Mirror mirror on the wall,

     when you look at me, what do you see?

Do you see my shiny, off-white teeth when I smile?

     Or maybe the crinkles under my eyes?

But —

Can you see my ambitions,

     my hopes,

         my dreams

            that all act as my guiding North Star?

Can you see how I follow the path of my heart,

     how I trip and stumble along uneven pavement,

         how I spend my time getting lost in the stranger lanes,

            exploring every avenue in this wooden labyrinth of life? 

     how I face the oceans washed out before me,

         and always find a way to sail to the other side?

Can you see the nights I’ve spent staring up at the stars,

     peering through the dark,

          imagining where my road will lead?

Can you see the bruises and scrapes,

     where I’ve been shoved down into the dirt,

         and the long days I’ve spent doubting my compass’ sense of direction?

Can you see the times I’ve stood up,

     against  the doubts of others,

         doubts of the world,

            of my own?

Can you see how for every dead end I’ve hit,

     I’ve retraced my steps and found a new path to follow?

Mirror mirror on the wall,

     can you see me and the journeys I have taken at all?

This is an installment in The Retriever’s new creative writing section. If you would like to submit your creative writing or art for possible publication in The Retriever, please contact ceyda1@umbc.edu.

Historically, the winter season is home to a dull dry spell for high-impact movies. It is up to the spring season to liven up the year with films that excite audiences. Spring 2019 is no different with many premiere blockbusters hitting theaters leading up to the arguably most anticipated blockbuster films of 2019. Of the many releases, few stand out as experiences worth watching.

“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” is set to premiere in theaters Friday, Feb. 22. The third installment of the critically acclaimed “How to Train Your Dragon” series is yet another family-friendly animated film under the writer and director Dean DeBlois (“How to Train Your Dragon,” “Lilo and Stitch,”). The first two films in this series earned Oscar-nominations for Best-Animated picture in 2010 and 2014 respectively. “The Hidden World” will be no exception to its predecessors’ high success and has already earned a pre-release score of 97 percent on film aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

Next up is the twenty-first addition to the continual Marvel Cinematic Universe: “Captain Marvel.” It will be in theaters starting Friday, March 8. Before revealing the epic conclusion to 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” viewers are treated to a story of one of the Earth’s first heroes set in the 1990s. Brie Larson plays Carol Danvers, former US Air Force pilot who returns to Earth as a member of an elite alien military team. This world-building space-action film reveals the deeper facets of the galactic side of Marvel comics.

Following the massive success of 2017’s horror-thriller, “Get Out,” Jordan Peele’s latest cinematic venture is expected to draw crowds. “Us,” directed, written, and produced by Peele, will first be released at the prestigious film festival “South by Southwest” two weeks ahead of its theatrical release on Friday, March 22. The film also falls under a psychological horror genre, which, due to the complex nature of the genre, demonstrates Peele’s talents. Along with the backing of Jason Blum and Blumhouse Productions (“The Purge”, “Split”, “Paranormal Activity”), the film definitely should not disappoint.

Then, along with a collection of four other Disney films slated in the spring season, “Dumbo” premieres Friday, March 29. Loosely inspired by the 1941 animated film of the same name, the film takes advantage of both modern animation technology and practical set design to create the fantastical world under the direction of Tim Burton. Both worth watching for childhood nostalgia and for the new take on the story, this film is here to please.

Finally, the resolution to last year’s “Avengers: Infinity War” will be unveiled at the end of the spring movie season on Friday, April 26. Dubbed “Avengers: Endgame,” the culmination of over 10 years of cinematic tales brings us back around to the original cast of heroes seen in 2012’s “The Avengers.” This highly anticipated film is expected to conclude Thanos’ plot from last year’s film and bear real consequences for our heroes.

The spring season is approaching fast and audiences all around the globe are on the edge of their seats. These upcoming blockbusters are, hopefully, going to give us good stories, diverse casting and relatable characters. All there is left to do is wait.

Personable and fun from head to toe, Alex Hooper has become such a popular comedian in the last ten years, and it is easy to see why. Hooper is an LA-based comedian originally from Towson, Maryland. Many of us will remember him from the “America’s Got Talent” episode where he insulted the judge, igniting thousands of people to angrily yell at him from their seats.

His first album, “Hugs. Drugs. Pugs.” was one of his favorite accomplishments. This project followed his personal growth, connecting with a lot of the main parts of his life. However, this is not all Hooper wants to do with comedy; he wants to expand his creative career across different platforms and countries. Hooper wants to work on more TV shows, and he even started a podcast called “Achilles’ Heel” that tells stories of struggle and mental illness. 

Hooper has already performed in Argentina, Mexico and Thailand and plans to do a show in Canada soon. Hooper says that he has to work so much harder in these shows; he must constantly be on his feet and able to pivot in the moment. One of his favorite shows by far was in Thailand because he says, “it was the most present I’ve ever been.”

Comedy, contrary to popular belief, is a difficult profession. There is a lot of rejection involved, and it does not always pay very well. Hooper still has to work hard every day despite already having established himself. Getting up on stage will always be scary for Hooper, but that is just part of his job. He believes that being uncomfortable is good for performers. Too often he says he is just “the crazy man standing in the corner of an art gallery,” but he grows from it. Performers have to know how to be comfortable in their own skin; otherwise they will never find who they are as a comedian.

Hooper will be returning to Baltimore for a show at Fells Point Corner Theatre on Feb. 27. In fact, it is only a few weeks before his 10 year anniversary with comedy on March 9. It is an amazing feat to have been able to pursue comedy for so long, especially with how many up-and-coming comedians there already are.

A Marylander himself, Hooper looks forward to his upcoming show in Baltimore. Although, it is definitely weird for him when he performs in Charm City. He usually tries to come back to Baltimore once a year. During these shows, the added pressure of knowing people in the audience weighs on him.

Despite all the hardships, Hooper is extremely passionate about comedy. The way he talks about his job is heartwarming, and he hopes everyone finds their own passions. In fact, he thinks that there is “nothing more important in life than finding your purpose.” The reason he loves comedy so much is because it is his way of spreading joy and truly expressing himself, something that people often struggle to do. Everyone should hope to find their own calling because what’s the point of doing anything if it is not with passion?

So save the date for Feb. 27, and come see Alex Hooper live. He has enough personality to entertain you for the entire night, and, on top of that, he promises that it will be a “celebration of fun and silliness.”

The roar of the crowd. The squeak of sneakers on the court. The swish of the basket. These sounds – and the exciting atmosphere surrounding them – are just one part of what keeps UMBC basketball season ticket holders coming back game after game.

Just feet away, you have a different kind of excitement coming from a particularly dedicated brand of black and gold bedecked dawg – the season ticket holder, whose energy is infectious and absolutely vital to the team. As the men head into late season play with wins in nine out of their last ten appearances – including two victories against the University of Vermont, the Catamounts’ first losses of the year – they do so with Retriever Nation loudly cheering them on.

“Our team has been so pleased with the fan support this season in our first full year in the new arena,” says men’s basketball head coach, Ryan Odom. “Our players feed off of our fans’ passion for UMBC and we are hopeful that it will continue to grow in years to come. The Event Center has become the place to be and our team is so thankful for the support.”

Fans have come to know Odom and his coaching style well since he took over the helm in 2016, helping the team secure their spot in history last March. “Coach Odom is such a positive mentor,” says Kathie Jarva, an avid fan and ticket holder since 2002. “We appreciate his approach and demeanor. He makes each game much more pleasing to us these last three years.

The academics-first approach by the program and by the America East have always appealed to Jarva.

“We know that these young people are learning many important life skills while practicing and playing competitively, while balancing their studies and their love of the sport, while winning and while losing.”

James L. Wiggins Esq. ’75, political science, has been attending games since 1971, never losing the love of the sport over the many lean years.

“This season has been most satisfying. With the number of injuries the team has suffered so far this season, I believe that Coach Odom is doing his best coaching since being at UMBC,” says Wiggins. “The team plays an exciting style of basketball. They are well coached and the players puts forth maximum effort each game. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Reflecting on the growth and changes over the years, Wiggins can certainly see a difference.

“Now the energy around the program is off the charts. The sports marketing department is doing one heck of a job keeping alumni informed. You can feel the administration’s commitment, through the athletic department, to provide the teams the resources to be competitive.”

John Lotz has been buying tickets for UMBC basketball for years. One might assume it’s because he’s an alumnus, that he was predisposed to bleed black and gold. However, this Boston University graduate attended his first game on a whim and has been hooked ever since.

“I started going to away games, when UMBC would play at BU in Boston. I realized that I enjoyed seeing UMBC play at other locations, so when I’m able to get out of town I try and go,” says Lotz. He travels to other America East schools and non-conference games up and down the east coast, and has even had the chance to witness some defining moments in Retriever history.

“My favorite moment as a fan was being able to be in Vermont last year to see UMBC beat Vermont for the America East championship. Seeing the team being able to cut down the net was very moving,” recalls Lotz.

Defeating UVM was a pivotal moment that would define the history of UMBC men’s basketball. But what came next for fans was definitely one they would never forget.

Brian Ault ‘80, sociology, was at that history-making game last March. He’s been a season ticket holder for 12 years and traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina for the big dance. He describes the atmosphere in the Spectrum Center as “total euphoria. The mass of UMBC backers was so loud and confident as the game wore on. It was like we collectively willed them to the big victory.”

So what does it mean to be a fan? For Mimi Dietrich ‘70, American studies, “it means connecting with people at the games…old friends, new friends, professors, and sometimes getting a hug from Dr. Hrabowski after the game!”

As one of the first university graduates and an integral member of the Fab Four, Dietrich has truly seen the evolution of UMBC basketball.

“My husband and I have watched games in Gym I, the RAC, and now we love the new Event Center. Growing up, we always played basketball and went to high school games,” says Dietrich. “As a fan, I appreciate all the work that goes into the game plan, and I like understanding the referee calls.”

The Retrievers have now defeated University of Vermont both on the road and at the Event Center. Fans will surely remember the last time UMBC stunned UVM with the March buzzer beater to give the Retrievers the 2017-2018 conference title. With the latest slew of wins, Academic All-American graduate student Joe Sherburne ’18, moves into seventh place on UMBC’s all-time scoring list and the Retrievers are second in the conference.

This article was updated February 22 to reflect UMBC’s latest win against University of Vermont. The Retrievers travel to University of Albany for the next game on February 23.

Header Image: Retriever fans take fashion to new heights. Photo courtesy of Marlayna Demond ‘11.

At midnight on Thursday, February 28, UMBC Giving Day will officially begin, kicking off the university’s second annual 24-hour marathon of giving. The goal: for as many UMBC alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students as possible to make a gift, supporting UMBC students and projects. UMBC is relying on Retriever Nation to make the 1,000 donor goal a reality.

“Last year was our very first 24-hour giving day—Black and Gold Rush—and it was simply amazing,” says Joanne Meredith, director of annual giving. “The entire UMBC community came together to support scholarships, athletics, campus life, academics… They gave to what mattered most to them.”

Making an impact

For Giving Day 2019, UMBC will shine a spotlight on eighteen funds as key areas for support. The Stay Black and Gold Fund, for example, directly supports students who are facing financial hardship as they seek to finish their degrees. The Retriever Essentials fund supports work to tackle food insecurity in the UMBC community. Donors can also give to other UMBC funds that they choose, beyond the eighteen featured.

“This is a special time for UMBC,” said UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski. “We want you to give to whatever it is that you want to give to—whether it’s academics or athletics, scholarships or Student Affairs.”

President Hrabowski will once again be taking over UMBC’s Twitter account in the midst of the excitement on UMBC Giving Day 2019.

Joining the festivities

In the spirit of the #blackandgoldrush Giving Day theme, all Retrievers are encouraged to wear black and gold on Thursday, February 28. To help support the cause, the UMBC Bookstore is offering 50 percent off all clearance merchandise from February 25 through March 1.

Join in the festivities on Thursday, February 28 by dropping by Giving Day headquarters at Main Street in the Commons, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be games, live performances, prizes, snacks, and more.

The celebration will also be online, where ambassadors are competing to see who can raise the most donors and visibility for Giving Day. Since January, Retrievers have been signing up to serve as social media ambassadors and helping to boost awareness about Giving Day throughout Retriever Nation. On Giving Day, ambassadors will be able to track their progress on a leaderboard, to see who helped generate the most clicks and donations for their UMBC causes. The top individual, department, and student ambassadors will all receive special prizes.

“This is such caring community, full of energy and UMBC pride,” says Greg Simmons, M.P.P. ’04, public policy, and vice president of institutional advancement. “To be successful, Giving Day is definitely an all-hands-on deck effort. We are excited to see how support from UMBC alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff on Giving Day can extend the reach and impact of the work we do together.”

Wherever you are on Thursday, February 28, you can follow all of the Giving Day 2019 festivities on UMBC’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat (@UMBCLife), and post your own thoughts on why supporting UMBC students is so important using #UMBC and #blackandgoldrush.

Featured Image: Thank-you notes from Giving Day 2018. All photos by Marlaynd Demond ’11 for UMBC.

“At the beginning of the year, our captains chose the theme ‘enjoy it’ to help guide our season and that’s exactly what we did. We got to the championships and we added ‘live it’ and ‘love it,’ and we used that thinking to be the most relaxed and confident team,” says Coach Chad Cradock ’97, psychology. “From the minute the events started, we all rallied around each other to compete at our best.”

Setting new records

Throughout the competition, UMBC swimmers shattered record after record, both individually and as a team. The men’s team racked up an awe-inspiring 1113.5 points, their highest total ever in conference play, and the women finished strong with 894.5.

Danish national champion Alexander Gliese ‘19, mechanical engineering, is no stranger to breaking records. Just last month, Gliese broke Michael Phelps’ 16-year-old NBAC record during the back split of the 400 medley relay. During preliminaries of the 200 back for America East, Gliese set a new UMBC and conference record with a time of 1:42.56 and broke the UMBC and America East record in the 100 back with a time of 47.16. In addition to event wins, Gliese also received the Dave Alexander Coaches’ Award as the senior who accrued the most points over the course of the meet.

“This championship was the most exciting and enjoyable one of my collegiate career,” says Gliese. “Our team went into the season with the end result in mind and it was incredible to see it come to fruition. The team atmosphere this whole year has been incredible and I could not have asked for a better group of people to share this moment with.”

Hania Moro ‘19, economics, earned gold and set a new school record for the 1650 free with a time of 16:39.98. In the 500 free, Moro bested the 14-year-old school record with a time of 4:49.26. Previously, at the Egyptian Nationals, Moro’s 400 free time of 4:18.95 made her the Egyptian National Record Holder. Moro also received the Dave Alexander Coaches’ Award on the women’s side.

“This weekend was unbelievable, every day exceeded my expectations,” says Moro. “The whole team came together to perform so strongly and it was everything I ever wanted and more. I’m so happy to end my college swimming career with these results and next to favorite people.”

America East accolades

The team bus made the trip home from Worcester, Massachusetts, despite being weighed down with so much hardware from the America East. Matt Bennici ‘22, economics, and Luka Zuric ‘22, shared America East’s Most Outstanding Rookie award. Gliese was named Most Outstanding Swimmer and broke the America East 100 and 200 back records. Elijah Wright ‘19, visual arts, took home gold in the 3- and 1-meter dives and was named Most Outstanding Diver of the meet. Connor Ganley ‘19, chemical engineering, was recognized as having the highest GPA among competing student-athletes and was named the America East Elite 18 recipient.

Cradock and his staff were again named the men’s and women’s Coaching Staff of the Year.

“I would like to thank the university and athletic administration for all the support we get to be as successful as we are, and the faculty and staff for challenging our student-athletes to be their best and focus on academics,” says Coach Cradock. “Our staff are so dedicated to our program and I am grateful for all they do. And our alumni laid the foundation, which has allowed us to be our best.”

“To our student-athletes,” Cradock says, “thank you for giving your best every day for the whole Retriever family.”

For more UMBC Swimming and Diving news, see UMBC Athletics.

Banner image: A member of UMBC’s women’s swim team dives in at America East Championships. Photo courtesy of Colleen Humel.