The Edge: Holiday Edition by The Pendulum

edge the

VOL. 3 | EDITION 4 WINTER 2012 ELON, N.C.

MORE THAN HOLIDAY BLUES

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3 WAYS TO WEAR

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s hard to believe the year is slowly coming to a close. But, luckily, the end of the year does bring a fair amount of festivities -- luminaries, President Lambert’s Holiday Party, and much more. It’s a nice break from the stress of exam week, to say the least. While there is an apparent shift in attitude when the holidays are around, this change doesn’t hide the fact that college students still have a lot to do before Winter Break. We have five projects to complete, and we have exams to take. We have to finally purchase a plane ticket to that coveted study abroad destination. We are stressed. College is supposed to hold some of the best times of our lives, and it does. But it’s not often that we are warned about the tough stuff. The stress that, sometimes, gets so bad we need to talk to someone about it. This edition of The Edge not only investigates the thrills of the holiday season, but also takes a look at that tougher stuff that, oftentimes, we sweep under the rug.

Kate Riley | Editor of The Edge

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IN THIS ISSUE 04

HOLIDAY PARTY

MAKE THE BEST OF WINTER TERM

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BEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES? WINTER HATS ELECTION REACTION ALBUM REVIEWS

THE EDGE

Editor of The Edge Kate Riley Design Madison Margeson Kyra Gemberling

Features Editor Kyra Gemberling

Entertainment&Travel Editor Stephanie Petrich

Check out all the exclusive Edge content online at elonpendulum.com/edge The Edge is Elon University’s only general-interest magazine, published quarterly by The Pendulum student news organization. Students of all years and majors are encouraged to contribute.

Fashion Editor Alison Ryncarz

Health&Wellness Editor Marisa Moody

Opinions Editor Ian Luther Sports Editor Matt Dowdle

Photo Editor Merissa Blitz

Contributing Writers Eric Dinkins Amanda Garrity Kyra Gemberling Corinne James Katie Kolls Anjelique Kyriakos Ian Luther Kyle Maher Kate Nicols Katie O’Han Lauren Phillips Kaitlyn Stahl Erin Valentine Andrew Wilson

Photographers Merissa Blitz Stephanie Butzer Claire Esparros Kyra Gemberling Ruth Gray Katie O’Han Alison Ryncarz

Editor-in-Chief of The Pendulum Caitlin O’Donnell Seniors Kelvin Walker and Alexandra Harden were photographed by Claire Esparros in Elon, N.C.

Managing Editor of The Pendulum Natalie Allison

Maynard House keeps popular tradition alive

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

In past years, the reception has managed to prepare a wide variety of food while also satisfying the classic holiday essentials. The food provided in past years includes:

• Assorted cheeses served with crackers, flatbreads and grissini breadsticks • Grilled veggies with balsamic drizzle • Panko-crusted chicken bites • Barbecue meatballs • Apple cider

with annual holiday party for students Eric Dinkins

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

The annual Student Holiday Party hosted by President Leo Lambert and his wife, Laurie, is a classic Elon tradition. Each fall semester before exams begin, the Lamberts invite the entire student body and professors to Maynard House for an evening of camaraderie in the spirit of the holiday season. But the event’s origins took place long before Lambert came to Elon in 1999. Former Elon President Fred Young started the event in the late 1980s, and it was hosted at his home at the time, Holland House, which was located where Phi Beta Kappa Commons currently has a home. Through the years, the reception has received additional experiences that add to the traditional nature of the event, such as students having their picture taken with President Lambert. “I have always believed this tradition was an important one,” Lambert said. “Students really seem to enjoy the opportunity to have a fun photograph taken.” As is typically expected of university events, free food is provided, and because of the large-scale attendance of the event, finger foods take priority to accommodate as many people as possible. Carolyn Ent, events director in the president’s office, coordinates with ARAMARK’s catering team to select food. ARAMARK handles all of the catering and management services for the event. Kate Nelson, marketing manager of Elon Dining Services, emphasizes the

consistent quality of food over the quantity of food. An experienced team led by Mirek Lysakowski, executive catering chef who’s been with the team for 12 years, has prepared the food every year since Young was president. The demand for food is based on how crowded the event is, seeing as it’s become very popular in the past two or three years, according to Jana Lynn Patterson, assistant vice president for Student Life and associate dean of students. “We were averaging 300 to 500 students up until a few years ago,” Patterson said. “Last year, over 1000 students attended.” Nelson said that attendance is also dependent on the weather. “In 2010, it was 34 degrees and freezing cold outside, so our guest count was low,” Nelson said. “In 2011, it was a beautiful evening around 65 degrees and we served

a much higher number of guests. We had to return to campus to make additional food so that we could serve everyone.” The Student Holiday Party at Maynard House was held this year on December 4th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., allowing students, faculty and staff to enjoy a classic Elon tradition and to revel in the spirit of the holidays.

What I learned from:

Holiday movies

Erin Valentine

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

They can’t be escaped. They are lurking behind every channel change. They lure you in with their cheer and their promise of a heart-warming story. The holidays are a time for family, friends, fireplaces and home-cooked meals – oh, and of course, classic holiday movies. Holiday movies embody all that is good about the holidays. They are cheesy, predictable and absolutely wonderful for many viewers. Plus, they teach us classic lessons: “A Christmas Story” taught us to never stick our tongues to a frozen flagpole, while “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” showed us that you only have enough lights once your fuse blows. While these lessons may not be very serious, the holidays do bring us movies with lessons that we can use throughout our lifetime, especially during our time in college.

If you’re in trouble, an angel will help: In the black-andwhite classic “It’s A Wonderful Life,” George Bailey finds himself short on money and on the verge of losing his business. In an hour of despair, he decides that committing suicide may the best choice for his family. However, he changes his mind and his entire perspective on life when an angel comes to help him. The lesson is simple: although you feel like you’re at the end of your rope with a problem, there is always another way to look at it, even though an angel probably won’t come down and take you on a nice trip through an alternate universe. No matter your problem – financial, familial or other – there is always another solution. “This movie touches me differently every year,” said sophomore Emma Kwiatkowski. “It really puts you in the holiday mood.”

Always listen to wise old men (especially ones who sing): “Eight Crazy Nights,” the Adam Sandler Hanukkah musical extravaganza, tells the transformative story of a washed-up drunk who is forced to befriend an old man who only sees the good in the world. The lost drunkard eventually finds his way, admitting his wrong doings and opening himself up to love. The movie, while hilarious, sometimes vulgar and very offbeat, tells an underappreciated lesson: Older people are truly wiser. As college students, we can get lost in our own world. Interviews, classes, the newest technology and the best social media sites become our main concerns. We forget that others have been through college, and survived it without too many mental breakdowns. Appreciate those who have already made the mistakes you’re making, and learn from what they have learned.

Spaghetti and maple syrup makes a balanced breakfast: “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” The comical adventure “Elf ” follows Buddy the Elf, one of Santa’s most lovable helpers, all the way from the North Pole to the Big Apple. In an attempt to bond with his biological father, Buddy creates cheery chaos wherever he goes, eventually teaching everyone the forgotten importance of believing in magic. The lesson “Elf ” teaches is that innocence, an open-mind and a sense of creativity should never be forgotten. “It just has something special to it,” said sophomore Kyle Koach. “It’s not your typical Christmas movie.” College can sometimes bog down your mind with papers and projects and grades, but even college students need to remember to be young and care-free, if only for a few minutes.

‘TIS THE SEASON:

ALL PHOTOS BY NICOLE ESPLIN

Holiday decorating on a budget Nicole Esplin

MARKETING & JOURNALISM

The Christmas bells are ringing, but the money in your pocket may not be clinging, making it especially hard to decorate your living space for the holidays. If you want to throw a post-President Lambert Christmas party get-together or send proud photos of your creativity home to Mom, use the following guide for decorations that cost $15 or less.

Not your grandma’s yarn: This creative take on a traditional holly wreath is inexpensive, neat and can be used for Christmases to come. Wrap green and red yarn around Styrofoam balls and hot glue the balls to a Styrofoam wreath. Hang and enjoy! Total Spent: $11-15

Tomato, tomahto: Traditional Christmas trees are messy and require maintenance that college students may not have time for. This easy twist on a traditional tree takes less than five minutes to set up. Plus, it’s durable enough to withstand outdoor weather and classy enough to keep inside all December. Buy a tomato cage (available at Walmart year round) and string lights around the form. For a 4-foot tall cage, three sets of 100-ct lights work well for full coverage. Total Spent: $8

Save Frosty: Keep Frosty safe from melting by placing him on the coldest place in your dorm, house or apartment — the refrigerator. Cut out felt in the shape of eyes, buttons and an orange carrot nose. Hot-glue magnets to the back of the felt pieces and have fun arranging your own snow man on the refrigerator. You can also cut out strips of wrapping paper to make a scarf. Total Spent: $10

Reindeer Brew: Wind down at the end of a hectic day of decorating with a reindeerdecorated soda or root beer bottle. These guys are perfect for invitations or party favors. Glue googly eyes, pipe cleaners and red Pom-Pom balls for a nose on to glass bottles for a decorative, delicious treat. Total Spent: $7-10

Make the most out of a winter term study abroad Katie Kolls

MEDIA ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Studying abroad is considered a common aspect of the Elon experience. Ranked the #1 institution for studying abroad by Princeton Review, Elon makes going abroad for a Winter Term or full semester simple. Many students who study abroad will tell you that there were few downsides to their time away, and the benefits they received from living in another country for a semester were life changing. Several students shared stories from their experiences abroad and advice for those currently considering it. Meredith Citty, junior and Elementary Education major, went to London last spring as part of the Teaching Fellows program. She chose London because of the various travel opportunities it offered. Citty described a particularly fun travel excursion. “I went to Dartmoor, UK to celebrate my 20th birthday by going to the Dartmoor Zoological Park — the zoo from We bought a Zoo,” Citty said. “I was casually eating lunch in the Jaguar Restaurant, just like in the movie, when I look up and see Benjamin Mee, the guy who actually bought the zoo!” Citty described her time abroad as a once in a lifetime experience that helped her grow as a person. “You’ll miss some American things like food, drinks, and family,” she said. “However, the positives completely outweigh the negatives.” Lauren Kepke, also a Teaching Fellow, chose to travel to Costa Rica instead so

she could improve her Spanish skills and live with a host family. She enjoyed being able to work in schools and experience the local culture with a family. Kepke also described an unexpected experience she had while abroad: “I was invited to an Easter service at the Catholic church and it was one of the funniest services of my life,” Kepke said. “Not only was it a 4 hour service, there were fireworks, a statue of Jesus running around the service and the priest soaking everyone with water.” Like Citty, Kepke believes the positives of studying abroad outweigh the negatives. “Missing home, life at Elon and the comforts of life in America is difficult but it does not compare to the adventures of being abroad,” Kepke said. Senior Molly Curtiss went to the less common destination of South Caicos last fall. “I chose that location because it allowed me to focus on my career aspirations of marine biology,” Curtiss said. “It allowed me to go diving every day, and it was always warm.” Curtiss said the biggest benefit of her experience was that it fit well with her plans for the future. “I was able to concentrate entirely on my major and career aspirations to become a marine biologist,” she said. “I did not have to take extra classes that didn’t really interest me.” Some people, like Paxton Syrek, find the places they study abroad as possible locations to call home again in the

future. Syrek studied in Australia last spring because she thought it would be a more unique experience than going to Europe. “I absolutely loved it there, and I realized I would be perfectly okay with living there after my college career,” she said. Syrek also pointed out a positive to studying abroad that many other Elon students have experienced. “I made an incredible group of friends in such a short amount of time,” she said. “It was unexpected that I would form close friendships that quickly.” Other students who studied abroad will also talk about the lasting bonds they formed with fellow students and

locals, so don’t let fear of not fitting in keep you from experiencing a new place. David Gwynn, a senior Media Arts and Entertainment

ALL FILE PHOTOS SUBMITTED

major, chose to study in Copenhagen last fall because he thought it was “off the beaten track” when it came to study abroad locations. While there, Gwynn had an unusual interaction with a local at a bus stop that turned into a strong memory from his time there. “A girl rides up on her bicycle and jumps off,” Gwynn said. “She then comes up to me and says, ‘I’m running away from my family, can you help me?’” Gwynn said he was taken aback, but eager to interact with a Dane. “We got onto my bus and we sat there,” he said. “She told me that she had run away from her house and was trying to get to her boyfriend’s house. So we sat there and talked it through and I learned more about her and what 15-year-old Danish girls do in their free time.” Although the experience was bizarre for Gwynn, he appreciated the chance to interact with a local. “It was one of those little things when you’re studying abroad that seemed magical, because they just never happen or you don’t think they could happen and then they do” he said. Gwynn said his biggest takeaway from

studying abroad was not learning about another culture, but being forced to examine his own culture and the things he’s been taught. “It sort of turns the mirror back on you,” he said. Though studying abroad may seem like a scary concept for some, most students who have done so would probably agree that it is worth the

anxiety and planning. The main pieces of advice these students offered were to research locations and things to do. Don’t expect everything to go perfectly, and experience as much of a foreign place as you possibly can. Whether you visit Ireland, Argentina or France, your experience is sure to be life altering.

happy Put the happy in the holidays Lauren Phillips ENGLISH

The holidays are supposed to be our big break from school. Three weeks of no class, so no stress? Yeah right. Unfortunately, the holidays can overwhelm us just as much as school. Have gifts to buy, family and friends to see, food to prepare and a parttime job to manage too? It’s understandable why you can’t find time to rest and relax over the break. Here’s a list of ways to keep stress to the minimum during the holiday season.

Exercise.

Make a gift list.

No winter is complete without sugar cookies, but if you’re trying not to gain weight, those cookies can be all too tempting. After you make and decorate your cookies, keep a few for yourself and your family, and then give the rest away to neighbors and friends.

Don’t “shop around” for gifts for particular people. Decide what you want to get for your friends and family before you go shopping so you don’t waste hours wandering around the mall. If you haven’t already, start brainstorming!

Shop Online

Shopping online is easy, fast and sometimes cheaper than going to the store. You can use websites like Groupon.com to find the best deals. Even get a head start in between studying for exams since this can be done from your dorm. Ship items home so you don’t have to worry about traveling with gifts.

Decorate. ‘Tis the season. It might be timeconsuming, but take the time to hang up a few lights or decorate a tree. It’s worth the effort to come home to a dorm, apartment or house decked out in holiday spirit. The warm, cheery atmosphere should help you stay grounded and remember the joy of the season.

Winter blues got you down? Go for a run. If it’s too cold outside, go to the gym. Or just turn on some music and dance around. Whatever you do, get moving. Even ten minutes will increase your mood and keep those winter blues away and seasonal pounds off.

Share the (cookie) love.

Stay healthy & active. It’s easy to get sick this time of year and being stuck in bed is definitely not how you want to spend your break. Keep nasty colds away by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and getting enough rest. Stay active by going out and doing activities that you can’t do over the summer, like ice skating, caroling or going for a drive to look at holiday lights.

Keep in Touch. Don’t forget to stay in contact with your Elon friends while you’re home. It’s hard not to get wrapped up in your life back home, but something as simple as sending a “Happy Holidays!” text can go a long way and let your friends at school know that you are thinking about them.

holidays

Happy healthy holiday recipes

Low-fat Pumpkin Spice Muffins

The holiday season presents far too many opportunities for indulgence and thus, the diets of Americans take the toll each year. With Thanksgiving trailing away in the distance, the only real issue after the craziness dies down is the pounds that have piled on. With plenty of leftovers, it is easy to forget that swimsuit season comes back around. With these helpful tips and holiday healthfriendly recipes, you’ll be astonished at your winter weight-loss, without missing out on seasonal favorites.

These pumpkin spice muffins contain one gram of fat each. While this recipe may require more time, the muffins are large and filling, so you’ll only feel the need to indulge in one.

Ingredients:

• 4 3/4 cups wheat flour (or use white flour or half of each) • 3 cups brown sugar (or use brown or white Splenda sugar) • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg • 2 teaspoons cinnamon • 1 1/2 teaspoons cloves • 6 large eggs • 1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree • 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce • 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt (or use 1 cup applesauce) • 1 1/2 cups raisins

Corinne James

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE BUTZER

Baked and Drizzled Apples This dessert centers on grannysmith apples, a sweet and sour seasonal favorite. This dessert is prepared extremely easily, and often serves as a fun project to complete with children or siblings. One serving is about 106 calories.

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees (set oven rack to second-lowest position). 2. Line three (12-cup) regular size muffin tins with paper liners, then spray the bottom of the paper liners with cooking spray. 3. In a large bowl mix together flour with brown sugar (or Splenda sugar if using) baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves until well combined. 4. In another bowl whisk or beat on low speed of an electric mixer the eggs with pumpkin puree, applesauce and fat-free yogurt until smooth and well blended. 5. Stir in raisins until combined. 6. Evenly divide the batter between all the muffin tins. 7. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the muffins test done.

Ingredients:

Stuffed Dates Stuffed dates are vegetarian, low-calorie, high-fiber, and lactose-free. There are only 194 calories per serving, with three grams of protein and fiber. This recipe takes no longer than five minutes to prepare and serves as an easy snack or centerpiece.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar • 12 Medjool dates • ½ cup whole almonds

Directions:

1. Place the powdered sugar in a bowl. 2. Cut a slit on one side of each date and remove the pit. Replace it with an almond. 3. Roll the dates in the powdered sugar.

• Granny-smith Apples (can use any kind) • Reese’s Shell

Directions:

1. Cut apples into slices. Core and slice them. 2. Place apples in baking dish or on a cookie sheet. 3. Optional steps: Sprinkle raisins in between. Add cinnamon or nutmeg. 4. Cover and bake apples at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. 5. Drizzle Reese’s shell (desired amount) over baked apples. 6. Let cool and harden.

Who’s heading to N’awlins? 2013 NFL PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

Andrew Wilson

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

On February 3, 2013, the lights will shine bright on “The Big Easy,” but they wont be on the “Who Dat Nation” and the New Orleans Saints. So who will the lights shine on come February? In recent years, it’s been lower seeds getting hot at the right time to take home the title. In 2010, it was the Green Bay Packers as a No. 6 seed. In 2011, the New York Giants were the No. 4 seed. There are only a couple teams that seem like locks this season. The Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens have made it a habit of being at the top of the AFC standings. In the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons have put it together, and Matt Ryan is taking them places in his fifth season under center. The Chicago Bears are also clicking on all cylinders. So are the San Francisco 49ers. That leaves four free spots in the AFC and three in the NFC. Look for Baltimore and Houston to hold on to their respective divisions and claim first-round byes in next month’s playoffs. The New England Patriots will also return to the playoffs as winners of the AFC East, even though they wont have their star tight end Rob Gronkowski for most of the remainder of the season. Peyton Manning’s newlook Denver Broncos are pulling away from the struggling San Diego Chargers in the AFC West. That

trend will continue throughout the season and Manning’s old team, the Indianapolis Colts, led by rookie Andrew Luck, will fill in one of the two AFC wildcard spots. The other wildcard team will be a toss-up. There are a number of teams that will be in the hunt, but like normal, the Pittsburgh Steelers will prevail in a close race. Atlanta is on the move. Everything is clicking for the Falcons: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Julio Jones, Roddy White, you name him, they’re on a roll. Lovie Smith’s Bears are also in a good spot for a first-round bye, but they’re going to feel the pressure from the Packers if they slip at all. In the end, both teams will make the playoffs. One as one of the top two seeds in the NFC, the other as the top wildcard team. San Francisco only lost three games last year. They kept the run going this year even with the NFC West getting stronger. Seattle could challenge for a spot, but it wont stop the Niners from winning the division. Meanwhile, the New York Giants are the only team in the NFC East that seem to have things together anymore. With the Packers or the Bears already holding one wildcard spot, there’s only one spot left. This could change five times between now and the playoffs, but in the end, it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Greg Schiano has changed

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

the culture of this team, and they’re going to pull through late behind Josh Freeman and rookie stud Doug Martin. The Super Bowl will not see a wildcard team this year. If, and it’s a big if, but if Houston can stay healthy, they’re going to represent the AFC in New Orleans. The opponent? San Francisco.

Early predictions say the Houston Texans hoist the trophy in February behind a strong defense and Matt Schaub and Arian Foster in the backfield. They just have to stay healthy, which has proven difficult in recent years. If they can do that, Houston will shorten the list of teams that have yet to win the big game.

TOP 3 PLAYS OF 2011-2012 1

Kyle Maher

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

In a year full of spectacular, jump-out-ofyour-seat moments, three plays stood out in an extensive list of very worthy candidates. Plays like the ones below leave you shaking your head and often leave you wondering, “How did they do that?”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT CAMPUS

Rory McIlroy’s Dominant Performance at the PGA Championship

After winning the US Open by 8 strokes at Congressional Country Club, McIlroy was right back at it, winning by an identical 8 stroke margin at Kiawah Golf Club on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Battling a strong wind and a brutally tough golf course, McIlroy obliterated the field, looking calm, cool and collected in the face of immense pressure. Leading by four going into Sunday, McIlroy stayed steady while the filed crumbled around him. He ground out pars on the back nine, knowing the field would have to attack difficult hole locations in order to catch him. McIlroy stayed within himself and rolled in a birdie on the 18th hole from the fringe to put the final dagger in the hearts of his distant competitors. A second dominant performance in a major, against a collection of the best golfers from around the world, earns McIlroy the top spot in the rankings.

Kung Fu Panda

It’s safe to say that Pablo Sandoval, the guy with the best nickname in professional sports, was instrumental in the San Francisco Giants winning this year’s World Series. Not only did Sandoval hit three homeruns en route to San Francisco’s 8-3 game 1 win, but he hit those three homeruns in his FIRST THREE AT-BATS! Let that sink in for a second…the first three times he came to the plate in the most pressurepacked series in professional baseball, he left the yard. If that’s not impressive enough, (and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t be impressed with his performance) one of his homeruns was hit to the opposite field, an incredible feat considering the dimensions at spacious Candlestick Park. Oh, and by the way, his performance lengthened his streak of playoff games with at least one RBI to six. Enough said, time to move on.

Mike Miller’s Unbelievable Game 5 in the NBA Finals

Let’s move to basketball, where the Miami Heat’s Mike Miller provided fans with one of the most remarkable three-point-shooting displays most of us have ever seen. It was game 5 of the NBA finals, with the Heat up on the Oklahoma City Thunder 3 games to one and looking to close out the series. Miller, who until then had averaged a paltry 4.4 points a game while living under the enormous shadow of Miami’s Big Three, switched on his inner Reggie Miller, going 7 of 8 from behind the arc. It was one of the most memorable shooting performances in NBA Finals history, helping the much-maligned LeBron James to his first title. It was a feat fans of the National Basketball Association will not soon forget, coming from a player so beset with career-threatening injuries that he was considering retiring.

COLLEGE DAYS: Best of our lives? Increase in college students seeking counseling speaks to severity of student problems, benefits of counseling programs Kyra Gemberling

PRINT & ONLINE JOURNALISM

It’s her lowest day yet. She manages to muster up enough motivation to go to class, but she walks with her headphones in, allowing the blaring rock music to shut out the world. During class, she’s anxious, bored and tired all at once. She can’t focus on anything her professor is saying because of the stress nesting inside of her; eating away at her like a disease. She eventually returns to her dorm and starts doing homework, the first assignment of many due by the end of the week. She knows she’s smart – she always has been – so homework shouldn’t be a challenge. But her bad mood is weighing on her. After spending only a few minutes on the assignment, she gets frustrated. She can’t focus on anything other than how alone she feels. Her frustration quickly turns to tears; her tears turn to full-on sobbing. She stops

trying to do the assignment because she knows there’s no point anymore. And at the end of the day, a day that seemed to last an eternity, Callie Hannah knew she had a problem. She quickly turned to Elon University’s Counseling Services. It was her sophomore year – she realized her feelings of anxiety and depression were becoming too much to handle. She felt pressured by her workload at school, and she had doubts about her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, whom she started dating at the beginning of her freshman year. “I was feeling really overwhelmed with school,” Hannah said. “I was also stressed out from being in a committed relationship with an older guy who didn’t go to Elon, which isn’t the norm for a 19-year-old. I decided to go to counseling to see what I should do – I wanted answers.”

National trends reflected at Elon Hannah isn’t alone in her search for emotional guidance – there has been an increase in the number of college students attending counseling services across the nation. The National Survey of Counseling Center Directors, conducted by the American College Counseling Association, found that 10.6 percent of college students in the United States sought counseling in 2011, an increase from the 9 percent of students who sought counseling in 2006. “These national trends are reflected here at Elon,” said Chris K. Troxler, a counselor with Elon University Counseling Services. “They are absolutely true, without a doubt.” Troxler noted that 11 percent of the total Elon student body attended counseling services at least once last year. The center saw 8.4 percent of the student body in 2002, he said, so Counseling Services has experienced a significant increase in the number of students seeking counseling. Many believe this increase, at Elon and on a national scale, is due to an increase in the amount of pressure college students perceive today. “The argument has been made that things are more stressful on students now than they used to be,” Troxler said. “The survey conducted by the ACCA reports an increase in the usage of counseling by students but also an increase in the seriousness of personal issues.” Counseling as a way of coping Several individuals who have attended counseling at Elon say the program is beneficial, including Elon junior Krista Kuntz. She had a particularly rocky start to her freshman year of college – her exboyfriend from high school was stalking her online. “If he saw pictures of me with other guys on Facebook, he would accuse me of trying to make him jealous,” Kuntz said. “He would try to see when Elon’s breaks were so he would know when I was coming home. He even tried to find out my flights.” The stress from her situation eventually turned to feelings of severe anxiety and depression. “I was terrified all the time,” Kuntz said.

Photo by Merissa Blitz.

She finally broke down during a meeting with her College Writing professor, who immediately got on the phone and made an appointment for Kuntz to see a counselor the next day. The counselor advised Kuntz to stop all communication with her ex-boyfriend. She was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and mild depression and put on anti-anxiety medication, and she continued to go to counseling

for the remainder of her freshman year, until she felt she no longer needed help. Kuntz said going to counseling and getting on medication was the best decision she ever made, adding that counseling gave her the strength to cut off all ties with her ex-boyfriend and move on. “As soon as I talked to someone and got on medication, it was like all of those anxious thoughts were gone,” she said. “I’ve been the

happiest person since then.” Receiving personal guidance Melissa Scott, a former Elon student, said her positive experience with counseling helped her get through tough life decisions. Scott started at Elon in 2009, and she said her freshman year was great because she and her roommate got along well. But due to differences in their GPAs, Scott and her roommate were unable to room together sophomore year. She also constantly struggled with the intense workload of her classes, and she eventually lost the motivation to go to class at all. “I don’t try to remove any blame from myself, but I honestly believe the high school I went to did not

prepare me for college,” she said. “I just wasn’t mentally or academically ready for college.” After expressing her concerns to her parents, she and her family decided it was best for her to seek the advice of a counselor. He told Scott to try to finish out the year and then re-evaluate her situation. Halfway through spring semester, Scott found she was still unable to handle the workload, so she and her counselor decided it was best for her to take a medical leave of absence from Elon. “It essentially meant I was withdrawing from school for personal reasons,” she said. “My parents were upset at first, but I told them I had talked this through with a licensed counselor and I’d had a lot of help coming to this decision, so they finally understood that I needed to do this for myself.” Scott currently lives at home in Raleigh and works as a manager at a restaurant. She said she believes the structure of college doesn’t suit everyone, and she’s happy counseling was available to help her find a new life path she’s comfortable with. “If you asked me five years ago where I saw myself when I was 21, I would have said, ‘I’ll be in my senior year of college finishing up my business degree,’” she said. “That was my plan, so this isn’t where I saw myself, but I’m content with my life.” Making tough adjustments Kuntz and Scott experienced two of the most common struggles that cause stress and anxiety with college students: Academic struggles and social issues. Jennifer Brigman, a counselor with Elon University Counseling Services, said it’s hard for some students to adjust to the academic and social life of college.

“

Some of the causes of stress are pre-Elon and students are bringing it in. These issues can become exacerbated by the demands of college.” “Students often have never been in a situation like this, in which they have to cope with all these pressures at once,” she said. She added that many students experience stress and anxiety due to mental health issues that existed before they entered college. “Some of the causes of stress are pre-Elon and students are bringing it in,” Brigman said. “These issues can become exacerbated by the demands of college.” She added that students are pushing themselves harder than ever to meet the high expectations associated with college. Still, some believe students are experiencing stress and anxiety simply because they don’t want to do their work. “That is not the case at Elon,” said Christine Borzumato-Gainey, a counselor at Elon University Counseling Services. “Overall we have a very motivated student body, and it’s much more likely that they’re taking on more work than is humanly possible. I don’t think it’s a lack of interest in the world or a lack of productivity.” Preventing the “avalanche” with specific tactics Tom Giduz, a physician from Chapel Hill who advises students at Elon once a week, said it’s important to consider biological changes in people in the 18 to 25 age group. “We know from a biological standpoint that our brains are most vulnerable to anxiety and depression during these years,” Giduz said. “Since the brain is connected to the rest of your body, things that are good for your body are good for your brain.” Giduz suggests the best way to prevent stress is to focus on time management, regular aerobic exercise, a healthy diet, healthy friendships and getting enough sleep.

From left to right: Callie Hannah, junior; Krista Kuntz, junior; Melissa Scott, former Elon student. Photos by Kyra Gemberling.

Brigman said she helps students by pointing out that their thoughts alone are usually what cause anxiety. Students must be aware of the nefarious influence of negative thinking. “I call it an ‘avalanche’ – a thought can start out as a snowball and then end up as an avalanche five minutes later because of the anxiety from overthinking things,” Brigman said. “You can back up the avalanche by changing your thoughts. It’s easier said than done, which is why it presents a challenge.” Borzumato-Gainey agrees. She pointed out that anxiety is a fear-based emotion. Students fear something that may happen in the future, she said, and counseling helps students evaluate the reality of these thoughts and determine what can be done about them. “We look at ways they can manage it,” she said. “We evaluate a number of factors – ‘Is the anxiety happening at night?’ Is it happening during the day? Is it happening socially?’ We try to address each one of these factors with remedies like deep breathing or going to a meditation group.” Still, it usually all comes down to preventing negative thinking. BorzumatoGainey said the way an individual thinks is a learned behavior that can become a habit. “You have to break that, just like any other habit,” she said. “It’s hard to do when you’re only at counseling for one hour or so a week, and then you have to go out into the world and manage it on your own.” Seeking a “life coach” Many people are reluctant to seek

“

The students who come here are being smart - this is a resource. Life is challenging...they’re just trying to manage life, so why not do it with the professional help available?” counseling, seeing it as revealing a weakness, or fearing the sharing of their feelings. However, Scott said counseling helped her tremendously, and everyone should consider going. “Whether you think you have some deep unresolved issues or you think your life is perfect, everyone should see a counselor at some point,” she urged. Troxler said the negative stigma some people associate with seeking counseling has always been a problem. Students sometimes feel embarrassed about “having to go” to counseling. Fortunately, this stigma has been fading in recent years. “I remember 12 years ago I saw a student who would only come here if he could come in through the back door, and he would ask to close the blinds during our session,” Troxler recalled. “But things have changed culturally. People are willing to seek counseling.” Borzumato-Gainey said she’s noticed a decrease in the negative stigma and an increase in pressures, which is why more students feel the need to come. She encourages all students to attend, noting

that counseling is open to everyone. “The students who come here are being smart – this is a resource,” she said. “Life is challenging, and we could all use a life coach, so to speak, or an objective person to talk to about things. Lots of people come here who don’t have serious mental issues. They’re just trying to manage life, so why not do it with the professional help available?” Becoming a better person After attending counseling for the majority of her sophomore year, Callie Hannah, now a junior, finally got the answer she was looking for. “My counselor put the thought in my head that maybe being in that relationship wasn’t what I wanted,” she said. On the surface, it seemed like a simple solution. But Hannah had found herself fighting for a long time before finally realizing how miserable she was, recognizing that her situation was negatively affecting other aspects of her life. “What ended up helping me is that I finally broke up with my boyfriend,” she said. “That was the trigger – I finally realized how unhappy I was and that I needed to do this for myself.” Though she had the guidance of her counselor, Hannah said the decision was ultimately her own, and at the end of the day, doing what’s best for you is what matters most. “I didn’t know who I was any more, and the decision was best for me,” she said. “It was about me making a lifechanging decision for myself that would make me a better person, and it did. I was right.”

FOMO got the best of you.

It’s called “Club Belk” for a reason.

FOMO is the expression used to describe the fear that if you don’t go to a party or event, you will miss something great. It is the little devil standing on your shoulder. Let’s face it, at one point this past semester, fomo has beat out your conscience.

Sure, Mom and Dad will be overjoyed when you say you were in the library all night, but just because you’re in a library doesn’t mean you’re necessarily getting anything done. If you know you aren’t going to study while at Belk, don’t go. There are other places that are underrated and free of distraction.

FOMO (n.): Fear Of Missing Out.

Especially in a college environment, there is always an alternative to studying. “No matter how much I don’t want to go out or know I shouldn’t, the feeling of knowing that other people are having fun is what keeps me from going against my own will,” said sophomore Bia Jurema. Her suggestion? “Remove yourself from an environment where people are getting ready to go out and get off of Facebook. Mobile uploads are the catalyst of all FOMO.”

Some popular study spots around Elon include Koury Business Center, Acorn Coffee Shop, Fireside Lounge in Moseley, Irazu Coffee Shop and Lindner Reading Room. Find your spot and get to work!

we live and we learn lessons from first semester Whether in class or not, as college students we are constantly learning. Sometimes there is only one way to learn: the hard way. With the semester winding down and New Years just around the corner, it is a critical time to reflect on the first half of the year and what went right, what went wrong and where we can go from here.

You weren’t as involved on campus as you’d like to be. Now that you’re in the swing of things, there’s no excuse not to be involved. With more than 200 clubs and organizations, there’s something for everyone at Elon. Whether your thing is cooking, cars or even ballroom dancing, there is a place for you. According to the Office of Student Activities, involvement provides students the opportunity to make a difference, become connected, impress potential employers, hold leadership positions and more. Especially for freshmen, first semester is all about getting acclimated to college life. “The first semester of freshman year I’ve been more focused on making a routine for myself and meeting new people than getting involved,” said freshman Alex McLaughlin. “Now that it is almost second semester, I have a better idea of what I am interested in and I plan on becoming more involved by joining Greek life and applying for Live Oak.” Second semester is the perfect time to join the club or organization you never really thought about. Be on the lookout for the Spring Organization Fair happening at the beginning of Spring semester.

I’ll do it tomorrow...

Even though you received a syllabus on the first day of class providing you with every assignment and deadline, every time you turn the page of your planner, a new deadline seems to appear out of nowhere. Procrastination is a college student’s worst enemy and one of the biggest contributions to the undeniable sleep deprivation among students. Putting things off until the last minute adds stress, takes away from sleep and reduces quality of work. Most professors try to set deadlines far in advance in order to provide students a fair amount of time to complete a quality assignment. College papers and projects aren’t supposed to be started and finished in one sitting the night before the due-date. Maybe break up the project and set your own deadlines. Make a schedule that is doable and that works for you. Do everything you can to avoid the feeling you get as you stare at a blank Word document and realize you’ll have to pull an all-nighter.

Angelique Kyriakos STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

You spread yourself too thin. It’s an old saying: don’t bite off more than you can chew. If you found yourself overwhelmed last semester and struggling to balance everything on your plate, make a list of priorities and decide where you should cut back. Maybe this semester you think twice about volunteering to chair a philanthropy event, or signing up for every student media. Your resume will be just fine. In fact, many employers would rather see you focused on fewer relevant and important activities than scattered across the board. Just because you can’t be president of everything doesn’t mean you can’t volunteer for little things along the way.

topit off

As the temperature drops and the frigid winter air blows in, there is nothing more tempting than a big sweatshirt, hot chocolate and night full of Pinterest-ing instead of finishing homework. Along with the beautiful snowy nights, this chilly season gives you a great excuse to go shopping for some cute new hats that can instantly upgrade any outfit. This season, slouchy berets, turban pieces and fur hats are all a girl needs to beat the cold. Slouchy berets or beanie hats are not new to the fashion scene, but they keep coming back as major designers like Michael Kors and Betsey Johnson revamp the look year after year. This season, try a knit cap that rests right off the back of your head for a functional, stylish feel. There is no

need to fuss with hat hair with this look as one can wear it right from the wintry streets into the classroom. Berets are very easy to wear, as they go with almost anything. Take your everyday jean ensemble to the next level with a chunky knit cardigan and an even more fabulous knit hat. A cold-weather leggings look with a skirt and graphic tee would look put-together, yet casual with a beanie on top. These lightweight and casual accessories are just waiting to spruce up your bundled-up outfit. Turban hats and headbands are putting a modern twist on your classic winter accessories. These hats, known for their iconic bow-like knots are a spot -on trend this season. This new style is stocked on the shelves everywhere, from major designers to

department stores. For an inexpensive take on the look, try stores like Urban Outfitters. These hats come in a variety of fabrics and patterns, so they can be very versatile. Top off your most daring outfit with this chic style for a new look or make your basics pop with a fun patterned headband. Vests, coats and now hats — faux fur is the best way to stay warm as we move into December. Mainly seen on the runways in neutral tones, these luxurious hats are easy to incorporate into your closet. On those days when your hair needs a little help and your outfit is falling flat, throw on one of these staple winter accents. If you’re looking to bring out your wild side, a fur hat does the trick. Any of these chic hat options will make you stand out this winter.

Kate Nichols

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTOS BY KATIE O’HAN

holiday essentials Good tidings are filling the air while 2012 is nearing its close. With the holiday season here, your calendar will soon be filling up with activities, but don’t let your holiday party fashion be brushed to the side! Follow these tips for men and women’s essentials during the holiday social season and you’ll end 2012 with a bang.

Katie O’Han

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Have yourself a merry little structured clutch Accenting a holiday outfit with a structured clutch is a must. Snakeskin, diamonds or sequins are great go-to patterns.

Here comes the V-toe pump This season, the classic heel is taking a new shape − in the form of a V. Whether your V-toe pumps are monochromatic or add a pop of color, be sure to make them the prominent shoe staple in your wardrobe.

The most wonderful holiday dress of the year This season, let your LBD take a break and seek a dress with colors such as winter white, champagne, red or royal purple. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a stylish one, Mr. Khaki The khaki pant is a simple, yet versatile part of a holiday ensemble. You can dress khaki up with a blazer or play it down with a sweater.

We need a little layering Layering a buttondown with a sweater adds texture to a simple outfit. Plus, added warmth!

Joy to the derby For a dressier look, sport a bright pair of derby shoes. These are not only a way to add a pop of color to an outfit, but also a great conversation starter!

Little, black,

Classic Vaughn Vreeland, Olivia Niemeyer MEDIA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, POLITICAL SCIENCE PHOTOS BY ALISON RYNCARZ

Black.

What comes to mind when one thinks of this timeless treasure of a color? Black is…bland? blasé? banal? But strong emphasis must be placed on another ‘B’: basic. Basic might infer boring, yet in the right context, it is anything but. Lying therein are boundless possibilities just waiting to be dared and explored. The little black dress for women and little black tie for men (or, these Little Black Essentials) are anything besides that mostfeared ‘b’ word—boring. These are trends come and go for a reason, but the little black essential has proven throughout history that it’s here to stay. It is a constant icon amidst a sea of ever-evolving prêt-à-porter (that’s ready-towear, just in case you aren’t strolling along the Champs-Élysées). There is a serious problem plaguing the American clothing consumer in regard to this concept, however. Most men and women buy an LBD or LBT and then don’t know what to do with it, unaware that adding a little spice can add a lot of style. Confidence is key. Every self-proclaimed “fashion maven” out there must attack fashion at its roots and spin it upon itself to create something unique and true. If you haven’t obtained that perfect piece yet, we must offer a snippet of advice: there is no time like the present.

The LBD Coco Chanel once said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” Fashion fanatics across the world all have that go-to LBD for every season. It’s a staple in her closet. It hugs her in all the right places. It makes her feel like Gisele when she steps out on the town. Do you have this piece in your repertoire? Is that go-to dress in your closet that places yourself amongst the glamazons who traipse the streets of Milan during fashion week, despite what your actual week in the Elon bubble has consisted of? If not, never fear. The beauty of the little black dress lies in its ease and effortless appreciation of art and timelessness.

The LBT

The little black tie made its way onto the scene in the late 50s and 60s, popularized by none other than John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The British Invasion carried with it more than just music; art, language, and most of all, fashion, were all rapidly changing at the time. Since then, the LBT has remained the single most versatile weapon a man can have in his arsenal of style. It can be dressed up, dressed down, worn at an interview, or worn at a hip bar in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Make sure to never take for granted endless possibilities of a little black tie, and always keep the way in which you present it true to your style.

DAY

LBD

NIGHT

WEEKEND

LBT

Hyperbole reigns in post-election reactions

@khalifallah

Ian Luther

I have always wondered what’s like to live under Saddam Hussein but Obama Hussein is giving me a hint!!!

MEDIA ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

After two long years of debates, promises, campaign ads, and career ending missteps, the 2016 Presidential election has ended. President Barack Obama will be returning for four more years. The wake of this year’s Presidential election yielded some of the most spectacular overreactions I have ever seen. Many were overjoyed, many were disgruntled, and somehow, many foretold the end of the world as we know

it.

Hardcore Conservatives and Republicans all over the country cried out in rage and terror Tuesday night, as Obama’s reelection was made official. And all over the country, concerned Americans turned to Twitter to voice their outrage. It’s hardly an election if the winner isn’t compared to a tyrannical foreign despot. Fortunately, Brockton, Massachusetts resident Khalif Saint-Cyr had it covered.

Now first of all, that’s not even the order of his name. It’s not last name and then middle name, but that’s beside the point. Saddam Hussein killed 200,000 of his own people because they were of a conflicting religious sect. To say that President Obama is “giving you a hint” as to what it’s like living under a genocidal dictator is a slight overstatement. Kentucky resident Nathan Hensley had his own take on the outcome of the election. To him, Obama is not a dictator, but a harbinger of catastrophe and natural disasters.

@nathanhensley61 I voted love of country. God is in control. What happens next is in his hands. I expect more Sandy events until we are Ethiopia. Ready? Obama’s reelection marks the decline of the United States from an international superpower to a third world nation, via hurricanes. Currently, the United States’ GDP is about 500 times larger than Ethiopia’s, and our life expectancy is 20 years greater. Reaching the level of Ethiopia in the next four years would be difficult, to put it lightly. But easily the most unbelievable,

exaggerated, wildly over-the-top tweet of the night goes to Kris Held, a proud Texan who just couldn’t believe Obama had been reelected. As ridiculous as many of the tweets sent out on election night were, they reflect an increasingly apocalyptic, and exaggerated outlook on the future of the United States.

@kksheld I can’t stop crying...and I didn’t even cry when they told me I had cancer...or cut off my breast... at least that could be fixed... This seemed to be a common theme throughout this year’s election. As hyperbolic as previous elections have been, 2016 has set a new benchmark. The United States won’t deteriorate under this president, it will be destroyed. Obama won’t just be a bad president, he’s the anti-christ. Opponents of Obama won’t just leave the country, they’ll take their whole state with them. The now nationwide secession movement is a very real, and very visible consequence of this increasingly exaggerated reaction to a new president. Barely a week after the election, petitions in all 50 states had been filed to secede from the United States. Hundreds of thousands of signatures have been added to these petitions, requesting a formal dissolution of the bond between their state, and the United States of America. Whether intended as a political statement or an actual attempt to sever ties with the rest of the country varies from person to person. But regardless, this attitude reflects a dangerous truth about the nation. Americans are no longer able to simply accept that their party didn’t win, or that their beliefs differ somewhat from those of whoever is in charge. But a nation can’t survive with

population that is so unable to accept the actions of their president. That’s not how the country works. We need to realize that, put simply, we need to just deal with it. Saddle up, grit your teeth, and ride out four years of politics that you disagree with. But do not pressure for President Obama’s impeachment, do not wish for the other party to fail, and do not try to crash the stock market because your candidate did not win.

@dickmorris SELL YOUR STOCKS TOMORROW! LET’S CRASH THIS THING AND START A REVOLUTION!!! #gop #tcot #teaparty #election2012 A fractured, spiteful country is far more dangerous to itself than what any man can do in four years, for exactly this reason. This country is, at its core, governed by the people. Let’s not let ourselves be torn apart, simply because we all have our own thoughts on what’s best for the country. I think New York “TEA Patriot” Lisa Ann McCarthy said it best, immediately after Obama’s reelection:

@anncompana I am serious,the man who went into space. Did he mess with the weater? Sprinkle stupidly dust? Or worse? Anything is possible today! PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCTCAMPUS

Sprinkle stupidly dust, indeed.

Relax

Give Back

Try Something New

Carousel Cinema is at Alamance Crossing (a BioBus stop) and always has awesome movies. A warm, cozy theater with buttered popcorn and snacks can beat away anyone’s winter blues. SUB even offers “Movie Runs,” where you can get two discounted tickets for any movie or if you bring your school ID to the theater, they can give you a discount. Check out their website for upcoming releases and show times.

Volunteering is free and helps you feel the holiday spirit.

As with any time of year, there are so many different activities offered on campus. This winter, step out of your comfort zone and attend a club meeting, performance or activity that you wouldn’t normally try. You won’t regret checking out any of the a cappella groups or taking a Burst the Bubble class. If you check the Moseley table tents and digital boards or your e-email, you’ll certainly have no trouble finding things to do at Elon and beating those winter blues.

Too cold to wait for the BioBus? Sometimes the best winter days are spent cuddling in blankets on the couch with friends and watching a traditional holiday movie while drinking hot chocolate in your dorm or apartment.

The Burlington Adoption Center lets anybody sign into their office as a volunteer, and spend the day playing with adorable animals. What better way to warm your heart? Blakey Hall is a retirement community a few minutes from campus. The seniors love visitors especially during the holiday season and Blakey Hall has many different kinds of volunteer opportunities. You can simply visit and talk to residents or participate in community activities like crafts, entertainment or exercise.

beat those winter blues Kaitlyn Stahl

PROFESSIONAL WRITING & RHETORIC, CREATIVE WRITING

As the weather grows colder, don’t let your list of fun activities get shorter. There are plenty of fun, feelgood, indoor activities you should keep in mind for beating those winter blues right here at Elon.

Get Crafty PHOTO BY RUTH GRAY

Exercise Lazer X is Burlington’s lazer tag and lazer maze spot. Sometimes you have to get your blood pumping and adrenaline rushing to escape the cold and what better way than running around and shooting friends with lazer guns? Lazer X is affordable at just $7 for the first game and is located on South Church Street, a few minutes off of campus.

You’ve all hear of the pinboard social networking site, Pinterest, right? Perhaps you visit it religiously. With Christmas just around the corner, Pinterest is the key to infinite holiday projects, ideas and of course recipes. Get some friends together and get crafty. Let holiday movies or music play in the background. You might end up with some affordable and cute Christmas presents, decorations, or funny stories.

reviews

ALBUM “RED” by Taylor Swift

Amanda Garrity

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

POP/COUNTRY

Release Date: Oct. 22 If you like: Carly Rae Jespen, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood Notable songs: I Almost Do, Everything Has Changed, Starlight Very seldom are music lovers able to find lyrical masterpieces from start to finish. Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album, “RED” is as close as it gets. Similar to her previous albums, the concept of love and relationships motivates every lyric. Her new songs such as “I Knew You Were Trouble” show a raw edginess but overall, they reveal Taylor’s vibrant energy. Whether you are looking for a fun girl anthem like “22” or a heartbreaking ballad such as “Sad Beautiful Tragic”; “RED” has it all. Taylor pulled out all the stops by featuring popular artists such as Ed Sheeran and Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody on duets as well as working with co-writers from different musical genres. This album is just the beginning of a new era of Taylor Swift.

“Halcyon” by Ellie Goulding POP

Release Date: Oct. 9 If you like: Marina & the Diamonds, Florrie and Lights Notable songs: Joy, Explosions, I Know You Care Ellie Goulding has had what many would consider a slow rise to fame. Nearly a year and a half after its release, her song “Lights” topped the Billboard charts. Goulding’s newest album is vastly different from her first. Her debut album “Lights” was full of upbeat pop songs, but “Halcyon” has darker, emotional songs. Songs like “Explosion” and “Dead in the Water” display Goulding’s multilayered lyrics and evolving melodies. Upbeat songs like the lead single “Anything Could Happen” show the joyfulness that fans first fell in love with. At times, the simplicity feels out of place and disingenuous.

“Babel” by Mumford & Sons FOLK ROCK

Release Date: Sept. 25 If you like: Bon Iver, Needtobreathe, The Avett Brothers Notable songs: I Will Wait, Lovers’ Eyes, Below My Feet After experiencing phenomenal success from their debut album, “Sigh No More,” British indie- rockers, Mumford & Sons have delivered a stellar sophomore album entitled “Babel.” Essentially, Mumford has remained the same because their central focus is still music. Their newest album is quintessentially, “Sigh No More” 2.0. The guitars are louder, the drums are heavier and the voices are crisper. All of their songs are gritty and nonetheless, extremely authentic. Their lyrics explore facets of life that are often overlooked in popular music: faith, optimism and love. While lead singer, Marcus Mumford, has a voice that many could only dream of; it is the four part harmonies in songs like “I Will Wait” and “Ghosts That We Knew” that solidify their true artistry and exquisite talent. With high record sales, this album has the potential to reach a multitude of audiences.

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