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Saying Goodbye: The Waltonian highlights the class of 2021 and their hard work.

Kay O’Keeffe

Editor-in Chief
Major: Political Science

Kay joined the Waltonian in 2019 as Opinions Editor before transitioning to her role as Editor in Chief in 2020. After graduation, Kay hopes to find work in public policy and eventually get her masters.

 

 

 

 

Lillie Allen

Managing Editor
Major: Communication Studies

Lillie spent two years with the Waltonian, serving as Sports editor during the 2019-2020 school year and moving up to Managing Editor in the fall of 2020. After graduating, Lillie plans to continue creative and journalistic writing on a freelance basis. She hopes to one day get her masters in filmmaking or journalism.

 

 

 

Jaron Lee

News Editor
Major: Political Science

Jaron joined the Waltonian in 2020 with his role as news editor. After graduation, Jaron aspires to work in public policy in the city of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

 

 

Erin Zak

Features Editor
Major: English Literature and writing

Erin has been on Waltonian staff since 2019. She also served as Inklings Literary Magazine’s Editor in Chief. After graduation, she will be attending Lehigh University for their MS in Instructional Technology and will be working full time at Eastern as a Learning Experience Designer.

 

 

 

Gabby Pardocchi

Arts & Entertainment Editor
Major: English

Gabby became a part of the Waltonian staff in 2020. After graduation, Gabby will be getting her certification in personal training and starting her own online training service.

 

 

 

 

 

Sofia Na

Opinions Editor
Major: Philosophy

Sofia joined the Waltonian staff in 2021 after being an auxiliary writer in 2020. After graduation, Sofia is set to begin a six week service trip on the border of Mexico and Arizona. She hopes to eventually pursue a graduate degree.

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An Addition to the Conversation on THC: A group of Templeton Honors College students respond to the ongoing discussion of elitism in THC.

By Ellen francis, Sarai Gonzalez, Lindsey Thompson, Carlie O’Keefe, Matti Veldhuis &
Zack Wilson
ellen.francis@eastern.edu, sarai.gonzalez@eastern.edu, lindsey.thompson@eastern.edu,
carlie.okeefe@eastern.edu, matti.veldhuis@eastern.edu &
zachary.wilson@eastern.edu

I will never forget the day Mr. P, at the end of another long discussion, directly addressed the class as we stood to leave. We were freshmen, barely four weeks into our time here at Eastern, and had little grasp on this strange and extraordinarily difficult thing called discussion. He slowly leaned back in his chair, feet dangling precariously off the ground.

“How many times did a woman interrupt a man?” he asked, and held up the number zero. He met each of our gazes around the room. Silence.

“And how many times did a man interrupt a woman?” he asked. This time, he wanted an answer. Knowing glances were exchanged among peers; a few uncomfortable giggles permeated the otherwise still silent room. Again, he met each of our eyes. He nodded.

“Many.”

“You may go.”

I wish I could tell you that after that day, interruptions ceased to exist. But we are fallible human beings, still learning to discuss, to be charitable, and to be just. If only living virtuously were as easy as Mr. P’s chair acrobatics. But what I can tell you is I was later approached by a male classmate who apologized for the way he had interrupted me. That, to me, is indicative of the Honors College.

A recent Waltonian article made a number of claims about the nature of the Templeton Honors College (THC) and its students. The author’s experience struck many as contrary to their own, and, in light of this, six THC students have contributed to this article, writing
not to discredit her experience, but to provide the Eastern community with another perspective.

Communities exist to push their individual members, and the THC does so intellectually. However, Templeton classes rarely include tests or exams, and professors place little to no emphasis on grades. Conversations between Honors College students often include terms and concepts learned in class, just as nursing students might discuss their clinicals. Because THC courses are discussion-based, it is natural that these conversations
carry on outside the classroom. Such shared experiences are a feature of any community. Students in LFP, the baseball team, or the math department, for example, also have a common language developed from common experiences. In fact, the entire student population of Eastern University shares a common experience, setting it apart from others.

Many students come to THC from all parts of the country—in fact, the authors of this article alone represent five different states: California, Colorado,
Arizona, Tennessee, and Florida. Students from various religious and economic backgrounds form a body of peers and faculty with similar interests, which can do the soul a lot of good as we grow together. Reflecting upon her time in THC, senior Sarai Gonzalez says, “Being a lower class Hispanic woman from California, I wasn’t sure what coming to Eastern would mean for me as I faced different cultures, practices, and traditions. Although it was a big culture shock, THC faculty and students welcomed me in and were sincerely interested in learning about my Mexican culture. They also helped
me acclimate to and grow in a new and unfamiliar place, as I faced various cultural and personal struggles, while embracing my own culture. Yes, my thoughts and opinions have been challenged in conversation, but with the goal of better understanding what I have to say and how it contributes to understanding the question at hand.”

In Templeton, some have been empowered and learned their voices matter; some have learned to actively listen to other’s voices. Many have been pushed, pulled, and stretched, but above all supported—academically, spiritually, and personally. THC senior Lindsey Thompson says, “You can always go to Mr. P’s office and cry when you need it, you can always count on the student aid fund when you need it, you can always count on professors to
give an extension when you need it.”

Anyone is welcome to join the conversation: register for or audit THC classes (with permission from the professor), grab coffee with a student, or come to weekly Friday forums (barring COVID-19 restrictions). Templeton is not perfect, but its professors and its students form a community thankful to be a part of Eastern University.

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Why We Vote: Unsure of who to vote for? The Waltonian Staff is here to tell you their opinions regarding the 2020 election and the nominees.

Going Green: An Eastern student expresses their reasoning behind voting third party in the 2020 election.

By Anonymous

With the increasingly tumultuous political climate, many people are looking at third-party candidates. Instead of blindly voting for a third-party candidate for the sake of “protest voting,” it helps to understand the important issues and platforms for which a third-party candidate stands.

The Green Party has consistently stood for important environmental policies throughout the years—from its beginning as a committee in the 1980s all the way up to its recognition as a national party in 2001. With the impending climate crisis, it is important to voters across the country that environmental policies be taken seriously at the national level. Neither main party has convincingly stood up for our nation’s environment in the modern political era. It has become more important than ever to take direct action against disastrous climate change.

The Green Party presidential candidate, Howie Hawkins, first ran on the Green New Deal platform in 2010; he has supported and led the push for the Green New Deal for the past decade. While the GND gets repeated backlash from the Democrats and Republicans, it is critical to understand this policy pushes for immense job creation while “reorienting society towards an ecologically sustainable future,” according to Howie Hawkins’ candidate website. To create a sustainable future for our generation, we need to make sure our country returns to comfortable inhabitability as soon as possible.

Another critical policy the Green Party has supported for quite some time is Medicare for All. In our highly developed nation, it is inexcusable for anyone, regardless of their age, income, health, and other factors, to go without affordable healthcare. Howie Hawkins stands by the notion that everyone deserves health care at little to no cost. Our current healthcare system is built on a profit motive rather than a care motive. This means that our hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and health insurance companies focus on the best ways to make money, rather than the best ways to take care of people’s health. Under Medicare for All, everyone in our nation will be guaranteed healthcare, regardless of their economic status.

These are just some of the numerous policies that make voting Green Party reasonable and conscionable.

Source: HowieHawkins.us

Riding the Trump Train: An Eastern student enthusiastically voting for Trump’s reelection explains their thoughts.

By Anonymous

I am voting for the re-election of President Donald Trump due to the fact of two things: first, denouncing white supremacy, and second, the aid he has given to African Americans.

He has denounced white supremacy time and time again, according to a source from the White House on August 14, 2017, he said “Racism is evil. And those who cause violence in its name are criminals and thugs, including the KKK, neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other hate groups that are repugnant to everything we hold dear as Americans.” The president had denounced White Supremacy over seventeen times. The mainstream media have claimed a plethora of times that the President is a racist but as previously stated has denounced the KKK and white supremacists in general.

The second reason that I am voting for the president is due to the fact that he has done a lot for African Americans. He has signed the First Step Act in December 2018 on the 21st, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons is an act that is for prison reform which says that “the act was the culmination of a bi-partisan effort to improve criminal justice outcomes, as well as to reduce the size of the federal prison population while also creating mechanisms to maintain public safety.”

One of the things that the First Step Act did is reduce that life in prison mandate to the mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison, which led to prison reform. The president had also deemed to prosecute the KKK and hate crime under the Platinum Plan. Overall this election has been good, and his momentum is strong in regard to helping the American people. He keeps his promises and wants to see the best of America, by being there for the people and putting America first.

Sources: BOP, The White House, The Platinum Plan

Enthusiastically Settling For Biden: Vote as if your life depends on it, because it does.

By Kay O’Keefe

Another election cycle with two candidates whose views don’t align with mine is upon us. Who will I vote for? On the one hand, Presidential nominee Joe Biden and VP nominee Kamala Harris embody the moderate, bourgeois, pro-cop, status quo rhetoric which plagues the Democratic party. On the other side, President Donald Trump and VP Mike Pence represent the growing trend toward fascism, rise in authoritarian evangelical Right, corruption, nepotism, and agitation of race relations, if not flat-out white supremacy.

As a queer woman, my rights are under attack. As someone interested in ethics and politics, I have a deep-set frustration with the two-party system and a pull to vote for a third-party candidate whose views might actually align with mine. However, when I think about the greater good for the general American population, my choice is clear. On November third, I will vote as if my mother is an immigrant, and my father disabled. I will vote as if my brother is incarcerated and my sister can’t afford healthcare. I will vote as if my life depends on it. Because, for many people in America, it does.

For those people, I will vote for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. For my right to marriage, and in protection of my reproductive rights, I will vote for Biden. For my neighbors and friends who watch their brothers die from police brutality, I will vote for Biden. For my fellow humans, in need of empathy, care, and loyalty to the democratic system, I will vote for Biden.

Yes, I’m settling. And yes, he’s good enough. Vote Biden / Harris. Lives depend on it.

Why I’m Not Voting: A concerned student explains why they have chosen not to vote this year.

By Anonymous

The right to vote is something that has been, and continues to be, an essential part of citizenship. Voting is a right, a privilege, and a duty; we are blessed to live a nation where leaders are elected. I truly believe this. However, I will not be casting a vote in the upcoming 2020 United States Presidential election. ‘But why?’ I hear you ask, and the answer is simple: I refuse to vote because I refuse to voice an opinion that isn’t mine.

Fox News, CNN, my parents, my friends, my grandparents, and my teachers all seem to know what their political views are. They are confident in their beliefs, enough so that they are willing to take a stance and defend it. I have never been so sure of my political views. I have been called ‘apolitical’ by my family, and I am sure that others would call me indecisive, naive, or even a permitter of evil due to my lack of political engagement.

As much as I love my family and friends, I cannot trust them to be unbiased while trying to help me decide my political views. No one is explaining what they think so much as they are trying to convince me that their opinion is right. People tell me to do more research and insist that I check news sources like Fox, CNN, and C-SPAN in order to learn more about the political climate. They point me towards blogs, newspapers, YouTube videos, speeches, tweets, and Facebook posts. It is all done out of love, but when I look at all the different opinions and the hate used to defend them, I become incredibly overwhelmed and discouraged. I have yet to find a calm, unbiased news source. The sources which are available are extremely biased on both ends of the political spectrum – so much so that I cannot tell what the truth is.

Thus, I do not watch the news, nor do I have any interest in doing so; I am an already stressed college student, and I don’t need more negativity. One might say that I am making excuses for myself, and that laziness is not a valid reason not to vote. I agree with the latter, but I do not think of myself as lazy. Rather, I simply do not know exactly what my political views are, and neither the news nor any other information source is helping me decide.

If the point of voting in the U.S. presidential election is to voice your opinion, I do not have a reason to vote, because I do not have a strong opinion. People can try to convince me one way or the other, but until I come to a conclusion for myself, I cannot in good conscience take part in the election. I refuse to vote for someone whose position I do not completely support or understand, and I refuse to voice an opinion that isn’t mine.

 

 

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Podcast Highlight: “On Being with Krista Tippett.”

The podcast On Being with Krista Tippett has been an integral and grounding voice in my social and political growth. Through fostering civil conversation and asking questions about human nature, On Being has allowed me to better understand the deep connection between each of us as humans and
how it relates to our social and political reality. For those who enjoy podcasts and big questions, On Being is a must-listen.

This podcast is based in the On Being Project, a nonprofit organization (funded by our very own John
Templeton Foundation) aiming to pursue “deep thinking and moral imagination, social courage and joy, to renew inner life, outer life, and life together.” The initiative is based on six virtues which guide its conversation and interviews: words that matter, hospitality, humility, patience, generous listening, and adventurous civility. These values give an empathetic and holistic perspective to the podcast while questioning our social and political realities.

Each episode is a little over a half hour long, and is guided by Krista Tippett as she asks about these
thinkers’ background, studies, and personal philosophy. By engaging with the people interviewed, the listener is pulled into the conversation and asked to analyze their own views and behaviors within the scope of care, kindness, and mutual respect. Many of the topics covered by On Being are centered around “the moment” we are in, informed by our mutual humanity and historic progression.

Krista Tippett interviews people from a variety of backgrounds, religions, fields of study, cultures, and ideologies to talk about themes such as honesty, empathy, wisdom, ecology, time and love. Some of the
people featured on this podcast include former U.S. Rep. John Lewis, anthropologist Jane Goodall, therapist and author Resmaa Menakem, and Father George Coyne.

By bringing these people and perspectives together, Tippett succeeds in creating a space fostering growth and wisdom, managing to integrate philosophy with grounded reality. Tippett herself is an American journalist, author, and entrepreneur, born and raised in Shawnee, Oklahoma. As described by the New York Times, “The Tippett style represents a fusion of all her parts – the child of small-town church comfortable in the pews; the product of Yale Divinity School able to parse text in Greek and theology in German; and, perhaps most of all, the diplomat seeking to resolve social divisions.”

Some of her more famous perspectives include “anger is often what pain looks like when it shows itself
in public” and “I can disagree with your opinion, it turns out, but I can’t disagree with your experience. And once I have a sense of your experience, you and I are in relationship, acknowledging the complexity in each other’s position, listening less guardedly. The difference in our opinions will probably remain intact, but it no longer defines what is possible between us.”

On Being with Krista Tippett has something for everyone, and will open your mind to the vast and diverse social political reality. It’s definitely worth a listen, and may even become a staple in your podcast
library!

Sources: On Being

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Wildfires Burden West Coast: Washington, Oregon, and California suffer amid intense wildfires.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up and look out the window to see a red sky? Beginning in early September, that became the reality for many living on the West Coast, especially in California, Washington and Oregon. The air was filled with ash and smoke, giving it a dark red-orange color and making it dangerous to breathe. Buildings, roads, and cars were coated in ash as well.

Wildfires in California during this time of year are unfortunately nothing new, but this year, the amount of wildfires is much more than it was in years prior. Firefighters and civilians alike are concerned about the devastating impact the fires are leaving all along the coast. As of September 19, the National Interagency Fire Center reported 22 total fires in California alone, covering over two million acres. All 22 were uncontained and continued to spread due to wind. All together, the fires covered over 5.8 million acres of land, and despite efforts being made by U.S. firefighters as well as firefighters from Canada, many of the fires remain uncontained.

Since the fires began, there have been 26 related deaths as well as many more casualties. People were forced to leave their homes, their businesses, and their belongings behind in order to seek shelter somewhere safe. State governments are ordering evictions as the fires are spreading and the air quality is worsening in certain areas of the country. Air quality is a factor that many people are worried about, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. If the air outside is unfit to breathe, it could cause respiratory problems that can open up more possibilities for the virus to spread. This is cause for concern especially for immunocompromised individuals who are trying to avoid situations where there is a potential for COVID to spread to them or their loved ones. With the mandated evictions, those who have been quarantining in their homes may need to relocate, opening up more chances for exposure to the virus.

Researchers also believe that climate change is affecting the speed, duration, and scale of the fires. Intense, prolonged heat waves are the prime conditions for wildfires to start, while the longer rainy seasons cause more plants and trees to grow that then feed the fires, increasing their spread and intensity. Once the fires are extinguished, the exposed earth and rainy season that will follow opens up the possibility for mudslides which can cause even more damage to the West Coast in the months to come.

The main cause of wildfires is humans. Using lighters and matches carelessly and leaving campfires and bonfires unsupervised are some of the ways that wildfires can begin; if the surrounding ground, brush, and plants are dry, the fires can spread quickly and become uncontrollable. One of the fires – the El Dorado fire – in California began during a gender reveal party when the pyrotechnic machine that was being used to reveal the gender of the baby set off a spark that soon engulfed the area in flames. Not only has this fire contributed to the destruction and contamination of the West Coast, spanning over 22,000 acres, it’s also sparked debate about the ethics of gender reveal parties and the elaborate lengths people go to for such events.

Though wildfires can begin through more natural means such as lightning storms and trees
falling on power lines, it’s crucial for Americans to do their part and be careful with potentially flammable materials when outdoors, especially when the risk for fire is high.

Sources: CNN, New York Times, National
Interagency Fire Center

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EU Appoints Diversity Specialist: Faculty prepare statement voicing concerns of university’s appointment process.

Controversy among faculty, staff, and students has followed the appointment of Dr. Randolph Walters as Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging by President Ronald Matthews. The following statement outlines some of the critiques of this process: its lack of transparency, disregard for procedural recommendations to promote equity, and allegiance to the structures which fundamentally inhibit diversity and inclusion.

The critiques of this process came with the acknowledgement that the appointment of Dr. Randolph Walters was done in good faith, in an attempt to promote diversity and inclusion at Eastern. This statement was written upon request from the Waltonian by Dr. Sharon Gramby-Sobukwe, Dr. Kathy-Ann Hernandez, and Dr. Kimberlee Johnson.

“In a letter dated September 12, 2020, to President Matthews, some black faculty members have expressed frustration and disappointment that the university leadership continues to promote and appoint without transparency. The routine practice of filling leadership positions by appointment and without an openly competitive process leaves decision-makers to select employees they know. Yet, such a process does not challenge leaders and managers to seek potential candidates beyond their circle of familiars. In doing so, they break the fundamental rules for creating a diverse and inclusive university climate.

Eastern University has historically used appointments, rather than committee search processes, to hire in positions critical to the leadership and direction of the university. For the most part, these have benefited white males. Despite complaints and objections throughout the years, as well as scholarship and best practices for effective diversification and inclusion, EU continues to do this.

These faculty members express special concern about establishing and filling the new and critical position of Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, and Belonging in this same “back-room” manner, a process that omits the voices and perspectives of minority groups on campus. An appointment in this manner undermines the very ideals of justice and equity it should encourage. Proceeding without clear and open descriptions of parameters and the expertise and experience required for such jobs raises more questions than answers about the appointments. Doing so, further, undermines trust among constituents of color especially, and threatens to weaken the effectiveness of the Diversity Officer. The result is divisiveness and perpetuation of these systemic practices.

The faculty letter, therefore, challenges those with authority to reconsider how they make decisions to fill
positions. Like many institutions across the country, Eastern University stands at a crossroads. Will leadership continue to justify these hires on the basis of their right to do so, or will they consider their responsibility to act justly among the wider community? Will decisions reflect a commitment to transform current processes and procedures to diversify, or will they maintain the status quo?”

For more information, contact wtonline@eastern.edu or kathleen.okeeffe@eastern.edu.

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Happenings: A list of important dates to mark in your agendas!

CoffeeHouse
• 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 11 | Walton Upper Lobby | 100 Days till Commencement Celebration

Windows on the World: Imani Barbarin
• 10:00 AM Friday, September 11 | “Challenging Ableism”

Philosophy Society
• 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 17

Windows on the World & Evening Performance: Audrey Assad
• 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 23 | “Religion and Mental Health” | 7 p.m. Friday, October 23

EUnited Homecoming (virtual)
• Wednesday, October 7 – Saturday October 10

Windows on the World & Evening Performance: Jemar Tisby
• 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 6 | “The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism” | 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 6

Eastern’s Fall Dance Concert
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14

Weekly Club Meetings:
Art Club: 7:30 p.m. Fridays | Walton Tent
Ethels: 8:30 p.m. Thursdays | Sparrowk Tent
Prison Ministry: 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays | HHC 105
Transformed!: 6:00 p.m. Sundays | Eagle Great Room
Unceasing: 7:00 p.m. Thursdays | Gough Great Room
Waltonian: 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays | HHC 200
WNW: 10:00 p.m. Wednesdays | Olson Field or virtual (weather permitting)

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Anonymous Love Letters: Written by Eastern students to those they admire most.

Dear Husband,

Thank you for all of the adventures we have had and for all of the adventures that are to come. Thanks for all of the little things you do, like giving me the aux cord in the car and pretending that I beat you in Call of Duty. Thank you for being the collaborator in my crazy ideas, but also my voice of reason when I need it the most. Thanks for all of the inspirational texts in the morning and for making me laugh with your variety of voice impressions. You never cease to amaze me with your humility, kindness, and integrity. You are everything I have ever wanted and everything that I aspire to be. I’m looking forward to Nerf gun wars when we’re old in our cabin in the woods. Thank you for being my person and for being my home. I can’t wait to annoy you for the rest of our lives.

Love,

Your Wife

 

__________________________________

 

I want to hold your hand for a long, long, time.

I want to cook and go for walks and pass my life by your side. I delight in losing keys and taking wrong turns and crying a little and spilling coffee with you. I want to be messy with you.

I want the mess to spring from our very beings and fill our souls with the unrefined flaws natural to being human. I want to wrestle with you, with who you are, and who God is, and where we both belong.

I want to argue with you. I want to complain about the weather with you, and bask in that very same sunshine with you.

I want to travel far or snuggle close or anything in between. I want to know that you trust me. I want to earn your trust.

Silly as it may seem, really, I just like your laugh and miss your skin and want to hold your hand. I want to live and laugh and grow with you. Life is a little better with you around.

I like your heart and soul and mind.

K.

 

__________________________________

 

My sunshine heart-

If we were a literary trope, we would be ‘the grumpy one loves the sunshine one.’ And yes, I’m the grumpy one. It’s shocking to me too. Discovering that information has rocked my world, but the more I learn about you and the more I fall for you, the more I know it’s true. I’ve spent the better part of my life wanting to laugh and, with you, laughter is almost constant. You are always looking to make me smile. Your heart is so open and caring and stunningly resilient. I am in awe of your strength–even when you cannot see it yourself. I can be introspective and self-critical and, yes, grumpy, but when I’m with you that falls away (most of the time). You make me happy. That sounds insanely simple, but for someone who struggles with the concept of happiness, that is huge. And, in return, all I want is for you to be happy. I know that I’ll never be able to match you in your ability to be cheesy, but if I can make you smile that’s enough for me.

 

__________________________________

 

Dear H.P. Lovecraft,

First of all, I admire your writing especially how well you were able to craft the fantasy world that Randolph Carter was transported to in, The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath. (You started working on the novella in the autumn of 1926, finished it in January 22nd, 1927, and was published under Arkham House in 1943). Second, I understand that some people may classify you as the product of your time (1890-1937), but in all seriousness, those offensives names that you called people of color, that is like, so not cool, brah.

Also, you need to calm down with the Cosmic Horror. I’m sure that the Old Ones (Cosmic Aliens who are worshiped on Earth as Gods), won’t destroy the universe when they awaken. (Humanity is seeing to our planet’s destruction without any extraterrestrial help).

What was Harry Houdini like, as a person? The two of you collaborated on 1924 to produce the short-story, Imprisoned with the Pharaohs, of which Houdini paid you a hundred dollars up front. Was he as short as the photos made him out to be? Did he show you his straight-jacket trick? Overall, you’re my hero as a writer and as a horror fan.

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Top 5 Songs on the Billboard Hot 100

Do you know the top songs in America right now according to Billboard? Here are the top five songs for the week of November 24, 2018.

  1. Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande

    There is no doubt that Ariana Grande has been through a lot in the past couple years. However, in this powerful and uplifting single, she sings why she is grateful for all of her past relationships and how they have taught her valuable lessons. Thank U, Next debuted at number one and has remained there for three weeks since. This is also Grande’s first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

  2. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott

    The presence of this single in the top This Hip-Hop/Rap track from Travis Scott’s successful album ASTROWORLD features many artists. Some of these artists are Drake, The Notorious B.I.G, Big Hawk, Swae Lee, and Uncle Luke. The title “Sicko Mode” refers to Travis and Drake’s work ethic and how they strive to be successful. So far, this song has spent fifteen weeks on the chart and has risen from its number three spot to peak at number two this week.

  3. Happier by Marshmello & Bastille

    This uplifting and reflective dance hit is placed at number three this week. The main vocals of the song are done by Adam Smith, the lead singer of the British indie-pop band, Bastille. The song is based around the ideology that when you love someone   you let them go. The song is produced by EDM hit maker, Marshmello. This song has spent 13 weeks on the chart, and has moved up from its number four position from last week.

  4. Without Me by Halsey

    This alternative song by Halsey explores the dynamic of on again off again relationships. She described the song as the “most raw song” she’s ever made. It has been on the chart for a mere six weeks, but is quickly climbing up. It rose two positions from the previous week into the top five, making it her third top 10 hit. It is also the lead single from her forthcoming album.

  5. Girls Like You by Maroon 5 Feat. Cardi B

    This smash remix by Maroon 5 featuring Cardi B has been dominating the Hot 100 chart, lasting 25 weeks and counting. Although its time in the top five is coming to a close, It sustained the number one position for multiple weeks. This pop song can be described as an ode to amazing and successful women.

    Sources: Billboard and Genius