MTSU
SIDELINES
2// 05 // 2014 E D I T O R I A L LY INDEPENDENT
Library policy in question Pg. 4 Fit food on a busy schedule Pgs. 6-7 Living with allergies Pgs. 12-13
Ebony Rowe: a record breaker Pg. 15
Residents say promises made, then broken Pgs. 10-11
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3 NEWS 6 A&E 10 COVER 12 Features 14 OPINIONS 15 SPORTS S T A F F
Emily West >> Editor-in-chief John Coulston >> Assistant A&E Editor
Amanda Gambill >> Managing editor Sam Brown >> Sports Editor
Quint Qualls >> News Editor Connor Grott >> Assistant Sports Editor
Daniel Jansouzian >> Assistant News Editor Robert Allen >> Opinions Editor Taylor Davis >> Assistant News Editor Laurel O’Neill >> Designer
Bailey Robbins >> Features Editor Cat Murphy >> Photo Editor
Claire Osburn >> Assistant A&E Editor
Noel Heath >> Assistant A&E and Features Editor
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Maranda Faris >> Copy Editor Leon Alligood >> Adviser
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NEWS Tips for cold winter By Daniel Jansouzian // Assistant news editor Flu season is running rampant in Tennessee, with 19 reported deaths in the region this winter, according to officials from Vanderbilt Medical Center. With wind advisories and temperatures below five degrees at a near constant, students have had to bundle up more than usual. Checking the temperature before heading out and staying indoors isn’t the only way to combat the wintry weather. Lisa Schrader, director of health education, shared some helpful tips to keeping as healthy as possible.
Expose little skin “The more heat the body is losing, the easier it is to contract an infectious disease,” Schrader said. Exposure can lead to frostnip or worse, frostbite, so covering feet, hands and faces with thick socks, gloves and hats is one of the most important things in protecting oneself, she said. “The farther away from the core of the body the easier it is for the body to lose heat,” Schrader emphasized.
Daily Preparation Schrader maintained that checking the weather every morning is important to ensure a student is prepared for the condition changes throughout the day. She said uploading the smartphone WeatherBug app would be helpful.
Students bundle up as they walk to class in the cold weather. Photo by Cat Murphy.
Before leaving, particularly for students living off campus, checking routine things such as drafts in the apartment is not only a health advantage, but a financial advantage because it could save money.
Avoid the flu According to Schrader, Tennessee has seen a spike in the pH1N1 virus this year, particularly among young people. According to the CDC, H1N1 has run rampant during the flu season, resulting in over 4,615 laboratory-confirmed hospitalizations between Oct. 1, 2013 and Jan. 18, 2014. Out of those nearly 5,000 cases, 61 percent of people affected were between the ages of 18 and 64.
“Particularly for commuter students, check your car. Add a blanket, water bottle for emergencies. Cars can break down. Make sure you are warm enough if you have to suffer the elements,” Schrader added.
The university is not exempt from the recent outbreak either. An early peak of influenza occurred on campus during the week of Dec. 7, 2013, according to Dr. Eric Clark, director of Student Health and Medical Services.
Krystal Smotherman, nursing major, said she prepares herself in the morning by wearing layers in case the weather gets warmer during the day and checking the weather when she gets up.
“Our numbers for January flu are still below December but I suspect over the next few weeks, they will start to increase,” Clark said.
“I warm my car up before I leave, get my gloves, hat and scarf,” she said.
Schrader said that it is important to stay
hydrated when the weather is dry, so drinking lots of fluids is a must.
Ways campus can help Some students also gave input into ways campus does or does not help with winter safety during cold weather. Lilly Jones, interdisciplinary studies major, said that she appreciates the library keeping the majority of the doors locked to prevent heat from escaping the building. Ariel Staples, recording industry major, said that it is helpful when student organizations give out free hot chocolate in the Student Union. According to Smotherman, construction has hindered her daily walk from her car to her classroom. Since the sidewalk has been blocked off due to roadwork she has to brave the cold longer than she normally would. However, both students agreed that the university is not as big as some campuses and is also comparatively flat,which helps while walking to their classes in freezing temperatures. Taylor Davis, assistant news editor, contributed to this report. To contact the news editor, email Quint Qualls at news@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
SIDELINES | Feb. 5, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com 3
Photo by Cat Murphy.
NEWS
Library policies raise concerns in English department By Daniel Jansouzian // Assistant News Editor The new checkout policy at the James E. Walker Library raised some concerns among students and faculty in the English department, resulting in meetings with library staff and a petition. The new policy will increase the amount of books undergraduates are allowed to check out at a time from 20 to 50 books, the same amount as graduate students. It also negates all late fees for books, allowing students to keep them for the whole semester. According to Christy Groves, director of library user services, the only charges to student accounts will be the purchase of the book after three weeks from the time the book is due. “Students are the most important group on campus,” Groves said. “What we are trying to do is be supportive of student research.” Groves also said that the policy is a response to past complaints, and they will work with people who are charged replacement fees. “It is not in anybody’s best interest to throw fines at people,” she said.
Members of the English department are concerned about the policy because it limits students in finding books for their research assignments. English professor Martha Hixon said that she believes students will check out more books at once and keep them out longer because of the new policy. “While I can see the rationales behind the policy changes, I also anticipate problems with the new system, and I think that people taking English classes are going to be adversely impacted to some degree, maybe a lot,” Hixon said. Sarah Gray-Panesi, English doctoral student and president of the English Graduate Student Organization, also has concerns over the new policy. “My first question when I heard about these policy changes was, ‘What population does this new policy serve?’” said Gray-Panesi. Hixon and Groves held a meeting Tuesday, Jan. 28, to discuss the issues at hand. Groves said that there are two options for students who need books that are already checked out. They can either use recall, a method in which
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the person who has the book is contacted, or interlibrary loan. Groves said interlibrary loan, a system in which Walker Library borrows books from other libraries, is the best option. She also that said the library is working on a way to start purchasing more copies of books with a high demand. “We just want to provide as quick access to necessary items as we can,” she said. Gray-Panesi said that a library should be circulating books in and out of availability over a period of time, but that this policy contradicts that concept. “To be sure, it was already possible for graduate students and faculty to keep books out through an entire semester via renewals,” she said. “But now, without the option of requesting a recall or hold, we are stripped of our only opportunity to lay claim to the text when the due date arrives. I, and everyone that I’ve worked with in the English department, have often had to wait several weeks, if not a month or more, for a text we need.”
David Lavery, an English professor who teaches predominantly graduate students, said that he is shocked by the decision because graduates are the heaviest users of the library, and they are being treated the same as undergraduates. He said that some graduate students started a petition with about 40 signatures to date. Groves said that multiple students do not request a certain book at the same time as often as one would think, and that circulation of books is down, but the library is always available for access. Brandon Brown, senior English major, said he isn’t working on a research project this semester, but for students doing research the policy doesn’t seem fair. “Books should be available as a resource for student,” he said. “A semester is way too long.” To contact the news editor, email Quint Qualls at news@mtusidelines. com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instgram @ mtsusidelines and sidelines_news.
Crime Briefs TRAFFIC Alumni Drive Jan. 29, 11:11 p.m. Authorities arrested Akil Wordlaw, 19, for driving on a suspended license and careless driving. DRUGS Lyon Hall Jan. 29, 7:59 p.m. Authorities responded to a complaint of drugs in a dorm room. No drugs were found and the matter was referred to Judicial Affairs for further action. DRUGS Scarlett Commons Apartment 3 Jan. 29, 5:21 p.m. Authorities investigated a complaint of
marijuana being smoked, however no drugs were found. The matter was referred to Judicial Affairs for further action. TRAFFIC Cope Administration Building Jan. 29, 2:51 p.m. A complainant reported witnessing a hit and run crash in the parking lot of the Cope Administration Building. VANDALISM Greenhouse Lot Jan. 28, 4:13 p.m. Authorities responded to a report of vandalism at the Greenhouse Lot. TRAFFIC Normal Way Jan. 22, 6:06 p.m. Witness reported observing one vehicle
NEWS
strike another and then leave the scene. ASSAULT Bell Street Jan. 28, 10:06 a.m. Authorities investigated an aggravated assault that arose out of a hit-and-run accident on Jan. 27. The victim reported that the offender drove a vehicle toward her and made contact with her legs before leaving the scene.
THEFT Campus Recreation Center Jan. 27, 2:24 p.m. Complainant reported that some of his belongings were stolen from the Rec. Center. THEFT James E. Walker Library Jan. 27, 10:23 a.m. A complainant reported that his laptop was stolen from the second floor of the library.
CONFUSED ABOUT THE NEW HEALTH CARE LAW? WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Just come to one of our meetings. There are no obligations. We’ll answer all your questions and walk you through how to find a plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace that’s right for you. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how you might be able to get cost savings that could significantly lower your monthly payment.
ATTEND A COMMUNITY MEETING FEB 6, MAR 5 & MAR 13 at 12 p.m. FEB 18 at 5 p.m. Rosenwald Community Center 565 Mason Tucker Dr., Smyrna, TN 37167 To find more community meetings in your area, visit bcbst.com/KnowNow ©BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Health Insurance Marketplace. TN-0000963635
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A&E
Fit foods for busy lives By Noel Heath // Assistant A&E and Features Editor
Photos by Amanda Gambill.
Juggling a hectic class schedule, friends and odd jobs can make the average college student put healthy eating on the back burner. The trouble is, fast-food runs and sugary sodas only increase the brain fog and stress we build up by constantly being on the move. In addition to making daily exercise and sleep a priority — naps are a must — these healthy treats can up your focus and give you the energy to take on the world.
Rising Right Early classes and work are often paired with hitting snooze multiple times, which means a lack of breakfast. A healthy start is crucial to get through the day and skipping breakfast could mean dozing off in class later. Yogurt mixed with honey and granola, fruit with a bagel and cream cheese and peanut butter-coated bananas are all quick grab options to make sure you start the day eating right. One delicious option to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients is with a “green� smoothie. Once you have a blender, supercharging your breakfast is as easy as 1-2-3. 1) Pick your base: Green tea is great for energy, coconut water for hydration and athletic performance or simple purified water. Natural fruit juices can be good to make your drink sweet. 2) Pick your greens: Kale, spinach and chard are all super greens that keep your mind alert all day. Add some of one ... or all three. 3) Pick your fruits: 1-2 cups of any fruit combination makes for a delicious, sippable breakfast. You can supercharge these smoothies by adding vitamins and protein or super foods like spirulina, chia seeds or cacao. A spoonful of honey or agave nectar will add a sugary top note for sweet teeth.
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A&E Sweet Snacks For those that need a pick-me-up between meals, several quick nutritious options are available to keep you full and focused. If you’ve never introduced hummus into your diet, snack time is a great way to start. Rich in protein, healthy fats and minerals, it’s great to dip or spread on pretty much anything. Pitas, peppers, wheat crackers, carrots and celery are tasty when smeared with roasted garlic, basil or jalapeno hummus. If you’re more into sweet snacks, try wheat graham crackers coated with either hazelnut or almond butter spread with bananas on top. It tastes like dessert, but gives you a quick boost of protein, potassium and healthy grains.
Exciting Entrees Going out for dinner is usually way more convenient than staying in and firing up the stove, but it can be costly for your wallet and your body. Instead of hitting Taco Bell, try making your own organic bean and brown rice burrito. For a unique tasty wrap, fill a whole-wheat pita with your favorite flavor hummus, lettuce, tomato, yogurt and strawberries. If you’re more adept in the kitchen, options like Mediterranean turkey burgers with pesto and feta or baked bell peppers stuffed with brown rice, beans, corn and organic salsa are fun to make and delicious to eat.
Green Groceries In Murfreesboro, natural food shopping is easier than we may think. The Rutherford County Farmer’s Market operates from 1 to 4 p.m. at the city square every Saturday and has everything from fresh produce to beautifully cut flowers. Pa Bunk’s Natural Cafe on the square offers local and organic grocery options for everyone, even the strictest gluten-free and vegan diets. The Sunshine Nutrition Center on Church Street has a great juice bar and cafe, as well as natural groceries, produce and fresh bakery items. Stop making excuses and start treating your body the way it deserves. To contact the A&E editor, email Claire Osburn at ae@mtsusidelines. com. Like us on Facebook and follow us Twitter and Instagram @ mtsusidelines and @sidelines_ae.
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A&E
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
“That Awkward Moment” when your comedy isn’t funny By Brad Belemjian // Staff writer Take a moment to reflect on your favorite romantic comedies and what made them special. “Jerry Maguire,” “Crazy Stupid Love” or “You’ve Got Mail” may come to mind. But what about these films make them instantly memorable and worthy of multiple viewings? Characters. Every single one of these movies has relatable characters with flaws, quirks, motivations and personalities that make the viewer wish they could live in this alternate universe with these people that feel real. “That Awkward Moment,” however, cannot grasp this concept of fleshed out characters with realistic reactions to everyday situations. This film is a prime example of wasted talent. It stars cinematic upand-comers Zac Efron (“Parkland”), Michael B. Jordan (“Fruitvale Station”) and Miles Teller (“The Spectacular Now”). The plot revolves around three best friends who make a pact to stay single, all the while actively seeking out women throughout the entirety of the 94-minute runtime. Although the chemistry among the trio is evident by how much fun they’re having, it’s a shame their laughter isn’t reciprocated by the audience. And that’s the critical flaw with this R-rated comedy: it’s just not funny. A few jokes in the beginning of the film that hint towards potential for a solid, raunchy, romantic comedy, but the iron fist of the screenwriters, who recycle jokes throughout the entire movie, swiftly crushes those optimistic thoughts.
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More issues arise once the audience learns what these gentlemen do for a living in New York City. Two of them work for a publishing company that designs book covers and the other works as an emergency room doctor. There is no possible way that a 25-year-old emergency room doctor has the time, or energy, to hang out with his buddies every night. Even if he is at work, he is either talking on the phone with his pals or having friendly relations with random women in check-up rooms. Unrealistic situations like this plague the realm of believability that breaks immersion and cohesion. While the writing may be inept, the actors do all they can to make “That Awkward Moment” a good time. Everyone, especially the excellent Teller, makes up for a lacking script with infectious charisma. They do all they can to prevent this ship from sinking, but all they can do is shoot a flare and hope for the best. “That Awkward Moment” is the kind of raunchy rom-com that exists for the sake of existing. The film breathes no new life into the genre, yet it does not take anything away from it either. Quick glimpses of potential are what make this film that much more of a disappointment. Efron, Jordan and Teller are enjoyable to watch, until the script becomes so aggressively cliche and nonsensical that no amount of charisma can mask its wretched odor. To contact the A&E editor, email Claire Osburn at ae@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines and @sidelines_ae.
A&E
Upcoming TV shows to warm up with Five reasons you should stay indoors By Claire Osburn // A&E Editor Follow her on Twitter @sidelines_ae
spoilers ahead As the cold winter air lingers like a bad hangover, the memories of beers by the pool seem far away. So, while we eagerly await the return of sunshine and bare feet, we’ll just have to get by with a little help from our friends: Frank Underwood, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Tosh, Jon Snow and Don Draper. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
“House of Cards” Feb. 14 Netflix
When we last saw Senator Frank Underwood, he was cleaning up his Russo mess and plotting to take the vice president seat. If the season two preview is any indication, we have an even more ruthless Underwood to look forward to. With his Lady Macbeth by his side, corruption has never looked so good. Prepare to binge watch on Netflix Feb. 14. Happy Valentine’s Day to you.
Late Night TV Feb. 17 & Feb. 24 NBC
With Jay Leno stepping down from the beloved Tonight Show, it’s only right that someone with street cred, comedy chops and musical taste takes over. Enter Jimmy Fallon. Starting Feb. 17 on NBC, Fallon’s talent will finally be on prime time — best house band on late night TV, The Roots, included. Taking over for Fallon on Late Night will be fellow SNL alum Seth Meyers. You can catch the former Weekend Updater and head SNL writer starting Feb. 24 on NBC.
“Tosh.0” Feb. 18 Comedy Central
Our favorite sarcasm expert returns to Comedy Central with his sixth season Feb. 18. When we last saw Daniel Tosh, he was still cracking us up with his debauchery, rude comments and lack of inhibitions. Lucky for us, the comedian has been renewed to our screens for at least another three seasons, reminding us just how great the Internet can be.
“Game of Thrones” April 6 HBO
When we were last in Westeros, Jaime Lannister had returned home, the Stark family had been torn in two and Daenerys Targaryen was on the warpath, dragons in tow. When the ultimate fantasy series returns to HBO on April 6, we can expect even more fight, lust and betrayal than before. If two months is too long to wait to see our favorite medieval leading ladies and gents, check out season four’s trailer, soundtracked by songstress Chelsea Wolfe’s chilling “Feral Love.”
“Mad Men” April 13 AMC
AMC’s best anti-hero since Heisenberg returns with his final season April 13. When we last left off, lovelorn Peggy had been dissed, the agency was making big moves and Don was crashing head first into his demons: booze, his past and women. His forced leave of absence and seeming acceptance of his issues foreshadow a new man come season seven. But, can the old-fashioned swilling, repressed, womanizer really change?
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COVER
Aspen Heights: not what was promised, residents say By Quint Qualls and E.R. West // News Editor and Editor-in-chief
they expect me to walk up there “ Itoguess [the model house] to use the bathroom every time. I went up there and asked the management, ‘Are we refugees or residents?’ -Tony Rowland Tony Rowland has not had running water in his Aspen Heights apartment for more than a week due to frozen pipes, yet the MTSU junior said his landlord has still billed him for using more water than tenants are allowed under the rental agreement. In fact, Rowland and his roommates have received overage charges of about $120 every billing cycle since moving in last October. Complaints by Rowland and others led to the discovery that Aspen Heights did not install water meters at every apartment/ house in the complex, which has a capacity of about 750 students. Rowland said he’s being charged for his neighbor’s use of too much water. After near zero temperatures froze the pipes in Rowland’s unit, the management’s
solution was to give him access to water in the complex’s model house. “If I want to use the bathroom in my own house, I have to get hose water and put it in the back of the toilet to flush it,” Rowland said. “I guess they expect me to walk up there to [the model house] to use the bathroom every time. I went up there and asked the management, ‘Are we refugees or residents?’” Aspen Heights, off Rutherford Boulevard, is a new student living development that advertises itself as a posh, but affordable alternative to other off-campus residences. The units do not look like apartments. Instead, Aspen Heights, which has complexes in eight college towns, models its units like single family homes you would find in an upscale
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subdivision. Rents are slightly higher than other college apartment complexes in town. Murfreesboro is not the only place where student tenants are complaining. Aspen Heights residents in another state have taken issue with the Austin, Texas-based company. Part of the attraction is that utilities at Aspen Heights are incorporated into the rent – to an extent. According to a lease agreement Sidelines has reviewed there is a $30 cap for electricity and a $12 cap for water and sewer. Any amount beyond that is billed as an overage. The bill for Rowland’s residence for December included a $123 utilities overage charge; however, this wasn’t split between him and his three roommates.
Each resident was required to pay $123, in essence making it a $492 bill for utilities overages.
Tenants and parents seek answers Theories abound concerning the steep utility bills. Paramount among them is subpar and hasty construction work. “As a parent I have to express my extreme displeasure,” said Ingrid Rowland, Tony Rowland’s mother. “I’m hearing about units that are not even insulated correctly. [The builders] were in a hurry; they had to fill leases that had been in place since way before these units were built. They were on a time frame trying to get these units up so they could get tenants in because my son had to live somewhere else until his home was ready.” Another freshman resident, Kristabella Hargis, moved in Jan.
4. After taking a semester off, she started college this semester as an occupational therapy major. She was looking forward to her new living situation until the frigid polar vortex arrived. “My pipes froze the first I moved here,” Hargis said. “Now I am having to drive back from Cookeville every day to go to school or to just brush my teeth because they can’t fix it.” Aspen Heights management told her the pipes would have to unfreeze naturally. Out of the 31 days in January, she and her roommate have not had water for 15. Of those days, the girls were put up in a hotel room for only two nights. “Everything goes wrong and they play innocent,” Hargis said. “Every time you go into their office, someone is upset or filing a complaint. I thought living here would be nice, and they made it seem that way on the outside.” A recent graduate, Taylor Pinner, moved out. He cannot afford to pay the overages plus rent, especially without having a job yet. “I’m not really there that much. I just know it’s ridiculous to have to keep my heat on 70 and freeze to death and have a $100 overage charge,” Pinner said. “I stay with my fiance because I’m so freakin’ tired of that place. Last month we were overcharged $40-something and $96 this month. None of my roommates were there the month of December, and November we were hardly there either.” Pinner is at a loss for what to do, and he is not sure what is causing the overage problems. Stuart Watkins, public relations director for Aspen Heights, confirmed that corporate is
working to alleviate the problems in Murfreesboro and that more details will be forthcoming. “At this time Aspen Heights has collaborated with the city of Murfreesboro and found a solution to the heightened utility charges as it relates to specific units,” he said. “In an upcoming Aspen Heights announcement, we will provide details on reimbursement and the process to submit appropriate payment for utilities.” As of press time, Aspen Heights had not released their plan.
Aspen Heights experiences issues throughout the region Five hundred miles away, in Columbia, Mo., residents of another Aspen Heights development are experiencing many of the same problems. The complex has more than 900 residents attending the University of Missouri. Similar to the problems in Murfreesboro, residents experienced later movein dates than promised in the lease, utility overages and issues with management listening to their concerns. Parents Steve Pizzolota and Kenny Thornton both have students who experienced these problems at the Columbia property. Both students had late move-in times and have had utility overages from October through January. “My daughter showed me her utility bill was nearly $300 after one of the first months living there,” Pizzolota said. “We hadn’t had the cold snap yet. We came back from break and saw utility bills from when our kids were gone from $500 to $800 dollars. Aspen told them to reduce thermostat, but the upstairs was boiling and the downstairs was
COVER
freezing.” Thornton’s son’s bill from Nov. 18 through Dec. 11 was $552.73, to be divided with his roommates. The amount only increased for the Dec. 11 through Jan. 15 billing statement totaling up to $700.87. Pizzolota had similar findings with his daughter’s Dec. 11 through Jan. 15 billing statement, which was almost an $200 overage. “My son and his other three roommates left the first week of December,” Thornton said. “There is no way that is possible for the bill to be high even with a cold snap. Plus, the water line during Christmas burst and flooded half of the first floor, which is where my son’s bedroom is. In fixing it, they left a burn mark on the floor, which I bet they tack on a fee for that, too.” In response to these problems, the parents in Missouri created a parent group and Facebook page to voice their frustrations and band together to express their problems with the housing managers. The group has almost 200 parents and students out of the complex on their page, which was created at the end of July.
heightened utility costs besides extreme weather, and we will be addressing those factors in the very near future.”
The newsletter acknowledged that some of the problems could be related to houses needing additional weatherproofing with others needing heating systems that need adjustment or replacing.
"Everything goes wrong and they play innocent. every time you go into their office, someone is upset or filing a complaint. I thought living there would be nice, and they made it seem that way on the outside.” -Kristabella Hargis Their complex also completed a property-wide audit to identify which units are working extra to heat the homes. Ultimately, Thornton and his group want two main resolutions: a month-bymonth lease and the November overages erased. “The regional manager has finally sent that on to corporate,” Thornton said. “We just want out of here.”
According to an email blast sent to all residents, the cap for utilities will now be at $75 for the “winterpeak months,” and students will be reimbursed for overage charges through the form of gift cards. They are not sure what type of gift cards yet.
However, more than 20 residents in Murfreesboro have already contacted parent Venus Niner for legal aid. Any residents seeking legal advice or help can visit NinerLaw.com and click on the “Aspen Heights Tenant Info Sheet” link, Niner said.
“This utility cap was our immediate solution for the higher utility fees resulting from extreme cold temperatures throughout the Midwest and the United States,” the Columbia Aspen Heights’ email blast stated. “With that being said, we recognize that there are multiple factors that could be contributing to the
“Even if they fix everything, people have been hurt,” Niner said. To contact the news editor, email Quint Qualls at news@ mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines and @sidelines_new.
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FEATURES
‘You can still do it’ Bailey Robbins // Features Editor Lindsay Frierson // Contributing Writer Briana Vito’s life was radically transformed with one phone call a little less than a year ago. “The day [the doctor] called me, they left me a message that [said], ‘Ms. Vito, you have to call us back,” she recalled. “And I’m thinking to myself, ‘What is going on? What happened?’” In a panic, she quickly returned the call. “They [said], ‘Ms. Vito, you need to get a piece of paper and a pen,’” she remembered. ‘“We need to tell you all of the things you’re allergic to.’” And so, Vito had to eliminate common foods, such as shrimp, cod, walnuts, soy, milk, egg whites, corn and wheat from her diet. “It hit hard for me when I ... found out I was allergic to all that stuff,” the 21-year-old said. “I’ve never been allergic to these things in my entire life. I didn’t even know how to start.”
After her arrival at UTC, Vito gave birth to Brayden. Soon after the birth, she began to have major complications. She went to the doctor and discovered she was having appendicitis for the second time, a “one in five million chance” occurrence considering she already had her appendix removed a little more than a year earlier. “The infection spread from the location of where my appendix was, through my stomach,” she said. “And I ended up having to withdraw from UTC because I had to get half my stomach taken out.” Despite all of the complications, Vito continued to push on. So, she and her Brayden packed up their belongings and made the journey back home to Nashville on a Greyhound bus. Upon returning to Nashville, Vito immediately started working a fulltime job to make ends meet, but her grandmother urged her to re-enroll in school.
Perseverance before the allergies
So, she worked to raise enough money for school, and her grandmother helped with the rest. By the time Vito started at MTSU last spring 2013, her grandmother had died.
Life for the Nolensville native hasn’t been easy. Raised by her grandmother, Judith, she learned the importance of perseverance.
“After that happened it was like pushing on for myself,” Vito said, choking up with the tears welling in her eyes.
“My mom was never there. My dad died when I was really young, and I had never gotten to meet him at all,” she said. “There was points in my life where I wasn’t going to make it, and my grandma was like, ‘You can.’”
The allergies
This instilled optimism kept Vito strong after learning she would be having her son, Brayden, her senior year of high school. During this time, Judith continued to encourage her to remain in school, apply to colleges and go to work. She applied to several different schools, and after being accepted to all of them all, she chose University of Chattanooga.
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Soon after Judith’s death, she began to have unexplained stomach pains. Despite having a CAT scan, MRI and ultrasound of her stomach, all the tests came back perfect. “I made them do everything,” she said. Even an allergy test that she “didn’t believe would do anything.” Yet, now her shopping list has been significantly cut in half since her allergy diagnosis. Vito continues to push onward, metaphorically and literally, with her shopping cart.
FEATURES She attempts to eat organic foods, gluten-free bread, vegetables and fruit; however, her allergy does not deter her from eating the very things she has been asked to eliminate. “I’m not going eat things that don’t taste good to me,� Vito said. For the most part, she explained that her busy lifestyle narrows her options. Working two jobs at Cope Administration Building and Two Bits Bar in Nashville, going to school full time and having now three-yearold, she has to make sacrifices and eat what she shouldn’t. “There’s some things I’ve totally cut out because they tear up my stomach,� Vito said with a sour face. “I haven’t been able to distinguish what foods give me hives and what foods tear up my stomach.� She still continues to eat unavoidable foods like wheat, and occasionally takes a chance and eats at what used to be her favorite restaurant, Taco Stand, located on San Louis in Nashville. “I definitely pay for it bad really, really bad,� Vito laughed. Her allergies are still new to her, and she is still trying to figure out how to cope.
Illustrations by Laurel O’Neill.
Beyond the food She chooses to focus on her future rather than her rocky past and allergies. Motivated by her late grandmother and professors, the criminal justice major aspires to be a lawyer and advocate, particularly for young people. “I don’t want to be a teacher, I don’t want to sit in a classroom and teach just a classroom of kids. I want to stand on a stage and make a difference,� she said. Vito plans to open a law firm in Davidson County, Rutherford County or somewhere in Tennessee. She hopes to make young people aware about governor’s elections, women’s rights, how political elections work and how to have a voice. “I want to be that person that they can come to or call,� Vito explained. “I want to show people and my son that you don’t have to be afraid of life.� To contact the features editor, email Bailey Robbins at features@ mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines.
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OPINIONS A Murfreesboro of the future By Nicholas Ferran // Contributing writer Murfreesboro has found itself at a crossroads. The direction it chooses will either take the city to incredible new heights or trap it stuck in the past, causing it to fall behind in economic and social prosperity. Murfreesboro should embrace mixed-use urban development rather than stick with low density, single-use, suburban development it has used for several decades. Mixed-use development means having different “uses” within a living complex, such as apartment units above retail stores and restaurants. This style is similar to what is used in Manhattan and other major metropolis around the globe. The importance of embracing mixed-use development cannot be emphasized enough. Housing tastes for the country’s two largest demographics, millennials and baby boomers, are changing quickly. Both groups prefer housing that supports the ability to live, work and play in the same area. Mixed-use development offers this type of lifestyle and has made cities of similar size to
14 SIDELINES | Feb. 5, 2014 | www.mtsusidelines.com
Murfreesboro vibrant centers of economic and cultural activity. Murfreesboro is poised to support mixed-use development. The town square is full of history, unique shops and restaurants. The university is filled with more than 23,000 millennials who will be making career and housing choices in the coming years. In addition, the city continues to grow, with a projection of more than 127,000 people by 2019, up from around 118,000 today. If the city does not embrace mixed-use development, it will continue to expand outwardly.
the fastest growing in the country, businesses will continue to look to the middle Tennessee region for growth. Murfreesboro has a chance to outcompete neighboring cities in attracting businesses, young professionals and entrepreneurs. Murfreesboro is particularly ahead of the curb in this respect because of the university. The school’s sizable student population represents the type of talent the city seeks to attract and retain to bring businesses in. By promoting more mixed-use urban development, the city is more likely to retain students after they graduate.
Outward expansion creates more than just lengthy commutes; it is also an inefficient use of taxpayer money. With suburban development, the city must build a lot of infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, to service the widely dispersed populous.
Murfreesboro has an opportunity to outcompete economically and culturally. The only way that can happen is by harnessing the city’s current strengths and keeping them growing with mixed-use development leading the way.
However, with urban mixed-use development, one street can serve the same amount of people as hundreds of streets in suburban areas.
To contact the opinions editor, email Robert Allen at opinions@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @mtsusidelines.
Because the Nashville area remains one of
SPORTS
A closer look at MT’s all-time leading scorer
Ebony Rowe
By Sam Brown // Sports Editor Ebony Rowe stood at half court smiling and waving to the cheering fans as she held back tears. Having just sunk two free throws to become MT women’s basketball’s all-time leading scorer, Rowe was overcome with emotion as she stood where her career as a Blue Raider began four years ago. “So special,” Rowe said. “I literally told everyone I was on the verge of tears in the middle of the game, and when I had to go out there, just seeing everyone’s face, everyone was genuinely happy just for me and for the program. So it was just an indescribable feeling.” While Rowe is the holder of the record, she attributes all her success to her team and the teammates that have helped her get to where she is today. “Honestly, my teammates are the reason I’ve been so successful because I don’t do it myself,” Rowe said. “They pass me the ball, they make it happen. I just do the easy part.” Her first love While the 6-foot-1-inch, 22-yearold senior forward loves basketball, she said it wasn’t her first sport of choice. She began her athletic career as an avid footballer before she decided to play basketball around the age of eight or nine. “Soccer was actually my first sport since I was like really, really little,” Rowe said. “But my sister
played basketball, and everyone that knows me knows that I basically did whatever my sister did and just followed her around. She was playing and then I wanted to play.”
After some success on the court, Rowe said that her family helped her make the decision to focus on basketball, primarily her father. “In middle school, my last soccer game my dad told me, ‘Say bye to your friends because this is the last time you’re going to play.’ I didn’t like the decision then, but I’m glad he made it for me,” she said. Rowe is known for always wearing the number 21. This choice came from inspiration by her sister. “My birthday is the 21st, [and] it’s always been [my sister’s] favorite number,” Rowe said. “She played basketball; I wanted to play basketball. She wore 21, so I said, ‘Sign me up, that’s going to be my number.’” Set to graduate in May, Rowe has not taken the easiest path in academics. She is a physics major pursing a degree in mechanical engineering. Following in the footsteps of her father and sister, Dominique, both mechanical engineers, Rowe said that it wasn’t a difficult decision to make, and she knows that all her hard work will be rewarded come May. “It’s hard,” Rowe said. “There’s been a lot of times when I just sit there, and I’m like, ‘Why on earth did I pick this?’ There’s been a lot of late nights in the library and a lot of tears.” Choosing her blue
Born in Lexington, Ky., Rowe said that she faced “some pressure” to stay in Kentucky to play college ball. “My family’s originally from Bowling Green, Ky., so all my family is Western fans, so they really wanted me to go there. People in Lexington wanted me to stay and go to UK but everyone was really happy with my decision when I came,” Rowe said. “It’s kind of a big joke in our family and half of them will come to the games in MT and half of them will still wear their red but cheer for me.” Family is important to Rowe, and the family atmosphere she received when visited at her home by Rick Insell, MT’s head women’s basketball coach, was what ultimately convinced her to become a Blue Raider. Weighing her options What comes next? Rowe faces this “million dollar question” on a daily basis. “That’s what I wake up and ask myself every day,” Rowe said. “I’m still undecided. I’m in the process of hearing back from grad schools and choosing a grad school, if I choose to go straight into graduate school for engineering. But I’m still keeping my options open with basketball.” Rowe’s options with basketball might include a chance to be drafted in this year’s WNBA draft. To her, being drafted is “every little girl’s dream.” “I never thought that I would even have a chance so even just hearing people say that I might have a chance is an honor in itself,” Rowe said. “It would be an offer
that I would have to sit down and look at.” If a professional basketball career doesn’t pan out, the always-prepared Rowe has a backup plan. “I really want to get my master’s in mechanical engineering and work as an engineer,” she said. She considers opening an engineering firm with her engineering sister a “dream goal.” Rowe has a chance to make more history this year as she has her Raiders on a 16-game winning streak and in a good position to win the conference tournament, taking her team to the NCAA Tournament this year. With the Final Four being held in Nashville this year, a storybook ending to her collegiate career might be in the cards for Rowe. To contact the sports editor, email Sam Brown at sports@mtsusidelines.com. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @mtsusidelines and @sidelines_sport.
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