Latest Fourth Estate Articles

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY EMMA SCHAIBLE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRAPHICS EDITOR

The Center for the Arts welcomes a current Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member and comedy actress, Sarah Sherman, to continue the tradition of spring comedy headliners. Sherman shared how excited she was to perform at Mason, while being so close to Washington, DC. 

Sherman’s show began with around ten minutes of disclaimers, in which she was distracted by the crowd’s antics before she introduced her opener, Jack Bensinger, a comedian from Stephen Colbert’s show Tooning out the News. 

Bensinger started by admitting, “I did grow up around here.” Then proceeded on a long rant to prove he’s truly from Brooklyn. Bensinger spoke on wanting to “change the world” and gave the audience a few ways in which he plans to do so.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

For the main act, Sherman took the stage. Sherman’s jokes centered around the college experience, such as exploring your sexuality, city bikes and voting. Audience interaction was a key feature throughout the three main bits of Sherman’s show. 

The first bit highlighted the late-comers arriving at the show in a tardy manner. Ever felt embarrassed walking into a performance late? Well, imagine if the performer called you out on it. For about three groups that walked in late, Sherman got a spotlight on them and asked them why they were late. She used this as an opportunity to lean into college stereotypes such as overloading homework and getting high with your roommate in a Rick and Morty t-shirt. 

Sherman’s second bit poked at the CRIM major at Mason. What started with “ate and left no crumbs” led her to ask about the misunderstood “CRUMBS” major. Two front row members told Sherman that it was actually a criminology major, more commonly known on campus as “CRIMS.” The bit continued with Sherman asking about other majors at Mason, making quips about the importance and social significance that they would have in the future. 

Sherman’s final bit was about a nurse watching from the audience. This was Sherman’s longest bit of the night, as she spent time describing her symptoms, looking for a diagnosis. She acted out an interaction she has with her boyfriend on a regular basis. Sherman would  come home upset and her boyfriend would have to ask again and again what was wrong. Sherman then went on a tangent where she impersonated her father, suggesting that he was left unsatisfied by her career choices. 

To close out the show, Sherman welcomed five Mason students on stage to cold read two rejected SNL sketches. One written by her and the second by Bensinger. “Study Abroad” was the first sketch. Five college students greet their friend who has just returned from a slippery study abroad program. But in reality, it was just a cover-up to avoid sharing an embarrassing bathroom story. 

The second cold read was unnamed, as Bensinger claimed he was “forced to write against his will” when applying to work at SNL. The sketch was about support groups for regular people with celebrity names, but with one imposter. 

Even walking out of the show, the crowd was buzzing with predictions on who next year’s comedy headliner will be. This is now the second year with an SNL cast member. Last year, on Jan. 24 2024, Mason announced Marcello Hernandez as its spring comedy headliner. Spring 2026 headliner possibilities seem endless. 

Viviana Smith/Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Climbing up the ladder is something most of us expect our next few years to be like. As we start from the bottom, possibly as an intern or a low-level assistant, we can hope that our next moves carry us up the corporate ladder until we sit in the high seat with “the big dogs.”

But what happens when we make it there and we realize that’s not where we truly want to be? 

In 2022, I joined Fourth Estate as a staff writer. As a writer at heart, I was excited to get my hands on anything I could write. I jumped on opportunities like they were mine alone and hoped to shine through the rest of the writers, impressing those above me. When I spoke to the editor-in-chief at the time, I only hoped I could one day fill his shoes. 

The following fall semester, I was asked to be the news editor. I was ecstatic to know I was moving up the ranks and being recognized for the work I put in. Although I ran into some bumps here and there, I continued moving forward, giving my position everything I had. I eventually moved up once more to managing editor. 

After serving in that role, which felt like being vice-president, I knew there was only one more position to aim for: editor-in-chief. When my peers elected me, alongside my colleague and good friend Gabe, I felt like I had finally made it; however, something felt off. I was running out of fuel. Coupled with personal stressors and being a college student, the role of editor-in-chief was a lot to bear. 

“I wanted this,” I thought. “This is all I’ve been aiming for.” 

“Where do I go from here?”

The answer for me was to go back. Going back to what I knew and where I began. Though it was the peak of my leadership experience, I realized that my team needed a leader who had a lot of mental strength to continue their growth. 

As the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I had to make a decision to allow those around me to grow. I didn’t want to feel like a captain that goes down with the ship– that’s not fair to my crew.

As I stepped down from the role I had strived for, there was emptiness in my heart. I had worked so hard to trudge up the mountain of success only to turn back around and sprint to the beginning. That’s when the imposter syndrome crept up, telling me, “you’re a quitter,” or “you didn’t deserve that position in the first place.” Silencing the voice was hard, especially in the quiet weeks during break with no stories to follow. 

However, when the voice quieted, I realized that this wasn’t the end, rather the beginning. 

In Genki Kawarmura’s international-bestseller novel, “If Cats Disappeared from the World,” a particular line stands out: “In order to gain something, you have to lose something.” This parable isn’t of the author’s mind, as I’m sure you have heard it before. Regardless of its origins, I felt inspired by this more so than ever. 

I lost my position (though I departed on my own volition), but I’ve gained much more. I’ve gained unique experiences that set me apart as a journalist. I’ve found my voice, made deep connections with my peers and community, learned a lot about the world, and helped many of our staff put their best foot forward and grow on their own. Most importantly, I realized that it’s okay to take a step back. 

In a world that values rising through the ranks over everything, also known as  hustle culture, I believe it’s more important to value your wellbeing. You can only ignore your body’s cries for relief as you silently burn yourself into exhaustion for so long. After a while you start to drag others down with you. As a leader, you have an undeniable responsibility to lift up those around you—but even professional bodybuilders have a max. You can only do so much heavy lifting before you’ve reached your limit. 

Instead of pushing your limits, sometimes it’s best to take a step back, reassess your path and try again. Going back does not mean you’re doing bad or that you’ve lost value. It means you’ve readjusted your sails in order to find the right direction. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all way of navigating life. Accomplishments or a lack thereof are not equivalent to personal worth. Just as spring makes room for new life, only for winter to wither it away, spring comes again to welcome in the new and beautiful once more. 

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY DELAIAH IYOB, STAFF WRITER

Here at George Mason University, there are tons of free resources readily available. Here are three resources to start exploring with.

1.  Rosetta Stone

Would you like to be bilingual or multilingual? Maybe you have had dreams of becoming a polyglot or even a hyperpolyglot! Well, there’s good news for you. The language learning program Rosetta Stone is free for students via the Mason Library website.  

With Rosetta Stone you have access to learning over 25 different languages. Some of these include Urdu, Swahili, Turkish, etc. Don’t believe this? See for yourself! You can sign up via the University Library website. In the search bar above, look up “Rosetta Stone” and click the appropriate link to get started. 

 The current regular 12-month subscription for Rosetta Stone costs $13.99 per month, which means that non-students pay an annual fee of $167.88 per year.  

As for the cognitive benefits, learning a second language helps to improve academic performance, boost creativity, and strengthen memory according to a 2022 Cambridge University article. Moreover, learning another language will help you develop better communication skills and be more marketable to potential employers!  

2. Tutoring

Are you struggling to understand the content in one of your classes? Rest assured, there are tutors at Mason who can help you for free and available in just about every subject! To find a tutor for your specific class, visit https://gmu.edu.Then, in the search bar, type out the class subject and the word “tutoring.” For example, if you type “statistics tutoring” in the search engine, you will find the location and contact information for tutoring in statistics.  

Outside of Mason, tutoring costs may vary depending on the state. According to care.com, a private (college-level) tutor ranges from $20 to $110 per hour. On average, 12 one-hour tutoring sessions could cost about $65.00 per session. Luckily, with tutors at GMU, you do not have to worry about this!  

1. Therapy Services

Do you find yourself stressed, lonely, anxious or depressed? From the onslaught of exams, work and personal issues arising throughout the semester, it’s common to feel this way. Taking care of your mental health is important; however, therapy can be expensive.

Fortunately, students have access to counseling and various forms of therapy services free of charge through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) . You can call “703-993-2380” or visit room 3129 inside the Student Union Building I (SUB I) to schedule an appointment to start individual therapy or even use other services such as psychiatry and their mind spa.

Once you have contacted CAPS, the process to get counseling is simple. The check in process should only take about 15 minutes. Visit their website for operating hours and more details to get the support you need.

Although the cost of therapy varies by state,  Forbes’s findings have discovered that psychotherapy costs an average of $150 per session. At this rate, 12 sessions would cost about $1,800. Thanks to CAPS, this fee would not apply to you while utilizing their services. 

Please take advantage of these helpful resources that Mason has to offer during your time here.

The Fourth Estate

BY VIVIANA SMITH, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

During the month of December, as Mason’s fall 2024 semester wrapped up, several monumental moments have landed Mason in a few large news stories. 

On Dec. 13, 2024, President Gregory Washington addressed the “investigation of felony destruction” and the November FBI-raid of two students home in an official statement. The statement included details of the investigation, the suspension of a registered student group and addressed campus safety concerns. “GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property,” reads the statement. “Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.”

“Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish,” the statement reads. 

The entire statement can be viewed below. 

On Dec. 4, a statement was published by the faculty and staff for Justice in Palestine at Mason. The statement, addressed to President Washington, recounts the details of the raid Nov. 7 and calls for the reinstatement of the Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter, revoking the trespass orders on the two students, returning their belongings and conducting a “full and independent investigation” on the decisions that led to the raid. The statement was signed by over 90 different organizations, including several SJP chapters around the commonwealth.  

After the fall semester ended, news broke of a Mason student linked to plotting a mass casualty attack. The student, a Mason freshman, is reported to be facing federal charges including, “distributing information related to explosives, destructive devices and weapons of mass destruction and the intent to murder internationally protected persons.” 

The FBI was alerted by the student’s behavior on social media. During an undercover investigation, an FBI informant communicated with the student who discussed further details of the plot, eventually leading to arrest. 

On Dec. 19, President Washington released another statement to provide an update on campus safety. “George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students,” reads the statement. 

The statement highlights that the arrest, which the university was made aware of on Dec. 17, is not tied to the Nov. 7 raid. “As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.”

The statement cites the Patriot Plan for Community Safety and Well-Being to explain the safety measures the university expects to implement. This plan was first announced on Nov. 2, 2023, where President Washington addressed the “increased acts of violence and hostility toward members of the Jewish and Muslim communities.” The plan promises increased police presence, enhanced enforcement of codes of conduct, increased resources and “individual Compassionate Listening Sessions.”

The entire statement can be viewed below. 

There have been no official updates released regarding either arrests. 

Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. 

Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.

“Dear fellow Patriots:

As we approach the close of the fall semester, I want to put to rest concerns we have heard voiced on campus in recent weeks, as recent headlines and social media have left some worried about the safety of the George Mason University campus. In particular, a recent off-campus police action has left many alarmed. Unfortunately, the often-distortive nature of social media has made matters worse.

Last month an ongoing investigation of felony destruction of university property necessitated that a search warrant be executed at the off-campus home of two students. Among the findings, the search turned up sufficient amounts of weaponry and materials calling for violence against Americans and in particular Jews to warrant immediate precautionary action to maintain the safety of the university community.

Following the completion of the search, based on the evidence obtained and in furtherance of the investigation, GMU Police had cause under University Policy 1132 to issue a criminal trespass notice, barring two George Mason students from physically entering university property.

Additionally, under the student code of conduct, the university imposed an interim suspension on a registered student organization.

As the criminal investigation continues, the bottom line for you is this: You are safe here, and you belong here, no matter what community you identify with. Our police department and a number of other less visible security teams are looking out for you 24/7. Our university life staff are keeping a close eye on conditions for your well-being, and are available to you when you need them. Whether you can see them or not, extensive protections are in place, working as they are intended to, maintaining the safe learning and living environment we cherish.

I hope you are focused on three priorities now: final exams, commencement for those graduating, and a well-earned winter break. Those are what this time of year is really all about. 

Good luck on your finals, travel safely when you are done, and have a joyous, restful and restorative winter break. You’ve earned it, Patriots!

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President”

Statement from President Gregory Washington published on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024. 

Editor’s note: President Washington’s statement can be viewed here, on the Office of the President website.

“Dear fellow Patriots:

I am writing to update you on a new situation we are managing relative to a student who was recently arrested by the FBI, as it has caused security concerns among some members of the community that I want to address.

George Mason University continues to take enhanced precautions to maintain a safe and secure university community in light of the recent FBI arrest of one of its students. The arrest, which the university learned of on Tuesday, December 17, so far appears to have no connection to an earlier police action involving two George Mason students whose home was searched in November.

Although the student did not live on campus, he has been barred from entering university property. As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations.

The recent developments have caused the university to take additional appropriate measures to maintain the safety of the university community. In addition to campus security measures first announced in November 2023 in the Patriot Plan for Campus Safety and Community Well-Being, the university has expanded its protective commitment on a number of fronts. Events like the two recent actions are proof that these systems are working as intended.

Enhanced law enforcement capacities – Robust law enforcement capacities are operational at George Mason, including the first fully equipped university SWAT team in Virginia.

Coordinated network of protection – George Mason University Police (GMUPD) maintains close ties with local, state, and federal law enforcement to enhance early detection, prevention, and when necessary, law enforcement actions. 

Student engagement – GMUPD officers are routinely present at student gatherings for those who express the need for enhanced security, and safety escorts around campus are increasingly conducted by uniformed personnel.  

Constant university vigilance – A university threat assessment team meets whenever needed to assess each threat reported and quickly address appropriate measures to resolve it. The University is constantly evaluating its safety protocols based on shifting conditions.

Emergency Operations Group – A cross-functional team of university officials meets regularly and as needed to provide on-demand emergency operations services to address a wide variety of campus emergencies.

These capabilities, plus more measures that by design remain invisible, form a protective web around the university campus that our proximity to the nation’s capital demands, with capabilities not always available to universities elsewhere.

As we work to maintain your safety here, my wish for you is a joyous and restful holiday. I’ll see you in the new year, Patriots.

Sincerely,

Gregory Washington

President”

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY MICAHI OPPONG, STAFF WRITER

Now ranked as the fastest team in program history to reach 20 wins, Mason women’s basketball  extended its winning streak to eight with a 66-48 victory against the VCU Rams, the current #1 defense in the A-10, on Wednesday, Feb. 5. at the homecoming game.

Senior guard Paula Suarez led the Patriots with 17 points on 6-of-10 (60%) from the field and 3-of-5 (60%) from beyond the arc, adding seven assists. Redshirt sophomore forward Zahirah Walton followed with 15 points, six rebounds and two steals.  

Sophomore guard Kennedy Harris returned to action after missing a game due to injury, opening the scoring with a three, That shot sparked a run of three consecutive 3-pointers between Harris, Walton, and Suarez.

Mason continued to move the ball and create shots, with Suarez scoring seven points without missing a shot in the second quarter. Mason’s defense held the Rams to 2-of-9 shooting (22%) in the 2nd quarter and 7-of-26 (27%) for the entire first half. Mason entered halftime leading 33-18. 

The second half brought more of the same defensive intensity. The Rams did their best to fight back, scoring 17 points in the third quarter compared to Mason’s 20, and tied Mason with 13 points in the fourth quarter. 

Mason forced 19 turnovers, converting them into 19 points on offense, creating 10 fastbreak points compared to the Rams’ two. This ultimately propelled Mason to another decisive win with the final score 66-48, with their largest lead being 21 points. 

The story of the game was on the defensive end of the floor, with a great overall defensive effort from everyone on the floor. Graduate forward Nalani Kaysia anchored the defense with 14 rebounds, two blocks and three steals. 

“That’s what she does first, is defend,” Mason head coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis said of Kaysia’s defensive performance.“She’s quick off her feet, coming from volleyball, being able to jump, and get back on. She’s an amazing rebounder as you can see.”

The Patriots bench had a significant impact, contributing 25 points. Junior forward Nekhu Mitchell led the reserves with nine points and two steals, while sophomore forward Louis Volker scored six points and five rebounds. Graduate student Khamya McNeal  hit two 3-pointers off the bench. 

Following this win, Mason further extended the win streak to nine after defeating the Fordham Rams 70-43 on Saturday, Feb. 8. with Walton leading the way with 18 points and six rebounds, followed by junior guard Jada Brown with 12 points. Volker led the reserves with 9 points and five rebounds, with Mitchell contributing with five steals.

Mason had delivered another stellar defensive performance on the road, holding Fordham to under 30% shooting from the field and forcing 22 turnovers, converting into 28 points on offense.

The Patriots will play University of Rhode Island at EagleBank Arena on Feb. 12. Student tickets are available on Mason360, tip off is at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcasting on ESPN+. 

Mitchell Richtmyre/Fourth Estate

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

The George Mason Patriots won handily against The University of Rhode Island Rams, on Saturday, Feb. 8, with a score of 82-67. Now, with a nine-game win streak and an overall record of 19-5, it marks the program’s best overall start record since the 2010-11 season. 

The win came in front of a packed and raucous Homecoming Weekend crowd. “I told these guys before the game, ‘These are the games you’re going to remember for the rest of your life,’” Head Coach Tony Skinn said. “At the same time, I wanted them to have a little bit of poise and not get too sped up in a game like this.”

Despite the pregame message, the Patriots came out fast, firing on all cylinders. Senior guard Darius Maddox started the night off with a three-pointer from the top of the arc–one of seven three-pointers made by the Patriots in the first half, tying for the second-most three-pointers made in the first half this season. 

“I just stuck to my routine,” Maddox said after his game-high 24 points and four three-pointers. “I just try to find a good balance mentally, to just be confident to shoot the next one.”

While Maddox had a great shooting night from beyond the arc and the floor overall, (8-12 FG), he was not alone. Senior forward Jaylen Hanes finished with 16 points and seven rebounds, while freshman guard Justin Begg added 12 points; making three of four three-pointers. 

“I’m obviously excited, but it’s a team effort,” Begg said about his improved play and increased role off the bench. “All the guys were involved today offensively and defensively, and that’s what we teach every day in practice.”

“What you guys are seeing in Justin Begg is something that I saw when I recruited him,” Skinn said. “I think he’s our best natural playmaker, and he’s learning defensively to give us what we need.” 

The Patriots remain at the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference with a 10-1 record. “It feels great to be this high in the conference with only one loss,” Maddox said. “At the end of the day, especially me being a fifth year, understanding that we still have a lot of ball games to play, I just have to take it day-by-day.”

The Patriots will take on the Saint Louis  Billikens in their penultimate away game of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 8:00 p.m., streaming only on ESPN+.

Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate

BY EMMA SCHAIBLE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND GRAPHICS EDITOR

Hello everyone, 

My name is Emma Schaible and I am Fourth Estate’s social media and graphics editor for the Spring 2025 semester. I am from New Jersey and a Government and International Politics and Communications double major. 

I came into Fourth Estate with a lot of ideas, particularly how to cover our campus’ interactions with government and politics so close to Washington D.C., but here I have continued to build an interest in photography and graphics. 

My passion in journalism comes from my belief that the news needs to be informative, accessible, and something people can enjoy. This semester, I want to take a new approach with color and images. I want to make Fourth Estate an organisation students can continue to rely on!

So, what is the media and graphics team all about? 

We create and approve all of the graphics and images for the paper. As editor, I have the amazing opportunity to work with journalists from all departments and photographers to bring our readers every graphic that Fourth Estate publishes. I enjoy this aspect of Student Media because I get to work with every section to bring Fourth Estate under one concise image. I am most excited to revamp the aesthetic that we currently have and bring Fourth Estate into a new era of digital media through different platforms and our current Instagram. 

If you are looking for a way to get involved with photography, editing, or graphic design, Fourth Estate’s Social Media and Graphics team would be just for you! We are looking for creative visionaries with a passion for sharing stories. 

Stay informed,

Emma G. Schaible, ‘28

eschaib@gmu.edu 

(Photo Courtesy of Raina Shanhan)

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR

Hello everyone, 

My name is Christian Segovia, this Spring semester, I am the Sports Editor and am excited to fulfill this role for Fourth Estate. In the Fall 2024 semester, I was the Assistant Sports Editor. 

Last semester, the sports section reported on Mason’s remarkable teams including the men’s soccer team’s historic season, which ended just short of the Atlantic 10 semifinals. We also reported on Mason’s Esports teams–such as Super Smash Bros., Valorant–through in-depth coverage and interviews with Esports managers. Additionally, we connected with various sports clubs on campus, including Women’s rugby, Badminton club and the Women’s Ice Hockey team.

As I enter my final semester in Spring 2025, I want to continue paving the way for new ideas in the sports section. My goal is to strengthen connections with  Mason’s athletes, managers, and coaches. I endeavor to help students at Mason find sports clubs to join and meet new friends!

I look forward to working with all of you this coming Spring semester. As always, I invite all forms of collaboration, story ideas or questions. If you want to join the Fourth Estate and write for the sports section, contact me below.

Grab your snacks and let’s enjoy this ride. 

Christian Segovia

csegovi@gmu.edu

Jamie Gholson/Fourth Estate

BY JAMIE GHOLSON, CULTURE EDITOR

Hello everyone, 

My name is Jamie Gholson. I am excited to announce that I am Fourth Estate’s new culture editor for the Spring 2025 semester! I was born and raised in the DMV area and have lived near Mason all my life. 

I am pursuing a Communication degree with a concentration in Journalism, in hopes of becoming a medical writer. My passion for writing in the medical field stems from my grandma, a nurse who would often tell me stories of her patients. 

When I transferred to Mason in my junior year, I learned about Fourth Estate in my Introduction to Journalism class. I thought now would be a great time to start establishing myself as a medical writer. 

Publishing articles about topics you are passionate about allows you the opportunity to branch out into many different fields. 

With Fourth Estate, I’ve been able to publish the inspiring stories of women in STEM, 3D printing medical prosthetics, Theta Tau, and the parking crisis at Mason. 

The culture section is a place to share your exciting experiences at an event or museum, meaningful connections made in campus clubs, or the hidden gems you’ve discovered in the DMV area. There is no limit to what you cannot write about! If you have any ideas that you would love to write about and make those dreams a reality, this is the place to do it! 

Students interested in joining the Fourth Estate should email eic@gmufourthestate.com. For students interested in publishing for the culture section, please send me an email below. 

Sincerely, 

Jamie Gholson 

jgholso@gmu.edu.

Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

Hi Patriots, 

My name is Nylah Mitchell, and I’m a senior majoring in Government and International Politics with a minor in Journalism. I’m excited to serve as the Copy Editor for Fourth Estate this semester. 

Although this is only my second semester at Fourth Estate, I’ve been involved in Student Media since my freshman year. I started at the Mason Cable News because of my love for broadcast journalism. As I continued my journey at Mason, I’ve found joy in written journalism. 

When I joined Fourth Estate, I pitched a laundry list of ideas for the Culture section, focusing heavily on fashion. This experience has allowed me to extend my love of fashion from my blog to the Mason community! And if you’re following my work here, you’ll see that I hope to become a fashion editor, connecting style to history and politics. 

This Spring is different as I am spending my final semester at Mason in New York City! I’ll be immersing myself in the fast-paced and ever-changing fashion scene here to kickstart my post-graduate career. That said, as copy editor, I’ll be reviewing all articles to check for accuracy, clarity, content and grammar, ensuring they adhere to AP Style guidelines. 

I’m ecstatic to be the copy editor because it sets a new challenge for me to understand the operations of what it takes to edit and publish a well-polished article. As well as, bringing me one step closer to my dream career. 

At Fourth Estate, no interest, passion or idea is limited. I revamped and published an old article I wrote for a class  a few years ago adding fresh insights and new interviews. That’s the magic of Fourth Estate—at Mason, we all have unique perspectives and stories that need to be shared. 

An idea is better written and told! If you want to discuss more about copy-editing, fashion, politics or the city, don’t hesitate to email me all about it!

Have a great semester, Patriots! 

Nylah Mitchell, ‘25 

nmitch2@gmu.edu 

Jordan Giles/Fourth Estate

BY BRIAN A. HAYUM, STAFF WRITER

The Mason Patriots extended their win streak to seven games after a 64-60 win against the Davidson College Wildcats, completing the home and away sweep over their North Carolina-based conference rival. The win moved the Patriots to 8-1 in the A-10 Conference. The best start in the program’s history in the A-10– and 17-5 overall. 

In the win against Davidson, three of five starters scored in double figures with senior forward  Jaylen Haynes and senior guard Darius Maddox leading the way with 12 points each. Off the bench, forward junior Gio Emejuru scored nine points and guard freshman Justin Begg scored seven points. 

The formula for the Patriots’ success was found in the paint. With the Wildcats sporting their 2-3 zone, the A-10 leaders found plenty of success in the middle of the zone: out-scoring Davidson 34-22 in the paint. 

Despite being in control most of the second half, the Patriots survived the Wildcats’ 23-14 scoring run to close out the game. The Patriots held Davidson, shooting 21-59 (35.6%) from the field and 9-30 (30%) from the three-point line.

While the team experiences occasional woes on offense, the Patriots’ calling card is their defense. That type of collective buy-in from the team places the Patriots as the second-ranked defensive team holding their opponent to the second-lowest field goal percentage in the country.

With a seven-game winning streak, the Patriots have held their opponents to an average field goal percentage of 38.4 percent. A sign that their defensive identity has stayed consistent, if not grown as the season has progressed.

“At the end of the day, we found a way,” said Mason Head Coach Tony Skinn after their 58-53 OT win versus Loyola-Chicago. “I try to get these guys to understand: ‘I give you guys the autonomy, but I’m really setting you up to guard your butt off,’” said Skinn.

With nine games left in the regular season, smiles are high and wide as the team enters the home stretch. “I’m just lucky I have the right group… winning is so hard,” said Skinn while reflecting on his team’s historic season start. 

The Patriots look to continue their win streak on the road against George Washington on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m., streaming on ESPN+.  

Jordan Giles/Fourth Estate

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, SPORTS EDITOR

After their win against the University of Dayton on Feb. 1, Mason women’s basketball has improved to a 19-3 record, with a 9-2 in the Atlantic 10. Head Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis was named to the Kathy Delaney–Smith Midseason Watch List Coach of the Year award for the second year in a row. Sophomore guard Kennedy Harris earned Player Of The Week once again, averaging 26 points, six assists per game, while shooting 55% from the field goal with 75% from the three-point range.

In the team’s win against Davidson 81-73 on Jan. 22, Harris dropped a career-high 29 points, with 12 coming in the fourth quarter. Harris drove to the paint and pulled up from mid-range to get her buckets. The team stepped up defensively, getting four steals and two blocks converting them into points to come back from a 63-55 heading into the final quarter.

“Most of them were in foul trouble, so I was just attacking them to see if I can make the layup with the contact,” Harris referred to her asking for the ball in the fourth quarter. “I was just looking at mismatches. I was just attacking every single time.”

The team’s defensive performance continued into the Jan. 25 91-50 win over George Washington. The Patriots forced Washington to turn over the ball 25 times. They led the points off turnovers, outscoring Washington 34-3, with 15 coming in through the fourth quarter.

Mason was down at halftime 25-30 against George Washington. Once the second half started, Mason outscored Washington 66-20, leading them to victory.

In any match, an athlete on the team can step up unexpectedly and make an impact by scoring or getting defensive stops.

“That’s the luxury we have. We have players that can score and they’re unselfish,” Head Coach Lewis said the team’s win. “If it’s Ken’s night, if it’s Zah’s night, if it’s Paula’s night, we just get out the way, and they celebrate each other in that way.” ‘Ken’ and ‘Zah’ referring to Kennedy Harris and redshirt sophomore forward Zahirah Walton.

On Jan. 22, Mason had four players score in double digits, leading to a win against Davidson.

Harris scored 29 points, Walton scored 20, senior guard Paula Suárez scored 18, and sophomore forward Louis Walker had 11.

Four players scored double digits against George Washington: Harris with 23 points, Walton with 20, junior forward Nekhu Mitchell with 14, and graduate guard Ta’Viyanna Habib with 10. Mitchell scored all 14 of her points in the second half. 

“It’s been a very long season for me,” Mitchell said about her second-half performance. “It was a great game for me to finally show what I was capable of and just an artwork show.”

On the road, with an 80-53 victory against Saint Louis on Jan. 29, Walton recorded a career-high 30 points, six assists, five rebounds, and shot 64.7% from the field goal. Two other players reached double-figures: Walker and junior guard Jada Brown, each scored 11 points. 

Their next road against Dayton on Feb. 1 resulted in an 86-53 win. Suarez had 23 points, Ta’Viyanna had 19, graduate student forward Nalani Kaysia had 12 and Walton had 11. 

Mason’s defense held both teams to scoring only seven points in the second quarter in both road wins. They also held the teams under 40% shooting from the field goal and below 30% from the three-point range.

As the Patriots aim to take their 20th win of the season and extend their seven-game win streak on homecoming week, they return home on Feb 5. to face Virginia Commonwealth University at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

Fourth Estate

BY NAWAAL NACKERDIEN AND SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

For the Spring 2025 semester, Saahiti Kiran Chamala and Nawaal Nackerdien step into their roles as co-editors-in-chief of Fourth Estate. Both bring years of experience in student media and a deep commitment to campus journalism. With their combined leadership, they aim to strengthen Fourth Estate as a trusted source of news while fostering a dynamic and inclusive space for student voices.

Chamala and Nackerdien plan to expand the newspaper’s reach, ensuring that it not only informs but also engages the Mason community in meaningful discussions. Their vision centers on upholding journalistic integrity, supporting student reporters, and increasing opportunities for collaboration across campus. Regardless of major or background, they want students to see Fourth Estate as a platform to develop their skills and share their perspectives.

This semester, the duo is committed to cultivating a newsroom culture that values openness, creativity, and strong storytelling. They encourage writers, photographers, and aspiring journalists to contribute and become part of Fourth Estate’s legacy.

To share more about their individual journeys and aspirations, personal statements from Chamala and Nackerdien are provided below.

Students interested in joining Fourth Estate or learning more about student media can visit the newsroom in The Student Media Office located in The Hub’s lowest level, next to the mailroom. For general inquiries, reach out via email at ivestate4@gmail.com. 

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

Hey there, Patriots.

Welcome to Fourth Estate! We aren’t just another school newspaper. Yes, we cover the big stuff—campus news, sports, important updates—but we also cover the stories that actually make Mason, Mason. The random guy who’s been playing the same guitar riff outside the JC for three years? We’ll write about him. The underground food hacks at Southside? We’ve got those too. The passionate debates over which Starbucks on campus is superior? We’re on it.

My name is Saahiti Kiran Chamala, and as the co-editor-in-chief, I have the absolute privilege of leading this wildly talented, slightly sleep-deprived, and ridiculously creative team of student journalists. I started at Fourth Estate as a writer with the simple goal of covering the best food spots near campus, but I stayed because I found a community. A loud, opinionated, hilarious, and driven group of people who believe that storytelling matters.

That’s the heart of Fourth Estate: stories. Stories about students, about professors, about the wild, beautiful mess of college life. We’re here to document it all—the funny, the frustrating, the inspiring, and the downright bizarre.

And we want you to be part of it.

Whether you’re a writer, photographer, artist, designer, or just someone with a lot to say, there’s a place for you at Fourth Estate. We welcome individuals of all majors, experience levels, and backgrounds. If you have a story to tell, we are here to help you tell it.

This issue is all about new beginnings. New students, new ideas, new perspectives. Whether you’re just starting your Mason journey or deep into your final year, there’s something exciting about a fresh start.

So here’s to new stories, new voices, and a semester full of things worth writing about. Let’s make it a good one.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala, ‘27

Editor-in-Chief

schamala@gmu.edu

Nawaal Nackerdien/Fourth Estate

I have never quite been sure what track to take. As a Creative Writing major, running a newspaper was certainly not one of them. 

I came into my first semester at Mason as a transfer student with wide eyes and too many choices before me. It was Fall, and some of these choices fell like leaves around me. I am glad that joining Fourth Estate was one of the leaves that I picked up. In the news editor position, I prioritised authentic, timely news. I endeavoured to help writers grow their stories to the best possible form for publishing. When I ran for co-editor-in-chief, I was uncertain but resolved. I wanted Fourth Estate to be a publication that I could leave a positive mark on for the future. 

This semester, I will be working alongside Saahiti to bring the Mason community stories that are relevant and informative. I plan to encourage the growth of our writers’ and foster a community that brings out the best of students’ abilities.  

I encourage everyone to take the leap. Write the article, join the club. You can only advance if you let yourself do so. 

I hope to bloom alongside you all this spring semester, 

Nawaal Nackerdien

Editor-in-Chief

nnackerd@gmu.edu