The Collegian March 25, 2015

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March 25, 2015 VOLUME 31

NO.5 Visit online at www.collegiannews.com

Follow us on Twitter! @GPCollegian THE OFFICIAL VOICE OF THE STUDENTS SINCE 1987

Locked up and locked down Clarkston Campus Lockdown stopped traffic and students for safety, according to GPC Public Safety

Around the Perimeter Campus News

By Joseph Richardson Staff Writer

O

n Thursday, March 19, GPC’s Clarkston campus was peppered by Public Safety Officers who responded to a local emergency.

DeKalb County SWAT, DeKalb County Sheriff ’s Office and the US Marshall’s Office were all involved in a movement to follow through on felony warrants.

These warrants were out for criminals who carried a reputation of being dangerous and heavily armed, according to GPC Public Safety.

In order to detain the criminals, law enforcement used various weapons, as well as dogs and flashbang grenades.

The GPC Public Safety Department wanted to make sure that GPC students were not harmed in any way from the arch criminals that rather die, than go to jail.

Due to the volatile nature of the situation and the danger present around the college, GPC Public Safety decided to lockdown the school for the safety of the students on the Clarkston campus.

Public Safety received notice from DeKalb County that major police activity will be present on Memorial Drive, encroaching the border of the Clarkston campus.

They kept the campus under lockdown until the criminals were apprehended, which took around 45 minutes.

Not only were the students affected from the lockdown, but so were the surrounding pedestrians.

Traffic was redirected to steer them clear from the police activity on Memorial Drive.

GPC Public Safety assures students that their main objective was to keep students safe.

Nobody on the campus was harmed, and police activity ceased.

With many students in disarray because of the lockdown situation, there was much fear and confusion.

Several students even contacted the Public Safety Department with negative feedback on how they reacted towards the situation in the vicinity.

According to the GPC Public Safety, they handled the situation in the most appropriate

VERDICT: NOT GUILTY

3

Features

GPC Women's Conference

5

Sports

Photo by Tosin Ogunnoiki, The Collegian.

Health, Wellness and Recreational Center

6

From left to right: GPC Public Safety Officer Eric Aguiar and Sgt. Carson L. Whatley participated in the operation that took place Thursday afternoon in response to a dangerous situation on Memorial Drive.

manner possible.

On the other side of the spectrum, certain students believed they were detained and held against their will by the brute force of Public Safety.

Many students also believe that the Public Safety handled the situation appropriately.

“I didn’t see any officers in sight, but I knew that they had us protected wherever they were,” said aspiring journalism major Taylor Dudley. “I feel safe at GPC.” Students were also scared due to the lack of information they were provided with.

“I was in the library, and all of a sudden a library employee burst through the door and told us all to take refuge in the media spot,” said Dudley.

Not only were there plenty of frightened students, but the

parents of the students were in fear as well.

With phone calls being distributed to students and parents alike, it caused a great uproar about the whole situation.

Although the lockdown was only for 45 minutes, GPC was heavily affected by the whole situation.

The lockdown was deemed necessary, but many students were affected by the lockdown in various ways such as a disturbance in many students’ core and extra-curricular activities.

“I didn’t like the lockdown because it messed up my schedule for the rest of the day,” said political science major Potee Robinson. “I had a French Club meeting and an African Students Association Club meeting, and they both got canceled.”

Although students were upset by their change in plans, everybody was elated to see that they were all kept safe and secure.

“I feel that the PSD handled the situation appropriately,” said Potee. “I heard that someone was in the area with a gun, and I believe that the PSD did a good job keeping everyone safe.”

The day after the lockdown there was a great deliberation at the Public Safety office to debrief on what they did well, and what can be improved.

The Public Safety Department believes they did their best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

With mixed opinions about the whole situation, one thing is concrete: the Clarkston campus stood safely to see March 20 and many more days to come.

Niri Rasolomalala

7 Our Voice Album Reviews

Truly Yours: Insecurities

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

March 25, 2015

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Collegian staff members Farhin Lilywala, Tosin Ogunnoiki and Alem Giorgis attended the College Media Conference in New York over Spring Break. After a productive experience, we hope to make this edition and future editions better for the students of Georgia Perimeter College.

Photo by Tosin Ogunnoiki, The Collegian.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

W

ow, it's the fifth edition of the Collegian already for the Spring 2015 semster. Only three more editions to go!

Welcome back from Spring Break; we hope you had a marvelous time! Now, it's time to finsih the year with a bang. May the odds and curves be ever in your favor over the next few weeks.

Over Spring Break, Collegian staff members Tosin Ogunnoiki, Alem Giorgis, and I attended a College Media Association conference in New York.

There's nothing quite like New York City. We came back inspired, and we hope this edition and future editions do you justice.

Locally, many of you have heard about the consolidation now.

Stay tuned, and keep reading the Collegian for more updates.

Know that you have the power to change an institutuion. You have the power to make your voice heard.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Farhin Lilywala MANAGING EDITORS Alem Giorgis Naya Clark

EVENTS CALENDAR

If the Collegian can help you do that, let us know!

In the Feb. 18 edition of the Collegian, the artist for the 60s Symposium article illustration was listed as Diana Cora. The correct name of the artist is Nicole Borne.

The Collegian apologizes for the mistake and will try to avoid repitition.

This edition will continue with our advice column. If there are any students or faculty members out there that are in need of some dvice, please submit your letters to gpc.collegian@gmail.com I would like to thank each and every one of you for reading the content we put so much effort into producing. We hope to exceed your expectations.

Also, if you have any story ideas, comments, or questions, please contact us at gpc.collegian@gmail. com. We would love to hear from you!

Farhin Lilywala

DESIGNERS Farhin Lilywala Jack Allan Lester EXECUTIVE EDITOR Open

SPORTS EDITOR Ben Abrams

CAMPUS NEWS EDITOR Open

PHOTO EDITOR Tosin Ogunnoiki

COPY EDITOR Open

Editor-in-Chief ALPHARETTA MANAGING EDITOR

Open

DECATUR MANAGING EDITOR Open

3/26

Alpharetta: Mobile Clinic, 9 a.m.3 p.m.

3/27

Clarkston: Career Fair, 9 a.m.1 p.m. Call (678) 891-5123

3/31

4/1

Newton: Mobile Clinic, 9 a.m.3 p.m.

4/2

Newton: Career Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Call (678) 8915123

Dunwoody: Culture Fest Information provided by GPC Calendar website

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CALENDAR 3/274/23

Deactur (T/TH): Yoga, 1-2 p.m.

2/34/9

Clarkston (T/TH): Yoga

3/174/30

Clarkston (T/TH): Aqua Zumba

3/164/29

Clarkston (M/W): Cardio Kickboxing

3/264/22

Decatur (M/W): Information provided by GPC Health and Wellness website Zumba, 5:30 p.m.6:30 p.m.

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 678-891-3382 or e-mail us at gpc.collegian@gmail.com.

STAFF

March 25, 2015

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

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Campus News

Verdict: not guilty Racism is dead!

By Maurice Raeford Staff Writer

M

any people want to believe that racism is dead, but the evidence clearly suggests otherwise.

Recently, Ferguson’s former police chief stepped down after the U.S. Department of Justice issued a condemning report that revealed what they saw when going through his department’s emails and records.

The records showed that Ferguson police were disproportionately targeting blacks for routine traffic stops.

Also, in these internal emails, are racial slurs and references to President Barack Obama as a monkey.

As a result, Ferguson has been the predominate story in the media because of the large presence of protesters.

Protesters argue that the abuse of authority by the police is not an isolated event but rather a national crisis that has tarnished American history.

Is it a crime to be a black man?

This is a very polarized society so people tend to move on fast, but this is a vicious cycle.

In 2009, police shot Oscar Grant in the back while he was restrained and handcuffed in Oakland, Ca. This tragedy was actually captured in an Oscar nominated film, Fruitvale Station.

During the trial, the officer who shot Grant testified that he thought he thought he was reaching for a taser instead of his gun.

Therefore, the officer only served two years in prison.

Then, in 2012 Trayvon Martin was killed while walking to his father’s fiancee's home, because George Zimmerman felt that Martin looked suspicious.

Zimmerman was acquitted because Martin was written

off as a “thug,” especially by the media.

The irony is that Zimmerman has a record of being arrested six times.

Last year in Cleveland, Ohio, 12-year-old Tamir Rice was killed by police for playing with a pellet gun.

Within seconds of arriving, police shot the young boy.

Collegian Staff

Dunwoody Open House

When: March 26 at 5-7 p.m.

Where: Dunwoody campus, NB lobby How: Explore all that GPC has to offer.

Scan the code to RSVP.

Yet again, in the state of Florida, according to Time magazine, the North Miami police department was found using pictures of black men for target practice.

How can someone fix a problem that America denies having to begin with?

In all of these cases, the victims were unarmed.

Nonetheless, the court rulings have labeled these young teenagers as criminals even in death.

So the national crisis is that unarmed black adolescents can be killed, and the perpetrators can get away with it.

Many believe that these killings are justified because the victims would not subdue to officers’ requests.

These cases happened all across the country, but each has been written off as an isolated incident.

How many times do these tragedies have to happen to be considered an epidemic?

America is called “the home of the free,” but this is not the case with black males.

Black males make up more than half of the prison population, but only six percent of the total population in America.

There have been many protests across the country declaring that black lives matter.

The tensions between law enforcement and blacks has increased.

President Barack Obama also said, “All of us have to do some soul searching to figure out how something like this can happen.”

Some vigilantes have taken justice into their own hands by killing cops.

Killing cops is not the solution to this problem.

Admitting there is a problem is where the country should begin.

Photo illustration by Jack Allan Lester, The Collegian.

NEWS BRIEFS

By Naya Clark

The local police chief said no charges would be brought up against the officers, because they claimed that the boy did not comply with police orders.

Most recently, 19-year-old Tony Robinson was killed by a police officers in Wisconsin.

The officer said that Robinson tried to attack him, and the case is now pending.

Campus Moviefest Finale

Spring Career Fairs

Operation Connects

When: March 26 at 8 p.m.

Where: Clarkston campus, CF-1100 How: Free. The top 16 films will be showcased, and four films will move on to CMF Hollywood in June 2015 to compete for cash, prizes and professional gigs.

When and Where: March 27 at Clarkston and April 2 at Newton from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

How: Free. Network, talk with panel and meet employers currently hiring. Call 678-891-5123 for more information. Registration is required.

When: April 1, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Clarkston campus How: Free. The workshop is for anyone pursuing a career in the entertainment field.

Meet people who could advance your career in entertainment or media.

Scan the code to view CMF website.

Scan the code to view the Dunwoody schedule.

Scan the code for more information.

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Campus News Stress and students go hand in hand

By Justin Fredericksen Staff Writer

“S

tressed” is a word that many students use to express their state of mind.

Students live complex and fastidious lives in which every decision has a consequence, good or bad.

The quality of one’s life may be hindered due to the buildup of stress.

Today’s culture seems to thrive off of stress.

People everywhere are bustling around, trying to achieve their best work and succeed in a competitive world.

Students are under an immense amount of internal and external pressure to do well.

Around exam time, students hit the books and cram as much information in as possible to get an A. Stress has also become a focus of a psychological manifestation in student life.

Each student deals with stress in a different manner: binge-eating, drinking, using drugs and exercising to the point of a breakdown.

Then, there are those who are able to brush off the stress, and it seems to never phase them.

For an obsessive person, stress may paralyze motivation, leading to an overwhelmed state of being that may lead to sickness.

Many students hit a wall when stress levels get too high, simply lose focus on the task at hand, and tend to procrastinate.

“Stress makes me want to sleep my life away,” said Zoe Nuller, a biology major at the Dunwoody campus.

Other students take a different approach to stress.

Biomedical engineer Nirmala Dangal said, “I worry a lot about school and tests, but I try to stay focused and organized…I listen to music and sleep to deal with the stress.”

However the person manages or deals with stress, it is important to know that stress can lead to serious complications later in life.

Vinay V. Joshi, author of “Stress: From Burnout To Balance” wrote, “We have come to recognize the vastly complex intertwining of our biology

No tolerance for intolerance: Racist chant causes uproar

By Naya Clark Collegian Staff

A

fter a controversial video was released earlier this month of the members of the University of Oklahoma’s Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, many college students were up in arms.

Even the Twitter hashtag, #SAEHatesMe, arose from the surfacing racist video.

The video showed a bus of SAE fraternity members of the chapter excitingly cheering the words: “There will never be a n*gg*r in SAE. There will never be a n*gg*r in SAE. You can hang him from a tree, but he can never sign with me. There will never be a n*gg*r in SAE.” The ring leader in the video, Levi Pettit, made a public apology shortly after the video went viral.

Nonetheless, most feel as though his role in leading the chant is inexcusable and racist.

Although the chant is claimed to be used in the fraternity for decades, UO President, David Boren, made his feelings clear on the issue in his statement.

“To those who have misused

their free speech in such a reprehensible way, I have a message for you,” said Boren.

“You are disgraceful. You have violated all that we stand for. You should not have the privilege of calling yourselves ‘Sooners.’”

He then demanded that all members move out of the house by midnight the day after the video was released.

The video not only caused a lot of controversy, but has opened the eyes to many that racism is, in fact, not dead.

UO SAE’s official website, lists the steps it will take in order to end discrimination within the fraternity including a creation of a Director of Diversity and Inclusion, a mandatory diversity and education program and a confidential hotline to report any offensive, illegal or inappropriate behaviors.

“We intend to root out and eliminate this sort of reprehensible behavior from our organization,” said SAE Executive Director Blaine Ayers.

In the meantime, the university is determining if any students will be expelled, which many feel is the best solution to prove that there is no room for racism or bigotry.

and emotions, the endless ways in which our personalities, feelings and thoughts both reflect and influence the events in our bodies.”

It is important for students to have a healthy outlet to alleviate the stress that occurs with any pressurized situation.

How people deal with stress in their youth has the capacity to affect their health in the future.

The human body is capable of healing itself, but continued damage to the nervous system and essential organs will take its toll down the road.

Brianna Vargas, a music business major said, “Stress has taken over in the past, but you just focus on the positive things and don’t let the negative control you.”

The body is a delicate machine which needs special tune-ups to maintain a healthy balance.

It is vital for a healthy life to recognize limits and learn how to deal with stress in a healthy manner.

Stress will always be involved, but how stress affects the student is solely up to him or her.

March 25, 2015

Suit and tie A look into GPC's Spring Career Fairs

By Joseph Richardson Staff Writer

A

s the month draws to a close, the doors for the GPC Career Fairs will

fly open.

This is an opportunity for students to see how their specific major can land them a job in various ways.

Dunwoody campus held its on March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be two more career fairs on the Clarkston and Newton campuses to follow.

Clarkston campus will host one on Friday, March 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Newton campus on Thursday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The career fair will provide free breakfast courtesy of GPC and allow students to interact with each other before the event.

Attendees must wear proper business attire: no jeans, athletic shoes or any casual clothing of any kind.

This event differs from ordinary career fairs, because it allows students to get up close and personal in small professional seminars.

The GPC Career Fairs not only open windows for future jobs

and opportunities but actually brings forth many people who are currently hiring and looking for many willing students to step in and work for them at any moment.

When it comes to events like this one, it is up to the students to take full advantage of the situations and limitless openings being presented.

GPC Career Fairs will be presented by GPC’s Leadership Academy, Gateway to College Academy, DECA and GPC’s Student Government Association.

Operation Connects is a sequel to the GPC Career Fairs that will take place on April 1.

Students can witness an open panel discussion that will focus on building entertainment culture, community and relationships.

There will be several panelists with a high reputation like Janet Wade of Turner Broadcasting or two-time Grammy Award winner Eshe and many more.

Registration is required. If you are interested, scan the QR code below to reserve your slot.

March 25, 2015

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

5

Features Come as many, stand as one: GPC Women's Conference A Chinese folk dance performed at the 2015 GPC Women's Conference.

By Joseph Richardson Staff Writer

A

nnually, GPC students are given the opportunity not only to learn about themselves, but to learn about others in support of cultural enrichment.

The GPC Women’s Conference was held on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20.

The goal of the Women’s Conference is to promote both unity and diversity throughout the college.

They provide many services and resources to help people hone on their skills, whether academic or not.

The simple beauty of the Women’s Conference is that the doors are opened to all ethnicities, genders and cultures.

The vision of the Women’s Conference is to provide a safe place for everybody to come together and examine social justice issues and educate one another.

On Thursday, the conference opened with words of wisdom from keynote speaker Hollis Gillespie.

Hollis Gillespie is a highly awarded humorist and a top-selling author who has appeared on both magazines and on television.

Following the words of Hollis were several concurrent sessions.

These sessions included

readings, presentations, displays and even panel discussions.

As the day continued, there were presentations that challenged the audience’s mind in such a way that it brought comfort to the audience and created a sense of identity.

For the mothers and daughters in the audience, “Uncomfortable Conversations between Mothers and Daughters,” presented by Shana Hunt, Ed.D, displayed the conversations between a colored mother and her daughter in three different generations.

After many eccentric sessions, Anita Canada performed exquisitely.

The lyrical poetry of Anita and her band entered the ears, pumped through the heart and dwelled in the soul of every listener for the genuine enrichment of the individual.

The event continued on Friday with a breakfast reception that was paired with featured artists and their artwork.

A certain exhibit that was on display for both Thursday and Friday was “The Art of True Womanhood/ Babeez Exhibit” by artist Ida Harris.

The exhibit contains several handcrafted dolls that are in the image of Women of Color.

These dolls are pieced from donations of other

people and promote the identification of colored women.

Near the end of the day, GPC was gifted by an array of dances.

The first dance was a Chinese Folk dance that uses handkerchiefs, while the second dance was a minority dance called “Dai.” A classical dance called “Fan as a Paint Brush” followed and another Chinese folk dance using red silk ribbons culminated the ensemble.

“Something I was trying to highlight during the Women’s Conference was female performers that would bring something different and have an opportunity to not only see the arts but actually understand it,” said Jennifer Jenkins, adviser of the Theatre Arts Guild.

The many dances, exhibits and presentations were to expose multicultural practices to the everyday student at GPC. Both Michael Hall and Tiffany Del Valle, GPC Coordinators of Diversity, organized a very successful event both in its turnout and its mission.

Although the Women’s Conference ended on Friday, the journey of cultural growth and unity is a path that many will make it their priority daily.

Ida Harris' exhibit “The Art of True Womanhood” displays handcrafted dolls in the image of women of color. Photos by Joseph Richardson, The Collegian.

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Sports

March 25, 2015

A two-for-one special

Socialize and exercise at the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center

By Wendy Phan Staff Writer

T

he Health, Wellness and Recreation Centers at GPC have championed the benefits of student participation in campus recreational activities, programs, and services.

“We offer programs and services that force them to look at choices they make in relation to their health and their fitness,” said Clarkston Coordinator of Wellness Center, Coach Anthony Edwards.

These services include ping pong, various workout classes and even outdoor trips.

“It gives the students an opportunity to sit back and relax and not have an environment or school that is all about work,” said Math major and Clarkston center employee Mike Guy. “They can appreciate the things in life like free time, recreation, sports, games, and fun.”

According to a study done by Scott Forrester, Ph.D. for the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University in Canada, four out of every five students participate in recreation programs and or activities at least once a week.

“I go there every day Monday through Thursday,” said sophomore Ashleigh Austin. “It’s just some-

where to chill. I like coming here and talking to Coach (Edwards).”

Just like Austin, many students enjoy going to the Health and Wellness Centers to talk to the staff members such as Edwards.

“Coach is very welcoming, and I talk to him sometimes,” said Alqahdy. “The staff is very nice and we know them on a first name basis.”

Sixty-eight percent of students even said that the campus recreation facilities influenced their decision on which college or university to attend.

Students can end up choosing what college or university they want to attend because the of the influence that the recreational facilities and programs has on them.

“The Health and Wellness facility is a home away from home,” said Edwards. “A lot of the students are here during the day and they socialize and workout between classes.”

Nawar Alqahdy, a sophomore computer science major on the Clarkston campus shares what it is about the H.W.R.C that helps him enjoy the environment at G.P.C. “Students can come here and do things like practice ping pong and have fun and use the gym,” said Alqahdy. “Students come here three to four times a week. We have competitive tournaments for sports

Clarkston Health and Wellness Coordinator Anthony Edwards looks on as students engage in a game of foosball.

every semester, and the students like it here.”

According to Forrester’s study, three-fourths of students say that participating in recreational programs or activities have them interested in staying fit.

Recreational programs have influenced students in a positive way by motivating them to be healthy

through a variety of sports, fitness training and other activities.

These aspects are important to many students before they enroll or graduate from a college.

That is what the goal is for the school: staying fit will help students manage their personal and mental health.

Exercising may push students

to doing better in class and in life, in general.

Edwards and his staff are happy with the reviews they have received about their work in the Wellness center. They look to continue their job of serving students and promoting a healthy environment for them on campus.

Ashleigh Austin (left), a regular to the Clarkston Health and Wellness Center, said, “It’s just somewhere to chill. I like coming here and talking to Coach (Edwards).”

Nick Leon, sophomore engineering major, exercises on the stationary bike at the Clarkston Health and Wellness Center. Photos by Ben Abrams, The Collegian.

How to find and stick to a workout you love Scan QR code to read further...

March 25, 2015

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

7

Sports

Niri Rasolomalala: The evolving Panther from Madagascar

Georgia State tennis player Niri Rasolomalala won the U.S.T.A./I.T.A. junior college national championship in 2013 while she was a Lady Jaguar.

By Ben Abrams Collegian Staff

G

SU tennis player, Niri Rasolomalala wants to continue the dominance that made her career legendary at GPC. When Niri Rasolomalala graduated from GPC last year, stating that Georgia State would gain a very good tennis player would have been an understatement.

The legacy that was left behind by Rasolomalala after two years of playing for the Lady Jaguars is nothing short of amazing.

Days before GPC’s spring commencement ceremony in May 2014, Rasolomalala lead the Lady Jags to their third place finish in the 2014 NJCAA Division I National Championships.

“I felt so proud of the team,

because that’s the highest the women’s team had finished in a good while,” said Rasolomalala.

“That was my last spring on the team, and I really enjoyed representing GPC.” The tennis star also used the championships as a way to help sharpen her skills on the court as she prepared for the competition she would face in NCAA Division I at GSU. “I ended up playing against a girl that I had beaten before, but I realized that I have trouble playing against certain players,” said Rasolomalala. “Mentally it helped me prepare to go play in (NCAA) Division I, so in a way I learned to be stronger both

mentally and tactically.”

Seven months before GPC played in the NJCAA Nationals, Rasolomalala played in the USTA/ITA National Small College Championships in Sumter, S.C. The tournament is open to the best players from schools in NCAA Division II and

that were played,” she said. “I used to play the same style and wouldn’t mind about tactics, and then I had to adapt to play against different type of players.”

When asked who inspired her to play tennis, and what motivated her to compete at a high level, Rasolomalala said, “I played tennis, because of my brother.

We started together, and then he got good really fast and won trophies.

I said ‘I’m going to be like him,’ so I became better and started to win trophies and represent my country, Madagascar, in different places.

I just loved the game and being competitive; it’s just fun.”

When she decided to leave her home in Madagascar and move to the United State to play for GPC, the changes that Rasolomalala had to adapt to were not as difficult as they appeared to be.

“It wasn’t really a culture shock, because prior to coming to America, I trained in South Africa,” she said. “Where I was in South Africa it was similar to here in America. So my culture shock was when I moved from

“I played tennis, because of my brother. We started together, and then he got good really fast and won trophies. I said ‘I’m going to be like him..."

Wins on the field equal wins in class.

Scan QR code to read further...

III, NAIA and the junior college level.

Rasolomala dominated in the tournament winning the national championship for junior college in the singles bracket.

She also finished as the runner-up in the junior college doubles bracket as well as the tournament’s “Super Bowl.”

The superb level that Rasolomalala was competing at during the tournament did not stop her from having an opportunity to learn more about her game.

“I didn’t know I could adapt so easily to the different tactics

Photo by Will Owens, GSU Athletics.

Madagascar to South Africa.”

The only cultural differences Rasolomalala had to deal with in the U.S. were the differences in food, language, architecture and weather.

Tennis has given Rasolomalala the opportunity to live in different countries and experience other cultures.

Playing at GPC and GSU has also given her a chance to travel to different parts of America.

Rasolomalala enjoys traveling to Florida because of the weather and also New York.

“I like Florida, because it’s the closest place to make me feel like I’m at home,” she said.

“Traveling on the road is really fun, because I get to know the girls and the coaches. New York is another nice place I like to visit.”

Rasolomalala advises others to focus on their dreams, and learn from the past.

“Playing tennis has taught me that you can’t regret what has happened in the past and look to far ahead for what’s in the future,” said Rasolomalala.

“You have to focus and have the right mindset for the moment and go at it. You can learn from the past, but you have to keep it all focused at that moment.”

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Sports SPORTS BRIEFS

By Ben Abrams

Information provided by GPC Athletics website.

Collegian Staff

BASEBALL

T

he Jaguars have caught fire this month as they have been on a tear winning eight of their last ten games. The team has won three out of four games against East Georgia. The Jags also swept Brewton Parker and got wins over West Georgia Tech.

The team’s only losses to East Georgia and West Georgia Tech brings the teams current record to (17-13) and (6-2) in conference play.

The team will play an eight game stretch next with games against Gordon State and Andrew College. Go Jags!

SOFTBALL

T

he Lady Jaguars have been playing good softball this month.

The team swept USC Sumter and split a doubleheader with Chattanooga State. Major losses came from Spartanburg Methodist, bringing the Lady Jags to an 11-11 record, as they wait to start their conference plays.

The team has four double headers to look forward to against West Georgia Tech, Andrew College, Georgia Highlands, Gordon State, and East Georgia. Go Lady Jags!

SCHEDULE

BASEBALL

3/27- Gordon State, Covington, Ga.: 6 p.m.

3/28- Gordon State, Covington, Ga.: 2 and 4:30 p.m.

4/1- Andrew College, Covington, Ga.: 6 p.m.

4/3- Andrew College, Cuthbert,

Ga.: 3 p.m. 4/4Andrew College, Cuthbert, Ga.: 1 and 3:30 p.m.

SOFTBALL

3/25- West Georgia Tech, Douglasville, Ga.: 4 and 6 p.m. 3/28Andrew College, Covington, Ga.: 2 and 4 p.m. 3/29Georgia Highlands, Covington, Ga.: 2 and 4 p.m.

4/2- Gordon State, Covington, Ga.: 4 and 6 p.m.

4/4- East Georgia, Swainsboro, Ga.: 1 and 3 p.m.

4/7- Abraham Baldwin, Covington, Ga.: 2 and 4 p.m.

Information provided by GPC Athletics website.

Compiled by Ben Abrams, sports editor

March 25, 2015

March 25, 2015

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

9

Sports

Sam Slade keeps family tradition of tennis alive

By Temarrio Thomas Staff Writer

S

am Slade, a rising star on GPC’s Men Tennis team, shared his goals for his remaining tenure a GPC and beyond.

The C:

Last year, when you and Celestian Nkoueleue won the USTA/ITA Junior College National Championship for doubles in S.C., you also played in the “Super Bowl” for the overall small college national title. What was your favorite part of the tournament?

S.S:

“I would say that my favorite part of playing in the tournament was really just playing all of the different players from NCAA Division II, Division III, and NAIA and really learning about the other types of competition in the different divisions.

Really getting to know my partner better, but I would say that the amount of competition was definitely my favorite part.”

The C:

What was your game plan before the tournament?

S.S:

“Celestian and I have partnered together prior to this tournament, so we knew each other’s game.

Our game plan was to capitalize on our strengths and make our opponents play our game, and I think we did that really well.”

The C:

When you played in the national championship in October, did your game plan change for the national level of competition versus the regional level?

S.S: “No, our game plan did

not change from one level to the next.

We felt that the way we played in the regional tournament was pretty good so if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

S.S:

“Not really. I try to research my opponent and gather as much information on them as possible. Well, I do sort of have one.

For instance, if I eat at ChickFil-A the night before I won a match, then I have to eat there again before my next match, so I’m kind of superstitious in that sense.

If it worked for me one night, then I have to do it every time during that tournament.”

The C:

What do you like to do in your down time?

S.S:

“I love playing Xbox, watching Netflix and disc golf; that’s my day really.

I love going on hikes, swimming and a lot of outdoor events. I’d definitely say that Xbox is my favorite thing to do though.”

The C:

Do you drink Gatorade, Powerade or any sports drinks?

S.S:

“Yes, I do drink Gatorade and Powerade. For me it’s more of a ritualistic thing.

During changeovers I’ll drink a sip of Gatorade and then a sip of water in that exact order, and do the same thing during the next break.”

The C:

As you know, this is the last semester for GPC sports.

Do you have any goals that you would like to achieve before GPC closes its doors for good?

S.S:

“As far as the tennis team goes, we really want to make it to nationals and represent GPC the best way that we can and end on a really great note.”

The C:

So what are your plans for life after GPC?

S.S:

“I’m actually pursuing a tennis career at Kennesaw State University. I’ll be there in the fall, and hopefully I will continue my championship ways there also.”

The C:

The C:

Do you have any tennis or life goals after you’re done at Kennesaw State?

S.S:

“If my tennis game were up to par, I would love to pursue a professional tennis career after college. Nothing is set in stone so I’m just taking things one day at a time.”

What inspired you to play tennis and pursue it as a career on the collegiate level?”

“I’ve always been into tennis. My sisters also play tennis.

One of my sisters played tennis for Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. and the other played for Auburn University.

It’s really a family sport that I was raised around.”

The C:

favorite food?

What is your

S.S:

“Let’s see, I’ll have to brainstorm about that. I know it’s cliché but I’m going with spaghetti!”

The C:

Are there any rituals or pre-game rituals you perform before a match?

S.S:

The C:

Since you came from a tennis background, what lessons have you learned from the sport?

S.S:

“It teaches you that failing and not succeeding right away is not necessarily a bad thing.

You can learn from your mistakes and get better as a player and as a person.

Pick yourself up and try again.

I would more so apply that to all sports.”

Photo courtesy of Sam Slade..

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

March 25, 2015

Sports

Staying on your “A” game 10 tips for staying fit and healthy while on-the-go

By Fatou Ndow Staff Writer

F

or many college students, balancing different aspects of their lives is a struggle especially in the case for those who wish to shed a few pounds and stay fit.

Most college students report that the one of the main issues as to why they do not maintain a

1.

Track yourself

Using wearable fitness trackers like Fitbit are very much worth the investment as they make you aware of

healthy lifestyle is because they do not have the extra time to do so.

Keeping fit or losing weight while attending college can be challenging and frustrating at times.

With a little discipline and dedication these fun and simple steps can help jumpstart your way to keeping fit and healthy while you are on-the-go.

your activity level (or lack thereof ) and motivate you to move more and do more.

Research actually shows that tracking your activity and staying motivated to work out helps to shed the pounds and keep you on track.

3. Portion it out

Eating fast and on-the-go is not always the best idea, HelpGuide.org recommends that students take time to enjoy meals, eat with others and chew food thoroughly, all of which can help with weight management and nutrient retention.

In addition, portion your meals.

You do not always have to eat everything that is in front of you.

You can always save it for later.

4. Don’t take the shortcut

It may be convenient to find the closest parking spot or taking the fastest route to class,

but actually doing the opposite can help you pack in a good exercise on your way.

Take the stairs to whenever possible and step it up a notch by

5. Find 6. Keep a Hydrated balance It is crucial

Time management can help you balance workloads, social activities and private schedules.

Have a simple planner and stick to it as much as you can.

This not only helps you reduce the stress but will make you feel more confident.

More importantly, it will help you get your workout and school work done, leaving you fresh and free to take on the day with a burst of new energy and motivation.

to keep yourself hydrated in order to shed the pounds and stay fit; a bottle of water should always be at hand.

Using a reusable plastic bottle which you can refill at the water stations around campus can be of ease to make

7. Load up on the good stuff

Many college students eat the wrong type of foods and snacks at

2. Utilize the campus gym

The campus recreation center offers numerous fitness classes such as Zumba, aerobics, yoga and even fitness testing free to all GPC students.

While on a long break before your next class or before heading home you can save some time (and money) by dropping in one of the many workout sessions being offered. doing brief, highintensity interval workouts, fitting in short bursts of running or sprinting exercise throughout the day as you run your errands around campus. sure you get your daily dose of H2O. If the taste of water gets boring, you can infuse it with your favorite fruits like lemon slices, cucumbers, or berries.

Take it easy on the coffee and sodas, and indulge in coconut water and fresh veggie juices, as they are just as healthy as they are delicious. irregular intervals; some even go as far as neglecting the most important meal of the day, breakfast because they find themselves rushing to class.

A container of

Sophomore Charak Sith said, “Sometimes in between classes I will stop by and do a small workout and then go to class and feel more relieved and my mind is clearer.” Photo by Tosin Ogunnoiki, The Collegian.

8. Sleep!

Along with diet and exercise, sleep can help you study, stay focused and keep fit too.

Research has also shown that dieters who get the rest they need lose more weight, so getting your much needed sleep of about six to eight hours is another simple way yogurt with some chopped fresh fruit and a side of toast is a nutritious and simple breakfast for those on-the-go.

C o n s i d e r packing light lunches instead of

to staying fit.

Sleep will give you energy and so will working out.

Without sleep, your body will be tired and overworked without putting in much effort.

So think twice about taking that all nighter for that test you have in the morning, and make adequate time to make sure you are well rested.

munching on sugar laden bars or junk food and load up on fruits and veggies.

Also, using free apps like MyFitnessPal will help you journal your meal habits.

9. Find a Friend

Everything’s better when you are doing it with someone.

Find a friend who is active or shares your same fitness goals.

They can encourage and inspire you to stick to your goals when you feel the temptation to ditch the good and go for the bad at the drive thru.

10. Make it work for you

A successful exercise routine is slow and steady.

Stay on top of your

regimen, and stick to what works for you.

Adopt and make way for healthy habits, stay motivated and remember shedding those pounds and staying fit is not a one size fits all.

March 25, 2015

COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

Our Voice

Album Reviews

A cultural timestamp and 2015's Madonna Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly”

By D'vale Weston Staff Writer

K

endrick L a m a r ’s “To Pimp a Butterfly” happens to be his most critically acclaimed album, released on March 16

by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and distributed by Interscope Records.

His style and the flow is unsurpassed and gives me authenticity that cannot be duplicated by any rapper of today.

“To Pimp a Butterfly” is an honest, fearful and unapologetic album that Lamar has constructed.

Lamar, this supremely

11

gifted rapper delivers another uncompromising and deeply affecting listening experience.

This jazzy dreamlike production and staggering lyrical work grips with weight of his newfound fame.

Lamar use references to the protagonist of Alex Haley's roots in songs like “King Kunta.” On the other hand, the feverish standout “The Black, the Berry” sees him attack black-on-black crime with singular precision and ferocity.

This has to pass anything that he has ever done.

I honestly see him going very far and opening new doors.

I love the album, and I think you all should soon take time and listen to it.

Maybe it'll open your mind to listen to Lamar more.

Photo courtesy of Top Dawg Enetertainment's website.

“The album is a work of art and I see it becoming more critically acclaimed as the year progresses, ” said Audrey Brown. “It is some of Kendrick’s best work–he should be proud of the creation that he has done. This album opens up the minds of all

those around him, in the community, and in the business. To understand that rap is more than just a modern- day trend, but that it's about opening your mind; also about changing things around you through a lyrical flow.”

Marina and the Diamonds’ “FROOT”

By D'vale Weston Staff Writer

F

Photo courtesy of Marina and the Diamonds' website.

ROOT is an atmospheric and sophisticated work in which Marina Diamandis, known as Marina and the Diamonds, comes into her own as an artist.

It was released on 13 March 2015 by Neon Gold and Atlantic Records.

“This Afternoon” combined everything that was uniquely tantalizing and pugnaciously feminist about her debut, while also retaining just enough of that enthusiastic pop.

Combined with the dance beat of electronic hard music to keep things from getting too serious, there is some s erious froot.

This album shows off a variety of versatility from this artist, and she's not afraid to show it.

With Marina Diamandis alternative pop sound nothing is unexpected from her both musically and lyrically.

Marina and the Diamonds give you something honest to listen to something that will make you keep coming back.

This album will keep you wanting more and more.

This is nothing like you have ever heard before but something serious and mature for all audiences.

With her 80s electroinfused “Savages” and hipswaying “Gold,” you'll love what this alternative album brings to the table.

I personally think it's worth listening to so if anyone likes alternative Pop, they should most definitely take a listen to this band.

The album is out now, and if you like alternative music, then this is the album for you.

Truly Yours: Insecurities We all have certain insecurities that affect us-whether they are internal or external.

Insecurities can make a college student view oneself in a negative connotation and make one feel degraded or devalued.

What we need to understand is that we are all made differently and created uniquely.

Therefore the best thing you can do for yourself is be the best you that you can possibly be.

It is better not to compare or compete with other people.

What we may consider luck may just be the right timing for someone or years of hard work.

Your insecurities are your biased opinion about yourself or something you may not even notice unless someone points them out.

P h y s i c a l and outwardly appearances are the cause of many insecurities for college students coming of age.

There is a reason why people say looks are not everything, because they truly aren’t.

Embrace what you have because that’s what makes you who you are.

P h y s i c a l appearance can only deliver only so much and can only take one so far.

Just because one may not find something or someone attractive

does not mean that it is not.

We all have our own ideas of beauty, and it will differ person to person because it’s all based on opinions and perceptions.

Negative selftalk also creates insecurities in all of us.

If you find yourself saying, “I’m not smart, or I’m not talented,” you must recognize that these negative voices and internal feelings are destructive.

Everyone has something to offer, and some people discover their talents sooner than later.

Overall, no matter what insecurity or flaw you may think you have, try not to dwell on it.

If it’s a physical flaw, embrace yourself and be confident with what you have.

If it is an internal insecurity, take actions to accept yourself, and take action in areas you feel need improvement.

You’re a step closer each time you feed your mind positivity.

Have faith in yourself.

At the end of the day, the only person you should be competing with is yourself.

Most importantly, do not seek validation from others, find it in yourself.

What others say may affect you, but if you’re not happy with yourself, it will make a big difference.

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COLLEGIANNEWS.COM

March 25, 2015