October 16, 2019 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

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Oct. 16, 2019 | thewichitan.com | Vol. 84 No. 2

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How to from the editor

Do you know how to write a check? In a society where swiping cards and scanning chips are the primary methods of payment, old fashion payment methods can be overlooked as a teaching point for our predecessors. Using checks as a form of payment is still a common method when paying bills or making larger transactions when a credit card is not accepted. Checks come from a checkbook, which you can order from your bank. According to Wikipedia, “A checkbook is a folder or small book containing preprinted paper instruments issued to checking account holders and used to pay for goods or services. A checkbook contains sequentially numbered checks that account holders can use as a bill of exchange.” Checks act as a form of cash and once deposited by the vendor, the money is taken directly out of the spender’s account. Every time a check is written, ripped out and handed to a vendor, there should be a note made of this transaction in the checkbook’s register which is included in the box of checks sent.

Sign the Check Down deposits on a house typically require a cashiere’s check

Some billing sites charge an extra fee for online payments, so a check is more feasable

Sign the back of a check after receiving a paycheck to deposit it

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Ben Bailey advocates for dogs rights.

DOGS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS

any dog owners consider their fur-babies to be part of their family. According to businessinsider.com, some people would even say they love their dog more than other humans. Because of this fact alone, dogs deserved to have equal rights just like humans. People easily can spot the difference between Coke and Pepsi, so if someone’s always given their dog Purina Puppy Chow and then all the sudden change it to Kibbles ‘n’ bits, that dog will turn its nose up at it and give them the saddest, most disappointing look of all time. Do you really think dogs can’t tell the difference in taste? Give dogs the opportunity to vote between a Demo-cat and a Re-puplican, and you’ll be able to tell they have taste. Dogs often times are able to tell the character of a person before people can. Humans always want to see the good in others. They believe they can help others, but dogs know better. Instincts are key. They don’t have to worry about body language or intentions, they just act. Dogs can be even more decisive than people, and with the amount of indeci-

EDITORS: Alyssa Mitchell, Kristin Silva PHOTO EDITOR: Bridget Reilly Vol. 84 | No. 2

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

DESIGNER: Brittni Vilandre ISSUE STAFF: Amos Perkins, Brian Lang, Khirstia Sheffield, Matthew Tempelmeyer, Dallas Wabbington, Omar Combie, Justin Marquart, Colin Stevenson, Jeri Moore

ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

sive voters out there, maybe they’d have prevented Brexit from happening. PROS: • There’s a higher possibility of them learning to talk • They will use their freedom of speech to promote bettering the environment • One day we could have a dog as president • Better taste—besides the occasional toilet bowl pong • Respond instinctually • All non-dog lovers will go into hibernation and never come out CONS: • Cats will begin a revolution for their rights and the feline protests will be bloody After weighing the pros and cons, decide whether or not you think dogs should have equal rights. Check out our pinned tweet and vote. Results will be posted in the Oct. 29 edition of the Wichitan.

Copyright ©2019. First copy free. Additional copies 25¢ each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

M OV I E R E V I E W

‘Joker’ a compelling dark origin story PHOTOS COURTESY IMBD

Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019)

Brian Lang

or 50 years, Batman has been a hit on the big screen. He’s faced countless enemies along the way, but his biggest foe has always been the Joker. Over the years, the Joker has been played by many talented actors, with Heath Ledger giving arguably the best performance. Now there’s a new Joker in town, and his origin story might not be what you expect. “Joker” isn’t your normal superhero movie. It’s a character study of one of pop culture’s greatest villains. Since he was a little boy, Arthur Fleck has always been told to smile, no matter how hard life gets. He’s recently been released from a psych hospital with a load of medications to keep him stable enough to work as a clown. He lives in a shabby apartment with his aging mother who’s determined to get her former employer, the wealthy Thomas Wayne, to send aid and get them out of the slums. Arthur tries to live a normal and productive life, taking his medications and visiting a social worker weekly to try to conform to everyone else, but he can’t seem to get it right. His biggest struggle is controlling his compulsive need to laugh. It’s a high shrieking cackle that seems to bubble up at the most inopportune times, making Arthur a target for bullying and driving away any potential friends. This problem seems to plague Arthur continually as he flounders in his condition, reaching out to anyone around him for support. He tries to connect with his neighbors, social worker, strangers, and coworkers, for a sense of social connection and a chance to keep him grounded in reality, but he can never grasp onto anyone. When some Wall Street brokers on a subway harass Arthur because of his laugh, he snaps. Gunshots ring in the empty train car and Arthur finally feels a connection to the world around him. Why try to conform when it’s so much easier to fight the system? This is the main question of the film and the themes of “the system” and its many failings come across strongly throughout “Joker.” Gotham City is depicted as a grimy, “every man for himself” trash heap that keeps people like Arthur pushed down and tucked away from normal society and he’s tired of putting up with it. “Joker” focuses on Arthur’s path to madness, and since the audi-

ence can envision the ending of the film even before taking a seat, the most important parts of the movie are focused on how anyone can transform into someone as evil as the Joker. This transition is led by the phenomenal acting of Joaquin Phoenix, an actor who’s never been one to shy away from putting his whole being into a performance. His gaunt frame and jet-black hair lend him a sense of wildness from the start, and he methodically works to build on that base, adding tics, gestures, and facial expressions to his character as he metamorphosizes into his final, green-haired form. Although he plays Arthur as slightly unhinged from the start, Phoenix leaves plenty of room to allow other emotions in as well. He oscillates from hopeful, angry, mournful and giddy throughout “Joker” and shows how these emotions affect his character’s development. If it’s nothing else, “Joker” is Phoenix’s ride to critical acclaim. The cinematography also makes this movie stand out. Director Todd Phillips revels in showing the garbage and grittiness of the city as he plays with shadows and light. He keeps the world around Arthur dim and dirty but paints the normal world that Arthur wants to join as bright and cheery. It makes the audience want Arthur to make it out of the dirt, so at least we’ll get something nicer to look at too. The only real problem of “Joker” is that it has fallen into its own trap of a weak plot. Since its ending is a foregone conclusion from the start, Phillips put himself into a box of showing only Arthur’s descent into madness which is fascinating to watch, but the changes are slight and slow. He masterfully builds tension but keeps the payoff short and a little unsatisfying at the end. There was too much philosophizing and not enough action for a movie about a villain this juicy. “Joker” is a fun film to watch even if it feels brutal at times. Phoenix’s performance is the biggest draw and while the plot is lacking in substance, it makes up for it with nice cinematography. Forget about the Joker that you thought you knew and go introduce yourself to Arthur Fleck.

Comic created by Dallas Wabbington

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FOOD R E V I E W

CRAWDADDY’S:

NOT THE CHAIN, THE MOM AND POPS HOURS OF OPERATION:

LOCATED AT: 1028 CEN TRA L E FW Y, W I CH I TA FA LLS , TX , 76306

MO N . -THUR S . 4 -9 P.M . FR I . -SU N . 1 1 A.M.- 1 0 P.M .

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN

The exterior view of CrawDaddy’s Seafood and Steaks.

C PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN

Crab legs come with a side of butter.

REVIEWER

rawDaddy’s Seafood and Steaks is a Cajun and seafood mom and pop restaurant that opened Summer 2019. All restaurants claiming to be “cajun” need to have a half-decent tasting gumbo option at the very least. That being said, CrawDaddy’s gumbo ($8) is phenomenal. As soon as the bowl was set on the table, my mouth started watering from the smell alone, and the Kristin ingredients used in the dish blended well together which is what makes this gumbo so fantastic. For the main course, I ordered the crawfish boil ($25) which includes a plate of crawfish, sausage, corn and potatoes at a serving size for two. This dish was seasoned well overall and tasted good. My only issue with it was the crawfish tasted a little bland; they were tasty, but it was as if the seasoning didn’t seep through their exoskeleton layer. With that being said, I will give the credit that it’s not crawfish season, so these were frozen and not completely fresh per usual during their peak season.

The second dish consisted of crab legs ($15). As a seafood lover who has been to various seafood restaurants and tried different versions of crab legs, I can honestly say the crab legs at CrawDaddy’s were the best I’ve ever eaten. They were perfectly cooked and were considerably juicy. The bowl of butter served with this dish was beyond tasty PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN and is what really made the Four beignets made by CrawDaddy’s. legs taste so spectacular. For dessert, I ordered beigSilva nets ($7). I have never had this dish before, but I thoroughly enjoyed its sweet, doughiness. An order of this includes four beignets. As for the service, my waitress was friendly, attentive, fun and communicated her knowledge of the menu well. I’ve been to this restaurant once before and was remembered as soon as I entered for my second dining. I would definitely recommend this establishment to a friend. The prices are affordable compared to other restaurants, the service is PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN friendly and inviting, and lastly, the food is The “crawfish boil” plate includes outstanding.

RESTURANT RATING

5/5

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN

Gumbo with made by CrawDaddy’s.

sausage, potatoes and corn.

ACTIVITIES

Pop culture

Sudoku

Sudoku created by Kristin Silva Crossword created by Matthew Tempelmeyer

DOWN

AC RO S S

1. Who does Elijah Wood play in Lord of the Rings? 2. Actress who plays Katnis: Jennifer ___ 4. Which member of One Direction left in 2015? 7. Where do the Simpsons live? 8. Oldest Kardashian sister 9. Where do the Cartman’s live? 11. Hunger Games: Katniss ____ 12. Where do the Griffins live? 14. ‘Live long and prosper’

3. Famous rapper whose real name is Shawn Carter? 5. Indiana Jones and the Temple of ___ 6. Medical drama led by Hugh Laurie? 9. ‘Jaws’ - Stephen ___ 10. What 1984 movie has Sarah Conner? 13. In the film “Babe,” what animal is Babe? 14. 2016 Grammy winner Taylor ___ 15. Who won the Oscar for best actor in 2016?

Last edition’s crossword and sudoku answer keys

CENTENNIAL HALL 6

OFFERS STUDENTS STATE-OF-THE-ART OPPORTUNITIES

DALLAS WABBINGTON REPORTER

s the university welcomes returning students and newcomers to the fall semester, the campus opens the new health sciences building of Centennial Hall to its students. This building holds all the departments of the Robert D. & Carol Gunn College of Health Sciences and Human Services in one area, including dental hygiene and radiology. The planning of Centennial Hall began two years ago. The building was originally planned to open in March of 2019 but after a few months of delay, the college opened its doors just in time for fall registration. The building was originally supposed to be finished in a year, but due to an increase in rainfall, construction was interrupted, causing the opening to delay. President Suzanne Shipley said, “We anticipated people to move in during spring break, use the rest of the spring to get established, teach summer classes and then start in the fall. We started moving in a week before school started in the fall. That was about a four-month delay.” PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

While the delay served to be an inconvenience to the students, it provided the funds necessary to pay for the horse sculptures instead of the university needing to find donors to fund them. “The good news is we were able to invest that money longer, that we would have to pay for a finished product and the money that was invested made extra profit which gave us that beautiful landscaping at that horse sculpture,” Shipley said. “The delays helped us hold the money longer so we made money on it and we could pay for that landscape.” Melody Chandler, director of simulations for Centennial Hall, explained how popular simulations in health science education has become. “In 2014, National Council of State Boards of Nursing did a study where they found out that simulation and being in a human clinical environment is exactly the same,” Chandler said. “This is where the big push for simulation [took place]. It doubled the student’s senses without hiring any more faculty.” The purpose of the simulations is to provide students with realistic scenarios that they may come across in their fields. Lindsey Craig, radiology junior, said she viewed the new equipment as an opportunity for students like her. Instead of solely relying on a traditional classroom, students can be hands-on. “With this

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jeff Killion talks with visitors to the new Centennial Building. Sep 13.

new equipment, it allows us to actually get to use our hands and get to see how the process actually works… it isn’t until we go into the labs that all the information actually makes sense.” The first floor of Centennial Hall is for dental hygiene, containing the Gaines Dental Hygiene Clinic. Along the floor there are five exposure rooms for dental-related radiology. The floor’s setup is designed like a real dentist office with dental chairs and stations with mannequin heads. The second floor is the Shimad-

zu School of Radiology Sciences, named after one of the three corporate sponsors of Centennial Hall. Shimadzu sponsored seven x-ray machines and donated several millions of dollars. Instead of its traditional one-year warranty, Shimadzu provided the machines a ten-year warranty. Jeff Killion, the dean of health services and sciences, said, “[Shimadzu] is known for giving to communities. The company funded seven machines to Centennial Hall, including fully functioning x-ray machines.” The power company B-Line Medical - Laerdal Company sponsored the Shimadzu School with simulation rooms and audio/video equipment. Chandler explained the impact of the recent merge of the B-Line - Laerdal Company. “B-Line is our corporate sponsor which means that we will be their beta test facility. With the geographical location [of Wichita Falls], the company wants to show clients what they did with [the university]. The company wants [MSU] to be on top because they want to use us as an example,” Chandler said. The simulation centers take up a majority of the

floor with realistic hospital rooms and mannequins serving different purposes. “There are eight beds on the second floor and sixteen on the third floor [with functioning models and mannequins].” These models range from junior boys to mature pregnant women. With four floors of labs, simulation centers and classrooms adding up to over 250 rooms and areas, Centennial Hall provides classes with the latest medical technology within its health science fields. Maggie Smith, an athletic training junior, said, “We have access to many new tools including a virtual anatomy table that gives the student a more comprehensive view of the human body which is something that is much more difficult to grasp in the classroom setting.” Students work in an interpersonal setting, allowing them to not only improve their health care training but also through patient-centered care. While the students will be impacted by Centennial Hall’s machinery, they will also be able to connect and work closely with other students in the health sciences. Smith said the new equipment and close convenience will allow the different health science departments to interact with one another. Smith said, “Specifically with my department of athletic training, we will have the ability to connect with the radiology department to increase the quality of patient care given by athletic trainers.” The equipment available provides the health science students with an experience that can assist them during their future professions. “What I love about [Centennial Hall] is that cutting edge equipment prepares you better so you will be a better job candidate,” Shipley said. Shipley continues comparing the new building’s technology to the kind offered in the mass communication department in the Fain College and explained how having access to the technology needed in their fields can potentially influence their qualifications. “[Students] will be better candidates for those jobs because [they] have good equipment to work with,” Shipley said. “You apply that to all of those professions; the students are all going to walk in

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN One of many simulation dummies in the nursing wing of Centennial Hall Oct. 1.

[to their professions] and be better qualified. It’s not all about the buildings but it can make a big difference.” Craig said she agrees that the equipment will better qualify her for her future. “This new equipment gives us the opportunity to use equipment that we will see when we go into clinical and when we graduate,” Craig said. Students will be put in real-life scenarios alongside their peers, allowing them to work in an environment that requires teamwork and gives handson experience. Killion said, “This building is advanced, and students will learn on the latest technology. This will prepare students for their professions, providing interdisciplinary skills; the key is to live and learn as a team. This kind of experience will allow the students to provide a better service for the community.”

H OM E C OM I N G

AMOS PERKINS REPORTER

17-15 in a tight 3-point contest that left fans on the edge of their seats. Jones beat asketball season kicked off with the out Jalin Brown (No.4), forward and marannual Mustang Madness event, keting sophomore, 10-6 to qualify for the hosted by Keith Domino, football finals. Cathcart earned her spot by outduplayer and economics senior. The feseling Corbiyana Wingfield (No.3), guard tivities began with a performance by the and junior, 5-4. band while the cheer team entertained Derrick Herrick (No.10), guard and the crowd with tricks and stunts. kinesiology redshirt freshman, won the men’s dunk contest by driving in from the 3-point line and executing a between the legs slam. This dunk was the only perfect score awarded by the judges. Daniel Mosley (No.0), forward and criminal justice freshman, came in second place with an off the bounce reverse slam and a honey dip dunk. The other two men to compete in the dunk contest were Brown and Evan McCarthy (No.23), guard and undecided freshman. Brown achieved a score of 22 with an off the bounce self alley-oop and a leaning windmill. McCarthy scored a 25 by dunking despite his relatively small stature. Six students were pulled from the stands to compete in a dizzy-bat contest. Contestants had to spin around a PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN bat several times and then make a free throw in order to win. With the stuKinesiology sophomore and guard Derrick Herrick jumps for a dunk at the Mustang dents in the stands cheering on, Team Madness dunk competition. 2 won by a hair. The women came out wearing teal jer- ting on their own miniature dunk contest The Prancettes dance team capped off seys in honor of Noel Johnson, head wom- and the girls showing off their accurate the nights festivities by entertaining the en’s basketball coach, who suffers from 3-point shooting. Domino contributed to remaining crowd with a choreographed ovarian cancer. the fun by providing his own commentary dance routine. Many athletes and stuBoth the men’s and women’s teams during the warm-ups. were introduced to the crowd with draTrae Jones (No.2), guard and business dents remained in the coliseum following matic nicknames attached to each of their sophomore, defeated Elizabeth Cathcart the performance to mingle and get exnames. As each player was introduced, (No.43), forward and marketing senior, cited for the upcoming basketball season.

they took a moment to strike a pose for the crowd. Leroy McIlhaney, Mustangs superfan, was announced to the crowd as “Director of Basketball Operations.” The lively crowd met Leroy with emphatic applause and cheers. The basketball teams captivated the audience in warm-ups with the boys put-

Rea c t io n s COLLIN COOVERT, KINESIOLOGY SOPHOMORE | “I think it’s cool they went all out. I think [Mustang Madness] is a great chance for students to step out of their comfort zone and do something fun that they’ll remember.” NOEL JOHNSON, HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH | “It brings a great environment for a campus community and it’s [an opportunity] for our student athletes to bring people in.”

ELIZABETH CATHCART (NO.43), FORWARD AND MARKETING SENIOR | “I like to see everybody dancing. It’s just crazy that basketball is here.” TRE’VONNE BRADFORD, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SENIOR | “It was pretty good. It was pretty loud. I think next year will incorporate more of the competition between the two teams and more dance offs.”

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Mass communication senior and guard Darius Thompson leaps for a dunk at the Mustang Madness dunk competition.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY| THE WICHITAN

Junior guard Corbriyana Wingfield cheers with her teammates at Mustang Madness.

H OM E C OM I N G

LIGHTS. CAMERAS. AMOS PERKINS REPORTER

igon Coliseum was packed full of energetic students ready to dance, sing, compete and let loose. Some entertained with their athletic talents. Others showed off their creativity. More still, danced and sang from the stands and the gym floor. Homecoming festivities kicked off with the annual Lip Sync battle and Mustang Madness festivities Monday, Oct. 14. Eight school organizations competed in this year’s Lip Sync contest in the Coliseum surrounded by more than 100 students. Teams danced around the gymnasium, adorned in colorful costumes and touting handmade props. Performance themes ranged from ‘High School Musical’ to the Swedish pop band ‘ABBA.’ In between acts, the event’s hosts entertained the crowd with t-shirt throws, competitions and dances. Fans competed in rock-paper-scissors, raced to the gym floor, and out-leaped each other in the stands for a chance to bring home Mustang attire. The judges narrowed the competitor pool down to three acts: the Black Student Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Caribbean Student Organization, and Sigma Nu and Gamma Phi Beta. The BSU and NAACP put on an energetic

performance centered around the classic film, ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ Students dressed up as the tinman, the cowardly lion, Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of the West. CSO mouthed along to the words of ‘The Greatest Showman’ soundtrack with each performer outfitted as one of the film’s characters. The energetic audience sang and clapped along to each song as CSO pranced around the gym. The singing continued as the Sigma Nu and Gamma Phi Beta members put on a musical demonstration based on the movie ‘Mama Mia.’ The audience sang and danced to the Greek Life soundtrack which consisted of songs by pop-band ‘ABBA.’ Other performances included a ‘Grease’ themed act that had the crowd dancing along, a ‘High School Musical’ performance that had the students in the stands laughing throughout, a well-choreographed dance set to the soundtrack of ‘The Jungle Book,’ and a ‘Moana’ themed performance full of colorful costumes and audience engagement. The cheer team capped off the night with a tribute to ‘Pitch Perfect’ that was full of acrobatic stunts. The winner of Lip Sync will be announced Friday night after the three finalists compete a final time.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Chi Omega and Kapa Sigma member dances at the Lip Sync Oct 14.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Exercise physiology freshman Eurtis Downs dances in front of the crowd at Mustang Madness.

FINAL THREE:

Black Student Union/NAACP, Caribbean Student Organization and Sigma Nu/Gamma Phi Beta

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON| THE WICHITAN

Caribbean Student Organization member performs to music from ‘The Greatest Showman’ in the Lip Sync contest.

A DAY I N T H E L I FE

‘My kids are my motivation’

PHOTO BY KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD |THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD | THE WICHITAN

Lacey Grimes, psychology junior, with her son Xander.

Lacey Grimes, psychology junior, with her son Xander and daughter Analicia. KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD REPORTER

t’s 6 a.m. and while most students are sound asleep, her day has just begun. The sweet and tender voices of small children fill her ears forcing her eyes to partially open to a sun-filled room. She slowly takes in deep breaths as she mentally prepares for a new day full of surprises. Lacey Grimes, psychology junior, is not only a part-time student but a mother of two children. Analicia, her four-year-old daughter, and Xander, her one-year-old son, are the reasons for Grimes’s dedication to finishing school. “My kids are my motivation. After getting pregnant at 19, I knew that I had to make changes in my life because there was now someone depending on me,” Grimes said. “I know that with this degree I can give my children a better life than I ever had, so I cannot afford to fail.” Grimes currently takes 10 class hours while working two jobs. She works at Maximus as a dancer once a week and serves as a bartender at Red Robin four times a week. Grimes said she focuses on one day at a time and tries her best to balance all her responsibilities as a student and mother. “Though parenting alone makes going to school a lot harder, I have learned to

PHOTO COURTESY OF LACEY GRIMES

Lacey Grimes, psychology junior, with her son Xander and daughter Analicia. compartmentalize my responsibilities by focusing on one day at a time,” Grimes said. “I set time aside strictly for course work and studying, but I also try to set time aside to do fun activities with my kids because they are my priority.” Grimes said she has to keep two jobs just to afford school and her living expenses, and even with the help of FAFSA, she still has to come out of pocket for school. “I get a small amount of money from FAFSA and a grant for my grades, but since I go to school part-time I only get half of the money, so I have to pay at least 1,000 dollars each semester,” Grimes said. Despite having little to no help from her family, Grimes has maintained a 3.7 GPA and looks forward to getting her license as a professional counselor so she can work at an in-patient rehab center to help those who battle with addiction turn their lives around.

“I have a little help from my family, but not that much,” Grimes said. “My baby daddy’s mother watches my son while I’m at school, but I have to pay my mom to watch them when I have to go to work. Their father helps on the weekends sometimes, but I really do a lot on my own.” Grimes said she struggles with getting a full night’s rest and normally receives three to six hours of sleep every night, from working late nights and finding time to study. Grimes describes a normal day for her as never being “normal” and because of her kids, she experiences a very different lifestyle than before she had children. “It’s really hard sometimes and most days I’d rather stay in bed and sleep,” she said. “But I know in the end it will be worth it.” Since her schedule leaves her little time for extra activities, Grimes is not involved on campus and she feels like she doesn’t get

the true college experience. “I barely have time to study or sleep, so I don’t have any extra time to get involved in organizations, but that’s okay,” said Grimes. “I am only here for an education, so missing out on a few parties or opportunities to make new friends doesn’t bother me. I have done enough of that in my life and I have plenty of friends.” Outside of school and work, Grimes focuses on spending time with her kids. She said her favorite thing to do is inspire them. “My kids are the reason I work so hard in school and at work, so it’s important that we have time together to build our relationship,” she said. “I try to make sure I inspire their minds and allow them to be free and creative. We spend a lot of time traveling to new cities, going to science museums, baking and doing arts and crafts. The smile on their face always makes my days brighter, and it reminds me to stay on track.” Grimes said no matter how tough things may get, she refuses to quit. “Giving up isn’t an option for me,” she said. “If I feel like giving up I just imagine where I’d be without this opportunity and it keeps me going. I want my kids to eventually live in a nice house and be granted opportunities that I never had.”

Secular Sobriety

Vinson offers healthy boost to campus VHC IS LOCATED INSIDE THE WELLNESS CENTER AND IS OPEN MON.-FRI. FROM 7:45 A.M. UNTIL 4:30 P.M.

JERI MOORE REPORTER

pilot program for a more secular version of Alcoholics Anonymous, years in the making from conception to implementation, has made its appearance on campus this fall. The counseling center, a third party and various staff members have made this a possibility through campus affiliation. Aggregate information concerning meetings is to be provided to the college so that they can know the extent to which the program is being utilized without identifying individual student participants. Matthew Park, associate vice president and dean of students, said there will not be a sign in or attendance sheet to protect the privacy of participants. “Within all of those areas, there are certain limitations,” Park said. “If there is a legitimate threat to someone’s health or safety, there’s pretty much obligations that that information has got to be reported.” Although this is an alcoholics anonymous type of program, there’s not a higher power for prayers. It’s open to all students, employees and the general population. The only requirement is the desire to stop drinking. “It’s secular in the sense that it’s open to any students regardless of their beliefs so that it can be truly inclusive in that way,” Park said. Keith Lamb, vice president for student affairs, is pleased that this is a resource the university can offer the community. He feels that the secular part of the program was appropriate for the student population and inclusive of all religious beliefs. “If anyone [students] is harassed or singled out because of their participation they would be protected under the university’s code of student conduct,” Lamb said. “We would certainly initiate disciplinary proceedings against any individuals who are targeting them.” Meetings are once a week, they serve coffee and sweets, and have a community mindset. All levels of sobriety are welcome. If a person is worried about having to attend meetings alone or needs help getting to meetings they can contact a third associated party through the offices of Mathew Park or the counseling center. The step work and “higher power” are optional. Prayer isn’t required and reading materials are secular. Although focused on alcohol, other addictions are welcome to attend. It has been emphasized that a student doesn’t have to be alone and meeting outside of the program is also possible.

PHOTO BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN

This exam room is specialized for taking x-rays of students.

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN SILVA | THE WICHITAN

Medical Director Keith Williamson smiles in an exam room Sept. 23. | Front of Vinson Health Center. KRISTIN SILVA MANAGING EDITOR he Vinson Health Center is an on-campus doctor’s office that caters solely to students. Part of the student fee that is paid alongside tuition goes toward the VHC so students have a place to be treated when they are sick or injured without to pay a co-pay upfront. It offers treatment and medication for various illnesses, dislocated and/or broken bones, vision, gynecology, blood work and tests for STIs to all students. Medical Director Keith Williamson said, “For students, [we are] available and affordable. I’m more accessible for students who can’t see their normal primary physician. The last thing I want to do is get in between an established patient-physician relationship, but if they want to come see me they are welcome to. Everyone is welcome.” Just like a normal doctor’s office, students must make an appointment to be seen unless it’s an emergency. Williamson said he worked for two years as an emergency room doctor and he will call an ambulance for students who come to the office with emergency issues. “Those [emergencies] need to be evaluated in a setting where they [doctors] can do stabilization,” Williamson said. “If you’re having a heart attack, you need to go to the emergency room. If you run up to the desk saying, ‘I have chest pain and shortness of breath,’ we’re calling an ambulance because 99% of these cases could be nothing, but 1% could die if we keep them here. If someone came in here spurting arterial blood, of course we’re going to help them, keep them stabilized and call an ambulance.” Williamson has broad experiences in the medical field because he has trained with different specialized doctors over the course of his life. “I can do medicine, infectious disease, management of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, preventative services, skin surgery, gynecologic services,” Williamson said. “I used to deliver babies, and I haven’t done pediatric services in a long time, but I have

[experience] with it.” During cold and flu season, walk-ins are welcomed. “We do walk-ins a couple of times a week and with those, it’s firstcome, first-serve,” Williamson said. “We only start those during cold and flu season. The reason for that is because we studied it, and we did a walk-in clinic in September and October and nobody came.” Williamson said if a patient needs medication, a prescription is written at the appointment and it can be taken to a pharmacy of the student’s choice. KJ Mowry, art senior, said she has not been to the VHC because she didn’t know it was offered, but now that she knows, she wants to check it out. “We don’t have great insurance,” Mowry said. “We pay out of pocket for sick appointments, so I pay probably $120 per appointment. We get big things covered, but not appointments for something like a virus. This keeps me from going to the doctor if I don’t think I need medication.” The convenience of it being on campus and that it’s provided just for students is what Mowry said makes it worth-while for a student to visit when they are feeling sick. “They’re [VHC] just seeing college students at MSU,” Mowry said. “If they’ve seen five students with the flu and another one comes in with the same symptoms, they’ll be able to say, ‘the flu has been going around the dorms, you have this strand,’ and immediately be able to treat it. It’s a good stop for students. I’d definitely go now that I know about it.” Trevor Carlton, nursing junior, said he tried to use the VHC once when he had the flu, but it was too full for him to get in so he had to go elsewhere to get treatment. “I went to get treated for the flu, but they said it would take three days to get back to me,” Carlton said. “They said they had other appointments ahead of me. Medicine for the flu is only useful if you catch it within the first two days.”

SP ORT S R E C A P I N P H OTOS

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Dental hygiene sophomore and pitcher Kathryn Wells pitches against Claredon College Oct. 15. | Elementary education junior and pitcher Jacey Henry stretches out to throw a pitch against Clarendon College. Head coach Mark Ryal said, “We’ve got eight transfers. We’re just trying build a lot of continuity. Our continuity is our greatest strength right now.”

PHOTOS BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Education junior Sarah Glawe celebrates a scored point after UTPB hits the ball out-of-bounds. | Political science freshman Janiya Chapman jumps for a shot. | Computer science freshman Savanna Dodson jumps for a smash over the net.

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