Staff Writer

For the first time since COVID, the Core Texts and Enduring Questions (CTEQ) and Honors programs sponsored a student trip to London, England this past spring break. The programs sent twelve students and one chaperone, Theology Professor Rachel Coleman, to experience their intelligible topics of study in a tangible way.

This trip was an eye-opening experience for many who realized that London is a place where beauty can be found in the greatest varieties and in the most unexpected places. Despite their short stay of six days, many students witnessed how the fruits of London––its religion, art and architecture, literature, and more––were impacted by its changing history, politics, and philosophy.

With respect to religion, the Protestant Reformation’s impact on England was unavoidable. Each day a different tour guide would mention the story of king Henry VIII in the 16th century: frustrated at his wife’s inability to produce a male heir, he demanded from the Catholic church that an annulment be granted and the marriage dissolved. When the pope refused to have the marriage annulled, Henry VIII divorced his wife and instituted the Church of England.

This became the official religion in England, causing the forced mass conversion of every previous church to this new religion. Now, in order for a church of another denomination to exist in England, it had to be built after the conversion.

The stories of the Reformation affected the students’ experience of the churches that converted, like St. Paul’s Cathedral. While the building itself was beautiful, the plastered white walls immediately raised suspicion that there were frescoes previously adorning them, but lost in the iconoclasm of the 16th century. Furthermore, the self-guided tour informed participants that the commissioners of the fresco in the main cupola demanded that the painter be English and that the scenes depicting the life of St. Paul be set in black and white.

It was fascinating for some students that the actions of an irascible king five centuries ago continues to impact the country’s customs and conversations every day. Even more captivating to others was its persistent Catholicism: during mass at St. Gregory’s church in Stratford, the group sat crammed in a charming little church, neatly decorated with stained glass windows, as they watched the incense rise to the ceiling. With one inexperienced keyboardist hacking away the melody on the organ, they joined the locals in concerted and impassioned singing, as bad as it may have sounded. They caught a glimpse of the congregants’ endearing hope: that Catholicism might still have a place in England despite their country’s history working against them.

This experience remained with the students as they continued to immerse themselves in the architecture of London. The pedestrian experience of viewing a medieval Gothic structure like Westminster Abbey, juxtaposed with a brutalist concrete apartment building on the same street, was intriguing, to say the least. It seemed that architecture from nearly every age and generation, with every style and design, all appeared in one conglomeration called the city of London.

The grandiose London Eye revealed this mixture all the more clearly: the massive ferris wheel took the group up to a stunning view of the city over the River Thames. This distant vantage point revealed more clearly the eclectic mixture of the city’s structures––Big Ben, a gothic revival clock tower, stood in the same view as the glass “Shard” building and the medieval Tower of London palace and prison.

London’s museums also displayed beauty of the greatest varieties. Especially prominent was the National Gallery, which houses early works from Michelangelo and Raphael, important Flemish works like the Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, ominous and unsettling Caravaggio works, satisfying impressionist and post-impressionist works by Monet and Van Gogh, and far more.

Yet the group was not solely captivated by the masterpieces in major museums in England: some would turn the corner of a library and find a famous portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach. Others would puzzle at the worn-out, goofy-looking bust of Socrates. One student even wandered into a tiny picture gallery with obscure works from Renaissance masters like Lippi, Botticelli, and DaVinci. Even during a one-week stay, students were still well-exposed to little gems hiding in the smallest nooks and crannies.

With a continually renewing sense of wonder, the students continued learning about the major literary achievements and historically-important documents of London. On a day trip to Stratford, they visited Shakespeare’s house and his birthplace. To some, the rooms, beds, and tables appeared small for the Shakespeare family and the apprentices living there. To others, the proportions seemed nothing extraordinary; but it was still intriguing that it was only safe and affordable to drink beer due to the unsanitary water.

Back in London, the group walked to important locations and living abodes of other famous English authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, John Donne, T.S. Eliott, and Virginia Woolf. It was especially inspiring to hear the story of Charles Dickens; despite needing to leave school at age 12 to support his family income at the boot-blacking industry, he was determined and curious enough to continue learning whenever he could.

It seemed to some students that he did not need a perfect education through school, as authors preceding him have noted––Jane Austen asserts in Pride and Prejudice through the character of Elizabeth, “such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means. We were always encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary.” A few students speculated that he had all the masters, all the towering intellects, all the commanding authors of prior ages, to instruct and form him.

This story put into greater perspective the exhibits in the British Library, which displayed historically pivotal works like Beowulf, Magna Carta, and the King James Bible. By seeing these works in person, the students were able to physically connect with these revolutionary moments in mankind, almost as if they were pilgrims of the events that shaped this world.

The trip seemed to end far too soon for many of these curious students, yet they left England having gained some wisdom during those fleeting seven days. The eventful and edifying scenes of London gave them new and refreshing perspectives on how their studies relate to the real world. Truly, this trip progressed towards Assumption’s continuing mission of forming its students to be holistically and liberally educated, and these students will remember their experiences abroad for their entire lives.

Staff Writer

As a second-year student, my schedule is pretty packed yet exciting. This is a day in my life here at Assumption. A typical day for me starts at around 9:00 when I wake up for class. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I have psychology and philosophy in the morning. If it’s a Monday, I have to work later in the afternoon, then head to the library to do my homework.

On the other days, I meet with my friends for lunch and afterwards go straight to the library or the gym. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have my philosophy and political science classes. After my first class of the day, I head to the PAWS office to work on graphics and planning G-boards and events.

After my last two classes of the day, I either eat dinner and head to philosophy club if it’s a Tuesday. On Thursday ‘s I head to an E-board meeting at the PAWS office, then head to Provoc!

If I have down time, I’m usually doing homework with friends, or going to the Starbucks down the street as I do enjoy the occasional side quest!

At the moment, I’ve been applying to internships so I work on writing cover letters and reviewing my resume.

Weekends are usually the calmest days I have. I try to go to the gym in the morning. After I work on more homework. I also enjoy reading.

Right now, I’m reading a graphic novel about Bernie Sanders!  I also lounge in my room and draw, watch tv, and watch movies. I recently watched Iron Claw, which was very beautiful and emotional. I tend to watch Sex and the City and Seinfeld on a loop!

I tend to have varying average days, but I love the variety of my schedule as well as the spontaneity of what I do in my free time!

Staff Writer

Going into a new season always feels like the best time to start and pick up new hobbies and habits that will help improve their lifestyle. Most people, when going about the changes of their habits, take drastic measures, but some of the best ways to change your lifestyle for the better are through minor changes and picking up small habits in different parts of their life, that do not take over their whole life.

Opening your windows:

Especially with the nicer weather, opening your windows is something that is really helpful to bring in fresh air, as well as letting in sunlight. Sunlight has natural vitamin D and a natural serotonin booster that many people need after a long and rough winter.

Reading a chapter, or two

Reading a chapter or even a few pages of a non-fiction book is something that helps influence productivity. When slowly reading a book that is non-fiction, it helps produce deeper thinking in your day.

Write a thought

Writing is something that helps clear your head and get your thoughts in order. When writing out your feelings and opinions on things that happen in your everyday life, the words do not have to be formal, and once you write the thoughts down, it helps clear your head and be able to be more involved in your next day.

Each season, there are different habits that can be applied to help improve your lifestyle, especially as college students. These habits that are positive and do not revolve around school and schoolwork are something that is positive and helps improve school work and productivity as a whole.

Staff Writer

Here at Assumption, the political science major is very broad. You learn things ranging from American politics, international relations, political philosophy, and constitutional law. While these subjects are paramount for an education in political science, what if the major was even more broad?

An important relationship I believe is the one political science has with psychology. Understanding psychology allows you to better understand political behavior such as voting, leadership, as well as the role emotions play in political judgement and influence. Psychology’s role in political science also helps understand how social groups influence political beliefs. If you can’t understand how humans function on a psychological level, how will you be able to better serve them in a political sphere?

Another important area is data analytics. Data analytics is important as it helps understand, predict, and explain political trends and behaviors. It also allows us to better conduct political research and predict political trends and behaviors. Data analytics is also important for dissecting and understanding census data.

Lastly, another important area that is compatible with political science is communications. Communications connect to media, which involves popular culture. Popular culture is important as it influences public opinion, as well as political behavior amongst the general population.

It also allows for important political discussions to occur in the form of TV, film, art, and other creative realms. This in turn creates a conversation amongst viewers and consumers of these realms to engage in important and valuable discussions. Communications also allows for analysis of political messages and speeches to be recognized and absorbed.

Moreover, understanding political science is necessary beyond the realms of philosophy and law. It seeps into various subjects and domains that deserve attention and comprehension, and these subjects accomplish just that.

Copy Editor

A tool we use on a daily basis, and oftentimes, take for granted, is our voice. Speaking is a very complex action, and it reaches across many concentrations and disciplines. “Speech isn’t just molecules and muscles and airwaves. Speech is beautiful. Speech is used as an art form. It can invoke feelings of joy and sadness, and it’s an amazing tool that we have,” Professor Michele Lemons said.

On February 4th, in Curtis Performance Hall, Professors Alison Myette, Margaret “Peggy” Tartaglia, Michele Lemons, and David Thoreen spoke about voice, speech, and song in a Foundations Lecture titled “The Discovery of Sound and the Human Voice.” English Professor Rachel Ramsey was the moderator.

Professor Myette, who teaches Health and Human Services, began the lecture by defining speech. “Speech is a primary mode of communication. It allows us to take some ideas or thoughts that we have in our brain and transfer those thoughts or ideas into the brains of other humans that are around us,” Myette said.

She then explained that speech relies on five body systems. The respiratory system gives us the breath and energy we need for speaking. The phonatory system, or voice box, causes the vocal folds to vibrate. The articulatory system filters and shapes “the sound wave into distinct phonemes, or speech sounds.” The auditory system listens and judges the speech. And the nervous system controls all these systems.

With all of these systems working together, speech and sound is created. “Sound is a pressure wave that is created by a sound source. And that sound source is gonna disturb air particles. That disturbance of the air particles is gonna carry acoustic energy from the sound source to across a space or across the environment…Your outer ear is going to capture that energy, funnel it down your ear canal, and the air particles that are right up against your eardrum are going to vibrate…,” Myette said.

Michele Lemons is a Biology Professor who specializes in neuroscience. She explained that when the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure in the inner ear, is struck, the hair cells inside the cochlea send signals through the auditory nerve, which then goes into the brain. The outer part of the cochlea responds to high frequency sounds, while the cells in the middle and apex part of the cochlea respond to low frequency sounds. This is called the cochlea’s tonotopic map.

“The brain also has a tonotopic map where cells on the right, they’re super sensitive to really high frequency, high pitch sounds. Conversely, the cells that are as particularly excited by low frequency sounds are on the left…this is how we just hear sounds in general,” Lemons said.

PET scans of the left side of the brain highlighted the different areas of the brain that we use when we listen and speak. “When someone’s just listening or hearing words, we see a lot of activity in the superior temporal gyrus. Now, look how this pattern changes when the same patient is asked to generate words. We see a lot of activity in the frontal lobe corresponding to Broca’s area amongst others,” Lemons said.

David Thoreen is a Professor of English at Assumption, and prior to reading his poem titled “Shuttle,” he discussed how writers pay attention to sound. Thoreen spoke about alliteration, assonance, consonance, rhyme, and slant rhyme.

“If we reach back to Emily Dickinson for our first contemporary poet, who’s keenly interested in slant rhyme words like, “crimp cramp,” where there’s been some little alteration of the echo. I think of slant rhymes as playing with the echoes of language,” Thoreen said.

Professor Tartaglia, or Professor T. as her students call her, teaches voice and vocal health classes. She discussed some of the differences between speaking and singing. “Speaking, we focus on clear words, fast communication. Singing, We focus on sound quality (and “pitches and lengths of phrases”) and emotional impact.”

Professor T. concluded the lecture by talking about the many ways one can take care of their voice. People should maintain the health of their body by exercising, eating a good diet, getting plenty of rest, and using good posture. In order for our vocal folds and tissues to properly function, one should also stay hydrated. Professor T. also encouraged getting into the habit of warming up and cooling down the voice. Limit uses of caffeine and alcohol, and avoid smoking and vaping, as those can restrict and damage your voice.

Staff Writer

To all of my commuters out there, I’d like to make a bold statement: commuting to college is an art. It is an art defined by many things, but at its core, skill, patience, and creativity can separate the good from the bad. That’s not to say that commuting can be either good or bad; rather, how one practices the art determines how effective it is. Got a morning routine that gets you to class on time? Effective. Putting aside time after classes for socializing and events? Effective. Leaving campus so late that homework is pushed aside and rushed the next morning? Not disastrous, but certainly less effective. This balancing act of managing time, coursework, and a social life is what us commuters are known for. Every school day is like a painting in progress—how one organizes their responsibilities and time determines whether the finished painting feels rushed or refined. For us, success often depends on how well we use the moments around our classes. As such, finding productive spaces like the Academic Support Center can transform those moments into opportunities for growth instead of stress. When we embrace these resources, the art of commuting becomes both manageable and genuinely rewarding. As a commuter who is also a tutor, believe me, I know.

My route through the Academic Support Center didn’t start with me being a tutor. In fact, I first came to the center for help with Chemistry. As a Biotechnology major, many chemistry courses must be taken, the first of which is most often started the first semester of freshman year. I like to think of that semester as my first “attempt” at being a college student. Isn’t it true? And for all of us—in that first semester, we’re all trying out different brushstrokes hoping to create the perfect picture. For us commuters especially, juggling classes, social time, travel, and outside responsibilities can make that picture harder to paint, often leading us to choose convenience over intention. I found myself doing what was easiest rather than what was most effective, squeezing Chemistry into my schedule only when it felt convenient, and by the end of the semester, it showed.

After my first “attempt” at college, I realized that I needed structure, support, and a better use of my time, leading me to seek the resources available at the Academic Support Center. Scheduling appointments was incredibly convenient, with tutors available at times that actually work for a commuter schedule. What stood out to me the most was the quality of one-on-one tutoring. Each tutor took the time to explain material in a way I could truly understand. Even group reviews provided a space for productive studying and joyful camaraderie with other classmates. I didn’t just leave with a task crossed off my to-do list; I left with confidence and knowledge I could carry forward into the rest of my classes.

Now, as a tutor myself, I can reflect on my role in supporting my peers’ learning through the unique perspective I bring as a commuter student at Assumption. As a tutor, I’ve been enjoying my run-in’s with fellow commuters and being able to assist you all with assignments! I tutor Writing and Theology, both of which I minor in, and being able to help students cross a hefty task off their to-do list before heading home is one of the most rewarding parts of my role. Knowing that a commuter can leave campus feeling accomplished—and then actually rest once they get home—makes those appointments feel especially meaningful. Some of my favorite moments, though, come from the casual chit-chat in between, like comparing commute times and guessing how tomorrow’s weather might affect the drive in (fun fact: I’m always secretly hoping for a snow day :)).

What makes the Academic Support Center so special is that this care and attention is shared by every tutor who works there. As a center, we strive to meet students where they are, adapting to individual schedules, learning styles, and needs. For commuters especially, tutoring can be a simple yet powerful addition to your next semester, helping you refine your brushstrokes, making every “attempt” as effective as it can be, thus creating a college experience that is uniquely your own. Come visit us this semester! Add tutoring to your routine! I promise, you won’t be disappointed with the finished piece.

Staff Writer

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, there are usually two groups of people: those in relationships who have plans for the weekend and those who are single and don’t have anything on the calendar. There’s no shame in being single on Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of activities to do at home and around the city to make the sickeningly sweet weekend memorable, even if you don’t have a date!

1. Check out some Galentine’s Day events around Worcester!

In the spirit of the season and to celebrate girl power, many small businesses are hosting Galentine’s Day celebrations throughout the city! The Crompton Collective in Kelley Square is hosting a Galentine’s Day event including a pilates class, shopping, and food from the BirchTree Bread Company! Check it out on Friday, February 13th, from 5:30 to 8pm!

1. Everyone loves dancing, head to the Palladium!

Grab your ABBA-loving friends and head to the Palladium on Valentine’s Day for the Gimme Gimme Disco dance party! Wear your glitter and dance away the cold starting at 8:30pm! This event is for ages 18+, and tickets can be purchased in advance on the Palladium website.

1. Have a Favorite Things Party!

Invite your besties over for brunch and ask them to bring 2-3 of their favorite, inexpensive items. Face masks, favorite beverages, snacks, and other beauty products like lip glosses are great options! Each guest brings enough of each item to give out to the other guests, leaving each person with a cute basket of goodies by the end of the party!

1. Have a Craft and Sip Night!

Recently, needlepoint kits have been all the rage on social media, and many craft stores are beginning to stock supplies. Michael’s has a multitude of beginner kits in many different styles and patterns, some even come with a mini easel for display! Couple your craft kits with some snacks and a beverage, and you’re destined to have a great night! I’m hoping to check out the new Shirley Temple Poppi flavor myself and think it would make for a festive mocktail garnished with some maraschino cherries!

So, even if you don’t have a date this Valentine’s Day, there’s no excuse to not make plans and celebrate! Grab your best friends, make a plan, and spread the love by making your weekend festive!

Editor in Chief

During the beginning of the Spring semester at Assumption University, a campus‑wide service initiative quietly took shape, bringing together students, faculty, and staff around a shared commitment to those serving overseas.

Project RED Cupid, a care‑package drive supporting deployed service members, combined support with an approach that emphasized accessibility, coordination, and sustained engagement.

The purpose of Project RED Cupid is clearly defined. As Nathan Avery ‘26, the student spearheading the initiative, explained, “Project RED Cupid exists to support deployed service members by sending care packages with practical items and small comforts that remind them of home, especially things that are hard to access while overseas.”

While the care packages are sent abroad, the project’s audience is firmly rooted on campus. Avery noted that “at Assumption, the audience is broad. Many students, faculty, and families have a personal connection to military service, so the project naturally resonates across campus and beyond.”

The execution of the project has centered on visibility and participation. Donation bins were placed in high‑traffic areas throughout campus buildings, making contributions straightforward and accessible for members of the university community. When winter weather disrupted normal routines, the club adjusted accordingly.

“Because of the disruptive weather, we extended the collection window by a few weeks to give the community a fair chance to participate,” Avery said. Marketing efforts relied on established communication channels, including OSEAL, the university’s Facebook parent community and Campus Ministry. According to Avery, these platforms were chosen intentionally “to reach students, families, and staff through channels they already trust and use.”

Avery’s decision to lead the initiative was shaped by both opportunity and example. “Wendy Cehon, Senior Administrative Assistant, reached out with an opportunity that was clearly mission‑driven and worth doing,” he said.

He also cited the influence of Wendy and Faculty member Richard Cehon’s longstanding volunteer work with Project New Hope, adding, “Their consistency and service mindset motivated me to contribute in a meaningful way and bring that same energy to campus.”

From its inception, Project RED Cupid has relied on collaboration between student leaders and university staff. The initiative has been supported by the Veteran Success Committee and the Military Connect Club, with staff partners assisting in planning, approvals, logistics, and promotion.

Offices represented in the effort include the President’s Office, Undergraduate Studies, Student Affairs, Public Safety, the Library, and the Provost’s Office, along with additional campus offices. The collective involvement highlights the importance of shared responsibility in bringing the project to life.

Early outcomes suggest strong engagement. Avery reported that “we have already received strong support through online donations, which helps cover packing and shipping costs.” He added that, based on current momentum, “we expect the donation bins to be filled with enough items to assemble and ship multiple care packages to deployed service members.”

The experience further clarified the role of the Military Connect Club on campus. Avery observed, “I learned that the Military Connect Club succeeds when we collaborate well with staff offices, communicate clearly, and make it simple for the community to support the mission.” He added that “the club is not just a social group, it is a connector that can mobilize campus resources into amazing outcomes for service members and students.”

Avery also highlighted aspects of the Military Connect Club that are often overlooked. “One important point is that the Military Connect Club is open to everyone, not only veterans,” he said.

The organization, he explained, actively seeks students interested in leadership experience and responsibility, offering roles that support service, advocacy, and community projects while strengthening professional development. The club also provides mentorship for those discerning military service, currently serving, or seeking connection with veterans across different branches and career fields.

Looking ahead, Avery noted that the club’s work continues beyond Project RED Cupid. “Our next major initiative launches in April in recognition of the Month of the Military Child,” he said, adding that the club will host events and fundraisers “to honor military‑connected children and highlight the sacrifices they make alongside their families.”

Staff Writer

One of the most common attributes of modern day dating is the expression of love languages. But what is a love language really? It is the primary way a person expresses and receives love, which influences what makes them feel most valued, appreciated, and emotionally connected to others. Many people have multiple primary love languages, not just one. It is important to note that your love language is how you feel loved, not just how you show love.

Words of Affirmation

This love feels like: being told you’re valued, and letting the people you love know that you appreciate and care about them. People with words of affirmation love language feel most loved through verbal expressions. They want to be complimented, and hear words of encouragement. An “I’m proud of you” will work its way into the heart of this person and be cherished forever. What hurts: Silence, criticism and sarcasm.

Acts of Service

This love feels like: “actions speak louder than words.” People with an act of service love language express their love through doing things that help and take weight off of the person they love. This could simply be cooking a meal, cleaning up around the house or taking something stressful off your person’s plate.

What hurts: laziness, and feeling like they’re carrying everything (both emotionally and physically).

Quality Time

This love feels like: giving the person you love your undivided attention, and getting the same attention back. People with a quality time love language values presence, whether through deep conversations, spending time together even when doing nothing, and not being distracted while doing so.

What hurts: distractions, multitasking and canceled plans.

Receiving Gifts and Gift Giving

This love feels like: “This made me think of you so I bought it.” Though this love language can often be misconstrued as materialism, it is more about symbolism and effort. A person with a gift giving or receiving love language expresses love through small surprises, well thought out gifts and often saying “I saw this and thought of you.”

What hurts: forgotten birthdays and thoughtless gifts.

Physical Touch

This love feels like: Connection through touch. This kind of love language includes non-sexual touch more than sexual touch, it is more about comfort and safety. A person with a physical touch love language appreciates holding hands, sitting close, and placing a thoughtful hand on their person’s back or thigh.

What hurts: physical distance and lack of affection.

Staff Writer

With Valentine’s Day approaching faster than single people can find a Tinder match, those of you who are not single and lonely are probably contemplating about how to spend time with your significant other. Making someone feel special does not have to be spendy, and you can still plan sincere dates without breaking the bank. If you have already spent the majority of your funds on books for class, here are five ideas that cost less than your standard Assumption University textbook (These are also cold friendly, since everyone is freezing their butts off in February)!

Movie Night Roulette – Instead of your standard movie night, take your other half to Target or any grocery store. Let them close their eyes in a few different isles, walk around, and tell them when to stop. This way they’ll pick out surprise candy, snacks, and a drink. If you’re feeling sweet, this could even be a themed movie night. Cozy up the living room or dorm, and make them feel loved! This requires minimal spending but can still be heartfelt and compassionate. Throw in flowers, and it’ll be even better!

Paint Night – Buy two standard-sized canvases and a couple of types of cheap paint. Pull out your paintbrushes, pour a glass of wine (if of age), and paint each other! For the less artistic couples, this can always be a silly way to make memories. This specific idea has been trending on instagram and reels! Check there for inspiration if you feel so inclined. You can even add some fun snacks in there, homemade chocolate covered strawberries, or matching pajamas to seal the deal!

Pizza & Baking Night – Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to put your cooking and baking skills to use! Bake heart-shaped pizzas with cheap ingredients from the super market, and homemade chocolate chip cookies. You could even go crazy with ice cream sundaes, and some board games afterwards. This is a very simple but cute way to have a fun dinner without spending too much!

DIY Spa Night – Pamper your gal or guy with cheap items you can find at the Dollar Tree, or any other grocery store. Face and hand masks, cozy robes, and foot massages will leave your lover feeling very appreciated this Valentine’s! Throw in a movie night after, or some fun sweet treats, and it’s sure to be a memorable evening.

Ice Skating/Hikes – For the more active couples, you may consider going on a nice hike (even though it’s so cold), or going out and doing a Winter activity, such as ice skating. This is a fun way to get out of the house, and it’s not so expensive. It certainly costs less than a textbook!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these fun ideas, and are able to make memories that are cheap and cheery! Happy Valentine’s Day!