Author Archives: bbrophy

About bbrophy

Barbara is a junior English major at Mason and copy chief at Fourth Estate. When not scratching her head over grammatical conundrums, she can be found hanging out with family, watching 30 Rock, or sprinting down the streets of Fairfax.

Student cancer survivor inspires community

Barbara Brophy, staff writer In many ways, Emily Albis is a typical college senior. An accounting major with a theater minor, she’s committed to her studies and hopes to enroll in law school after graduation. In addition to her hefty…

Eight tips to help you make the most out of office hours

For university students, taking the time to visit a professor or teacher’s assistant during their office hours can be the key to better grades, improved communication skills and enhanced networking opportunities. However, many students shy away from one-on-one interaction with…

Studying Abroad in Florence

This story was originally published in the March 25 issue of Fourth Estate. Twenty-three Mason undergraduates are currently living and studying in Florence, Italy through the Center for Global Education’s Florence Semester. The program allows students to earn class credit…

Black history from behind the lens

Barbara Brophy, Staff Writer Last week, George Mason University’s Film and Media Studies department hosted a screening of Chimpanzee Productions’ 2014 documentary “Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People.” The event, which included a discussion…

Harper Lee sequel draws conflicting opinions

This story was originally published in the March 02 issue of Fourth Estate. George Mason Univeristy faculty and students are conflicted over the upcoming publication of Harper Lee’s unanticipated sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird”, ”Go Set a Watchman,” to…

Complications with flu season

This story was originally published in the Feb. 09 issue of Fourth Estate. Barbara Brophy, staff writer This year’s flu season has proven to be worse than in recent years, but Mason students may not be taking the necessary precautions…

First Annual Take a Patriot to Work Day a Success

Barbara Brophy, staff writer A new annual program at Mason helps students develop professional skills and allows them to explore possible career paths. Last Friday, University Career Services held Take a Patriot to Work Day, a one day job shadowing…

America’s Pumpkin Obsession

Barbara Brophy, staff writer Fall is in full swing, which for many means seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice lattes and pumpkin bread. This year, grocery stores are advertising everything from Pumpkin Pie Spice Pringles to pumpkin spice flavored protein powder….