Jan. 10 Issue

RIDE ALONG WITH UNA POLICE NEWS 2A

Jan. 10, 2013

Volume 81, Issue 15

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

INTEGRATIVE HEALTH

Country club sale negotiations to begin after council vote Health program property closer to purchase, officials say JOSH SKAGGS

Executive Editor jskaggs@una.edu

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Sports Editor

Councilmembers vote unanimously during their Jan. 8 meeting.

With a unanimous vote on Jan. 8, the Florence City Council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Mickey Haddock to negotiate with UNA officials toward the purchase of the Florence Golf and Country Club to house a new center for the university’s integrative health program.

City officials purchased the property and UNA officials have been interested in

buying the property for more than a year.

“I was involved in bringing the (Retirement Systems of Alabama) project to the area, and I believe this project will have an economic impact (like the RSA project did),” said Council President Dick Jordan.

The agreement to create the program and build the structures was made with Shenqi Ethnic Medical College in China.

Chairman of the college Zhang Zhiting has agreed to purchase the land and fund

See CLUB, page 5A

Puppy love Experts offer advice on owning pets in college BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

Approximately 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats are owned in the United States alone, according to the American Pet Products Association. While 62 percent of all households in the U.S. own pets, there are still approximately 5 to 7 million animals entering shelters across the nation each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

In December, the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter housed approximately 100 to 150 animals, while almost 150 animals were under the care of foster families in the Shoals area, said Debbie Rappuhn, Florence shelter volunteer coordinator.

INSIDE

this week’s paper

“It’s depressing to see so many animals dropped off here,” Rappuhn said.

She stressed the importance of making sure you can commit to something as long-term as pet ownership, especially while in college.

“You have to consider everything — work, school, relationships,” she said. “If there’s anything that will hinder you from providing the care an animal needs, then don’t adopt a pet.”

Rappuhn said the shelter sees a high number of animals dropped off everyday.

“We’ve had 64 puppies dropped off in only three days,” she said.

She said that while she would love to see the animals from the shelter adopted, college students

NEWS................2A IMAGES..............4A VIEWPOINTS.........7A

See PETS, page 5A

LIFE...............1B SPORTS...........5B EXTRA.............8B

SEX TRAFFICKING REACHES SHOALS... 1B

2A NEWS

SCIENCE

Professor reveals new species in research

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

RSO

Student opens NAACP chapter

TEENA PATEL

Student Writer tpatel5@una.edu

Associate Professor of Geology Mark Puckett has engaged in research over the past four years that has yielded three new genera and 25 new species from Jamaica and that has helped prove Jamaica and Mexico were attached approximately 66 million years ago. With the grants he received from the National Geographic Society and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Petroleum Research Fund, Puckett studied ostracods in Jamaica, Cuba and Mexico, which has been the basis of his recent research.

“I wanted to solve puzzles about the Caribbean,” he said. “I had studied ostracods before. I figured out that the ones in

photo by ALEX LINDLEY I News/Managing Editor

UNA NAACP President Destiny Battles (far left) conducts officer elections at the organization’s first interest meeting Nov. 27. Battles said she hopes the UNA chapter will serve as a good representative of the larger national organization.

PACE HOLDBROOKS

Staff Writer hholdbrooks@una.edu

”

A college chapter of the NAACP has been established as an RSO at UNA. Students founded the new chapter last semester and held its first interest meeting Nov. 27.

Destiny Battles, NAACP chapter ARK UCKETT president and junior at UNA, explained that the chapter will serve as the campus face for the national organization.

“The NAACP is a political and justice South America were different from the organization,” she said. “We don’t want ones in North America. I wanted to see discrimination anywhere. We are here to if the ones in the Caribbean were like the build this country on morals and characones in North America.” ter.”

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, “mussel shrimp, also called seed shrimp, or ostracod, are any of a widely distributed group of crustaceans belongAREER ing to the subclass Ostracoda (class Crustacea) that resemble mussels in that the body is enclosed within a bivalved (twovalved) shell.”

Puckett, who discussed his research findings at a conference in Charlotte, N.C., in November, said ostracods are immobile creatures and evolve separately HALEY WRIGHT Staff Writer when isolated. The similarities between hwright1@una.edu fossils found in Jamaica and Mexico, As competition in the job market risand the lack of similarity between those and the fossils found in South America, es, an internship has become a key comproves that the two landmasses were at- ponent on student resumes. Many students are facing the decision whether to tached at one point.

Jamaica moved about 50 million years accept a paid or unpaid internship. Is an ago to its present-day position, Puckett experience worth just as much as monetary compensation? said.

Recent UNA graduate Chelsea Pogue He said he was motivated to start his research after studying ostracods and worked an unpaid internship at Colbert finding out that the ones in South Ameri- County Convention and Tourism Bureau. ca were different from the ones in North She worked approximately 20 hours per America. Puckett said he wanted to see week for no pay but said the experience if Caribbean ostracods were like North was worth it.

“I met a lot of interesting people and American ostracods and that he wanted learned interesting things,” Pogue said. to solve puzzles about the Caribbean.

Career Planning and Development “We filled in a big gap about late-Cretaceous ostracods,” Puckett said. “There Director Melissa Medlin said students are problems in classification (of ostra- are encouraged to get any experience possible. cods), and we now know where.”

“When employers contact us with See PUCKETT, page 3A internships, we tell them it’s best to pay

I WANTED TO SEE IF THE (OSTRACODS) IN THE CARIBBEAN WERE LIKE THE ONES IN NORTH AMERICA.

M

P

Battles said the purpose of a college chapter is to provide students with scholarship opportunities and new experiences.

“It’s an organization that puts you out of your comfort zone in a good way,” she said. “We need one on campus. An RSO like this engages everybody. It will help students because there are so many avenues to take in NAACP.” Joan Williams, assistant director for the Office of Diversity & Institutional Equity at UNA, serves as the new RSO’s interim advisor. Williams said she is working to connect the new group with the community’s NAACP chapter.

“From a student leadership stand-

point, networking and so many opportunities stem from there,” Williams said.

“This way (Battles) and the students involved wouldn’t miss anything. It’d be great because they can get to know people and get involved in the local community.”

Williams said she has been encouraged by the initiative students have taken and the increase in student involvement.

“Research shows that it’s good for students getting involved — it gives you an opportunity to grow,” Williams said.

“It’s also important to be supportive if the students feel like there’s a need for something. There’s a sizable group of students

See NAACP, page 3A

C

Non-paying internships could pay off students,” Medlin said.

Medlin said the term “internship” is thrown around a lot. Internships were an academic experience to begin with but not so much anymore. Gaining professional experience could be a part-time job, but if it’s directly related to the student’s field, it can count as an internship.

Michelle Eubanks with Shoals Hospital said the hospital provides internships to many students at UNA. There are many non-clinical internships available, but most are unpaid.

“An internship is only as valuable as the student makes it,” Eubanks said. “If the student is only worried about making money, then they aren’t gaining enough from it. Excelling in the experience will provide the student with more.”

Some students may not know the reason some internships are paid and others are not. Eubanks said that in her area, internships may be paid depending on the area of study and educational service.

“A typical student will be paid in experience rather than monetary value,” she said.

Will Riley, intern at Listerhill, has worked at a paid internship. His internship is in the marketing field, and he works no more than 19 hours a week.

“Anyone majoring in marketing or communications should apply for this internship,” Riley said.

Riley said his experience as an intern has given him the opportunity to grow not only as person but as an aspiring professional.

Students who have interned with pay and without pay both seem to be pleased with their experiences — though compensation helps. If a student is looking for a place to intern, there are many opportunities available in the Shoals area.

“We do post internships on our site (LionJobs),” Medlin said. “No matter your major, we can help find internships for you.”

NEWS 3A

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

RIDE ALONG

With UNA PD

HALEY WRIGHT

Staff Writer hwright1@una.edu

In order to get an idea of what our campus police do from day to day, I had the pleasure of riding along with one of our officers, Patrol Sergeant Les Jackson Dec. 10 from 9 p.m. to midnight.

The university police department has 14 certified officers and approximately 11 or 12 reserve officers, Jackson said. Every night there are at least five officers on duty.

The evening began rather dully with few events. We patrolled the campus to make sure everything was safe and checked the parking deck after that.

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

UNIVERSITY

Partnerships offer more programs to students RYAN PAINE

Staff Writer rpaine@una.edu

UNA announced Nov. 14 that university officials had signed an agreement with Alabama A&M officials to provide UNA students with a satellite program for earning A&M’s Master of Social Work degree. This came on the heels of a Nov. 1 announcement that the university had entered into a partnership with Athens State University to provide ASU students with a satellite Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.

Both of these partnerships will commence in January 2013.

“Because state resources are limited, it is not possible to create new degree programs on every campus where there is a need,” said UNA President William Cale via email. “These partnerships enable a degree program to be put into place at locations where there is demand, and, in a way, that does not add cost to either institution or to the state.”

Such agreements have existed for several years now. Since fall 2010, the university has had an established partnership with the University of Alabama, through which UNA students can earn a doctorate in educational leadership.

“UNA is actively pursuing partnerships to leverage additional educational opportunities for students in the Shoals and the surrounding area,” said John Thornell, vice president of academic affairs, via email. “UNA is not positioned

to offer all programs, so this is a good alternative.”

Cale said academic partnerships are beneficial in that they both generate a small net revenue for participating institutions and that they take existing degrees to locations in which they are not otherwise offered.

“University partnerships in which the degree program from one school is offered on the campus of another are created by mutual agreement between the schools,” Cale said. “Universities exist to serve the citizens, and we are always seeking innovative ways to expand educational opportunities where there is a need.”

Though all current partnerships regard graduate level degrees, Cale said the university is interested in establishing a partnership that would provide a pathway through which UNA students could earn an engineering degree at the baccalaureate level. Preferably, this program would entail non-engineering coursework being completed through UNA and engineering coursework being completed through the partner school.

“We all understand the value of partnerships, so they will continue,” Thornell said.

Currently, university officials are working to build an additional partnership with Athens State — one that would allow ASU students to earn a Masters in elementary education from UNA.

NAACP, continued from page 2A that already said they’d support the organization.”

Battles transferred last fall to UNA from Auburn University, where she had just restarted that campus’ chapter. Battles said UNA students have been enthusiastic about the new chapter and have already gotten involved.

“We are looking for different ways to get students out and meeting others,” Battles said. “We want to do a Masquerade Ball and a Sav-A-Life and other events next spring. It’s a foundation, so anyone who’s interested can be a part of it.”

Battles said the RSO also wants to

PUCKETT, continued from page 2A Puckett said the two main uses of the grant money he received were to pay for the trips to the field and to pay students who were hired to help with the research.

Geography majors were involved in this research as they went to the field in Mexico and Jamaica. The geography students also made maps of Jamaica and Cuba to plot samples on, Puckett said.

Biology students were involved as well.

Puckett said he wrote the manuscript of his research findings along with JeanPaul Colin and Simon Mitchell. Mitchell was also his field guide in Jamaica.

The research process involved cleaning fossils with an ultrasonic cleaner, with each fossil taking about eight to 10 hours to clean, Puckett said.

It also involved photographing fossils with an electromagnetic microscope and using a light microscope to see features in the shells of ostracods. Puckett said the

“Throughout the night, we are always riding around the campus just to make sure everything is all right,” Jackson said.

While in the parking deck, I met with an officer stationed in the deck to ensure safety. Officer Butch, a reserve officer, was patrolling in the parking deck from 8 or 9 p.m. until around 2 or 3 a.m. that night. He rode a Segway all throughout the deck. On this particular evening, it was very cold, so his dedication was admirable.

During my time spent with the officers, I learned how to ride the Segway, and it’s definitely not as easy as it looks.

See RIDE ALONG, page 8A work with other student groups at UNA. The organization will offer about 12 committees that students can serve on, with focuses ranging from education to community development and economic empowerment.

“This semester is going to be about fundraising,” Battles said. “It’s going to be awesome because it’s an amazing organization, and we want everybody to get involved. Some people aren’t comfortable with the NAACP because they think it’s only for black students, but it’s for everybody.”

The organization will have its first meeting Monday, Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. in room 207 of the GUC. Meetings after that will be bi-weekly. Details are available on OrgSync.

”

THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN CLASSIFICATION (OF LATECRETACEOUS OSTRACODS), AND WE NOW KNOW WHERE.

MARK PUCKETT species had to be compared to others to ensure that they were new species.

Ostracods, a marine species, are found everywhere, with some dating back even 450 million years ago. Adults are about one millimeter in size, Puckett said.

He said ostracods that live in deep water are blind, as shown by the lack of eyes in the fossil samples, while ostracods that live in shallow water have a preserved eye.

According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, ostracods existed during the Cambrian period about 542 million to 488 million years ago. This period was preceded by the Mesozoic era, or the dinosaur age.

4A IMAGES

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

One last...

MERRY CHRISTMAS

by Staff Photographer Michael Redding Christmas is my favorite holiday.

Ok, so I don’t care so much for the shopping or the traffic or all the silly holiday themed movies, but I do love spending time with my friends and family. Also, since my birthday is at the beginning of the month, I just consider the whole month of December one

big holiday. The sights and smells of Christmas in the South make the entire month stand out greatly from the rest of the year.

Now, a new year is upon us and we’re gearing up for the spring semester of 2013 and the sights and smells of college are in the air. Students are moving

back into the dorms and complaining about the cost of textbooks and the lack of parking and the semester just started.

The GUC kitchen is warmed up and ready to serve the masses. If you’re like me, you’re wondering if you made a mistake registering for an 8AM class!

So, in the spirit of my favorite holiday,

I’m offering you one last “Merry Christmas”, belated though it may be, and the hope that we all have an awesome spring filled with fun, excitement, and good grades!

NEWS 5A

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala CLUB, continued from page 1A

Property Map

the building of the center.

Zhang placed an offer with the city for $2.1 million with a promise of $50,000 in earnest money to be paid to the city.

“As one of the leading manufacturers and research centers for Chinese herbal medicine in China, Guizhou Shenqi Group desires to establish an international institute for graduate studies in integrative health, innovation management and sustainable development and technology,” Zhang said in a letter to Haddock.

Zhang also said in his letter to Haddock that he plans to have garden areas and apartment-style housing for graduate students on the property.

Jordan said the project would not only enrich the city economically but educationally as well.

The resolution classified the country club property as surplus and will allow the mayor to negotiate terms with the map courtesy of Google Maps © 2013 university to complete the sale of the property.

“I appreciate this council’s initiative The red balloon above indicates the area where university officials are interested in purchasing property for a new integrative health program in relation to UNA’s main campus. to move forward with this resolution,” said UNA President Bill Cale. and other officials withdrew their inter- and services that will be beneficial to all, rezoned, but the existing structure would Cale said he thinks the discussions est in the property after certain council especially those in the Shoals commu- be already zoned properly. the university, the city and Zhang will members voiced their opposition to the nity,” said Dr. Chunsheng Zhang, UNA “I am honored to be able to vote for have will create a proposed contract for sale and partnerships with Chinese com- vice provost for international affairs, in one of the most important decisions to sale to present to the council. panies. Cale said the new council and a release. be made in this community for several “Chairman Zhang sees in this ven- mayor, who just took office, fully supIf the university receives approval years,” said Councilman Andy Betterture a world-class learning center that ported the university. on the sale agreement, the next steps ton, a former UNA student. “I am so will form the nucleus for adding botaniThe process shouldn’t take more would involve the Florence Planning very excited that we are a part of that and cal gardens, a visitor center, clinical out- than a month to take place, Cale said.

Commission approving the rezoning of the city to be a part of and look forward reach and continuing education,” Cale The property will have classroom the land, Jordan said. as a proud alumni to what this will bring said in a release. “The natural beauty space, residence halls, parking and an “(Assistant Director for City Plan- to the area.” of the city of Florence, warmth of the herb garden for students to use, officials ning Robert Muse) said he would start Many of the councilmen spoke out regional community, support of local said. the process to rezone it immediately,” in support of the agreement with the uniand state leaders and the commitment “This strategic partnership between Jordan said. versity and said it was an investment in of UNA combine to create a founda- UNA and SEMC will maximize the Jordan said the recreational areas education. tion from which an exciting future will strength of both parties in developing on the property that includes the golf emerge.” cutting-edge integrative health programs course and pond areas would have to be Approximately one year ago, Cale

PETS, continued from page 1A “You have to understand the feelings of the pets,” Rappuhn said.

“When you adopt them and they become attached to you, but you can’t take care of them, it really hurts them.”

Rappuhn said there are options for college students who want to spend time with animals without making a full-time commitment to caring for them.

“The volunteer program started two and a half years ago,” she said.

“We would love nothing more than for students or people to come and just spend time with the animals. Attention is what they crave more than anything.”

Rappuhn said her volunteers come from many places.

“Many of them are students,” she said. “They get community service hours for various programs at the university. And we have one young man that volunteers here frequently because he loves animals but can’t have them in his apartment complex.”

”

WHEN YOU ADOPT THEM AND THEY BECOME ATTACHED TO YOU, BUT YOU CANʼT TAKE CARE OF THEM, IT REALLY HURTS THEM.

DEBBIE RAPPUHN UNA student Amanda Daniel said she can’t imagine not having her dog Scout, a Great Pyrenees/Labrador mix, and that she’s worth all of the extra work that goes into caring for a dog.

“I got her from the shelter in September,” Daniel said. “Sometimes it’s challenging, because a dog her size needs lots of food and exercise, but she definitely helps with the stress level when things get hectic.”

Daniel said having a pet while balancing other commitments has taught her a lot.

“She’s taught me a lot about responsibility,” she said. “She depends on me for everything. But on the plus side, she never leaves my side, and even if I’ve been at school all day, she can’t wait to see me.”

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Animals await adoption in their kennels at the Florence/Lauderdale Animal Shelter.

6A

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Jan. 10, 2013• The Flor-Ala

New year offers new opportunities STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA

THE

JOSH SKAGGS EXECUTIVE EDITOR ALEX LINDLEY NEWS/MANAGING EDITOR ANN HARKEY LIFE EDITOR MALISA MCCLURE SPORTS EDITOR JARED MCCOY COPY/OPINION EDITOR BLYTHE STEELMAN ONLINE EDITOR LAURA IVIE BUSINESS MANAGER MATTHEW WILSON CIRCULATION MANAGER KAYLA SLOAN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER CHRISTINA COVINGTON MICHAEL REDDING ALLI OWNBY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS REBECCA WALKER ADVISER

BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

Well, guys, we’ve made it — it is officially 2013. It is a brand new year, filled with endless opportunities and possibilities.

I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, mainly because I only end up more stressed than I was before the resolution.

So, this year I sought a different approach.

I turned 22 in November, and for my birthday a friend gave me three books written by Tucker Max. He’s said to have created the “fratire” genre of literature with the 2006 release of his book, “I Hope They Serve Beer

in Hell.” He followed up with “Assholes Finish First” and “Hilarity Ensues.”

I only have one thing to say about him: the man is a genius.

He has life — and the key to being happy — figured out.

And you know what? It’s actually pretty simple. A passage from “Hilarity Ensues” explains it perfectly: “What kind of life did I want to lead? One I loved, one I was proud of, and one that made me happy? Or a life that other people told me I was going to lead, but I hated? Looking at it that way, there wasn’t really a choice. It came down to one simple thing for me: Everyday I have to wake up and look at myself in the mirror, and if I’m not excited to live the day in front of me, proud of who I am and what I’m spending my time doing… then what’s the f---ing point?”

That will be my approach to 2013.

If you know anything about

Max, call him a He-Man Woman Hater, an asshole or whatever you want, but the man’s got it figured out. It’s OK to have fun and live your life for one person: you.

All my life I’ve tried to make sure others are happy, often at the expense of my own happiness. My undergraduate career has been bogged down with working multiple jobs, the everpresent need to excel in academics (to please my family) and doing what others told me to do.

Do I regret any of it? No. I do wish, though, that I had learned a long time ago it’s OK to be my own person.

More importantly, it’s OK — it’s necessary, even — to stand up and say, “This is my life, and this is how I’m going to live it.

I will do what makes me happy, not what others tell me I should do.”

I’ve been faced with a lot of tough choices in terms of my future and what path my life is

Letters Policy The Flor-Ala welcomes and encourages Letters to the Editor.

• The deadline for submitting letters is 10 a.m. Monday, the week of publication.

• Letters must not exceed 400 words.

• Letters must be accompanied by the writerʼs name, mailing address, phone number and email.

• The Flor-Ala prefers to publish your letters exactly as written, but reserves the right to reject slanderous or libelous material.

• The publication of any letter is left to the discretion of the Editorial Board.

• Priority is given to letters critical of The Flor-Ala, or written in direct response to an editorial, a column, or a news story.

• When the editors deem it necessary for ease of understanding or to clarify facts, an Editorʼs Note may accompany a letter.

• Address correspondence to The Flor-Ala. UNA Box 5300, Florence, AL 35632.

Email: florala@una.edu.

• Phone: 256-765-4364

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Additional copies $1 each.

going to take. There have been many moments when I’ve felt like I have to choose a particular option only to please someone else, when I know the last thing I’ll be is happy.

But that’s no way to live life, and I would encourage you to realize that, too. For many of us, this is the last period of our lives where we’ll be free enough to do the fun things like partying, traveling or chasing our wildest dreams. This is also the best period of your life to decide what you want to do with just that — your life.

Life is short. It is cliché, but it’s true. You have to do what you want to do (within reason, of course), even if it seems selfish at first, because in the end, you’re the one who has to live with the choices you make. Being happy really is that simple.

And for that little life lesson, I have to say thank you, Tucker Max.

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Calling it like we see it Reelshow Student Filmmakers Online Magazine named UNA’s Film and Digital Media Production program No. 1 internationally in their Top 10 Film Schools survey for 2012.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: It is completely disgusting to me that a student newspaper would be used as a medium to demean a member of our student body by publishing a tweet written about a particular student.

Not only did the tweet racially profile the student, but it also promotes bullying of the student because of the moniker

used to describe them.

A student newspaper is something that should be used to unify the student body; it should not be used to make a student feel isolated or self-conscious in any way. Just because a tweet has #UNA after it does not mean it should be printed in the UNA paper.

Your staff writer Matt Wilson stated it perfectly in his “Grow up, this is college” article: “Don’t be a jackass to your fellow community members.

We’re all in this together and we’re all trying to figure it out.”

Maybe The Flor-Ala should take their own advice and grow up.

When you publish things that put a specific student under a spotlight of mockery, you come across as a paper that will publish anything to fill up column space, regardless of the effects it has on the person being written about.

This is not a letter written in any way to attack your freedoms of speech or press. This is a letter written to take a stand against your unprofessionalism in what you have published.

Allyson Dunkerly

Interested in writing or taking photos for The Flor-Ala? Come to our writers meeting every Monday at 6 p.m or photographer meeting Tuesday at 5 p.m. Take a story, shoot a photo and get involved.

The UNA women’s basketball team ranked No. 1 in the Gulf South Conference at the end of the semester.

WANT TO FOLLOW OUR STAFF ON TWITTER? Follow these accounts to stay up to date on what is going on around campus:

@joshskaggs @TheFlorAlex @jmccoy90 @annharkey1 @bksteelman @FlorAlaSports

8A NEWS

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

HEALTH

Students face mental health stressors

photo illustration by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

College students suffer many stressors that can affect their everyday lives, and even college itself can be a stressor, said Larry Bates, UNA psychology professor.

KATIE LINDSAY

Student Writer klindsay@una.edu

January is Mental Health Awareness Month, a push to learn more about and recognize mental issues and stresses.

While some students are aware of mental health disorders, others feel they should know more.

“I’m probably not as aware of mental

health disorders as I should be,” said Katie Fowler, UNA freshman.

In an article for the American Psychological Association, John Guthman, Ph.D., recounted a study of mental health in college students.

“In the last 10 years, a shift in the needs of students seeking counseling services is becoming apparent,” Guthman said.

Guthman said students are dealing with adult problems.

“It used to be that students would come to university counseling centers because they broke up with their partner or failed a test,” Guthman said. “Now, they are coming with emotional distress and requesting mental health treatment for the same reasons that other adult populations seek out treatment.”

Larry Bates, associate professor of psychology at UNA, encourages students to recognize their own potential problems and to understand that the benefits of seeking help should outweigh any perceived stigma against therapy.

“College is a stressor, but if we take advantage of it, college gives us an opportunity to widen and strengthen relationships,” Bates said. “A social network helps with stress. If stress gets too bad, seek services of a professional. (Therapy) doesn’t mean we’re weak.”

Bates said the problem of mental health issues is awareness.

“You have to be aware of it (to treat it),” he said.

UNA Student Counseling Services, located at 555 Oakview Circle, offers counseling for issues like depression, anxiety, stress, body image and self-esteem, as well as grief and anger management.

UNA counseling is free and confidential.

To schedule an appointment, call 256765-5215. Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

RIDE ALONG, continued from page 2A After patrolling the parking deck, we rode over to Flowers Hall where a high school basketball tournament was being held. Officer Romeo Gillyard was stationed at the basketball game, but we stopped by to see if help was needed for traffic.

“A lot of times with big events, traffic can be a mess,” Jackson said.

Luckily, the attendees left sporadically throughout the games, so traffic

”

THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT, WE ARE

ALWAYS RIDING AROUND THE CAMPUS JUST TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS ALL RIGHT.

LES JACKSON wasn’t an issue.

After another patrol through both campuses, we stopped by the library where I was able to meet a member of the SNAP team and see the work they do. Shortly after, a foreign exchange student who believed she had left her keys in Keller Hall earlier that day called. The student was leaving to return to China the next morning.

Jackson spent the remainder of the evening trying to find a way into the locked classroom to retrieve the keys. After searching for someone with keys to the particular classroom, it was determined that the student had not left keys inside. From that point the lost and found was searched through but with no luck in finding her keys. The officer was very helpful, given the situation.

LIFE

SECTION B

Jan. 10, 2013• The Flor-Ala • Life Editor: Ann Harkey 256-765-5233

Sold into sex

slavery

BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

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See SLAVERY, page 4B

2B LIFE

Jan. 10, 2013• The Flor-Ala

CAREER

Job hunt takes creative approach

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

UNA students have access more than 600 student job positions via LionJobs. Students can upload their resume to the website and directly apply to on-campus, off-campus, part-time and full-time positions.

CORINNE BECKINGER Staff Writer cbeckinger@una.edu

With winter graduation in the past and the beginning of a new semester underway, many UNA students are expressing concern about finding stable jobs to help pay for school now, not just after they finish their degree.

“It’s a reality that most college students need a job,” said Lauren Daley, a junior at UNA. “It’s hard to find a job, and you take what you can get because having a job, whatever it may be, is better than not having a job.”

Students searching for employment can find help on LionJobs, where they

will find that UNA offers more than 600 student job positions, officials said.

Students can also attend the universitysponsored career fairs in the fall and spring semesters, where they can meet with employers from the Shoals and surrounding areas.

“I found my jobs through LionJobs and also by attending the career fair for graduating seniors,” said Rachel Gandy, a UNA junior. “I snuck in just to network with the different employers there.”

Gandy also works a second, seasonalbased job through Bank Independent.

The idea of a seasonal job is becoming a trend among students who need the money but only have time to work during school breaks and holidays.

“It’s hard to have a part-time job and still go to school, let alone have a fulltime job,” said Rick Mills, a junior at UNA. “A friend of mine used to work at the mall during the Black Friday sales and later on towards Christmas, as well.

It wasn’t a steady deal, but it was better than nothing.”

Most students agree that it is important to start networking early in their college career so they can establish a repertoire for future employers. These students also hope that their experience will help them to stand apart from their peers applying for the same position.

“I’m confident that I will be creating a foundation that will allow me to find a good job,” said LeAnne Vogel, a

junior. “I’m preparing myself by taking part in activities I feel equip me with a background that can set me apart from other applicants in future career opportunities.”

The experience, the resume boosters, the networking and the recommendations will, hopefully, allow students to make it one step closer to achieving their dreams jobs after graduation.

“I feel that if someone is in dire need of work, then they will find a job somewhere,” Mills said. “They just have to keep looking and be willing work somewhere even if they hate it. It’s not like it’s going to be your lifetime career — that’s what you are in school for in the first place.”

ACADEMIC

Officials, students discuss most popular majors LUKE SMITH

Staff Writer lsmith1@una.edu

The most popular majors at UNA include nursing, biology, management, communications, and elementary and secondary education, with the least popular majors including physics, math, economics and industrial hygiene, according to officials.

UNA students and faculty have several theories on why certain majors are ranked the way they are.

“I don’t think people understand what (industrial hygiene) is at first glance,” said UNA student Casey Bed-

ingfield, an industrial hygiene major. “It is a very specialized field of study. Many people ask me to explain my major. That doesn’t happen with biology, chemistry and physics majors.

“Industrial hygiene takes elements from biology, chemistry and physics, and you use that understanding to benefit the well-being of individuals in the workplace. I enjoy it because it is people-focused. You can make a difference in the lives of people by making sure the work environment is as safe as possible.”

UNA student Michael Losey, an entertainment industry management major, has some ideas to explain why management is one of UNA’s higher-ranked ma-

jors.

“I think that even though the music industry has been hit pretty hard economically, there is still a huge market for the product, and time will tell what the new business model will be,” Losey said.

“It is exciting to be a part of something that everyone knows will develop but a little scary due to the uncertainty of when and how it will develop. Still, it is easy to be interested in the business of music if one is a music lover but knows that being a musician or artist is not for them.”

Greg Pitts, professor and chair of the department of communications, dis-

cussed the ranking of the communications major.

“I think there are several reasons for it,” Pitts said. “One is that people either understand it or believe they do because we’re engaged in communication in some way every single day. Maybe it’s speaking to somebody, maybe it’s consuming media, maybe it’s social media related.

“I think also that students take a look at the basic focus or structure of our degree, and we emphasize writing skills, but we also emphasize digital technology skills, and we have a creative thinking side that goes along with the major, as well.”

LIFE 3B

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

RELATIONSHIPS

STUDENT REVIEW

Online dating increases in popularity ‘Les Misérables’

brings beauty to big screen JARED MCCOY

Copy/Opinions Editor jmccoy@una.edu

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

In 2012, Match.com showed approximately 40 million people used an online dating website in the past year.

KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel2@una.edu

The Digital Age has ushered in the technology to speak with anyone anywhere at anytime about anything — dating is no exception.

In 2012, a research study held by online dating site Match.com showed that approximately 40 million people used an online dating service in that year alone.

Despite this number, a mere 17 percent of all people claim to have begun their relationships online as opposed to “the old-fashioned way” of happenstance, according to Match.com.

“I wouldn’t necessarily encourage online dating,” said freshman Rachel Cole. “I think it takes all the fun out of developing the relationship, plus you never know when people are lying about something — you can’t personally judge their character, only the facts they’re providing.”

A study conducted by The New York Times in 2011 showed that an estimated 81percent of all online dating profiles contain at least one lie. In the study, women claimed to weigh less, men claimed to be taller, and both genders tended to use photos taken much earlier.

Travis Dykes, a sophomore at UNA,

sees the lies as a sign of low self-esteem.

“People who don’t have a lot of confidence in themselves usually are more interactive online, but the bad thing about that is that it doesn’t necessarily help them in real face-to-face interaction,” Dykes said.

Those who pursue online dating may seem to set aside their fears about such modern concerns as Internet predators when searching for potential soul mates, though many maintain their inhibitions and keep a distance by meeting the person in a popular location such as a bar or restaurant.

“I believe that people always suspect that the person who they are talking to online is a potential criminal just to stay safe,” Dykes said. “It’s definitely not an urban legend. People get bamboozled every day from online dating, but everyone that does online dating should always have that (fear) in the back of their mind.”

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse claimed that in 2005 one in four criminals used online dating sites to locate their victims. Since then, many states have passed regulations regarding the dating site’s responsibility to inform users of responsible usage and how to stay safe using their products. Match.com published a lengthy safety tip section for

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @UNAFLORALA

their home page that includes “ignore money requests,” “remain anonymous until you feel ready” and “be wary of acting immediately.”

Though the possibilities of crime exist, people turn to online dating as a way to meet potential soul mates and utilize sites that are turning their focus more and more to relationship longevity.

In 2006, eHarmony launched a separate website called eHarmony Marriages which exists as an online substitute for marriage counseling, encouraging a decreased divorce rate courtesy of inhouse psychologists’ program for couples meeting online. Such steps have led to increased income within the online dating business, and in 2012 the market had a net worth of $1.9 billion dollars, according to Jupiter Research.

There is yet to be any proof or statistics confirming or denying the longevity of online relationships versus in-person coincidences, though students like Cole cast a wary eye.

“I think the Internet has hindered social interaction,” Cole said. “Especially dating. People would rather text than talk, and relationships have no merit unless they are ‘Facebook official.’ It’s sad, really, how impersonal dating has become.”

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I have to admit that the only things I knew about “Les Misérables” before seeing it were that it dealt with French revolutionaries and that Susan Boyle wasn’t actually in it.

For those who are as ignorant of Broadway and classic French literature as me, “Les Mis” follows Victor Hugo’s epic story of Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a petty thief condemned practically forever by an oppressive law enforcement system overseen by the well-meaning but misguided Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe).

Tom Hooper, Oscar-winning director of “The King’s Speech,” took on the heavy responsibility of re-envisioning one of the longestrunning shows in Broadway history.

That vision called for the actors to command the film. All the singing was performed live on camera with the orchestra subsequently following that recording, rather than the more typical use of studio recordings with the actors lip syncing.

This technique was meant to bring some kind of gritty realness to the story, as opposed to a more manufactured studio sound. This seems to be both a good and bad thing. On the one hand, more realistic and plausible characters are easier to relate to. On the other, when have musicals — a format based around the idea of characters spontaneously erupting into song with invisible accompaniment — ever been known for a focus on realism?

The film’s crowning feature goes to Anne Hathaway’s heartbreaking performance as the tragedy-riddled prostitute Fantine, especially during her solo “I Dreamed a Dream.” The camera focuses closely on her face and captures her unflinching, raw emotion. It’s no stretch to say that she is a strong contender for Best Supporting

See‘LES MIS’page 4B

4B LIFE

Jan, 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

‘LES MIS,’continued from page 3B Actress at the Oscars.

Unfortunately, as one could have guessed, Crowe is not a singer. His weak and tinny baritone strips Javert of almost all intimidation, ruining an otherwise wonderful and intriguing character.

Crowe almost seems too distracted by the task of singing his lines to remember to act.

Jackman, a Tony Award winner with a long stint in musical theater, similarly and confusingly disappoints in his singing. At least he still manages to give a convincing performance with some depth and expression for Valjean.

Similar to Tim Burton’s version of “Sweeney Todd,” “Les Mis” proved that Sacha Baron Cohen should only ever appear on screen to provide some comic relief in an otherwise dark and depressing musical — and be kept in a small cage underground at all other times.

As much as I enjoyed and appreciated the film (I promise I did), all I can positively say is that I thought the cinematography was pretty and that the story was touching, and only one of those applies to this film specifically. I don’t think this film is likely to be seen as a definitive version of the musical, and I think if would be safe to assume I would have felt more moved seeing it performed on stage.

THE

AT

A

GLANCE

MOVIE HAS EARNED

MILLION SINCE IT HAS

$103.5 OPENED.

Les Misérables opened Dec. 25 at Carmike Regency Square 12 theaters in Florence.

SLAVERY, continued from page 1B “I didn’t really know what sex trafficking meant until I read the story on the site,” Frazier said. “It was about a little girl, and her number was 146. One line stood out in particular. It said, ‘There’s no light in her eyes, no life left.’

“It really bothered me. I wanted to do something to help.”

She said she started researching more and wanted to do something to help.

Around the same time, then UNA student Bethany Oliver was working to establish a chapter of Faceless, a group that also works to raise awareness about hu-

man sex trafficking, on UNA’s campus.

“I went to a weekend retreat in Nashville, and it just really opened my eyes to the fact that it exists in our own backyards,” Oliver said.

She said she realized how unaware people are of what’s going on.

“People don’t realize it could happen to anyone,” she said. “It could happen to your best friend. It only takes one person to be involved in something like that.”

Oliver said that as she established the group, she was glad to see so many people getting involved with the cause.

“Within the first semester of Faceless being on campus, there were two different cases in Florence,” Oliver said. “I think that really hit home for people and

photo by JOSH SKAGGS I Executive Editor

they began to realize that it could happen here.”

Frazier said she got involved with the group, as well as tried to raise awareness on her own.

“I gave a speech about it in one of my classes,” she said. “I also handed out fact cards to everyone.”

Oliver, who now serves as the coordinator of leadership and volunteerism in Student Engagement, said she is looking forward to following up on the group now that she is back at UNA. “I definitely am going to look into it and see where it’s at,” she said. “I feel like people are more familiar with and aware of the issue now, whether that be good or bad.”

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Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

COURTING

SPORTS 5B

SUCCESS

UNA guard Jennifer Towne defends the ball against Valdosta State’s Kourtnee Williams in the Dec. 1 home game. The UNA women went on to win their game 62-54, while the men won theirs 95-94 in overtime. Both teams continued to see success over the holidays, with the women currently topping the GSC.

Women top GSC, men currently third MALISA MCCLURE

Sports Editor msmcclure@una.edu

The UNA basketball teams have had a successful season thus far, with the women reigning No. 1 in the Gulf South Conference and the men holding a GSC record of 3-1.

“We’re such a young team, I don’t think anyone expected us to be No. 1 (in the GSC) right now,” said women’s basketball head coach Terry Fowler.

The Lions are now preparing for a tough GSC contest against Union Jan. 12.

“I hope our students really come out,” Fowler said. “We’ve got a team that’s 113, No. 1 in the GSC. That’s something to be excited about.”

The Union women are second in the GSC (8-4, 3-1), while the men rank eighth in conference (3-9, 1-3).

“They’ll be a quality opponent; we’ve just got to play our best,” Fowler said.

Both the men’s and women’s teams

UNA V. UNION TIP-OFF TIMES 1 P.M. - WOMEN 3 P.M. - MEN

are coming off Jan. 5 victories at Delta State, where the men won 69-53 and the women 59-58.

”

I hope our students really come out. Weʼve got a team thatʼs 11-3, No. 1 in the GSC. Thatʼs something to be excited about.

TERRY FOWLER The women’s game was an exciting one, with the ladies coming back from a 21-point deficit in the second half to win with a three-pointer from Jennifer Towne in the last 10 seconds.

The women’s win also broke an 11game losing streak against the Statesmen.

“It came down to our kids never quitting and continuing to believe that as long as there was time on the clock they could win,” Fowler said.

Fowler said that he’s proud of his players, though they have a long way to go. Their goal is to win the GSC championship.

Against DSU, DeAndre Hersey led the men by scoring 26 points and pulling

See BASKETBALL, page 7B

photos by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

UNA guard Marquel Darrington attempts to shoot over Blazer defenders Patrick Diop and Josh Sparks in the Dec. 1 game against VSU.

6B SPORTS

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

Ready for a winning season

Walker looks to further Lionsʼ New coach forsees successful future winning tradition BRYAN BAKER

Student Writer bbaker2@una.edu

The Lions softball team is set to start a new season under new direction.

Coach Jason Anderson, who accepted the job in July, is excited about the start of the 2013 season.

Anderson takes the place of Jeremy Reece, whose contract was not renewed at the end of the 2012 season. Last season the softball team finished 20-26 overall with a Gulf South Conference record of 8-21.

Additionally, the Lions have not seen a winning season since 2008.

Anderson believes with the team he has now that the Lions can have a successful season.

“I don’t think this is a rebuilding process,” Anderson Said, “The girls on this team have talent.”

Anderson is a former baseball player who received his bachelor’s degree in 2001 from Arkansas Tech University.

He then went to Western University where he received his Masters.

MALISA MCCLURE

Sports Editor msmcclure@una.edu

Former Lee University assistant coach Chris Walker is taking over the UNA soccer program, after Athletic Director Mark Linder announced him as the new Lions’ head coach Jan. 3.

”

I donʼt think this is a rebuilding process. The girls on this team have talent.

JASON ANDERSON WALKER

file photo by CHRISTI BRITTEN

Lions’ new head softball coach Jason Anderson speaks at his introductory press conference on June. 28, 2012. Anderson, from Central Baptist College, thinks he can lead the team to success this season.

Anderson’s former coaching job was at Central Baptist College in Arkansas where he spent five years as head coach.

He led the team to one national championship in 2010, started the Mustangs as a top five team in 2011 and compiled a 225-37 record over his entire tenure.

In Anderson’s first year at CBC he accomplished a record of 29-9, despite having only three returning players Anderson’s focus for the Lions right now is to get them playing together as a whole, and to get them ready to sub-in at positions when needed.

“We need to strengthen the team in certain spots,” Anderson Said, “ we’re really working on depth right now.”

The Lady Lion’s signed two players at the last moment as Anderson took the job, and only have to worry about replacing five seniors that were lost from last year’s squad.

“We’ve had eight to ten players transfer from junior college’s and other four year universities,” Anderson said, “and we’ve got to have the ladies ready for transitioning in.”

Anderson believes that his pitching circle is solid with the return of Breanna Riley and Haley Barnette, and that the team’s defense will be tighter with the return of several infielders.

The Lady Lion’s softball season is to begin February 7 against Stillman in Tuscaloosa at 1 pm.

2013 Softball Schedule 2/7 2/8 2/15-17 2/22-24 3/2 3/3 3/6 3/9 3/10 3/12 3/16 3/20

@Stillman v Miles College UAH Charger Chillout UNA Invitational @ West Florida* (DH) @ Valdosta State* (DH) v Delta State* (DH) @ Shorter* (DH) @ West Georgia* (DH) v Kentucky State (DH) @ Union* v Christian Brothers* (DH)

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

--1 p.m.

12 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

3/23 3/24 3/29 3/30 4/2 4/6 4/7 4/13 4/14 4/20 4/27 4/28

v Alabama-Huntsville* (DH) v West Alabama* (DH) v Valdosta State* (DH) v West Florida* (DH) @ Miles (DH) @ Delta State* (DH) @ Christian Brothers* (DH) v Shorter* (DH) v West Georgia* (DH) v Union* (DH) @ West Alabama* (DH) @ Alabama-Huntsville* (DH)

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

1 p.m.

“It’s exciting,” Walker said. “I’m looking forward to getting to know the team and getting to work.”

Walker said he is excited to be at UNA because “it’s somewhere that’s got a winning mentality.”

Walker was with the Lady Flames for three years, in which time Lee won three Southern States Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles and back-to-back national championships in 2010 and 2011. The team currently holds the highest winning percentage in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournament play.

”

Graham (Winkworth) did a fantastic job here and itʼs just something I want to build on.

CHRIS WALKER “He’s been very successful as an assistant coach and has earned the opportunity to be head coach at North Alabama and I’m sure he’ll continue to be successful,” said former UNA head coach Graham Winkworth.

Winkworth, who is getting settled in his new job at Division I school University of South Alabama, called Walker after the announcement to wish the new coach good luck.

“I’m excited for him and I want to wish him the very best,” Winkworth said.

Winkworth left big shoes for Walker to fill, posting an overall record of 11181-8 in 10 seasons at UNA and being ranked as the program’s winningest coach.

In the last four years, Winkworth held an overall record of 65-18-3 and

See WALKER, page 7B

SPORTS 7B

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala BASKETBALL, continued from page 5B

UNA men look to continue success, improve down seven rebounds, while Marquel Darrington had 11 points during the game.

Over the holiday break, both teams have performed well. The women hold an overall record of 11-3 and a conference record of 4-0, while the men are 10-2 with a GSC record of 3-1.

The men’s one GSC loss came at the hands of Christian Brothers University Jan. 3 at CBU. The Buccaneers were able to shut the Lions down, holding the team to a 31.8 shooting percentage in the game.

The Bucs also held Rashaun Claiborne and DeAndre Hersey, two of

UNA’s top scorers, to a combined two points.

“You want to win all your home games and, at the worst, split on the road, and that’s what we’ve done,” said men’s basketball head coach Bobby Champagne.

The men are now seated No. 3 in the GSC, and Champagne said the team is working to keep up with GSC leaders.

“We’re trying to keep pace with the leaders in the league,” Champagne said.

“In order for us to keep pace we’ve gotta keep winning.”

Follow @FlorAlaSports for results of Saturday’s contest with Union.

WALKER, continued from page 6B led the team to four straight NCAA D-II Tournament appearances and its first GSC title.

“Graham did a fantastic job here and it’s just something I want to build on,” Walker said.

Walker said his plan to build the UNA program includes “commitment, being a family and looking after each other,” as well as taking things one day at a time.

“If you do things right every day, the results will hopefully take care of themselves,” Walker said.

Another part of building the program includes, of course, recruiting. Walker

said UNA assistant coach Chris McBride has already been recruiting overseas during the Christmas break, and that Walker will spend every spare moment he has in the spring doing the same.

Walker said he’s still getting to know Florence — he still plugs everything into his GPS, he said — but that Linder and Associate Director of Athletics Jana Morrison have been very helpful during his transition.

“I knew I was coming to a good place with good people,” Walker said.

Walker will hold his first team meeting Jan. 11.

2013 Basketball Schedule 1/12 1/17 1/19 1/24 1/26 1/31 2/2 2/7 2/9 2/16 2/21 2/23 2/28 3/2

v Union* v Shorter* @ Alabama-Huntsville* @ West Georgia* v West Alabama* @ West Florida* @ Valdosta State* v Christian Brothers* v Delta State @ Union* @ Shorter* v Alabama Huntsville* v West Georgia* @ West Alabama*

1 p.m., 3 p.m.

6 p.m., 8 p.m.

5 p.m., 7 p.m.

4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

1 p.m., 3 p.m.

5 p.m., 7 p.m.

5 p.m., 7 p.m.

6 p.m., 8 p.m.

1 p.m., 3 p.m.

2 p.m., 4 p.m.

6 p.m., 8 p.m.

1 p.m., 3 p.m.

6 p.m., 8 p.m.

2 p.m., 4 p.m.

Women’s game timesl listed first, men’s second

HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY AWAY HOME HOME AWAY

8B EXTRA

Tweets of the week

Jan. 10, 2013 • The Flor-Ala DISCLAIMER: The tweets below are public tweets found on Twitter by searching hashtags and keywords involving UNA, Florence, Shoals and other university-related topics. Want to see yours on here? Be sure to hashtag UNA and Shoals in your tweets.