Salt and Pepper music series p. 9 Geography award winner p. 2 Womenʼs “Herstory” p. 7 Basketball season ends p. 11
March 9, 2017 Vol. 85, Issue 13
2 NEWS Professor receives distinguished teaching honors
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL NEWS EDITOR BREANNA LITTRELL LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON ASSOCIATE LIFE EDITORS TYLER HARGETT HANNAH ZIMMER SPORTS EDITOR ANDREW FULMER ASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITOR JACOB COLE SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR MADI WINKLER JUNIOR SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR ASHLEE CARTER BUSINESS MANAGER KARA DUCKETT CIRCULATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL MEIGS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACKIE WILLIS JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS DYLAN BAKER KENDALL BROWN CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA BELK HILLARY TAYLOR VIDEOGRAPHER SIERRA HILL ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS COVER PHOTO BY CALEB COLE
The Flor-Ala is published biweekly on Thursdays at 111 locations on campus and off.
Corrections The staff strives to maintain the integrity of The Flor-Ala through accurate and honest reporting. To report an error, call 256-765-4364 or email editor@florala.net.
ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer
Geography Professor Michael Pretes stands outside Wesleyan Hall Feb. 22. “The AAG awards are the highest honor that you can get in American geography,” he said. BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net Michael Pretes has devoted the last 11 years of his life to UNA as a professor of geography. His innovative teaching methods, as well as his love for his students, have led to him receiving the American Association of Geographers Distinguished Teaching Honors. “In 2013, he was awarded with the university’s most distinguished award, the Phi Kappa Phi Eleanor Gaunder Award for excellence in undergraduate education,” according to the AAG website. “In addition, in 2015 he received the Southeast Geographers Excellence in Teaching Award.” Senior Christian Clemmons said Pretes has been his adviser since his first semester at UNA in 2015. “He has helped me semester after semester to stay on track and to pick the courses that were best suited for me,” he said. “He goes above and beyond to help students in and out of the classroom and to help students learn. He is very passionate with his teaching and cares about what he teaches and what his students learn from his courses. He is a very intelligent individual.” Pretes said he was surprised when he received this award.
“I think everyone who gets an award is always a little taken aback when you actually get the letter that says you’ve received it,” he said. The annual AAG meeting is in Boston this year. He said he will be in attendance and will receive his award there. “The AAG awards are the highest honor that you can get in American geography,” he said. “To get the teaching honor, as I’ve told people in Alabama, it’s sort of like winning the national championship of geography teaching.” He said not only is the award a personal accomplishment, he believes it is an accomplishment for the Department of Geography, the College of Arts and Sciences and for the university as a whole. “I look at this as UNA achieved this because I could have never done this without my students,” he said. “It’s having students who are enthusiastic, responsive, and want to take your classes, go on these trips, want to engage and challenge you as a teacher and ask you questions to make you think about things. “That makes you become a good teacher. I’m pleased to see that UNA is getting a little publicity for its teaching accomplishments in addition to its athletic accomplishments.” Junior Ryan Newton said Pretes is knowledgeable in his field.
“He is very approachable when it comes to problems or issues that students may have,” Newton said. “He goes out of his way to give students more than enough information in the courses he teaches. I have taken several of his courses and have been pleased with the information I have taken away from them. I would recommend his courses to any new students.” Recent graduate Evan Horne said Pretes is an amazing person and truly cares for his students. “The day I stepped foot into the geography department at UNA, he was always so helpful,” Horne said. “If I ever had trouble with anything, I would always go find him because I knew he would be willing to help. Luckily, he was my adviser because it felt like he really cared how you did and how he could help rather than just getting it done and getting his students out of the way so he could go home. I consider him a friend now rather than an old professor, even though I have graduated and moved on.” Junior Jessica Lenz said she is glad Pretes received this award. “He is an awesome teacher,” she said. “He really knows what he is talking about because he would always show us pictures of where he has been and tell us stories. I’m proud of him. He is just amazing.”
NEWS 3
Water Wreaks Havoc
Courtesy of James Eubanks
Buckets sit on the courts in the Student Recreation Center to catch dripping rain water in February. The roof above the basketball courts has had problems with leaks since 2004, said James Eubanks, director of the SRC.
HILLARY TAYLOR | Staff Photographer
Students examine mold growing on the insulation inside a wall of the Communications Building Feb. 22. “We’re getting rid of the mold and putting in a brand new piece of Sheetrock,” said UNA maintenance painter Larry Allman.
Rain causes damage in Leaks lead to mold in Student Recreation Center Communications Building BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net Students who have played basketball on any of the three courts at the Student Recreation Center may have had to deal with slippery floors and buckets on the court. The building has had problems with leaks since it opened in 2004, said James Eubanks, director of the SRC. Eubanks said in the past year the leaks have become worse. When the staff is there, they are able to put buckets out to catch the water leaking from the ceiling. He said after the first rain of the spring semester, they noticed there were new spots where water was dripping from the ceiling. “Our student workers put the buckets out, and we actually ran out of buckets,” he said. “We normally put out 7-8 buckets, and they used all of them.” He said if it is just leaking on one or two courts, they can still allow students to play on the ones that do not have leaks. “Sometimes it is all three courts, and sometimes it may just be one of the courts,” he said. “We never know which
one it will be, or if it’s going to be just one, or if it will be two or all three. So we can never plan on which one is going to have water on it.” Eubanks said when the university is on a break, he checks in to clean up any puddles. There are a few, small damaged spots on the courts from standing water. He said he, along with the Department of Maintenance, have not located where the leaks are coming from. “One theory is on the roof we have what are called mechanical penthouses, which are basically aluminum rooms that sit on top of the roof over each court that are on a slab of cement,” Eubanks said. “We think that somehow the water is getting in between the slab of cement and where the roof butts it.” He said there are a couple of reasons for the damage to the roof. One of the issues is the roof covering is blown up in areas and stretching out the seams. He said he believes water could seep in through those stretched seams. He said maintenance repaired the floor four years ago to fix the back corner where the wood had started to rot. To read more about the finances needed repairs visit florala.net.
JESSICA LIVINGSTON SGA Beat Writer jlivingston2@una.edu Facilities Administration and Planning discovered leaks in the Communications Building were causing cosmetic damage, including mold, and began making repairs Feb. 21. Butler Cain, Department of Communications chair, said he knew the building had problems with leaks, but was unaware of the damage. “There was water dripping from the ceiling and puddling up in the hall at the beginning of last semester,” Cain said. Janet McMullen, assistant professor of communications, said the building has had leaks since she arrived at UNA in 1988. “I just call it the bubonic plague of the walls,” she said. “I have learned to be careful when hanging pictures on my walls. I placed a PVC pipe in between my books and the back wall on my bookshelf to keep them from getting ruined.” Jeanne Baughman, department of communications administrative assistant, said she sent in a work request in fall 2016.
“Over the summer, we had the Sheetrock in the corner of our office replaced and painted because the water coming through the walls caused the walls to turn a dark shade,” she said. “There are faculty members who have offices on the back walls that have had water leaks.” The workman from maintenance found the mold when he pulled the wall covering up. “The insulation got wet,” said UNA maintenance painter Larry Allman. “We don’t yet know how it got wet. Someone saw the Sheetrock coming up from the wall. We’re getting rid of the mold and putting in a brand new piece of Sheetrock.” He said they use Clorox bleach cleaner to kill the mold. Once the repairs are complete, the mold should not return. Allman said the repairs are ongoing, and there is no set completion date. Baughman maintenance did not find the source of the leak. A professor in the Department of Communications who asked to remain anonymous said another reason there is mold is because the sinks in the photography darkroom labs back up and cause roof and wall damage.
4 NEWS
NEWS 5 Fallen tree raises concern for student safety
ANDREA BELK | Staff Photographer
A student walks past a large tree on campus March 1. A tree fell on the President’s Home Feb. 12, raising questions about other trees and student safety. RACHEL DANIEL Student Writer rdaniel@una.edu
On a hot summer day, trees are usually a nice outlet to provide protection from the sun. However, many people do not think to
check the structure of a tree before taking a break underneath. A tree fell on the home of UNA President Kenneth Kitts Feb. 12. Nobody was hurt, but this raised questions to how safe the trees are around campus and if they provide a threat to students. From 1995 to 2007, falling trees or limbs killed around 407 people in the United States — 41 percent of them in a thunderstorm, and another 35 percent in high winds alone, according to Kent State University. Students should always be aware of their surroundings, especially after a storm, said Paul Graham, supervisor of Grounds Maintenance at UNA. “The chances of a tree actually falling on a student is highly unlikely and hasn’t happened in UNA history,” he said. “However, students should call Grounds Maintenance if a tree looks questionable.” Freshman Kat Patrick said she is observant of the trees on campus after storms because she does not want a limb fall on her. “I think students should be observant of larger trees, especially after a tree fell on the President’s Home,” she said. Graham said there are factors that indicate if a tree may fall. “A tree falling is not an exact science,” he said. “Factors indicating if a tree will fall include the structure of the tree, the
rooting and if rainfall causes the soil to expand. There is a multitude of areas that are examined.” Graham said days when there are multiple storms with high winds are the most likely times a tree will fall. “After a storm passes, I look for any damages on the trees,” he said. “Trees that are leaning, have cracks in them and have multiple one to two-inch limbs on the ground raise red flags.” Inspecting the trees is not to create fear for students, but it is people should be observant because limbs do come loose, especially after storms, Graham said. He said Grounds Maintenance monitors and maintains every tree on campus and pays special attention to ensure the larger and older trees are healthy. Freshman Jay Stutchman says he is never too concerned about tree safety around campus. “We have great Grounds Maintenance that keep our campus beautiful and safe,” Stutchman said. Junior Patrice Berry said she pays more attention to the squirrels than the trees. “I didn’t realize the importance of Grounds Maintenance,” she said. “It does make sense for students to be careful after storms, but I personally just never think about it.”
Event allows students to interact with employers JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net Students who want to master a summit without climbing mountains can do so March 9 at the Business Career Summit. The event, sponsored by the UNA Center for Professional Selling and the UNA Career Center, will let students network with potential employers in the Guillot University Center banquet halls. Students can come anytime between 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. “We spend a lot of time in college learning about the theories and technologies and the academic part of what’s important in an educational career, but we also need to match that with the practical experience piece as well,” said Jerome Gafford, director of the UNA Center for Professional Selling. “This is a perfect scenario where students will be able to take what they’ve learned while in school and apply that to the conversations they have with the representatives that are going to be there.” Representatives of over 20 companies, including Allstate, Lyons HR and UPS, will bring internship and career opportunities, Gafford said. Senior Kendra Hanback, who studies finance, said she enjoys networking opportunities through her department. “I definitely feel like it will help when you can get acquainted with businesses around here, and employers can get to know you,” she said. “They can put a face
with a name.” Students from any major can attend, Gafford said. To do so, he suggests bringing a printed resume and an electronic resume on a flash drive. He said they should also email their resume to themselves so they can easily forward it to the employer upon request. On the resume, students should list degree information, but also include extracurricular involvement, which can show employers they have done more than just attend class, Gafford said. Other suggestions are leadership roles or team projects. “Those kinds of things are what employers are looking for as an indicator that the person can be given a task and that they can work to complete that task by successful means,” Gafford said. For resume tips and templates, visit the career center’s page at una.edu/ career and select the resume and cover letter section. Gafford also suggests bringing a positive attitude, strong handshake, respectfulness and confidence. Attire should be business casual, and “like the old saying goes, you only have one chance to make a good first impression,” he said. Any students who need assistance with professional clothing can visit the career center’s Career Closet in GUC room 202. Students can borrow professional attire from the closet for free. The event is also open to all classifications. “It’s never too early to start planning
Courtesy of Jerome Gafford
These companies will attend the Business Career Summit March 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Guillot University Center banquet halls. The event is open to students from all majors. for your career,” Gafford said. “If you wait until you’re a senior in college, you’ve waited too long.” He said finding employment after college usually takes 18 months, so
networking as a sophomore or junior could lead to job offers before graduation. “If getting a job is important to you, this is certainly a great event to be a part of,” he said.
6 NEWS
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 7
Females on campus to tell “Herstory” TYLER HARGETT Associate Life Editor life@florala.net
March is Women’s History Month, and to celebrate, the Center for Women’s Studies is bringing back the Women’s Herstory Project for its second year. Participants of the project take a photo of themselves holding a photo of their heroine and write a short biography of who their heroine is and why they chose them. The center will use the photo and biography as part of Collier Library’s display. The center will feature entries from 2016 and 2017 in an exclusive display at the library and remain there for several weeks in honor of the month. Photographer Taranae Cooley took the photos. The center will no longer be taking photos for this year’s project. The project is open to all alumnae and women on campus, and it allows participants to honor the woman they have as their heroine, said Emily Kelley, coordinator of the Center for Women’s Studies. Kelley said she borrowed the idea for the project from the University of Connecticut, whose version has the women dress up as their heroine. Kelley was a participant in last year’s project, with her heroine being former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. “I grew up in awe of her and everything she had done,” Kelley said. “All of her strength, all of her work on behalf of African-Americans, the poor, the minors, the underrepresented people of the world — I really identify with that.”
Lynne Rieff, director for the Center for Women’s Studies, helped Kelley start the project last year. “(With the event) there’s a lot of self-reflection,” Rieff said. “In selecting and identifying with a particular heroine, you’re asking yourself ‘What do I believe?’ and ‘Who am I?’ This is one kind of exercise that can hopefully encourage students to initiate the process of thinking about what’s important to them, who they are, who they admire (and why).” Kelley said she and Rieff plan to keep the project annually. With each year, the display will include both old and new entries. Freshman Hoyt Brown said he believes it is an important event to recognize the women that have stood out in history. “(The event) shows that out of all the historical figures, many of them being male, that, yes, women can too leave their mark in history just as well as men can,” Brown said. Sophomore Karlee Mauk, who is minoring in women’s studies, is an intern at the center and a participant in this year’s project. Mauk said her heroine is artist Frida Kahlo, who she looks to for support with her dancing. “She taught me through her artwork alone a lot about how to harness (your) emotions,” Mauk said. “I feel women are told not to be too emotional because we’re typically stereotyped in that way. She puts her emotions (in her) artwork. It is in your face, and you’re going to feel it the exact same way she did as much as she can make you.”
Courtesy of the Center for Women’s Studies
Lynn Rieff, director for the Center for Women’s Studies, poses with her heroine Barbara Jordan. Emily Kelley, coordinator of the Center for Women’s Studies, said she and Rieff plan to present the project annually. Besides Kelley, the participants last year were Rieff, Director of Student Counseling Lynne Martin and alumna
Jennifer Butler Keeton. Their heroines are Barbara Jordan , Carly Simon and Mother Jones.
Women’s center coordinator ‘loves to help’ MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net Every year, the Center for Women’s Studies hosts multiple events, such as the Vagina Monologues and Feel Good Naked Week. However, few people know about the person behind the scenes, Emily Kelley, coordinator for the Center for Women’s Studies. Kelley has worked as the coordinator for the Center for Women’s Studies since the women’s center co-directors Lynne Rieff and Anne Lott hired her in 2009. “They were trying to keep it open by the skin of their teeth,” Kelley said. “They realized that for the women’s center to thrive they would need someone to run the center. They talked to me about whether I would be interested in doing that. I realized the job description and my wants meshed well together.” Kelley said before working at the Center for Women’s Studies she had retired as a teacher for pre-k to 4th
Posters courtesy of Amazon
grade. “I did that for 13 years at Early Arts, a private school where everything was taught through some form of art, but that was not the most interesting part of my past,” she said. “I have a degree from the Culinary Institute of America. I had a catering business in New York, and I then had two restaurants and a catering business in Atlanta when I moved there. We actually won best caterer from Atlanta Magazine.” Kelley said she now only cooks for her friends on special occasions. Rieff said she has had some of Kelley’s cooking. “I have had her Baklava (pastry), which is excellent,” she said. “I have heard that she is an excellent French cook that some of my friends could attest to.” When she does not cook, she writes for Garden Spices Magazine. Kelley said no matter what her job is she loves to help others, and she gets to help every day at UNA. “The women’s center put on so many programs that people would
MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
Emily Kelley, coordinator for the Center for Women’s Studies, discusses her previous career as a chef. “I had a catering business in New York, and I then had two restaurants and a catering business in Atlanta when I moved there,” she said. notice if it was gone,” she said. “I’m glad that I’m able to work in a place that lets me help so many people.”
To find out more about what students think of Kelley, visit florala. net.
8 LIFE
Alabama ranks as 7th least educated state HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net Over 300,000 students are enrolled in a university in Alabama, but despite this number, Alabama is the seventh least educated state, according to a WalletHub 2017 report. The least educated state is West Virginia, and the most educated state is Massachusetts. In Alabama, 1 1/2 out of every 10 people have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus’ American Community Survey. Additionally, Alabama has one of the worst high school attainment rates in the nation with 6 out of 10 students graduating from high school. Donna Lefort, dean of the College of Education, said Alabama’s rural setting may influence the educational statistics of the state. “There are a lot of employment opportunities that do not require the completion of a Bachelor’s degree, which differs from (large cities), she said. Many middle-income families in Alabama have jobs that do not require a four-year degree including electricians, farmers, carpenters and welders, Lefort said. “There’s a family history (in Alabama) of not having a Bachelor’s degree, as well,” said Associate Dean of Education Beth Sewell. Sewell said this history influences the low education rate. Therefore, she said they do not encourage their children to do so. Many schools in the state, such as the University of Alabama, offer first generation scholarships to encourage more students to obtain higher education. Sewell said UNA does not offer a first generation scholarship at this time, but
SIERRA HILL | Videographer
Professors and fall 2016 graduates listen to guest speaker and music critic Peter Guralnick. In Alabama, 1 1/2 out of every 10 people have a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus’ American Community Survey. she has hope the school will offer the scholarship with more government funding in the future. “We know that many of our students at UNA are first generation, and we also know that the likelihood of them coming back for their sophomore year might not be as great as those who have a family history of college educated members,” Lefort said. Lefort said the faculty in the Department of Education works with local secondary schools to encourage prospective students “take that step” to become the first in their family to go to college. Although Alabama is among some of the least educated states, UNA takes
measures to improve educational statistics, Lefort said “The administration has hired a (new) associate vice president for enrollment management with a specific focus on retention,” Lefort said. Ron Patterson is the current vicepresident of enrollment management. Lefort said local school administrations offer jobs to education graduate students because the college and high school administrations collaborate to offer opportunities. Junior education major Josh Marshall said education is not as important as sports to many people in high school administration, which affects college prospects.
“High school athletics are overemphasized so much in Alabama which causes the students’ education to be pushed on the backburner,” Marshall said. Lefort and Sewell said UNA professors work to ensure they build genuine connections with students to help them in all aspects of college life. Sewell said educational statistics improve when faculties have personal relationships with students. “We have more of a personal touch with students (at UNA),” she said. “We are able to make connections for them. Because of the size of UNA, we have the ability to really get to know our students and how to help them excel.”
Tours create connection between civil rights, music TYLER HARGETT Associate Life Editor life@florala.net When remembering the 1963 March on Washington, Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech is what usually comes to mind, but some forget the songs people sung about freedom and their hope for the future. To help bridge the connection between civil rights history and African-American music, the College of Arts and Sciences Student Ambassadors are sponsoring the Voices of Freedom Tour. This tour will take students to several non-local sites and museums. The committee separated the tour into three dates. April 7 will be in Memphis where the
students will go on a heritage bus and walking tour. This tour will include a stop at the W.C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum, former home to the “Father of the Blues.” The April 14 event will be in Birmingham where students will visit the 16th Street Baptist Church and the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, a museum of Alabama jazz artists. The April 21 event will be in Atlanta where students will visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. LeeAnna Brown, advisor for the ambassadors, said she hopes students will learn how songs were “intertwined” with nonviolent civil rights efforts. Kijana Mitchell, chair of the Voices of Freedom special projects committee of the COAS Student Ambassadors said she is passionate about diversity and
music and wants to show people their connection. “People need to understand the impact that music has had on society today,” Mitchell said. “(On the tour), we’ll be talking about the history of plantations and slavery, (but also) the way music shaped those experiences. It’s a combination of both.” All three trips are open to a minimum of 25 students on a firstcome, first-serve basis. The trips are open to all students, and everything, including transportation, food and attraction fees, is free. Brown said the upcoming tour will raise awareness for both the connection of civil and human rights and music, as well as the ambassador program. “I’m very excited about the opportunity for students to participate in a multicultural initiative that is
student-led and student-centered,” Brown said. “We’re going to be focused on how music was an aid in nonviolent tactics and motivating activists, as well as telling the overall story of the civil and human rights movements.” The trip could highlight the influence culture had on the music of African-Americans, said freshman Janice Remkus. “Most people don’t completely understand how music does tie with culture,” Remkus said. “When they listen to songs and hear something from (African-Americans’) past or culture, they don’t understand. (The tour) would help everybody have a better feel of the music, where it came from and how it started.” To read more about how students can get involved with the preparation, visit florala.net.
LIFE 9
RHYME & RHYTHM
Music series showcases influence of blues music HILLARY TAYLOR
Entertainment Beat Writer
htaylor1@una.edu The Department of Entertainment Industry wants community members to add a little salt and pepper to their musical palate March 23 and April 27. The department is working in conjunction with the Muscle Shoals Music Association and the Alabama Folklife Association to host local blues artists for three shows in the Salt and Pepper Music Series. The series focuses on the influence of blues in every genre of music, as well as the heritage of the genre in Florence. “The kind of music that we’ll be presenting here and focusing on in this series is the roots of American music, including jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, rap and even country,” said Russell Gulley, board member of AFA and event organizer. “It’s a part of our multicultural heritage — black and white — which is why we chose ‘Salt and Pepper’ for the name of our series.” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Sam Lay and the duo 2BLU will headline the March 23 show. Tickets will be $10 in advance for adults, $5 for students and seniors over 65 and $15 at the door. The first show took place Feb. 23 and featured Jock Webb Sr, Clarence “Bluesman” Davis and Maxwell D. Russell. “It was a really good show,” said Robert Garfrerick, department chair of the Department of Entertainment
Industry. “From that first show, we were able to see what we can do to get the students involved.” AFA and Muscles Shoals Music Association board member Dick Cooper said he hopes UNA students will come to hear about the history of blues music which has helped shape the area. “It’s only appropriate that we try to impart this information about that style of music into younger audiences,” Cooper said. “We need to expose students to it, so hopefully they at least take pride in the fact that the blues has its roots here.” The series will have educational components, allowing entertainment industry students to gain experience putting on shows, working with the soundboard and engaging with professional artists before receiving free tickets to the show, Gulley said. Jontavius Quon Willis, protégé of American blues musician Taj Mahal, will conduct a workshop before headlining the final show. Garfrerick said he and Gulley hope to continue this series throughout the year. Senior Tanner Lynn said he is a fan of the blues and thinks it is a great way to introduce a younger generation to new music while supporting local artists. “You can listen to a new style of music and be opened to a whole new world of music that you didn’t know you liked because you’d never been exposed to it, and live is the best way to hear it,” Lynn said.
CALEB COLE | Student Photographer
Musician Maxwell D. Russell performs at the Salt and Pepper Music Series Feb. 23 at the Mane Room. Russell was in the first performance of the series.
Pulitzer Prize winning poet to come to campus HANNAH ZIMMER Associate Life Editor life@florala.net The English department will have a poet in the 2017 Writer’s Series. UNA will welcome 2016 Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Peter Balakian March 16. The event is free and open to the public. All students are welcome to attend. The Writer’s Series will be an all-day event. The book reading will be in the Guillot University Center Performance
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Center at 11 a.m. A reception and book signing in the GUC loft will follow at 12:15 p.m. This will be the first year the series will host a writer’s workshop in the Stone Lodge at 4 p.m. Pamela Kingsbury, a UNA English instructor, said now is a good time to have a poet in the series. “We always have a wish list of writers that (the English professors) want to bring to UNA, and we’re always aware of what books are doing well,”
(Balakian shows) you can be from a smaller area and still make a contribution to literature. Pamela Kingsbury | English Instructor
Kingsbury said. Balakian is an Armenian-American who won the Pulitzer Prize for poems in his book, “Ozone Journal.” Balakian’s “Ozone Journal” is a collection of 54 short poems pertaining to “the history of atrocity (and) trauma” in Syria, according to Balakian’s personal website, peterbalakian.com. The poems detail Balakian’s experience of excavating the bones of Armenian genocide victims in the Syrian Desert. “Balakian is interesting as a poet because he started out as a history major,” Kingsbury said. “He’s very interesting on a lot of levels for that reason.” Kingsbury said in past years, the Writer’s Series hosted multiple fiction writers. Balakian’s poems provide variety because he combines history and family stories in his writing. Senior Bethany Pierce said it is important to hear from people in the field. “It’s great to have diverse authors,” she said. “People often think poetry is
something old, but it’s not.” Balakian might motivate students, said freshman Damion Johnson. “(The Writer’s Series event) could inspire someone who might have aspirations to be a journalist or poet to follow their dreams,” Johnson said. Alabama Humanities and Alabama State Council for the Arts gave the English department grants to fund the event to help make it an all-day affair, Kingsbury said. “We have a line item in the university’s budget, and we also went outside (of the university) and asked for additional money,” Kingsbury said. Kingsbury said she hopes the students who attend the event realize they can make a name for themselves just like Balakian did, regardless of where they are from. “You don’t have to be from New York or Chicago to be a writer,” she said. “(Balakian shows) you can be from a smaller area and still make a contribution to literature.”
10 SPORTS SCOREBOARD
FEB. 23 - MARCH 5 WOMENʼS BASKETBALL Feb. 23 at Union Loss, 75-63 Feb. 25 at Christian Bros. Win, 80-61 Feb. 28 at West Georgia Loss, 60-57
MENʼS BASKETBALL
Feb. 23 at Union Win, 96-78 Feb. 25 at Christian Bros. Loss, 96-80 Feb. 28 at Valdosta State Loss, 115-94
SOFTBALL
Feb. 25-26 vs. Shorter Win 5-4, Loss 10-0, Win 8-0 March 4-5 at West Florida Win 5-0, Loss 6-1 Win 8-3
BASEBALL
Feb. 25-26 vs. Shorter Win 9-1, Win 12-7 Loss 9-5 Feb. 28 vs. Ala. A&M Win 12-1 March 4-5 at West Florida Win 6-4, Loss 4-3 Win 6-2 Games continued at roarlions.com
MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
North Alabama tennis players Benjamin Poire and Nina Lienke play in their respective singles matches at home versus Martin Methodist Feb. 15. Both men’s and women’s teams are undefeated in Gulf South Conference play this season.
Tennis teams off to dominant start ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net
With home wins over Delta State March 3, both North Alabama women’s and men’s tennis teams remain undefeated in Gulf South Conference play. The women’s team improved to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in GSC, while the men’s team bettered its record to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in GSC matches. “These are big wins because they are against good conference teams,” said head coach Brice Bishop. “I thought our girls did a great job of going into singles and putting them away. But with the men’s team, we had to win three threesetters in singles. They played well in doubles but came out with less energy than I’d like them to have in singles.” To begin the day, both women’s and men’s teams carried a 2-1 lead in doubles heading into singles matches. The women earned 8-0 victories at No. 2 and No. 3 doubles, but DSU dug into the lead with a 9-8 Lady Statesmen win at the No. 1 spot. In men’s doubles, the duo of juniors Miguel Garcia and Taylor Ausbon won 8-4 to improve to 4-0 in doubles this season. Singles were where the Lions began separating from the Statesmen. The women played in five sets due to an injury forfeit from Delta State, and the Lions had little trouble putting away the Lady Statesmen. UNA won all five matches in straight sets, including two 6-0 sweeps by junior Donna Haycock and sophomore
Nele Seitz. Senior Olivera Ngoubeu faced tough competition from Delta State’s best singles player but held on for a 6-3, 6-4 win and secured the 8-1 team win. “It was a hard match,” Ngoubeu said. “I kind of fought more against myself than I did against her.” In men’s singles, UNA faced stiff competition, having dropped two matches to the Statesmen at the No. 4 and No. 6 spots which evened the team score to 3-3. But, Ausbon rallied back from 6-1 loss in his first singles set to win out the final two sets 6-1 and 6-3. This clinched the team win for the men’s team. The Lions were not done just yet as Garcia faced his Delta State counterpart in the No. 1 singles position. Garcia dropped the first set 6-3, but resurged with 6-2 and 6-4 back-and-forth wins. “I didn’t start out with that much energy, and that’s why I lost the first set,” Garcia said. “But, in the second set, I told myself, ‘Yeah, I’ve got to win this.’ So, I put more energy on the court. I like the result, and I’m feeling pretty confident.” “I’m proud of the way they battled and could get it righted,” Bishop said. “They played really well down the stretch.” The Lions will be back in action March 11 when both teams host Cameron before departing on the first road GSC test at Shorter. Editor’s note: The records at the time of this printing do not include the home match versus Bellarmine March 9 for both men’s and women’s tennis teams.
2017 RECORD Women’s Feb. 10 at Belmont Loss, 4-3 Feb. 15 vs. Martin Methodist Win, 8-1 Feb. 19 vs. Christian Bros. Win, 9-0 Feb. 26 vs. West Georgia Win, 8-1 March 3 vs. Delta State Win, 8-1 Men’s Feb. 4 at AlabamaBirmingham Loss, 5-2 Feb. 15 vs. Martin Methodist Win, 7-2 Feb. 18 at. UT-Chattanooga Loss, 6-1 Feb. 19 vs. Christian Bros. Win, 9-0 March 3 vs. Delta State Win, 6-3
SPORTS 11
MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
Freshman guard Emma Wallen shoots a jump shot against Valdosta State Feb. 18 at Flowers Hall. Wallen broke the school record for three-point field goals in a season with 73.
Senior guard DeAndre McKinnie drives the ball against Valdosta State Feb. 18 at Flowers Hall. McKinnie scored a game-high 23 points against the Blazers.
Record season comes to Lions sputter down end for womenʼs team final stretch of season ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net Despite the 2016-17 season coming to an end in a heartbreaking last-second loss at West Georgia 60-57 in the Gulf South Conference tournament, North Alabama women’s basketball coach Missy Tiber said this season was an integral year for establishing a consistent winning program. UNA finished the season 19-10 overall and 13-9 GSC record after posting a 5-22 overall record the previous year. “I’m just real proud of what we accomplished this year,” Tiber said. “Our goal this year was to start taking the steps to become a winning team. I sure would’ve liked to have gotten 20 wins this season, and there were a few games we could’ve won, but that doesn’t take away how proud I am of this team.” The finale at West Georgia ended with controversy. With 9.6 seconds remaining, sophomore forward Katelyn Nunley nailed two free throws to put the Lions up 57-56. Then, on the Wolves’ inbound, junior guard Jaclyn Heath was called for an intentional foul that led to UWG hitting one of two free throws to tie the game at 57. Tiber received a technical foul for arguing the call on Heath, and the Wolves hit all three free throws to put them over the top. “I guess we fouled a little too hard, but I didn’t think that was the case,” Tiber said. “Unfortunately, after that I got a technical, and I need to be better about that. I really felt we had a bad break. I didn’t really yell at him, I just said my
peace to him. “I told the girls after the game ‘I feel like as coaches, we made a lot of good decisions during the game to put us in a position to win, and unfortunately I made a bad one at the end.’” Instead of focusing on the controversial exit from the GSC tournament, Tiber said she urged the players to look back on the season with confidence of the future. The Lions expect everyone from this year’s team back for the 2017-18 season as there are no seniors on the young team. Juniors KeKe Gunter and Heath will return for their senior season and will be the first players to spend all four seasons with Tiber as head coach. Tiber said Gunter and Heath, along with junior forward Michaela DeKilder will bring excitement and leadership to next year’s team. The Lions will also return the breakout stars of the season, the Wallen sisters, for their sophomore seasons. Ivy Wallen was not only the Lions’ leading scorer this season, but also the GSC’s leading scorer with 19.9 points per game en route to being named the GSC Freshman of the Year. Her sister Emma Wallen also lit up the scoreboard during her freshman campaign. Wallen broke the school record of 70 three-point field goals with 76 during the season, despite beginning the season as a bench rotation player. The previous record had stood for 20 years. Other key returnees include sophomores Elise and Brynn Holden, Savannah Stults and redshirt freshman Madelyn Lindsey.
JACOB COLE Associate Sports Editor sports@florala.net The North Alabama men’s basketball season was an up-and-down ride, but the Lions finished with its 15th consecutive Gulf South Conference tournament appearance at No. 1 seed Valdosta State Feb. 28, falling 115-94 in the opening round. The Lions ended the season 14-15 overall with a 9-14 GSC record — good enough for eighth place in the GSC. The game against Valdosta State marked the 14th season Lions head coach Bobby Champagne has led the team to the conference tournament. The GSC preseason poll projected the Lions to be the fifth-best team in the GSC, but UNA could not live up to those expectations after a slow start. “Our seniors really raised their level of play during the last month of the season,” Champagne said. “Their attitude was great, regardless of the outcome of the games.” Senior guard Dimario Jackson led the team in average minutes played (34.3), points per game (16) and assists per game (3.6). He also led the GSC in free throw percentage, shooting 87 percent from the line. Jackson said life after college basketball would not be an easy adjustment. “It wasn’t the season we wanted, but there are still so many memories to take away from this season,” Jackson said. “The guys will always be my brothers.” In addition to Jackson, the Lions will
also say goodbye to senior forward Austin Timms, who led the team in rebounds (8.2). Timms was second on the team in average minutes played (29.8) and second on the team in points per game (11.7). “We started off sluggish, but once we found our rhythm we always had that fight in us,” Timms said. “There were games where we just didn’t pull out the win but felt good about our performance. That was just the hand we were dealt.” Senior guard Deandre McKinnie, a key bench player throughout the season, finished the year with three starts and also scored a career-high 23 points on senior night against Valdosta State. McKinnie averaged 18.5 points per game in the final six games while also earning a spot in the starting lineup in the final four games, the only four starts of his collegiate career. The Lions ended the season with a GSC-leading turnover margin (3.11) and steals per game (7.64). The Lions also finished fifth in the GSC or better in points scored per game, free throw percentage and offensive rebounds per game. The Lions will turn its attention to next year with five major contributors returning to the team. Junior guard Jeff Hodge finished the year with the third most played minutes per game (28) and will be back for his fifth year with the Lions basketball program. Junior forward Johnell Ginnie averaged nine points a game and also scored a team-high 32 points in a game against Union, which is the highest finish for any UNA player. To continue reading about the UNA men’s basketball season coming to an end, go to florala.net.
12 SPORTS
Courtesy of Sports Information
North Alabama ace Tyler Joyner lobs a pitch against Bellarmine Feb. 10 at Mike Lane Field. Joyner has amassed a 1.88 earned run average en route to a 5-0 start.
Pitcher undefeated through first 5 starts NICK GRIFFIN Baseball Beat Writer ngriffin@una.edu The North Alabama baseball team is off to a 12-6 start in 2017, including 6-2 in Gulf South Conference play. The Lions owe their success largely to junior pitcher Tyler Joyner. Joyner is 5-0 in his appearances this season, including a team-leading 1.88 earned run average. He has received the GSC Pitcher of the Week award twice thus far, and he also received HERO Sports’ HERO of the Week after a nine inning outing against Shorter Feb. 25, where he struck out 11 Hawks and allowed one hit. After spending his first two seasons at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Joyner transferred to UNA this season. Joyner said his time at JDCC yielded a proving ground where he could hone his skills in between high school and his current baseball home in Florence. “In junior college, I really
struggled with walks and areas like control,” Joyner said. “Coach (Matt) Hancock really came in and we went through some mechanic work, and the biggest thing so far has been throwing strikes and being able to command each pitch.” Joyner attended high school at W.S. Neal in East Brewton, where he played multiple positions on the baseball team including catcher, first baseman and third baseman. Joyner primarily was a pitcher, where he set a record for innings pitched with 57. Joyner said he has made several adjustments in his game from his time in high school so that he can keep pace with the college hitters he has to face every week. Lions head coach Mike Keehn said his well-rounded mechanics and physical prowess have aided Joyner in the transition to UNA. “With him, he’s got a good fastball, and he really throws downhill because of how tall he is,” Keehn said. To continue reading about Tyler Joyner’s season, go to florala.net.
OPINION 13
Applicants should aim for more than ‘hard worker’
MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net As college students continue their quest to graduation, whether that date is near or far, many are looking to build a solid résumé in the process. In one of my classes this semester, the professor went around the room on the first day, and the questions began to make me think about my résumé. He asked the students to introduce
themselves and give basic information, such as their names, majors, classifications and future career plans. “What is the one quality you possess that sets you apart from other candidates in your field of work?” the professor asked. Knowing there were students of different classifications, but mostly juniors and seniors, I was intrigued to hear the answers. Over half the class of 20 used the same adjective to describe their best trait — “hard-working.” The definition of “hard-working” is “(of a person) tending to work with energy and commitment; diligent,” according to Oxford Dictionary. My initial thought was, “Great, not to be rude, but its no longer a standout quality to be a hard-worker from a selfproclaimed standpoint.” After further research, I’ve convinced myself that saying I’m hard-working is taboo, especially on a resume. If five years of college has taught me anything, it has shown me gaining any hands-on experience outside of the classroom is tangible proof of hard
work. As I approach my graduation this May, I am extremely comfortable handing my resume to any employer in my field. According to an article from Laura Morsch of CareerBuilder.com published on CNN.com, “The hiring manager won’t be convinced if you can’t provide solid examples to back up your claims.” Any person from here to Betelgeuse can claim to be hard-working, but where is the proof? How can employers trust an applicant they have never met when his or her application is full of empty adjectives without indisputable proof. There are a lot of questions to consider when building a resume for an employer or preparing for a major job interview, such as what items to add and what items to leave out, but some important thoughts never enter an applicant’s mind. As an applicant or as a student, always consider possible connections and how to earn their respect. A scary thought would be to know something I did as a freshman or sophomore could
have rubbed a possible reference the wrong way. Even in my role with The Flor-Ala, I have witnessed people I know who either used filler words or embellished their resume with half-truthful information when applying for a job on our staff. Doing this can easily come back in the future because nobody ever knows who might have a connection with a potential employer, whether that connection is beneficial or detrimental. For the underclassmen who are on the early path to a potential graduation date in the next decade, consider ways to replace filler words, such as hard-working and dependable, with proof of gaining experience beyond the classroom, meeting deadlines and showing up for scheduled classes and events. As for upperclassmen, the time is near to move into a career. The past is the past, but the present is still within control. Never rest on previous laurels, but continue to prove to be more than just a self-proclaimed “hard worker.”
College experience will benefit students in future
BREANNA LITTRELL News Editor news@florala.net This semester, it seems midterms came quickly. I imagine I am not the only student who feels this semester is blowing by. No matter how hard I try to stay on top of my work, I’m drowning. College is expensive and also causes students an immense amount of stress. This is my last semester, and still I ask
myself, “Is college worth it?” I know it’s important to have an education to better one’s future. To look for the midsemester motivation I need, I decided to weigh some of the pros and cons of getting a college education with the help of an article from ProCon.org. Money is the first issue I questioned. On average, college graduates make $30,000 more per year than a high school graduate, according to the article. However, student loans are crippling. From 2003-12, the amount of 25-year-old’s debt increased from 25 percent to 43 percent due to college loans. The average loan for college students was $20,326. Comparing these statistics, the extra $30,000 per year will, in theory, pay the loans off in a reasonable amount of time, depending on interest rates. Once the loans are gone, graduates can enjoy the extra money they will make per year compared with the amount of money they would be making had they not attended college. Of course, to make money, one must
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Rachel Daniel & Caleb Cole
have a job. According to the article, more jobs are beginning to require a college degree. Between December 2007 and January 2010, about 187,000 businesses began to require, at the least, an associate degree. This means there is a high probability the more desired jobs will require some sort of college degree. Referring back to the loans student accrue, 30-year-olds who have student loans are more likely to move back into the parents’ home, according to a 2012 Federal Reserve Study. In April 2013, the unemployment rate for 25-year-olds with a bachelor’s degree was 3.6 percent, 5 percent for those with an associate degree and 7.5 percent for high school graduates, according tothehamiltonproject.org. On average, college graduates also live six years longer than high school graduates. This is due to a higher level of education and the knowledge of how to take care of their bodies, as well as lower stress levels and lower blood pressure.
I am going to count on this statistic because during this semester, it’s hard to imagine there will be a time with less stress and lower blood pressure. Individuals with college degrees are not only healthier, but also live more satisfying live, according to northwestern.edu. “People with higher levels of education are more likely to have rewarding jobs, more likely to exercise regularly, less likely to smoke, more likely to be active voters and volunteers, and more likely to engage in activities with their children,” according to the website. Obtaining a college degree is part of the American dream. I look forward to the day my time at UNA will pay off, and I hope it will help to make a better life for myself and maybe even for my future children. For any students struggling through a midsemester slump, continue to remember the grind of getting a college education will be worth it in the long run, as the pros outweigh the cons.
Letters Policy Letters to the editor should be emailed to editor@florala.net or mailed to:
The Flor-Ala, UNA Box 5300 Florence, AL 35632 Letters must include name and telephone number for verification. Please limit letters to 400 words. The editor reserves the right to edit or refuse to publish a letter.
14 PHOTOS
Study Abroad Tye-dye in the sky A sunset shines over Buddhist temples in Bagan, Myanmar, February 2015. Bagan, one of the most popular destinations in Asia, is one of the many places one can explore when studying abroad. CALEB COLE Student Photographer ccole4@una.edu The task of planning a career after graduation can be daunting to say the least. In an increasingly competitive workforce, having international experience is a valuable addition to a résumé. As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, there is a high demand for native English speakers who hold a college degree to instruct English classes in countries around the world. While there are many advantages of living abroad, one of the best
reasons for teaching English as a second language is to help save money and pay back student loans after graduation. Language institutes, especially those in East Asia and the Middle East, pay competitive salaries. In most of these countries, the general cost of living is much lower than the United States, making it easier for teachers to earn money and start saving. Teaching English as a second language will also give people the opportunity to see the world. This is an invaluable experience that people can take with them for the rest of their life. Living abroad gives a person the opportunity to learn a new language, experience vibrant cultures and
travel to places that one might have never thought was possible. Going abroad is not the only way to get involved. There are several organizations at UNA where students can gain useful international experience. Programs and events, such as Conversation Partners and International Tea, offer international and domestic students a chance to come together an learn about one another’s culture and language. To get involved in teaching English abroad, one must become a certified teacher by taking the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages test or earning a Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate.
Additionally, UNA students also have the opportunity to take meaningful trips abroad to Haiti through the Alternative Break programs, which is a service of the Office of Student Engagement. By participating in these programs, students can strengthen communities at home and abroad while accumulating valuable volunteer hours. If one is indecisive about postgraduation plans, teaching English as a second language could be the perfect segue for one’s career. For questions about how to get involved on campus, contact the Office of International Affairs or the Office of Student Engagement for more information.
Taj Mahal, y’all Tourists explore the Taj Mahal building in Agra, India, in summer 2016. This famous mausoleum is an esteemed attraction for travelers when studying abroad in Asia.
Pachyderm pack (Top Left) A parade of Elephants tramp around in the Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka. Programs such as Alternative Breaks present opportunities to explore new places.
Cutting up in the streets (Bottom Left) A man receives a haircut on the banks of the Ganges river in Varanasi, India, in June 2016. Teaching English as a second language helps a variety of people interact despite various backgrounds and cultures.
CALENDAR 15 Thurs., March 9 What: UNA Sales, Marketing and Category Management - Business Career Summit When: 11 a.m. Where: GUC Banquet Halls What: Women’s Tennis v. Bellarmine When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Tennis Courts What: Men’s Tennis v. Bellarmine When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Tennis Courts MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer
What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: Office of Student Engagement
Junior Miguel Garcia prepares for action during the Feb. 15 tennis match against Martin Methodist. Both the men’s and women’s teams face Bellarmine March 9 at 1 p.m. in Florence.
Sun., March 12
Wed., March 15
What: Big Idea Competition When: 5 p.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
What: UNA Baseball v. Lee When: 1 p.m. Where: Mike Lane Field
What: Let Owt Your Inner Kid When: 7 p.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
What: Senior recital: Meredith Kellenberger, flute When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Music Building Recital Hall
What: UNA Softball v. Lee When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Softball Complex
Thur., March 16
What: Senior recital: Hannah Allen, soprano When: 7 - 9:30 p.m. Where: Music Building Recital Hall
What: Senior recital: Logan Murphree When: 2 p.m. Where: Music Building Recital Hall
What: Guest Artist Recital: Andy Harnesberger, marimba What: Mr. Ivy League Scholarship When: 5 p.m. Pageant Where: Norton Auditorium When: 7 p.m.
What: UNA Writer’s Series When: 11 a.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
What: Senior Recital: Nathan Robinson, percussion When: 5 p.m. Where: Music Building Band Room
What: SGA Meeting When: 3:30 p.m. Where: Office of Student Engagement
What: The Flor-Ala writer’s meeting When: 4 p.m. Where: Student Publications Building
Fri., March 17
Where: The Mane Room
Mon., March 13
Fri., March 10
What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 - 5 p.m.
What: Quelywed Games When: 6 p.m. Where: GUC Performance Center
What: Study Skills Workshop When: 2 - 3 p.m.
Where: Office of Student Engagement
Sat., March 18
Where: Commons Room 227
Sat., March 11 What: UNA Baseball v. Lee When: 1, 4 p.m. Where: Mike Lane Field What: Women’s Tennis v. Cameron When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Tennis Courts What: Men’s Tennis v. Cameron When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Tennis Courts What: UNA Softball v. Shorter When: 2 p.m. Where: UNA Softball Complex
What: Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game When: 6 p.m. Where: GUC Banquet Halls What: Grill Owt When: 7 p.m. Where: UNA Amphitheater
Tues., March 14 What: “The Anatomy of Creativity” : A Presentation by Michael John Trotta When: 8 a.m. Music Building Choral Room What: Guest Artist Recital Shane Reeves, percussion When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Norton Auditorium
What: UNA Woodwinds Ensemble Concert When: 2 p.m. Where: Music Building Recital Hall
What: UNA Baseball v. West Alabama When: 1, 4 p.m. Where: Mike Lane Field What: UNA Softball v. West Alabama When: 2, 4 p.m. Where: UNA Softball Complex
Sun., March 19 What: UNA Baseball v. West Alabama When: 1 p.m. Where: Mike Lane Field What: UNA Softball v. West Alabama When: 1 p.m. Where: UNA Softball Complex
Mon., March 20 What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30 Where: Office of Student Engagement
Tues., March 21 What: QPR: Suicide Prevention When: 3:30 p.m. Where: GUC Room 208 What: UNA Baseball v. Auburn - Montgomery When: 5 p.m. Where: Mike Lane Field What: Junior Recital: Michael Thaxton, bass When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Music Building Recital Hall
Wed., March 22 What: Departmental Recital When: noon Where: Norton Auditorium
Check una.edu for more events and activities.
16 SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK