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By: Asher Close, Staff Writer
Elise Hanley is a junior studying biochemistry at USM. She is a Lead Resident Assistant (LRA) in Upton Hastings, and a TRIO Student Support Services peer mentor, a guidance figure helping students who struggle with getting acclimated to college. Upon arriving at USM, Elise, who likes to go by El, was a predetermined environmental studies major...
February 2021 marked the 57th year that the United States has celebrated American Heart Month. Trivia Point: President Lyndon Johnson, who had heart disease, proclaimed it as such and although significant strides have been made since 1964, heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide.
It is never too early to prevent heart disease...
By: Cullen McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief
Representation matters, for everyone. This simple yet profound idea of representation and inclusion is exactly what sophomore Hussein Maow is passionate about. As the current Student Body Vice-President, political science and finance double-major and former Director of Racial Equity and Inclusion, Maow’s efforts on campus have been incredibly important. “I am able to advocate exactly what students...
In addition to our zoom workshops, support groups and individual counseling we are now offering an online mental health tool for the USM student community called SilverCloud. It is an online platform that is available to all University of Maine System students at no cost. It offers self-guided programs for anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience. Based on cognitive behavioral therapy...
Intramural and club sports have been apart of the fabric of the USM community for many years, and even through the midsts of COVID-19, it’s no different. Although the normal activities may have been modified, the long-lasting benefits it has on students remain.
At USM Intramural Sports were designed to provide an opportunity for students to participate in organized recreational...
By: Amelia Bodge, News Editor
The University of Southern Maine’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Council (IDEC) has recently been offering $250 mini-grants.
These grants will be given out to departments or student organizations who apply and wish to host university-related diversity and inclusion programming, conferences or workshop registrations, online/zoom programming, or other programs of that nature.
All of the requests for the funding...
By: Haley Hersey, Staff Writer
The Maine Women’s Hall of Fame’s 2021 inductees are Joyce Taylor Gibson and Leigh Saufley. Gibson is an associate professor of Leadership Studies at the University of Southern Maine and the former dean of Lewiston-Auburn College. Saufley is the Dean of the University of Maine School of Law and former Maine Chief Justice.
According to the Office...
By: Cullen McIntyre, Editor-in-Chief
When sitting down to write the Letter From the Editor for the Black History Month special issue, I had originally thought to leave it blank. How could I, a white male at the age of 20 be able to speak on behalf of a race that has dealt with things I will never have to face in...
The month of February is filled with many celebrations and events, however, all 28 days are notably commendable for Black History Month. The month is a platform for educating, celebrating, remembering, and honoring the African American community. With the current political movement that is Black Lives Matter (BLM), it is even more important to come together and educate yourself....
By : Lydia Simmons / Staff Writer
For junior Nate Henry being an active member of his community has always been a priority. As a sustainable business major with a focus in marketing and a minor in economics, his passion for business is something that he always wanted to use to improve his community and help those around him who...
"Love is like a virus. It can happen to anybody at any time."
-Maya Angelou
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone— taking with it the stuffed bears with heart-shaped boxes holding chocolates with unfailingly dubious fillings, and those little paper cards with saccharine proclamations of value or devotion: “You are great!” and “Be mine, Valentine!” Yet, while the candy displays...
Welcome to the end of the third week of our COVID-19 Spring semester, where many students are still hunkering down and creating a new schedule and routine for themselves. Seniors are probably freaking out about it being three months until graduation, the juniors are hoping the vaccine saves their senior year, and the sophomores are getting deja vu as...
As the stores fill up with bags of pink and red candy, and flower sales are increasing we enter our next big holiday after Groundhog’s Day. Give a round of applause for Valentine’s Day. The holiday surrounds love and appreciation of others. While people ask their girlfriends, boyfriends, partners, and friends the big question: “will you be my Valentine?”,...
Byline : Abigail Nelson / Arts & Culture Editor
It is hard to name the activities and lifestyle habits that COVID-19 has not affected. We are all familiar with the academic adjustments that have been implemented to promote the safety and wellbeing of USM students, staff, and faculty. Last August, in preparation for a mostly remote semester, the USM...
By Laura St.Pierre, Staff Writer
The Student Veteran Success Summit for Professionals, attended by 73 participants across the state of Maine, took place virtually over a three day period in mid-January.
This event, organized by the Director of Veterans Services Lorrie Spaulding and her graduate assistant and MSW candidate, Alison Nolan, was created in order to share knowledge about best practices...
The month of February is brimming with health observances: World Cancer Day (Feb 4th) American Heart Month, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Feb 7th), National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb 22-26) just to name a few. The holiday February is perhaps most known for however, is the widely celebrated and sometimes dreaded Valentine’s Day. May I invite you to...
A text alert goes out to all USM students Monday night: “USM Portland, Gorham, Lewiston campuses are closing today Feb 1, 2021 at 5pm and will remain closed tomorrow Feb, 2, 2021 due to inclement weather forecasted”. With a message only 158 characters long, the gears of all college students start spinning in their heads with one question: What...
Byline : Kayley Weeks / Staff Writer
Art has always been a part of Pickering’s life, “I remember when I was little my dad and I would watercolor Pokemon together before school,” she said. Pickering attended Waldorf School growing up. The Waldorf method of teaching focuses on creating well-rounded students through a broad curriculum including a lot of working...
Byline : Lydia Simmons / Staff Writer
The American Sign Language (ASL) Club at the University of Southern Maine that is dedicated to helping students who either already know American Sign Language or are serious about learning the language and improving their skills. The ASL club provides a comfortable, encouraging, and safe space for members to learn, practice and...
Everyone wants to look their best, but high-end, fashionable clothing is so often monetarily out of reach. You don’t need to be rich to look great. There are a few tricks that you can employ to get the most out of your wardrobe, no matter where you get it. Here are a few tips on how to dress well...
In addition to our zoom workshops, support groups and individual counseling we are now offering an online mental health tool for the USM student community called SilverCloud. It is an online platform that is available to all University of Maine System students at no cost. It offers self-guided programs for anxiety, depression, stress, and resilience. Based on cognitive behavioral therapy...
Working with chemicals in an enclosed environment poses several safety risks. One of the most prevalent safety risks present in a laboratory is the inhalation of toxic fumes. When chemicals are inhaled, they can have numerous negative effects, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Depending on the quantity and type of chemical used, the potential impact of exposure...
When it comes to a truck, there are many things you can do to help it look its best. Whether you are buying a new truck or altering one you have had for a while, you can do a lot to make it shine the way you want. The simplest way to do this is to install aftermarket modifications...
By Haley Hersey, Staff Writer
Fourth-year English major with a K-8 pathway in education, Kacey Foerster, has been conducting research on the effects of reading to Alzheimer patients, due to having been nominated for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). Being a part of the UROP allows Foerster to conduct official research with funding and a faculty mentor.
Kacey Foerster’s grandfather...
