The Collegian 3-12-14 by gpc collegian

Jaguars Jump into March Madness March 12, 2014 VOLUME 29 NO.5 Visit online at www.collegiannews.com

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THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE STUDENTS SINCE 1987

$1 Million Dollar Gift

Around the Perimeter Campus News

A Look Inside GPC's Japan Society

Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation Awards GPC with $1 Million Dollars Ilustration by Corneilus Brewster

By Justin Beaudrot Collegian Staff

he recent gift from the Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation is the single largest, private donation to Georgia Perimeter College in the school’s 50-year history. One million dollars dispersed over a four-year period will provide struggling students and prospective students with the supplemental educational support to help them succeed. Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Jeff Tarnowski announced the gift during a ceremony on the Clarkston Campus Feb. 19. He said students will see the impact of the donation beginning this year. During the ceremony, GPC Interim President Rob Watts said,

“We are extremely grateful for the investment the Fitzgerald Foundation is making in our region. Expanding academic support services to students is absolutely critical to our effort to increase student retention and graduation rates, which will play a pivotal role in Georgia’s ability to meet jobs expectations in the coming years.” Clarkston’s Learning and Tutoring Center (LTC) will be expanded, and more tutor-run study groups will reduce wait times to help meet student demand, Nick Arnold, GPC student and tutor, said. The Fitzgerald Foundation has given smaller grants to GPC previously. The foundation selected GPC for the $1 million gift because of the college’s “enthusiasm and diversity,” said Jackie Stradley, who represented the Foundation at

the announcement ceremony. Over the next four years, GPC plans to use the funds to hire more tutors for LTC programs on each of the school’s five campuses, Mary Hamilton, Coordinator for the Clarkston Campus LTC, said. She said the expansion for the Clarkston LTC will provide a room reserved for algebra tutoring to meet one of the center’s top tutoring demands. The gift will also fund a fulltime math tutor by Fall semester, as well as multiple part-time tutors and 30 supplemental instructors. Supplemental instruction is a fairly new practice in which fellow students or staff members directly help students with a particular class and conduct formal tutoring groups. All tutoring methods help students find the path to correct answers themselves, assisting in a

more developed education. A new STEM Lab, such as the one at Clarkston, will be placed at one of GPC’s other campus locations, Tarnowski said. The STEM lab provides learning assistance in the critical fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Tarnowski added that not only will this donation help students in the immediate future, it will also encourage other private foundations to donate as they see the results of the Fitzgerald donation. The Betty and Davis Fitzgerald Foundation donated $1 million gifts to three other organizations. Others are Egleston Hospital, Grady Memorial Hospital’s Mental Health Division, and the Teach for America organization for Gwinnett and Clayton counties.

The Director's Cut: Interview with two-time Campus MovieFest Participant Tyler Bell By Jessica Cephus and Simone Smoot Staff Writers

he largest student film festival where students from all over, including Georgia Perimeter, get to compete and show off their movie making skills has returned to GPC. Campus Moviefest is a wonderful opportunity for many inexperienced movie watchers to become more seasoned movie makers. Tyler Bell, a student at GPC, knows exactly what it is like to go from student to director/actor. As CEO of TBELLMedia, Bell has proven that he has exactly what it takes to compete with the finest movie makers. “I found out about the moviefest last year,” said Bell. “I saw all the interesting flyers, I knew I

participants and had the skills, and gain exposure, and plus it was free so hopefully make I entered. I enit to Hollywood,” tered the moviefest said Bell. last year but I lost Bell stated that so I entered this whether win or lose year to prove that at the 2014 Campus I have the skills Moviefest he would to show the clean still keep entering comedy still exists,” just to check out said Bell. the new talent and Being a part of see what the other this year’s Campus Moviefest seems Photo Courtesy of Tyler Bell participants had to like a very challenging task, but offer so that he can continue to instead of focusing on his nervous- better himself. Bell was excited to be a part of ness, Bell stated that he is really looking forward to gaining new such a wonderful event. It is defiskills and experience. nitely safe to say that filming and “I just want to be able to com- video production is Bell’s passion. pete at a higher level one day. I “I just want to keep bettering want to learn more about editing myself. I love being in front of the videos, network with the other camera because you get to express

whatever you want, you can be whoever you want and of course being able to sit back and watch the finished product is really cool,” said Bell Although Bell strives to have the best movie during this year’s moviefest he also wants to encourage others to participate in future moviefests. “If I had to motivate anyone be a part of the Campus Moviefest I would tell them not to be intimidated by what contestants produce. Be proud of whatever your final product is and keep entering!” said Bell.

Decatur Leadership Development Program GPC Celebrates Black History Month Black History Month: Greek Speak Part II Black History Month: Greek Speak Part II Defying the Crime Odds

Features

4 -5

The Art of Discovery The C cartoon Spring Break: Then and Now

Sports

March Madness at GPC Sports Briefs Soapbox: What are your plans for Spring Break?

Opinion

The C Poetry Grammar and Punctuation Corner Getting it Done and Never Giving Up Ask Sloane: Oscar Night Soapbox 2

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Photo of the

March 12, 2014

Week girl best friend " Just a

loving her

-Micah Jordan

Wo'man's Best Friend Photo by Micah Jordan

Letter from the editor

e are already into 2014 and getting closer and closer to the end of the semester. Spring Break could not have come at a better time. Students, I hope you are having a great Spring Break and relieving the stress from classes. Congratulations to staff photogrpaher Micah Jordan for being the second Photo of the Week. I would like to thank my staff for their hard work so far this semester and on this edition. We are always looking for new members to join us. Applications for Fall 2014 will be up in April. Special thanks to my exectuive staff for their great teamwork. I also thank those who work behind the scenes to make sure The Collegian reaches GPC campuses. As always, thank you for picking up an editon of The Collegian and I hope the content within helps in

Editor in Chief Troi Charity Executive Editor Perry Standridge Associate Editor Justin Beaudrot Sports Editor Hope Dickson

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MANAGING EDITORS Victoria Song Farhin Lilywala Sri Rajasekaran Campus news editor Open Campus photo editors Hana Bekele Billy Esselburn

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DISCLAIMER The Collegian is the student newspaper of Georgia Perimeter College, and is a designated public forum for students, faculty and staff to share their opinions. Comments and views expressed herein are those of the individual writers, and not those of the college or the Collegian as a whole. We strongly encourage students to submit articles and artwork for publication. Single copies are free. More than three copies per person are $.50 each. Editors reserve the right to edit for grammar, space, appropriateness and length. Not all submissions will be published. To speak with a staff member, please call 678-891-3380 or e-mail us at gpc.collegian@gmail.com.

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March 12, 2014

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Campus News

A Look Inside GPC's Japan Society By Farhin Lilywala Collegian Staff Arigatou. This phrase means thank you in Japanese. Unlike fellow students in the GPC Japan Society Club, this is most likely the extent of most GPC students’ knowledge about Japan. The club seeks to establish identity by immersing students in the Japanese culture. Out of the numerous clubs on campus, Japan Society is extremely dedicated to its mission. “Even if the students are not interested in Japan's culture, we will still educate or give an idea of how interesting Japan really is,” said Tornay Khounxay, club president. Muhammad Rizky Suwoto, club member, added, “I only expect the members to have as much fun as they can, and of course gain some information about the Japanese culture itself.” In order to achieve this, the club holds meetings every Tuesday

from 11:30 to 12:30 in CN-2210. The Japan Society also conducts several events throughout the year: movie screenings, demonstrations for International Student Week, such as calligraphy and origami, visiting a Japanese restaurant, and even a bento box competition, when they create decorative bento boxes with onigiri and rice foods. To ensure that these events occur, Japan Society needs consistent participation. “Not our member participation, but just getting people to sign up for things,” said Nhi Thanh Le Tran, who joined in Fall 2013. “We have plenty of activities like a Japanese restaurant visit, Japanese movie screenings, speakers who will talk about topics like calligraphy or archery, but it’s a bit difficult to get people to sign up for them.” In fact, according to Joshua Parker, vice president, to become a part of Japan Society, “All you have to do is come to the meetings, and

participate.” For more information, contact Tornay Khounxay at khounxay@student.gpc.edu.

Photo courtesy of Tornay Khounxay.

Visit the club’s Facebook page, GPC Japan Society Clarkston, for any other questions!

Decatur Leadership Development Program By Celeste Garcia Staff Writer

Aaron Wright Jr. conducted the Decatur Leadership Development Program(DLDP) Feb. 26, from 1-2 p.m at GPC with the intent of developing interviewing skills and improving business etiquette. The program is sponsored by Student Activity fees. Johnny P. Tooson, advisor of the Student Life contracted Wright for the DLDP which is on its fourth session out of six. “This is a great seminar we would like for students to attend,” said Tooson about the program. The program focused on what strategies, approaches and preparation a person should do to stand

out in an interview. Wright is the executive director of the LEAP association, Inc. A professional coaching business training services. He helps businesses develop leadership, teamwork, employee development and technology training “Companies are hiring people for their minds and the ability to critically think,” Wright answered after asking his audience what made them stand out from others. Wright advised that there should have been extensive research done upon the company before an interview. He recommended doing further research to find out the company’s market challenges that affect them. This would demonstrate how pas-

sionate you are about the company and how you are willing to provide the services to help. Also, find out who will be interviewing you and do some research on them to find ways to relate with that person. It is also important to know the company’s culture and decide if this is where you would like to work at as well. “I have left work places where I did not like the company’s culture,” said Shanteran Stinson, a former Decatur GPC student. If you want to seek more of Wrights advice, his fifth session on: Getting though the To Do in life, on March 26, at 1 p.m. on the Decatur campus SF 2101.

GPC Celebrates Black History Month By Victoria Song Collegian Staff

Georgia native, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream which GPC continues to honor by celebrating Black History Month throughout its five campuses. On Feb. 20, the Dunwoody Campus of GPC held a Black History Month Trivia Game Show organized by the Student Government Association and Jaguar Activities Group. “We want students to learn while also having fun,” said JAG member, Aghogho Ekoko. The enthusiastic host and DJ attracted many students to join and participate. Contestants engaged in black history trivia and a dance contest to songs such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and Cali Swag’s “Teach Me How to Dougie.” By appealing to our generation, the event brought in a large crowd of interested students. “SGA and JAG wants more interaction with the student

body. Hosting big events like Trivia Game show with big incentives means a bigger crowd and more fun,” said JAG Special Events Coordinator and student, Jacquinn Mccullough. Two knowledgeable and rhythmic students who won the game show had the opportunity to leave with $100 cash. SGA and JAG tables also provided refreshments for viewers to indulge in while watching the fun and educational entertainment. “Before participating in the trivia game show, I didn’t know Black History had such a big influence to our society today. I had a lot of fun and hope JAG and SGA continues to make events involving games and incentives,” Dunwoody Film major student, Micah Brown said about his involvement. On April 1, GPC students will have another opportunity to win fast cash at the Name That Tune Game Show event hosted by SGA/ JAG at the Dunwoody campus.

Black History Month: "Greek Speak Part II"

By Celeste Garcia Staff Writer

Japan Society members at the International Festival. From left front: Kasia Slomiany, Joshua Parker (Vice President), Kayla Cunningham, Derek Reynold From the left back: Atticus Williams, Brandon Haywood

GPC’s Decatur campus held a “Greek Speak Part II” presentation sponsered by Student Life Feb. 26 from 2-4 p.m. A part of the Black History Month the event was a continuous discussion about the AfricanAmerican fraternities and sororities held at four-year universities or institutions. Johnny P. Tooson, advisor of the Student Life Decatur campus, conducted the program with the purpose of student interest, a part of Black History Month and the opportunity to educate students about the respected incorporated organizations. “Hopefully once a student were to transfer to a four-year university, they would have an idea of what the organization is about,” said Tooson. GPC student Darlyn Pavon attended the program with the intention of finding more information about the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority, Incorporated. Pavon admires the historic women of the AKA sorority, and their bravery for standing up for what they believe in, also Pavon's grandmother was a member from the Howard University Alpha chapter in Washington. “Their history is so rich to me,” said Pavon passionately about the organization. Pavon would watch videos about AKA as research. From her observations of the videos, she saw the unity within AKA’s sisterhood and their determination on achieving greater things. According to Tooson’s research program, the National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historically African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. NPHC was formed as a permanent organization May 1930 at Howard University.

“It’s difficult when the event I planned three months ahead isn’t a success. It is the best feeling when there is a large crowd as a result of my hard work,” Mccullough said. As SGA and JAG continue to plan more exciting events to pro- By Jonique Keys mote GPC’s sense of community Staff Writer involvement. The annual Spring No matter the time period, Fling will take place April 10. The crimes on college campuses have theme for this year’s spring fling always been an issue. According is still being decided between a to the Department of Education, mash-up of different themes or a murders, forcible sex offenses, “into the jungle” theme. robberies, aggravated assaults, “I would like students to come and property crimes have all been out with GPC student pride after big issues on U.S college camattending our events and start being involved with the school,” Mc- puses since 1994, but it seems as cullough wishes as he graduates though in the last few years, colGPC this semester to transfer to lege attendees have been doing something right. Georgia State University. GPC Public Safety and Police Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Department had the figures for all would be very happy to see GPC’s the campuses, and surprisingly, the dedication on preserving his dream crime rates are extremely low. but most importantly, the sense of In the last month, only 37 incommunity GPC provides to its cidents were reported on all five hard working students.

The NPHC mission is to promote unity on college and universities campus and within communities wherein graduate and/or alumni chapters exist. Their culture consists of Greek life activities, following set example, strange beginnings when joining the membership, maintaining Greek traditions, learning the historic timelines and Greek step shows. All organizations require their members to have high academic excellence and an in-depth involvement in community service. Vicki Carew Johnson, a former Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. member was at the event. She also stressed the importance of keeping up academic excellence. “If you are interested in the Delta Sigma Theta you must do the work, otherwise this is not the place for you,” said Johnson. Tooson advised students to prepare themselves by asking students to become aware of their preferred organization requirements national and school wise. For any further information on NPHC organization, contact Johnny P. Tooson at johnny. tooson@gpc.edu, or check NPHC out online at www.nphchq.org.

Photo courtesy of Celeste Garcia.

Tooson conducts the seminar about NPHCs with great enthusiasm.

Photo courtesy of Celeste Garcia.

Participants listen with interest to the presentation.

Defying the Crime Odds campuses. Hit and run, theft by taking and disorderly juveniles were the most common. The crimes may seem serious, but as Donna Bravard, secretary to the Public Safety Director, said, “The hit and run was more on the side of a fender bender and theft by taking was someone misplacing their cellphone, and reporting it as stolen.” “I was very surprised to know that there aren’t many crimes happening on campus, but then again I do feel safe,” said GPC student, Leslie Johnson. If you have any questions, you can visit the website at http:// depts.gpc.edu or contact Donna Bravard at (678) 891- 3950.

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March 12, 2014

Features The Art of Discovery By Jessica Cephus Staff Writer

rt is more than just painting and dancing; it is a talent that comes from within and excites the senses. Art is a way of life, and the burning passion for art brought GPC Students Kenyon, 24, and Jasmine, 24, Dudley together. Both are cofounders of the Discovery Institute and will move into their new 6,000 square foot performing arts facility in Conyers on March 22. Where did the name Discovery come from and what do you want your students to discover? Kenyon: “We wanted an art center that anybody from age 6 into adulthood could come and just have a chance to explore themselves, explore their talent or skill. We wanted to give them a safe place so they can discover who they are in the arts.” What sparked the creation of the Discovery Institute?

Jasmine: “After working for a company and seeing that the students weren’t really benefiting for the amount of money they were paying, our Executive director said, “you have the gift so why not do it yourself ?” It was always a burning passion of ours but we prayed about it, talked about it, and received signs from everywhere and we said let’s just do it. It started with a small acting class and then it turned into a performing arts school in Marietta and now we are the performing arts center in Conyers! What motivates you to keep building and educating entertainers? Kenyon: What motivates me most is God. There were times when we stepped out on faith even when things didn’t look so good but at the end of the day, Jasmine and I both have strong faith. We pray a lot and make sure we go to church and listen to God before we

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make a move. Jasmine: Those moments when you see lives transformed through the arts; I live for that. “Our motivation is integrity.” What does this mean at Discovery? Kenyon: Integrity is a must. Tell the truth at all costs. We live this through our marriage and it seeps through to our business. How did you “discover” the new Discovery facility? Jasmine: “It started kind of weird because we really weren’t looking for a building. The plan was to find a place that I could rent for 11 weeks for a summer camp. We looked for weeks until we came a facility. We went to look at the building and instantly fell in love. The Dudleys invite you and your family to fall in love with art March 22 at 6:30 p.m. For more information about the Discovery Institute please visit, www.discoveryperformingarts.com.

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March 12, 2014

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Features Spring Break: Now and Then

By Sri Rajasekaran

Collegian Staff t's Spring Break again and even though the name remains the same, the meaning for those in high school and college is completely different. “In high school, spring break was hanging out with friends. Now that I am in college, Spring Break is studying and working more hours at work,” said GPC student Leanna Whitaker. In general, Spring Break in high school falls closer to Easter, giving students an opportunity to celebrate the occasion with family, and also visit the beach - since the weather would be warmer in April.

In college however, Spring Break falls in the month of March – which isn’t close to any festivals – and the weather is an intermediate between winter and spring, so it isn’t really worth it to go to the beach. College students find themselves spending time catching up on academics. working extra hours at work or getting more sleep. Spring Break in college also serves another use for those students who live away from home. “It gives us an opportunity to go visit and spend time with our family and friends in our hometown,” said GPC student Kate Tate, whose parents live in North Georgia.

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In the Honors College, talented and motivated students will get a highly selective small college experience along with the breadth of programs and opportunities of a large public research university in a dynamic and thriving city.

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March 12, 2014

Sports

March Madness at GPC

By Kamille Penn Staff Writer

The men’s Jaguars Basketball team ended their season with a three-point loss to Chattahoochee Tech Eagles on Feb. 27. In the final intense minute of the game, the Eagles took a one point lead after a dunk, and won the game with two free throws within 10 seconds left in the game. The Jaguars fought hard against the Eagles, but their three-point loss pushed them out of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament(GCAA). Jaguars ended their season with an overall record of 16-14 (8-12 GCAA), and tied in eighth place in the conference. Coach Alfred Barney referred to the 2013-2014 basketball season as a “rollercoaster season.” There were nine freshmen on the team this season, and whenever there is a team with majority of freshmen, it comes with some challenges. The team had some great wins this season, but they also had games that Coach Barney feels that the Jaguars should not have lost.

As far as next season is concerned, Coach Barney is prepared to work with and add on to the current nine freshmen that will continue on next year. This season’s final game marked the end for three sophomores on the team. The Collegian was able to grab an interview with two out of the three sophomores, Jakoye Pinson (Guard/Forward) and Shane Henry (Forward/Center), to pick up on their season highlights and future plans. Pinson felt disappointed about the season and thought they had some good games. He enjoyed playing with this season’s team who he described as a “great group of guys,” but he is disappointed that they fell short. Pinson is focusing on receiving his degree and graduating from GPC, but as far as basketball goes, Pinson will “see where he goes from here.” Henry, who says he can play all positions, felt as if the season did not turn out how he would have liked and that they could have done better. As far as preparing for his next season of basketball, Henry plans on preparing himself by focusing and hitting the gym.

Photo Submissions

Jakoye Pinson(S) swishes a two-pointer for the Jaguars against Chatt Tech. Photo by Hope Dickson.

Sports Briefs By Wendy Phan Staff Writer

Softball

Photo courtesy of Victoria Song.

CLICK! CLICK! We all know that just owning an amazing camera deson't make you a great photographer. But we want to know what DOES make your photos better than the rest. Send them in to The Collegian, and find out if your photos made the cut. All submissions must be authentic and your work only. Send them to gpc.collegian@gmail.com

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Do you have what it takes?

Soapbox

The Jaguars competed in the NJCAA Leadoff Classic Tournament last week against four schools. The jags won their victory over Southern Union College 8-1 but lost to Kirkwood Community College 5-2. On March 1 the jags lost to both schools, Tallahassee Community College 5-0 and Central Alabama Community College 8-6. On March 2, the Jags competed against Gordon State College and won 2-0 but lost to Indian Hills Community College 2-1. On March 4, the jags won two games against Indian Hills Community College, the first 4-3 and the other 4-2. On March 5 the Jags played two games against Chattanooga

State Community College while losing one game 1-8 but winning the other game 3-2.

day the men’s team won their victory of 9-0 against Gadsden State Community College.

On Feb. 15, both men's and women’s tennis teams won their victory over Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College; the women won 8-1 while the men won 5-4. On Feb. 18 the women’s team went up against Brenau University and won 5-4. The women’s team also went up against Oxford College of Emory on Feb. 26 and won 9-0. Also, both teams won another victory against Oxford College of Emory; the women and men won with the same score of 9-0. The women’s tennis team competed against Emory University on March 2 and won 5-4. On the same

On Feb. 18, the Jags competed against Cleveland State C.C., won 2-1 and lost 6-5, 9 innings.

Name: Diana Cyuzuzo Major: Business/Human Resources Management Campus: Dunwoody "Studying and working on projects for the Environmental science class walking at least 5 miles and picking up trash."

Tennis

Baseball

Basketball

Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams competed against South Georgia Technical College; the men lost 99-93 OT while the women lost 76-55. The men’s team went up against Atlanta Metropolitan State College and won 90-84, 2 OT. The men’s team lost against Chattahoochee Technical College 70-67. The women’s team lost with a score of 70-64 in the GCAA Tournament First Round.

Q: What are your plans for Spring Break?

#GPCsoapbox

Name: Deangelo Axel Major: Biology Campus: Dunwoody

Name: Martin Estes Major: Psychology Campus: Dunwoody

Name: Ji-hye Kim Major: Science Campus: Dunwoody

Name: Michael Stephens Major: Business Management Campus: Dunwoody

"Cooking and exercising and going to the movies."

"Exercising and staying sober."

"Studying, watching Korean dramas, and working."

"Going to Dallas, Texas for a four day Indian wedding."

Photos by Billy Esselburn

March 12, 2014

rammar

By Kimberly Hung

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

& PunctuationC orner

#1 You’re/Your You’re: contraction for you are Be glad you’re half way through the semester. Your pronoun shows possession; something that you own How did you spend your spring break? You’re the source of your success.

Poetry

"A Hint of Relaxation" By Tammara Green Staff Writer

I gently kick the bathroom door close. A steam cloud is floating up from the tub as the water nearly overflows. I sink under the bubbles inch by inch, the sting of the water tingles my thighs. My body feels like cooked kitchen, smoldering in a pot of broth. I finally get comfortable, and stretch out. I go under a spell of thoughts. Beginning my day before the squirrels Now I feel like an overweight house cat. The silence teases me in solitary. Rehashing my day, I cringe at the thought that tonight is only Monday. The week is as new as a new born And Tuesday I will be elderly. “I should make this my disentangling routine.” After a long day of purpose. I submerge myself into the comfort of mango bath salts and burning calming scents. The steam and sweet bubbles leave me in a state of relaxation While I enjoy the extinction of “MAMA” and “HONEY” screams. While I sip on my nightly vice; tonight D’Asti Moscato. I go under a coma. I feel I’m in the middle of meditation, with zero thoughts of what to do next. I’m on that verge of darkness, the last sheep has leaped. Until I hear a BOOM BOOM BOOM.

the

Opinion

Getting It Done and Never Giving Up By Ruthie Green

Collegian Staff

Soapbox

Staff Writer

s a nontraditional student, I am over 50 years of age and have been out of a college setting for 30+ years. It is now eight weeks into the spring semester and if I’d known eight weeks ago what I know now, I would be ahead of the game. A few things have become crystal clear to me in the short period of time I’ve been on the GPC Clarkston Campus. The observations I’ve made since starting classes are the importance of discipline; preparedness; paying attention; being alert; and never giving up even in the face of adversity. These are only a few characteristics that can be a basis for a strong support system, one each student creates for themselves. Discipline is key in meeting

some of the unknown challenges you will face in college. It is doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done. It’s what kicks in when you don’t feel like doing it and you do it anyway. With discipline you are driven to get things done, and it will keep you focused and on point. When I arrived at Clarkston Campus, I was amazed by all of the services, programs, clubs, and workshops offered to its students. Information about everything was everywhere. In my enthusiasm about returning to school, I am eager to learn as much as possible about all things GPC. Professors often invite speakers to classes to discuss many things from study abroad, to financial aid, to counseling. Whatever the topic, it is something that can impact you as a student. It’s always a good idea to pay attention to what they have to say. Paying attention and being

alert puts you in a position to have valuable information when you might need it the most. Preparedness is another aspect of college life not to be overlooked or downplayed because the lack of it can be your downfall. About two weeks into the spring semester I’d fallen a little behind because something happened I hadn’t anticipated. I persevered and made it through a very trying time. As difficult as it was, I did not allow it to discourage me to the point of giving up or throwing in the towel. Whether you’re a traditional or nontraditional student these are but a few things that if embraced Working diligently can put you ahead of the game. All you have to do is dig in, hunker down and get it done, before you know it you will have obtained what you set out for from the beginning - an Associate's degree, and well on your way to getting your Bachelor’s degree.

women looked stunning in their gorgeous gowns and of course the men were quite dapper in their handsome tuxedos. You could definitely feel the love from everyone. The host, Ellen DeGeneres, was magnificent as she kept the crowd afloat with a surprise pizza delivery boy going row by row and handing out cheese or veggie pizza to the stars. Oh and let’s not forget about the selfie seen all over the world, noted as the “Best Selfie Ever.” Over all it was a beautiful night, and how could I forget to mention 12 Years a Slave winning Best Picture of the Year! While I was excited that they won, other GPC students didn’t feel the same. Vonda Herring, a nursing major at GPC said, “I am glad that they won Best Picture, but I am so aggravated of slavery being shoved down our throats.” “I feel as if it’s a bitter-

sweet time in 2014 and to see how we are still living in a slavery time, they should stop talking about it,” said Erica Harris, also a nursing student. Darrius Walker and Timothy Strand, business majors at GPC, agreed that they loved the movie and were elated that it won Best Picture. They also believe that film producers should continue to raise awareness about slavery for our younger generation to understand that we as a nation have come a long way. I, however, believe both responses were key points and I’m just proud of how far we have come as a whole. In closing, I would like to note that some will never be really be so accepting with slavery but one thing about history I’ve learned is “You can’t erase history, you can only make sure that it never happens again.”

Ask Sloane Oscar Night

ow! How amazing were the awards? Did anyone believe that this night would be so magical? According to The Washington Post, this was “the most watched Academy Awards in 10 years,” having 43 million people tuning in to ABC network to witness the wonderful night and generating 3.3 billion tweets on that night causing Twitter to crash for a while. From Lupita Nyong’o’s beautiful powder blue Prada gown, and snagging the Best Supporting Actress in the film 12 Years a Slave to Jared Leto’s touching acceptance speech for winning the Best Supporting Actor in Dallas Buyers Club. He portrayed a transgender woman and HIV positive drug addict, who becomes friends with Matthew McConaughey. Those breathtaking, heartfelt moments could do no wrong in a crowd full of beautiful starlets. The

Q: What are your plans for Spring Break?

#GPCsoapbox

Name: Kendrick Laney Major: Business Campus: Clarkston

Name: Mary Nguyen Major: Computer Science Campus: Clarkston

Name: Catherine Beebe Major: Businesss Administration Campus: Newton

Name: Katherine Tate Major: Undecided Campus: Newton

Name: Tyler Boiz Major: Economics Campus: Newton

" Haven't really made plans, I'm just thinking about what I could do for my grandma, church, and community."

"Go to Florida!'"

"Working and sleeping."

"Working and catching up on homework."

"Working, unfortunately."

Photos by Shamsa Haji

Photos by Sri Rajasekaran