Softball recap
Charlotte 49ers softball won the last game of the weekend series, avoiding a sweep by Florida Atlantic. p. 12
‘Spring Awakening’ review
The production of ‘Spring Awakening’ by UNC Charlotte’s Department of Theatre a success. p. 16
Stress relief
Check out 16 ways to help manage stress as we prepare for exam time. p. 20
Students came together and marched across campus to work to abolish rape culture and end victim blaming mentalities. p. 4
A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 26, ISSUE 26 APRIL 15 OF - 21,NORTH 2014 NINERONLINE.COM
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APRIL 15 - 21, 2014
NINERTIMES
APRIL 15 - 21, 2014
Volume 26, Number 26 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
COMMUNITY EDITOR
EDEN CREAMER
PATRICK BOGANS
EDITOR@NINERONLINE.COM
MANAGING@NINERONLINE.COM
NEWS EDITOR
SPORTS EDITOR
CLAIRE DODD
LIBBY WEIHSMANN
NEWS@NINERONLINE.COM
SPORTS@NINERONLINE.COM
A&E EDITOR
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
LIZ LANIER
MICHELLE LIRINGIS
AE@NINERONLINE.COM
LIFESTYLE@NINERONLINE.COM
OPINION EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
JORDAN SNYDER
ASHLEY SPEECE
OPINION@NINERONLINE.COM
COPY@NINERONLINE.COM
PHOTO COORDINATOR
CHRIS CREWS
PHOTO@NINERONLINE.COM
ASSISTANT EDITORS Sara Carson, Matt Chapman, Ariel Clayborn, Amanda Duke, Jon Gregory, Leanna Pough
ADDITIONAL STAFF Louis Aiello, Edward Averette, Ben Coon, Jonathan Golian, Jared Green, Chester Griffin, Abby Hardin, Ashleigh James, Kristen Johnson, Billy Lincourt, Kimberly Lucas, Aaron McCain, Erik Sullivan, David Wolf
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SLUTWALK REV. DR. GREGORY DAVIS CONSTRUCTION UPDATE POLICE MOBILE APP HAYES STADIUM T.J. NICHTING PROFILE SOFTBALL RECAP MEN’S TENNIS OP-ED: PHOTO FILTERS OP-ED: CLIMATE CHANGE ‘SPRING AWAKENING’ REVIEW MOVIE REMAKES 16 WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS ASK ABBY
GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: PETE HURDLE
OFFICE MANAGER: MARK HAIRE
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COVER PHOTO BY ERIK SULLIVAN • INSIDE PHOTO BY BEN COON
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DAVID WOLF INTERN
On Wednesday, April 9, a number of UNC Charlotte students marched from the Belk Tower to the Student Union for the university’s first ever SlutWalk. Many students wore
revealing clothes and participated in chants such as “Blame the system, not the victim.” Students began walking to the Union at 11 a.m. They chanted
Photos from the first UNC Charlotte SlutWalk. Photos by Erik Sullivan
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messages in an attempt to attract the attention of others. Both male and female students participated in the walk, and the majority wore very short shorts and low-cut tank tops. The reasoning behind this was to get across the message that people should be allowed to wear whatever they want without being judged or subject to rape. As marchers got to the union and settled in, volunteers spoke to the crowd. First, there was an introduction on what this event was promoting. After the introduction, volunteers went up to the stage and told stories of their real life experiences. The main message that these speakers were trying to convey was that rape isn’t acceptable under any circumstances. Senior Shakira Marshall said that no matter what
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women wear or how much they drink, sexual assault is never the fault of the victim. “Rapists are the problems, not our outfits or level of intoxication,” said Marshall. This forum gave members of this organization and the UNC Charlotte community a chance to speak out against the wrongs that females face. “We are angry with society for enabling sexual assault. We want people to know we’re angry with it,” said Mary-Wren Ritchie, president of Niners for Planned Parenthood. Ritchie also shared the fact that one in four college-aged women are sexually assaulted. “We should be talking about it and doing something to stop it instead of ignoring the problem or telling people how to avoid it. It’s about awareness and education. It’s about standing up against something that is thoroughly messed up,” she added.
NINERTIMES
The Rev. Dr. Gregory Davis: A man with a vision
Declared legally blind at age 10, began formal education at age 12, and enrolled in the NC State School for the Blind and Deaf at age 21, UNC Charlotte Alum Rev. Dr. Gregory Davis keeps moving forward RACHEL PRUDE GUEST WRITER
“Anything is possible if you are willing to work hard and make sacrifices,” Rev. Dr. Gregory Davis said confidently as he reflected on the difficult road that brought him to where he is today. When many people think about Davis, one word that comes to mind is “visionary.” According to Oxford Dictionaries, a visionary can be defined as one who shapes clear ideas about what should happen or be done in the future, which is exactly what Davis does. Davis was born in New York with a severe visual impairment, a condition that many believed would impede his ability to succeed in life. He was enrolled in a public school and assigned to a regular classroom with no appropriate services for the visually impaired. As a result of inappropriate educational placement, Davis did not learn to read. At age 10, he was declared legally blind. Davis’s formal education did not begin until after he moved to North Carolina to live with his grandmother at age 12. “I am partly who I am today because I had an uncle and grandmother who pushed me to succeed,” said Davis. He was an inquisitive child and quickly developed a substantial appetite for knowledge. Davis welcomed opportunities for a variety of learning techniques and eventually incorporated them into his own teaching style later in life. He was enrolled in the North Carolina State School for the Blind and Deaf and remained a student there until he was 21 years old. His decision to leave the school was determined by its declaration that he would not benefit from continued
NINERONLINE.COM
Davis speaking at the Green Tie Gala on April 4, 2014. Photo courtesy of Wade Bruton
education. “Hearing people tell me what I could not do undoubtedly motivated me to work hard to prove them wrong,” said Davis. In spite of this delay, Davis made up for lost time and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from UNC Charlotte at the age of 25. Three years later, he completed his Master of Divinity Degree at Duke University and began his career in the ministry before going on to earn his doctorate in American Religious History at the Union Institute and University. In spite of his credentials and his effective service as a minister, Davis was not given the opportunity to serve as pastor in any of the churches he interned with because of his
blindness. His first opportunity came in May 1990 when he was called to lead Bellefonte Presbyterian Church, USA in Harrisburg, N.C. He is now in his 23rd year. Davis has undoubtedly worked hard to improve the church and the surrounding community, executing several church building projects, encouraging the creation of many new ministries and serving as a teacher at UNC Charlotte. As a product of his visionary nature, Davis spearheaded the plans to build a new church structure. After securing the appropriate funds, construction began in December 1995. Under Davis’s leadership, a family life center had been built, providing several classrooms, an event room
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and resources such as computers. “The church has truly been blessed. He opened his heart and gave us all that he had,” said Bellefonte’s Associate Pastor Drucilla Govan. Davis’s expansion of the church has encouraged the addition of many new ministries and events including a tape ministry, men’s basketball team, senior citizens programs, vacation bible school and bible study. Not only has Davis been influential amongst his congregation and community, but he has also helped to change lives of students at the university. “Helping others succeed is very important to me,” said Davis. In addition to serving as an African American studies teacher for 30 years, Davis also advised pupils, helped students on probation obtain tutors and conducted numerous workshops and conferences to better advise and aid in the retention of graduation of minority students at the school. “Completing college was my most memorable accomplishment because it set the foundation for everything I have achieved and will achieve in life,” said Davis. Davis has received endless honors including induction into the UNC Charlotte Alumni Hall of Fame and the formation of the Gregory Davis Scholarship fund. Bradford Gladden, a college-age congregation member, grew up in the church under Davis’s leadership. “Reverend Davis has served as an excellent example of visionary leadership and I consider myself truly blessed to have witness many of his great achievements. Davis has undeniably proven that physical sight is not necessary to see a brighter future,” said Gladden.
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POLICE BLOTTER APRIL 4 - 10
DRUGS APRIL 4
• Alumni Way, previously trespassed suspect found on campus with possession of drugs.
APRIL 6
• Poplar Terrace Drive, officer responded to a drug related call.
HIT AND RUN APRIL 6
• Lot 23, subject witnessed a vehicle back into another vehicle, then flee the scene.
LARCENY APRIL 4
• Cameron Blvd., officer responded to a call regarding a possible larceny.
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• Alumni Way Apt., an unknown subject removed property that was left unattended and unsecured. • Library Lane, an unknown subject removed property without permission
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• Alumni Way, subject reported his secured bicycle was taken from bike rack.
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• Cameron Blvd., subject reported that his laptop was missing from bookbag.
VANDALISM APRIL 5
• University Road, officer responded to a call regarding a fire that was already extinguished upon arrival.
Cone Plaza plans to open Fall 2014 JARED GREEN STAFF WRITER
If you walk past the Cone University Center, you can clearly see fences sanctioning off the construction area around what will be the renovated Cone Plaza. The area has been closed for nearly two years due to lasting construction, but by the summer of 2014, construction is said to be complete. The original plaza outside Cone was built in 1974 along with the addition of McKnight Hall. It featured a large wooden deck space that students frequented. Common events included concerts and ice cream events. “It used to be the real hang out place for students,” said Donna Merck, associate director of operations for the Cone Center. The updated plaza will feature new brickwork and landscaping to tie in with the architectural style of the rest of campus. The space will include new outdoor furniture and trees to create a tranquil outdoor space for students and staff. According to Merck, the
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@UNCCWeather FOLLOW FOR FORECASTS AND WARNINGS
The plan for Cone Plaza includes greenery (shown here) and without greenery. Photo courtesy of Sutton-Kennerly Associates
groundskeeping department will be doing the final landscaping once planting season begins. These much needed renovations come just after the Cone Center’s 50th anniversary, which was celebrated this past fall. With the newly renovated plaza reopening, old traditions will hopefully return to the Cone Center. “We envision lots of outdoor activities for students like ice cream events and picnics … We can even bring out a portable stage for concerts,” commented Merck. “We want this to be used as a hang out place where everyone wants to meet.” In addition to the cosmetic renovations, the foundation below the plaza has been undergoing
renovations as well. Underneath the plaza is a loading dock that serves the Cone Center and McKnight Hall. The water membrane beneath the plaza had worn down, leading to a leak into the loading dock area below. This caused some of the structural beams to weaken. Contractors are going in to reinforce these beams and also redo the waterproofing. Contractors have ran into one problem with demolition. The carcinogen causing building material asbestos has been found while workers were undergoing demolition. The contractors are currently trying to work around it to ensure the safety of workers and permanent removal.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY APRIL 17
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FRIDAY
SATURDAY
68°F
57°F
64°F
64°F
70°F
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• Cameron Blvd., subject reported that her vehicle was damaged while unoccupied. For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us
Cone Plaza, the area outside of the Cone University Center, is coming back with a new and improved plan of how to attract students and staff again
Thunderstorms. Low of 62.
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Mostly Sunny. Low of 37.
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Mostly sunny. Low of 36.
Chance of shower. Low of 44.
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Chance of showers. Low of 51.
NINERTIMES
Exploring the possibility of campus safety renovation The university discusses the possible change from Blue Lights to a mobile application called “LiveSafe” SARA CARSON
ASST. NEWS EDITOR With the array of campus emergencies that have occurred at UNC Charlotte throughout the semester, the 49er police department has been evaluating the effectiveness and usefulness of the university’s security protocol. One area of improvement the department has been looking into is campus Blue Lights, and what measures may be most cost effective and practical for today’s tech-savvy students. There are over 300 Blue Lights across UNC Charlotte’s campus that serve as a way for students to report a crime or call for help. The devices are called “Blue Lights” because of the blue light at the top of each station. Once a student approaches the device, they simply press the large red button labeled “PRESS FOR HELP” which then calls a dispatcher and signals the location of the student. The devices have been strategically placed so that if the student is in a dangerous situation where they are on the run, the student can simply run to the next Blue Light and press the same red button. This way, the dispatcher can relay to police officers the direction to which the victim is headed. Although these devices seem to be a great form of safety protocol, the negatives seem to outway the positives. Each Blue Light costs the university $7,000 to purchase and install. Because there are 300 Blue Lights across campus, that makes a grand total of $2,100,000 for these seemingly great devices. In addition to the purchasing and installation fees for each device, all 300 of them sit outside year-round, which has lead to a great amount of
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additional maintenance costs. “The trouble with Blue Light phones is they sit in the weather; the rain, the warm, the cold … all that has an effect on wiring, so that is one of the setbacks,” said UNC Charlotte Chief of Police Jeffrey Baker. Baker also noted that there are alternate Blue Light models which don’t require any maintenance, but cost around $10,000 each as opposed to the current ones at the university which cost $5,000 to $7,000. “At some point you know, you’ve gotta say to yourself, ‘This stuff is expensive, and who pays for it?’” said Baker. As the department has been searching for a way to effectively reduce the hefty costs that come along with Blue Lights, they have discovered the LiveSafe app. “Not that we’re gonna do away with [Blue Lights], but the other alternative is to always, which is something I believe in, constantly look at technology. And that’s what takes us to LiveSafe,” said Baker. Similar to the Blue Light systems, LiveSafe allows students to connect directly to a dispatcher and be located instantly. Rather than having students that are running from danger travel from one Blue Light to the next, with LiveSafe the student would simply keep their mobile phone with them and the GPS would continue tracking their location. In addition to offering some of the same services as Blue Lights, LiveSafe also has a text messaging option. This allows users who may be in a situation where they aren’t able to speak or make any noise to silently text a description of the imminent danger. In turn, the dispatcher is able to communicate back to the student
through the LiveSafe app. In addition to this feature, LiveSafe allows students to take and send pictures of the incident to the dispatcher, which could not only serve as evidence but also could help police who may not otherwise have a valid description of a suspect. “It just gives a lot of power to a student to report an incident,” said Baker. The only issue with the possibility of the implementation of this new type of security protocol would be its price. Although it is far lower than the price of Blue Lights, coming in at merely three dollars per download, the police department has not yet determined where the costs would come from or how they might be covered. “It’s super advanced, and it provides so much more than a Blue Light phone. To me, $3 if I were a student, well I wouldn’t even blink. I would say, ‘Here’s $3.’ … But some students would complain about it,” said Baker “Three dollars to $7,000 just isn’t even comparable. You know what I mean? It’s just so much less for such a high degree of safety for a student,” said Baker. If he could have his way, Baker would love to see the new system used university-wide in the Fall 2014 semester. Although the plan has not yet been submitted to the cabinet, there is still a possibility that the app could be used next fall, if not soon after. In a recent presentation from the LiveSafe producers, Baker shared that he learned about the story of LifeSafe’s Chief Evangelist Kristina Anderson. Anderson was a victim in the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting. A student at the time, Anderson
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survived being shot three times and now uses her experience to help contribute what she thinks is necessary for the app. “She’s got direct knowledge of what you think a phone should be able to do in these types of situations. She’s part of the team that actually developed it, and to me that’s real moving because nobody else has done anything like that,” said Baker. “Really, what we’re doing is we’re responding to safety. I want to be able to provide the absolute best safety measures for our students,” said Baker.
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A DAY AT THE HAYES Photo by Libby Weihsmann
Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium is home to the Charlotte 49ers baseball team
BEN JOHNSON GUEST WRITER
The sun beams over the newly installed batting cages down the left field line. The wooden picket fence wrapping around the outfield line, still dark from a rainstorm from earlier. When you turn to look behind home plate at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium, jaw dropping truly happens. Renovated from 200607, “The Hayes,” as people call it, took the image of college baseball facilities to a whole new level. The Hayes, nestled below the treetops in the northwest corner of campus, is a target point for Charlotte fans when springtime arrives. Undergoing a $5.9 million renovation eight years ago has made it top of the line when it comes to the college baseball experience. Entering his 21st season with the 49ers as head coach, Loren Hibbs is the happiest with all the renovations. “The upgrades overhaul were much needed
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and for an extended period of time ... I began to wonder if it was ever going to happen. Then the Hayes family stepped up and helped us in a positive manner.” With all of the renovations comes a sharp increase in ticket sales. Kevin Harward, a long time Niners fan and operator of the Twitter account @Diamond9erFans, has been a season ticket holder since the re-birth of the stadium in 2007. “I have been to other college ballparks and the view of campus is second to none.” In 2013, StadiumJourney.com created a list of the Top 100 best college baseball parks. The Hayes landed the number 14 spot in the country, making it number one in the state of North Carolina. One of the largest attributions is recruiting. Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Brandon Hall is like a kid in a candy store.
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“There is some ‘WOW’ factor when [high school] players see our facility for the first time. With the college baseball boom throughout the country, many [high school] players are now used to seeing and playing in fantastic facilities and the ‘wow’ factor comes from our setting in the middle of our great campus, and from the way the facility fits with the rest of campus.” Coach Hibbs has developed a wise recruiting tool of his own. “I have two facility pictures in my office, one of our field prior to 2007, and one after 2007. People look at the pictures and wonder how we recruited anyone prior to 2007.” The new recruiting tools have landed the 49ers with four tournament appearances and four conference championships since 2007. The accommodations given to all baseball fans that walk inside the black iron gates of the stadium are in for a treat. The concessions are a massive improvement
NINERTIMES
from what they were before the renovation, now offering patrons staple baseball foods like nachos, hot dogs, Philly cheese steaks and jalapeno burgers. If you come in hungry, you’re going to be satisfied while watching the game of baseball, overlooking the picturesque landscape of UNC Charlotte’s campus. While you are chowing down on your cheesesteak, you’ll be able to notice that there’s not a bad seat in the stadium. Harward continues his praise for the Hayes, “I like the proximity that the stands are to the action. Sitting in the lower level you feel like you are right on top of the action,” Harward said. Coach Hall goes on to discuss the atmosphere, “The fan support has led directly to a better than 70 percent win rate at home since the Hayes opened. When our lower level is full, the Hayes is a very loud stadium.” Another accommodation added to the Hayes is the Erik Walker Suite, allowing people to enjoy the game from up top with catered food and drinks.
This addition is ideal for birthday parties, picnics and much more. It includes inside and outside access, depending on your preference, with covered tables overlooking the field. The experience doesn’t stop with just the fans. It continues up the metal stairs on either side of the press box up top for the media. There are three rooms designated for broadcast media for home and away teams as well as the floor-toceiling glass enclosed center press box for the public address announcer and journalists. The center press box is designed stadium seat style with multiple levels of seats, giving everyone the bird’s eye view of the game. Down the hallway as you pass by pictures and trophies of former Niner teams, you will walk into the conference room where players and coaches hold meetings as well as host catered meals for alumni on certain games. The alumni and all who are a part of the Niner family have smiles across their faces while walking down the halls of the press box. Robert and Mariam Hayes
The home dugout at Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium. Photo by Libby Weihsmann
Stadium has brought so much to the 49er atmosphere in its short tenure at Charlotte. From conference championships to the joy of peoples faces when the springtime weather comes out, smiles reflect around the stands. Coach Hall closes with, “The Hayes is not the biggest stadium in the southeast, or even North Carolina, but the way it was built
4250 Main Street Suite 111 Harrisburg, NC 28075
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did lead to atmosphere.” It has done just that. Baseball is all about the warm weather atmosphere, while eating cracker jacks and drinking a coke. It is the idea of kicking back and watching the game of baseball that has been played for over a hundred years. There is no better place than Robert and Mariam Hayes Stadium.
704-213-3913
Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 12-5
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NINERTIMES
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Freshman stud T.J. Nichting has high hopes and big dreams AARON MCCAIN INTERN
Freshman T.J. Nichting up to bat. Photo by Chris Crews
Freshman Charlotte second baseman T.J. Nichting has all of the potential to take his baseball career to next level whether it is the minor or major leagues. Nichting was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio. Coming from a baseball family, as his brother and father were baseball players, one might suspect that the pressure to play baseball would be intense. His father is a member of the Badin High School Hall of Fame. When asked if he feels any pressure from his family to succeed in baseball, Nichting said his family always has his back. “No, I don’t really feel any pressure. They help me a lot and I know that they got my back and they are going help me be the best player that I can be,” said Nichting. “It gives me more confidence that I know I am going to do well.” Nichting won three regional titles and participated in the Little League World Series. He was honored with the Greater Catholic Player of the Year in 2013 and the Badin High School Business and Technology Student of the Year for his academic efforts. Coming to Charlotte to continue his baseball career is the first time he is playing away from his family. “It is mixed feelings playing away from my family. I love the great weather that we are having right now. It gives me a chance to go outside and
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get extra practice done as opposed to the cold back home,” said Nichting. “I get a chance to experience the real world on my own, because if I want to continue my baseball career, I need to learn to be away from family at some point.” Nichting is still adjusting to the transition from high school to college not only from a competitive difference on the baseball field, but also in the classroom. Nichting quickly realized how different the expectations of a high school baseball player are from a Division I player. “At the end of the day, baseball is the same game, but the speed of the game changes,” said Nichting. “The work that is expected of you is a lot higher than in high school. There is a lot of lifting and practice put into it, but if you do your work and get your stuff done, you will do pretty well.” Charlotte Head Coach Loren Hibbs has seen how well Nichting has adjusted to the life of a college athlete and how confident he has quickly become. “He is a little dirt bag, and I mean that in the most positive way. He is always looking for ways to get better,” said Hibbs. “Sometimes the coaches wonder if he is listening because he always says, ‘Yes sir,’ and nods his head like he is, but we do not know. He is very confident in his own abilities.” Despites the 49ers’ disappointing
start to the season, there is still a lot of baseball left to be played. Nichting is improving every single game and his attitude toward the season is very positive as far as expectations to the rest of the year. Nichting is one of three players to have hit at least one home run this season. “On our team, if you look to the guy next to you and they are an older guy, you want to make sure that you end the game on a good note,” said Nichting. “If everyone around you is working hard, giving it all they have, you should stay motivated no problem. This is college baseball; this is a love. You should not be out there because you have to do it, but because you love the game.” For Nichting, it is all baseball all the time. He looks to not only get better on the field, but also to build strong bonds with his teammates and get acclimated in the locker room. Lucky for Nichting, he’s got other teammates like Mikal Hill to help him out. “Mikal and I have a lot of good chatter in between innings and during the game. That is the great thing about baseball. You know you can have fun and also be serious. We definitely bond playing up the middle a lot.” Hibbs acknowledges that the young guy still has his quirks, but that he’s learning quickly and always looking
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for ways to improve both on and off the dirt. “The team thinks he is weird. He is a little strange sometimes, and I say that in a good way. We need more guys that approach the game the way that he does,” said Hibbs. “He is not perfect. He makes mistakes and he is a young guy that I expect a lot of. I love the way he embraces the game and watches it to look for ways to get better.” According to Hibbs, Nichting is at his best when he plays angry. When Hibbs was asked to describe Nichting in three words, Hibbs said, “Get a haircut!” Nichting is never short of confidence. He believes in his abilities, and despite the losing record, he believes in his team. He is also determined to make a name for himself on campus. “I envision the Majors, obviously. I am going to keep working hard and if it happens, it happens. If it does not, it is not the end of the world. I am not going to settle for anything less than that,” said Nichting. “The thing I want fans to remember me by is hard work and hustle. Someone who stays true to the school and plays for the school. I want fans to look back at my career and say that guy loved the game and always gave it his all on the field.”
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49ERS AVOID SWEEP MATT CHAPMAN
ASST. SPORTS EDITOR
The Charlotte 49ers softball team dropped the first two games against Florida Atlantic, but came out on top with a walk-off win in game three.
AARON MCCAIN INTERN
As the sun shined throughout Saturday afternoon, the 49ers (16-20, 7-10) came up short both times in a doubleheader against the Florida Atlantic Owls (27-21, 9-9). Game One The Owls dominated game one, as they got on the board first with two runs in the second inning and two more in the fourth inning. Their defense limited the 49ers to only three hits. The Owls did not allow any 49ers to bat more than three times as they went on to shutout the 49ers 4-0. Charlotte’s game one notes conclude with pitcher Lexi Betancourt pitching the entire game and posting a 2.42 ERA on 129 pitches. Catcher Jackie Kleinsmith led the 49ers’ batting average in game one with .352. Game one also ended with both squads posting zero errors. Game Two In the first six innings of game two, it seemed as if the Owls would complete another shutout in the series. The Owls opened up game two with two runs in the opening inning and one run in the fourth. Charlotte game two pitcher Chelsea Lisikatos could not get it going during her time in the game. Betancourt was substituted back into the game during the fourth inning. The bottom of the seventh inning provided the highlight of the afternoon for 49ers fans as they went on to score three runs to send the game into extra innings. In the eighth inning, the 49ers were not able to match the run scored by the Owls and fall 4-3.
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Samantha Slade up to bat for the 49ers. Photo by Ben Coon
Game Three The team appeared to be on the verge of suffering a weekend series sweep at the hands of the Owls until Jessica Plemmons blasted a walk-off home run over the center field fence to capture a 2-1 49ers victory on Sunday afternoon. “We just stayed with it. We believed that we could come back and win. They knew we had to battle for it to stay in it,” said 49ers Head Coach Aimee DeVos. Charlotte entered the bottom half of the seventh inning trailing 1-0 with Owls starting pitcher Samantha Messer, tossing a no-hit gem through the first six innings of
play. “She had our number all day long. We couldn’t do anything but ground
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out to the third baseman,” said DeVos postgame. Samantha Slade led off the inning for the 49ers and she promptly ripped a double past the center fielder for the first Charlotte hit of the day. Plemmons stepped up to the plate next as the potential winning run and hit a bomb to the deepest part of the field that just barely cleared the wall in center. The game winner marked the first walk-off home run of Plemmons’ career and it was her eighth homer of the season. Betancourt started on the mound for the 49ers and pitched a complete game. Betancourt tossed seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out five Florida Atlantic batters. Betancourt ran into trouble in the top half of the sixth inning as she surrendered three hits in the frame, including an RBI single from Shelby Knox, but she was able to keep the damage to a minimum. “Lexi pitched great, she was outstanding. We rely on Lexi to shut them down and she does her job day-in and day-out for us,” said DeVos.
NINERTIMES
Men’s tennis finishes regular season, 9-1 EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Charlotte 49ers men’s tennis team won their final regular-season match against Lenior-Rhyne on Sunday, April 13, finishing the season 9-1. The 49ers won 7-0 over LeniorRhyne, after winning two of the three doubles matches and all six singles matches. During the first of the doubles matches, Forrest Edwards and Jack Williams won for Charlotte over Lenior-Rhyne’s Robin Hochquertel and Hunter Pack, 8-4. For the second doubles match, Jordi Massalle Ferrer and Alex Weber beat
Lenior-Rhyne’s Filip Dobrosavljevic and Jordan Lawson, 8-3. This was Weber’s final home match for the 49ers. In the final doubles match, Kamil Khalil of Charlotte fell to Matthew Ledford and John Christain Reid of Lenior-Rhyne, 8-5. All six of the singles matches Charlotte played in ended in victory over Lenior-Rhyne. Ferrer won matches 6-1 and 6-2 against LeniorRhyne’s Hocquertel. This marked Ferrer’s 20th win of the season. Nate Shanok won the next round of singles against Lenior-Rhyne’s Pack,
7-6, 6-2. The third round of singles was won by Alex Calott, 6-1 and 6-0 against Lenior-Rhyne’s Dobrosavljevic. This was Calott’s 19th win of the season. Paul Cisti won his 15th match of the season against Lenior-Rhyne’s Reid, 6-1, 6-1. Charlotte’s Weber won 6-2, 6-0, against Lenior-Rhyne’s Ledford. In the final round of singles, Francis Pare won over LeniorRhyne’s Lawson, 6-1, 6-1. The 49ers will now attend the Conference USA Tournament from April 17 through 20 in Tulsa, Okla.
Golf ranked ninth after Opening Day EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
UNC Charlotte’s men’s golf team attended the 2014 Robert Kepler Invitational at Ohio State University April 12 and 13. Following the invitational, the 49ers stand ninth, with Thomas Rowland leading the Niners, tying for 13th overall. Throughout the Robert Kepler Invitational, the Niners played off momentum after they hosted the Irish Creek Collegiate in Kannapolis on April 5 and 6, where they finished tied for third overall. The Niners prepare for the Conference USA men’s golf tournament, which will be Sunday, April 27 through Tuesday, April 29, in Edmond, Okla.
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Filter frenzy OVERUSING PHOTO FILTERS AND EDITING SOFTWARE CAN HAVE A DANGEROUS EFFECT ON THE WAY WE VIEW OURSELVES AND OTHERS KRISTEN JOHNSON
INTERN
We all do it. We feel good about ourselves one day and decide to snap nearly 100 selfies, probably deleting all but one. Then, if we have an Instagram account, we post our lovely pictures and wait for the likes. We want our friends to praise our good looks or someone to post that complimentary emoji with the heart-eyes. Oh, we get so much satisfaction after posting a selfie and getting all the right reactions. Attention is not always a bad thing to want. We all like when people view us as beautiful. The question is, do we really need edits and Instagram filters to accomplish this? Even if you do not use Instagram, you should be aware of the tons of free “selfie-help” apps or the effectiveness of Photoshop. Photo enhancements are used by almost everyone these days. Most of us with smartphones have, at one point or another, taken advantage of the photo editing features. The millions of Instagram users have tried out numerous filters to enhance their photos, hoping to gain more attention. After all, that is why filters exist, right? We all want people to gawk over our seemingly perfect faces and bodies. It’s possible Kevin Systrom, the co-creator of Instagram, did not intend for peoples’ self-esteem to be altered through his creation, but it is tempting to argue that photo filters, and the attention they bring, have some effect on the way we view others and ourselves. According to Sabel Harris of the marketing analytics firm TrackMaven, Instagram filters are not used as often as you would think. Though the normal setting (which you’ve proba-
bly seen with the accompanying “nofilter” hashtag) is the most used, it does not always generate the most attention. In other words, non-filtered pictures do not get as many likes. Many of us are not comfortable enough in our own skin to post a picture of ourselves without a filter. Perhaps we do not like our skin blemishes or dark circles. Perhaps we are insecure about our skin tone or the shape of our nose, head or mouth. Maybe we use filters, not because we don’t like how we look, but because we simply like the effect it has on a photo. It’s possible the lighting was not what we wanted or we wanted a saying
on our shirt to stand out. Whatever the reason, being sure of why we are using filters is key to feeling great about our selfies on social media networks. Having unlimited access to free filters can make us believe we need them in order to look acceptable for Instagram. Some of us believe that without a filtered or edited picture, our raw, unrevised selfies are not beautiful enough to be taken seriously on a social network full of unforgiving, judgmental followers and commentators. Filters are made to provide temporary camouflage for our selfies. As great as it makes a photo appear, a filter cannot hide the way we really feel about ourselves. Perhaps the availability of so many photo-editing features says something about image in our society and what we deem to be attractive and acceptable. Overall, the way we view ourselves and others is often brought to light through our social media accounts. The funny aspect of social media is, you can be as open and as vulnerable as possible, but even that bit of truth can be filtered with the tap of a finger. Perhaps we should commend people who post their shameless selfies on Instagram with the “no filter” caption. MCT Campus
EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published on Tuesdays during the regular academic year except during holidays and exam periods.
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Two writers share their perspective on the cause and importance of climate change LOUIS AIELLO
EDWARD AVERETTE
INTERN
The location of our campus has an interesting geological past. Before it was a forest thriving with tall trees and American Indians, it was a jungle with dinosaurs and exotic flowers. Even before that, it was an ocean bottom with a wide variety of unknown tropical life. The fears and panic of climate change have caused people to forget these simple truths. Since we have only been around for a very short portion of our planet’s history – and have spent even less time documenting it – we have unfortunately been very quick to make assumptions, such as climate change being equivalent to Armageddon. Overall, trillions of dollars have been spent on the attempt to prevent such an unstoppable force. But we shouldn’t be trying to prevent earthquakes and hurricanes; instead, we should be preparing for them. Regardless of the outcome, the earth will continue to exist. Therefore, the preparations of climate change should be the idea of our very own survival. Climate change is a force of nature, and as such, there are continuing shifts. We shouldn’t be worrying that climate change is happening – we should worry when it’s not. It shows that the earth is healthy and is constantly in a state of flux. Climate changes have directly impacted our history for centuries. Over a thousand years ago, the earth was considerably warmer than it is now; Greenland was green, and Northern Canada was known as Vineland by the Vikings
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STAFF WRITER because it had grapes. Scottish wine and food was abundant in England, and everyone throughout Europe had their fill. It was only when the Little Ice Age began that food became scarce. In order to divert attention away from their problems, the Church began the Crusades. Eventually, warfare led to disease, and it went rampant throughout Europe, ultimately leading to the bubonic plague and the deaths of 66 percent of all Europeans. After this extreme decrease, there was enough sustenance for all. Eventually, it was the posterity of these survivors who began the Renaissance, Age of Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. Our current period might be the only time that an actual warming leads to panic and harm. Our job as students is to discover and unravel these buried truths. We must not be swayed by fear because panic never helps. Instead, we must look on the bright side. We are, in fact, the new generation of a brand new millennium. As this new generation, it will be our job to make an impact on our world. It will not be Armageddon. If for some reason the waters rapidly rise, then, like Amsterdam, we will build a wall. If for some reason the land becomes barren, then, like ancient Egypt, we will utilize irrigation. It’s just that simple. And the best part is that it will create more jobs, which, at this time, should really be our main concern.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 10 of the hottest years on record have occurred in the last 16 years. “The Earth is warming. If the Earth is warming … there’s excellent evidence of the causes of climate change,” said UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor of Earth Science, Brian Magi. “There are natural causes of climate change: The earth’s orbit around the sun, the intensity of light received from the sun on earth, changes in plate tectonics and how landmasses are orientated on earth all change climate.” However, the current warming trend is defying the usual causes because the sun has been cooling since 1978, and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been rising. “We have very good evidence of all the causes that change climate, and when you keep knocking things off the list, you end up with one change that is important, and that’s the change in greenhouse gas concentration,” said Magi. “This is almost incontrovertible at this point.” The driver of that change is carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane serve as a warm insulator over the planet that naturally seeks to keep the planet in balance – never too hot, never too cold. The Earth naturally adds and removes carbon dioxide through various means, like fires, for example, and the land, vegetation and oceans absorb this gas.
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With the rise of the industrial age in the late 18th century, humans have rapidly added more carbon dioxide at a rate that doesn’t allow the planet’s natural removal process to keep it in balance. Since 1850, carbon dioxide emissions have skyrocketed by 40 percent because of fossil fuel use, creating an excess amount of carbon dioxide that our planet can’t handle. This excess carbon dioxide is the driving force behind melting glaciers that are thousands of years old in the Arctic, while increasing the acidity of the world’s oceans and the global temperature of Earth. Magi remains optimistic despite the short-term problems his field and the world faces from climate change. “We’re not over the edge,” said Magi. “There are places where we don’t want to go in terms of temperature increase – points where the system starts to respond in stranger and stranger ways that we don’t understand. (There are) more fires and these different things that can happen, but we’re not there yet, and we can still make choices.” While politicians and the public at large debate if climate change is even happening or that humans are the cause, science has reached a consensus. Climate change is a reality, not some trendy conspiracy theory. If we continue to debate and ignore the harsh realities by failing to adapt to the changes soon, we may be setting ourselves up for a bleak future on a planet that’s much warmer.
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NO TURNING BACK FOR BIGBY IN “A CROOKED MILE” A REVIEW OF “THE WOLF AMONG US” EPISODE THREE
REVIEW: UNC Charlotte starts the spring season off right with “Spring Awakening” KIMBERLY LUCAS INTERN
Photo courtesy of Gamespot.com
JONATHAN GOLIAN INTERN
WARNING: Possible spoilers of key plot points may be in this review.
Along the paths we choose, a choice is made we can never take back. The clock winds down ever so slowly; to move or not to move, there’s a price to pay either way. Almost immediately in the third episode of “The Wolf Among Us,” the cost is thrown straight into your face as the aftermath of finding Fabletown’s “killer” unfolds. The site of the murders is under investigation, Bluebeard is running amuck in the office, and a funeral is being conducted off the side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Without much hesitation, Bigby and Snow head out to view the festivities and pay their respects. Holly, the sister of the deceased, let Bigby know right away he wasn’t welcome - even with the information he’d gathered. The more sobering interaction might have been with Gren, whose arm you previously had the option of tearing off in a fight. Everyone wanted resolution and no more trouble than what was already presented. Too bad the Tweedle brothers felt otherwise. With a few latent threats and a few well placed shotgun blasts, the stage is set and the title is introduced. An added obstacle lies in this
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chapter of the story; time isn’t just placed in front of you as part of the setting. Instead it is used against you in your investigations. Not allowing you to probe more thoroughly makes your choices a lot more interesting and important. One of the biggest points in this part of the story is getting more of a peek at the old world and the Fable’s attachment to the sentiments of it. Finding everyone isn’t so far removed from their former activities, whether it’s old traditions or the objects pulled from there directly, makes one wonder if there’s a place in the near future where we might catch a glimpse of it. No one is worth trusting and many have unknown motives laying just beneath the surface, and knowing that always makes it harder to find the right choices. Noticeably, the time given to pick a move has increased a bit, possibly to let the player consider some of the more layered options in play. It will be interesting to see where everything goes, but for now, we players have many mysteries on our hands to keep us on our toes till next time. It will most definitely be worth the wait.
Spring has definitely sprung with UNC Charlotte’s production of “Spring Awakening.” “Spring Awakening” is a play set in 1890 in a town in Germany. The play features many dynamic, adolescent characters going through the tough pitfalls of life and finding out how they measure up in society. With its numerous controversial ideals and dichotomies, it is no wonder this musical is a hit for any audience. This musical has an empowering voice in countless ways. The cast members’ vocal talents were truly mesmerizing. There was not a note out of tune throughout the entire play. Another musical aspect that had me at the edge of my seat was the orchestra that accompanied the play. Having an orchestra made the experience come alive and helped make the music speak bounds to the audience. Finally, the soundtrack to this musical was phenomenal. With a perfect blend of rock and roll, and at times soul, every song either made you want to get up and dance with the cast or empathize with them. In addition to its musical strengths, “Spring Awakening” shares many strong ideals with its audience. Because the play is set in Germany in 1890, most of what was
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valued was religion, education and appearances. During the play, the characters approach a crossroad where they have to choose whether they will become what society wants them to be or to resist conformity and live with the repercussions. This play holds nothing back when it comes to controversy, including topics of sexuality, domestic violence and death. “Spring Awakening” did a profound job of displaying intimacy throughout the play. Because the production took place in the Black Box of Robinson Hall’s Theatre, it was hard to avoid the embrace of intimacy. The relationship content and dark subject matter throughout the play left the audience feeling vulnerable and slightly emotional. In saying this, the play and the actors did a remarkable job of suspending reality and disbelief for the audience, thus erasing the boundary between what was really happening and what was portrayed as fiction. Finally, what pulled this beautiful story together was the rustic simplicity of the set, with light bulbs hanging from the ceiling and earth toned tapestry draped from a wooded backdrop. From the vivacious music to the brilliant acting, no wonder this show is sold out.
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TAKE TWO
THIS SUMMER BRINGS FILM REMAKES WORTH WATCHING
CHESTER GRIFFIN STAFF WRITER
“THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2” As the sequel to the 2012 remake, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” continues, the rebooted series seems likely to explore darker territory from the comics along with plot lines left unexplored in the original “Spider-Man” trilogy. Electro (Jamie Foxx) and The Rhino (Paul Giamatti) make their film debut as two of Spider-Man’s leading antagonists. The film is already being well received by critics on Rotten Tomatoes. “The Amazing Spider-Man” opens in theaters on May 2. Angelina Jolie stars in “Maleficent.” Image courtesy of the film’s official website
“GODZILLA” While the past few decades have brought nothing but tiresome sequels and a critically panned remake, this latest “Godzilla” film could be a promising reboot for the franchise. Both the posters and trailers suggest the creature design will be more reminiscent of the classic “Godzilla” films. The movie features Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” and “KickAss” star Aaron Johnson. “Godzilla” opens in theaters on May 16.
“TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES”
“MALEFICENT”
With a successful new animated series on television, it was inevitable for the film franchise to get remade. While some of the casting has come under scrutiny by longtime fans, the film could offer a unique take on the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” No longer is the Foot Clan filled with your run-of-the-mill ninjas. Instead they’re now armed with heavy firepower. The trailer also suggests there could be some history between reporter April O’Neil’s father and the Shredder (William Fitchner), who’s keen on defeating the turtles. “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” opens in theaters on Aug. 8.
Rather than simply retelling the story of “Sleeping Beauty,” “Maleficent” takes a different approach by telling it from the villain’s point of view. While the character Maleficent is often associated with evil in other Disney films, shows and video games, this film explains her reasons for becoming so corrupt in the first place. Angelina Jolie stars as Maleficent, who seeks vengeance against the king after being betrayed and curses his firstborn daughter, Aurora. “Maleficent” opens in theaters on May 30.
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ACROSS 1 Extremely lame, in slang 10 “The Zoo Story” dramatist 15 One with breaking news 16 Conger cousin 17 African kingdom 18 Lite-__: classic Hasbro toy 19 3 part? 20 Do followers 21 Ad lib 22 Scott who played the lead in 1976’s “Bugsy Malone” 24 Maintain the status quo 26 Cádiz cycle 27 Old Colgate competitor 29 Spam producer 30 “Splendor in the Grass” screenwriter
60 Month abroad 61 Klondike product with a shell 62 V-shaped fortification 63 Postgame finger-pointer DOWN 1 Hot stuff 2 Swaddle 3 Mimosa family member 4 AM radio abbr. 5 Liszt’s “Harmonies du __” 6 City on the Rhone 7 One of the five basic taste sensations 8 “Am I seeing things?” 9 Intention 10 Extent 11 Bereft, old-style 12 Outlaws 13 Causing agita 14 Good way of seeing 21 Nicklaus rival 23 Kind of lead a closer often has to protect 31 One of the moveable 25 __-Novo: Benin’s capital 28 “Rubáiyát” rhyme scheme feasts 30 “Soon” 35 Mitty creator 32 Electronic control 38 As you like it mechanisms, briefly 39 Emma Frost 33 Tabloid scoop portrayer in “X-Men: 34 Sun Bowl Stadium coll. First Class” team 41 Backwoods 35 ‘80s Shatner cop show possessive 36 Mr. Clean’s lack 42 Letters before P, 37 Not appropriate perhaps 40 He played Harold in 43 State tree of Texas “Harold & Kumar” films 47 Sch. where chapel 44 Winter warmers service attendance is 45 Cite as proof mandatory 48 Silk-spraying movie 46 Counselor at Troy 48 Elementary particle monster 51 It only makes sense 49 Centrifuge component 50 “Cold __”: 1977 hit for when it’s broken Foreigner 52 Oil sources 53 First name in fashion 54 Wine quality 55 Hydroxyl compound 56 Collection to burn 58 Short coolers? 57 High fliers 59 Pontiac co-designed by 58 Traumatic John DeLorean expression
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ASHLEIGH JAMES STAFF WRITER
Are you losing sleep because you are worried about homework and tests? Do you feel as though there are too many demands and too much pressure on you? Dealing with stress may be challenging, but there are many ways to manage and minimize the stress in your life.
Try to be realistic. You have to realize no one is perfect, including you. If you feel as though you need assistance with something, such as schoolwork, don’t be afraid to ask for help if needed.
Learn to say no. Everyone has a limit and you can’t please everyone all the time.
Sleep. Getting the proper amount of sleep keeps your mind and body in shape.
Don’t put too much on your plate. If you feel as though you are taking on too many things at once, you should consider eliminating a few commitments that may not be as important.
Try to relax. Make sure to fit some time into your schedule for calm and pleasurable activities such as taking a hot bath, getting a massage, spending time with family or friends, reading or making time to enjoy one of your hobbies. MCT Campus
Call a friend. If you are feeling overwhelmed, call a friend. When you share some of your troubles it helps to make things feel more manageable.
Don’t forget to stretch. Throughout the day your muscles start to tighten up and adding stress only makes it worse. Do a couple of yoga poses, such as the child’s pose, to stretch out your back and shoulder muscles which ache after sitting in a desk all day.
Listen to music. Music always does the trick. Listen to your favorite songs and just sit back and relax.
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MCT Campus
MCT Campus
APRIL 15 - 21, 2014
NINERTIMES
Write it down. Writing things down helps put a lot into perspective. Write everything down that is stressing you out and eliminate all the things you can’t do. Don’t fret over those things, but instead focus more on the things you can get done.
Have fun and make plans. Take some time to hang out with family or friends, go to a concert, get a massage or make plans for a weekend getaway. Having fun, relaxing and goofing off temporarily helps remove the feeling of stress.
Photo by Michelle Liringis
Count to ten. Take some time out to collect yourself if you find an assignment or other task overwhelming.
Writing things down can make tasks more manageable. Screenshot courtesy of Amanda Duke
Go for a walk. It is important to get up and move around.
FILE PHOTO
Just smile. Smiling makes you happy, which leads to a decrease in stress. Think positive thoughts. The way you view things are all influenced by your attitude. By being a little optimistic, you can eliminate some of the stress you may be dealing with by making the best of your circumstances.
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MCT Campus
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Take care of your body. The best way to manage stress is exercising and eating properly. When you eat well, it gives you the fuel you need to function. When stressed and on the go, it’s easy to eat unhealthy foods. Make sure you give your body the proper vitamins and minerals.
Breathe. Slowly inhale through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds and exhale. If you repeat this several times, it will almost instantly help you relax and feel like you can accomplish anything.
It is important to remember that we don’t have control over everything that may happen in life. When situations start to become challenging or difficult, don’t react by feeling overwhelmed or becoming frazzled. Becoming overly anxious is both a physical and mental hazard. It is true that stress is a fact of life, but being stressed out is not a way to live.
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RATULATIONS G N ! CO 2014 Spring Initiates To Our
Approaching professors Ask Abby gives tips for talking to professors
Kelly Anne Robbins Kate Hillary Moore Defloris Baldwin Carolyn Maxwell Blattner Dennis R. Livesay Debra Sue Smith Eddy Marcel Souffrant Kathy Deloris Whaley Dennis Wiese Richard George Cardillo III Caitlyn L Hanafin Ashley Nicole Kronstedt Chelsea R. Matson Jaron Potter Matthew Rathbone Hannah Shore Annika J Swanson Xi Wang Mehrdad Abolbashari Crystal Alexander Hossein Alisafaee Michael Babcock Nicole Bailey Allison Kayla Barbera Amy Barnard Bayse Sara H. Beam Joanna Berube Christina K. Birckhead Christopher Adam Bishop Miranda Ann Blain Angela Mary Blum Jessica Anne Breneman Anna Sprague Brodsky Melisa K. Browning Varsha Pandharinath Buchade Shambreya Burrell Krystal Kayla Carmichael Francis Albert Caruso Amanda Chambers Caleb Michael Chandler Chun-Hung Chang Michelle L. Chappell John Stuart Cloer Timolyn Cole Morgan Paige Coleman Rifka Joy Coleman Scott Robert Colston Wayne Conley Lisa Cook Heidi Cope Haley K. Cornell Keri Malament Cowles Joshua Tyler Cox Traci Cruey Jerry Lynn Dahlberg Jr Chelsea Marie Danahey Jessica Leigh Darnell Judith I. Davis Nicole Marie Davis Akshay Deshpande Tabitha Jean Dewolf Kristina Drye Grace Hays Holcomb Du Pont Kevin Dunnill Jose Bruno Falconi
Catherine Lee Falkenbury Angela Maria Ferrara Therese Victoria Fish Tamatha Sue Fortune Elicia Melton Frye Dadre Garris Jane Quilter Glodowski Noah T. Goode Raka Goyal Jordan M. Gross Elise Guimont Ling Guo Danelle O. Haggerson Kimberly Nicole Hairston Victoria Blair Hamby Crystal Hardie Tyler Ray Harper April Helms Donna L. Hendrickson Hannah Katherine Hicks Chrystina Hoffman Shella Strother Hollowell Corey Ann Horton Jian Hu Margaret Lynne Huffman Leah Loree Huffstetler Carolynne Hultquist Denise Humphries Md. Shah Imran Stephanie Inch Monica Lee Jackson Tess James Austin Earl Jenkins Barina Johnson Cristina Layana Johnson Jaris Keith Justice Eric Michael Kane Andrew Keb Robert James Kelly III Kaylyn Kent Cassie A. Kessler Leah Kirby Jonathan Scott Knighten Sangamithra Krupakar Analiz Noelia Laracuente-Espinal Patrick Huan Le Yufei Li Rebekah Lonon Stephen Michael MacNeil Dulce Kennedy Mange Laura Amanda Manzare Dawn Marie Marin Joshua Mauney Allen Mays Theresa Paradise McCarty Margaret M. Mcelravey Lindsay Mullis Merritt CaraLyn Mochan David R. Monteith Jr Michelle Lynn Moore Louie W. Moore Jr Caryl Lynn Morgan Zeba Naqvi Shrikant Shyam Nargund Scott Edward Neuhaus
Anne Caroline Newsom Kimberly Dawn Noles Todd Noste Lisa Michelle Nowacki Chris O’Neal Meagan Padro Noah Palmer-Licht Parth Jignasu Patel Vivian Perlman La’Shieka S. Pharr Stephanie Lynn Phillips Shane Polefko Terri Denise Potts William Lewis Puckett Jr Cassandra Kathleen Pullin Shonalie Roberts Kristie W. Robertson Mark Andrews Rubeo Natalie Sara Saber Beth Scarbrough Emily Elizabeth Schmidt Delandrus Lenet Ieashea Seales Stacey E. Self Patrick O. Sery Thany Seyok Megan Nicole Sharpe Elizabeth Joy Shinn Christina Shirley Deborah Ann Shumate Mark Timothy Siak Houston Linn Skipper Larry Nevil Slawson Sarah JoD’Ann Smith Monika Lorena Soler Binta Sosseh Courtney Bliss Stallmann Kaylyn Stewart Jennifer Anne Stoudt Kathleen Faith Stout Matthew Stephen Sykes Neil Thomas Taylor Laura Stepp Tyson Carla Veronica Valor Monica Irene Vega Courtney Wade Brittany Warren Carl Yates Warwick Jr Brittnii Nicole Watts Haley Nichole Watts Jolene Michele Wawrzyniak Graham Mary Amanda Weathersby Carita Westbrook Karen Elizabeth Whichard Tracey Mabry Whitley Regan A. Wike Conner Scott Williford Jonathan E. Wilson Jr Jason Wright Myka Wright Yi Xie Koffi P. Charles-Hector Yao-Kouame Yaqi Yu Jingjing Zhao Brian Keith Zimmerman Anthony Zuress
Q: I often want to talk to professors about intellectual ideas, but I find myself clamming up and feeling extremely vulnerable when I go to talk to that person. I’m OK in class and in a lot of social situations, but then I go to talk to a professor, and it seems like I’m looking for any sign that the person doesn’t really want to hear my question. I wind up leaving professors’ offices without asking the questions that are really on my mind. So I retreat to sending emails instead. I know emails aren’t as good as, or as satisfying as, face-toface conversations, so I try to do the face-to-face thing, but then I clam up. It feels so stupid - all I’m doing is talking about intellectual things, not personal stuff. It’s really making it hard for me to get the mentoring I need in graduate school. I love what I’m doing in graduate school, but I really could use some mentoring to help keep me moving toward my goals. A: Dear Clammy, Your insight into this concern is awesome. You’re right – talking about intellectual stuff opens you up to the possibility of being told you’re wrong, or worse, not intelligent! You already have a good sense of your professors, and you’re smart enough to know if they would be open to mentoring you. The next step is to sit with that clammy feeling and vulnerability. Next time you go to office hours, go about 5-10 minutes ahead.
Before you walk in the door, while you’re feeling clammy, try taking some deep breaths. Feel your belly filling up and emptying with air. If you hear your brain trying to tell you to leave, or telling you the professor might be mean, remind yourself that just because your brain says something doesn’t make it true. Once you get into the conversation, things will go more smoothly than you might think. Professors love to hear that they have sparked interest and enthusiasm in their students. Trust your intelligence. Q: Ever since I started college I’ve been “living each day as if it were my last.” Well, I’m beginning to wish that each day was my last. Not that I want to die or anything, but I’m just so tired. I’m graduating in May and have an awesome boyfriend and friends. I play on a sports team and everything seems perfect, but I’m so exhausted that my fondest dream is to pass out and wake up in isolation. I have all these great accomplishments, but I’m not enjoying any of them - I don’t have time! Why am I doing all this? Am I mentally ill?
To read the answer to this Ask Abby,
visit NinerOnline.com.
Abby Hardin is a UNC Charlotte Ph.D student in Clinical Health Psychology and an instructor. She also works as a mental health counselor at a local CMC clinic. If you’d like your question answered in a future edition of Ask Abby, email askabby@ nineronline.com. Remember, no question is too big or too small.
HAVE A QUESTION FOR ABBY? EMAIL IT TO ASKABBY@NINERONLINE.COM
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