by kwheele4 on May 7, 2021

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Opinion

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Set Aside Your Political Pride: Why it is Important to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

by Olivia Bretzman ’22
Opinion Staff

As many are aware, the recent push to get the COVID-19 vaccination has caused many debates and issues within families and among people with different political and religious beliefs. Instead of seeing the vaccine as a tool for protecting oneself and others, many people are hyper-aware of the different vaccines, their effects, and the perceived risks that one takes in receiving them.  

This debate and the controversies that come with it must stop; everyone, including students, need to set aside their politics, emotions, and propriety to keep themselves and each other safe and, ultimately, to restore a sense of freedom, normalcy, and health to our world.  

COVID-19 is absolutely not, the only pandemic that mankind has faced. Humans have dealt with raging diseases as early as 430 B.C. when an unknown, deadly microbe took out two-thirds of the Athenian population. More notably, the Black Death, the Columbian exchange, Cholera, the Spanish flu, and even epidemics as recent as HIV and SARS in 2003 have affected the world in detrimental ways. As time passes, so do epidemics and pandemics, and, in turn, humans respond.  

The interesting aspect of these diseases is the response. Humans suffering from any of the aforementioned diseases would have done anything for a cure: an explanation to their illness, some preventative medications or measures, and most definitely a vaccine. Thus, it is truly mind-boggling that during one of the most horrific pandemics our world has seen, many people are refusing to get the vaccine because of rumors and myths that frame the vaccine in a negative light.

Many people have legitimate health concerns about the vaccine, which are more than understandable. If someone is allergic to the vaccine, please do not get it. In other arguments, though, one must accept the actual scientific facts surrounding the vaccine, its production, its side effects, and its availability to make a fully informed, politic-free decision. 

The vaccine came fast. This is, of course, a startling fact considering the amount of time it often takes for other cures and vaccines to arrive. However, one must realize the tremendous investments of both money and time that fast-tracked this process. This was not simply an overnight fix, and scientists, doctors, and the CDC would not recommend the vaccine were it not safe. 

Every vaccine has side effects. Some people react to their flu shot in a similar manner as the COVID-19 vaccine. Some people get blood clots and similar side effects because of a vaccine or medication even if it has been out for years, has been approved by the FDA, and then studied afterwards for any side effects.  

Many people are hesitant to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine after the U.S. halted its distribution out of an abundance of caution in order to investigate its association with blood clots. However, the CDC explains, “This adverse event is rare, occurring at a rate of about 7 per 1 million vaccinated women between 18 and 49 years old. For women 50 years and older and men of all ages, this adverse event is even more rare.”   

This possible side effect is extremely rare and is hardly a risk when one looks at all the other vaccines and medications such as certain birth control pills that cause blood clots in young women at higher rates. Relatively speaking, 7 per 1 million young women is a miniscule percentage.  

In fact, every day, humans take a risk by simply walking out their door into the outside world. Who knows what side effects could loom around the corner? Side effects are a part of life.   

This science should back up the fact that the J & J vaccine is safe to get after considering your past medical health and personal circumstances. Moreover, not only is the J & J vaccine effective and protective, but any of the other COVID-19 vaccines, no matter what people say about them, are also suitable to receive. Do not let vaccine biases fool you. 

Herein still lies the question, “Why should I get a vaccine?” Well, quite frankly, if you are still complaining about wearing your mask and having to stick to small gatherings, you should probably get vaccinated to speed up this slow process.  

In all seriousness, the vaccine helps to protect vulnerable people in your life such as your grandparents or friends with disabilities and autoimmune disorders. Even more amazingly, the vaccine has proven to have real results.  

Although there are so many claims surrounding the various vaccines and their validity, regardless of one’s beliefs, we as Americans and students at Providence College can come together under the common desire for a bit more freedom in our daily lives and a restoration of livelihoods. Not only can we find reason for vaccinations, but response, renewal, and repose in a decision that will ultimately save lives.  

by kwheele4 on April 22, 2021

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Opinion

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At Least Send Me a Rejection

As the spring semester comes to an end, students find their summer fate in the hands of companies, firms, and publications. Due to the pandemic, this year’s internship search has been brutal. Many companies are hiring graduate students or post-graduate students in place of undergraduates as summer interns because of the dismal job market. 

This leaves many Providence College students internshipless, spending hours on Handshake and LinkedIn in the wee hours of the night, vying for the few coveted paid internship positions. They send resumes out to quite frankly anywhere that seems remotely employable. 

The worst part that accompanies this digital, human-less process is the failure of employers to follow up with their applicants. This is due to a few reasons, one being that many digital job platforms are not up to date. Many companies leave up their listings even after filling the specified position. Thus, students’ efforts are for nothing. 

Secondly, humans are barely involved in the review process anymore, with some companies sending resumes through a word-searching software to find proper verbiage that they think fits their position. The resumes that do not qualify are pushed to the side, and the student applicant has no idea. 

Lastly, a lot of companies have too many applicants. They just pick out the highest-qualified graduate student and move on, without even a notice to the 200 other undergraduates who thought they really, maybe, had a shot. 

This cycle ends with a lot of frustration and confusion on students’ ends because they have no idea what to look for, who to contact, or if they even should keep trying to apply! Employers should have the decency and courtesy to send out a rejection letter to those they do not end up moving forward with, or, at the very least, they should update their postings. With these bare minimum techniques, students may have a better chance of enjoying  their spring semester, knowing how to move forward with their summer plans.

—Olivia Bretzman ‘22

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Cooking and College Students

For the upperclassmen who live in Cunningham, Mal Brown, Ditraglia, Bedford, or Davis halls, there is always one room that is used significantly less than the others. 

While students spend the most time in their bedrooms by virtue of sleeping there, it can be said that out of the three remaining rooms, the kitchen, bathroom, and common room, it is the kitchen that is inhabited the least. 

In residence hall kitchens across Providence College’s campus, stovetops and ovens remain unused, cabinets seldom opened, and refrigerators rarely see substances other than alcohol. It is true that kitchens here on campus remain rather desolate places, and it can be assumed that this situation results solely from a lack of cooking.  

For the college student, cooking is often viewed with as much dread as midterm exams, and, as such, students simply default to eating at the dining hall out of convenience. 

While the vast majority of students do not like to cook on campus, an even greater majority do not like the dining hall food. A precarious situation results from not wanting to cook and not wanting to eat what is provided. 

The irony of this situation is that it is one that can be avoided, as kitchens can and should be used for more than the purpose they currently serve in students’ lives. 

College is a place to learn practical as well as academic subjects, and one of these practical things may just happen to be cooking. 

—Joseph Kulesza ‘22

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Wear a Comfortable Mask Size

Before the pandemic, we thought that the only masks that existed were the traditional, light blue medical masks, and that only doctors needed to wear them. As we approach the  year-and-a-half mark of wearing masks, we now know that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. But which is the right mask for you?

Masks are mandatory in most states, which means that we have all had to adjust to the habit of wearing a mask in public. However, there are some tricks to making this uncomfortable habit more tolerable during this time. 

With reusable masks that are usually made from cloth or other fabrics besides the traditional polypropylene mask, there is a wide range of available sizes for sale. Wearing the proper size can make all the difference in helping a mask become tolerable during this already difficult time. When looking to purchase a mask, think of a couple different options. 

First, use a reusable mask, as it will save you money and will save the environment in the long run. Second, look at the available sizes to see what size is recommended for your face. You may have been using an adult large mask size for the past couple months, when you are really an adult small. 

This year is already pressing the limits of tolerance for all of us, so why let an improper mask size become another nuisance in your day?

—Erin Garvey ‘22

 

by kwheele4 on April 15, 2021

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Opinion

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Every second, about 20 tons of clothes-based waste is either dumped into a landfill or burned. Every day, college students buy fast-fashion styles online or in-store to keep up with the latest trends for their weekend or classroom looks. These are the clothes that end up in the landfill after they have been worn a few times and deemed “out of style.” That is a whole lot of waste.

The fast-fashion industry has swept the world by storm in its opportunity to purchase cheap, decent-quality, and trendy clothes at an extremely fast rate. The rates of purchasing average pieces of clothes has increased tremendously since the early 2000s to the present day. The need for clothes has become replaced with an irrepressible want that often exceeds the balance of need and want in one’s wardrobe.

Obviously, the fast-fashion industry has horrid environmental effects and implications for the future. The UN environment programme reports that “twenty percent of global wastewater and ten percent of global carbon emissions” are caused by the fashion industry. Thus, this sped-up, unnatural, wasteful process paired with the ignorance of the consumer creates a cycle of environmental destruction.

As college students, everyone purchases clothing as if it were our day job. Whatever one buys, regardless of identity, one can likely admit to purchasing from a fast-fashion business such as Zara, Nike, or H&M. This will undoubtedly continue as social media progresses, influencing its users as well as the fashion world itself.

While condemnation is not the correct approach to this issue, education and mindfulness can help preserve the integrity of the environment and mitigate the effects of a rather newly researched problem.

The consumer makes the fashion industry boom. Revenue is the ultimate goal. One way to avoid falling into this issue is to take a step back and look at what you already have as a consumer and only purchase what you really need. 

Secondly, we must make mindful and sustainable decisions. The sustainable fashion industry has blossomed as of late. More brands than ever have begun initiatives to lessen waste in their production, use ethically sourced materials, or even build brands with completely recyclable styles.

Unfortunately, many of these sustainable brands and choices can be expensive. If you cannot afford them, try a thrift or consignment store. The task of rummaging through other people’s used clothes is so daunting and can be really unattractive; however, thrift stores are no longer the back of dad’s closet thrown into a paper bag and driven to the store. They are oftentimes highly curated and hold the same pieces fast-fashion stores do.

In terms of the clothes one already has, well, reuse them. Give them away, sell them, or repurpose them for a household chore. Obviously, some things need to be bought from the fast-fashion industry or they will end up in the trash or perhaps at a thrift store; however, the mindful decision-making process of what to do with one’s clothes is a tremendous start in the right direction.

In reality, many people do not see how this affects them. Perhaps the environment is “not your thing” or you believe you can do whatever you want with the money you earned. While this is true, it is extremely important to look at the facts and even the type of labor chain fast fashion supports. Perhaps taking a different viewpoint rather than an environmental-based one on the issue will strike a different chord.

Moreover, many people post about advocating for the environment and still feed into this fast-fashion scheme. Avoiding fast fashion is one of the most hands-on, feel-good decisions one can actually make that creates a direct difference for the industry. Keeping your profits in the sustainable-fashion realm will support the environment in more ways than we can even see now.

The future is sustainable fashion. Take hold of the trend!

by kwheele4 on March 18, 2021

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Opinion

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Mirages of Perfection: Meghan Markle Proves We Never Know What Occurs Behind Closed Doors

by Olivia Bretzman ’22

Opinion Staff

Ever since Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the world has been questioning the morality of one of the longest-standing, traditional families in Western culture. 

Not only was this unveiling of truth bound to occur, but it happened in a moment when many people are realizing that celebrities’ lives may not be as perfect as they seem.

To many people, the British royal family has seemed like the epitome of perfection until Markle, a biracial, American actress, graced the family with her presence. She fell into the category of atypical compared to the other royals—particularly Kate Middleton, an already wealthy, high-class, British woman who married into the family who everyone seems to adore. 

However, the royals’ highly esteemed presence fell short as soon as Markle became a target in tabloids and newspapers alike for no apparent reason. 

One would expect Markle to fit in considering her platform, beauty, countenance, and moral standards. However, the opposite occurred after the couple’s marriage in 2018, and Markle’s mental health has deteriorated ever since. 

In the interview with Oprah, Markle explained the hierarchy of the royal family and the power imbalance between the family itself and the “institution” that runs the family. 

Markle told  Oprah the institution “silenced” her. She was practically living in a prison disguised as one of the country’s wealthiest palaces. Her life was reduced to false interviews and news, making Markle feel very unstable. 

Along with all the fake news against which she could not defend herself, Markle claimed that the race of her future children was questioned in an incredibly racist manner. Moreover, she felt attacked by the British press and the institution. 

Her mental health crumbled and reached a breaking point at which she could not live her “normal,” fake life anymore. 

She felt suicidal. She asked for help, but no one would listen nor aid her. One would think that the royal family could afford decent mental health services or health care in general, but they simply decided that Markle was not their problem. 

Moreover, Markle’s life as part of the royal family was full of deception and likely a lot of prejudice against her rank, race, and nationality. Although neither she nor Harry could share everything, the details they did provide, including those regarding the aftermath of their split with the family, seemed enough to charge the royal family with neglect in terms of security for the famous couple and their child. 

Although this reality seems far off from what students at Providence College face, it stands as a perfect reminder of the fact that no one knows what happens behind closed doors. Even the most extravagant mirages of perfection and refinement are oftentimes tinged with weakness and blemishes.   

More than ever, in this time of isolation, family issues and mental health crises are rampaging. One must become hyper-aware of their neighbors and friends. We must not be too quick to judge others nor hold anything against someone. 

This fact does not stand true only now, though. Every single person has problems in their personal lives that many do not see. Oftentimes this is covered up by the fact that many students, faculty, and staff live and work in a similar environment and would then be assumed to be in similar situations. This is not the case. 

Everyone is going through something. If anything, we can be the biggest support system for each other. 

We can create the loving and care-filled environment that every person deserves, and that Markle never got. 

by kwheele4 on March 4, 2021

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Tangents

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Birth Control: Not Just for Pregnancy Prevention

The creation of birth control as a contraceptive aimed towards the safety and protection of women astounded many when it was first introduced. Despite the fact that birth control safely prevents pregnancy and has many medical uses outside of pregnancy prevention, social acceptance of birth control is still lagging.

When taken, birth control creates the illusion within the body that it is carrying a child, which then allows for the body to stop the usual menstrual cycle. This has the ability to slow down the aging process and loss of eggs for the woman, along with other health concerns. It is also commonly taken to prevent acne and the pain and other side effects of the menstrual cycle.   

Another health concern that birth control helps to prevent is adenomyosis, separate from its cousin endometriosis. Adenomyosis concerns the growth of uterine cells into the uterine wall, which can cause intense pain and even prevent pregnancy for women if gone untreated. 

Since birth control stops a woman’s usual menstrual cycle, it prevents the growth of cells until the time of desired pregnancy, allowing the woman to stop any unwanted damage to her uterus, and can protect some women from experiencing acute pain throughout their lives.  

Birth control continues to expand its possibilities of helping women of all ages and health. Unfortunately, without the continued support and acceptance of birth control from society, women who use contraceptives of all kinds will continue to experience discrimination and prejudice, making it difficult for women to appreciate all that birth control has to offer. It is time to support birth control for its many different medical uses aside from preventing pregnancy, and all the women who use contraceptives.  

—Erin Garvey ’22

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Group Fitness Is Far From Just a “Girl’s Thing” Everywhere Else but Here 

It is a common misconception that group fitness classes, particularly those taught at Providence College, are solely for women and include “womanly exercises”— all negative connotations included. Obviously, everyone has their preferences when working out, which is completely respectable, but many men do not want to attend a group fitness class because it is “for girls,” “too easy,” or they would be embarrassed.  

This is entirely false. Every class taught at PC, including various high-intensity interval training, yoga, spin, and body pump classes are meant for everyone at every fitness level. All of these classes taught in regular studios and gyms outside of the College are populated by people of all genders.  

In fact, many professional athletes of all genders take these types of classes to challenge themselves, work out, and stretch. They are no easy tasks and are trusted at a high level of performance in organizations such as the NBA and NFL.  

Aside from the misconception of their difficulty level, group fitness classes also hold many benefits. They build community, push students to do their best, add routine to daily life, and provide some of the best full-body workouts.   

It is incredibly important that our fitness community at PC begins to recognize that fitness is all-inclusive. No matter what one does at the gym and no matter what class one attends, they are humans exercising! They are working hard on their mental and physical health. It is important we respect that and not judge anyone on their unique fitness journey.  

—Olivia Bretzman ’22

by kwheele4 on February 25, 2021

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Opinion

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Convert to Cold Showers

Other than going to bed, a hot shower is one of the small things that people often look forward to at the end of each day. This welcomed event takes anywhere from five to possibly even 45 minutes, depending on how stressful of a day you had and how long you have before you deplete your hot water tank and end up with angry family members. 

It is considered heresy to speak out against hot showers, given their almost sacrosanct status in everyone’s lives. Hot shower’s long forgotten brother—the cold shower—is therefore left only for those who are insane enough to wish themselves pain and misery as the cold water droplets bombard their skin. 

It is unfortunate that cold showers have gotten this bad reputation, especially given that most of the people who speak out against cold showers have never actually taken one themselves.

Hot-shower-takers would be surprised to hear that cold showers carry with them many benefits: increased blood circulation, expedient recovery after workouts due to a phenomenon known as vasoconstriction, and better looking hair and skin. 

All of these benefits, and many more, can be had by adopting cold showers as part of your nightly routine. So come and be a defector, or even heretic against the tyranny of hot showers. Your skin and hot water boiler will thank you. 

—Joseph Kulesza ’22 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Just Stop Using the “R-Word,” Please 

One of the most disturbing and common practices in today’s society is using slurs to degrade someone, particularly when used by educated, “morally righteous,” Christian students at Providence College. More than ever, the “r-word”—one of the most outdated, outwardly malicious words—has been notably prevalent recently.  

The “r-word” is never acceptable to use. Period. Obviously the same goes for any other slur. The use of slurs simply serves to harm people.

Utilizing the idea of a person with a disability who holds the exact same dignity as oneself to make fun of someone or something opposes the very nature of Christian ethics. It degrades an entire group of wonderful and capable people that bring beauty and honesty into the world.  

Not only do people offend the entirety of the world’s disabled population when they use the “r-word,” but they also offend those who have people with disabilities in their lives. The use of this word stings them to their core and creates resentment within relationships. It makes one re-evaluate the very nature and character of the offender. This word also nullifies the Catholic concept of inherent human dignity.  

It simply makes no sense. Feeling the need to use this word should serve as a call to action to reevaluate oneself and what one is trying to say. Before using this word, perhaps think about how using it only serves to show more about oneself than it does the person the word is directed towards. 

—Olivia Bretzman ’22 

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Normalcy Via Viewing Friars Athletics Virtually

One of the biggest benefits of Providence College is the sense of Friar pride at sports games. Whether it’s a basketball game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, a hockey game at Schneider Arena, or a field hockey game at Lennon Family Field, students always show up excited to cheer on the Friars. 

Amid a pandemic, it is still important to watch sports games, even virtually, in order to maintain the sense of pride and normalcy that students experienced at PC in the pre-pandemic world. 

Some believe that watching these games virtually is not worth it because it is not the same as being there in person. However, watching these games online can still foster a sense of pride and community when you watch them with your roommates. 

“Even though it feels very different, I still love to watch all of the basketball games with my housemates,” Madeline Guth ’22 said. “We stream them on our TV and make food, so it is still a very fun experience even if it isn’t the same as it was when coronavirus wasn’t a thing. I love cheering on PC sports teams because it makes life feel slightly more normal.” 

Students can still feel a sense of Friar pride by tuning into the virtual sports games and watching them with roommates or housemates.  

In a world that does not feel very normal, it is important to adapt to this new reality and to do things that make life feel as close to the pre-pandemic reality as possible.

—Emily Ball ’22 

by kwheele4 on February 4, 2021

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Opinion

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“One Nation, Indivisible” and Other Lies

by Olivia Bretzman ‘22

Opinion Staff

Many Americans grow up with the notion that the United States of America is a nation of liberty, justice, and unity. It is considered the “land of the free and the home of the brave” in our kindergarten classrooms, where students are taught that America is the best, America is powerful, and America is a nation in which everyone desires to live. 

The older one gets, the more difficult it becomes to believe these notions and values because of the injustices that we see and experience. The Capitol riot on Jan. 6 made it clear that our government is broken. Both political sides agree that the riot represented an anarchist, corrupt, and anti-democratic movement fueled by discontent with the government. The exercise of violence has created a political climate that is the antithesis of the unity, bravery, and justice that our democratic republic has prided itself on for centuries, and we as Americans need to devote serious attention to fixing this problem. 

The riot at the U.S. Capitol frankly scared American citizens. Extremist groups gaining entry into one of the safest, most nationally sacred buildings reeks of secrets, corruption, and degradation. Many ask themselves, what is our country becoming?  

Over the recent presidential elections—not just the past two, but even before that—politicians have become celebrities. Public office no longer represents humble, qualified people willing to serve the needs of their constituents. Our government has become a game in which we focus on exteriors and tweets rather than real change, policies, justice, and the continuity of our country. 

The United States is a democratic republic. Our nation was designed to be run by elected representatives and the voices of our people, yet we have ultimately become a nation of censorship and narcissism. If social media is the main means of communication among the American people, it should be reinforcing free speech rather than eliminating it. 

In light of this notion and the delicate nature of our country, as young Americans, we can be the generation that creates a necessary shift. True, it is not a matter of just voting; it is a matter of educating ourselves so that we can ensure we are not supporting falsified and glamorized politicians and policies. We must stick to facts, inform ourselves, and use our moral compasses to drive our government where we want it to go. 

Our country is still strong, indeed. People serve our country and make selfless sacrifices every day, and our assortment of beautiful cultures and influences is growing. The United States has much on which to pride itself. However, it is clear that we have significant issues. No party can deny this.  

Instead of picking out each of the differences between us, we should attempt to find unity in reinvigorating our democracy. By restoring some of the values on which our country was built, such as equality, individualism, free speech, and general freedom, we can hopefully heal the discontent, tragedy, and strife. We can build a better nation for ourselves and for future generations.  

The whole world is watching. It is embarrassing to see a country you are proud of fall on international television. It is embarrassing to say one is American when our country is so divided and spiteful. We can change that. Will you be the one to create that change?

 

by The Cowl Editor on October 15, 2020

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Campus

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by Olivia Bretzman ’22

Opinion Staff

This past summer, the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to decide whether to study remotely or to return to campus for the fall semester. In making this difficult decision, one of the main factors that students considered was the safety of returning to school. With such a significant number of students moving into one concentrated area, there was an undeniably large possibility that the virus would enter campus and spread throughout the Providence College community (and, as the events of the past few weeks have revealed, the fear of an outbreak was not unreasonable). 

Given that we are in a pandemic, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. The College acknowledged this fact, and most students arrived on campus with the assumption that sanitation and safety would be the top priority. 

PC demonstrated its commitment to student health and safety by delaying the move-in process for students living in Davis and Bedford Halls in order to ensure residents would be welcomed by properly cleaned rooms. These buildings were utilized as quarantine destinations for students arriving from international locations or hotspot states in the weeks leading up to the start of the semester, so the College wanted to make certain that all rooms were clean before allowing permanent residents to move in. 

The “Returning Student Fall Move-In’’ section of the College’s website explained that the move-in date for residents of these buildings would be pushed back two weeks: “This delay is to make room for quarantining students from international locations and hot spot states. . .This will allow time for these halls to be fully cleaned, disinfected, and prepared for their move in.” 

Unfortunately, however, upon arrival, some students discovered that their rooms were not as clean as they were expecting. Francesca Lorenzini ’22, a resident of one of these halls, said, “I was really upset because we were assigned a move-in date a week after classes began specifically so our room could be deep-cleaned after it was used for quarantine space. When we arrived, though, the first thing we saw was the fridge pulled out with the wall behind it covered in dark mold and uncovered a white lighter and a chicken patty underneath. We immediately contacted Res Life, and they were extremely apologetic and quick to remove the mold.”  

Although the prompt response by the Office of Residence Life is comforting, it is unfortunate that students felt unsafe in their new living areas during a time when germs and dirtiness pose an even greater threat to one’s health. Despite this, it is important to refrain from allowing our fears to create division by placing too much blame on others, as the pandemic has presented everyone with countless new problems and challenges to navigate. 

Beth Sculley, assistant director of Residence Life & Housing, said, “COVID-19 has influenced nearly all of our operations from programming to housing to staffing. We can no longer program the way we used to particularly in the first-year areas. COVID-19 has completely redefined our community-building tactics. Perhaps what has been most difficult is balancing the emotional and social needs of students with guidance from public and state health officials. There is no blueprint or best practices for residence life during a pandemic.” 

COVID-19 has dealt everyone a difficult hand. We must grant each other patience and understanding, and realize that it is not the responsibility of one person or department to keep our campus safe.

With in-person classes resuming this week, it is imperative to ensure that we are taking the actions necessary to protect ourselves and the people around us. Wipe down your area before and after sitting down. Keep your mask on for the entire duration of class. Do not come to class if you are experiencing any symptoms.

It is clear that COVID-19 has introduced new dangers and worries to our campus this semester. As such, it has never been more important to take safety into our own hands by doing our part to look out for the health and safety of ourselves and our fellow members of the Friar family. 

by The Cowl Editor on September 17, 2020

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Opinion

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Preparing for the “Real World”

“College will prepare you for the real world.” This is what teenagers hear from the time they enter high school to when they walk across the stage at commencement as adults. Why, then, is it that so many college students enter the real world with no idea how to adequately exist in it? Sitting behind a desk in an office is not the real world, even if you can see the real world from your skyline view. 

College students would be remiss thinking that a career is the real world. If you have a free elective or need to fulfill a core curriculum requirement, take a course on contemporary social issues, like Dr. Kara Cebulko’s immigration course. Or learn about historically marginalized communities with a course like Race and Politics in the Americas or Race and Racism. Maybe study abroad for a semester to learn about African, Asian, or Latin American cultures. 

Do not do it simply to satisfy a core curriculum requirement. Do it so that you are prepared for the real world. Do it so that you know how to respect your coworkers of different ethnicities. Do it because your future child’s best friend could be undocumented. Do it so that your five-dollar bills go into an empty hat on the sidewalk instead of an empty glass at the bar. This is the real world: you could be the richest attorney, accountant, or engineer in America and still not know how to make a fat cat well-rounded.

—Nicole Patano ‘22

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The Novelty of Masks

Looking around one’s house, you are likely to come across items that were once exciting or important to you, but no longer are.

All of that Reebok CrossFit apparel you bought when it was popular in 2014 collects dust in the basement next to the treadmill you seldom use. Stuffed in the back of your kitchen cabinet is that once-trendy soda machine thing you bought from Bed, Bath and Beyond.

It is becoming apparent that another item, while not a discretionary one, is facing a similar fate and going out of style.

Masks on campus are visibly being worn less and less, as the novelty of wearing them is quickly waning. Students who were presumably nervous about disciplinary consequences for not wearing masks were surprised to see that you can get away with neglecting to wear one.

However, the important question is not whether you can get away with not wearing masks, but why you should wear them.

Providence College has invested large amounts of time, energy, and resources in order to prevent outbreaks on campus.

Thousands of disinfecting wipes, reconfigured class release times to stagger the departure of students from buildings, and even a website dedicated to informing students about COVID-19-related updates has been created.

All of these efforts are monumental in respect to the simple act of wearing a mask, yet these efforts are all for naught if masks are not worn.

Wearing a mask is the most effective means that students can contribute to continuing this semester on-campus.

—Joseph Kulesza ’22

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Treat the Pandemic with Sensitivity

The loss of a loved one is no joking matter. In this time of unrest for so many, Providence College students, faculty, and administration need to recognize the immense burden the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on everyone’s personal lives. We must strive to foster a community of compassion, self-awareness, and consideration.  

Hundreds of thousands offamilies have lost loved ones to COVID-19; it is sad, but true. Recently, however, many people have made COVID-19 the subject of memes. There seems to be a palpable disconnect between these memes and the fact that death is serious and the virus that runs so violently around us can take hold of anyone at any second.

Although you may not have been personally impacted by the pandemic, it is insensitive to assume that your experience is universal. It is a privilege to be able to say that COVID-19 has not significantly impacted your life beyond having to follow new guidelines and take classes over Zoom.

 Simply put, everyone on PC’s campus needs to take a step back, realize their place in the grand scheme of our world, and recognize that words and actions can affect others so much more powerfully than they assume.

—Olivia Bretzman ’22

 

by Andrea Traietti on February 13, 2020

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Opinion

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by Olivia Bretzman ’22

Opinion Staff

 

Third floor. Aquinas Hall. The vending machines play an essential role for the residents when a late-night snack helps quell the struggle of a study session or paper-writing. One thing, though, that really puts a bad taste in one’s mouth is the large sticker plastered on the drink machine that reads, “Calories Count. Check Then Choose.” 

The American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc., and Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc., placed these decals on their drink vending machines as a way to encourage people to make healthier choices when purchasing a drink, like swapping soda for water.

The concept of making healthy decisions is incredibly important on many levels. What is problematic with this particular sticker, even though it is well-intentioned, is the fact that they could be triggering for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people struggle with eating disorders or poor body image, something our campus does not talk about enough. 

In fact, it is a psychological fact that surrounds this issue: predisposition to calorie counting and poor body image manifests into obsessive compulsive habits with food. This reminder, then, to “count one’s calories,” can actually be a severe detriment to someone’s health. Anyone walking by these decals—even people who are not purchasing a drink—can be affected by their messaging.

Companies should consider this fact when designing the slogans for their health initiatives. But as a campus, we can go further: we need to foster more conversation about eating disorders and body image.

Eating disorders are a mental illness.  It is as simple as that.  They typically begin with a negative relationship with food and a psychological shift that food is “evil.” People typically try to overmanage their food, calculating calories, setting strict daily limits, etc. This begins as an obsessive cycle that can lead to starvation and, consequently, binge eating. A plethora of health concerns obviously surround all eating disorders. 

Unfortunately, for sufferers of these mental illnesses, the nourishment the human body craves becomes an incredibly unhealthy management project. Thus, one can understand where a sticker that encourages counting calories, while meant to suggest a healthy drink, does nothing but perpetuate the problem. 

Many students struggle with or even develop eating disorders in college due to stressful workloads, the pressure of transition, social media, etc. Thankfully, there are many who are aware of these disorders at Providence College. Members from the Simply Healthy Club recognize the threat these stickers have on mental health. 

Secretary Allyson Giso ‘22 stated, “I don’t think it was worded correctly. Health doesn’t necessarily equate to calories.” Not only is this statement incredibly accurate, but it is a main tenant of living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.   

President Corinne Maier ‘22 claimed, “If I saw it, I wouldn’t grab the cookies or candy.  But that is what the vending machines are for. Why else would we have them?” Vending machines are meant for pleasure and snacking, not overthinking the little things in life.   

In all reality, this issue is more prevalent than one may believe. Marketing Director Julia O’Dwyer ‘22 states, “I think it is desensitizing. There are so many people you don’t know who struggle with eating disorders, so if someone is going through that and sees something like that, it’s very triggering.” 

To counteract triggers, a couple of things are necessary. First, we need to destigmatize mental illness on PC’s campus, and second, we can emphasize the concept of balance. Sure, we have an incredibly healthy campus. Many students go to the gym, eat healthy meals, and are passionate about nutrition and sports. There are also a plethora of mental health clubs and events, bringing awareness to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, etc.

However, eating disorders are not typically a topic of conversation. 

Doctors and psychologists specializing in eating disorders are beginning to promote HAES, which stands for “Health at Every Size.”  Instead of focusing on losing a certain amount of weight and promoting unhealthy behavior, doctors are beginning to take a sensitive and balanced approach that plans out steps for long-lasting, healthy results.  They focus on wellness and eating patterns over calorie counting and excessive food thought. 

In reality, societal pressures cause an enormous amount of stress despite the recent emphasis on self-love and body acceptance. Sure, these are all great, yet hardly effective in the mind of someone with an actual eating disorder. 

We cannot remove the stickers put up by a corporation or force them to change their messaging—at least not immediately. But what we can do right away is remain mindful of triggers, and start having conversations on this campus about healthful, balanced lives in order to support our community in the best ways  we can.