On April 14, I spent the day getting to know and bonding with the new 2019-2020 Resident Life Staff. Although the bonding, located at a Resident Director’s friend’s house in Devon, Pennsylvania, started at 3 p.m., myself along with junior and fellow Eagle Hall RA Bryan Eltman shopped with our RD, Alexis “Lexi” Dunbar to prepare for the day.

Around noon, Eltman and I were given instructions to acquire snacks, drinks, and utensils for about 50 people. Dunbar gave us a half hour and a budget to complete our task. I started calling it a mission to make it more fun for Eltman and I. We also made it a second mission to break Dunbar’s idea of how long it would take us to shop for 50 people. We took 17 minutes. I cannot lie; I was beyond proud.

After collecting what Dunbar needed from us, Eltman and I assisted her in grabbing more ingredients for our dinner. At this retreat, Dunbar was challenging us to cook for ourselves.

Once at the location of our retreat, Eltman began to dig me out of the backseat (literally, I promise). After the groceries that were piled on me were gone, I was able to help put away all the snacks, drinks, utensils, as well as Dunbar’s vision for our dinner– tacos.

When the staff began arriving around 3 p.m., Eltman and I assisted in handing out name tags I had decorated the night prior. I saw so many new faces, some of people I have yet to meet.

After some initial mingling, buildings were grouped together to start a rotation of two events– three buildings went into the house and discussed leadership skills and styles and the remaining three remained outside and were instructed to build a golf course. Eagle Hall staff was in the later group to start. My staff had a hula hoop, corded telephone, a giant wooden giraffe, among other things that made little to no sense.

      Many staffs took this obstacle course building as a fun challenge– one we could laugh at. After making the course, however, there was another catch: each RA had to make the golf ball into its hole in three or less swings. If one person on the staff went over three swings, the whole staff had to start over. This became a challenge, but even after multiple times of starting over, the Eagle staff still made light of the situation and cheered each other on. We laughed at each other’s putting skills, or lack thereof, and our ability to put together a course that utilized the slant of the driveway. Eventually, we were all able to make the hole in three swings or less.

Our next bonding session was a tad more laid back. We were first asked to take a survey about how we approach group situations as well as how we work as a leader. We were then categorized into four different groups depending on our leadership style. These groups were Spirited, Systematic, Direct, and Considerate.

My particular staff was spread across each of these four styles of leadership and communication. Personally, I scored to highest in Considerate but was very close to Systematic and Direct.

We were then placed in these four different groups and reflected on how these styles come up in our job as an RA for returners and how a new RA could see them coming up for them once their job starts in the fall. My considerate group talked about how we thrive on human connection and want everyone to be heard as much as possible. After talking with our individual style groups, we came together with our hall staff and talked about how our styles together can help our building in the fall.

      After this activity, we as a six building staff was instructed on assignments for our dinner making. My group, the RAs with red name tags, were in charge of cooking dinner. Because Eltman and I shopped and knew what we were making exactly, we took charge in helping assigning red group to different jobs. After this, Eltman and I oversaw a lot of the cooking process. The red team slayed everything and was effortlessly able to make a great meal for the entire staff.

By the end of the day, I was reflecting with Eltman and my RD on the retreat. I think that this retreat felt different for me. On top of us being in a different location and there being new faces in the staff, I felt as if I had more to offer to this bonding experience as it was my second year being an RA.

I think that the most important thing we could have done that day was make food for one another. In a span of an hour and a half, we were able to feed our entire staff. I think there was something special about literally nourishing the Residence Life staff, even if it was just through some tacos.

The next time the whole staff of 2019-2020 will be together is during our fall training. There, we will take the relationships we formed on April 14 and translate them into the job of being an RA. This relationship building helps us to form RA relationships in which a building staff can lead on one another.

      On March 28, a gunman entered a local Wayne, Pennsylvania Wawa around 8:30 p.m. and killed his former wife. During and after the event, residents of Radnor were shocked to discover that there had been any sort of violence in their typically quiet suburban neighborhood. On the night of March 28, gunman, identified as Brian Kennedy of the Devon area, entered the Wawa off of Sugartown Road in Wayne, Pennsylvania and shot his ex-wife Stephanie Miller. No one else at the scene was physically injured.

Police were informed of the shooting through 9-1-1 calls as well as pedestrians on foot informing near-by officers who were currently on duty of the events that occurred in Wawa.

In the moments after the shooting, news outlets were not specific in where the event’s location was. Also, the alleged gunman was not arrested on sight. After attack- ing Miller, Kennedy ran off, travelling, reportedly, on foot through the streets of Wayne. On top of this, the shooting, at first, was not determined as a targeted at- tack. The public was unaware whether Kennedy was on a spree to kill strangers or that he had a specific target for his rage.

This, in turn, worried many Radnor and Wayne residents, especially Eastern students. After not knowing the exact location of the shooting, many Eastern students associated ‘Wayne Wawa’ with the closest location to the school. Through some back roads behind the school, this Wawa is a popular late-night attraction for Eastern residents. This forced many of the students to stay in their residents halls in order to stay safe. Also, many Residence Assistants on rounds that Thursday were hypervigilant of the situation in order to maintain safety the best they could for their residents.

      However, after investigation by local law enforcement, students of Eastern were able to gain a more accurate telling of this horrific crime. This, although bittersweet, was good news for Eastern students. Many learned that crime can happen in any neighborhood, even ones that are deemed safe.

Source: Main Line Media News

      In the Philadelphia area, Eastern students, many from the city, know all too well some of the harsh realities this city faces. Kensington especially faces a harsh reality due to its complicated history.

      After pharmaceutical companies over-prescribed addictive painkillers in the 1990s, new users came to Kensington in order to get their high. This led to Philadelphia having the highest death rate of any big city.

      Now, many who suffer with addiction have resorted to the streets to sell, use, and bond over a variety of drugs. However, many community members who are not involved with the drug use scene do not want these people wandering around their neighborhood with children present.

      This outrage from other community members led law enforcement to enter these hubs of addicts.

      Although there are smaller hubs of addicts present, after these larger ones were put to a stop, many addicts are forced into community centers and homeless shelters. However, this does not stop any of the problems.

      However, with all of these issues piling up for the addict community of Kensington, different organizations have entered in order to help. One group is Prevention-Point Philadelphia. There, the team of helping professionals specialize in harm reduction. This means that they participate in syringe exchange and provide condoms, wound care kits, bleach, and Hep-C and HIV education among other things to help this at risk community. All the while, the community organization is providing open communication, making their establishment a judgement-free zone.

      Everyday, this organization steps into the community and collect dirty needles and provide clean, packaged needles to addicts. Getting the dirty needles off of the streets of Kensington is a step to help eliminate the harm of different blood-borne illnesses that have plagued the community for years.  Prevention Point Philadelphia is allowed in Philadelphia but is federally illegal because helping professionals are knowingly, in a way, aiding an addict in their addiction. However, these community workers still defy the odds and working for those in need. Their main goal is to prevent as many deaths as possible. In their eyes, harm reduction does this.

      All in all, it is vital for community organizations to implement programs that help those who are most impacted from society.

      The week of March 18-24 may seem like any other academic week for Eastern students, but it is also the time in which we as a campus officially welcome our new university President, Dr. Ronald Matthews, with an inauguration celebration.    

      Dr. Matthews has been apart of Eastern’s community since 1992, when Eastern discovered an original Mozart manuscript within the seminary library and asked him to start the music department with the endowment from selling the manuscript. Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Department, and Exec. Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Division, Dr. Matthews has known many different positions at Eastern University.

      Last year, Dr. Matthews accepted his new position as the University’s President. His official start date was March 1, 2018, but his first administrative act was canceling classes for the Eagles Super Bowl parade, which allowed many students to attend the celebration without the worries of missing class.

      The President’s role is combined with leading the University, along with the Board of Trustees, and serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the schools vision, mission and financial elements. As a leader, Dr. Matthews role makes sure to incorporate all other leadership teams on campus, “developing and strengthening relationships,” stated Dr. Matthews, to make sure Eastern is dedicated to excellence.                                                                                            

      During the past year as President, Dr. Matthews desired to listen, love, learn, and lead effectively. In response to his goal from a year ago, Dr. Matthews has learned that “God surprises us with opportunities to be fully dependent in order to strengthen us and encourage us as individuals and as a community.” He notices the importance and power of genuine love. Dr. Matthews believes that in the magnitude of the issues faced at Eastern, he liked the experience of “the newness and discovery of divine call.”

      There were multiple nights lacking sleep but Dr. Matthews is “privileged to learn more and more about how influential Eastern is. For me, playing is working together in unity and joy to experience and share beauty, alleviate suffering, and experience life and love together.”

      Even though Dr. Matthews has been acting President of Eastern for a little over a year now, the Inauguration celebration was set in place to officially induct and welcome Dr. Matthews to lead this campus. Around Oct., this large, week-long event started to take its shape after informal conversations about the week started the summer after Dr. Matthews became acting president.

      “It is not uncommon to wait six to nine months before beginning the planning process for a presidential inauguration. We chose this week because of Founder’s Day being on Tuesday, March 19. It seemed like an appropriate time to link our past with our future,” Dr. Matthews said.

      Dr. Matthews has multiple feelings towards the upcoming inauguration. “I love that so many people have participated in organizing a week that celebrates mission, community, and serving others. I want this to be about Eastern, about faith, reason, and justice, and about the glory of God. I have such respect and appreciation for the efforts of so many to shape and promote Eastern University! I’m praying that we will sense that Jesus is really present and He has overcome every enemy of humanity.”

      There are quite a few individuals and sects of the Eastern community that have been involved with planning the President’s Inauguration and the events leading up to it. On the Inauguration Committee consists of Meggin Capers, Megan Acedo, Jaynette Arrington, Krista Barnett, Michael “Chief” Bicking, Steven Ford, Isaiah Hayes, Sara Herman, Scott Lofland, Kim Lownes, Eric McCloy, Kathy Meza, Rev. Dr. Joseph Modica, Heather Norcini, Beth Pass, Sarah Piff, Beth Rutledge, and Dr. Michael Thomas.

      The other parts of campus that have been vital in the execution of this week are The Marketing and Communications Team, Advancement Team, The Art Club, A/V and Tech Team, Blaze, Campus Services and Plant Operations, Precious Movements, Dance Team, Student Activities Board, University Bookstore, University Student Chaplains, Warner Library, Wednesday Night Worship Team, and many others.

      After his Inauguration, Dr. Matthews has many plans for Eastern. Dr. Matthews expressed how much he appreciates the people at Eastern. He mentioned that the faculty and staff at Eastern work with “excellence” and “good will.”

      “Our students are fantastic and a source of motivation, excitement, and purpose,” Dr. Matthews said.

      This year, Dr. Matthew expressed that Eastern has used their time since last March to develop a transitional plan that will help lay out some of the most important actions the university want to implement as a whole. This means that the administration has been using this year to solidify a clear mission and vision for the university. One mission Eastern has is to increase enrollment.

      “I would relish the reality that when people would hear the words, ‘Eastern University,’ they would think “that’s the community of love,” “the whole world needs EU,”’ Dr. Matthews said.

      This week will provide fun for the students of Eastern as we celebrate the official induction of Dr. Matthews. There are events and celebrations going on the entire week. For more information on the specific events, please visit https://www.eastern.edu/inauguration!

      Over the past few years, Venezuela has been facing serious economic issues, leading another country leader to declare himself president.

      Nicolás Maduro, the current President of Venezuela, was elected after the passing of former president, Hugo Chávez, who mentored Maduro back in 2013. In his first six-year term as president, he acquired the trust of the country’s military. After this, there was the continuing of major economic crises. These crises created ever-increasing inflation rates. This lead to the people of Venezuela to not being able to afford basic necessities.

      All of these factors, in conjunction with many citizens fleeing to neighboring countries, created serious internal distress for Venezuela. However, in 2018, when President Maduro ran for another six-year-term in office. Due to the country’s decline, it was a shock to see him successfully obtain his reelection. Maduro won by using his military allies to scare citizens in voting for him as well as rigging the voting in general.

      Because of this unethical path to presidency, Juan Guaidó, the current President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, declared himself the President of Venezuela. Many citizens that oppose Maduro latched onto Guaidó in hopes that he would take leadership away from a tyrant. However, Maduro refused to leave his seat.

      Maduro insisted that Guaidó is puppet for the United States. This accusation, although used as a tactic to manipulate his people, is not all a lie. Guaidó is supported by the United States and more specifically President Donald Trump has spoken about his support for Guaidó.

      Trump has declared his disdain toward Maduro and has insisted that the United States intervene. With that notion, Trump ordered sanctions to be put on the oil from Venezuela. The oil industry in Venezuela is what funds most of Maduro’s government. The sanctions were put in place in hopes that it would gradually push Maduro out of office. However, the United States may not be thinking about all of the implications that can arise from the sanctions. Although they were put in place to hurt an unjust government, it is mostly impacting the workers of the oil industry who are mostly working-class citizens of Venezuela.

      “I’m not sure the U.S. has a Plan B if this doesn’t work in getting rid of Maduro… I’m afraid that if these sanctions are implemented in their current form, we’re looking at starvation,” Francisco Rodríguez, a Venezuelan economist at Torino Capital, a brokerage firm, said in an interview with The New York Times.

      However, the oil sanctions have not hurt Maduro as much as Trump and Guaidó thought it would. In turn, Maduro has been receiving funding support from Russia, Cuba and China.

      All the while, there is still a humanitarian crisis happening in the country in-between a bunch of politicians fighting over money. In the past three years, almost three million people have left Venezuela. Many of them fled to connecting and nearby countries of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, etc., but some have even left the continent.

      For those who have decided to stay in the country or cannot leave because of funds, ability, residence, etc., are forced to live in situation that was not created for the average person to win.

      Because of those who are left in the Venezuela, many conjoining countries reached out to help. However, much of the humanitarian aid is centered and stuck in Brazil and Colombia. Efforts to help those in need is caught in a sort of stand-off between tyrant leader Maduro and self-declared president Guaidó.

      However, on Feb. 23, humanitarian efforts reached a climax in a physical altercation at the Venezuelan border with the Guaidó sympathising military and citizens seeking basic needs that they have not had access to throughout the protests and economic crises.

      When aid trucks attempted to enter the borders to Venezuela that Guaidó had ordered blocked, the military opened fire. In this altercation, two lives were lost, one being a 14-year-old.

      No matter what happens in this country, one step needs to be first: the politicians ‘trying’ to ‘help’ need to do a better job at protecting those who are most at risk. There are citizens suffering everyday and need help now. Action needs to happen soon.

      Sources: BBC, New York Times

I watch music videos daily, so making a list of my favorite ones became very hard. I looked at some of the videos in my watch history recently to help. Here is a list of my current favorites!

1. “Peek-A-Boo” by Red Velvet

Pizza delivery guys and murder are included in this popular K-pop video.

2. “My My My” by Troye Sivan

Self expression and flowing black tops have made this a trademark video for the LGBT+ community.

3. “Getting Closer” by Seventeen

Amazing choreography from a 13 member K-pop group aides with a lyrical storyline of love.

4. “Thank U, Next” by Ariana Grande

Rom-coms from the early 2000s have made this new bop a source for nostalgia.

5. “Helena” by My Chemical Romance

An emo band, the death of a grandma and a dancing ballerina make up this iconic music video.

      Black cats, high school drama and the Dark Lord— this is all you need to dive deep into the new Netflix original series, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

      Based on the Archie Comics, this Netflix show, released just before Halloween of this year, follows the young half-witch Sabrina Spellman, played by Kiernan Shipka, as she decides whether to go through with her Dark Baptism. This Baptism, in a way, sells a young witch’s soul to the Devil in payment for a lot of magical powers. This would make the 16-year-old one of the most powerful witches in her coven.

      What holds Sabrina back, though, is her connection to the mortal world. Unlike other witches, Sabrina is half human. Her father, a High Priest in her coven, married a mortal and had Sabrina. This tie to humanity led her aunts, Zelda and Hilda, to raise her in the mortal world. Sabrina attended public school like normal humans and developed meaningful relationships with full mortals. The viewers learn about her closest friends, Ros and Suzie and her boyfriend, Harvey Kinkle, played by Disney star Ross Lynch.

      Sabrina keeps her witch identity a secret from her friends in fear that they will not accept her for all that she is. This leads to a lot of unanswered questions from her friends. Nonetheless, Sabrina is still able to have close friendships. She, Ros, and Susie work to create an intersectional women’s club to support female literature and protect non-binary students at school.

      Many students at Eastern probably remember Sabrina and her story but in the form of an ABC series titled, Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In this show, Sabrina attends high school and practices magic much like the reprised version; however, the plot does not include the satanic and dark influences. Although most of the characters from the original series were followed through again in the Netflix version, many of the plot lines were different.

      In The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the plots are often darker and more sinister. These plots make the series a closer reimagining to its sister production, the CW smash Riverdale. Riverdale High of the smash hit series starring Cole Sprouse is in the same location as Baxter High, the high school Sabrina goes to. This relevance has made The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina popular, especially among Riverdale fans.

      In relation to the comics which the series is based off of, there are a lot of similarities, especially when it comes to the casting of the iconic characters. It has also been recognized for keeping with the darker theme that the original ABC spin-off did not include. However, even though I am not familiar with the comic series and cannot possibly discern whether or not the series does the books justice, I can say that the show by itself is extremely satisfying. In some parts, I am laughing at Ambrose, Sabrina’s cousin, falling in love with Harvey Kinkle, or being scared of the High Priest. I think that this show does a good job in incorporating multiple genres, something that was not a part of the original ABC series.

      Even with this immense success the Netflix original has gained, there has been serious backlash. This started with the Satanic Temple, a group of Satan worshippers, suing the streaming service for including replicas of their idols in the series’ set. In addition, there has been backlash among other religious communities that are against dark religions such as Satanism.

      However, in spite of this backlash, this series still has the power to teach valuable lessons. Sabrina and her friends challenge gender norms, mental health stigmas and instances of patriarchy. In addition, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina include the importance of loyalty to family and the need for love. Also, Sabrina has a familiar in the form of a black cat named Salem. He, as her familiar, is in charge of protecting her. Who doesn’t love a cat and a good spooky show? This show is the dark comedic coming-of-age story everyone needs, especially during the fall.

      In the fall of 2018, Eastern welcomed a new faculty member to the Communications Department: full-time tenured-track assistant professor Dr. Hyeri Jung. This fall is the third semester Dr. Jung has taught at Eastern, but she also taught in Korea as well as served as a Teaching Assistant when she attended UT Austin. Because she came from a secular educational background, Dr. Jung’s move to Eastern was very special, for she thought that she could not integrate faith and learning. From her time in South Korea, where she is from, to her time in America, she was socialized to think that she could only practice faith on Sunday.

      “God brought me here so I can enter a new world where education is a part of Christianity,” Dr. Jung said.

       Dr. Jung currently teaches Public Speaking, Digital Storytelling, and Art of Film. Art of Film will be taught over the summer as a part of the Fast Pass list of courses.

      “A lot of higher education is revamping… their curriculum and Eastern is one of them. I am happy to be a part of that transformation,” Dr. Jung said.

      In reference to the courses Dr. Jung teaches, she especially loves her Media and Culture class, a course I had the pleasure of taking last spring. Although she has degrees in Journalism and Communications, she is especially fond of cultural studies.

      “I love focus[ing] on global media culture… this is the only course where I can explicitly talk about [it],” Dr. Jung said.

      In addition for her love of course material, Dr. Jung openly expresses her fondness for her students studying Communications as well as students who just take her courses. These students are the reasons why she loves teaching here at Eastern alongside a talented Communications faculty.

      “I love students. Put in three exclamation points!!!,” Dr. Jung said.

      Being able to have Dr. Jung as a professor is a true blessing. No matter the subject, she is always eager to support her students. She is also so passionate when she teaches, making the students more eager to learn alongside of their professor.

      Included with her passion for teaching, Dr. Jung too is a K-pop enthusiast and is unashamed to discuss her love for it even in class.

      “K-pop is amazing… It will really open your eyes… your perspectives on gender representation… [and the] gender dichotomy that has a very strong, fixed understanding here in the U.S.,” Dr. Jung said.

      Last spring, when I took Media and Culture, I was given the presentation topic that was about K-pop and their Western, female fans. This presentation got me into K-pop; thus this presentation gave me my life.

      Although Dr.Jung loves fangirling over all things K-pop, she especially loves the group, Monsta X. This group consists of seven members: singer, Wonho; rapper, I.M.; rapper, Jooheon; singer, Kihyun; singer, Minhyuk; singer and visual, Hyungwon; and singer, group leader, and Dr. Jung’s ultimate bias, Shownu.

      “I made a career out of K-pop,” Dr. Jung said.

      Outside of going to K-pop concerts, supporting each artist and group’s comeback, Dr. Jung also supports them by putting her academic brain to the fandom. Fr. Jung has numerous journal articles and even an entire dissertation dedicated to studying K-pop– from its cultural economic impacts as well as its impacts on Western norms.

      “K-pop is not just a hobby. It transforms your life,” Dr. Jung said.

      Apart from K-pop, Dr. Jung also enjoys watch Korean dramas as well as the Korean cooking show, Mukbang. Dr. Jung also enjoys learning new languages. So far, she knows Korean and English. She is also good at Japanese and more of a beginner in Spanish and French. If she had more time, she would want to learn German and Mandarin Chinese.

      Dr. Jung is a firm believer that students should strive to pursue a career that incorporates their hobbies and what makes them happy.

      “If you love something, go for it,” Dr. Jung said.

      Airing Feb. 24, the Oscars, celebrating their 91 years of cinema critique and awards, has been long awaited as some of the films have been highly anticipated to pick up many awards. Below is a list of the five most anticipated films to win big later this month. Each of these films are competing against each other for best film.

  1. Roma, 10 nominations

    This film, set in Mexico City during the 1970s, follows Cleo, played by Yalitza Aparicio. Cleo is a maid for a middle-class doctor. She starts to care for this family on an emotional level during rising political tension and personal problems. Aparicio is also up for the Oscar for best lead actress.

  2. Bohemian Rhapsody, five nominations

    Based on the true story of Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury, Rami Malek leads Bohemian Rhapsody. This film follows the start of one of music’s most influential groups. It also includes the personal life of Mercury from his sexuality, addiction, hints of diaspora and his eventual death. This film is packed with heart, soul and amazing tunes.

  3. Black Panther, seven nominations

    Based on the Marvel Comics, Black Panther follows T’Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman, taking power over Wakanda, a hidden land that is ahead of the entire world in technology and wealth, after the death of his father. T’Challa is challenged by enemies. This film focuses around teamwork and loyalty. This film is also known for its smash soundtrack produced by and featuring Kendrick Lamar; the soundtrack is also nominated for an Oscar.

  4. The Favourite, 10 nominations

    This film, set in England during the early 1700s, a sickly Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, is cared for by her close friend Lady Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, who governs the country in her place. The plot shakes up when a new servant, Abigail, played by Emma Stone, charms Sarah. This film is also up for best costume at the Oscars.

  5. A Star is Born, eight nominations

    A remake of the Barbra Streisand smash of the same name, follows the stardom of Ally, played by Lady Gaga, after she meets rockstar Jackson, played by Bradley Cooper. This film follows their relationship along with undertones of depression and the cost of fame. This film is also known for its original song Oscar nomination for “Shallow.”

    Sources: Oscars, Variety

      Suzi Staherski, a junior at Eastern, is an advocate for Sociology– a major she fell in love with while attending college. After developing this love, Staherski also picked up a Political Science concentration, making her a double major.

      Kelsey Fiander-Carr: In your own words, what is sociology?

      Staherski: Sociology is the study of society and social problems. I like to call it the “wokest major” because you spend all of your time studying race, class, gender and how those characteristics influence the way you are treated in society. We do a lot of theory… to think about how we can [fix things] and make society better for everyone… especially for those who tend to suffer from these problems more… I love sociology.

       Fiander-Carr: What is your favorite part about the Sociology Department?

       Staherski: I love our professors! They take care of us a lot. They care about how we are doing in classes but also about how our futures They also care about us personally. Everyone who is in the Sociology Department loves what they’re studying. It’s so great to be in a room with people who are passionate about what they’re learning

      Fiander-Carr: What has been your favorite Sociology course so far?

      Staherski: SOCI 105: Contemporary Social Problems. That course is what helped me understand how people live… these are social issues that we talk about all the time without seeing the facts… that class gave me an understanding of the facts behind the social issues.

      Fiander-Carr: Why did you pick up Political Science, making you a double major?

       Staherski: I have always had a big interest in politics. Political Science is how we should live together while Sociology is how we do live together. Sociology keeps me grounded in how people are living. They fit together so beautifully. Both of them inform me about policy. Sociology is like how we can make policies good for everyone. We can’t think about policy without the sociology of how people are living.

      Fiander-Carr: Where do you see yourself in the near future, and what is your long term goals?

      Staherski: [In the] near future, I want to jump right into my PHD. I am looking for PHD programs that combine the two [Sociology and Political Science]. Long term, I want to be involved in policy, policy making, or legislating, or working for a Think Tank to inform policy… going into politics or going into policy research.

      Fiander-Carr: What kind of people should study Sociology?

      Staherski: I think that people who want to make the world a better place should study Sociology. People who want to be aware. It’s for people who want to make a change. It’s all about reforming and reworking the systems in place that arent working for society. I feel like sociology is a very academic discipline. It’s rigorous yet friendly and transformative.

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