Volume: 59 Issue: 24
APRIL 27, 2016
driftwood.uno.edu
POST-GRAD JOBS ARE THERE, IF STUDENTS KNOW TO LOOK job may not be easy for those who wait until the last minute. College career counselors encourage students to focus on preparing for their futures throughout college. UNO students have access to information and services on campus that can give them a jump start on their plans for the future. Career Services, an office located in the University Center, offers many services to students regarding career readiness, j o b searching and placement. One ser-
BY CHLOE GAGNON News Editor Every May, graduating college students are faced with the pressure of finding a job to support themselves and it gets harder with the growing qualifications, number of graduating students and increased costs. According to the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE): “Employers expect to hire 5.2 percent more new graduates from the Class of 2016 than they hired from the Class of 2015.” While this seems like good news, finding a
vice offered to students is their online database where employers post internships and job offers. “In the system we have several thousand employers that are active and they post jobs all the time,” said Celyn Boykin, director of career services. Graduating senior, Teresa Fleming said: “I took my mediocre resume to career services and they helped me fine tune it and build it and make it a little bit more professional.” Boykin went on to say: “This department in particular is not a place where students should come in their senior year or the semester that they’re graduating. This is a development process so this means that freshmen need to start developing the career skills that they’re going to need going into the workforce. There are going to be more opportunities
for students who prepare themselves. If you wait longer, closer to graduation, after graduation, it’s going to be progressively harder for the student.” Mindy Jarrett, another graduating senior, does not have a job lined up. She said: “I feel like it should make me nervous to not have a job lined up after graduation, but it doesn’t. [I’m] just Peter-Panning my way through life. Like I don’t want to grow up.” Fleming, who does have a job lined up immediately after graduation at Margin Recovery International, said, “I have to pay my own way so it was really important for me to have something lined up. I think the main thing is that it relieved a lot of stress for me to focus on finishing strong.” Continued on page 7
UNO Finals Fest finds success in first year BY ANNA GOWIN Features Editor If you found yourself on campus this past Friday evening, you might have noticed more than the usual murmurs floating over from the Amphitheater. Those deliberate, student-generated sounds belonged to Finals Fest, the first music festival that took place here at UNO. Michael Roussell, the originator of Finals Fest, said the idea for the festival came to him because of the Amp’s location on campus: “I felt like the Amphitheater was under-used and really that something like a music festival would be a great use for it.”
Roussell said that he and a team of six (Everett Fontenot, Bruce Menesses, Alexis Tewelde, Jared Buck, Ben Gothard and Roussell himself) managed to pull together the event in less than a month. “The most complex part has been organizing with the university and working with their rules,” Roussell said. This includes plans to have food trucks present at the event, something they were told would be allowed to happen up until a few days prior to the event. Roussell said, “We were getting the green light on the trucks from everyone…but Business Affairs stopped us cold. They didn’t really give us an explanation other than it was against
their policies.” So the concessions provided at the event were paid for out of pocket by Roussell and other Finals Fest staff members. The crew also hand screen-printed all of the shirts that were sold that night, with a logo designed by Tewelde. But even with all of those hurdles, Roussell said that, “Really the process has been relatively fun with only a few mishaps.” The team also greatly utilized social media in their efforts to reach students and New Orleans residents at the peak of spring festival season. “Ben [Gothard], the leader of our social media campaign has been on top of really getting the word out about
the event,” said Roussell. The fruits of their labor were realized April 22, when student musicians, artists and art lovers filled the Amphitheater for a night of fun. Student artists set up to do live painting at the top of the hill, next to merchandise tables and food. All while a lineup of bands performed on stage. “We wanted to showcase a lot of musical acts from UNO... as well as finding a headliner that had a pretty established fan base,” said Roussell. That established band was West Without, an indie-rock outfit from Baton Rouge. Continued on page 11
2
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
OPINION
COLUMNS
Thank you, Driftwood, for my best UNO moments
BY NIGEL WASHINGTON Editor-in-Chief Wow, what a year. When I was appointed Editor-in-chief of Driftwood this time last year I had no idea what to expect. A lot of things--good and bad--came that I couldn’t even imagine when I first started. I spent countless hours worrying and stressing over problems that, at the time, seemed unfixable. Somehow, someway, I managed to work around them. Solving each of those problems and seeing a print-
ed publication that I was proud of, mistakes and all, made all of it worthwhile. As I was dealing with them, I didn’t realize how special those moments were and who would? But now it’s all hitting me like a ton of bricks. This is really the end. I learned so much during my time here, and I’ll be forever grateful for the knowledge and friendships I was able to gain in what seemed like forever, but in the moment of me writing this feels like it all occurred just last week. The staff. My crazy co-workers. Love ‘em. We started almost as strangers, and each day we learned more and more about each other. We all created a special type of bond that was at it’s best when we were all in the newsroom together. That growth led to a better paper. We began to know each other, and we were able to feed off of each other’s ideas. Mrs. Kennedy, our faculty adviser, held the nickname “Ma.” That’s who she was to us and to me. Not a faculty adviser, but someone who genuinely cared about us as well as the paper. Without her undying support none of this would be possible. She went above and beyond
and I can’t thank her enough for what she did and will continue to do for us. The staff I had the pleasure of working with was a tight-knit unit. We bickered and barked at each other now and again in between the laughs, but what family doesn’t? I’m thankful for their hard work and friendship. I know they will go on to do great things and I truly appreciate what we were all able to do together. It was special and we know it. We’ve been through a lot, and we know that too. Each issue has a story to it that no one will know but us. Without Driftwood we would never have that. We would never have those memories. But like they say (whoever “they” are), all great things must come to an end. And what we did this year, what we accomplished and the relationships I was able to make were all the greatest things that I will ever be a part of during my time at UNO. Now it’s time I hand over Driftwood to someone else, someone who will hopefully achieve more than what I was able to. Someone who will be taking a paper that has so much potential (and a new video channel! Stay tuned for the first re-
lease) and will continue to build on what we were able to accomplish. I’ve never gone a semester without being on staff. There will surely be a weird feeling coming to school and not going to the newsroom at some point of the day for long periods of time. It’ll be weird watching someone else do my job, but this was never my job. Driftwood, honestly, was my life. And like all of our lives, we have different chapters. As we go, others come in and take our place. It’ll never change, and it’s not always a bad thing. For whoever is taking my place as Editor-in-chief of Driftwood, I hope to meet you soon and I’m excited to see where a fresh, new mind can take this publication. I think I can speak for the Editor-in-chief before me, Christy Lorio, who was always a huge supporter long after she handed over the keys to me, and myself by saying you’re now part of a special place. Driftwood is a special place. You will learn and gain so much here. We want to see you succeed in every way possible. We’ve put so much into this paper, and it was never for recognition. That wasn’t our style.
It was to create something special for UNO and the students who deserved a great college paper. It was to build something from nothing that will last long after we have graduated and moved on to different things. And it was to make a difference. We’ll be rooting for you every step of the way. I have to thank my family, loved ones and friends for supporting me through all of this. When I was down and feeling overwhelmed, they pushed me to be better and was always there for me. When I never had time to be with them, they understood and continued to be there for me. The support and love they showed me throughout the past year has been infinite, and without them helping me along the way I would have never made it to this point. It has been a pleasure serving you, the UNO community, as the Editor-in-chief of Driftwood newspaper, the community newspaper since 1959. But at this point, what else can I say? Mamba out.
Why taking a leap of faith may be the best decision
BY CHARLES NICHOLSON Managing Editor For those of you who are waiting for that big life shift to happen, lend me your ears. I’m going to tell you why waiting is the wrong thing to do, and I’ll do so by relating my own experiences of what I’ll prob-
ably remember as one of the more significant points in my life. As I sat down to write this, I knew I had to sum up the significance of my two years at Driftwood, but how? What did it all mean? What have I gained from this? Can I value one thing I’ve gained over another? Was there anything to learn from it at all? To that final question: yes. There’s so much to learn. I learned about people, not just specific people, but people in general. How they think and act and interact with others. But that’s not to undervalue the individuals I’ve encountered. I’ve met and interviewed with so many types of people: presidents, political activists and just your average student. From all of them, I’ve discovered some great personalities that have opened my mind in different ways. Without a doubt, the people I’ve enjoyed learning about the most are those on staff. My fellow ed-
itors and writers, and our faculty adviser, who work day in and out to help make this paper have been a joy to be with. I’ve learned just as much about them as I have from them. It’s amazing what a group of people with a mission can come together to do and I’ve made some great friends from it. I’ve also learned about such an appealing career path that would’ve never been on my radar otherwise. Journalism is such a unique field to be involved with because you work with so many different skills, from communication and interviewing to writing, photography and design. As an English major, it lets me flesh out my writing both professionally and personally. As a man in his 20s, I’ve obtained new experiences to tack onto my life’s journey, and I’ll be forever grateful for them. But how did I come to this point in my life? Well, two years into college, I was lost and had to stop
and figure out what it was I wanted to do with myself. Trust me, halfway through a degree is no time for that due to all of the stress, but it happens. I knew I wanted to do something in English, but only because it was what I was good at. I contemplated dropping out because I felt that I wasn’t going anywhere and school didn’t feel meaningful. That was until I saw an email advertising for Driftwood newspaper. I didn’t know we had a student newspaper on campus as most students wouldn’t, sadly. I hadn’t been involved in anything extracurricular in all of high school or college so I said, “Why not?” That’s all it takes. Just one peek, one look into something that even mildly catches your interest and you’ll find yourself in a brand new world with an entirely different mindset. And it doesn’t even have to be Driftwood (though you should consider joining Driftwood). It can be anything like Student Govern-
ment Association, Student Involvement and Leadership, Greek life or something not necessarily on campus like a hobby, sport or profession that interests you. Will journalism be my profession for all of my life? Not necessarily, but it’s definitely a great jumping point that I’m hooked into. Will I make new friends later on in other endeavors? Of course, but they won’t replace the ones I’ve made here. Nothing is permanent, but that doesn’t take away from what came and went. It doesn’t help to wait on change to come, you have to go and take it. Take risks because you never know what may come of them. More likely than not the good will outweigh the bad. And even if it’s a disaster, pick yourself back up and go at it again. Sometimes the leap of faith is the best option out there.
OPINION
COLUMNS
Finding a new dream, post-Driftwood
BY CHLOE GAGNON News Editor The American Dream is a term that everyone knows that means through the combination of never giving up on your dreams and hard work, you can become anything you set your mind to. It’s instilled in us even as young children. “Cinderella” is the classic rags to riches story that emphasizes this. I’ve never been one for the easy way. I’ve always worked hard because it was instilled in me; however, I do not believe in the American Dream. I do not believe that if you wish upon a star, you will get everything your heart desires. I do not believe if I keep on believing, the dream that I wish will come true.
Now that I’m graduating college, swimming in debt and need to support my family, I need to be realistic and get a job. I haven’t always taken the easiest path as a student. I started college right out of high school in Wisconsin, but only for a semester before I dropped out. I took a couple years off before re-enrolling in a community college. I went there for two years and then decided to change my major. I spent another year there trying to figure out what I was going to do and then ended up in New Orleans studying Film Production. It has taken me six years to complete my degree, a Bachelor of the Arts in Film Arts. My dream—to become the next Spielberg—needs to change. Don’t get me wrong, that will always be my dream, but I need a new, more practical dream. I’ve always been a dreamer and always wanted to be successful. I’ve always set goals for myself and love it when I accomplish them. I love to feel proud of myself. Completing my degree has been a long-term goal, one that has not been easy. College is tough, man. It challenged me in so many ways, taught me so many things and helped me figure out who I am as a person and what I really love to do. Leaving my life as a student and becoming an actual full-fledged
member of society, I want to part with a few well deserved thank yous. Goodbyes are hard and they normally make me cry so thank yous will have to suffice. Thank you UNO for allowing me to complete my degree. I have been privileged to make three films in two years and the film program has taught me how to be a self-sufficient filmmaker. Thank you Driftwood for giving me a hobby while I was here, a staff who have become great friends, an internship to put on my resume and a craft to appreciate and learn. Thank you to my husband who supported me financially and emotionally while I studied my ass off. Your support and hard work did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Now, it’s my turn to support you. I want to part with one of my favorite quotes because it gives me strength not to give up. Whenever I feel like my world is caving in, this quote always cheers me up. It’s from one of my favorite book series’ movies and it really makes me see that there is a bright side, I just have to find it. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” 2004
No one is the same after anything
BY ANNA GOWIN Features/Ent. Editor Have you ever tried writing a goodbye that doesn’t seem clichéd? It’s almost impossible, I think. But there is a reason that all of those platitudes about learning through mistakes, growing up as the result of experiences or facing adversity to find success come up again and again. Those things are true for almost everything that will come along in this life. The truth of it is, I will never be the same after working here at Driftwood. But I once heard someone say that no one is the same after anything; everything will change you, it’s just a matter of what those changes mean at the end of the day. I can’t speak for anyone else on staff, any of the other people who
have spent countless nights copy editing and doing layout and banging our heads against desks, but I do know what these changes have meant for me. I am stronger now. I am willing to fight for the things I believe in, regardless of other people telling me it’s not worth fighting for. I’ve taught and been taught. I have learned how to guide without pushing, while also being unafraid to ask for what I want. I never knew I could be the kind of person who could be both kind and unapologetic. But being a reporter taught me that. Being a member of Driftwood taught me that. There is a certain level of character building that comes along with being a part of something like this—of putting love and time and energy into a project that for the most part goes unnoticed. If you’re reading this right now, odds are you aren’t who I mean. And while I am so grateful for everyone on campus who reads and cares about what we do, there are always those people who ask me: “What’s that?” when I mention I work for Driftwood. Maybe if people knew how much effort, frustration and love went into every issue they would notice more. Or, maybe they wouldn’t. As odd as it may sound, that’s not the point. All of that work was for you guys—the people on this campus. Faculty, staff, administration, we care about all of it and we care about UNO. I know I do. And just because not as many people as I
might want pick up an issue every week, it was all still worth it. I am endlessly proud of what we have accomplished over this year. I am endlessly proud of what we have tried to accomplish for this college as a whole. To whoever takes my place, keep that in mind. You do what you do, just like I did what I did, because you care. Because you care about the truth and you care about making any community you’re in a better place through the power of journalism. A power that is heavy a lot of the time; I’ll be honest, there are countless occasions where I could have done better, but I didn’t. There are times when I didn’t make Driftwood a priority, and I cannot even imagine how much better the paper would have been if I always had. You’ll have moments like that too, although hopefully not as many. You’ll be overwhelmed and exhausted and sometimes even angry. But at the end of the day, you and the people around you will make it happen (I hope you like your staff as much as I’ve loved mine. You’ll need them). Getting to see those issues on the stand every Wednesday or walking into a class and noticing someone reading an issue…those are feelings that nothing else to compares to. So make something you’re proud of. Make something that other people at this school will be proud of. Let this experience change you, it’s worth it.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
PERSPECTIVE
Nigel Washington Editor-in-Chief driftwoodeditor@uno.edu Charles Nicholson Managing Editor driftwood@uno.edu Visuals Director | Grant Campbell • • • • • • driftwoodart@uno.edu News Editor | Chloe Gagnon • • • • • • • • • • • • • • cprange@uno.edu Features/Ent. Editor | Anna Gowin • • • • • driftwoodent@uno.edu Photographer | Nathan Nguyen • • • • • • • • • nvnguye2@uno.edu Web Designer | Harish Kadambala • • • • • • • hckadamb@uno.edu Web Editor | Ave Maria Bordenave • • • • • • • • abordena@uno.edu Reporter | Lones Gagnard • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • lgagnard@uno.edu Reporter | Alexandra Garcia • • • • • • • • • • • • • • aigarcia@uno.edu Reporter | Mindy Jarrett • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • mjarrett@uno.edu Illustrator | Jared Buck • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • jbuck@uno.edu Illustrator | Barrington Hebert • • • • • • • • • • • bkhebert@uno.edu Illustrator | Delvonte Smith • • • • • • • • • • • • • djsmi12@uno.edu Business Manager | Matt Stennis • • driftwoodbusiness@uno.edu Faculty Adviser | Vickie Kennedy • • • • • • • • • vkennedy@uno.edu
Driftwood is produced solely by students of the University of New Orleans. Driftwood publishes every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters with the exception of holiday breaks and midterms/finals week. Editorials are the opinions of the Driftwood editorial staff and do not reflect the opinions of the University of New Orleans, its administration or staff. Letters to the Editor and columns are the opinions of the author and do not represent the opinion of the Driftwood editorial board. All letters to the Editor are subject to editing for length, style and grammar. Please limit letters to 500 words. Submissions can be emailed to driftwoodeditor@uno.edu and must be sent no later than 5p.m. on the Monday before publication. 2000 Lakeshore Drive, UC 252, New Orleans, LA 70148 (504) 280-6377
3
4
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
MAN ON THE STREET
What are your goals for the summer?
Photos by Nathan Nguyen
MICHELLE NGUYEN Freshman, Biology
KENNETH TERRY II Sophomore, Biological Sciences
NAJAF MOUSA Freshman, HPHP
JULIA BINDEWALD Psychology, Sophomore
MITCHELL HARTLEY Senior, International Studies
My goal for the summer is to travel. I just want to go to a lot of places.
My goal is to do an internship with LSUHSC Medical. It’s a 10 week program. From nine to five, I’ll be doing research.
To catch up on my training (Krav Maga). This semester had me really busy, so my training has been put on hold for just a little bit. I’m trying to get back into the gym to get back to the level that I know I can be at.
To get and keep a job to cover my expenses for next semester.
My goal is to earn money to pay for my masters.
ABBY TRAN Freshman, Undecided
ALANA DIXON Junior, Earth & Environ. Sciences
GEOFFREY SHAYNE PACKWOOD Senior, Political Sciences
CALLIE RIEDER Junior, Elementary Education
PHONG TRAN Sophomore, Engineering
To spend my time wisely and do things that I want to do, like make music.
To develop contacts in my field by getting an internship or a job or at least do something I enjoy, like volunteer work and have fun.
Enjoy my life, do nothing and study for the GRE.
My goal is to not lose any students in the middle of Nashville. I work for a summer camp called Fuge. We take them out into the city and do a lot of project and inter city work.
Work to save up for next semester.
CRIME SCENE DO NOT
CROSS CRIME SCENE
• On April 19, two subjects in a relationship were arguing at the Science Faculty Parking Lot. The dispute was only verbal. • On April 20, a complainant reported a laptop and $30 stolen from her vehicle at Building 15 Parking Lot at Privateer Place. • On April 21, a resident of Privateer Place was awakened by hard knocks at apartment door which broke the door’s glass. • On April 22, a resident of Privateer Place reported her Xbox missing from her TV stand in the common area of her residence.
• On April 23, a Privateer Place resident was transported to the University Hospital for a mental evaluation. • On April 23, a UNO student reported his red Schwinn bicycle stolen from Pontchartrain Hall South Bike Rack. • On April 23, two UNO students had a verbal altercation outside Privateer Place Building 8. • On April 24, a couple was involved in an argument at Privateer Place. No physical abuse or damage were caused.
CAMPUS CALENDAR WED., APR. 27 PUBLIC LECTURE Dr. Al Kennedy, historian and history professor at UNO, will be having a lecture followed by a reception. The lecture, sponsored by the Friends of the UNO Library, will be preceded by the drawing for the 2016 Spring Raffle winners and starts at 5 p.m. in room 407 of the Earl K. Long Library.
DISNEY ON ICE: 100 YEARS OF MAGIC Come and see your favorite Disney characters in a magical ice-skating performance at the UNO Lakefront Arena, starting Wednesday, Apr. 27 through Sunday, May 1. For more details, visit arena.uno. edu.
THURS., APR. 28
FRI., APR. 29
WED., MAY 4
THE FINALS COUNTDOWN Have one last hurrah before finals with music, games, raffles and prizes. The event will feature a spacewalk and a puppy petting station, sponsored by Alpha Lambda Delta. It’ll be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the quad.
PRIVATEER BASEBALL The men’s baseball team will be going up against the Central Arkansas Bears at 6:30 p.m. at the Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU SAC will be screening “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” free for all students. The screening begins at 7 p.m. in the UC.
NEWS
UNO students, faculty and alumni represent at Jazz Fest BY ANNA GOWIN Features Editor UNO students, faculty and alumni are everywhere at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Here are the Privateers to keep an eye out for on the fest’s final weekend. And don’t forget to catch UNO’s Music Department Manager Missy Bowen on WWOZ 90.7, hosting coverage of the festival.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28
11:20 - Gospel Tent Eleanor McMain Singing Mustangs directed by alumnus Clyde Lawrence. 11:20 - Gentilly Stage Alumni Omar Ramirez and Josh Reppel. 12:20 - Blues Tent Recent graduate Andre Bohren and his father, Spencer, with the Whippersnappers. 12:30 - Economy Hall Matt Rhody, adjunct professor performs with New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra.
1:25 -Congo Square Full-time faculty member Brent Rose with the New Birth Brass Band. 1:45 -Economy Hall Alumnus Paul Longstreth with The Bootleg Operation. 3:40 - Jazz & Heritage Stage Adjunct professor Matt Perrine, full-time professor Brent Rose and alumnus Jason Mingledorff play with the New Orleans Nightcrawlers. 4:20 - Economy Hall Adjunct professor Tom Fischer on clarinet. 4:20 - Lagniappe Stage Chris Adkins, UNO graduate and adjunct guitar instructor.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29
11:20 - WWOZ Jazz Tent UNO grad Derek Douget leading his own band. 12:25 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Professor Steve Masakowski playing guitar with the Astral Project. 12:35 - Gentilly Stage Alumnus Greg Hicks with Bonera-
ma. 12:40 - Kids Tent Jayna Morgan-Deceurs, along with adjunct professor David Phy, leading the Swing Setters. 1:45 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Nicholas Payton with Afro-Caribbean Mixtape. 1:45 - Economy Hall Current student Peter Varnado and Brent Rose with Lillian Boutte and Gumbo Z’herbes. 2:00 - Gentilly Stage Guitar instructor Camile Baudoin with Raw Oyster Cult. 2:45 - Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do Do Stage Graduate Greg Hicks playing trombone with the Honey Island Swamp Band. 2:45 - Congo Square Current students Jeronne Ansari and Ricardo Pascal, along with faculty members Ed Petersen and Victor Adkins III, as well as other alumni with Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Continued on page 6
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
Apply today for Fall 2016!
GREAT LOCATION TO UNO PRIVATE BEDROOMS AVAILABLE ACADEMICALLY-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENT ALL UTILITES INCLUDED INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY LEASES The TriPod Editorial Group in action at the UNO Midlo Center for New Orleans Studies.
Photo coutesy of WWNO
TriPod celebrates New Orleans history on WWNO as part of Tricentennial BY PARIS VINNETT Driftwood Contributor To celebrate New Orleans’ 300 year history, WWNO, the Historic New Orleans Collection and UNO’s Midlo Center have collaborated to review the city’s past by producing “TriPod: New Orleans @ 300,” a radio history available on 89.9 FM and WWNO.org “TriPod” is a breakdown of two phrases. Tri stands for tricentennial, the 300 year anniversary of the city of New Orleans, and pod stands for podcast. The snippets of history run during the popular Morning Edition and are archived on WWNO’s website. Forty board members who consist of archivists, historians and scholars who specialize in New Orleans history provide and edit historical content while a select few UNO graduate students assist with social media by managing “TriPod”s’ Twitter and Facebook
accounts. “TriPod” is produced by WWNO reporter-producer Laine Kaplan-Levenson. Rather than producing a one-time three and a half hour documentary about New Orleans and its history over the last 300 years, “TriPod” consists of ten minute episodes that are broadcast bi-weekly. The podcasts started in the fall and will run through 2018, the tricentennial anniversary. “TriPod” is an opportunity to learn and be re-educated on New Orleans history. The unique factor about “TriPod” is that it re-educates and clarifies historical facts and stories. “TriPod” offers precise and clear historical reasoning and understanding of how some things came about and why certain effects exist in New Orleans today. “There is a lot of history in New Orleans. There are a lot of things in our history that we don’t like to talk about because they are an uncomfortable part of our past,” said
Emma Long, a graduate student who interns with “TriPod.”. One example from an episode that Long said she found shocking was when she learned that the Omni Hotel in New Orleans was once an auction site for slave trade. “It’s so appalling that such horrific events took place in buildings that we still use.” Long also mentioned facts from another podcast that discussed the first integrated basketball game, which was played between Jesuit and St. Augustine. It included interviews from a few players from both teams who played and explained what that game meant for them and the entire New Orleans community, as well as what it was like to be a part of such a large, transitional part of history. The “TriPod” is a free podcast and can be downloaded through iTunes, SoundCloud or can be accessed through the WWNO website, WWNO.com.
ROOMMATE MATCHING AVAILABLE
Apply online today at
SUNOHOUSING.COM SUNOHOUSING.COM 7000 Press Drive | 504.286.5395
Managed by Amenities & utilites included are subject to change. Electricity up to a monthly cap.
5
6
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
NEWS
Greek life students pick up pieces after repeated bench vandalism stalled in the area. “We are currently trying to increase our presence at our plots and also install a protective border around them to discourage traffic across them,” said Darbonne. This isn’t the first time that the NPHC plots have been damaged. Darbonne said, “A similar incident happened earlier in this semester to the Delta Sigma Theta plot. While we do not know exactly who is doing it, we do suspect it is random vandals who just want to break something.” The National Pan-Hellenic Council is the nine African American sororities and fraternities that “strives to provide service to the campus where they are housed The NPHC benches were knocked over by unknown vandals. Photo coutesy of August Darbonne but also to the larger general community,” Darbonne said. Beta Sigma fraternity and Zeta Phi NPHC is known at UNO for difBY CHARLES NICHOLSON Beta, Delta Sigma Theta and Al- ferent fundraisers, campus cleanManaging Editor pha Kappa Alpha sororities were ups and community service. “The NPHC plots are places On Monday, April 18 around knocked into muddied grass. As far as damage, Darbonne said where members of these organiza6:30 p.m., members of the Phi Beta the benches had “chipped paint and tions can gather and meet and is a Sigma Fraternity noticed that four small cracks as a result of them cultural center for us. It is our own National Pan-Hellenic Council being knocked down. A stone slab little space on a campus where we (NPHC) benches were vandalized. with the Greek Letter ‘Zeta’ has are heavily under represented,” The benches are located between been chipped.” Darbonne said. the Performing Arts Center and the Darbonne said that UNOPD “Our plots are a physical repreAmphitheater. would be notifi ed of the incident sentation of our presence here and President of Phi Beta Sigma and will be negotiating with the since we maintain them with our Fraternity August Darbonne, who posted to Facebook of the vandal- Dean of Students on the possibil- own funds, time and labor. They ism, noted that the benches of Phi ity of getting security cameras in- are very near and dear to us.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 3:00 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Alumnus Chris Cole and adjunct professor Herman LeBeaux backing up John Boutte. 3:35 - Jazz & Heritage Stage Alumnus Trenton Thomas fronting his own band, Dreams2Reality. 6:00 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Grad Jesse McBride and his Big Band closing out the day.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
11:15 - WOZ Jazz Tent Andrew Baham, UNO alumnus, opening the day with his own band. 11:30 - Kids Tent Current student Robert Ramson playing with Stephen Foster’s Family Music Program. 12:40 - Lagniappe Stage Adjunct guitar instructor Chris Adkins. 1:00 - Gospel Tent UNO grad Brian Quezerque singing with The Voices of Peter Claver. 1:35 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Peter Harris, adjunct professor, playing bass with Germaine Bazzle’s band. 1:45 - Jazz and Heritage Stage Adjunct prof Matt Perrine with the Midnite Disturbers. 1:50 - Lagniappe Stage Luke Winslow King heading his own band. 1:55 - Gentilly Stage The Preservation Hall Jazz Band featuring alumnus Mark Braud. 2:45 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Jeremy Davenport, UNO grad, leading his own band. 2:50 - Sheraton New Orleans Fais Do Do Stage
Sunpie and the Sunspots featuring alumnus Matt Hempsey. 3:45 - Congo Square Graduating senior Glenn Hall playing with Rebirth Brass Band. 4:15 - Jazz & Heritage Stage Adjunct professor Matt Perrine with the New Orleans Klezmer AllStars.
SUNDAY, MAY 1
11:15 - Economy Hall Bobby Skinner, alumnus, playing the theremin with the New Leviathan Oriental Foxtrot Orchestra. 11:30 - Lagniappe Stage UNO grad Derek Douget leading the Jamison Heritage School of Music, featuring alumni Ricky Sebastian and Peter Harris. 12:20 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Ashlin Parker’s Trumpet Mafia. 1:30 - Second line with The Baby Boyz, featuring graduating senior Glenn Hall. 1:35 - WWOZ Jazz Tent Ellis Marsalis, UNO Professor Emeritus, playing piano. 1:40- Congo Square Alumnus Antonio Gambrell with Walter Washington’s Roadmasters. 1:50 - Lagniappe Stage Violinist and adjunct prof Matt Rhody with the Hot Club of New Orleans. 2:20 - Gentilly Stage Herman LeBeaux doing a tribute to Allen Toussaint. 3:00 - Lagniappe Stage UNO’s New Orleans Jazz Ensemble and instructor Matt Perrine playing with The Tin Men. 5:40 - Economy Hall UNO grad Jason Mingledorff and adjunct professor Matt Rhody with Tom Saunder’s TOMCATS.
FEATURES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
7
STAFF PICKS: SUMMER IN NOLA
BY NIGEL WASHINGTON
BY ANNA GOWIN
BY CHLOE GAGNON
Editor-in-Chief
Features Editor
News Editor
LIVE MUSIC: LET YOUR EAR DO THE WALKING It really doesn’t matter where or what you choose to listen to--but go listen to something! Even I admit to not taking full advantage of the live music that is constantly offered in the city. When the tourists start to know more about music venues in your hometown than you do, then there’s a problem. A lot of the shows are relatively cheap. For anywhere from absolutely nothing to twenty bucks (or maybe higher for you big spenders out there), you can see someone you’ve known and enjoyed for a while or someone you have absolutely no idea about. The experience will always be a good one, whether you liked the music or not. And don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and try your hand at a genre you’d snub in any other scenario. Whatever venue or artist you chose to see, try to keep your phone in your pockets. Snap a few pics, but please don’t try snap moments just so you can look into it on the ‘gram. Venues to listen for: Le Bon Temps Roule, HiHo Lounge, d.b.a, Blue Nile.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Boykin strongly encourages graduating students not to wait until the last minute to start looking for jobs. “I always tell the students who are graduating [that] you need to be safe to say that it will take you possibly a year to get employment in your field because you’re not absolutely sure what the market is like. It just depends,” Boykin said. “There’s competition out there and students need to understand it’s not just cut and dried depending on your major because some students have pretty high demand majors so they feel pretty comfortable that they’re going to get a job and that’s not always the case. I like them to really start seeking at least a year ahead of time and really being very aggressive the semester before they graduate because it will take some time.” Because many students have a late start and face inevitable competition while trying to land a job, feeling pressured in the final moments of college and the first few weeks out of college are commonplace. Jarrett has had several friends study abroad all over the world and according to her, the United States has a very different way of life after graduation. “Everywhere else, it’s not so [straight edged] like go to school, graduate, get a job right away. They do whatever they want to do, and I feel like there’s so much pressure here to get a job,” Jarrett said. “You should be able to support
WHITE LINEN NIGHT: NOW THIS IS THE WAY TO EMBRACE SUMMER
CANOEING THROUGH CITY PARK
I am a complete and total sucker for the traditions of this city, and there’s no doubt that like snowballs and porch swings, White Linen Night is one of those traditions. There is just something about the utter Southern-ness of wearing white linen in the dead heat of summer and drinking cocktails while aimlessly wandering the streets of the Warehouse District that makes me feel like a real New Orleanian. Gallery hopping is great any night, but it’s even better with the rest of the city by your side. And not to mention live music and great food, essentials for any summer night. Don’t miss Dirty Linen Night either. The tongue-in-cheek romp on Royal Street that takes place the week after WLN is a perfect representation of the city’s humor. Wearing the same outfit while visiting lesser-known galleries and enjoying things like dirty rice and dirty martinis? Sounds good to me (just make sure you wash it in between).
yourself, but to get that kind of job. I hate that we call it a ‘real job.’ It shouldn’t be distinguished as that. I think there should not be as much pressure on people and that people shouldn’t freak out about it as much as they do because it only makes the process harder if they do that.” Getting a head start in the form of internships and having a strong resume can help kickstart a career straight out of college and ultimately earning a dream job. As an English major, Jarrett dreams of becoming a writer. “Who doesn’t [dream of becoming a writer] to someone who likes to write. It’s just like how do you get paid doing that? I write as an outlet so to me it’s just something I’m going to do whether I get paid for it or not, but it would be great if I could get a job doing that.” “I feel like with humanities degrees everyone’s like ‘you can’t do anything with them,’ but I’ve been told that especially people with English degrees are need in certain fields because people can’t write anymore because of texting and the internet and all. No one knows how to write. My past four years or so in school, that’s all we do. We don’t have tests. We have to write papers so I’ve been trained to write which half the country could use,” said Jarrett. Another recommendation that Boykin said she preaches to students is the importance of internships as a part of resume building. “What we’re trying to do is help students to understand that career services is a development process, which means it would start when you come in as a freshman so you
start learning the things that you need to be preparing throughout your freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year,” Boykin said. “Starting to get your resume together, starting to seek internships very early. We even talk to freshmen about thinking about internships because you can start applying right away because it takes some time.” Fleming landed an internship
City Park offers a boating and biking stand to park goers where one can go and enjoy an outdoor activity. Boating includes canoes, paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boats. Canoeing is my favorite because it can hold up to four people and I love being on the water. My favorite part is canoeing through City Park’s Sculpture Garden because you can see the sculptures. Leisure water activities are a relaxing way to spend time outdoors while getting some well-deserved exercise. A copious amount of birds and ducks swim throughout the waters so bring a loaf of bread to feed them (Warning: don’t throw all your bread at once. Otherwise, you may get a flock chasing your boat. Trust me, it happens). I’ve also seen turtles, swans, fish and nutrias. If boating isn’t your thing, there are numerous kinds of bikes offered to rent including single person bikes, tandems, deuce coupes and quad sport bikes. The thing I love about it is that everytime I leave, they give me a coupon for next time.
with MRI from a career fair held by Career Services. “The companies that go to the career fair are there to hire people coming out of college that may not have work experience ,but have a degree. It’s a gold mine for getting a job because that’s what they’re there for and that’s why we’re going there,” Fleming said. Jarrett, who has done an internship with Driftwood said: “Before my internship, I had never done
journalism as far as writing goes. [But] I really enjoyed it. It was nice to use my writing to go somewhere rather than just to my teacher. It definitely showed me a different way to write.” Boykin said, “With the diversity of jobs that are out there, I don’t really feel that there’s any job that a student could not get employed in…It’s an open market especially for students who are prepared.”
y t i s r e v i n U Xavier
h t 4 2 y a M t r a t Classes S Day, Evening & Online Classes Starting At $260 Per Credit Hour
Visiting Students Welcome
504.520.7583 | xula.edu/summer Don’t take the summer off...
Take it on!
UNO ranks among the universities where students graduate with the least debt.
NEW REDUCED PRICING NO FRIDAY CLASSES ONLINE COURSES AVAILABLE
Graduate on time and get ahead!
summer.uno.edu
MAY 31
10
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
FEATURES
SSS plans to offer valuable help to larger student base
Members of Student Support Services have access to exclusive tutoring.
BY ADAM POYNER Driftwood Contributor The University of New Orleans is home to many programs designed to assist students, one of which is Student Support Services (SSS), a federally funded TRIO program that serves eligible undergraduate UNO students. In order to become a member of SSS, a student must meet at least
one of the three following requirements; be a first-generation college student, meaning neither parent completed an undergraduate degree, be a federal financial aid recipient, though this requires confirmation with an SSS staff member or be a student with a documented disability. Students who may be eligible should contact a member of the Student Support Services staff to find out for sure if they can take advantage of this program.
Photo coutesy of Adam Poyner
The main services that the program offers include, but are not limited to: exclusive tutoring and supplemental instruction with SSS tutors and SI leaders, personal, financial, career and academic guidance as well as participation in cultural/academic enrichment activities around New Orleans. Essentially, if a student is ever in need of help with any aspect of college life, being a member of SSS will provide the student with a net-
work of dedicated staff members to guide him or her and give them help in whatever way they can. Tutoring takes place in the SSS study room located in the Education building, where the program makes its home, and covers many subject areas, including English, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Spanish and Statistics. Student Support Services Director Nora Chapuis said that this program is exceptional, special and works well because it provides a diverse and comprehensive array of services for members. “While other campus offices offer specific services based on their specific purpose such as the Financial Aid, Career Development, Counseling services and First Year Advising Offices, just to name a few, SSS incorporates information from all of those offices into one program. SSS students continue to interact with all campus offices and their services, but arrive more informed. Face-to-face contact with each of our 200 or more students allows SSS to service students in a more intensive manner that is simply not available to other offices due to a higher number of students outside of SSS,” Chapuis said. By having a central place to turn to for assistance, students who may be unfamiliar with the ins and outs of college life can receive assistance from a caring, hardworking and trained group of people.
Despite the high number of first-generation students that SSS serves and a common misperception, the program is not designed just for students who are in academic trouble. “This could not be further from the truth,” said Chapuis. “SSS, in fact, serves very gifted students who are not only motivated to complete their first degree, but they are also very capable. They are athletes, on the President’s and Dean’s list, involved in activities and honors students [etc.].” Regardless of academic standing or personal background, the resources that SSS provides can greatly improve any student’s undergraduate experience. While SSS has been described by some as “the best kept little secret” on campus in the past, Chapuis has a plan for bringing the program to more students: “SSS is focused on being able to recruit more students into our program earlier. As campus reorganizations occur and newer administrators, faculty [and] staff emerge, SSS finds itself in need of more aggressive marketing in order to inform the campus about our program.” By connecting eligible students with the program in their first or second year, students will be able to make the most of their college experience and excel academically and personally.
ENTERTAINMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
11
FIRST ANNUAL UNO FINALS FEST
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 The line-up leading up to the headliner featured R&R (a local funk heavy jazz band), The JimJims (who you might remember from Driftwood’s review of their album), The Painted Hands (New Orleans inspired garage rock) and Foxhunter (a campus favorite fea-
turing Finals Fest staff member Everett Fontenot). Following West Without and rounding out the night was Roussell’s own EDM stage persona, Dudeyo. Roussell said that the most exciting part of the process has been just been seeing students’ own excitement. And as the night went on, the Amphitheater was full of students enjoying the music, just as Roussell
and his team had hoped. But this year’s Finals Fest was far from Roussell’s end goal for the event. He said, “My hopes for the event in the future is for it to grow and hopefully get even more people involved, for it to evolve into a lasting event on campus that future students can enjoy both attending and putting on.”
Funk band R&R started out the jamming at Finals Fest. Photos by Nathan Nguyen
12
ENTERTAINMENT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
A Privateer’s guide to summer 2016 blockbusters BY CHARLES NICHOLSON Managing Editor Regardless of what your plans are this summer, be they travel, exercising or work, there should always be time for some R&R. And if trips to the beach, amusement parks or hang gliding are out of your financial reach, the cinemas will always be there to accommodate a tight budget (by comparison, duh). But if you don’t plan to catch every movie coming out, here are some that should be on your summer bucket list.
Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising Released May 20
Following up from the 2014 comedy, “Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising” brings back Seth Rogen and Rose
Byrne’s characters, Mac and Kelly, as they are pitted against the Greek life once again, this time a sorority co-headed by Chloe Grace Moretz and Selena Gomez. If you enjoy Seth Rogen’s brand of comedy or if you just enjoyed the original, you may find this to your liking. Warning: this movie may suffer from the “sequel curse,” if you know what I mean.
The Nice Guys Released May 20
Set in 1977 Los Angeles, two private investigators played by Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe look to uncover the truth of a porn star’s apparent suicide. In this mystery/ crime thriller (with plentiful comedy), the duo will be turning left and right to avoid the unknown assassin as they attempt to solve the case.
What could be a generic buddy cop movie gains a certain level of interest from its ‘70s setting and two uncanny leads. With any luck, the film will play with its setting in a way that modern buddy cop movies can’t.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows Released June 3
Now, before you take my head off, let me explain my reason for this choice. This movie is really only for two types of people: very desperate TMNT fans and mindless action flick fans (there can be arguments for others, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll stick with these). Turtle fanboys may be pulled into the fact that Director Michael Bay is continuing to expand the world by
introducing classic characters such as Bebop, Rocksteady and even Casey Jones. Otherwise, dumb action, pre-teen jokes and giant CGI turtles mixed with a little alcohol could make for a decent night out.
Finding Dory Released June 17
After the success of Toy Story 3, Disney/Pixar is rekindling the love of many of their classic franchises. “Finding Dory” sees everyone’s favorite blue tang lead in her very own movie as she taps into her distant memories to find her way back home and reunite with her family, with the help Marlin and Nemo of course. Pixar, as a master of animation, never fails to bring great visuals to their films and Disney’s writers are sure to bring another hilarious and heart-warming tale. The
movie is a reintroduction to very beloved characters as well as a great new experience for children that haven’t seen the original.
Free State of Jones Released June 24 Matthew McConaughey stars in a gripping historical thriller set during the civil war about a poor Mississippi farmer that organizes a band of farmers and slaves to take on the Confederate army in his home of Jones County, MS. Directed by Gary Ross (“Seabiscuit,” “The Hunger Games”), this biographical piece looks to retell a great story with some interesting sequences. If nothing else, expect some great performances from McConaughey and Mahershala Ali (“House of Cards”).
Most anticipated albums after finals but before next semester BY NIGEL WASHINGTON Editor-in-Chief Summer is almost here and it’s lit. In the next few months we’ll start to get a slew of new albums and mixtapes to provide a soundtrack to our summer activities. New artists will surely arise as well, but for now here are just a few albums from some well-established artists to look out for after finals finish and before the new semester starts to fuel whatever function or road trip you have planned during the break. Unsuspected album drops are all the rage, and a big reason why some of the albums listed below do not have concrete release dates. Most of them should drop sometime this summer which is why they made the list.
M.I.A. Matahdatah Release date TBD
M.I.A. has been working on her fourth studio album since 2015. At first, she released “Matahdatah Scroll 01 ‘Broader Than A Boarder’” in July and didn’t provide much info as to what would be next. Soon after, we learned that “Matahdatah” would be a full project. She described the album as the journal for her previous 2014 release “Matangi.” While an exact date has not been announced, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it out very soon considering it’s been almost a year in the making.
FRANK OCEAN Boys Don’t Cry Release date TBD
Frank, please, man. The Internet (and myself) has been hassling him for months now. The Odd Future affiliate’s follow up to his immensely popular debut release “Channel Orange” has been pushed back and back and back since the summer of 2015, which was its original expected release date. At this point, no one knows when “BDC,” will drop except for Frank. Since it was expected last summer, don’t be surprised if Frank and consequent gifs of joy dominate your Twitter feed on a random July weekday.
PUSHA T King Push Released June 30
After two who-the-hell-knows dates, here’s a definite release. Virginia rapper Pusha T gave us an appetizer late last year with “Darkest
Before Dawn,” providing a dark, gritty appetizer before his main entrée is released. The new president of G.O.O.D Music proved he still has more bars and a lot left in the tank.
ARIANA GRANDE Dangerous Woman Released May 20
Ariana Grande had a rough 2015, so much so that she was rated the second most hated person in America by a poll. The recent SNL guest star will look to win a few hearts back over with “Dangerous Woman.” When the tracklist for the album was revealed on her Instagram on April 15 she also revealed a small but impressive list of features that’ll be on the follow-up to her Grammy nominated album “My Everything.” Nicki Minaj, Lil
Wayne, Macy Gray and Future will all be on the album, according to Grande, and the names alone will surely attract listeners.
FUTURE Title TBD Release date TBD
I know, a lot of unknowns on this one. But looking at Future’s track record, it’s impossible to not expect something before the summer ends. We’ve already had two tapes from the Atlanta rapper and crooner. Seeing as how he finished last year with five tapes, and while it’s unlikely that we will see that same level of output, we’re sure to see new music. I trust Future Hendrix to fulfill our summer needs, of course with Metro Boomin right by his side. And if young Metro don’t trust you…
LAGNIAPPE
13
ink blots
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
4/25/2016
Solutions for District
What We Offer
word search
sudoku
Puzzle 1 (Very hard, difficulty rating 0.81)
2
3
5
7
6
1
2 7
2 7 5
8 6
6 4 7
9 8
6 3
5 3
4
5 5 1
4
6 2 7
Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Mon Apr 25 20:29:40 2016 GMT. Enjoy!
S O O G S E I R A E O A K I P
P H I J S O I R N O G R S J B
O O A U M O I Q W O E A B G Y
ADEUS ADEUS ADIEU ADIEU ADIOS ADIOS ALOHA ALOHA ARRIVED ARRIVED
AUREVOIR CIAO DAG ERCI FARVEL GOODBYE
W Z E L V I S D O U R N J C V
D D P E O I S D A E C O V B T
A B R S P M B C R I I Y Y T U
R U S X N Y A B I D R A C P I
A Y D F E E C X E A D S I B D
AUREVOIR CIAO DAG ERCI FARVEL
Z A H A B A I G M O O F T L V
V A V R W H M S B Q Q P A O B
U E U V V C M G T C T T A L O
H B D E V I R R A O E H S D U
Issue 2 T L A L S R J F Y R T N C Y G
Z T S C H A U Q V D A G B T X
GOODBYE LATER SAYONARA SHALOM TOTSIENS
F Q Z A H O L A E R D F Q U Q
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2016
15
Record-breaking track star, Nicholls, sets high goals BY LONES GAGNARD Driftwood Staff Michael Nicholls is a UNO track and field athlete who has recently broken his own school record for the 110-meter hurdle. Hailing from Bridgetown, Barbados the freshman phenom continues pushing himself to be better every day. “I’m not the best right now, but I continue to work towards perfection,” Nicholls said. “I just pray and I have a strong group of people who keep me in their prayers also.” After posting his UNO record 110-meter hurdle time of 13.97 on April 9, Nicholls proceeded to take another .02 seconds off his personal best with a time of 13.95 on April 23. Nicholls plans on posting faster times every competition from here on out. “This year, the World Junior Championships is my major goal,” Nicholls said. “After this year, my focus would be on winning an NCAA title and qualifying for the Olympics would be a goal for the
future.” The World Junior Championships are the world championships for athletes 19 and under. Held in Bydgoszcz, Poland this year, the championships include all track and field events and are the proving grounds for young athletes across the world. To prepare for track meets and world championships alike, Nicholls’ training routine has changed since moving from Barbados. “[In Barbados] I did a lot of distance running for endurance, but here speed is more important with short sprints and short recovery...For meets, I don’t do anything special. We do the same routines, we train the same way. Coming into meets, you might have high intensity, low reps with more rest.” The competitive scene also changed for Nicholls after moving to America. “The atmosphere between America and Barbados is slightly different whereas in America it is a bit more serious, and Barbados is a bit more laid back with an atmosphere that calls for a variety of competition,” Nicholls said.
He enrolled at UNO for a chance to move on in his track career. Armed with a strong work ethic, Nicholls’ love for running came straight from being the best person he could be. “I like winning and working hard...It feels good to finally see all that you have worked for come together in one race.” As everything does come together for this young track star, he says watching the all-time greats influences him. “As I was hurdling and learning how to hurdle, I spent a lot of time watching Liu Xiang, and he had a strong influence on my athletic career.” Xiang is a retired Chinese Olympic world medalist and World Champion. Nicholls will look to follow in his idol’s footsteps as Xiang finished fourth in the World Junior Olympics 16 years ago. With most of his time spent practicing for meets and championships, Nicholls has to spend the rest of his time in New Orleans wisely. “Being a student athlete, I don’t have a lot of free time, especially now that we are in season. But
Freshman Michael Nicholls has his eyes set on the World Junior Championships, breaking the UNO 110-meter hurdle record on April 9. Photo coutesy of UNO Athletics
when I do get the chance, I like to go out and try new things with my teammates which can be anything from eating new foods, such as alligator, to going to an LSU basketball game.” For Michael Nicholls, the stars are the limit as he continues his track and field career.
Breaking a school record is a better start than a freshman athlete can ask for, but Nicholls seems to do it every time his toe touches the track. Whether running at a meet in Baton Rouge or competing against the world in Poland, this Privateer is going places.
Student-athletes speak out on juggling sports, academics
Senior outfielder for the UNO baseball team Ryan Calloway (Left) and Danielle Davis (Right) for the UNO women’s basketball team reflect on their collegiate career. Photos coutesy of UNO Athletics
BY ALEXANDRA GARCIA Driftwood Staff The semester is just about over, and at this point, everyone reminisces on their own college experience--most of which will sound relatively similar. For senior athletes, the stories will be completely different from the average college student. Two seniors have taken the time to reflect on their time as a student-athlete at UNO now that it is all coming to an end. Senior outfielder Ryan Calloway is a member of the UNO baseball team. The Jacksonville, Florida product will graduate this spring. Calloway and the Privateers will still be playing long after he has turned his tassel over as the season doesn’t end until May 21. How has baseball influenced or directed your time at UNO? During my time at UNO, baseball has allowed me to enjoy playing the game I love, be a father, and gain an
education as well. A normal day for me would be going to class, practice, stew special (workout), spend time with my son, study (in the library) and head back home. Has being on this team changed you? Being on this team has definitely changed me. It allowed me to grow as a person. My first season at UNO, we struggled as a team. After winning only 14 games, it forced me and the rest of the team to get in the gym and work harder than we’ve worked before. We pushed our personal limits and our hard work has paid off. What were some of the highlights for you of this last season? The biggest highlight of last season was being able to play under one of the all-time great coaches, Coach Ron Maestri. It was a great experience to be able to grow around him and absorb all of his knowledge about not only baseball but life as well. What were your favorite moments throughout your athletic
career? My three top favorite moments throughout my athletic career: Stealing 44 stolen bases at my junior college, finishing first in my conference and third in the nation. Saving my junior college’s athletic program because we finished first in the conference and we made it to the regional championship game. Lastly, my favorite moment comes from this season as we continue to break records that had been set during the early 80s and 90s. We had the best start to a season since 1992, 12-2. On our way to that start, we also received votes for the top 25. Was is difficult balancing school and athletics? Balancing school and athletics, also with a child, is a very difficult thing to do. When most people think of student-athletes, they only think of student first. With that being said, our days are completely filled. We hardly have any free time. Our classes have to be scheduled between eight a.m.and 1:50 p.m. Practice starts at two and ends at six, we workout as a team immediately after practice and we have to get back to the locker room, shower and make it to the cafeteria before it closes for eight. Somehow we’re expected to get six hours of mandatory study hall a week on top of our everyday practice schedule and field work. Being a student-athlete is very difficult and we are forced to earn every penny of our scholarship. If you had the ability to change anything would you? If I had the ability to change anything, I would change the culture around sports on the campus. I believe that our sports would have more success if the students were more involved with coming out and supporting us.
Do you have plans for after graduation? If I am not presented with the opportunity of continuing to play the game of baseball, my plans after I graduate are to move back home. I will attend grad school to become a social worker or I will go back for a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, so I will be able to become an RN Case Manager. Hailing from Oaktown, Virginia, Danielle Davis was a guard for the Lady Privateers Basketball team. She will graduate this spring. How has basketball influenced or directed your time at UNO? Basketball has definitely made my time at UNO more enjoyable. I have met so many good people and made lifetime friendships. Over time, we became a true family and shared many unforgettable memories. Basketball gave me direction and instilled perseverance and commitment. Our record doesn’t quite show the hard work and dedication it takes, but I have acquired so many different life skills that go beyond the court. Has being on this team changed you? Being on this team changed my sense of work ethic. I’ve played basketball for many years, but being a D1 collegiate athlete is on a different level of work. My teammates and I put a lot of hours into this game, but so does everyone else. You have to push your body and mind and work through being tired. What were some of the highlights for you of this last season? Senior night was definitely my season highlight. It was a rather bittersweet moment, but it symbolized the beginning of a new chapter for me. I have been a student athlete for 10+ years of my life, and it was finally time for a change. I enjoyed
having my family there and really felt the support of my team and coaches. What were your favorite moments throughout your athletic career? One specific favorite moment was last year in our triple over-time win against McNeese State. We showed UNO and the Southland Conference that we were making strides in the right direction as a team and that we were a force to be reckoned with. It showed how strong we are as a team and the fight we have within. I know I will be able to look back on that game years from now and find strength to finish any task in front of me. Was it difficult balancing school and athletics? It is difficult at times to balance school and athletics, but it is what we all sign up for. I think the biggest transition was my first semester as a grad student. I had only three classes total that I attended one day a week. If I missed a day for traveling, I missed a week worth of material. It was simply about time management, prioritizing and making sacrifices. Clear and timely communication with professors made it easier. If you had the ability to change anything would you? Only thing I would change is the atmosphere and camaraderie around the athletic programs. I wish we had more support from the student body and staff. We enjoy seeing our classmates and professors at our games, and we enjoy playing for our school. Do you have plans for after graduation? My plans after college are to return home to the DMV area (D.C, Maryland, Virginia) with my family. I have multiple interviews already arranged upon my return.