking through pods but are not able to see each other. The intent behind this is so that couples can establish an emotional connection before a physical one. Love is Blind emphasizes the idea that many missed emotional connections may happen when people only focus on physical looks. It also highlights the fact that both are equally important in a relationship.
Whether you wanted to escape the COVID-19 pandemic with a show about connecting emotionally with others like Love is Blind, or immerse yourself into the quirky dynamic found in The Umbrella Academy, these Netflix shows offered something for every mood during quarantine.
Two Writers One Line: “When I read the text, I scream”
by Connor Zimmerman on March 6, 2020
Features
The Glass Shattered Below
by Grace O’Connor ’22
When I read the text, I scream
Glowing from the screen
The words popping out, sucking me in
As my eyes glazed over them
Slowly, in disbelief,
I turned off my phone and
Dropping my face in my hands
Forcing my head up to look at the screen
I picked up my phone unwillingly
Before I knew it, leaving my hand
Hearing the quiet sound of the glass
That shattered below
I breathed in the sharp pain
Triggered
by Sarah Heavren ’21
When I read the text, I screamed.
I didn’t know what it could mean.
Everything seemed just fine,
But this text brought something to mind.
I tried to forget about
The moment, but now all my doubts
Started rushing over me
Like I’m caught in a storm at sea.
Sometimes it’s the little things,
And this is the one thing that brings
Back too many painful thoughts.
The past now has my soul drawn taut.
If only people would think
That their words could make a heart sink.
If only somehow they knew
What the meaning of words can do.
I’m now in the deepest dark
With too much weight forced on my heart.
When did the truth of feeling
Become so devoid of meaning?
Why can’t we just be sincere?
Why does that have to disappear?
I’m not broken, I’m not weak.
But I’m human, my feelings speak.
The Simple Truth
by Connor Zimmerman on February 27, 2020
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
Large crowds always made her head spin
She could never hear herself think which is why
She preferred to be alone, hear her own thoughts
Flood in her head like a much-needed drug
Silence is what led her to feel the rawness of her emotions
She felt the most alive, embracing the tranquility and authenticity
Of the simple, nothing forced, just truth
She craved this around other people, in a crowded room filled
With every other voice besides her own
The beach always made her feel the most alive
The cold sand between her toes as the breeze embraced her in a natural hug
No one to judge every move she makes, simply just the water waving
As the sand made room for every step she took, molding around her footprint
She likes to think more than anything
Unlacing the knot of every new thought that came to her head
Understanding the whys and hows of everything around her
Feeling her essence and recognizing herself in these moments
In the silence that some think is a burden
She welcomes it with open arms
Her internal voice is the most driven, and sure
Her outward voice is quiet, and scared.
Terrified.
Silence, is what some are afraid of
She was too
But does silence always have to be a burden?
Is it scary to see your raw emotions? Thoughts?
Fast Fiction: Dream First Date
by Connor Zimmerman on February 14, 2020
Features
In six words or less write a story about your dream first date… Go!
Only us drowned in candlelight.
by Grace O’Connor ’22
A good laugh…all I need.
by Erin Venuti ’20
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and…
by Connor Zimmerman ’20
They laugh together, and she’s happy.
Clara Howard ’20
Stole my heart, then my wallet.
by Kate Ward ’23
Ends with plans for a second.
by Sarah McLaughlin ’23
Kobe Bryant: A Beloved Basketball Player and Storyteller
by The Cowl Editor on February 13, 2020
Film and Television
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
“I love the idea of creative content whether it’s mythology or animation, written or film, that can inspire people and give them something tangible they can use in their own lives,” said Kobe Bryant to Sports Illustrated in 2018.
Bryant founded Granity Studios to develop his own content in order to combine his love of basketball and fantasy. He took his vision to this studio in order to see his dream play out. Bryant directed one of Granity’s earliest projects, Detail, which was meant to teach basketball in the same way that the legendary Tex Winter did. He stated, “If this show existed when I was 11 or 12 years old, I believe by the age of 21, 22, I would have been a much better basketball player,” when asked by the New York Times in 2018.
Bryant claimed, “Animation can capture the emotion in the story in a much more compelling, visual way than live action.” He always had an interest in animation and he made the previous statement to Glen Kaene. Kaene helped Bryant produce Dear Basketball, a story based on a poem that he used to promote his retirement from basketball. The film showed him both as a young boy and as the star he became.
Dear Basketball won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and the Annie Award. After Bryant’s passing, Kaene commented, “As soon as he stepped into animation, he eagerly began soaking up every aspect of it. Working with him was a dream and one of the high points of my career.”
This highlights Bryant’s influence on the movie industry and his versatility. Bryant had an eye for animation and helped Kaene to see a different perspective, proving that Bryant understood the importance of the little details that go into making a film. Kaene mentioned that it was really important to Bryant to tell a story that resonates with everyone. Bryant wanted to make changes for the better and his involvement in the movie industry portrays his drive to tell a genuine, compelling story.
Bryant’s love for storytelling started when he was young. In high school, he took creative writing classes which helped strengthen his creative writing abilities and fed his interest in storytelling. He studied movies from Disney, as well as Harry Potter and Star Wars in order to better understand character development.
This exemplifies his passion for telling stories and his famous “Mamba mentality” to always do more. As Bryant told the New York Times in 2015, “Cinematically, we wanted to do something that would be different from the ways documentaries are shot. This was about doing something that was fun but also honest.” Rather than writing a book, Bryant saw a film as something that got his story out more effectively. Though he did not grow up an avid reader, Bryant’s talent lies in creative writing. Bryant left a mark on the world not only as a basketball player but also as a storyteller. This was a huge part of his identity that should be recognized due to his immense efforts and true passion for the craft. He wanted to tell a story that would touch the lives of others, and he managed to do just that while still being known as one of the best basketball players in history. Kobe Bryant’s creative half bleeds through and should be recognized as an equally important part of his identity.
String Lights
by Connor Zimmerman on February 7, 2020
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
Strands of string lights circled around the wooden frame of the bunk bed
Warm yellow light illuminates from the mini bulbs
White wire twisted together to hold each mini light bulb in place
The string lights are a twisted vine keeping the wooden planks in custody
Tied around the bed frame tightly with no intention of coming loose
The loose end of the wire sneaks down to the floor, fusing itself with the outlet
The string lights are twinkling stars in the dark
They reflect their light against the wall like stars reflect their light in the sky
They can be seen in the darkest of nights pressed against the sky
The mini light bulbs are pointing in all different directions like a rusted street sign
Oblivious to the direction they are pointing to
There are dozens of them with their light shining a path from far away
The lights are fireflies lighting up the dark
Floating on the air with their visible illumination
They dim and brighten but never for a second lose my attention
Mac Miller’s Circles
by The Cowl Editor on January 30, 2020
Music
Finding Posthumous Closure
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
As stated by Rolling Stone, “Mac Miller’s posthumous album Circles is a fitting coda to his career.’’ Mac Miller’s new album was taken from bits and pieces of music that he was working on around the time of his death. Joe Brion, who Miller was working closely with, was able to complete the album “based on his time and conversation with Miller.” Circles encompasses both the pain and optimism that Miller experienced frequently.
The album is closely related to Miller’s life in that “it exists as a form of therapy; as he seeks to break out of old patterns of thinking, these steady reminders to embrace the present and let go of everything else,” according to Rolling Stone. Circles was Miller’s path to freedom and tells of a beautiful, yet tenacious battle that he faced with mental health for many years. The album represents an untold future and the increasing success that Miller was gaining in his later years.
In recent years, Miller topped the charts and was known for his determination to continually improve his career. Circles is the culmination of his drive and desire to create music that is meaningful to him and many of his loyal fans. At the time of Miller’s passing, he was just weeks short of going on tour which he had a tangible excitement about.
Brion completed Circles using Miller’s remarks as a guide of what he wanted the album to be. The album speaks of Miller’s legacy and is the mark that he left behind, showing his honesty, hope for the future, and his growth over the years.
Miller struggled with addiction and mental health, but in the last months of his life he was in good spirits. As claimed in a tweet from his family, “We simply know that it was important to Malcolm for the world to hear it. One of the most difficult decisions in the process is how best to let people know about it—how to communicate meaningfully while keeping sacred what should be kept sacred.”
The family requested that Brion see the album through and he kept the promise to the family. Brion tried to modify the songs as little as possible, giving the songs an authentic feel. He selected a number of songs that Miller played during sessions with Brion.
As said by Brion in an interview with NBC News, “There weren’t any thoughts I had to complete for him. The man could speak for himself.” Circles not only continued showcasing Miller’s talent, but acted as closure for millions of fans still searching for answers to an inexplicable tragedy.
Light Brown Blanket
by Connor Zimmerman on January 16, 2020
Poetry
by Grace O’Connor ’22
The sun shined on his ruby fur
His eyes carried the last bit of life
He was in pain but at ease
As he laid flat on the floor
I held his paw in my hand
As tears rolled down my cheek
His ears soft and fluffy
I pressed his head against mine
The final goodbye is always the hardest
I felt sadness, anger, and relief
The pit in my stomach grew
As I looked in his eyes one last time
Wrapped in the light brown blanket
He was at peace but in pain
I walked away and didn’t look back
Knowing I will never get that moment back
Warmth, Light, and Hope
by The Cowl Editor on December 7, 2019
Christmas
by Grace O’Connor ’22
The warm light filled the room as the fire crackled
Sweet sound of music brought smiles to the faces
The smell of cookies floated through the air
Darkness and powder snow surrounded the house
She laid out all the ornaments on the ground
As she smiled and laughed contagiously
The serene look in her eyes brought a wave of comfort
She was full of joy and contentment
She glowed of hope and belief
As she hung the ornaments on the tree
Full of awe while looking at the bright lights
It was the one time where light was felt at night
The most magical day of the year
A day where the world seems to slow down
People spread cheer and eliminate grief
A day where one can believe
Until that belief is gone
Excitement is contained in a wrapped box
Not the tangible love and happiness in the air
The real meaning disappeared as one tears the paper
Family, Talent, and Hardwork: PC A Capella
by The Cowl Editor on December 5, 2019
On-Campus
Interviewed Members Give an Inside Look at Teamwork
by Grace O’Connor ’22 A&E Staff
Providence College’s A Cappella Club consists of three groups known as Strictly Speaking, Anaclastic, and Special Guest. The club as a whole has a known presence at the school for its talent and performances in their fall concert, spring concert, and school-held events. They gathered a large crowd in the Smith Center for the Arts. Students came to enjoy and admire their hard work. A few students came forth to discuss their experience with the club and the A Cappella Fall Concert.
When asked the question, “How has being on the club shaped your experience at Providence?” the student responses were positive. Richie Caporusso ’22, a member of Strictly Speaking, the co-ed a cappella group, said, “Strictly Speaking is one of my favorite parts about PC. Being part of this group has given me an amazing family at college.” Another student, Caroline Franks ’22, stated, “Being a part of a cappella is an amazing experience here at Providence College because it gives me the opportunity to take a break from my studies to do something I truly love doing.”
These students highlighted the comradery and love that the students on the club have for each other. Regarding the preparation that goes into the concerts, Caporusso stated, “We have two-hour rehearsals three times a week,” equaling up to 30 rehearsals a semester. Caporusso went on to say, “The process is usually very difficult and time consuming, but the product is always amazing.” Franks confirmed, “It takes almost a full semester to prepare for the concerts.”
Starting with a setlist of five songs, the groups rehearse until they have a finished product that they bring to the school in both the fall and the spring. Although the initial process is long, the end product makes the club worthwhile, along with the shared love of singing and the development of relationships among club members. Franks said, “It’s a beautiful experience to see all of our hard work pay off and how much positive feedback we receive.”
To end, they answered the question, “What is the most exciting part of the club?” Caporusso claimed, “The most exciting part about the concerts is definitely the moment right before we go on stage. We all gather in a circle and wish each other luck. As a tradition, my group huddles up real close, counts to three, and shouts, ‘Strictly Showtime.’” Franks said, “The most exciting part is definitely getting up on stage and feeling super confident in what we’re performing. Anaclastic is a truly special group and we always have so much fun singing in front of our family and friends!”
Each group has special characteristics that make them different from one another. Both Caporusso and Franks highlighted how incredible it is to share their love of singing with the larger community. A cappella is full of students who are involved in campus life and put their all into everything they do.
Alumnus Brian O’Connor ’17 spoke about his experience in the club, saying, “Auditioning for Special Guest my freshman year was one of the best decisions I made while I was at PC. The most challenging part of the club was staying focused week by week to finalize 4-5 songs before the end of the semester. My favorite memory from a cappella has to be the songograms during Valentine’s Day.” He, as well as many others who had the experience of being part of the club, say that it has been one of the best decisions they have made at PC. It is not only rewarding but teaches students the importance of teamwork.