That’s how long it took No. 15 Miami to allow its first basket in a dominant 97-49 win over Long Island University on Wednesday night at the Watsco Center. It was the first time the Hurricanes beat an opponent by 40 points since a 49-point win over Western Carolina in 2016.
Miami opened the game on a 21-0 run and didn’t look back, leading by as much as 49 at one point in the second half.
“We got off to a great start,” Miami head coach Jim Larrañaga said. “It was 21-0, and the defense was stifling. And then we tried to maintain that. We did a pretty good job throughout the first half. Second half, I had to call a timeout because we weren’t as sharp coming out of halftime, but we regrouped and ended up with a nice 97-49 victory.”
Forward Norchad Omier led the charge with 17 points and 13 rebounds, recording a double-double by halftime. Four of Miami’s starters finished the game in double figures, and freshman Kyshawn George had a season-high 13 points, which included three 3-pointers.
Fourth-year junior Norchad Omier scores a double-double in the first half of the 97-49 win against LIU, where he finishes with 17 points and 10 rebounds in Watsco Center. Photo credit: Charisma Jones
“Obviously I’m happy,” George said of his performance. “Just put in the work every day and try to play my best when I’m on the court.”
Larrañaga complimented George after the game but said he still needs to play faster. After a timeout late in the second half, Larrañaga ran a play that utilized the guard’s speed. The result? George blew by his defender for an easy layup.
In fact, the offense as a whole had no trouble scoring against the Sharks. The ‘Canes shot 53.6% from the field and came out hot, taking a 53-18 lead into halftime.
Turnovers were key to the Hurricanes’ fast start. Miami forced eight of them early on and 16 throughout the game, racing the length of the floor for another basket before the Sharks knew what happened. On one fast break, guard Nijel Pack found Omier for an emphatic alley-oop.
By the second half, Miami’s reserves were playing extended minutes as the Hurricanes continued to increase their lead.
LIU coach Rod Strickland, who spent 17 seasons in the NBA on nine different teams, could only marvel at Miami after the game.
“That’s a great team there … I didn’t think they were going to miss a shot,” Strickland said.
Strickland’s sons, Tai and Terell, had 14 and zero points for the Sharks, respectively. Tai also had a team-high nine rebounds.
Freshman Michael Nwoko slams down a dunk in the second half of the blowout win against LIU in the Watsco Center. Photo credit: Charisma Jones
After a blowout loss to No. 16 Kentucky last week, the Hurricanes are now on a two-game winning streak, beating Notre Dame for their first ACC win on Saturday. Pack says the Hurricanes are using that loss to the Wildcats as a wake-up call.
“That early loss is good for you, humbles you a little bit,” Pack said. “Really our first away test, especially with that atmosphere. [Kentucky] had a great home atmosphere for us. It woke us up. We figured out some things we need to work on. They showed us the things that we need to focus in on, and you’re able to focus on that and get better.”
Next up, Miami will face Colorado in New York at the NABC Brooklyn Showcase. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. on Sunday.
As college students, we’re no strangers to the infamous frat flu and the annual semester sickness, but what do you do when you’re miles away from home and mom can’t make you her miracle chicken soup?
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do when you’re sick in college.
Be honest. Can you really go to class right now?
Your health should be your top priority. According to the CDC, Rhinoviruses, or the common cold, are spread by simply coughing or sneezing. By staying home to get some rest, you protect yourself and others as well.
Allowing yourself one day of rest could restore the strength you need to continue your daily activities. Don’t ignore your body’s need to rest — resting allows your body to put energy into healing instead of fighting the illness. The CDC says, “Most rhinovirus infections are mild, but they can cause severe illness, especially in people with weakened immune systems, asthma, or other underlying medical conditions.” Your body works hard on a daily basis, you owe it to yourself to care for your health.
Don’t panic. Plan.
If you feel overwhelmed with your responsibilities, make a list of everything you will miss out on while recovering. Email your professors to let them know you’ll miss class and reach out to classmates for notes and important information.
Read the syllabus. Most professors include an absentee protocol to follow.
On a scale from 1 to Student Health Center visit, how bad is it?
Assess your symptoms. Movement can help alleviate symptoms like congestion and fatigue. But, don’t exert yourself, as your body is in a fragile state.
If you don’t notice your symptoms subsiding after a few days of rest and self-care, use your resources! Consider scheduling an appointment at the Student Health Center at https://umiamihealth.org/en/myuhealthchart.
Hydration. We know — unheard of for college students.
No, energy drinks and overpriced Starbucks lattes don’t count as hydration.
Drinking liquids can help you replenish the fluids you’ve lost while releasing mucus and can help balance the temperature in your body if you have a fever. Water is fine, but consider drinking something with electrolytes like Gatorade or Emergen-C, which contains vitamins for energy and immune support. Liquid IV drink mix is also a great option for electrolytes and extra hydration.
Other fluids, like tea and soup, can have benefits other than hydration. The classic hot tea, lemon and honey combo can soothe a sore throat and you can never go wrong with soup — chicken or bone broth can help your immune system fight the common cold.
Manifesting won’t help you now, darling — take some medicine.
You do not have to leave campus to stock up your medicine cabinet. The Market next to the Hurricanes Food Court sells a variety of over-the-counter options, and the Walgreens inside Student Health holds an even larger selection of products for your sick needs.
Another option is the Pharmabox vending machine in the Merrick Building.
If your temperature matches the 100-degree Miami weather, take Tylenol for your fever. Medicine with ibuprofen like Advil can help relieve pain and inflammation. If congestion is making your voice sound like a bad impression of Kermit the Frog, decongestants like Mucinex D or Afrin nasal spray work well.
As you hear in the commercials, consult with your primary care provider if these medications are safe for you to take.
Vicks VapoRub. Enough said.
Your abuela’s secret weapon is no joke. The substance is a miracle cure for the common cold.
Vicks VapoRub is a topical cough suppressant that you can rub on your chest, throat and even under your nose to relieve common cold symptoms and minor body aches.
You have a valid excuse to oversleep and binge-watch shows.
This is a perfect chance to catch up on the sleep you lost during those midterm all-nighters. Greg Richter of writes for UPenn Medicine News says, “During sickness, cells are under stress, and organisms experience sleepiness to promote sleep and recover from the cellular stress.” Being sick exhausts your body, so a long nap might be your best medicine.
When you find yourself in between naps, capitalize on the opportunity to go through your watchlist and cross off those movies you told your film major friend you would watch but never did. For a binge-watching session, tune into shows like “Gilmore Girls” or “Seinfeld” on Netflix, which are easy to follow and full of the best medicine: laughter.
“Mom, I’m sick and lonely.”
Being sick and alone in your dorm room is not fun, so call a friend or family member to take your mind off of how awful you feel. Who knows? They might bring you a freebie from the pop-up giveaway that conveniently appeared on campus the second you fell ill.
A quick conversation with a loved one can lift your spirits, and an improved mood can speed up the recovery process.
Prepare for next time.
It’s time you become the health authority for both you and your roommates. You can’t survive on two sips of water and two-ounce bags of Doritos forever. Your body will respond eventually, so put these preventive measures in place to combat the inevitable.
No more empty medicine drawers — stock them with the aforementioned over-the-counter remedies, herbal tea and cough drops. Carry around hand sanitizer and wash your hands often, not just when you use the bathroom. Basic hygiene goes a long way.
Consider purchasing an air purifier. Communal living means sharing not only a living space but air and bacteria with other people. The Levoit Core 300 or a Blueair by HERPA are high-quality options that are compact, perfect for the limited space you have in a college dorm.
Consider wearing a mask or face covering if you have a lingering cough or start to feel under the weather. The CDC says this is useful “for example, in household settings when someone is sick or in crowded indoor settings such as public transportation when respiratory disease activity is high in your community.” It’s a great way to keep yourself healthy and care for your fellow ‘Canes.
According to a survey on stress in college students from the American Addiction Center, 89% of respondents said they felt stress from exams. Large stacks of final tests, projects, presentations and essays can be overwhelming for students to take on over the course of just a few days.
Pressure to perform well can take a toll on a student’s wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your mental health as you navigate the end of the semester:
Get enough sleep
We have all heard this piece of advice countless times. However, a good night’s sleep is scientifically proven to help you feel more refreshed and in control of your emotions. According to the University of Michigan School of Public Health, “one night of sleep deprivation can dramatically affect mood the next day.”
Getting inadequate sleep can increase feelings of anxiety, which are already heightened during exam season. Whether it means going to bed earlier or sleeping in later, plan your days out to get your full eight hours.
Plan your study schedule in advance
Last-minute cramming for an exam can quickly lead students to feel overwhelmed. Instead, map out what exams you have on each day and plan your study schedule accordingly.
You know yourself best. What subjects do you struggle with the most? Prioritize studying for those exams more. Creating a plan of attack can help make you feel more in control and ready to take on the exams.
Find a study spot that works for you
A good study spot is crucial to your productivity during this time. Whether you like to study in one spot or vary your locations, a comfortable environment is important for your success.
The second floor of the Richter Library and the stacks offer silent studying environments, while the first floor is more social. When Richter gets crowded, the law library and music library are solid alternatives.
The Shalala Center, Lakeside Village, the Aresty building in the business school and Cox Science building all have quiet tables and places to sit. Additionally, the gliders and tables around campus are great options, if you prefer to be outside.
Exercise
Release those endorphins! According to WebMD, studies show that people who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and lower rates of depression.
Your mind is going to be extremely active during finals, and so should your body. Hit the weights or take a hot girl walk at sunset. Whatever your physical activity of choice is, be sure to keep it up during finals season. Even if you listen to a crash course while you walk on the treadmill, it’s important to balance studying with exercise.
Eat healthy meals
Food is nourishment for the body and the brain, so be sure to nourish your body with clean foods that make you feel good. Never deny yourself a little treat to reward yourself for all of the studying, but be sure to balance them out with some fruits and veggies.
A long study session is not an excuse to skip out on meals. Be sure to give your body the nutrients it needs to power you through the long days.
Make time to socialize with friends
Your friends are your support system at school, and chances are, they are experiencing the same stress as you. Get together to debrief the whirlwind of emotions you are going through and plan some fun activities to get your mind off of the stress.
DIY a craft, bake, host a movie night or go out for lunch. Whatever you like to do with your friends throughout the semester, continue during finals season. Your people will be sure to brighten your day.
Get a dose of Vitamin D
A lot of other university exam seasons are filled with dark, cold days, but one of the perks of attending school in Miami is the gorgeous winter weather.
Spend some time sitting outside by the lake or at the UC pool for some Vitamin D, which is known to help you feel more awake, alert and energized. According to Bloodline, to maintain healthy blood levels, aim to get 10–30 minutes of midday sunlight, several times per week.
You’ll need the energy to fuel your long study sessions.
Attend University-sponsored events
UM puts on a variety of different events to help students during finals weeks. A petting zoo, hammocks, midnight breakfast, massages and free merchandise are a few of the experiences UM students can take part in.
Stop by De-Stress Fest, hosted by Student Government, which will take place on Dec. 6 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lakeside Patio. Take advantage of free food, massage chairs, therapy dogs and giveaway items.
Be sure to follow @univmiami on Instagram for announcements and updates on free finals week events.
Diana Khodan played her last tennis match in a Miami uniform on April 1, 2022.
It was perhaps her best performance of the season — a resounding straight-sets victory — and came against Columbia in the first-ever collegiate tennis match at the Miami Open.
Four days later, Khodan fell during practice. The third-year sophomore ran to return a ball with her backhand, like she’d done so many times before.
But this time was different.
She slipped, shifted her entire body weight onto her right knee and felt immediate pain.
“I still remember that moment,” teammate Isabella Pfennig said. “I was playing next to her the last five minutes of practice. All of a sudden she goes down and starts screaming. I’m like, ‘Oh my god.’”
Teammates and coaches swarmed Khodan, whose knee was swollen. An MRI soon revealed the damage — a season-ending ACL injury. It was another blow to an already difficult past few months.
In February 2022, Russia invaded Khodan’s home country of Ukraine. Her family still lived there, and she worried her father and brother would go to war.
“If I’m on the team, I have to fight,” Khodan said of her mentality following the invasion. “Especially [because] I knew my people in Ukraine [were] fighting for freedom and everything, so I have to do the same here.”
Khodan refused to give up, even after tearing her ACL. She still wanted to be there for her teammates, so she decided to try something new — coaching.
“I still wanted to be involved,” Khodan said. “I still wanted with [my team] to go through all the ups and downs and try to do my best and give some of my experiences, my stories and how I started to new kids.”
Khodan didn’t want to coach at first, but she couldn’t deny she had all the qualifications. She started playing tennis at only 7 years old and was competing in International Tennis Federation tournaments at just 14.
When it was time to go to college, Khodan turned down offers from powerhouse schools like Florida, NC State and Texas to play for head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews at Miami. But just three matches into her collegiate career, she tore cartilage in her left wrist that required season-ending surgery.
Diana Khodan celebrates after winning a point during her singles match versus Georgia Tech sophomore Ruth Marsh at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center on Feb. 25, 2022. Photo credit: Jared Lennon
Khodan returned as a second-year sophomore and solidified a spot in both singles and doubles by her third season in Coral Gables. She boasted a 19-9 singles record during the 2022 season before her ACL injury, which included a seven-match winning streak, and Miami ranked No. 6 in the country.
When Khodan went down, it seemed like the Hurricanes’ momentum had come to a screeching halt. Teammate Maya Tahan was now without her long-time doubles partner, and true freshman Tatyana Nikolenko had the tall task of filling that void.
Tahan and Khodan always loved playing together, and that chemistry translated to the court, where they peaked at No. 14 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association doubles rankings in 2021.
After her injury, Khodan immediately thought of Tahan.
“I was thinking most of all [about] doubles, about my partner and stuff because we were so close,” Khodan said. “She’s my best friend from the first day because we started together, and we basically went through everything together.”
Unable to take the court, Khodan still supported her team from the sideline, traveling to Indiana for Miami’s match against Notre Dame just three days after tearing her ACL. Nikolenko registered her first collegiate singles victory, but the Hurricanes weren’t able to beat the Fighting Irish.
Still, Khodan’s coaching career had begun, and she gained more experience during the rest of the season. Her reaction to one Miami victory left an impression on Pfennig.
“There’s this picture where she’s jumping,” Pfennig said. “She was not supposed to jump with her knee, but you could just see how happy she was. And you could be like, maybe she’s not as happy because that should be her playing, but I feel like that just said a lot about her.”
Khodan was upset, but she spoke with Yaroshuk-Tews about being a positive presence in front of her teammates. She wanted to show them that she was okay.
Khodan had surgery on April 25, 20 days after tearing her ACL, and it took nine months for her to fully recover. She joined the University of Miami women’s tennis staff as a student assistant coach in August 2022 — four months after her injury.
During her first season on staff, Khodan helped the Hurricanes to a 16-8 record and a NCAA Team Championship appearance. Miami finished the year ranked No. 16 in the country.
However, the transition from player to coach wasn’t always easy. Khodan had trouble developing a professional relationship with her former teammates, who were also her best friends.
Now with a year of coaching experience under her belt, Khodan feels much more confident. She always brings positive energy to the court, according to Pfennig, who has learned a lot from Khodan’s response to adversity.
“Sometimes I look at her and I’m like, ‘Wow,” Pfennig said. “There were so many things [that happened] in the span of three months, but she was still coming out here with a smile. So I feel like that’s just really taught me that there’s always something you can be happy about, and you have to make the best out of it.”
Currently a fifth-year senior, Khodan doesn’t know what the future will look like — back home in Ukraine, or in Coral Gables — but she hopes to keep coaching at Miami. Regardless of what happens, Khodan will stay positive. It’s what she’s been doing during her entire collegiate career.
Sophomore vocal performance major Silvio Plata stands in front of the Shalala Student Center on Dec. 4, 2023. Photo credit: Marcus Iheukwumere
Sophomore Silvio Plata lost his eyesight as an infant. Despite his blindness, Plata leaned into his musical talent, learned to play several instruments and earned enough scholarships to study vocal performance on a full-ride at the Frost School of Music.
A new opportunity for Plata came during a chance encounter in March 2023, when he met Frost graduate student Camilo Salas while grabbing coffee at the food court.
“He helped me find where the line began at Vicky’s, because that’s always a little bit of a challenge,” Plata said. “So we just started talking from there.”
As the final project for his master’s degree in media scoring & production, Salas created an audio workshop for visually-impaired musicians that teaches the basics of music production. The project sets itself apart from audiobooks with its slow pace, attention to detail and interactive moments.
“There is no technical or practical guide for visually-impaired musicians to go baby step by baby step, learning how to click and start the process,” Salas said. “This specific audio worship takes the time to do that.”
After Salas told Plata about the workshop, the pair met again, and Salas got to see his work in action as Plata went through most of the workshop.
“He gave me his approval for the project, and that was so motivating for me to finish it, polish it and send it out as my final project,” Salas said.
Voiced by UM alum and producer partner Erik Gunarrson, the workshop’s 13 chapters cover every part of the production process, from recording and editing to mixing and mastering. The highly-detailed chapters thoroughly break down each skill, down to what keys to click and where they are located on the keyboard.
“I think it’s very helpful,” Plata said. “For a person like me who [doesn’t] really have much experience, I think it’s a great resource.”
Plata plans to revisit the audio workshop when he takes music technology next semester, a required course for Frost students. In the meantime, Salas is working on refining the workshop and expanding its reach.
“If this can go a little further, [Plata] is gonna be the first person to get the course,” Salas said. “I haven’t found a way of making it more public, [but] that will be fuel so I can keep going and keep developing, testing other students, making it better.”
UM alum Camilo Salas and sophomore vocal performance major Silvio Plata test the audio workshop.
The recent UM grad developed a passion for teaching music to visually-impaired students in Colombia, where Salas took a workshop on braille and music while completing his bachelor’s degree in 2018. This passion followed him to UM, fueling his master’s project and motivation to keep teaching music education.
“I believe that visually-impaired musicians have way more listening skills than what we have,” Salas said. “I think in the community, there are potential producers of the year, potential mixing engineers. They listen way better than us.”
Plata has seen firsthand how support helped him hone his musical skills. The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind — where Plata received therapy at 19 months old and learned to read braille — prepared him for school. At the Doral Conservatory, he received musical training.
“I’m grateful that I had a wonderful support team of music teachers who always helped me hone in on my skills and polish my talents, and get me to where I am today,” Plata said.
The young musician’s talent has scored him outstanding opportunities, like singing with one of his “biggest idols,” world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who also became blind at the age of 12.
Plata got the chance to show Bocelli how to use a new digital braille reader when he visited the Miami Lighthouse in 2019, but didn’t realize the interaction would lead to a full-on duet.
“I’ve sung at the Marlins. I’ve sung at the Dolphins. I’ve sung in front of so many huge crowds,” Plata said, “but nothing compares to singing in front of that one person who you admire so much.”
He says his Christian faith gave him a fresh perspective on his disability.
“I think God took away my eyesight but replaced it with so many positive things — like my musical talent, my academic merits and talents as well — for the sole purpose to show society that a disability is just not a limitation,” Plata said. “It’s not an obstacle. It’s not in any way a hindrance to success.
The future is wide for Plata, who plans to venture into music production, but also has interests in political science and attending law school. At the end of the day, one question fuels his drive:
“Why not pursue my passion and just do what my heart desires?”
Junior Lily Ezersky takes a deep breath as she prepares her voice to deliver calming melodies to cancer patients at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Ezersky’s singing is accompanied by the strums of her acoustic guitar as she guides patients’ breathing in a meditation exercise.
At the Frost School of Music, this musical performance is as integral to patient treatment as traditional medicine. Here, music therapy merges melodies into medicine to relieve stress among patients.
“Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music as a therapeutic mechanism of alleviating stress and elevating quality of life,” music therapy program director Dr. Teresa Lesiuk said. “It’s used in several different dimensions such as emotional and cognitive areas, sensory motor areas and overall in different health settings.”
The music therapy major is offered at the Frost School of Music under a Bachelor of Music. Students in the program get a unique educational experience characterized by accomplished professors, compelling courses, hands-on clinical opportunities and a bonus minor in psychology.
“When trying to decide which college I would attend, Frost spoke to me the most,” Ezersky, a music therapy major, said. “I was drawn to its emphasis on scientific rationale, the music rationale and how much we prioritize the brain. I think it’s important to actually understand what we are doing.”
Frost’s program prepares music therapy students to work in any one of these areas. Besides the typical undergraduate music courses and major-specific behavioral courses, the music therapy major boasts a comprehensive clinical practice program.
“Starting sophomore spring semester, and every semester after, students are placed in different clinical settings,” Dr. Lesiuk said.
The options for clinical placement are extensive, a testament to the multiple connections and partnerships that Frost has established since its music therapy program began in 1969. Clinical sites include Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Miller School of Medicine.
In addition to these partnerships, the program’s approach to therapy education has evolved since its founding.
Yani Trevin Rubio, a double ‘Cane who received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from UM — has witnessed this transition firsthand.
“The philosophy, structure and actual curriculum have changed a bit since I was a student,” Rubio said. “When I started in this program, there was a more humanistic emphasis and focus on person-centered therapy. Today, it’s more your neurological music therapy (NMT) based approach.”
As an often misunderstood yet rapidly expanding field, UM’s program ensures that its students are at the forefront of music therapy’s evolution in the world.
“There is a misconception that this field is simply singing to people to make them feel better,” Rubio said. “We as professionals have to understand how the body works, how muscles work and what parts of the brain are affected by certain techniques and protocols. That is how we decide what elements of music are incorporated into our treatment.”
The amount of research areas within music therapy careers are extensive.
“Some of our students do research as well,” Dr. Lesiuk said. “I have a student right now who’s going to be recruiting people with lung cancer and other breathing disorders for their research project.”
Lesiuk has worked with the Parkinson’s community in collaboration with the Miller School of Medicine. Today, she investigates how brain activity in an individual with mild cognitive impairment or early onset Alzheimer’s is affected by their favorite music.
“At Frost, we analyze how the brain functions, and in turn, start to understand how utilizing music can aid a person’s recovery,” Ezersky said.
Music therapists must have an in-depth knowledge of different medical conditions in order to determine the best care for their patients.
“They have to know the condition their client has very well because in order to provide the most effective treatment in your therapeutic music experiences, your interventions, your activities that you’re working with, you need to understand the diagnosis,” Rubio said.
Understanding the diagnosis is essential, but it comes with its challenges. Music therapists have a responsibility to help suffering individuals, which often takes an emotional toll. Frost students are taught to turn those feelings into fuel for their work.
“Something I try to teach my students is don’t see the disability, but see the ability and the possibility,” Rubio said.
The education that UM music therapy students receive prepares them for careers where they can live out their passions while simultaneously making a difference in the lives of their clients and communities.
“This school has helped me gain so much experience in the field,” Ezersky said. “I’m confident in the ways I’m being prepared here both musically and clinically. I’m sure I’ll enter as a well-rounded candidate into the internship application process.”
As the music therapy field grows, Frost’s program is prepared to meet that demand by shaping the next generations of practitioners into well-rounded professionals equipped with the necessary skills to offer the highest quality care.
“As music therapists we are helping people heal, we are helping people recover and we are helping people to strategize so that their lives are easier,” Ezersky said. “Music, as a universal language, facilitates that.”
COPE members at a tabling event on Thursday, Feb. 2. Photo credit: Contributed photo
According to the Mayo Health Clinic, 44% of college students struggle with depression, but only 25% seek guidance — UM’s Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) organization aims to increase that percentage of students asking for help.
COPE works to destigmatize mental health and save lives through educational outreach programs. COPE’s peer educators work alongside the University’s counseling center to help students face demanding workloads and adapt to college life.
“Some of the biggest mental struggles that we see at the counseling center from my perspective include experiences with anxiety, academic distress, difficulties coping with a breakup, as well as experiences with depression,” said Elvin Blanco, a licensed therapist with the counseling center.
To ease these struggles, COPE promotes mental health awareness and education by commemorating national observances, providing self-care tips on social media and being a personal pathway between students and UM’s counseling center.
The organization guides students to find self-care practices, like therapy or meditation, that suit them.
“We understand that [therapy] may not be the best course of acting for everybody,” COPE Chair Emily Goldstein said. “Our motto is to meet students where they are. We really just want to put out all the resources for students, and then they can take what they want from it.”
National observances like Suicide Prevention Month in September and Mental Health Awareness Month in May offer COPE the opportunity to normalize discussion of mental health disorders.
Goldstein, a senior studying psychology and community and applied psychological studies, recalled COPE’s world suicide prevention day event.
“We had created graphics for tips to help with friends who may be struggling, for warning signs to look out for in very aesthetically pleasing ways,” Goldstein said. “I think just even saying these things and not saying it in a way that we’re hiding it or we’re embarrassed…it’s just really important in the sphere of normalization.”
Therapists like Blanco find that having peer educators has encouraged more students to open up about their struggles.
“Students Helping Students: A Guide for Peer Educators on College Campuses” explains that peer educators’ awareness of what struggling students may be going through adds to their effectiveness.
“They are instrumental in sharing educational information in ways that us clinicians cannot at times, because they can relate more to their peers,” Blanco said. “They are effective in helping us reach more students, combating stigma and being role models for mental health.”
COPE hosts events like the Clothesline Project and Raising the Flag to promote sexual assault awareness and support survivors of sexual violence.
Over 5,000 Instagram viewers are reminded of the University’s Sexual Assault Resource Team (SART) and its anonymous sexual assault hotline through the Clothesline Project. Victims at Raising the Flag destigmatize conversions about sexual assault with powerful speeches.
“These big signature events that we have are public displays of normalizing the mental health conversation and engaging people in it who have it stigmatized for them,” Goldstein said. “The Clothesline Project is this huge display of t-shirts all around campus — you literally can’t miss it. We do have trigger warnings, of course.”
Goldstein leads weekly meetings with the same passion she had when she joined COPE as a sophomore. Peer educators look forward to helping with events and training to assist students.
“Even when we’re not necessarily wearing a COPE shirt or wearing a peer educator hat, we do consider ourselves to be holding that role in all the spaces that we’re in on campus,” Goldstein said.
Licensed therapists and counselors train peer educators to condole and help guide students to the University’s counseling center during COPE general body meetings.
“One of our main goals as peer educators is really just to be those spaces for students on campus and just kind of exemplify all the values peer educators hold, whether or not we’re at a COPE event,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein’s pride for COPE increases as new campus organizations and colleges request to collaborate.
“We are working to become a presence in as many places as we possibly can,” Goldstein said. “We’re really trying to extend our outreach and learn what the needs are from students themselves and then how we can best meet those needs.”
COPE encourages students to become the best versions of themselves through advocating mental health awareness and support.
Students interested in becoming a COPE peer educator can apply in the fall 2024 semester. Follow COPE’s Instagram @cope_umiami to see upcoming events.
Myke Towers performs at the Kaseya Center on Nov. 26. Photo credit: Sophie Toledano
Dedicated Myke Towers fans filled the halls of the Kaseya Center with anticipation on Nov. 26 for the final hurrah of his “La Vida es Una” Tour.
The Puerto Rican rapper paved the way for Latin trap along with notable artists such as Ozuna, Bryant Myers and Bad Bunny in the early 2010’s. Since then, reggaeton has taken over the Latin Music scene.
The high spirited evening started with songs from Towers’ latest album, “LVEU: Vive La Tuya, No La Mia” which translates to “Live yours, not mine.” When performing “La Falda,” Towers serenaded the audience to perrea, or “twerk” in their short skirts to his music.
The show was extremely interactive by maintaining audience engagement. Numerous women from the crowd gathered backstage for a chance to dance on Towers, a highly-anticipated part of the concert. They also performed beside him, singing the hits word for word as they displayed their unwavering support for their favorite artist.
A touching moment was witnessing Towers’ son Shawn come on stage and watch his father in his element. This represented the duality of a superstar playboy who’s also an active dad. It was interesting, sweet, and humanized him.
Shortly after, guests Justin Quiles and Juhn joined Towers onstage as the crowd roared at the unexpected appearances. They performed hits like “Bandito” and “Whiskey y Coco.” The joy in the hearts of audience members sent waves throughout the center, all in the name of Latin trap.
While Towers performed collaborative hits like “La Curiosidad” and “Fiel,” he also sang his solo hits like “Diosa” and “Piensan,” reminding fans that the ambitious Latin rapper is capable of putting out solo albums while still maintaining his status.
The night to remember came to an end with his infamous “Lala” song. As Towers exited the stage, fans followed, singing the lyrics all the way home.
Between the surprise guests, the old hits and the extensive audience engagement, Towers is a powerhouse performer that I cannot wait to see again.
Miami is known for its wide variety of music scenes, hosting festivals like Ultra, Rolling Loud and III Points. Aside from that, Miami is the source of the 2016 SoundCloud rap explosion that helped bring Florida rap into the mainstream.
Apart from contributing to the electronic and rap scenes, Miami has always been a hub for Latin music, covering everything from Reggaeton to Salsa. The question arises: could a country music festival thrive and sell in South Florida?
The answer to that is a resounding yes.
Headliner Thomas Rhett performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez
In its inaugural year, the Country Bay Music Festival was held on Nov. 11-12 next to the abandoned Miami Marine Stadium, was famous for hosting boat races and concerts for Jimmy Buffet, Ray Charles, Queen and other legendary acts.
Headlined by Thomas Rhett and Sam Hunt, the lineup also featured respected country artists such as Lainey Wilson, Randy Houser, Lee Brice, Chris Young, Elle King, and Chris Lane.
Some of the festival’s unique features included a swimming pool in the VIP area, yacht parking to enjoy the festival sounds from the comfort of your boat and carnival rides available to the general public.
Various food vendors serviced the two-day festival, including Miami Street Tacos, Turkey Legs, La Cantrina, The Cook Miami, Lumpia Bros and Miami favorite, Burger Trap. Festival grounds exuded a more mature atmosphere with the several bars and tobacco vendors, along with sponsorships from Jack Daniels, Coors Light, White Claw and Zyns.
Despite the raging Miami sun, numerous attendees showed up in full-on western gear with their cowboy boots and hats.
The crowd’s energy was incredible with everyone being very kind and respectful, challenging stereotypes that those from urban areas might hold about country enthusiasts.
The easy-going energy l reminded me of growing up in Texas. It almost felt like I was transported out of Miami until I bought a twenty-dollar drink and reality set back in.
Even more surprising was the number of people line dancing to country classics like “Country Girl (Shake It)” by Luke Bryan and songs like “Low” by Flo Rida.
It was one of my favorite experiences — along with the Coors Light Boots and Beer Garden, the only place to watch the UM vs FSU game. The unique atmosphere resembled the lively scenes in Tallahassee as alumni and fans gathered to cheer for their teams.
Once UM lost, most fans left the bar and went to watch Lainey Wilson give one of the festival lineup’s best performances.
Lainey Wilson performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez
Currently the “it girl” of country music, Wilson came off an amazing year in which she toured with Luke Combs and snatched five CMA awards for her album, “Bell Bottom Country.”
The Louisiana native came out in her signature bell bottoms and put on a marvelous show that included her hit “Watermelon Moonshine,” which the entire crowd sang while holding up their phone flashlights.
She also included her rendition of the 4 Non Blondes track “What’s Up?” and her collaboration with HARDY “Wait in the Truck.” Wilson ended her set with “Heart Like a Truck,” leaving a lasting impression on the crowd with her amazing set.
After Lainey’s set, the Miami sun had set and the on-site carnival was lit up like a Las Vegas strip. The ferris wheel gave incredible views of the festival and the Miami skyline.
Thomas Rhett came out and started off his headlining setlist with “Vacation,” then went on to perform hits such as “Look What God Gave Her,” “Unforgettable” and “Die a Happy Man.” He also brought out Nate Smith to do a rendition of Rhett’s track, “Beer Can’t Fix.”
The second day was just as exciting, with both BRELAND and Blanco Brown having some of the more entertaining performances. Both have been known in the country scene for their combination of country melodies with hip-hop beats and flows.
BRELAND performs at the Country Bay Music Festival in Nov 2023. Photo credit: Manny Hernandez
BRELAND performed his viral hit “My Truck” and Brown rocked the crowd with “The Git Up.”
A performance from Elle King lit up the place as she performed her multi-platinum hit “Ex’s and Oh’s” along with crowd favorites, “America’s Sweetheart” and “Jersey Giant.”
Off stage activities included a mechanical bull inside the Ford Blue Saloon. Jack Daniels had a cornhole game that gave out prizes such as sunglasses, iron on patches, phone stands1 and koozies.
Zelle opened up a “Purple Paradise,” which was part art installation and part viewing experience at the festival, allowing you to enjoy elevated views around some of the most colorful backdrops.
After exploring more of the festival, Lee Brice held an electrifying show that included an ludicrous drum solo during a cover of Boston’s “Foreplay” accompanied by water jetpacks and fireworks by the yacht dock.
It was then time for the final headliner of the weekend: Sam Hunt. Even though Hunt has only released two formal albums, he’s been quite the superstar with a plethora of singles and features that have helped cement his reputation as one of country’s best singers.
Hunt came out immediately flowing into some of his biggest hits such as the dynamic “House Party” as well as the anthemic “23.” Hunt had one of the most perfect sounds at this festival as his pop-like approach to country engaged the crowd. His set was filled with modern classics such as “Body Like a Back Road” as well as covers of country staples like “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”
After Hunt’s set, a firework display officially called for the end of the inaugural Country Bay Music Festival. If the banner next to the exit didn’t make it obvious enough, next year’s festival will be held on Nov. 9-10, 2024.
Country Bay offered a comprehensive experience, with admission covering access to rides, food stands and giveaways. The kindness of attendees stood out, fostering a hope that this festival will become a staple in Miami’s rich musical tapestry.
Tom Hiddleston as Loki at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con International in San Diego, California. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In the wake of a tumultuous Phase Four that left fans uncertain about the future, we now find ourselves in Phase Five of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Since the remarkable conclusion of Marvel’s Phase Three in 2019 with the release of “Avengers: Endgame” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” fans were eager to see what lay ahead.
The unveiling began during the COVID-19 pandemic with “Wandavision,” the first Marvel show on Disney+ that received mostly positive reviews. Then came the less well-received “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
This trend set the stage for a diminishing interest and hype surrounding the once-beloved MCU, culminating in the lowest box office opening for any Marvel film with “The Marvels.”
However, amidst the uncertainty, one project stood out — the “Loki” series.
Despite being part of the post-Endgame releases, Loki received acclaim for its first season in 2021 and recently concluded its second season.
The narrative revolves around Loki (Tom Hiddleston) plucked from a different timeline and serving as an agent for the Time Variance Authority (TVA), an organization created by a variant of Kang The Conqueror.
The first season introduced Kang, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, and expanded on his character in “Ant-Man: Quantumania,” a film that faced harsh criticism.
Since its introduction, Marvel fans have received much information on the “multiverse” and how it functions, with introductions of variant superheroes in “Doctor Strange: Multiverse of Madness” and the reintroduction of the Spiderman characters originally played by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield.
Returning cast members include Mobius (Owen Wilson) and Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) with the introduction of Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan as Ouroboros, the head technician of the TVA.
The second season can be divided into three acts, with every two episodes acting as one act. In the first act, we meet Ouroboros as Loki can’t control his spontaneous time traveling. Loki and Mobius are also searching for Sylvie who may have answers to the future of the TVA.
The time loop that was originally kept to keep the multiverse stable is also about to collapse, adding a sense of urgency throughout the season.
The second act involves Victor Timely, a Kang variant from 1892 who grows up knowing how to manipulate time and create inventions much earlier than he’s supposed to. Loki and Mobius must stop the rogue Renslayer and Miss Minutes from using him to take over the TVA. Loki and gang succeed in stopping Renslayer and we are thrust into the last arc.
In the show’s final act, Loki and the gang, with the help of the Victor Timely variant, are doing their best to save existence, but ultimately fail. This leads to what would’ve been a final scene had it not been for Loki finally figuring out how to manipulate time.
After going back and forth between different moments of his life, he finally figures out that the only way to stop He Who Remains is to destroy the temporal loop and spend the rest of eternity as the God of Stories, who watches over the multiverse.
This ultimate self-sacrifice at the end of series goes to show how much the Loki character has grown over the past fourteen years, from benevolent mischief maker to the hero no one ever thought he could be.
With Eric Martin as head writer, there was little doubt that the show would be a miss. There isn’t as much an effort to connect to fan service, which helps make Loki a better show. There’s an emphasis on story that’s lacking in other MCU films and shows.
The show allows us to connect to Loki, Sylvie and Mobius as reflections of heroes that are willing to make the sacrifices necessary for the greater good. That’s why Loki succeeds where other MCU shows fail.
While other MCU shows have an emphasis on setting up the next show or movie you need to watch to stay in the Marvel loop, Loki leaves more room to understand the psychology of the main cast.
Hiddleston’s performance as Loki will be remembered as one of the more iconic comic book character portrayals. Playing the role for over a decade, he paints the portrait of someone who is just misunderstood and lonely.
Quite the concept, “Loki” did not have a previous comic book storyline to bounce off and portray. It was a risky show to make, but the gamble was worth it.
If you’re a fan of the MCU, this is a required watch that lets you immerse yourself into the world of “Loki” and its unique concept of time travel.
With its linear story and outstanding cast, it’s easy to see why fans call this the best of the MCU shows.
Taylor Swift sings at her Eras Tour stop in Arlington, TX in April 2023. Photo credit: Ronald Woan from Redmond, WA, USA, via Wikimedia Commons
Welcome to “1989 (Taylor’s Version).” It’s been waiting for you!
The highly-anticipated, re-recorded 2014 album is here and dominating the charts. As per usual, the latest Taylor Swift album broke records.
On release week, eight out of 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 list were from her new album. “Is It Over Now? (Taylor’s Version)” debuted at number one, marking her 11th number one hit.
In 2019, Swift announced that she would re-record her first six albums after her masters were sold to music executive Scooter Braun for $330 million. Subsequently, he sold those masters to Shamrock Holdings for about $300 million.
“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”, the first re-recording released in April 2021, included the term “Taylor’s Version” to signify that she owns the masters. The 2021 album included six previously-unreleased tracks dubbed “From the Vault,” meaning Swift had unlocked the vault of old songs that never made it on her initial albums.
“1989 (Taylor’s Version)” contains 16 original songs and five vault tracks. Most of the songs sound the same, if not better than the original 2014 record. The harmonies across the album are beautiful and are especially prominent in “Blank Space (Taylor’s Version).”
Swift’s vocal evolution can be seen in “Out of the Woods (Taylor’s Version),” and her improved vocals take center stage on the track “I Know Places (Taylor’s Version).”
Songs like “Style (Taylor’s Version)” and “New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)” stick out for how distinct they sound from the original recordings. Some Swift fans, however, were disappointed that the electric guitar opening in “Style (Taylor’s Version)” sounds softer than the original version.
The more electric sound of “New Romantics (Taylor’s Version)” also came as a surprise to fans, as the original version was a popular track on the 2014 recording.
The lyrics from the vault tracks scream 2014 with their captivating hooks and rhymes, but the production leans more towards her album “Midnights,” likely due to her continued collaboration with Jack Antonoff.
Without further ado, here are my rankings of the five vault tracks, from least to most favorite.
Though it is an upbeat pop song with fun lyricism, “Suburban Legends” is my least favorite out of the bunch.
The song tells the story of two people in a relationship who were “born to be suburban legends.” This seemingly alludes to the fame of her 2012-2013 boyfriend Harry Styles, as they dated during the peak of One Direction’s popularity.
It packs a punch with lyrics like, “I broke my own heart ’cause you were too polite to do it,” but the song does not hit as hard as the other vault tracks.
4. “Say Don’t Go”
“Say Don’t Go” is the longest and most heartbreaking out of the vault songs. It’s about the end of a relationship, as Swift dedicated more time and energy than her partner did. The song features Swift’s deep alto notes, powerful metaphors and flowy lyricism.
The most heart-wrenching part of the gorgeously written track is, “I said I love you / you said nothing back.”
3. “‘Sl*t!’”
This was my most anticipated vault song and was completely different from my expectations. I thought it would be a fun pop song like “New Romantics,” but it ended up being a love song more akin to “This Love,” with a softer melody and image-provoking lyrics.
Though differing from my expectations, I adore the ethereal aesthetic and metaphorical lyrics about being in love.
“Got love struck went straight to my head / Got love sick all over my bed” are my favorite lyrics for their effortless flow and clever wordplay.
2. “Now That We Don’t Talk”
Though the shortest of the vault tracks, this song has quickly become a fan favorite. With a catchy beat and hook, this song can be played over and over again. Swift’s intelligent lyrics and Jack Antonoff’s upbeat production make for a fun song to sing and dance to.
My favorite lyrics are, “I don’t have to pretend I like acid rock / or that I’d like to be on a mega yacht / with important men who think important thoughts / guess maybe I am better off.”
1. “Is It Over Now?”
Swift saved the best for last with track 21, “Is It Over Now?”
Heartbreaking lyrics over a fun melody are a quintessential feature of iconic Swift songs. It’s no surprise that “Is It Over Now?” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 — this catchy song demands to be played on repeat.
Some Swifties even made a dance routine to the bridge which has gone viral on TikTok. Fans immediately became obsessed with the track and posted their theories about it online.
“When you lost control / red blood white snow” is thought to refer to the same snowmobile accident with Styles that Swift references in “Out of the Woods.”
“Is It Over Now?” is absolute perfection and one of her best vault tracks yet.
University of Miami Athletics has announced that Ken Mashur has been hired as the new head coach of the Hurricanes women’s soccer team, per a release from Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich.
“We are excited to welcome Ken to the University of Miami family,” Radakovich said. “Ken is a relentless recruiter and tactician who has a clear vision for how to build all aspects of a successful soccer program.”
Masuhr spent the previous six seasons as an associate head coach at Vanderbilt, helping lead the Commodores to yearly success under head coach Darren Ambrose. He helped the Commodores to five NCAA Tournament appearances, a Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season title in 2018, an SEC East title in 2019, and the conference tournament title in 2020.
“I am honored to begin this next chapter of my coaching journey at the University of Miami,” Masuhr said. “The opportunity to contribute to the storied legacy of the Hurricanes is both thrilling and inspiring. I look forward to working with the exceptional athletes and dedicated staff that make up this esteemed program.
Masuhr is known for his prowess at strengthening his teams’ defenses and reinforcing the back side of the field. His expertise helped Vanderbilt to have their first-ever player drafted to the National Women’s Soccer League – Myra Konte – who was selected 30th overall by the North Carolina Courage in 2021.
His defensive expertise culminated in a mere four goals allowed by the Commodores all season in 2020, a significant factor in their eventual victory in the SEC Tournament.
“I would like to thank Dan Radakovich and the search committee for making this process feel so seamless, and I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Vanderbilt University, Darren Ambrose, and Candice Lee for the incredible journey we shared. The memories and growth achieved during my time at Vanderbilt will forever be cherished. Leaving is bittersweet, but my family and I are excited about the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead at the University of Miami,” Masuhr said.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me and am eager to bring my passion for coaching to the Hurricanes. Go Canes!”
The next season of Hurricanes soccer will begin in August of 2024.
