The Xavier Herald @xulaherald
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
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Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, La.
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
Division of Business
Multiple Internships Broaden Skillsets
by Ariele French Contributing Writer
The collegiate process has been extremely rewarding for me in terms of gaining the necessary skillsets towards my accounting career. I had the rare opportunity to gain internship experience at a leading pharmaceutical company the summer of my sophomore year through my mom’s employment at the company for over 10 years. The concepts I learned in my accounting course were similar to the ones I practiced in my internship. The only
major difference was the application of those concepts was on a wider platform due to the company being multinational. My current internship came quicker than expected, but it has proven to be an experience very different from the first. My adviser recommended that I should work at this company for the remainder of my collegiate career. The company is a nonprofit organization, which includes no more than three employees in the finance department. This in turn proves the necessity for my presence in the department
today and allowed me to understand that the work I do truly makes a difference. My responsibilities include preparing journal entries, bank reconciliations, and paying invoices, all of which I have learned and practiced here at Xavier. Both internships provided me with very different yet useful experiences I will carry with me throughout my accounting career. I believe internships are important in the development and training for anyone pursuing a career. I have taken full advantage of any opportunity that has come my way.
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
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The Xavier Herald Staff SPRING 2016 Editors: Franziska Pirkl and Eric Craig Web Editor Mark Veals
Front page Design: Nicholas Davison Graphic Design Eric Craig Nicholas Davison
Photographers Eric Craig Mizani Ball
kaelin maloid
Natese Dockery Tiauni Julien Prinsey Walker
Staff Writers
Morgan yates Lester Rainey Jendaya Bell Prinsey Walker Kendall Lawson Tyler Despenza Ashlee Hill Darielle Cobbs alker W Prinsey
Sports Editor Kaelin Maloid
Melinda L. Shelton, Adviser 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu
HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION
Herald office:
Email stories: Advertising:
Xavier South,112B herald@xula.edu 504.520.5096
The Xavier Herald is an award-winning newspaper produced by, for and about students at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, La. While The Herald is housed in the Department of Mass Communication, its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the department or Xavier University. The Herald is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and as such adheres to the collegiate journalists’ code of ethics. The Herald staff reserves the right to accept, edit, or refuse content.
www.xulaherald.com Tweet Us @xulaherald Instagram: xulaherald Snapchat: xulaherald Remaining Spring Print Schedule: April 19-May 6, 2016
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
Journey from Germany to Last Frontier - and the Big Easy: A Reflection on Social Change by Franziska Pirkl Co-Editor in Chief
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ometimes life takes us to places we never expected to go and the insights we gain along the way make us who we are. I was born and raised in Munich, Germany, a vibrant city in the south of Germany, only six hours from the Italian border and eight hours from Paris. In 2011, I decided to start my journey abroad as a freshman at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, taking advantage of the scholarship opportunities I received as an international college athlete. When I left Germany about four years ago, I remember feeling a sense of trust in government and social justice in general. Even though Germany has a dark spot in its history, people have mostly overcome the trauma of tyranny and division. Ever since the reunion of Germany in 1989, the political and social climate
has been fairly stabile, not to mention that Germany elected its first female chancellor in 2005. This sense of trust in social justice gradually faded as I learned more about the social challenges in America. Coming to an HBCU in 2012 gave me an uncensored insight into how people feel about being unheard, mistreated and discriminated against. With the acts of violence against African American men, I came to understand that fear is one of the main reasons why people turn against each other. It is fear of the unknown – the other - that makes people disregard the basic rules of our society that are supposed to ensure our peace. Fear as a catalyst of discrimination and violence is not only an American phenomenon. In 2015, the political crisis in the Middle East caused over a million refugees to go to Germany in hopes of finding a safe place for their families. While countries such as Hungary, Poland or Croatia closed
their borders to refugees completely, Germany maintained its open-door policy. The fear of terrorism and its constant presence in the media caused many European governments to deny help to thousands of refugees. Even though the majority of Germans have been very welcoming towards foreigners, some far-right groups have attempted to create a sense of fear among the German population. It is undeniable that terrorism is a serious threat nowadays, but far-right groups such as Pegida base their simplified propaganda on stereotypes and generalizations that disregard human rights. Migration has always been part of our world history, but it has now reached extreme dimensions because of modern technologies and quicker means of transportation. Migration challenges us to open our borders and become educated about the people we are sharing our countries with. Recent dynamics have shown that northern, developed
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Franzika Pirkl interns in Washington D.C. during summer 2015.
countries are becoming more multi-cultural, while the political and economic climate in countries such as Syria becoming unbearable. Social change resulting from the mix of cultures is challenging us to overcome our fear of “the other�. If we let fear dictate our thoughts and actions, whether in relationships or politics, people are treated unfairly in the process. It is essential, especially for college students, who are the
future leaders of this world, to become educated citizens who are able to differentiate political safety precautions from hateful propaganda. In times where different nations and cultures are forced to learn how to live together in peace, it is important to understand and value the differences in people. Those who use fear and labeling stereotypes as an excuse for mistreatment will only further the division between people.
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
In Love with New Orleans by Amani Rawand Ben Brahim Contributing Writer
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as it really been almost a year since I left home? It’s not hard to believe knowing that New Orleans consumed me; It erased my past, became my present and will remain in my future. New Orleans is not just a city; it is a way of life. I am fascinated by the city’s historical architecture, from the balconies in the French Quarter to the beautiful houses on St. Charles Avenue. The city blends all types of cultures together and creates a breathtaking masterpiece. I love walking down on Bourbon Street, listening to street bands.
Music in New Orleans is like air, abundant. It fills my heart with joy, happiness and faith. Bourbon Street is a world in itself, full of glitter, sparkle, magic and glamour. Beyond music, I discovered that witchcraft and voodoo are still practiced today. One day I wandered into the French market and I saw some cards, palm, sand and snow globe readers. I was impressed by all the authentic historical items and hand-crafted dolls, which are supposed to bring luck, cure ailments, procure lovers, and cast revenge. This magical aspect of New Orleans adds to its infinite, gothic beauty. In addition to the
Voodoo shops, the Southern hospitality is captivating. Locals are welcoming contrary to foreign belief. I perceived the United States as individualistic and selfish, but I was wrong to think that of New Orleans. This is the city where everybody is courteous and locals consider foreigners as family. New Orleanians are nice and polite beyond description. Most of all, I cannot forget my first Mardi Gras experience. The parades, music, costumes, masks, and beads are the spine of this carnival. Undoubtedly, the city becomes even more dynamic than ever. I had the chance to catch Muses’
“You can live in any city in America, but New Orleans is the only city that lives in you” – Chris Rose
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inspirational shoe, Zulu’s famous coconut, tons of beads and many other throws. Mardi Gras was on my bucket list for a while. This is one of the best festivals I have ever attended. This city has soul: It taught me how to live, love
and enjoy being young. New Orleans is a world of its own. It is a way of life that is deeply rooted in the bottom of my heart. I will leave soon, but this city will always live in me, which is why I promise to come back.
Amani Brahim enjoys going to the French Quarter
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
China Study Abroad Increases understanding for Privlege Chinese culture. We enacted characters from the classic Beijing opera, tasted local fter 14 hours of Chinese tea, learned kung fu, traveling, I thought attended a weekly mandarin I would never get class, visited various historic there. In May of 2015, sites, witnessed Chinese I had the opportunity to acrobatics and conversed with join 14 other student on a other Chinese students. study abroad trip to China. Each night we were While this trip was my first served a new Chinese cuisine extended stay outside of the for dinner. The unanimous United States, it served as favorite dish was Baozi, a a learning experience that beef pot sticker. We ate duck inspired me to travel more and pigeon along with several placed around the world. dishes noodle and vegetable I was selected dishes. Eating different foods to go on the trip after for 14 days straight made taking three semesters it easier for me to try new of Mandarin Chinese at things. Xavier, which were offered Once the students at by the Confucius Institute. Hebei University heard we I attended the trip not travelled from the United only as a study abroad States, they huddled around student, but also as a rising us and were enthused by our multimedia journalist. While presents. They were eager to documenting the trip was practice their English with us, hard work, I learned what it while we were able to practice really takes to tell a story. our Mandarin Chinese with Every day in them as well. After talking China was jam-packed to many of the students and with something new about learning about their aspiration by Eric Craig Co-editor-in-chief
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to work in the United States, I began to understand the privilege of working in the United States. According to them, anything is possible in the United States. The students also told us how hard they worked at school. Everyone has to test into college, so not just anyone can go. Universities
select student based on their scores. I remember carelessly gliding through the SAT, skipping the ACT entirely, and being able to apply to any college. It is truly a privilege to have such a free education system in the United States. My two week stay in China taught me so much about life outside the United
States. I’ve learned that I like traveling, but, most of all, I like doing it as a multimedia journalist. To see videos and more photos on the XU Confucius Institute 2015 China Summer Study Abroad, visit www.xulaherald.com.
The 2015 China Summer Study abroad grou takes a break after touring the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.
2015 Confucius Institute Study Abroad Program
“We built lasting friendships”—Michael Nguyen, biology/pre-med
HBU/UCLan photo in the studio
On May 17, 2015, we were at Hebei University in Baoding when we had our first meeting with our Chinese partners, who were also students. The group photo includes dignitaries from the Hanban Institute and Hebei University. I felt this moment was really important because of the influence our partners had on us. While we were in China, they were always with us whether it was during activities or our free time. They took time out of their busy schedules to be with us and that made me really happy to think about. Though we only were able to spend one week together, we built lasting friendships that are still alive today. Another time, when we attended a tea ceremony and calligraphy activity, I was honestly surprised when our Chinese partners joined us because many of them had class and we thought we’d be
Students and faculty in the HBU/UCLan School of Media, Communication and Creative Industries created a live broadcast introducing three members of the Xavier University delegation: sitting, second from left, Eric Craig, The Xavier Herald editor and program documentarian; Melinda Shelton, director of Xavier’s student publications and guest lecturer; and professor Rongyao Wen, Confucius Institute’s associate director. Shelton spoke about media ethics and freedom of the press as they relate to Xavier’s student media, and privately met with 20 students of the UCLan School of Journalism. “The Chinese student journalists were intrigued—even stunned—by the editorial freedom Xavier’s student media have,” Shelton said. “They poured over digital and print copies of The Xavier Herald and asked dozens of questions related to quality and content. Then it was their turn to impress us with their state-of-the-art television and film studios, art and design industries, and incredible animation programs.”
COP meets traditional medicine A tour of the Hebei University School of Traditional Chinese Medicine was included for College of Pharmacy members of the 2015 Summer Study Abroad in China program. Shown is Dr. Ogechi Iwvorie, far right, who follows a medical terminology translation from Chinese to English on a smart phone provided by medical student Kristen Li, left. Dr. Liang Xianmao, center, holds a teaching sample in the department’s extensive herb collection. The COP team included faculty member Dr. Lori Crawford and P4 Leon Burgess. The team toured hospitals, clinics and teaching facilities in Baoding.
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
Making it Happen in Spain
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like college, went as fast as Spain’s rapid transportation. Going to college allowed me to be curious about the rest of the world, and Xavier made me feel at ease about my decision to study abroad. After all, college is
by Keshante Horton Contributing Writer
never imagined I would study abroad nearly five thousand miles away from home. Now, four years later, I know college is about expanding horizons. After years of convincing myself, I finally decided to study abroad at the end of my junior year. I didn’t even know where to start. I just knew I wanted to learn about Spanish language and culture, and I needed money from scholarships and fundraisers to fund my experience. Four months later, I said adiós to the taxi driver as we pulled up to my program’s office in Madrid, Spain. From that day forward the journey flew by. Going to school was not the only enjoyable part in Spain. The food and scenery were amazing. It became so much of a ritual to get churros every night that the staff at the famous 24-hour diner Chocolatería San Gines already knew what we would
Keshante Horton travelled across Spain with newly made friends.
order. The cobblestoned streets and landscaped parks and buildings of the city, and even the lighting and promotions of the department store, Corte Inglés, always made walking the streets, feel like a scene of the Disney movie “Alice in Wonderland.” I lived a bus stop away from one of my favorite palaces in Madrid. It was called Palacio Real and the artistic style of each room was breath-taking from rug to ceiling as almost every room had different chandeliers and artist designs adorning the
ceilings, walls and patterns of rugs. School, food, landscaping, in addition to sports, were all art forms that I experienced. At my first Real Madrid soccer game I was amazed at the footwork of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Isco. The fans reminded me of how fans celebrate the Saints in New Orleans. Dancing also reminded me of home. Men and women of all ages would fill the floors of the discotecas until 6 a.m., which was when the metro would re-open. The experience, just
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about making it happen. The knowledge I obtained about myself and the world was priceless and more important than anything I could have learned in the classroom.
March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
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Transgender Woman Fights for Rights by Tiauni Julien and Prinsey Walker Staff Writers
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n Monday, March 14, Xavier University hosted an event about transgender awareness. Unlike what students expected, guest speaker Jessica Lynn did not only discuss her tranistion, but mainly her legal battle to get coustody of her youngest son. Lynn is a transgender woman, who is a renowned public speaker who travels nationally. She offers Q&A sessions about the necessity of transgender awareness in our society. Lynn transitioned after raising her three kids. “I did not want my child to be raised without a father. So, I put the transition behind. My child was my life,”she said. LeBryant Patrick, sociology professor at Xavier, organized this event in order to give Xavier students the opportunity to be educated about the LGBT community. Although the Gender Equity club has held various
events surrounding the challenges of LGBT people, more faculty members have come together to educate students on this topic. “It’s time we have this conversation so that we can have a better understanding,” Patrick said. In support of the event, president of the Gender Equity Club, Yasmine Secrets said, “I think students should attend this event because there is not enough awareness about the transgender community. People still treat it as a taboo topic. Especially with the uproar of Caitilin Jenner, this event will show a more real side of the journey of someone who is coming out as transgender and how her life is after coming out.” Lynn is not only a transgender advocate who travels as a public speaker, but also the president of Your True Gender, a nonprofit organization that educates different communities about transgender awareness. Lynn spoke on her transitioning complications and opened a discussion about
her journey. “We use my personal story to explain everything from psychology, sociology, law, medical, health education, and family relationships. It touches on so many subjects and I do it in a very personal way,” Lynn said. With this event being hosted as Xavier University, Patrick hopes that students will gain an appreciation for differences in people. “We’re not here to Jessica Lynn (Left) with Dr.Ludwiskowski (Right) at the Q&A with change their minds, we’re Jessica Lynn. Photographed by Prinsey Walker here to open their minds to “The campus climate is understanding of each other accepting people for being changing and is opening up and themselves. different,” Patrick said. in ways that it hasn’t before, “I specifically want to “It’s not that we are allowing Xavier to be a target college and university promoting for variations of more diverse and inclusive students as these are the sexuality, but we want our campus,” said Osterbur. country’s and the world’s students to be aware that there Patrick also sees no better next leaders, teachers, are people different from time to start such awareness doctors, lawyers, and them. We want students to initiatives at Xavier. parents. I feel this is our know they are here, they are “Change takes time, but best hope in changing the not ignored, and that they are it’s not inevitable. If we don’t present and future and to cared for,” he added. try to understand those things end discrimination. When it Megan Osterbur, political now, then we will get left comes to medical, I want our science and women’s studies behind,” said Patrick. future doctors to learn how professor at Xavier, believes The most important takesimilar we all are and how to this event had to happen away for students is to listen treat the trans population,” because Xavier is becoming to narratives to get a better Lynn said. more diverse.
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Gold Nuggets’ Head Coach Wraps up Season by Kaelin Maloid Sports Editor
“Hurry up,” commanded someone as the Gold Nuggets cut the net after their 7568 win against 15 ranked Talledega College to become the Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference champions. However, the Nuggets took their time—as well they should. With smiles and cheers only seen when a team wins a championship, they climbed one-by-one up the ladder, scissors held precariously through fingers that had just finished dribbling and shooting. They didn’t seem to hear the order. As well—it’s not like you can hurry greatness. “I think the biggest moment [of the season] came last weekend when we were able to win our conference championship in here,” said the Nuggets’ head coach, Bo Browder. The Nuggets finished their season 22-11. They were 12-2 at home, 8-7 on the road, and 2-2 on neutral courts. In the GCAC, they were 7-5, winning four games at home and three away. Their GCAC home losses came from Talledega and Dillard, two teams they beat in the GCAC tournament. From the beginning of the season, the Nuggets were destined to win. Through their first 12 games, the Nuggets went 10-2. And then they dropped three straight before picking up the speed once again and winning the next four. Browder was not surprised. “In the past four or five years, it’s always been like we play our best basketball at the end of the year,” Browder said. “It’s just like we start off playing well, then we’ll start to struggle, and then the last three weeks we kind of get this extra kick. I was kind of feeling that extra kick at the end of this year.”
Browder added there were a lot of ups and downs this season, but, in the end, they ended up playing well. One of the major keys to their successful season was their improvement on defense and offense. Browder admitted their defense improved a lot, and even added that last season, he would’ve given the Nuggets a ‘C’ as opposed to the B+ they moved up to this year. On the opposite side of the court, Browder admitted the Nuggets offensive struggles last year, but this year he felt good about the way the ball moved at times.
Another reason their offense improved was the addition of more scorers on this year’s team, which allowed them to win more close games. Out of their 33 games overall, the Nuggets had 10 games in which they won or loss by five points or less, 7 of which they won. One of those wins came against Our Lady of the Lake University, which also serves as one of the biggest moments of their season, according to Browder. On Nov. 14, the Nuggets beat OLOL 91-86 in an overtime win. Whitney Gathright led the team 33
points, Donyeah Mayfield had 19, Trana Hopkins had 15 and Alesha Smith had 11. That was Gathright’s career high, and the 91 points were the most the Nuggets scored this season. “We played them four years straight,” Browder said, “and we never beat them. We would always play close games, go into overtime, and lose by one, two to them. When we beat them in overtime, that was an exciting moment.” Another big moment for the Nuggets was when they beat Shawnee State at the Nuggets’ Thanksgiving
Gold Nuggeets “dab” after winning GCAC championship. Photo by Kaelin Maloid.
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classic, 74-70. They were ranked number four in the country at that time. Big moments aside, Browder will have to say good-bye to six seniors that helped shape the season. Leaving are Gathright; Amara Person-Hampton; Emoni Harvey; Hopkins; Mayfield and Smith. Browder and staff will have to fill in the holes left by those six. “Recruitment is going pretty good. I mean, I’m excited about recruitment,” Browder said. So far, the Nuggets have an early signee, Maya Trance, that Browder said will come in and replace Gathright. They have signed another good guard from Texas. Browder also said there were a couple of post players they have the chance to bring in. “Things are looking up on the recruitment part of the game,” Browder said. However, despite the importance of recruitment, Browder has something else on his mind for now— beating the eighth ranked Campbellsville March 16 in the NAIA tournament. “We’re pretty much familiar with them,” Browder said. “We played them two years ago in the Sweet Sixteen and ended up losing by five points. So we’re pretty much familiar with them, and they’re familiar with us.” The Nuggets will have played the Lady Tigers for three consecutive years after they tip off against them 8:30 a.m on Wednesday to lead the 32-game tournament. In the 2014 tournament, the Lady Tigers defeated the Nuggets 59-55. In the 2014-2015 season opener, the beat the Nuggets 74-62. “It should be an exciting game,” Browder said. “It’s a good match-up for both teams because we kind of know each other, and we just gotta figure it out.” Browder said he liked their chances—if the Nuggets make shots.
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Gulf Coast Atlantic Conference Recap
Kelsee Singleton dances with the rest of the Gold Nuggets team after becoming the GCAC championships.
Jasmine Bush collects the ball for the two against Edward Waters.
March 4-6, 2016, New Orleans hosted the GCAC basketball tournament for the third consecutive year. The Xavier Gold Rush kicked off the tournament March 4 at Dillard University against Tougaloo, winning in double overtime. On that same day, the Gold Nuggets beat Dillard at Southern University at New Orleans. March 5, the Gold Rush beat Talledega to go on into the championship game March 6 against the Dillard Bleu Devils. The Gold Nuggets defeated Edward Waters to move on to the championship game against Talledega’s Lady Tornados. While the Gold Nuggets defeated the Lady Tornados 75-68 in the championship game, the Rush were not as victorious and dropped their game to the Dillard Bleu Devils, 84-71. Photos by Kaelin Maloid and Eric Craig.
Elex Carter and Lucas Martin-Julien with the pre-game hug during the Gold Rush’s first GCAC game against Tougaloo.
Gary Smith goes up for the lay-up against Talledega.
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Trana Hopkins goes up against Edward Waters in their semi-final game.
Whitney Gathright wins GCAC tournament MVP.
RJ Daniels scores two against Dillard in the GCAC championship game.
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March 15, 2016 - April 18, 2016
Snaps Mass Communication professors Dr. Tia Smith and Monica Pierre pose with Uptown Angela’s Angela Watson.
Bill Clinton speaks on Hillary Clinton’s behalf, says she is the only candidate worth supporting.
The Xavier Herald editor Eric Craig placed second in the Southeast Journalism Conference’s 2015 College Journalist of the Year” Best of the South category. Craig also received a $500 check.
Photos by Mizani Ball, Eric Craig, Natese Dockery, and Kaelin Maloid.
Zeta Phi Beta member Brittany Hardy models during the Zeta Phi Beta Soles4Souls Fashion Show.
Two members of Kappa Alpha Psi stroll during the Zeta Phi Beta Soles4Souls Fashion Show.
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