Tracy wrote this in January of her junior year; it is just one of the numerous journal entries she has composed since she began cutting herself as a high school freshman.  Now 20 years old, Tracy admits that at times she still feels the urge to cut and sometimes she does.  From the beginning, it was never just one thing that led her to cut, but rather a build up of insecurities.

Her father was physically and verbally abusive in her early childhood.  “We still didn’t have a very good relationship,” Tracy said.  “I was worried about schoolwork, about fitting in, about my friends, about sports, about my parents, about my father hating me.”

Tracy’s sophomore English teacher first approached her about the growing number of cuts on her arms.  At the time, Tracy would always give a simple explanation, such as “I was carrying wood in for the woodstove” or “my cat scratched me.”  Over the course of the year, however, Tracy had established a trusting relationship with her teacher. 

One day after school in early April, Tracy’s teacher asked if the cuts were self-inflicted.  Turned away from her, Tracy said, “Maybe.”  While she never would have sought help on her own accord, Tracy realized in this moment that someone deeply cared for her.  “I remember the look of disappointment in her eyes that quickly disappeared, and became one of compassion,” she said.  “I very nearly told her my entire life in a nutshell, and she simply sat there and listened for almost two hours.”

When she told Tracy it was her official responsibility as a teacher to tell someone, Tracy was terrified.  “I didn’t want my parents to know, my guidance counselor, the nurse…I didn’t want anyone to know other than her,” she said.  “I kept trying to tell her that it was okay, that I would be okay, that my parents didn’t have to know.”

But within the week, Tracy agreed that she would find a way to tell her parents.  When she did, her teacher would be by her side.  “It took me a few minutes, but I managed to finally spit the words out.  ‘I’ve been cutting myself.’  They were blunt, and seemed more painful to say than it actually was to split my skin open with a knife.” 

In telling her parents, she also agreed to seek professional help.  But after seeing her primary care physician and a psychiatrist, Tracy continued to resist.  Her parents looked elsewhere for additional guidance.  Talking about her personal experiences with someone she knew was hard enough without having to tell a complete stranger too.

Ultimately, Tracy was required to meet with a psychologist on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.  While she would continue to hold back, she eventually discovered that her therapy sessions contained some value.  “I liked that [my therapist] didn’t judge me, and that she never told me to stop,” she said.  “She understood that it was more of an addiction than a simple act that I could be pulled away from.”

Today, Tracy feels that she has progressed, but is not yet able to move beyond her experiences.  She believes that all she can do is her best to cope with the problems and urges to cut as they arise.  Tracy also finds solace in supporting others who have dealt with similar struggles by encouraging them to seek and accept help.

“I admit that I have lost parts of me, and that I can’t get them back.  As awful as some of my experiences have been, I can’t go back and change them, and I wouldn’t if I could,” she said.  “Because of this, I can help other people.  But I remember what it is like to not have anyone to talk to, or anyone who truly understands, and that is what I have been trying to give other people.”

The Monadnock Flutes performed for a small audience of less than 20 on Thursday, May 6.

Denise Nolan, a faculty member in the Music as well as the Visual and Performing Arts Departments, directs the Monadnock Flutes.

“The flutists are all community members from the Monadnock area, but there are no students currently involved with the group,” said Nolan.

The performers were DeAnna Beetcher who played flute, Carrie Cormier who played flute and bass flute, Amara Cunningham who played flute and piccolo, Cynthia Healer who played flute, Kim LePointe who played flute and alto flute, and Beth Anne West who played flute.

The pieces they played were all classics, ranging from around the 1700s to the 1950s. “Marche Militaire, Op. 51 No. 1” and “Minuet” were the first two songs, and the entire group played them. Beetcher, Healer, LaPointe and West performed the third song called “Ten Miniatures”. It was made up of ten separate songs that were only about one minute long.

The whole group performed the fourth song, “Fugue in G”. Cormier, Cunningham, LaPointe and West played the fifth song, “Trio, Op. 59” which was separated into four different short songs just like “Ten Miniatures.”

Cormier, Cunningham and West played the sixth song, “Moon River.” For the last song, the whole ensemble played the well-known march, “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The Monadnock Flutes is open to flutists of all ages, both FPU students and community members. For more information about joining or scheduling a performance, Nolan can be contacted by e-mail at denise@denisenolanmusic.com.

Franklin Pierce held its annual Health and Safety fair at Pierce hall on Thursday, May 6 with a turnout of 80 students.

According to Chris Johnson, sophomore area Experience Director, “I estimate that there were at least eighty people who stopped in but at least fifty people who went around to the different tables.”

There were many different programs at the fair such as Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention, Sodexho, FP Safety Committee, FP Fire Safety, Campus Safety, Judicial Affairs, Residential Life and Academic Services.

Johnson also said “ I think this event is a great opportunity for everyone to learn some useful information in a fun way and try to win a great prize at the same time.”

The raffle prize was a Nintendo Wii and Wii fit. The winner of the raffle was sophomore Nick Emmons.

The purpose of the fair is to educate about health, alcohol, nutrition, fitness, and fire safety.

The Sodexho table had brochures on ways to stay healthy and how to maintain a healthy diet. They also had information on how to balance the mind, body and soul.

Residential Life was giving out snacks after students participated in a quick test to see if they knew the rules and regulations of the dormitory.

At the FP Safety Committee table they had different safety issue articles and what to do if people were ever in a hazardous situation.

EVS Manager Barbara Peloquin said “As the safety committee duty we address the safety issues on any topic of safety whether it’s short or long term needs,”

Students participated in a drinking obstacle activity by Campus Safety that involved impaired goggles and had students walk in a straight line. Students were also able to put on firefighting and as “firefighters” they had to climb and get out of a wooden obstacle with their heavy equipment.

According to Mariama Bonnetti, sophomore, “ I think it was informative and fun.”

Meet the recently installed members of the Student Government Association for the 2010-2011 academic year.

The members of the SGA Executive Board (From Left to Right): Ian McGinnes, Megan Landry, Nick Kostich, Marzell Barker, Amanda Fortier and Joe Ferris

Name: Joe Ferris

What year are you: I am a Junior, Class of 2011

What is your position on the board: I am President of the Student Senate
How long have you been involved: I have been involved with the SGA since second semester Freshman year, so almost 2.5 years to be exact.

What your role is on the exec board: I am responsible for all administrative purposes within the SGA as well as ensuring the completion of goals placed before us. I do my very best to maximize the potential of my already outstanding exec board in order to provide the students with all we have to offer, guaranteeing student satisfaction throughout this University.

What do you intend to do in the upcoming years: I plan on working extremely hard my senior year in the class room and putting every ounce of energy into the SGA, so when my time is over as President I will know I left the organization better off than when I entered it.
Otherhobbies/interst:  I’ve always been an athlete, my two loves are Ice Hockey and Baseball. I like the outdoors and training. I also enjoy Modern Warfare 2.

Anything else to add: The SGA is the best avenue to improve the day to day lives of the students. We have a budget close to $100,000 for student initiatives. If you are the type of student who feels like there isn’t enough to do or insufficient events, let us know what you want. We are here for every student on this campus, it is my exec boards goal and first priority to improve the satisfaction of the students here.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Ian McGinnes

What year are you: Junior

What is your position on the board: Student Body Vice President

How long have you been involved: 2 years, this coming year will be my third.

What your role is on the exec board: I am head of the capital improvements committee, I am delegated work from the president to do, and I also co-chair, the bus to Keene program with our president.

What do you intend to do in the upcoming years: Through capital improvements we already have some things in the works for early next semester, I am going to make sure that we have some kind of great improvement to our campus for next year through that committee.

What being a member of SGA means to you: I choose to be part of this program because I actually want to help the student body, I am happy to be a liaison between the students and the people that run this University. I also don’t mind public speaking to much.

 ________________________________________________________________________________

 Name: Amanda Fortier

What year are you: Sophomore

What is your position on the board: I am the secretary of the class senate.

How long have you been involved: This upcoming semester will be 5th semester in SGA. I have been in SGA since first semester freshman year.

What your role is on the exec board: I perform regular secretarial duties such as taking minutes of the meetings, formulating meeting agendas and sending weekly e-mails. A new thing I will be trying out next semester is creating a weekly news letter to e-mail to all students.

What does being a member of SGA mean to you: To me being a member of the SGA means doing everything I can to represent the students and have their voice be heard. I think a lot of people want to create change and don’t realize that they can make things happen if they only speak up. This campus community is very accepting of students’ ideas and very willing to use student input to create change.

Other hobbies/ interests: Other interests include being a peer leader and a women’s rugby player. I am on the executive board of the women’s rugby team and love it. I like to listen to music and be outside. I want to encourage any student with any concerns at all to e-mail me at Sgasecretary1@franklinpierce.edu.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Megan Landry

What year are you: Junior

What is your position on the board: I am the executive board treasurer for 2010-2011 academic year. 

What your role is on the exec board: We have many goals as a group but my most important individual goal is to change the budget cycles.  Right now we go through and look at budgets every two weeks.  My freshman year we did this twice in a semester and now we changed this because the planning had to be done so far in advance and when problems arose the money just wasn’t used.  My goal is to find a happy medium between the old and the new. I think that if we can do budgets maybe 5 times a year we can get some happy medium.

Other hobbies/ interests: On a more personal level I think that I am very easy going, approachable and easy to talk to.

 __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: Marzell Barker

What year are you: Sophomore

What is your position on the exec board: Secretary of clubs

How long have you been involved: This is my first time on the executive board but I’ve been in SGA since second semester of freshman year.

What your role is on the exec board: I make sure clubs are actually having meeting and they send me minutes from them as well as inventory. Think of me as the mother hen of clubs really.

What do you intend to do in the upcoming years:  I’m only going to be on the exec board for this upcoming year and I hope to help set up a system that will help clubs stay on track so that we don’t lose any more good clubs.

What being a member of SGA means to you: It has helped me see the inner workings of the school and has allowed me to solidify some of my relations with the clubs I’m currently in. It also is presenting me with an opportunity’s I would not have otherwise had. All in all for me it means I can give back to the school that I really do love.

The Cheney hall performance room was filled with family and friends to see the Franklin Pierce University Guitar Ensemble perform in front of a crowd of over 35 people.

The ensemble consisted of Jesse Allain, Jason Westover, Mark French, Matthew Begin, Benjamin Moss, and Joseph Gause.

The performance showcased over ten songs with each one having a very different feel. After each song the musicians would nod and the crowd would applause.

The show started with an opening performance by Allain and Scott Sanchez. They opened with more then three pieces preformed together including a piece in South America.

Next the rest of the ensemble came on stage to join Sanchez and Allain to perform multiple ensemble pieces. With the seven men on stage it made for a large ensemble with each man playing a different and crucial part to each song.

The ensemble ended with a crowd favorite and left everybody smiling. The group played Eight Days a Week which is a Beatles song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

Watercolor Paintings by Mary Lou Burness

By Whitney Pettibone
Edited by Adam Stahl

Mary Lou Burness, and her husband Don Burness donated two water color paintings to the Ingalls Library in the Rindge Town Center on May 4, 2010.

A group of about 30 people gathered in the adult section of the library to celebrate Mary Lou and the donation she was giving the library.  Everyone went up and hugged Mary Lou, as Don went around saying thank you to others in the library.

The Burness’s have been going to the Ingalls Library for 42 years.  Mary Lou has been an avid reader and exceptional painter.  She has always been in love with books and traveling.  After bouts of illness and strokes, she is wheelchair bound and cannot speak very well.  Her son Phil Burness was there to give a speech on the family.  “My mother is an adventurous and curious spirit who is a great lover of the written word.  She always has had a book in her hand,” her son said.

One of the paintings Mary Lou donated was of the Pont sur L’Ouveze in France.  The other was of sunflowers in a vase.  She painted them both in 2001, before the strokes.

Mary Lou has always been an exceptional painter.  Her and her husband have traveled all over the world, but they have a great attachment to France.  “We were married in France,” Don said, “we lived in a tent for eight months and traveled everywhere.”  They would go to art museum after art museum, and read every book they could find.

“Mary Lou is a very interesting person, but when you have strokes it takes a lot away from you,” Don said.

To see the paintings go to the Ingalls Library in the Rindge Town Center.

Mary Lou Burness and son Phil Burness

Brass Ensemble

On Thursday May 5, the Brass Ensemble held a concert in Cheney Hall for about 25 people.

The Ensemble played nine separate pieces. The music was from an array of genres and time periods. The group was made up of two trumpets, Rose Finlay and Aaron Freund, two French horns Floyd Oster and Angel Epiceno, alumnus, a trombone, Jesse Warren, and a tuba, Michael Barrasso.

“I was pleased with the overall performance last night. I think the group has worked very hard and deserves a lot of credit for the progress they have all made,” said Oster who is also the director.

Oster does hope for bigger crowds in the future though. “I always hope for a larger audience and so I hope to get the word out and include more people in our audience,” said Oster

Finlay will be the only senior graduating this year leaving the majority of the group intact for the fall. With the most of the ensemble returning there are things some of the member would like to change for next time. “I was certainly pleased with the turnout because it is always fun to play for a crowd. I was not too thrilled with my performance, I got a little too nervous,” said Freund.

The Brass Ensemble will be performing again this upcoming fall 2010.

The Franklin Pierce Ravens baseball team wrapped up their regular season last Saturday with a doubleheader sweep of Adelphi University, placing the Ravens second in the Northeast 10 conference.

Pappas Field will be the site for 2010 Northeast 10 tournament

The second place finish for the Ravens was high enough to have them host the Northeast 10 conference tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Having only been a part of the Northeast 10 for six years, this is an unheralded accomplishment for Coach Jayson King. King, who earned his 400 career coaching win earlier this season, led the Ravens to a 33-12-1 mark throughout the regular season, and a 19-6-1 record in the conference.

When asked what he thought about the season, sophomore Issac Wenrich said, “The season begins on Thursday against Adelphi, everything we’ve done to this point is in the past.” Wenrich was speaking about the Ravens first round match up against Adelphi University. Wenrich was a key contributor on offense for the Ravens this season prior to being held back

by injuries. He will again be leaned on in the playoffs.

The real story of the Ravens this season was the emergence of their young freshman and junior pitcher Jose Macias who spent his first season with Ravens as their starting short stop before making the switch to the mound this season. Macias was recently tagged the NE-10 pitcher of the year posting a perfect 8-0 record with a conference low 0.93 earned run average. As for the freshman, pitchers Joe Flynn, Rob Blanc and center fielder Nick Lacroix were named to the all rookie team for the NE-10 Conference.

These however were not the only Ravens to receive post season accolades as junior transfer Phil Hendricks (.367 2 homeruns 34 rbi) and sophomore catcher Mike Dowd (318 6 homeruns 29 rbi) accompanied Macias on the first team all-conference list. The Ravens were also well represented in the second team, with third basemen Derek Ingui, outfielder Mike Munoz, and right handers Mike Adams and Rob Nicholas.

NE-10 Pitcher of the year Jose Macias will get the ball for Ravens on Saturday of the tournament

When asked about how he felt this season went, senior Captain Cody Kauffman said, “The season went well we came up short of winning the league, but that’s why the playoffs are so great it gives us a chance to accomplish that. The playoffs are the place where every team aspires to be and it may the same game but it’s the same game with some added excitement.”

Looking ahead the Ravens will look to knock off top seed Southern Connecticut State to capture the team’s fifth NE-10 title in six years. The tournament begins this Thursday as the Ravens play host to Adelphi University, the game will be held at 330 on Pappas Field where the Ravens are an impressive 20-3 this season.

On Tuesday evening in Pierce Hall, a group of about 50 student leaders on campus got together for a leadership night.

In attendance were experience directors, CAs, peer leaders and members of the EMT and Fire Department. “The purpose of this meeting is to get all of the leaders on campus acquainted,” said sophomore Steven Jeune.

Students, faculty and staff practice icebreakers in Pierce Hall. (photo: Morgan Miller)

The evening started off by doing an activity that required students to get together without speaking and put all of their birthdays in order. Student leaders bustled about in confusion to complete the task, but were successful.

The next task that the group of students were assigned to do was get into groups of eight. The assignment was to create possible icebreakers to do with the incoming freshman class to help them get to know each other. The ideas ranged from a “ball grab” where students would throw a soccer ball that has questions on it. Whatever question their hand lands on would be the question they had to answer for the icebreaker. To an “item toss” where students would bring their favorite items in and toss them in the air and whoever caught their item would have to guess where it came from. From there the student it belonged to would explain the meaning of the item to them.

The meeting closed with students giving ideas about what makes good leadership.

“Communication is key with successful leadership” said Brittany Wheeler, sophomore  “Leadership on campus starts with communication with faculty and staff.”

(photo: Morgan Miller)

Students in the composition and dance technique classes presented five duets in a program they called Bodystories on Tuesday May 4.

The event was held at the Warehouse Theater at 7:00 p.m. and was a project the students had been working on throughout the spring semester. Their movements blended improvisation and dance performance. Each student was asked to work independently on dance sequences and then combine their ideas with those of a partner in order to create the duet they then presented.

(photo: Sheila Vargas)

“We worked on our duet for a month,” said sophomore Jaime Montagno, who is majoring in both education and dance.

“We practiced every Tuesday in class and the students would give us feedback, it was always very positive. I also met with my partner outside of class.”

The nine student performers were Elissa Cummings, Sarah Dembishack, Nora Cuddy, Alex Hajjar, Jaime Montagno, Gabrielle Aufiero, Colette Fortin, Heather Wilson and Crystal Pratt.

Kimberly Brothers, who saw the performance for the first time, said, “The part I found the most interesting was when Colette and Heather used their bodies to make noises instead of using actual music like everyone else.”

Gabrielle Aufiero, who performed twice during the night commented on her performance by saying, “I think you can always improve but in terms of this performance I have no complaints. This was also the first time I’ve worked with Jamie.”

After the dance portion of the program there was also a piece of a theater final project presented from the advanced acting class. They read a portion of the children’s book “Haroon in the Sea of Stories.”

Senior Courtney Falite, who read with the advanced acting class, also performed two monologues for the crowd on her own as well as a dance piece.