Featured Friar: Fartun Abdulle ’19

by The Cowl Editor on September 4, 2018

Features

by Hannah Langley ’21

Assistant News Editor

One of the defining elements of Providence College student life is involvement in various organizations, clubs, and programs on campus. Fartun Abdulle ’19 is a perfect example, as she has been given the responsibility and privilege of becoming president of the Board of Multi-Cultural Student Affairs (BMSA).

Abdulle joined BMSA at the end of her sophomore year, and she initially did not see herself becoming BMSA president in the future. As her junior year came to a close, Abdulle said, “I saw the rest of my exec board getting ready to transition out, and I knew I was more than ready to take on the responsibility.”

Abdulle is also a leader for Friar Foundations, a five-week summer program designed to make the transition from high school to college life easier for students coming into PC. These weeks consist of classes, workshops, community service opportunities, and social programming, all with the goal of learning “academic responsibility and social assimilation.”

As a mentor of Friar Foundations, Abdulle works as not only as a tutor, but also a friend to each freshman involved in the program. “The experience is one that I would never give up,” said Abdulle. “I had the pleasure to build such meaningful relationships, and my plan is to still be a resource and friend for all my mentees for the rest of their time here.”

Among other things, Abdulle is a Resident Assistant in Suites Hall and an Orientation Leader. She joined the orientation staff her sophomore year and says that the position is “one of the most memorable and rewarding jobs during [her] time at PC.” Abdulle emphasized her enthusiasm for this role, stating, “the chance to be the first smiling face to a crowd of incoming students is a memory that stays with you forever.” She is also a member of the Motherland Dance Group and the Black Studies Executive Committee.

Abdulle talked about her love for the college and how being involved has “created a new definition of family for [her].” She mentioned how, at the beginning of her freshman year, she was not sure what her future would hold. “I was super aware of my identity as one of the few black Muslim women in my year,” Abdulle stated.

She also talked about how she is from Lawrence, Massachusetts, where she had little opportunity to receive a higher education. “Coming out to Rhode Island to go to college was a huge stretch for me,” Abdulle said, “[but] I’ve found a home in so many of the professors here.”

As a health policy and management major, Abdulle aspires to receive her Master’s degree in Public Health in Epidemiology once leaving PC. “My hope is that I am going to change the world,” Abdulle stated, “I’m not sure exactly how but all I know is that’s the path I’m going to take.”

Abdulle mentioned her gratitude for all of her experiences at the College. “Having the relationships of my Friar Foundations mentors and future BMSA relationships is what I can wholeheartedly say have kept me here,” she explained.

“Getting involved on campus is a beautiful thing,” Abdulle said, “in the sense that the people you meet aren’t temporary. You still see your OL in Raymond Dining Hall, your spin instructor in class, and even your old civ professor.” Abdulle is looking forward to enjoying her last year at PC and continuing to grow both on an academic and personal level.

Year in Review

by The Cowl Editor on December 7, 2017

National and Global News

Looking Back at the World News of 2017

by Hannah Langley ’20

News Staff

December has arrived, and another year has come and gone. From the inuaguration of the 45th President of the United States, to the tragic Las Vegas shooting and Hurricane Irma, 2017 has included many events of lasting significance.

One of the first major events of the year was Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 45th President of the United States on Jan. 20. Since then, Trump has instated some controversial laws, such as the travel bans for certain countries, the repeal of Obamacare, the ordered missile strike on Syria, and the ban on transgender people joining the military. Trump also fired many of his cabinet and party members, such as Jeff Sessions and Sean Spicer, and was moved to be impeached by the Democrats of Congress. Overall, the first year of Trump’s presidency was very eventful, and only time will tell what is to come in the next several years.

Trump’s election created a whirlwind of controversy and division in America, as well as an empowerment movement by women. Only one day after Trump’s inauguration, people from across the world joined together in the Women’s March in D.C., promoting equality, tolerance, and respect for not only women, but for all people. This nonviolent march totaled over five million people from across the globe, making it the largest coordinated march in U.S. history, and inspired millions of people to take a stand against prejudice and inequality, as well.

On a happier note, it was also a big year in sports, movies, and entertainment. The excitement and suspense of Super Bowl LI crazed everyone in New England, as the Patriots madethe biggest comeback in Superbowl history in the second half of the game, beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28. This summer, thousands of people watched the fight between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, two great fighters of this generation. There were also many great movies produced this year, including Beauty and the Beast, The Fate of the Furious, Wonder Woman, and Dunkirk, all of which exceeded previous box office records. Harry Styles released his first solo album, and Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift came out with their new albums for the first time in several years. Hit singles of the year included “That’s What I Like,” “Despacito,” “Body Like a Back Road,” “Bad and Boujee,” and “Congratulations,” to name a few. The Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, an inspirational and tear-jerking story about a boy who copes with social anxiety disorder, triumphed in the musical theater world, winning the Tony for Best Musical.

Unfortunately, the world saw many instances of terror and violence during this past year. In Charlottesville, a “Unite the Right” rally was organized by hundreds of white nationalists and led to the death and injury of several people. Around the world, nations in the Middle East experienced terrorist violence, from suicide bombings to mass shootings, leading to the death of millions of people. There were several shootings and bombings in Europe and the United States as well. At an Ariana Grande concert in England, a suicide bomber outside the arena killed 22 people and injured over 50. There was also a bomb in St. Petersburg, Russia, a mass shooting in Chicago that wounded over 100 people, another bombing incident in London, and a terrorist attack in Barcelona. Most recently, however, was the shooting at the Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, in which Stephen Paddock killed 58 people and injured nearly 600, making it the worst mass shooting in American history.

There were also many natural disasters around the world in 2017. September seemed to take the hardest toll on many countries, as there were several catastrophic hurricanes and earthquakes. In early September, Hurricane Irma devastated Houston and the southern Atlantic, most specifically Southwest Florida and South Carolina, causing millions of people to evacuate these areas. Hurricane Maria, a Category 4 storm, also destroyed much of Puerto Rico, killing and injuring hundreds of people. Since the occurrence of the hurricane in late September, continuous relief funds and rebuilding have been taking place throughout the country. Along with these hurricanes, there was also a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Mexico City, killing over 120 people and destroying many buildings and homes.

In early October, film producer Harvey Weinstein was exposed for harassing and abusing women, resulting in a large scandal. This resulted in his release from his own company and his wife leaving him. It also resulted in a movement known as “#MeToo,” in which millions of women were empowered to come out about their own personal experiences of abuse and harassment. “The Silence Breakers,”those who spoke up about experiences of sexual assualt and harassment, were named as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year.

In more recent news, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement was announced on Nov. 27, and the wedding is planned for spring 2018. While their relationship and engagement may have been seen as controversial in the past, as Meghan is a biracial American divorcee, the royal family has warmly embraced her and is looking forward to their marriage.

The world experienced a lot of hardships, turmoil, tears of joy and sadness, and excitement this year. Here’s to hoping for a good end to 2017, and an even better new year!