Jan. 24 Issue

FINANCIAL LITERACY CLASS COULD HELP STUDENTS NEWS 2A Jan. 24, 2013

Volume 81, Issue 17

www.FlorAla.net

Student newspaper of the University of North Alabama

ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL Experts say sleepy driving can be deadly CORINNE BECKINGER Staff Writer cbeckinger@una.edu

Battling fatigue at the wheel can be a fairly normal occurrence; however, many students do not realize the extreme danger they put themselves in when they decide to drive while they are tired.

“I completely agree that it is dangerous to drive any distance when tired, but that is just one

photo illustration by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

of the trials of being a commuter student,” said UNA junior Kaycee Bullard. “There will be nights when you have to stay up all night and then have to drive an hour to an 8 a.m. class. It is a sacrifice we have to make to commute.”

The issue, though, does not just affect commuter students; it affects students who live in the See DRIVING, page 5A

FREEZIN’ FOR FLEECE Fraternity braves cold to collect coats for charity BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

Shivering with no jackets, and some with bare chests, a group of Alpha Tau Omegas braved the sunny, but freezing, 40-degree weather earlier this week for charity.

The students huddled on the front lawn of Rogers Hall, working in shifts to make sure no one stayed in the cold for too long.

Holding signs with phrases like “Don’t let me freeze!” and “Cold for Coats,” the men had one goal: to collect coats and jackets for those less fortunate.

“The wind makes it colder, but it’s not too bad,” said sophomore Seth Taylor.

“Cold for Coats” was started in 2011

INSIDE

this week’s paper

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

ATO member Robby Thompson hangs a sign publicizing his fraternity’s coat drive. The students collected coats in front of Rogers Hall on campus.

when the Theta Eta chapter of ATO was brainstorming for a social service project to complete.

“We were sitting in chapter one night trying to think of something we could do,” said senior Jacob Winkles. “We try to do one social service project a month,

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

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

and the guy that was the chair at the time came up with the idea.

“It was cold, so we thought we could just collect jackets for the homeless people in the Shoals.”

More than 6,000 Alabama residents reported being homeless in 2010, the

most recent year statistics available, according to statehealthfacts.org.

This is the second year the event has taken place, and the members said they

See FREEZE, page 5A

BASKETBALL TEAMS WIN ON ROAD ... 5B

2A NEWS

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

Personal finance

101

Officials discuss required college finance courses JAMES DUBUISSON Staff Writer jdubuisson@una.edu

As college student debt increases daily, personal finance courses seem to be a possible solution to this problem.

According to a 2011 Council for Economic Education survey, only 13 states in the United States require students to take personal finance

courses in high school. Alabama, Mississippi and Florida are among the states that do not require a personal finance course.

“I think that high school may be a good place to start taking personal financial classes, especially since some students don’t go on to college, but I think students are more ready to learn financial skills in college,” said Bruce Gordon, professor of economics and finance.

Gordon said many students have grown up with a sense of entitlement.

“We immediately want all the goodies that might have taken our parents 20 years to be able to afford,” he said. “That attitude leads to horrible financial problems.”

He said schools can make students aware of the consequences of debt, while parents are the best

See FINANCE, page 3A

”

WHEN IT COMES TO

COLLEGE, I THINK EVERY STUDENT WOULD BE WELL SERVED BY TAKING A PERSONAL FINANCE COURSE.

LUKE MASLOW photo illustration by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

NEWS 3A

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

CAMPUS

Academic Commons construction on schedule PACE HOLDBROOKS

Staff Writer hholdbrooks@una.edu

The construction of UNA’s Academic Center and Student Commons building is on schedule, said UNA Director of Facilities Michael Gautney.

“We were held off this past week because of rain, but there have been no major delays,” he said. “They are currently working on welding the steel members together over the next two months.”

Gautney said the building will undergo several more stages of construction before completion in the spring of 2014.

“The official completion date is April 15, 2014,” he said. “We anticipate that, hopefully, we will finish it much sooner.”

The building will house UNA’s Center for Academic Advising and Retention Services, an expanded campus bookstore, the Department of Criminal Justice and The Hill, as well as a new service from Listerhill Credit Union.

“After years of planning, we are very excited to take our financial education efforts even further in the university’s new Student Commons Building,” said Kristen Mashburn, Listerhill’s Marketing Director, via email. “Listerhill’s new photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer Center for Financial Literacy, located in The Academic Commons Building is scheduled to be completed by April 15, 2014, said Director of Facilities Michael Gautney. the Student Commons Building, will of“I think (the Center for Financial Lit“I was told the original plan was to very excited for the building’s complefer financial services, as well as practical eracy) will be very useful because learn- have it done by fall of this year,” Jackson tion for herself, her peers and future stufinancial advice.” ing how to manage money is very impor- said. “It is a little depressing that I will no dents at UNA. The Student Commons portion of the tant so you don’t go in debt,” he said. longer be a student when it is completed.

“I think it is a great step in the growth building will also offer businesses such Jeremy Jackson, a senior at UNA, I now feel kind of indifferent about it, but of our already amazing university,” she as Frostbite, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A. said he wishes the building would open it will be nice to have a Starbucks in Flor- said. “It is appealing to prospective stuDavid Hughes, a freshman at UNA, sooner so that he would be able to enjoy ence.” dents, and it adds to the beauty and the said he is excited about the building. what his tuition is helping to construct.

Kaitlin Chappell, a junior, said she is prestige of UNA.”

FINANCE, continued from page 2A teachers for students.

“Only parents can effectively combat that entitlement attitude, but at least we can make students aware of the problems that the debt will cause for them in the future,” he said.

UNA students echoed the professor.

“Parents should inform their children because, ultimately, they are the ones who are supposed to shape their children in the early stages of their lives,” said Eli Hyde, a freshman.

Kayla Hurt, a sophomore at UNA, said parents should teach their children how to take care of their money instead of the schools.

“If anything, personal finance classes could be offered as an elective,” Hurt said.

“When it comes to college, I think every student would be well-served by taking a personal finance course,” Luke Maslow, a professional in the banking and finance field.

Maslow said taking a personal finance course would allow students to be more prepared when they graduate.

He said changes in regulations have cut down on predatory lending practices that help protect students from financial mistakes.

“These changes, however, are not a replacement for students knowing how to effectively budget, save, invest and manage credit,” he said.

”

I THINK IT IS CRUCIAL

THAT ALL OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE A REASONABLE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY.

BRUCE GORDON If students do not correctly manage their finances, a poor credit report may follow. This poor credit report can have long-term consequences when it comes to applying for loans, buying a car or house and future employment.

“Given the fact that many employers won’t even hire someone that has credit problems, I think it is crucial that all of our students have a reasonable level of financial literacy,” Gordon said.

Whether it is the parents’ or the school’s responsibility, personal finance literacy is important to the future financial security of students.

“I think it is very easy for schools to try to do too much, but I believe that it is the mission of UNA to turn out welleducated students that are ready to lead effective lives and have productive careers,” Gordon said.

4A IMAGES

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

R OARING W ATERS

by Chief Photographer Kayla Sloan

I have never been to the TVA trails while Wilson Dam was spilling until this weekend. It was unreal.

If you aren’t from these parts, you may not know about Wilson Dam. Wilson Dam was created during World War I to power the nitrate plants built in Muscle Shoals. The dam now is a part of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

TVA not only provides electricity to

much of the Southeast but some pretty fantastic trails as well. The park is located just across the dam.

Now, this could just be me geeking out but seeing the spill was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced.

The water was flooding up in waves around picnic tables, trees that you could normally see the roots of were covered up to their top branches by the surge and the birds — hundreds of white birds —

were feasting over the water where the spill pounded the top of the river.

It really is cooler than it sounds. I promise.

I kept imagining what it would be like to jump in and swim around this landscape that is normally seen only above water, to swim up a tree instead of climbing it. In my mind, the dam created a miniature Atlantis under the flood.

It may not be National Geographic or

“Planet Earth”-level scenery, but it’s our own small town wonder.

According to TVA’s website, the water release schedules have been altered since the week of rain we had. And as of right now, the dam is still spilling until further notice.

I highly encourage you to go check it out.

NEWS 5A

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

FREEZE: Group collects coats to aid Shoals-area homeless

photos by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

ATO members hold signs to collect coats for Shoals-area homeless. In addition to ATO, Shoals businesses and on-campus vendors donated blankets and coats.

FREEZE, continued from page 1A hope to continue it in the future.

“I’ve done a lot of social service events since I began ATO, but this is definitely the coldest one,” said freshman Connor Gray.

Members said that even though all of the brothers couldn’t be there to help run the event, it was truly a group effort to make sure the drive ran smoothly.

“It takes everyone,” Winkles said.

Their charity was not missed by strangers, as members witnessed many individuals donating jackets, some of them donating the very coat they were wearing. The UNA bookstore donated blankets, too, Taylor said.

DRIVING, continued from page 1A area.

Nearly one in six car crashes occur within the U.S. because a sleepy driver is at the wheel, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported, “Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 crashes a year, resulting in 40,000 injuries and 1,550 deaths.”

Autumn McMunn, a junior at UNA,

“The bookstore donated 40 blankets, and we probably have collected about 30 or 40 jackets since we set up this morning (Tuesday),” Taylor said.

While the members received several donations Tuesday, they said they were hopeful that Wednesday, the second day, would bring many more.

“A lot of people are stopping to ask how long we’ll be out here for,” Taylor said. “They want to bring things by on Wednesday for us.”

The brothers said all of the donated items will be given to the Salvation Army and a local Presbyterian church.

“It’s really all for charity,” Taylor said. “That’s why we stand out here and do this.”

agreed with the statistics. McMunn flipped her car because she was driving without proper rest from the previous evening.

“I was scheduled to work during the Thanksgiving holidays on Thursday from 4 a.m. to close and then on Friday from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” she said. “I did not realize how tired I was after work on Friday.”

McMunn said the combination of a hectic work schedule and the inconvenience of the dorms being closed for the holidays had left her too drained to drive home to see her family.

“I woke up as my car was flipping, and my car was completely totaled,” she said.

For McMunn, the shock of the accident encouraged her to change some of her driving habits.

“The funny thing was that right before I wrecked I almost stopped at a gas station to get a caffeinated drink,” she said. “Since my wreck, I do not drive long distances without a Coke or coffee.”

Bullard, who also battles fatigue while driving home from school and work, shared some of her techniques to stay awake at the wheel.

“I leave the air conditioning on to avoid that warm and cozy feeling,” Bullard said. “I also listen to my music loud and try to avoid soft and calming radio stations.”

The AAA Foundation also had some tips. According to their website, drivers should plan to get at least six hours of sleep the night before they drive and drink caffeine to keep themselves alert.

“One important thing to remember is to always be a defensive driver and know that people around you may be just as tired as you,” Bullard said.

6A NEWS

News Briefs

Aquila Theatre to perform ʻTaming of the Shrewʼ in Norton Feb. 7

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

MONEY

SHOW US THE MONEY

Norton Auditorium will host the internationally known Aquila Theatre traveling acting company for a performance of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.”

The show will take place Feb. 7. The show will start at 7 p.m., and doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The New York-based Aquila Theatre company is no stranger to UNA. The acting group has visited the university annualy for more than a decade.

Tickets are $5 for UNA students and $10 for the public.

Tickets are available for purchase at Pegasus Records and Tapes, the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, ColdWater Books and the UNA Bookstore.

Student Success Advisory Committee to host open forum discussions The UNA Student Success Advisory Committee will host two open forum discussions Jan. 29 and Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. in the GUC Performance Center.

The forums are open to the UNA community and the public to discuss the upcoming University Success Center and the First-Year Experience Program.

The University Success Center will be located in the new Academic Commons Building and will house the Advising Center, the Writing Center, the Math Center, Study Skills Services and FirstYear Experience.

The First-Year Experience Program will assist freshmen in several areas.

photo illustration by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

Many UNA students wait anxiously for their refund checks to be able to buy textbooks, like students at other universities like Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Martin. However, those schools offer direct deposit.

HAVE AN EVENT? News Briefs are compiled by News/Managing Editor Alex Lindley. Email alindley@una.edu or call (256) 765-4296 to have your event featured in this section.

Students anticipate refund checks for textbooks, other supplies BLYTHE STEELMAN Online Editor bsteelman@una.edu

One of the best days during the semester, for most students, at least, is the day refund checks are distributed.

You see your friends talk about them on social media, and if you’re receiving one, you anxiously await its arrival during the first week of classes.

Many UNA students, like Alex Smith, said they wait on their checks so they can buy textbooks.

“Books are expensive, and if I don’t have a check I can’t buy mine,” Smith said.

Refund checks are delivered to students’ campus mailboxes approximately five business days from the date classes begin, according to the UNA website.

From that point on, students should wait approximately five business days from the day the funds post to their student account before receiving a residual check.

Students without a campus mailbox will have refund checks mailed directly to their permanent address, and there is no option for check pickup, according to the website.

After repeated attempts to reach officials from the business office, no one was available for comment.

Refund checks are a big deal at other universities, too, students said.

Cristine Kuo, a student at Middle Tennessee State University, said while others stress about receiving their check, she is financially stable enough to make it through the waiting period.

“Yes, refunds are a huge deal at MTSU,” she said. “Almost everyone depends on it for textbooks and rent. I personally don’t stress about it because I pay mine out of pocket first, but most people usually wait until the refund check and then buy their books. The professors are

See REFUND, page 8A

VIEWPOINTS 7A

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

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

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Students need to do their fair share JOSH SKAGGS

Executive Editor jskaggs@una.edu

Unless you’re an ostrich with your head stuck in the ground, or you simply don’t care, you have heard the buzzword of “retention” floating around campus lately.

Retention, for those who don’t know, is simply the ability to keep students at UNA throughout their academic career. Whether it is from grades, transferring to another institution or the inability to pay for school, UNA officials have taken this challenge on in full force.

Naming Dr. Thomas Calhoun the vice president for enrollment management was the biggest step in the right di-

PAWS UP, PAWS DOWN

Calling it like we see it

rection the university has made in a long time to improve our falling retention numbers.

Creating the academic success center, providing assistance through the writing center and offering free tutors to students are just a few things the university is doing to aid students.

The president, faculty and staff have stepped up to the plate to keep students here, but there is one thing missing: students should be in the batter’s box too.

I applaud our leaders on campus for taking on this epidemic that faces many college campuses across the nation.

President Bill Cale said 30 percent of freshmen leave UNA’s campus within their first year for a number of reasons.

Sure, some students simply cannot pay for school or the expenses that come with being in a collegiate program, but the others that just don’t apply themselves need to get to work.

I see it day after day, the students who show up late,

don’t pay attention, sleep during class and even those who just show up to take tests. I am sure that nine out of 10 of these students are the ones marching down to their department chair’s office to complain when their teacher fails them. This isn’t OK anymore.

It all goes back to the reason most of us are here: a college degree that means something. UNA’s administration has said time after time that they will not ease up on students academically; they will only aid students who are struggling. I think this is a great idea, but students need to help themselves first.

I know there are students who sit with a math tutor each night, or go to the writing center once a day. I am not talking to those people. I am talking to the people who don’t even begin to try.

For the love of all that is good and holy, just go to class.

Engage in what the teacher is talking about. Listen to what questions your classmates have

to ask.

I admit, when I first started at UNA, I thought I would never graduate because I suck at math. It’s official. I promise, I really suck at math. But I finally woke up and smelled the Einstein’s coffee and found a math teacher I could understand and obtain the knowledge to get through the class. That’s what it is all about.

Taking your education into your own hands and taking an active role in learning is one of the principles of a college education.

Students who cannot “get it together” and skip class all the time should help themselves first, before ranting and raving about how awful a teacher is or how hard college is.

UNA basketball player Makeena Randle received Gulf South Conference Player of the Week for the second time this season.

A shootout at Lone Star College-North Harris resulted in three injuries Jan. 22 and marked the fifth on-campus shooting since the beginning of the year.

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

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8A NEWS

REFUND, continued from page 6A

lenient about it and know the situation also.”

Taylor Gobble, a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Martin, said her semester can’t truly begin until she picks up her refund check.

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

SGA

Senate rejects required signatures bill

” B I ʼ

OOKS ARE EXPENSIVE, AND IF DON T HAVE A CHECK I CANʼT BUY MINE.

ALEX SMITH “I know I depend on my refund check for books and supplies and use what’s left, if there’s any, to put into my account to pay for things like rent and groceries,” Gobble said.

UNA student Amanda Frazier said she feels like students should save their checks each semester, and then they wouldn’t have to worry at the start of each semester.

“If you save your check from the previous semester, you can use it to buy your books the next semester,” she said. “It’s a better situation.”

MTSU and UTM offer the option to have refund checks directly deposited into student bank accounts, unlike UNA. “I personally have mine directly deposited into my account, because it’s annoying to stand in line,” said UTM senior Whitney Pope.

Smith said she wishes UNA would offer the same option.

“I think it would be easier on everyone if they did,” Smith said.

photo by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

SGA Senators William Nash and Jordan Summerford listen at the Jan. 17 meeting of the SGA Senate. A bill to reduce the number of required signatures to apply for a senator position was rejected at the meeting.

TEENA PATEL

Student Writer tpatel5@una.edu

The UNA SGA Senate met Jan. 17 to discuss a variety of topics and to vote on two key bills.

Bill 13-01 was a bill proposed to change the number of signatures necessary to receive an interview for all SGA Senate applicants.

Some senators argued that acquiring 240 signatures to apply for SGA Senate is too difficult and deters potential senators

from applying for the position. Bill 13-01 was proposed to change the requirements to a professional resume and a recommendation letter from a faculty member in order for applicants to obtain an interview for the SGA Senate.

Other senators opposed this bill, stating that the signatures were important to show an applicant’s effort and willingness to become an SGA senator and to allow other students on campus to become familiar with those applying to become

SGA senators.

The bill failed with a final vote of 12 yes, 10 no and 3 abstain.

Jordan Brasher, SGA senate vice president, said the bill failed because “alterations to the code of laws must pass by a two-thirds vote of senate.”

Bill 13-02 was a bill proposed to utilize part of a miscellaneous fund to fund a leadership summit for high school juniors and seniors that might be interested in student government, Brasher said.

Bill 13-02 passed unanimously.

Other topics discussed at the SGA meeting included the proposal to extend fall break for UNA students.

The proposal, which was to remove the existing fall break and to add fall break to the week of Thanksgiving break, was denied.

SGA President Will Riley read from a report saying, “The proposal was approved by the SGA and staff senate but was rejected by the faculty senate due to scheduling concerns for Monday classes that only meet once a week and in loss of fall break.”

SGA also discussed its Sunset Fountain 5K to take place April 13 at 5 p.m.

The Sunset Fountain 5K will begin at UNA’s fountain, located near Bibb Graves Hall, and will take place downtown. The 5K has been organized in order to help SGA raise funds for the SGA Endowed Scholarship fund.

Also discussed at the meeting, SGA announced that the SGA Endowed Scholarship fund has reached $9,400.

LIFE S

ECTION B

STUDENT PROFILE

Student opens photography studio KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel2@una.edu

Steven Steffel, a professional marketing major at UNA, will be opening his photography studio near Wood Avenue in the coming months to attract clients.

“This is my passion,” he said. “My dad always said that if I got a job I loved, I’d never have to work a day in my life. I really liked that whole aspect.”

Steffel has been a photographer in Alabama for two years after moving to UNA from Ohio, where he worked under a photographer and on his own with pro bono cases for family and friends.

“The business classes (at UNA) taught me a lot about sales, marketing aspects, interacting with clients and the best way to facilitate a better experience for my clients,” he said.

“You have to know how to market and maintain happy customers; you have to thrill and amaze them.”

Steffel’s resume includes being a member of the Adobe Student Advisory Board, president of the American Marketing Association, the campus’ Marketing Ambassador, and a member of Phi Beta Lambda, where in recent state competitions he won first place in management and second place in marketing.

“A big part of the reason I chose the business major was my photography business,” he said. “I fell in love. I just loved getting lost in it.”

The studio is part of his new home on Button Avenue. The studio is downstairs with a spiral staircase leading up to the home portion of the lot. While the studio is being remodeled, Steffel still accepts destination photography.

“I’ll go wherever,” he said. “Shoots in the hub at my house will be convenient for people so that we don’t have to work around the weather — I can work rain or shine.”

Steffel works with digital editing, primarily for easy manipulation and for transferring work to his photo lab printer in Maryland.

“Owning your own business is hard work, but it’s very rewarding when done right,” he said. “You have to have diligence and always be innovating.

You have to set yourself apart — honestly, by being yourself you will be setting yourself apart.”

Though his studio is not open for business yet, Steffel is still accepting appointments for shoots, with plans to hire a few people for staff in the future.

See STEVEN, page 4B

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala • Life Editor: Ann Harkey 256-765-5233

Time to relax

photo illustration by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

Student Counseling Services are paid by the student health fee and are available Monday through Friday.

Relaxation beneficial to healthy, happy lifestyle TEENA PATEL

Student Writer tpatel5@una.edu

UNA students have many ways of dealing with stress. Some UNA students turn to television or physical exercise to stay calm.

“I watch TV or go running,” said Joyce Eccleston, a UNA sophomore.

Eccleston said she also likes to draw circles on paper until the paper is covered in ink or do yoga to relax.

“I typically like to go for really long walks downtown to get away from everything,” said Edwin Huertas Jr., a UNA freshman and computer science major. “It’s just something I kind of do when it comes upon me, usually in the morning.”

Other UNA students turn to books or movies to unwind.

“I read books that I connect to,” said Kathleen Franks, a UNA junior and English major. “The characters calm me down. I also watch light-hearted movies.”

Some UNA students, however, do not feel the need to relax.

“I don’t really get stressed out, to be quite honest,” said Riley Emnace, a UNA freshman double majoring in accounting and criminal justice. “I guess in

”

MY TROUBLES JUST START TO DOMINATE MY THOUGHTS AND IT STARTS TO MAKE ME RESTLESS.

EDWIN HUERTAS JR. time, when I start to get stressed, I think, ‘Oh, well, that’s happening,’ and then I deal with it.”

Jennifer Berry, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) at UNA’s Student Counseling Services, said stress manifests itself in different ways, from feeling moody or isolated to not sleeping well.

“If (stress) is not dealt with in a healthy way or effective way, with effective coping skills, it goes from managed stress to unmanaged stress,” she said.

Some UNA students have encountered the negative effects of stress.

“I think it’s really important to destress because when you’re stressed out, you won’t be able to do your best on what you’re working on,” said Ashley Grissom, a UNA sophomore. “Sometimes, it just gets to the point where I’ve got to stop before I go crazy. A lot of

times, I’ll take a break from what I was working on and I’ll get on Pinterest and look at the humor section. That does the trick every time.”

Other UNA students have also talked about the physical effects of stress.

“My troubles just start to dominate my thoughts and it starts to make me restless,” Huertas said.

Stress, when not properly managed, can lead to alcohol or drug use, excessive shopping or gaming or disordered eating patterns, Berry said.

Berry said stress can be caused by school, relationships, friendships and home life, even though these aspects of a college student’s life can also be healthy.

Berry also said that balancing academics with a social life, work and financial stress can be overwhelming for college students.

“One of the things that I work with students on is wanting to find a balance and learning how to develop an effective self-care plan for themselves,” Berry said.

Self-care plans can include time management, exercise and eating well, Berry said. However, self-care can be different for everyone. She said the im-

See RELAX, page 4B

2B LIFE

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

EVENTS

Boxcar Voices celebrates new year, new semester

photos by ALLI OWNBY I Staff Photographer

(Above) Cody Hopper performs a comedy skit at the end. theater. (Below) Brett Leslie recites original poetry.

ANNA GRACE USERY Student Writer ausery@una.edu

Local writers, readers and listeners gathered at the end. theater Jan. 17 to embrace the Boxcar Voices event in celebration of a new semester.

Boxcar Voices is a local organization founded by Andy Thigpen and Juliann Losey that allows writers an opportunity to assemble, recite poetry and

listen to performances. Thigpen said he and Losey wanted to start a dwelling of collective writers, poets and storytellers after J.T. Bullock, a famous poet and UNA graduate who constructed a similar group, left Florence. They teamed up with Scott Long, owner of the end. theater, to form a group that many UNA students and members of the community enjoy monthly.

Long said Boxcar Voices brings much personality to the venue.

“I believe every artist and musician should have the opportunity to be heard at least once,” he said.

According to the theater’s mission statement, “It is the mission of the end. to expose the public to unheard, unseen, and unperformed artists and works which will enrich and educate the public in a capacity previously unexplored.”

Long said he is wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing members of the community together into an ambiance of

a “place where the vibes make you go ‘Ah.’” Long said Boxcar Voices ultimately presents a powerful level of trust and intimacy as writers perform their works.

Thigpen said his best experience hosting Boxcar Voices was bringing in performers from all over the country who recite poetry for a living. UNA welcomed Reggie Cabico and J.T. Bullock to perform for the first time last year. Thigpen said they loved being at UNA and will be returning sometime this year.

First-time audience member Shilo Cupples said it was like being in a friend’s living room listening to poetry.

“I felt so welcomed and comfortable,” Cupples said.

The atmosphere of Boxcar Voices is inviting and pleasurable, according to many audience members and readers.

Thigpen welcomes anyone young and old to attend, participate and enjoy the event.

For information regarding the Boxcar Voices events, “like” the end. theater on Facebook. Next month’s event is Feb. 13 and is entitled “Awkward Ever Afters and Unhappy Endings.”

Boxcar Voices is also hosting “The End of Comedy” Jan. 24, a collection of out-of-town, as well as local, comic talent. This event is $7 at the door and is located on 106 South Pine Street.

LIFE 3B

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

HEALTH

Electronic cigarettes may help smokers quit

photo by CHRISTINA COVINGTON I Staff Photographer

E-cigarettes offer smokers a dose of nicotine without exposure to tobacco, smoke and certain additives, according to South Beach Smoke.

KALI DANIEL

Staff Writer kdaniel2@una.edu

The rise in popularity of vapor or ecigarettes offers a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes and can prove beneficial to those hoping to quit, though

some disadvantages have students wondering at what cost.

As described on South Beach Smoke’s website, “Essentially, when a smoker inhales, the operating mode sensor will subsequently trigger the microcomputer (micro)chip which in turn will signal the

lithium ion battery to release a charge to the atomizer ... (which) receives power and heats up, vaporizing the cartridge’s nicotine solution.”

For those who smoke, this method offers the ability to control how much nicotine the brain is getting, as well as where

and when they can smoke.

Consumers are offered a number of flavor options depending on the cigarette they choose, including such flavors as butter rum, tiramisu, licorice and cinnamon apple. All flavors are able to be purchased online or at certain local retailers and are available in various nicotine levels.

Many use e-cigarettes to quit smoking; however, some people consider it in hopes of pursuing a healthier lifestyle while still getting their dose of nicotine.

“I wanted to see if it was as good as cigarettes,” said freshman Sierra Seay.

“It’s not the same thing. It honestly depends on why you smoke — nicotine, oral fixation or the social aspect.”

Though testimonials on every e-cigarette website convinces potential customers that they are buying into a product that will help them kick a habit, it seems that determination and the individual prove to be the biggest obstacle.

“My friend, for instance, started smoking vapor cigarettes to quit,” Seay said. “Now, instead, he just buys both the cartridges and the traditional cigarettes.

So he’s spending money on both instead of quitting. But if it works for you, then do it. I can definitely see how it helps people.”

Some who have used this product don’t enjoy it like a traditional cigarette.

“The first two hits are enjoyable,” said Troy Akridge, UNA alumnus. “The rest just doesn’t feel like smoking to me.”

4B LIFE

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

HEALTH

Being overweight not necessarily linked to shorter life

photo by MICHAEL REDDING I Staff Photographer

According to the American Dietetic Association’s website, a person with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight.

CORINNE BECKINGER Staff Writer cbeckinger@una.edu

Being moderately overweight can actually increase a person’s chances of living longer, according to the results of a study reported on by Time and CNN Jan. 2.

2.88 million people from all over the world were analyzed for the study. Re-

STEVEN, continued from page 1B “I’ll be looking for make-up artists, hairdressers and designers to partner with,” he said. “We’d be able to build up each other’s portfolios and get our names out there. I recently shot for a 4-year-old who was one out of 11n in the nation to get a call to play a role in ‘Spider-Man,’ so I have those connections in New York City.”

Steffel sees this possible partnership as a way to give back to a community whose university has rewarded him with a business to call his own.

Steffel’s studio is located at 103 Button Avenue, and he is accepting appointments emailed to steffel.portrait.photography@gmail.com.

searchers concluded that people with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 had a better chance of living longer than people who have a BMI less than 25.

According to the American Dietetic Association’s website, a person with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while a person with a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.

The study was released at a time

RELAX, continued from page 1B portant thing is that a student’s self-care plan is effective.

Student Counseling Services at UNA are paid for by the student health fee.

Three licensed professional counselors are available to talk to students during hours of operation at the Student Counseling Service Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“A lot of times with unmanaged stress, we feel like there’s no options,” Berry said. “There’s always an option.

Always.”

Student Counseling Services is located at 555 Oakview Circle. To schedule an appointment, call 256-765-5215 or email counselingservices@una.edu.

when approximately 33 percent of U.S. adults were listed as “clinically overweight” and 36 percent as obese, according to Time.

According to Time’s article, the study showed that people who are overweight but not obese had better chances of surviving medical emergencies because people who have a BMI less than 25 die from too much weight loss, while people who have a heavier BMI can afford to lose the weight.

On their website, the American Dietetic Association also explains that people with a higher BMI can also regain necessary weight after a serious illness than people who are “naturally thin.”

For some students, the results make sense.

“I think it’s interesting,” said UNA nursing student Katie Ennis. “I have heard that being slender most of your life can increase chances of heart disease in women.”

Katherine Flegal, the study’s lead author, explained to Time magazine that it was possible for overweight and obese people to get better medical attention because they are screened more frequently for health problems or show earlier signs of disease than people who are of normal body weight.

Some students, however, are skeptical of the study.

“I find these articles surprising; it’s not something I would have thought

could be associated, but the article gives some valid points,” said UNA student Lucy Plummer. “I am interested to see what else comes out on this topic.”

The study, however, is not an excuse to keep some of the pounds on. The article and American Dietetic Association stress a balanced diet and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“One article is not enough information for me to go on,” Plummer said. “If I had a patient who wanted to keep the weight on, I would tell them that it is their choice to lose the weight and would encourage them to do more research on the topic as well.”

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Where: Student Media Building 643 N. Wood Ave.

SPORTS 5B

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

BASKETBALL

Victory Sweep

Men, women defeat UAHuntsville on the road MALISA MCCLURE

Sports Editor msmcclure@una.edu

The UNA men’s and women’s basketball teams had a successful night at Spragins Hall in Huntsville Jan. 19, sweeping the UAH Chargers.

The women broke a two-game losing streak with their 81-69 win, with three players reaching double digits in scoring.

With the win, the women have reclaimed the No. 1 spot in Gulf South Conference standings.

“We just had a lot of energy — at our walk-through (the morning of the game) the team was really focused,” said head coach Terry Fowler. “So I had a good feeling that we were gonna come out and play well, and all we really did was play well.”

The game was a close one, with neither team leading by more than five points until the final minute of play. A 22-6 run by the Lions resulted in the final score.

The Lions, who have struggled to play well through the whole 40 minutes of games, did a good job of playing a full game.

“I think the big thing is, we’ve been a good second-half team,” Fowler said.

“We just kept digging ourselves a hole and we didn’t do that tonight.”

Fowler also said he felt the team responded better to pressure than they had in the last two games.

“I thought we handled the pressure so we were able to get five people under the basket and make some good shots,” he said.

Fowler said the win was a “total team effort” — with Kaseama Ashbourne, Joidon Jennings and Delisa Madry coming off the bench to contribute to the win.

“The starters kind of did what they do, but the bench really helped us tonight,” he said.

All in all, Fowler said he felt like the Lions were the better team down the stretch.

“We finish games — so we know how to play tough down the stretch, and

I just thought we were the tougher team down the stretch,” he said.

The men bounced back from the Jan. 17 loss to Shorter to defeat the Chargers 81-71.

With 1:05 left in the game, UNA fans were on their feet cheering, while Chargers fans were leaving the stands.

This was a very different atmosphere from the beginning of the game, when the Lions came out cold, letting the Chargers score nine points before ever getting on the board. By the time 11 minutes of play had elapsed, the Lions trailed by 17 points (30-13).

“At the start … there was no doubt in their mind, it looked like, that they were getting ready to run us out of the gym,” said head coach Bobby Champagne.

As the first half went on, the Lions started to warm up, closing the gap to losing by six points (42-36) at the half.

Champagne said he didn’t say anything during half-time to make the men play better in the second half but that the players seemed to have decided

they could win the game.

In the second half, the Lions kept up with the Chargers’ scoring from the start.

Then, with 13:13 left in the game, the team started to close the gap with three back-to-back field goals that put the Lions within five points of the Chargers (54-49).

The two teams continued to go toeto-toe until the Lions were finally able to gain a one-point lead, thanks to a lay-up by Jere Vucica

with 8:30 left in the game (60-61).

“I think when we finally took that lead we really, really believed we could win the game and maybe put a little bit of doubt in their mind,” Champagne said.

Once the Lions took the lead, the team didn’t trail again. Also, the last time

See SWEEP, page 7B

photo by MALISA MCCLURE I Sports Editor

Junior forward Bruce Adams’ shot swoops through the bakset while Conner Blasi looks for the rebound in the Jan. 19 game at UAH.

6B SPORTS

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala

SOFTBALL

Lions look for first winning season in eight years BBRYAN RYAN BBAKER AKER

Student S tude tuden nt W Writer rrit iter e b bakerr2@ 2 na.

2@u na.edu na bbaker2@una.edu

The UNA softball team will start their season Feb. 7 at Stillman in Tuscaloosa. The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

A new coaching staff composed of Jason Anderson and Sage Woodham will lead the Lions this season. The duo brings a new attitude to the diamond.

”

My goal is to not come in here and change up everything overnight but take the talent we have and provide a different mindset and an expectation of winning

photo by KAYLA SLOAN I Chief Photographer

JASON ANDERSON

Freshman infielder Harlie Barkley participates in practice at the UNA softball field on Cox Creek Parkway in Florence Jan. 18.

“We are looking to turn the program around this year,” Woodham said. “We can do it with the people we have.”

The Lions are looking to advance to their first winning season in eight years. Last season, the Lions went 2026 with an 8-21 conference record, placing them sixth in the GSC. The Lions’ practices and meeting sessions have gone differently this season than in the past. The team has been more motivated and driven by Anderson’s attitude.

“We definitely work harder,” said Summer Wilkerson, returning shortstop. “(Anderson) is a lot more motivating and enthusiastic.”

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

@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) 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)

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GSC Tournament will be held May 3-5 NCAA Division II Champioship will be held May 5-10

AWAY HOME --AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY AWAY HOME AWAY HOME HOME HOME HOME HOME AWAY AWAY AWAY HOME HOME HOME AWAY AWAY

Wilkerson is the only returning starter in the infield.

Returning players feel as if the team is going to be more successful than previous seasons. Anderson has never had a losing season and does not plan on having one this season. “(Anderson) is way more driven,” said Dani Colwill, returning outfielder.

“He has more enthusiasm in everything we do.”

Though only one infielder is returning, Anderson is still confident with his team.

Anderson said he feels that, with the players the he has compiled, the team is now capable of a winning season.

“When I took the job in July, everybody asked if this is rebuilding,” he said. “I did my research and knew there was some talent here.

“My goal is to not come in here and change up everything overnight but take the talent we have and provide a different mindset and an expectation of winning.”

Returning players include Haley Barnette, Ashley Bonner, Dani Colwill, Shelby Goodman, Katey Miller, Breana Riley, Callie Steadman and Summer Wilkerson.

The team members also feel they are closer to a winning season this year.

The Lions’ first home game is Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. against Miles College. The team’s first conference game will be in Pensacola, Fla., March 2 against West Florida.

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SPORTS 7B

Jan. 24, 2013 • The Flor-Ala SWEEP, continued from page 5B the Chargers were able to score was when 3:46 remained in the game.

A pair of free throws made by Marquel Darrington put the Lions up 81-71 with 1:21 left to play, which would be the

final score.

As the Lions left Spragins Hall, a crowd of excited UNA fans clapped and cheered for them.

“For some reason (the fans) seem a

little bit louder here than they do in Flowers Hall,” Champagne said. “Hopefully that carries in to next Saturday when we play West Alabama.”

FOOTBALL

Athletics Department announces new ProGrass Scout Bowl MALISA MCCLURE

Sports Editor msmcclure@una.edu

photos by MALISA MCCLURE I Sports Editor

(left) Freshman guard Jennifer Towne puts up a shot with Bailee Robinson defending for the Chargers in the Jan. 19 game at UAH. (right) Freshman guard Corey Ricks breaks through the Chargers defense to make a basket during the Jan. 19 game at Spragins Hall in Huntsville.

The UNA Department of Athletics sent out an email Jan. 14 to announce a press conference being held today.

The press conference is being held at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa “to formally announce the creation of the ProGrass International Scout Bowl, which will be played at Braly Municipal Stadium in Florence and hosted by the University of North Alabama on Friday, March 15, 2013.”

According to the email, the event will feature some of the top professional prospects from North America and worldwide in a North vs. South game.

Legendary NFL coaches Sherman Lewis, Mike Gottfried and Bob Valesente will be among numerous NFL coaches who will mentor the players involved.

The 70 players will be seen by professional scouts from around the world, and the game will be televised.

The event is being sponsored by ProGrass, a world leader in synthetic turf, and EUROstopwatch.

The following day, March 16, UNA will host its annual spring scrimmage football game at Braly.

Check florala.net tonight for a story about the press conference.

8B EXTRA

Tweets of the week

Jan. 24, 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.