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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
letter from the editor
420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1327 www.michigandaily.com
CASSANDRA MANSUETTI Editor in Chief 734-418-4115 opt.3 cassette@michigandaily.com
Dear Freshman,
RYAN KELLY
The first time I stepped on the University of Michigan’s campus, I hated it. It was probably sophomore year, and I was with my high school’s quiz bowl team (amazing, I know), participating in a tournament held in Mason Hall. If you ask any LSA student who has ever taken a class at the University, they will let you know Mason Hall is probably the worst place to be stuck in a Math 115 lecture for an hour and a half. Needless to say, it wasn’t a great first impression. The rooms were sweaty and cramped, Ann Arbor was rainy and cold. There were a few more tournaments held at U-M before I graduated, always in Mason Hall, always leaving my mind exhausted and often as cloudy as the weather outside. The University wasn’t far away from where I lived in Michigan, so I was heavily encouraged to apply senior year. I got in. I didn’t particularly care. Too close to home. Next. My eyes were set on bigger fish, those Ivy-adjacent colleges that show up on every ”Top 10” ranking. The days passed and the decisions rolled in. “We regret to inform you … ” said Stanford; Vanderbilt nixed me all the same. I had an immature, elitist attitude towards the whole college admissions process, and was rewarded (perhaps karmically) with slim pickings on my plate. Rolling up to the Michigan Union (may she temporarily rest in peace) for my Campus Day tour, Ann Arbor was blanketed with a thick snow. My mom and I arrived almost an hour late due to the horrible traffic, and awkwardly filing into an upstairs ballroom only intensified my feeling of wanting it to be over with ASAP. I sauntered silently behind our tour group as we crossed the Law Quad and North Campus Diag, heavily tuning out anything the guide was saying. I didn’t have much to say about the whole experience to my dad after I got back home. High school sucked for me. Coming into college I wanted to break free from it, along with my family, my mundane routine. When I was deciding which school to attend, I was Michigan-averse not only from my past experiences, but from a feeling I couldn’t shake that Michigan would be more of the same. But despite all of this and by some divine happenstance, come May 1, I was committed to Michigan. And I wasn’t particularly thrilled about it. My first semester was lousy to say the least. I joined The Daily’s Arts section, but I didn’t sink my teeth into it. I was overwhelmed by my freshman Engineering class schedule and began to resent any course that involved even the simplest math equation. My roommate situation wasn’t the best. The lingering thought on my mind was that of transferring to one of those schools I actually wanted to attend. But things have a funny way of working out. Here I am, a year and a half later, fully devoted to this damn school and practically in charge of The Daily for summer. Something — and I have no idea what — clicked in between my first winter break and the end of my second semester. I do know though that I got more involved with my student organization, I switched out of Engineering and into majors that didn’t drive me up the wall (English and Anthropology departments represent), I started to associate less with the some 30 kids who came here from my high school and more with people from all over the world who I actually wanted to talk to. And yes, I even dyed my hair. It’s cliche to say that college is all about finding yourself, but to a certain extent it’s true: You just have to let go of yourself first. Get over yourself. Break yourself down so you can build yourself up. When you find yourself at your weakest, know it will only make you stronger. There will be stress and there will be tension and there will be times when you just want to throw all your class work out the window and jump into the Huron River, but everything bad opens the door for something good. There will be laughter and there will be love and there will be times where you can’t imagine yourself having even half as good an experience at any other university in the world. The best moments you will experience at the University of Michigan will be the moments where you try something new, act on a whim, leap before you look. You might fall on your ass, but you’ll remember that infinitely more than staying in your comfort zone, sitting on your dorm room futon for the night. Even if it hurts, you’ll want to do it all over again in a heartbeat. Sincerely,
Cassandra Mansuetti Summer Editor in Chief Cover design by Christine Jegarl
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The Michigan Daily (ISSN 0745-967) is published Monday through Friday during the fall and winter terms by students at the University of Michigan. One copy is available free of charge to all readers. Additional copies may be picked up at the Daily’s office for $2 per issue. Subscriptions for September - April are $250, and yearlong subscriptions are $275. University affiliates are subject to a reduced subscription rate. Subscriptions must be prepaid.
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freshman year classes to take By The Daily’s Michigan in Color section
Intergroup Dialogue (IGR) Efe Osagie, Senior MiC Editor I would recommend that everyone finds the time to take an Intergroup Dialogue course at the University of Michigan sometime in their four years. Intergroup Dialogue really changed the way I viewed so many of my identities, and the way I view the world around me. It really made a significant impact on me, and it strengthened and renewed my passion for social justice. Even for students who aren’t that passionate about social justice, I still suggest you take the class as it will give you dialogue skills, public speaking skills, teamwork skills, etc. I particularly recommend the dialogue for students of color as I found a strong community as a POC with the 12 other members in that class and our facilitators as well.
Women’s Studies 220 Maya Mokh, Senior MiC Editor Women’s Studies 220 (Perspectives in Women’s Health) was a very interesting class. It opened my eyes to a plethora of social problems within the realm of women’s intersectionality and a lot of the themes connected to my other classes like sociology and psychology. The workload is pretty light, and the exams aren’t bad if you attend lectures, keep up with course readings and study. I also really enjoyed Psych 250 (Developmental Psych); I loved learning about the development of humans and all of the different theories. The projects were interesting to do, the exams were easy and we got to play with a baby in class! Highly recommend if you need a psych class.
African American Studies 358 Sam So, Summer Managing MiC Editor AAS 358 (Black Freedom Movement) was a class I took freshman year that exposed me to black liberation movements in the U.S. from a different perspective, reading things from black authors. When I took U.S. history in high school, it felt the curriculum was biased to praise U.S. imperialism and did not go in depth into black freedom movements, even though this country is literally built on imperialism and slavery. This class exposed me to a more in-depth understanding of each black activist and movement during the Civil Rights Movement. Being a STEM major, it is easy to take “blow off” classes to fill the humanities requirement. However, I think it is extremely important to understand the social implications and history through a decolonized lens as a person of color.
American Culture: A/PIA Studies program Anna Dang, MiC Contributor The existence of our A/PIA Studies department resulted from the empowerment of two massive fights for equality — the Civil Rights and Asian American movement — and this program’s uniquely stimulating place in my sense of self as an A/PIA undergraduate student confirms this grandiose significance. My opportunity to take classes and minor in A/PIA Studies has been a type of intellectual support that I never could have imagined going into a predominantly white institution. With such an identity-based gravity as its basis, the A/PIA Studies and American Culture departments have such an inherent dedication to supporting its students’ development. We have entire experiences, communities, histories, to uncover through the validation of this academic representation. By not only supporting provocative research, but also incorporating the student voice, the A/PIA Studies department brings enormous societal issues to the accessible forums of undergraduate advocacy and classes. To utilize the immense resource of A/PIA Studies, it is a must to take ASIANPAM/ AMCULT 214 (Intro to A/PIA Studies), whether it be before or after taking other A/PIA Studies and Ethnic Studies classes. The intro course provides the tools to consider countless experiences of multiple racial and ethnic identities in the ongoing conversation of what it means to be A/PIA. Taught by Professor Kin-Yee Ian Shin this Fall 2019 semester, his immense passion for both A/PIA historical research and expanding Ethnic Studies will enable this course to truly change any undergraduate experience.
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finding internships LSA Opportunity Hub The LSA Opportunity Hub is the career services office available to all freshmen enrolled in LSA. Located on State Street, across from Angell Hall and next to the Union (construction), the Hub is housed on the second floor of the LSA building. The Hub offers LinkedIn and resume workshops to prepare students for internship applications, job listings and networking opportunities for students to find out about internship opportunities as well as credit hours for participating in school year internships once you’ve secured the job. Whether stopping in for coffee and donuts at one of their monthly events or seeking help in jumpstarting your career, the smiling faces at the Hub are always happy to help.
University Career Center The University of Michigan has over half a million living alumni, and they are often looking to hire Michigan students and graduates. The University Career Center helps you connect with those potential employers through a site called Handshake where they share post-graduate educational opportunities, information about career fairs on and around campus and job listings with University students and recent graduates. For more information on Handshake and other services offered by the University Career Center, visit their office at 515 E Jefferson St.
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Engineering Career Resource Center The Engineering Career Resource Center, available to all engineering and computer science students, is located on the second floor of the Chrysler Center. The Resource Center connects its students to the online platform Engineering Careers, by Simplicity on which they post about internships, co-ops and full time positions. They also run a program called Suited for Success which offers a stipend to qualified students so they can purchase business professional attire for interviews. The Resource Center vows to develop students’ resumes over the four years they spend at the University so upon graduation, those students are fit to find the job or be admitted into the graduate program of their dreams.
The Development Summer Internship Program D-SIP is a programs through the University which provides 12 week long internships to students over the summer. Participants work alongside top fundraising officials and attend a course in philanthropy for three credit hours. D-SIP combines student learning, activism and support for the University. Participant testimonials call the program “rewarding,” noting how well it prepared them for future career endeavors. Applications for the program have historically been due midJanuary.
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off-campus housing By Claire Hao, Summer News Editor The beginning of the school year is great: new experiences, new friends, maybe even a new look. Then Welcome Week ends, and suddenly everyone’s asking, “New housing?” For many students, it can be shocking to see others finding roommates and leases for sophomore year in the second and third week of college. Remember, even if it feels like a mad scramble, take your time and do your research. Although many freshmen sign their second-year leases by November, don’t feel pressured to sign your lease before you’re ready — my freshman year roommate found her place one day before the end of the second semester.
Apartments and Houses
Off-campus apartments and houses remain one of the most popular options for students after freshman year. Beyond the Diag, the University’s office for student off-campus housing, describes on its website 12 neighborhoods (11 on Central Campus and one on North Campus), popular among students. Each has its own character and all have a variety of housing options, from one-person apartments to seven-bedroom houses. Often, living in these off-campus places is cheaper than continuing with on-campus housing, though prices vary depending on proximity to the Diag. However, there are also more costs once transitioning off-campus such as utilities, Wi-Fi, groceries and parking.
High-Rise Apartments
Some students choose to live in student high-rises following freshman year, many of which are known for their proximity to campus and additional amenities. Once again, these apartments also vary in pricing, from University Towers on the lower end to Landmark on the higher end. More expensive places usually have more amenities, such as indoor pools and gyms, in-room washers and dryers, study lounges with printers and roof access for amazing views of Ann Arbor. These places also fill up less quickly than other off-campus apartments and houses, so there is less pressure to find housing and roommates in October. However, they also tend to do the most visible advertising, so it can be hard to know about other options available.
Co-op Houses
Another option when looking for off-campus housing is joining a co-operative house. Inside these 16 colorful homes, students live community-style with 15-50 other tenants, depending on the house. Co-op members pay a fee at the beginning of the semester, which covers room and board, in exchange for becoming “partial owners” of the house. All residents are a part of the decision-making processes and are responsible for a certain number of house chores a week. Each co-op house has its own culture, so many students considering co-ops tour the houses before filling out the co-op application ranking their top four preferred houses. This application is released later in the fall semester, and certain houses often end up with waitlists, so it’s advised to fill out the application soon after its release.
Fraternity or Sorority Houses
Living in a fraternity or sorority house can be a wonderful way to live together with many of your newfound best friends. It can also be convenient, as the housing fee is built into the dues of the organization and often includes both food and parking. However, houses also often have regulations on their members by their overarching national fraternity and sorority organizations. For the 2019-20 school year, the University is transitioning to winter rush, meaning freshmen who choose to join fraternity or sorority life will not know their house until second semester. Since many students decide housing for the next school year by November, the University’s Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council is working with Ann Arbor landlords to assure those who choose to rush they will have housing options if they end up dropping the rush process.
For additional resources, check out Beyond the Diag’s website, which includes an off-campus housing registry. Central Student Government also released a Housing Management Survey, a database ranking and rating Ann Arbor property managers. Happy house hunting! The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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By Samantha Small, Summer News Editor
Last November, in a 56-44 percent margin, Michigan voters passed Proposal 1-18, an initiative created to legalize recreational cannabis use. Michigan is the tenth state in the U.S. to pass this legislation and the first in the Midwest. About 10 years before recreational cannabis hit the ballot, Proposal 1, on the 2008 ballot was approved and implemented the following year making the possession of medical marijuana legal statewide. With written documentation from a physician, residents could purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and cultivate up to 12 cannabis plants. For 10 years, the following top dispensaries have provided Ann Arbor residents—with a medical marijuana card—with premium, remedial cannabis. Here’s a list of some dispenseries in the area as well as a few do’s and dont’s.
Bloom City Club
Right on Miller Avenue, about a 10-minute walk from campus, you’ll find the local dispensary, Bloom City Club. On the outside, Bloom City mirrors a summer-camp cabin, but on the inside you’ll find vintage made glass products, CBD essential oils and pens and strains ranging from “Blue Dream” to “Golden Goat.” Like Om, Bloom City also hosts an array of events such as the “Cannabis Classroom” where attendees can learn from trained professionals about all the benefits of medical cannabis.
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GreenStone Provisions
Since 2016, the bright yellow house on the end of Ashley Street — GreenStone Provisions — has provided a multitude of flower, concentrates, cartridges and edible products to Ann Arbor residents. With deals everyday ranging from $10 off eighths, to free pre-rolls with a $75 dollar purchase, GreenStone provides premium products at reasonable prices. You can even purchase GreenStone totes, zip-ups, and tee’s in addition to some “Red Headed Stranger” sativa.
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Om of Medicine
Arbors Wellness
ArborSide
About a couple doors Located on in the heart When walking down over from Ragstock of Ann Arbor on Main Packard, you might pass on East Liberty is the Street, Om of Medithe dainty dispensary, bricked-building of cine seems more like a ArborSide. If you’re lucky, Arbors Wellness. Like trendy spa then it does it’ll be “Medible MonGreenStone, Arbors an actual medical infirday,” with discounts on Wellness offers a weekly certain edible products mary. With a colorful lounge area and local art rotating casts of medisuch as lollipops, brownfrom the Prison Creative cine. If you wander in on ies, gummy worms or Tuesday or Thursday, Arts Project (PCAP), an chocolate bites. Open organization created by you might be able to get Monday to Saturday from the University, plastered “Jamaican Lion” for only 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the walls in the wait- $10. It is also one of the (6:00 p.m. on Sunday’s), ing room, Om creates a closest to Central Cam- stop by ArborSide to big comfortable, or medita- pus, a big perk for those up some “Sour Diesel” for without costs. tive, experience. Om only $9 a gram. also provides free comedy shows, yoga classes, magic shows, and live music every month.
WEED 101
DO’S:
1. Know what’s in your weed Although a rarity — like any other drug — cannabis has the potential to be laced with different types of narcotics and harmful chemicals like hairspray, glass, pesticides, and many more. Thankfully, with changing marijuana laws, consumers are able to have safer access to 100 percent pure marijuana. To avoid ingesting any type of contaminated marijuana, potential users ( those above the age of 21) should only buy weed directly from state approved dispensaries and never third party distributors. 2. Smoke in private According to Michigan’s new marijuana laws, it is still illegal to consume marijuana in public. Although the city of Ann Arbor does have some of the more lenient policies regarding marijuana as possession of small amounts of weed will result in a civil infraction instead of the typical minor in possession, the University of Michigan still forbids any smoking to be done on campus grounds, cigarettes included. Therefore, you’ll have to find a private place outside the comfort of your dorm. 3. Set rules and guidelines for yourself Although smoking can be a satisfying and relaxing pastime, it should be used in moderation. Try not to prioritize smoking weed over school. Freshman year is an exciting time, and comes with more freedom than you might’ve ever experienced. Yet, the University of Michigan is a top academic school, you don’t want to fall behind because you’re too busy eating all the ramen in your dorm room and binging Bob’s Burgers now, do you?
DONT’S:
1. Drive while intoxicated Although a rarity — like any other drug — cannabis has the potential to be laced with different types of narcotics and harmful chemicals like hairspray, glass, pesticides, and many more. Thankfully, with changing marijuana laws, consumers are able to have safer access to 100 percent pure marijuana. To avoid ingesting any type of contaminated marijuana, potential users ( those above the age of 21) should only buy weed directly from state approved dispensaries and never third party distributors. 2. Travel with weed Technically, it is legal to carry up to 2.5 ounces outside of federal property or K-12 school grounds. If you’re unsure, 2.5 ounces equals almost 140 joints of 0.5 grams each — so you should be good. You also cannot carry outside of state lines as marijuana is still federally outlawed. 3. Sell weed to your friends If medically prescribed, or above the age of 21, you are legally allowed to purchase marijuana. However, selling marijuana to those under the age could result in a $250,000 fine and up to five years of incarceration. But, if you have a medical marijuana card and want to gift a friend some weed — for free — the law says that is A-OK.
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take advantage of first-year seminars By Timothy Spurlin Summer Senior Opinion Editor Scheduling classes during orientation can be a daunting and nerve-wracking task for anyone, particularly those who have not yet settled on a major. Not only are you bombarded with information over the course of a short few days in East Quad, but you are also expected to commit to a course schedule without knowing the difficulty of specific classes, how many credits you’ll need to take or even, truthfully, what you are interested in studying. It is, indeed, a big undertaking. And while this is understandably stressful, it also offers up an opportunity to explore classes without the burden of how it will affect your 4-year plan. Generally speaking, even if you already know exactly what you want to study and do with your life (although I’d suggest that no one ever really does until they’ve gotten at least two full semesters into it), the best advice I could give is to take a balanced freshman fall semester with classes that sound interesting. For me, I took four classes and 16 credits that featured Econ 101, Astro 102, French 231 and Slavic 151. Eventually, I went on to become an Economics major thanks to a wonderful experience with my 101 professor; however, it was the variety of classes that first term that allowed me to explore my different interests and helped me narrow down what I wanted to study. In the aforementioned list, one course obviously stands out more than the others. Slavic 151 was a firstyear seminar under the title “A history of Polish punk rebellion,” and, aside from fulfilling my first-year writing requirement, it was my favorite class I took all year. First-year seminars are courses designed specifically for, and limited to, first-year students. Almost all of them are on a specific topic, and all are capped at small class sizes, so you have a more intimate class setting and better one-on-one access to your professor. Obviously the subject matter of Polish punk rebellion has little to do with my major, and I really didn’t know anything about it other than it sounded interesting and unique. Growing up, my family did not talk much about our lineage, and all I ever really knew was that I was French and Polish. That same year, when my grandpa’s health started taking a turn for the worse, my family undertook a whole genealogy project that traced our heritage back to when the Prussians invaded Poland. I guess I saw this class as an opportunity to connect to my grandpa and learn a little more about the family’s history. I’m glad I did, because when I say that class was a wild ride, it’s an understatement. Every day when we walked into class, the professor would have a different punk rock music video playing, and we’d get into the topic for that day. Not only did I learn a lot about history, but I also got to write a lot of fun and interesting papers and help develop important writing skills that would prove to be useful elsewhere in my college career. Perhaps the most important outcome of taking this first-year seminar was meeting, to this day, one of my best friends. I had a mutual friend who lived on my floor in the dorms who told me they had a friend taking the same class. In a small world circumstance, I and this friend started sitting next to each other, and our friendship was born. It was nice having someone in my friend group to talk about papers and assignments with, and she remains to this day one of my closest friends at the University. Something else that is appealing about first-year seminars is their exclusivity to first-year students. While you will take many, many classes over your career at Michigan, this is the only chance you will have to register for a first-year seminar, so you definitely want to take advantage while you can. There have been countless times when looking at the course guide for next semester I saw a class that sounded interesting, before realizing it is a seminar for first-year students only. While I encourage everyone coming in to take advantage of these first year seminars, it is equally important to take a course load that fits what you want to do while avoiding the stress that can come along with academics. The most important thing to keep in mind when scheduling classes is to keep it wellbalanced, and that the only surefire way to find out what works best for you is trial and error. It is part of what makes college such an exciting adventure. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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finding your place at michigan By Erin White Summer Editorial Page Editor Coming to the University of Michigan is a decision that I will always be grateful I made. With half of my undergraduate experience behind me, I know that my academic plan and the communities I found here are pushing me in the right direction. But that doesn’t mean that I moved to Ann Arbor knowing exactly what I wanted to do here, or where I would fit in. Joining the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts — the largest of the University’s 19 schools and colleges — was a notable culture shock for someone who had attended a small magnet school in Macomb, Michigan and graduated in a class of just over 100 students. My concern about adjusting to a big campus environment was secondary to my desire to attend a school with the type of academic reputation our University has. However, that lack of initial consideration left me fairly, socially flustered and stressed out during my orientation. So much information is thrown at you in a three-day period and absorbing all of it seems nearly impossible. I had the blatant, highly-strung attitude of a nervous new kid. But after a day of touring campus and strolling around Ann Arbor, you realize orientation is an opportunity to grow and learn. The most important things I did to make that first experience at the University beneficial was putting myself out there and searching for ways to shrink campus down. The University of Michigan seems much more approachable when you take advantage of all the groups, organizations and learning communities that it offers. And don’t worry, every moment isn’t as big and terrifying as welcome week’s New Student Convocation is going to be. I’m lucky in that I decided to join the Residential College, one of the Michigan Learning Communities on campus. The RC is an arts and humanities program with a strong focus on language learning, and each year it brings in a small group of LSA students dedicated to receiving a well-rounded, socially-conscious, liberal arts education. During orientation, I was broken off from a day of typical LSA activities and pushed deep into East Quad (the home of the RC) with a group of about 15 other students. This is where I met some of the people I would be living and taking classes with for the next two years. And while I was starting awkward conversations with the people around me, I was able to bond with a lanky boy from Washington D.C. over our favorite reality TV show, “Big Brother.” To this day, he’s my best friend. While not everyone is in a learning community like the RC (although I recommend looking into the plethora of them that exist), taking advantage of your orientation group is an easy way to get familiar with students who are following similar academic paths, and therefore have similar interests. If you’re going into engineering, find a student who wants to go into the same branch of engineering as you. If you’re in the School of Nursing, meet the people you’ll be in class and clinicals with for the next four years. And if you’re in general LSA, with a few hundred other students at your orientation, put on a happy face and try to find someone with your same sense of humor. Maybe you’ll meet your best friend, too. But regardless of whether or not the other students in your orientation become your best friends forever or people you will awkwardly wave to when fall comes around, breaking the University down is the best way to find your place. The beginning of fall semester means welcome week, Festifall (the University’s official club fair), mass meetings and introductory classes. Familiarizing yourself with the different opportunities at the University is how you’ll be able to discover spaces and people who share your talents, goals and interests. I have always loved writing, so it only makes sense that I explored the different student publications on campus. This is where I discovered The Michigan Daily, one of the biggest parts of my college life. Being part of a group of students with a shared goal who all care about journalism and who consistently support one another is exactly what I needed to find close friends and shrink down campus. While I remain convinced that no one knows for certain what their major is going to be when they get to the University, taking advantage of a varied course load freshman year is the best way to discover what academic path is right for you. Tap into what you think you might like, but just as importantly, recognize what you don’t. Exploration is important, and focus your first semester on classes that give you diversity of thought, and cover some of your strongest interests. This will help you find a major, which later becomes a community, of people with the same academic drive. And don’t worry, your major can, and probably will, change. I won’t sugarcoat it: Finding your place at Michigan isn’t the easiest thing to do. But by taking advantage of being in a new space, putting yourself out there and looking for ways to shrink campus down, you’ll get much closer to finding the programs and communities that will make you happy. There are hundreds of groups on campus, so many different departments and advisors in each of them, and thousands of students looking for people with shared interests. There is a place at the University of Michigan for everyone, and orientation is just the first step in finding it.
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Join the Opinion Section! T he Michigan Daily want s to welcome you to campus! If you’re looking for a way to ke ep up with campus news and share your thought s on it , Editboard is the place for you . Editboard is a great way to get your star t at The Michigan Daily and me et p eople from all across this huge campus . In the fall, we will me et on We dnesdays from 7:0 0 p. m . to 8:3 0 p. m . at the Student Publications B uilding (locate d on 420 Maynard Stre et). H ere we will discuss whatever is standing out in the news c ycle , discuss some opinions and ultimately write a piece about the issue . Editboard allows you to explore all the nuance d happ ening s on campus and help you f ind your place . Erin White , our 2019 Summer Editorial Page Editor, joine d the Daily through Editboard , and found it a super engaging way to develop writing skills and ease into T he Daily. If you’re not sure O pinion is exac tly what you’re looking for, ke ep your eyes op en for T he Michigan Daily ’s mass me eting s . You can learn about all of our distinc t e ditorial sec tions (N ews , O pinion , Ar t s , Sp or t s , Michigan in Color, Statement , Copy, Design , Photo, Web and S ocial Me dia) and discover the b est way for you to contribute to The Daily.
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being a poc on campus
Courtesy of Anurima Kumar
Are you an incoming student of color who is passionate about social justice, writing and creative expression? Michigan in Color is a section of The Michigan Daily for and by students of color on campus. We are dedicated to elevating the narratives of students of color on campus. We accept submissions in the form of narratives, op-eds, pop-culture commentary, poetry, photo stories, drawings and other forms of media. We encourage you to share narratives that you are compelled to tell us. Email us at: michiganincolor@umich.edu
Maya Mokh, Senior MiC Editor Coming to the University of Michigan from my predominantly Arab city of Dearborn, Mich. was a huge shift and a bit of a culture shock. I worried about being accepted and finding spaces where I could freely be myself. However, with an open mind and heart, it is very possible to find people who share similar backgrounds as you, and to find people who are completely different but still accept and support you nonetheless. Becoming involved with the Arab Student Association, Michigan Community Scholars Program, and Michigan in Color were integral in my first year at Michigan, and have allowed me to get to know so many amazing persons of color and share experiences among each other. Be open! You’re never as alone as you think.
Lorna Brown, Senior MiC Editor Coming from a predominantly white high school, it was important that I found a group of people in college who could relate more to my experiences. It be can be difficult navigating such a large campus, especially if you don’t look like everyone else. For me, finding groups of people who could relate to what I had experienced not only helped to shape my freshman year, but also helped me to figure out my future. It can be difficult, but there is a group awaiting you on campus that wants to welcome you to their community. Once you find that community, they are there to help guide you and uplift you and that is something I really loved about my freshman year.
Sam So, Summer Managing MiC Editor Six years ago, I moved from a predominantly Cantonese/Han Chinese descent environment in Hong Kong to a middle class suburb in Michigan. Anyone can imagine the drastic change. It was a rough time trying to fit in with my “FOB-ness” and half-broken English during a dramatic phase in eighth grade when everyone tried to be “popular” in a school that is predominantly white. For the first time, I learned what racism was and what’s it’s like existing as a racial minority within a group of people for the first time. Coming to Michigan, I knew better and tried to befriend like-minded people and people of color who understand class and race struggles. Michigan in Color and cultural organizations on campus allowed me to grow and to learn more about my identities, and I am forever grateful for the friends I have met in these spaces!
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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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poc’s guide to to student orgs By Lorna Brown, Assistant MiC Editor You walk onto campus and there are many organizations and clubs but … you don’t see very many people in these clubs that look like you. Don’t worry, MiC’s got your back. Festifall is filled with some awesome clubs and organizations, but at times they can be overwhelmingly white. Let’s admit it, it can be intimidating when looking for a place outside of class where you will be spending a good chunk of your time, so you want to ensure you’re going to feel comfortable with the people you surround yourself in your free time. Festifall, thankfully, is organized by categories to help when planning out what tables you want to visit. Use this to your advantage and bring a friend or even go with your roommate. There is a specific section of Festifall reserved for “cultural and ethnic” clubs and organizations, ranging from performances like the “Maya Dance Team,” which focuses on South Asian fusion, to major-related organizations like the “Latin American Business Student Association.” However, this can be a lot to take in at one time for anyone. Especially when you’re not completely sure if you want to be a part of a dance team and an academic-focused organization after just having seen their booth once. So, here’s a layout of the types of organizations for persons of color and tips on how to get the most out of each of their events.
Grad School/Professional Organizations These are the organizations that are centered around the enrichment and uplifting of people of color in different academic fields. It’s no secret that professional fields like engineering, medical and law lack representation of POC, so these organizations often times bring in speakers like John Lewis, who have succeeded in their field as a POC, practice exams for the MCAT, LSAT and GMAT, resume workshops and social events that help to network with men and women who have knocked down barriers within their own fields. Most of these organizations are open to students from all majors who are interested in grad school and professional development. Black Law Association and National Society of Black Engineers Asian Pacific Law Students Association Chinese Students and Scholars Association Hispanic Student Dental Organization Indian Subcontinent Business Association and South Asian Law Students Association Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association Association of Arab Scientists and Engineers
Performance/Arts These organizations tend to focus on the celebration of different outlets of creativity and performance like film, dance, fashion shows and vocal performance. Many of these clubs require tryouts and put shows on during the year to showcase their work from throughout the semester in places like Hill Auditorium. Competitions are also common in these clubs and organizations and can require some traveling outside of class, but they all are used to highlight the talent of students within their respective communities. Some of these organizations also work to advocate for the funding and underrepresentation of POC in areas of performing arts through dialogues, fundraisers and showcases. Ambiance Dance Team Brazilian Zouk Dance Team Creatives of Color Images of Identities Arabesque Dance Troupe NoiR Runway Fashion The Michigan Bhangra Team Yoni Ki Baat (YKB)
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Activism/Awareness These organizations focus on bringing attention to issues that may affect each POC community. Ranging from dialogues and annual conventions, these associations work to bring awareness and change to social barriers like colorism and stigmas like mental health. Many of these committees put on annual events that raise awareness and also fundraise for a good cause, bringing underrepresented students closer together for a meaningful purpose. You Good Fam?: A Black Mental Health Org South Asian Awareness Network (SAAN) Generation Asian Pacific American United Asian American Organizations Leaders of Education, Advocacy, and Diversity Uncover: A/PIA
Cultural Celebration Organizations that focus on cultural celebration often bring together students from around the Michigan campus to celebrate holidays, cultural events, and to fundraise for annual showcases. Many of these associations have mass meetings at the beginning of the year that allow for students to participate in planning for the year and develop goals for their specific community. Going to the mass meetings at the beginning of the semester is a great way to meet students from across campus who share a common cultural bond and to open the rest of the campus organizations up to those who may want to become more involved later on in the year. This is a great first step toward meeting new people and creating long-lasting friendships. African Students Association Filipino American Student Association Hong Kong Students Association Iraqi Student Association Muslim Students Association La Casa Student organizations can be overwhelming sometimes, but when you see an organization that you connect with during Festifall, sign up for their email list. A lot of us here at MiC grew closer to our communities through joining clubs that focused on our cultural backgrounds and eventually led us to write for Michigan in Color. You never know what experience may make your years at Michigan the most memorable, so go ahead and sign up for that organization during Festifall!
campus resouces Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives (OAMI) Located on the third floor of the Student Activities Building, OAMI offers a variety of support for students academically, socially and culturally. From free snacks, tutoring and printing to Success Coaches who support and connect their students to resources on campus, OAMI helps any student succeed. Working to create spaces for first-generation students and students who may be underrepresented on campus, OAMI makes a large campus a little smaller. Born out of activism, OAMI helps to improve the overall campus climate and supports a culturally diverse campus community.
Conseling and Psycological Services (CAPS) Located in the Tappan Street Auxiliary Building, CAPS appointments are walk-in only, and everything you and their staff discuss during the duration of your appointment is confidential. It is a space committed to creating positive paths for mental health and outreach that encourages discussion of mental health for all students on campus. There are also Urgent Walk-In Services that help in cases of emergency situations. There is a CAPS After Hours number that can be called any time CAPS is not open: (734) 764-8312.
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The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
welcome to ann arbor By The Daily’s Arts section Exposure to new cultural environs can be one of the most exciting elements of the transition to college life, but coming to a city as lively and animated as Ann Arbor makes that task a little daunting. Don’t fret — Daily Arts has got you covered. We know our way around the arts and culture scene of Ann Arbor better than most — it’s our job! We know the ins and outs of Ann Arbor restaurants, music venues and more. So turn the page for a comprehensive Arts calendar, places to satisfy your cravings any time of day, the best study spots, a guide to the local music scene and much more. We’re glad to have you! My personal advice? Look for ways to both appreciate and create. As many artists that come visit is, there are artists among us and an artist within each of us. Take a creative writing class. Get involved with the Prison Creative Arts Project. Read something barely finished at an open mic. Take a chance, say something you didn’t think you’d be able to say in front of other people and take pride in the strength gained from those leaps of faith. I speak from experience. Before I came here, I’d scribble poems on sticky notes, tuck them away in the backs of books and halfconsciously type them into my iPhone Notes when something came to me in the middle of the night. By my sophomore year, I’d performed poetry in front of my classmates, my closest friends, incarcerated men, high school slam poets and even my mom. I’m not going to tell you I was always thrilled about it or that the first time didn’t make me feel sick to my stomach. What I can tell you is that at my first public performance, the look on my friend’s face — a contemplative expression, one that told me I was being taken seriously — is one I’ll never forget, and the joy that flooded through me as I hugged the eight friends who showed up to listen to me perform on a frigid Tuesday night is one I’ll carry with me. There are platforms for your artistic expression here, friend. I found mine; it’s time to find yours. — Julianna Morano, Summer Managing Arts Editor
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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You’re going to study a lot Study here: The Dana Building and the University of Michigan Museum of Art
In order to survive the academic rigor of the University, you need to find the study spots that are most productive for you. While many students will spend their time in the Undergraduate Library or Ross School of Business, these spaces are often overcrowded, loud or simply bland. Michigan offers a variety of eclectic and comfortable study spaces to its students, and these spots aren’t nearly as congested as the mainstream libraries. Possibly one of the most overlooked spots is the fourth floor of the Dana Building. Located in the Diag next to the Chemistry Building, the top floor of the environmental science building has a ceiling made of windows, offering lots of light for your study time. There’s plenty of seating, and the space is relatively quiet, making it the perfect spot for focused work. Another quiet study space can be found in the UMMA, where they offer a section of tables at which students can work. The space is surrounded by windows covered in art, and looking at the intricate designs makes for a good break. The UMMA is also opening a new cafe in the coming months where they’ll be offering coffee, tea and a lunch menu. — Kaitlyn Fox, Daily Arts Writer The School of Social Work Sometimes, the best things hide right under our noses. Caught between two of the most popular study spots on campus, the School of Social Work sits humbly on the corner of South and East U, beneath the shadows of Ross and the Shapiro Undergraduate Library. When you first walk in to the School of Social Work, a modest and modern recess in the room seats several studying students — but it’s seldom used, because the real beauty of the building lies in the basement. Down the stairs is a wide open atrium, with cool and colorful chairs that have all the flair of Google headquarters, but retain the cozy comfort of Grandma’s couch. There are tables if you need a table, desks if you need a desk, and a gender-neutral private bathroom that’s bigger than a bedroom in Markley. It may not have a café, but the restaurants and coffee shops of South U are a short walk away. It may be in a basement, but skylights give it more natural light than any floor of the UGLi. It’s quieter than Ross, but casual enough a space that you don’t have to whisper. And even in the deepest trenches of finals season, there’s almost always a table or chair to welcome you in the School of Social Work. The only catch? It closes at 10 p.m. But when it does, the South U Espresso Royale is right across the street. — Dylan Yono, Summer Senior Arts Editor Espresso Royale on State Street After two years’ worth of essays, exams, projects, poems, Daily Arts reviews and various other tasks that necessitate more than twenty minutes of sustained concentration, I’ve learned a few things about my study habits. Mainly, that they vary. Widely. And it’s best not to question the whims. Some days I’ll want the low hum of someone else’s music in the background. Sometimes I’ll want to be surrounded by other people, concentrating on their work as much as I should be. Sometimes I’ll need to caffeinate, or consume something with lethal amounts of sugar. Sometimes I’ll need to sit in front of a wall and just read. At all times, I need reliable Wi-fi, comfortable seating and access to an outlet. The only place that satisfies each and every study-whim of mine, no matter how idiosyncratic, is the Espresso Royale on State Street. Their seating section is sprawling and has everything you could ever hope for: couches, large tables, booths, armchairs, counters, seats facing windows (for people-watchers), seats facing walls (for the easily distracted). And you’d be hard-pressed to find a seat without an accessible outlet nearby. Their music is always appealing and varies widely (I once heard Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” and probably called my mom to celebrate shortly thereafter), but if you’re not feeling it, you can find an area of the coffee shop where the speakers barely reach. Their cappuccinos never fail me. Their lattes are discounted on Wednesdays, but catch me there any given day of the week. Practically any time of day, too: Once, I was there from eight p.m. until closing time, writing a short story I thought I had a week to write but only had a day. When I finally graduate, I’m going to thank my family, friends, teachers, mentors and the Espresso Royale on State Street for getting me through my studies. — Julianna Morano, Summer Managing Arts Editor
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arts at michigan 2019-20 Calendar
SEPTEMBER Scholarship Showcase - The best students in the School of Music, Theater & Dance gather for a collage concert, performing a wide range of material.
NOVEMBER Men’s Glee Club concert - One of the oldest collegiate choruses in the world performs their semester concert at Michigan.
JANUARY Ann Arbor Folk Festival - Hosted by local, non-profit venue The Ark, the Ann Arbor Folk Festival brings folk and roots music to downEnspiRED Fashion Show - Student group EnspiRED, whose mission is to call attention to arts at U-M, throws their charity fashion show. SMTD’s Collage Concert: - Similar to the scholarship showcase, SMTD puts on a variety concert to show all of the events happening within their school.
MARCH
Ann Arbor Film Festival - A celebration of film hosted at our local theaters, Michigan and State. The AAFF brings bold, experimental film to downtown, engaging audiences with film they’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else.
MAY Movement Detroit - The Memorial Day weekend electronic music festival gathers brands, producers and DJs to celebrate Detroit’s contributions to techno and electronica and innovations in the genre. Cinetopia - Detroit and its suburbs showcase the best films from international festival circuits, including at Ann Arbor’s own Michigan Theater.
JULY
MO POP - An outdoor festival at West Riverfront Park, MO POP brings major pop music acts to Detroit for two days of music. Ann Arbor Art Fair - Nowhere else can a city shut down its entire downtown, including its miles of streets, for a celebration of art. World-class artists sell their painting, sculptures and more in this four-day fair in July.
OCTOBER Play & Musical - SMTD puts on a play and musical.
DECEMBER Play - SMTD puts on a play.
FEBRUARY Play & Musical - SMTD puts on a play and musical.
APRIL Springfest - Organized by MUSIC Matters, Springfest is a daylong festival that begins with tents and vendors gathered under to celebrate art, music and social change and ends with a nighttime concert, MUSIC Matters has brought Migos, 2Chainz and J. Cole in the past. Play - SMTD puts on a play. Men’s Glee Club concert - One of the oldest collegiate choruses in the world performs their semester concert at Michigan.
JUNE
Ann Arbor Summer Festival - A month-long commemoration of music, film, dance and visual art, located in the heart of Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor Restaurant Week - Ann Arbor flexes its foodie muscles with over 50 restaurants offering deals on custom menus. Sonic Lunch- Bank of Ann Arbor hosts these free outdoor concerts in the afternoon each week. Previous guests include Anderson East, BORNS,
AUGUST
Blues Festival - Starting in 1969, this historic festival has featured many greats, including B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton and Buddy Guy. Revived in 2017, this two-day festival takes place at the Washtenaw Farm Council Fairgrounds.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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caffine and food fixes
Much like the Starland Vocal band single by the same name, and much like that one scene in Good Will Hunting when Matt Damon mocks the therapist who is trying to hypnotise him free of his deep-seeded attachment issues borne out of early childhood abandonment, breakfast at Afternoon Delight is fantastic! Tucked right on the corner of South 5th and Liberty, this sunny little cafe never fails to please. Whatever you’re in the mood for — classic eggs and toast, a customized three-egg omelette, their famous eggs benedict — Afternoon Delight always delivers. You’ll find yourself nestled in amongst their regulars, served an early morning platter that can’t be beat by a waitstaff that wouldn’t let you think about going anywhere else. Take your grandma. Take your dad. Take your grandma again. Take anyone awake Monday through Saturday at 8:00 a.m. or a half hour later on Sundays. There’s a reason the café has been recognized by the people of the city. Afternoon Delight stands out in its simplicity. It hits home runs with homemade baked goods. It is the perfect venue for any early morning meal you could imagine. Don’t wait for the right circumstance; make it a point to visit Afternoon Delight today!
Blank Slate Creamery needs little introduction. The family-owned shop uses only fresh ingredients from local vendors and farms to craft its superb ice cream, an effort which results in mind-blowing flavor and creaminess. With creative flavors to choose from like Lavender Lemon Honey and Blueberry Pancake, in addition to your favorite classics, it’s no wonder the line at Blank Slate often stretches out the door. A selection of vegan and gluten-free flavors ranging from Cookies and Cream to Matcha are also available. Although the outstanding ice cream itself is enough to satisfy the most adept ice cream aficionados, Blank Slate goes the extra mile by making its own waffle cones on-site daily. There’s nothing like walking through the door and being surrounded by the heavenly smell of waffle cones being made. As a freshman coming to campus for the first time, Blank Slate made Michigan feel just like home. With unparalleled taste, welcoming employees, and an overall wonderful atmosphere, Blank Slate is definitively the go-to place for ice cream.
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Oh, Trader Joe’s. You’re so weird, and I love you so much. Trader Joe’s is a haven for both the boring and the bangin’, and they’ve got the prices to boot. Plus, TJ’s caters to all kinds of dietary restrictions. Vegan? Try the soy chorizo. Don’t do dairy? They’ve got the perfect cream cheese for your morning bagel. Gluten free? Me too. You can sip on coffee as you shop and try weird cheese that you’ll end up wanting to buy. The patrons are hot, and the employees are just flirty enough to make you feel special. There are beet chips and vitamins and the Kombucha that Mandy Moore once posted a picture of. Oh my! You’ve got my heart, TJ’s, and you’ve got Ann Arbor’s heart, too. The sun is always shining on you, baby.
It was the first week of college, and I felt funky. Ostracized to Baits II housing, I decided to hit the town as a fresh blood and search for a hipster coffee shop with the hopes of preventing alienation from creeping in at all corners. Trying to convince myself that at I was a maverick, I traveled off of central campus and down Liberty Street until I stumbled upon RoosRoast. Feeling fragile, I walked in, and I immediately noticed a man sitting at a Pacman machine, latté in hand: An absolute vibe. Having wrote my college app essay about Pacman as an outlet for feeling stress, I gasped while turning towards the coffee bar, scanning the space. This moment serves as an emblem of my entry into finally feeling like an actual college human — the quaint atmosphere precisely matched the funkiness I was feeling in the most attractive, comforting way. I sipped the smooth coffee, examining the enthralling RoosRoast merchandise and the skills of my fellow Pacman comrade. The rest is history. That’s the glory of RoosRoast: It’s funky and it’s welcoming. The eccentric artwork and the wacky coffee blends with names like “Lobster Butter Love” and “Bad Ass Women” make RoosRoast instinctually groovy, inviting honest moments of friendship, self-reflection, and grinding through tasks and thoughts.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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musical theatre on campus Amid the turmoil that is seemingly encompassing our society, sometimes, all you need are showtunes. Luckily, here at the University of Michigan, we produce some of the greatest, highest quality Broadway-style productions in the country — and as a student, you get discount tickets to all of them. Musical theatre in Ann Arbor is unbelievably accessible. From the University’s top-ranked musical theatre program to student-run productions like MUSKET, there is never a shortage of musicals in the area. The musical theatre program at the University boasts of consistently fostering the unique talents of each student it admits. This school year, the department is putting on productions of “The Pirates of Penzance,” “A New Brain,” “A New Piece” (directed by Broadway’s Michael McElroy) and “My One and Only.” Although non-majors are allowed to audition for these productions, most spots are reserved for students of the competitive program. MUSKET, a student-run organization that produces Broadway-style musicals every year, is putting on “Bare” and “The Wiz.” Each production is directed, produced, performed and designed by University students. All students from all majors are welcome and encouraged to participate. Musket Productions has been around for over 100 years in one form or another. Each production is held in the Power Center. The largest theatre on campus, it was designed to emulate the Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Last year’s production of “Legally Blonde” completely sold out the 1,300-seat venue. University of Michigan Gilbert and Sullivan Society — or UMGASS, for short — does exactly what it says: Every year, they exclusively produce shows penned by Gilbert and Sullivan. “The Yeomen of the Guard” and “H.M.S. Pinafore” will be performed at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. Students design, direct, produce and perform in each production. The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre is a community theatre all are welcome to audition for. They have a six-show season which kicks off with “Urinetown” in September. Other shows in their 2019-2020 season include “My Three Angels,” “The Fantasticks,” “Godspell” and “Matilda, The Musical,” among others. They also put on Second Stage productions. If you’re in town through May and looking for something extra to calm your nerves after finals, Ann Arbor in Concert is a fabulous option. This year, the concert version of “Beauty and the Beast” is being put on at the Power Center on June 1. Ann Arbor in Concert is directed and performed by University students as well as Ann Arbor community members. Each production is accompanied by a full volunteer orchestra, which is usually the focal point of each production. Auditions typically occur at the end of March each year. Getting involved with musicals during the school year is a great way to meet other students who probably know the cast album of “Hamilton” while also staying away from the cold, Michigan winter. Whether your interests lie in light design, production or performance, most of these organizations are always looking for more people to participate. — Natalie Kastner, Daily Arts Writer
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diving into the local music scene If you’re new to Ann Arbor, you may not realize that the city is a cultural mecca of the Midwest. From theater to visual arts to any and all genres of music, there’s always something going on for students and residents to enjoy. However, the local music scene here is one of the most vibrant in the country. From student punk bands to critically acclaimed orchestras, there’s a little something for everyone. The University of Michigan attracts students from all over the world, bringing in all sorts of different ideas, experiences and styles to the local culture, and this applies to music especially. Many groups that formed on campus oftentimes started in their freshman year, with members just starting to get to know one another. Local indie pop favorites The Kelseys are comprised of members that met in the dorms freshman year and started jamming in dormitory practice rooms. Now, they’ve played at every venue imaginable in Ann Arbor, and have tens of thousands of streams on their Spotify page. Other groups start to form and take new directions as time passes by. OSSI Music, a musical collective comprised of different genres ranging from soul to R&B to electronic, began as almost a sort of record label but then expanded to playing incredible live shows. Because such a wide variety of students attend this university, the different genres of these groups is vast: Eight Carl is a math rock duo that plays rhythmically complex and mind-blowing music, Dogleg and Flight Patterns can often be found in different DIY venues playing punk and emo music, Leery Loons takes listeners away on a dreamy folk journey and Sabbatical Bob plays hard-hitting funk that makes it impossible not to dance. The list of groups around this town goes on and on — over your next four years will only continue to grow. Music is all around, you just have to stop and listen every once in a while. — Ryan Cox, Daily Arts Writer
At first, Ann Arbor’s music scene can seem aloof, holding preference for upperclassmen. This distance for freshmen is in part created by the music venues being located off campus, like The Ark that specializes in acoustic and bluegrass, or bars like Mash that hold intimate concerts exclusive to patrons 21 and over. However, there’s ample opportunity for freshmen to hop into the music scene, and I’m here to give you a slice of the University of Michigan music pie that I didn’t fully discover until I was a sophomore. The best advice I can possibly give is to get up off your comfy bed in that worn-down dorm and go to that Facebook event, even if might not know anyone there. Go out and support local artists, and don’t let the music scene get frosty or unapproachable, because at its heart, music is all about inclusivity. To start off with shameless self-promotion, The Michigan Daily hosts live recording sessions with Michigan-based artists in a series called Standing Room Only (SRO). Held in our newsroom, SRO is an intimate listening experience inspired by NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concerts. Listeners can sit behind the scenes as videographers and audio engineers capture a full set with artists. Even if you can’t attend, you can watch the concert on our YouTube channel to familiarize yourself with Ann Arbor talent. Besides Standing Room Only, it’s important to acquaint yourself with the essentials. The Blind Pig is a live music club that serves as the heart of the University’s music scene. They not only bring in stellar students act on campus, but also artists as big as Girlpool and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Another venue worth noting is The Canterbury House, which will always hold a special place in my heart, as I stumbled upon it one lonely night my freshmen year. It’s a small house with huge glass windows, and for some reason, those windows (paired with the multi-genre music they host) makes everything feel earnest. Moving on to the more student-oriented music scene, Maize Collective, MEMCO and WCBN all host various music events. If you’re interested in getting involved with the music scene, all of these students orgs are worth checking out. Mazie Collective is an up-and-coming music and arts collective that hosts multiple underground-type concerts. If you’re specifically passionate about EDM, MEMCO is the place for you. They not only host concerts but also “DJ Office Hours” where you can start to learn the basics of DJing. WCBN, the University’s student radio, will often collab with the likes of MEMCO or The Blind Pig to put on some noteworthy events. Check out the venues and orgs I mentioned, and most importantly, when you see that Facebook event or Instagram story post for a concert (you’ll see all of these venues and orgs posting) just go out and support, because the music Ann Arbor has to provide is the best medicine for renewal and tranquility. — Sam Cantie, Daily Arts Writer The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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dining on a budget CHELA’S
Chela’s is the only place to get a taco in Ann Arbor. I’ve never been to Pancheros sober, what even is Tio’s and Isalita is too … nice. First, the tacos are legit. They’re double wrapped in corn tortillas, the second of which my roommate explained functions to catch everything that falls out of the first. These tacos duplicate, which is cool. The menu is the opposite of boring, boasting everything from rajas con crema to a sexy chorizo (the potato taco surprisingly slaps). And Chela, bless her heart, understands that I don’t have a real income: tacos come in at $2.50, and the $7.85 daily special (two tacos/tamales, rice, beans and a drink) might be the smartest dinner in Ann Arbor. But beyond that, Chela’s, with its cozy hole-in-the-wall vibe and casually cheerful interior decor, somehow suits all your needs. You can crawl there on a rainy day to get a taco in between classes (they cost less than a coffee! You must change your life). You can write your thesis by the front window. You can buy furniture on Craigslist, alone, in the back room. You can talk about the future with a dude you haven’t seen in a year at 8 PM on the patio (in the nicer months). You can bring your roommate, your hookup, your childhood friend, your grumpy father. And if you go on your birthday, an attractive server named Slade will being you a free rice pudding (Slade I’ll never forget u). Chela’s is, generously, whatever you need her to be, with a sexy taco on the side and all the sauces you could ever want in the fridge.
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JERUSALEM GARDEN
Packed with culinary destinations, it is easy to get lost in the ranging variety of options for food on Liberty Street. When wandering down this happy part of town, many locations stick out, but when it comes to Ann Arbor’s best spot for Mediterranean food, look no further than Jerusalem Garden. With reasonable prices, cozy seating, and the freshest tabouli, Jerusalem Garden simply cannot be beat when it comes to quality, companionship, and all around authentic food. Founded upon family recipes, the hummus, falafel, sandwiches, and of course baklava are all classics on the menu, one that Ann Arbor locals and visitors alike continue to come back to. From the tabouli and hummus sandwich to the chicken shawarma, no matter how many times I stop into Jerusalem Garden, I know I can continuously try something new that will never fail to disappoint. Jerusalem Garden’s food is always fresh, well prepared, and served with a smile, so it’s no wonder it has become a place for gathering all in the name of quality company and culinary appreciation. And even if you can’t make it into the warm space on Liberty Street, Jerusalem Garden catering services make every event. So, next time you find yourself on Liberty Street, stop into Jerusalem Garden, the extensive menu and commitment to quality is one that can satisfy the tongue of every culinary connoisseur.
The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
SADAKO
The great irony of being broke is that, generally, it puts you in the know of the finer things in life. Sure, others may have deep-flowing pockets lined with their parents’ money, but what those pockets are devoid of is desperation. This desperation, most often manifesting itself in the form a sub-$5 account balance, has led me to many great discoveries. My most recent desperation-driven discovery has been Sadako. Located on the final stretch of South University before Frat Country™, Sadako is not only easy to find and travel to, but their fantastic prices are particularly noteworthy. Yes, I paid only four dollars and 64 cents for two sushi rolls. At other locations, the same order could cost someone upwards of $14. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I, a simple college student, had discovered the Holy Grail of dining: Cheap, yet high-quality sushi that won’t tear up my insides! All jokes aside, Sadako does not rank amongst the Best of Ann Arbor solely for its pricing — its engaging staff, craveable food and ambiance work in conjunction to give customers a memorable experience.
FRITA BATIDOS
The first time I ate at Frita Batidos, it was the dead of winter and, having just trudged through Downtown Ann Arbor through what felt like a foot and a half of snow, I was decidedly ready for winter to be over. Arriving at Frita Batidos, I ordered myself a beef frita and a coconut cream batido. I proceeded to spend the next hour and half sitting with my friends, our backs turned to the frost-coated window, and managed to forget — if only for a moment — that we were in the midst of a desolate Michigan winter and not enjoying our tropical street food by the beach in Cuba. What’s more? We were able to enjoy this exercise in escapism without breaking the bank. Frita’s happy hour is perhaps the most reasonable of any business in Ann Arbor. Guests who find themselves in the restaurant between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, or during the last hour of business every night will enjoy $5 beef fritas, $1.50 fries and $1 off all beers. If you’re looking to escape the cold for a bit and you’re all about those sweet deals, you can’t do better than happy hour at Frita Batidos.
guide to gamedays By Lily Friedman, Daily Sports Writer
Coming to Michigan from an out-of-state high school, I didn’t know much about the streets of Ann Arbor, surrounding towns or restaurants. But I knew one thing clearly: Michigan students love gamedays. Even if you’re not from Michigan or, frankly, don’t care about who suits up and wins the game, these days are one of the best parts of every fall. And there’s an etiquette to Saturdays in Ann Arbor that I picked up slowly as my freshman year went on. To lessen your struggle of finding the perfect game day routine, here’s a few tips that every freshman should know to survive (and thrive) on game days.
Where to go
Even with freshmen sometimes moving in large groups, it can be confusing deciding where to go on your first game days. Before joining any clubs or organizations, many freshmen like going to fraternities for tailgates, many of which are on big streets like Hill, Oxford and Oakland. Frat tailgates are outside, so dress for the weather, and make sure you eat before at dining halls or bring snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day. Dining halls don’t open until nine on the weekends, so if you’re out early for a noon game, plan accordingly and get cereal or other food the night before. And if you didn’t think ahead, East Quad dining hall can become a necessity for food or restrooms, as it’s close to many of the tailgating spots. After tailgating, people typically walk to the Big House, so get ready to be on your feet for most of the day.
Weather
One unexpected thing about game days is that Michigan is hot in the summer. Very hot. And in the late fall, it can flip entirely and turn frigid. Prepare for that when you set out on your first game day adventure. There are water stations located on Hill Street and other large streets on the way to the Big House. They definitely come in handy when it’s 90 degrees, and you’re sweating around thousands of people you don’t know. Adversely, if it’s cold, bring warm clothes to tailgate. Even if the warmest Michigan sweatshirt you own may not be the most desired tailgating attire, it’ll be worth it to stay warm, especially if you want to brave the cold and stay at the Big House for even part of games later in the season.
Clothing
To some, finding a perfect outfit for game days can be stressful. You don’t know many people yet. You probably will take pictures, and you may be worried about what’s normal. The best part about game days is that everything is normal. People start planning their game day attire far in advance, which is great, but I’ve learned two things. First, people in your dorm will have clothes that complement your outfit and help it come together at the last minute. Secondly, it doesn’t matter what you wear. If you’re comfortable in whatever crazy (or not crazy) Michigan clothes you have, that’s perfect. While the MDen is a great place to buy any shirt, sweatshirt or other piece of clothing you may want, an old sweatshirt or plain t-shirt does you just as well if you’re happy with it. So enjoy your first game days as a Wolverine. While you may not instantly know the people around you or the ins-and-outs of football Saturdays, there’s a sense of community that you’ll find rooting for the same team as thousands of other people around you, so enjoy it. The Michigan Daily — michigandaily.com
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a look at women’s sports By The Daily’s Sports section
Coach Bev Plocki has been at Michigan for three decades, rightfully earning her title as one of the best to ever do it. This past season, she led the Wolverines to their third consecutive Big Ten title and a seed in the national championship. Michigan ended their season ranked fifth in the nation backed by stars like second-time captain Lexi Funk and Maddy Osman. Among others, the roster includes four rising sophomores who had incredible breakout seasons, especially Natalie Wojcik. She earned her first-ever perfect 10 on vault, tied for eighth in the all-around at nationals and is the 2019 NCAA beam champion, among many other accolades. Michigan has four incoming freshmen (and one more, pending a signed national letter of intent) who have already made waves in the gymnastics world. Two of those, Sierra Brooks and Gabryel Wilson, claimed multiple senior championship titles at nationals. Admission to gymnastics meets is free for students. After not having a winning season in the program’s five-year history, the Michigan women’s lacrosse team ripped off 13 wins to start the 2019 campaign and finished 16-4. The Wolverines earned their first Big Ten Tournament and NCAA Tournament bids, and they’re poised to continue that same success into the 2020 season. Attacker Caitlin Muir was the team’s leading scorer in 2019 with 59 points as just a sophomore, and attacker Lilly Grass will look to improve on her 48 total points in her senior season. In net, Arielle Weissman will likely take the reins with Mira Shane’s graduation after posting a 4-0 record in 2019. Admission is free for students at U-M Lacrosse Stadium, where the Wolverines went 10-1 last year with the lone loss coming in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
After Big Ten Tournament and regular season titles as well as an undefeated regular season at home, Michigan softball will return to Alumni Field next winter in hopes of claiming the team’s 12th Big Ten regular season title in the past 13 years. Under coach Carol Hutchins’, the Wolverines will go into next season with five returning starters, including sophomore left-hander Meghan Beaubien — the 2018 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, freshman outfielder Lexie Blair, who led the team in batting average this year and junior third baseman Madison Uden, a team captain. Despite losing to James Madison in this year’s NCAA tournament, Michigan was one of the top-16 seeds in the country, earning the right to host a regional in Ann Arbor. The team, led by the winningest coach in college softball, will return to the diamond in the
Despite not starting a single game last year, Naz Hillmon was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year for the Michigan women’s basketball team after averaging 13.1 points per game and shooting 63 percent from the field. She’ll return to a team that’s made back-to-back March Madness appearances under coach Kim Barnes Arico. Women’s basketball plays all its home games at Crisler Center, where a dedicated fanbase cheers it on; admission is free for students. The Wolverines were 13-1 at home last year, including an upset win over No. 13 Iowa in February. Hillmon and incoming junior Hailey Brown are Michigan’s top two returning scorers, while the Wolverines also bring in a top-100 recruit in guard Michelle Sidor. Michigan advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2018 and 2019 after winning the WNIT in 2017. In 2019, the Wolverines blew by Kansas State in the first round before falling to No. 1 seed Louisville. In its first year under the leadership of coach Jennifer Klein, the Michigan women’s soccer team notched a solid 9-9-1 overall record, and improved on its conference performance from the 2017 season. Midfielder Nicki Hernandez led the team with 22 points, knocking in a team-high eight goals while adding six assists, and will return for her junior season in the fall. A highlight of the 2018 season came for the team in September, when the Wolverines defeated then-No. 17 Wisconsin, 2-0. At the end of the season, forward Reilly Martin and midfielder Sarah Stratigakis received second team All-Big Ten honors, and defender Janiece Joyner earned All-Big Ten freshman honors. In the fall, the Wolverines will look to build on their 2018 run where they claimed the final spot in the Big Ten Tournament, but fell 1-0 to Penn State in the first round.
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all about intramural sports By James Hill, Daily Sports Writer Not everyone can be a Division I-caliber athlete at the University of Michigan. You also might not have the extra time to be part of a club sport team. However, there’s still a way to play sports with your friends, relive the high school glory days or even pick up something new. And one cannot forget the coveted intramural champion T-shirt that so many students dream of winning, but so little truly achieve. Here at Michigan, the Recreational Sports Department does its best to provide students a variety of sports to play. From the common ones like basketball, soccer and flag football, to some lesser-played ones like broomball, spikeball and even esports, there’s something for everyone. In addition, there are different divisions of competitiveness
in each sport so that students who want a more competitive experience and those who just want to have fun and make new friends can both be satisfied. Intramural, or “IM,” sports are played at different locations around campus and sometimes require the use of a Blue Bus. Basketball and volleyball are played in the Intramural Building, soccer and softball are played at Mitchell Field, indoor soccer and flag football are hosted at the Sports Coliseum and broomball is held inside the Yost Ice Arena. There are two “seasons” during both the fall and winter semesters. Sports vary slightly during these seasons, and they generally last about six weeks. A fee must be paid per season, but it can be cheaper if you buy season member-
ships in bundles. Registration for the first season, Fall I, starts relatively early, so it’s smart to get ahead of the game and make or join a team if you know you want to play. This is important because you’ll register for a designated time slot every week, and you might not want to play at 10:30 p.m. or later every week, like many freshmen do. Intramural sports are a great way to meet new people and blow off a little steam with some exercise. That weekly intramural game is something you can look forward to while grinding through a lecture even though it’s seventy and sunny outside. But, never forget what it’s really about — what it has always been about — a hard-earned, welldeserved intramural championship tee!
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three michigan athletes you should know By Daniel Dash, Daily Sports Writer
Natalie Wojcik, women’s gymnastics
Wojcik wasted no time taking the nation by storm as a freshman last season. In 2019, she earned a pair of All-American selections — a first-team nod on the balance beam and a second-team nod in the all-around category. In only one season, she won a national championship on the balance beam, earned a perfect 10.0 on the vault and recorded 10 all-around scores of at least 39.500.
The beginning of her career was marked by an appearance on the All-Big Ten first team, two individual conference championships and Northeast Regional Gymnast of the Year honors. Her efforts in the classroom and on the mat earned her the U-M Female Rookie of the Year, which is awarded for athletic and academic performance.
MacKenzi Welsh, volleyball
Now entering her senior season, Welsh has become a staple of the Michigan women’s volleyball team. In three years at the helm of the Wolverines’ offense, she’s racked up 3,881 assists across 361 sets. She burst onto the scene as a freshman in 2016, earning All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors and an All-American honorable mention selection. In 2018, she guided Michigan to a 24-win season and a return to the Sweet 16 while recording a career-high 2.45 digs per set. Under Welsh’s guidance, the Wolverines’ outside hitters have flourished. Last season, 2018 graduate Carly Skjodt posted a career-high 496 kills on a .256 attack percentage en route to second team All-American honors, while freshman Paige Jones was named a member of the All-Big Ten Freshman Team. With Welsh’s final season on the horizon, the culmination of a storied career is a story to watch this fall.
Andrew Fenty, men’s tennis
Though Fenty’s freshman campaign came to an end in early May, the honors kept rolling in. He was named first team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Rookie of the Year, Intercollegiate Tennis Association Midwest Rookie of the Year and Player to Watch. After falling in the national singles tournament round of 64, Fenty finished with a singles record of 27-6 — the third-most wins by a freshman in program history. He posted a 25-7 mark on the doubles court, giving him a teamhigh win total of 52. The highlight of Fenty’s season came when he stunned No. 1 J. J. Wolf of Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament, propelling him to No. 48 in the ITA singles rankings. As a blue chip recruit out of Washington, D.C., Fenty’s future in Ann Arbor looks promising.
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three michigan legends you should know By Connor Brennan, Daily Sports Writer The University of Michigan has a long and storied athletic history. The school’s impressive track record in a wide range of sports makes for a long list of legendary athletes. The following Wolverines left indelible marks on Michigan athletics and their names still resonate around campus.
Charles Woodson
During his three years in Ann Arbor, Charles Woodson was the face of Michigan football. An electrifying talent, Woodson stepped right into a starting cornerback position as a freshman and was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Two years later, on top of leading the Wolverines to a share of the 1997 National Championship, Woodson became the third Michigan player to win the Heisman Trophy. In the Wolverines’ most important games, against their biggest rivals, Woodson consistently rose to the occasion. During the 1997 season, Woodson hauled in two interceptions against Michigan State and collected an interception while returning a punt for a touchdown against Ohio State. Following Michigan’s Rose Bowl victory over Washington State, Woodson declared for the 1998 NFL Draft where he was selected fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders.
Jennie Ritter
In 2005, the Michigan softball team was dominant — under the direction of legendary head coach Carol Hutchins, the Wolverines won their first, and only, Women’s College World Series. Michigan’s best player was undoubtedly junior pitcher Jennie Ritter. After playing sparingly as a freshman, Ritter burst onto the scene her sophomore year — compiling 24 wins and 269 strikeouts. During the 2005 season, she was named Michigan “Female Athlete of the Year,” Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and was a first-team All-American selection, recording three no-hitters and a perfect game. Though the Wolverines couldn’t reach the same heights the following season, Ritter posted career numbers as a senior and was once again an All-American. Ritter still holds the Big Ten Conference record for strikeout ratio.
The Fab Five
Comprised of freshmen Jalen Rose, Jimmy King, Ray Jackson, Juwan Howard and Chris Webber, the “Fab Five” took college basketball by storm beginning in 1991. Jackson was the only one of the five to not be selected as a McDonald’s AllAmerican coming out of high school. Prior to the Fab Five, no recruiting class had ever included four high school All-American recruits. Midway through their first seasons in Ann Arbor, the five freshmen started for the Wolverines against Notre Dame — and scored all of their points. From there, the Fab Five hype-train really took off. They were unapologetic, entertaining and non-traditional. The Fab Five reached the national championship game during their freshman and sophomore seasons but fell to Duke and North Carolina, respectively. Though the Michigan quintet never won a national title, they revolutionized the Michigan basketball Notable Wolverines left out: Glen Rice (basketball), Tom Harmon (football), Desmond Howard (football), Barry Larkin (baseball), Sierra Romero (softball), Bennie Oosterbaan (football), Brendan Morrison (hockey)
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