Full Issue (2-7-18) by The Independent Collegian

99th year • Issue 19

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

THE INDEPENDENT

COLLEGIAN

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Digest 2 | Housing Guide 3 News 6 | Sports 7 | Community 8 Opinion 10 www. IndependentCollegian.com

Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919

INSIDE

ADMINISTRATION

Gaber continues to better UT

Get housed in Toledo!

A guide to apartments and living near the University of Toledo

5 winter local hangouts

IC STAFF

MEAGAN O’HARA / IC

President Sharon Gaber discusses the state of the university in her office in University Hall. By Emily Schnipke Editor-in-Chief

University of Toledo President Sharon Gaber might run a nationally ranked university, but when it comes to receiving awards about herself, she’s very humble. “Well, I’ll tell you, it was a great surprise… I read it in print and thought, ‘Wow that’s very nice,’” Gaber said. “It’s a recognition to the University of Toledo. Certainly, I’m honored to be the president here, but it’s about all that we’re doing here. And the fact that the team as a whole is really working to do all these things. It’s not me, it’s the entire university.” Gaber was recognized in January by EducationDive. com as one of the “5 higher ed leaders to watch in 2018 (and beyond)”. The other educators recognized include Harold L. Martin Sr., Chancellor, North Carolina A&T University; Becky Takeda-Tinker, President, Colorado State University—Global Campus; Bob Fisher, President, Belmont University; and Ruth Simmons, President, Prairie View A&M University. The article praises UT’s “advancing cost-reform plans,” See Success / 6 »

Master your microwave

MEAGAN O’HARA, Director of Photography

BREW: where good things come together AREEBA SHAH, Community Editor

2 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The Independent Collegian Staff

location

Visit us at Carlson Library, Suite 1057 Write to us at 2801 W. Bancroft St., Mail Stop 530 Toledo, OH 43606

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Emily Schnipke

amenities

Managing Editor Emily Jackson News Bryce Buyakie, editor Samantha Gerlach, assoc. editor Benjamin Morse, assoc. editor

comfort

Contact the editor at editor@independentcollegian.com Advertise by emailing sales@independentcollegian.com Phone: 419-530-7788 Fax: 419-530-7770

Opinion Jessica Harker, editor Photography Meagan O’Hara, director Copy desk Kristen Buchler, copy editor Social Media Clarisse Hughes, manager BUSINESS

Sports Sam Williams, editor Jackson Rogers, assoc. editor

Advertising Joe Heidenescher, director Sam Davis, designer Tim Gariepy, sales manager

Community Areeba Shah, editor

Distribution Anthony Garcia, manager

Operations Hana Schnipke, accountant COLLEGIAN MEDIA FOUNDATION Executive Director Erin Gariepy The Independent Collegian is published by the Collegian Media Foundation, a private, not-forprofit corporation. © 2018

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Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Independent Collegian | 3 ENTERTAINMENT

5 local winter hangouts

IC Staff

The winter blues are hard to shake: It gets dark early, it’s frigid and gray and it seems a lot easier to hibernate indoors and be antisocial. But don’t let winter keep you in and keep you down: If the weather can chill, then so can you. Here are five great local places to visit if you’re looking to get out and hang. 1. BLEAK HOUSE COFFEE Whether you need a caffeine study boost or a relaxing cup of tea, Bleak House coffee is the perfect stop to warm up. This spot has an inviting rustic vibe, with original brick walls, a solid-wood coffee bar and tables made from upcycled doors. Bleak House offers a variety of drip and pour-over coffees, hot teas, cold drinks, cappuccinos, baked goods, paninis, handmade ice creams and soups. Stop by for a lunch date or a chill place to write poetry.

2. TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART The Toledo Museum of Art is always a top local destination. The best part? It’s free. Enjoy and be inspired by centuries-old art, masterpieces by Van Gogh, and local contemporary artists. The museum also has a café and coffee shop, a glass pavilion with live glass blowing demonstrations and

concerts in their Peristyle Theater. Even if you have been to the museum before, they display their collection in rotations, which means you could visit again and again and see new artwork each time.

3. TOLEDO WALLEYE HOCKEY GAME @ HUNTINGTON CENTER Since moving to the Huntington Center and being renamed the Walleye in 2009, the Toledo hockey team has become extremely popular among Toledoans. Throughout the winter season, you can catch the Walleye playing at home multiple times in a single weekend. You can buy tickets online for under $20. The Huntington Center sells tons of Walleye gear, stadium food and beer. 4. BAR 145 AND RESET BARCADE Bar 145 has been a classic stop on anyone’s night out, but now they have a new barcade addition called Reset. The bar is teeming with retro video games like Pac Man, Galaga and Super Nintendo available at tables. The coolest part is all the games are free to play. Reset also now has a “Help Yourself Draft Beer Wall” where you pour your own choice of 36 different beers. 5. MAUMEE BAY BREWING COMPANY @ THE OLIVER HOUSE The Maumee Bay Brewing Company is a local microbrewery operating out of The Oliver House, a historic hotel building converted to commercial space for restaurants and rentals. MBBC brews over 30 different beers including their most popular beers: Buckeye Beer, Glass City Pale Ale and Glass Hopper IPA. The Maumee Bay Brew Pub is located on the second floor of the Oliver House and serves their draft beers alongside wood-fired pizzas and build-your-ownburgers.

JOBS & CLASSIFIEDS To place a classified ad, visit www.independentcollegian.com/classifieds. Ads must be received by 5 p.m. Monday. Please read your ad on the first day of publication and call immediately if there are any errors. We accept responsibility only for the first day of publication. All classified ads must be prepaid with debit or credit card online.

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BREW: where good things come together By Areeba Shah Community Editor

If you’re looking for the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate not too far from campus, then BREW is the coffee shop for you. With its inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering baked goods, the friendly coffee bar makes every afternoon delightful. The local coffee shop is the perfect spot for college students to enjoy a quick study session, hold meetings, hang out with friends or just relax while enjoying a good book. The endless dessert options, ranging from pastries to fresh baked cookies, make your stay even better. It offers a wide selection of coffees, roasted twice per week, and its beverages are always made fresh. From simple drip coffee to creative Starbucks-like lattes, BREW allows you even to customize your own drinks. One of my personal favorites is the Café Con Miel with the half honey and half caramel flavoring. This cup of deliciousness is the perfect blend of coffee and caramel. A raspberry scone makes this drink all the more enjoyable! BREW’s coffee beans are exclusively selected from Zingerman’s Coffee in Ann Arbor, Michigan. To ensure it’s getting the best flavor possible, Zingerman’s roasts small batches of coffee beans and cups them continually. It also takes pride in producing a one-of-a-kind cold brew.

“One of my personal favorites is the Café Con Miel with the half honey and half caramel flavoring.” AREEBA SHAH Community Editor

BREW’s beans, specifically chosen from South America and Indonesia, are coarsely ground and steeped for 16 hours at 42 degrees. This combination makes for a perfectly refreshing bottled beverage that can be enjoyed on the go. While products tend to be on the pricier end, their high quality, unique flavor and locality make the handcrafted beverages worth it. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit your local coffee bar, then its open-mic nights should give you all the more reason to go! These nights are typically held on Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. and make for the perfect opportunity for locals to mingle or showcase their unique talents. However, with recent changes, the open-mic nights have moved to Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. Now that BREW is on your list of coffee shops to visit, make sure you stop by anytime between 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. on Mondays-Fridays and 7 a.m.9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

4 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018 FOOD

FINANCE

Master your microwave By Meagan O’Hara Director of Photography

Although UT requires a meal plan for all first-year students living on campus and you’re never too far from a dining hall, sometimes you just can’t leave the library or your bed for 20 minutes to go eat. All of a sudden, it’s 9 p.m. and too late to go grab some pizza or a chicken sandwich. So, what do you do? While living in the dorms, my go-to staple food is Minute Rice. Don’t be confused by the “minute” in the title, as it really cooks in five in a microwave, but Minute Rice really does the trick and fills you up for cheap. If you feel like making a trip to Walmart, I’d suggest grabbing a zucchini to cook in the microwave for about four minutes and some soy sauce to add a little bit more flavor. Another quick microwave fix that’s healthy and cheap is a mug omelet. If you’re anything like my roommate and I, who always get a hankering for eggs around 1 a.m. while writing a paper due at midnight, this one is for you. All it takes is two eggs, a pinch of cheese, some veggies and salt and pepper to taste. I like to add spinach and a dash of garlic powder. Mix all of your ingredients in a mug, microwave for about a minute and a half, and voila--an interesting looking egg

“I’m looking forward to having a stove in the years to come, and a fullsize refrigerator sounds like a dream.”

MEAGAN O’HARA Director of Photography

blob that tastes like an omelet! Truly divine to satisfy all your early morning egg needs, If you’re one of the lucky few who brought a coffee pot instead of a Keurig, this recipe is for you. Did you know that a coffee pot can double as an excellent way to cook ramen? No need to deal with the microwave spillage or burning yourself on a Pyrex bowl. Simply put the ramen in the pitcher, add water to the coffee pot and brew! Make sure you took out any previous grounds, or you’ll have old coffee flavored ramen… unless you’re into that thing. As convenient as it can be to live in the dorms, eating can really be a hassle. Sometimes the food halls aren’t open, and for those of us with no meal plan on the weekend, becoming a dorm chef is a necessity. I’m looking forward to having a stove in the years to come, and a full-size refrigerator sounds like a dream. But, for the time being, I’m stuck with egg omelets, coffee pot ramen and moonlighting as a microwave master.

Questions to ask before you rent By Kasey Ellis, REALTOR®

As a REALTOR® in Toledo, I’ve helped many renters find their next rental. I’ve seen many renters get themselves into a mess financially because they didn’t do the necessary research and ask the right questions before they signed the lease. Consider these common questions/concerns before signing on the dotted line: - Will the landlord be conducting a background check or credit check? How much will those cost? What about an application fee? Are these refundable? - Will the landlord allow pets? Are there restrictions on size/ breed/age? How much extra deposit does a pet require? Will the tenant have to pay extra monthly rent as well? (Doesn’t include service animals) - Is the tenant responsible for any ground(s) keeping/lawn care? What about snow removal? Who will shovel the drive/park-

ing lot and sidewalk? - How long is the lease? What happens after the lease is up? Does the renter have to sign another lease or will the tenant be on “month-to-month” terms? How much notice before moving out does the landlord require? - Consider renter’s insurance! If there is a fire or another disaster, the tenant could lose everything! Renters insurance can be very affordable and well worth the cost considering the alternative. - Choose roommates wisely. Discuss each roommate’s duties/ responsibilities before moving in. - Review the lease (and all of the fine print) very carefully. Don’t set yourself up for disaster. If you have a question about any of the terms, ask the landlord. They can negotiate with renters on these. Lastly, determine your budget and stick to it. Don’t live above your means! (This goes for everyone.)

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Independent Collegian | 5

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6 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018

NEWS CRIME

Faculty break room closed after break-in By Bryce Buyakie News Editor

A man was arrested Jan. 5 by the University of Toledo Police Department after he was discovered asleep in a University Hall break room, according to a UTPD police report. Luther Reasonover was charged with criminal trespassing for living in the 2290 faculty and staff break room in University Hall. Reasonover denied sleeping or staying in the room; however, he was found sleeping in University Hall by UT police in July 2017. He was found with several bags at the scene containing

his belongings but claimed he was there to make an appointment to meet with UT President Sharon Gaber. He was told to stay off UT property without first obtaining authorization from UTPD, according to the report. The report also states that additional checks of the area were needed. According to a UT employee who wished to remain anonymous for the safety of his job and will be referred to as Alex in this article, the break room was closed Jan. 29 for an undetermined length of time. According to a UT spokesperson, the room was closed

for cleaning, accessibility improvements and to address safety concerns as part of the reorganization of office space. The future use of the space has not been determined. However, the only information provided to UT employees was a note taped to the break room door from Larry Kelley, vice president of finance and administration and chief financial officer, notifying faculty and staff of its impending closure, Alex said. “It said something to the effect of, ‘As of Jan. 29, this is no longer a break room. The new break room is located across from the vending machines,’” Alex said. The note has since been removed. We reached out to Kelley, but he was not available for

LECTURE

UT, AAA launch lecture series

By Samantha Gerlach Associate News Editor

The University of Toledo’s College of Engineering and AAA of Northwest Ohio have partnered to host a free educational lecture series on autonomous vehicles titled “Technology Takes the Wheel.” The series begins Wednesday, Feb. 7 with a kickoff seminar from 3-5 p.m. in Nitschke Auditorium on UT’s Main Campus. Lectures will be held bi-monthly and include topics such as cybersecurity, government regulation, infrastructure and accessibility. Wednesday’s guest speakers include Dave Hobbs, field service training instructor for Delphi Products and Service Solutions in Troy, MI; John Nielsen, AAA managing director of automotive engineering and repair in Heathrow, FL; and Greg Bannon, director of automotive engineering and industry relations for AAA. University professors Eddie Chou, Ahmad Javaid and Jared Oluoch will participate in a panel discussion with the speakers. After working in the automotive business for

over 40 years, Hobbs thought nothing would surprise him, but the idea of self-driving cars snuck up on him. “We’ve been researching and testing technology like this since the ‘80s, but I guess it’s time we really embrace the future,” he said. Delphi Automotive will have an autonomous vehicle in the auditorium during the seminar, according to the press release. With 37,000 annual car accident deaths per year, driver safety is the top priority in the development process, Chou said. “What makes autonomous vehicles so beneficial is their safety,” he said. “Humans get distracted and make mistakes; machines don’t.” He says this is due in part to the instant reaction times of the cars. As with any new piece of technology, he says the cars will be more expensive to produce and purchase at first, but by increasing vehicle safety measures the hope is that this will decrease the amount of money spent on car accidents. The economic output for car accidents in the See Vehicle / 9 »

comment by deadline. The new break room consists of two tables and eight chairs. It is located by the vending machines near the entrance to Gillham Hall on the second floor of University Hall. “This not a faculty break and

staff breakroom,” Alex said. “Usually, we see students in here instead.” With UT employees kept in the dark, no one knows when the break room will open, See UPTD / 9 »

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SPORTS

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Independent Collegian | 7

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Women’s basketball settles into MAC By Jackson Rogers Associate Sports Editor

Last week, the University of Toledo women’s basketball team split its matchups, beating Western Michigan 78-73 on Wednesday and losing to Buffalo 84-73 on Saturday. The results push the Rockets’ record to 15-8 overall and 6-5 in the Mid-American Conference. Fourth-year guard JayAnn Bravo-Harriott scored a game-high 24 points and was followed by four other Rockets in double figures. Bravo-Harriott shot 8-of-12 from the floor, including 2-of-6 from three-point range. Rockets also scoring in double figures were thirdyear center Kaayla McIntyre with 17, third-year guard Mikaela Boyd with 14, and third-year guard Olivia Cunningham with 11. Second-year guard Mariella Santucci also had a strong offensive performance with nine points and tied a season-tying best with seven assists. As a team, the Rockets shot 52.9 percent (27-of51) from the field, including 33.3 percent (5-of-15) from beyond the arc, and a season-high 86.4 percent (19-of-22) from the free throw line. The Rockets shot out of the gates fast, shooting 66.7 percent (8-of-12) in the first quarter to gain an early 20-16 advantage. Boyd went three for three from the field to lead the charge in the quarter, followed by Santucci with five.

UT kept up the pace in the second quarter, led by six points by Bravo-Harriott and five from Cunningham to keep a 37-31 lead going into the break. Bravo Harriott and Cunningham each converted a pair of baskets and one free throw in the quarter. During the quarter, the Rockets shot 8-of-10 from the free throw line, while WMU was only 2-of-2. The second half was just like the first one, as UT converted six of its first eight field-goal attempts to extend the margin to 49-38 with 5:27 left in the third. Toledo benefitted from a pair of baskets from both Bravo-Harriott and McIntyre.

The Rockets held a 59-48 advantage heading into the final quarter. UT shot 75.0 percent (9-of-12) from the floor, paced by three baskets from McIntyre. The Broncos surged early in the fourth quarter by going on a 15-8 run to cut the lead down to 67-63 with 5:01 left in the game. Bravo-Harriott stopped the bleeding by knocking down seven straight points, but Western Michigan countered and closed within two, 74-72, at the 1:57 mark. Toledo closed out the game by receiving a pair of free throws from both Boyd and Santucci. The Rockets also locked down on de-

fense, holding the Broncos to no more field goals. Against Buffalo, McIntyre led the Rocket offense with a career-high 30 points. She shot 12-of-17 from the floor and 6-of-13 from the free throw line. Boyd was the other Rocket in double figures in the game, finishing with 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds. As a team, UT shot 44.6 percent (29-of-65) from the field, including 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from three-point range. Unfortunately, the Rockets shot conferenceseason low 45.5 percent (10-of-22) performance from the free throw line. Buffalo won the game See Basketball / 11 »

IC FILE PHOTO

Third-year guard Olivia Cunningham pushes past a defender Jan. 17 against Ball State University.

8 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Toledo celebrates Wonder Women in sports By Kyeisha Muhammad Staff Reporter

In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, women around the world and University of Toledo’s female athletes were celebrated as Wonder Women. The powerful feminist icon was on display representing the strength of female athletes. The event on Feb. 3 celebrated girls in powerful roles, positively impacting the world and striving to pursue their dreams. It was especially dedicated to women in sports for their relentlessness in sport while pursuing a college career. “I am in awe about this day,” said Wonder Woman impersonator Tori Thomas. “The women athletics are super heroes within themselves with all their hard work. It’s incredible to see how far women sports have come within the last decade.” Thomas isn’t the only one to notice how far women in sports have come. Tricia Cullop, head coach of the Rockets

women’s basketball team, said her mother had very little opportunity to play sports and played on the all-boys baseball team. She’s grateful for all the opportunities available in sports for girls and hopes it continues to increase. “The confidence, the teambuilding, the leadership

and all the lessons girls learn from playing sports are incredible,” Cullop said. “There has been a lot that has changed in the generation from my mom to me and today is the day to celebrate those changes.” The UT student athletics department hit the ground running in 20112012 with an overall athletic GPA of 3.171.

The trend continued in 2012-2013 with an overall GPA of 3.200, in 2014-2015 with a GPA of 3.213, and in 2015-2016 with a 3.235 GPA. The athletic department has a current combined 3.29 GPA for fall semester 2017, the highest department semester GPA in school history. Four out the last five years, the UT athletic department has had the highest GPA in the MidAmerican Conference. Leah Allison, a secondyear business accounting major and softball athlete, said despite her hectic schedule, she loves the challenge of pursuing both sports and a college education at once. “In my opinion, it’s very difficult; you have to have good time management, plan out things ahead of time and talk with professors about when you’re going be gone,” Allison said. Senior Associate Athletic Director Kelly Andrews said she is highly aware of the hardships student-athletes face, but they must remember to persevere, work hard, be strong, be dedicated and have fun. “National Girls and Women in Sports Day is an important occurrence,” Andrews said. “It highlights what women and young girls have done through sport. The important thing is to set goals, achieve your goals and when you do hit a road block, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to overcome it.” She added that women in sports have come an extremely long way at all levels, including professional sports, Olympic sports, col-

lege sports and high school alumna with a master’s in for the university and be sports. Women in sports is recreation leisure adable to be role models just part of our culture now. ministration, said it was for younger girls,” Nei Andrews said women in beautiful to see so many said. “I think we are in a sports are certainly in a better young girls look up to our great environment with place now than they were 10 student-athletes. the university that treats years ago. “It means everything both men and women in Students and other atto celebrate what the sports equally, and that’s tendees were encouraged to student-athletes have a good mentality to have participate by taking photos done and accomplished here at UT.” with athletes and receiving autographs. In honor of this day, videos of UT’s female athurs 2/9 Acoustic Troubado letes were played during the Toledo 2/10 Andrew Ellis vs. Buffalo game, highlighting their BEST BEER SELECTION IN CITY FEATURING struggles and achievements. FOUNDERS CBS. “I was watching the videos BELLS BLACK NOTE STOUT & yesterday, and I got goosebumps; GOOSE ISLAND BOURBON COUNTY they’re so inspirBRAND STOUT ing,” said Adam Voted Simpson, marketToledo’s ing promotions UTMC Trivia Night BEST BAR & and fan experiMo nda ys 7-9 pm! HAPPIEST ence graduate assistant. Happy Hour All of UT’s female student-athletes joined three senior girls from the Toledo School for the Arts on the basketball court to sing the national anthem. “It’s really a Best Breakfast in town cool way to recogTue - Sat 7 am - 11 am & Sun 8 am - 1 pm nize them for Showcasing Toledo’s BEST BLOODY MARY BAR their achievements they’ve on Saturdays & Sundays done in the classroom, community 1515 S. BYRNE ROAD, TOLEDO OH 43614 and in sports,” Check out our website for special Simpson said. Assistant coach offers & entertainment Jessica Nei, a UT

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Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Independent Collegian | 9 event

TPS leader kicks off Black History Month at luncheon By Ben Morse

Associate News Editor

Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” played from a Black History Month kickoff Spotify playlist as about 180 people entered the Lancelot Thompson Student Union on Feb. 3. Following the songs’ uplifting tunes, the keynote speaker, University of Toledo alumnus and Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Romules Durant gave a passionate speech titled “A Different World: Honoring Our Past, a Journey to Our Future,” citing the power of support when reaching one’s goals. “The Martin Luther King dream exists in each and every one of us,” Durant said in a post-speech interview explaining his message. “It’s up to us, as well as the support system to…help bring to light that everyone of us…feels like, to some degree, the LeBron James of what we do.” Durant gave credit to MLK for starting a movement “without social media,” and, like King, he spoke with rhetoric that seemed to resonate with the audience, who

could be heard audibly agreeing with his message. Although clearly conveying his point through the sole use of words, Durant employed imaginary props, pointing to the empty space beside him onstage and visualizing a chair.

“The Martin Luther King Dream exists in each and every one of us... ” Romules Durant Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools

“[Some children] are used to sitting in a broken chair, and [they’re] expecting you to be just as broken,” Durant said. “Understand what it means when a child stands on that chair and the chair keeps falling. That child loses trust within the chair.” He continued, reinforcing the importance of care and support in a child’s life. “When you add legs to that stool… you are a stable leg…when

More online what’s to come for UT in Success the next year. from page 1 “What I think I said last year was that ‘We’ve made retention strategies progress and we’ve more and student success, to do’. I’d say the state of with Gaber “leading the university is good, the way” on campus. we’re not quite great,” Since her hiring in July Gaber said. “So, we’re 2015, she has come far going to work hard to in leading the univerget to that point… What sity in her new vision, we’ve done is worked to which includes several solidify, really, the basics, different master plans. and I think everybody has In April, Gaber will been excited about that.” continue the tradition Gaber’s cost-reform of giving a State of the plans for the university University address in have worked toward which she’ll highlight Finish reading this piece online at www.IndependentCollegian.com

that child stands up,” he said, “the child begins to trust in who? You.” Grasping the podium with two hands and using his voice more than the microphone to project his story, Durant spoke of his own struggles, persistence and support that took him from living with a father who had to, at one point, walked miles to work, to growing up and leading a large urban school district. Providing insight into Durant’s success at Toledo Public Schools and in the community at large, Guyton Matthews, a moderator introducing Durant, said, “In [his] tenure as superintendent, TPS has seen its rankings…jump from fourth to first on the state report card.” According to Matthews, Durant currently serves on nine community boards and has received more than 27 community awards, including the induction into the Birmingham and Waite High School Hall of Fame, the Alumnus of the Year Award from UT’s Judith Herb College of Education and Toledo’s 20 under 40 Leadership Award. One audience member, UT mas-

UPTD

from page 6

and the only information they have is speculative rumors. “A question many people had was, ‘Why can’t a swipe access lock be installed for faculty and staff [instead of closing the room]?’” Alex said. “Or why a night custodian could not just lock it at night and a morning custodian unlock it.” Zelijko Cuckovic, a professor in the department of mathematics, said he didn’t know the room was closed. “I never really used it,

Mike Miller / IC

University of Toledo Student Body Vice President Drew Williams sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at UT’s Black History kickoff lunchon.

ter’s student Melody Orlu, returning with a plate of soul food from the luncheon, explained her admiration of Durant’s success. “I knew it was going to be a really moving speech,” Orlu said. “He’s accomplished so much. Just listing off all the things he’s done…it’s motivating.” Community member Ponda

but I think it’s not a good decision to close it,” he said.

“A question many people had was, ‘Why can’t a swipe access lock be installed for faculty and staff [instead of closing the room]?’” Alex UT employee

Truss showed up to “acknowledge black history,” and, like Orlu, recognized a man who has overcome hardship. “We have to remember where we come from and where we’re headed,” Truss said. Durant’s “history, past, trials and tribulations,” leading to his success today, “gives me encouragement.”

Lecture from page 6

U.S. is $250 billion a year, Chou said. “That’s money the U.S. could use for education, industrial development and so much more,” he said. Zeb Hites, a fourth-year civil engineer major and a commuter, said he has trouble staying awake on his long drives to and from school, so autonomous cars would be beneficial to him. According to a 2018 study issued by AAA, 63 percent of Americans surveyed reported feeling

afraid to ride in a self-driving vehicle. This is a 15 percent decrease from the 2017 study, with millennials and men being the most trusting of self-driving vehicles. However, another AAA study showed only 13 percent of U.S. drivers would feel safer sharing the road with self-driving vehicles, compared to the 46 percent that would feel less safe. Acknowledging concerns, Oluoch cited continued safety tests to ensure precision and reaction times, preparing the vehicles for a smooth transition onto public roadways.

10 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018

OPINION

COMMENTARY

Misconceptions about the English major

Revealing to someone that I am majoring in English usually results in a predictable conversation. Sometimes the person states matter-offactly that I am destined to be an English teacher. Other times, they look at me with a mix of incredulity and pity and wonder out loud what in the world I’m going to do with that degree. I don’t think these people have any malicious intent, but let’s get a couple of things straight. Teachers are superheroes; I have a great deal of respect and admiration for anyone who decides to go into the teaching profession, and especially for my own current and former teachers.

Sometimes the person states matterof-factly that I am destined to be an English teacher. Other times, they look at me with a mix of incredulity and pity and wonder out loud what in the world I’m going to do with that degree.

KRISTEN BUCHLER COPY EDITOR

However, it’s just not for me. I get extreme anxiety and start sweating profusely any time I have to stand up and talk in front of others, and I can’t imagine doing it on an everyday basis. I’m also not studying English education, so not only would I be a sweaty mess trying to teach a class, I’d be an unqualified sweaty mess. Nobody wants to see or pay for that train wreck. Additionally, concerning what I’m going to do with that degree, I don’t yet have a fully formed answer (sorry, Mom and Dad). As of right now, I want to end up in a career that allows me to write and/or edit, but English drew me in partly because of the flexibility that it offers. Some options include becoming a technical writer, working in advertising, freelancing

for a variety of publications, or going to graduate or law school. When I first started at UT, one of my Jesup Scott Honors College mentors explained to me how programs in the humanities seek to teach students how to think critically and communicate effectively—marketable skills that can be applied to numerous careers. On the other hand, majors such as those in the STEM fields seem to take a markedly different approach, teaching students skills to succeed in specialized career paths. Obviously, if a student graduates with a chemical engineering degree, they probably have aspirations of working as some sort of chemical engineer. Another aspect of English major life that I appreciate lies in the small classroom sizes. Almost all of my

classes center on constructing a collaborative environment and bouncing ideas off of each other as a means of learning.

instead of solving differential equations and finding trajectories, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy or useless; I put a lot of time and effort into my

graduation, I’m willing to go elsewhere. So, please, let English majors—or any student, for that matter—find our

When I first started at UT, one of my Jesup Scott Honors College mentors explained to me how programs in the humanities seek to teach students how to think critically and communicate effectively—marketable skills that can be applied to numerous careers. I’ve had far different educational experiences than those of my friends in engineering, nursing, etc., in which some classes are housed in lecture halls with 200-plus students. We English students read, dissect and discuss numerous forms of literature and share our written work with our peers to become better writers and communicators. My homework may be reading novels and writing poems

studies, and I’ve learned a lot these past three semesters. Because of this versatility, I don’t understand the stereotype of liberal arts majors constantly being unemployed or underemployed. I know that Toledo doesn’t have the employment opportunities of, say, New York City or Chicago, but job openings do exist. Even still, if relocation is the best way for me to find success after

COMIC

own paths. Navigating college while deciding what to do with the rest of our lives is a difficult enough task without the added expectations and concerns of others. But, if there’s anybody out there who’d still like to provide input, let me know. I’d love to chat, and it just might be a source of inspiration for my next piece. Kristen Butchler is a second-year English major.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | The Independent Collegian | 11 DIVERSITY

Women wrapped in wisdom Managing Editor

Diversity is more than just skin deep, which Women of Toledo demonstrated on Thursday, Feb. 1 in celebration of World Hijab Day by discussing the uniqueness of head wrapping. About 85 people attended the Success Stories Panel Forum at 5 p.m. at the West Toledo Branch Public Library as part of Women of Toledo’s Educational Initiatives program. According to the event website, the program offers community-based knowledge, stories and information about local leaders overcoming their barriers and challenges in life. Zarinah Naeem, founder of Beautifully Wrapped and a panelist at the event, is one of these community leaders. During the panel dis-

Basketball from page 7

a global culture of love.” Zobaida Falah, a social entrepreneur and founder of the CURE Bar, was also a panCOURTESY OF WOMEN OF TOLEDO elist at the (Left to Right) Zarinah El-Amin Naeem, Asma Abdel Halim, Yolanda Melendez, SyneneMaria Abukaram Yolanda, and Zobaida Falah event. She spoke speak as panelists during the forum. about her personal experiences and struggles she endured while observing hijab and running her company. “[People] need to educate themselves on the true reason why women choose to cover themselves and understand that they are part of the fabric of society,” Falah said. “It is part of my identity and helps me be a better person while COURTESY OF WOMEN OF TOLEDO receiving more respect Attendees listen to panelists share their stories. because of it.”

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the lead down to 70-61 with 9:25 left in regulation. The Toledo native converted a pair of baskets from close range and completed a traditional three-point play to bring the home crowd to its feet. Toledo countered and pulled within to four points, 77-73, off consecutive jumpers from Boyd and McIntyre at the 1:07 mark, UT returns to action Wednesday, Feb. 7 and travel to MAC East Division foe Miami University (14-8, 6-5 MAC). Game time versus the RedHawks is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Millett Hall and will stream live on ESPN3.

“For society to be more accepting of those who wear hijab means that our society has evolved into one built on understanding,” Naeem said. “I find it very telling that, when exploring head wrapping on a global perspective, you find so many men, women, children, religions, cultures and traditions that include head wrapping.” Head wrapping transcends beyond Islam. Naeem said she questions why society focuses on the coverings of Muslim women only and why wrapping for the Muslim woman has become politicized. “The fact that only one small percentage of those who cover worldwide are placed in the spotlight is telling and forces us to question the reason why,” she said. “I think in general we need to build

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down low on the floor as they earned a 66-38 edge in points in the paint. The Bulls jumped out early and held a 20-16 lead at the end of the quarter. Toledo got back into the swing of things in the second quarter from back-to-back three pointers by Bravo-Harriott to take a 31-30 advantage at the 4:05 mark. The Bulls went on15-4 run after that to gain a 45-35 lead going into the break. UT pulled their deficit into single digits when McIntyre knocked down five straight points to cut

cussion, she spoke on the history of head wrapping and the broad culture of the hijab. “Head wrapping is a worldwide global culture, not one which is only relevant to Muslims and certainly not one only for women,” Naeem said. She said her mother was part of the mass conversion of African-Americans to Islam in the 1970s. They adopted the practice of head wrapping that connected them to their African culture. “Although there is a cultural resurgence around head wrapping currently in broader society, the African-American Muslim woman has been wearing wraps for decades,” Naeem said. “In other words, we started this.” She also said that although society has been more accepting of hijabs in recent years, there is still work that needs to be done.

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By Emily Jackson

12 | The Independent Collegian | Wednesday, February 7, 2018

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