Latest Fourth Estate Articles

Fourth Estate/Melanie Jensen

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

Fairfax City’s Eighth Winter Restaurant Week began on Monday, Feb. 24, allowing residents and visitors to try food from a variety of diverse restaurants in the area in a cost-efficient way. 

The biannual event runs from Monday to Sunday, March 2 with over 30 participating restaurants offering fixed menus. This allows customers to explore new local restaurants or revisit old favorites at a discounted price. 

“Fairfax City Restaurant Week continues to grow and expand. Diners can sample unique cuisines from around the world as well as organize a group at their favorite local restaurant,” said Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read in an emailed release. “From pizza by the slice to handmade pasta, Asian bowls, steak and lobster, there’s something for every budget and every palate in Fairfax City.”

Fairfax City Economic Development, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the Old Town Fairfax Business Association sponsored and organized  Restaurant Week this year.

Participating restaurants are offering $25 brunch/lunch menus and $40 three-course dinner options. Along with the set-price menus, some restaurants will be offering new “Let’s Work Together” deals. It allows more restaurants to participate in the event that wouldn’t offer the typical pre-set menus. For example, ViVi Bubble Tea is offering a two for $10 deal, with the choice of two medium drinks or one medium drink and one popcorn chicken. 

Of the over 30 restaurants, notable mentions include Bellissimo Restaurant, Kelly’s Oyster House and Bar, and El Pollo Rico, each offering their own choices of three-course dinner specials. From Caribbean dishes to Korean barbeque to an Irish pub, the event hosts cuisine from cultures around the world. While most participating restaurants are in Old Town, some locations are scattered throughout Fairfax.

“Whether you’re a longtime resident, a student or just visiting, it’s a fantastic time to explore what Fairfax City has to offer,” said Tara Borwey, Assistant Director of Programs for Fairfax City Economic Development. “Supporting local restaurants helps strengthen the community and keeps our dining scene thriving.”

Restaurant Week is not a Fairfax City-exclusive event. Cities around the country host their own similar Restaurant Week. Most winter events take place late January to early February. Washington D.C.’s winter event took place from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, and Alexandria Restaurant Week took place from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9. 

According to Borwey, Restaurant Week has been a signature program of Fairfax City Economic Development since 2018. Along with winter’s late February dates, Fairfax City also hosts a summer event, with last year’s taking place from Sept. 2 through Sept. 8. 

“With each iteration of the program, I’ve had the privilege of working with passionate restaurant owners, chefs and hospitality professionals who bring their best to the table,” said Borwey, who has been overseeing Fairfax’s Restaurant Week since its conception. “Watching the event grow, seeing the enthusiasm from the community and hearing how it helps businesses gain new customers has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY HAMZA MUKHTAR, STAFF WRITER

Since 1967, February has been acknowledged as Black History Month, celebrating and honoring Black culture and contributions in America and internationally. 

From vital innovations such as the traffic light to new styles of music like jazz and R&B, the products of Black excellence are invaluable—it’s hard to imagine a life without them. Most people understand what Black History Month is about, but they forget why it’s so important as well as how to celebrate it. 

As Black History Month comes to an end, it’s important to remember that it isn’t the only month in which you can celebrate Black history and culture. You can always support Black-owned businesses, advocate for Black advancement, and continue to learn more about Black history throughout the year! True solidarity is unconditional, and never limited to a month.

Black History Month also acknowledges the historic tribulations Black Americans still face today. While progressive policies ban discriminatory practices, racism still occurs interpersonally and systematically. 

Black History Month promotes awareness of such struggles, further helping us empathize and recognize our own implicit biases to later combat them. What are ways to demonstrate solidarity with the Black community and celebrate Black culture and excellence? 

Support Black-owned businesses

By buying from Black-owned businesses, not only are you financially supporting someone, but you also get unique goods or services in return—it’s a win-win! 

It can also be an opportunity for you to find new, niche places and exposure to cultures and products. Whenever you need a quick bite, to restock your fridge, or to refresh your wardrobe, consider shopping Black-owned businesses! You can find local Black-owned businesses through websites like Yelp or fxva.com. 

Visit a Museum

Knowledge is especially powerful in helping us overcome our own biases. Museums are an immersive way to learn about the complex past of Black history. 

Understanding the rich culture and history allows us to appreciate our differences. What better way is there to learn Black history than seeing beautifully curated and detailed exhibits? 

Close to campus, you could visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington D.C., or try the Alexandria Black History Museum in Old Town Alexandria. There, you’ll be able to learn about key figures, innovations, and more—make sure to bring a camera!

Advocate

There are many different ways to fight for greater equality and show solidarity with the Black community. You can volunteer or donate to organizations dedicated to Black rights, join protests, or share Black stories and injustices to spread awareness.

To get involved, you can donate to organizations such as the NAACP and the National Urban League. If you’d like to donate, research and explore all your options to find an organization whose values appeal to you most. 

Black history is something to celebrate everyday. When we show up for one another, we learn that empathy and education are key to creating an equal, more just society.

(Courtesy of Carl Van Vechten)

BY KARLOS CORIA, STAFF WRITER

James Baldwin was set to speak before Martin Luther King Jr. at the historic March on Washington in 1963. However, the organizers barred him, saying he would be “too inflammatory.” Silenced that day, Baldwin was set to fade from America’s memory, another person disappearing into the nation’s “shadow history.” 

During Black History Month, the importance of highlighting the voices of the oppressed is critical, to not only ensure that James Baldwin’s legacy is preserved but elevated. 

Baldwin was an American activist, writer and an openly gay Black man. His essays and novels explored issues of race, gender, sexuality and love. In his time, Baldwin was widely recognized as one of America’s chief civil rights leaders, despite spending much of his life writing in Europe. 

However, unlike Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, Baldwin is rarely mentioned in the American public education system. When learning about the civil rights movement, his work is often disregarded. 

“Baldwin was unflinching in his criticism,” said Keith Clark, English and African American Studies professor and Baldwin scholar at Mason. Baldwin’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is one reason his work is often overlooked in mainstream discussions of the Civil Rights Movement. 

While his influence waned in the years following his death, his legacy has experienced a resurgence in recent years. Clark said that this revival is due to Baldwin’s sharp critique of America’s racial and social fabric. 

“In death, he is celebrated as a gay icon. But Baldwin never saw himself as a member of a queer movement,” Clark said. “It’s only been long since his death that people have tried to categorize him in that way.” The development can be credited to the themes in Baldwin’s novel, “Giovanni’s Room,” on gay love and existence, becoming a widely accepted topic of societal discussion. 

For Clark, Baldwin’s importance to Black history—and American history in general—cannot be overstated. 

“There needs to be Black History Month, and there also needs to be White History Month,” Clark said. “We need to always educate ourselves about our history, no matter what our race is. Baldwin was an important gender theorist and an important sexual theorist. We can’t fragment those things. Black history, like American history, needs to be recognized 365 days a year, 24/7.” 

Baldwin’s critiques of race, religion and sexuality also challenge dominant historical narratives. According to Clark, Baldwin was particularly critical of the white Christian church, arguing that it was often more focused on worshipping whiteness than upholding the core tenets of Christianity. 

“Baldwin’s critique of the so-called white Christian church was that [the church] was not always rooted in the King James Bible,” Clark said. “It was rooted in deifying whiteness—holding being white as sacred and upholding whiteness as sacred. Religion, for the purpose of legitimizing and concretizing hierarchies, is a bastardization of Christianity. The message of love was being perverted.” 

Clark believes Baldwin’s work is relevant now more than ever, particularly in an era marked by political and social turmoil. 

“America is insistent on being innocent. Part of the thrust of what we have today is people looking backward and wanting a mythic version of America that never existed,” Clark said. 

When considering Baldwin’s legacy, Clark emphasized that the central theme of his work was love—though not in the superficial, romanticized sense. “The sanctity of love,” Clark said. “Not the American infantile idea of love, but the tough work of love—loving people you have been conditioned not to love.” 

Baldwin’s words and ideas continue to challenge, provoke and inspire. In a time when America is still grappling with race, identity and justice, his voice remains as vital as ever. 

In his prophetic work, “The Fire Next Time,” Baldwin stated that America must truly confront its history to move forward. He warns that should the country fail to do so, violent consequences will follow—but this is not the only possible outcome. Baldwin argues that ultimately, love is “the” key to overcoming the country’s obstacles. “Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within,” he said. 

Clark also emphasized Baldwin’s belief that love and resistance were intertwined, a theme that remains central to his legacy. “We can return to Baldwin’s essays,” he said. “Baldwin’s work was always about love, but also about resistance. In resistance, there will be suffering.” 

Baldwin’s admiration for civil rights leaders like MLK Jr. and Medgar Evers was rooted in their commitment to action, not just rhetoric. 

“Baldwin loved MLK, Medgar Evers. He loved these people because they did not just talk the talk, they walked the walk—and they paid for it with their lives,” Clark said. “We always crave safety, but for real change to exist, we have to give it up.” 

This call to action, Clark noted, is what makes Baldwin’s work so relevant today, particularly for younger generations. 

“If we were to have any hope, it would have to be in the young people,” he said. 

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s Note: This article is part one of a two-part series. 

Video games can be seen  as a waste of time by those in the general population, but not Jordan Whitaker. “Competitive gaming is a lot more than just playing video games. It’s about community, it’s about interacting with people who have similar passions. It’s about expressing your skills and making it work toward your passions,” said Whitaker,  Mason adjunct professor for Sports Recreation and Tourism Management. 

Esports is centered around online gaming competitive play.  Amateur and professional “gamers” can play individually or compete as teams. This is often through organized leagues, with prizes on the line. Mason Esports, under University Life,  draws esports players together to compete at the collegiate level. Whitaker secures the program sponsors, partners and potential funding.

Esports leagues are created by video game companies such as Riot Games, Activision, Valve and many others. To draw attention to online games within their roster, these companies host tournaments for games. Many of these include first-person-shooters (FPS) such as Call of Duty, Valorant or Counter-Strike. These companies, also known as developers,  then form teams consisting of both professionals and amateurs. 

Gaming organizations (gaming orgs) research top players within a certain game, recruit them, evaluate players for their teams, select their players, then sign contracts . Teams compete to win money and trophies. 

In order to enter an appropriate Esports league, a recruited team must purchase franchise slots. These slots allow the team access into the league and build an organization on top of it.  However, Esports owners need to carefully choose the game they wish to get involved in. Factors to be considered include revenue share from content creation, sponsorship money, viewership and production. 

“It gives a way for investors to come in, make sponsorships with things like Alienware or State Farm, you name it, Honda, for example,” Whitaker said. “Create a brand and … an identity. And I think that’s where Esports is kind of growing still.”

Gaming orgs owners also have to decide which city to base their team, locations such as New York, Texas or California. Franchise slots can be easier to manage in places like Korea, where cities are closer together. Teams don’t have to travel far to face each other in a tournament. This setup ensures that players can compete on local area networks, which helps maintain the highest level of competitive integrity.

In the United States, however, the logistics can be more challenging. For example, in the Overwatch League, the Washington Justice would travel to Boston to face the Boston Uprising. Teams must factor in flight cost and travel time, if they want the best gaming experience. While a team may play in their base cities, it won’t yield the best competitive experience. 

“The infrastructure can be built for smaller areas,” said Whitaker. “Trying to do it in America is a little bit difficult because, you know, it’s a six-hour flight, seven-hour flight across the country”

Once teams are accepted into the franchise slots for games like Valorant, they can form a team of five players to compete on a stage representing their organization. These teams then use their players to build the organization through social media like Instagram, X, and TikTok. They create YouTube videos and live-stream their games on Twitch.   

“One of the most important things every organization and every team has to be doing…is creating content,… developing a brand, developing who you are,” Whitaker said. “It’s all about creating a brand and showcasing yourself, because in a lot of ways, when you’re creating content, it’s like having a living resume go into the hands of the viewers.”

In recent years, developers such as Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends and Valorant, have laid off employees. On Jan. 22, 2024, a total of  530 employees were laid off, 11% of the workforce. 

Gaming orgs such as 100 Thieves also cut 20% of their company’s employees. This particularly particularly affected workers in smaller companies, for instance, Juvee and its gaming studio. This decision was made in order for 100 Thieves to focus more on gaming content and brand. The layoffs sparked questions on whether Esports is sustainable in the far future. 

This summer, the Esports World Cup will feature a variety of games such as Street Fighter 6, Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Rocket League, Chess and many more—with its own tournament structure. The goal of the Esports World Cup is to promote sustainable methods for gaming orgs to generate revenue by driving fans to watch the events. 

“There’s global events now around Esports, like the Esports World Cup, that’s huge, and Olympics touching Esports,” Whitaker. “It’s going to lead to an increase in interest now, again, from the rest of the world, and then people are going to re-approach Esports in a way that makes it more sustainable.”

Esports is continuing to expand and spread its opportunities around the world to stay sustainable.

(Courtesy of Philip Wilkerson)

BY JAMIE GHOLSON, CULTURE EDITOR

George Mason’s Spring 2025 Career Fair has concluded after an expanded three-day format, giving students more time to connect with potential employers. Organizers limited the number of participating companies to encourage deeper engagement, a change that appears to have paid off. 

“I think we had a successful first day because students [had] more time and opportunity to connect with employers,” said Philip Wilkerson, an Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason.

The fair, previously spanning two days, dedicated its first day to STEM fields, the second to all majors, and the third to business, government and nonprofit organizations. On the first day alone, 1,555 students attended, many arriving hours before the doors opened. 

Wilkerson, who had originally started a “first in line” certificate tradition in 2018, said he enjoys tracking recipients’ career progress on LinkedIn. “The fact that they show up early shows their hunger for the work that they want to do,” he said. 

Recruiters from various industries said they found promising candidates among the Mason student body. 

Karen Lopez, a Mason graduate ‘21 and Human Resource agent at AlphaBEST Education praised the students’ enthusiasm. “It is important to talk to everybody, even if you don’t see it as your career now,” she said. “Networking is the best thing you can do in your career to get far in life.” 

Lopez, whose company offers part-time and full-time opportunities in its before and after-school programs, emphasized the importance of time management. “I have experience of being a full-time worker and a full-time student. I managed both and it was very flexible in my scheduling,” she said. 

Ryan Harper, a recruiter at EPIC, a healthcare software company, said problem-solving is the most valuable skill students can have. “Regardless of your major, we want to make sure you can work through different issues,” he said. 

Harper encouraged students to think beyond their elevator pitch. “Don’t be afraid to go beyond just your pitch. It’s not just about explaining what you can do. Ask what the employer is looking for and take us down a path to help us find the best fit for you,” he said. 

JJ Teganini, a senior recruiter from Virginia Cancer Specialists, said her company values applicants from all backgrounds. “Be open to those entry-level positions. They may have aspirations to be a director or a supervisor, but sometimes the best way to reach that goal is to start at the beginning and get that well-rounded look at what every job in the practice looks like because we have to work together,” she said. “We are all one piece to the puzzle and that can help build your career going forward.” 

Teganini added that Mason’s career fair successfully connects students to jobs. “In the past years, we have actually hired individuals from Mason from this career fair,” she said. 

Students attending the fair saw the crucial opportunity to make connections. 

Erfan Ahmed, a computer science major and a previous winner of Wilkerson’s “first in line” certificate, attended the career fair in search of internship opportunities. His efforts last fall resulted in five interviews with companies including CSCI and CGI. 

“Career fairs are one of the most important fairs if you’re looking for an internship or a full-time job because you never know when your luck will hit you,” Ahmed said. 

Mustafa Gurdov, a cybersecurity major and this semester’s “first in line” student winner, said he was eager to meet with tech companies such as Peraton and GuidePoint Security. After attending two previous career fairs at Mason, he understood the importance of arriving early. 

“Showing up early and making yourself known is key,” he said. 

For first-time attendees, he stressed preparation and professionalism. “Bring an updated resume in a folder, dress business-ready, and bring your A-game when speaking with recruiters,” Gurdov said. 

With the job market in flux, he remained open to any opportunity that would advance his career, particularly cybersecurity internships. His decision to arrive early stemmed from past experiences. 

“I had just left my 7:30 a.m. class and wanted to check if they were ready so I could skip the line,” he said. “From my past two career fairs, nothing is worse than waiting in line for another 30 minutes.”

As students and employers reflect on the event, many emphasize the importance of preparation, confidence, and openness to new opportunities. Whether landing an interview, making connections, or gaining insight into a potential career path, attendees left with valuable experiences. 

With the next niche career fair for health and science majors scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 27, Mason continues to provide students with pathways to their professional futures. 

Mary Demarco/Fourth Estate

BY MARY J. DEMARCO, OPINION EDITOR

So you’re looking for a place to study, but Fenwick Library and the Johnson Center have become too familiar. It might be time for a change of scenery. Fenwick is often overwhelmingly crowded, and the Johnson Center is rarely silent. Finding an open chair in the building during the middle of the day can feel like trying to summon the ghost of your ex– it’s just not happening. 

Sometimes, a change of scenery is necessary to get any work done. Luckily, Mason students have the advantage of being in close proximity to Washington, D.C, which like any city, offers numerous study spots to explore, including Tatte Bakery and Cafe, Valley Brook Tea and Potter’s House Cafe and Bookstore. 

While coffee shops and bakeries provide an aesthetic environment, they can’t compare to studying at a historic monument like the Library of Congress. If you want to feel like the main character in a movie, this is the place to be.

  A main character in a film is always surrounded by a scenic environment. As you approach the library, you’re surrounded by neoclassical architecture buildings such as the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Upon entering you’re met with polished wood and detailed European-style paintings. The most common spot for students in the LOC is the Main Reading Room, which contains \ rows of desks where you can set up camp and… finally study.

But before doing so, you will need to secure a temporary library card. Fortunately, the process is quick and simple as long as there isn’t a long line–though, typically, there isn’t. Near the reading room, there is a registration area where you meet with a staff member, show your ID and take a photo. The staff member then prints out your library card, which is  valid for the next four years. 

Mary Demarco/Fourth Estate

If you look 160 feet above, a Michaelangelo-esque painting presents itself, depicting personified countries from around the world. And the domed masterpiece is only a fraction of the stunning artwork contained within the building.

All of this to say: while Fenwick Library is a great place to study, it’s important to take advantage of the opportunities the district has to offer. 

Mason senior Elena Paige Haley tested the wonders of the LOC. 

“It really helped me lock in because you go in [the reading room] and it was dead silent. Everyone was working. It’s not like Fenwick where you go to the silent floor and there’s still people talking,” Haley said. “It was a very immersive space, and it did help me really concentrate. I wrote an insane amount and we were only there 30 minutes”

Between the ethereal artwork, the reverent study space, and the no-cost entry, who wouldn’t want to study in the biggest library in the world? 

According to the library’s official website, it holds over 25.77 million cataloged books  and more than 15.99 million items in its nonclassified print collections–making it the largest  library in existence. 

“[It] had been on my bucket list for a couple of years, and I wish I’d gone sooner. It was probably one of the most beautiful places in D.C. that I’ve ever seen,” Haley said.

The Library of Congress is a free study space for students, and every Mason student should visit at least once before graduating.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY AMELIA JANE SAND, STAFF WRITER

On Thursday, Feb. 20, Gregory Washington hosted his second town hall as Mason President to address the Mason student body’s concerns. The town hall, held in Merten Hall, ranged from topics including housing concerns, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity on campus, and cases of food poisoning.

When asked about concerns regarding DEI, President Washington stated, “[there are] comprehensive plans to manage all of and retain the core aspects of what we do in the DEI space. It doesn’t mean that you, [the students], won’t see things look a little different. You may see programs change and titles change, but the core aspects will remain.” 

President Washington addressed the state of the new Trump administration, calling students to “understand that for lack of a better way of saying this, we are in an ideological battle. There are real forces that don’t want certain people here. I am committed and my leadership team is committed to assuring affordable access to everyone in this state who wants it.” 

Then, President Washington addressed concerns regarding those invited to the Mason Career Fair this spring. 

One student stated that he and others found the inclusion of ICE and “war profiteering” companies—such as General Dynamics— in career fairs, “repulsive” and called for the president to respond to the claims and explain Mason’s stance. 

This statement allegedly referring to the previous inclusion of defense companies such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Leonardo in the Fall 2024 career fair. This statement further follows a call to “flood their emails” by the @gmu4palestine Instagram. The post covered ICE’s presence at the career fair and called for action against allowing “this fascist agency to infiltrate our campus.” The post then goes on to list several demands, the first calling for the removal of ICE from the fair’s program. 

During the town hall, several students held up signs that stated, “protect your students,” “GMU against genocide,” and “divest from death.” 

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

“These entities come to campus because students seek jobs from them, and we have a responsibility to actually provide them opportunities within those jobs,” President Washington said about the decision to allow ICE and General Dynamics to remain at the career fair. 

Washington stated, “ [ICE’s presence on campus] is not a sign of us supporting ICE, believing in their mission, or their methods and tactics.” He called the partnership, instead “transactional.” Therefore, their presence on campus would neither be championed nor condemned. 

As the town hall progressed, students raised concerns over the increase in reports of food poisoning from the Mason dining halls. 

President Washington stated that he was “not aware of any mass food poisoning event” and that “if something like that had happened, my folks at University Life would have reached out to me immediately.”

President Washington and Vice President of University Life Rose Pascarell assured students together that the situation would be investigated further and students who suffered from food poisoning are encouraged to bring their situations forward.

When President Washington was asked about the future of housing, he mentioned that while there are early plans for more housing to be made available, likely between 2500 and 2800 beds, the university is waiting on the support of “the Board” before moving forward. He ended by noting that campus housing affordability remains a top priority.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY TYLER MANDELL, STAFF WRITER

Movies are one of the most important forms of entertainment and art in pop culture. Film successes from 2024, such as Inside Out 2 and Wicked, created over $2 billion in ticket sales and became inescapable conversational talking points for months afterwards.

Since their inception in 1896,  “cinemas” were the ideal place to see the newest films.

 Whether it was an opportunity to see a movie or share the experience with others, theaters remained the sole standard of film intake. The same cannot be said in recent years. 

Recent developments in film distribution have impacted the popularity of theaters as the default way to experience new movies. More options that allow viewers to watch films from home have become more popular, such as streaming services and video-on-demand. 

The first major shift in film distribution came from the rise of streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Viewers could not only watch popular titles at home after the initial distribution in theaters, but also original programming exclusive to certain services. This was the case for  shows such as Game of Thrones and Stranger Things, which attracted viewers to subscribe to HBO and Netflix, respectively.  

Movie theaters were further impacted during the pandemic. In 2020, COVID-19 forced theaters to close and studios to delay several highly anticipated blockbusters by several months or even a full year. These included movies such as Spider-Man: No Way Home and Avatar: The Way of Water. An inflation surge in mid-2021 increased the prices of many commodities, movie tickets included. According to The New York Times, the average ticket price in 2023 was $11.93, compared to $6.88 in 2007. However, the ticket doesn’t account for concession prices, such as a small popcorn, costing approximately $10 at AMC. 

The prices of concessions aren’t a decision solely decided upon by theaters, instead determined by their relationship with film studios. I interviewed Erin Zimmerman, an LA-based producer who had worked for Missouri-based B&B Theatres, who provided insights into theaters and their relationships with movie studios. She noted that ticket sales go almost entirely to studios, with theaters mainly making their money from concessions. Whether a theater chain can even get a film depends on following specific mandates from studios so they can keep receiving new movies.

“A studio will say, ‘If you want this film, you need to play it on 72 screens the first week… and even if people don’t buy tickets, you still have to play it,’” Zimmerman said. “DCPs–Digital Cinema Packages, or digital film files distributed to cinemas–track the screenings, so they know how many times you’ve played the film, or whether you’re playing it at all.”

Five Mason students, all passionate film fans and some even studying film, also gave feedback on the current state of movie theaters. All stated that the problems theaters are experiencing are because of Hollywood and their choice in film production.

“Hollywood has a big responsibility to produce things [people] want to see,” said senior Joel Alexander. “If something did well in the past, [they think] that means it will do well again. To some extent that’s true, but that mentality has gone overboard, and we’ve been getting uninteresting movies that are the same things we’ve seen before.”

Zimmerman echoed this idea, “Creative ideas are constantly pitched and studios keep trying again on formulas that they think will be blockbuster hits… It’s just a non-starter.”

Despite the high prices and lackluster variety of movies showing, many regular filmgoers view going to the cinemas as the definitive way to see a film. The theater has a certain intimacy and intensity that can’t be replicated.

“[The theater’s] atmosphere can add substantially to the experience,” said sophomore James Beggs. “There are countless movies that if I hadn’t seen in theaters, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much because that added so much to the experience.”

Despite streaming and video-on-demand viewings continuing in popularity, the nostalgia associated with theaters won’t allow them to be erased easily. It’s impossible to say whether theaters will fully die out, especially as their mortality depends on Hollywood business decisions. As long as audiences keep finding reasons to show up, they’ll live on.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY SAM DOUGLAS, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Mason Board of Visitors Academic Programs, Diversity and University Community Committee met on Thursday, Feb. 13 in Merten Hall. At the meeting, Visitor Jeffrey A. Rosen proposed a resolution regarding anti-semtitism, which would impact University Policy Number 1201. 

The policy, adopted April 2006 and revised in August 2024, states, “George Mason University is committed to providing equal opportunity and an educational and work environment free from any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

The August 2024 revision added the working definition and examples of anti-semitism from the  International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). It directs Mason’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office to utilize it “to the extent that they might be useful as evidence of discriminatory intent.”

Rosen’s resolution would direct Mason to publish a fact sheet on IHRA and provide it to all students and faculty. It would call for discrimination against Zionism to be in violation of Policy 1201 and direct Mason to “refrain from sponsoring or endorsing any organization, event, or other activity whose position or posture is anti-semitic under the IHRA definition.”

The proposed resolution sparked backlash, both from the meeting’s audience and online.

The @gmu4palestine Instagram account released a statement before the meeting, “These examples actively work to target student groups fighting for the complete and total liberation of Palestine,” garnering 429 likes in five days.

“Board of Supervisors, all of you make me sick as a former Mason student for even introducing this resolution, this anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, islamophobic, racist resolution,” one attendee said, before being escorted out by campus security.

“Why are you using my Jewish identity to repress democratic freedoms?” another attendee asked, before also being removed from the room.

Provost and Executive Vice President Jim Antony said that he feels that the university is currently doing a good job addressing discrimination.“Our commitment to actively addressing anti-seminism is unequivocal,” Antony said.

“There have been some high visibility episodes [of anti-semitism] on our campus I regret. The administration has responded forcefully to those, but the fact that they occurred at all is a disappointing reality,” Visitor Rosen said, adding that he was concerned about the conflation between anti-Zionism and anti-semitism.

“Criticism of Zionism is not precluded,” Rosen said. “What is precluded is using that in a harassing or intimidating manner as a proxy.”

Graduate Student Representative Carolyn Faith Hoffman believed the resolution infringes on freedom of speech and questioned if the university had made individual proposals for other minority groups, stating, “While I agree with the widespread education of anti-semitism, I do not believe IHRA and this resolution to be the best, most unbiased sources of education regarding anti-semitism, the Jewish experience, as well as the Palestinian experience.”

Faculty Senate Chair Solon Simmons, Vice President of DEI and Chief Diversity Officer Sharnnia Artis and Faculty Representative Melissa Broeckelman-Post also expressed concerns about the wording of the resolution during the meeting.

The resolution will be further discussed at the next Board of Visitors meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27 in Merten Hall.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY TYLER MANDELL, STAFF WRITER

As a man in my early twenties, it was terrifying when I realized I was balding. I only noticed a little over a year ago, after I saw a bad photo exposing a bald spot at the top of my head. Afterwards, hair loss became a huge insecurity for me.

Male hair loss follows a typical process, called ‘male pattern baldness’ (MPB). It begins with the hair follicles on the temples gradually thinning, then losing density, and finally becoming entirely bald. The same pattern occurs at the crown of the head.

MPB can start as early as one’s teens, typically starting much later. Male pattern baldness occurs in 16% of ages 18-29, 30% of ages 30-39, 50% of ages 40-49, and 80% of ages 70-79, according to HairScience.

The New York Times reported that MPB comes from “an increase in an enzyme in the scalp that converts testosterone to a more potent form, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT).” Yet, dermatologists aren’t certain why some men have more DHT, but it’s believed to come from genetics and hormones. Balding starts at the temples and crown because they have increased activity levels of DHT.

The New York Times noted that dermatologists typically recommend the medications finasteride—under brands like Propecia and Proscar—and minoxidil—under brands like Rogaine and Loniten. Both complement each other as the finasteride counteracts the enzyme response for DHT, whereas minoxidil encourages hair regrowth. More drastic and expensive secondary treatments include hair transplant surgery or low-level laser light therapy.

While MPB has a process, individuals going through it don’t. Three men, from an online community about managing hair loss, shared their stories: Brett, 22, from Texas, Matt, 27, from England, and Martyn, 20, from Germany. Each began losing hair around their late teens; all believing their family genealogy was responsible.

Brett recalled his high school friends outlining his tall hairline with dry-erase markers. Martyn quickly started wearing more hats, and Matt noticed it at a barbershop.

Brett and Martyn looked into trying new medications. However, Matt embraced baldness and shaved. Being done with schooling, he didn’t feel any peer pressure impacting his decision.

“I think it’s the stage of life you’re at, especially when you’re younger. There’s more social pressure in school, but then when you go into the world of work… I think that [pressure] drops,” said Matt. “There’d be quite a difference if I shaved at 21 compared to after I left university.”

The other two, obviously felt that social pressure. While Martyn’s hair loss stopped completely by 18 using finasteride, Brett couldn’t find anything that worked and eventually embraced baldness.

“I just wanted to be in a static state,” Brett said. “Commitment was hard because I still wore a hat for two months, and that [first walk while bald] was so scary.”

As Brett, Martyn and Matt adjusted to their new looks and routines, they felt happier and more confident after moving past such insecurities.

“Your hair is only one part of who you are. If you’re balding, just put more energy elsewhere,” Matt said. “Dress better, grow a beard, get tattoos… As I get older, I realize that my confidence links to how I feel, not my looks.”

Brett echoed, “[Balding is] a time to experiment. Do something different because you’re losing your hair and aesthetic. Try on new clothes, see what other physical traits you can also identify with… You get more in touch with yourself when you can’t control your appearance… It’s made me more three-dimensional than before.”

As someone that experienced the same sentiments as Brett, Martyn and Matt, I found interviewing them to be a healing process. To know I’m not at all alone in my insecurities made me less ashamed of hair loss. As of today, I’m much happier with my hair after using minoxidil and finasteride. The bald spot that sparked my initial research into hair growth is almost completely filled in. However, I also understand now that my hair is just a small part of who I am. It doesn’t define anyone’s worth, and it shouldn’t stop you from being yourself.

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

The Patriots fought back from a 16-point deficit to defeat the St. Joseph’s University Hawks on Saturday, Feb. 15, 58-57. The win extended the team’s streak to 11 games and improved its conference record to 12-1 and overall record to 21-5. 

Senior forward Jaylen Haynes led the way with a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds, while senior guard K.D. Johnson scored nine crucial points to help complete the comeback. Senior guard Jared Billups contributed five steals on the defensive end. 

Mason erased St. Joseph’s 16-point lead with a 17-0 run. At the start of the second half, the Patriots found their offensive spark through Haynes, who scored 12 of 17 points during the run. 

“This team is really talented,” Haynes said after the win. “Tonight was my night, but anyone on our team can have a good game.”

The 11-game win streak, the third longest active streak in the nation, is beginning to garner national attention. This past week, Mason received votes in the AP Top 25 Poll, a weekly ranking released by the Associated Press which ranks the top 25 teams in the country. Although they did not make the top 25, their inclusion in the voting process shows that analysts across the nation are recognizing Mason’s historic performance and believe the team deserves a place on the national stage.

The Patriots’ win also means they stay atop the A-10 conference for another week, ahead of a crucial matchup in Richmond against state rival Virginia Commonwealth University. The Rams are behind the Patriots in the standings with a 10-2 record in conference play. This means the winner of next week’s game could have major implications for both teams vying for the A-10 regular season championship.

“I respect VCU. I think it’s a hell of a program, but we’re going to get on that bus and take that two-hour ride with the same mindset: it’s just another game,” said Patriots Head Coach Tony Skinn.

The Patriots head to Richmond to face the Rams on Saturday, Feb. 22, with tipoff at 4 p.m. The game will be nationally televised on USA Network as Mason looks to extend its win-streak to 12.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY BARRETT BALZER, NEWS EDITOR

February is Black History Month, which celebrates and highlights African Americans’ societal impact, struggles and triumphs. Various Resident Student Organizations celebrate Black History Month around or on Feb.1, posting an Instagram post to commemorate. Recently, the Mason Student Government (MSG) received backlash over a delayed upload of such a post.  

On Feb. 7, MSG released an Instagram statement that said, “We honor the painful history of slavery and systemic racism and celebrate the many outstanding achievements and pivotal contributions that Black people have made to society and culture today.” 

Four days before the statement, MSG shared their first February post to announce their new partnership with the First-Gen+ Center. The video featured Student Body President Maria Cuesta discussing how first-generation students can become informed and involved in the Mason community through the “How to Navigate College Guide.” 

A second post, two days later on Feb. 5, spoke on “institutional neutrality.” The post recounted a new policy adopted by Mason on Dec. 5th. The policy states that the office of the president and other high standing offices within the university may only deliver statements to the general public that remain neutral. MSG uses a quote from this policy in their post, “[“The Kalven Report”] advises that universities, which represent a wide array of diverse viewpoints, do not falsely represent their community by making political statements.” 

Within the comment section of the post, around 97 users commented, “Happy Black History Month.”  

“Choosing “neutrality” as opposed to taking a stand against fascism, discrimination, and prejudice IS choosing a side [by the way],” one commenter shared. 

After MSG posted their Black History Month statement on Feb. 7, President Cuesta published an official statement to the cuestamcaulaygmu Instagram account. “It’s February 7th – one week into Black History Month – and our organization, which claims to represent the most diverse student body in Virginia, has failed to properly use both its social media and advocacy platform to honor, celebrate, and uplift George Mason’s Black student community,” said Cuesta. 

Cuesta said that by posting about institutional neutrality instead of Black History Month, “we failed to acknowledge the broader context of our political climate and the significance of Black History Month. It was harmful and there was no excuse for it.” 

Cuesta also expressed regret by not attending a Black student-led presentation due to the decision of attending a dinner with President Washington. “But being the student body president means advocating for all members of the Mason community, and I recognize the harm that was caused as a result of my absence at last night’s Cabinet meeting,” the statement read. 

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY JAMIE GHOLSON, CULTURE EDITOR

As the clock struck zero signifying the beginning of a new year, people cheered around LA’s famous “Smoking Deaths” billboard. The number of people on the board who died from smoking in 2024 was set back to zero. According to the CDC, 480,000 Americans die due to smoking each year. 

In the Generation Z era, electronic cigarettes, or vapes, have emerged as one of the most pressing public health issues in today’s society. Advertised to be a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes, vaping has infested millions of lives, especially teenagers, to what can only be reported as one of the major public health crises of our generation. The statistics are outrageous, the consequences are drastic, and the need for action has reached an all-time high. 

According to Steven Zauderer from Cross River Therapy, 1 in 20 Americans vape with the teenager e-cigarette consumption rate increasing by 1,800% over the last year. Over 2.14 million high school students and 380,000 middle schoolers have reported using e-cigarettes. This is an alarming epidemic that takes advantage of younger generations. 

In 2021, there were 55 million e-cigarette users worldwide. Statista reported that companies in the United States alone generated $8.827 million in revenue in 2024. 

What makes vaping so dangerous is the nicotine found inside and the health consequences as a result of smoking nicotine. According to NIH, at 200 puffs, 14.4-32.8 mg of nicotine per pod is equivalent to smoking 13-30 cigarettes. Vapes can cause strong dependencies in newly developing brains, making it harder for younger individuals to have the ability to stop and potentially leading to a lifelong path of dependency and addiction.

However, the risks are beyond just the usage of addiction. Since the introduction of e-cigarettes in the United States in 2006, the health issues involved in vaping include asthma, lung scarring, organ damage, cancer, inflammation in the lungs, and a condition known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Use-Associated Lung Injury). 

EVALI is a serious lung condition that causes extensive damage to an individual’s lungs causing symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and, in some cases, can be fatal. 

One of the most concerning aspects of e-cigarettes is the interest from younger demographics. The marketing for these products includes innovative designs, fruity flavors, and alluding to people that vaping is harmless. 

Social media platforms are trying to normalize e-cigarette usage, enhancing its appeal and submerging it into youth culture, trying to make it seem ‘cool.’ The result of this innocuous marketing damages young adults with illness and a lifelong addiction. 

Policymakers need to enforce more regulations on e-cigarette advertisements, particularly those targeting minors. 

While local communities and schools educate students on the harmful consequences of smoking nicotine and chewing tobacco, they aren’t doing an extensive job of it. After all, millions of high schoolers and middle schoolers vape. 

It’s not about individual choice but rather the need for societal change and a collective call to action from the public. Allowing this health epidemic to carry on unchecked should not be an option. We owe it to younger generations to provide a future without risk for their health. 

Mary Demarco/Fourth Estate

BY MARY DEMARCO, OPINION EDITOR

Hello Fourth Estate readers, 

My name is Mary “MJ” Demarco, and I am the opinion editor for this semester! I am a sophomore at Mason, majoring in Communications with a focus in Journalism. While I have only been working with Fourth Estate for about a year and a half, I have extensive experience in the journalism world. 

As a freshman in high school, I joined my school’s newspaper and later became editor-in-chief. I had the opportunity to interview local politicians, such as Indiana state Sen. J.D. Ford, as well as high-profile figures like former Vice President Mike Pence.

Last semester, Fourth Estate’s opinion section featured wonderful stories written by talented writers. The stories ranged from study tips and television to food reviews and campus pollution. 

This semester, I aim to expand our team of writers for the opinion section. Have a different perspective on Mason’s decisions regarding campus life? Write for the opinion section! Have a strong view on major current events? Share your opinion! Have a hot take on pop culture? The opinion section is for you. 

While traditional journalism requires writers to maintain objectivity, the opinion section encourages the opposite. The opinion section gives students a platform to express themselves freely.

Write about what makes you angry, what brings you joy beyond measure, and what confuses you. I look forward to an invigorating semester where I have the gift of hearing from so many student voices.

Use your right to free speech to the fullest! 

Mary J. Demarco 

mdemarc@gmu.edu 

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR 

On Feb. 12, Mason women’s basketball reached its longest win streak in program history after defeating the Rhode Island Rams, 56-44. 

With this victory, both Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have a total of 42 wins–the most wins at the Division 1 level. 

Graduate student Nalani Kaysia contributed six points and 10 rebounds. With her first rebound against Rhode Island, she became the first Patriot to record 500+ rebounds and 500+ kills at Division 1 level playing basketball and volleyball. 

Senior guard Paula Suárez led the way with 17 points, shooting 8 of 13, along with five assists and five rebounds. Redshirt Sophomore Zahirah Walton added 12 points, getting four in each of the following stats: rebounds, assists and steals. 

Walton scored eight of Mason’s 17 points in the first quarter. “I noticed that they’re sagging,” she said of her early performance. “I was just thinking, like, let me shoot this full confidence because I know I worked on this.”

Suárez scored six of Mason’s 16 points in the fourth quarter, scoring through a mix of layups, mid-range jumpers, and post-fadeaways. “Just trying to stay confident with the shots I take,” Suárez said about her approach. “Some contested shots were engraved, just like mentality of like onto the next play, that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t matter what happened.

Heading into the Rhode Island game, the Patriots had helped opponents to an average of 6.25 second-quarter points in their previous four games. Rhode Island outscored Mason 14-8 in the second quarter, raising that average to 7.8 points per game.

Despite shooting 21-of-52 (40.4%) and 5-of-19 (26.3%) from the three-point line, the Patriots’ defensive efforts secured their win against Rhode Island. They held Rhode Island to 17-of-58 (29.3%) from the field and 4-of-19 (21.1%) from the three-point line while forcing 15 turnovers, blocking eight shots, and recording eight steals as a team. 

“We do a lot of scouting and put a lot of responsibility on the girls to make sure they know exactly what is asked of them,” Mason Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis said on the team’s defensive approach. “If we’re not scoring, they’re not scoring.” 

Junior forward Nekhu Mitchell has averaged 19.4 minutes, 6.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game over the last five games. As a result, Coach Lewis increased Mitchell’s minutes leaning on her defensive impact.

“She has always been a really good player that could play defense,” Coach Lewis on Mitchell’s defense. “Tonight, she wanted to guard one of the best players on the team, and it’s different when you put someone on versus one guard. And tonight she had that lock-in mentality.”

The Patriots look to get their 11th win of the season against the University of Massachusetts at Eaglebank Arena on Feb. 16.  Student tickets are available on Mason360. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on MASN. 

(Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Kanowitz)

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Fitness is one of the main pillars of a healthy lifestyle, alongside balanced nutrition and 7 to 8 hours of sleep. According to Harvard Health, regular exercise lowers the risk of long-term health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer. Though we know exercise is important, many struggle to fit in  daily workouts due to physical or motivational barriers. 

However, some people’s jobs allow them to help others overcome barriers and make room for personal growth. One group fitness instructor has dedicated her career to doing just that for her cycling students.

Stephanie Kanowitz has been motivating students for 16 years. She shared that she was inspired by her own cycling instructor at a Gold’s Gym in Ballston. “One day, I just kind of said to myself, ‘I could probably do this’,” Kanowitz said with a chuckle. 

She asked her instructor about becoming certified, which turned out to be easier than she expected. Though the process requires continuous commitment with bi-annual recertification, she says she found the initial steps simple. After completing a few classes through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and getting her CPR and AED certifications, Kanowitz was ready to lead. 

Kanowitz started instructing in Arlington and D.C. for about two and a half years before joining to Mason in 2011.

Kanowitz wasn’t initially nervous about instructing, she shared, but stage fright crept in  on her as all eyes were focused on her at the front of the class. Instead of letting fear take over, she reminded herself that everyone in the gym experiences some level of self-consciousness. She explained that easing others’ fear of judgment helped put her own at rest.

A typical day of instruction for Kanowitz begins with class prep, which either occurs the day before or the day of. She builds her workout routine around a playlist, tailoring exercises to match the mood or theme of the ride. “If [the theme] is a little bit alternative, I’ll look for something with a little bit of anger in it to get somebody riled up and ready to sprint,” Kanowitz said. 

“I’ll try to find something that has a little bit of an inspirational message to it to encourage people to keep going,” she added. “Just things like that.”

Usually arriving 15 minutes early, Kanowitz sets up the class to make it comfortable and inviting. She turns on the fans to beat the inevitable workout heat, turns on some hyped-up tunes and plays with the LED lights to create an exciting vibe. With her cycling shoes on, water bottle filled, and microphone pack secured, she channels her passion for fitness to power through the workout. 

Kanowitz enjoys seeing new and returning students walk through the classroom doors. “I’m just happy to see when people are making a commitment to their fitness and being healthy, especially when trying something new,” she said. “I hope to pass along some of my own excitement about [cycling] to new people.”

Students have come into class not feeling their best but leave feeling refreshed once they’ve sweat out all their worries, Kanowitz shared. “It makes me feel really happy for them, and I feel a bit proud that I was able to make their day a little bit better.” 

Outside of class, Kanowitz remains committed to her own fitness and health journey by cycling in her own time, tuning into classes and routines through Peloton and passing on fitness techniques to her two kids. She describes exercise as her personal “therapy.”

Kanowitz said she learns a lot from taking other classes, such as how to choose the appropriate workout music or cueing participants. “I’ve tried to pick up on some of the things from Peloton that I personally enjoy or find inspiring…and I try to use that in class.”

Instructors like Kanowitz can help motivate others to move their body regardless of their skill set. For those who aspire to be fitness instructors, she advises relying on their charismatic personality and helpful nature–and having a good ear for music is a plus, too!

By day, Kanowitz is a freelance journalist. But in the gym, she shares her passion for fitness, proving that her dedication extends far beyond the newsroom.

Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

On Dec. 12, the 10th anniversary of The Game Awards (TGA) was hosted at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Canadian video game journalist, Geoff Keighley hosted the event. 

TGA was streamed on multiple platforms, including Twitch, YouTube and the TGA website. The gaming community was buzzing with excitement over the award show, with multiple creators hosting their own watch parties, including IGN. 

Besides game developers and gaming influencers, the crowd was thrilled by major appearances such as “The Father of the Playstation,” Ken Kutaragi, American actor Harrison Ford, and Muppet duo Stalter and Waldorf, who teased the host at the beginning of the show. 

The night was filled with entertaining musical performances from the TGA orchestra, Twenty One Pilots, D4VD, Royal & The Serpent and Snoop Dogg.

Between each award, the audience was presented with the world premieres for upcoming games expected to be released in 2025. 

During the main award show, 19 awards were announced. 

Actress Melina Juergens won “Best Performance” for her work in Senua’s Sage: Hellblade II,  developed by Ninja Theory. Juergens gave thanks to the studio, staff, crew, TGA, and most importantly, the fans. This makes for Juergens’ second win in the category, with her first win being at the 2017 TGA. 

“Best Action Game” went to Black Myth: Wukong by Game Science. “A heartfelt ‘thank you’ to every player…Our game isn’t hard at all, it is perfect for players new to action games,”  game designer and director Baicun Jiang said with the help of a translator. 

Amir Satvat received a standing ovation from the audience as he went on stage to accept the “TGA Game Changer” award, the first of its kind. Satvat is the founder of Amir Satvat’s Gaming Community, a free online resource to assist prospective game makers in finding jobs in the industry. 

“I love video games with all my heart,” said Satvat. Satvat spoke about his journey from a young, hopeful boy who dreamed of being in the industry to making a large and unexpected impact on the future of games. “To all game makers everywhere, you are seen and treasured, and our community will always be there to help you.” 

Afterward, “Most Anticipated Game” was awarded to GTA IV with little surprise. Next, Keighley announced the winners in three categories: Helldivers II received “Best Multiplayer,” Baldur’s Gate III won “Best Community Support” and “Best Art Direction” went to Metaphor: ReFantazio. 

“Best Debut Indie Game” was awarded to Balatro by developer LocalThunk. The games’ publisher, Playstack, accepted on behalf of the developer. PR manager Wouter Van Halderen and Marketing Manager Liz Cheng-Moore accepted the award with a Balataro jester plush in hand. 

“Best Action/Adventure Game” went to Astro Bot, Metaphor: ReFantazio won “Best RPG,” “Best Sports/Racing Game” went to EA Sports FC 25, “Best Simulation/Strategy Game” was won by Frostpunk 2 and “Content Creator of the Year” went to streamer and gamer CaseOh. Case Baker, who goes by the alias “CaseOh,” shouted with confusion and excitement during a stream as Keighley announced his win. 

Snoop Dogg announced the “Best Ongoing Game” award, which went to Helldivers II, securing its second win of the night. 

“Best Adaptation” was awarded to the 2024 series “Fallout.” Game Director Todd Howard accepted the award on stage alongside Director Jonathan Nolan and actress Ella Purnell, who stars as the main character “Lucy MacLean” in the series.

“I can’t believe [Fallout] beat ‘Arcane’,” American YouTuber Charles White Jr., also known as “Cr1TiKaL” or “MoistCr1TiKaL,” said on stream. 

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth won “Best Score and Music.” Director and video game programmer Naoki Hamaguchi accepted the award onstage. “This is my very first time attending the Game Awards today, and I am so honored and pleased to receive this award,” Hamaguchi said with the help of a translator. 

Senua’s Sage: Hellblade II won “Best Audio Design,” while Black Myth: Wukong won “Players’ Voice.” Balatro won two more awards by 10:30 p.m., snagging “Best Independent Game” and “Best Mobile Game.”

The award for “Best Narrative” went to Metaphor: ReFantazio, securing another win later in the night. Katsura Hashino accepted the award on stage, giving thanks to the studio, the audience, and TGA. “I think storytelling is a really important part of games…knowing that we’ve been honored here in this way today is really honoring,” translated Hashino’s interpreter. 

At 11 p.m., the long-awaited announcement for “Game of the Year” was here. As the audience anxiously waited, the TGA orchestra built up suspense for the award with an epic medley featuring music from the nominated games. 

The PS5-exclusive Astro Bot took home the award, with a tearful yet joyful team proudly collecting the trophy. Art Director Sebastian Brueckner gave a heartfelt speech, thanking TeamASOBI and other key studio staff members. “It’s amazing, and we’ll see you again,” Brueckner said.

“More than anything, I hope tonight made you believe the future of our medium is brighter and greater than ever,” Keighley said, wrapping up the award-filled night. 

A full list of the winners and nominees can be viewed on the TGA website.

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

BY BARRETT BALZER, NEWS EDITOR AND SAM DOUGLAS, NEWS ASSISTANT

Barrett Balzer/ Fourth Estate

Salutations! 

My name is Barrett Balzer, and I am thrilled to be your News Editor for the Spring 2025 semester! I am a Political Communication major with a concentration in Political Journalism in my second year here at Mason.

What is the news? News is a recent story, political or nonpolitical. It can be televised, sent as notifications from our phones, or read in print or online. Most importantly, news is the collection of noteworthy events that happened yesterday, today and tomorrow. 

If you have an idea for a story, I want to hear it. What may seem like a bad idea could be the one that shapes a career–so don’t hesitate to pitch it! In my first semester at Mason, three fellow students and I found a topic, reported it, wrote it, and published it. A year and a half later, I am incredibly grateful for that experience, which strengthened my love for journalism. 

As news editor, I promise to ensure stories are published in a timely, accurate and relevant manner, keeping up with the week’s current events. 

Thank you for this opportunity. I am excited to work not only with the editorial staff but also with student writers. I look forward to watching the next generation of journalists flourish within Fourth Estate. 

Write on!

Barrett Balzer

bbalzer@gmu.edu 

Sam Douglas/Fourth Estate

My name is Sam Douglas, and I am happy to serve the Mason body as the assistant news editor for the Spring 2025 semester. I am a freshman majoring in Communication with a concentration in Journalism. I gained editorial experience from my high school newspaper and became a staff writer for Fourth Estate last semester. 

While faith in the news around the country wavers, I am committed to building trust between Fourth Estate and the Mason community. There are important things happening all over campus and the world, and I pledge to give the student body of 40,449+ patriots the unbiased and informative news coverage they deserve.

I hope to cover a wide variety of events, and topics in the news section this semester, no matter how big or small. If you desire to write or want to get involved with Fourth Estate and the Mason community, please reach out! No matter your experience, there is a place for your unique perspective in the news section at Fourth Estate.

Sam Douglas

sdougl4@gmu.edu 

Lamia Gamil/Fourth Estate

BY LAMIA GAMIL, STAFF WRITER

To the ones who found love, to the ones still searching for love, and to the ones whose love comes from within, light a candle and bring chocolate cake because love is calling for a celebration. 

Love is a binding energy. It is the shades of chocolate flakes, with a mix of sweet and bitter. Hardships are defeated by love because it fills our lives with beautiful memories and life lessons. It takes us to places we’ve never gone before. Made us touch the stars and also made us hit the ground. 

Sometimes, we find love in the air, and other times, love becomes air. Over time, it could vanish entirely. Whichever state, love is always young and mirthful. It is forever present. Despite this, from time to time, we lose track on the way. Before one knows it, their heart falls in love again, ready for whatever it entails .

Humanity is centered around love because it gives purpose. We can love a person, a pet, or life. The love of the creator should suffice, but we can, above all else, love love.

Love is not limited to anything. It is the most beautiful feeling that answers the most existential questions: What is the purpose of life? What are we living for? Love is a force that loves itself. It goes back 8000 years ago when the Proto-Indo-European definition of love meant “care.” Since the creation of humanity, caring for another has kept love alive.

Love is not conditional. Without care, humans will be subject to decay. As Margaret Mead puts , “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed, that’s all who ever have.” That’s why love has no defined form or shape. Because every time love strikes us with the most alluring free-spirited portrayal of itself it depicts beauty in every sense there is. 

Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Fourth Estate/Emma Schaible

BY KATIE KOHLER, STAFF WRITER

Mason celebrated its Spring 2025 homecoming with a week full of festivities, community service and school spirit. The annual tradition,  running from Jan. 31 to Feb. 8, brought together students, alumni, faculty and the Mason community.

The week started with a lip-sync battle presented by the Patriot Activities Council, everyone who attended received a free Homecoming 2025 shirt. Banditos Tacos and Tequila, a Mexican restaurant in University Mall, hosted Taco Tuesday Trivia on Feb. 4. A Day of Service followed on Wednesday. Student volunteers helped prepare food boxes for the Patriot Pantry and Food for Others, two local organizations dedicated to fighting food insecurity. On Thursday, Saturday Night Live star Sarah Sherman headlined this year’s homecoming comedy show.

Students, alumni and fans all gathered in Lot L for the Homecoming Tailgate on Saturday ahead of the men’s basketball game. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), fraternities and sororities set up tents where members were able to reconnect with alumni. 

Mason Athletics, Student Involvement and Alumni Relations also hosted booths with backyard games such as basketball, Jenga Giant and corn hole, where participants received Mason-themed prizes and spirit wear. Everyone enjoyed an afternoon filled with food, music and a basketball game to top it off. 

Many attendees brought grills to cook hamburgers and hotdogs and passed them out to people walking by. Laughter and conversation filled the air as students, alumni and faculty bonded over their shared Mason pride. 

Fourth Estate/Katie Kohler

The Green Machine drumline welcomed guests as they arrived at the tailgate festivities. The Patriot mascot also joined the festivities as he made his way through the lot, stopping for photos and dancing with fans. 

The week ended with a victory from the men’s basketball team on Feb. 8. The Mason Patriots played against the University of Rhode Island Rams and secured their ninth consecutive win. A sea of green and gold filled the EagleBank Arena as Mason Nation cheered on the men’s team. The Patriots took an early lead in the first quarter and maintained it for the rest of the game with senior guard Darius Maddox leading the team with a career-high 24 points 

At halftime, men’s basketball alumni were recognized, along with current head coach Tony Skinn. In the second half, the Patriots strengthened their defense, preventing the Rams from closing the gap and extending their lead. The game ended with a final score of 82-67. Fourth Estate will continue to cover the Patriots win-streak, match by match, in the sports section located here. 

Homecoming 2025 united the Mason community through a week of events, school spirit and a thrilling basketball win, making it a homecoming to remember.