Kentucky Kernel: April 21, 2022

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Thursday, April 21, 2022

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Thursday, April 21, 2022

news

‘A Kentucky original.’ UK alum and largest donor Bill Gatton dies at 89

By Hannah Stanley news@kykernel.com

Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, UK alumni and the school’s biggest donor, died Tuesday at age 89.

Gatton was a “Kentucky original” who grew up in a small coalfield near Bremen in Muhlenberg County and became a strong businessman. He held lifelong beliefs in the value of hard work, generosity and service, said UK president Eli Capilouto.

“As part of that commitment, Mr. Gatton always saw his alma mater as a shining beacon – the place that could do the most to serve and make better his native state,” Capilouto said. “And he

pushed us – every day and in so many ways – to live up to that responsibility and to make real that aspiration. He knew from his own life how important an education was and is to the future, and he endeavored to make such an education possible for thousands and thousands of students, most of whom will never know him or how much he was committed to their success.”

Gatton was known for giving back to the university and the community. He was the founder of the Bill Gatton Foundation, which gave support and charitable sums to educational organizations, according to the Gatton College website.

He was also responsible for being the largest donor in UK history in 1995 after his $14

million donation built the Carol Martin Gatton College of Business and Economics, later named in his honor.

In addition, he was responsible for a $20 million donation to build the UK Student Center, later renamed the Gatton Student Center.

Earlier this year, Gatton donated $5 million to UK for a scholarship prioritizing first-generation and medical students from medically underserved areas of the commonwealth.

In addition to his donations to UK, his generosity to East Tennessee State University led to the naming of the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, and he funded Western Kentucky University’s​​ Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science.

STAFF FILE PHOTO Bill Gatton talks with students after a celebration honoring him in the Gatton Student Center on Friday, August 31, 2018, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Oscar Tshiebwe to return to Kentucky for 2022-23 season

By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

After winning almost every individual award in the book this season, Oscar Tshiebwe is strapping in for a second round in Lexington.

The Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the

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Congo, native is returning to Kentucky for the 202223 season, he announced Wednesday afternoon on SportsCenter.

Tshiebwe became the first player in program history to be named the unanimous National Player of the Year. He is the first NPOY to return to school since Tyler Hansbrough

returned to North Carolina in 2008.

Tshiebwe won all six NCAA-recognized electors for National Player of the Year, winning the Wooden Award alongside honors from The Sporting News, The National Association of Basketball Coaches, the United States Basketball Writers Association, the

Associated Press and the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame.

Averaging 17.4 points per game and a nation's best 15.1 rebounds per game, he became the first Division I player who averaged at least 15.0 points and rebounds per game in over 40 years.

He also managed to

average over 1.6 blocks and 1.6 steals per game, the only player in the major conferences to do so.

Tshiebwe became the second Wildcat to lead his team in points, rebounds, blocks, steals and field goal percentage per game, joining Anthony Davis.

Tshiebwe concluded his monster season with

16 straight double-doubles, the longest streak in program history. He also set the UK record for double-doubles in a season with 18.

"I will be in the blue for Kentucky next year again," Tshiebwe said.

For more information on his decision, see page 11

Thursday, April 21, 2022

kentuckykernel

Humans of UK:

Madalyne Kinnett competes for a cause

By Laurie Jonhatan features@kykernel.com

This is Humans of UK, inspired by the Humans of New York Instagram series by photographer and author Brandon Stanton. This series dives into the individuals of UK as well as their stories, strifes and passions.

Madalyne Kinnett, a junior double majoring in marketing and merchandising, textiles and apparel, grew up dreaming of standing on the Miss USA stage. When the owner of the pageant reached out during her junior year of high school about competing, she accepted without hesitation.

“Being onstage for the first time, I felt nothing but confidence, and I think that is the best thing that pageants have brought me,” Kinnett said.

Her first competition, Miss Teen Kentucky, ended with a Top 5 placement.

“My grandmother and I had no idea what to expect going into this pageant for the first time.

We just knew I needed a coach,” she said.

Kinnett’s coach helped her prepare with weekly practices, which she

JACK WEAVER | STAFF Madalyne Kinnett poses for a portrait on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

fit into her student life.

Kinnett also worked at a COVID testing site at the start of the pandemic to help others in “huge ways.”

“Learning how to talk to people, encourage them and serve them in the best way I could was a huge advantage to bettering myself,” she said.

“Being able to communicate with people is really important, and since I haven’t been actively training over the last few

years, I’ve found other opportunities to grow.”

Kinnett’s freshman year of college was her last Miss Teen Kentucky competition and her third Top 5 placement. Next year will be her first time competing in Miss Kentucky, and she is excited to come back. She said the transition from competing in Miss Teen Kentucky to Miss Kentucky is a “huge step.”

“You really have to know who you are, why

you want it, why it should be you,” Kinnett said.

Her desire to compete again comes from the appeal to help others and the platform that winners can raise awareness for.

“I lost my mom a few years before I competed [for] the first time, and I was also going through all the emotions and life changes that happen when you lose a parent at a young age,” Kinnett said. “I just want people to know that it is okay to not be okay, but life is worth living. It does get better, and if you don’t have a person in your life that makes you feel hopeful and encouraged, I will be that person.”

Kinnett said that competition weekends bring new friends, more self-confidence, self-determination and learning how to support and encourage others.

“I got to watch two of my friends that I competed with for years win Miss Kentucky and Miss Teen Kentucky USA,” said Kinnett. “Seeing all the girls run to them on stage and congratulate them, seeing their friends and family crying in the audience and watching them achieve their goals is why I keep coming back.”

CONTACT

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Rayleigh Deaton

editor@kykernel.com Managing editor:

Jack Weaver editor@kykernel.com

News editor:

Hannah Stanley news@kykernel.com

Asst. news editor:

Sarah Michels

Features editor:

Emily Girard features@kykernel.com

Sports editor:

Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

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Cole Parke

Opinions editor:

Brooklyn Kelley opinions@kykernel.com

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Jack Weaver

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KENTUCKY KERNEL OFFICES 340 McVey Hall University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506

On the cover:

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe gestures to the crowd during the UK vs.

Central Michigan men’s basketball game on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

spring 2022 | 3

Thursday, April 21, 2022

news

Bourbon and bread pudding: The Keeneland tradition continues

By Sophia Shoemaker news@kykernel.com

The Keeneland Spring Meet began this year on April 8. Now, a few weeks later, ticket sales are still up, bets are being placed and the Lexington tradition remains alive and well.

The racecourse has been open for nearly a century and is a Lexington institution. According to the Kentucky Historical Society, more than 8,000 people attended the first race on Oct. 15, 1936. In 2019, the first two Saturdays of the Spring Meet attracted crowds of over 34,000 people.

“People associate Lexington with Keeneland, and vice versa,” Keeneland employee Harry Miller said.

The first two Saturdays of this year’s Spring Meet, general admission tickets were sold out. Despite cold and rainy weather, hundreds of people from all over the country flocked to the famous racecourse.

“The state is the epicenter for thoroughbred breeding, racing and sales worldwide. Keeneland is a place where we [Kentucky] can showcase not only the impact we’ve had on the sport and the industry, but the culture which has developed from the love of thoroughbreds in our small corner of the world,” said

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Marc Wampler, owner of racing partnership company Pocket Aces Racing.

Lexington families have been visiting Keeneland for years. Miller, who has worked for the racecourse for 12 years, said the Spring Meet is a rite of passage for some families.

“The first Saturday and the first Sunday, they put Grandma in the car, load up the kids and all come to Keeneland,” he said.

“They’ve been doing it for years.”

Among the crowd of families, owners and gamblers, many UK students visit the track each year.

“Whether you have lived in Lexington your whole life or you have never been to Keeneland, it’s important to experience what makes your community special,” said Wampler.

“A student hasn’t gotten the full college experience UK has to offer without a trip to Keeneland.”

Because of COVID-19, this is the first time Keeneland has held the Spring Meet at full capacity since 2019.

Some students missed their first chance to visit the racecourse due to the limited ticket sales.

“My buddies and I are going to Keeneland for the first time this weekend,” sophomore John Dougherty said. “We tried to go last year but tickets were

JACK WEAVER | STAFF A horse is walked through the paddock during the first day of the Spring Meet on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.

pretty hard to come by, so we’re excited to finally go and see what all the hype is about.”

Junior Charles Scopetto visited the racecourse for the first time on Friday, despite living in Lexington for a few years now.

“We don’t have anything like this where I’m from, so this is really cool,” Scopetto said. “I’m placing

bets, watching the races, just trying to get the full experience.”

Unlike Scopetto, some students have been visiting Keeneland years before they came to UK. “I’m from Lexington, so I’ve been visiting the racecourse for as long as I can remember,” freshman Emme Goodman said. “Except now, instead of com-

ing to Keeneland with my family, I come with my sorority sisters.”

Many employees, owners and spectators would agree that one of the best parts about the course is the people.

“Keeneland is such an enjoyable environment,” employee Mary Hynous said. “I love the clientele and seeing people come

back meet after meet.”

The Spring Meet will continue through April 29, with no races on Mondays or Tuesdays. General admission tickets can be bought on the Keeneland website or at the gate for $7. The course will also be open on May 7 for Derby Day, complete with live music, a hat contest and food vendors.

Thursday, April 21, 2022

features

‘A vital component of the student experience.’

UK helps students find internships

By Emily Girard features@kykernel.com

Entering a career after college is a daunting prospect for many students. In an effort to help bridge this gap, UK offers multiple options for students to find internships, but not all students end up taking them.

To better connect students with internships, jobs and other career opportunities, UK utilizes the online platform Handshake.

All undergraduate and graduate students at the university are given a Handshake account. Additionally, many UK departments, especially in engineering, offer links to international internship platforms linke IAESTE. Staff at UK’s Stuckert Career Center also meet with students to further connect them with resources.

Ray Clere, the director of the Stuckert Career Center, said that he encourages students to use Handshake and that approximately 60% of students actively use their accounts.

“These [internship opportunities] are sourced from alumni and from national networks and other sources,” he said. “We have dozens of new postings every day that are available to students via Handshake.”

In addition to offering resources and connections to outside opportunities, UK offers a variety of internships and work-study po-

sitions to students of all majors.

UK’s Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, for example, has offered student financial associate positions in the fall, spring and summer.

“What that position entails is basically as a student worker, you're responsible for assisting all walk-in students, directing them to the financial aid counselors [and] assisting with answering the front phone lines, as well as other clerical duties,” Matt Massarone, the office’s outreach coordinator, said. “Anybody could apply, as long as they're an enrolled student at UK.” Though Massarone opened the position to all majors and had previous success filling it in spring and fall, he ended up not filling the position last summer due to a lack of interest.

“With those [fall and spring] semesters, I haven't had any issues with applicants. We've had full pools, and I've hired multiple students throughout the semester and throughout my couple years of being here,” he explained. “I think the big difference between summer and this is just there's not a lot of students on campus during the summer in Lexington.”

Massarone also mentioned the experience working in a corporate environment this position offers to students, as well as the connections he makes with his student workers.

“Really, what I hope [students] just get out of internships is learning how to operate in an office setting. I think the biggest thing that we can provide to students right now is gearing them towards post-graduation, what it's going to be like in a full time job, as well as [providing] mentorship to them,” he said. “I'm very close with a lot of my student workers and provide them with plenty of other advising, such as resumes, career prep, interview prep [and] assisting them with schooling.”

Another program offered through UK is AppalachiaCorps, a summer program that pairs students with nonprofit community and government organizations throughout the Appalachian region. Students work in various sectors such as tourism, education, health and racial justice.

Kathryn Engle, the director of UK’s Appalachian Center, says the program has three purposes: providing students with unique learning opportunities, strengthening commitments to the Appalachian region and building networks with nonprofit organizations in the area.

“The App Center has always put importance on getting students out and into the region and engaged with communities,” she said. “This will be our second full summer session [of AppalachiaCorps].”

AppalachiaCorps is not the

To read the full story, scan here!

only UK-promoted internship that focuses on community engagement. Freshman political science major Emma Thyne recently finished an internship with the Kentucky Senate Minority Leadership Office. Thyne connected with the position through the Kentucky Legislative Internship Program, which UK’s Department of Political Science promotes.

Though Thyne also had internal connections that made it easier for her to correspond with internship officials, she said she has still seen promotions for internships on campus, especially for UK’s Wildcats at the Capital program.

“Professors do a fair amount of advertising, especially for the Capitol internship,” she said.

“However, I’m lucky to have my father, who’s the chair of the department, to tell me about the lesser-known opportunities. I also know the professor [Dr. Tiffany Barnes] that runs the program, so I was able to apply late when she told me that they were short in applications.”

Junior mechanical engineering major Shelby Fraley is currently working at an internship with Lexmark, which she has held since November. She found the position through engineering career fairs and said the process helped her figure out her path after graduation.

“Working there has also giv-

en me kind of a view into the way projects are run in an engineering company … I’m hoping to get to see more of those processes this summer when I work full-time. I think it’s also given me the opportunity to develop my problem-solving skills and confidence, too, which I really needed,” she said. “It’s also just a résumé-builder in general; I remember when I was talking to companies at the career fair, some of them would look at my resume and go, ‘I wish you had more engineering things on here.’”

While searching for jobs and internships has been an enduring part of many students’ college careers, it is also an aspect of college that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed. Clare said the Stuckert Career Center has encouraged students to consider less traditional options than a semester-long or summer-long on-site position.

“Students [need] to consider modality of their internship experience more than students in previous years needed to,” Clare said. “Are they open to online or hybrid types of learning experiences versus a traditional in-office or in-person experience?”

Clare also brought up micro-internships, which UK offers through the platform Parker Dewey. These internships typically last two to five weeks and are more project-based than a traditional internship.

spring 2022 | 5

Thursday, April 21, 2022

The sidelines aren't just for benchwarmers: The pep behind UK Athletics

By Kendall Staton

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF UK pep band members play at the Cat Walk before the UK vs. Iowa Vrbo Citrus Bowl football game on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

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Responsible for keeping crowds engaged through close calls and all-around blowouts, the UK pep band has seen its fair share of UK sports history. While it may not always be the main attraction, the band provides entertainment and excitement wherever it plays.

A separate group from the marching band, UK’s pep band plays at home games for the mens basketball team, as well as for womens basketball, volleyball and gymnastics teams. While UK may not always win these events, it is the pep band's job to keep the crowd excited and engaged through wins and loses.

UK’s director of athletic bands, Shayna Stahl, said one of her favorite things about working with the pep band is the players’ high level of dedication.

Walking through the halls of the UK fine arts building, visitors will be hard pressed to find a quiet corner. With trumpets, drums and flutes around every corner, UK’s arts students are very invested in their craft. With pep band members scattered throughout the hallways, Stahl is always within 100 feet of her players.

“They are probably the most passionate people about what they’re doing because they love music so much,” Stahl said. “I think they are probably one of the most passionate groups of students on campus.”

A passion for music is not the only thing you need to be a member of the pep band. With a hefty schedule of games to attend, pep band members maintain a very

Thursday, April 21, 2022 busy schedule.

Though the band is split into two different groups for scheduling purposes, members were still required to play for at least nine games in the spring 2022 semester. With each game being at least a three-hour commitment, schedules can fill up pretty fast.

Junior trumpet player Nate Stombaugh was happy to give his extra time to the band. Playing for 14 games this semester, Stombaugh said his favorite part of the band is simply the fun he gets to have.

“I love sports, and I love screaming at sports, so the pep band allows me to do that while making music, which is pretty much my favorite thing in the world to do,” he said. “I love playing pep band music because it's a lot of rock and pop tunes that often translate to really fun trumpet parts.”

With tunes such as Bon Jovi's “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Dua Lipa’s “Levitating,” the pep band plays songs for everyone.

As Stombaugh looks forward to his senior year at UK, he is disappointed by the way COVID has affected his pep band experience.

Due to the pandemic, he was only offered the chance to attend the NCAA basketball tournament one time, rather than the typical three.

Other pep band members felt the effects of the COVID pandemic as well. Piccolo section leader, Jenna Boulden, expects to graduate in 2022. Looking back on her time in pep band, her only regret is that COVID took away her time in her favorite place with her favorite people.

“Without a doubt, the people I get to experience pep band with are what keeps bringing me back year after year,” she said. “Band provides a time we get to spend together often while doing something that brings us all joy.”

Since pep band is a smaller and less formal group than some of the others on campus, such as concert band, Stahl appreciates that she is able to see more of her students' personalities during

these classes. With a main emphasis on fun, loud, exciting music, she feels the kids are able to be more enthusiastic than when they are in other bands.

Percussionist Jacob Davidson said he feels like the pep band puts a little less pressure on them compared to other ensembles in which he takes part. Since the emphasis of the pep band is on creating a fun environment, he doesn't have to be as stressed out if he slips up and misses one note.

With a loud band comes an even louder crowd. Davidson said he feels supported by the audiences, specifically during mens basketball games.

“I’d say the band is a big part of the fun of being at Rupp Arena, and I think people enjoy us being there. Even when we aren't playing, we tend to get pretty loud,” he said.

While Davidson is confident in the support the band receives from spectators, he is left wondering about the support from coaches and players.

“I don't really know if the teams or coaches appreciate us because I've never spoken to any of them, but I would hope that they appreciate the time and effort we put into showing up and making every game a fun environment,” he said.

Some pep band members feel they receive an immense amount of support from those they cheer on, while others feel they are pushed to the back burner.

Boulden recalls the time UK’s head volleyball coach, Craig Skinner, gave the pep band popsicles at the end of a particularly hot rehearsal. This support, in addition to the times Skinner has attended band rehearsals, made Boulden feel like the pep band receives at least some support from athletic teams.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of some of the athletes and coaches on campus,” Boulden said. “Coach Skinner goes out of his way to let the band know how much he and his team appreciate us. He has come to rehearsals on several occasions and

CORRIE MCCROSKEY | STAFF UK pep band members play at the Cat Walk before the UK vs. Iowa Vrbo Citrus Bowl football game.

accommodates us in any way he can at the games.”

While Stombaugh doesn't deny that pep band receives some support from the university and athletics department, he does feel as though there is a disconnect between the amount of work the band puts in and the amount of recognition they receive in return.

Not wanting to seem ungrateful, Stombaugh said he feels the separation between pep band and sports teams in the eyes of the university makes sense, but is still disheartening.

“We can't really complain too much. The athletics department definitely recognises the value of the band, but oftentimes it does feel like we get the short end of the stick,” he said. “There are definitely some moments where it feels like we are just there on the sideline and aren't really getting to participate in everything as much as we should.”

Regardless of support, or lack thereof, from the UK adminis-

CORRIE MCCROSKEY | STAFF UK pep band members play at the Cat Walk before the UK vs. Iowa Vrbo Citrus Bowl football game.

tration, the pep band has a fan in their director. Stahl shared her pleasure with the band's progress and their ability to liven up a room. Through weekly practices and countless game days, Stahl is grateful to be a part of everyone's game day excitement.

“Ultimately, as an organization, the best part is just being able to be a part of the game day experience and knowing that what we play really does make a difference in what's going on,” she said. “It’s just being able to be a part of something bigger.”

spring 2022 | 7

Thursday, April 21, 2022

features

The Lexington Humane Society helps animals find their forever homes

By Jessica Kinsella features@kykernel.com

Oscar the Grouch isn’t the only Oscar who lived in a trash can. In February, an officer found a tan dog in a garbage can in Lexington.

“He’s such a good boy,” said Sarah Martin, animal care supervisor at the Lexington Humane Society (LHS).

Dubbed “Oscar” by LHS, the two-year-old pitbull mix cautiously approached the female officer who came to his rescue, leaving his trash can behind. Tail wagging, he gave her a curious look as she encouraged him forward.

Using an inviting tone and tossing him treats, she made sure that Oscar knew it was safe.

Originally, they’d received a call about a dog hanging around, but he wasn’t the easiest dog to find. Eventually the officer was able to locate Oscar after a call explaining that he was inside of the trash can.

Martin said that Oscar was very sweet to ap-

proach. Unlike some stray dogs, he showed his friendly demeanor as he came out of hiding, even allowing the officer to pet him a bit.

Martin explained the process that animals go through when they are first brought into the humane society, noting that it varies case-by-case.

Once an animal is brought in, they are provided any veterinary care that they need. They go through LFACC – the Lexington Humane Society’s partner organization Animal Care and Control – where they get their shots and are fixed before becoming available for adoption.

Natalie Moak, fundraising assistant at the Lexington Humane Society, explained that all incoming animals must go through a process before being transferred over to the Lexington Humane Society. Some animals are surrendered by their owners, some are found and brought in and some are called in and picked up by officers. Each animal that’s been treated

by LHS has information in

a database, where anyone authorized to log in can view their records.

LHS isn’t the only humane society in Kentucky – the others that use the same database are able to access the records as well, just not the personal comments on an animal (such as a don’t adopt policy). Also included are the current/past owners’ names, their phone number, address, email, and the animal’s licensing status.

According to Martin, if there are no files of the animal on record, they are given vaccinations to ensure their health and safety. This is in case the animal hasn’t been vaccinated for something like rabies, which can be dangerous, especially if they have been out on the streets. If an animal arrives that is already in the system, LHS has the information of prior vet visits and vaccinations and is able to treat the animal accordingly.

After going through the process and getting the care and vaccinations needed, animals are turned over to

LHS where they are able to be fostered out/put up for adoption. Oscar has been up for adoption since Feb. 22.

The Lexington Humane Society recently eased up on COVID restrictions for potential adopters; however, Martin said, “we ask that everyone is serious with adopting.” To visit Oscar, one would be required to fill out adoption information and be interested in having him as part of their family.

Martin explained that the humane society doesn’t want any of their rooms to be too full at once, and monitoring the guests allows them to know how many people are visiting at once. For instance, they wouldn’t want the cat room full of 30 people, so to make sure it doesn’t get too crowded, everyone fills out a form before they walk in to visit the animals.

Oscar has gotten a lot of attention since his arrival, making the local news and even being picked up by the Dodo, an animal video-sharing outlet, but he

still hasn’t gotten any serious inquiries about adoption. For now, he waits for his forever family at LHS. Since Oscar was rescued, he’s been quite the busy boy. From having his picture taken by local news outlets to visiting with the sanitation crew where he proudly posed with his heroes, Oscar has gotten around.

When he’s not meeting new people, he spends his time in his own kennel space in a room with the other dogs who wait for a family. Oscar isn’t always as loud as his neighbors.

He’s eager to lick your hands if they’re nearby and adores treats.

With a slightly wrinkled head and a butterscotch coloring described as “red” on LHS’s website, Oscar is much healthier than he was when he first arrived.

At first, he was so thin that his ribs were visible, but after proper nutrition and care for a few months, he now appears stronger and healthier.

A home without small kids would be good for

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Oscar, as Martin described how he can be a bit grabby with treats. Before a potential adopter takes him home, Oscar needs a meet and greet with any other dogs in the home. This means that he has to spend a little time with them first because, as Martin described, “he really likes to play – sometimes a little bit too much.”

While Oscar waits for his family, he gets to spend some of his time with the employees and volunteers at LHS. Martin recently had him sitting up front with her when he started looking longingly at the garbage can.

“No, we’re done with that,” she told him. “We don’t need to eat out of the trash anymore.”

Oscar may have had his days in the trash can, but he is certainly no grouch. He lays curled up in his bed at the Lexington Humane Society, ready and awaiting a home and family.

Potential adopters can find more information at the Lexington Humane Society’s website.

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Assigned readings: Helpful or harmful?

By Brooklyn Kelley opinions@kykernel.com

Minds are much like bodies — what we put in them matters. In a college setting, this can be difficult to control, especially when assigned readings have so much to do with a grade in a course.

Assigned readings, while helpful in some capacity when conveying information to students, can potentially contain material that can pollute young minds. As of now, there is often no way to opt-out.

While it is difficult to have a criteria for appropriate readings, especially at the college level, there are certain topics that are traumatic, graphic and harmful to certain students. These students shouldn’t have to be silent as they read these pieces just to get a passing grade.

There is a fine line between being uncomfortable with new information and consuming information that negatively affects you. This comes into play when there is no discussion following reading the material about its flaws, or when a student has tried to read the material but is too bothered by it to continue.

Learning and growing is uncomfortable at times, but something a student deems immoral shouldn’t be infiltrated into their curriculum, especially when there is no alternative option to the specific reading.

Having a way to escape from being forced to read certain material would be beneficial to students’ sense of responsibility,

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF A student studies in the William T. Young Library during the first day of classes for the fall 2020 semester on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky.

their consciousness of what’s going into their mind and their minds in general.

In the case of readings that are against students’ morals or conscience, they should be given the right to defend their thoughts and, if legitimate concern is shown and justified, given another assignment in its place.

One of the most challenging parts of college for me so far has been having to read a book with graphic sexual scenes and write discussion posts on it for the class with specific examples. I didn’t feel that this was appropriate, and I didn’t want it on the forefront of

my mind.

While I was able to defend my views on the discussion board, that didn’t stop me from having to read the book in order to get a good grade. If I could have, I would’ve stopped reading the book, stated my opinion on the discussion board and never picked up the book again. However, this wasn’t an option.

Forcing students to read material that could be against their religious or moral convictions is not helping them to branch out, but rather instilling ideas in them that they have likely fought hard against in other settings. This also

opens the door for a potentially more unethical society in the future.

For example, if assigned readings justify forceful intimate acts, students will either consciously or unconsciously deem that appropriate. Then, they are desensitized to the travesty happening.

In a way, reading about perverse things makes people who are struggling with the same issue complacent; it confirms that someone else is like them, so they don’t need to fix their behavior. Though this is likely not the intention of the professor who assigned the material, the effects

opinions

are happening nonetheless.

Instead of having mandatory reading materials with no flexibility, professors should allow students to fill out a form, talk to them or present to their classmates why they feel a reading assignment is inappropriate.

With this approach, students are both given the opportunity to protect their minds from information they deem harmful while also building up communication and critical thinking skills.

No matter the medium through which they solve this issue, the professor’s effort to solve the problem truly does matter to students. Knowing that their professor cares about what they care about creates a bond that allows for a stronger learning environment.

Replacing the reading with another that does not violate the student’s moral standards can also be enlightening to the professor in that they may see that their perspective when assigning that material may be distorted, in addition to helping the student.

Having the option to have a different assignment than the specified reading in some classes would have cut down on the amount of distress I have felt when completing assignments related to the reading and eliminate the inkling of disdain I had every time I participated in certain courses.

For myself and many other students, having a way to express our moral values by objecting to specific topics in assigned readings could make college a better experience overall.

spring 2022 |9

Thursday, April 21, 2022

opinions

Confessions of a sports editor-turned model

By Hunter Shelton opinions@kykernel.com

I’d like to consider myself a jack of … a couple trades.

I’m not so bad at writing about balls getting thrown, shot and caught. I’ve shot under 100 on a golf course once or twice. I make a mean peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Modeling, though? Nope, don’t think so.

What started as a half-joking invite on a 12-hour car ride back from covering the Citrus Bowl in Orlando eventually turned into me posing in a snazzy orange outfit with some eyeliner on, trying to put on my best pouty face for KRNL’s senior photoshoot.

Now you may be asking yourself, why is the 5-foot-9, 190-pound sports writer with a body built by chicken tenders making an appearance in a lifestyle and fashion magazine?

I’m still trying to figure that one out too.

Less than 24 hours prior, I was covering Kentucky and Auburn playing basketball inside Auburn Arena, seven hours south of my eventual modeling venue in someone’s living residence in downtown Lexington.

Regardless, I wound up blowing party horns in the living room, smushing cake in the kitchen and spinning disco balls on the stairs. All the while, I was checking my phone every five minutes to see if Tom Brady was capping off a 27-3 comeback in the playoffs.

Of course, I had to lean into the “sports guy” angle. Without fail I was holding a balloon like a football, as if I just went No. 1 overall to the Jets in the NFL Draft.

Needless to say, I perfected my balloon spiral in just a few tosses.

The aforementioned disco ball spun on my finger like I was a Harlem Globetrotter.

My pants were pretty tight that night, but I'm confident I would’ve dropped 40 points

10 | kentucky kernel

on anyone inside the house.

“Try not to be stiff.”

“Don’t try too hard.”

“Keep it natural.”

I heard all of those things in the lead up to the shoot and on the day of. Do you know how hard it is to “act natural?” Maybe for someone who is actually, let’s say, good at standing in front of a camera and posing, it’s not too bad.

But for the guy who sits in a press box, analyzing box scores and crushing diet cokes every weekend, it isn’t really the easiest thing in the world. My version of acting natural is hunching over my laptop, staring at a Google Doc at 2 a.m., trying to find a new synonym for “good.”

I can’t imagine how many times I blinked during the flash of the camera, either. Standing or sitting still has never been harder, folks.

Seeing actual models make looking beautiful easy while I make sure my beard isn’t too frazzled on one side was quite the experience. Some people have a knack for looking good in photos, others have a knack for understanding sabermetrics in baseball. I happily fall in the latter group.

After what I'm sure was a heated debate, none of my photos were selected to be on the cover. I know, I still can’t believe it either. Not sure if someone had it out for me, or if I just looked too good, but I plan on getting to the bottom of it.

It really was a blast while it lasted, but consider this my formal goodbye to the modeling world. As great as my makeup may have looked, there’s stories to be written. To my fellow models … you’re welcome.

I am officially entering the transfer portal, where I intend to finish out my career as a sports journalist.

To all the stadiums, arenas and ballparks around the world, get your credentials, bag tags and concession stand vouchers ready, I'm coming home.

MARTHA MCHANEY | KRNL STAFF Hunter Shelton poses for KRNL Lifestyle + Fashion's "Not So Happy Birthday" photoshoot on Jan. 23, 2022, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Thursday, April 21, 2022

sports

What Oscar Tshiebwe returning means for Kentucky

By Hunter Shelton sports@kykernel.com

It's been a long 34 days since Kentucky's season was abruptly ended by Saint Peter's in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

After the initial shock of the loss wore off, Big Blue Nation immediately turned its attention to the star of the team, Oscar Tshiebwe. The heartbroken West Virginia transfer just finished one of the best seasons in program history and was in the middle of receiving award after award. Usually what comes next is a week or two off, then the announcement that the national player of the year is headed to the NBA. Tshiebwe's case turned out to be a bit different. The sweetheart rebounding machine's decision wasn't as easy as most, but he announced his decision to return to Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon.

"I prayed and asked God what is good for me. I've been fasting and praying with my family to try and ask God for a decision to help us," Tshiebwe said on ESPN. "God has told me he is not done with me yet. So he told me he wants me to go back, because he is not done with me in this space.

I'll be back again next year in Kentucky."

With the introduction of NIL, there was a clear path for the big man to return to school and cash in on brand deal after brand deal.

This was an issue for him during

MICHAEL CLUBB | STAFF Kentucky Wildcats forward Oscar Tshiebwe (34) dunks the ball during the UK vs. Mount St. Mary’s basketball game on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky.

the 2021-22 season due to his visa.

"As a student with an F1 visa, I can't even talk about it," Tshiebwe said about NIL. "It's a little bit tricky."

Anyone who has seen a video clip of Tshiebwe over the course of the year knows how likable and quoteworthy he is. He's a man of faith who has his best interest out for everyone, and he also happens

to be pretty good at basketball.

His return will equal NIL deals in bulk, in the range of millions of dollars. There will be a line to get the soon-to-be senior in every local commercial around the Bluegrass. That doesn't even mention the big name brands that will surely reach out.

Everything that Tshiebwe accomplished over the course of the season pointed towards him

making the jump to the professional level. He won just about everything there is to win as a collegiate basketball player, barring the elusive national championship.

As the offseason got underway, the number of players entering the transfer portal increased, with over 1,000 players looking for new homes. There were rumors about what Tshiebwe was

going to do, but he never gave a hint as to if he was staying or going.

While he was undecided, some of the big name portal targets that the Wildcats had their eyes set on slowly made decisions to go elsewhere, leaving head coach John Calipari and UK in a bit of a bind.

Tshiebwe, alongside highly touted freshman Shaedon Sharpe, were set to make or break the roster outlook for the 2022-23 Wildcats. While Sharpe remains undecided if he is going to go to the NBA Draft or not, BBN can exhale for a moment, knowing it has its superstar forward coming back for a second season.

“I was not sure if it was the right decision to do so we were still praying, praying, praying, but God, he told me I’ve got to make this decision so I just decided to announce today," he said.

Kentucky is instantly a powerhouse once again with the return of the NPOY. Alongside incoming freshman Cason Wallace and Chris Livingston, the trio is set to cause problems for any opposing defense.

Add in Sharpe with whoever else Calipari is able to pluck from the transfer portal, and the Cats are title contenders once again.

There hasn't been much positivity circling the program since the loss to the Peacocks in March, but Tshiebwe's decision will turn the page into an offseason that will be filled with hope and confidence.

fall 2021 | 11

Thursday, April 21, 2022

classifieds FOR RENT Great campus area properties for rent for August 2022.

(859) 619-3232. kmartin.lex@gmail.com www.myuk4rent.com

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The Kentucky Kernel is seeking applications for the position of 2022-2023

Designer

Do you have an eye for graphic design? Want to gain valuable experience in the worlds of journalism and design? Want to get PAID for your work? Tasks include puting the pages together with text and pictures and making graphics as needed.

Find out more information about becoming a designer for the Kentucky Kernel and apply by contacing ryan.craig@uky.edu!

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