NUBIANMESSAGE NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY | RALEIGH, NC | THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM | TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 2
Letter from the editor
THISISSUE 3 NC STATE DINING
Student perspectives on campus food.
4 MULTICULTURAL ORGS Hey y’all, Welcome (back) to NC State! I’m Keilah Davis, the 20182019 Editor-in-Chief of Nubian Message. I’ve been part of the Nubian Message team for over 2.5 years as a staff writer and then managing editor. In that time, the mission and spirit of Nubian Message have grown close to my heart, so I’m very excited for the opportunity to lead us into another year. This is my first Letter from the Editor, and starting right here, I’m committing to including a proverb in every letter throughout the year. So here goes: “Until the lion has his own historian, tales of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” Nubian Message was founded in 1992 as a medium that allowed black students at NC State to begin writing their own histories. To continue this tradition, it’s my goal for Nubian Message to be an outlet that addresses the concerns of all students of color at NC State, and I hope that you—our readers—will keep holding us accountable as we go toward achieving that goal. If you’re interested in joining our team, then come to one of our interest meetings! You’ll find those dates and times on the back page. Even if you don’t decide to join, you’re always welcome to submit a Letter to the Editor or an opinion column to nubian-editor@ncsu.edu. From academic advice to safe partying tips, this issue is packed with information that’s guaranteed to be helpful for first-year students, sixth-year students and everyone in between! I wish you all the best in this academic year.
Student clubs for the culture.
5 CAMPUS FOOD 101
Tips and tricks for campus eating.
5 RELATIONSHIP ADVICE
Maintaining healthy relationships.
6 ACADEMIC SUCCESS The Nubian Message Staff weighs in.
7 PARTY SAFETY How to safely enjoy nightlife.
I am because we are, Keilah
The Sentinel of the African -American Community at N.C. State Since 1992. Keilah Davis
Editor-in-Chief
Kennysha Woods
Managing editor
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.
features
Students dish on Nc State dining
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 3
The plug: resources for transfer students Last fall, NC State had the pleasure of welcoming 1,275 transfer students to the pack. Nubian Message has compiled a list of resources to help transfer students along their journeys here at NC State!
S.T. A.T. E. Village
STATE village provides on-campus housing specifically for transfer students and second-year students, as well as enrichment opportunities based on six core pillars of student success: academic success, career development, community and global engagement, diversity, leadership and life skills. Location: Wolf Village Community Director: Lean Campbell Email: lncampb2@ncsu.edu Phone: 919-513-0744
University TUtorial Center Sam Feldstein/Staff Photographer
Joseph Farley, a sophomore studying psychology and chemical engineering, enjoys an “Atilla the Hen” Pita with his friend Adora Nsonwu, a sophomore studying English” while sitting on a bench in front of the Venture II-A and II-B buildings on Centennial Campus Monday, June 1, 2015. Farley ordered his pita from the Chick-n-Que food truck. When asked what brought him out to the food truck, “I was dropping Adora off at work and saw a food truck sign, and I thought it would be nice to get food there” Farley said. If you’re like most college students, you love to eat. But as an incoming first-year, it’s easy to fall into the habit of eating at the same place every day. It can get overwhelming to choose where to go, especially when NC State has over 40 dining locations. To get you started on your food odyssey across campus, here’s some pointers and insight about NC State dining options from your peers. Fountain, Clark and Case Dining Halls are the three all you-can-eat buffet-style places. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day during the semester with changing menus. Because they’re all on main campus, they’re close to the first-year residence halls. Larden Garland, a first-year studying engineering who was on campus over the summer, usually eats at the dining halls. “I like different variety options and not having to eat the same things all the time,” Garland said. “I like that I can go get a burger and then have waffles somewhere else.” It’s important to consider dietary restrictions and food allergies when deciding where to eat. Students can check the online menus to see what food is being served. The dining halls offer several dietary options like vegetarian, vegan and halal. Garland herself is vegetarian and usually eats pastas and salads at Fountain. She also notes the variety of food that was available at summer orientation. From time to time, Garland enjoys a scoop of Howling
Casey Johnson Staff Writer
Cow ice cream, NC State’s own brand produced on campus from Raleigh cows. Her go-to flavor is cookie dough. If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy, Howling Cow can be found at the campus libraries and C-Stores, campus convenience stores in residence halls and Talley Student Union. Talley’s collection of restaurants makes it a hub of student activity. Between Red Sky Pizza Company, Tuffy’s Dinner, Jason’s Deli, Los Lobos and One Earth World Cuisine, the main floor of the Talley is often packed with students grabbing a bite to eat between classes. Courtney Wiley, a second-year studying materials science engineering, says she finds herself drinking more coffee since starting college and enjoys Frappuccino from the Starbucks in the bottom floor of Talley. If you need another place to get a caffeine fix, Port City Java has many locations around campus. This was Wiley’s survival strategy for 8 a.m. classes: going to Port City Java each morning and getting a coffee and a breakfast sandwich to eat during lecture. Wiley tried to be vegetarian during her first year at NC State but found the available options in the campus dining halls lacking. “It was a lot of starchy foods: pasta, bread, potatoes. I had to be picky at where I ate,” Wiley said. The 1887 Bistro, a full-service restaurant on the third floor of Talley, was one of her favorite places to eat on campus,
DINIING continued on page 6
The tutoring center provides students with free assistance in common 100- and 200-level courses, as well as speaking and writing assistance. Location: 101 Park Shops (next to Port City Java) Email: tutorialcenter@ncsu.edu Phone: 919-515-3163
Career Development Center
This center houses multiple resources to prepare students for success after graduation. They critique resumes, offer mock interviews and provide free professional clothing for job interviews. Don’t wait go see a career counselor. Get there as soon as possible! Location: 2100 Pullen Hall Email: career-development@ncsu.edu Phone: 919-515-2396
Office of Undergraduate Research
This office helps match students with research opportunities, hosts symposia at NC State for students to share their work and offers funding for students to present at external conferences. Location: 2229 Broughton Hall Email: undergraduate-research@ncsu.edu Phone: 919-513-0095
Disability Resource Office
The office ensures that students, faculty and staff with disabilities are given equal opportunity. They offer accommodations such as extended time on tests and assistive technology. Location: University College Commons Suite 304 Email: disability@ncsu.edu Phone: 919-515-7653
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 4
features
a preview of multicultural student organizations
keilah davis editor-in-chief
In college (and especially at a predominantly white one), many incoming students look for organizations that allow them to connect with students of similar cultural backgrounds. Many also seek to learn about a culture different from their own. Since NC State has over 700 student organizations, there are many opportunities to engage with— and learn from—various racial, ethnic and religious groups. Here are a few that host signature annual events: Mi Familia
Mi Familia is a social, cultural and political organization for Latinx students and culture. Last year, Mi Familia celebrated its 15th year at NC State with a Quinceañera. Signature Events: Every year, Mi Familia events hosts Somos, a showcase of Latinx culture. Mi Familia also sponsors many programs during Latinx History Month.
Black Students Board
The mission of University Activities Board it to produce quality programming “for the students, by the students.” Black Students Board, one of UAB’s six committees, hosts programs throughout the year that educate the NC State community about African American culture. Signature Events: BSB coordinates Pan-Afrikan Week, a week-long celebration of culture throughout the African diaspora.
Signature Events: Asian Students Association hosts Asia Night, an annual culture showcase. In addition, Asian Students Association, along with affiliated organizations, hosts programs during NC State’s celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month.
Muslim Students Association
Muslim Students Association connects Muslims on and off campus while educating the community on Islam. Signature Events: MSA’s Islam Fair is an interactive event for participants to engage in discussion and learn about Islam. MSA also hosts the annual Prayer on the Lawn, which demonstrates the sunset Maghrib Islamic Prayer.
Adam Davis/Staff Photographer Members of Fusion Dance Group, a multi-cultural hip-hop dance crew, preform for the 2017 Back to School Jam.
Native American Student Association
Native American Student Association provides community for Native American students while education the NC State community about Native American people and cultures. Signature Events: Native American Student Association’s signature events include a Powwow, an Indigenous People’s Day celebration and Native American culture night. NASA also hosts programs during Native American Heritage Month.
Asian Students Association
Asian Students Association focuses on educating the NC State community about Asian culture.
Shaun Gillie/Staff Photographer Sarah Cochran/Staff Photographer Students wait in line, outside of Alexander and Jayla Davis dances during the 28th annual Turlington residents hall, for carne asada and Pow-wow on Saturday, April 7, 2018 in Carhamburgers at the LatinX cookout on Friday, michael Gymnasium at NC State University. Sept. 15, 2015.
Jordan Taylor/Staff Photographer Vice President of the Muslim Student Association, Sinthia Shabnam gives classmate Soho Raja a henna tattoo at the Islam Fair on Tuesday Oct 24, 2017.
For a showcase of NC State’s multicultural student organizations, visit Back 2 School Jam on Aug. 22 at 5 p.m. at Witherspoon Student Center.
opinion
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 5
College Survival: Campus Eating 101 As a college student, finding ways to get quality food for cheap has become one of my favorite hobbies. On a campus like NC State, food is plentiful, but not all of it is good and not all of it is economical. Yesenia During my time here, jones I’ve developed a few Staff Writer tricks to eating on campus that have allowed me to find options that are satisfying and cost effective. Here are my tricks that should help you, whether or not you have a meal plan. First, dining halls are your best option for getting a well-balanced, nutritional meal on a meal plan. While eating in dining halls, you can eat as much as you want all for one meal swipe. Places like Los Lobos and the Atrium only allow you to spend up to a certain amount of money for each swipe, often resulting in having to pay out of pocket with cash or using your dining dollars. In the mornings, you can’t
even get a smoothie bowl at Smoothie U without paying out of pocket. In my opinion, the best dining hall to eat at is Case Dining Hall. They always have delicious and nutritious options. However, Case is not open to the general student body for dinner, so make sure that you get there during breakfast or lunch. Second, if you’re a huge fan of Chickfil-A, take the time to travel to the Cameron Village location if you can and skip out on the one in the Atrium. The Chick-fil-A in the Atrium is more expensive than your average Chick-fil-A location, and you’ll most likely have to pay out of pocket to get a whole meal. Taking the extra time to go to the Cameron Village location allows you to save your dining dollars and maximize your meal plan.
Third, if you’re on a meal plan, use one swipe during each allotted time period. By doing this, you’re ensuring that you’ll use up all of your meal swipes and get your money’s worth by the end of the year and that you’ll never go hungry. For example, if you’re not hungry enough for a full meal, you can use meal swipes to buy snacks at Starbucks and stash them in your dorm room for late night studying sessions. Fourth, try the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich at Port City Java. It’s a delicious breakfast option and it normally doesn’t take a long time if you’re in a rush. Also, many people don’t know that you can get the sandwich on an artisanal roll or any bagel of your choosing. Switching out the usual English muffin for the bagel
“If you’re not hungry enough for a full meal, you can use meal swipes to buy snacks at Starbucks and stash them in your dorm room for late night studying sessions.”
makes a huge difference and can add some variety to your morning routine. Fifth, Smoothie U will allow you customize your own smoothie bowl with a set number of options. Most people stick with the berry acai bowl or the mango coconut bowl and are unaware of the fact that you can create a variety of bowls with the ingredients provided. Sixth, if you are in a rush or have little time between classes, your best bet is to use the Tapingo app. It allows you to order your meal ahead of time so you can avoid long lines during rush hours. Tapingo also allows you to pay using a meal swipe or a credit card. The Seventh and last tip is to try the sweet potato waffle at Tuffy’s Diner for a deliciously sweet breakfast treat. They drizzle it with caramel and nuts, and it’s the perfect way to treat yourself before a big exam or on a Friday morning after a long week. As you explore campus, you’ll learn your favorite places to eat and the best ways to eat on campus. I hope that these tips help you get a head start!
How to maintain healthy relationships Relationships are an important part of the college experience and are a key part of having a long and happy life. However, between rigorous academics and incompatible personalities, college can be a challenging place to Shawn build worthwhile relafredericks tionships. Staff Writer As your dear Uncle Shawn, I thought I’d share some lessons I’ve learned so you can be more prepared to find healthy friendships and romantic relationships.
can be scary, and it takes a strong person with good intentions and character, but it’s worth the risk for an authentic and deep connection with another person.
A relationship cannot be authentic without the people within that relationship being vulnerable with each other. Honestly, I have struggled with this because in both my romantic and platonic relationships, I won’t show vulnerability. I’ll get to know people without letting them learn about me, and you cannot develop a deep connection with people unless you put that guard down. Being vulnerable
As a college student, you have more autonomy over whom you let into your social circle. This means whomever you gravitate towards is a reflection of your internal mindset. For instance, if you are constantly in relationships where you are taken advantage of, where people do not value your time or personality, there something going
Be vulnerable.
Things will change.
People change, and if you are going into your freshmen year (or if you’re a transfer like me), you’re going to make a lot of new, but ultimately superficial, connections. Your social circle will naturally get smaller as your schedule gets busier. So while you may care for many people, you will have to let some of them go to make time and space for the ones that matter most. It’s not easy, but it’s a part of life.
Your relationships are a reflection of you.
on internally that pushes you towards forming connections like that. Maybe it’s low self-esteem or lack of self-love; whatever it is, until you do some internal work, the cycle of dissatisfying relationships will continue.
Reciprocity is nonnegotiable.
All healthy relationships have a foundation in reciprocity and balance. When you invest time into people, there’s nothing wrong with expecting a return on your investment. You shouldn’t over-extend yourself for someone who does not put effort into the relationship. On the other hand, you shouldn’t abuse people because it’s convenient for you. If you notice someone is investing time or money into your relationship, then you should reciprocate that or cut it off. Balance is key. Notice what you’re giving and what you’re taking. This doesn’t mean you should get into a “tit for tat” mentality, but if the relationship is one-sided then you have to let it go.
People will make mistakes, including you.
People are not perfect—especially in college. We’re all learning how to navigate these complicated ties of relationships, so people will make mistakes. Acknowledge that, give yourself space to make mistakes, and don’t take yourself or relationships too seriously. While giving yourself room, allow others the room to make mistakes. That doesn’t mean tolerate mistreatment; it means be intentional about keeping yourself open and compassionate.
You are enough and you have something to contribute.
Sometimes we don’t believe we’re capable of contributing to a relationship, and these feelings of inadequacy make us build a wall between us and other people. However, don’t fall into this type of thinking. We all have positive traits, whether it’s being a good listener, great advice giver or having an empathetic soul. We all have something to contribute to a relationship in a positive way.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 6
opinion
academic tips from the nubian message staff Here’s some advice from the Nubian Message staff on things like time management, talking to professors, maintaining good grades or anything else we’ve found useful in achieving academic success! Nubian message staff “DH Hill is a great place to study in between classes or if you can’t focus in your dorm room. Plan ahead: schedule the classes you need to take in upcoming years for your major and get a physical calendar to write your assignment due dates down on and cross out dates as they go by. Skimming over the reading you were supposed to do is better than not reading at all. Take notes, highlight and underline in your textbooks that you paid way too much for.”
–Casey Johnson, Staff Writer
“Go to your professor’s office hours and introduce yourself at the beginning of the year. Let them know your strengths and weaknesses regarding the subject and they may be able to give you some resources. If you begin to build a relationship early on, they will also be more understanding of your struggles later in the semester. Also, do not forget that many of the professors who are teaching classes related to your major, have worked in your field. Use them as a source for finding internships, letters of recommendation and networking.”
–Yesenia Jones, Staff Writer
“Don’t be afraid to join a club or pick up an extracurricular activity related to things you’re interested in. In addition to being something useful to have on a resume, these things can really help you meet new people, get acclimated to campus life and relieve stress from your week of classes.
“What helped me the most was taking a big goal like chapter readings and broke them down into smaller goals. For instance, instead of blocking out time to read a whole chapter, I would just read a section of the chapter throughout the day that week instead of cramming all of my chapter readings into my weekend.
Also, take personal time whenever you need. Yes, college is a very important time for maintaining academic success, but your mental health shouldn’t suffer because of it. If you feel like you need to take some time to recuperate, then do so!
Also, take advantage of the fact your syllabus breaks down all your assignments and be proactive in knocking them out a week or two weeks ahead so you can coast while you classmates cram. Easier said than done, I know, but if you use the method I laid out you’ll notice you are closer to your goal and have more time than you thought you would have!
Get to know your RA and go to the events they organize for your dorm whenever you can. It’s always beneficial to know the person in charge of your living space and their events are always fun (and usually have free food). And finally, start a resume as early as you can because it’s always better to add to it as you go through your college career than to try to conjure one up at the last minute while recalling everything you did. Visit the career development center for guidance as well!”
–Kennysa Woods, Managing Editor
Lastly, do not get so obsessed with your academic work you become a square. Go out and party responsibly so you are less stressed when you are engaged in your work.”
–Shawn Fredericks, Staff Writer
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help! College is a lot harder than high school but there are many resources available to help. Use office hours, TAs, tutors, study groups and even YouTube videos whenever you need them.”
–Keilah Davis, Editor-in-Chief
Dining continued from page 3 but the changing menu made keeping up with dietary restrictions difficult. Instead, she went to Los Lobos, the Mexican grill on the first floor, where she had more control of what went into her food. Wiley also advertises the options on Centennial Campus. On the Oval is the food court on the lower level of Wolf Ridge Apartments. Cold Fusion Salads and Deli, Fahrenheit Pizza, Newton’s Grill, Gravity Cafe and Flashpoint Global (a made-to-order stir-fry restaurant) are all located in the Oval. Centennial is also serviced by scheduled food trucks every day from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Jordan Prosser, a transfer student studying biology, likes to eat at the various places in Talley—Los Lobos and Jason’s Deli being her favorites. Prosser transferred from UNC-Chapel Hill this year, and said there weren’t many places to eat on campus there, leading her to spend money elsewhere. But at NC State, she enjoys being able to swipe her Wolfpack One card and use her meal plan and dining dollars. Wiley advises the incoming freshmen to try new things. “It’s easy to go to Chick-fil-A everyday,” Wiley said, “because you’re familiar with it. But check everything out. Eat around and see what you like.” Chick-fil-A is located in the Atrium Food Court connected to D.H. Hill Library and is open on the weekdays. In the same building are Brickyard Pizza and Pasta, Delirious Wraps and Salads, Smoothie U and Zen Blossom, which offers sushi, egg rolls and stir-fry creations.
In addition to trying a little of everything, Prosser’s tip to new students is to alter their eating schedule. “Eating at weird times of the day is better,” Prosser said. “That way, you’re in there when no [one] else is.” Prosser likes to eat at 2 or 3 p.m. to avoid the inevitable campus lunch rush. Don’t limit yourself to only using your meal plan though. Hillsborough Street, which is just north of campus, is lined with restaurants. Chipotle, Insomnia Cookies and Jersey Mike’s Subs are frequented by your fellow students and are a short walk from class. There are also apps like Tapingo and OrderUp that allow you to order food online from select places on campus in advance so it’s ready for pickup. Or use them to get delivery from fast food places in Raleigh. Garland, Wiley and Prosser all agreed on one thing; it’s boring to eat the same thing every day.
opinion
Nightlife Safety: Lessons I learned Welcome to NC State, Class of 2022! This is an exciting time that will be filled with new people and surroundings. Like many incoming freshman, you’ve probably heard stories about partying in college and you can’t wait to get white boy wasted. I was once in your shoes and, like many other upperclassmen, I have multiple Yesenia stories that are filled with regret. Between jones emergency room visits and waking up Staff Writer in unfamiliar places, I’d say that I have definitely learned a lot about how to be safe while partying. In order to avoid, making some of the same mistakes that I did, here are some tips on how you can stay safe while also having a good time.
1.
Find a group of friends that you deem mildly trustworthy. At this point in your college career, it’s not likely that you will have the time to become well-acquainted with your entire friend group on campus. You probably met most of your friends in your residence hall, during summer orientation or during the Symposium for Multicultural Scholars. Let’s be real, you don’t really know half of these people. Find the group of people that you trust the most and make them your party crew. This is the most important thing you can do to stay safe while partying. Most parties are in residential areas or apartment complexes, and it is much safer to travel to and from these areas with a group of people, especially when it’s 4 a.m. and the craziest people are out in the streets. One Halloween, when my friends and I were leaving a party at 4 a.m., a man dressed in a penguin costume stood in the middle of the road so my car could not pass. I attempted to drive around this individual, but he punched the passenger side window. So be prepared for anything out there y’all! Take an Uber or Lyft wherever you go. Even if you have a car on campus or someone you know has a car, ridesharing is still a safer option because this ensures that your driver will be completely sober. I’ve heard too many designated drivers claim that they are better at driving while drunk or high than they are at driving while sober. I’ve also heard many designated drivers claim that if they spread their drinks out, the alcohol will not be in their system when it is time to drive. Do not listen to these people. They’re usually the worst at handling their liquor. Just hire yourself a driver. If you choose to drink, don’t mix dark liquors with white liquors. It might seem like a good idea when your friends are cheering you on while you chase shots of Svedka with shots of Captain Morgan. Trust me, it’s not. After doing this, I woke up in an unfamiliar apartment
2.
3.
with vomit in my hair. Lucky for me, I have great friends who stayed overnight with me in the apartment, attempted to get most of my vomit in the toilet and paid for my Uber home the next morning. But if you find yourself in an unfortunate situation and your group abandons you, it’s likely that you’ll end up in an emergency room and possibly facing underage drinking charges. This has happened to multiple people that I know, so just do your best not to mix white and dark liquors. If you’re going to drink the punch at a frat party, only drink it after you see one of the brothers in the frat drink it themselves. If they aren’t drinking it, you probably shouldn’t either. I’ve never had any bad experiences with punch at parties, but I’ve heard stories where the punch was spiked with molly or roofies. While it’s rare for the punch to be spiked with drugs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If a fight breaks out in the party, don’t stand around to watch, don’t join in if you get hit and don’t try and find everyone you came with in that moment. Fights in packed party venues can become dangerous very quickly. The fight can grow rapidly, and the stampede of people trying to get out of the house or apartment will make it difficult to find an escape route. Your best bet is to grab your closest friend by the forearm and strategically make your way out of the venue. Panicking in a situation like this can cause more harm to you and the people around you, so just stay calm and make your way out. The final tip is to always carry tissue and small sanitizing wipes with you. If you ever have to use the bathroom at a party, you’ll thank yourself for bringing these items. Frat houses normally don’t have toilet paper or a designated soap to wash your hands with. I’m not sure why they don’t stock up on these things for parties, but you’ll feel much cleaner if you have your own.
4.
5.
6.
I hope these tips help make your partying experiences good memories that will last a lifetime. When partying, the most important thing is to have fun. So make friends, learn new things and party as much as you can while you still have the time. Also, don’t forget to submit those assignments before you head out! Remembering that you had an assignment due at 11:55 while dancing and drinking will kill your vibe.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2018 | 7
hood classics: A playlist shawn fredericks Yesenia jones Staff Writers Hood classics are songs that bring back nostalgia. They remind us of good times at parties, hanging out in our neighborhoods, childhood friends and the places we’ve come from. In the words of OG James Baldwin, “Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go.” This playlist is dedicated to those [of us] from the bottom respectin’ their come up and where they came from. Wipe Me Down Lil Boosie Love Sosa Chief Keef Dreams and Nightmares Meek Mill I Look Good Chalie Boy O Let’s Do It Waka Flock Knuck If You Buck Crime Mob ft. Lil Scrappy It Was A Good Day Ice Cube I Think I Love Her Gucci Mane Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You) UGK ft. OutKast
Visit thenubianmessage.com for the full playlist.