Orientation Issue 2017

WELCOME CLASS OF 2021

The Marlin Chronicle August 2017 || MARLINCHRONICLE.VWC.EDU ||

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Construction crews work steadily on the new features coming soon to the campus at Virginia Wesleyan University. One of the projects is takes place near Blocker Hall.

New features come to VWU President Miller announces new structural changes coming to Wesleyan as part of his 10-year master plan

BY AMANDA ARCHER acarcher@vwc.edu

The incoming students of Virginia Wesleyan University have some exciting structural changes to look forward to.

Late in the fall 2016 semester, President Miller announced multiple changes that would give current and future students, faculty and the Hampton Roads community a view of what is to come for Virginia Wesleyan University with his 10-year master plan. Miller described projects such as the construction of the YMCA Partnership Building, the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center, Oxford Village, a new fitness center, fencing around campus, new parking, new dormitories and an outdoor track as well as a walking path extending to Lake Taylor.

“As an alumnus, it is remarkable how many changes the college has implemented. Prior to me graduating, the Greer Center was merely a thought and now there’s a giant building at the edge of campus and to think there are more buildings like it coming. It’s unreal,” Kayla Malkos, a 2016 Virginia Wesleyan College graduate, said.

The construction of the YMCA Building broke ground Dec. 8 with a scheduled completion date of May 2017. The facility is 6,000 square-feet and will be located on the outside edge of Village IV. It will contain three classrooms that open into a large multi-purpose room along with four offices, a reception area, kitchen and an adjacent outdoor amphitheater with a stage.

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Opus program offers summer work to select students

BY MICKELLA RAST mjrast@vwc.edu

On April 18, President Miller announced the commencement of a new summer work program for students, entitled Opus, in a nota bene to the campus community.

The program will allow 20 students to work on campus for 13 weeks and 25 hours each week starting in May following the senior commencement ceremony. To be chosen, students must demonstrate financial need, a commitment to the campus and dedication to his or her academics.

Preference will be given to rising sophomores and juniors with a personal account balance of $2,000 to $3,000.

“I am confident that Opus will serve as a valuable tool in creating greater financial stability and ease for a number of our students. It is my goal to provide each student who arrives on our campus with all the tools they need to walk across that stage on Commencement Day—a Virginia Wesleyan degree in hand,” said President Miller in a nota bene.

For the duration of the program, students who are not within reasonable commuting distance will reside on campus in Brock Village, also known as Village III. They will also be provided with a modest meal plan.

“Research indicates that students who work while attending college are more likely to graduate, feel better prepared for the workforce through development of leadership skills and become more active and engaged citizens,” Miller wrote in the same nota bene.

Work projects will focus on grounds and building maintenance, landscaping and general beautification of the campus. Additionally, students may assist in the work involved in the transition to a university. “[Students] are going to be working hand-inhand, side-by-side with my staff and with our physical plant staff on a number of things. Resi-

dence hall maintenance, minor and major repairs, beautification projects that not only are assisting campus but helping them in developing skills that they can add to résumés,” Jason Seward, who is the Dean of Freshman and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs said.

“This is a more structured way of doing some things we’ve done for a while,” added Keith Moore, Vice President for Student Affairs Originally, there were 27 total applicants for the program. Eight students were later fortunate enough to fall under the financial threshold and subsequently removed from the selection process. Seward and Moore reported that there are 13 students currently approved to participate in Opus.

Though several staff members have expressed a wish to see the program expand to encompass work opportunities during the academic year, the period between spring and fall semester was selected as the best time to introduce the new program.

“The summertime is a good time for campus to quiet down, reset, recharge, get a makeover and then get ready for the next academic year. Our Opus students will play a large role, probably more at this point than they realize, just [with] the impact they’re going to have,” Seward said.

Moore agreed, and added that the program would be integral to growing the campus community.

“The summer’s really neat here, and we’re really trying to build up our summer session…I’d like to see Virginia Wesleyan University buzzing year-round,” Moore said.

According to a news release published on Virginia Wesleyan University’s official website on April 19, the major goals of the program are as follows: “to ensure the completion of a liberal arts education for students with limited financial

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News

enovations coming to the Batten Center aquarium

BY MICKELLA RAST mjrast@vwc.edu

Sitting at the heart of Virginia Wesleyan University lies the Batten Student Center, and at the center of that lies the Batten Fish Tank, a 5,500-gallon freshwater aquarium.

Due in part to a series of changes in the tank’s inhabitants, Jason Seward announced that the tank will be renovated over the summer. Official plans for the tank haven’t been unveiled, but if the past is anything to judge by, the future looks bright.

Originally, the tank housed Pacu, Oscars, Arowanas, cichlids and spotted gar and sported an Amazon-inspired landscape, or “aquascape.”

In years gone by, species of freshwater sharks and eels have also called the tank home. It’s most notable inhabitant was Flapjack the stingray, who came from a plastic pool in a suburb garage.

“We want to create an [impressive] environment and community of life that best supports our tank and that our tank can support,” Seward, assistant vice president for Student Affairs said.

Seward has been the caretaker of the behemoth tank since he began working at VWU, and said that it was included in the original plans for the Jane P. Batten Student Center and has remained a central part of the building ever since.

For him, the tank is a source of personal pride and joy.

“This is my fish tank,” Seward said. “I enjoy getting my fish fix here.”

His fondness for the finned family members is mirrored by the rest of the community.

“Our school would be missing something if it wasn’t there,” junior Kristina Scott said.

“It makes me happy every time I walk past it,” Emily Testroet, junior student and president of Wesleyan SwingDancers said.

At any given time, students can be seen socializing, studying and campaigning in front of the tank. Tours often stop and stare, sometimes snapping a picture. Once or twice a maintenance worker from Fish Guy Aquatics, the company hired to care for the tank, has been spotted cleaning it.

For those who want to bring the aquatic life home, tanks of up to 10 gallons are allowed in residences on campus.

Giovani keeps her company and calms her down after a long day of traffic jams.

Several students have strayed from the norm entirely, and boast hermit crabs as their companions.

On a larger scale, the university’s identity is closely tied to aquatic life.

Virginia Wesleyan University partners with the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Institute of Marine Science and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. It is also part of the national College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which works to raise environmental awareness on college and university campuses.

“I encourage all of our students, regardless of their major or career goals, to become active environmental stewards here on campus and in their communities and to be good citizens on and in the water by committing to marine-life sustainability and litter- and pollution-free waterways,” Miller said.

Marketing and publicity often involve an aquatic theme. VWU’s official website proclaims itself “Coastal Virginia’s premiere private, national liberal arts university,” and the new university logo is that of a lighthouse. AdVal Miller| Marlin Chronicle ditionally, the new Batten Honors College has a lighthouse and waves on its insignia.

Eve Craig, a sophomore, shares her room with Gerald Ocean Explorer, the research vessel Wesleyan co-owns the betta fish. with the Virginia Aquarium, provides students opportuni“He’s pretty cool,” Craig said. “He’s easy to take care ties to explore the waters around them. Free scuba diving of; that’s what I like about him.” training offered by the pool staff gives students a chance to Bartolo, also a betta, belongs to junior Bailey Foley. delve below the waters.

“We talk every day,” Foley said.

The addition of the Greer Environmental Sciences CenThe unlikely friends speak Spanish and celebrate the ter will add teaching and dedicated research labs centered fish’s birthday on June 27. around marine biology and oceanography.

Though bettas are one of the most popular types of Virginia Wesleyan University’s location is central to fish, they are by no means the only species lurking in the several beaches, the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic dorms.

Ocean. Attractions such as the Waterside Festival MarketMichael McOsker has raised three generations of gupplace and East Coast Surfing Championships draw crowds pies, and is working on a fourth. from miles around. Nauticus, the USS Wisconsin and the “For those of us who aren’t approved for cats and dogs Virginia Aquarium are also local favorites. and stuff, it’s a good way for us to still have a pet to take care of,” McOsker said.

Miranda Fein, a commuter and junior, owns an unidentified species of fish named Giovani.

“But he’s a tough buddy,” Fein said.

FEATURES CONTINUED FROM FRONT The building will be used in conjunction with the YMCA Camp Red Feather. In previous articles, it was noted that President Miller hopes that this facility will further connect and develop the relationship between Virginia Wesleyan University and the surrounding communities.

“I think the YMCA building will connect us to the community and give us more opportunities to volunteer,” Elizabeth Britton, a sophomore at Virginia Wesleyan University, said.

As far as the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center goes, it will take a bit longer to complete. The building is proposed to be carried out in three phases and is hoped to be completed over the next five years.

The estimated cost of the building is nearing $14 million and will feature a 300 to 350 seat auditorium along with other cutting edge technology.

This building will aid in the reconstruction of the college’s academic areas comprised of three schools devoted to explicit areas of study: arts and humanities, mathematics and natural sciences and social science.

“I am excited about all the changes that are coming to our campus. I think we will still be able to maintain that small campus feel but still have useful technology and all the resources like bigger universities,” Britton said.

Oxford Village is suggested to be an on-campus apartment complex that will be located directly across from Wesleyan Drive. There will be a variety of apartment styles to choose from and the complex is hoped to include a recreation center, bowling alley and swimming pool.

In the November meeting, Miller said that the new village will be open to faculty and other individuals not associated

with Virginia Wesleyan University in addition to VWU students. Construction is said to begin in the fall of 2017 as there are still details being worked out.

In his final plans, Miller has some other small projects that are necessary for the overall functionality and safety of the campus. The construction of a quad area is proposed for the near future along with a new track and field facility scheduled to break way on the summer months, additional parking, an expansion of Villages I and IV, a new fitness center and fencing for safety and security purposes are all comprised in Dr. Miller’s 10-year plan.

“The future of our college is bright and it’s cool that as a freshman I will get to experience a good portion of the new buildings and the new dorms will give us more room for even more students,” Britton said.

OPUS CONTINUED FROM FRONT arts education for students with limited financial resources; to develop strong work ethic, communication and problem-solving skills; to give graduates the professional/technical knowledge essential for their work and the executive skills required to plan, organize and prioritize tasks; to build a reliable source of workers who are knowledgeable, skilled and likely to remain in the region; and to increase campus pride among students.”

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Students must apply every year to participate and acceptance one summer does not guarantee acceptance the next summer.

Once accepted in the program, any holds relating to financial balances will be removed from the accepted student’s account. After that, he or she will be able to register for class and participate in the housing selection.

The program was adopted from an institution President Miller previously worked at and mod-

ified to fit Virginia Wesleyan University’s needs.

Funding was provided by a VWU donor and is projected to cover program costs for the next three years.

“It was made to be Wesleyan, we made it to be unique to us,” Seward said.

The name Opus derives from the Latin word for ‘work.’

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Community The

MARLIN CHRONICLE Editor-in-Chief Justin Smith jrsmith2@vwc.edu Managing Editor Hayley Heath hrheath@vwc.edu News Editors

Mickella Rast mjrast@vwc.edu

Amanda Archer acarcher@vwc.edu Community Editors Cynthia Griffin clgriffin@vwc.edu Brianna Kidwell bnclarkson@vwc.edu Opinions Editor Ashley Kline aakline@vwc.edu Sports Editors Corey King ckking1@vwc.edu Luke Chiasson lachiasson@vwc.edu The Weekender Editor Julie Ainsley jmainsley@vwc.edu Photo Editors Ashlei Gates angates@vwc.edu Cora Wilson cmwilson@vwc.edu Illustrations Editor Valerie Miller vgmiller@vwc.edu Chief Copy Editor Tara Truax tmtruax@vwc.edu Business Manager Justin Smith jrsmith2@vwc.edu Advertising Manager Jasmine Demir jkdemir@vwc.edu Adviser

Dr. Lisa Lyon Payne lpayne@vwc.edu

The Marlin Chronicle is the official student newspaper of Virginia Wesleyan University.

Staff meetings are held every Tuesday at 5:40 p.m. in Batten 217. Signed submissions are welcome, but subject to the discretion of the editor. Letters are not edited for content, but may be edited for length and mechanics. The views and opinions expressed in this newspaper may not necessarily reflect the views of the entire staff of The Marlin Chronicle or Virginia Wesleyan University.

The Marlin Chronicle Virginia Wesleyan University 5817 Wesleyan Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23455 757.455.3311

“As a former collegiate student newspaper editor, professional journalist and long-time advisor for the Society of Collegiate Journalists, I understand the role and value of student media at a liberal arts institution.

Virginia Wesleyan University proudly supports the editorial independence and press freedom of student-edited publications. We believe that student editors have the authority to make all content decisions and consequently, assume full responsibility for decisions they make.”

--Scott D. Miller, Ph.D President

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Getting familiar with the Batten staff

BY BRIANNA KIDWELL bnclarkson@vwc.edu

The freshman experience is an experience that every student must go through, but also is an experience no student will ever forget. Every freshman goes through the struggle with time management, the fear of not knowing where their class is, or the doubt that the club they want to try is not going to be what they think it is.

At Virginia Wesleyan University, our goal for freshman is to give them an experience where they feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the doors. The J.P. Batten Center is the main building at Virginia Wesleyan University that contains numerous social aspects such as the student body cafeteria, the laid-back Grille area, the convocation center/ gymnasium, the weight room and so much more.

Some may say that the Batten Center could be a bit overwhelming for a new freshman who does not know much about the campus; however, the best part about this building is all the familiar, friendly and helpful faces that students see every day.

Jason Seward, one of the most familiar faces in the Batten Center, is the assistant vice president for student affairs and one of the most helpful faces. Seward helps oversee all projects, events, the Recreational staff and the Batten Center as a whole.

Not only does Seward help in the Batten Center, but he also is responsible for working closely with first year students. He helps with the overwhelming process students may have as they adjust from high school to college. He makes sure that students are getting answers for questions they may have, that they do not get lost and that they are adjusting smoothly to campus life.

“Making sure students are comfortable with being uncomfortable,” is what Seward describes as his goal for the first-year students. Seward strives to make sure that incoming students take new risks and that they try all the things that VWU has to offer, whether it is Greek Life, RecX or even one of the athletic teams.

Seward works side by side with another familiar face, Willie Harrell in the Batten Center. Harrell wears many hats in the Batten Center. He is the associate director of the J.P. Batten Center and the aquatics and fitness director. He makes sure that everything in the Batten Center is working properly every day.

Harrell has interactions with first-year students on daily basis.

“I want everyone to feel comfortable coming into this building. We want everyone to be comfortable whether it is in the fitness center or pool, no matter what part which is the real definition of what it means to have a student center,” Harrell said.

“Graduation is my favorite part of my job; I love seeing students that I met when they were freshman lost in Batten walking across the stage after knowing for four years,” Harrell said.

Not only can Harrell or Seward help any first-year students that are seeking advice or instruction, but the Batten Center is filled with student employees who are just as friendly and helpful. Alana Peterson, an upcoming senior, is a student supervisor for the Batten Center and can always be found helping a fellow student out.

“I would tell the incoming freshman that entire Batten Center is staffed with student workers and other employees that are here to help you and make your experience on campus as enjoyable as possible,” Peterson says.

Virginia Wesleyan University’s small, close-knit campus makes it easy for students to become close to one another. No matter if it is trying to find your class, wanting to join an athletic team or wanting to go grab

food at The Grille after class, no student will ever be found alone.

“We, the Batten Staff, are the resources to go to because we know more than anyone about all the opportunities students have and the things students can do through the staff, which makes us a great place to start when students have questions,” Peterson said.

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Jason Seward, assistant vice president for student affairs

925 Diamond Springs Rd 757-962-5660 Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Willie Harrell, associate director of the J.P. Batten Center

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CAMPUS CLUBS African Student Association Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Greek) Alpha Phi Alpha (Greek) Alpha Phi Omega (Service) Alpha Sigma Alpha (Greek) APICS (Supply Chain Management) Art Club Beta Beta Beta (Biology) Black Student Union

August 2017

Virginia Wesleyan slang

BY CYNTHIA GRIFFIN clgriffin@vwc.edu When it comes to Virginia Wesleyan, almost every place and thing is abbreviated. So, to ease the class of 2021 into Virginia Wesleyan, here’s a breakdown of some Virginia Wesleyan slang: V1, V2, V3, V4 = Village I (Bray Village), Village II (Allen Village), Village III (Brock Village) Village IV (Honors Village) Meal Equiv = It lowers the cost of your meal at The Grille when the dining hall isn’t open The Caf = The Dining Hall WAC = Wesleyan Activities Council. The Wesleyan Activities Council hosts various free events throughout the year.

RA = Resident Assistant. A resident assistant is a student that lives on a floor in one of the residential halls and oversees all the students who live on that hall ResLife = Residence Life. This office is located upstairs in the Batten Student Center. The staff in the office oversee everything that has to do with living on campus. So, if you have any problems with your room, they are the ones to contact.

C-MAC = Cunningham Multi-Activity Center. This is located in the Batten Student Center. Many events are held there throughout the year.

You can also borrow basketballs and play basketball in there.

Chi Beta Psi (Greek) Climbing Club College Republicans

The Hub = The Hub is located in the front of the Batten Student Center. There you can borrow sports equipment and they can answer any questions you have about The Batten Center The Fish Bowl= Student conference room in Batten Student Center

Commuter Club

Val Miller|Marlin Chronicle

Cru Dance Team Delta Phi Alpha (German) Eta Sigma Phi Gamma Sigma Epsilon (Chemistry) Interfraternity Council Latino Student Alliance Love & Light Marlins Go Green Marlins Vote Mid-Week Release Native American Student Association Naturalista Panhellenic Council (Greek)

Tips from current students for freshmen

BY CYNTHIA GRIFFIN clgriffin@vwc.edu Transitioning from high school to college is a big step. Here are some tips from current Virginia Wesleyan students:

Other tips: Keep some type of calendar or planner to keep track of your assignments. There’s nothing worse than showing up to class and finding out that you have a test or forgot to do an assignment.

~Alli Herbst/Rising Junior “Get to know your professors and go to class when you have it. If you’re close to your professors, they’re more likely to help you out when you need it.” ~Selena Chambers/Rising Junior

Be careful when it comes to eating in your dorm. It is very easy to get bugs in your room.

Try to call your parents at least once or twice a week. You may not miss them at first but you’ll eventually get a little homesick

“Be open, be kind, be clean. Manage your time wisely and remember why you came to college in the first place.” ~Gabrielle Freese/Graduating Senior “Don’t lose sight of the big picture. College will be hard at times, but it’s all for the good of your future. Take advantage of all the opportunities you can.”

Keep a few snacks in your dorm. There will be nights when the dining hall doesn’t have exactly what you want and you don’t want to have to spend all of your money getting snacks from the vending machine.

Be nice and friendly with the servers at the dining hall. They might give you extra food one day.

Stay on campus as much as you can. If you’re local and go home often you will miss out on all of the great things that the school has to offer

~Anna Paola Da Silva/Graduating Senior “Don’t be afraid to work hard. Have fun, but get your work done, it will pay off later.”

Phenomenal Woman Phi Kappa Tau (Greek) Phi Sigma Sigma (Greek) Pi Delta Phi (French Honor Society) Red Flag Campaign Science Club Sigma Nu (Greek)

Looking for someone like YOU! Want to Join the Marlin Chronicle Team?

Join us at our first meeting of the semester on Tuesday at 5:40 p.m.

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Opinions

August 2017 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwc.edu

the great mc debate Transportation apps: Uber or Lyft

Why Uber

Why Lyft

BY FARAH HAIDARI

BY ASHLEY KLINE

fahaidari@vwc.edu

jaakline@vwc.edu

In order to get from Point A to Point B, many are turning to driving services such as Uber and Lyft. Such services are convenient, and allow those with and without cars to travel quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, Uber and Lyft offer rates that are lower than those one would pay for a taxi.

While the services that Uber and Lyft provide are exceedingly similar, there are many notable differences between Uber and Lyft. I personally prefer riding Uber. Based on my experience, Uber tends to offer quicker pick-up times. I find it quite irritating that Lyft often changes your driver while you’re waiting, causing longer wait times.

I also appreciate the fact that Uber gives a precise rate for rides, while Lyft simply gives a price range. Furthermore, Uber automatically adds tip into the price of the trip, unlike Lyft. Uber drivers are required to have three years of driving experience. On the other hand, Lyft only requires drivers to hold a license for one year.

I frequently ride Uber to go off campus with friends, since I am unable to drive. I also use Uber to commute back and forth from my off-campus job each day and have run into no problems.

From what I’ve observed, Uber drivers tend to be much friendlier. Riding with Uber has been a great experience due to the large number of friendly people I have become acquainted with.

One thing about Lyft which I will admit is better is that it gives you the options of adding additional stops to your trip. I have not noticed that Uber offers the same feature.

However, I had one particularly bad experience using this feature with Lyft when the driver took a friend and me to Wawa before taking us back to campus. We ordered subs and arrived back to the car within 10 minutes. The driver then proceeded to take a harsh tone with us as he said he waits that long for no one. He proceeded to have an attitude the rest of the ride.

This same driver took us to the wrong destination, Norfolk Academy instead of Virginia Wesleyan. My friend and I were accused of giving him wrong directions, and were told we should have corrected him sooner.

I used to prefer Uber to Lyft. However, when I first rode Lyft my opinion changed. The first time I used Uber was while in D.C. with my sister and some people that we knew. I thought it was interesting how Uber could pick you up from any location and drive you anywhere that you wanted to go. I didn’t know about Lyft then.

I first used Lyft when I was a freshman at Virginia Wesleyan. I was spending time with one of my friends; once we were done hanging out he told me about Lyft, so I used it. I enjoyed Lyft more than Uber because it was a new experience and I was doing it on my own. I remember that the driver had good road skills and was nice.

Uber and Lyft both have similar qualities. They both offer apps that anyone can freely acquire.

Anyone can get a ride from the apps and the driver will know where they are. Both are also cheaper than getting a taxi.

One reason I prefer Lyft is that the driver can take you to two locations. One time after work I was hungry so I went to Wawa and then went back to school. Uber can only take you one place. Life Val Miller|Marlin Chronicle is busy, so it’s convenient that Lyft drivers can take you to multiple places.

Another reason why I prefer Lyft is that I feel that the price to get a ride is cheaper than with Uber. When a friend and I use Uber to get to work, it costs approximately 20 dollars. When we use Lyft it costs approximately 17-19 dollars.

I also prefer Lyft because I feel as though I get along better with them.

Usually when I ride Lyft, the drivers are more sociable. I talk to them about their day and they will ask me about school. This casual conversation makes the Lyft experience more enjoyable. It makes me feel as though the drivers are not just working for the money, but also care about their customers.

Seeking love: finding a companion

BY CHRIS BATTLE cdbattle@vwc.edu

When looking for a potential partner, either to fulfill sexual desires, emotional ones, or both, we usually have to find ourselves first. At least this is what we’re told. I’m a firm believer in this theory. However, what happens after the light comes on and you find yourself in that proverbial room alone?

How do we end up filling the space that lies within us and outside us?

I picked up the pieces of my life recently and have come to the realization that a moment spent with someone is far more gratifying than one spent alone.

Not to say that one’s accomplishments are not grand on their own, but it is nice to have that cheerleader on the side giving you a boost of confidence.

I’ve wanted to write about this for a while, but ultimately wanted to wait until I grew in every facet of myself before spewing out the grandiose knowledge I’ve gained. People always say “it’s better to be alone than to depend on someone for your happiness,” but what if we want someone to provide more happiness in our lives? Should we feel guilty?

Should we be ashamed? Or should we be downright depressed about our want?

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The answer to all of the above is “no”. It’s imperative that we must first realize that love is a want and not a need or problem solver. It’s so easy to confuse such a natural feeling for an end-all and be-all need, but we must not fall into that trap by letting our underlying quest for love overtake or overwhelm us.

I think we must also understand that our experiences and the process we underwent to find love will differ from others.

Not one person lives the same life you lead. You’ve got to understand that one element of love is the uniqueness of finding it and maintaining it.

Lastly, we must recognize what flaws are in ourselves and improve upon as well as own up to those flaws. This builds humility as well as an ability to claim ownership, which is necessary in relationship conflict resolution. This also helps increase your ability to be honest with yourself, which will translate into your relationships with others, namely, in this case, a partner.

As a bonus tip, go on a date to get food. Conversation over food is some of the most inviting conversation one can have.

If they don’t like the way you eat, they ain’t the one.

Val Miller|Marlin Chronicle

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August 2017

From dorms to townhomes: VWU housing Village II

Village I

BY ASHLEY KLINE

BY JULIE AINSLEY

aakline@vwc.edu

jmainsley@vwc.edu

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Spacious fields are found in the back entrance of Village I. When I lived in Village I, it was one of the best times of my life. The “Brayberhood” is the oldest building on campus and it holds so much history and nostalgia because most freshmen live there during the first year of their Wesleyan experience.

As a resident, living in Village I was always interesting. Sharing a hall with 29 other people was a little intimidating to someone like me who has never even shared a room with someone else before, but the RAs do everything in

their power to make sure you are comfortable.

There are activities happening in Village I at all times with constant Residence Life programming, classes and just normal socializing between hallmates.

I met my best friends and my future sisters in Eggleston Hall as a freshman and I will always have memories attributed to Village I.

Village III

I am currently a junior and have lived in Village II since my freshman year.

One thing I love about living in Village II is the convenience of the location. From Village II, you are just a brief walk away from some of the most active places on campus, such as the Batten Center and Clarke Hall. Furthermore, Village II features classrooms located in Roop and Graybeal Halls as well as the Social Sciences lounge. If you have class in any of these locations and live in Village II, class is literally only steps away from your dorm!

I also enjoy living in Village II due to the variety of rooming options. Village II features suites, single dorm rooms, double suites and double dorm rooms.

Furthermore, the Social Sciences Lounge as well as the main lobby in Village II both offer exceptionally comfy places to work if you need to find a place outside of your room to study or simply hang out with friends. Additionally, if you’re looking for a more private place to study, students can ask security to unlock a classroom on either Roop or Graybeal hall.

Village IV

BY FARAH HAIDARI

BY TAYLOR BOYD tpboyd@vwc.edu

fahaidari@vwc.edu

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Village III features apartments and suites as well as Greek housing.

Living in V3 has been an absolute blast! I have lived on Teagle Hall in a suite as well as in the apartments. In the apartments, I currently live with three awesome ladies who have made my final year at college a memorable one. I definitely think that it’s best to room with people you know, so that you are all on the same playing field when it comes to rules and such, but also so you can have fun and spend time together. Thankfully, in both the suites and apartments I had a kitchen and living room, which was

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle The front entrance of Village II offers a peaceful environment.

definitely an upgrade from just having a regular dorm room as I did my freshman year. If you want to learn how to live on your own, having a kitchen will definitely make you want to cook. My favorite part about living in Village III is getting a common living area to roam around in, so I do not have to stay cooped up in my room if I don’t want to. In the apartments, there is also an extra lobby on each floor that’s shared by all who live on the floor.

I hope you all enjoy Virginia Wesleyan University!

Ashlei Gates|Marlin Chronicle Village IV offers townhomes with front porch seating areas.

I have been living in Village IV since my sophomore year. When I first started living in Village IV, I did not know what to expect. However, God surprised me. I had friendly neighbors, made many new friends and lived with some wonderful girls. I felt like my family got bigger. Two of my housemates and I grew close with some of the people who lived across from us. Together, we would have movie nights, game nights and take trips to Cookout.

Village IV being far away from everything else on campus has given us the opportunity to develop close friendships with those who live near us.

Another reason I enjoy living in Village IV is because living in a townhouse feels like home. There is a kitchen, living room, laundry room, two bathrooms, and a porch. It has been incredible living there. Village IV is the only area on campus that offers this many amenities.

The benefits of studying psychology

BY JONATHAN JOYNER jrjoyner@vwc.edu

Virginia Wesleyan has a wide variety of majors, but psychology is one of my personal favorites for many reasons. Psychology is diverse, gives you many invaluable skills needed in the workplace and teaches you to understand people in different ways.

On the first point, psychology is an insanely diverse subject. There are many paths studying psychology can take you. You can study topics such as thinking/ intelligence/language, memory and cognition, developmental psychology and social psychology. The list is endless because psychology is basically the study of trying to figure people out and understand each other better. Psychology attempts to look at people from different points of view, mainly through research into the different aspects of a person’s life and growth. These aspects can include any health problems/birth defects, education, social interaction etc. This is why I love psychology; it can help you to understand those around

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you more deeply and can give ways to communicate with certain individuals.

Another thing to consider is the invaluable skills gained through knowledge in psychology. Psychology can help you to learn to communicate and understand people that you meet in your day to day life. You also gain research skills when studying psychology because of all the required research. This may sound boring, but it can actually be really fun. Also, you can gain problem solving skills from this major because you can learn about emotions, triggers, stress inducing agents, as well as solutions to problems that may arise within each of those topics. When facing what is to come after graduation, understanding these concepts could help you survive in this crazy, messed up world.

For my final point, psychology teaches you to understand people from different walks of life. This is a skill that not many people possess nowadays. People these

days are constantly trying to generalize and justify not understanding those around them. If you look into psychology, you can see that understanding starts with making the attempt to understand. This is my ultimate reason for loving psychology: its ability to allow people to understand and grow closer to one another.

I recommend psychology to anyone for all of these reasons. People consistently say that psychology is too science-based and not worth it because it will lead you nowhere. Do not listen to them; psychology can take you almost anywhere. I do recommend pairing this major with another major or a minor so that you may gain a balanced skill set and because psychology is very broad. I have heard people consistently try to say that psychology is worthless and a waste, but it will help you grow as person and as a friend to those around you.

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7

Sports

August 2017 The Marlin Chronicle marlinchronicle.vwc.edu

Lacrosse beyond borders

BY LUKE CHIASSON lachiassonl@vwc.edu

Kangaroos, the Outback and lacrosse are just three aspects of unique trip that three student-athletes from Virginia Wesleyan University experienced as they represented the United States in the 2017 Down Under Cup in Melbourne, Australia from May 28-June 9.

Meghan Schallock, Marie Lerch and Liza Holford were selected by USA Athletes International to participate in this tournament against competition from around the world.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I couldn’t be more grateful that I have this opportunity. The reality hasn’t set in yet that we leave in a few weeks! I am more than excited that I get to share my journey with two of my teammates and two of the greatest friends,” said Lerch weeks before her trip.

The 13-day excursion included plenty of lacrosse competition and seven days will include experiences like visiting historic sights such as the Queen Victoria Market, Great Ocean Road and even got the opportunity to learn how to surf.

After a disappointing 3-13 season, the Marlins are looking forward to a new challenge playing with a group of girls that share nothing but the love of lacrosse.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun and quite honestly, I don’t think this past season will have any impact on our playing experience, because at least for me, I play for the love of the game and this is an opportunity to just play with no pressures while getting to represent my country,” said Lerch as she prepared for the trip.

Liza Holford echoed the same remarks as Lerch, “It will be interesting to play with a new team because we get so used to playing with each other that I’m sure it will be a great opportunity to learn some new things to bring back to our program and teammates.”

Even though the three will have new teammates, they will not forget or replace their current Marlin teammates, “This season was a little rough; however, no one can replace my team and I don’t wish for anyone to. But I do love tournaments and playing and meeting new people. That is the best part of this game, meeting new people,” said Schallock.

The group of girls they were with in Australia will forever be connected. As Schallock explained, it was similar to her

experiences playing club lacrosse before she came to Virginia Wesleyan: “The best part of this game is meeting new people.

My favorite part about club lacrosse was the traveling and playing in different places with girls that become family to you. You form a special bond with them.”

As the returning captains for the Marlins squad, it is important to take the lessons learned in their time in Australia back to Virginia Beach as the Marlins prep for a bounce-back season in 2018.

No matter the outcome of the games, the memories of the trip were what made it all worth it.

The trip, while all-inclusive, did not come without a price tag. Each member had to pay a fee. Schallock turned to the public while looking to help relieve the burden of the price by creating a GoFundMe page asking for family, friends, or anyone who stumbled upon the page to help fund her dream of representing the United States while doing what she loves; playing lacrosse. She was able to collect around $1,000 in donations.

“I don’t know if there’s one thing I’m looking forward to the most! We’re representing the United States in freakin’ Australia to play the sport we’ve dedicated most of our lives to. That can’t be topped,” said Holford before she departed.

Schallock led the Marlins offensively totaling 46 points on 35 goals and 11 assists. Holford was second this past season with 33 points on 24 goals and 9 assists.

Lerch totaled 13 points on the season with 10 goals and 3 assists. The three will anchor the Marlins in the 2018 season.

Sports Information | Courtesy Top: Junior Meghan Schallock posses the ball for the Marlins.

Middle: Sophomore Liza Holford scoops up a ground ball.

Left: Sophomore Marie Lerch moves the ball up field.

Softball crowned ODAC champions

BY COREY KING ckking1@vwc.edu

Virginia Wesleyan’s softball team is set to head to Randolph-Macon to play in the NCAA Regional tournament. Virginia Wesleyan heads into the regional as the #1 seed in that region. The Marlins finished the regular season with a record of 43-2 while being undefeated, 20-0, in Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) play.

The Marlins also finished their season in the ODAC as the conference champions.

The conference tournament for the Marlins was pretty exciting. The Marlins went into the tournament as the #1 seed. They went undefeated through the first three games. They took the first game from #8 seed Randolph College, beating them 4-1. Their next match-up was against #4 seed Emory & Henry, whom they narrowly beat by a score of 1-0. Their third game was against Randolph-Macon College, whom they beat 4-0.

Things got interesting in the championship game.

The conference tournament is double elimination, so going into the championship game the Marlins were the only team who had not lost, so they only needed to win one game. They were set to square off with #4 Emory & Henry, whom they had defeated earlier in the tournament 1-0. In the first game, the Marlins

suffered a stunning loss to Emory & Henry dropping, the first game 3-1.

Senior Blake Henderson hit a home run in the second inning, which put the Marlins up in the second.

This put them in a good position, as they had freshman sensation Hanna Hull on the mound. Hull held Emory & Henry in check for six innings, but the tables turned in the seventh. Emory & Henry rallied for 3 rules to stun the Marlins in game one.

“After we lost, everyone went out to the outfield and everyone was stunned. Coach told us that we needed to flip a switch because we hadn’t looked defeated in a game in a long time, and we looked defeated in the last inning of that game.” Said junior, Teresa Cardamone.

The Marlins bounced back in game two and came out on top 2-0. Junior star Cassetty Howerin blasted a solo shot in the first inning and freshman Kaylah Duplain connected for a solo shot in the fifth. Freshman Courtney Wright pitched six scoreless innings and gave the ball to Hull to shut the door in the seventh to seal the conference title for the Marlins for the second straight year. This is their tenth title in history, which is the most of any team in the ODAC.

Sports Information | Courtesy Top: Coach Brandon Elliott and stafff pose with the trophy.

Left: Softball posses with the ODAC trophy after defeating Emory and Henry.

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8 The Marlin Chronicle | marlinchronicle.vwc.edu

August 2017

s r a l o h c S l 8 a 1 b 0 o 2 Gl road fall b A : r e e n t i l s eS me ation dead pa plic

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 3:00 pm For more information, make an appointment with the Director of Study Away at www.meetme.so/MandyReinig

2017-18 Study Away Courses

Course Number and Title

Location

Session

REC 348: Maui Sea to Sky

Maui, Hawaii

Winter 2018

HIST 262: History of the European City

Berlin, Germany

Winter 2018

BIO/EES 375: Tropical Ecology

Costa Rica

Winter 2018

SPAN 219/319: Seminar in Hispanic Culture

Yucatan, Mexico

Winter 2018

RELST 361: Ancient to Modern Israel

Israel

Winter 2018

APMU 111: Virginia Wesleyan Singers

New York City

Spring 2018

HIST 222: History of Modern Korea

South Korea

Spring Break 2018

HUMS 201: Travel in the Humanities

London, UK

Spring 2018

BIO 489: Research in the Natural Sciences

Puerto Rico

Summer 2018

POLS 318: Germany in a Changing World

Berlin, Germany

Summer 2018

CJ 215: Criminal Justice in a British Context

London, UK

Summer 2018

Winter Session Course Grant Deadline: Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 3:00 pm

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THEWEEKENDER

August 2017

LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES

PAGE 9

A collection of local movie theaters in the area for your viewing pleasure

BY JUSTIN SMITH jrysmith2@vwc.edu

Victoria Pickering|Flickr

BY JULIE AINSLEY jmainsley@vwc.edu

The smell of buttery popcorn. The cool refreshing taste of your favorite soda.

The excitement of deciding what candy to buy. Awkwardly saying “you too” after the ticket booth attendant says to enjoy the movie. These are all experiences that are a part of going to the movies.

Luckily, Norfolk and Virginia Beach offer Virginia Wesleyan University students a variety of theater options to choose from. Here is a ranking of local theaters that students should check out.

Located at the Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach, AMC Lynnhaven 18 is one of the nicest theaters in the area.

“Stadium seating and IMAX theater screens give you a great movie experience,” one online reviewer said.

The AMC at Lynnhaven Mall offers an array of amenities for those looking to make their movie-going experience more luxurious. This theater offers movie viewing in an IMAX theater. The custom-designed theaters mixed with precise speaker placement makes for an “intensive experience” and ensures “movie magic every time the lights go down,” according to the AMC website.

Every theater is fitted with stadium seats, so finding the perfect seat isn’t as difficult and the sophisticated screens allow for both 2D and RealD 3D viewing.

Only a 20 minute drive from campus,

this theater should be considered for watching those movies you’ve waited for forever to come out. However, be mindful as with amenities such as the ones at Lynnhaven, the ticket price ranges from $10-$15.

Following close to AMC Lynnhaven 18 is Regal Macarthur Center Stadium 18 & RPX in Norfolk. Located in the MacArthur Center, this theater’s offerings are similar to that of Lynnhaven Mall’s AMC. The Regal theater includes RPX premium viewing, an experience very similar to IMAX, and RealD 3D movies.

Being about 16 minutes away from Virginia Wesleyan University, deciding between MacArthur and Lynnhaven is all personal preference as the two are very similar in pricing, experiences and movie showings.

If you’re not looking to go to the mall or don’t wish to travel far, Regal Columbus Stadium 12 in Town Center is the theater for you. Located on 104 Constitution Dr. in Virginia Beach, this Regal theater is in the heart of Town Center and right across the road from Pembroke Mall.

This Regal, however, does not have the option of RPX viewing like the MacArthur location. Because of this, ticket prices are more moderate compared to MacArthur and Lynnhaven,

which makes this theater a good choice if you’re trying to be frugal.

However, the theater with the cheapest tickets compared to the other three can be found at the Phoenix Theatre’s Main Gates Movies 10 on the Norfolk Naval Base. A 16 minute drive to 1500 Mall Dr. in Norfolk is a great option for students looking to save money.

“It’s an older theatre, but price can’t be beat and there are no long lines,” a review online said.

While the theater isn’t as nice as the ones previously listed, this theater offers recent movie showings for an affordable price.

Another affordable theatre would be Cinemark in Military Circle Mall. The tickets are fairly cheap during the week, running for about $4.50 for a matinee.

The surrounding area of the theatre is not as nice, but the theatre has very comfortable seats.

The Norfolk/Virginia Beach area is filled with many great amenities for your movie needs. Depending on your preferences when deciding where to go, there will always be a great option around the corner.

onicle nd.

Go. Do. Discover.

Visit the Lighthouse to learn about experiences that lead students to pathways for success.

Careers Study Away Internships Graduate School Undergraduate Research

Connect with Us

Stop by the Lighthouse in Clarke Hall Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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10

THEWEEKENDER

PAGE 10

August 2017

THINGS TO DO YOUR FIRST WEEK AT WESLEYAN Students weigh in on what activities contribute to the Wesleyan experience

BY JULIE AINSLEY jmainsley@vwc.edu

Justin Smith|Marlin Chronicle Taste Unlimited is a Virginia Beach favorite and is home to some of the tastiest sandwiches in Hampton Roads.

Taste also offers retail food items that continue their theme of healthy and artisan foods. The nearest location to campus is located at 4097 Shore Drive.

Justin Smith|Marlin Chronicle Chick’s Beach is a Wesleyan favorite. This beach is a Wesleyan favorite because it as not as crowded as the Oceanfront. This location is perfect for an after class relaxation or an allday escape.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle Wawa is a Wesleyan treasure when you have a late-night craving. Located at 5701 Northampton Boulevard, Wawa has everything from hoagies to milkshakes. This Wawa also has some of the most competitive gas prices in the area.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle Macarthur Center is home to many high-end stores, restaurants, and a movie theater. In the heart of Downtown Norfolk, it serves as the center of the fast-moving area.

Macarthur Center also has an outside ice skating rink in the winter.

FOOD ON THE MOVE

Hampton Roads gears up for Uber’s food delivery service, UberEats

BY MIRANDA FEIN mlfein@vwc.edu

Transportation is available at the press of a button with the Uber smartphone application, but this new-age taxi system transports more than just people.

UberEats has been on the scene since 2014, delivering food to customer doorsteps through an app that functions much like their original taxi service app.

Though it’s been three years since this service was introduced, the company will finally add Hampton Roads to its list of UberEats locations starting in the summer of 2017.

UberEats has been exclusive in its selection of cities that can utilize this service. On April 7, Uber asked their Hampton Roads customers what their favorite restaurants are in preparation for their launch in the area, even offering the incentive of $15 off a future delivery.

A fee of $5 for all UberEats deliveries is charged to customer orders, all transactions being cashless, much like the Uber app.

As of May 5, a list of potential restaurants delivering with UberEats has not been released.

UberEats won’t be the only service of their kind available upon its launch. Popular sites and applications such as GrubHub, Postmates, Order Up and Seamless have been on the delivery scene for years.

These sites have set the precedent for modern food delivery, expanding options to more than just pizza. Tropical Smoothie, Subway and Sakura Sushi & Japanese are only a few on the long list of options available among these competing sites.

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Of the options currently available, Seamless seems to offer the best service to the Virginia Wesleyan University area.

Both the website and the online application are free and easy to use. Seamless provides the largest variety of food options, with 48 options currently available for delivery to Virginia Wesleyan University. It is also the only food delivery option that does not charge a delivery fee, giving it an edge up on the competition.

GrubHub makes a close second, offering many of the same perks as Seamless but some restaurants partnering with GrubHub may charge a delivery fee, occasionally making meals with GrubHub more expensive.

Seamless and GrubHub also offer a wider variety of food options to Virginia Wesleyan University than their current competition, putting more push on UberEats to roll out their service with an extensive list of possibilities.

Aside from the obvious perks of ordering your favorite meals, like never having to leave your pajamas or the comfort of your own home, some apps can even help you save money on your meals. Certain restaurants will occasionally offer their food delivery service partners exclusive specials and discounts, which means better costs for their customers’ cravings.

Food delivery services are also benefitting local business, expanding local restaurants’ customer reach simply by offering a delivery option.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle Town Center is a mecca for shopping, high-end eating, and entertainment. Stores like Franchesca’s and Anthropologie find home here.

There is also a Cheesecake Factory and a P.F. Changs in this location. The Sandler Center is also here which is home to concerts and plays.

Google|Courtesy Norfolk Premium Outlets is a brandnew shopping experience that openend June 29 of this year. Much buzz has surrounded the stores who will occupy it, including Under Armour, Michael Kors, AIX Armani Exchange and The North Face.

Troy Abut|Marlin Chronicle Flipper McCoys is a vintage game arcade located at the Oceanfront. The small atmosphere of the arcade is very welcoming for anybody to come play games and have a good time.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle Behind the new YMCA building and Wilson Arboretum is a walking path that can take you to Lake Taylor. You can rent kayaks from the Batten Center to take with you so you can hangout on the lake. It is also a quiet spot to hang out and a great bonding activity for new friends.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle The Virginia Zoo, located in Norfolk, is a great place to go on the weekends.

With the presense of your school I.D., student can enter the zoo free of charge. The Virginia Zoo contains exhibits featuring animals from four different continents, a petting zoo area and a indoor reptile exhibit.

Julie Ainsley|Marlin Chronicle Cookout is a popular fast food option among Wesleyan students. Located on N. Military Highway, this restaurant is serving anything from burgers to quesadillas and has over 70 options for milkshakes. There is a fantastic deal where you can get an entree, two sides, and a drink for $5.61.

Val Miller | Marlin Chronicle

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