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Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

With only a few weeks left in 2024, it is that time of year when we say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new. What better way to say “hello” than by making New Year’s resolutions? I am not talking about basic goals such as exercising or reading more, although they are great goals to have. I am talking about goals that allow you to say “hello” to fresh new changes in your life.

Here are three New Year’s resolutions that I recommend having as you enter 2025.

1. Setting boundaries

A new year often calls for a time of wanting to do more things or being more open to putting yourself out there and having more responsibilities. While wanting to do more is fantastic, it is essential to fill your schedule responsibly. When having so much to do and gaining more responsibilities with more people relying on you, pressure builds. Too much pressure can cause burnout and exhaustion as you constantly find yourself being pulled in many directions.

To prevent burnout and exhaustion from happening, make the resolution to set boundaries. Setting boundaries may seem challenging and there might even be people who may feel hurt by your boundaries but don’t let their hurt cause you to hurt yourself. Setting boundaries allows you to take control of your life and prioritize your needs, goals and values while ensuring that the time and energy you give are allocated effectively. It is through setting boundaries that we can give the best versions of ourselves. When we do more and have more responsibilities, set boundaries so you can give the best version of yourself to those responsibilities.

2. Adding fun into your life

With each passing year, it is easy to get caught up in the “grind mindset,” whether putting your all into your academic studies or making your way up the corporate ladder. When caught up in that particular mindset, we lose out on what life can be. By adding fun to your life, you are taking a moment to appreciate the journey that life is and understanding that life means way more than academics and work.

The “grind mindset” can easily cause constant worry about the future and may make you miss out on what is happening in the present. Adding fun to your life is a way to experience the moment you live in, which can impact your future by improving your quality of life.

3. Making yourself happy

The year seems to pass quicker each year. The days might be long but sometimes it feels that as soon as you start to say “happy,” “one” follows right behind. Life is extremely short in the grand scheme of all there is in the entire universe. Because life is so short, it’s important to make yourself happy. There’s nothing selfish in making yourself happy, being happy is fundamental to being able to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

When you are happy, you navigate challenges more easily, nurture and strengthen your relationships, and add value to yourself and your needs. All this helps you make decisions leading to a life in your best interest. By making yourself happy, you aren’t avoiding responsibilities or challenges; instead, you are creating joy and enhancing each aspect of your life.

By making resolutions to set boundaries, add fun into your life and make yourself happy, I am sure that 2025 will be your year. 

Madalyn Godfrey/Fourth Estate

BY MADALYN GODFREY, COPY EDITOR

Now that Thanksgiving is over, the time has finally arrived when Christmas music can be played anytime. While in years past, it seemed that Christmas music started playing before Halloween–a travesty in itself–I feel that this year has been different. There seems to be a lack of Christmas music despite officially being in December.

Don’t get me wrong. I used to hate Christmas music, especially when it was played before Thanksgiving. Over the years, just like the Grinch, my heart grew and softened quite a bit, becoming a little bit more welcoming to the Christmas spirit; however, now that it is past Thanksgiving, I can’t help but notice where the Christmas music has gone and realize how much the music does help with feeling the Christmas spirit.

If you are like me and notice a lack of music causing a lack of Christmas spirit, here are four songs to get you back into feeling holly and jolly.

1. “Last Christmas” by Wham!

When it comes to Christmas music, you have to have a build-up. You can’t just go straight into Bing Cosby and expect to become immersed in the Christmas spirit immediately. You have to have fun first. You have to dance a little. Let the Christmas spirit enter through 80s synth-pop, specifically through “Last Christmas” by Wham!.

When the Christmas season rolls around, there’s always a tinge of sadness associated but it is also a season filled with hope and moving on and going forward. George Michael encapsulates these elements through the lyrics and the instrumentals of “Last Christmas.” The song allows listeners to recognize the heartbreaks that occur in the Christmas season but gives them the ability to dance anyway, hoping that next year will be better. Once we can recognize the bitter moments and learn to dance anyway, the Christmas spirit begins to infiltrate.

2. “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” by Michael Bublé

After awakening the mind to dance through the bitterness, the ability to notice the beauty of the Christmas season follows. There’s no better way to see this beauty than by listening to “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” While technically, any version of the song could work, I believe the Michael Bublé cover is the best.

Known for his polished and classical jazz-blended vocals, Bublé’s voice creates a timeless feeling of nostalgia with a hint of charismatic charm to the song. His voice evokes the beauty of the song and leads listeners to visualize while creating a cozy, festive mood that is sure to allow anyone to feel the Christmas spirit as the Christmas season unfolds.

3. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by The Jackson 5

The Christmas season is not only a time for reminiscing and beauty but it is also a time for whimsical playfulness, which The Jackson 5 encapsulates through “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” With such a lively tempo channeling child-like wonder, the festive cheers of the Christmas season are heartened. Additionally, through the family appeal of The Jackson 5, their togetherness transcends their artistry into how the Christmas season intertwines with family.

What truly makes the song one to settle anyone into the Christmas spirit is the childlike imagination of the season. Although, as listeners, we know that Santa Claus referred to in the song is supposed to be the dad; however, when we sing along, we match the childhood belief that there is a Santa Claus. Keeping hold of childhood beliefs such as Santa Claus creates the Christmas spirit and only causes the spirit to grow stronger.

4. “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

To wrap up the list of Christmas songs, it would be shameful not to throw out one of the most popular songs of the Christmas season, “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey. Love or hate the song, the Christmas spirit lives deeply within it. As someone who used to be annoyed whenever the song would come on, whether in stores, the radio or even on TV, those feelings all changed when accepting the catchiness of the song and having fun loudly singing it.

The acceptance of the appeal to “All I Want for Christmas is You” and having fun being loud with singing and declaring your enjoyment over the song is what truly allows the Christmas spirit to take you over completely at full force. It is not the song that gets you into the Christmas spirit but rather the acceptance of enjoying the Christmas season and not holding back on the joys of the season.

Photo Courtesy of Gargi Kalla

BY PHILLIP KIM, STAFF WRITER

Mason’s Indian Student Association (ISA) is one of the oldest South Asian student organizations on campus, according to junior Gargi Kalla, ISA vice president. Each year, the organization works tirelessly to hold various events and fellowship opportunities for its members, and 2024 is no exception.

“We organize festivals like Diwali, Holi and many more, each showcasing different traditions with unique dance, music and food,” junior Rohan Mathur, activities manager, said. “ISA gives students a chance to experience India’s many traditions and also connect with the broader campus community.”

Kalla shares that for students of Desi descent living in America, it can be difficult at times to keep in touch with their ethnic roots. ISA hopes to facilitate the sharing of Indian culture by bringing it to campus.

“Our vision has always been to bridge cultural gaps and bring everyone together,” Kalla said. “By hosting inclusive and diverse events, we not only give our members a chance to reconnect with their culture and heritage but also introduce the greater Mason community to the beauty of our South Asian traditions.”

Photo Courtesy of Gargi Kalla

ISA boasts a welcoming and close-knit membership, making the organization ideal for anyone interested in learning about Indian culture and meeting and bonding with new people.

“Many students have shared that ISA feels more like a family,” senior Sohan Kalluru, events coordinator, said. “This year, ISA is committed to broadening its scope and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.”

ISA board members shared that the food and music make their events special. From biryani to dosas and samosas with chutney, Indian cuisine is a highlight at most ISA gatherings.

“This semester, ISA hosted a successful fundraising event: Dosa Dhaba,” junior Harshitha Maddi, fundraising chair, said. “This event was a collaboration with GMU Culinary Club, making it not only ISA’s first-ever food-based fundraiser but also our first event centered on authentic, home-style South Indian cuisine.”

Earlier this semester, ISA hosted one of their key events, Diwali celebration, off-campus to connect with an even larger community. They even chose a special venue that would evoke memories for homesick members: a local temple.

“This event was an incredible success, complete with authentic Indian food and dazzling fireworks, allowing students to honor the Festival of Lights in grand style,” junior Vidhi Pathak, ISA delegate, said. “Attendees walked away from the event with wide smiles and remarked on how lighting all the fireworks, they felt like they were back at home in the streets of India.”

In addition to holding traditional celebrations, the officers enjoy getting creative and coming up with unique events such as the “Desi Halloween Party.”

“[The Halloween party] was a night full of surprises and fun moments,” sophomore Nia Trivedi, historian, said. “Students showed off their creativity with costumes ranging from iconic Bollywood stars to mythological figures, all while dancing to the latest hits and taking part in a lively costume contest.”

The South Asia edition of International Cafe held in October was another special experience for ISA members. They planned to host their own event that same week but changed gears upon being invited to present a booth at the event.

“We had an amazing time meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sharing stories about India’s rich history and stunning monuments,” Kalla said. “Despite the last minute decision to participate, all the effort was absolutely worth it.”

None of these events would be possible without careful preparation by dedicated members. Senior Ishaan Gupta, treasurer, feels like everyone brought their “A-game” to all the meetings.

“There are lots of things that go on behind-the-scenes months in advance for all of our major events,” Gupta said “When we face major problems in organizing events, we like to meet up and brainstorm, sometimes spanning multiple hours, until we find a solution. We want to make sure that every detail is perfect so our guests have an unforgettable experience.”

After a year marked by laughter and bonding, ISA plans on growing as an organization and continuing to support South Asian students going through college. Senior Dheer Tammina, ISA president, believes more can be done to achieve these goals.

“We decided to take bold risks,” Tammina said. “Many of these events were unprecedented for ISA, particularly at the scale we executed them. While the process was stressful at times, our efforts paid off as each event turned out to be extremely successful.”

“When joining ISA, embrace the journey of planning, learning, and growing together,” junior Sanjita Illendula, marketing head, said. “We often encounter surprises but that’s what makes our experiences unforgettable. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, adapt and create moments that celebrate our culture and bring our community closer. Expect the unexpected and let’s make it amazing!”

ISA currently has 926 members on Mason 360 with many more unofficial members. Students who are interested in learning more about ISA may visit their official Instagram account.

Photo Courtesy of Jackson Daughters

BY CHRISTIAN SEGOVIA, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s note: Some players will be referred to by their gamertag.

Eric “Trile & Error” Le serves as the Super Smash Bros. manager for George Mason University Esports; however, when coming to Mason in 2021, Le didn’t want to be involved with anything. Three years later, Le’s attitude changed when he deeply considered joining the team, asking himself, “It can’t be that bad, right?

In the fall of 2024, Le became the Super Smash Bros. manager for Mason Esports. Now, Le decides which players make the team.

Trying out for the Super Smash Bros. team can be different from other Esport tryouts at Mason by putting players against three “testers”. These “testers” are people that are skilled Super Smash Bros. players, who play against prospective players to test their skills. 

“For example, one of my players, ‘Ripcord,’ [a] really good R.O.B. player.. plays a meta-relevant character,” Le said. “He was analyzing, how do [prospective team members] approach a meta-relevant character? How would they approach him as a player? And will they adapt fast enough?”

The three “testers” relay information and their opinion of the prospective players skills to Le, who then decides where to place the player on a team. If the player does really well, they’re part of the main team. If the player isn’t main-team material, they still have a shot of being placed on the B team.

When it comes to tournaments, Le says that his team brings the heat.

Le recalled a major tournament in Ohio during the fall semester. “Our team got top eight out of 32 schools, upsetting one of the bigger schools there…” Le said. At another tournament, the team went to Virginia Tech and won the tournament. 

Being the Smash Bros. manager has allowed Le to get connected in the GMU Esports community. “You can talk with the CSGO folks, the Valorant folks, the Rocket League folks. they’re all good people,” Le said. “They all want to just play games, just [with] different games.”

Le’s favorite hobby besides video games is biking. “I love trail making, basically I love to explore my whole area,” Le said. 

As Le continues to grow as a manager, he advises other players and future leaders of Esports teams to remain hard workers in the midst of all the fun. “Just understand, do your work first. Play hard. Work hard,” Le said.