BY JEFFREY TIMMERS

November is a time when many males refuse to shave so they can grow facial hair that they hope somewhat resembles a beard or mustache. This tradition goes by many names, such as “No Shave November,” “Movember,” (the m replaces the traditional n for mustache), and “Novembeard.” The event is to raise awareness for men’s health issues, namely prostate cancer and other cancers affecting males.

One participant in the month-long journey is Drew Fiorenza, a sophomore, who claims he has been growing his beard for 16 years, and has had little progress.

“Yes, I am growing out a beard for Movember, and the only reason it is not visible is because it is blonde,” says Fiorenza.

Fiorenza can’t decide on what to call his facial hair, as he has oscillated between two names.

“Either Phil or Oliver. I feel like Oliver would be more popular amongst the female crowd, but Phil is manly and has a good ring to it,” says Fiorenza.

Another participant is Will Ciolino. This junior claims he has the help of his Italian descent in growing his beard.

“The Wolverine,” as he calls it, has been growing since November 6th and has taken on the looks of the famous Marvel character, hence the nickname.

“Being able to run my fingers through my beard isn’t the only reason I have it.  It also helps me look a lot older and feel confident,” says Ciolino.

Chris Cascella, a senior, is also participating in this event. Cascella has grown many mustaches and beards over the years but he says this year’s was a failed attempt at a Johnny Depp-type goatee.

Cascella can grow it because, as he explains, “I’m a hairy Italian.”

However, he strayed from his Italian roots by naming his beard Pablo.

Although many men have elected to grow out their beards, they might forget about what their gender counterparts think.

Junior Lily Gatch’s dad can grow beards with ease, but she has mixed feelings on the topic.

“Growing a beard totally depends on the person growing it and how old they are,” says Lily Gatch.

Although she has never tried to grow a beard herself, she knows how long she wants one on a guy.

“I would say one inch is around a good length,” says Gatch.

If you aren’t liking your beard, just give it a little time, maybe it’ll grow on you.