Vol. 2 Issue 10 - April 2015

rhsf APril 2015, vol. 2 issue 10

THE GRADUATION ISSUE

CRACKING the nclex CODE

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Crow’s Nest Exclusive: How CCGA’s nursing program is finding success through a restructured curriculum that focuses on engaged students, dedicated faculty, and extensive test preparation.

By Kara Neisen

L to R: Dr. Lydia Watkins and Dr. Patricia Kraft have played a major role in the recent success of the nursing program.

Photo by Kara Neisen

INSIDE INSIDE THE THE NEST NEST

Talk about Wolfeh LIFESTYLE| pg.13

Learn About Alex the Woodsmith LIFESTYLE| pg. 6

Worth Reading Greek Life Update CAMPUS NEWS| pg. 11

Worth Sharing #TruetOAtlanta SPORTS| pg. 14

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Coastal corner

relay for life & JAx Suns Game

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

POLICE

April 2015

3

INCIDENT REPORTS

1) April 8, 5:29 p.m. - Officer responded to The Mariners Galley in reference to a subject not paying for their food. The subject fled on foot upon seeing the officer. The subject was apprehended on 4th Street and was charged with Theft of Services, Financial Transaction Card Fraud and Obstruction.

BEAT

2) April 13, 1:39 a.m. - Officer responded to a call at Coastal Place Apartments in reference to a disturbance. Upon the officer’s arrival it was learned that one subject slapped another subject in the face. The offender was arrested for Simple Battery under the Family Violence Act. 3) April 14, 7:17 p.m. - Officer responded to a problem with person at the Coffin building.

A student and non-student had gotten into an argument. Parties were separated and the nonstudent was advised to leave school property and served a criminal trespass warning.

4) April 15, 4:25 a.m. - Officer responded to Lakeside Village in reference to entering automobiles. Officer learned that earlier that night 3 vehicles were entered and items were taken. All vehicles entered were unsecure. Incident is under investigation 5) April 19, 2:50 a.m. - Officer patrolling campus located a subject on campus that had previously been served a criminal trespass warning. Subject was arrested for Criminal Trespass.

Inside the Nest Editorial Department:

Editor in chief.............................. Drew Miller editorinchief@ccga.edu DESIGN EDITOR ............................. Alvin Fernando copyeditor@ccga.edu WEB EDITOR ...................................... Kara Neisen webeditor@ccga.edu SPOrts EDItor ..................... Garrett Dutton sportseditor@ccga.edu Ad Manager ................................. Lexi Holloway admanager@ccga.edu ADVISOR ......................................... Andrew Smith asmith@ccga.edu

Staff Writers & Contributors: C. Garrett. Dutton Zach Dismer Kara Neisen Ashton Rowland Drew Miller Jay Landow Alvin Fernando

Statement of Operations: The Crow’s Nest is the official student newspaper of the College of Coastal Georgia, owned and operated by CCGA students using facilities provided by the College.

MISSION: Our mission is to provide the Coastal Georgia community with thruthful and ethical content of interest.

Any questions regarding content or anyone wishing to report corrections and errors please call 912.279.5898 or email crowsnest@ccga.edu.

Publication Information: The newspaper published approximately every three weeks during the academic year and is printed by The Brunswick News Publishing Co. in Brunswick, Ga.

INSTAGRAM:

@ccga_crowsnest

Advertising: The Crow’s Nest allots advertising space each issue for both on-campus and off-campus entities. For more information about rates, payment methods, formatting, and deadlines, please call 912.279.5898 or email admanager@ccga.edu.

Notice: Unauthorized removal of multiple copies from a distribution site constitutes theft under Georgia law, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine and/or jail time. The advertiser is responsible for all information in a given ad. Students should beware of disclaimers presented in the ads, which are previously screened by our staff before placement in our publication.

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.com/ccgacrowsnest

We ask that you please do Mother Nature a favor and recycle this newspaper when done reading.

6) April 19, 10:27 p.m. - Officer responded to a disturbance at Lakeside Village. Upon speaking with parties involved both subjects were arrested for Simple Battery under the Family Violence Act. 7) April 20, 12:01 a.m. - Officer responded to Coastal Place Apartments in reference to the smell of marijuana coming from the room. Subject at that location was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with the intent to distribute.

8) April 21, 12:30 p.m. - Officer responded to an accident on Mariners Way. No injuries were reported. A crash report was completed.

9) April 22, 11:20 a.m. - Officer spoke with a subject about a legal question.

10) April 25, 3:00 p.m. - Officer responded to Lakeside Village in reference to the theft of two bicycles. Incident is under investigation.

TWITTER:

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Campus NEws

Coastal Steps Up To The Plate As the semester comes to an end, Sandy McQuaig, a senior in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, is not only preparing for finals, but more importantly she is preparing to become a registered nurse.

Over the last two years, McQuaig and her fellow nursing students have been challenged daily with a rigorous curriculum leading to the post-graduate board certification via the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This year’s BSN graduates have high standards to live up to.

Over the last two semesters, the CCGA’s nursing program has accomplished something remarkable: In 2014, the BSN graduates from both May and December took the NCLEX with a 100 percent pass rate.

The NCLEX tests a student to be a safe and competent nurse at the entrance level. Since the NCLEX uses Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT), a nursing student could potentially pass or fail from anywhere in between 75 and 265 questions, depending on readiness.

Although the test may seem daunting to many of us not in the nursing program, McQuaig said she and her classmates have been well prepared by their instructors.

“I don’t think the NCLEX is necessarily going to be hard, but challenging,” McQuaig said confidently. “The faculty has prepared us with a hard curriculum and tons of NCLEX practice questions.”

In 2013, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which manages the NCLEX, changed the exam format. Test takers and institutions alike were unaware of the major adjustments and many were unable to incorporate the new format into the classroom. Almost every nursing school’s scores nationwide significantly decreased due to increasing the rigor and modifying the overall format of the test.

With the playing field leveled, CCGA’s nursing school administration saw this as an opportunity to rise to the occasion. Dr. Patricia Kraft, the College’s Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, along with Curt Spires, the ASN, RN-BSN, RADT Coordinator, Dr. Lydia Watkins, BSN program coordinator and other nursing administrative staff, collectively realized they needed to take an entirely new approach to effectively implement changes in the classroom.

In every nursing course at Coastal Georgia, instructors incorporate NCLEX questions into their teaching material. Not

Story, Photo, and Graphics by Kara Neisen

“With nursing, I tell my students it’s not just a career, it’s a profession, it’s your life” -Dr. Lydia Watkins

`123456n890-c Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

Campus NEws

=/.,md only are the students learning new material, but they are also being prepared for the test through Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) predictor tests, NCLEX weekly practice questions, and if necessary remediation.

The faculty has also worked hard on changing the structure of the classroom from a lecture style format to a more hands-on approach, including case studies for critical thinking and encouraging passive students to become active participants.

The entire curriculum is aimed at critical thinking and increasing the student’s ability to problem solve, analyze, and make the appropriate judgments as students move forward.

“We are no longer the classroom where instructors stand up and lecture,” Kraft said.

“Those days are gone.”

Administrators were also adamant about the role technology plays in their new classroom setting. Thanks to the abundance of support from donor Hugh Nunnally, for whom the Health and Science Building is named, the nursing faculty has been able to outfit the classrooms with state-of-the-art simulators and in-class polling instruments that provide instant results and observations on clinical preparedness.

Yet, the nursing program’s biggest asset may be the instructors themselves. Kraft acknowledges the key to CCGA’s recent success is the faculty’s teamwork, ability to try new teaching modalities, and the adaptation to change.

“Each faculty member is a coach for the students,” Kraft said. “Any student at risk, which is identified by all of the testing that we do, we are there for them like a coach on a football team; just working with them and giving them extra time, tutoring, questions, and help.”

Kraft emphasized on the fact that the faculty does not seek to “weed students out”.

The strategy is to catch everybody early, identifying the students that are at risk from day one.

“We don’t give students the opportunity to fail,” Kraft admits. “We are intrusive.”

The nursing faculty and staff have re-

sponded in such a positive way, the program has even gained national recognition. Watkins, the BSN program coordinator, could not be more proud about how far the program has come.

“Now that the testing centers have seen our CCGA students do so well, they say, ‘oh you’re from that smart school,’” Watkins expressed. “We’re getting a great reputation.”

McQuaig confirms that the nursing faculty has been nothing but supportive.

“They have been kind, understanding, and encouraging to me the entire program,” McQuaig said. “Dr. Watkins has been my advisor throughout the program and there were times that I wanted to give up and didn’t think that I could make it through. She was there as my cheerleader, motivating me along the way.”

A lot of nursing programs have similar curriculums, but their board scores are not nearly as high as the College’s scores over the past 3 years.

From 2011-2013, the national BSN average pass rate for the NCLEX was 88.64 percent; CCGA’s figure topped to 92.00 percent. From 2012-2014, the national BSN average pass rate for the NCLEX was 88.52 percent, while CCGA’s figure reached 91.96 percent. See infographic located on page 5.

As many of us know, it takes more to land a job than a 4.0 GPA and a passing test score.

After 2-4 years in the nursing program, graduates are fully equipped with résumés, portfolios, and interview skills.

Graduates will also have service-learning and community service experiences, which reflect their dedication to be an active member of the society.

“With nursing, I tell my students it’s not just a career, it’s a profession, it’s your life,” Watkins said. “We really value a well-rounded individual and someone who gives back to the community.”

“For these students, there is 100 percent job placement,” Kraft added, “If they want a job, they get a job. In this current class, some students have received 2-3 job offers already.”

sdfgvji'u

April 2015

5

NCLEX & CCGA 3 Year Average Pass Rates 92%

91%

88% 86% 84%

88% 85% 83%

2011-2013

KEY:

2012-2014 National ASN National BSN CCGA ASN CCGA BSN

CCGA’s 2014 NCLEX Pass Rates May 2014 CCGA ASN CCGA BSN

92.5% 100%

December 2014 CCGA BSN

100% Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

6

Lifestyle

www.ccga-crowsnest.com

By Drew C Miller, Editor in Chief

Golden Isles Plaza

For FREE Chick-fil-A & Specials

Text CFACCG to 411247

No spamming. Information for Chick-fil-A use only.

Look Out For: A text message offer on

5/16/15 for a FREE Chick-fil-A Sandwich Meal!

(Sandwich, Med. Waffle Fry, & Med. Soft Drink or Iced Tea)

Free Wi-fi

available in our dining room.

Come study and dine with us!

Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

A galaxy of bits, drills, nails, screws, and cans of wood stains populate the shelves. Projects of yesteryear and newfound inspiration. A rogue’s gallery of sanded down branches lean against all corners. Sawdust coats the nooks of this shed in layers of memories. I'm led into the creative space that Mariner Alex James (class of ’18) finds refuge in. (There is even a makeshift toilet, sweet). I now understand how this could be Elysium for the atypical college student.

Alex is a biology major on the coastal ecology track at the College of Coastal Georgia. He’s also a wood smith, skater, drummer, and thinker by default, and is building his résumé to become a full-time environmentalist by trade.

"It's a good hobby as long as you keep your fingers, knock on wood," James proclaims looking like a cat that got the canary. “My old boss, Coonie, used to say that. I found it annoying. Now I laugh about it.”

James got interested in woodworking years back when he met his former boss who owned a business named "Knock on Wood" that specialized in creating various small odds and ends. James became Coonie’s protégé.

"We went up to Jesup and cold-called folks, door to door,” he said. “They were stoked by the fact that he could carve any name out of wood into a keychain in no time. There were days we would return

home with an upwards of $600.”

As James perfected his new skill set, the tide of time crashed upon the shore in one final wave; James' grandfather, another one of his role models, passed away.

"My Grandpa was more than a carpenter, he was the ultimate handyman." It was a strange dichotomy for James. "Here I was making and selling items with this company, yet the true master slipped away.

I could have asked my grandpa how do to anything.”

It just so happened that his grandfather left behind his shed of tools; James decided to carry on the family tradition and expand his craft.

James skill set gradually evolved, projects graduated from key-chains to greater endeavors like furniture. A plethora of projects populate the shed of Alex's grandfather. From nick-knacks to sunglasses to end tables, Alex works in the shed to relieve stress from his 18-credit hours this semester.

James intends to use his skill set obtained from his grandpa, Coonie and CCGA to become self-sufficient and independent entity, free from the binds of a typical existence.

"I aim to have my own abode in a natural setting away from the bustle of the city,” he said. “There I can do research on the nature around me and build an environment to live in that is my own.”

Puzzles

CROW’S NEST WORD SEARCH

April 2015

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Bringing Live Theatre to The Golden Isles for 58 Seasons Casino Theatre, Pier Village – St. Simons Island

“Bye Bye Birdie” A 1950'S MUSICAL TELLING THE STORY OF CONRAD BIRDIE, HANDSOME ROCK STAR, WHO IS INDUCTED INTO THE MILITARY. HIS FANS STAGE A FAREWELL PARTY AS THEY SAY "BYE BYE BIRDIE" AND HE KISSES ONE LUCKY FAN GOODBYE.

Book by Michael Stewart Music by Charles Strouse Lyrics by Lee Adams Directed by Josh Sinyard MAY 15,16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 8:00 PM MATINEES: May 17, 24, 31 3:00 PM Adults $20, College students and Active Military $10, Students $5 Tickets may be purchased on day/night of performance at box office prior to curtain time

www.theislandplayers.com

WORD BANK

CROWSNEST WAVE SSI GRADUATION

GEORGIA CAPTAINJACK GALLEY JEKYLL

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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THE MARINER WALK

THE GRADUATING

Associate of Science Amber Nicole Alexander Samantha Katelynn Barwick Eric Farrell Beerman Ashley A. Bello Erick Rafael Bermudez Jeremy Allen Black Ashley Lynn Bluestein Michael Andrew Bone Amanda Brand Jamacia L Brantley Austin Nicholas Brown Adriene Latrisha Bruce Cheyenne Nicole Brundage Stephen Andrew Cain Isabel Carmen Camilo Jeffrey Tyler Carter Cassandra Lin Chapman Brooke A Conley Meghan Cathleen Corwin Thomas Alexander Courson Hayley Marie Craven Christina Nichole Crews Stephanie Leighann Crews Leianna Nicole Deboe Amber Alexandria DeLoach Zachary Louis Dismer Shayna L Dragotta Sarah Anne Dunker Jaborah Leangeles Edwards Courtney Dawn Elliott Jason Emanuel Elliott Tyler James Fair Denarius Giro James Fairley Sygan Satiro Figueira Darrin D Filer II Kristina Lynn Florez Justin Ridge Floyd Ashley Marie Galloway Mairely Cesibel Garcia Ashley Danielle Girtman Patricia Ceiara Grant Sara Ann Greenwaide James Michael Halsey Tammy Renee Hamilton Megan Elizabeth Hardee Gregory Jemelle Harris Philip Harris Patrice Kristine Havens Connor Matthew Hayes Daniel Head Naomi Elizabeth Henderson Chanda Simone Hobbs Tyiesha M Holmes Kiara Lashay Holzendorf Henderson Lee Hope Carly Marie Howard Christopher D Humphrey Kendra N Hutchinson Jodi Marie Ikerd Jahquan A Jackson John Burton Jackson III Victoria Ann Jacobs Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

Kentorey J Johnson Barbara LeaAnn Jones Chellbe Delaine Jones Eva F Jones Trevor K Jones Regina Maria Joost Amber N Jordan Mary Liboria Keane Payton Kieanna Knight Ashley Taylor Krauss Sherriece Irene LaFontant Travion Reshaad Lawrence Cassandra Lucretia Lee Steven Chad Lee Mary Alissa Leitzel Brandy R Lewis Katherine Emily Loper Crystal Denise Lott Tuwanda Smalls Mangram David Michael Manning Teddie Danielle Martin Evelena A Massey April Deloris McClendon Ashley Laura-Louise Merrill Dessica Merritt Trinity Lynn Merrow Helen Jean Meyers James Edward Miller Thomas Trenton Miller Edward Reese Mitchell Tiffani Mitchell Tishawn D Mitchell Levi Harrison Moore Molly Elizabeth Moore Shameka T Moran Michael R Muhammad Sarah Elizabeth O'Connor Jared Keith O'Neil Jonathan Bhau Oppenheim Jeremy Dylan Pacini Felicia Danae Peak Rontisha Perry Roushett M Peters Amanda Pierson Teoria Modesty Pinckney Patricia D Plummer Jacob L Pollock Hunter Brandon Price Shakila Leshay Quimby Brian Earl Rainey Lavaron Cornealus Reason Todd N Reisinger Yulia Vladimirovna Roby Michael Allen Rogers Kayla L Rutland Sherridan K. Sampson Stephanie Rae San Roman Lynetria Semone Sanders Stephanie W Scott Joseph Alexander Shusko Sarah Elizabeth Siekkinen Andrew Thomas Simpson Holly Music Smith

Holly Julieann Smith Marsha H Squires Jonathan Sean Stephens Priscilla Ivy Thompson Scott Erick Trautz Janne Marie Tullius Rhonda Faye Vinson Jacob Christian Voss Daniel Robert Waldt Caroline Grace Watson Hunter Meade White Elizabeth Rene' Wilson Heather Darsey Wilson Melody B Wilson Darrean Wyatt

Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Crystal Ann Anderson Heather Nicole Belcher Emily Brooke Crawford Justin Lee Drawdy Marcus Joseph Griffin Teareny Ja'angela Gunn Tracy Ann Hagen Gwin Bonnie Grace Hatcher Nicole Christine Hatcher Cassie Leigh Johnson Michael Antonio Lewis Jordyn A Loback Ivelisse Lugo-Vera Spencer Charles Milne La'Trece T Rudolph Sherri Lynn Silva Devon Carolyn Smith Sean William Smith Sunny Rae Stokes Rebecca Gabrielle Sweat Emily C Waldron Allen Walker Associate of Applied Science - Hotel Operations Megan Haynie Brent Amanda Shea Burgess Justin Lee Drawdy Ishmael Hess Gearhart Kayla Lad Tison Alan Potts Sherri Lynn Silva

Associate of Arts Stephanie Michelle Adams Mariana Yamila Aguiar Rachel McKenna Blansett Erin Elizabeth Snyder Broomell Austin Rachel Drake Zachery Phillip McVey William Tre’arthur Mitchell Alexander Leshawn Reed Natasha Wisaka Rinehart Kandi Kane Shepherd Peter Joseph Zucco Jr.

Associate of Science in Radiologic Science Brittany Lynn Boatright Jessica Boyer Benjamin A Foster Brittany Paige Griggs Caryn Jeanne Hagglund Marquita LaTisha Johnson Hayley Michelle Morrison Colleen RoseAnna Nunn Briana Nicole Tresvant Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Technology Allison Marie Bailey Amanda Bundy Erica N Copeland Stephanie Michelle Holland Carol Jean Hollis Eric England Richards Johns Maria Gabriela Ramlogan Brittany Jade Smith Sincerae Spring Stemburg Davesha A Thomas

Associate of Science in Nursing Breanna Raye Adams Angelia Lynn Baker Jennifer Jeanne Barber Jason Kyle Bass Terri Lynette Bell Paula A Berg Crystal M Brown Angela Roughen Brownfield Bobbie Jean Burnside Sarah Elizabeth Campbell Brittney F Davis Sheila Keck Deverger Jennifer Lauren Dineen Amanda Marie Dixon Brandi Michelle Dyer Melisa Marie Elder Jessica Lea Ellis Nichole Briel Glueck Kelly Gordon Whitney Louise Groover Alicia Javonne Grovenor Jason William Herman Olivia Williams Highsmith Roxanne Hilton Samantha Brister James Anna Elizabeth Jordan Amber Karim Lalani Mollie Beth Lloyd Sean M McCleary Jeanne Marie Mcrae Jo Anne Luz Sta Maria Montenegro Kevin Wade Overstreet Tanya Marie Powell Nichole Regul LeeAnn Marie Rodgers Monica Lindsay Sanders Melissa Ann Stegin Smith Brian Tarrou Jeffrey Scott Wages Christina Louise Walker Jessica Marie Waters Courtney Paige Whisenant April T. Wise Denise Wood Jessica Young

Editors Note: The Graduates listed include all students earning degrees from Summer 2014, Fall 2014, and Spring 2015. All Spring 2015 graduates are pending succesful completion of their degree requirements.

The Crow’s Nest would like to wish the best of luck and success to our departing Mariners in all of their future endeavors.

THE MARINER WALK

April 2015

CLASS OF 2015

Bachelor of Business Administration Alicia Taylor Adams Joel Robert Anderson Alejandro Aquilino Fernandez Joseph Waylon Bailey Tyler Austin Barber Alan Robert Barnhardt Cali Alia Bartholomew Maggie Ellen Bee Joanna Patrice Bell Ashley A Bello Sheryl Lashea Blyden Connor Jordan Bond Rufus James Butler III David Olaf Cooper Karen A Dawson Tyler Christian Dotter Johnathen Fate Evans Cody Dean Felton Kayon J Fields Dalton Kane Fountain Lasondra Desiree Fountain Dylan Trey Freeman George Freeman David Dewitt Galyean Michael Wayne Ganten Christon Griffis Shannon Marie Guilfoil Kristopher Phillip Harper Jaclyn Elizabeth Harten David W. Hosea William Steven Howard Elektra Mae Hunter Ryan Joseph Hurlock La'Nae Brooke Jackson Marshall Don Jones Jr. Rebecca Ann Kirk Alyson Paige Kowalchuk Walter Edward Lee Robin Lucas William Thomas Meadows Oswaldo Enrique Mendez Miquel Haasan Payne Kristina Polakovic Alicia Louise Ponsell David Alexander Powell Veeral Ashok Rana William Hardin Ream Lavaron Cornealus Reason Rachel Carol-Ann Rowe Tiffani Rowell Rush Douglas Rene Salmeron Antiqua Sakura Shields Andrew Michael Skelley William Michael Steele Merinda Kaye Thompson Kristin Rene Tupper Trent Edward Usher Louis Jacques Volclair Jimmie Marshal Walker Taylor Amelia Wilson Katherine Marie Wood Danielle Jalane Woodson Anthony Meade Yoak Jose Andres Zaatini

Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education Nicole Joy Bailey Brooke Danielle Bearden Amy S Blackerby Mallorie Alaine Blount Annabelle Grace Chambers Jincy Elizabeth Curl Brandon Keith Evans Jared Jeffery Gainous India Marie Gibbs Camila Gonzalez Danielle Yvonne Gouch Shannon Marisa Lee Bradley S McDaniel Kayla Marie Miller Kushboo Paresh Patel Devan Ann Rees Matthew Anthony Reid Randall Hayden Rozier III Emily W. Stone

Bachelor of Science EducationEarly Childhood/Special Education Cherie Nichelle Alston Ciera Elizabeth Arnett Whitney Logan Brown Anna Pauline Cowan Rita Danielle Flax Alyssa Marie Glasscock Kala Brooke Mason Ryan Manuel Morgan Barbara Ann Peeler Rosanna Michelle Pullido Kim Ramirez Gualandi Jennifer M Rivera Jordan Anastasia Rutledge Sierra LaFayne Sharpe Sierra Sha Smith TuVache Rochell Sullivan Colbi B Tyre

Bachelor of Science Health Informatics Maria Crisselyn O Alarcon Donabelle Bagalihog Kristie Gail Cameron Heather Louise Dowling Nelson B Dowling Adam Parker Herring Christian Elizabeth Liggin Belinda M Mobley Hasmukh Arvind Patel Maira Elizabeth Perdomo Jason Purcell Mark Allen Wright

Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs Jannronn Bradford Annie M Brown Deborah Annette Brown Kari Margaret Butler Chelsea Breann Copeland Justus Emmanuel Davis Jennifer S Dougherty Breanne Kristin Herrin Ronny Khadra John H. Lander Jr. Kara Danielle Lowther Cory Jeremiah Mallard Jennifer Maria Milburn Byron Thomas Mincey Julian William Moreno Jr Joshua L Neeld Luis Carlos Olivares Ryan Spencer Porter Taylor Mitchell Sweeney Priscilla Ivy Thompson Elvin Denny Woods

Bachelor of Science - Biological Sciences Jessica Blair Ahl Jay A Bagley Jakob Logan Feeney Rachel Kimberly Felix Mary Elizabeth Freund Takashi Andres Koga Gwendolyn F. H. Lowe Julinnah Lenore Matthews Lucas Hakeem Matthews Daniel Joseph Nutt Catherine F. Smith Jeffery Eugene Tailer David Wayne Vick Jessica Lauren Wolff

Bachelor of Science Mathematics Muhling Chong Charles H Fulton Wallace Dayton Ireland Michael Francis Johnston Chelsea Paige Vining Maura Lea Thompson Destiny Jae Villalobos Bachelor of Science Psychology Victoria Leigh Akins Mary Frances Allen Rosemary A. Antah Andrea Creola Belton Jonathan Edward Bennett Amy Paige Blackmon Michael Christopher Brand Katie Mayleen Briscoe Trisa Marie Chancey Grant S Crews Kathleen Noel Deal Jacquelyn Payne Ferguson Julie Elizabeth Flores Montana Renee Grace Davia Monique Haynes Keisha Cherelle Hurley Bri'anna Leigh James Melody D. Koon Joshua Shane Lairsey Brittany Lynn Lanier Sarah Christine Mendenhall Mary U Miculek Megan Elizabeth Moss Mollie Norman Juana Ines Rivera Yanitza Sanchez Caban Patricia Ann Smith Katie Elaine Strickland Melinda Willis Strickland Shamara C Thomas Donna Lynn Thompson-Shead Thai Hien Tran Richard S Tucker Meagan Cecilia West Jennifer Renee' Yawn

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Bachelor of Science Nursing Alicia Lauren Barnes Sierra Elizabeth Beasley Mary Katherine Beblowski Geoffrey Beecher Jessica Lauren Bell Shantice Ciera Anastacia Berry Candace Ellen Brady Alison Erin Brennan Bethany Den Browning Rebecca Nicole Buchanan Brandi Denise Burton Marissa Kelly Byrd Kutrena Carter Marrissa Lynn Clark Ashley Anne Collins Stacie Lynne Conley Stacey Lynn Corbitt Carrie Elizabeth Curtis Jourdain Brooke Davis Molly Beth Dunn Jeanette Elliott Emmaline Marie Exley David Alexander Fernwalt Dana Lauren Franceschelli Katie L Franks Evangivette Lara Garcia Holly Jo Hammer Megan Elizabeth Hardee Halley Nichole Hardison Rob Stewart Hereford Michelle Linette Hill Miranda Dawn Hiller Chelsea Marie Horne Haley Celeste Humphries Justin Tyler Jernigan Marlena Elizabeth Leahy Mary Alissa Leitzel Stephanie Marie Lopez KC Dugan Mahr Jamie Marlena Mann Sandra Lynn McQuaig Claudia Taylor McVeay Samantha Marie Moran Candice Schneider Overholser Kyle Lunsford Owens Nakeisha Dejournea Person Ciara Renee Pittman Kristin Therese Seay Hillary Katherine Sinclair Tina Elese Stephens Daniel Vinson Straub Hali T Strayer Rachel Nicole Swain Bridget Lynn Tachovsky Sara Elizabeth Tarpley Kimberly Michelle Taylor Cathy D Truelove Caroline Grace Watson Jessica Leigh Wiggins Jessica Marie Williams

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

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LIC. # MP204639 GA.

1 2 3 4 5

I feel famous when my yik yak makes the school newspaper

Jimni Enterprises Certified Healthcare Training Center

CPR Training

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Are you ready to save a life?

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912.242.3369 Brunswick, GA www.jimni.org

Seasoned & Trained Teachers

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Evening & Sunday Classes

Bring a Friend Discounts

Professor “Hey you, put away that laptop you won’t need it today or any other day in my class” Dude in my class “I was just checking your attendence policy” *gets up and walks out*

I wish I was as fearless as a campus squirrel

I wish there was a clear bridge over altama from ccga to willie’s

I find it funny that British people say “lift” instead of “elevator” just like my dad says “you’re a disappointment” instead of “I love you.”

Campus NEws

Follow Up:

April 2015

WILL CCGA implement greeK LiFE on CAmpus?

To Greek or not to Greek, that is… not the question. The College of Coastal Georgia’s Greek Life Expansion Committee has done its proverbial homework exploring the idea of implementing Greek Life at the College.

Think back a couple months when you were rummaging through your closet packing for your 2015 spring break. With your room a mess and duffle bag maxed out, you logged onto your student email account one last time before hitting the road and filled out the Greek Life student survey. Chances are if you participated, you were one of the 217 out of 280 that answered a resounding “YES” to the online questionnaire.

Since then, thanks to survey respondents and many others associated with the college, a lot of gears have been turning on and off the campus. Everything ranging from two town hall meetings, coverage from The Brunswick News, and intentional conversations with peer

institutions about the best practices has all transpired in that small amount of time.

But despite all of the campus chatter, only a total of 19 students attended the town hall meetings. According to Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Jason Umfress, the Greek Life Expansion Committee has yet to observe students actively demonstrate their interest.

“I have said from the beginning, the answer to the question of, should we begin a Greek system will not be ‘no’. It will either be, ‘yes – move forward’ or ‘not now’,” Umfress said. “At this point, the committee is saying ‘not now.’”

Although the numbers were great on the student survey, when it came down to putting the feet under some of these ideas, it fell flat, Umfress said. The college, if and when ready, is looking for students to demonstrate their interest in certain ways. Students can begin the initial steps by creating and/or joining a club that would train students to operate

Greek organizations. The club would have to recruit and maintain a roster of about 20 people. Members would have to maintain an individual GPA of at least 2.5, participate in 10 community service hours each semester, and pay a nominal fee or dues. This student led club will serve its purpose for future conversations when the college looks for a core group of people that can help with the expansion process.

“I think the committee’s recommendation makes sense,” Umfress said. “Supporting students who are interested in Greek life in establishing a club allows them to demonstrate they are serious about the commitment to this initiative. It also allows them to garner support from other students and ‘test out’ some of the obligations being a member of a Greek organization brings.”

“I agree that you have to go ahead and get the ball rolling with these clubs,” said junior Dent Law. “I believe that Greek Life is a great way to grow the school,

11

By Alvin Fernando Design Editor

make valuable connections, and attract other students to our college.

“In my personal opinion I think it is time for it, but first we need to get a group of guys or girls that are serious enough to make the effort,” Law added.

The committee recommends that a Student Affairs professional should advise this new club. Support would be provided to students in establishing, organizing, and maintaining the organization. The committee would review the health of the organization at bi-annually and would seek input from the club and its members when considering the establishment/ expansion decision.

“Other than bringing a football team to campus, starting a Greek system is quite possibly one of the most major changes we could implement that would impact student life,” Umfress said. “This is not a conversation or decision that we wanted to take lightly; therefore we did our homework on it.”

Email us: crowsnest@ccga.edu

12

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Campus NEws Whitney and Becca Brooks, tend to their jewelry display at the 4th annual International Festival on April 24.

Photography: J. Dickerson

Pier Village Area 311 Mallery Street Saint Simons Island, GA 31522 912.634.8989

ashton rowland Communities are made of people that live within the same area and have a common characteristic. However, within a community, every family has different historical heritage. At the College of Coastal Georgia (CCGA), there is an embracement of cultural heritage. On April 24, the fourth annual International Festival was held at the Conference Center of CCGA. At International Fest, several communities of various heritages gathered to share the unique qualities that make each culture so different; and there were many unique cultures. However, International Fest has not always been as big as it was this year.

According to Jaime Parker-Lewis, “The first International Fest was held behind the Student Activity Center (SAC) and it was really small. I would say that this year it has quadrupled from the first one.” The great thing about International Fest was the Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

incredible student participation. There were many returning students that had participated in the past; just as there were many first-time students at International Fest.

Returning CCGA student, Marcus Mydell stated, “I can honestly say that this year’s festival is way better than last year’s, and it is better than any of the other previous years.” Also, CCGA freshman, Brittany Healton, stated, “I will definitely be back next year. I was really surprised at the turn out. I thought there would only be college students, but there were all different age groups in attendance.”

With the International Fest impacting the community in such an important way, it is only but presumable that the Brunswick community will become more enthusiastic about cultural heritage. And as the old saying goes: you can’t know where to go, until you know where you’ve been.

Lifestyle

April 2015

13

Q&A Q&A WITH A

WOLF A WITH WOLF

zach dismer staff writer

He howls, he barks, and he growls. This is because Shiro Ulv believes that he has the spirit of a wolf living inside of him. He is not alone. Across the globe, there are thousands of therianthropes; individuals who identify as animals. Shiro graced us at The Crow’s Nest with an interview about his life as a wolf.

CN: Hello, Shiro. You consider yourself a therianthrope (therian for short), could you explain what a therian is to our readership?

Shiro: A therian is someone who feels they are one or more non-human animals on a personal integral level. Generally, therians either believe they are spiritually or psychologically a certain animal. I personally believe I am both. I actually operate a website https://www.kinmunity. com which has loads more information than I could ever give you.

CN: You’ve said that you always have felt tied to wolves. How did this feeling first manifest itself?

Shiro: It first manifested itself when I was 12 years old. A friend of mine told me

to watch the anime "Wolf's Rain" and I was immediately mesmerized by the wolves running, despite it being animated. This led me to look up more and more about wolves until I finally began to feel as if I was one of them.

In an interview a few years back, you stated “On all levels except physical, I am a wolf.” Will you explain this; maybe in regard to emotional, social, and cognitive levels?

Shiro: I feel I am wolf in a spiritual and psychological sense. I know that I'm not physically a wolf, but I identify as a wolf.

My mind and soul are that of a wolf. I socialize in a way more similar to wolves than humans.

CN: In another interview, you stated that there were hundreds of thousands of therians. Is this a close-knit community?

Does contact with other therians primarily take place on the internet?

Are there therian conventions or group meet-ups?

Shiro: A lot of therians gather in online communities, such as kinmunity.com or

werelist.net. There are also meet-ups which we call "howls". A lot of people in the therianthropy community are not interested in massive-scale gatherings such as conventions (although some are, and some have been planned). Most therians would prefer to meet up with a group of 20 or less, over a camping trip somewhere.

This is generally what a “howl” is.

CN: You stated in the same interview that a therian can identify with any animal, be it a wolf or a cockroach. Is there competition within the therian world? Snake vs. mouse, etc.?

Shiro: No, in fact, theriotype discrimination is very frowned upon. A lot of therians will get very angry when, for example, a wolf therian makes a joke about eating a rabbit therian. We know we're not physically our animals, and it really bothers some people to be picked on like that.

CN: With the interview, you became a viral sensation. Many celebrities have shared your video on social media. How do you feel about this? Do you think this type of sharing shows therians in a

original art by Dan Burgess

positive or negative light?

Shiro: I have mixed feelings about this.

Television wants viewers more than it wants to tell a story, so I do feel the documentary put us in a rather sensational light. At the same time, I'm happy that people are interested in finding out what therians are and looking up more information about therianthropy.

Is there anything you would like our readership to know in regards to therians?

Shiro: The main thing I'd like for the readership to know, is not to believe everything you see on TV or on Tumblr. If you're truly interested in therianthropy, I'd recommend checking out http://projectshift.org/ or https://www.kinmunity.com - these sites have two things in common: they're written for therians and by therians.

They provide a much more in-depth and truthful look than any media outlet can.

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www.ccga-crowsnest.com

Sports

Jay Landow Sports Columnist

#TRUETOATLANTA After last season ended, and LeBron James announced he would be leaving the Miami Heat to return to his native Ohio and play for his beloved Cavaliers, NBA fans were uncertain who would dominate the Eastern Conference.

Many Atlanta Hawks fans probably remember thinking that maybe, just maybe, Atlanta will seize the opportunity and rise to the top. The reminder of 46 championshipless seasons made the thought of sustained success a fleeting one.

But when the 2014-15 season started, the Hawks started winning. At first Hawks fans were skeptical; surely they would get back to their mediocre ways. Yet somehow Hawks just kept winning, and the fans started to get a little more excited.

Then January hit, and the Hawks became the first team in NBA history to go 17-0 in entire calendar month. By the time February rolled around, the hawks had won 19 straight, tying the team for the fifth-longest win streak Pages designed by: Alvin Fernando

in NBA history, and Hawks fans, plus many bandwagoners, were solidly on board.

When the regular season closed a few weeks ago, the Hawks had won roughly 75 percent of their games, ending the 82-game playoff precursor with a 60-22 record, the second best record in the NBA this season and the best record in Hawks franchise history.

With the best record in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks were the first team in the NBA to earn a playoff berth, won a Southeast Division title for the first time in two decades and secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the fourth time in franchise history. As of April 27, the Hawks were locked in a first-round battle with the feisty Brooklyn Nets.

Although it may be surprising, the Hawks are no strangers to playoff berths. This is the eighth year in a row the Hawks have made it to the playoffs, which is the second longest active streak in the NBA behind the San Antonio Spurs stunning 18 consecutive

playoff appearances. However, unlike the Spurs, who have won five NBA Finals in that span, the Hawks have lost in the first or second round every post-season for the last eight years.

But that may change this year, as the Hawks have made a point to make their organization more like the San Antonio Spurs. In June of 2012 they hired former San Antonio vice president of basketball operations Danny Ferry as the president of basketball operations and general manager of the Hawks franchise.

In May of 2013 they hired Mike Budenholzer, former assistant coach under San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich, as the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He implemented the system that brought Popovich and the Spurs five titles and Atlanta’s winning ways secured Budenholzer the coach of the year award in 2014-15. Many have gone as far as to give Atlanta nicknames such as Spurs Jr., Spurs 2.0, and the mini-Spurs.

But, many analysts and critics (and fans) are

skeptical of Atlanta and their success. They say Atlanta can’t win an NBA championship because they lack a “go-to” player, a team leader, a superstar. They say that without a player like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or James Harden, a team can’t win big.

These critics are correct in saying Atlanta lacks a superstar; but who needs a superstar when you have a super team? This season they sent four out of the five players in their starting line-up to the All-Star game: Al Horford, Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap, and Jeff Teague. That’s at least two more players than any other team sent this year. Plus Budenholzer was selected to coach the East in this year’s All-Star game.

Basketball is not a superstar sport, it’s a team sport, and Atlanta is showing that teams win games, not superstars. When you’re entire team is as dangerous from behind the arch, in the paint, from the free throw line, and on the sidelines as the Atlanta Hawks are, you don’t need a superstar. You need to play, coach and execute like the Spurs.

Sports

CCGA BASKETBALL Reggie Burke Major: Business Position: Guard Career Highlights: CCGA scoring record of 1,726, 422 assists After CCGA: Hopes to play professionally overseas.

Olivia “Toots” Melvin Major: Mathematics Position: Guard Career Highlights: CCGA’s leading scorer averaging 13.9 pts, and led team with 76 steals After CCGA: Hopes to eventually become a basketball coach Michael Matta Major: Business Position: Forward Career Highlights: Avg. 8.9 pts. Third-leading scorer, started 24 games in 2014-15 After CCGA: Hopes to play professionally overseas Shaikiera Armstrong Major: Physical Therapy Position: Forward Career Highlights: Averaged 11.6 pts, second on the team. Led team with 7.2 rebound avg. and also 44 blocks.

After CCGA: Use her degree to become a physical therapist Andrew Reid Major: Business Position: Forward Career Highlights: Avg. 12.8 pts. CCGA’s second leading scorer After CCGA: Hopes to play professionally overseas Obie Foreman Major: Human Services Position: Guard Career Highlights: Starting nine games in 2014-15 After CCGA: Continue pursuing his field in Human Services

Amanda Kline Major: Coastal Ecology Position: Middle Blocker Career Highlights: 4 year letter winner, 2 Time SSAC All-Academic Team Member, block record in 2011, block assist record in 2013.

Favorite Memory: First round of Nationals at home against Embry-Riddle Plans After CCGA: I hope to continue working with the Department of Natural Resources in Marine Fisheries.

Kansas Robison Major: Health Informatics Position: Defensive Specialist Career Highlights: 4 year letter winner, part of CCGA's inaugural volleyball team, all-academic (2), 1177 digs, 1344 Service Receptions, 94% Reception, 86 Program Wins Favorite Memory: Beating freaking Embry Riddle first round of nationals.

Plans After CCGA: Live with Holly Hammer. Get a job. Get married. To someone who's not Holly.

Holly Hammer Major: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Position: Outside Hitter Career Highlights: 4 year letter winner, 4 year team captain, 2 time 2nd team All-Conference, 2011 SSAC Champion of Character, Part of 2011 Inaugural team, 3 time SSAC All-Academic Team Member, 2 time NAIA All-Academic Team Member Favorite Memory: Winning the opening round of Nationals against Embry Riddle at home.

Plans after CCGA: Work as an ICU Nurse at St. Joseph's/Candler in Savannah, GA

Alan Bradford Major: Business Career Highlights: 76. 80 scoring average After CCGA: Hopes to find a job and continue playing golf

Alastair Tidcombe Major: Business Career Highlights: Won 2014 Nova Scotia Amateur Championship After CCGA: Assistant coach for CCGA, and then hopes to go pro

15

CCGA TENNIS

CCGA volleyball

CCGA GOLF Hunter Cornelius Major: Business Career Highlights: 74.74 scoring average, named Daktronics- NAIA Scholar- Athlete in 2014 After CCGA: Hopes to find a career with his degree and continue playing golf

April 2015

Erick Bermudez Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Career Highlights: Newcomer of the year 2014, Champion of character of 2014, Player of the week April 8 2014 Plans After CCGA: “I hope to become a banker or work in in a firm as an assistant or marketing manager. Also I would do my masters in the University of Florida or Florida Atlantic University.”

Robin Lucas Major: Business Administration Career Highlights: Played No. 3 singles year 1,2, and 4. 14-4 in doubles last year with Erick Bermudez Plans after CCGA: Coaching in San Diego, then obtaining a Master’s in Sports Management.

Alejandro Aquilino Major: Business administration with concentration in Marketing Career highlights: “I came to the team when it was totally new, not ranked and not successful at all. After 4 years, we are ranked No.12 in the nation and highly successful.”

Plans After CCGA: “As an international student-athlete it is not easy to stay in the U.S. after graduating if you don't have a working visa.

After receiving this working visa, I would like to work as a tennis professional and continue achieving my dream of living in a tennis environment. Graduating from CCGA helped me a lot to achieve all my short term dream and also be able to continue with my new ones.”

Kristina Polakovic Major: Bachelor of Business Administration Concentration in Leadership Career Highlights: Student Assistant – Career Services Ambassador, Tennis Manager/ Coordinator, Private Tennis Instructor (made her own business back in Canada for four summers).

Plans After CCGA: “I got a job! So I will be working for the next year or two then hopefully go obtain a Master’s degree in either leadership or sport management.”

CCGA SOFTBALL Cali Bartholomew Major: Psychology Position: P/ OF Career Highlights: .297 batting average, second on team with 20 RBI’s in 2014 After CCGA: Internship at Cisco

Haley Craven Major: Public Affairs Position: Catcher Career Highlights: led team with 25 RBI’s, five HR, and a .492 slugging percentage After CCGA: Hopes to attend Pharmacy school

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May 1

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Career Corner Campus Center

5-8:00 p.m.

First Friday Downtown Brunswick

3, 7, 10 p.m.

Movie Showing: Gone Girl Stembler Theatre

May 4 LAST DAY OF CLASSES! 10:00 p.m.

Late Night Breakfast Mariner’s Galley

May 7 4:00 p.m.

Commencement Rehearsal

May 9 10:00 a.m.

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