Vo. 119, Issue 1 - September 2, 2021

SF FOGHORN
EST. 1903
04
NEWS
SFFOGHORN.COM
FOGPOD
NEWS
Students adjust to
in-person learning amid
a return to campus.
@SFFOGHORN
THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
THURSDAY, SEPT. 02 2021 • VOL. 119, ISSUE 01
SCENE OPINION SPORTS
The most eye-catching,
The untapped benefits of
07
mask-toting fashionistas
09
nursing students seeking
12
are back on campus.
clinical experience.
MASKED, VAXXED, AND THE LATEST
ON-CAMPUS GUIDELINES
The Koret Health and Recreation Center will continue to offer activities and programs for students to participate in.
PHOTO COURTESY OF USF OFFICE OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
MEGAN ROBERTSON
Staff Writer
USF fully reopened its campus this past
week for the first time since the COVID-19
pandemic forced the University to shut
down in March 2020. Sophomore international
business major Jocelyn Luciani is, for
SPORTS
WOMEN'S SOCCER
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
EVENTS
SEPTEMBER — 2021
6
MONDAY
PHOTO COURTSEY OF WIDEN
2
0
one, “happy to be on campus.” She described
a definite joy in the campus community for
being together again. “People are very excited
to interact with each other in classes.”
However, despite the thrill of being back
in person, she said, “I think in the back of
everybody’s mind is a sense of fear that this
could be taken away again.”
0
3
LABOR DAY
ALL DAY
Reminder: No classes in honor
of Labor Day.
Continue on page 3
SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
7
TUESDAY
PHOTO COURTSEY OF WIDEN
SCENE
OPINION
Men’s and women’s
soccer claim victories
in their season openers.
LookBook
Name: Seref
Year: Senior
Major: Theology
Style inspiration: “Lesbians.”
I SPENT A SEMESTER WITHOUT
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WHILE
SOME OF MY PEERS WERE IN
CLINICALS, AND I SAW THE
DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN
HOW WE WERE APPLYING
WHAT WE WERE LEARNING.
ANNIKA DAHLBERG
THATCHER GALLERY
GLESSON LIBRARY 12PM—6PM DAILY
New exhibit opens at Thacher Gallery
inspired by artists’ relationship with
the natural world, All that you touch:
art and ecology. Open through Nov. 7.

02
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
STAFF
SUBMISSION POLICY
The San Francisco Foghorn is the
official student newspaper of the
University of San Francisco and is
sponsored by the Associated Students
of the University of San Francisco
(ASUSF).
The thoughts and opinions expressed
herein are those of the individual writers
and do not necessarily reflect those
of the Foghorn staff, the administration,
the faculty, staff or the students
of the University of San Francisco.
Contents of each issue are the sole
responsibilities of the editors.
An All-American
Publication
ad maiorem dei
gloriam
The San Francisco Foghorn is free of
charge, one copy per reader. To purchase
additional copies for $1, please
visit our office.
Advertising matter printed herein is
solely for informational purposes.
Such printing is not to be construed
as written or implied sponsorship
or endorsement of such commercial
enterprises or ventures by the San
Francisco Foghorn.
©MMIV-MMV, San Francisco Foghorn.
All rights reserved. No material
SAN FRANCISCO
FOGHORN
Freedom and Fairness
415.422.5444
sffoghorn.com
Editor in Chief
LUCIA VERZOLA
editorinchief@sffoghorn.com
News Editor
MIGUEL ARCAYENA
news@sffoghorn.com
Opinion Editor
CLARA SNOYER
opinion@sffoghorn.com
Scene Editor
CALLIE FAUSEY
scene@sffoghorn.com
Sports Editor
MAGGIE ALDRICH
sports@sffoghorn.com
Photography Editor
BEAU TATTERSALL
photo@sffoghorn.com
General Reporter
ANNIKA DAHLBERG
reporter1@sffoghorn.com
General Reporter
ZOE BINDER
reporter2@sffoghorn.com
Managing Editor
JAMES SALAZAR
managing@sffoghorn.com
Copy Editor
NORA WARD
copy@sffoghorn.com
Layout Editor
DOMINIQUE CADENAS CALVO
layout@sffoghorn.com
Layout Editor
LOUISE DE OLIVEIRA
layout2@sffoghorn.com
Social Media Manager
SAMANTHA BERLANGA
socialmedia@sffoghorn.com
Online Editor
CLAIRE JACOBS
online@sffoghorn.com
Advisor
TERESA MOORE
2130 FULTON STREET, UC #417
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117
printed herein may be reproduced
without prior permission of the Editor
in Chief.
Columns for the Opinion section
and Letters to the Editor are gladly
accepted from students, faculty, staff
and alumni.
All materials must be signed and
include your printed name, university
status (class standing or title), address,
and telephone number for verification.
Anonymous submissions are not
published.
We reserve the right to edit materials
submitted. All submissions become the
property of the San Francisco Foghorn.
Columns of not more than 900 words
should be submitted by 5 p.m. on the
Wednesday before publication.
Letters of 500 words or less should
be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Friday
before publication.
Staff editorials are written by the
Foghorn editorial staff and represent a
group consensus.
The San Francisco Foghorn Opinion
page is a forum for the free, fair and
civil exchange of ideas. Contributors’
opinions are not meant to reflect
the views of the Foghorn staff or the
University of San Francisco.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
PHOTO COURTESY OF USF WIDEN
GRAPHIC BY CLARA SNOYER/FOGHORN
Hello readers, old and new. My name is
Lucia Verzola, and this will be my first year
serving as Editor in Chief of the San Francisco
Foghorn. I worked as a general assignment
reporter in fall 2020 and moved to copy editor
in spring 2021.
It’s no secret that our country and world
at large has undergone drastic political, economic,
and social change since the last time
the USF community was together on campus
in March 2020. As our lives move at an
alarming speed, it can be overwhelming to
decipher and distinguish accurate and transparent
reporting.
In the span of 18 months, we witnessed
Black Lives Matter protests, President Joe
Biden taking office, the insurrection of the
United States Capitol, and our continued
battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. In
this age of misinformation, it is the Foghorn’s
goal to provide our readers with factual reporting
that allows readers to make their own
informed decisions regarding campus happenings.
Much has also changed in our own
microclimate here at USF. Many of us left
campus as underclassmen (myself included),
unaware that we would return as upperclassmen
a year and a half later. For current underclassmen,
this is the first time many have
stepped foot on campus. We are learning (and
relearning) what it means to be a college student
at this moment. While it is exciting to
reunite with our peers in person, we continue
to navigate the ever-shifting protocols put in
place by the University and the city of San
Francisco. It can feel like we have been left
with more questions than answers in how the
University plans to address the uncertainty of
the virus. As student journalists, it is the Foghorn’s
responsibility to provide as much clarity
as we can to all in the community through
ethical reporting.
While classes were held remotely, the
Foghorn digitally reported on the happenings
of the USF community and worked to keep
its members informed, no matter the distance.
Through my three years at USF, I have
been reminded daily of how fortunate I am to
attend a school that includes individuals from
so many walks of life. As the current editor in
chief, I recognize my responsibility to expand
the voices and stories the Foghorn has included
in its pages since its inception in 1903.
It is the paper’s job to represent all in our
community and this is something that must
continue to be developed. Above all else, my
staff and I are committed to producing work
built on our motto: “Freedom and fairness.”
This motto is often overlooked or forgotten
by our university, but it is essential to what
the Foghorn stands for.
As we watch the current chapter of history
unfold, it is our responsibility as student
journalists to make sure these moments are
recorded truthfully. It is my intention to ensure
the Foghorn delivers this responsibility
to the USF community to the best of its
ability. I look forward to a new and exciting
return to campus and a semester filled with
news that brings us closer together as a whole.
With respect and regards,
Lucia J. Verzola
MASKED, VAXXED, AND THE LATEST ON-CAMOUS GUIDELINES • Front Page
Recently, the Delta variant has been dominating much of the country.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that all “FDA-authorized
COVID-19 vaccines help protect against Delta and other known variants.”
So, what are the latest practices USF is implementing to maintain a healthy
campus community?
On May 24, the University mandated that all “undergraduate and graduate
students, as well as all faculty and staff employees, [must be] fully vaccinated
for COVID-19 for fall 2021.” However, exceptions have been made to
this rule. According to Vice President of Student Life Julie Orio’s email, “With
proper documentation, USF will accept medical and religious exemptions to
the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.” All students are required to upload their
proof of vaccination or exemption request through the Med+Proctor portal.
The USF community does have access to see updated vaccination statistics
via the University’s Vaccination Dashboard. At the time of writing, 89.3%
of employees are fully vaccinated, 2.2% are unvaccinated, and 8.5% have not
reported their status. Among students, 84.9% are fully vaccinated, 2.6% are
partially vaccinated, 11.3% are under follow-up, and 1.2% were granted an
exception.
The expectation that nearly all campus community members are vaccinated
coupled with San Francisco having one of the highest vaccination rates
in the country makes students like Luciani feel “safe being back on campus.”
However, senior biology major An Tran said she still has reservations
about being on campus since students were able to opt-out of being vaccinated.
“I understand their reasons,” she said, “but I wonder if enough people on
campus are vaccinated to have reached herd immunity.”
Additionally, in accordance with city guidelines, everyone who eats inside
the University Center and Lone Mountain dining facilities or uses the Koret
Health and Recreation Center is required to be fully vaccinated.
The University is also complying with other local, statewide, and
Students wear masks both in and outside the classroom as mandated by the University. SAN FRANCISCO FOGHORN
nationwide requirements such as the implementation of mask wearing inside
regardless of vaccination status, increased sanitation and filtration services,
no overnight guests in residential buildings, contact tracing, isolation, and
self-quarantine.
This past summer, all students were required to complete the “Staying
Healthy in a Changing Environment for Students on Campus” EVERFI
course by Aug. 24 or face a $100 fine.
Campus community members are also instructed to complete symptom
monitoring daily via the Dons Health Check before coming to campus. However,
omitting the survey does not meet the same financial penalization or
campus inaccessibility as the EVERFI course. Some students have acknowledged
that they have forgotten to complete the form. “Recently, it has been
hard to remember to complete,” Luciani said. “I understand its importance,
but it should be enforced more.”
While in his welcome letter to students President Fitzgerald wrote that
the University is “monitoring public health data daily, and regularly updating
our protocols and policies,” Tran said that due to the vaccine opt-out and the
lack of social distancing in locales such as the cafeteria, she does not “believe
that USF is doing enough to keep us safe.”
Since Aug. 24, there have been four confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the
University of San Francisco community: one commuter student to the Sacramento
campus, two non-residential students, and one residential student in
isolation on campus.
In the Aug. 19 university student update, Orio wrote that “USF continues
to focus on doing everything possible to keep the entire university community
as safe as possible.” She continued by saying, “Everyone will follow
current guidance and expectations to ensure that we are all doing our part to
keep our community healthy.”
03
NEWS

04 05
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
HALFWAY THERE:
USF’S RETURN TO NORMAL
SURREAL EXCITEMENT: NEW DONS
BRING ENERGY BACK TO CAMPUS
NEWS
SAVANNAH DEWBERRY
Staff Writer
As most students revert back to raising hands in class instead of unmuting
their mics, and professors adjust to teaching through masks, some might
notice there’s been a few notable changes to campus life since we last saw each
other in March 2020.
The USF OneCard has gone fully digital through the GET Mobile app.
No longer can a plastic rectangle get you locked out of your dorm when you
forget it. Students can now pay for food and access campus buildings with just
the tap of their smartphone.
“The switch to go mobile was a decision the university made as a whole,”
said Mari Mabanag, an office assistant at the OneCard Office. The new mobile
app lessens the contact between people that physical cards would necessitate,
and moving forward, new students will no longer be receiving physical One-
Cards.
Additionally, any phone and battery-related anxiety won’t be necessary
while trying to access campus. According to Mabanag, GET Mobile will continue
to work and let campus community members tap in up to five hours
after a phone battery drains.
With the digitization of the USF OneCard, so too comes the mobile
accessibility of the Muni pass. Once a sticker students had to replace every
semester, now it is an unlimited mobile ticket via the MuniMobile app, which
will last until the 2022 spring semester. Students do not need to scan their
mobile passes, they can just hop on the bus as ticket officers are aware of this
new policy for USF students.
In addition, the 31-Balboa Muni route, which runs along Turk Blvd. and
past Lone Mountain was also restored back on Aug. 14, after a long absence
due to pandemic-related Muni service shutdowns.
Meanwhile, to prevent any time-consuming switches between an in-person
class to an online modality, the University announced on Aug. 20 that it
made 38 study spaces available across campus for this fall semester that can be
reserved online.
However, these spaces will only be available to non-residential students
with same-day modality switches within a 60-minute window. The University
recommended, per the August 20 update that “Residential students should use
their own rooms… or use the spaces that are available without any reservation
requirement at Gleeson Library.” In order to accommodate students studying
outside, USF is looking to improve the campus bandwidth.
While USF will not be hosting third-party events or throwing “mega
events” (5,000 attendees indoors and 10,000 outdoors), students can still look
forward to their extracurriculars.
The Koret Health and Recreation Center is continuing to offer self-care
and recreation programs, both virtual and in-person, including intramural and
club sports, outdoor adventure trips, and group fitness classes such as yoga and
dance.
The annual Involvement Fair by Student Leadership and Engagement,
which was held virtually last year, will take place in Gleeson Plaza Thursday,
Sept. 2, with over 100 organizations signed up to participate. Student organizations
will be able to host events on campus, with public health-related
limitations.
Dining in-person has also returned to campus. However, the cafeteria has
undergone some changes, with plexiglass barriers and plastic sheets set up to
protect both students and staff. Apple Pay and OneCard tap stations are set up
at each location to pay. Following the San Francisco mandate which requires
proof of vaccination for entry to certain indoor businesses, there is a vaccine
status verification table at the entrance, with campus community members
needing to tap their OneCards upon entry or show their vaccine cards.
“As the COVID climate is ever-changing, we continue to have an open
dialogue with local SFDPH officials to make sure we are compliant with city
and state regulations, while ensuring our USF students, faculty and staff still
have an enjoyable dining experience,” said Crystal Chun Wong, resident district
manager of Bon Appétit.
Since the start of the pandemic, the University has experienced many
changes. As the semester continues, COVID-19’s unpredictable nature ensures
that these will not be the only adjustments at the Hilltop.
ZOE BINDER
Staff Writer
After two and a half semesters of remote learning, USF students return
to campus with renewed enthusiasm. Among them are freshmen, sophomores,
and transfer students who are brand-new to the Hilltop. For them, living and
learning amidst a global pandemic has become the norm, but being with their
peers has been a hopeful experience.
Freshman nursing major Sophie Cooper is still taking it all in. “It’s definitely
a surreal feeling being here on campus and seeing everyone walking
around,” she said. “Whenever I came to visit USF before, it was completely
empty.” Besides adjusting to the fast-paced environment of campus, Cooper is
trying to navigate her dorm life. “The hill between Gillson and the upper part
of campus is a killer,” she said.
Cooper is taking all of her classes in person this semester. However, the
unstable reality of studying during a pandemic still weighs on her. “I’m worried
about the prospect of classes going virtual again, but it is what it is,” she
said. Cooper’s newfound love for the city has kept her positive. “Coming from
a suburb, it’s just insane looking out at the view of San Francisco. I’m so happy
to be here,” she said.
Cooper is not the only new Don excited to be in the city. Fellow freshman
and biology major Benjamin Mandzukic said living in the city was one of his
main reasons for choosing USF and expressed a familiar sentiment among his
peers. “Classes are a lot better in-person because I’m forced to pay attention,”
he said. “I can actually learn now because everything is basically back to normal.”
Kala Yamaguchi, a freshman design major, lives on the same floor as
Mandzukic. “Living in the dorms is honestly awesome. We have the best view,
and the coolest people on our floor,” he said. “I was so pent up during COVID
so it’s really relieving to see so many other young people and be able to go
explore.”
Like others, Yamaguchi is tired of online learning. “It’s great having
in-person classes, but having anything on Zoom is still frustrating,” he said.
“Although, professors here do a really good job of making even the online
classes easy to follow.”
Along with the freshmen class, transfer students are finding their place at
USF this week. Mariela Lopez, a junior environmental studies major, transferred
to USF last semester from a community college in San Diego. “I had
taken online classes at community college, but there was definitely a big difference
once I started taking them at USF,” she said. “The professors here are
genuinely engaged and care about their students.”
Lopez chose to live off-campus this year in order to focus on herself. “It’s
so great to finally be in SF and be able to go out and explore on my own,” she
said. Being isolated from other students during the pandemic changed Lopez’s
understanding of what is normal. “When I first got here, my brain had a little
stimulus shock because of how busy it is on campus,” she said. Remaining cautious,
Lopez said, “I’m a little worried that there might be another lockdown
just because I would have to quarantine alone.”
For many students, the college experience is just beginning, but it has
already exceeded their expectations. With students adjusting to an in-person
education again and finally socializing with their peers for the first time in a
year and a half, they are finding the full college experience at the Hilltop.
NEWS
Freshman Sophie Cooper in her dorm at Gillson Hall. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHIE COOPER
The University has introduced new campus features that will become routine for the foreseeable future, all in accordance with public health and safety guidelines. SAN FRANCISCO FOGHORN
New students partake in the annual University convocation ceremony. PHOTO COURTESY OF USF OFFICE OF MARKETING
COMMUNICATIONS
GO Team provided campus tours for new students during the welcome weekend.
PHOTO COURTESY OF USF OFFICE OF MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

06
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
USF’s Back-On-Campus
Lookbook
07
STUDENTS GET
INTO THE SWING
OF IN-PERSON
EVENTS WITH
DONS NIGHT OUT
Students have been waiting for it and with the resumption of in-person classes, it’s finally here: a reason to put effort into what we wear everyday. During
the first week back on campus, the Foghorn caught up with some standout students around the Hilltop to grab a photo and learn more about what inspires
their style.
SCENE
Espinosa hypes up the crowd at Dons Night Out. SAN FRANCISCO FOGHORN
CALLIE FAUSEY
Staff Writer
Following a year of virtual events, the Campus Activities Board (CAB)
helped bring life back to USF’s War Memorial Gym on Aug. 23 with Dons
Night Out.
The annual event is a part of the University’s New Student Orientation
festivities. With the event being in-person again, CAB wanted it to be more
interactive than previous years in order to foster connections between newto-campus
students. City-themed mini golf courses were scattered around the
gym and various arcade games, like Whac-A-Mole and Skee Ball, were lined
up near the stage. There was also a photo booth set up for students to have
their picture taken.
“Instead of choosing one big headliner, we opted to go with three local
artists and have a bigger focus on the interactive components of the concert,”
said CAB President Jakob Zucker. “We wanted people to get to know each
other because they haven’t really been on campus.”
The three Bay Area performers included Ruby Ibarra, a rapper, music
producer and community activist; DJ J. Espinosa, a San Francisco native and
the youngest DJ to host two prime-time radio mix shows; and DJ LP Giobbi,
a music producer and activist for gender equality in the music industry.
Ibarra performed songs from her rap album, “Circa91,” and J. Espinosa
and LP Giobbi both got the crowd going with electronic club mixes. However,
it was not only their music and vibrant accompanying visuals that captured the
audience’s attention, but also their stories.
“I wrote that album to talk about how no one ever writes my story, no
one ever writes my family’s stories,” Ibarra said during her set, which featured
songs that sounded like spoken-word poetry about her experience as a
first-generation Filipina-American and immigrant.
“Ruby Ibarra tried to include the audience so people were really involved
in her act,” said freshman biology major Leatitia Ngandu. “She included
unique aspects of her culture that were interesting too, and I think some people
could relate.”
Although the other two DJs had less to say, they did get the crowd hyped
up, despite the artists having to wear masks. In between sets, the VarCity SF
dance team would pop up out of the audience and take center stage.
“I think the performers and everything got people to come out of their
comfort zones,” said Kristine Paule, a first-year nursing student. “I liked J.
Espinosa, he really got the crowd going.”
For the event to be in-person this year, masks and proof of vaccination
were required, with a max capacity of 750 people put in place.
“A lot of the things that we took into consideration had to do with what
the city’s ordinances are, and the restrictions the administration is putting on
the campus,” said CAB Special Events Director Kylee Gwillian.
Social distancing, however, was not required. Attendees tightly crowded
around the stage and at some points, small mosh pits flared up during the sets.
“Masks made it so you couldn’t see people’s faces,” said Sophie Williams, a
freshman international studies major. “But everyone was sweaty and bumping
into each other anyway.”
Even with the max capacity in place, some students were still apprehensive
about the crowd.
“I think the COVID guidelines are important and everyone did a good
job complying, but I was actually shocked at the amount of people here,” said
Sarah Wright, a senior psychology major. “Sure, there were a lot less people
than previous years, but if this many people can be in the gymnasium, then
why are half of my classes online?”
Other students, however, saw similarities between the virtual events of
last year and this year’s Dons Night Out. Some students attributed this to the
lack of in-person contact last year which left many students feeling socially
out-of-practice. Sophomores like psychology major Cameron Banks expressed
that they feel like freshmen because their first year of online classes did not
give them much room to socialize.
“The concert this year had the same vibe [as the virtual event], even
though it was in-person,” said Banks. “I think it’s because everyone’s social
skills have somewhat deteriorated.”
Though the crowd started filing out a bit early, stragglers stayed behind
until the end of the show, dancing next to the dividers and matching the energy
of the last performer, LP Giobbi.
“I’m hoping that we can continue to have more in-person events,” said
Gwillian. “Everything went super smoothly with this event, so I’m pretty happy
with how it turned out.”
Names: Makarim (left) / and Kate (right)
Years: Freshmen
Majors: Chemistry / Psychology
Style inspo: “K-pop” / “Whatever’s comfy.”
Name: Jazz
Year: Senior
Major: Advertising
Style: “Japanese and New York streetwear.”
Name: Yijie
Year: Junior
Major: Finance
Style Inspiration: “Streetwear.”
Name: Mike
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Style inspiration: “Surfing magazines.”
Name: Wyatt
Year: Junior
Major: Media Studies
Style inspiration: “I like 70s-style.”
Name: Samanda
Year: Senior
Major: Graphic Design
Style inspiration: “Chucky.”
SCENE

08 09
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
Cassidy Smith, photographed by Rida Jan.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIDA JAN.
Pariya Rahni, holding up a skateboard with “BLM” spray-painted on the deck,
photographed by Rida Jan.PHOTO COURTESY OF RIDA JAN.
Kristina Rodriguez, photographed by Rida Jan.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RIDA JAN.
DONNING PPE TO HELP OTHERS
Clinical opportunities for nursing students,
testing opportunities for students and staff
SCENE
NAMRATHA KETHINENI
Staff Writer
Rida Jan, self portrait. PHOTO COURTESY OF RIDA JAN.
STUDENT ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:
PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER, RIDA JAN
There are certain forms of creative expression that produce works of beauty
from seemingly simple tasks, like taking a picture.
Rida Jan, a junior biology major, is a photographer and videographer,
who described her experience to the Foghorn.
“Growing up I expressed myself [creatively] by playing piano and doing
crafts often,” said Jan. These activities are some of what she had perceived to
be the limits of what could be considered art.
Eventually, as people began creating more videos through YouTube, Jan
saw the possibilities of creating art through a new lens. “During high school
my family and I traveled to Paris and I made a video showcasing my travel
experience,” Jan said.
Inspired by YouTube travel vlogs she watched before, the video featured
a montage of Paris’ famous landmarks and attractions, as well as expressions
she felt through the journey. After receiving positive feedback, including a few
hundred views, Rida was inspired to further pursue videography as a passion.
Audience interpretation of visual mediums are often driven by their own
experiences. For Jan, the photo production process is up to the creative discretion
of the photographer and can be a reflection of their passion and emotion.
“Having a vision beforehand and seeing it come to life while doing the
project is my favorite aspect,” Jan said. “It’s cool that I can envision a creative
thing inside my head and put in all the work that brings this creativity to life.”
When Jan works with her clients or models, she allows for creativity and
expressivity on the part of the subject. Instead of displaying a preference for
posed photographs, Jan exhibits aspects of naturalistic photography with the
people she works with. Now that she’s back on campus, Jan hopes to work
with USF organizations for photoshoots and promotional video projects. Her
experience photographing graduation events, weddings, individual models,
and more motivated her to further explore different creative avenues within
her work.
Jan also uses her photography as an avenue for expressing her values, like
social justice. During the Black Lives Matter protests last year, Jan documented
the historic demonstrations by taking photos and videos that she posted to
her photography account on Instagram. These photos were reshared by others,
especially by students from USF.
“There's a lot of scope for creative individuals like myself to express themselves
on campus and feel like they are in a welcoming and supportive environment
amongst the student body,” Jan said.
“As a pre-med student and a bio major, there is a lot of academic work
that I have to commit to, and photography and videography takes me out of
that world so I can express myself in a way that is not focused on academics,”
she said.
Ultimately, Jan appreciates this benefit of her work and even recommends
that every college student find a creative passion, something outside of school
to de-stress and feel inspired.
You can see more of Jan’s work on her Instagram: @rsjanphotography
ANNIKA DAHLBERG is
a junior nursing major.
As we begin our first in-person semester in
over a year, all eyes remain on our ever-changing
COVID-19 policies. Currently, the University
requires proof of vaccination with exceptions for
entrance into buildings on campus, mandatory
masking indoors, and contact tracing and testing
for those believed to be exposed to the virus.
As one of many USF nursing students entering
the hospital setting amidst a pandemic, I feel
the impact of COVID-19 beyond the walls of our
campus. For many students in my year, this will
be our first time entering clinical sites, which allow
us to have hands-on experience with patients.
The USF School of Nursing and Health Professions
(SONHP) is one of nine schools in California
with a direct entry into the nursing program,
meaning that most of us expected to start clinicals back in the beginning of our
sophomore year, rather than waiting until our junior year.
Some of us have not had any in-person experience, while others have spent
very limited time at the bedside. For me and many of my peers, this feels like a
huge disadvantage to our learning experience. I spent a semester without clinical
experience while some
of my peers were in clinicals,
and I saw the discrepancies
between how
we were applying what
we were learning. Imitating
an injection on an
orange is not the same
as giving vaccinations to
real people.
And this isn’t
unique to the students
in my grade. Almost
every nursing student
has felt the impact of
COVID-19 on our clinical
opportunities. We
are no strangers to the
simulated patients on
the computer that are
supposed to be substitutes
for real patients out
in the world. There are
certain things that cannot
be learned through
a computer. We need
real-world opportunities.
This is why I propose
an on-campus, student-staffed,
COVID-19
testing site.
For Junior 1 semester
students like myself, the focus is on “community health.” USF is unique in
that it meets the California Board of Registered Nursing requirements for a Public
Health Nursing certification. The services of a certified PHN in part include,
“control and prevention of communicable disease” and “outreach screening, case
management, resource coordination and assessment, and delivery and evaluation
of care for individuals, families, and communities.” Some of us are still left without
clinical sites for the upcoming semester.
Although the University is working to get everyone a site, it means we are
stuck learning online through Virtual Simulations (Vsim) and meeting on Zoom
with our clinical group. The School of Nursing tells us these methods of clinicals
teach us critical thinking, but nothing compares to the on-the-floor thinking we
learn in the hospital or community setting, working with real people. We are part
of a community right here, one that could benefit from our students' presence on
campus.
In the past, USF has hosted COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics on campus.
However, they tend to be run through partnerships with hospitals such as
Kaiser, which sometimes limit the amount of people allowed to get vaccines to
those with specific types of insurance. Similarly, the staff and faculty are required
to get tested using their own insurance. They are recommended to refer to the
San Francisco Department of Public Health’s website to find the closest testing
site, many of which also require certain insurance—the closest one that doesn't
require membership of a certain hospital’s insurance is Third Baptist Church on
1339 McAllister St.
However, if students both on and off-campus are exposed, they are then provided
a COVID-19 test by the University to do on their own and are ordered to
release the results of those tests to the University. The infrastructure is partly there
with testing kits on campus ready to be used. In the past, the School of Nursing
has sent out personal
protective equipment
(PPE) to its nursing
students. This means
that the University
has had the means to
pay for PPE to protect
the students and other
nurses that would
be performing the
COVID-19 tests on
campus.
There are also several
companies within
San Francisco and
across the Bay Area
that help run pop-up
vaccination clinics.
If the University was
to partner with companies
like Carbon
Health, it would have
the backbone that
Kaiser had from their
previous on-campus
vaccination clinics.
The idea is “Dons
Helping Dons,” the
new catchphrase the
University has posted
around campus in relation
to on-campus
COVID-19 policies. The testing clinic would provide students and staff with a
quick and accessible way to get tested, as well as clinical opportunities for students
who don’t have clinical placements yet. It would give Dons peace of mind in an
ever-changing set of health regulations tied to the global pandemic, and would
provide free and fair access to testing, regardless of the type of insurance people
have.
A USF nursing student administers a vaccine at the Koret Health and Recreation Center’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Spring 2021.
PHOTO COURTESY OF USF WIDEN.
OPINION

10
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
OPINION
BOOTING BACK UP AFTER ZOOM UNIVERSITY
HOLDEN FATHEREE is
a junior history major.
Remote learning was hard on me. Really
hard. I’m an extroverted person who takes joy
in being able to see my peers and instructors in
person. I’ve found that the experience of being on
campus and going about my academic routine is
an important factor in my success as a student, as
is being surrounded by people who are also engaged
in academic pursuit.
Interacting with USF through my computer
couldn’t match the time I spent physically on
campus during my first semester and a half. Being
separated from the USF community and the
support network I built up during my freshman
year had a negative impact on my mental health
and well-being. Attending online classes over the
last two and a half semesters, and the negative academic
performance I experienced along with it, made school into a chore and
something I often dreaded.
As we move into this new semester, it can be tempting to simply forget
our time with remote learning. However, I think that it is essential that we as a
community take time to discuss and reflect on our experiences at Zoom U, figure
out what lessons this time has taught us, and note what the University and our
community can do to improve as we make our return to campus.
The main anxiety I experienced was that I was going to be left behind. Assignments
piled up for me, uncompleted, until it became overwhelming. I became
paralyzed with anxiety and withdrawn from the world. The act of checking
my email, normally a mundane part of being a college student, became an anxious
and even terrifying habit. I don’t know what exactly I was afraid of, but anything
to do with USF suddenly caused me anxiety.
I tried to maintain a connection with the school through student organizations,
taking leadership positions in clubs and joining student government. Ultimately,
it was too much for me, though. More responsibility proved to only add
to my anxieties and difficulties. In the end, I couldn’t keep up with my school
work or with my extracurriculars. I feel like I let both my professors and peers
down.
Logically, I know that I had depression and was severely limited in what I
could accomplish, but I feel a sense of guilt regardless. If any of my professors,
fellow College Players, or senators from the Zoom era are reading this: I’m sorry.
I gave it my best shot but I couldn’t make it work.
I wish that the University could have acknowledged in a more meaningful
way just how difficult remote learning was for so many people, particularly because
of students’ disproportionate access to resources when we were dispersed
across the globe. People began having to contend with different time zones, poor
Wi-Fi connections, and various living situations. The variety and disparity encountered
in remote learning requires an even more individualized approach to
each student and their needs than that which USF tries to provide in normal
times.
Online school requires a different skill set than traditional in-person classes.
Students’ ability to reestablish the good time management and organizational skills
they previously had while taking classes on campus could have been impaired by
the new roadblocks to virtual learning: an inconsistent Wi-Fi connection, lack of
a safe and quiet study space, and the addition of familial responsibilities at home.
I’m sure students who experienced their freshman year via Zoom are now facing
challenges as they participate on campus for the first time. Converts from Zoom
to in-person schooling will have to learn how to do college all over again. Even
physically showing up to class can pose challenges not found on Zoom where one
just has to click a button to be present.
USF needs to be more aggressive in the support it offers to students, both on
campus and online. When a student is in crisis, whether that be mental, financial,
or emotional, there needs to be better systems in place to stop that tailspin. Obviously
if a student is taking Zoom classes, the University can’t physically check up
on them. However, students provide an emergency contact to the school enabling
ways of checking on the well-being and safety of a student remotely.
There needs to be a way to reach students when they aren’t able to get help
themselves. Professors should be able to inform a specialist of some kind when
a student drops off of the face of the earth. There are still students taking online
classes this semester, so it will be essential that those students are better accommodated
while still remote. They are going to need more support than in normal
times. No student should feel as if they’ve been allowed to fall through the cracks.
DONS TAKE ON TOUGH COMPETITION
TO OPEN SEASON
11
SPORTS
Members of the 2021 USF women’s volleyball team pose for a team photo. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS M. LEUNG/DONS ATHLETICS
GRAPHIC BY EMILY FARROW/GRAPHICS CENTER.
ALEXANDER SEGOVIA
Staff Writer
The USF women’s volleyball team began
their 2021 season with two competitive matches
facing them: an Aug. 27 match against the
University of Florida Gators and an Aug. 28
match against the Sacramento State University
Hornets. The Dons, coming off of a promising
eight-win campaign a season ago through a
shortened schedule, looked to build on the same
momentum as they eyed their first winning season
in six years.
The Dons played in the Hornet Invitational,
a tournament hosted by Sacramento State,
against the nationally-ranked No. 6 Gators. It
was a long night for the Dons as they lost in
straight sets to the Gators (10-25, 12-25, 12-
25). The Dons also suffered a loss in almost
every statistical category, allowing Florida to almost
double their amount of kills in the game by
a margin of 35-18 and allowing 10 aces from the
Gators. USF also committed triple the amount
of errors (21-7) throughout the game’s entirety.
The loss is primarily pointed to attack errors
that were racked up, causing USF to hit -0.041
on the day. That played against the Dons with
a top ranked program such as Florida as they
countered with 35 kills on 57 swings and hit
.491 for the game. The Dons threw out a very
young group to counter the Gators which saw
nine freshmen out on the court with six of them
being newcomers to the program.
The Dons looked to avenge their loss the
next day against the Hornets. This was a much
more competitive game for the Dons, which saw
them nearly match the Hornets in kills (56-57)
and commit fewer errors than the Hornest (20-
23). The Dons jumped out to an early 10-3 lead
after a strong kill by sophomore Orsula Staka,
and the team’s performance resulted in a convincing
first set win (25-16). The Hornets did
not go down without a fight as they roared back
in the next set, responding with a win of their
own (18-25). The Dons were not down for long
as they responded with another set win which
put them up by a score of 2-1.
The Dons kept up their intensive play
throughout the fourth set, but the Hornets ultimately
prevailed, leveling the contest at two
sets apiece (21-25). This set up a decisive fifth
set which the Dons went into with impressive
performances from freshmen Shyia Richardson
and Letizia Aquilino, who recorded a team-high
20 digs. Both teams were tied by a score of 9-9,
but the Hornets ramped up their play and came
away with a victory (13-15), Ultimately, the
Dons lost by a score of 2-3.
The Dons will head to Davis, Calif. to face
the University of California, Davis Aggies Sept.
3 in hopes of achieving their first victory of the
season.

12
THURSDAY
SEPT. 02,
2021
OFF TO A WINNING START
Men’s and women’s soccer teams take season openers
SPORTS
Freshman Nonso Adimabua (#10) races to the ball against a Sacramento State University player. PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS M. LEUNG/DONS ATHLETICS
MAGGIE ALDRICH
Staff Writer
With the collegiate soccer season getting back into full swing, the USF
men’s and women’s soccer teams donned new appearances with freshmenheavy
rosters, featuring seven freshmen starters for the men’s team and six
for the women’s team. USF men’s soccer started their season with a win,
defeating the Sacramento State University Hornets by a score of 2-1 Aug.
26 on their home turf at Negoesco Stadium.
Freshman forward Nonso Adimabua carried the first half of the men’s
game with a shot courtesy of a tackle-led assist by freshman midfielder
Gabriel Bracken Serra, which built the Dons’ lead. The Hornets’ lone goal
came courtesy of a penalty kick. However, a far launch down center field
from Adimabua closed up the first half and sealed victory for the Dons.
In their first away game of the regular season, the men’s team fell
short Aug. 29 against the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins.
The Bruins struck first in the contest, but senior Shayan Charlaghi
tied the game at one goal each within the last five minutes of full time.
An overtime goal from the Bruins sealed defeat for USF, and the Dons lost
by a score of 1-2.
Looking ahead, men’s soccer will travel to Santa Barbara for a Sept. 3
fixture against the University of California, Santa Barbara Gauchos.
Elsewhere on the pitch, the USF women’s soccer team tied with the
University of Oregon Ducks Aug. 22. However, the team claimed a victory
Aug. 26, blanking the San Jose State University Spartans by a score of 2-0.,
In their home opener against the Spartans, freshman midfielder Elle
Soleau and freshman forward Marissa Vasquez teamed up, allowing the
Dons to strike first in the 11th minute. Soleau tapped the ball in the center
of the penalty box, creating some leeway for Vasquez to launch a left
corner kick from the top of the box.
Sophomore defender Jasmeen Ward and freshman defender Gabby
Rizzo also shined at the close of the first half with a fast break off the quick
feet of Rizzo putting the Dons up by two goals, a margin the Spartans
could not overcome.
The women’s soccer team returns to the pitch Sept. 5 when they host
the University of California, San Diego Tritons.