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N E T W O R K N E W S I S B A Y P A T H U N I V E R S I T Y ' S S T U D E N T M A G A Z I N E . I T I S P U B L I S H E D O N L I N E B Y T H E B A Y P A T H U N I V E R S I T Y S T U D E N T N E W S R O O M . F A L L S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3Network NewsIt's The Startof a NewSeason.

Kaylah Sheppard ‘25Creative Columnistshe/they Samantha Robinson ‘24Local Events Columnist,Photographershe/herVirgil Lybarger '25Associate Editorhe/theyBeck Wehner ‘24Editorshe/herFall 2023NetworkNewsTeamContact Us!studentnewsroom@baypath.edurwehner2001@baypath.eduHeidi Bermudez ‘27Graphic Designer,Creative Columnistthey/them

Aida Smith ‘27Creative Columnistshe/herCaroline Austin ‘26Feature Columnistshe/herIsabelle Knipe ‘25Media Review Columnistshe/herMolly Bryant ‘25Media Review Columnistshe/her Contributors:Lilly Salmon ‘25Donyel Le’Noir Felton ‘26Photographershe/herAlaina Comtois ‘27Creative Columnistshe/her

First things first: welcome class of 2027, and a warmwelcome back to all returning students! I am beyondexcited to represent the Student Newsroom this year asthe editor of the Network News and the President ofthe Communications Club. This is my final year at BayPath, and I hope to bring forth a new era of thispublication that will have a lasting impact and inspirethe students who come after me.As a Professional Writing major, the written word hasbeen an enormous passion of mine since I could readand write. To be a part of a school newspaper that isconstantly evolving and improving, let alone to nowlead it, is an immense privilege. I am so thankful to ourfaculty advisor Dr. Janine Fondon for her guidanceand communications expertise, and to last year’seditor, Julia DeRidder, who made the newsroom anenvironment the entire team could thrive in and enjoy. This school year, I hope to bring new writers to thenews team, and foster an inclusive and interactivecommunity that allows students to write about whatmatters to THEM. To anyone interested: we have an abundance ofopportunities in the newsroom! Whether you likepolitics, poetry, or TV, we have something for you.College is the perfect opportunity to try new things,and the Network News will welcome you with openarms. I hope everyone will keep reading our monthlyissues and stay up to date on all of the fun things goingon on campus. Best of luck this semester to all! E D I T O R ’ S N O T E-Rebecca “Beck” WehnerBroadcast Journalism Team 2022-2023.I Am Bay Path interview series 2021-2022.

Each year, Americans observe NationalHispanic Heritage Month from September15 to October 15, by celebrating thehistories, cultures and contributions ofAmerican citizens whose ancestors camefrom Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean andCentral and South America.The observation started in 1968 as HispanicHeritage Week under President LyndonJohnson and was expanded by PresidentRonald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-dayperiod starting on September 15 and endingon October 15. It was enacted into law onAugust 17, 1988, on the approval of PublicLaw 100-402.Recognizing NationalHispanic Heritage MonthThe day of September 15 is significantbecause it is the anniversary ofindependence for Latin Americancountries Costa Rica, El Salvador,Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.In addition, Mexico and Chile celebratetheir independence days on September16 and September 18, respectively. Also,Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, whichis October 12, falls within this 30 dayperiod.

C O N T E N T STABLE OFA Look Back at Summer(Sept. issue exclusive) Student Leader FeatureBeyond the Classroom:Politics and CultureMonthly HoroscopeWhat We’re WatchingWhat We’re ReadingCreative SpotlightWhat’s Happeningon CampusHealth and WellnessStudent voices

@bpu_networknews@bpu_networknewsBAY PATHBAY PATHNetwork NewsNetwork NewsFollow us onFollow us onStay updated on new issues,get exclusive content, andget involved!@bpu_networknews

Want an event added tothe next Key Datessection? Email the StudentNewsroom with the eventplace, date, and time. Key DatesOct. 4 Banned BooksGiveaway Oct. 14Fall Open HouseVolleyball Senior DayOct. 3, 10 Home Soccer GameOct. 3 Students Today,Alumni Tomorrow firstmeetingOct. 25Performing ArtsCoffeehouse CabaretOct. 9Indigenous People’s DayOct. 16Town Hall withPresident Doran

GET INVOLVED NOW!We want to hear your voice!We are now accepting submissions for the next issue of our onlinemagazine, Network News, until Enter event/club flyers, issues you want tosee in our social justice section,visual/written art, or contribute youralumni voices to our future issues. Calling all TAWC (The American Women's College), Undergrad, and Graduate students!This is your time to raise your voices!Contact anyone in the news team or email:Contact anyone in the news team or email:studentnewsroom@baypath.edustudentnewsroom@baypath.edu Past Network News cover art by Cora Swan '23

A Look Back at Summer!Students share what they did this summer beforereturning to campus this semester: This summer, I worked a lot so I didn't reallymake many trips but, I did continue thetradition of visiting Maine with my mom forvacation. One of my favorite things to do inMaine, besides going to the beach, is to walkthe marginal way. The marginal way is about amile long walking trail along the coast betweenOgunquit and Perkins Cove and it is absolutelybeautiful! I highly recommend walking this trailto anyone visiting Maine, shown is a photo ofmyself and one of the many gorgeous views onthe path.-Rachel ClarkThis summer was truly one of newbeginnings, of learning when to quit,but also learning when to be fearlessand live with abandon! All throughoutI embraced my personality and selfexpression without fear (to the best ofmy ability!) and came out of this seasonmuch more self assured and content.-Juniper Mangan

During this summer, I embarked on an unforgettable journey to Washington DC, where Imarveled at the iconic National Mall and delved deep into the rich tapestry of history andscience at renowned museums like the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural Historyand the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. My passion for soccer wasreignited as I cheered on at the all-star soccer game and had the thrilling experience ofwatching Arsenal in action. I even had a delightful encounter with the diverse wildlife atthe Smithsonian National Zoo. This summer was truly a blend of cultural immersion andsports enthusiasm. -Brianne LesterI played my final season with my travelsoftball team this summer before headingoff to college. Aging out of our divisionwas bittersweet as we knew that our timetogether would be something we wouldalways cherish and look back on, but wealso expressed excitement to moveon to the next chapter of being collegeathletes on brand-new teams. Being a partof it all made me realize how fast timepasses by. As a BPU freshman, I will makesure to always keep that inmind while enjoying these next four yearsof experiences that will last a lifetime.-Alaina Comtois

This summer was a little bit different from the othersummers. I graduated from a Community College,and I got to visit my friends and families who livesin Boston, MA. This picture was taken by my friendin Marina Bay, Boston. I am a person who lovessunsets. I enjoy to watch sunsets with my friends,especially if the sky has orange and yellow colors init. Usually, every year, I create huge expectationsfor summers, but I almost always end up workingall summer long. This summer, I finally took a fewdays to connect with people I love, and it was verygood to have done that.-Elida Soares CorreiaI was given the opportunity to continuemy equestrian journey this summer. Iwas able to take a break from work asa lab assistant to ride horses at a localfarm. This photo features Peaches, amidsized mare, known for her quietand calm demeanor.-Victoria Hall

This summer I visited the beautiful HiltonHead Island, South Carolina. Full of softsands, and weather that in the coldermonths I could have only dreamed of. Thetime spent with my family before my firstyear of college was something that I wasn'teven aware that I needed, it was nice beingall together. It was the perfect way to kickmy summer off, full stomachs and maybe alittle too much sun. I think everyonedeserves a vacation like this.-Aida SmithDuring the summer, I went to theALLI program. One weekend, Igot to go home with some friendsand they got to meet my cat!-Nashalie ReyesThis picture was captured in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Althoughthis is my fourth time going as an adult, with friends or family, italways means so much to me. To see where both sides of myfamily grew up, the struggles they endured and how theyovercame them is just so amazing to me. Hearing the stories as alittle girl and finally getting to see them with my own eyes has avery special feeling that comes with it. Travel is something that Iwould like to become passionate about because the world istruly beautiful. Growing up in Springfield, MA with not muchto see or do, traveling has been such an opportunity for me anda stepping stone of learning what is out there in the world.-Isabella Carrasquillo

This summer I took a trip with my mom to visitmy grandparents in Florida. While there wevisited the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum ofAmerican Art. The Museum in Winterpark,Florida, has the most extensive collection of artby Louis Comfort Tiffany. The collection includesstained glass, mosaics, paintings, posters, andmore. The highlight of the museum is the TiffanyChapel. The chapel was first displayed at the 1893World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It ismade of mosaic and leaded-glass windows. I tookthe featured photo during my visit. It shows theintricate mosaic surrounding the altar. This is justa small piece of the chapel that also contains abaptistery. The chapel is a stunning sight and anexample of the Tiffany Glass and DecoratingCompany’s ability to create incredible andintricate designs.-Elizabeth DuclosThis summer has been about EXECUTION.An entrepreneur by heart and wanting to fillthe need of having more non-alcoholicbeverages, my business partner and I decided tostart “Magik Moon Mocktails” – a MobileMocktail Bar that specializes in Craft NonAlcoholic beverages. For each of our ownpersonal reasons, as adults in our mid 20’s andearly 30’s, we do not consume alcohol, but stillwant to enjoy social spaces and have fun!Through our love of creativity, barista &bartending skills, and travel we have had PopUps in Manchester, Connecticut and Brooklyn,New York, this summer alone! This has beenthe highlight of my summer and when you putyour mind to it, you can bring any idea to life. -Donyel Le’Noir Felton

Summer was quite busy for me. I worked two jobs, went on vacations,spent time with family/friends, and continued to play volleyball acouple times a week. The vacations I went on this summer is whatmade the summer as memorable as it could get. I drove down tomyrtle beach with my boyfriend and his family. I learned that I enjoybeing in the heat more than I thought. The ocean was beautiful andoverall was one of the best vacations I've been on. The secondvacation I went on was to New Hampshire. Every summer my entirefamily goes camping at the same campground, they have been going tothis campground since my dad was little. In the picture I attached youcan see my brother and one of the gorgeous lakes that surrounds thecampground. While we are at the campground we have no runningwater, no electricity, and no cell service. To some this may sound likethe worst thing ever, but to be able to unplug and spend a weekoutside is actually the best way to reset right before school starts. -Mckenzie Labier

RA of First Floor, Wright HallMajor: Forensic Psychology Year of Graduation: 2024Fun fact: I am a book dragon. Ilove collecting and reading bookswhenever I have the time andenergy. Meet The 2023-2024 RAsBailey Chance (they/them)Bella Merithew (she/her)RA of First Floor, Wright HallMajor: Forensic PsychologyYear of Graduation: 2025Fun fact: I’ve been dancing since I was two.Advice to new students: Have fun your first two years because once you become a junior or senior it gets stressful and yourschedule will fill completely.Advice to new students: As someone who takes 18 credits, works, and does aninternship, making sure to balance school, work and social life can be hard.Find the time you're most productive and do homework for an hour during thattime. I've found that I work better and get more done when I sit down and dohomework for an hour when I'm productive, than sitting and staring at a screenfor three hours. if your just sitting on your computer with homework open, butnot working on it, walk away for a little bit before coming back.

Allie Henderson (she/her)RA of Second Floor, Wright HallMajor: Early Childhood EducationYear of Graduation: 2024Fun fact: I broke my toe playing kickball. Advice to new students: Take everyopportunity that comes your way.RA of Second Floor, Wright HallMajor: Medical ScienceYear of Graduation: 2025Fun fact: I am left-handed.Advice to new students: Do not be scared to be yourself, college is nothing like high school in regards to popularity or expectations from others to fit in a certain mold. Embrace who you are.Gabrielle Martin (she/her)

RA of Second Floor, Bollum HallMajor: Forensic PsychologyYear of Graduation: 2024Fun fact: I am allergic to coffee butwork at the cafe.Advice to new students: Use theresources at your disposal and donot be afraid to ask for help. Cici Cusson (she/her) Alyssa Colangelo & Brianna MartinRAs of Third Floor, Wright HallFrances BanksRA of First Floor, Bollum Hall

RA of Fourth Floor, Bollum HallMajor: Medical ScienceYear of Graduation: 2024Fun fact: I have 3 brothers. We alwaystend to end up doing something crazy,leading to the most stupid of injuries.Some examples can be quaddingrelated, snowboarding related, etc. Advice to new students: Don’t be afraidto branch out and try new things. It isfor sure scary, but so worth it.Reagan Sperrazza (she/her)RA of Third Floor, Bollum HallMajor: Forensic ScienceYear of Graduation: 2025Fun fact: I have 9 siblings and I can juggle (The two are not related)!Advice to new students: Join clubs, go to campus events, meet and talk to new people. It is a small campus but there is still a lot of people to get to know and fun things to do. The more stuff you joinand the more people you meet, the more fun you will end up having. Kylie Silks (she/her)

Local NewsLongmeadow native Brynn Cartelli onher rise to fame after “The Voice”by Samantha RobinsonOn June 23, I was able to interview a local celebrity:Season 14 winner of The Voice, Brynn Cartelli afterher concert at Free Music Friday at MGMSpringfield What was it like auditioning for the Voice? Were younervous?Brynn: Kinda, not really. I don’t really remember alot of it. It happened so fast. I remember the liveswhich was 2 weeks. The auditions went by sosmoothly.There was a rumor going around the internet thatyou used to call your fans “Brynnions”. Do you stillcall them that?Brynn: No, I feel like it sounds strange. I am opento suggestions on what to call them now. If youhave any, please let me know.How do you get inspiration to write your own music?Brynn: I am a constant observer in every room Iwalk into. It is something I am always thinkingabout, my next song I’m going to write, and I get itfrom everything. I love watching people live theirlives, I love making characters, I love creativity.What advice do you have for young people who wantto either write music or go on to be a singer?Brynn: Keep a journal of your life, what you see inyour life, just keep a journal of everything.If you could sit down with any singer, past orpresent, who would it be?Brynn: In the past: Aretha Franklin, and alive itwould have to be Stevie Nicks.What was it like having Kelly Clarkson as a coach on TheVoice?Brynn: She is like a second mom to me, and a closefriend. Everything you see about her online, on hershow, on The Voice, everything you see about her therethat is exactly who she is, and she is awesome. I can’texpress it enough. We were a power duo.Who inspires you outside of music?Brynn: Tim Walker, a photographer. I am a huge fan ofhis, I get a lot of my visual inspirations from him. I amalso influenced by my friends and my family, and byNew York City and the life that happens there.What did it feel like being the youngest winner of theVoice?Brynn: It felt like being fifteen, which is a wild feeling. Itwas crazy I was only a freshman in high school. I was“Baby Brynn” in my eyes. Like, being fifteen then, andnow being twenty, it feels like a past version of myself. Iwas so excited back then, and I am still so grateful for itnow.

AND MORE!Campus AwakeningStudent Club FairMulticultural Block PartyConvocationCampus DayFall Sports Begin

Campus Awakeningby Samantha RobinsonOn September 5, Bay Path students were woken upearly in the morning for the annual CampusAwakening. Each year, Bay Path students, staff andfaculty “wake up” the campus just as the sun rises. Students are woken up by their RAs at 5:30am andmeet outside Blake Student Commons to officiallykick off the new semester. Staff and faculty speakabout each building and the history behind CampusAwakening. Then students followed to each building,accompanied by music, to hear about what thatbuilding is used for, and a staff or faculty member lita lantern to officially “wake up” that building. After each building is “awake”, everyone met in frontof Leary Hall to hear Bay Path President SandraDoran speak, as well as hear from alumni and currentstudents about their experiences at BPU. After all thebuildings have been “woken up” and the sun hasofficially risen over the campus, students are thenoffered a grand pancake breakfast to start the newsemester off with a bang. Dean of Students Dinah Moore “waking up” BlakeStudent Commons. Photo by Samantha Robinson.Madisyn Vera and Brooke Evanchak relaxing at the waterfallin front of the Admissions building. Photo by SamanthaRobinson.Brianna Chambers “waking up” the Office ofMulticultural Affairs. Photo by SamanthaRobinson

On September 7, all clubs on campus gathered to promote their messages andencourage students to join prior to their first meetings. The event was wellattended and allowed students to explore new opportunities and make friends! annual campus Club Fairby Beck WehnerAnsley Morrison and Victoria Hall representing theBody Positivity Club.Gina Valante, Paige O’Neil , and Kylie Silksrepresenting the CSI Club.Brooke Evanchak representing theWomen in Science Club.Fariha Qureshi and Barera Ali representing theMuslim Student Association.

ConvocationOn September 12, first years and seniorsdonned graduation caps and gathered forthis year’s Convocation Ceremony. Theevent serves as an opportunity to welcomenew students to the Bay Path community,and allow seniors to offer support to theenw class and consider their own role oncampus over the past four years. Dean of Academic Resources PeterTestori served as the master of ceremoniesand congratulated all students for theirperserverence and devotion to learning.President Sandra Doran also took to thepodium to encourage students to buildcommunity and connect with one anotherduring their time here. The featured speaker of the event, Delmarina Lopez, inspired many with her speech and heraccomplishments. A Bay Path alum, Lopez is a first-generation college graduate and earned her Bachelorof Science in Criminal Justice in 2017, and went onto obtain a Juris Doctor degree from the WesternNew England University School of Law.Lopez is now a Chicopee City Councilor, and iscurrently running for mayor in the same time.During her Convocation speech, she urged studentsto take up space and advocate for themselves, and lettheir voices be heard in environments that were notbuilt for them. The ceremony concluded with SeniorDelegate Rowanne Mustafa and First-year DelegateAllanah Long leading a call-and-response vowing tosupport each other within the Bay Path community.This event served as a chance for new students to getto know each other and their upperclassmenmentors, and prepare for an exciting new chapter atBay Path. by Beck Wehner Amaya Jones, Asli Hassan, and Rowanne Mustafa,Delmarina Lopez, Esq.

W i l d c a t shome openerW I NW I NPhoto: “The BPU Volleyball Team”, Samantha Robinsonby Samantha RobinsonOn September 14, the Bay Path volleyball team, the Wildcats,opened their season playing against Massachusetts MaritimeAcademy. The Wildcats came up from behind to win against theother team with a score of 3-1. Bay Path students, staff andfaculty all came out to support the Wildcats. The Wildcats haveadvanced at this point in the season 3-5 with a lot of games leftin the season the Wildcats need to improve and continue to dowhat they do best and work together as a team. Photo: “#1 Lilly Kibbe getting readyto serve the ball”, Samantha RobinsonPhoto: “The BPU Volleyball teamhuddle”, Samantha RobinsonSophomore Anastasiya Tsetsko led Bay Pathwith twenty-three kills and four serving aces. Junior Lilly Kibbe contributed nine kills fourserving aces and six digs. First-year Asja Kazic contributed seven kills,one blocks and one digs. Sophomore setter KyLee Finch contributedtwenty-three assists.HighlightsHighlights

OFTHERETURNRETURNSOCCERSOCCERSEASONSEASONat Bay Path!Soccer has returned to BPU after a fouryear break. Last time soccer was played atBPU was in 2019 when our head coachGrayson Connery was a player!Photo 1: “Ansley Morrison Receiving the ball”Photo 2: “#15 Allyssa Kreischer of BPU kicks the ballaway from a Southern Maine CC player”Photo 3: “Goalie Taylor Suffoletto getting ready to savethe ball”Photo 4: “#9 Caroline Austin of BPU receives the ball”Writing and Photography by Samantha RobinsonCreditsCreditsCredits

Longmeadow Pride by Beck Wehner Members of the Gay Path Alliance before walking to the pride festival. Photo by Samantha Robinson. On September 17, the Gay PathAlliance club hosted a Pride Brunchand Walk, followed by attending thethird annual Longmeadow Pridefestival in town. Pastries wereprovided in the dining hall and freepride pins and flags were available forstudents to take and bring with themto the event to show their pride.Members of the Gay Path Alliancemade speeches discussing what pridemeans to them and why events like thisare important for the Bay Pathcommunity.The club was represented by PresidentAshanti Pelletier, Vice President SamEnnis, Secretary Megan Soares,Treasurer Gabrielle Martin, HistorianReagan Sperrazza, and Social MediaCoordinator Cici Cusson. PeterTestori serves as the faculty advisor onthe team. The festival has a largeturnout from both students and therest of the Longmeadow community,and those in attendance got to visitvendors, listen to live music, andembrace their identity in their ownway.

(continued on next page)From Peter Testori: Bay Path University continues toevaluate its processes, procedures, curriculum, andfacilities to properly address accessibility needs for allstudents, faculty, and staff. This includes continuallyevaluating the need for and feasibility of improvements tothe physical campuses in Longmeadow and EastLongmeadow. Some improvements, like modifying theautomatic door openers at Ryan so they worksynchronously, are made as they are identified. Others,while acknowledged, such as redesigning a residence hallto provide laundry machines on another floor, take moretime and resources to make a reality. Bay Path continuallystrives to make our campuses increasingly accessible.Don’t forget, the office of AccessAbility Services is hereand available to support all students and providereasonable, appropriate accommodations, academicadjustments, and/or auxiliary aids as determined on acase-by-case basis as governed by Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973 and also the Americans withDisabilities Act.From Michael Giampietro: Bay Path hasbeen committed to a comprehensiverecycling program for many years and weare happy to add extra bins where theymay be needed. If there are specificsuggestions, please forward requests tobpdeptmaint@groups.baypath.eduStudent Voices!Creating positive change one page at a time Throughout the Spring 2023 semester, the Network News worked to bring the student body allof the answers to their important suggestions and questions. Here are the final responses to thequestions that were posed in January. Thank you for raising your voices, and we arecommitted to making Bay Path even better this year. Surveys will be sent out to the studentbody this year as well to get all your questions answered. Stay tuned! The campus has a lotof accessibility issuesfor those with physicaldisabilities.There should be morerecycling bins on campus(both campus locations).

I would love to see a clinic on campuswhere the OT, PA, counseling, etcstudents can learn hands on skills whileproviding low-cost to free services topeople in the community. Otherneighboring schools have this and it has been successful.I would like more dances.From Michael Giampietro: The University continuouslyevaluates the operation of the cafe at the Ryan Center. Wedetermine hours of operation by evaluating sales patternsand the population of students and employees in thebuilding. Due to the low population of students andemployees in the building on weekends, it is not feasible toopen on Saturdays. As an alternative, we have in place avariety of vending machines that are available at all timesand a self-service kitchen located on the second floor. Inaddition, a number of convenience stores and shops arelocated on Shaker Road, just a few minutes away from theRyan Center. From Allison Zaczynski:Student Life plans to have twodances, one in the Fall andone in the Spring.Have the cafe in the RyanCenter open on weekends,specifically Saturdays forthose who travel to campusfor labs. From Terry Devito: This is something we are interested in, however, there aremany layers of approval needed as well as medical licensure in order to be ableto offer such a service. There is proper student oversight to provide patientcare with proper credentials and insurance, a safe and accessible space todeliver the care as well as all the necessary equipment and supplies.These are just a few of the hurdles necessary to overcome. So, while I say it issomething we are interested in doing, it will take much time and investment toimplement.

What’s your sign? I know astrological signs get a bad rap sometimes, but whether you believe in them ornot it’s still fun to see how they could influence your life. In astrology, the zodiac is a belt-shaped sectionof the sky that extends about 8 degrees north and south of the epileptic plane which follows the sun pathacross the celestial sphere. All of the major planets and the moon pass through the belt due to theirorbital path which takes a year to complete. The zodiac was split into 12 constellations that measurearound 30 degrees of celestial longitude each. Early findings of the zodiac signs show that babylonianastronomers named and tracked the constellations as an ecliptic coordinate system. Each constellationwas a form of divination and a chance to communicate with the gods. The 12 zodiac signs coincide withhouses, elements, figures otherwise known as a gloss, and gods. Babylonians believed that if theyconnected their birthdates to time each zodiac they’d be able to predict their own futures and betterunderstand themselves and others. This tradition that has been tracked to the 2nd century BC is stillrelevant to society today. VirgoAugust 23- September 22 On Aug 23, 2023, we entered Virgo, the sixth house of thezodiac. Ruled by Mercury, Virgos tend to have a great sense ofcommunication, especially in speech and writing. As friends,they are always ready to help in any situation due to theiranalytical nature, but their tendency to scrutinize issues canlead to tension. Ever wonder why Virgo's friends and partnershappen to be Cancer, Capricorn, Taurus, or a Pisces? This isbecause among all the signs these two are signs virgos have themost compatibility with. Virgos are very loyal to their closefriendships and their families and love tradition. They likeanimals, nature, and cleanliness but dislike asking for help,being the center and rude people. This mutable sign isadaptable but will use logic and resourcefulness to navigatethrough life's ups and downs.The Virgo element is earth and isrepresented by a young woman carrying a sheaf of wheat. Shehas been identified as a fertility goddess such as Ishtar orotherwise referred to as Inanna in Mesopotamian, Babylonian,and Assyrian culture. By Kaylah SheppardMonthly HoroscopesHappyBirthdayVirgos!Sources: Britannica.com, Zodiacsign.com

Beyond the classroom:Politics and CultureCONTENT WARNING: This section often includes sensitive topicssuch as racial discrimination, violence, and death.This is a recurring section of the Network News. Avariety of social issues and commentary have beenand will continue to be discussed, such as minorityrecognition, gender equality, the Black LivesMatter movement, global conflict, and more.Source: Canva.

As of September 6, abortion has been decriminalizedin Mexico – people across the country can accessabortion without facing any legal penalty. This steptowards gender equality will improve the lives ofmillions who are unable to maintain a pregnancy, orwho can’t or don’t want to raise a child. This updatehas been a long time coming, as abortion was legalizedin Mexico City as long as ten years ago, followed byOaxaca in 2019. Since then, the number of Mexicanstates legalizing abortion has increased exponentially. Other countries in Central America are followingsuit in decriminalizing abortion, such as Argentina,Columbia, Chile, and Ecuador. This change can becredited to the Green Wave, a group of feministsdedicated to improving reproductive rights in LatinAmerica. This group fights for women in countriesthat penalize abortion despite their public’s demandfor reproductive rights. Source: Global Fund for WomenAbortion Decriminalized In Mexico,Surrounding Countries Take Noticeby Lily Salmon This news is in shocking contrast to thecurrent changes in the United States, wherestate-level governments are banning abortionsacross the country. As of this month, 14 stateshave enforced total bans on abortions, while sixstates are heavily restricting access to them. In aworld where abortion access and equal rightsare increasing throughout the world, it hasbecome extremely disappointing to witness theregression taking place in the States. It is expected that the policies in Mexico willinadvertantly grant access to abortion fortravelers from the States and Guatemala.Many hope that these policies -- and futurechanges in legislation -- will serve as anexample to surrounding countries.

What to know about theHollywood SAG-AFTRA Strike by Beck Wehner Source: Bluescape.Those who follow both politics and popculture alike have likely heard about thewriters’ and actors’ strike that hascontinued for months and slowed downproduction on television and film. Butwhat exactly is it, and what are theyfighting for?The strike began in July 2023, when theScreen Actors Guild - AmericanFederation of Television and Radio Artistsstruggled to resolve an ongoing labordispute with the Alliance of MotionPicture and Television Producers. Conflictin Hollywood was already high, as theWriters Guild of America began their ownstrike in May 2023. Both SAG-AFTRA and the WGAexperienced frustration with the rise ofstreaming services that have resulted in unfaircontracts and diminished pay for both thewriters and actors. Concerns regardingArtificial Intelligence and its potential toreplicate actors without their consent wasalso cited as a dispute for the strike. NBC Universal has been accused ofinfringing on the rights of picketing protestersby conducting construction on the streetswhere the strike was being held, and trimmingtrees that were being used for shade from theheat. No resolution has yet been reached, butmany sigificant voices in the country,including President Biden, have voiced theirsupport for the strike.

The Male Takeaway of “Barbie”by Caroline Austin This past summer, on July 23rd, writer/director GretaGerwig released her newest major motion picture “Barbie”to the big screens. As of the fourth of September, Gerwig’s“Barbie” has collected over 612 million U.S. dollars withinthe North American box office, garnering a total of 1.34billion U.S. dollars worldwide. Greta Gerwig now stands asthe record holder for the biggest debut ever for a filmdirected by a woman. However, “Barbie” is so much more than the numbers ithas received. “Barbie” is meant to inspire the limitlesspotential of every woman on earth. “Barbie” reminds usfemale viewers both the love we have for womanhood aswell as the disgraces that come along with it. Where“Barbie” is a movie for women in the sense that we relateand understand the film with a deeper level, Greta Gerwigstates in an interview with “Good Morning America” that“Barbie” is a movie for everyone. With all of the positivefeedback that “Barbie” has received, it is bound to have itscriticism which has primarily come from its male viewers. On a film based social networking app “Letterboxd” maleusers had some interesting reviews on Greta Gerwig’s takeon “Barbie.” Let’s take a look some reviews I was able tofind from some male users on this app:Additionally, other men leftcomments such as “feministpropaganda” and “only watchedthis movie to look at MargotRobbie.” “Barbie” is a reminder ofthe trials and tribulations womenface where it is a friendly wake upcall to men. Despite this, some menstill miss the message of the film by amile. Unfortunately, men hating“Barbie” is nothing but sadlypredictable. Source: IMDB. “A pink acid trip thatfeels like beingslapped by lots ofunattractive women.”“Why dowomenalwaystalk somuch?”“God, this made mehate women more thanI already do.”

Over the summer I noticed them every time I droveto work on peoples lawns, bumper stickers, andeven on store windows. Bill HD.4420, titled “AnAct Modernizing Firearm Laws” is a proposal to“...‘stem the flow of illegal firearms into theCommonwealth’ by modernizing and reforming thestate’s gun laws” (Buyinza). This bill would requirepolice officers to interview individuals who areapplying for a gun license. One of the main focusesof the bills is to stop people who are subject toharassment protection orders or people who aredeemed a risk to public safety and themselves fromreceiving a gun license. HD. 4420, also aims to findunregistered firearms otherwise known as “ghostguns.” In another section of the bill it states that ifit is passed, firearms will be restricted from beingcarried in schools, colleges, government buildings,or any private property where the owner orresident unless permission is not granted to theindividual carrying the gun and ban people fromcarrying while intoxicated.Due to the recent ruling by the US Supreme courtthat struck down the concealed- carry law in NewYork, which required residents of the state to showproper cause for carrying a concealed firearm inpublic (i.e., self-defense) Massachusetts lawmakersdecided to propose HD. 4420 to align with thedecision. Massachusetts law currently states thatindividuals pursuing a gun license must show goodreason to fear injury to themselves, their property orany other reason which includes sport and targetpractice. The Supreme Court’s decision to strikedown the conceal-carry law was made after theyfound that it violated the 2nd amendment but BillHD. 4420 is trying to change the “unconstitutional”language used in the previous legislation.The bill was originally proposed by Massachusetts politician Michael Day over the summer and willlikely be debated by the State House in the Fall. The main supporters of the bill are the MassachusettsCoalition to Prevent Gun violence. They feel that the 141-page bill is comprehensive enough to covermost of the public's concerns with gun legislation. The Gun Owners of Action League have shown themost opposition to the bill renaming it “The Lawful Citizens Imprisonment Act” on its website. They feelthat current gun legislation is already difficult to follow so the new language will now make it even harderfor the average citizen to comply. Due to this they feel that their second amendment rights would beviolated.Massachusetts Gun Legislation by Kaylah SheppardSources: masslive.com, nraila.org, & malelegislation.govHave you seen thissign before?

Here's what we'rereadingWant to feature a book review inthe next issue? Contact us atstudentnewsroom@baypath.eduWhat if when you died you went to heaven, but this heavenwas not full of angels and god but rather the five people youmet in your life that could explain how and why you lived thelife that you did. In this curious novel by Mitch Alcomb, aNew York Times Best Seller for his work “Tuesdays withMorrie”, Alcomb explores the idea that every life lived hasmeaning wether we are aware or not. I especially enjoyed thisframework as Alcomb details a heaven in which life is justcontinued, where we are met with our greatest failures butultimetly convinced of our greatest purpose in the life welived. -Isabelle KnipeThe perfect book for people who love beingcreeped out but hate committing to onestory: Night Shift by Stephen King is a collectionof his creepiest short stories. It was King’s firstcollection, originally released in 1978, andcontains classics such as Children of the Cornand The Boogeyman. King’s immersivedescription will make you check over yourshoulder as you read about topics ranging fromDevil-ridden churches to cat-eating maniacs. Tosay I slept with the lights on during my timereading this is no exaggeration, it is an amazingbook to read as we inch closer to Halloween. -Molly Bryant

Here's whatwe're watchingGood Omens(2019-2023)Shows and movies we've been streaming all month long!(continued on next page)Source: IMdbSource: IMDbOne Piece (2023)If you loved the One Piece anime or are justlooking for a fun action-comedy show, this isperfect for you! As a longtime fan of the OnePiece manga and anime, I was extremelyexcited when a live-action TV show wasannounced. I initially had my apprehensions,worried that I would compare the two versions,but I absolutely loved this new show! “OnePiece” doesn’t take itself too seriously, but italso has some more meaningful elements toothat make you fall in love with the world andits characters. Mild gore and violence warning,otherwise pretty friendly for all types ofviewers! - Beck Wehner When Good Omens began in 2019, I wasconfused and suspicious of its watch-ability andchalked it up as another show craze that wouldeventually die down. Four years later, writerand creator Neil Gaiman announced a secondseason, advertising it as “gentle, quiet, andromantic”. As a “gentle” show lover, I wasstoked and I gave it a chance. Nobody told meabout the mystery, drama, and constant Queenmusic blasting from Crowley’s 1928 Bentley.Let alone the emotional end to season 2! Mildwarning for violence and gore, major warningfor religious topics, but overall an amazingmystery show with obvious queerrepresentation!! - Heidi Bermudez

Source: IMDb.Source: IMDb.Fionna and Cake (2023)A delightful return to the world of a childhoodcartoon, Fionna and Cake brings us back to theworld of Adventure Time and the charactersliving in the magical, post-apocalyptic world ofOoo. The show is releasing episodes weekly,and with its new TV-14 rating is handling moremature themes for a more mature audience--the same audience that would have grown upwith the original Adventure Time series. Theshow is a brilliant foray into young adultanimation, and the story and characters are notonly relatable but enjoyable to watch as well. Ifyou were a fan of shows like Adventure Time,Gravity Falls, or Steven Universe when youwere younger, I highly recommend Fionna andCake for you now. - Virgil LybargerDawson’s Creek(1998)Are you the the type of persontorestart Gilmore Girls as soon as thetempeture drops below 70 degrees?Well then here is a new show for you,set in The Cape this 90s teenage sitcomprovides six seasons of New Englandscenery, relationships, witty banter,and of course Dawson! It provides theperfect fall atmosphere if you arelooking to change up your normal fallbinge schedule. -Isabelle Snipe

Health and Wellness SectionArticles and infographics about ways to stay bothphysically and emotionally healthy here at Bay Path and beyond!

COVID-19 UpdatesIn 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t just disappeared, as much as theworld likes to think it has. Bay Path has released the following guidelinesand recommendations in order to keep campus as healthy as can be in themidst of this pandemic.VaccinationsBay Path University recommends thecommunity receives the latestboosters, though they are notrequired in order to come on campus.While you may not be concernedabout your own health, those aroundyou may be more at-risk of catchingthe illness, being hospitalized for it,or even dying from it.Staying up todate on yourvaccinations isthe best way toprevent thesethings fromhappening--andwill keep you healthy, too.Go toCDC.govfor more info.MaskingMasking is not required to be oncampus, but Bay Path is a mask-friendly community, and in supportof those who choose to wear maskson campus.Masking reduces not just the spreadof COVID-19, but other illnesses thatspread in the same way.Rapid TestsFree rapid tests are available throughBay Path, right here on campus! Ifyou have symptoms of COVID-19 orare otherwise concerned about beingexposed to it, pick up a rapid test atone of the following locations:Health Services/1st Floor of TheinertMonday-Friday, 10 A.M. to 4 P.MDean of Students Office, Breck’sStudent Life OfficeMonday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.M..Virgil Lybarger

Hatch LibraryMonday-Friday, 9 A.M. to 9 P.MSaturday-Sunday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.Ryan Health Science Center9 A.M. to 4 P.M..Isolation GuidelinesStudents who test positive are notpermitted on campus unless they areresidential students, in which casethey must isolate in their rooms.Isolation length is dependent on yourtest date and symptoms. You arerequired to be isolated for at least five(5) days from the onset of yoursymptoms or your positive test date(even if you do not have symptoms). If you have no symptoms or yoursymptoms are resolved after five (5)days, you can leave your room/homeand end your isolation. You may return to class or work, butmust continue to wear a mask aroundothers for five (5) additional days.You may remove your mask on day11.Residential IsolationResidential students must isolate intheir rooms and otherwise follow theguidelines listed to the left.Residential students are able to ordermeals from the dining hall, and canpick them up from the table in thehallway by the Student Life Office atthe following times:Breakfast: 9 A.M.Lunch: 12 P.M.Dinner: 5 P.M.Meals can be ordered via the linkbelow:Order your meals here!

I am sure that by now we have all heardabout journaling. If you have not,journaling is writing down your thoughtsand feelings. Journaling has proven tohelp improve your mental health andwellbeing in many ways. When your innermost thoughts have beencircling in your head it can make yourstress over your situation much worse, butputting it down on paper may just be therelease you need to help ease negativethoughts from your mind. You can jotdown what you are grateful for, you cankeep track of your fitness to keep yourselfaccountable, you simply write aboutwhatever pretty flower you saw, like thisone that caught my eye, it doesn't have tobe some big emotional story every timeyou can even sketch a simple picture. Nomatter how you journal it can help youremember more about your days and feelmore fulfilled at the end of a day. The small act of writing can let your mindknow that this is something you don't wishto forget. The Journal of ExperimentalPsychology actually has publishedresearch that proved that writing thoughtsdown can reduce your intrusive thoughtsabout some negative events in your lifeand improve your memory. Journalinghelps in more ways than just mentalthough, it helps stay ahead of work andschool as well. By using your journal tokeep track of your goals and intentions ithelps serve as a reminder of what needs tobe done to get you where you wish to be.The Benefits of Journalingby Aida SmithBy keeping a journal, you are keepingprogress of your growth and achievementswhich can help motivate you to keep goingin the future, just to see how far you havecome. Looking back at the challenges youhave faced physically and mentally hasbeen shown to help boost one's self-confidence. It is a sense of pride to lookback on everything that you haveovercome and seeing it all written down isdefinitely an experience that continues toboost the confidence of many that havestarted their own personal journals.

CreativeSpotlightTHe Creative Spotlight is asection where we highlightsome of the amazing visualand literary art that ourstudents create. These piecescan range from poetry toillustrations.This month we feature a short poem, inspiring prose, andan excerpt from a novel, all written by creatives on theNetwork News team!If you wish to have your art, writing, or creative expressionfeatured in the next issue, please submit tostudentnewsroom@baypath.edu.Source: Canva

my name is james gatzI hated reading The Great Gatsby in English class, butit’s your favorite book.Maybe that’s why you remind me of Daisies.– Heidi B.Image sourced from LitHub

Although many people receive holypurification as babies, baptism is still anoption for adults looking to follow Jesus’path. Being a Polish Catholic who receivedbaptism during high school, I feel it is myresponsibility to share my epiphany withHim and how sacred it felt to receive thissacrament. As we live in a world filled withmany faiths, and beliefs, this is the piece inwhich I share my journey.Before opening my heart to Him, I wasfortunate enough to grow up with parentswho instilled in me strong morals, so I feel Iwas always aware of the Spirit yet had notfully recognized His role in my life. With this, I am grateful that my strongmoral foundation allowed me to not beinfluenced by modern culture or trends. Ifeel that recently in the world, people havean aversion to immersing themselves in anyform of Christianity. “Popular” culturedoes not want to tell people that Christiansare people of pure and loving communitiesthat serve Him and each other. I came tothis realization as a young adult while Ifound myself surrounded by genuineworshippers who inspired me with theirwarmth and traditional way of life.Christians are repeated sufferers ofdefamation of both character andreputation, and the pop culture media wemindlessly consume is to blame forspreading these anti-biblical worldviewsby Alaina ComtoisFaithFaith

I urge those interested to start byreading His word for encouragement.Even if it is verse-by-verse, allowyourself to be moved by the gospel.Despite not necessarily being the“norm”, the sense of self-determination in willingly choosing tobe a baptismal candidate is ethereal.True empowerment in our society isturning away from a life driven by sinand temptation, to instead livefulfilled with faith in Him.As my head became damp with theblessed water, I felt what my pastordescribed to be a religious “rebirth”.What happened to me was more thanspiritual, I felt it physically. I felt hismercy in each droplet that wasabsorbed into my skin. While I wasgrounded in the love I felt for Him, Ifelt lifted by his forgiveness as I castmy burdens and anxieties on Him (1Peter 5:7).A beautiful, emotional ceremonywhere I made a commitment to haveeverlasting faith in Him.The moment I traded the world forHim.

It is a beautiful day for a funeral, all things considered.Nora ní Buachalla adjusts her skirts, feeling a little self-conscious of how plain her black apronseems in comparison to everyone else. She’d only had the scrap bit of fabric, and she didn’t ownmuch black to begin with—the dark browns and grays would have to do, as much as it painedher. It contrasts her hair nicely, all long and red and untied, hanging round her shoulders in away she’s not used to. Nora feels every bit the poor farmhand as she stands off to the side whileFiel clan members converse in low tones. Much of it is surface-level grief for the dead kid, butmore of it is underhanded gossiping about how it had happened in the first place.“The press called it murder,” one woman—an aunt that Nora doesn’t recognize—says in ahushed stage-whisper to the woman beside her. “Someone broke into the barn and slit thelamb’s throat.”“Carbrey was a kid,” Nora says, startling herself with the sound of it. When the woman looksat her, surprised, she doubles down. “A baby goat, not a sheep.”The woman—Mary, Nora finally lands on—is silent for a few agonizingly long moments,before she forces a smile. “Yes, thank you, dear.”Nora just nods, turning away. Behind her, she hears Mary’s voice drop as she murmurs,“People think it was her, the farmhand. Jealous that Branwen was paying attention to his realdusvya daughter.”Her throat tightens. There is going to be a lot of that today, for sure. She thought she was readyfor it, she really did, but hearing the accusations just makes her blood boil and her chest ache with grief. It isn’t worth it—and causing a scene would just cause more problems. Finally, she spots Fia through the crowd.Excerpt from StagheartVirgil LybargerAn excerpt from a work-in-progress YAnovel of mine, set in a world where somepeople have animal companions they sharea mental and emotional bond with frombirth. The story follows Nora ní Buachalla,a farmhand employed by the Fiel family, asshe investigates the murder of theiryoungest daughter’s companion.