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LATEST ARTICLES
Today is National Unplugging Day—Here’s why you should join in
National Day of Unplugging, a holiday created to bring awareness to the hold that technology has on the everyday person, is next Friday, March 5. A holiday you may not have heard of, participants in this annual tradition bathe in a digital detox for 24 hours– no cell phones, no laptops…just mindfulness.
The holiday originates from a Jewish nonprofit called ‘Reboot,’ an organization that started in New York City but is rapidly growing in cities across the country. If you’re thinking, “I’m not Jewish,” don’t worry. The holiday is for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation.
In recent years, the event has had hundreds of thousands of participants nationwide, and it is looking to be a major hit again this year. According to the celebration’s website, it aims to help participants “start living a different life: connect with the people in your street, neighborhood and city, have an uninterrupted meal or read a book to your child.”
Audrey Cleary, a University of Miami licensed clinical psychologist, spoke with The Miami Hurricane about why putting your phone down for a bit to focus on the world around you might not sound as bad as you think.
“Mindfulness can be as simple as becoming aware of what is around you– experiencing the sounds, sensations and your senses as a whole,” she explained. “You can deliberately become mindful in the moment with effort, but in general, focusing on one thing helps. Also, focus on gratitude and appreciation. Take time to focus on what you’re appreciative for. It can improve your happiness and overall well being.”
Cleary also spoke about the negative side effects of cell phone overuse, often seen in college students across the nation.
“Cell phone usage can be too much when it starts causing problems in your life. The distraction from academics it brings, and conflict in relationships. Not being present with the people around you can be a sign,” she said. “Social media can also bring on negative comparisons to other people. You don’t want to compare yourself to the negative, edited versions of someone else.”
According to Cleary, the benefits of unplugging can be monumental. Breaking the habit of always having to check your cell phone over and over again for notifications can be a positive experience. Yes, technology has provided many benefits into everyday life, but no one should want to feel locked down by their cell phone.
“It can be healthful to not have to focus on your cell phone and other technology. Kicking away that demand on your attention can help a person get reconnected with their natural environment. Getting aware of your emotional experiences can make the urge of your cell phone less powerful. Even just being present and aware of the negative emotions in your mind like sadness or anxiety can help you feel better about them since you know they are there.”
She continued to list the specific benefits of unplugging, saying that the awareness and physical contact with other people around you to be especially powerful. She says that when you are face to face with a person, your communication can often feel way more authentic. According to Cleary, an improved sleep schedule is another benefit worth mentioning.
Psychologists and researchers have begun identifying disorders that exist when individuals are unable to go lengths of time without their cell phone. One such disorder, known as ‘phone separation anxiety,’ is a struggle that many students deal with every day.
This disorder may sound funny or peculiar, but according to Cleary, it is not a joke. It is defined as “a sense of fear and panic when separated from a mobile phone and the overwhelming fear of anxiety coming from the inability to immediately respond to a notification or have your device in your hand.”
“If having immediate contact with your cell phone is something you’ve learned to depend on, it’s definitely real,” she explained. “If students are feeling anxious about not having their cell phone, it’s important to really think about why. Identify what the fear is, and challenge your fears associated with the phone.”
She listed several questions that students who think they may have this disorder might want to consider in order to try and cure their separation anxiety.
“What do you think you’re missing out on? Do you feel like you’ll really miss out on those things? Are the consequences really as bad as you think they are?”
Whatever the case is, she assured that phone separation anxiety does not have to be permanent. It can be overcome with a little cognitive work.
So, whether you unplug or plug in, make sure to think again about your technology habits. While 24 hours away from a cell phone may not immediately cure problems, everyone has to start somewhere.
Featured image from flickr.com.
‘Canes crash out of ACC Championship, fall 12-2 to Cal in the first round of the Tournament
The experience of the 2025 Miami Hurricanes baseball team has been a rollercoaster ride of the ages. Falling to .500 by mid-March before nearly going undefeated during April before crashing back down to Earth by losing six of their last seven, this ’Canes team has been anything but consistent. And on a pristine Tuesday morning at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, No. 9-seeded Miami looked to send No. 16-seeded California back on a long flight home to Berkeley in the first round of the ACC Tournament, but a disastrous fourth inning led to a 12-2 Cal win via mercy rule in the eighth.
Griffin Hugus got the nod for the 9 a.m. start. Hugus, who had a 4.22 ERA and pitched on four days’ rest, did not have his best stuff, struggling with command all morning
With a runner on second and two outs, the Golden Bears catcher Alex Birge stepped to the dish. On a 2-2 pitch, Birge belted a two-run shot over the right field wall, and Cal never looked back after that.
The top of the fourth is where it got ugly for the Hurricanes. After walking two consecutive batters to start the frame, Hugus was pulled for graduate right-hander Carson Fischer. Two hits and a fielding error later, Fischer was pulled for Will Smith with still no outs and the score 4-0.
A two-RBI double from PJ Moutzouridis and a walk to Dominic Smaldinio ended Smith’s short appearance. Cal’s Moutzouridis had a team-high three hits. Luckily, Miami’s Alex Giroux was able to stop the bleeding and give up no earned runs. After four, Cal already led 9-0.
Credit goes to the Golden Bears starting pitcher Oliver de la Torre who threw six innings of two-hit baseball while striking out seven.
He single handedly shut down the Hurricanes offense who looked no match for his wipe-out changeup and located fastballs.
Leading the stagnant five-hit Miami Hurricanes offense was none other than sophomore Daniel Cuvet. The Golden Spikes Semifinalist had two hits, including a single in the seventh inning. Cuvet later scored in that inning thanks to a 393-foot home run from Tanner Smith, but scoring two runs in the bottom of the seventh proved not to be enough as Cal tacked on two runs in the eighth via another Birge two-run homer, led 12-2 and was on the verge of beating Miami via the run rule.
Despite a base hit from freshman Michael Torres, the Hurricanes could not score a run, and after eight innings Miami’s time in the ACC tournament was short-lived.
The first-round loss certainly didn’t help Miami’s chances of making it to a Regional. For now, the Hurricanes (31-24, 15-14 ACC)will head back to Coral Gables and play the waiting game to see if they receive a bid for the NCAA tournament. If not, the next time you’ll see Miami take the field will be in a year’s time with the 2026 season.
Miami falls flat in final regular season game, lose 12-2 to Notre Dame
Saturday afternoon marked the final time the ’Canes baseball team would play at home this year and the final regular season game for the squad. They matched up against Notre Dame in a rubber match that would prove key for standings heading into the ACC tournament.
And with all that pressure on this game Miami simply fell flat, falling 12-2 to Notre Dame.
Despite the final score looking bleak, this was a game that Miami should’ve been much closer in. Mix a combination of poorly timed walks, poor pitching with runners on, an inability to hit with runners in scoring position, and the run disparity becomes clear despite being relatively close in hits between the two sides.
It was the Fighting Irish who got on the board first with a solid display of fundamental baseball. A hit-by-pitch to the leadoff batter DM Jefferson proved costly for DeRias as he came around to score on an RBI single before a second run was scored via a first-and-third trick play to put Notre Dame up 2-0.
Miami began to chip away immediately in the bottom of the inning as Jake Ogden and Daniel Cuvet ripped a pair of singles to left field to plate their first run of the day, but couldn’t tie it up despite having runners on second and third to end the inning.
Both starting pitchers settled into a groove as DeRias and Jackson Dennies shut their opposing offenses down through the fourth inning.
But once again it was Ogden who sparked some offense for the Hurricanes, lining another single into left field before being driven home by a Max Galvin RBI double to tie the game at 2-2.
However this Miami momentum was short lived as Notre Dame immediately responded by retaking the lead in the sixth as Carson Tinney launched a homer off DeRias to deep left field. The Fighting Irish kept the pressure up as DeRias was taken out of the game, launching another homer to left off reliever Will Smith later in the inning to make the score 5-2.
Things didn’t get better for Miami as Notre Dame tacked on two more via RBI singles in the seventh and eighth inning, before a sac fly extended the Fighting Irish lead 8-2.
And as all hope seemed to be lost, Notre Dame made sure those hopes were crushed as Tinney demolished his second homer of the game to make it a 11-2 ballgame, before they tacked on more in the ninth making it a 12-2 affair.
The ’Canes simply couldn’t find a way to respond in what has become a clear pattern throughout the regular season. If they don’t take the lead early, this squad struggles to get it back and routinely falls flat.
Both teams will turn their attention to the ACC tournament taking place in Durham next week as both teams will play on Tuesday with Miami (31-23, 15-14 ACC) as a 9-seed and Notre Dame (32-20, 14-16 ACC) as a 11-seed.
Miami dominates Notre Dame on Senior Night, wins 15-1 in seven innings
Honoring its seniors at Mark Light Field, the Miami Hurricanes’ offense came alive Friday night, routing the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 15-1 in seven innings.
After scoring just two runs in a 3-2 defeat on Thursday, the Hurricanes exploded out of the gate Friday. Miami plated four runs in the first inning and added nine more in the second, sending 25 batters to the plate in the first two frames and scoring 13 of its 15 runs.
Notre Dame (31-20, 13-16 ACC) couldn’t get anything going on either side of the ball. On the mound, the Fighting Irish struggled with control, walking nine batters and hitting three.
Starter Rory Fox was pulled after just one inning. The sophomore right-hander, who entered with a 3.03 ERA and had gone at least three innings in every start this season, threw 39 pitches to 10 batters.
With the bases loaded in the second, Michael Torres lined a ball to shortstop Estevan Moreno, who overthrew second base, allowing the ball to sail into right field. All three runners scored on the error, with Torres advancing to third. It was one of three costly defensive miscues by the Fighting Irish.
Miami freshman AJ Ciscar shined in his last regular-season start. The right-hander from Weston, Florida, tossed seven innings of one-run ball, striking out seven and allowing just three hits. He ends the regular season with a 2.76 ERA as a starting pitcher.
Senior second baseman Dorian Gonzalez Jr. made the most of one of his final home games in front of family and friends. In the second inning, he launched a three-run homer over the center-field wall to extend the Hurricanes’ lead to seven.
Gonzalez finished his senior night going 3-for-4, with five RBIs, including his eighth home run of the season.
A Miami native who grew up just minutes from Mark Light Field, Gonzalez followed in the footsteps of his father, Dorian Sr., who played for the Hurricanes from 1994 to 1996 and made it to the College World Series all three years.
“I grew up coming to games here and as like, this was my life,” Gonzalez said in March. “My clothes were green and orange. Once Miami reached out, I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”
The younger Gonzalez, who verbally committed to Miami at 16, has played in 206 career games with a .267 batting average and 21 home runs. With Miami (31-22, 15-13 ACC) in position to return to Omaha for the first time since 2016, he has a chance to become the second member of his family to play in the College World Series.
Following the blowout win, the Hurricanes now turn their attention to the regular-season finale Saturday afternoon against Notre Dame. Freshman Tate DeRias is expected to take the mound against right-hander Jackson Dennies. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Hurricanes fall behind early and can’t complete a comeback, lose 8-6
On a picture-perfect day, the Hurricanes looked to avoid the sweep in Charlottesville, Virginia. After falling behind in the early innings, Miami dropped the Mother’s Day matinee by a score of 8-6.
Taking the mound for the Hurricanes was the freshman Tate DeRias. In his first registered start in two weeks due to last Sunday’s cancellation against NC State, DeRias looked to have a quality outing and help his team leave Charlottesville with a win. However, Virginia’s offense had other plans.
With one out in the bottom of the first, Virginia’s Harry Ford blasted a two run home run to left center field to take an early 2-0 lead. Ford, the right fielder, had a team high three hits in Sunday’s game. They would go on to score two runs in the third via a single to left field with two runners in scoring position.
DeRias’s afternoon was done one out into the fourth after allowing three runs on two hits. DeRias, in his shortest start of the season, threw 3.1 innings, allowed six hits and seven runs.
Virginia’s (36-16, 14-10 ACC) starter freshman Tomas Valincius kept Miami off the board through six innings.
Miami (30-21, 14-12 ACC) down 7-0, rallied in the top of the seventh.
With no outs and runners on first and second, senior Gaby Gutierrez looked to make the most of his start in right field. On a 3-1 pitch he doubled to right center field allowing Renzo Gonzalez to score from second. After a strikeout of Michael Torres, Valincius’s afternoon was done.
The Cavaliers new pitcher, right hander Drew Koenen ran into trouble right away. Junior Jake Ogden singled to center field to plate Tanner Smith. With two runners on and two outs after Max Galvin fouled out the dangerous Daniel Cuvet looked to do damage. On a 2-1 pitch, Cuvet hit a 377 foot blast to right center for three RBIs.
After Cuvet’s three run blast he now enters top 10 on the all-time Miami Hurricanes home run list with 39 home runs in under two seasons of play. He now has 15 home runs on the season including three in the past four games.
With six outs to work with, Miami was down 7-5. Despite relief pitcher Jackson Cleveland allowing a solo shot in the bottom of the seventh, Miami’s bullpen did its job. In a combined 4.2 innings pitched from Cleveland, Alex Giroux, and Jake Dorn, they only gave up one run.
Down 8-5 in the top of the ninth, Miami looked to pull off a comeback for the ages. With runners on the corners and no outs, Cuvet came in clutch again with a single to right field, scoring Ogden. Within two runs, the bats fell asleep as Miami went on to lose 8-6.
In a disappointing series after an incredible April and the first week of May, next week’s matchup against Notre Dame becomes even more important. First pitch of the three-game set will be Thursday at 7 p.m. at Mark Light Field.
Miami comebacks falls short on incredible catch, loses to Notre Dame 3-2
On a picturesque Thursday night at Mark Light Field, the Miami Hurricanes began their final series of the regular season against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Designated hitter Davis Johnson’s three-run home run in the third inning proved to be the difference, as Notre Dame edged the Hurricanes 3-2.
Following a Jake Kulikowski RBI single in the ninth to cut the deficit to one, Renzo Gonzalez stepped up to the plate as the go-ahead run. Facing reliever Tobey McDonough, the first baseman lined a deep fly ball to left field that gave Hurricane fans hope of a tie game. But as the ball reached the wall, Jared Zimbardo made a leaping grab, robbing the hit and sealing the win for Notre Dame.
In the third, Miami head coach J.D. Arteaga opted to intentionally walk sophomore slugger Carson Tinney in favor of Johnson. On the first pitch of the at-bat, Johnson hit a three-run home run over the wall in left-center, just past a leaping Michael Torres.
Asked about the decision, Arteaga said he didn’t want to let one of the conference’s best hitters beat them.
“He’s their big damage guy,” Arteaga said. “Going in, we weren’t going to let him beat us, we took our chance.”
Johnson’s home run was the only blip on an otherwise strong outing from junior right-hander Griffin Hugus. The Cincinnati transfer allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out six and walking one. He finishes the regular season with a 3.92 ERA, the best among UM starters.
“I felt like besides one swing, I went out there and competed,” Hugus said after the game.
Shortstop Jake Ogden opened the scoring for Miami in the third, blasting a solo home run over the left-field wall. The Homestead native’s sixth homer of the season cut the deficit to 3-1.
Notre Dame ace Jack Radel delivered his best road outing of the year in his final regular-season start. The sophomore struck out six and allowed one run on four hits over 7.1 innings.
After the game, Arteaga tipped his cap to the sophomore starter.
“We got a lot of weak contact in those hitters counts,” Arteaga said. “We didn’t do a good job of adjusting.”
Despite the loss, Torres continued to shine defensively. On a fly ball hit from Peter Brzustewicz, the freshman made a leaping grab at the wall in center field, taking away a two-run home run.
The Fighting Irish (31-19, 13-15 ACC) entered Thursday on a six-game winning streak and are pushing for a strong finish to keep their NCAA tournament hopes alive. As of Sunday, Notre Dame is projected to miss the 64-team field and will likely need a deep ACC tournament run.
After being swept at Virginia, the Hurricanes (30-22, 14-13 ACC) are looking to build momentum ahead of next week’s ACC tournament in Charlotte. According to D1Baseball, Miami is projected as the No. 2 seed in the Baton Rouge Regional. A series win against Notre Dame and a strong showing in Charlotte could boost their chances of hosting a regional in Coral Gables.
Miami looks to even the series on Friday behind freshman right-hander AJ Ciscar, who will face Notre Dame junior righty Rory Fox. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Leslie Diaz finds mentorship with the Alix Earle Scholarship
When Leslie Diaz propped up her phone to record a “get ready with me” video as part of her Alix Earle Scholarship application, she had no idea what was to come in the following months.
“Leslie did a ‘get ready with me’ style video for her application, which right away made me smile,” Earle said. “But there was a sincerity to this video that resonated with me. It didn’t feel superficial and polished, it came from the heart.”
Even before winning this competitive scholarship, Diaz has achieved another major milestone. She is a first generation, Mexican-American student studying legal studies and international business. After her sister, Diaz is the second person in her family to go to college.
“Hearing how determined Leslie was being [one of] the first in her family to attend college was inspiring,” Earle added. “Although I didn’t get to select the students myself, I could tell that Leslie was the right choice. Beyond the means of the scholarship I felt that she wanted to challenge herself to do more and make the most of this opportunity.”
After not only getting to attend a university, but also intern at Inter Miami CF, Diaz has been able to go back to her high school to talk to other students in the same position as she was in just a few years prior.
“Coming to school is a big deal,” Diaz said. “A big achievement on more of a personal level is being a role model to a lot of people in my community.”
The entire scholarship application process was daunting to Diaz. She described putting off the application until the final week before it was due. After a pep-talk from one of her business professors, she got started on her application. After finishing its written portion, Diaz began the daunting task of brainstorming what she could do for the required video portion.
“I had absolutely no idea what to do for my video,” Diaz said.
On the due date, Diaz took inspiration from the same type of videos she had seen on Alix Earle’s TikTok account, and she filmed a ‘get ready with me.’ She described the decision as high-risk, high-reward, because she was not sure if the evaluators would understand the format. It was a gamble, but it felt right.
“I’m thinking, like I don’t know if the people on the board for the business school are gonna understand the get ready with me reference, but it’s me and it’s authentic, so I’m just gonna go for it, and it ended up working.”
Through this scholarship, Diaz has also gained a mentor in Earle. Earle’s unwavering support and guidance has helped Diaz through her last two years of her undergraduate studies, and now into her life as she prepares to navigate the entrepreneurial business world post graduation. Diaz plans to attend law school after exploring the corporate business world.
“Alix has been an incredible person to have by my side while graduating and navigating this new world, especially when it comes to the business sense,” Diaz said. “She’s just someone who is extremely business-savvy and authentic, and she’s always open to talk and happy to help.”
For Diaz, the scholarship’s impact extends beyond her own journey. It fuels her passion to expand access to education within the Latino community, specifically Mexican-American students.
“Something that I find extremely important is pushing education to people in the Latino community, especially the Mexican community,” Diaz said. “We should be pursuing this because through higher education is where we get into better roles, we have more doctors and more people in government positions that are Mexican or that are Latino and that can really really make a difference.”
REVIEW: The ‘Thunderbolts*’ strike like lightning
Within its first couple of weeks since its theatrical release on May 2, Marvel’s “Thunderbolts*” earned $162 million at the box office.
The film features a cast of undeniable talents, including Florence Pugh as the blunt, lovable Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as the complex Bucky Barnes,, and David Harbour as the loudly supportive Alexei, Red Guardian. The crew also included a driven Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), a troubled Bob (Lewis Pullman), and an arrogant U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell).
Set years after Yelena’s sister Natasha, the Black Widow’s (Scarlett Johannson) death, “Thunderbolts*” is a story that tells the solemn tale of long-term grief.
“Thunderbolts*” follows an eclectic ensemble of characters that make for a banter-filled, unexpectedly familial dynamic. But it still doesn’t compare to the original six Avengers or the Guardians of the Galaxy just yet.
Marvel is trapped in an awkward phase of introducing new storylines and characters, while still trying to appeal to the nostalgia of phase three and before. They use references to iconic characters of the past, but it feels empty, like the shell of what used to be, the reminder that the old Marvel that everyone knew and loved is gone.
Fans have been yearning for a new installment in the franchise that causes the same impact that previous films like “The Avengers” had. Audiences were in a tight grip, awaiting upcoming releases, anticipating what the future of the universe had in store.
Following “Avengers: Endgame”, it just hasn’t been the same. Many beloved characters’ stories ended when the credits rolled – excluding 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” and 2021’s “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” which delivered everything everyone desired.
“Thunderbolts*” has been promoted as Marvel being “back,” but if that’s what you’re looking for when you’re buying your ticket, just know it’s not all that.
Stepping outside of that frame, it’s a good standalone superhero film that balances classic science-fiction action while acknowledging mental health, eliminating stigma from the topic.
While the real world isn’t flooded with cape-wearing, alias-using superheroes protecting our streets, the feelings of these heroes were relatable. Feelings of emptiness and loneliness amid a search for fulfillment and purpose is a common human experience. “Thunderbolts*” proved to the audience that superheroes aren’t exempt from these struggles.
It was a touching metaphor for the idea that a person can have all the power and ability and still be looking for more within themselves.
Although mature viewers may not be as malleable to movie characters’ influences, a younger audience often reflects the behaviors they see on screen. With a PG-13 rating, if this portion of the audience sees that mental health is a priority to the characters they love, they may apply that in their own lives.
This film sends a positive message to the future generations. Superheroes once labeled as fearless and unstoppable are shown to be as burdened with self doubt and anxiety like anyone else.
As an installment in one of the biggest franchises to name, “Thunderbolts*” being supported by strong directing was expected, but director Jake Schreier’s work doesn’t go unnoticed.
While the dialogue was a bit cliché and predictable at times, the cinematography was often panned to convey movement and shift the story from New York City to The Void. Moments like that, intertwined with intentional colorizations, struck a smooth flow in the movie overall, and made for a satisfying visual experience, in classic Marvel fashion.
Action, comedy and heartfelt moments. Protagonists the audience cheered for and a villain who had a deeper story. “The New Avengers” may be new as a team, but as a film, it wasn’t Marvel’s first rodeo. Typically in Marvel movies, the action directs the story. Here, the story dictates the action.
In the concluding moments of “Thunderbolts*,” viewers were reminded to seek comfort in those around them, as “we’ll still have each other” from “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,” by Starship echoed through the theater.
It may not be anything groundbreaking, but it was an enjoyable watch that was able to effortlessly balance a lighthearted story of six diverse “anti-heroes,” while also addressing their internal darknesses.
Rating: 3.5/5
The final re-V-eal
After two great years of writing this column my time at this university has come to a close. In a “Pretty Little Liars” finale-kind-of-way, I decided to reveal myself.
Yes, I, Sal Puma, am the mastermind behind the recent V’s Takes. I never thought I would find myself writing a column like this during my college career, but I definitely think it was a net positive. Not just for me, but for everyone. I’m a loud man who can talk anyone’s ears off, so at some point I would’ve wanted to find a platform for my inside thoughts (but the world doesn’t need another man giving advice on a podcast, or another gay putting every single thought of their’s onto Twitter)
I know V is often portrayed as a woman, but I took on this role as some sort of drag persona. It wasn’t me writing the advice, but the spirit of V possessing me at 2:00 a.m. one edible deep. While the print team hated me for that, I think it worked out amazingly. That method brought us the wonderful takes of the past four semesters. Centennial Village slander, an analysis of the mythical Frat Flu and the Beginners Guide to Gaydar (which in hindsight we REALLY should’ve prefaced was written by a gay man).
Hopefully there are avid readers of this column who have picked up an issue or two to see what the V’s Take was that week. If not, I’m not surprised. I run the campus magazine too, and we practically have to throw the issues at people for them to take them.
To my avid readers … if you do exist. Thank you for reading. I know this wasn’t exactly the most profound column, hell, the V before me wrote about people who were caught having sex on the IM fields. But it’s good to have a little distraction from all of your college worries, and I hope I could provide you with that.
I’m sure whatever person they find to fill my shoes will do a great job. Maybe they’ll even submit their takes a few days before deadline and not the morning of!
I wanted to do a small blurb about each of my favorite V’s Takes, but I decided not to. Instead, go read them all yourself online. But what you can’t read is the ones that never made the cut. So, here are a few of my personal favorite ideas that never made it to print.
- “Herbert heartthrobs: A guide to a gym crush
- “Bensone Boone isn’t hot, you all just have trauma from men with a mullet and a pornstache”
- “Insta stalking 101”
- “13 Reasons Why (I’d go anywhere but Space)”
- “Cold & sore: An anthology of the bleak hookup orobus that is the Frost School Of Music”
- “Masc(ot) 4 Masc(ot) (A Challengers style love story between you, Sebastian, and the Maniac)
- “Why Drag Race is the theatre kid’s NFL”
Forever signing off,
Sal (V) Puma
V’s Take is The Miami Hurricane’s most controversial and longest running column. V’s Take is a satirical work published biweekly by students and for students using our generation’s “colorful” language. V addresses all things love, sex and gossip on campus. V is not for the politically correct or easily offended.
Before you graduate take this walk to remember your time at the U
By: Dr. Patricia Whitely and Lauren Ferrer
Completing your undergraduate degree can feel a bit overwhelming, equal parts exciting and overwhelming. It’s a feeling Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Alumni Engagement Pat Whitely understands all too well.
Whitely attended St. John’s University in New York, where her student leadership experiences helped her transform the once unfamiliar campus into her favorite place. She remembered fondly walking through campus, saying hello to friends, and popping into her favorite activities, including daily mass. After graduation, she headed to the University of South Carolina for graduate school, bringing her one step closer to her forever home, the University of Miami.
To say goodbye, Whitely developed a small ritual, one she now encourages graduating students to complete before they leave. As this year’s seniors prepare to cross the Watsco Center stage, she offers a piece of advice to help them pause and reflect on the people, places and memories that have shaped their time at the U.
From Dr. Whitely
As an engaged undergraduate student at St. John’s University in New York, I vividly recall my feeling of anticipation as graduation grew near. St. John’s had been my home for the last four years. Although once unfamiliar, my undergrad had now become my favorite place.
I loved walking on the campus, saying hello to friends and popping into daily mass when I could. St. John’s was a special place where I had grown much more than I could have ever envisioned. But in a few short days, I would become a St. John’s alumna and would be off to graduate school.
As graduation drew near, I found myself becoming very reflective and longing to find a closure experience that I would remember and cherish. Thankfully, I did just that, a walk alone a few days before graduation around the entire campus.
I reflected on my time at St. John’s, the people, the experience, the growth, the challenges, the community. I lived at home with my six siblings while earning my degree, worked twenty hours a week and served as a student leader. That walk brought me comfort, memories and closure, which I sorely needed.
That is why 45 years later, and for the past 28 years, as part of my senior reflections class each spring, I have strongly recommended that each student complete their own campus walk at the University of Miami — alone and right before graduation.
You will never get this time again, nor will the campus ever exist for you in the same way.
Walk and reflect on your friendships, accomplishments, growth, risks taken and how your journey at UM has evolved. How have you been surprised? What is your UM legacy? How have you changed? What were your most pivotal moments? What will you miss about UM?
The only requirement is that you must go on the walk alone, preferably at a quiet time of day.
Miami drops first of three games against Virginia, losing 6-1
With just two series left in the college baseball regular season, every game matters—especially for a team on the bubble of the NCAA tournament field.
The Virginia Cavaliers, fighting to secure a spot in the 64-team bracket, are in a desperate need of conference wins. Meanwhile the Miami Hurricanes, boasting a 21-7 record at home, are pushing to host their first NCAA regional since 2023 and need a few more victories to cement their case.
On a cool Friday night, the Cavaliers held the lead in the opening frame and never faltered, defeating the red-hot Hurricanes, 6-1.
Virginia’s bats came out hot to begin the game facing Miami’s Griffin Hugus. In the first, Virginia sent up eight batters in the inning, plating three against Hugus.
UVA’s Luka Hanson added to the 3-1 lead in the fourth. Against Hugus, Hanson hit his third home run of the season over the wall in left field.
Against the righty starter, Henry Ford, Henry Godbout, and Harrison Didawick all hit RBI singles, giving run support for Friday night starter Jay Woolfolk.
Woolfolk cooled down the Hurricane bats, an issue for opposing teams over the last month. In six innings of work, the Chesterfield, Virginia native struck out seven batters, surrendering three hits and one run.
After averaging 6.7 runs since the beginning of April, the Hurricane bats fell silent to the Cavalier pitching staff. UM’s offense tallied just one run on four hits while striking out nine times.
Miami’s lone run came in the third inning. After Michael Torres reached on an error and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, Max Galvin put UM on the board. Facing Woolfolk, the Oklahoma State transfer hit an RBI double down the left field line, scoring Torres with ease.
Hugus had a solid outing for the ’Canes despite the poor first inning. In five frames, the Cincinnati transfer allowed four runs on six hits, striking out six and walking three.
Didawick added to the Virginia lead in the eighth. Facing freshman Michael Fernandez, Didawick hit a two-run home run deep into the Charlottesville night to extend the UVA score to 6-1.
The Hurricanes (30-19, 14-10 ACC) entered Friday’s game with a 10-game ACC winning streak, dating back to April 12 and sitting at fourth in the conference. After taking the two games against No. 16 NC State, UM has placed itself on the cusp of hosting an NCAA regional.
The Cavaliers (28-17, 12-10 ACC) began the season as the second-ranked team in the country, looking to go back to Omaha for the third consecutive year. But, after a rough 12-11 start to the season, Virginia has been on the outside looking in to make the field of 64.
With Friday’s win, the Cavaliers have won eighth of their last nine games, including two of their last three ACC series. With a series win over the Hurricanes, UVA will have a legitimate resume to get into the NCAA tournament.
The Hurricanes look to force a rubber match with the Cavaliers with the second of three games on Saturday. Freshman AJ Ciscar will take the bump for UM, facing junior lefty Bradley Hodges. First pitch at Davenport Field is set for 4 p.m.