KSU Talon | November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014

KSU/SPSU MERGER MERGER

VIEWS FROM THE EAGER AND UPSET

BREWS, SPIRITS, BREWS AND BEERS

KSU’S NEW COURSE: CUL 4630

RESURRECTING JOURNALISM

TEACHERS TEAM UP TO BRING A DYING ARTFORM DIGITAL

November 2014 | -1-

6 The depths beyond drinking

The students’ thoughts on our merging schools

32 27

Study abroad in Paris October is Bullying Prevention Month because of this student -2- | TALON MAGAZINE

CONTENT //KSU 6

10

K S U ’S N E W CO U R S E C U L 4630

10

KSU/SPSU MERGER

14

KSU MEN FIGHTS FEMINISM

16

NON-TRADITIONAL KSU STUDENTS

// T R AV E L 32

STUDENT ABROAD: PARIS

// T E C H N O LO G Y 36

KSU’S BRAINLAB PARTNERS WITH GOOGLE

//ARTS & LIVING ABOUT TALON

19

INSPIRATIONAL PHOTO ESSAY

22

DRAGON*CON SPREADS TO KENNESAW

24

RESURRECTING JOURNALISM

Talon is the feature magazine of Kennesaw State University. We publish contributions of photo essays and creative nonfiction features on anything relating to students, faculty, staff, campus or issues pertaining to them. Graduate students as well as alumni are welcome to contribute true stories, boldly told.

DISCLAIMER

/ / M E T R O - AT L 27

OCTOBER AS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

30

HIGHLANDS PHOTO ESSAY

All comments and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of Talon Magazine staff, its advisers or KSU and do not reflect the views of the faculty, staff, student body, KSU Student Media or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

November 2014 | -3-

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Ellen Eldridge

Creative Director Sheherazade Draw

Photo Editor Brea Boutwell

Managing Editor Kayla Rowe

Copy Editor Imogen Bowdler

Copy Editor Alex Moore

Contributors to this issue: Copy editing: Emily Webb

Illustrator (page 27) Jessica Headrick

Writers: Beth Carson, Steven Cheek, Tyra Douyon, Ellen Eldridge, Jessica Fisher, Hannah Gleason, Mallory Griffin, Dasha Jackson, Jay Olsen

Designers: CUL: 4640 SPIRITS BREW AND BEERS Nick Cornish-Tomlinson

Photographers: Brea Boutwell, Jawaniecika Bryant, Taylor Caston, Christian Garcia, Lovell Gates, Daniella Gutierrez, Nick Martinez, Tobias Roybal, Jeff Tucker -4- | TALON MAGAZINE

SPSU/KSU MERGER Kelsey Waugh STUDENT ABROAD: PARIS Charlie Cross

Interested in being published, contributing design work or photography for Talon Magazine?

Email Ellen Elridge at editor@ksutalon.com

LE T TER FR OM THE EDITOR

I’m noticing a pattern in the general education history class I’m taking (2112) reflecting in student media. The “Reform Darwinism” we study in history came about in opposition to the ideas of applying Charles Darwin’s ideas about species survival to society—and I see this idea playing out as Talon tries to fid a way to coexist with SPSU’s magazine, Sting.

As a leader in student media, I understand the significance of my role as editor-in-chief and I spent a term last year compiling the history of Talon by interviewing former editors and leaders who worked on Talon in its many forms.

The responsibilities of running a print magazine fall on me almost exclusively, and I LOVE it.

But, I came to KSU with experience (and a degree in psychology). I had started a magazine four years before coming to campus, so I kind of knew what I needed to learn and what my strengths were in running a magazine organization.

I will be the first to admit that Sting appears superior in a few ways to Talon. No disrespect to the magazine I now manage, but if we’re being honest, Talon still has a long way to go.

For one, Talon’s identity changes nearly year to year, and many students don’t even know we have a feature magazine on campus!

Taking copies of Talon to my history class as a “midterm present,” I watched as students chose to read articles about business and history students during those last precious moments before the midterm. I saw my professor’s eyes light up as he told me excitedly he “can’t wait to read this” article about Dr. Shealy, and asked me if I knew the author, a student and president of the history honors society. I immediately felt my work on the issue validated, but this issue had been on stands since fall term started!

Social Darwinists basically thought competition should reign and those who can’t hang should get left behind. Reform Darwinism asserted that cooperation, not competition, is best for societies. I propose student media is a society whereby merging with SPSU’s feature magazine will help all students interested in feature writing, storytelling and even digital media. Talon needs more help. We need writers, designers, website savvy people, videographers, photographers, managers and editors. We would benefit greatly by merging and collaborating so we students of media can learn from each other, building both networks and friendships. Isn’t that why we’re in college?

ELLEN ELDRIDGE Editor in Chief

November 2014 | -5-

by Mallory Griffin Photos by Taylor Caston

Jeremy King sits hunched over a small table at the Commons on the Kennesaw State University Campus. Although he is a student like the hundreds of others who gather here for rushed, post-class lunches, King carries himself differently.

His grand stature and confidence stick out from the crowd, giving him an aura of maturity. As he sits at the cramped table, he swirls his cup of red Powerade as if it were fine liquor. Talking to the 21-year-old, one can quickly recognize that King knows more about spirits and brews than the typical student. His appreciation for various liquors and ales runs deep, although he still understands the allure of cheap, watery beer, especially for demanding games of college’s most popular sport: beer pong. King’s youth is not immediately apparent, thanks to his finely tuned palate, which is reminiscent of an experienced spirits connoisseur or a beer aficionado.

When asked to name his favorite drink, King crinkles his brows as if to convey his distaste for the question.

“That’s such a broad question,” said King. “Each drink is unique and offers something special for consumers, and it really depends what kind of mood I’m in or where I’m at.”

His answer hints at an astute knowledge of various spirits and brews, which he obtained through KSU’s first CUL 4630 course, more fondly known as Spirits, Beers, and Brews. Approved by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia in fall of 2012, King was among the original students who took the class in fall of 2013. Although the course requires no pre-requisites, participants must be 21 years old and obtain permission from the department chair of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality. Though King’s admission into the class was expected, the objectives and goals of the course were slightly surprising to him.

“Looking back on the class, it was relatively challenging,” said King. “There’s a lot of information involved in the beverage industry and we didn’t

-6- | TALON MAGAZINE

Jeremy King sits hunched over a small table at the Commons on the Kennesaw State University Campus.

Although he is a student like the hundreds of others who gather here for rushed, post-class lunches, King carries himself differently. His grand stature and confidence stick out from the crowd, giving him an aura of maturity. As he sits at the cramped table, he swirls his cup of red Powerade as if it were fine liquor. Talking to the 21-year-old, one can quickly recognize that King knows more about spirits and brews than the typical student. His appreciation for various liquors and ales runs deep, although he still understands the allure of cheap, watery beer, especially for demanding games of college’s most popular sport: beer pong. King’s youth is not immediately apparent, thanks to his finely tuned palate, which is reminiscent of an experienced spirits connoisseur or a beer aficionado.

class in fall of 2013. Although the course requires no pre-requisites, participants must be 21 years old and obtain permission from the department chair of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality. Though King’s admission into the class was expected, the objectives and goals of the course were slightly surprising to him.

“Looking back on the class, it was relatively challenging,” said King. “There’s a lot of information involved in the beverage industry and we didn’t stop at the basic material; we actually took it to the next level and learned the business aspect as well.”

The business aspect includes understanding what factors influence the price, quality and sustainability

When asked to name his favorite drink, King crinkles his brows as if to convey his distaste for the question.

“That’s such a broad question,” said King. “Each drink is unique and offers something special for consumers, and it really depends what kind of mood I’m in or where I’m at.”

His answer hints at an astute knowledge of various spirits and brews, which he obtained through KSU’s first CUL 4630 course, more fondly known as Spirits, Beers, and Brews. Approved by the Board of Regents for the University System of Georgia in fall of 2012, King was among the original students who took the

November 2014 | -7-

“The structured tasting drives the lesson home and allows students to actually experience the concept, which supports a thorough comprehension of it,” Marvil said.

certain beverages, students partake in three to five structured tastings per class,” he said.

“It may seem like a lot, but the tastings are spaced out over the span of a class period.”

the student’s choice to drive and they would be found at fault. Despite the gravity of a DUI, King never left the class worried about intoxication.

The benefits attached to the tastings are certainly undeniable, but some students question the risk factors intrinsically tied to alcohol consumption. The possibility of intoxication after class can seem dangerous, especially when a jerky, rush hour commute through Atlanta stands between the pupil and the safety of their home. Caitlin Walton is one of the wary students.

Besides the spacing, Marvil takes other precautions to ensure students’ safety.

“The sample was so tiny, I just never worried about it,” he said. “I always felt aware and fully able to drive.”

“It seems like an interesting, worthwhile class,” she said. “But not worthwhile enough to risk causing a wreck or getting a DUI.” Her apprehensions are valid. A basic DUI without property damage or injury is costly and the consequences are lasting. However, with 40 years of experience in the industry, Marvil understands these concerns but stresses the importance of safety in his class.

For every risk, there is a precaution.

“After about three weeks of learning about the history, production, and sustainability of

-8- | TALON MAGAZINE

“Each tasting is only half an ounce, which is about half of a shot. Also, students are instructed to drink water in between samples to minimize risks,” he said.

All of the safety measures are in accordance with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), which is considered the leading international body in spirits and wine education and training. The goal is to give students an exposure to the spirits industry and understand the history and sustainability of various drinks, all while reducing any possible risks associated with sampling alcohol. Marvil follows their guidelines in order to protect his students and maximize the educational experience.

Still, in the unlikely event that a student becomes intoxicated after about two ounces of liquor or beer, the university cannot be held responsible. Technically, it would be

Other students may soon follow King’s lead. Spirits, Beers, and Brews has grown in popularity and the university has added other beverage-focused courses, such as: Beer Culture, and Viticulture and Vinification.

All of these courses are open to any student provided they are 21 years old and as of now, no prerequisites are required. However, this may change in the future if the Institute for Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality continues to grow at its current rate. Just last year, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved a new bachelor’s degree in Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality and organizers expect upwards of 400 students to be enrolled by its fourth year, according to a press release by Jennifer Hafer.

“This college is growing tremendously fast,” he said. “In the future, these courses may

only be available for students in our program, especially if it becomes a major requirement.”

Although the future availability of the courses is currently unknown, King encourages students to take these classes.

“I’m taking Art, Science, and Business of Brewing this semester and I highly recommend these courses to any student,” he said. “Especially if you’re thinking about going into the beverage industry like I am.”

An aspiring brewmaster, King decided to take these courses to learn how beer was made and to gain exposure to the industry.

After completing Spirits, Beers, and Brews, his ambition beats stronger than ever.

“The knowledge I gained from that class reinforced my determination to own a brewery,” he said. “Maybe next time I’m interviewed, it’ll be about my delicious, world famous beer.”

November 2014 | -9-

-10- | TALON MAGAZINE

hearts and minds both eager and upset Written by Dasha Jackson Photos by Christian Garcia For four students, the consolidation between Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University affects both academic and personal life—before the merger is finalized.

Some students embrace the changes made, while other struggle to adjust. SPSU seniors Jessie Davis, 21, and Rodney Underwood, 24, say they feel like they “have no voice” when it comes to the merge. However, KSU seniors Missy Grasque, 21, and Jett Hattaway, 22, remain optimistic.

Davis, a member of a Greek fraternity, will soon have his chapter forcefully merged with KSU’s, and Underwood isn’t thrilled about not having his school listed on his engineering degree upon graduation.

On the flip side, Grasque, a member of a Greek sorority is happy to accept sisters from SPSU into her chapter, and accounting major Hattaway is excited about upcoming projects between KSU’s business majors and SPSU’s engineering majors.

When two worlds collide there can be endless possibilities; some things are lost while some are gained. In Davis’s case, he is losing his chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated at SPSU. The Pi Iota chapter member, as well as all other active members, will have to merge with KSU’s Omicron Iota chapter. Davis has been with the organization for one year and says he feels “being a new initiate, you take great pride in your chapter and its achievements.”

“It was a forceful retirement of my chapter,” Davis said.

An early retirement wasn’t a thought for Davis since it was only chartered in 2007, but in such a short time span they’ve been recognized for many awards.

“We’ve achieved a lot,” he said. “Four Chapter of the Year awards for the Southeastern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi; for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2014.”

Davis made a name for himself as an exceptional member by being elected as the Undergraduate Representative for the state of Georgia in the Southeastern Province of his fraternity. But, despite all the history Pi Iota has created, Davis is saddened by the fact that they will no longer bring in new members under his chapter’s name.

“We’re working on projects to preserve the legacy we made for our chapter,” Davis says.

Unlike Davis, KSU’s Grasque will be bringing in members of Gamma Phi Beta international Sorority from SPSU into her chapter. The Delta Omicron chapter at SPSU will have to merge with the Zeta Omega members at KSU. “We’ve already been working with their chapter on community service projects to help them transition easier,” she said, adding she’s excited about the merge, and has a lot of respect for the November 2014 | -11-

“My school is known for engineering; KSU isn’t...”

-12- | TALON MAGAZINE

Jett Hattaway’s photo by Jeff Tucker Students photos used with permission

Delta Omicron chapter since they helped charter KSU’s in 2008.

“They have the same morals and ideals as us, so it should be a good fit,” Grasque said. Being around women with the same values as she, led Grasque’s choosing Gamma Phi Beta. They were so down-to-earth, she said, and they “live by inspiring the highest type of womanhood.”

As a whole, the sorority’s philanthropic focus is to build confidence in young girls, and both chapters have been working together to help programs implement this.

“We’re excited to gain new sisters and incorporate some of their ideas and projects into our chapter,” said Grasque.

KSU’s Jett Hattaway says he feels optimistic about the merge because he, along with other business majors, have been working on projects with SPSU engineering majors through the student-run organization,

Entrepreneurs in Action, which is known as Enactus.

“The projects we’ve been working on felt like the first real collaboration between the two schools. We needed that diversity,” Hattaway said.

The organization’s projects focus on informing businesses, including Kennesaw State University, about the benefits of LED and solar lighting. Hattaway said he believes the engineering students bring a creative aspect to the design projects and make the organization more innovative. Every year Enactus members from different schools present their projects to a board of fortune 500 company execs in order to win, and compete internationally. Hattaway would love to win this year, but his primary focus is to “make this organization a success,” he says, with the help of SPSU’s inventive students.

Student life has already started to be affected by the merge, but personal life shouldn’t be forgotten as a factor.

Mechanical engineering major Rodney Underwood said he enrolled at SPSU because it’s nationally known as an engineering

school, and he believes that SPSU’s name holds more weight than the Georgia Institute of Technology.

“My school is known for engineering; KSU isn’t,” he said.

Having KSU’s name on his degree upon graduation is not something he looks forward to, and he said he believes it decreases his chances of finding an engineering job outside of Georgia.

“I will have to work harder to prove myself worthy of a job with a Kennesaw State University degree,” Underwood said.

SPSU has a partnership with Lockheed Martin, a multibillion-dollar global security and aerospace company that brings on many SPSU interns, Underwood said, noting his aeronautical concentration and SPSU’s connection with Lockheed Martin seemed like a win-win for his career, but the consolidation shifted his future plans, he said.

“I would have liked to work in Florida, but now it will be harder for me to be taken seriously,” Underwood said.

November 2014 | -13-

KSU MEN FIGH

By Steven Cheek “Feminism got it so wrong,” a banner in the student center stairwell reads. “More and more men are at risk of suicide, violations of due process, violence, homelessness and cultural neglect. Feminism has not helped.”

The oversized poster declares that KSU Men is a student organization that works on issues affecting men on campus. Sage Gerard, the student who started the student organization in 2013, says the club wants to alert people about men’s issues, even if KSU Men itself is taken as a joke by the college community.

There are currently 16 KSU Men members, which is comprised of male and female students.

IT’S A GROUP FOR STUDENTS TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES SUCH AS THE HIGH RATE OF MALE SUICIDE, HIGH DROP OUT RATES, FATHERLESSNESS, DUE PROCESS VIOL ATIONS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AGAINST MEN AND BOYS, AND MISANDRY

Gerard says the men’s rights members know they will be misunderstood, but they do not want to be ignored. It’s a group for students to talk about issues such as the high rate of male suicide, high drop out rates, fatherlessness, due process violations, domestic violence against men and boys and misandry, he says.

However, KSU Men and Gerard believe that feminism is harmful to their cause. He said feminist groups disrupted his peaceful advocacy in the past and he now challenges feminism because they ignore disadvantaged men and boys, and promote misandry.

Over time, Gerard found that criticizing and debating feminism was a way to promote the KSU Men cause, he said.

Having attended a men’s human rights conference and two rallies, Gerard said he could recall many instances where people have gone to the police merely because they “exist.”

Despite the confrontational posters, KSU Men does not want to be an “echo-chamber,” and the group welcomes all opinions, Gerard said,

-14- | TALON MAGAZINE

adding that the club accepts any interested students as a “space for guys to come in and talk about issues affecting them, but not just them, women too.”

Feminist KSU students, like William Roche, are less than thrilled that a men’s human rights group exists at KSU. Roche said he feels KSU Men has some valid issues, but the club only invites a radical dialogue rather than meaningfully addressing problems. He said he believes KSU Men is just as extreme as its radical feminist opponents.

“The more radicalized a group, the louder they tend to be, which invites radical opposition,” Roche said. “If there isn’t a feminist group on campus, there will be after this conference.”

One of KSU Men’s missions is to spread awareness about issues like due process violations. Jonathan Taylor, founder of A Voice For Male Students, will give the keynote address on due process violations at the “Male Students In Peril” conference, which is being held Nov. 1 at KSU. Taylor runs AVFMS as an online resource for men’s human rights activism on college campuses. One aspect of his work is keeping a regularly updated list of lawsuits against colleges and universities alleging due process violations in adjudicating sexual assault on the AVFMS website. It currently lists 29 American colleges charged with due process violations. He partly blames a low standard of evidence in sexual assault cases.

The Department of Education has demanded that schools use a “preponderance of evidence” standard, Taylor said. “Under this model if an administrator feels that there might be a 50.01% chance that the alleged crime occurred, he/she must find the student guilty for sexual assault.”

Another KSU Men’s goal is to rename the KSU Woman’s Resource and Interpersonal Violence Prevention Center to just the “Interpersonal Violence Prevention Center.” Gerard says changing the name of the center would make male victims of interpersonal violence feel

TING FEMINISM WHAT GOOD IS OFFERING SUPPORT IF HALF OF THE STUDENT POPULATION DOES NOT KNOW YOU OFFER IT? more welcome.

“Male victims should not be led to believe that no services are available to them due to ‘women’ being in the name of the center,” Gerard said. “What good is offering support if half of the student population does not know you offer it?”

Some KSU Men members wish to remain anonymous, in fear for their social and professional lives.

Sage Gerard, the leader of the club

Photography by Jawaniecika Bryant

“You don’t do this because you want to be liked,” Gerard said.

He said he’s suffered verbal abuse and harassment in his work, and the ones who openly identify as men’s human rights advocates truly believe men are oppressed.

Dedicated KSU Men member Robert Nibbs said he believes men are a group that historically has, for the most part, been expected to keep their heads down and put up with whatever was thrown at them without complaints or calls for change.

From his perspective, Nibbs says KSU Men offers the only “safe haven” that is free from a “feminist lens.”

He said he feels like KSU Men is the only place where he can express his opinion without being judged.

“There are some things we need to solve right now and I would like to see students concerned,” Gerard said. “If students are concerned, KSU Men will last as model on campus and across the nation.

Sage Gerard goes over KSU Men’s Missions for the semester.

Photography by Jawaniecika Bryant November 2014 | -15-

Anna Deeb, dual enrollement student

Photo by Daniella Gutierrez

FOREIGN-BORN ACADEMICS, YOUNG GO-GETTERS

AND

VETERANS

FIND MEANINGFUL PATHS AS

NON-TRADITIONAL KSU STUDENTS

By Hannah Gleason

Not only has KSU assisted Costa academically, but KSU’s Career Services also helps Costa pursue her dream of becoming a wildlife photojournalist for National Geographic.

-16- | TALON MAGAZINE

S

tudents use the chances Kennesaw State University offers and flourish, no matter what their passions are. Breaking the average 18-year-old American student archetype, three scholars with unique ambitions make the most of KSU’s educational programs.

For communication major Karen Costa, KSU provided chances that her hometown of Rome, Italy, lacked. After a childhood vacation

to Florida, Costa fell in love with the U.S. and aspired to someday return to the so-called land of opportunities.

“The reason why I came here was exactly because of my future,” Costa said. “My mom, you know, she lives by herself, and she has no boyfriend. She just works all the time.

But she, being in the work force, she…let me go because she knew it would be better for my future.”

Before arriving at KSU, Costa studied in California and at John Cabot University, an American university in Rome. Transferring between schools presents a challenge, but Costa describes the helpful and understanding atmosphere KSU offered her as she transferred her credits.

“I knew that by transferring three different schools…it would’ve taken me longer to graduate, because in the long run you always lose some credits,” she said. “But what I did…I brought to the department of [each] subject every syllabus of my previous school, and they were just so understanding in just putting everything in the right place.”

said she decided “bigger school, bigger opportunities.” Substituting her last two years of high school for studying full-time at KSU, this outstanding student channels her ambition into mind-expanding college courses.

Studying in dual enrollment programs stands as a Deeb family tradition, with two sisters who also dual-enrolled. Deeb’s decision to pursue a future at KSU came naturally, she said.

“The dream school is Johns Hopkins, but whatever I can get in to,” Deeb said, adding that she knows medical school is “rough” and she’ll likely have to take an extra year.

“It’s good because I’ll have already taken two years here, and it’ll count as high school and college,” she said. “So, if I take an extra year, it’s not five years of undergraduate, it’s three.”

Medicine stands as Deeb’s primary academic interest, and she hopes that dual enrolling

Not only has KSU assisted Costa academically, but KSU’s Career Services also helps Costa pursue her dream of becoming a wildlife photojournalist for National Geographic.

With this support from KSU, Costa continues planning her future and setting goals.

Ana Deeb, 16, uses KSU’s Dual Enrollment Honors Program as a more challenging alternative to high school. Originally from Fulton Science Academy High School, Deeb

Anna Deeb (left) and Karen Costa (right)

Photo by Daniella Gutierrez

November 2014 | -17-

at KSU will expedite what would be a long college career to become a reconstructive surgeon. By earning college credits before even graduating high school, Deeb prepares for her future with the help of KSU’s dual enrollment program.

BY EARNING COLLEGE CREDITS BEFORE EVEN GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL, DEEB PREPARES FOR HER FUTURE WITH THE HELP OF KSU’S DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM.

KSU’s resources stretch even further, assisting veterans such as Joshua Ehrhardt in continuing education.

After serving five years in the medical field for the United States Navy, Ehrhardt studies at KSU as preparation for entering into business with Skibo Auto Sales and TSA Financial Group.

A focus in business and finance guides Ehrhardt’s education. Given KSU’s lauded Coles College of Business, ranked on its website as the “[second] largest college of business in the state of Georgia,” attending this university proved perfect for Ehrhardt, who said KSU helps him “realign [his] goals” and concentrate on his future in business.

Navigating college courses proves difficult for many students, but veterans may find a transition back to school even more difficult.

However, as Ehrhardt has found during his short time at KSU, the university’s Veterans Resource Center provides a helpful space for veterans to work and find similar company.

“I wish it were a little bit bigger,” Ehrhardt jokes, “…but it’s a great little center.”

While Costa, Deeb, and Ehrhardt pursue different paths and come from different background, they all show how KSU provides its students with the resources to follow any path they so choose. Between international interests, youthful ambition, and veteran experience, a diverse student population

Photo by Justin Cochranfor Karen Costas, a foreign transfer student -18- | TALON MAGAZINE

Photo by Daniella Gutierrez

Photo Essay by Nick Martinez

November 2014 | -19-

-20- | TALON MAGAZINE

November 2014 | -21-

TO BE IN A

COMMUNITY

ANY STYLE OF WHERE I COULD WEAR ME ANY CHARACTER CLOTHING OR TO BECO SOMETHING TO D E F I N I T E LY G AV E M E AL TIMES A YEAR R E V E S O T D R A W R O F LOOK

Rachel Eldson dresses as popular Sailor Moon character, Sailor Venus -22- | TALON MAGAZINE

Photography by Tobias Roybal

DRAGON*CON

ASSEMBLES IN ATLANTA, SPREADS TO KENNESAW ATLANTA’S BIGGEST CONVENTION AND HOW IT AFFECTS KSU

By Jay Olsen

During Labor Day break, Rachel Eidson sheds her books, notes and casual classroom apparel for the costume of her cosplay character.

Though Eidson is in her sophomore year at Kennesaw State University with an undecided major, she’s been part of the cosplay community for six years, she says, describing her creative hobby.

“I was inspired to start cosplaying because of my constant craving to be creative and because of my interest in pursuing a hobby where I could meet more people that loved the same things that I did,” she said.

Everyone has a different origin story to tell for Dragon Con, and Eidson is one of the many who discovered the convention in her preteen years, while in eighth grade, she said.

“I went to my first Dragon Con with my mom because I thought it would be cool to go to a con that focused on science fiction,” she said. “I always had an attraction to the supernatural and bizarre, so Dragon Con is definitely the place to be.”

Cosplaying takes time and dedication, which Eidson puts forth, even during the academic seasons.

“To be in a community where I could wear any style of clothing or to become any character definitely gave me something to look forward to several times a year,” Eidson said. “Instead of forcing myself to be in a friend group that didn’t entirely accept me at school, I slowly made a new social circle with hundreds of people that loved what I did and that I could talk to.”

The 2014 Dragon Con, held in Atlanta during Labor Day weekend, Rachael showcased a cosplay costume of Sailor Venus. She said the concept for the costume was based on a drawing, which Eidson brought to life with her costuming skills. Her routine at the conventions, though, involves many hours of morning preparation and getting into character.

“When I finally get to the convention, I spend my entire day socializing with other cosplayers, participating in photo shoots, attending panels, waiting in lines to attend panels, shopping in the dealer’s room, browsing art in the artist alley and meeting new people,” she said.

November 2014 | -23-

R E S U R R E C T I N G

J o u r n a l i s m

Local high school teachers bring journalism back to life with hybrid media course

By Beth Carson

B

ehind the band building at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, up a sidewalk and through a nondescript white door, students are making news. Literally.

Perched on desks, next to backpacks, hunched over computer monitors, students in the school’s hybrid broadcast journalism class are editing short broadcast pieces on the importance of high school career technology

Inside the journalism and video production class at Harrison High.

Bill Phelps discusses and critiques the students’ video projects.

-24- | TALON MAGAZINE

courses. They’ve created the news segments completely from scratch – writing initial story proposals, sketching out storyboards and, finally, filming and editing.

The class, taught by journalism and English teacher Alyssa Sellors and Bill Phelps, the audio, video, technology and film instructor, is the first of its kind at the school. They’ve teamed up to teach kids multiplatform skills across various forms of media including print,

Photo by Brea Boutwell

Web and television and film. “[We’ve joined] forces/resources to teach this subject,” Phelps says.

Sellors teaches her students the nuts and bolts of writing news – basic grammar, interview skills, fact checking – while Phelps teaches them the ins and outs of digital media production.

The evolution of the class is Darwinian, adapted for survival by Sellors and Phelps from a print journalism course for the school’s newspaper and yearbook to a curriculum that can thrive at a time when online news outlets announce daily, in bold print, the end of traditional journalism as we know it.

Google the phrase “death of journalism,” and you’ll be bombarded by headlines like this one: “The strange, sad death of journalism,” published

by The Washington Post – a newspaper that in 2012 suffered an 85 percent earnings drop in its print news division. NewspaperDeathWatch.com, a blog run by technology journalist turned social media guru Paul Gillin, has been chronicling the death of the newspaper since 2007. Local, community-run newspapers are the dinosaurs of a near-forgotten era.

It’s not surprising then that Sellors says of her print journalism courses, “I don’t even talk about newspapers anymore.” Instead, she and

Phelps focus on applied journalism and media production skills that will make their students viable contenders for university journalism schools and perhaps later on, journalism careers.

But with all the doomsday talk surrounding journalism and traditional daily news, a student might wonder what those careers would even look like. Why bother at all with the time and resources required to get Harrison’s broadcast journalism course off the ground?

Because, as it turns out, journalism isn’t dead.

“I don’t even tal k about newspapers anymore”

It might be different because journalism is an amorphous field that’s always been subject to developments in technology. As technology changes, so do news and media.

But journalism remains a human institution. It’s people – trained people with relevant skills – who are tasked with gathering information and turning it into something that connects people, something that they can understand. Whether those stories appear on a page or a screen is of little consequence.

November 2014 | -25Photo

by Brea Boutwell

While new media may have changed the way journalism looks to us, according to Sellors, the function of the journalist has stayed the same. Sure, now her students are learning how to write for broadcast and Web instead of a daily newspaper, but the elements that make up credible journalism remain the same.

Journalistic integrity and accountability are still among the first things she teaches to her students.

“Record keeping, agenda setting – these things won’t change,” she says. Even Phelps, “the hardware guy,” recognizes that the most advanced technology in the world can’t cull meaning from chaos without the help of a discerning, discriminating journalist.

“You’ve got to be able to tell a story,” says Phelps. “That’s what we’re trying to accomplish here,” showing kids that journalism is sustainable and important for the same reasons it always has been, and then providing them with the skills they need to start down that path.

There’s a low hum inside Phelps’ classroom as class draws to a close. Students discuss their

news segments with a live-wire energy that fills the room. Sellors hopes that the news packages they’re creating will help to bring much needed attention to the important career tech programs that are being cut from schools county, state and nationwide.

“Y ou’ve got t o be ab le t o te l l a st or y. That’s w hat we’re tr yi ng t o acc ompl i sh here” Effecting change. Bringing relevancy to an important cause. Connecting students with faculty and their larger community. The industry can’t be sure about The Washington Post, but here at Harrison High School, journalism is alive and well.

Journalism and English teacher Alyssa Sellors and Bill Phelps, the audio, video, technology and film instructor.

-26- | TALON MAGAZINE

Photos by Brea Boutwell

November 2014 | -27Illustration by Jessica Headrick

-28- | TALON MAGAZINE

KSU STUDENT STEPHANIE GARGIULO CREATES OCTOBER AS BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

“IF IT WAS NOT FOR ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO KNOCKED ME DOWN, THEN I WOULD NOT BE STRONG ENOUGH TO GET BACK UP. ”

By Ellen Eldridge Stephanie Gargiulo, a student at Kennesaw State University and Southern Polytechnic State University, said she feels both honoured and humbled that her proclamation request for Gov. Nathan Deal, declaring the month of October as Bullying Prevention month has been approved.

“I wanted to be an advocate and help raise awareness,” she said When she submitted her proclamation, Gargiulo said she hoped to be able to make a difference not just locally, but throughout the state of Georgia. Because bullying is so rampant, she said she has taken up the cause to become a spokesperson. Gargiulo said she wanted to help speak for those who are afraid to speak for themselves, and she plans to continue working with schools and organizations in Georgia to increase bullying prevention and awareness.

Gargiulo now works with Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center, and has been declared a Pacer Champion for Bullying, she said.

During the month of October, the C.B.A Foundation, I have Capabilities NOT Disabilities, and other organizations joined together to raise awareness about the issue of bullying, Gargiulo said.

“Bullying can negatively impact a student’s access to education and lead to a decrease in academic achievement,” she said. “It has been proven that students with disabilities are more often targeted for bullying than other students.”

Gargiulo said bullying can also lead to physical and mental health problems such as headaches, low self-esteem

and anxiety. When she reached out to students at KSU, Gargiulo asked them why October as Bullying Prevention Month matters to them.

“Having autism, I feel as if I am not heard,” said Andrew Clyde Sheehan. “Sometimes it can cause a misunderstanding and Bullying Prevention Month is important to promote because it informs others of how their actions can affect those around them.”

Another KSU student, Mark Mosely, said he suffers from PTSD after serving in the military and has been bullied because of the way his mind works.

“I am a combat vet who has Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and many physical and mobile disabilities,” Mosely said. “I was once a Duke University Top Scholar and was taking college courses in eighth grade. I am a logical thinker. Because I think differently, it sets me a part and I am sometimes bullied.”

Helping other students who are at risk for being bullied as well as students who need inspiration in battling the effects of having been bullied remain Gargiulo’s goals.

She said she believes her passion for helping others comes from her personal experiences.

“I want to help improve their self-esteem by inspiring them and giving them hope,” she said. “If it was not for all of the people who knocked me down, then I would not be strong enough to get back up. As Christine Todd Whitman once said, ‘Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room.’”

Visit www.TheCBAfoundation.com for more information.

November 2014 | -29-

HIGHLANDS

PHOTO STORY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVELL GATES

-30| TALON has MAGAZINE Highlands an assortment of drinks that everyone can enjoy!

Highlands is the place to go on Thirsty Thursday, if you like karoke

Highlands employees: Highlands has some of the most amicable employees. From right to left Kennesaw State students. Steven who is a senior and journalism major, with Taylor Geib who is a junior and nursing major

Highlands is always crowded on Thursday once Karaoke starts!

Karaoke on Thirsty Thursday is always a good time!

November 2014 | -31-

By Tyra Douyon

y freshman year at KSU wasn’t what I anticipated.

My days weren’t filled with making new friends, eating great food and learning things in class that I enjoyed. In high school the teachers made it seem like college was the “be-all end-all.” “Your best days are ahead of you” and “There’s nothing like the good ol’ college years” was all I heard for months leading up to graduation. But as I stared at the mountain of homework and the D’s on my chemistry tests piling up on my desk all I could think of doing was calling it quits and dropping out. It wasn’t until I saw the sign for the study abroad fair that life seemed to get a little brighter.

Studying abroad was always something I thought about but was never serious enough to think I could afford; much less Paris, one of the most expensive cities in the world. But for some reason I had a fragment of hope in bringing my newfound dream to the birthplace of reality. I had just finished a year of introductory French classes and in some ways I suppose I wanted to put my

-32- | TALON MAGAZINE

language skills to the ultimate test and get immersed in a culture I had always admired and learned about growing up. But in hindsight, what I wanted to gain most out of the trip was change. I was tired of living in my figmental cage. I wanted a change of scenery, a change of pace, and most essentially a change in perspective. I knew that Paris would grant me all three. So I immediately started thinking of ways to get the money I needed.

Contrary to popular belief, the process of studying abroad isn’t as simple as it looks.

There are questions that go unanswered, people that never seem to be in their offices at the right time, and money that never appears when you want it to. However, I wasn’t going to let lack of attention, miscommunication and disappearing funds stand in between me and my goal. I fundraised, applied for scholarships, created a gofundme account, and hesitantly applied for loans in a last minute attempt to get the final $1000 I needed. I did everything short of buying a pink piggy bank and collecting coins from the fountain in the University

Village square. Nevertheless, I eventually reached my goal and before I knew it I was 30,000 feet in the air and on my way to an experience of a lifetime.

I arrived in Paris with so much fatigue I could have fallen over on the power-washed sidewalk. The 9-hour plane ride may have taken every ounce of energy I had, but my excitement was still unscathed. At that point I was ready for anything and the first few days rose to the challenge. The blur of metro passes and city maps, running for the tram, attempting to ask questions with my broken French, and trying not to get hit by crazy motorists were the hard parts of my day. I found that Paris was a city much like New York minus the “never sleeps” part. It’s fleeting and sometimes it can be greedy.

Pickpockets are always on the move so much that it’s safer to eat your wallet than carry it around in your bag. But there was something about the city that kept me sane amidst the chaos. Through the fast walkers and the impatient honking at red lights, I found a sense of peace. Having a true Parisian experience is realizing when

“

Studying abroad was always something I thought about but was never serious enough to think I could afford; much less Paris...

But for some reason I had a fragment of hope.

to move along and when to sit and watch the world. Stereotypically, Americans don’t understand the concept of slowing down and enjoying life. That’s one important thing I learned from the French. Life isn’t motion; it’s rejecting our clumsy habit of condemning placidity.

Most days were filled with new experiences or things we had only seen in books or bad D-grade movies. I went to a party where I danced on broken wine glasses and kicked beer cans until 3 am. I sat on a sidewalk in Montmartre listening to two guys play Coldplay and watched artists paint as my friends ate gelato and it pooled at our feet.

I lounged by the Seine River, watched the Bastille Day fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, went to Disneyland Paris, took a street art graffiti tour and saw the work of Shepard Fairy and Alexis Dias, saw the amazing Tour de France and the Catacombs tomb, visited Notre Dame and the Palace of Versailles, saw Claude Monet’s house and his other magnificent works at the Musée d’Orsay, spent the day at the Louvre, climbed the Arc de Triomphe, shopped on the Champs-

”

Élysées and did some people watching at the cafes while coughing through clouds of cigarette smoke. I enjoyed seeing the cliché parts of Paris and participating in the unexpected and “off the beaten path” adventures too. It was in those moments that I finally began to realize that Paris wasn’t the typical baguettes and berets like in those books and movies. It was more like the quote by Ernest Hemingway “… wherever you go for the rest of your life, it

November 2014 | -33-

stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

I could say trading in my Chick-fil-a chicken biscuits and ballet flats for Ratatouille and Chaco’s was a considerable switch but that wasn’t my greatest triumph. I wouldn’t be

-34- | TALON MAGAZINE

the person I have become if it wasn’t for this study abroad trip. I would still be the quiet, introverted, and listless girl who would lie around her room and watch Netflix all day.

Before Paris I was complacent and bored with my life. I couldn’t figure out who I was or who I wanted to be after college. But being in a totally new place completely surrounded by strangers allows you to see past your insecurities and faults and put yourself out there. I asked directions in French with no fear; I stopped strangers and asked them where the best place was to eat and I outsmarted a clever stalker. I became a different person because I was exposed to new things and I wasn’t afraid or worried to try something out of the norm or out of character. I was free to make my own decisions without the scrutiny of my parents, my church, or even my close friends.

Studying abroad completely changed my view about the world around me. Not only do I want to return to Paris one day, but I also want to travel to Africa and South America and see the contrast in customs, traditions and the way people interact. I want to

learn about more cultures and dive into the ancient history of a country. I’m finally hungry for life and I can honestly say Paris did that for me.

Since my return to the U.S. a lot has changed.

After finally getting out of the habit of saying “Bonjour,” “Merci” and “Parlez-vous Anglais?” I’ve put the lessons I learned in Paris into actions of change. I’ve joined several clubs and service organizations, changed my major, started a study group for my Chemistry class, and watch a considerably less amount of YouTube videos.

Instead of lamenting about life and all the stress it brings, I have begun to cherish the rough days and take them all with a grain of salt. I have realized that the most important parts of life are seeing the beauty in myself, the humanity in others, and the tranquility hidden in my surroundings.

If you are ever wondering how you’re ever going to afford a study abroad trip, believe me when I say I did too. If you ever think about how hard it’s going to be to leave your family, trust me when I say that I had those

“

Studying abroad com-

pletely changed my view about the world around me

”

fears. If you second guess leaving your job or your relationship or even your cell phone behind, I had those doubts as well, but this trip was one of the best things I have done in my life. The fundraising, stressing and even the loans were worth it, because

now I finally know who I want to be and I’m striving every day to be that person. I might be an American baby, but now I can say I’m also a traveler who’s been cultivated, has matured, and figured out how to eat escargot with a straight face and a smile.

November 2014 | -35-

KSU’S BRAINLAB PARTNERS WITH GOOGLE AS ‘EARLY EXPLORER’ OF GLASS TO HELP ‘LOCKEDIN’ PATIENTS

-36- | TALON MAGAZINE

Steve Krontz wears Google Glass during graduation from the Coles College Photo Courtesy of Steven Krontz of Business at Kennesaw State University during the summer of 2014

By Jessica Fisher

T

echnology some of us thought we would never see in our lifetimes is becoming a reality.

Imagine being locked into a healthy mind, unable to move your body. You cannot speak.

You cannot ask to change the channel from the perfectly formed thoughts trapped inside a crippled body. This state exists for many people, but Kennesaw State University’s BrainLab actively researches ways to unlock these individuals.

Steve Krontz graduated KSU with a bachelor’s degree in business marketing during the summer, and continues his job in the BrainLab, which is part of the Coles College of Business, as director of innovation.

According to its website, the mission of the BrainLab is “to discover impactful solutions for brain-computer interfaces by uncovering the underlying characteristics that affect users’ responses and control.” In other words, “We are working to design and develop real-world systems that enable people to

control computers and other devices using neurophysiological input and to explain individual behaviors in various settings,” the website at http://coles.kennesaw.edu/ brainlab/ says.

If you have not heard about Google Glass yet, it would be hard to blame you. Despite the media popularity of this technology (“Is it ethical?” “Is it safe?” “Is it just one more thing to turn me off from the world and tune me into ‘Big Brother’?”), it is ultimately still in beta, or testing, and still has not been released for mass consumption.

Krontz described Google Glass as, “a headmounted computer that gives you the ability to communicate, surf the web and get navigation directions, all primarily by voice command.”

Kennesaw State University’s BrainLab has stepped up to apply this new technology by combining Google Glass with Electroencephalography innovation November 2014 | -37-

to revolutionize how those affected by degenerative diseases experience life.

The advent of EEG, or the recording of electrical activity along the scalp, and assistive technology has allowed for people who are facing difficulties or impossibilities doing things most of us take for granted to accomplish more. EEG can also help these people keep their ability to communicate with their family, friends, peers and professors. A device worn on a person’s scalp like a hair net that has multiple sensors, reads the electric activity of the brain.

Kennesaw State University’s Brain Lab hopes pairing EEG with technology like Google Glass will revolutionize the assistive technology, and give new agency to those living with degenerative diseases.

He said he doesn’t believe the advances in technology like Google Glass will make current technology obsolete, though.

you get an idea of the direction of mobile technology. [Google] Glass was designed and built to get technology ‘out of your way,’ and it has succeeded.”

Krontz has a point. According to EdgarSnyder.

Com, texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more likely to crash. Similarly, driving while talking on a cell phone makes it four times more likely that a driver will experience a car accident.

We are working to design and develop real-world systems that enable people to control computers and other devices using neurophysiological input and to explain individual behaviors in various settings

“I can’t speak much about the process,” Krontz said, “but I can tell you that we are using evoked response EEG readings to trigger different commands on Glass itself. This form of control is the future of how we interact with the technology in our lives.”

Krontz described what he considers the “next level of interaction” using a voice-activated

-38- | TALON MAGAZINE

model in devices as opposed to traditional methods of interacting with a computer—like a controller or keypad.

“I am a futurist of sorts, and I have said that in the next five years we will see the end of the mobile device as we know it,” Krontz said.

“The core use case for a smartphone is being covered by Google Glass, and other wearables like it. Mix that with the increased social and legal pressures of distracted driving, and

However, some still worry that Google Glass might pose hazard to drivers West Virginia state representative Gary G. Howell is quoted as saying, “The primary thing is a safety concern. [Google Glass] could project text or video into your field of vision. I think there’s a lot of potential for distraction.”

A California driver was ticketed for driving while wearing their Google Glass headset in October 2013. The judge in the case noted that the Google Glass technology fell under ‘the purview and intent’ of the ban on driving with a monitor. The case was thrown out, however, due to lack of proof that the device was on at the time that the ticket was written for.

“The awesome thing about building on a completely new platform,” Krontz said, “is that

there is a new benefit surfacing out every day. Google built Glass as a shell device and let developers have access to almost every sensor in it.”

Indeed, anyone can go to the Google Glass website, as did Adriane B. Randolph, director of the BrainLab, and request a Google Glass beta.

When it came to any downsides of Google Glass, Krontz said he felt less concerned about glitches in the technologies and more concerned about another issue altogether.

“The outlook for Google Glass is primarily positive,” Krontz said. “However, as with any revolutionary technological advancement, human adoption is the biggest problem.”

Some establishments have already banned the device, without fully understanding it, he said, noting the device itself is still officially in beta, so the interface still needs some work.

Human adoption may take awhile, but Krontz said he wants to assure people Google Glass does and will have positive applications.

Having the insight to see the possibilities of the device, the executive director, Dr. [Adriane] Randolph reached out to Google with her intentions to use the device in this way, Krontz said, and Google responded by awarding her the chance to be an early “explorer,” Krontz said, describing the partnership as a “wonderful collaboration.”

“This has been a very personal and emotional project,” he said. “The ability to help someone communicate with a loved one in that state is its own reward. The true heart behind every team member in the [BrainLab] is that of hope.

All we want to do is help as many people as we can with what we have built.”

For more information on Google Glass or the BrainLab’s work visit the website: http://coles.kennesaw.edu/brainlab/ or email the BrainLab at brainlab@kennesaw. edu

“THIS HAS BEEN A VERY PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL PROJECT. THE ABILITY TO HELP SOMEONE COMMUNICATE WITH A LOVED ONE IN THAT STATE IS ITS OWN REWARD. THE TRUE HEART BEHIND EVERY TEAM MEMBER IN THE [BRAINLAB] IS THAT OF HOPE. ALL WE WANT TO DO IS HELP AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN WITH WHAT WE HAVE BUILT.”

November 2014 | -39-

Quotes from student leaders at Kennesaw State University: “To be a leader you have to be someone that is full of humility.

Someone that not only leads but also teaches as you go so that everyone, including yourself, can learn and grow along the way.”

--African American Student Alliance President Kesa McLaurin, a senior information systems major.

Photo by Brea Boutwell

“To me, leadership is 60 percent listening, 30 percent thinking, and 10 percent doing,” --Student Government Association

President Eric Johnson, a senior political science major.

Photo by Brea Boutwell

DON'T MISS OUR NEXT ISSUE If you want to know when the next issue of TALON is on news stands just email eic@ksutalon.com and we will add you to an email list.

Visit us online at www.KSUTalon.com

-40- | TALON MAGAZINE