THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY
NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, N.C. n VOL. X, ISSUE 7 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n OCT. 26th, 2011 The Buzz on Paranormal Activity 3 n 2
Interview with Underground Artist STATS n 4
New Fast Food Delivery Service n5
Collegiate 100 Hosts Annual Freshman Roundtable ALEXIS TEASELL | STAFF WRITER This week, the Collegiate 100 of NC State will be hosting its Annual Freshman Roundtable. This program is designed as an informal discussion among African American males. Upperclassmen will be offering advice and tips to underclassmen to ensure a successful navigation through college to graduation. First year males, have the opportunity to have their questions answered honestly and without any limits. Subjects discussed can range from academics to extracurricular activities. Students can even discover the best place to get a nice haircut near campus. The upperclassmen are giving back to the freshmen, by sharing the lessons they have learned and strive to build mentoring relationships. The Collegiate 100 is an auxiliary organization to the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. which has the purpose of developing the soPhoto by Melvin Moore/Nubian Message Archive Photos cial, educational, emotional, and physical needs of young black males on campus Upperclassmen share tips with Freshman at the 2010 Freshman Roundtable. and in the surrounding communities who are in need of positive role models. The NC State chapter of Collegiate 100 was formed with the help of Mr. Tony Jeffries, Dr. Paul Bitting, and Darryl Hardy Jr. in 2006. President Aaron Wise said, “Many times at events such as orientation and even
COLLEGIATE CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
Student Financial Need on the Rise 2010-2011 Breakdown of Financial Aid / Source: Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Last week, it was reported in the New York Federal Reserve’s latest report on Household Debt and Credit, that for the first time student loans will surpass the $1 billion mark. According to the Fed, that means that credit card debt and student debt is almost equal. This year on campus, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has seen a surge in students applying for needbased assistance. The Vice Provost and Director of Scholarships and Financial Aid Julie Rice Mallette said “As the cost goes up each year, more students are applying for and needing financial aid.” One problem with that is that there is simply not enough money to go around. Just this year, several options for aid Federally and State-Wide have been cut such as the Academic Competiveness Grant, the Smart Grant, the North Carolina Incentive Grant, and the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship. The North Carolina Incentive Grant previously provided $700 to incoming freshman their first year. However, the state government could not handle the cost, so the Federal government dropped out as well and the grant was abolished. In all, NC State University lost 3 million dollars in federal aid and 5.5 million in State aid. At the same time there was an increase of 19 million dollars of
student need. That is a net swing of 27 million dollars of growth just this year that the university is lacking in money for students. Last year, one program that has helped many students which would not normally have the funds to pay for school, the Pack Promise was almost cut due to budget cuts. However the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid worked with the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Business to make changes to the program so that those students could still have an equal shot at an education. Mallette said “we simply couldn’t continue to serve an unlimited number of students. In order to keep class sections at a steady rate, changes had to be made.” Effective this year, the Pack Promise is only available to in-state residents. It will be limited to 200 incoming students, and the maximum amount of needbased loans will increase from $2500 to $3500. The program promises to fulfill 100% of the financial need for students who are a part of the program and also offers funding and academic support. As of the moment, 198 out of the 200 students who were admitted into the Pack Promise program this year are still enrolled. Many students will notice the affects of the recent budgets cuts beginning
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NEWS
PAGE 2 |OCT. 26TH, 2011
What’s Happening on Campus
The Buzz on Paranomal Activity 3
WEDNESDAY
26
Dialogue on Diversity 3PM-5PM / (Washington Sankofa Rm Witherspoon
Serving as the third film in the series, Paranormal Activity 3 is a horror film that centers around the supernatural. Released in theaters on October 21, 2011, Paranormal Activity 3 is a prequel taking place 18 years before the events of the previous films. The film takes place in 1988, where two young girls, Katie and Kristi, live with their mother and her boyfriend. Eventually, Kristi befriends an invisible friend named Toby and not long after Toby appears weird things begin happening in the house. Paranormal Activity 3 is a will leave you on the edge of your seat the entire time and is a must see horror film for Halloween.
Student Center) International News: Delta Week The Daily Diva 7:13 PM Riddkck 451 Collegiate 100’s Annual Freshman Roundtable Washington Sankofa Rm. (Withespoon Student Center) 6:30 PM
Thursday
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I get scared easily. I didn’t get a chance to see the previous two, but I’ve heard that this one was a lot scarier. Everybody in the student cineman was jumping during certain scenes and seemed to like it. However, that’s more so due to unexpected suprises than actual fright. - Tevin Byrd, Sophomore
I thought it was a really good movie. The ending was a must see.. - Melvin Moore
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Discussion Regarding Careers in Student Affairs: Poe Hall 224 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Politics: Delta Week The Daily Diva 7:13 PM Talley Brown Room NUBIAN MESSAGE STAFF/INTEREST MEETING Today 6PM WITHERSPOON 323 TODAY - NSBE GENERAL BODY MEETING 7:30 PM PARK SHOPS 201
It was good because most of the time the movies don't have anything happen until the end. In this one things happen the entire movie - Alexis Teasdell, Sophomore
" I've seen the 1st, 2nd, and recently 3rd Paranormal activity. I spent majority of the time watching the movie with my hands covering my face and anticipating the supernatural scenes. It's the type of movie that you go see with your friends and have fun together being "scared." I think if there is a 4th movie I'll definitely go see it.” However, I will say that it wasnt worth the money, I paid 10 bucks for a hr long movie that only had a few action scenes. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the best of the 3 but definitely good to see if you want to understand the story plot & combine each movie together, since it was the prequel of the whole series --Pherin Gregory, Junior
“I think it was pretty good. I just wish the ending was longer -it was the best part in my opinion.” Chase Johnson, Junior
FRIDAY
28 Leisure: Delta Week The Daily Diva Roller Skating at the Skate Place 7PM Tickets $10
TUESDAY
1
The Association of African American Student Educators (AAASE) General Body Meeting 6PM Poe Hall 512
Wednesday
2
CHASS MAS Presents: Don’t Hate the Player, Hate the Game: 7PM Riddick Hall INTERESTED IN JOINING THE NUBIAN MESSAGE? SEND US A MESSAGE AT EDITOR@NUBIAN.NCSU.EDU
Nubian Message Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University since 1992
CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF JASMINE HARRIS | MANAGIING EDITOR SHANIQUA TAYLOR | LAYOUT EDITOR
STAFF WRITERS: MADAVIA JOHNSON HIND MALIK ASHLEY GAIE KIERRA LEGGET YOLANDA RAY ALEXIS TEASDELL TEVIN BYRD CHELSEA GARDNER KELVIN CARTER PHOTOGRAPHERS: KAREEM WILLAMS MELVIN MOORE
Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message. Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness. COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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PERSPECTIVES
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KELVIN CARTER | STAFF WRITER
“It’s impossible to separate color from itself without conflict. “ - WOK Since school has started I’ve been listening to the radio each morning. I’ve listened to famous Black American radio show host such as Ricky Smiley, Russ Parr, and Steve Harvey. Aside from being comedians, I’ve noticed the attention and support for education they broadcast on their shows. These hosts as well as a majority of other people put more emphasis on higher education in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, (HBCU). As we all know our Black Community is lacking further education. Which is why we support black students being accepted to an HBCU; clapping our hands and saying, “Thank God, he/she at least has dreams of furthering their education”. What about the black students who attend the Predominantly White Institutions, (PWI)? Making it more personal, what about the black students who attend NC State? Are we looked over because we are outnumbered on our campus? As listening to the radio stations, I always tend to hear the host give shout outs to the HBCU’s, attend their homecoming or some event that happens on their campus, or give scholarships to students at an HBCU.
The statement being made is that HBCU’s receive much more attention than the black students that attend PWI’s. Whose fault is it that this occurs effortlessly? The blame should be evenly shared upon all parties, the black community within the PWI as well as the black community and the black community that ignores us. Our own black community wouldn’t support anything educational as much as we would support a state’s fair. There is obviously a difference in type of schools and the type of education offered, but a degree is better than no degree. So of course we promote higher education, but to the black community it is mentioned that an HBCU education is the best education and the PWI education is an education far beyond reach. However the black community within a PWI is the ones who prove that a PWI education is reachable and accomplishable. So why is it that the Black community in a PWI is not being paid enough attention to or recognized by the general black community? A solution to this case, I would suggest for the black community within a PWI to gather together and make themselves more noticeable. Not just within your own campus but also among the black community. It’s time now for the radio stations and morning show hosts to recognize the extra effort we put on ourselves for an education while continuing being a minority.
“ Leave ‘Amber Cole’ Alone”
CHELSEA GARDNER | STAFF WRITER
#Ambercole. Many of us have seen this hashtag a lot these past two weeks. You may remember it being a trending topic on Twitter for days. While many frequent Twitter users may know what this trending topic is referring to, some people have no idea. “Amber Cole”, as I must remind everyone, is not an action. Though it has suddenly taken on that role instead of focusing on “Amber Cole” as a person and an individual. She is a fourteen-year-old girl who was allegedly videotaped in a sexual act on/near a high school in Baltimore, as reported from Meghan McCorkell at Baltimore WJZ News. This news hit Twitter, and like many other “hot topics” it took a life of its own. It seemed like many Twitter users found humor in making jokes about the situation. Now, we must ask ourselves was that the right thing to do? In this day and age, when does technology allow us to have any confidentiality? Nowadays it feels like nothing is considered a violation of privacy. As soon as it is leaked on the Internet, you virtually have no control over it. In other words, it feels like you have lost your right to privacy. People always think they are protected behind a social network site but that is not true. It is quite impossible for things to actually be private and that’s why we must always be careful of what we post. Twitter is so instantaneous, that it was merely a few lapses
of time before her personal business was circulating around the world for absolutely everyone to see and place judgment upon her. Of course, I feel that what she did was under no circumstance correct or right for someone her age to be doing. But I also feel like the attention she has received has only exacerbated the situation even more. Despite what we feel about her sexual endeavors and exploits, she does not deserve to be totally humiliated via social networking sites. She is too young to handle a situation like that. Unfortunately when people are behind computer screens they often forget about the real world and real life. They neglect to think about how others are emotionally and mentally affected by the things they say or do. It is evident that the videotaping should not have been done. No matter what anyone says or does, she is a minor. She is a minor that has been taped in a sexual act. Not only was it viral on Twitter but it hit Facebook and YouTube, as well. Therefore, the police have to investigate it as child pornography. Just because it is Twitter does not mean that rules or laws change. The same standard should be upheld for social networking sites. This issue arises time and time again when inappropriate pictures of people are linked via social networking or other various sites. It should not be permitted and with the technological stage we are in we need to find practical and more useful laws to protect other people from facing situations like this.
Published by the Student Media Authority of NC State University
The Nubian Message is written by and for the students of North Carolina State University, primarily for the African-American community. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial staff and do not represent the university in any way. The Nubian is published every Wednesday of each month during the fall and spring semester, except during holidays and exam periods. The Nubian Message encourages letters to the editor. The Nubian Message will consider fairly all letters to editor, but cannot guarantee the publication of any.
OCT. 26TH, 2011 | PAGE 3 Question of the Week What are your opinions surrounding President Obama calling an end to the war in Iraq?
Ashleigh Lockhart Senior, Chemistry and Biochemistry “I think it is good that they are sending the troops home and allowing the people of Iraq to establish their own sovereiginty.”
Elijah Gordon Junior, Chemistry “I am glad he is ending the war and returning the troops. Hopefully we do not send them somewhere else so soon.”
Asanti Thorne Junior, International Studies “I think it is great that we are pulling the troops out of Iraq, but I think the question is are we leaving a stable country behind.”
PAGE 4 |OCT. 26TH, 2011 The Nubian Message’s Guide to What’s Goin’ On in Arts & Entertainment
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NUBIAN MESSAGE
Interview with STATS
BLAZIN 8 OF THE WEEK 1. She Will Lil Wayne ft. Drake 2. Headlines - Drake 3. in Paris Jay Z & Kanye West 4. That Way - Wale ft. Jeremih & Rick Ross 5. Marvin & Chardonnay- Big Sean feat. Kanye West and Roscoe Dash 7. The Bed - Chris Brown 8. Otis- Jay Z and Kanye Wesst
#I’m Just Saying (This is a preview of a new column which will debut next week commenting on things witnessed on campus and in pop culture.) Someone Please Lock Lindsay Lohan Up... The girl has missed probation 8 times... If this was someone like T.I. he would be going back to jail for the 3rd time this year Herman Cain announced that if he is elected President he would nickname his secret service ‘Cornbread.” The Republicans must be getting real desperate that they went and found any old black guy off of the street. Lil Webbie released a video threatening 106 & Park’s host Terrence J regarding his ban from 106 & Park for inappopriate behavior... Webbie has not been relevant for years... Amber Cole is more relevant than this guy The NBA looks to be going forward with this lockout situation. This is proof of why you must always keep a backup plan and stay in school .
From: Mebane, NC Nubian Message: What inspired you to get into the game? STATS: Competition: I am a very competitive person. Sometimes I feel like there is a void in the business. I want to be able to deliver a message that others can’t give or are afraid to give regarding issues that are going on in the world. Nubian Message: How did you get started? STATS: I first started in a grouped, but things didn’t work out with that. However, I never stopped writing and I kept the pen moving. People kept pushing me to follow my dreams and I am here today. NUBIAN MESSAGE: What artists inspire you? STATS: Canibus, Jadakiss, LL Cool J, Lloyd Banks, TI, Jay Z, and 50 Cent. NUBIAN MESSAGE: Out of these artists which would you say is your favorite and why? STATS: I would say TI. He’s says whatever is on his mind at the moment and I feel that he is a true lyricist. Many people don’t feel that there are many lyricists in the South, but I feel that TI is a definite exception. I also like how he is doing big things behind the camera with movies and inspiring the youth in the community. Even though he has been in trouble a couple of times in the past, I think that he’s a good guy. NUBIAN MESSAGE: If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? STATS: I would probably focus more on my clothing line. It’s called 5th element and we mostly sell Graphic TShirts. NUBIAN MESSAGE: How long have you been an artist? STATS: I’ve been doing this seriously for four years. NUBIAN MESSAGE: What do you think of the state of Hip Hop today? STATS: I think that there is more variety today than it has been in the past. You have guys like Drake and J Cole who are bringing a different element to the table. I also think that it is much easier for independent artists to get their names out. The internet has partly been responsible for that. One downfall of this is that major companies have began signing artists who can get 1 million views on youtube rather than artists who can actually sell a million CDs. However, I think companies are starting to look at valuable artists more so now than just dollar signs. A good artist simply has more longevity and will get exposure sooner or later. NUBIAN MESSAGE: What stations have you been featured on in the past? STATS: WKNC 88.1 at NC State, 88.9 at Shaw University, Power 98 in Charlotte, 102 Jams, and Coast 97.3 in Wilmington. What other things do you have coming soon? STATS: I have an album coming out on November 15th, which is entitled In My Own World. I also have a music video coming out in a couple of weeks which will be called “If I had You.” My fans can follow my music at statsmusik.com. I also have real footage documentary which I am currently filming which gives my fans an inside look at what it takes for an artist to break into the music business. “Stats latest CD In My Own World invites listeners to hear his thoughts on the miseducation of blacks, medias influence on the youth, and the lack of hope in the inner cities. Stats doesn't shy away from speaking on topics that other emcees fail or don't bother to discuss. Along with tackling social issues he still knows how to throw a party. With tracks like "We in Here" and "I Got What You Want" Stats will keep party goers stampeding the dance floor. " I always try to keep a balance of songs because I'm not feeling mellow all the time neither do I feel like waking up with a hoarse voice. So the music mirrors my personality and whats going on in my world." - www.statsmuzik.com
LIFESTYLES New Fast Food Delivery Business for Students
NUBIAN MESSAGE
OCT. 26TH, 2011 | PAGE 5
CJ GUION | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF
Have you ever been craving food from Cookout, but didn’t have a ride to get One thing that Iftikhar wanted to stress about the billing options is a reassurthere? A new business by the name of PackRiderz started three weeks ago with ance of security. Students pay for the food when it is delivered to their dorm or the hopes of serving students on and off their desired pickup location on campus. Packcampus who live relatively close to campus. Riderz uses an application for the iphone which Umair Iftikhar, the owner of the business allows students to scan their credit card. They said that the purpose of starting his business sign the receipt just as they would at any other was that he wanted to help out students store and will receive an email confirmation of without cars that had no access to public their order with the total price included. transportation after a certain time of the Right now, the company’s target audience is night. NC State students, but in the future he hopes to “Many students who don’t have cars have expand service to other universities in the surto rely on friends or roommates to take them rounding area. Most of the marketing for the places most of the time, and I wanted to give company has consisted of fliers and the utilizastudents a convenient way to get food at tion of social media networks. night when they are studying or just sitting The delivery service operates 7 days a week around in the room.” Iftikhar said. from 6PM - 1AM. In the future the company will Students have the option of ordering food operate 24/7 in all conditions. Students can orLogo contributed by: PackRiderz from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Bojangles, and der by phone, email, or text. The company will Cookout. More options will be added to the service once the website is up and respond with the same method of communication that the order was received. running in a week or two. Iftikhar said that the company has been off to a good start and hopes that the PackRiderz is a relatively inexpensive option for students as they only pay for business will grow in the coming weeks. “I look forward to serving the NC State the cost of their food with an additional delivery fee of $2.50. Students have the community.” option of paying by cash or credit card. Iftikhar said that the business was all about convenience for students. How it Works? • • •
• •
Food Merchants Bill + Delivery Charges (Vary from location to location $2.50-$4.50 call for details) + Tips = Total. Two or more food merchants for same order: additional $1.00 charged per restaurant . Orders processed within 30-45 minutes. DELIVERY TIMINGS : 7 DAYS A WEEK McDonalds: 6pm – 1am Wendy’s: 6pm – 1am Bojangle’s: 6pm – 12am Cookout: 6pm-1am Call /Text (919-306-9651) or Email (packriderz@gmail.com) with your order/name/phone/address. Please note: Orders placed via email/text will receive confirmation.
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PAGE 6 |OCT. 26TH, 2011 COLLEGIATE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the African American symposium, many students receive information from people who are in a totally different age group. I think freshmen are more likely to listen to people who are in their own age group, because they have shared experiences and the younger mentors have experiences which would more closely resemble issues that freshman may come across. This is one of the many reasons why programs such as the Peer Mentor Program are successful. It’s not only a learning experience for freshman males, but also upperclassmen males who attend the program, because there are some things that even juniors and seniors don’t know that the younger students may know.” Wise said, “This is an annual event that the Collegiate 100 has been doing for a couple of years that has proved, to be a success. Not only is it way for us to share our experiences with underclassmen, but it is also a way for attendees to learn a little bit more about our organization which is dedicated to serving the community and actively participating in service initiatives.” Our motto is “What they See is What They’ll Be. We want to make sure that we are promoting the best image for males that may look up to us for guidance.”
Typical Obstacles for Freshman More personal freedom Coming to college you will have more freedom to make your own decisions than before. Although you may remain in contact with your family constantly, you will still make more personal decisions than ever before, just make the responsible decisions. More responsibility In college, you will have more responsibility than ever before. Taking the initiative and going to class takes a lot of responsibility; no one is going to remind you to go to class or be there to wake you up in the morning. Time management Sometimes having the freedom to choose to do whatever you wish does not always result in the best decisions. It is easy to forget about studying when socializing and then you cram or run out of time to study or do your homework. Incoming freshmen often run into the problem of learning to balance going to class, participation in activities, completing schoolwork on time, socializing, and so forth. Keep in mind what your priorities are and make sure you manage your time accordingly. Changing relationships with family and friends at home Being farther away from home incoming freshmen may naturally feel that their relationships with their parents and friends start to change and become distant. Call your parents and friends on a regular basis to keep in touch and when you visit home set aside the time to reconnect with them.
LOANS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with summer school, which will not have as much aid available, which has not been a problem in the past. Mallette said that the university has already reached it’s ceiling of $3 million dollars in Federal Perkins Loans. “One thing that bothers me is that many students have resorted to other agencies for student loans which typically might have higher interest rates.” In the past, we have not had a high number of students to default on their loans, and I hope that trend continues.
Overview of Pack Promise Students Per Entry Year Entry Year:
Students:
2007-2008
116
2008-2009
259
2009-2010
226
2010-2011
271
2001-2012
198
Grand Total: 1070 Asian - 125 American Indian/Alaska Native - 15 Black/African American - 325 White - 446 Multiracial - 66 Hispanic/Latino - 72 Not Specified - 21 Source : Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid
Source: NCSU Counseling Center
AASAC Organization Spotlight: Women Empowering Society Together (W.E.S.T) W.E.S.T. was established in Fall 2007 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. The purpose of this organization is to promote the success and awareness of African American women in the following categories: Education, Mentoring and Tutoring, Socioeconomic Development and Health and Wellness. Key events are the Date Auction, the 100 Black Affair, Tea and Conversation and Unforgotten Women.
President: Nina Scott-Emuakpor
W.E.ST is decicated to serving the North Carolina State University and the surrounding community. W.E.ST hopes that students will continue to support their programs and recognize them as an organization that has upheld the responsibility of service and uplifting African American women....
NUBIAN MESSAGE
LIFESTYLES
OCT. 26TH, 2011 | PAGE 7
What’s Your Motivation?
Dear My Community Dear My Community Not to sound rude, But I wanted to write you a letter Called the Black Girl Blues You may see this as a black girl tude Portrayed with so much rage But all ratings aside We aren’t really that way. Excuse me BET, I saw you say that Black Girls Rock But around 6 oclock you only showed black girls drop you hardly ever show black girls at the top and the ignorance at the BET awards really has to stop you hold so much power some artists wouldn’t be successful without BET but with great power comes great responsibility your network is the only network where my little cousin can watch TV and say “Hey I see me!” and all that sleeping around and dropping it low isn’t who she ought to be she’s better than what she sees but you don’t give her much I don’t mean to go there but BET please keep in touch And display more intelligence Idk if anyone else is telling it But politics are still relevant With or without a black president Nothing political was ever displayed Before President Obama came And all of a sudden we support and even imagine change Some even say now it’s true their son can be a black president Dear black girls You can be the first female black president I don’t have to see it happen to know my little cousin can do it Because someone is looking at President Obama thinking Yeah I always knew it BET I’m not saying you blew it I just want you to do better My cousin has so much potential for you to forget her.
- Alexis Teasdell
ASHLEY GAIE | STAFF WRITER
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.” ~Vince Lombardi
We have reached that point in the semester where it get’s harder to wake up for that 8:30am or 9:10am class. You’d rather nap in the back instead of sitting in the learning T. We see more red x’s than green checks on WebAssign. You start to debate whether or not you should’ve switched that class to credit only. For me this happens halfway through every semester. Before the semester began I was excited and ready to take on all my classes and raise my GPA. I was handing in assignments on time and receiving good grades, taking part in class discussions, balancing organizational meetings and programs. I thought this semester would be a breeze. I was on a personal high of pure adrenaline. Then after those first few exams I started slacking off and my energy decreased. I felt defeated and thought there was no way I could pass one of my classes. Now I’m scrambling to make sure I obtain a B or C in my classes. My question is what happened to all the motivation I had back in August? After talking to some friends, I realized I’m not the only one who experiences these highs and lows during the semester. And if so many of us experience this, why not come up with solutions to fix or avoid this mid-semester slump? So here are some tips on staying motivated to finish off your semester strong, or at least until Thanksgiving. Nate Desmond owner and blogger of Debt-free Scholar lists these 7 Mistakes students make that lead to burnout: 1. Too Large of a Course Load 2. Too Little Sleep 3. No “Free” Time 4. Too Little Social Interaction 5. Impossible Requirements 6. Wrong Major 7. Pessimists Desmond also states that students who experience burnout have a decrease in immunity. Students experiencing burnout often complain of body aches and are more likely to catch diseases such as the common cold or flu. If you think you may be suffering from burn, here are 10 tips on how to recover. • Contact Your Doctor • Religious Advisement • Get More Sleep • Lessen Course Load • Become More Social • Start a Hobby • Cut out Extracurricular • Consider Changing Majors • Take a Year off • Change Something Your peers are also a good resource. Many students are willing to share their motivation and what they do to defeat that mid semester slump. Jordan McIntyre, a junior in Aerospace Engineering says that the dreams and visions he has for himself are what keeps him motivated. He uses an hourly planner that has helped him become more organized and allows him to physically see where his time is truly being spent. Jeremy Overton, a sophomore in Polymer and Color Chemistry, states “I think about the long term goal and focus on that rather than the short term struggle.” When motivation is lost whether he’s doing homework or studying for an exam, Jeremy stops to do something he likes doing so when he goes back to it he’ll be in a better mood whether its wrestling practice or the gym. Don’t just quit. Reevaluate what you’re doing. Were you in the library every Wednesday afternoon? Were you going to office hours or seeing your professor after class? What were you doing before during your academic high that you’re not doing now? Figure it out and start doing it again! Whether you’re a freshman or graduating senior, we all need some motivation. When all of mine is gone, I listen to gospel two days straight and call my mom. These things remind me why I’m here at NC State and what it means to me. So what’s your motivation? I am not a health care professional; these are just tips and opinions from the personal experiences of myself and others.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) at North Carolina State University will be hosting a program on Thursday, October 27, 2011, in the Witherspoon Sankofa Room. The Program serves 5 Purposes: • To motivate undergraduates to continue to push out the semester and • to not get discouraged. • To remind students of study tips that may have or haven’t been • introduced to them. • To remind upperclassman of some of the resources on campus that may • have changed since they entered as freshman or developed since they • entered as freshman. • To give students a chance to create study groups • To give Mentors a chance to see how their mentee is doing academically.
PAGE 8 |OCT. 26TH, 2011
PERSPECTIVES
Advice Column
Dear Nubian Queen, Before coming to college I attended church on a regular basis and enjoyed the worship experience. I am a sophomore this year and I have not been attending church like I should and I am afraid that my relationship with God is growing more distance. What should I do? Sincerely, Christian Dear Christian, Many college students around our campus are faced with the same dilemma. Prior to coming to college every Sunday we knew that we were going to church either by choice or parental force. Now that we have this new found freedom the choice is ours and many of us that went on a regular basis fail to do so now. Ultimately, our religion shapes the way that we view the world and handle different problems that may surface. College is a place filled with countless temptations in respect to sex, drugs, alcohol, and hosts of other issues. We as humans are growing, developing, evolving, and learning on a day to day basis and your relationship with God should be doing this as well. Many of us can party on Fridays and Saturdays and do not have the will power to wake up and go to church the following morning, it happens. It is quite simple, if you want to rekindle your relationship with the lord then remain faithful. Going to church every Sunday does not mean that you are living the Christian lifestyle but is definitely the first place to start. I know this may seem difficult but it is not impossible. Surround yourself with positive individuals that share similar beliefs as you. You all can pray together, attend bible study, and worship on Sunday mornings. Our campus offers phenomenal religious resources that include Charisma Church Ministry, Peace Church, Campus Crusade, as well as local churches in the Triangle area. I hope that you find a Christian community that supports your spiritual journey as you meet the valleys and mountains of life. Sincerely, Nubian Queen
Need Advice? If so, send your questions to the Nubian... Editor@nubian.ncsu.edu
NUBIAN MESSAGE
Let’s Talk Love HIND MALIK | STAFF WRITER
I will not even attempt to define “Love.” In my opinion, Love is as subjective as defining beauty. Matter of fact, I think it is selfish for one to try defining love for others. No one could claim to have identified love, experienced it in all its forms and mastered it to begin preaching its ways. I call these individuals the “Apostles of Love.” Their mission is possibly noble, however, it is one sided and biased by their bitter or sweet experiences. I walked into Barnes & Noble few days ago and while browsing books, I spotted an entire shelve dedicated to Relationships and love. By the way, it is in the self-improvement isle. I collected a few of these books. I didn’t buy them. Yes, I am one of those people who steal away the luster of your newly purchased books. However, I did buy a Large Mocha from Starbucks with extra shots and topped whip cream. Then I found a comfy chair and started flipping the pages. In two hours of reading, I have learned that I know not a dime worth about love. It appears that am doing it all wrong. Not only that I am wrong for believing in monogamist relationships, I turned out to be a bore. Being boring translates to: not promiscuous, not spontaneous enough, too responsible, being a bad game
player or perhaps I am playing the wrong cards like honesty, caring, and trust. These books went on and on selling their idea of Love. At the end, here is the bottom line: Love is out there (sitting next to the American Dream) but for you to get it, you will have to go through hours at the gym, extreme diets, expensive brands, and master the rules of the game or else you will be warming that bench for a long time. Love became a commodity, an advertising agent, a popular consumer’s item. So we came to view and treat love as a dispensable item just like coffee cups and vacuum filters. People became not the “object of our affection” but merely an object that we use to maximize our satisfaction and once our need is fulfilled or they fail slightly to do so, they are dispensed and replaced. It is the culture of consumerism. In her book All about Love, Bell Hooks, an African American feminist and social activist, emphasizes that “when greedy consumption is the order of the day, dehumanization becomes acceptable.” She also adds that the “media is the primary vehicle for the promotion and affirmation of greed.” It is about quantity not quality and Music Videos stand witness in the trial of Love vs. Capitalism.
Why You Should Support the Nubian KELISE TAYLOR | STAFF WRITER
NUBIAN MESSAGE Do you have a passion for writing? Are you an outspoken person looking to voice your opinion about issues that you care about? Are you a photographer, poet in the making, or good with design? If so, consider joining the Nubian Message which has been the “Sentinel of the African American Community at North Carolina State since 1992.” We are in our 19th year of production and are a part of NC State Student Media. We are always looking for new talent. If you are interested shoot us an email at editor@nubian.ncsu.edu Open positions: Staff Writers Photographers Copy Editors No experience needed as Student Media is compiled of students from all colleges around campus. There are also opportunities to make a little extra change on the side.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
[Editor’s Note: This article was previously printed in the December 7th, 2000 edition of the Nubian Message.] With every interesting and informative article that is published with every photo that is taken to capture the essence and significance of each article, one is unable to see and fully understand the hard work, devotion, and untiring dedication that takes place behind the “Nubian Message” scenes. Students do not see the seemingly indefatigable publish and production staff working until the wee hours of the morning or the editors meticulously scrutinizing every sentence of each article in order to produce a paper that closely resembles a mistake-free one. Most, importantly, one is unable to see the passion of our staff as we do all we possibly can to carry out the legacy of the “Nubian Message.” We, the staff (though few in number) are devoted to producing more than a once-a-week paper; rather, we are devoted to keeping the hopes and inspiration of those before us forever vigilant. The “Nubian Message” is more than just another printed paper circulating on N.C. State’s campus. Instead it serves as an illuminating symbol of the struggles that those before us had to endure in order that we, as a black people, might have our voices heard on this campus. Each “Nubian” edition is dedicated to those resilient spirits of our predecessors who fought great battles and endured many hard-
ships in order that this paper might come to life at N.C. State. One such individual was the late Tony Williamson, who started a petition in hopes of getting a black newspaper circulating on campus. He felt that the time had come for blacks to freely express themselves through print and that the administration needed to accept and adopt the proposed idea of a black newspaper. If N.C. State were to ever live up to its goal of diversifying the campus, it could surely do so by laying the foundation for the publication of a black newspaper. The tireless efforts of Williamson and others paid off, for on November 30, 1992, the first edition of the “Nubian Message” was published, and the struggles of our people paid off in an incredible and mighty way. Brothers and sisters, there are critics and skeptics waiting anxiously for the day in which our newspaper will run out of funds or sufficient staff members and thus, be forced to cease operation and production. We CANNOT allow such destruction to take place! It is our unfailing duty and responsibility to show respect and honor to Tony Williamson and other initiators by joining the “Nubian Message” staff. Don’t let our predecessors dreams and efforts die. Let your voices be heard, and make a positive impact on the N.C. State community by serving as writer, editor, production manager- any area your heart so leads you. When you decide to be a part of the “Nubian Message”, you are doing more than creating a more efficient and productive staffing group, but rather you are proving to our founders and initial supporters that their wishes shall not be in vain and that we care enough to continue with their precious legacy.