Nubian Message, Aug. 9, 2017 — Symposium Edition: Welcome Home Wolfpack

NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | wednesday, august 9, 2017

Welcome home wolfpack

wednesday, august 9, 2017 | 2

Letter from the editor Hey family, I know you’ve probably heard this one hundred times already, but welcome to the pack. I chose to say it anyway because one of the most important things I’ve learned at NC State is that you need a support system behind you. The idea of the pack might be a little corny, but at the end of the day, that’s what it’s about; knowing you have people that love, respect and want the best for you, especially now that you’re away from home.

For some of us, home is a quick twenty minute drive, and for others, it’s hours on a plane across the world, but for all of us, home is now also NC State. It took me a while to really understand and embrace that idea. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t look for and find a community at NC State sooner. My biggest advice to you, beyond the usual “go to class, do the work and remember you’re here for a degree,” is to get out there and find your community. The fact that you’re here at the Symposium means you’re taking a step in the right direction.

Another piece of advice, take advantage of the resources you have here.

You’re going to hear a thousand people tell you that, and they say it because it’s true. In our Map to Success you’ll see some of those resources introduced, but I encourage you to do more research into what’s available.

Especially seeing as your student fees pay for most of them.

The last thing I’ll say for now is get involved. Join a club, make some friends, go to events. I can honestly say that joining the Nubian Message changed my life in little and big ways. Easily the best decision I’ve made in college. You’ll never know who you can become if you’re by yourself.

Surround yourself with people who push you to do better and be better, because after all, that’s why we’re here.

So for the next three, four, five or however many years it takes to earn your degree, I hope you’ll be an active part of not only the Wolfpack family, but the Nubian family. Our job is to serve our community in all it’s multicultural glory and we can’t do that without you. Let us know what you want to see in the paper, or on campus and we’ll do our best. Comments, questions and letters to the editor can be sent to nubian-editor@ncsu.edu, or, you can stop by the office on the third floor of Witherspoon and say hi.

I look forward to hearing from you! So as you settle in and get your bearings, I’ll leave you with this, from me, the staff and all of us at NC State: Welcome home.

THISISSUE 3 FOOD OFF CAMPUS Late night munchies.

4 MAP TO SUCCESS

Things we wish we knew as freshmen.

6 BRILLIANCE

The idea of brilliance in STEM.

6 KENTON’S CORNER A letter to the first year students.

7 STAFF EDITORIAL Look at the past, hope for the future.

7 SBP WELCOME Jackie Gonzalez offers advice.

The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992.

Anahzsa Jones

Editor-in-Chief

Keilah Davis

Managing editor

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message:

Love, Anahzsa COVER ILLUTRATION BY ALLONA WILKERSON

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.

WEDNESDAY, August 9, 2017 | 3

FEATURES

CURBING YOUR LATE NIGHT CRAVINGS stEPHANIE tATE Staff Writer One thing most students quickly realize upon entering college is that sleep can’t always be top priority. But food is. Whether you’re writing a research paper that you’ve been procrastinating all semester, consoling a friend during a heartbreak, hanging in the learning commons or just watching Netflix at 2 a.m., late night eats are a necessity. But just because you’re awake doesn’t mean you feel like leaving the dorm. There are eats that you can go to, and those that can come to you.

Whether you’re craving something sweet or salty this list will help you find the perfect restaurants that will cater to your late night case of the munchies.

DELIVERY Jimmy John’s Location: 2316 Hillsborough St. Hours: 10:30 a.m.- 3 a.m.

Another cheap and tasty sub shop located directly on Hillsborough St. Don’t feel like walking? Call it in and have your sub delivered to your residence hall for a small fee.

Shanghai Express Location: 2502 Hillsborough St. Hours: 3 p.m. -3 a.m.

Craving Chinese food while struggling in DH Hill? Shanghai Express is a cheap and tasty option right across the street from the main campus library. Or, if that webassign is due in 30 minutes, they can come to you.

Insomnia Cookies Location: 2302 Hillsborough St. Hours: 11 a.m.- 3 a.m.

Nothing will help you through your first college heartbreak or your first bad test grade like warm, gooey cookies from Insomnia. They will also deliver your cookies right to your door.

DP Dough Location: 2109 Avent Ferry Rd. (Mission Valley Shopping Center) Hours: 11 a.m.- 4 a.m.

DP Dough specializes in calzones of all kinds, from vegetarian, to meat lovers to dessert calzones they have it all.

They’ll deliver their amazing hot wings and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream to you, and be sure to ask about their Tuesday 2 for $10 deal.

Gumby’s Pizza Location: 2712 Hillsborough St. Hours: 11 p.m.- 3 a.m.

Gumby’s is known for their pokey stix and their variety of pizza options. Perfect for your residence hall movie night.

pick-up I Love NY Pizza Location: 2316 Hillsborough St. Hours: 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. (weekdays) 10 a.m.- midnight (weekends) I Love NY Pizza serves delicious New York style pizza and strombolis. Located on Hillsborough St. it is easily accessible for students without cars. The big slices are enough to comfort you through all those web assigns you’ve procrastinated.

Mitch’s Tavern Location: 2426 Hillsborough St. Hours: 11 a.m.- midnight Mitch’s Tavern is also conveniently located right across the street from campus. Known for their excellent sandwiches and chilli, Mitch’s Tavern has a pub like feel with college student friendly prices.

Subway Location: 3940 Western Blvd Hours: 7 a.m.- 1 a.m. (weekdays) 7 a.m.2 a.m. (weekends) Your favorite customized sandwich shop is open late just so you can get your flatbread fix on. Subway provides a healthier late night option to help you ward off the dreaded freshman 15.

Cookout Location: 3930 Western Blvd.

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4 a.m. (weekdays) 10:30-5 a.m. (weekends)Probably the most popular among NC State students Cookout provides an entree, two sides and a drink for less than $5. They’re also known for their insane selection of milkshakes.

IHOP Location: 3001 Hillsborough St. Hours: 6 a.m.- 12 a.m. (weekdays) 24 hours (weekends) Looking for pancakes at 2 AM or something to eat right before your 8 AM exam that you pulled an all-nighter for? IHOP is conveniently located within walking distance of campus so that you can stuff yourself full with short stacks.

wednesday, august 9, 2017 | 4

FEATURES

a MAP TO SUCCESS What we wish we knew our first year

START

Nubian message staff

PLACES TO GO •

Go to events! Many welcome events are scheduled for the first month of school. Don’t be afraid to go with your roommate, new friends, or even by yourself. It’s a great time to meet new people

•

•

Student Health Services: located on main campus, offers free check ups to all paying students. So does the counseling center and the women’s center. For more information on their services and insurance, visit https://healthypack.dasa.ncsu.edu/ OIED Centers: Multicultural Student Affairs, the Women’s Center, and the GLBT Center. Each of these centers host educational programming and sponsor student organizations in addition to being study spots and safe-spaces for all students. You’ll meet some good friends and mentors here.

Career Counseling Center: Resume reviews. Mock interviews. LinkedIn help. The Career Closet. Everything you need regarding career services is located right in Pullen Hall.

LOGAN LABO/Staff Photographer Kaydee Gawlik/Staff Photographer TI leans torward the crowd as he sings at last year’s Pack Howl Con-

Lonny Street of the Meskwaki tribe participates in the Northern Men’s cert. The Pack Howl Concert is an annual homecoming event hosted Traditional dance in Carmichael Gymnasium, Saturday, April 1, 2017. by the Union Activities Board.

The Pow Wow is an annual event hosted by the Native American Student Association.

INFOGRAPHIC BY STEPHANIE TATE

fEATURES

WEDNESDAY, August 9, 2017 | 5

ADVICE TO HEED • •

• • • • • AARON SANCHEZ/ Staff Photographer Alpha Kappa Alpha in action for the Back to School Jam 2016 at the Witherspoon Student Center on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Back to School Jam is where you’ll learn about all the multicultural organizations on campus. Stop by Witherspoon on the first day of class.

• • • •

Stay out of College Inn. You’re more than likely not the only one coming in and out of that athlete’s room.

Go to Back to School Jam! You get to see a showcase of performances by black and multicultural dance groups, as well as see what multicultural clubs there are. It’s held on the first day of classes at Witherspoon Student Center.

Black Greek Life: Shut up. Like, forreal. Don’t ruin your dreams by telling the world which organization you want to join. Keep it to yourself.

It’s okay to let go of people, including old friends from high school and new friends you make at the beginning of college. Don’t hold on to relationships that don’t make you a better person.

Your dining dollars work in Carter Finley Stadium.

They DON’T PLAY with parking, you can get a ticket at 4:59, for being on the line, for having too many tickets, for breathing too hard, you get it.

Do not tell all your business in MSA. All of your business will be out in the streets, the multicultural community is small and word spreads quickly.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! College is about learning how to be on your own, and your advisors, counselors, teachers and TA’s are here to help you.

Call your parents. They’re used to having you, and now you’re gone.

You’re not any less cool for talking to the people who helped get you here.

Don’t be afraid to change your major. But don’t feel like you have to if you’re struggling at the beginning.

LAST: Save your money and your absences for Pan-Afrikan Week in the spring semester. Just trust us on this one.

PEOPLE TO KNOW • • •

•

•

Diversity Directors: At NC State, every college has a dean or director for diversity who serves students in that college or area of study. You can find a list of all the directors here: https://www.ncsu.edu/diversity/.

Tutors:The University Tutorial Center is located in Park Shops, right behind Port City Java. You’ve already paid for it with your student fees so you might as well give it a try.

Ms. Candy: You can find one of the sweetest people on campus in Talley Student Union, at Tuffy’s or Los Lobos. If you’re having a bad day and need to smile, or just want to see a friendly face, go see Ms. Candy. She’s usually the one running things in either restaurant, or both at once.

Academic advisor: They are great resources for you...most of the time. If you and your academic advisor don’t mesh, or they’re unavailable, there is walk in advising at the University College Commons and some of the colleges. Check with yours and see what’s available.

Financial aid advisor: If this applies to you, get to know them. Talk to them about your financial situation and they will do their best to help you figure out how to finance college without being trillions in debt.

YOU MADE IT

wednesday, april 27, 2016 | 6

opinion

The Illusion of Brilliance Coming from a woman that has struggled with studying physics, don’t be discouraged if you find yourself one of the only people that look like you in your classes.

Because I know Penny from personal expeLawrence rience, I will focus Staff Writer on women in STEM. When I first came to State, I was studying physics and music composition. Like a lot of other people in society, I was always led to believe that to succeed in a field like physics, or even a non-STEM field like music composition, there was something that you just needed as a person. A study published in the research journal Science calls this characteristic “brilliance or genius.” The study hypothesizes that, “Across the academic spectrum, women are underrepresented in fields whose practitioners believe that raw,

innate talent is the main requirement for success, because women are stereotyped as not possessing such talent. This hypothesis extends to African Americans’ under-representation as well, as this group is subject to similar stereotypes.”

I started out feeling like I could do anything, but I started to feel overwhelmed by how intelligent and seemingly brilliant all of the people around me were, the grand majority of them men. I remember talking to my advisors and professors about how to know if I had the mindset and “brilliance” needed to succeed. After these talks, I had thoroughly convinced myself that physics wasn’t for me.

As far as I had seen, I wasn’t “brilliant.”

I had never seen anyone that looked or acted like me that anyone had considered a genius. I was convinced that this was needed to succeed, and because the only women I knew that were considered brilliant were authors, I thought that if I wanted to achieve this mythical “brilliance” in my life, then I should go into the humanities.

It didn’t occur to me that my thought process might be built on a major flaw.

I’m going to tell you a secret that I have learned so that I can save you time: This “brilliance” does not exist. It does not exist.

If you want to study something that you are passionate about, don’t let the people around you or in history make you doubt yourself.

As a little girl, all of the role models that I had were old and white men like Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein. There was no one that looked like me, and an influential woman in a similar field to mine still doesn’t come to mind. Role models are important to encouraging someone into a field and women just don’t have a lot of readily celebrated role models for STEM. Recently I listened to the engineering podcast by StuffMomNeverToldYou in their STEM series. They listed some prominent and successful women that I had never heard of. One woman that specifically caught my attention is a woman that whose life is portrayed by the “Cheaper by

the Dozen” movies. Lillian Gilbreth, the mother in the movie, was a real woman. More importantly, according to the podcast, she was an “industrial engineer genius as well as a mother of twelve.” She earned her PhD from Brown University and became the first female member of the American Society of Engineers. She was known as the mother of modern management. Yet, I watched that movie multiple times as a child, and all I knew about her was that she had a lot of kids and fell in love with a Marine.

The Merriam-Webster definition of scientist is, “A person learned in science and especially natural science: a scientific investigator.” Nowhere in this definition does it say man or woman. Society is what has taught us to believe that science is exclusive. It took me years to figure out how stupid this illusion of “brilliance” is.

To study any STEM field, all you need is curiosity and determination.

Kenton’s Corner: to My Freshman Self Since I am coming up on my last semester, I spend a fair amount of time looking back at the four years I spent in Raleigh. One of the things I’m constantly thinking is what I Kenton would say if I could Gibbs write a letter to my Staff Writer freshman self. Since I’m not The Flash and humans haven’t exactly perfected time travel yet, that’s impossible. I’m an outof-state student who only came here with hopes of winning an ACC championship, but many of the things I’d tell me from four years ago would apply for most people.

Since this is the Symposium issue, I figured I’d write that letter to you all.

First off, your value isn’t in any one thing. Not your GPA, your ability to play

a sport, and especially not being loved by a significant other or friends. You have intrinsic value as there are things that you do in the way that only you can. Plus, once all of those things fade away and you have to be a whole adult in the real world, most of them mean little to nothing. More likely than not, if the things that give you your sense of self worth are so material, then you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Next, don’t burn bridges when you don’t have to. Although we are told the giant myth that America is a meri-

tocracy, where you’ll be judged based on your abilities alone, you will see very soon that such is not the case. Whether you are well-connected or not, it’s definitely be wise to always be kind, courteous, and make graceful exits. Beyond being a decent human being, these things will serve you well in the future.

More often than not, people get full-time career-building jobs because they know someone who plugs them with that job.

However, that doesn’t just mean be this way for people who are already in positions of power. This extends to

“ Whether you are

well-connected or not, it’s definitely be wise to always be kind, courteous, and make graceful exits. Beyond being a decent human being, these things will serve you well in the future.”

pretty much everyone you come in contact with. You never know who will end up where on the career totem pole.

Lastly, get a solid understanding of how heavy your workload will be before trying to dabble in every student organization and going to every event. Once you have a firm grip on your priorities and everything you need to do to get your degree, then broaden your horizons. But first things first. Most of us are here to get a degree from one of the best public universities in the state of North Carolina. Don’t get so lost in trying to be out there and known that you fall behind on what matters.

I could go on for forever giving advice but I think that’s enough for today. All of these things are the most genuine and general advice I could give on family-friendly topics. So I hope they come in handy. Now get out there, enjoy Symposium and live your best lives.

WEDNESDAY, August 9, 2017 | 7

OPINION

sTATE OF THE PACK Staff Editorial

sbp WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS

Nubian Message Staff Last year we saw the worst of NC State. There was the time where the signs that Union Activities Board used to accompany their showing of the film “Dear White People” were vandalized and outright removed. We also found white supremacist fliers in our own newsstands, as well as posted around campus. Then the GroupMe incident, where a chat between NC State students that contained the worst of racial slurs went viral, reminded us that not everyone respects and accepts people of other cultures.

Slow in coming, and in the eyes of much of the African-American community, inadequate, the university’s response was also a disappointment.

It consisted of a short video from the chancellor and an even shorter apology from only two of the people involved, which reminded us that the legal definition of free speech can be used as a loophole to allow for racism.

These kinds of incidents, sadly, are nothing new to campus. Racist graffiti discovered in the Free Expression Tunnel in 2008 after President Obama was elected caught international attention and prompted a response from the Secret Service.

Then in 2010, the Tunnel was again the host to racial epithets and offensive images that prompted a university response. Another famous incident of ignorance was the CMT vs. EMT party held off campus in 2015, which was attended by NC State students.

In addition to these larger incidents, we also took note of general issues and trends. For example, the percentage of enrolled black students has decreased from 9.3% to 6% over the past 10 years, according to the Office of Institutional Research and Planning.

There’s also a high turnover rate in the staff of Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity and its student centers.

Both the African American Cultural Center and Multicultural Student Affairs have new directors, Moses T. Alexander Greene and Nashia Whittenburg,

respectively. There’s also a new assistant director of community outreach & engagement, Marcela Torres-Cervantes, in MSA. Still, OIED has a lot of holes to fill.

The Women’s Center, MSA, and AACC each have one or more vacancies in their staffs. Furthermore, MSA has had a complete turnover during the past three years.

On the upside, this is the first full academic year that BIRT, the Bias Incident Response Team, will be active.

BIRT is an initiative created for students, faculty and staff to report bias incidents that occur on campus. They’ve talked the talk and we’re hoping they walk the walk. While we’re hoping it won’t be necessary, students can report incidents at bias-incident.ncsu.edu.

We already know that our community has the potential to come together and organize during tough times.

Students continue to voice their concerns to university leaders at Student Government-sponsored town halls. In 2008, students held a unity rally after the racist graffiti directed at President Barack Obama was painted by four students in the Free Expression Tunnel.

Again in 2010, students blocked off the Free Expression Tunnel in response to painted racial epithets. After the 2016 presidential election, students organized a solidarity rally for marginalized communities and allies on our campus. It’s efforts like these that give us hope.

While we know you’re here to get your degree, it’s important to stay woke on this campus. Speak up and speak out. We are meant to be the voice of the multicultural campus community, but we can’t be that without you. The Nubian Message staff is committed to holding university administration and staff accountable, and we hope that you will join us in making NC State a great home for all students.

Welcome to NC State! To those returning, welcome back! My name is Jacqueline Gonzalez, your Student Body President. The Nubian Message has graciously offered to give me a spot in their first edition of the year for me to share a little bit about myself and about NC State.

So here we go!

A little bit about myself: I’m a senior majoring in Political Science. I am a Latina, my family is from Costa Rica, and I’m the first person in my family to attend a four-year university.

My college experience was difficult at first. I didn’t know how to Jacqueline finance college, or how to pick which college I wanted to go to, and Gonzalez when I got to NC State, there was so much I didn’t know that I didn’t Guest Columnist know where to begin. But there’s one thing that everyone who goes to NC State should know: NC State is filled with amazing resources.

From our amazing faculty and staff, to our libraries, to our centers in Talley Student Union and everything in between, NC State is filled with people ready to help you succeed. It is because of NC State’s amazing resources that I was able stay on track to graduate, find internships that challenged me, and find my niche in Student Government. I’ve been here for three years, and I am still meeting awesome people every day.

College is not easy. There are going to be times where you will be challenged, where you will be frustrated, where you will be angry. But know that you have a support system here for you, myself included. Know your resources, take advantage of them, and change our community for the better.

If you ever want to chat, my office is in the Student Government Suite on the fourth floor of Talley Student Union, and my email is sbp@ncsu.edu. I like coffee and long walks on the Court of Carolinas. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, and everything in between. I won’t have all the answers for you, but will definitely know who might.

So I’m challenging you to take this year to become uncomfortable. Go to events on campus that you usually wouldn’t go to, join or start a new club, go learn about a culture that you know very little about, visit the nutritionist at the health center, go listen to local bands at WKNC’s Fridays on the Lawn, read every copy of the Nubian Message, ask your professors difficult questions. Grow, learn, and become great. NC State is waiting for you.

Thanks for taking the time to read my letter, and I hope you find something that inspires you to do great things. And as always, GO PACK! Yours, Jacqueline Gonzalez P.S. Respect the Pack is the first Student Government initiative of the year and will be on August 15th at 5:30pm at Stafford Commons (in front of Talley). Put it in your calendar and I’ll see you there.

With exciting group fitness classes, outdoor trips to breathtaking locations and unique intramural sports, University Recreation provides the perfect outlet to live a healthy, active lifestyle.

What will you discover this year?

Visit our website or the Carmichael Gym to learn more.

Follow @NCStateUREC and use the hashtag #packinaction

NC STATE STUDENT MEDIA OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, August 15, 2017 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

3rd Floor of Witherspoon Student Center

TECHNICIAN writing design photography dj sales videography social media

Free Howling Cow Ice Cream!

marketing