Oct. 8, 2014 by Central Michigan Life

LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN

WEDNESday, OCT. 8, 2014 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 20 VOL. 96

Life in brief university Ross to give State of the University Address Central Michigan University President George Ross will deliver his annual State of the University Address at 2 p.m. at Plachta Auditorium. Ross will likely address the campus community about the current operations of the university and his plans for the future. The address is open to the public, including all students, faculty and staff. Those who cannot attend the address in person can live stream at http://cmich.edu/soustream. The Adobe software required to watch the address will be provided for free. After the speech, Ross and his wife will host an hour reception at 3 p.m. in the Powers Ballroom that is also open to the public. Arielle Hines, Staff Reporter

CRIME No increase in Homecoming arrests Arrests and citations issued over Homecoming weekend were typical of past years, according to Mount Pleasant police agencies. At the Oct. 4 game against Ohio, the Central Michigan University Police Department reported two arrests: One for minor in possession and resisting arrest, and the other for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. CMUPD reported seven MIP citations and two citations for disorderly conduct. There were 11 incidents requiring medical response professionals, two of which were emergency medical services transported individuals. CMUPD Lt. Cameron Wassman said the football game required the most activity from police and outside of that the weekend was “fairly tame.” He added the offenders were mostly CMU students, and there were no problems with alumni visiting Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant Police Department reported 429 calls from 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 to 7 a.m. Oct. 5. Notable arrests and citations include: 27 for minor in possession and open intoxicants, seven for disorderly conduct, three warrant arrests, two for possession of marijuana, two for resisting and obstructing officers and one assault. Public Information Officer Jeff Browne echoed Wassman’s statement. He said there was nothing unusual about this Homecoming weekend as compared to previous years. Malachi Barrett, News Editor

SPORTS

Hartnett remembered by friends CMU community mourns Wayne State freshman By Malachi Barrett News Editor

Michael Hartnett always cared about his friends. One of his last acts was making sure those he cared about were taken care of. “I only had $2 on me and I knew it was a 28-minute walk

(home); I Googled it. He gave me $20 and said to take a cab,” said freshman Saoirse Haughney, Hartnett’s friend since second grade. Michael Hartnett “We all got home and I still kept that $20. I hung it up.” Hartnett was able to get his friends home that night, but the 18-year-old Wayne State freshman

“It’s not just a story. It’s really meaningful and sad for a lot of us.” Valerie Dynda, Dearborn Heights freshman never made it home himself. His body was found in the pond near the Park Library on Sunday. Police are still investigating his death. Haughney said friends who were with Hartnett became sepa-

rated from him Saturday night, but no one suspected he was in danger until the morning. w Hartnett | 6

Coming out at CMU Taryn Wattles | Assistant Photo Editor Marysville freshman Delany Lemke came out to her mom and is in the process of coming out to the rest of her family. “Coming out has been a process,” she said. “It’s something that doesn’t end.”

Students share their stories about acceptance, discrimination and learning to love themselves By Sydney Smith Assistant Student Life Editor

Today is the day. By the time you have finished reading this sentence, you and the rest of Central Michigan University, will know Delany Lemke is a lesbian. It’s Coming Out Week, and the 18-year-old Marysville freshman finally feels confident enough to tell you who she really is. When people read this story, or the Facebook status she posts this week, Lemke knows some family and friends may not look at her, or treat her, the same. The support and acceptance she has received since she arrived at CMU has helped liberate her, she said, and it encouraged her to share her personal journey. “I can’t express how happy I

am to be here where I can be loud and proud,” she said. “I’m just glad I learned to accept and share my identity no matter what.” It started when she realized she had a crush on one of her close friends. Though it was a brief relationship, coming out in this way lead to her decision to tell her mother. But it wasn’t easy. “I remember lying on my couch feeling like I was going to throw up, trying to work up the courage to say something,” she said. “My mom has never given me any reason to believe she was homophobic so I felt it was a good time to come clean.” After telling her mother that she thought she liked women and men, her mother hesitated, causing Lemke to panic. In the time that followed, there was no further talk about it.

“She was really scared that I would be treated poorly in our little, conservative town,” Lemke said. As time passed, Lemke realized that she identified as a lesbian. She said the shock of coming out to her mother wore off and she thinks that it allowed her mom to collect her thoughts and accept Lemke’s identity. “It’s the little things that mean the world to me now, like when I applied for CMU and she handed me a pamphlet for a diversity scholarship,” Lemke said.

Seeking acceptance

When he woke up on the morning of his 17th birthday, Kyle Turner told himself that it would be the day that he would come out. The Standish senior called his sister into his room and had her

READ MORE For more on Coming Out Week see Page 4: w EDITORIAL: A Diverse Alliance. Coming Out Week serves as more than just a celebration of being comfortable in one’s own skin. w Columnist Mariah Prowoznik asks why we don’t call this “Being Me Week” instead? w Columnist James Wilson shares a message of hope to those struggling with their sexuality. guess what he was going to tell her. “My sister is my best friend, so naturally I had to tell her first,” Turner said. “She didn’t make a big deal out of it at all. She acted like nothing was different.” w coming out | 2

Charter schools recognizing statewide academic issues ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Students, coaches find camaraderie through club Frisbee team.

LIFE INSIDE Best Buddies program creates friendships for a lifetime »PAGE 7 Drag Queen Bingo kicks off Coming Out Week »PAGE 3

By Zahra Ahmad News Editor

With the publication of a recent investigation conducted by the Detroit Free Press, detailing taxpayer money spent on charter schools without much transparency, the purpose and worth of charter schools has again been cast in the statewide spotlight. Brad Wever, director of public policy for The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools, said charter schools are needed to provide schooling that accommodates children in poverty. Central Michigan University is an authorizer to 62 charter schools in Michigan. “Part of the charter school movement is to serve kids that have been

undeserved, (and) typically come in areas where there’s high poverty,” Wever said. “Focusing in on those areas is key. We take our job very seriously so that these kids in these areas get what they need to succeed.” The university is allowed by law as an authorizer to take a 3 percent fee of the per pupil foundation grant. This grant accounts for 3 percent that each charter school student is granted by the state. A portion of that goes back to the university for providing services, which totalled $6.5 million in the 2014 fiscal year. One of the issues highlighted by the Detroit Free Press said authorizing universities were not holding schools accountable for underachievement. However, Wever said CMU only gives authorization

and does not oversee the charter schools themselves. “The legislature allows us to authorize public education from K-12, the state board of education is responsible for the oversight of these schools.” Wever said. “Charter schools are no different than other public schools in regards of meeting the same expectations, regulations and laws.” After a year-long investigation, the Detroit Free Press found charter schools as a whole fare no better than traditional schools in educating students in poverty. Lisa Diaz, board member of Renaissance Public Academy, a charter school in Mount Pleasant, said the school has a unique educational approach unlike most traditional public schools.

“It’s learning a core subject with project based learning. It’s a grade list environment with promotes team teaching and learning to move around with different subjects not based on age, but ability.” Diaz said. “The students learn at a pace they can actually level with. Its a really unique model of teaching, we have just over 300 students that we try to get at their highest level of learning.” CMU considers three core questions when issuing a charter contract. They evaluate if the academy’s academic program is successful, organizationally and financially viable, and if there is a demonstration of good faith in following the terms of the charter contract. w charter | 2

NEWS

2 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

charter | continued from 1 The Detroit Free Press said charter schools were no better than traditional schools at educating students in poverty. Basing test results on first year students is unfair, Wever said, in regards to comparing those test grades to state wide expectations. “What we prefer to look at is how that student is doing in that environment after two to three years,” Wever said. “When we look at that analysis our schools are beating or nearly meeting the statewide average. When we look at districts in most of these areas in

three years the students are outperforming, or exceeding the statewide average.” Due to a lack of authority and oversight, the Detriot Free Press said that a majority of the worst-ranked charter schools in Michigan have been open for 10 or more years. CMU has had 16 charter schools authorized by them close in the last 10 years. As a board member, Diaz said that all schools in Michigan should be looked under the same accountability, because they need to be globally competitive to prepare the future workforce. “We need to hold all public schools accountable, not just charter schools,” Diaz said. “We have (traditional public) schools in the state that have

A lot of the time we’re making decisions that are best for the adults, and that is not OK.” Lisa Diaz, board memeber been operating for decades, charter schools that have been operating for a while and they shouldn’t be anymore.” The special report stated that Michigan has substantially more for-profit companies running schools than any other state. Wever said that a strict process goes into choosing board members, who then oversee the charter schools being authorized by CMU. “Each of board members goes through a criminal background check, board

member orientation and oath of public office among other things,” Wever said. “ We look for people who want no personal gain from being a board member, they give tools and resources.” Charter schools must go through a strict process before being authorized by CMU. Only nine percent of applications get approved by the university. Accountability and providing better options for students in poverty filled areas exceeds the need for a

larger number of schools in the university’s portfolio. “The school’s priority needs to be what’s best for the students not for the adults. A lot of the time we’re making decisions that are best for the adults, and that is not OK,” Diaz said. “We have third graders that can’t read, we need to hold ourselves accountable. Looking across the state we have to start saying this is not ok. We can’t base a student’s future on their background and environment.” The need for charter schools is choice said Wever. To CMU as an authorizer it is important to continuously provide that options for parents who are seeking higher education for their students,

no matter their zip code. “The important thing about keeping charter schools around is the choice of going to a better school. Twenty years ago, your zip code determined where you went to school, it impacted if you were going to college or to be successful in life,” Wever said. “With charter schools parents and students are given the option to do something different.”

CORRECTIONS

Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting. It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2014 Volume 96, Number 20

Come

meeT WITH mAJoR & mINoR

FACULTY ADVISoRS FRom eVeRY ACADemIC DePARTmeNT oN CAmPUS

Taryn Wattles | Assistant Photo Editor Standish senior Cody Wilson came out his senior year of high school by writing a 7-page letter to his parents. “I tried not to care what my parents thought,” he said. “It was kind of a spur of the moment decision.”

SHeD Some LIGHT oN YoUR FUTURe!

mAJoR NIGHT Taryn Wattles | Assistant Photo Editor Pipton junior Kyle Turner decided to come out on his 17th birthday. “I had to prepare myself to live in a different mindset,” he said. “I’m not the type of person to focus on negative thoughts.”

coming out | continued from 1 While relieved by his sister’s reaction, other members of Turner’s family weren’t as supportive. After he changed his sexual orientation on Facebook, his aunt, who he was living with at the time, told his entire family. Turner was then kicked out of his house. “My family didn’t want to talk to me, and it took them about a year to come to terms with it,” he said. Pipton junior Cody Wilson shared a similar story. During his senior year of high school, he wrote a seven-page letter to his parents, explaining the sexuality they he hid for his entire life. His parents’ reaction was less than ideal. “It was hard because they reacted pretty poorly,” Wilson said. “If my parents didn’t accept it, I thought no one would accept it.” After coming out to his parents, Wilson told

everyone in a Facebook status. He received a lot of support, however, Wilson said it was hard to ignore what his parents thought about him. “We weren’t really on speaking terms. That summer was the worst summer of my life,” he said. “It’s hard to compromise who you are when you’re supposed to feel the most comfortable around your family.”

Awkward experience

Lansing senior Steven Walker said that when he came out, word traveled quickly and his entire school found out. “I put my trust in the wrong person,” he said. “But then I really owned it, and people respected that.” After hearing about their son from other parents, Walker’s parents approached him about coming out. Walker said this was an extremely awkward experience.

Sarah Roebuck | Student Life Editor Lansing senior Steven Walker came out when he was 15, and said he was completely comfortable acclimating to CMU. “It’s been easy to open up here,” he said. “I’ve never seen a bad side.”

“They said that they had known for a while,” he said. “They were super understanding.” While Walker felt fortunate that his parents were supportive, he said he would have rather been able to come out on his own terms. “It’s a very personal thing and should be done by you when you feel the most comfortable,” he said. Though Wilson’s coming out experience was not what he had hoped for, he said it’s good to recognize that even though it was extremely challenging, coming out changed his life for the better. He said he feels a thousand times more confident. “I don’t want people to not feel safe coming out, but I don’t want to give them false hope either,” Wilson said. “Just know your coming out will be very personal and individualized.” Someone coming out should plan strategically, Wilson said, talking to someone who would likely be supportive. “You should never put your safety in jeopardy or sacrifice yourself because

someone doesn’t think you’re adequate,” he said. When it comes to coming out, people that have been through it before stress the importance of preparing for both positive and negative reactions. Turner said that it’s easier if you recognize that no matter how much support you get, there will always be people who say hurtful things. “People said stuff about me, but I didn’t let that get to me,” Turner said. “Though you should be ready for positive and negative impact, you are finally in a different mindset and can live the way you want to.” While coming out can be met with opposition, Walker said that this unavoidable adjustment period will pass eventually. He said that after his family and friends adjusted, he settled into a new normal. “My advice is to just keep swimming,” he said. “It’s not your job to make people accept you, and if you have to, that’s a good sign that you probably need new friends, because the real ones will love you unconditionally.”

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8 5:30-7 P.M.

BOVEE UC ROTUNDA

INSIDE LIFE

life in brief on campus

CMU alumni Bruce Thayer showcases art exhibition

Artist and Central Michigan University alumni Bruce Thayer will be returning to his roots with a reception for his new exhibition, “American Dog Walker: The Art of Bruce Thayer” 4 p.m. Thursday at the University Art Gallery. The exhibition runs from Oct. 9 -Nov. 8. The event is free and open to the public. Thayer will speak about his exhibition at 4:30 pm on Thursday. The gallery is next to the Bovee University Center, 251 Preston St. Thayer received his bachelor’s degree in education in 1974 and fine arts in 1975. Since his graduation, he has earned his masters of fine arts from the Painting Art Institute of Chicago. Thayer has been in many shows throughout the Midwest and world. Arielle Hines, Staff Reporter

careers

Michigan Association of Broadcasters hosts career and networking fair

Students will have an opportunity to network with broadcasting professionals from 14 different radio and television stations today. The Michigan Association of Broadcasters Career and Networking Fair is co-sponsored with the School of Broadcasting & Cinematic Arts. The open event is scheduled for noon3 p.m. in the Rotunda of the Bovee University Center. Department Chair Peter Orlik said students should bring their resume and dress in business casual. There will also be pizza and refreshments. Stations that will be present include WJRT-Flint, Interlochen Public Radio, WLNS-Lansing, CMU Public Broadcasting and Midwest Communications of Lansing.

Greg Cornwell | Staff Photographer

The Ultimate Prize

Arielle Hines, Staff Reporter

Coldwater junior Juan Hernandez reaches for a pass during a practice scrimmage at the Intramural Fields Monday.

Students, coaches find camaraderie through club Frisbee team

Evan Sasiela Staff Reporter

After a self-funded and lengthy road trip, members of Central Michigan University’s club Ultimate Frisbee team are exhausted by the time each game they play has ended. Despite the long hours, the bonding that goes on between the members of the team is inevitable, “We play a full day of Ultimate on that first day. Everyone is dirty, sweaty, and tired to the point of hating everything.” said player Garren Salk. “We are all a huge group of friends it’s like a huge family. Then the next day we do it again. We go out there and give it all we can. Then we drive home all together as a family again that night.” Each time Johann Britting, 23 of Clarkson, watches a disc thrown by one of the players he coaches on the Ultimate Frisbee team fly through the air, he is filled with a sense of satisfying fulfillment. “I really like seeing the development of all the guys,” said Britting. “When guys start playing they have a hard time throwing. But by the end of the year they are making good throws in games. In one year somebody who knows nothing about the game (can be) a really good player.” CMU’s least known yet still passionate student athletes have begun a season that allows them to bond both on and off the field. The Notorious B.I.D. is CMU’s club Ultimate Frisbee team, participating in the club division of USA Ultimate.

Led by Britting, Salk (the club’s president and a senior from Waterford), and Vice President Jose Hernandez, the year-round group’s name is a tribute to the rapper Biggie Smalls, or the Notorious B.I.G. The term bid refers to laying out for a disc during gameplay. The groups “ultimate” goal is to become a cohesive unit. This, Britting says, starts with fundamentals. “For practice, we jog,” Britting said. “We do some dynamic stretching. We run through some drills that work on fundamentals that make us better as a team. Then we finish up with a 20 to 30 minute scrimmage.” The team carpools to a variety of destinations across the country each season. Most recently the team traveled to a tournament called “Glory Days” in Rockford, Ill., which included 60 disc-tossing teams. The team typically competes against the other Division I universities in the state of Michigan such as: The University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Eastern Michigan University, and archrival, Western Michigan University. Britting said gameplay is far from complex. “It’s played on a soccer field and is seven versus seven,” Britting said. “It’s a lot like soccer where there is continuous gameplay. The point is to pass the Frisbee to your teammate in the end zone for a touchdown. You advance down the field by passing it. After you catch it, you can’t run.” The team has played in one unsanctioned tournament so far this season.

Greg Cornwell | Staff Photographer Munger freshman Sean Greania throws over a defender during a practice scrimmage at the Intramural Fields Monday.

The majority of the tournaments the group will participate this year are not sanctioned by USA Ultimate. One of the top events this yearis a tournament that will take place over Spring Break 2015 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. “It’s called High Tide. That is one of our most fun tournaments,” Britting said. “It’s one of the largest tournaments in the country. There are more than 70 teams just in our section.” Two standouts on the team thus far are super-senior Matt Western and rookie Ben Danforth. The freshman has been playing Ultimate Frisbee since high school. The team usually plays outdoors in the fall but will move inside CMU’s Indoor Athletic Complex in the

spring, where the players hope to host a tournament of their own someday. “We’d like to get four each semester,” Hernandez, 20, said. The team began the year with a barbecue social. Throughout the year, the team mingles with friends and family to keep chemistry at productive and enjoyable levels. “We especially try to incorporate freshmen into different things,” Salk said. “We have movie nights or throw the disc around for fun. We try to keep that friendship going outside of practice.” The group holds practice on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at CMU’s IM fields. Those interested can contact the group via OrgSync.

internships

Information session for Washington Center internships Thursday Students who dream of living and working in the nation’s capital can receive information about the Washington Center’s internship and academic seminar programs on Thursday. The information session is being hosted by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, but is opened to all students. The session will be in Anspach Hall 5-6pm in Room 155. The Washington Center has helped 50,000 students around the world start their careers. Students selected by the Washington Center can receive internships with prestigious organizations including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Library of Congress, United Way of America, Save the Children and Smithsonian Institute. Academic seminars are composed of three elements: speakers, site visits and small group sessions. The two seminars available in May 2015 are on the topics of national security and global changes. Students who are interested in the program, but cannot attend the session should contact Joyce Baugh, political science professor, at Baugh1ja@cmich. edu or 989-774-3475. Arielle Hines, Staff Reporter

VOICES

EDITORIAL | Coming Out Week celebrates community diversity

A message to those struggling James Wilson Social Media Coordinator

Kate Carlson | Staff Reporter Director of LGBTQ Services Shannon Jolliff embraces Sabin, a drag queen who held Drag Queen Bingo Monday in the University Center Auditorium.

A diverse alliance

oming Out Week serves as more than just a celebration of being comfortable in one’s own skin. It symbolizes an evolution in our understanding and acceptance

of the LGBTQ community. Fifty years ago, the idea of identifying your sexuality in any way but heterosexual was largely taboo. There were not widespread pride parades, not as many outspoken organizations or nearly as much public support for the cause. This cast a shadow over the LGBTQ population, forcing many individuals to keep their identities in the dark for fear of hostility or discrimination. Today, we are excited to recognize that society has become more tolerant of individual differences. We are proud to see our traditionally conservative mid-Michigan community celebrating those differences. The better our understanding of others, the stronger and more united we become as a community. The United States Supreme Court’s decision Monday to not rule on the constitutionality of same sex marriage seemed to affirm that ideology.

Getting rid of the closet This week is Coming Out Week – a celebration of coming out of the closet, and proclaiming your sexuality to all, in order to feel comfortable with yourself. Why don’t we call it “Being Me Week” instead? National Coming Out Day is Oct. 11, the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. The week celebrates coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, and it is an opportunity for people to celebrate who they are and who

The Supreme Court’s latest move propelled several states to issue same sex marriage licenses and will likely bring the number of states allowing it up to 30. Same sex marriage is not legal in Michigan, and we must wait to see if the 6th Circuit appeals court will uphold the bans enacted indefinitely in March. We encourage legislators in Lansing to look across the state, and nation, to see which way public opinion is swaying. In accordance with many other cities in Michigan, Mount Pleasant passed an anti-discrimination ordinance in July 2012. Complementing state and federal law, the ordinance recognizes discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as illegal. We commend Central Michigan University and Mount Pleasant for fostering an environment where every student and community member feels safe and

Mariah Prowoznik Columnist

their community is. The Human Rights Campaign website states that “one of our most basic tools is the power of coming out.” Is it really? What about our most powerful tool? Being comfortable with who you are, as well as accepting others, is our most powerful tool as a generation. As someone who has had the displeasure of coming out twice, the idea of Coming Out Week is regressive.

Coming out celebration Coming Out Week includes a variety of options for CMU students to be heard, to show support and to build a better understanding of our diverse community. w Today from 8-9 p.m., the Center for Inclusion and Diversity will host “100 percent inclusive sex education.” w The event “Trans 101,” hosted by registered student organization Transcend, will take place on Thursday from 12-1 p.m. w On Friday, “The Basics on Being an Ally to the LGBTQ Community” will be showcased in Rowe 229. w The week will culminate Saturday at 7 p.m. with guest speaker TJ Sullivan’s “Gay and Greek: Exploring the Intersections” in Plachta Auditorium.

accepted, regardless of religion, race, sexual identity or other differences. Our community’s response to the “coming out” of LGBTQ students should serve as a template for our nation.

Yes, twice. And the second time was harder than the first. I’ve dated women, and now I’m dating a man. Maybe I’ll break up and date a woman. Maybe another man. Or maybe I’ll be in this relationship for the long haul. Who cares? Apparently, society does. I don’t. And you shouldn’t either. Why I felt the need to hide my boyfriend from my family and some of my friends is beyond me. Maybe it was because they had already accepted me as an out-and-proud lesbian. Maybe it was because I was worried they wouldn’t accept him. Or maybe it was because I think it’s asinine to declare, and proclaim, your sexuality. Maybe I didn’t really feel like going through

Central Michigan Life Editorial Ben Solis, Editor-in-Chief Adrian Hedden, Managing Editor Luke Roguska, Design Editor Kurt Nagl, Voices Editor Malachi Barrett, Assistant News Editor Zahra Ahmad, Assistant News Editor Sarah Roebuck, Student Life Editor Sydney Smith, Assistant Student Life Editor Dominick Mastrangelo, Sports Editor Joe Judd, Assistant Sports Editor Meagan Dullack, Photo Editor

Taryn Wattles, Assistant Photo Editor Nate Morrison, Page Designer Michael Farris, Page Designer Kate Carlson, Page Designer Stephen Cahoon, Multimedia Editor Chent Steinbriek, Multimedia Editor Gina Heydens, Online Editor James Wilson, Social Media Coordinator Advertising managers Angela Carollo Gabriella Hoffman Elise Pelletier

Public Relations managerS Kelsey Howe Bridget Timbrook Maria Haugen Emily Daunt Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey Production Leader Kathy Simon Assistant Director of Student Publications Dave Clark Director of Student Publications

Central Michigan Life, the independent voice of Central Michigan University, is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during CMU’s summer sessions. The newspaper’s online edition, cm-life.com, contains all of the material published in print,

and is updated on an as-needed basis. Central Michigan Life serves the CMU and Mount Pleasant communities, and is under the jurisdiction of the independent Student Media Board of Directors. Dave Clark serves as Director of Student Media at CMU and is the adviser to the newspaper. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of

Central Michigan University. Central Michigan Life is a member of the Associated Press, the Michigan Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press, College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers Association, the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, Central Michigan Home Builders Association, Mount

Especially during Coming Out Week, we consider it crucial for the LGBTQ community and allies to band together and make our collective voice ring throughout our community and from Lansing to Washington D.C. and back again.

the whole ordeal again. I attended a very conservative school district where, unfortunately, bullying was a part of my high school experience. I was 16. I was already “out” and I was proud. Growing up in a liberal Catholic household, my family accepted me. My friends accepted me. Most importantly, I was okay being me. Just because I was dating a girl didn’t mean I was any different. Fast-forward seven years and a few break-ups later. We have an American president who has openly supported gay rights. More recently, the Supreme Court chose not to get involved in the national debate over same-sex marriage, ultimately bringing the number of states where gays and lesbians can marry to 30. Our society is changing. And just

On Oct. 9, 2009, I faced the biggest obstacle in my life. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I walked into the side doors of my high school around 7:40 a.m. I was bombarded with questions and negative comments. Someone in my school found out I was gay and decided to inform the entire school of my sexuality. My secret was out — I was pushed out of the closet. I thought my life was over. I felt alone, hopeless. I attempted to end my life. I wanted to give up. My biggest fear was having my family find out. I was terrified of what they would think of me. I came home everyday from school worried to open the front door and walk inside. The anxiety festered. My mother found out about my sexuality over a Facebook album. I was tagged in a photo with my boyfriend at the time, and my mom confronted me in a car ride. I could not hold back the tears. I’ll never forget my mom saying, “You are my son, and I will always love you.” Other members of my family were not so open about it. I have a cigar burn on my right arm from a family member I thought was close to me. I remember my dad calling me a faggot. Physical pain was bearable. But nothing hurt as badly as when my father looked me in the eye and degraded me as a human being. I forgive those two figures in my life. With the mental support of my friends and loved ones, I was able to accept my sexuality and be who I wanted to be. Today, I look back on that part of my life and reflect on how far I have come. I can look at myself in the mirror and smile. I love who I am. I am proud of what I have accomplished. For those of you who are in the closet, or are struggling with your sexuality, I want you to know you are not alone. There are great people in this world who love you and accept you for who you are. I want you to understand that you are important. Suicide is not a solution. Depression is a serious issue and surely not a temporary problem. But I am here for you and so are countless others. You may not see it now, but I promise you, it will get better.

because I’m dating a guy doesn’t mean I’m any different. We live in a community where 68 percent of millennials are in favor of equal marriage, according to the Pew Research Center. We are a generation defining ourselves around equality. So why aren’t we thinking progressively when it comes to coming out? Why don’t we get rid of the closets, stop hiding and start celebrating who we are instead of forcing ourselves into one of the many boxes Americans like to put themselves and others into? I don’t identify as a lesbian anymore. But I also don’t identify as straight. Is there really so much wrong with choosing to be me instead? I don’t need a title. I’ll save that for when I enter the workforce.

Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Voices Editor | Kurt Nagl Phone | (989) 774-3493 | Email | voices@cm-life.com All letters to the editor or guest columns must include a name, address, affiliation (if any) and phone number for verification. Anonymous letters will not be printed, except under extraordinary circumstances. CM Life reserves the right to edit all letters and columns for style, length, libel, redundancy, clarity, civility and accuracy. Letters should be no more than 450 words in length. Longer, guest columns may be submitted but must remain under 750 words. Published versions may be shorter than the original submission. CM Life reserves the right to print any original content as a letter or guest column. Please allow up to five days for a staff response, which will include an expected date of publication. Submission does not guarantee publication. Pleasant Housing Association and the Mount Pleasant Downtown Business Association. The newspaper’s online provider is Wordpress. Central Michigan Life is distributed throughout the campus and at numerous locations throughout Mount Pleasant. Non-university subscriptions are $75 per academic year. Back copies are available at 50

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NEWS

Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | 5

Students, officials talk drinking safety on campus

photo of the day

By Brianne Twiddy Staff Reporter

Abigail Robinson | Staff Photographer Members of the Student Government Association pose with the Central Michigan University Homecoming ‘Golden Goblet’ trophy Monday in Anspach Hall.

AlcoholEDU program at CMU hopes to reduce drinking rates for freshmen by Jordyn Hermani Staff Reporter

There is one thing that is always present at any university, even at the conclusion of the Homecoming Weekend and long after the football stadium lights have gone dark: Alcohol. With a freshman class with a 26.5 percent larger than last year, many new students on campus are having underage experiences with alcohol. AlcoholEDU is aware of the problem and is taking steps to defeat it. “Alcohol use, for better or for worse, is a part of college life,” said Helen Stubbs, vice president of Higher Education at EverFi, the founder of the AlcoholEDU program. “We’re looking for ways to educate (students) to keep them safe.” The program is dedicated

to teaching first-year students the potential dangers of alcohol consumption. Under Stubbs, the program has grown to encompass 500 universities including Central Michigan University. Michelle Veith, associate director of Residence Life, implemented AlcoholEDU in fall 2012. She said although the changes in student interactions with alcohol may not be visible, there has been a change in behavior since the program with implemented. “In terms of our numbers of alcohol transports, they have decreased over the last couple of years,” Veith said. “There are a number of factors that contribute to that, but I would like to believe that AlcoholEDU contributes to that as well.” According to pre-test

and post-test survey results from the 2013-14 freshman class, there was a 27 percent increase in students who said they would drink less when consuming alcohol. The AlcoholEDU program’s overall success is working on campus, according to the CMU Police Department. They report an increase in students who are being more aware of their actions and making safe choices while drinking. “One of the things that we’ve seen over the last couple of years with AlcoholEDU is that people seem to be more responsible,” said CMUPD Lt. Cameron Wassman. “From a police perspective it certainly is a very beneficial program.” He said in the 14 years he has served on the force alcohol has been involved

in the majority of incidents involving CMUPD. “People get to drinking and they lose their inhibitions,” Wassman said. “It never fails. People who would normally never do things commit crimes.” By next year, most students on a four year plan will have participated in taking the AlcoholEdU program, which Veith said is a step in the right direction. “The biggest thing that we’re trying to do is mitigate risk and work with the culture around drinking,” she said. Veith hopes the program will help students and protect them from the dangers of alcohol. “As far as I’m concerned if we even save one life, then it’s worth it,” she said.

Freshman Matt Verduzco can easily remember the panic and fear he felt when he was rushed to the hospital to be there for his stepbrother who was being treated for alcohol poisoning. “I went to the hospital to check on him and see if he was OK,” said Verduzco, from Howell. “I was scared because we didn’t know if he was going to die or not.” His brother survived, but Matt now emphasizes the importance of remaining in control while drinking. “You have to control yourself and make sure you’re conscious or else you can end up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning,” he said. “I’ve seen people passed out on the sidewalk. It’s scary because you never know what’s going to happen to them.” For those with drinking problems or those who need help knowing when too much alcohol is a dangerous amount, there are resources on campus to help make sure students know the ins and outs of alcohol safety. Ross Rapaport, director of Central Michigan University’s Counseling Center, said that while it’s not entirely uncommon to see a student getting help for drinking problems, not every student who drinks develops a serious problem. “Problems can range from hangovers to missing classes to dangerous situations, so the idea is that once they make a link between alcohol and behavior resulting in negative consequences, that’s when they seek help,” he said. Passing out or wandering off in an unfamiliar location poses high risks for students and can become a large concern for their friends. Mattie Hummel, a

sophomore from Johannesburg, Mich., recalls the overwhelming worry when her friend got drunk and wandered off without her noticing, finding her sleeping in a stranger’s car. “It worries me because she’ll randomly go places and come back after missing for a few hours,” Hummel said. “There’s so many things that could’ve gone wrong.” It’s not only the student’s health being put in jeopardy – their academic careers can suffer as well. Students under the age of 21 who are caught with alcohol in their room will be written up by a Resident Assistant and charged with a $200 fine for their first offense. The offenders also will receive a private email from the Residence Hall Director, who then decides the disciplinary actions that will take place once they are aware of the incident report. Getting a disciplinary action and a fine may not be the worst consequence of a night out drinking. Around 30 percent of sexual assaults take place while intoxicated and 1,825 college students die each year from alcohol-related injuries, according to collegedrinkingprevention.gov. “We live in a society that has the idea that getting help is a sign of weakness, but it’s a really sign of strength,” Rapaport said. “If someone believes that alcohol is causing problems in their lives, there’s many resources available on campus.” Counselors are available at all times. It’s free and open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Alcohol Anonymous meetings take place at the Mount Pleasant Alano Club at 9 a.m., noon, 5:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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The department challenge is a competition that gets offices involved for Homecoming. Departments sign up and compete against one another. Offices decorate, answer trivia questions and raise money for United Way.

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NEWS

6 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

Rumors have no place in our newspaper’s coverage of campus tragedy Multiple large blue tarps billowed in the wind as they concealed the recovery of Michael Hartnett’s body from the pond near Park Library. The normally serene Fabiano Botanical Gardens was alive with activity on a Sunday evening as the tragedy unfolded. And on social media, a storm was raging. As law enforcement continued to work to confirm Hartnett as the person pulled from the water, a missing person alert for the

Harnett | continued from 1 Hartnett came to Central Michigan University to visit friends from his hometown of Dearborn Heights. Haughney, and freshmen Abby Ellstrom and Valerie Dynda spent Friday at their friend’s rugby game. They enjoyed pizza to stave off the cold. Dynda said Hartnett always felt at home in Mount Pleasant. He bought his first CMU sweater that weekend and Haughney said he was dressed head-to-toe in maroon and gold to celebrate homecoming. After Ellstrom dropped him off at the Towers, where he said he was going to meet other friends, she never saw him again. Haughney and others lost contact with him at about 1:30 a.m., but didn’t expect the worst. “I didn’t think it was a big deal at first and the (next) day just got later,” Dynda said. “I thought he might be with (our friend) so I texted him around 1:30 a.m. saying ‘Where are you?’” Dynda said Hartnett was drinking alcohol that night. As Hartnett’s friends attempted to spread the word through social media that he was missing, a woman who said she had seen him that

18-year-old from Dearborn Heights circulated on the Internet, leading to the spread of gossip on Twitter and Facebook. Media outlets throughout clamored to respond to the chatter. Established papers fell to impatience and began to connect the two cases ahead of police confirmation. While stories began to trickle into the news cycle, the backlash was almost immediate. Readers critical

Adrian Hedden Managing Editor of the initial, open-ended police reports lashed out at reporters they felt could have gotten more. All working journalists at the scene knew it would be a wait before the hypothetical could be credibly reported as facts.

Journalism is a process. One that is difficult and complicated. The answers to questions posed by our readers do not lie before us; they must be uncovered. Despite whatever possible explanations, or guesses, made it onto the web, Central Michigan Life was patient. We waited hours for the body to be identified. We waited for the family to be notified. We waited for police to confirm everyone’s

worst fear. And we know we were right. When tragedy befalls our university community, anxiety boils. Students, alumni and all residents are taken by the coverage and conversation, and are desperate to know what shape the horrors have taken. As proud students and residents of our university, we must remember to stay strong, and be patient. As journalists we will not allow our innate curiosity to

undermine our humanity. Respect must be paramount for the victim, the family and for all the people who knew and loved this person. They deserve our sympathy, not a confusing mist of 140-word chaos. We also owe our readers something: The best most complete story we can create. So we will wait. We will wait for the facts, and wait for the most complete version of the truth. So Readers, too, must be patient.

“I encourage all of us to take a minute and appreciate the fact that these types of things are so rare.” Bill Yeagley, CMU police chief night contacted Haughney. “She said she saw him on campus by St. Mary’s (Catholic Church) and tried to call him a cab but he couldn’t walk or talk,” Haughney said. “She said it was about 1:30 a.m. (Sunday).” After calling the Isabella County Jail and Central Michigan McLaren-Health Care, his friends went to residence halls on campus. Residence hall workers directed them to the police. CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley said at approximately 2:18 p.m., CMU dispatch received a phone call from Hartnett’s father. CMUPD interviewed him about why he believed his son was missing and took basic information about Hartnett to identify him and find out where he was during the weekend. From there, police were able to identify and inter-

CMLife

Meagan Dullack | Staff Photographer (From left to right) Freshmen Saoirse Haughney, Valerie Dynda and Abby Ellstrom share memories of their friend Michael Hartnett Tuesday night in Moore Hall.

view two of his friends and asked the same kinds of questions. Jails and hospitals were checked and a broadcast was sent to all local agencies containing information compiled. Yeagley said sometime between 3:30-4 p.m., officers put together a search plan. Social media was used to distribute information and a few of Hartnett’s friends, including Haughney, Dynda and Ellstrom, were con-

tacted and met by St. Mary’s Catholic Church to begin an organized search. Less than 15 minutes later the search was over. Hartnett was found in the Fabiano Botanical Garden pond, where his body was removed by the Isabella County Dive Rescue Team and pronounced dead. “I am grateful that these types of things are so rare in our community and I encourage all of us to take a

minute and appreciate the fact that these types of things are so rare,” Yeagley said. “We live in a very good place. The second thing I would ask is for students, and the whole CMU community to remember that Michael has some friends here and a family who are grieving deeply, and I think its appropriate to remember that and pray for them. They need that.” Hartnett’s friends are left wondering what they could

have done to save him, but they found few answers. In the subsequent days they have experienced support from the Chippewa community, but that has not removed the pain of the loss of their friend. “I want people to realize, he may be a name or a face to some people, but he did matter to us,” Dynda said. “It’s not just a story. It’s really meaningful and sad for a lot of us.”

@cmlife

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LIFE

STYLE

TILMANN STEPS DOWN

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8, 2014 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 20 VOL. 96

Mayor Tilmann to step down from commission after 20 years of service »PAGE 8

Best Buddies creates friendships of a lifetime

Emily Mesner | Staff Photographer Senior Kelly Menard, left, colors name tags with her buddy, Renee Ringel, on Sunday at The Village of Bluegrass clubhouse.

RSO pairs students with adults with disabilities By Kelsey Smith Senior Reporter

Making friendships and connections is a task, many people struggle with. For Saline senior Karleen Koskinen, the social needs of adults with disabilities is the focus of her work. “When you create a quality friendship and you see someone’s life impacted by it, you know that’s the reason why you’re doing it,” said the president of the student organization Best Buddies. “You can just tell it’s something that is memorable and impactful to them, it’s an incredible experience.” Best Buddies is designed to create lifelong friendships and memories between CMU students and intellectually and developmentally disabled adults in the community. Best Buddies is based on the idea of inclusion, Koskinen said, and that each person needs a friend. Buddies are matched with CMU students from a test based on personalities and interests. Matches are revealed at annual match parties, similar to a Big and Little reveal of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters. Students are allowed to participate in any kind of activity they would like with their buddy, including going to the movies or out to dinner. At the end of the year each academic year, there is a party at Wayside.

Food and drinks are donated, a DJ is provided, and buddies are able to dance and celebrate the end of the year with the students. After being with her buddy Suzie for four years, Koskinen has been extremely grateful for the opportunities that Best Buddies has given her. “You see someone flourish and thrive in his or her element,” she said. “Best Buddies fosters a relationship that last a lifetime.” Disabled adults struggle with creating friendships and they have unequal and unfair opportunities, Koskinen said. “For every three friends a person with a disability has on social media, we have 125,” she said. “We want to make it more equal for everyone.” Seeing everybody as equals is the main focus. People have become uncomfortable with others that have disabilities, Koskinen said. “The vision is to put Best Buddies out of business,” she said. “Inclusion is huge. People being people, we need to see them that way.” For Buddy Director Blake Long, working with people is his favorite part. Being able to teach others about inclusion and people with disabilities has given him many learning opportunities. “I have been in Best Buddies for seven years,” Long said. “I get to work on relationships with people. Being a part of the executive board makes me feel like I have more purpose.” Long is hoping to see Best Bud-

Emily Mesner | Staff Photographer Kelly Siel throws his hands in the air after winning Uno on Sunday during the “Meet Your Buddy” Best Buddies RSO event held at The Village of Bluegrass clubhouse.

dies grow across the globe. Being more aware of inclusion can teach others about equality and acceptance of those with disabilities. “I think that Best Buddies could be in every country,” he said. “We are already in every state and 50 countries.” Seeing her buddy and building connections is what Vice Presi-

dent, Membership Coordinator and Ionia junior Autumn Luginbuhl likes the most. “I think Best Buddies bring a lot of joy,” she said. “I feel happiness being able to see and work with my buddy.” Committing to Best Buddies is not like committing to another RSO, Luginbuhl said. Creating

one-on-one friendships is something she said is unique to the group. “What I love about Best Buddies is that you’re not making a commitment to an RSO, you’re making a commitment to a person,” she said. “I enjoy watching everyone’s friendship start and see where they go.”

Drag Queen Bingo kicks off Coming Out Week By Kate Carlson Staff Reporter

Drag Queen Sabin kicked off “Coming Out Week” by leading students in a night of bingo and drag performance in the Bovee University Center Auditorium. The event was coordinated by the Office of LGBTQ Services, which have had Sabin host the event for the past few years on campus. “I appreciate the atmosphere and opportunity for students to be able to come and laugh and be who they are and be proud of who they are,” said Shannon Jolliff, Director of LGBTQ services. “If you’re coming to a show with Sabin, be prepared to be picked on, but know that it comes from a great place of love, and that you’re surrounded by such a positive environment of people.” Arriving fashionably late, Sabin entered the auditorium in full drag and immediately engaged the crowd. After a brief warning of how the night might get risqué, the bingo began. “This ain’t your grandma’s bingo,” the drag queen explained. Attendees marked off numbers on their bingo cards. Winners got the chance to introduce themselves before getting read by the drag queen.

Kate Carlson | Staff Reporter Sabin dances in front of students during the Drag Queen Bingo event Monday night in the University Center Auditorium.

This usually involved being asked your name, major and sexuality before having Sabin make fun of all three. The majority of the attendees played along with Sabin’s antics,

recognizing the humor behind it. This was the first drag performance for some in the audience, including Burton freshman Brooke Wilcox.

“I didn’t expect it to be this crazy - I love it,” Wilcox said, noting she wouldn’t have found the opportunity to attend a drag show outside of college.

Sabin also opened up the floor to anything students wanted to ask her, usually coming back with retort full of attitude. The dialogues were broken up with choreographed dance and lip sync performances complete with elaborate costume changes. In addition to the humor and dancing, Sabin delivered personal motivational anecdotes about her performing career, specifically when she received a standing ovation at Central a few years ago. “You made me remember why I love to perform,” Sabin said of an early drag performances at CMU, “It wasn’t for anything that I’ve ever completed in my life, it wasn’t for any accomplishment that I’ve ever made. It was strictly that you appreciated what I did that time.” Though geared toward the LGBTQ community, “Drag Queen Bingo” also attracts allies and straight people. This is because of the performance aspect, and the fun interactive atmosphere it creates. Before leaving the auditorium of cheering students, Sabin closed by saying, “In this crazyass world there’s only one thing you can do: Take care of yourselves and each other.”

LIFESTYLE

8 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

Best-selling science author shares story of success with CMU students Brianne Twiddy Staff Reporter

Tayrn Wattles | Assistant Photo Editor Mayor Sharon Tilmann addresses city commissioners and residents during a July City Commission meeting. Tilmann will leave her post as mayor after a 20-year career in city politics.

Mayor Tilmann to step down from commission after 20 years of service By Jordyn Hermani Staff Reporter

When Mount Pleasant Mayor Sharon Tilmann announced she would be stepping down, her daughter joked it wouldn’t be the last they would see of her on the city commission, quipping that when Tillman died they would just stuff her body and put her up on the dias. There may be some truth to the statement, morbid as it may seem. Tilmann has served on the city commission since 1994, starting when she was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Planning Commission. Many commissioners can’t remember a time without Tilmann present as a voice of guidance Vice Mayor Jim Holton is among those individuals. “I’m jealous she’s not running again,” he laughed. “I say that jokingly obviously, because she served the city for so

many years that there will be a loss of her knowledge. She’s been here longer than anyone.” Tilmann served Mount Pleasant as mayor twice in her career, once in 1998 and again this year. Under her leadership, the community has flourished, establishing itself on the foundation of economic stability. But after years of serving the city, Tilmann has found that it is time, for her own sake, to step down. “It’s time I gave (myself ) a break,” Tilmann said. “I found that if you’re someone who serves decade after decade, you get into a rut.” Commissioner Rick Rautanen said he is certain even if Tilmann is not directly on the commission, she will still stay an active member of the community. “I don’t see her retiring, packing up her bags and going to Florida,” Rautanen said. “If she sees something that piques her interests she’d have no problem picking up the phone and telling us how she feels.”

Holton said he felt the same. “I guarantee you, If I do something wrong, she’ll be the first one calling.” As for the future of the commission, Tilmann said she is leaving behind a group of people who only have the city’s best interests at heart. “I wouldn’t leave the commission at this point if I didn’t think it was in good hands,” Tilmann said. “I think it’s an excellent commission (that) has passion and is good at listening to the community and knows what it wants.” Tilmann did say she could be back in the future for more time on the governing body. “This is not a leave taking this is a break,” she said. “I want to take this first little bit (of time) to find out what retirement is really like.” Tilmann’s final day as mayor is set for Dec. 31. Holton is expected to take her spot sometime in January if re-elected to the commission.

Rebecca Skloot was once expelled from preschool for refusing to take naps and had a 0.5 grade point average during her freshman year of high school. She’s now the author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” a New York Times bestseller for more than four years. Skloot spoke at the Plachta Auditorium on Monday about her experiences as a best-selling author. Skloot had ended up attending an alternative high school, where she decided to take an advanced medical biology class to achieve her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Skloot has been featured on numerous television shows and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” was chosen best book of 2010 by more than 60 media outlets, and is currently being made into an HBO movie produced by Oprah. It’s also required reading for most science classes. It was during one of her classes that her teacher wrote on the chalkboard the name Henrietta Lacks, a women whose immortal cells known as HeLa were taken without her knowledge in 1951. She approached the teacher after class to learn more about the woman, but the teacher claimed no further knowledge of the woman and told her to write a paper on her for extra credit. Her interest in writing erupted when she began taking elective writing courses, where she wrote a story about dozens of dogs a week being brought into the morgue and killed where she was training to be a veterinarian, sparking a heated debate on the classmates about where to draw the line between the importance of science. “I watched this in the room and thought ‘Writing is kind of cool,’” Skloot said. She became an avid writer after that experience while continuing to work toward

Cori Kromrei | Staff Photographer Science writer and award-winning author Rebecca Skloot spoke about her book “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” Monday night in Plachta Auditorium.

becoming a veterinarian. Eventually, one of her teachers from a writing class set a stack of writing catalogues on her desk and reminded her that she doesn’t have to become a veterinarian. “He said ‘Letting go of a goal doesn’t mean you failed, as long as you have a new one in it’s place. It’s not giving up, it’s just changing direction, which can be one of the most important things you do in your life,”’ Skloot said. It was during her senior year of college that Skloot decided to change her goal from being a veterinarian to becoming a writer. Her first book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks’, took over a decade to research and write. She conducted her research alongside Lack’s daughter, Deborah, who Skloot admitted was a “hurdle” to work with. After taking a year and a

half to contact, Deborah would both physically and mentally push Skloot away and ask “who sent her.” Despite the frustration, Skloot said that along with her resistance, Deborah was still her greatest inspiration because Skloot “never met anyone who wanted to learn as badly as her.” Once she finished the book, she sent the transcript to 12 of the family members to factcheck and also sent the transcript to her old teacher with the message “here’s my extra credit paper.” Grand Ledge senior Colleen Burkhardt left the auditorium feeling inspired. “I loved it. I think she was an amazing speaker who related to a wide range of people,” Burkhardt said. “It’s crazy the impact you can make on so many people.”

LIFESTYLE

Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | 9

Dating coach tells students to ‘STEP into the vibe’ By Karissa Lutz Staff Reporter

After a recent breakup, Xander Zamm was more open than ever for tips and advice on dating. The Rochester freshman’s romantic struggles led him to the Bovee University Center Rotunda, Monday, where dating coach Adam LoDolce spoke to students about how to establish healthy relationships. “I just came out of a relationship so I thought the staff was really helpful,” Zamm said. Carly Mausolf, a junior from Sandusky, said she thought LoDolce’s speech was interactive and relatable to the audience. “He was really entertaining,” Mausolf said. “He engaged the audience, which was nice too.” LoDolce travels around the world giving dating advice. He is from Boston and wrote the book “Being Alone Sucks!,” which is available on Amazon. The goal for his clients, LoDolce said, is to go out and approach and flirt with people they’re attracted to. He said he’s seen a lot of awkward situations and he’s not a dating master, but he wanted the audience to feel more confident. LoDolce said whether you’re male, female, gay, straight or transgender, the tips he offered would apply. Citing a survey that found that the top two fears people have are public speaking and rejection, LoDolce said fears hold us back in our lives. “Imagine if that fear didn’t exist. Where might we be?” LoDolce asked. He challenged everyone in the room to participate in the “1-For-1 Challenge,” which requires that for every day someone is alive, they meet one new person. He said it’s important to make socializing a part of everyday life. LoDolce said anyone can

On campus

M.A.J.O.R. Night helps students choose careers By Brianne Twiddy Staff Reporter

Max Barth | Staff Photographer Dating coach Adam LoDolce speaks to students Monday in the UC Rotunda about dating techniques and meeting new people.

“It’s authentic. It’s real. Just be real with people. People appreciate that.” Adam LoDolce, dating coach be socially outgoing. He said people can work on their shyness. He suggested using outcome independence instead of thinking far into the future when going up to someone and having a conversation. “If something happens, awesome. If nothing happens, awesome,” LoDolce said. He also pointed out that most people are narcissistic, so it’s not worth it to worry about what other people are thinking about you. “Most people aren’t really paying attention to you,” LoDolce said. LoDolce suggested obeying the “five minute rule.” He said that if someone comes up to you, you should give them at least five minutes of your time, barring any safety issues. LoDolce said most people judge

others within two or three seconds of meeting them. “You might just be surprised when you get to know them better,” LoDolce said. LoDolce said people should take the initiative to meet others and offered three “ice breaking” techniques. The first is to simplify. LoDolce suggested going up to someone on campus and saying, “Hey, I haven’t met you yet, my name’s blank.” The next is observation. LoDolce suggested thinking to yourself, “What is different about this environment that I could comment on?” The final technique is to be direct. Tell someone if you’re attracted to them and want to talk to them. “It’s authentic. It’s real,” LoDolce said. “Just be real with people. People appreciate that.” LoDolce also suggested that the audience “STEP Into the Vibe.” STEP is an acronym for smile, touch, eye contact and posture. He said that confidence comes from success and success comes from practice, so he suggested that the audience actually put his tips to use in their everyday lives. “Life is not about money,” LoDolce said. “Life is about relationships we create in

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our lives.” LoDolce has two websites for dating training. SexyConfidence.com is for women and GoTalkToHer.com is for men.

Students who are undecided about which major to choose now have the opportunity to explore every option Central Michigan University has to offer. M.A.J.O.R Night, which stands for “Many Advisors Joined Under One Roof,” is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda and Terrace rooms. “Every major that we offer is going to be represented and a handful of minors,” South Campus Success Center Advisor Jackie Johnson said. The event, hosted by

Academic Advising and Assistance, will have major and minor advisors available from every academic department. Pre-Law advisers and pre-health professionals will also be available for students to meet with. “It’s an opportunity for them to explore different areas. If they’re undecided, or have two or three ideas in mind, then it’s a great idea for them to explore those areas and see if it’s a good fit,” Johnson said. “It’s faculty representing, so they’re certainly the experts on each major so they can really assist them with answering all their questions they may have.”

LIFESTYLE

10 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

‘Annabelle’ a mere repeat of horror cliché By Sarah Roebuck | Student Life Editor The standards were high for the expectations as well, as it sits on a prequel to “The Conjuring,” but shelf or on a chair for most of the “Annabelle” fell short. The film’s film, making you think it’s going to genre is placed under “horror” blink or start walking at any mowhen it should be placed under ment, which would have worked “horror-comedy”. in its favor. There If you are looking is no imagination for a classic thrillto the plot, since er that has the everything that is potential to give seen in Annabelle w Run time: 98 minutes you nightmares, has happened in this is not the film. w Grade: D multiple horror The doll, which films before its is creepy all on its own, outshines time. It is very predictable and inhuman co-actress Annabelle Walcredibly cheesy. The film is edited lis (insert joke about names here) to create the story and attempts in performance. This is not saying to get the audience on board with much, since the doll’s creepithe characters, but the relationness comes from the way the film ship from audience to characters was edited. The doll fell short of is demolished within the first

ANNABELLE HHHHH

Courtesy Image | www.IMDB.com

half hour. The scenes become predictable, as most events are repeated throughout the film, and extremely clichéd with obviously staged scares taking place. The characters become just characters, and unlike real people in a real-life situation, as films are supposed to make you feel. For what seemed like a promising premise with the possibility to inject some muchneeded fresh blood into the genre, the film is a poorly reimagined copy of the hundred other films that have come before it. Annabelle is an obvious money-maker and lacks the substance of a good horror film. Too bad Hollywood will be wasting money on three more spinoffs.

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P: 989-774-LIFE F: 989-774-7805 Monday-FrIday 8aM - 5PM

10 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

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FOR RENT

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AD POLICY

FOR RENT We Are PLeDgeD to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

YOU MAKe THe CALL! No matter what you’re selling, call it a success when you use the classifieds! CM Life Classifieds www.cm-life.com 989-774-3493

OPeN UP TO THe POSSIBILITY of finding your next apartment in the Classifieds. www.cm-life.com

$0 Deposit Down! 4, 5 & 6 Bedroom Townhouses

DEERFIELD VILLAGE 773-9999 JAMESTOWN 775-5522 UNION SQUARE 772-2222 LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN WESTPOINT VILLAGE 779-9999

CLASSIFIEDS FREE INTERNET & CABLE SOME PET FRIENDLY cm-life.com/classifieds

436 MoorE Hall, CMU, Mt. PlEaSant, MI 48859

United Apts

P: 989-774-LIFE F: 989-774-7805 Starting at $245/month Monday-FrIday 8aM - 5PM

LiveWithUnited.com

www.AMGhousing.com • Call 989.773.3890

772-2222

10 | Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014 | Central Michigan Life | cm-life.com

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201 E. Pickard • 773-0043 Hours: Tue-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-2

OCT. 20th

39 Lovey-dovey murmur 40 Surrounding glow 41 Peter or Paul 43 Apollo 11 achievement 46 Latin clarifier 47 Fearful squeal 48 Dr.’s group 51 Medium rare 52 Farrier’s file 55 Restrict 57 Witness 58 Eidetic memory 60 Kin of -trix 61 Geometric figure with equal angles 62 Sicilian rumbler 63 AL and MO 64 Tropical fruit 65 Peters out Down 1 Opera villain, often 2 Skirt 3 Poppycock 4 Dutch export 5 Mushy food 6 Absorbed, as lessons

Models Now Available for Viewing! 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 Bedroom Apartments & Townhouses $0 DEPOSIT DOWN and FREE: • Laundry • Shuttle Service to Campus • High-Speed Internet • Basketball Court • Cable TV • Sand Volleyball

CLASSIFIED RATES: 15 word minimum per classified ad.

Why wouldn’t you live here?

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to solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 throught 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column or box. the more numbers you can figure our the easier it gets to solve!

OPEN LEASING

www.Live withunited.com

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Across 1 Subject of a historic 1919 sports deal, with “The” 5 Type of large TV 11 Pre-LCD screen 14 Enthusiastic 15 Virgil epic 16 Informal greeting 17 Rooftop energy generators 19 Hieroglyphics snake 20 Standard deviation symbol 21 Picked-up pickup, perhaps 22 On the level 23 Keats’“__ to a Nightingale” 24 Hopper 26 Markets 27 Removable denture 31 Marseille menu 33 College Football Playoff gp. 34 Image on a 42-Down, briefly 35 TV hillbilly __ May Clampett 36 Looks toward 38 Opening night nightmares

UNITED APTS

Amenities You Deserve.

January-May

CROSSWORD

SODOKU GUIDELINES:

Presented by: • deerfield Lease Rates You’ll Love. vILLAGE (989) 772-2222 • Jamestown • union @LiveWithUnited square(989) 773-1234 wELCOm Call for today’s specials or order online at: • westpoint E NTS DE www.papajohns.com Tu S vILLAGE • yorkshire

Models Now Available for Viewing

NOW LEASING FOR SPRING 2015

FOR RENT Walk to campus from this 2 bedroom apartment that includes heat & water. $560 per month, 10 or 12 month leases (989)560-7157. Facebook.com/Feightapartments

1 - 6 Bedroom Apartments & Town Homes

HOROSCOPE

NEED A NEW LOOK? Stylist offering $15 hair cuts. Located on the corner of Broadway & Main at Beautylicious Salon. For appointment, call (810)304-0586

FOR RENT WOODSIDE APTS- 2 bedroom, including washer & dryer $650.00 per month. HOMETOWNE REALTY 989-779-1539.

SUDOKU

Classified Advertising Policy: CM Life will not knowingly accept advertising which reflects discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, and CM Life reserves the right to reject or discontinue, without Presented by: notice, advertising which is in the opinion of the Student Media Board, is not in keeping with the standards of CM Life. CM Life will be responsible for typographical errors only to the extent of cancelling the charge for the SMALL 2 BEDROOM duplex next to space used and rendered valueless CMU $375 per month for your own by such an error. Credit for such an apartment. Hometowne Realty error is limited to only the first date (989)773-6355 201Any E. Pickard • 773-0043 of publication. credit due can Hours: Tue-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-2 be picked up at the CM Life office within 30 days of termination of the ad. If you find an error, report it to the Classified Dept. immediately. We are only responsible for the first day’s insertion.

HAIR SERVICES

Bold, italic and centered type are available along with other special features like ad attractors.

ERNATION INT AL

MIGHTY MINI

436 MoorE Hall, CMU, Mt. PlEaSant, MI 48859

7 Ill-fated Boleyn 8 Ooze 9 “Bloom County” reporter 10 They often adorn city buses 11 Fraud 12 Consequential 13 Prepares for printing 18 Morocco’s capital 22 __ Aviv 25 Filled with rage 26 Relaxing getaway 27 Get too personal 28 Peruvian of yore 29 Big shot in the sky 30 Glasgow gal 31 Least fair, in a way 32 State of seclusion 35 17-, 27-, 43- and 58-Across begin with types of them 37 Constellation near Scorpius 38 Oinker 40 Museum filler 42 Common 34-Across site 44 Query

45 Position strategically 48 Cremona craftsman 49 “Now We Are Six” author 50 Geography volume 52 Santa __: Sonoma County seat 53 At the apex of 54 The “Star Wars” films, e.g. 56 Like most cupcakes 58 Helpful hint 59 Messenger __

1-2 ISSUES: $7.75 per issue 3-6 ISSUES: $7.50 per issue 7-12 ISSUES: $7.25 per isssue 13+ ISSUES: $7.00 per issue

Bold, italic and centered type are available along with Starting atad attractors./month other special features like

$255

www.AMGhousing.com • Call 989.773.3890

SUDOKU

SODOKU GUIDELINES:

Presented by:

(989) 773-1234

Call for today’s specials or order online at: www.papajohns.com