September23issue

People of the Pride p. 2 Food line relief p. 7 Social Media section p. 9 Softball inspiration p. 11 September 22, 2016 Vol. 85, Issue 3

2

PEOPLE OF THE PRIDE

Recent grad spent summer biking across US ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net During the summer, recent UNA alum Brandon Pennington celebrated his graduation in a unique way—biking from one coast of the country to the other.

Pennington rode from New Haven, Connecticut, to Half Moon Bay, California, over the span of 78 days as part of Bike & Build, a non-profit organization that organizes cross-country bike rides to benefit various affordable housing organizations.

Pennington graduated from UNA last May with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and said he wanted to do something

different after graduation that could be as impactful as possible.

“It was something that interested me from the getgo,” Pennington said. “It was something I could do that could make the world a little bit better place, so I jumped right on it.”

During his ride, Pennington stopped at many different towns across the U.S. with 28 other riders for the cause.

“We would ride about five or six days then stop in a town and volunteer to work at build sites,” Pennington said.

“We worked a lot with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations that helped the housing issue.”

Pennington’s ride also raised over $140,000 for affordable housing through donations and grants.

There were many scenic towns he

“

It was something I could do that could make the world a little bit better place, so I jumped right on it.

Brandon Pennington | UNA Alumnus

stopped at, and met many great people, but one place stood out from the rest, Pennington said.

“I would have to say my favorite place was Gunnison, Colorado,” Pennington said.

“Because it was a beautiful area. The (scenery) was great with all the mountains and rivers, but it was also this great town that was not touristy. It was very enjoyable to be around.”

At the end of his trip, Pennington moved to California where he is pursuing a certification in whitewater rafting and looking to go to graduate school in the near future.

Pennington said his journey helped point him in the right direction as far as what to do next in his life.

“I was talking to some of the guys on these build sites about the idea I have had for a while now of becoming an architect,” Pennington said. “After talking to those guys and doing some self exploration, I have decided to go to grad school for architecture. Going from not having a sense of direction to knowing what you want to do is awesome. That is the best thing I took away from this on a personal level.”

Pennington said that it was a great experience that he would not trade for anything and recommends that anyone at a similar crossroads take part in one of the Bike & Build rides.

“Anyone could do this,” Pennington said. “As long as you put in the necessary time training and raise enough money, a not very experienced rider could do this. Most of our team was not what you would call ‘experienced riders’ and that is including me, but yeah, we made it across.”

For more information on the routes and events Bike & Build has to offer, visit bikeandbuild.org.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Penningtonʼs Facebook

Brandon Pennington graduated from UNA in May 2016 and spent the summer bicycling across the country for affordable housing charities.

Pennington rode a total of 4,071 miles over 78 days en route from New Haven, Connecticut to Half Moon Bay, California.

PEOPLE OF THE PRIDE 3

Who is your favorite professor?

“DR. (JESSICA) MITCHELL. SHE’S ALWAYS THERE IF I NEED HER. I TAKE HER EVERY SEMESTER, AND I KNOW SHE’LL BREAK IT DOWN FOR ME,” SAID JUNIOR DAIMIONA JONES.

“I’M GOING TO HAVE TO SAY DR. (GARY) PADGETT. HE’S VERY REAL WITH HIS STUDENTS AND PUTS THINGS ON A REALISTIC LEVEL,” SAID JUNIOR

TAYLOR THAXTON.

“I LOVE ALL OF MY PROFESSORS; I CAN’T PICK A FAVORITE. BUT DR. (ROBERT) YOUNG HELPED ME WITH MY CAPSTONE,” SAID SENIOR SARAH ROBERTS. Information compiled by Managing Editor Mike Ezekiel

“DR. (EMILY) COONEY. SHE’S REALLY GOOD AT EXPLAINING STUFF AND IS WILLING TO WORK WITH YOU,” SAID FRESHMAN

KYLER

STULTS.

“(DR. MATTHEW LITTLE) MAKES (FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE) REALLY FUN AND INTERESTING, EVEN THOUGH IT’S NOT AN INTERESTING CLASS,” SAID FRESHMAN LAUREN NUWAYHID.

“I HAVE TO GO WITH DR. (ALAINA) REID. SHE PUSHES YOU TO DO SOMETHING, EVEN WHEN YOU THINK YOU CAN’T DO IT,” SAID JUNIOR T.J. RUFF.

“I’D HAVE TO SAY MRS. SUZANNE TAYLOR. SHE HELPED ME DECIDE WHAT I WANTED TO DO WITH MY LIFE,” SAID SENIOR HAROLD SWOPES. SIERRA HILL | Staff Photographer

Foreign language professor voted “top professor” KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor news@florala.net Up the creaky stairs of Wesleyan Hall and nestled in an office in the Foreign Language Department resides the top professor at UNA on ratemyprofessor. com.

Chair of the Foreign Language Department Claudia Vance shows students the world inside and outside of the classroom, whether it is in her interactive Spanish class or on a Study Abroad trip.

Her “hilarious, caring” attitude and “amazing lectures” earned her a perfect 5.0 score on the website.

The UNA alumna said she does not want her students to be afraid of making a mistake when learning a new language because most students make errors.

“One of the first things that we do in class is we try to establish an air of inclusion,” Vance said. “(So) the students feel comfortable when they speak.”

Vance also tries to make her class fun and interactive, she said.

“You can’t sit in my class and not say anything,” Vance said. “It’s impossible.

I challenge students to be creative and funny. So, I get a kick out of it.”

Students get a kick out of her classes, too.

“Dr. Vance is so full energy,” said sophomore Tanner McGill. “She always has a wonderful smile on her face that is so welcoming every day. Her classes are so much fun and educational. She really incorporates all learning styles into her classes.”

This year marks Vance’s 20th year at UNA, and she is still just as passionate about teaching as she was 20 years ago, she said.

“I love what I do,” Vance said. “Some days I’m not feeling that great. When I go into the classroom and when I come out, I come out more energized and recharged.”

Except for a stint at Baskin Robins when she was 16, teaching is all Vance has ever known, she said.

Teaching is the perfect fit for her, since the petite professor struggled to see over the counters at her ice cream gig, she said.

SIERRA HILL | Staff Photographer

Chair of the Foreign Language Department Claudia Vance discusses her passion for teaching. Vance is the top UNA professor on ratemyprofessor.com.

Spanish has always come easily to Vance since she is a native speaker from Colombia. She moved to the Shoals area when she was seven, she said.

“My mom’s from New York, my dad’s Columbian,” Vance said. “I graduated from Muscle Shoals High School so I feel, really, like I’m from here. But at home, we spoke in Spanish. So, that’s how I maintained my Spanish, and it’s

been a life-long gift for me.”

Besides teaching Spanish, another passion of Vance’s is taking students on trips abroad, she said.

“I’m never going to get rich taking people abroad, but when we go abroad, it’s life changing for the students,” she said.

To find out why Vance began teaching, go to florala.net.

4 PEOPLE OF THE PRIDE

Senior wins national title, scholarship MADI WINKLER Social Media Coordinator online@florala.net

Over the summer, senior Morgan Ann Mathis spent a week preparing for a national title, where she won the crown.

Mathis was a contestant in the the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization during the final week in July, and she walked away a winner.

Mathis said she started competing in pageants when she was a sophomore in high school after receiving an email from National American Miss.

“I’m from a very small town, so I kind of just wanted to break away from being stuck there,” Mathis said.

In her first pageant, she placed third runner-up out of 70 other girls and decided she could compete at the national level.

Mathis said she competed at the national level for five years, but never placed until this year, where she won first place in the America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization. She competed against 49 other girls, one from every state.

To represent your state in a national competition, you first had to win a state title, and she represented her home state, Tennessee, she said.

This particular pageant was not centered on gowns and swimsuits, Mathis said.

“There was 70 percent (of the pageant) that was academics, community service and interview and an on-stage question,” Mathis said.

It didn’t just focus on the girls’ outer appearance. It’s about the girl herself, her personality and acts of service, she said.

“I don’t think I really had to prepare for that because I do it throughout the year,” Mathis said. “Special Olympics is my platform. My mom is a special-ed teacher, so I’ve always been involved with that, since I was little.”

Mathis said she did have to take interview lessons, but to prepare for this pageant, she just needed to be herself.

“It’s stressful, always going to a national pageant, but it wasn’t like, ‘I’ve got to keep myself on a diet plan and work out.’ That’s what I like about this one,” Mathis said.

Going to a national pageant, she was worried her competition would keep to themselves, but that was not the case, she said.

“We have a group message now, and they talk to me every day,” Mathis said.

“So, it was honestly the best experience.”

Mathis said she and the girls she met at the pageant have become close, and

Photo courtesy of Morgan Ann Mathis

Morgan Ann Mathis receives her national title and crown from America’s National Teenager Scholarship Organization in July. She represented her home state, Tennessee. they have already planned a trip to the beach together this spring.

Mathis said she spends her spare time with her two younger cousins, with her sorority sisters and traveling when she can.

Mathis said she is a Member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and they are her biggest support system.

“I think she’s worked really hard to

get where she is,” said Mathis’ friend and sorority sister Erin Masterson.

Masterson said Mathis has been driven to reach her dream.

Mathis is majoring in health, physical education and recreation with a concentration in exercise science.

After graduation, she plans to become a pediatric occupational therapist, she said.

Former student finds passion for music, entertainment MADI WINKLER Social Media Coordinator online@florala.net UNA alumnus Jake Elliff discovered his passion for music long before OLDSPORT and UNA were in the picture.

Elliff said he grew up listening to music his parents showed interested in, and he drew influence from the “rootsy, singer-songwriter kind of thing.” From bluegrass to James Taylor, he heard it all.

“I had a friend named Seth who gave me a Mayday Parade CD one time, and he said, ‘You would really like this music,’” Elliff said.

He said he also listened and learned from bands like All Time Low and Blink 182 during middle school.

“And then I found Never Shout Never on MySpace, and I was like, ‘I want to do that one day,’” he said.

Elliff said his uncle gave him an acoustic guitar and encouraged him to pursue his new-found passion, when previously, sports were his

life. They occupied the majority of his time.

“Music and sports kind of flipped as my passions,” Elliff said. “What was once my passion became a hobby, and now, this hobby had become a passion.”

The desire to perform appeared in his home church. His parents pointed out the idea to participate during worship services after they saw his enthusiasm for music, Elliff said.

Elliff said he and guitarist Will Martin met in high school, when they paired up for a history project. While their classmates chose to act out skits, the OLDSPORT frontmen decided to write a cover of Bowling for Soup’s song, “1985.” “we couldn’t really find anybody that liked the kind of music we liked, so we kind of clung to each other. And, we decided to make a band,” said lead guitarist Will Martin.

The two realized they could write and perform together, and that was the starting point, Elliff said.

The two were best friends since the, even outside of the musical setting, Martin said.

“I think that’s the reason

why I’m such close friends with Jake, too. It’s that I found somebody who could be my voice with the music I wrote,” Martin said.

Martin said Elliff picked up where he lacked in vocals.

“Will writes the majority of the lyrics, and then I kind of fill in the blanks,” he said.

Elliff said the group does eccentric things to capture the audience’s attention.

The group performed their first live show at a country church, he said.

“We played the Space Jam theme song over the loud speakers in the church, and we all wore basketball jerseys,” Elliff said.

He said the back of his jersey read “repent or perish.”

“I just remember hearing this old lady in the back of the church go, ‘Oh Lord,’” Elliff said.

“They’re just so energetic, (and) some of the best performers I’ve ever seen,” said junior Rosie McLendon.

They are always entertaining to watch, McLendon said.

Sometimes, the tactics used to catch peoples’ attention help

conquer fears, and everything they do has a special meaning. Swinging from the rafters during the song ‘What Haunts Me’ is his own way of beating his fear of heights, he said.

“We’re stoked to do some stuff around Florence in the fall,” Elliff said.

Elliff said he graduated with a degree in public communication, which he uses through his work at The Well church and at Highland Baptist Church, where he works.

Elliff said he misses being around campus since he graduated, but he spends his free time with the people of the Shoals community and with his wife.

OLDSPORT will headline a show Oct. 14 at 116 Mobile St. The presale tickets include early entrance to the show, plus a grilled cheese sandwich the band members will make themselves, Elliff said.

OLDSPORT, Jordy Searcy and The Bear and the Bride will go on tour together at the end of October. through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, Elliff said.

They will end the tour in Florence on Oct. 31.

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

OLDSPORT lead vocalist and UNA alumnus Jake Elliff performs in the Mane Room downtown last spring. Elliff found his passion for music in high school before becoming OLDSPORT’s frontman.

PEOPLE OF THE PRIDE 5

Nursing professor retires after 36 years MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net Director of Presidential Mentors Academy Ernestine Davis was a permanent fixture in the Anderson College of Nursing for 36 years, but this year she retires.

Davis celebrated her retirement Sept. 20. She said while she is retiring from her position as a nursing professor, she will still work at UNA. “After 36 years, don’t you think it’s time for someone to retire?” she said. “It’s time to do something a little different. I really wanted to put more time into the Presidential Mentors Academy.”

She said she will try to work at UNA as long as she can.

“As long as my health holds out, and I can have an impact on students’ lives, I will stay,” she said.

Senior Khari Bolden said he first met Davis when he applied to the PMA program.

“My first meeting with Dr. Davis was not intimidating, but she expects a lot out of her students, so I felt that,” he said. “She sees the potential that every student has and their capabilities.”

Davis said she reminds some students of their parents.

“Students know that I’m going to be honest with them,” she said.

“They might not like it, but I’m not going to tell them what they want to hear. They always tell me that I act just like their mom. One student even said that I acted like their father.”

Bolden said Davis is a caring person.

“She’s on your side, but she shows you a lot of tough love, too,” he said.

Senior Jocelyn Barnes said she enjoys Davis’ enthusiasm.

“She’s so passionate about UNA and PMA,” Barnes said. “She really cares about the students she encounters and impacts on a day to day basis. She wants us to strive to do our best and I love that about her.”

Davis said when she is not working, she is camping.

“I like to go camping,” she said.

“I have a motor home that I drive myself. I like to camp over at Joe Wheeler. When I go camping, I’m a loner. I like to go by myself and just have a relaxing time.”

She said she also loves antique cars.

“I don’t know how to work on them, but if I had a place where I could buy antique cars, I would buy them and just have them all around my house,” she said.

Davis said she loves helping

students the most.

“I care about all students,” she said. “I like to see students succeed. My greatest joy is seeing students walk across the stage and get that diploma because I know they have finally achieved what they wanted to do.”

Davis said her favorite part about being at UNA is the people.

“When I’ve had ideas or suggestions, the presidents have always been open and accepting of them,” she said. “People are always willing to listen, but you have to have a good reason for those suggestions. Most of the ideas I have brought up have been implemented.”

Bolden said Davis brings great contributions to the campus.

“I really appreciate her and what she’s done for not only PMA but also for her field,” he said. “She has worked harder and harder every year since I’ve been here. She’s continued to have new ideas. I think the university needs people like her who continue to push students.”

Davis said she is glad she came to UNA. “I came here in 1980, and that was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I love UNA. It’s a w o n d e r f u l environment.”

SIERRA HILL| Staff Photographer

Director of the Presidential Mentors Academy Ernestine Davis discusses why she came to UNA. “I came here in 1980, and that was the best decision I ever made,” she said. “I love UNA. It’s a wonderful environment.”

6

NEWS

Provost plans to return to teaching KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor news@florala.net

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JASMINE FLEMING MANAGING EDITOR MIKE EZEKIEL NEWS EDITOR KAITLYN DAVIS LIFE EDITOR MONDAY SANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR ANDREW FULMER ONLINE EDITOR MADI WINKLER BUSINESS MANAGER JUSTIN BLANCHARD CIRCULALATION MANAGER ALLEN CHILDERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS MICHAEL MEIGS DAVID SAN MIGUEL JACQUELINE WILLIS CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE HODGES STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS SIERRA HILL HILLARY TAYLOR VIDEOGRAPHER DAVID MONTGOMERY ADVISER SCOTT MORRIS

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.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs John Thornell will step down from his position as provost and back into his former position as history professor in fall 2017.

“I am in my eighth year as provost at UNA, and that seems long enough,” Thornell said in an email.

“Administration tends to pull you away from working with students, and I wanted the opportunity to reestablish that connection before I retire.”

Thornell will teach for one year before retiring, he said.

This move is a natural one, as Thornell began his UNA career as a professor, said President Kenneth Kitts in an email.

“It is typical for provosts to want to return to the teaching ranks at some point, as that is what drew them to the profession in the first place,” Kitts said.

Thornell said he enjoys the challenges teaching presents, as well as seeing students succeed.

“There are two elements of teaching I especially value,” he said.

“One is the confidence students gain as they experience academic success under the direction of a good teacher.

The other is the rigor and effort made on behalf of class preparation. I enjoy the reading and research required to be effective in the classroom.”

While Thornell said teaching offers certain gratifications, being the provost is rewarding as well.

“My favorite part of being provost is working with and trying to help faculty,” he said. “To see the wonderful things they accomplish on behalf of our students is amazing.”

The Flor-Ala File Photo

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost John Thornell cuts the grand-opening ribbon for ThinkSpace with Quality Enhancement Program Director Lisa Keys-Mathews March 17. One of Thornell’s favorite aspects of the provost job is attending ceremonies on campus, he said.

A worthwhile aspect of the provost position is participating in events that celebrate campus triumph like commencement and award ceremonies, he said.

But the perks of the provost position do not come without its pressures.

“The most stressful part of the job of provost is trying to find adequate funding for faculty and academic needs,” Thornell said.

“Our faculty participates in a multitude of activities outside the classroom for which funding isn’t available, and one of my jobs is to find ways to support those efforts.”

Recently, Thornell helped secure funding for UNA’s Pride of Dixie Marching Band to

perform at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, he said.

“The funding to support that travel isn’t in their regular budget, so our office assisted with that effort,” Thornell said.

Being provost is challenging because oftentimes there are not enough resources to meet the needs of faculty, he said.

Thornell met those challenges successfully, Kitts said.

“Dr. Thornell has established an excellent rapport with the faculty and has presided over a period of significant growth in the quantity and quality of our academic programs,” Kitts said.

Read about plans to fill the provost position at florala.net.

Shoals Shift program becomes finalist for innovation award KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor news@florala.net The Business Department’s Shoals Shift program beat dozens of universities to become a finalist for the University Economic Development Association’s 2016 Awards of Excellence Aug. 18.

UNA will compete against other finalists Oct. 17 for the Awards of Excellence, and UEDA will announce the winner Oct. 18, said Executive-inResidence at the College of Business Janyce Fadden, who helps lead Shoals Shift.

Shoals Shift is an effort to create more job opportunities in technology in the Shoals area for UNA students, as well as build local businesses and business leaders, Fadden said.

The Shoals Shift program became a finalist in the competition for its effort to make the Shoals community more

technologically friendly, Fadden said.

It is the first time UNA competed in the competition, Fadden said.

“Usually in the application process, (UEDA) tell(s) you, ‘First time submitters rarely get selected,’” Fadden said. “We got selected.”

UEDA is an organization that promotes the development of economic prosperity in communities, Fadden said.

The Awards of Excellence is a competition between members of UEDA that recognizes outstanding, leading-edge higher education projects and initiatives promoting economic development and engagement, according to UEDA’s website.

Shoals Shift is trying to change the Shoals area with over 25 initiatives, but the competition limited the projects they could submit, Fadden said.

Shoals Shift is a finalist in the Innovation and Talent section of the competition. Examples of projects

in this category are, business entrepreneurs, idea or product makers, entrepreneurship education projects/ initiatives and initiatives to connect students with entrepreneurs, according the UEDA’s website.

The projects Shoals Shift submitted were the Three Day Startup, a weekend business startup event, Shoals Big Idea Contest, a competition open to the community as well as students in which competitors present ideas on how to advance the digital technology industry in the Shoals area and an Innovation and Engineering Class, Fadden said.

The Business Department is excited the Shoals Shift program is a finalist in the competition, said Dean of the College of Business Gregory Carnes in a press release.

“We know that our students will compete well, but it’s also important for them to see the impact they can have on their community,” he said.

Read more at florala.net.

NEWS

7

UNA Dining plans to reduce long lines Campus goes green CIERA GOLLIVER Student Writer cgolliver1@una.edu

SAM THIGPEN| Student Photographer

Students wait in line at Chick-fil-A in the Commons. To clear up the lines, UNA plans to install kiosks which students can use to order their food.

MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net UNA officials made the decision to switch food providers during Spring 2016. While the change from Sodexo to Chartwells brought new food, it did not get rid of the long lines.

Students who go to Chick-fil-A or Burger 256 during lunch should expect to wait in line for five to 10 minutes.

“I (normally don’t eat) at Burger 256 because every day I’ve come in the lines are out the door,” said junior Chris Spangler. “With Chickfil-A, I normally don’t go unless it’s an odd hour when no one’s getting food. I’ve mainly had to survive on Starbucks because the line is usually shorter.”

Students will have more dining options to choose from soon.

Moe’s and Panda Express will open during the second half of fall semester in October, said Director

of UNA Dining Susan Breer in an email.

UNA Dining also plans to add kiosks at Chick-fil-A, which operate the same as the register, to thin out the lines, said Assistant Vice President for Business Services Cindy Conlon.

“We will add two kiosks next to where Frostbite used to be,” she said. “Students can go there and put in their order. This will hopefully cut down the number of students in one area so there are no more long lines.”

The kiosks will come online at the end of September, Breer said.

“The kiosks have been programmed and built and just need to be tested,” she said. “We feel it is important to get the current system running smoothly before adding additional equipment.”

Spangler said he has doubts about the plan because he does not know if Chick-fil-A needs the extra kiosks.

This decision may look good, but it could have negative changes, said senior Gabby Fuqua.

“I’ve worked fast food before, and I feel like that’s going to be crazy hectic for the workers,” she said. “I know as students, we need our food when we need it, but the workers are going to have a really stressful time with the additional orders.”

One of the major changes coming to the Mane Market is its expansion, Conlon said.

“There will be more options available,” she said. “We will have an allergen room that will be over where the couches are now (behind the register). This section is for students who have strong allergies to certain foods. They will be sectioned off and not have to worry about a meal containing something they’re allergic to.”

Spangler said this opens more food opportunities for students.

“My girlfriend is a celiac, so she’s allergic to gluten,” he said. “So, that will be nice to have that option for students who have allergies.”

To read what other students are saying about the Mane Market expansion, go to florala.net.

Visitor abducted near Hawthorne Hall JASMINE FLEMING Editor-in-Chief editor@florala.net A campus visitor was abducted around 3 a.m. Sept. 19 in front of Hawthorne Hall and forced by a man and woman with a baseball bat into the victim’s backseat. A UNA student reported the incident to UNA police.

UNA Police Department arrested a woman, Taylor Peters, 20, of Leighton, on domestic violence and unauthorized use of a vehicle around 3:11 a.m. in the victim’s 2016 Kia Forte, said UNA Police Chief Kevin Gillilan. Florence

Police Department officers found Peters with the victim and alerted UNA police.

The male offender was not located.

Gillilan said he is a black male and was last seen in a white older model Buick.

Peters has not been cooperative in providing details on the male offender, Gillilan said.

Investigation showed the incident resulted from a domestic violence situation between the victim and Peters, Gillilan said. The male offender’s role is not yet known.

UNA police and domestic violence investigators from One Place of the

Shoals will continue to investigate.

UNA police did not send a Lion Alert of the situation.

“It was determined that there was no immediate threat to the campus community,” Gillilan said.

“Additionally, the initial report from the persons involved was delayed, the majority of the incident took place off campus and an arrest was made within minutes of the initial report.”

Anyone with additional information on the male suspect should contact UNA police.

Stick with The Flor-Ala for updates on this story.

UNA’s colors are purple and gold, but several organizations are trying to make the campus green.

Increasing recycling and providing more eco-friendly options and activities for students are a few ways student organizations are promoting campus sustainability.

“I know that SGA in the past has pushed for more recycling on campus,” said Student Government Association President Sarah Green.

“SGA over the past couple of years has really been pushing for ecofriendly things, and recycling on campus has been a big thing to us, especially with the Student Welfare Committee.”

Project Earth also supports recycling on campus, said Project Earth Co-President Rachel Milwee.

“We are trying to get more recycling at university events,” Milwee said. “We started by putting recycling bins in the university fraternity houses. We are looking to get them in the sorority dorms and eventually at tailgating.”

The Outdoor Adventure Center also takes recycling at all times.

Students interested in recycling that do not have easy access to a bin can drop their recyclables off at the OAC. Recycling is not the only sustainability effort that is on campus.

University Program Council will hold an event called PLANTS, People Loving and Nurturing Their School Sept. 22. At the event, students will be able to plant their own herbs, learn about the benefits of herbs and how to incorporate them in their everyday lives.

“We will have rosemary and mint,” said UPC member Molly Ratliff. “It is just kind of to bring to light that you can grow your own herbs not only to eat, but you can use them for natural remedies, too.”

Another event UPC planned is a cigarette pickup day.

UPC plans to pass around bags to students to see who can collect the most cigarette butts in a day.

Ratliff said she feels the event would give an opportunity to educate students on the dangers cigarettes can pose to animals, specifically the squirrels on campus.

Smaller changes are also happening around campus.

The Mane Market has ecofriendly to-go boxes, thanks to SGA, Green said.

“A couple of senators met with the Chartwells folk, and they got a deal worked out,” she said. “We are really excited about (the ecofriendly boxes).”

One problem with university sustainability is the lack of funds available to support sustainability efforts, Milwee said.

“We had talked about a small tuition fee for sustainability,” Milwee said. “It would be a very small amount, but with a lot of students, that adds up.”

To read about another upcoming sustainability event, go to florala. net.

8

NEWS

The struggle is real: graduating on time KAITLYN DAVIS News Editor news@florala.net The majority of college students in the U.S. do not graduate on time, and UNA’s students are no exception.

Out of the 2011 freshmen cohort, 20.3 percent graduated within four years, according to UNA’s graduation and retention rates.

This is an improvement from the 11.7 percent of the 2009 freshmen cohort who graduated in four years, according to the rates.

It is also over the national average of 19 percent of students who graduate on time, according to completecollege. org.

There are many causes for delayed graduation, including financial struggles, changing majors, caring for families and not taking 15 hours per semester, said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost John Thornell in an email.

Twelve credit hours qualifies as full time. Director of University Advising Services Amy Crews encourages freshmen students to take 12-14 hours their first semester, she said in an email.

However, if students take 12 credit hours every semester, they will not

graduate within four years unless they take summer classes.

“The reason I suggest 12-14 hours (a student’s) first semester is that the transition from high school to college is a huge one for most students, and the preparation they get in high school is simply not adequate for the rigors of college,” Crews said.

This advice only applies to a freshman’s first semester and not for future semesters, Thornell said.

A student needs to take 30 credit hours every year to graduate on time, Crews said.

Even then, students do not always finish within four years.

“Most semesters I took 15-18 credit hours and still had to take two summer courses and stay an extra semester for my internship,” said 2015 alumna Jennifer Thomas.

Crews stresses the importance of meeting with an adviser frequently and developing a four-year plan to ensure a timely graduation.

Although students should meet regularly with an adviser, they should also take precautions when listening to their advice, Thomas said.

“Sit down with an advisor and map out the best possible way for you to take your required classes, and get it in writing with a signature so you don’t go back later to find a mysterious class

has been added to your requirement list, speaking from experience,” she said.

To graduate within four years, Thornell encourages students to avoid dropping courses and changing majors unless it is absolutely necessary.

Changing his major, holding down a job and retaking classes caused 2013 alumnus Seth Bullock to not graduate on time, he said.

But this setback turned out to be an advantage for Bullock, he said. “(Graduating late was) kind of a good thing too because my wife was in one of the classes I had to retake,” Bullock said.

The four-year graduation norm might need to change because students

“

should not rush choosing a lifelong career path, Thomas said. It is also difficult to choose and master a career when universities require students to complete general studies for the first two years, she said.

“You don’t even get to your actual major until the second half of college, so really a student is expected to master their skill or major in two years,” she said.

Students should enjoy their time in college because before they know it, college will be over, Bullock said.

“You’ll start your first day in college, and you’ll blink,” he said. “Then, you’re shaking hands with (President Kenneth Kitts) at graduation.”

You don’t even get to your actual major until the second half of college, so really a student is expected to master their skill or major in two years.

Jennifer Thomas| Alumna

SOCIAL MEDIA

9

Online profiles intersect with career field MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net Social media is a prominent tool for people to connect with friends and family and for businesses to market their brand.

Due to social media’s prominence, many workplaces have learned to either incorporate it or fight against it. “(Social media) makes us feel like we’re connected to people,” said Sociology Professor Andrea Hunt. “We are able to meet people who share the same ideas and opinions, and that is the appeal for many people.

“But then at the same time, we are also a society that is very voyeuristic via the rise in reality TV and social media. We get a glimpse of other people’s lives, and it is fascinating for us to see what other people’s lives are

like.”

Thirty-four percent of workers who use social media use it to take a mental break from work, according to the Pew Research Center.

Hunt said people’s ability to escape reality is the reason why they use social media for a break.

“I like looking at what other people are doing,” said senior Matthew Foster. “I don’t use Facebook that often, but when I do, I look for stuff that interests me.”

Social media not only provides an escape, but it also helps people market themselves, Hunt said.

“When you’re looking for a job, employers are looking at social media to find out who you are,” she said. “We really need to work with students to teach them about responsible social media and how what we put out on social media does send a message about who we are. We must ask: ‘Is

that the message that we want future employers to see?’”

Hunt said it is important for students to use the privacy settings on any social media website.

“I do not use the privacy settings on my accounts,” said sophomore Shontel Tymes. “I feel as if I have no reason to.

I am professional on and off the job.”

However, despite the many uses of social media, 17 percent of employees work in a company which has a social media policy, according to the Pew Research Center.

Tymes said she works at Books-AMillion, and the company has a social media policy.

“It’s a standard policy,” she said.

“When we use social media, we must use it in a positive way. We cannot post any confidential information or anything provocative. We must also respect all financial disclosure laws.”

Tymes said she agrees with this

policy.

Companies have these policies to protect their reputation, said Director of the Career Center Melissa Medlin.

“When you take a job in an organization, you are an extension of that organization,” she said. “Either intentionally or not, your views and thoughts can be construed to be those of the organization.”

Tymes said it easy to follow the social media policy.

“I am a representative of the company,” she said. “I know I have to be professional, so I see no issue with following it.”

Medlin said students should be careful online.

“Students need to be conscientious of what they are posting and what people are posting about them,” she said. “There are countless examples of where people have lost jobs because of what they posted on social media.”

How often do you use your favorite social media?

“I like using Twitter three

“My friends are more likely to

“I use Tumblr to just hangout.

“I use Twitter and Facebook

times a day because it’s fun to

use Facebook or Twitter, so I use

I’m on it 24/7,” said junior

everyday to keep in touch with

write on,” said junior Hope Willis.

those most often,” said junior

Heather Keaton.

friends,” said sophomore Hiroto

Deondis Mendenhall.

Nakamura.

“Twitter is more convient and

“I prefer Snapchat because

“I use Facebook the most.

“I use Facebook everyday.

funnier than Facebook. I use it

it’s easier to use. I’m every hour

I’m on it every day just to pass

Everyone is on there,” said

to pass time,” said junior Justin

on the hour,” said junior Deysha

time,” said junior Ramon Quiroz.

senior Anna Luttrell.

Watson.

Garner.

Information compiled by Life Editor Monday Sanderson

TREVOR KIDDY | Student Photographer

10

SOCIAL MEDIA

Students acquire news from online sources KATIE LIGGIN Student Writer kliggin@una.edu Social media has become a staple in the lives of today’s generation, but the growing use of social websites do not always have the best consequences.

Online platforms allow their users to communicate and retrieve fast news.

However, users might not be aware of the risks involved with finding news via social media, said Department of Communications Chair Butler Cain.

Sixty-two percent of U.S. adults regularly use social media as a news outlet, and 18 percent obtain news from social media often, according to journalism.org.

But social media is not the most trustworthy news source, Cain said.

“Sometimes discovering breaking news on social media is quite easy to do,” Cain said. “Sometimes that’s real time, and maybe it hasn’t been vetted yet. Maybe it hasn’t gone through the journalistic process of verification.”

Social media produces a massive amount of information. Around 500 million tweets are sent out every day, according to InternetLiveStats.com.

Freshman Jalyn Cosby said he uses Twitter two or three times a day to check for news but always verifies it with more credible sources.

“So one of the problems as news is unfolding is that, if you are following it as it unfolds on social media, you need to take a step back and understand that this is all raw information, and it might be wrong,” Cain said.

Cain said if students use social media for news, they should always go back to a credible news source.

“I think young adults need to do a better job of finding and paying attention to news and information,” Cain said.

Students should take the time to verify information before sharing it with others, said Communications Professor Beth Garfrerick.

“Students will post something, where there was an incident, a shooting or something, that occurred two years ago,” she said. “They just don’t pay attention to the original posting of that, and so they just share without thinking and looking closely at the date.”

To prevent spreading outdated and inaccurate information, students should talk directly to the story’s

subjects, if possible, she said.

Students should learn the difference between gossip and a viable source, she said.

“I do think that younger people should pay more attention to what they see and hear in the news because (that) can help them have a better understanding of what is going on (in) social media,” said freshman Suzi Day. “They have better facts to back information up.”

Students need to verify these facts though, Cain said.

Students should never blindly trust the news source, said sophomore Chloe

“

Brownell.

“Consider the source,” Brownell said. “Some sources are going to be biased or show you one side of the story and make you believe what they want you to believe.”

Students should be aware of what comes across their social media and they should not always take what their friends post on their timelines at face value, said Marketing Professor Tim Butler.

As social platforms become more of everyday life, there’s a need for millennials to be responsible online, said junior Bradley Boak.

I think young adults need to do a better job of finding and paying attention to news and information.

Butler Cain | Department Chair of Communications

Scoreboard Sept. 9-17

Sept. 9

Soccer vs. Nova S.E. Win, 2-1 Volleyball vs. WTAMU Win, 3-0 Volleyball vs. Truman St. Win, 3-0

Sept. 10

Volleyball vs. Ashland Win, 3-2 Volleyball vs. SVSU Win, 3-1

Sept. 11

Soccer vs. Tampa Loss, 2-1

Sept. 13

Volleyball vs. West Ala. Win, 3-0

Sept. 14

Soccer at Shorter Win, 2-0

Sept. 17

Football vs. Valdosta St. Win, 44-19 Volleyball at Lee Win, 3-2 Cross Country Rhodes College Inv. Men: 6th Place Women: T-7th Place Games continued at roarlions.com

SPORTS 11 Softball inspiration visits Shoals ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net

Gracie Billups, the nine-year-old who teamed up with UNA softball through the Make-A-Wish foundation, made a visit to Florence last weekend to tour the area.

Billups met the Lions softball team during their national championship tournament in Denver last May. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October of 2015. This form of cancer is commonly diagnosed in childhood, and there are over 6,000 new cases expected for 2016, according to the National Cancer Institute.

“She came to our first game out in (Denver) and threw out the first pitch,” said UNA Director of Athletics Mark Linder. “She was actually supposed to be neutral between us and Southern Arkansas, but she made an instant connection with our players.”

Billups only missed one UNA game during the tournament, the opening game in the championship series against Humboldt State.

“She missed one game that Friday because she had a treatment, and that is the only game that we lost,” said Athletics Buisness Manager Debbie Williams. “So we told her she had to come back the next day.”

The softball team would go on to win the national championship in the bestof-three series with Gracie by its side.

“She was such a huge factor for everything we did in Denver,” said Lions softball head coach Ashley Cozart.

HILLARY TAYLOR | Staff Photographer

Gracie Billups visits Leo III and Una Sept. 16 at George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. Billups met the UNA softball team last May in Denver during their national championship run.

“There are so many distractions that you cannot control, and I think meeting her and going through what we all went through puts everything in perspective.”

Billups received celebrity treatment when she came to the Shoals. She made various visits around the Shoals and received a key to the city from Mayor Mickey Haddock at UNA’s football game against Valdosta State at Braly Stadium Sept. 17.

“I hope she takes away a personal connection,” Linder said. “I hope she sees that UNA and the rest of the community is full of genuine people

that care about her and want to see her smile.”

Everyone in the department hopes she has a great experience during her visit and hopes this trip takes her mind off of this difficult time, Williams said.

“I want her to come here and be a kid,” Cozart said. “She has some hard days and a lot of doctor visits, and I am sure she has a long road ahead of her. But I want her to know she is an inspiration for a lot of people here.”

If you would like to help children like Gracie, donate to the childhood cancer charity of your choice.

Former rugby star turns pro ANDREW FULMER Sports Editor sports@florala.net Former UNA rugby club standout Matthew “HP” Moore will have a chance to play for the Austin Huns rugby club in Austin, Texas.

Moore played for the Lions from 2014-15 where he was named AllAmerican in both seasons.

Moore is from Compton, California, where he grew up playing football and basketball. He was a football standout for St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, and Dominguez High School in Compton.

Football was the original reason Moore came to UNA. “I played football at UNA from 2011-2012, tore my ACL, and that is what ended my football career here,” Moore said.

After recovering from his knee injury, Moore sought an outlet that allowed him to compete the same way he did in football.

“I was recruited to play (rugby)

by current player Darnell Dothard,” Moore said. “I was rehabbing from my injury and still thinking about getting back into football, and Dothard had invited me to come out to rugby practice a few times. I finally agreed to go and after that first practice, I fell in love. It gave me a chance to be an athlete again.”

Lions rugby head coach Eddie Roberts said he knew Moore was a special athlete immediately.

“He showed up with a tremendous attitude,” Roberts said. “He was very coachable, and you want that kind of mentality and his brand of athleticism on your team. He was an immediate impact on our team.”

The transition from football to rugby can be an obstacle for some, but not for Moore, Roberts said.

“He is a film studying kind of guy,” Roberts said. “He started studying YouTube videos. His personality is, ‘If I am going to do something, I am going to do it right.”

Even after developing into a talented rugby player, Moore continued to hone his skills.

“You can always work on things

like your passing skills,” Moore said.

“For me, that is something I always put time into. That is how you get better and not be timid and get more comfortable (playing the game).”

Moore’s dedication and perseverance would pay off. Moore led UNA to playoff appearances in both his seasons and helped turn the Lions into one of the most competitive rugby clubs in the region, routinely defeating larger schools.

Assistant coach Grant Cavin said he knew when he saw Moore practice for the first time that he could play professionally.

“I had just moved here and came to practice and saw this big guy that could run like a gazelle and had great hands,” Cavin said.

Moore says that once he gets the chance to play professionally, he not only will be playing for himself, but also for the team and coaches that helped start his journey.

“I want to have a long and successful career,” Moore said. “I want to use my time as a pro to put UNA on the map and show that rugby thrives here.”

12 SPORTS Volleyball enters rankings for first time since 2011 MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net For the first time since 2011, the UNA volleyball team is in the national rankings.

The Lions entered the polls at No. 23 in the first American Volleyball Coaches Association poll of the season after falling outside the preseason rankings. UNA did receive votes in the initial poll, but not enough to be included in the top 25.

“It has been a long time since our program has been in the national poll,” said UNA head coach Stephanie Radecki. “It is a coaches committee that votes, so I think it shows us a lot of respect because there are a lot of very strong Division-II volleyball programs.”

UNA (9-1, 1-1 Gulf South Conference) started the nonconference schedule with an 8-0 record before hitting the road to face GSC foes Shorter and Lee Sept. 16-17.

UNA lost its first game of the season in a 3-2 thriller against the Hawks, but rebounded with a 3-2 comeback win over the Flames.

Radecki said being ranked and

starting strong is a positive, but a national ranking cannot make the team become complacent.

“I think it’s something to be proud of, but it also does not affect where we end up in the postseason polls,” she said. “It’s a huge compliment, but we have to stay focused and perform in order to keep our success.”

The ranking gives the team some added confidence, said junior middle hitter Jessica Austin.

“It’s definitely exciting,” Austin said. “I think that it puts a lot of motivation in us to work harder.

It shows us that people do believe in us, and it gives us a little hope that we actually are good enough to go further than regionals and be national champions.”

West Florida is the only other team to represent the GSC in the national polls, as they stand at No. 25 with a 4-4 record. The GSC coaches picked UWF as the favorite over UNA in the preseason poll.

After the loss to Shorter and a tight battle with Lee, Austin said the schedule is too tough for the team to look ahead to West Florida or any other opponent.

“I think we need to just take it one game at a time instead of focusing

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary makes a play on the ball against West Alabama Sept. 13 at Flowers Hall. The Lions are ranked for the first time since 2011. on playing West Florida,” Austin said. “Last year, we began to think about other games and would end up losing, like we did to UAH.” The ranking gives UNA the respect they have been yearning for since last season, said junior outside hitter Lexie Bradley.

“Last year, West Florida was ranked the whole year, and were always the big dog,” Bradley said.

“Then we ended up beating them even though we weren’t officially ranked. Us knowing that we are ranked now puts that spotlight on us that I feel like we deserve.”

Porter and Tanner: Teammates for life

MELANIE HODGES | Chief Photographer

Redshirt freshman Audrey Tanner (left) and sophomore Paige Porter toss a ball around before practice Sept. 16. The duo came to UNA after successful high school careers at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.

MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net From youth league championships to a state championship and then a Gulf South Conference championship,

Paige Porter and Audrey Tanner have been through a lot together.

Porter and Tanner are in their second year with the UNA soccer team and have been friends since second grade. The two made their way to UNA from Kennesaw, Georgia, where they

won the 2014 State Championship in Georgia’s highest classification.

Both attended a soccer camp at Ole Miss, where former UNA assistant coach Chris McBride discovered the two. At that moment, Porter said she knew they were coming to Florence together.

“We kind of knew we wanted to (go together), but it wasn’t like, ‘Oh, we have to go to the same school,’” Porter said. “Then when we met Coach McBride at the Ole Miss camp, we were like, ‘We’re going to go to the same school now.’ Our parents were pretty happy about it.”

After coming in together, UNA head coach Chris Walker expected both to play as freshmen, he said.

While Porter instantly hit the starting lineup in 2015 as a midfielder, Tanner tore her ACL and had to redshirt.

“It was pretty tough, but I still got to travel with the team,” Tanner said.

“It was hard at first, but I got through it. I got used to it.”

Upon coming to UNA, the 13-year friends expected to be roommates, but Walker said he had other plans.

“I separated them when they came in as roommates freshman year so they could get to know other people,” Walker said. “It has worked out really well. They pulled Kylie (Huey) into their little group, and they live together now.”

Walker said he has seen the bond between the two players and their

families, and it is not an average friendship.

“Both come from good families with great parents that are really supportive,” he said. “You can go to the same high school and be friends, but these two are best friends.”

Tanner said the longest she has been away from Porter is two months, which happened this past summer.

“We are basically like family,” Tanner said. “She went away for the whole summer for the (Campus Outreach) Summer Beach Project, and I was here in Florence doing rehab for my hip. That was the longest we ever went without seeing each other.”

The two have not had many interactions in an actual game, but the idea of an assist/goal combo is not a far-fetched notion, Porter said.

“Sometimes I will be like, ‘Did you see that play in practice where I passed you the ball and you scored?” she said.

“Then I’ll say, ‘How cool would it be for us to do that in a game?’”

Tanner is a nursing major, while Porter hopes to get into medical school to become a radiologist.

With each sharing a similar goal after college, Tanner said the possibility of working alongside Porter is fitting.

“It is kind of cool to think I could be her nurse one day,” Tanner said.

The duo will hope to help the Lions at home Sept. 25, as they face conference rival West Alabama.

OPINION 13

Make-A-Wish means more than good publicity

MIKE EZEKIEL Managing Editor managing@florala.net Life-threatening illnesses for children are some of the saddest situations we encounter in this world.

With this thought in mind, the MakeA-Wish foundation makes a mission to “grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.”

Make-A-Wish has granted over 180,000 wishes nationally and grants one every 40 minutes, according to Make-A-Wish

Utah.

One of these wishes directly impacted the Shoals area. The UNA softball team took Gracie Billups, a nine-year-old girl from Colorado struggling with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, under its wing during its national championship run May 17-21.

A number of UNA faithfuls made the trip to see the Lions perform, but in the meantime watched Gracie toss the first pitch of the Division II Softball World Series. Gracie instantly gravitated to the UNA softball team and their dugout shenanigans.

Fast-forward to Sept. 15-17, where the UNA Athletics Department invited the Billups family to Florence to witness the team receive their national championship rings.

I spent a couple of hours with Gracie and her family as she went to visit Leo III and Una, which she said was her favorite part of the day. The following afternoon, the Billups family joined me in the home radio booth at Braly Stadium. These were just a few items on Gracie’s busy itinerary.

Saturday at UNA’s home football

opener, Gracie stood with the team during their ring ceremony. To Gracie’s surprise, UNA head softball coach Ashley Cozart and Director of Athletics Mark Linder presented Gracie with a ring of her own.

The smile on Gracie’s face throughout both days was priceless. She received celebrity treatment, and her family seemed appreciative for everything. My perception of the Billups family is that they are humble and grateful.

In today’s society, unfortunately, we have people who are quick to point out the unessential negatives.

Some people automatically associate a foundation like Make-A-Wish with the term “publicity stunt.” Others label it “a good public relations move.”

I’ve also heard at times people mention how unimportant sports are to life.

Gracie Billups is living proof that neither of these is true.

Gracie Billups has memories that will last a lifetime, and no amount of “good PR” will ever come close to the happiness this child experienced in Denver and in the Shoals.

Billups, who said she happens to be

a softball fan, has a get-away from her medical struggles, whether it is a softball game, a football game, the Pride of Dixie Marching Band performing at halftime or four students running into each other in Listerhill’s halftime rendition of “Knockerballs.”

Each citizen who encounters her shares the smiles she had. Her positivity has impacted me, as it has many others.

When it comes to making a wish come true and comparing it to a “publicity stunt,” we should view things for what they are and not for how they appear.

It’s easy to look at something without having any knowledge of the situation and label it as strictly beneficial for the athletics department or for the media.

But when one sees it up close and personal, they realize this isn’t about the general public. It’s about Gracie. It’s about the thousands of other children who struggle with childhood illnesses and seeing the smile on their face from their one wish.

Besides, the more we help one another, the closer we get to becoming a better world. This is why Gracie is an inspiration.

Consumers cause lack of originality in Hollywood

MONDAY SANDERSON Life Editor life@florala.net “Hollywood lacks originality.”

“People only create remakes or sequels now.”

Many people have made these comments about movies, and this year it is more evident than ever.

Out of the top 10 highest grossing

movies of 2016, six of them were either a sequel or a reboot. While people complain about the lack of creativity, their money says otherwise.

Consumers not only see this trend in movies, but also TV shows.

September is the month when new TV shows are born. When the major networks release their fall line-up, they are staking their claim and trying to gain more viewers.

This year, FOX decided to release two new shows that are movie reboots. The studio released their version of Lethal Weapon Sept. 21, and will release The Exorcist Sept. 23.

As both series are franchises that ended decades ago, film and TV studios should be done working with them, but they keep using the same material.

It is understandable to produce a reboot for a show or movie which only has one version available, but to do that for one which has multiple sequels makes no sense. Audience members

Correction In the Sept. 8 issue, an article titled “Bullying more likely to affect Alabama students” referred to Mental Health Counselor Maggie Stutts as Maggie Steps.

To view the corrected version, visit florala.net.

have seen all they can from the series.

Most reboots or sequels add nothing to the overall story. They are just used as a cash grab.

“Once a brand has been established in the marketplace, it makes sound business sense to repeat the formula,” said Film Critic Roger Ebert in Newsweek.

This is why the film industry lacks originality. The companies just want to make money, and consumers are backing this idea.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” premiered Aug. 19, and critics have praised it as being “a masterpiece” and “unique.” This movie has a 97 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, and it has made 30.5 million in the box office.

However, this is still less than the 42.5 million “Ben-Hur,” a remake, made in the box office.

If consumers truly want more films or shows that are original, they need to start spending their money and time on

the original products.

For UNA students, the support of original content can start locally.

Half-Minute Horror is a group from Sheffield that creates horror videos which are only half a minute long.

Students from UNA have helped this group on their videos, and in turn the group has helped UNA students with projects.

They may not make any big budget products, but they make original content in a short time that forces them to be creative.

Another opportunity for students to support local films occurs in the spring at the George S. Lindsey Film Festival.

The festival allows students and other people from around the world to submit original films. It lasts three days, and it promotes independent filmmakers.

While it is okay to enjoy a sequel or a reboot, if people want more originality in the film industry, they must find it and support it.

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

See the Shoals Sip and See Turbo Coffee, a one-room cafe on Tennessee Street, provides a view of downtown Florence. The cafe has a secluded location perfect for studying or relaxing.

HILLARY TAYLOR Staff Photographer htaylor1@una.edu

Having a record year Nathan Pitts, a local citizen, looks through records at Underground Art & Sound in downtown Florence. The store sells record players and various merchandise.

Summer is officially over, the excitement of going back to school has worn off and students are beginning to remember just how small of a town Florence can be.

For a lot of students, a typical Friday or Saturday night — if they are lucky enough to have a free weekend — is spent hanging out watching Netflix.

But if they feel the urge to get out of their pajamas and leave the room, Florence has some new additions.

The first stop is Turbo Coffee. The small, one-room café is on Tennessee Street.

It has four tables and is the perfect place to go for a more secluded location.

The menu may appear limited, but that’s because they take pride in making only the best. It’s a fun spot to spend a quiet afternoon watching traffic and sipping a mocha.

Second is Blank Comics on Wood Avenue.

Taking some of the stock that Pegasus Records left behind when it closed its doors April 16, the owners opened up a shop near Seven Points.

It’s a perfect atmosphere to let one’s inner geek flourish. A vast array of comics fills the boxes — everything from Batman to the Labyrinth. They also offer music, merchandise and coffee from their own café. Customers can grab a board game, sit on the deck and talk nerd culture.

Last is Underground Art & Sound on Court Street.

If one doesn’t pay close attention, they might miss the arrow pointing to a stairwell that leads them underground to the music store. There, anyone can find records from every genre and every era of music, and the prices are generally reasonable.

I managed to find a few cast recordings of old Broadway shows for a few dollars each. They have several record players for sale, as well as band merchandise to wear or hang on walls.

The owners are enthusiastic to talk about music, and they will introduce customers to some sounds they have never heard before.

There are also a number of other locations that are open or will be opening soon: Sky Zone, Escape Room and numerous restaurants and boutiques downtown. Students should pull away from their Stranger Things marathon and go explore.

Come on down (left) A yellow arrow points to the entrance of Underground Art & Sound in downtown Florence. The arrow helps prevent potential costumers from missing the unique entrance.

Comical reads (right) Comics line the shelves at Blank Comics in Florence near Seven Points. The store offers a vast array of comics and other merchandise.

CALENDAR 15 Thurs., Sept. 22 What: UPC Movie Night When: 7- 10:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Performance Center What: President’s Cabinet When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: GUC Banquet Hall A What: SGA Senate Meeting When: 3:30 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 200

Fri., Sept. 23 What: UNA Volleyball v. Union When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Sat., Sept. 24 What: UNA Volleyball vs.

Christian Brothers When: 1 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Sun., Sept. 25

Photo courtesy of Christy Britten

Dragon Boat rowers paddle through the waters of the Tennessee River during the 2014 festival. Paddles go up Saturday, Oct. 1, in the McFarland Park Harbor.

Tues., Sept. 27

Fri., Sept. 30

What: UNA Disc Golf

What: Center Stage Presents

When: 7-8 p.m.

“Agnes of God”

Where: The O.A.C.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ritz Theatre, Sheffield

What: UNA Choir: Quintessentially Baroque

Sat., Oct. 1

What: The Flor-Ala’s writers’

When: 7:30 p.m.

What: Dragonboat Festival

meeting

Where: North Wood United Methodist Church

When: 7 a.m.- 1 p.m.

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Student Media Building What: UNA Soccer vs. West Alabama When: 1 p.m.

Mon., Sept. 26 What: Presidential Debate Viewing Party When: 7:30- 10 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 208

What: SGA UPC Meeting When: 3:30- 5 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 200

Wed., Sept. 28 What: Michael Willett Exhibit When: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, Tuscumbia

Thur., Sept. 29 What: UNA Volleyball v. UAH When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall

Where: McFarland Park Harbor What: UNA Volleyball vs.

Mississippi College When: 1 p.m.

Where: Flowers Hall What: UNA Football vs. West Georgia

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Braly Stadium

Sun., Oct. 2

What: Shoals Symphony at UNA:

What: SGA Senate Meeting

Act of Congress Concert

When: 3:30 p.m.

When: 3 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 200

Where: Muscle Shoals High School Auditorium

What: UPC Movie Night When: 7- 10:30 p.m.

What: The Flor-Ala’s writers’

Where: GUC Performance Center

Mon., Oct. 3 What: Shoals Artists Guild Exhibition- Art Expressions When: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: Kennedy Douglas Center for the Arts What: UPC Meeting When: 3:30- 5 p.m.

Where: GUC Room 200

Tues., Oct. 4 What: Night Hike When: 7- 9 p.m.

Where: The O.A.C.

Wed., Oct. 5 What: Departmental Recital When: Noon Where: Music Building Recital Hall

Check una.edu for more events and activities.

meeting When: 4 p.m.

Where: Student Media Building

In addition to allowing students to submit topics for the calendar, the 2016-17 paper will allow students to purchase classified ads for a small fee — no more getting lost in the pages by the mailroom! Contact editor@florala.net for questions.

16 EXTRA

SOCIAL MEDIA OF THE WEEK