Friday night movie themed Jeopardy

STAR// Dennae Taylor

Tucker Jensen, Robert Wiles and William Beales: Winners of Jeopardy in W&B on April 7.

On Friday, April 7, from 8-9:30 p.m., Student Involvement put on a game of Jeopardy which was movie themed. This brought in a decent-sized crowd of about 15-20 students. The event was in Weyden and Brewster and was the first Jeopardy game of the year.

The game was played through a PowerPoint put together by Libby Sarto, a third-year kinesiology major with a concentration in exercise science. Sarto has been with student involvement since August. The PowerPoint consisted of miscellaneous movie quiz questions that were found online. Students were told to get into teams of two to three if they had not come up with a team to play with. Some students came with their teams and some paired up with others on the spot. Each team had its own name. Team one called themselves “Tucker and His Friends.” Team 2 was called “2+3=4.” The third group was named “Team Stars.” The final group was named “McJess Meal.”

The categories of Jeopardy consisted of Disney, Marvel, DreamWorks, Adam Sandler(which was a crowd favorite), and Star Wars. “Tucker and his friends” started out the game by picking Star Wars for 300. The question was “Who is the only non-Jedi to use a lightsaber?” They answered by saying who Han Solo is. This was the correct answer.

The next group, “2+3=4” picked Marvel for 200. “Who’s power exceeds that of the Sorcerer Supreme?” The answer, and what they answered, was who is Wanda/the Scarlet Witch. The “Stars” then chose Disney for 300. This question was “Which Disney princess has a living mother and deceased father.” The ‘Stars’ got this one wrong so the question went up for grabs to whichever group “buzzed in” first. This was done by hitting the table the fastest and the loudest. “2+3=4” answered this one right with the answer being “Princess Tiana.” The last group, “McJess Meal,” chose Adam Sandler for 500. The question was “Who is the father of Skeeter in Bedtime Stories?” No one was able to answer this question.

As the second round started, Sarto put a limit on the amount of time groups had to answer the questions, since many groups were sitting there for a while without an answer. “McJess Meal” continued to answer questions from the Adam Sandler category, and continued to get them wrong. The rest of the teams were a hit-and-miss on each turn, except for “Tucker and his friends” who got most answers right.

Jennifer Martuscelli, a third-year dance major with a minor in business, was a part of the group 2+3=4. Martuscelli said “I enjoy going to the student involvement events when I can. They’re fun and entertaining.”

The final question was a bonus one for 1000 points. The category was DreamWorks and the question was “How many opening lines of the Bee Movie can you recite correctly?” This one was close between two groups but William Beales, a third-year Electrical Engineer major, part of “Tucker and his friends,” ended up winning the bonus question, concluding with a total of 3,800 points.

Student Involvement hosts DIY Bird house making

STAR// Mia Garcia

A student painting their birdhouse.

Many seawolves have stressful schedules and need something to do to relax their minds. Luckily Student Involvement is here to help. They host events every Friday and Saturday with different arts and crafts projects at the W&B (Weyden and Brewster).

This past weekend the DIY (Do It Yourself) craft of the week was birdhouse making. All materials are provided and free for students. Students are encouraged to be creative, make connections, and get involved with campus activities.

Student Involvement hosts events like these so fellow Seawolves can have a break or have something to do after a long day. Third-year Communications major Saffron Walter said, “I just wanted a little time to relax. I’ve been working all day. I still have some work to do at home like cleaning but I wanted a little bit of a break so I came here.” While painting the birdhouse Walter said, “It reminds me of when I was a little girl. We made these in a class one time and I feel like I can take this home and put it right next to my other one.”   

Students are supplied with a birdhouse kit, paint, brushes, and stickers. Seawolves can then create and design the birdhouse however they see fit. Student Involvement worker Tia Booker, third-year criminal justice major said, “We do the weekend programs like FNL (Friday Night Live) and the DIYS like today we are doing the bird house making.” There are so many events that Student Involvement hosts that fellow Seawolves should get to know. Booker said, “This is the first time we did birdhouses. However, some of the crafts are repeated like we will do jewelry making or small terrariums.” More examples of fun arts and crafts would be painting mugs, and fun with burlap, hama beads, and making soaps.

When asked, “What is something you want students to know about Student Involvement?” Booker said, “One that we are not part of AS I think some students think that we are and also we are here if any student needs something to do.” Student Involvement is to enhance fellow student’s Sonoma State experience. Booker also said, “We want people to come out if they don’t have any plans for the weekend, this is something that they can do and meet new people, make new friends, and take home fun crafts.”

If you are looking to help others stay connected on campus Student Involvement is hiring for Fall 2023! Open positions include Student Involvement Programming Assistants (PEAPs) and Summer Orientation Leaders. Apply on Handshake, email, or Google form. Apply by April 1, 2023.  For more information about being part of the Student Involvement team or for more student events go to getinvolved.sonoma.edu or follow them on Instagram at ssu.studentinvolvement.

The premiere of ‘WarCircus’ sells out

COURTESY // @milosopher on instagram

The cast of  ‘WarCircus’ after their performance on April 6.

The Theatre Arts and Dance Department presents “WarCircus” on April 6 at Ives Hall to a full house.  The play is an adaptation of “The Trojan Women.”In the aftermath of the Trojan War, women’s fate is left to the Greek conquerors. Everybody is forced to participate in performing for a circus that has been traveling around for thousands of years putting on an anti-war play. The play touched on what it means to be entertained while also asking what it means to be exploited. Trigger warnings include sexual assault and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).    

Nyree Johnson, a fourth-year sociology major, mentioned what she liked most about the play “I loved when all the characters were off on the sides; each sitting at their own vanities, with the spotlight on them when they each gave their own testament.” Johnson mentioned how the performance engaged with the audience. “I thought it was very different, for a play and it was very interactive and I just love a good spotlight moment” Johnson went on to add “The play is a good watch, definitely something unexpected. It is very interactive, it’s very dynamic and chaotic but in a good way.”

Miranda Obrero, a first-year early childhood studies major came to watch the performance as part of her class.  “We study plays then we take the concept of it and apply it into our own work, it is basically analyzing plays” she praised how the actors had a great performance.” I have a few classmates and friends. I am very proud of them to see how the hard work has paid off.”Obrero stated one of the most impactful moments to her was “ The scene that talks  about how a character was raped and sexually assaulted. that’s definitely a serious issue in today’s era” she added “Seeing a character so in depth about it is very compelling and emotion.”

“What I liked most about the play was that it kind of showed that the perspective tells a lot of what we have in Greek history and Greek mythology,” said Alyssia Muela, a third-year math major. Muela continued to say that something that stood out to her in the performance was “Deija Temple she did amazing, she has this presence and ability to make you feel things” She further stated “A significant moment in the play was the blanket with the blood on it, that hit so hard when it was revealed that the blanket was not even the child, it was the blanket the child had when it died.”

The cast and crew received cheers from the crowd at the end of the opening night performance. To learn more about performances hosted by the Theater Arts and Dance deparment you can go to their webpage and go to the on stage option.

‘WarCircus’ cast hosts a preview of show

COURTESY // @ssutheatredance on instagram

The cast of the ‘WarCircus’ during their rehearsal in Ives.

On March 29, The Theatre Arts and Dance hosted a preview of the upcoming performance “WarCircus” in Ives Hall. The play is an adaptation of “The Trojan Women,” in the aftermath of the Trojan war women’s fate is left to the Greek conquerors. Everybody is forced to participate in performing for a circus that has been traveling around for thousands of years to do an anti-war play. The play touched on what it means to be entertained while also asking what it means to be exploited. Trigger warning there are topics of sexual assault and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).    

The director of the play Brent Lindsay mentioned what he thinks is going to surprise people about the performance “The thing that is most interesting to me is the line between comedy and tragedy, and where those two sorts of overlap once and a while.” Lindsay went on to describe how interesting it is to see the audience’s reactions “ If it raises questions in an audience that to me is interesting it is not there to give you answers.”Lindsay continued that the cast had a hand in putting some of the scripts together as well “Almost everyone had a hand in writing some of the scripts, I wanted to make sure that everybody had a voice in writing some of the words and developing their characters.”

Jarrett Galante , an acting major that plays one of the two greek soldiers mentioned that his favorite part of the play is “I liked what Brent, the director did in terms of making it like a circus atmosphere because it allows you to look at these terrible aspects of humanity and see them in a light that is different as opposed to doing a straight drama.” Galante added how the play was different from anything else he had ever done before “The play is a lot different, even the environment it is in with the whole circus atmosphere, it’s got a lot of important  stories to tell and it’s entertaining.”

“I love all the circus aspects of it and how there’s a story being told. We still get to do these really fun circus acts.” Elena O’Kane, a second-year criminology major who plays Cassandra, the truth-teller, talked about what her favorite part of the play is. O’Kane then began to discuss what she believed to be the most interesting part of the play to be “There are so many plot twists, I don’t think anyone’s really gonna know what is going to happen next and people are going to be surprised with how it turns out.”

Alice Tikoibau, a fourth-year sociology major that plays Hecuba, the matriarch mentioned who she would want to switch parts within the show; “Probably Elena with predictions just because every night it is going to be improv and you really never know which way it’s going to go, the role just is so fun and it’s my favorite part.” The play will be performed on April 6,7 and 8 at Ives Hall room 119.

Sonoma Film Institute Presents: Chess of the Wind

The film “Chess of the Wind” by Mohammed Reza Aslani was shown at Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall 101 for the first time this semester on Friday, March 31. The film started at 7 p.m. and lasted for an hour and 33 minutes. The film was in Farsi with English subtitles. The storyline of the film consists of a murder mystery involving a cruel man Haji Amou, who is suspected of killing the main character, Aghdas’ mother. Aghdas and her maid proceed to kill Amou to later find out he might not be fully dead. The film was set in 1976 in a huge mansion that Haji Amou claimed as his since his wife who owned it supposedly died. The film is about a conflict between the stepfather Amou and stepdaughter Aghdas whose original father never shows up in the picture.

There were only three viewers of the movie, and they all arrived on time. Warren Auditorium is larger than the classrooms that these films have been shown at previously in the semester. The lights were dim and would flicker every once in a while but as soon as the film started the room became dark and quiet. No students showed up to the film, but a few students did have something to say before the night of the film.

When asked if he had ever heard of this film, Chris Orsi, sociology major in his fourth year at SSU, said that he had never heard of the film and that he could not attend due to a work conflict. Many people when asked could not go due to a work conflict or previous plans that they had made, but there was another showing of this film on Sunday, April 2 at 4 p.m.

Orsi said “I haven’t heard much about the Sonoma Film Institute. It’s not very advertised over the school.” He explained that he would go to see one of the films put on by the Film Institute if it was something that caught his eye or if he were to hear more advertising from them.

Michael Macias, a marketing major and first year at Sonoma State had not heard of the film before, or any of the others put on by the Film Institute. Macias is another student who could not attend due to a work conflict, as he works on weekend nights. “I would see a film put on by Sonoma’s Film Institute if the scheduling works out,” said Macias.

Alexia Acosta, recent alumni from Sonoma State, did intend on seeing the film, but couldn’t due to last-minute plans. “I’ve heard of this film many times and when my friend sent me the list of the films that were scheduled I really wanted to go see this one.” Although Acosta couldn’t make it to this showing she does intend on going to a film that’s put on in the future.

One of the important quotes from this movie was “Owning things adds to one’s distinction,” and this was something that was sought after by Haji Amou, the reason why there was such conflict.

The Sonoma Film Institute has so far shown three films and will be presenting five more until the end of the semester. The next film to be shown on Friday, April 7 at 7 p.m. is “They All Laughed” by Peter Bogdanovich. Admission is free but there is a $5 suggested donation.

Juried Student Exhibition opening reception

STAR // Malia Teran

Ash Gregorio self portrait  2022 oil painting at the Juried Student Exhibition.

The University Art Gallery at Sonoma State hosted the annual Juried Student Exhibition that will be open from March 30 through April 23, 2023. At this event two jurors Jeff Nathanson Executive Director and Curator of Art Museums of Sonoma County and Inez Storer, Artist get to select the pieces for the exhibition. At this exhibition, there are many types of artwork such as oil paintings, ceramics, printmaking, and drawings. Each piece of work displays a student’s unique individuality and creativity.

Fellow seawolf Owen Martinez-Alejandre made two ceramic pieces called the “Study of Two Animals.” The two animals were a crocodile and a wolf head. Each piece was made with a different type of kiln firings. Martinez-Alejandre said, “The wolf head was a Kutani and the crocodile was the raku firing.”Martinez -Alejandre then goes on to explain the process of each piece. The wolf head Martinez -Alejandre  said, “was particularly challenging, it took 4 weeks to get the overall head in and I had the initial challenge of getting the mouthpiece in.”

Martinez-Alejandre had to do the wolf head in stages, especially with the complex interior details of the mouth and tongue. The crocodile was made with a raku firing technique which intrigued Martinez-Alejandre because of the different colors from the glaze he used. Martinez-Alejandre said, “I mostly like to concentrate on my ceramic work with animals, so trying to flourish them out was a lot of fun.”

Jirah Littlejohn, second year, majoring in an art studio and minoring in museum and gallery methods piece was called “Enigmatic,” which means mysterious. Her piece was a digital print that she drew on paper and then uploaded to procreate on the Ipad. She then colored and shaded her piece.  Littlejohn said, “ I like the little details I put in like the piece sign in the hat, his grill, his nose ring, and the little detail on his nail polish, the hardest part was trying to figure out what the hair or the hat was gonna look like.”

Ash Gregorio, made a self-portrait where the assignment was to make yourself into another character or something that you are not used to dressing up as. Gregorio said, “I dressed up as a clown and painted my whole face and set up a studio.” With this portrait that has so much detail and had only three weeks to complete, finishing it on time  took her 10 hours a day. This was the first time one of her pieces was in a gallery. Gregorio is continuing her passion and making another self-portrait that she says “is turning out better.”

 The exhibition is now open on campus until April 23. For more information go to artgallery.sonoma.edu or follow them on Instagram @ssuartdepartment.

Jazz Forum: SSU Latin Band with guest clinician

Breaking the rules is jazz. This was a big topic at the forum on Wednesday March 15, when SSU’s Latin Band welcomed guest alumni Dave MacNab to participate in their jam session. Most weeks, Doug Leibinger invites a guest to jazz forum to engage with the students and participate in the music played and the discussions.

“It’s as much about cultural exchange and development as it is about education,” said Johann Clapstein, a music education major on the instrumental track who is a transfer student attending their first year at SSU. This forum had the audience very engaged as ideas and perspectives were passed around in a friendly discussion. It went from about 1-3 p.m.  in Schroeder Hall.

Clapstein said about attending the event, “Latin Jazz is an interest of mine.” Many of the audience members were music majors or had some sort of interest in music. Clapstein plays the tuba and congas and participates in many ensembles at Sonoma State. “Music to me is a method of communication and a communal experience,” said Clapstein.

Jomei Greer, age 20, who is a junior at Sonoma State with a jazz studies major, agreed with this statement. “It’s one universal language everyone speaks a different way.” Greer said that there is an “expected sound” at a jazz jam. He likes to see the different influences musicians bring to jazz through their different musical backgrounds.

When opening the forum, Kendrick Freeman said that everyone should feel free to ask any questions, and this is just what happened.

There were five people playing the first song, and later guest MacNab joined in on guitar. Hector Altamirano also played the guitar. Freeman played the drums, Justice Jones played the piano, Brian Reed played the saxophone, and Sajan Maharjan played the congas.

There were about seven or eight audience members in total, and they were very interactive. One discussion that was brought up was match grip versus traditional drums. The match grip is when the stick is held the same in each hand. The traditional grip is when the stick is held differently in each hand. (Wikipedia) It was discussed that the grip style doesn’t matter, just the approach.

Jazz is something that can be played a number of different ways. There are many different variations and ways that you can change the music while still respecting the framework. One of the discussions brought this idea up and someone mentioned that you have to have some sort of framework before making it your own. By learning all the songs, styles, and variations, you are able to take what you have learned and put your own style into it.

The history of Jazz and where it originated was also discussed. They brought up Jelly Roll Morton and Duke Ellington. Ellington was brought up from his saying that there are only two kinds of music, “good music, and bad music.”

Andrew Emer, the jazz bass instructor, mentioned building a “rhythm sandcastle” and what that means. All the musicians are building the same sandcastle, this being the overall sound and structure of the music they are creating.

Tuesday Night Trivia at Lobos

STAR // Kathleen Mootz

Students gathered at lobos for trivia night on 3/14.

On the evening of Tuesday, March 14, Associated Students Productions (ASP) hosted “Trivia Night”. Seawolves gathered in Lobos to utilize their knowledge of a variety of music topics. People got into teams of five to compete in order to win 1000 points per correct answer on questions such as “most streamed artist”, “guess the song”, “the hometown of country music“ and “first Nintendo video game to use an orchestra for their soundtrack”. The diversity of the questions made it engaging for students with different musical interests to compete.

As the teams correctly answered the trivia questions, they cheered and hollered from every table in Lobo’s. Excitement filled the room when people wrote down their answers on their whiteboards to hold up when the time to answer came.

Curtis Manley, event director for ASP shared what he wished Seawolves would get out of trivia night: “I think hosting events is important because it adds to the college experience and gives students something to do on a weekday night that is free for them to attend.” Manley went on to say, “I come up with events by trying to use my power to implement what I would like to see. My goal with Tuesday Night Trivia was to try and build the culture of Sonoma State. I love trivia and thought that trying to make a bar-styled trivia night would not only be a fun change for campus life but could also appeal to those who aren’t 21.”

“I like how competitive it is. It’s just fun trying to race to the answer to see who’s the first to hold their board up”. Gabby Davis, a third-year Hutchins major, talked about what she liked most about trivia night: “ Davis continued to say that one fun fact that she learned during trivia night was “The first Hard Rock Cafe was in London, England not Nashville, Tennessee”. This answer seemed to shock many others in the crowd as well.

Mika Rios-Casseco, a third-year English major, gave her opinion about the game: “The competition is really fun, I just like to quiz my knowledge especially since I like music a lot. I end up realizing I don’t know as much as I thought I did”. Rios-Casseco praised how much fun the event was and how she had also gone to trivia night last month. “It is a fun way to get out and play trivia. You get to test your knowledge and I know this event is one of the most popular ones to go to”.   

Sasha Omholt, a third-year Communications and Media Studies major learned Something new and interesting during trivia night, she said she learned: “More about different music artists and how they got their start in the industry. For instance, I didn’t know that Justin Bieber was first discovered by Usher!” Osmholt said what she loved most about trivia night was “How it brings people together. I feel very proud to be a part of this school’s community.”

Sonoma State Senior Projects debut

STAR // Dennae Taylor

Alessandra Jennings, Madyline Jaramillo, Moriah Costa and Olivia Keydeniers in “Her” by Moriah Costa on March 16.

Before spring break the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance program showcased their Senior Projects on Tuesday March 16. Theater with two plays, “Moving Through Grief” by Maya Pratt-Bauman and “The PTA Meeting” by Phi Tran. In dance, Moriah Costa showcased her very own choreographed dance called “Her”.

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance put on shows like Senior Projects to allow seniors to express and be proud of what they have self-made throughout the semester. It allows students to write a script, direct, act, and choreograph. Maya Pratt-Bauman, Phi Tran, and Moriah Costa get to show everyone what they have been working on throughout the semester. Each performance had a content warning because it was so emotionally charged. All three allow the audience to interpret what each of their pieces means.

“Moving Through Grief” is short eight plays that describe the loss. Director Maya Pratt-Bauman’s goal was for the audience to interpret their own meaning of loss and how emotion controls them. Many people who saw these plays reported that they made them cry because they made them connect with their emotions. Opening night was a success according to Baumans. Braumans said, “I am so happy for what we were able to accomplish.” Braumans continues to say that the audience reaction was so “loving,” and it “hit home for some folks.”

“The PTA Meeting” is a short play that displays the hardships of gun violence, suicide, and child loss. Director Phi Tran wrote a play that demonstrates how both adults and the young continue to deal with their own emotions. Writing a directing task took longer than usual according to Tran. However, he and his team got together and really worked hard to make an amazing play. The audience was engaged and felt the emotion actors were putting out. Tran said, “everyone on stage found a rhythm and energy and ultimately it paid off.”

“Her” was choreographed by Moriah Costa demonstrates what life is like through the female gaze and what it is like to be loved by a woman. The dance was joined by a background of videos and a monologue describing the thoughts of what a woman feels about herself. Costa said, “I started it a couple of years ago when I was a sophomore and I plan on continuing the video as years go by.”  Costa felt that her opening night was really exciting, she said, “I love performing and it was a blast every time.”

All performances touched many audiences’ hearts.Fifth-year chemistry major and dance minor, Paulina Gonzalez said, “The performances were beautiful. A Lot of tears shed. It tears out your heartstrings.” The Theatre Arts and Dance program is an inviting place where students can support one another. All students are welcome and all shows are free for all Sonoma State students. Check out their Instagram @ssutheatreartsanddance or on their website at theatreartsanddance.sonoma.edu for more events.

De-stress with TRIO in CASSE Lounge

STAR // Mia Garcia

Ashley Martinez  painting the stress away in the CASSE lounge.

With midterms coming many seawolves are stressed with assignments and studying for finals that they feel like they are not prepared for. Luckily TRIO has events like De-stress Before the Test to help seawolves to take a break from their school work and relax and do something creative. Not only do they host events like this they provide services for students to help them with academic support, advising, and personal coaching. They also offer a quiet study lab and free printing in the CASSE office and lounge.

TRIO is a program that is divided into two programs: the Multilingual Achievers Program (MAPS) and United for Success. It is open to undocumented students, low-income students, students registered with DSS, and first-generation students. TRIO can offer advice to help with courses and where students can ask about graduate school and other opportunities after graduation. The academic support that they provide students with is tutoring in math, reading, and writing support from specialists.

What is the CASSE Lounge? CASSE is the Center for Academic Access and Student Enrichment. According to Natalie Reyes, a fourth-year sociology major, “The CASSE Lounge is a space for students where students can come in with friends or study by themselves.They have access to free printing, computers, and snacks, it’s a spacious room where students can come and do homework.” The lounge is a safe space where students de-stress from the workload they consume every day in class.

De-stress Before the Test was a great way to introduce students to what TRIO is and the CASSE lounge. Reyes said, “De-stress before the test is a workshop that allows students to step away from their school work, any homework or test coming up. They can de-stress by coloring, using the notebooks that are provided, grabbing a snack with friends, or rock painting.”

For some students like Ashley Martinez, third-year early childhood studies, it was their first time visiting the lounge. Martinez said, “I came here because I wanted to get to know the CASSE lounge. I’m also a little nervous about the midterms. I have an upcoming midterm this Monday (yesterday) for sociology.” With De-stress Before the Test, activities allow students to distance themselves from academics and focus on themselves.

Giselle Hernandez, a third-year early childhood studies student, has taken advantage of TRIO and the CASSE Lounge. Hernandez said, “I have frequently been using their writing center for class essays and scholarships. Receiving that feedback from the tutors that are helping me out is a great relief for me.” Tutors and peer coaches are there to help and not criticize. Hernandez continues to say, “writing is not my specialty and the tutors don’t judge my writing skills,  they are there to support me and it feels great walking out knowing that my essay was looked over by someone who does feel confident in writing.”

Fellow seawolves should take a tour of the CASSE lounge and see if TRIO can help them with any assignments or tasks. Make sure you don’t miss an event with TRIO so make sure you check out their Instagram @ssu.triosss or triosss.sonoma.edu.

DIY crafts with Seawolves

STAR // Canva

DIY Craft of the week : Self Care Body Scrubs.

Pamper yourself with body scrub! On the evening of March 11, at Weyden & Brewster (W&B), Seawolf Living hosted DIY: “Self Care Body Scrubs”. At the start of the event some first impressions were that it was quiet, while people started to walk in, but it turned out to be really fun and sociable. This event allows Seawolves to channel their creative energy into a way to exfoliate their skin during their next self-care night.

Bianca Delgado, coordinator of the Friday Night Lives (FNL) and Do It Yourself (DIY) events gave background on the function: “The event is just one of the many functions hosted by student involvement that give students a chance to meet and connect with others after a week of classes. Our events range anywhere from free grocery BINGO, which is always a hit, to movie experiences like Harry Potter Night. Getting to know new people and making new friends can be hard, but doing so over an interesting DIY event like creating your own body scrub helps kick start conversation and create a sense of community”

Seawolves enjoyed the night of creating their own body scrub using different ingredients including brown sugar, coconut oil, honey, and essential oils. Many students that attended the event found making their own scrubs to be relaxing, they added it allowed them to take a break from school work and just have fun with their peers.

Liza Schoen, a third-year Communications and Media Studies major explained why she decided to attend the event. Schoen shares that “I like doing them for fun. I don’t think that I often have the time or money to go and do stuff like this, so when it is provided by the school for free, is stress relieving, fun, and something I can do with my friends, it sounds good.” Schoen went on to add what a self-care night looks like for her: “I have a skincare routine that I have done every single night for the past four years. Also, I pause sometimes when doing homework just to remind myself that ‘okay, I’m human, I should take a deep breath’”.

Ava Diaz, a third-year environmental studies major shared her own form of self-care which is “sleeping with my cat because she acts like a weighted blanket and eases stress from work and classes. The best part of the weekend is coming home from a hectic day at work having her on my stomach helps slow down my heart rate and helps me relax quicker, putting me in a napping mood”. Regarding this event, Diaz comments that “face masks or skincare routines aren’t really my thing, but I did enjoy making a nice smelling body scrub from scratch, and it was fun making them with other people”.

It is a great way to meet fellow students and participate in a fun activity. If you would like to find out more information on when student living is hosting fun and inclusive DIY and FNL events, you can visit SeawolfLiving.com.

Sonoma Film Institute presents: Pierrot Le Fou

On March 10, the screening of Pierrot Le Fou, a popular French film, was put on by the Sonoma Film Institute. The film was shown in Darwin 107. Dr. Ajay Gehlawat in the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies introduced the screening. The film is 105 minutes and is in French with English subtitles. This film focuses on Ferdinand (Jean-Paul Belmondo) who is not happy in life, leaving everything behind and going off with the babysitter. This is Jean Luc Godard’s tenth feature in six years. Pierrot Le Fou is described as “one of the high points of the French New Wave, and was Godard’s last frolic before he moved ever further into radical cinema.” (the Criterion).

Jean-Luc Godard is a French-Swiss film director born in 1930. Godard is a radical writer. Pierrot Le fou was originally booed when shown at the Venice Film Festival in September 1965 but later was recognized as being a great film. It inspired many people including Chantal Akerman, a famous Belgian Film director.

There were about 15 people in total that showed up to the screening. The room was small, but had seats that you would find in a theater, all facing towards the front of the room. The film started exactly at 7 p.m. and everyone put away their phones and became very quiet. There were only about two students out of the attendees. Through the duration of the film there were many parts that would receive a laugh from the audience. The film contained nudity and violence which was most likely the reason for it to be considered a radical film, especially since the violence was being caused by the babysitter, Marianne Renoir, in part.

A quote that was very popular among the audience and was specifically pointed out by Kaitlynne Droubay as her favorite quote was, “Why do you look so sad?’ Because you speak to me in words and I look at you with feelings.“ Droubay likes this quote because “It is very powerful. It’s what drew me to this film in the first place.” Droubay had considered viewing the film because her family is French and so she wanted to “explore French media.” After looking up the film prior to the screening, this quote is what made her want to go.

To help the Sonoma Film Institute, a $5 donation is suggested, but admission is free. You can also go online to the Sonoma Film Institute’s page and donate there as well. The first three films “Breathless”, “Pierrot Le Fou”, and “Life & Life” are shown in Darwin 107, but the screenings are usually shown in Warren Auditorium in Ives Hall on campus. They will be shown here again once construction is finished. The next screening, “Life & Life” by N.C. Heikin is going to be shown on Friday March 17 at 7 p.m. by Dr. Bryan Burton, Assistant Professor in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies, and again two days later on that Sunday, March 19 at 4 p.m. The film schedule can be found on the SSU’s Film Institute’s page online.