Joss Duff, ’23, stands outside of Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Duff planned a “pull” day with exercises to train his back. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, leans against a weight rack in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Duff has been powerlifting for about two and a half years. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, changes into his deadlifting shoes for his session in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Duff prefers to train in these shoes, as having flat shoes is ideal for lifting. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, checks his lifting program in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Duff has been using this program for the past six weeks to structure his workouts and log his numbers. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, puts on his weightlifting belt in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Duff uses the belt when he is lifting heavy weights to help him keep good form. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, claps chalk in his hands in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Duff uses chalk when he is deadlifting to help him keep a grip on the bar. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, deadlifts a working set of 405 libs in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Monday, Oct. 4. Deadlift is Duff’s favorite compound lift and the one he’s seen the most progress in over the years. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, squats 225 lbs in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. One of Duff’s favorite songs to get him through a set is “Fell In Love With a Girl” by The White Stripes. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, daps up Campbell Zantop-Zimlinghaus, ’23, to celebrate a successful lifting session in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Duff prefers to train with friends. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, gets a lift off from his friend Zach Herndon, ’23, for his set of 135 lbs on bench press in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Duff often goes to the gym with his roommates, Herndon and Campbell Zantop-Zimlinghaus, ’23. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, runs on a treadmill in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Duff will occasionally finish off his workout with HIIT cardio. (J24/Christina Perrier)

Joss Duff, ’23, packs up his stuff in Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Duff got a morning workout in before his day of classes. (J24/Christina Perrier)

What started as a way for Joss Duff, ‘23, to keep active when his wrestling season ended the spring semester of his senior year in high school has become an almost daily cathartic and social experience. Now, two and a half years later, Duff has seen significant growth in himself with regards to powerlifting. 

“My favorite part of powerlifting is the tangible progress you’re able to see,” Duff said. “With lifting, the progress is quantitative — you can see the numbers increase. With something like bodybuilding, the progress is qualitative — changes in your physique, which takes longer to see.”

Duff’s main goal right now is to put on weight to comfortably be above 200 lbs without having to constantly bulk. Long-term, he’s looking to hit a 600 lb deadlift.

Duff said it can be a challenge to find a balance between the gym and the demands of school, but it’s all about managing your time. He said when he can maintain that balance, he finds working out is a nice compliment to his academic responsibilities.

“So often I’m mentally exhausted and stressed out, and going to the gym is a nice change of pace where I get to focus on something other than my homework,” Duff said. “When I can get some of my energy out in the gym that helps me go back to focusing on doing work afterwards. Going to the gym is fantastic for anyone’s mental health.”

Not only has lifting been a therapeutic outlet for Duff, but also a good way to be social.

“The social part of it is everything for me,” Duff said. “That’s why I first started lifting in the first place because it is essentially just hanging out with friends while you’re being productive and improving on yourself. Also, just being at the gym, I’ve met a lot of cool people there.”

Over the past couple of years Duff has seen improvement in his numbers, however, the biggest growth point he’s seen is in his maturity. Duff said when he first started training he would “ego lift,” putting a lot of strain on his body to focus on lifting as much as he could. He said, now, he only tries to max out on his lifts two or three times a year to prioritize his health and safety.

Duff said the pandemic set him back a bit because gyms were closed and he was forced to take a break, but now that they are open he’s been able to hop back in and stay consistent. He said he feels safe working out, as most gyms have heightened their sanitary protocols.

The stage setup before the upcoming night performance at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The venue has kept much of its charm and history out on display from when it was first opened, including this specialty made quilt. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Ramona LaBarre smiles at the bar inside Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. “There is just a real type of energy here,” LaBarre said. “Some of us refer to it as magic.” (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Godfrey Daniels’ shows off its “history wall” in Bethlehem, Pa. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Godfrey Daniels opened up its doors in 1976 as a small and eclectic venue on the South Side but has since made its way to being an internationally acclaimed club on the “folk circuit.” (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Names of Godfrey Daniels’ supporters are written on a podium which sits in the front space of the venue in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Ramona LaBarre said she associates Godfrey Daniels’ longevity with the support of the local Bethlehem community, which has been coming around since its opening. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Godfrey Daniels’ stage set up right before a performance by Bakithi Kumalo & The South African All-Stars in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Godfrey Daniels celebrates the intimate connection between the performers and audience. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Members of Bakithi Kumalo & The South African All-Stars enjoy a dinner before their performance at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. The band ordered food from Nawab, a local Indian restaurant on the South Side. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Hand sanitizers and disposable face masks are available for concert-goers at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. To protect the performers as well as the volunteers and workers, Godfrey Daniels requires patrons to show their vaccine card or a negative covid test to enter. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Godfrey Daniels’ sound person works behind the scenes at a concert in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Godfrey Daniels relies on support from its membership program and volunteers who dedicate their time so Godfrey Daniels can continue to be a community resource. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Bakithi Kumalo (left) and Morris Goldberg (right) during one of their sets at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Goldberg, a longtime friend of Kumalo, performed several solos on the alto saxophone during the set. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

Ramona LaBarre, managing director of Godfrey Daniels, stands alongside musician Bakithi Kumalo inside the venue in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. Kumalo played bass on Paul Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland” yet loves coming back to perform for the crowd at Godfrey Daniels. (J24/Ella Morrissey)

The entertainment sector was one of the hardest hit during the Covid-19 pandemic. Godfrey Daniels, a small but intimate venue on East Fourth Street in Bethlehem is embracing the new normal.

Ramona LaBarre, managing director at Godfrey Daniels, began volunteering at the venue in the late ‘80s. From the start, LaBarre said she could tell Godfrey Daniels, a listening room nurturing traditional and contemporary folk music, was a special place.

“I just happened to be in the right place at the right time,” LaBarre said.

Godfrey Daniels’ last show before Covid-19 was on March 8, 2020. During the last year and a half, they relied on using StreamYard to produce live streams of artists’ performances. LaBarre said she hopes that in the future, Godfrey Daniels will be able to host both in-person shows as well as do livestreams to attract more people.

“The beauty of the livestreams is that you can bring in an artist from anywhere in the world and it also expands the audience,” LaBarre said.

Godfrey Daniels began their new season on Sept. 10 and recently welcomed Bakithi Kumalo & The South African All-Stars to perform in front of a capacity crowd on Oct. 2.

Kumalo, who is best known for playing bass on Paul Simon’s 1986 album “Graceland”, said he loves coming back to Godfrey Daniels to play with his band.

“There are very big names who play in giant theaters but they love being in a small space with a small crowd,” LaBarre said. “There is just something about that connection.”

Godfrey Daniels received more donations in 2020 than they had ever earned in previous years thanks to support from community members wanting to return to live music.

Currently, Godfrey Daniels has had to lower their capacity from 90 to 60 for each show and also require patrons to be vaccinated or show a negative Covid-19 test taken 48 hours prior to the show.

As a nonprofit corporation, Godfrey Daniels relies on its membership program and volunteers to keep them going. LaBarre believes that the success and longevity of Godfrey Daniels for years to come relies on getting more young people, especially Lehigh students, involved with the venue.

19-year-old sophomores Nick Chiu and Sasha Rabeno refine their musical abilities in a Zoellner Arts Center practice room at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Both Rabeno and Chiu know how to play the piano, but Chiu prefers to sing. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu,19, sits atop a piano looking to the side in a Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University in a practice room on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Chiu aims to have daily vocal practice. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno play the piano together in a Zoellner Arts Center practice room at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno enjoy collaborating on musical projects. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu, 19, sings in front of the church at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu prefers to sing folk music.(J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno walk together on a Lehigh University parking lot after a small performance on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno support one another in their individual musical endeavors. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Rabeno kisses Chiu on the cheek in a parking lot at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno feel connected through their mutual love of music. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno dance to jazz music outside at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno coordinate easily with each other due to their personal relationship and their knowledge of music. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno stare into each other’s eyes while dancing outside at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno feel in sync in multiple aspects of their life. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno share music with one another at Lehigh’s, University Center front lawn on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno default to soothing jazz music to relax. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Chiu and Rabeno sing ABBA’s hit, Dancing Queen with each other in Rabeno’s car parked in Dravo’s parking at Lehigh University on Wednesday, Oct. 6. Chiu and Rabeno love music as much as they love each other. (J024/ Angie Bravo)

Sound comes in toots, beeps, and twangs among a myriad of other possibilities. For Nicholas Chiu and Sasha Rabeno, sound presents itself in music. Chiu’s instrument of choice is his voice and in conjunction with Rabeno’s piano playing skills; they come together to make a perfect musical match.

Chiu and Rabeno are 19-year-old sophomores in Lehigh University’s Integrated Degree In
Engineering, Arts, and Sciences program (IDEAS). Despite heavy coursework, Chiu and Rabeno find the time to express their love for music in their extracurricular activities; Chiu participates in The Melismatics, one of Lehigh’s Cappella groups, while Rabeno participates in the school’s band playing the tenors.

“In my capacity, I’m the main bass in the group,” Chiu said. “So, I kind of serve as that foundational role on the bass line and among that section of the ensemble, just by virtue of the part I’m playing.”

Chiu was in a cappella group in high school and carried on with the activity. He said that he takes his music more seriously now.

“Now I really enjoy the learning process of it and learning how to become a better musician: building up all my skills especially in my singing,” Chiu said. “It’s what I mainly focus on. Whether in a group setting or independently, it’s always focusing on that work and improving and seeing what I can learn.”

A major component of the music listening experience are the subsequent emotions. Since Chiu also plays the piano, he said he can express every feeling through his music.

“I think it really depends on what I want out of it,” Chiu said. “I find that I am able to extrapolate what I want from the music with what I’m trying to do.”

Music surrounds Chiu and Rabeno’s life. Between the clanks, rings, tings, jingles, and jangles: the love Chiu and Rabeno share for music is incomparable to the love they share for one another.

Weihang Guo goes to Ctown to buy chicken drumsticks in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He wants to make some delicious chicken drumsticks. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo cooks cabbages at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He thinks his dinner is almost done after this procedure. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo puts all the cabbages in the pan at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He waits for the pan to heat up. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo pours sauces into cabbages to make them more delicious at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He wants some more flavors in them. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo’s chicken drumsticks is almost done after some time at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. He wants the meat more fresh and tender, so he cooks it for another ten minutes. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo’s dinner is done at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He thinks this dinner is delicious. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo prepares sauces to cook cabbages at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. He wants some spicy sauce for that. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo begins to cut cabbages up at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He wants some vegetables for his dinner. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo completes all his procedure in cooking chicken drumsticks at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. He cooks chicken drumsticks for his dinner. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo arrives at home and cooks dinner in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. He wants to make some delicious chicken drumsticks. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo finishes to do his dinner in his house in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday Sept.28, 2021. He wants something really good for his dinner. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo has his dinner with Xinhao Tang in their house in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept.28, 2021. They seem to have a really delicious dinner on that night. (J24/ Zeyu Lin)

Weihang Guo goes to Ctown in Bethlehem, Pa. to buy some chicken drumsticks and cabbages for his dinner in the next day on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. He wants a great and delicious dinner after one day of hard working, so he decides to do something that costs much time but very good for him to enjoy after one month of studying in Lehigh University.

Weihang arrives at his home in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. He peels off the meat from chicken drumsticks and put it in the pan. He adds some sauces to make it more delicious.

Hopefully, after some time, the chicken meat will be fresh tender and good to chew. Then, he pours some water into the pan to steam the chicken meat for some time.

Weihang shifts to cut cabbages after pouring water to the pan and waits for the chicken to be done. He deems that it saves time if he cooks chicken drumsticks first and then cooks cabbages since the time he uses to steaming chicken can be used to cook cabbages.

In Weihang’s opinion, adding some special sauces to cabbages can make his dinner more worthy to have. After he puts some peppercorns into the pan to make it smell better, he puts all the cabbages into the pan to cook. For him, spicy food is tasty for him to have.

After all these processes, Weihang pours a little soy sauce into the pan to make the cabbages smell better. At the meanwhile, the chicken drumsticks he steams is almost done, and water in that pan is almost evaporated, making the chicken to absorb as much flavors as it can. In Chinese, it is called “shouzhi”, meaning that making all the sauces and flavors into the things you are cooking.

After he is done with cabbages, the chicken drumsticks are done too. He then goes to his room to change clothes to have his decent dinner with Xinhao Tang.

“He cooks really good,” Xinhao says, “but we do not have enough time to do this every day. Thus, having the chance to eat this kind of chicken drumsticks once is good enough.”

He cooks up all these two food  for his dinner to make he more enjoy the time he spent in Lehigh University since these two kinds of cooking methods are his favorite, and cooking makes him to forget all the unhappy things to to embrace the life here.

Michael Bender drives to the Pi Beta Phi house in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. Bender arrives at the Pi Beta Phi house between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Monday through Friday, to begin cooking meals. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

The kitchen in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi house in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 7, 2021. Michael Bender uses the kitchen to make meals for the Pi Beta Phi sorority. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Collete Gordon tells Michael Bender about her night in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sept. 28, 2021. “I love when the girls tell me about what is going on in their lives,” Bender said.

Michael Bender sharpens his knife in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. Bender sharpens his knives so that he can cut produce properly. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender cuts fresh tomatoes in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. “I always use fresh produce and vegetables,” Bender said. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender tastes the tomato soup he makes in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. Bender tastes the food he makes before serving it to the Pi Beta Phi girls. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender catches up with Collette Gordon, Esha Soni and Ariella Kutler in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. While Bender is cooking all day, the sorority girls come in and out of the kitchen to talk to Bender. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender takes the temperature of the chicken he cooks in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 6, 2021. Bender made sure that each chicken was cooked to perfection. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender teaches Sabrina Jeon and Brooke Hunstein how to fry chicken in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sept. 28, 2021. Bender loves to share his cooking skills with the Pi Beta Phi women. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Morgan Pickett washes the pots and pans used for the day in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen on Oct. 4, 2021. The sorority girls take turns washing the dishes after Michael Bender is finished cooking for the day.

Michael Bender stands in his cooking jacket in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi kitchen in Bethlehem, Pa. on Oct. 5, 2021. “I only wear my cooking jacket when I want to look my best,” Bender said. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

Michael Bender scoops ice cream for the Pi Beta Phi women in Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi house on Oct. 4, 2021. Before Bender goes home, he likes to eat ice cream with the Pi Beta Phi women. (J24/Jordyn Pykon)

The Pi Beta Phi sorority women at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. never leave their house hungry. Michael Bender, known as Chef Mike to the Pi Beta Phi women, ensures that each Pi Beta Phi member always has a satiated appetite.

Bender arrives at work everyday between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. He commutes 40 minutes from Washington Township, N.J. 

“I like to get started early,” Bender said. “We have some early lunch eaters.”

Bender serves lunch at 12 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. He leaves the Pi Beta Phi house at 5:30 p.m. Bender cooks lunch and dinner for the Pi Beta Phi sorority from Sunday night until Friday morning. Bender has been the chef for Lehigh University’s Pi Beta Phi chapter since January 2013. 

Bender entered the culinary field later in life. After turning age 50, Bender retired from General Motors with the intention of pursuing a leisurely retirement. Ultimately, the traditional retirement way of life did not suit Bender’s needs. 

“I tried golfing and relaxing, and even worked at a golf course for a little while,” said Bender. “I tried that lifestyle. It just wasn’t for me.”

Bender decided to enter culinary school and after working several jobs, he ended up working at Lehigh University. Bender has enjoyed being the chef for the Pi Beta Phi sorority more than any other job he has worked. 

“I prefer working this job, it’s more rewarding,” Bender said. “It doesn’t pay that much though. I wouldn’t be able to do this if I didn’t have a pension.”

While Bender enjoys his job, it has become a lot of work as he has gotten older, especially since he cooks all by himself. 

“What I don’t like is the volume of cooking. It’s a lot of cooking for one guy.”

To support Bender, the Pi Beta Phi girls clean the dishes and cooking equipment in the kitchen after Bender makes meals. The Pi Beta Phi girls also make an effort to help Bender put out food when they can. 

Bender works hard to accommodate the dietary needs and restrictions of all members of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Bender reads about various diets in order to create food choices that make all of the Pi Beta Phi women happy. 

“I know a lot about food and the science behind it. I learn new things about food every day. Lately, I have been reading a lot about veganism,” said Bender. 

Bender has enjoyed getting to know the women in the Pi Beta Phi sorority for the past eight years. Bender even maintains relationships with Pi Beta Phi women after they have graduated. 

“I like meeting interesting young ladies from all over the world,” said Bender. “They still text me from time to time.”

Michael Bender is a beloved member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and is appreciated immensely by the sorority women. 

Saxby’s Cafe, located on the corner of W Morton Street and S New Street, operates in a quiet environment of Lehigh University studying students and working adults alike on Monday, October 4. The decorated space in Saxby’s encourages creativity and brainstorming of students and community members who choose to settle down here to complete work on weekdays. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Chae Eun Kim, of the Lehigh University Class of 2022, studies at the counter in Saxby’s on Monday, October 4. Kim is a student athlete at Lehigh who competes in hurdles for the track and field team. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

A Saxby’s employee bags a baked good for a customer on Monday, October 4. Saxby’s is hardest hit by crowds of Lehigh students after classes end, commonly occurring around 10:30 a.m. and noon. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Sarah Bonthuis, of the Lehigh University Class of 2023, orders a pumpkin matcha latte for the first time at the Saxby’s cash register on Monday, October 4. Bonthuis has been afraid to try matcha due to rumors that it tastes like grass, but she decided to go out of her comfort zone and give it a try. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

A variety of coffee blends are brewed and labeled in fun ways in Saxby’s, pictured on Monday, October 4, ranging from dark roast to decaf. “Pep Talk,” and “Liquid Courage” inspire workers and customers alike to seize the day with their preferred cup of coffee prepared with care at Saxby’s. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Sydney White, student of the class of 2023 at Lehigh, poses at a table in Saxby’s coffee shop on Monday, October 4 at 3 p.m. Sydney enjoys the quiet, calm atmosphere of Saxby’s, as well as its convenient proximity to her off-campus residence. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Employees at Saxby’s dodge each other while balancing multiple orders on Monday, October 4, as the line of students accumulates midday. Saxby’s not only brews coffee and makes other specialty drinks, but the cafe specializes in making signature breakfast grilled cheeses, as well. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

A customer’s chai latte with almond milk stands prepared at the pickup counter on Monday, October 4 in Saxby’s coffee shop. Students popularly order almond or oat milk to avoid lactose intolerant issues that are commonly associated with the consumption of whole, dairy milk. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Sarah Bonthuis and Sydney White exchange a laugh at the table Sydney has reserved in Saxby’s on Monday, October 4, right by the window across from Farrington Square. Sarah and Sydney have been long-time roommates during their entire experience at Lehigh University thus far. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Sarah Bonthuis tastes her pumpkin matcha latte carefully on Monday, October 4. Although Bonthuis said that the combination of pumpkin and matcha was refreshing, she will not order it again. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

The tip jar sits almost barren besides the cash register in Saxby’s on Monday, October 4. Because Saxby’s offers students the option to pay with GoldPlus dollars, students are less likely to have cash on them to add to the employees’ shared tip jar. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Emptied plastic coffee cups accumulate in the trash can within the exit door to Saxby’s, displayed on Monday, October 4. Students in a hurry to class or club meetings sometimes do not take the time to thoroughly wash and recycle their plastics. (J024/ Anna Piecuch).

Saxby’s Café, located across from Lehigh University’s Farrington Square, is a popular destination for many students in between classes daily. The café is a common study space, social hub for students, and a workspace for local adults in the area to open their laptops and continue the grind. Not only does the coffee shop offer signature roasts and specialty drinks to accompany customers’ workloads, but it also makes breakfast burritos, grilled cheeses, and air-fried tots.
Lehigh students are common attendees to the café, but Lehigh students make up most of the staff at Saxby’s as employees behind the counter, as well.
Megan Feliciano, a senior psychology major at Lehigh University, has been balancing academics and working at Saxby’s for the past two years. She began working at the café because she “always wanted to be a barista,” and envisioned a “dream moment,” romanticizing the idea of being behind the counter serving others coffee.
The hardest moments for her on the job are the rushes around breakfast and lunchtime during the week while classes are in session. “Rushes are usually crazy, because people get out of their classes around 9:20 or 10:45 in the morning,” Feliciano said as she sat down on her lunch break to study for an upcoming psychology exam.
However, Feliciano also enjoys the rewards of being a barista, which include others’ approval of her drinks.
“The best part of the job is when I make a drink and the customer takes a sip of it right in front of me and goes, ‘mmm,’” Feliciano said with a grin. Luckily, Feliciano’s best friend works with her at Saxby’s, alongside other fellow Lehigh students.
Sarah Bonthuis, a junior at Lehigh, tried a matcha latte for the first time, with a hint of the seasonal pumpkin extract, at Saxby’s on Monday, October 4. Sydney White, Sarah’s roommate and a junior at Lehigh, tagged along to observe Sarah’s reaction to the drink.
“The combination of matcha with pumpkin was surprising and refreshing,” Bonthuis said. “However, the more I was drinking it, the less I liked it.”
Many Lehigh students have gradually returned to campus upon this past spring and are enjoying a fall semester that allows in-person socializing and group studying complimented with quality food and drink. Still taking safety precautions to the best of their ability, small businesses like Saxby’s are staying afloat and continuing to provide Lehigh students and others a local coffeehouse safe space to get their work done.

The entrance into the Caruso Complex in Grace Hall, located in Bethlehem, Pa. greets the Lehigh cheerleading team on Monday, Oct. 4th before practice. The Lehigh cheerleaders practice in the space that is originally meant for the Lehigh wrestling team. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Stadium pictured on Sunday Oct. 3rd located in Bethlehem, Pa. is where the cheer team spends many Saturdays. The cheerleaders cheer on Lehigh’s football team through wins and losses. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

The “We Want Champions” banner located in Grace Hall is pictured Monday, Oct. 4th on Lehigh’s Campus in Bethlehem, Pa. This banner stands above the cheer team as they practice to remind the cheerleaders to strive for excellence. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia smiles under her mask in front of Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sunday, Oct. 3rd. While the cheerleaders are allowed to practice in person due to COVID-19 restrictions, masks still need to be worn. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Members of Lehigh cheerleading team review motion during practice in Lehigh’s Grace Hall on Monday, Oct. 4th in preparation for their next game. The Lehigh cheerleading team practices Monday and Wednesday nights. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Team member Georgia Kiriakou smiles for the camera while stretching in Grace Hall on Monday, Oct. 4th. Kiriakou joined the team earlier this year and said that it has been the highlight of her semester. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia stands in her Lehigh cheer uniform outside of Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sunday, Oct. 3rd with her pompoms. The cheer team recently received these new uniforms. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia performs a pike jump in front of Lehigh’s Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2. Jumping is a good way for cheerleaders to excite the audience. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

The Lehigh cheerleading team stretches before practice on Monday, Oct. 4th in Bethlehem, Pa. to prepare for stunting. The cheerleaders warm up by doing dynamic stretches. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia ties her cheer shoes on Sunday, Oct. 3rd in Bethlehem, Pa. before practicing cheer jumps on Lehigh’s Mountaintop campus. Bisceglia is the captain of the Lehigh cheerleading team. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia prepares to perform a stunt on Sunday, Oct. 3rd in Bethlehem, Pa. in order to prepare for practice on Monday. Bisceglia is the captain of the cheer team and spends time before practice in preparation. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

Brooke Bisceglia poses in her new cheer uniform in front of Lehigh’s Murray H. Goodman Stadium in Bethlehem, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 2nd before the Lehigh football game. The cheer team has to arrive early to games in order to prepare for a long day of cheering. (J24/Rachel Leidich)

As the Lehigh Community comes back together after a year of being virtual, the Lehigh cheerleading team is taking charge in bringing back school spirit. Captain Brooke Bisceglia leads the team at games but, more importantly, also in a return to normality during practice. During COVID-19 the cheer team was unable to hold practices – something that is extremely important in creating a sense of community among the team. While during games the cheerleaders can show the Lehigh Community all they have to offer, practice is where the team hones in on the skills needed to perform. Bisceglia, a Junior at Lehigh University, holds practices and tries to create a normal environment for the team. Although masks are worn during practice and students are still encouraged to stay distant, this year has shown to have brought the cheerleading team closer together. Focusing on the hard work that the cheerleaders put into fostering spirit encompasses the true activity and importance of the Lehigh cheerleading team. Bisceglia said, “As Lehigh cheers, we understand that we have a responsibility to bring energy to games, and the way we do this is by building a community together as a team.” The way that the Lehigh cheerleading team presents themselves at games and to the public stems from the work they put in behind the scenes. “What people don’t realize is that there are so many things to consider when we are trying to make ourselves put together and in unison, there is a lot of fine-tuning that goes into looking clean and precise at games and that all happens during practice,” said Bisceglia. 

As Lehigh comes back together it is the people in leadership positions that are pushing Lehigh back into a normal year. Lehigh students come from a place of constantly striving to be the best they can be in their studies, athletics, and social life. The Lehigh cheer community is a prime example of all that Lehigh does to create a strong identity and Brooke Bisceglia is an example of how students lead each other and force each other to be better as a team. “All Lehigh students undergo a good amount of stress and we have plentiful other responsibilities, we try to put that aside and enjoy the time that we have together,” said Bisceglia.

The lookout on Lower Sayre Road in Bethlehem, Pa. shows a wide view down to Lehigh’s campus and the surrounding Bethlehem area on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Located near the fraternity and sorority houses, this lookout spot is a popular destination for Lehigh students to appreciate the beauty of the area. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

Rachel Leidich takes in the beautiful atmosphere of Lehigh’s Goodman Campus in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Leidich and her friends consider Goodman Campus to be a great place to decompress and enjoy the fresh air and open fields. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

A Lehigh student sits on the UC front lawn on Lehigh’s campus in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 6th. Lehigh students are commonly found sitting and walking through this central part of campus by Linderman Library. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

Three members of Lehigh’s Track Team run through the field at Goodman Campus in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Lehigh Athletics teams practice on the fields at Goodman Campus regularly. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

A sign on Lower Sayre Road on Lehigh’s campus in Bethlehem, Pa. warns students of a littering fine on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. The university takes such measures to ensure the campus remains clean and safe. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

The backyard of a student’s off-campus house on East 5th Street, Bethlehem, Pa. is shown defiled with litter on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Many off-campus houses are poorly kept and contain litter on and around the property. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

A man oversees construction on East 5th Street in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. There are multiple construction sites on and around Lehigh’s campus which destroy the preexisting plant life in those areas. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

Lehigh students Dylan Dansky, Abigail Ross, Rachel Leidich and Dani Fisher walk along Van Buren Street in Bethlehem, Pa. on Wednesday, Oct. 6th. These students consider these off-campus streets to be their homes-away-from-home. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

A trash bin overflows outside of a home on East 5th Street in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Many trash bins by off-campus houses tend to overflow, leaving trash in and around the streets. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

An old, shattered mirror and a pair of sweatpants lie alongside Van Buren Street in Bethlehem, Pa. on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. Many off-campus streets contain misplaced personal items that were not properly disposed of. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

The very end of East 5th Street in Bethlehem, Pa. provides an ample view of Lehigh’s off-campus environment on Tuesday, Oct. 5th. This street is highly populated with Lehigh students and serves as the place where they reside and party. (J24, Brooke Bisceglia)

Our understanding of human behavior is largely based on observations of the interaction between humans and their environment. We can observe so many ways in which humans act in harmony with nature and also ways in which we defile it. With some major environmental issues at the forefront of today’s news climate, it is important to reflect on these relationships within our community: between Lehigh students and both Lehigh’s campus and the surrounding Bethlehem environment.

Within a five mile radius of campus, there is plentiful visual evidence of both positive and negative interactions with nature. Our campus is trademarked by breathtaking landscaping and greenery, yet our off-campus streets are defaced with beer bottles and overflowing trash bins. As a private institution, the university values the upkeep of our campus and cares about how it represents the Lehigh community. Junior Lehigh students Dani Fisher and Grace Cline agreed that our on-campus environment is generally cleaner because students assume less responsibility to care for the off-campus environment. Fisher said, “We use this (off-campus) as our playground during the nighttime,” and, “I definitely think we could be more mindful in terms of littering.”

In the midst of constant human advancement, I find it grounding to bring the focus back to our roots and observe the beautiful symbiotic nature of humans and the environment. However, in searching for the beauty in this relationship, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the many ways in which we not only neglect our environment, but actively destroy it. All relationships require active care in order to thrive, and our relationship with each aspect of the world around us is no different– as Lehigh students, we must take pride in protecting the beautiful environment in which we live.