December 12 Magazine by Pfeiffer University Marketing & Communications

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Falcon’s Eye PFEIFFER FEELS IMPACT

Pfeiffer University

http://media.pfeiffer.edu/falconseye/Dec12.pdf

December 2012

FALCON TO THE RESCUE

Superstorm Sandy

HITS HOME

2 December Stricken by Sandy By Kelly Hoey

While the rest of the country was focusing on Halloween and the final days of the presidential election, millions of Americans in the Northeast were just trying to survive. Hurricane Sandy, dubbed the “Frankenstorm”, decimated the coastal areas of New York and New Jersey. The storm is the largest Atlantic hurricane on record and its wrath was felt in over 20 states. The storm hit home for many Pfeiffer students who are from areas affected by Sandy. Freshman Kimmy Goodell had family and friends struck by Sandy’s wrath. “Knowing that my family, as well as my boyfriend who lives in Massapequa, Long Island, was in the middle of Hurricane Sandy terrifies me. They lost their electricity, transportation, personal belongings, and so much more. They were only left with a horrible memory that devastated their life,” Goodell said. Senior Dawn Gould has family in New Jersey and was worried. “It was hard for us because we couldn’t communicate with them,” Gould said. Sophomore Jessica Homrich was concerned for her boyfriend’s family, who lives in New Jersey. “Knowing his family could be in danger, and he was far away from them, made it more real than just hearing about what is happening with another hurricane,” Homrich said. “I have never seen anything like it. The city shut down, subways were filled with water, power lines and trees were everywhere. Everything was dark, seeing the skyline like that brought a sense of gloom that I will never forget,” Manhattan resident Emily Nykolyn said. New York City’s main borough was a ghost town for the first couple days after the storm, but things are up and running as usual now. As of press time, some residents of Staten Island, Long Island and New Jersey’s beach towns are still without power. “It’s like we are living in the dark ages. My family and I have been without power going on 12 days now. Thank God for

good friends who are willing to take us in so we don’t freeze and can have a warm meal. I’ll never take electricity for granted ever again after this whole ordeal,” Long Island resident Sheryl Donofrio said. The storm and its aftermath have created a hectic work environment for the area’s first responders, who have been working around the clock for over a week now. “My department covers six square miles on the North Shore of Great Neck [Long Island] and has responded to over 200 calls since the storm hit. At least 10,000 people in the community lost power and approximately 2,000 still haven’t gotten it restored yet. It is amazing to see though the outreach from not only community members but there are people handing out food,

blankets and other necessities from as far as California and Georgia,” Firefighter Ray Hoey said. “Looking at the pictures at the section of 130 homes in Breezy Point, Queens that burnt down is devastating enough. Imagine if the people who lived in that neighborhood didn’t evacuate, its just horrifying to think about,” Queens resident Ryan Clare said. The storm is estimated to have caused 50 billion dollars worth of damage. It is also responsible for taking at least 115 lives in North America and 70 more in the Caribbean. Between gas shortages, lack of electricity, and the cost to rebuild, New Jersey and New York are going to be recovering from the Sandy’s fury for months to come.

Sandy Servant By Zach Thompson

Dana McKim has many roles on Pfeiffer’s Campus. He is a chaplain, mentor, confidant, and friend to all who seek him out for help or guidance. But this past fall, he took on the role of hero to hundreds of victims who suffered through the largest Atlantic hurricane to ever hit the East Coast. In McKim’s “free time”, he serves as a chaplain, public information officer, and force protection officer for the NC-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), based out of Winston-Salem, NC. The DMAT generally travels with a team of 50 people, including doctors, nurses, technicians, EMT’s, pharmacists, mental health support, chaplains, logistics, communications, and administrative staff. McKim’s roles for DMAT include facilitating conversations with the media, referencing his work and missions, providing emotional and spiritual care to team members, emergency responders and victims. If that’s not enough, he assists in encouraging team members to engage in proper self-care prior, during and post deployment. On October 29, 2012, McKim, along with ten other DMAT teams, were deployed to New York to assist with Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts. His team was sent out

news “It was incredibly heartening to watch these folks pull together to put their community together.” - Dana McKim

to provide medical care to a 400 bed special needs shelter established in a Brooklyn high school that occupied an entire city block. “The school staff, and in particular the school custodial staff, were phenomenal. Local merchants were kind and generous to us and to these residents,” McKim said. McKim’s housing was in one of the Brooklyn high school’s gymnasiums. His team provided round-the-clock medical, emotional and spiritual care. “One volunteer spoke to me early in the process about how sad it was to be in this place with so many broken people. My personal experience was that this was anything but sad. The residents of the shelter were tremendously gracious and resilient. Literally, hundreds of city workers showed up to volunteer in the first week,” McKim said. “It was incredibly heartening to watch these folks pull together to put their community together. Donations poured in from everywhere,” McKim added. McKim and his team must be ready to deploy anywhere within a four hour notice, so when he left so abruptly from the university, many students took notice. “Dana walked past me the morning

he was leaving to help the victims of Sandy. It was then I realized just how major this storm was, and that my home on the Jersey Shore would never be the same. But it was a comfort in knowing that so many rescue teams like Dana’s were on the way,” junior Vera DeFusco said. “When I found out that Dana was going to New York to help out with Hurricane Sandy, I thought it was awesome! To know that Pfeiffer is supporting people, such as my boyfriend and family who were affected by this storm, definitely means a lot to me,” Kimberly Goodell, a freshman Long Island native, said. Immediately after his departure, the Pfeiffer community started a string of roundthe-clock prayers and support, not only for Dana’s DMAT team, but for all citizens volunteering their time and effort to help relieve those that suffered from the storm. On November 10, McKim was finally able to return to the Village and his family more than two weeks after his deployment. As he rests his weary bones and heavy heart, he continues to serve as an example of what students, faculty and staff should aim to beServant Leaders.

4 December Election Reflection By Sarah Hill

November 6, 2012 marked a momentous occasion in our nation’s history when Barack Obama was re-elected to serve a second term in office as President of the United States. There were many different reactions on Pfeiffer’s campus about the outcome. “I was pleased with the election results. However, I was more surprised that the majority of young voters also voted for Obama. I found it interesting that statistics showed that higher income voters went with Romney,” senior Joleen Hill said. “My guy didn’t win, my husband’s guy didn’t win, my son in law’s guy didn’t win. We are very disappointed. We are living in a democracy and the majority wins,” Rebecca Hraczo, Head of International Student Services, said. When asked if they could change one thing about Obama’s policies, students had different priorities. “Immigration laws need to change. It takes way too long for us to get citizenship,”

Canadian freshman Nick Janes said. “Obama needs to lower student loans; they are so high,” junior Ramiro Martinez said. Facebook, Twitter, and other forms of social media were being blown up with reactions about the election. “I was just sick of Facebook. Everyone was split down the middle, and many people made it a race issue. I stayed off of Facebook until the election was over,” sophomore Megan Hunsucker said. Although there are differing opinions on campus about politics, some people recognize the importance of working together as a nation. “I think another four years of any government needs to cross partisan lines and work together no matter who’s in office,” Sherri Barnes, associate director for university and church relations, said.

We Want You! By Kimberly Goodell

For the first time at Pfeiffer University, the freshmen class of 2016 is finding ways for everyone to give back to their community. Each Pfeiffer Journey class selected a representative to sit on the Service Council Board and pitch each class’ idea(s). Collectively, the focus was directed toward a children’s hospital, Special Olympics, homeless shelters, and fundraising at tractor pull events. Also, a fundraising event for those in need after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy is beginning. The projects will become more involved next semester. “[This new program] will make [Pfeiffer] more inviting. Even though this is an experiment, I am excited for the meaning behind this project that will leave lasting impressions. It also helps that we have

a great council with great ideas,” head of Pfeiffer Journey program, Professor Deborah Burris said. The council’s first event will involve a United Methodist Church Blood Drive on Thursday, December 6 in the Community Room from 11:30am- 5pm. If you would like to schedule an appointment in advance, please log onto www.carolinadonor.org, click on the donate blood tab to the right and enter the sponsor code: Pfeiffer, to find the blood drive schedule. If you have any ideas that you believe will benefit others, you can contact your freshman representative. “Always treat others with kindness and respect because you never know when you might need their help,” freshman Lauren Witcher said.

Hot like Coffee...Cold like Ice

news

By Cathyleen Rice

“Cause you’re hot then you’re cold,” lyrics sung by the famous Katy Perry, referred to men for not knowing how they felt while being in a relationship. But the phrase has taken on a whole new connotation for Pfeiffer students living on campus. Many students are complaining how cold they are in their rooms, or how it’s too hot for them in their dorms. “I do not like the temperature of my dorm,” Merner resident Janae Gill-Woods said. “It feels like it’s freezing early in the morning and late at night, and, to be honest, I don’t think they have the heat on at all!” “I think they overdo it too much when adjusting the temperature,” Vaughn resident Maggie Petrin said. “When it’s cold outside they keep the rooms too hot, and when it’s hot outside they keep it too cold. They should find some kind of medium in between the two to keep everyone happy! “ [Given] how high tuition is, students deserve

the right to be made comfortable!” “Every time I step out of the shower, it feels like I’m walking on an iceberg in Antarctica, and every drift of the current is carrying me somewhere colder,” Gill-Woods said. It seems like the temperature troubles vary from dorm to dorm. Residents of some halls aren’t bothered by the temperature controls. “At first it was too hot when we first got here, but now that it’s cold, I feel great,” Cline resident Miguel Cervantes exclaimed. “There’s a heater in every room, so basically we control the temperature of whatever we wish, so there’s no problem fighting the cold.” “My room is cold, and I like it,” Merner resident Stephanie Hardig added. So it appears Pfeiffer dorms are a little like the weather- sometimes harsh, at other times pleasant, and often unpredictable.

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The Falcon’s Eye

6 December

Clinical Rotations

By Alexa Mamakos If someone had asked nursing student Kasey Cain her thoughts about clinical after the White Coat Ceremony, she would have told you then she was nervous. Now a few weeks later, the nerves have been set aside. “Clinical has been pretty good so far, but the real test will be when we’re out on our own,” Cain said. Cain isn’t alone. Many of the junior nursing students are settling into their roles working at local hospitals around Pfeiffer. “I’m more confident now that we’ve started,” Amber Cranford, a junior nursing student, said. “I’m really enjoying the nursing work we get to do.” Nursing students at Pfeiffer are expected to perform a variety of different nursing activities while at clinical, including: •Vital signs (temperature,

pulse, respiration, blood pressure) •Health assessments on patients •Giving medication •Helping patients with routine hygiene •Oxygen administration •Inserting nasogastric (NG) tubing

“I’m enjoying the work, but I’m scared I might hurt someone,” Cain admitted. Senior nursing students have some advice for their junior counterparts. “There is always something you haven’t done before, something you haven’t seen before, or something you’ve never heard of,” Jo Ellen Newsome, a senior nursing student, said. “My advice is learn to enjoy and embrace that as a circumstance that will keep you on our toes, rather than view it as

scary or unsettling.” The professors of the nursing department understand the importance of clinical in nursing education. “The seniors are experiencing their first rotation in mental health,” Susan Furr, Assistant Professor of Nursing, said. “The experience has enlightened the students as to the importance of mental health and the importance of communicating effectively and therapeutically with all patients.” Clinical sites change every semester as you advance in nursing school and cover different fields. This helps students become well-rounded nurses by being exposed to all types of nursing.

news Have a Very Merry By Ashlyn Freeman Most people love this time of year. It’s a time to deck the halls with boughs of holly and rock around the Christmas tree with your family. For some students it may only be a short time to spend with your loved ones. This year our Christmas break consists of exactly 17 days; that is about two weeks shorter than previous years. Students who live outside North Carolina may find it difficult to book a flight and have enough time with family before the break ends. “I am pretty upset that I won’t get to spend as much time with my family as I would like to for Christmas,” sophomore Corey Davis said. “Since I am from Florida I will have to book a flight because it is too expensive to drive back and forth.” For athletes it may be even harder because they have to be back a few days earlier from break rather than the following week. “With a shorter Christmas break, the scheduled flight times are inconvenient for me, because there will be so many people traveling at the same time as I am,” sophomore Ashlee Ellen said. The change in the Pfeiffer calendar was made to go in line with requirements by

“Short” Christmas Break

the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools. Longer semesters may be necessary, but it isn’t creating Christmas cheer. “It[‘s hard] because I go home the last day of finals and it takes a day of traveling for me since I am from Maryland,” freshmen Cassidy Wilson said. “I wish I could spend more time with my family, but I am going to make the best of it with the time I have.”

8 December

Student Accounting Society By John H. Anderson, III The Student Accounting Society, advised by Dr. Patrick Malloy, and led by senior Tyler Summers, has hit the ground running when it comes to engaging students in the real world of business. Through conferences, workshops, on campus guest speakers, and local internships with leading accounting and business firms, the SAS is preparing business and accounting students for careers post graduation. Some of the benefits of joining the Student Accounting Society are direct access to employers, the ability to build your professional and personal network, a peer mentor program, insider tips on the application process and job hunt, personalized resume critiques, professional development, and great leadership experience. “The SAS gives students the opportunity to develop professional relationships outside of the classroom. It’s more than just a club,” Summers said. SAS Secretary Elizabeth Tucker recently returned from the Institute of Management Accounts Student Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Malloy consistently travels statewide building relationships to bring business leaders to the Pfeiffer campus. Past speakers have included Erik Lioy, a partner and alum from Grant Thorton LLP, SBI Special Agent Emily Foss, and Davidson County Human Services Fraud Investigator Lauren Jackson. IRS Senior Relationship Tax Consultant Margaret Umlauf was the November guest speaker. The SAS will participate in a community service project in January through VIDA, a volunteer income tax service in Albemarle, to assist local business with their tax needs. Future plans include working with an Albemarle company to develop their business plan for potential

investors. Local business leaders are raving about the SAS. “Pfeiffer students - They can take on Wake Forest any day!” TD Hill, senior Audit Manager for Hanes Brand Inc., said. “Malloy’s leadership and vision is paying huge dividends to Pfeiffer students,” Leon Rives, a representative from Rives & Assoc., a large CPA firm with offices in Charlotte, Lexington, and Raleigh, stated about Dr. Malloy. Membership to the SAS is free and the club meets every Thursday @ 3pm in Jane Freeman Room 108.

Dr. Patrick Malloy mixes food with finances

Students and Professors enjoy SAS cookout

news Athletes Marked Absent By Arianna Papaj Pfeiffer is 66 percent student-athletes. Even though being a student-athlete may seem easy, it is actually very difficult. Studentathletes must multi-task between school, sports, and a social life. A student-athlete has to keep good grades, and most importantly, manage class absences. During the semester students are only allowed to be absent a certain amount of times. This rule applies to all students. For Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes, you can only miss ten classes. On the eleventh absence you fail the class. For Tuesday and Thursday classes, you can be absent seven times. On the eighth absence you fail the class. For studentathletes these absences can tally up quickly. Unlike other students that go to Pfeiffer University, when student-athletes have a game and have to miss class, they are marked absent. Is that really fair? Many student-athletes are strongly against the policy. “I don’t agree that athletes are marked absent for a class because they have a game. We can’t help the fact that we are missing class. We have no way of being there. It’s not our fault,” Courtney Luther, a freshman

lacrosse player, said. Athletes need to focus on school and grades because without good grades athletes wouldn’t be able to play. But games are important as well. Student-athletes came to this school to play the sport. Being marked absent for going to a game can feel like a punishment. “I’m doing what I am supposed to, yet I get marked absent in class because I have a game. It’s like being punished for no reason. It makes you think that you shouldn’t be playing because it will affect you in either school or the sport. I have had to drop many major classes because of absences. It’s very frustrating, especially when you have to drop a class that you might be doing well in and there is no reason to drop it,” Brittany Papaj, a senior soccer player, said. A lot of the student-athletes on this campus get scholarships for the sport they play. It is almost like they are being paid to play. They are here because the sport is paying them throughout their college career in terms of tuition money. Both academics and sports want full participation and focus from the student-athlete. There has to be a way professors can talk to the student-athlete and come up with a plan for those absences.

“I support the excused absences. This goes for anyone, for any reason. I do like the idea of instructors looking at alternative methods for athletes who have a lot of absences. I try my best to work with individuals, as long as they let me know what is going on,” Professor Sylvia Hoffmire said. Even coaches question the wisdom of the attendance rules. “It is a bad policy. Every other school in our division or conference has an absent policy for student-athletes but Pfeiffer University. Why doesn’t Pfeiffer University have that? It’s not asking for favors, it is asking for some courtesy to the Pfeiffer athletics. If other schools have a solution to this problem, there is no reason why Pfeiffer University isn’t following. If Pfeiffer University had a robotics team and they had a robotics competition would those students be marked absent? I would say no because it has to deal with academics. The student-athletes are a big part of this school. They are representing Pfeiffer University. There has to be a better connection between academics and athletics,” Rich Stoneman, women’s soccer assistant coach, said.

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10 December

Globe Trekkers

“Just to experience a larger world without the expense of travel.” By Cathyleen Rice, Madelyne Beattie It’s the day of your flight, and you wake up worrying if you’ll make it on time. After washing up in your dorm, you make it to the Community Room just in time to travel abroad to several different countries, without the hassle of forgetting your ticket. Upon arrival you’re given a free passport, with the side option of receiving a plate and fork instead of a pack of stale peanuts. This is the round trip of your life, an International Festival sponsored by the diverse community here at Pfeiffer! Twenty-five countries were represented by international students that displayed their heritage miles away from “home.” “This was the first International Festival we’ve had in a very long time,” Head

of International Student Services, Rebecca Hraczo, said. “I was very happy with the turn-out, and the effect that each country brought alongside with their food. Seeing students pour into the Community Room, grouping together to learn from one another was very heartwarming.” Students had the privilege of sampling international cuisine, learning about the different countries, receiving cultural credit, and getting informed about study abroad opportunities. “I decided to study abroad just to experience a larger world without the expense of travel,” former study abroad student Diamond Pate said. “Sightseeing in Delhi and traveling by plane to a small town still seems like just yesterday, although it

was a year ago.” “The experience of studying abroad is a tremendous opportunity, and a once in a life-time experience,” Director of Academic Support Services Dr. Jim Gulledge said. “Every year I am surprised at how mature the students come back to Pfeiffer, with a different aspect of life, and looking at life in a different but better way…I think every student can gain knowledge if they wish to take on the journey experience, to broaden their learning.” As time winds down, and the flight of walking around the community comes to an end, you grab a donut from Bulgaria, and wave to all the other attendants on board, and thank the captain for bringing you back to America, a place we like to call home.

Pictures By Laura Fortner

news

TWO CLASSES FOR THE PRICE OF ONE By Katherine Deeck This year has brought about many Pfeiffer “firsts”. Among these is a collaboration between Professor Sylvia Hoffmire’s Creative Writing class and Professor Cross’ Mixed Media art class. The two professors have had this idea for a few years and their class schedules lined up to allow it to happen this semester. “It makes the whole semester experimental,” art instructor Josh Cross said. “We [Professor Hoffmire and I] operate on the same wavelength. Even though we’re in two different media, our creative process is very similar.” The writing and art students have learned concepts from the other class, and are putting that interdisciplinary approach to work. There were several writing and art “workshops” at the beginning of the semester to prepare both classes for the collaborative final project that they will all participate in at the end of the semester. “It is a growth experience always to examine your craft through different lenses,” Hoffmire said. “In this case, for writers to

consider presentation and visual artists to consider content works particularly well. The students in both classes have responded enthusiastically and creatively to the concept.” Both instructors have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate on teaching styles, and students are engaged in their own chance to work together on a special final project. The students from the classes have paired off, an art student with a writing student, and will complete a project that involves both creative styles. These projects include bound books with illustrations, boxtyped projects with sections representing parts of the written story, and sculptures

that come apart to reveal folded pages of text. “It’s a great opportunity for creative people to explore two different forms of artistic expression. The collaborative element of the class provides an experience that will undoubtedly prove beneficial after graduation,” writing student Taylor Neal said. “I am always energized by the opportunity to engage with others in a creative enterprise,” Hoffmire added. “The conversations and work that results opens doors and windows I hadn’t even noticed were there and fresh ideas blow in.”

12 December END OF WORLD?!?! By Amanda McClure The end of the world is coming soon! Or is it? December 21, 2012 is the magical date. Where did this belief come from? The Mayans had started a calendar and they had stopped writing down the dates on that particular day. It has been said that when the Mayan Empire fell there were no more calendars written. “They may have just got tired of writing the calendars,” commented Junior Tyler Smith. Much research has been done to discover what happened after the fall. There have been many opinions about what this date actually means. “It’s hard to say. I don’t know what is going to happen. The Mayans never said the world was going to end. They just said there would be a great change…Everyone takes it as the end of the world though. However, it’s what it is. It’s life, you don’t know what’s going to happen, that’s why you take each

day like it’s your last and live for today,” freshmen Joe Wilber said. Many scenarios are out there about what will happen; the end of the world, an apocalypse, or an earth change. Some researches believe that when the date comes, the calendar will simply start back over. Some people just want clarity. “I just wish that if the world was going to end that it would be a fact and not

just second guessing and opinions,” freshmen Miguel Cervantes commented. Freshmen Aidann Smith doesn’t believe the date for the end of the world is correct at all. “The Mayans didn’t account for leap year so technically the world should have ended November 23, 2011.” The answer isn’t far off- in just a few short weeks we’ll know if the dire predictions were theory or fact.

PROBLEMS WITH PROFESSORS By Mariana’ Melvin Many students have complained about having a professor they feel is difficult, unfair, or not working with them enough. Some students have said that their professor may not get back to them in a timely manner or just do not respond to their emails, concerns, or work they may need clarification on. “Coming to Pfeiffer, I expected professors to teach me, not read to me, to engage me rather than to talk over our level and to not put students down when they do

not know the answers. It is disappointing that some professors cover some causes in 12 minutes and others drone on for 50 minutes, losing the attention of the students,” one anonymous transfer student said. “There should be another way of addressing problems with professors because if you tell them you do not like their teaching style or the way they handle something then they can hold it against you, causing more problems than even before,” said another student who wished to remain anonymous.

If students have a problem with a professor, their first step should be a conversation with that instructor. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, they can go to the dean of the academic program, or to the Dean of Students, Dr. Russ Sharples. If all else fails, students can go on the University’s website, search for “Complaint Policy” and follow the steps for submitting a formal complaint.

features

DREAMS COME TRUE AT PFEIFFER

By Angela Hunt

A small part of being a celebrity is owning the stage, demanding the lights, and capturing the fans through the creation of music. On November 3rd, Pfeiffer’s own, senior Shank Ranganathan, showed us the qualities that would set him apart from the rest. “I’ve loved music my whole life. My mom was really big into music. She sings, but it is all Indian music,” Ranganathan, who was born in India, said, “So growing up I had that influence in my life, but eventually I fell in love with hip hop.” “It’s extremely, extremely hard to be famous,” says Pfeiffer junior, and Train Gang member Joe Whitesides. “On top of that it’s harder to be a rapper, but if anyone has the chance to do it, it’s Shank.” While Ranganathan was on stage performing his song “Clique,” Whitesides and a group of guys wearing black T-shirts that read the words Train Gang in white bold letters flooded the stage. Not only was his ‘clique’ surrounding him, the audience also crowded around. “The concert was a lot of fun,” Pfeiffer sophomore Hannah Hagler said. “[Shank] obviously belongs on the stage.” Hagler and other audience members felt Ranganathan had been performing since he was young, but for him, this was just the beginning. “The Pfeiffer Coffee House performance was my first live performance,” Ranganathan said as we walked into his recording studio. “It felt amazing. It was like a natural high.” Most people reach a point in their life where they have an epiphany and know what they were put on this earth to do. For Ranganathan it was in fifth grade. “I remember listening to Eminem for the first time and after that it was a done deal,” he said. From then on Ranganathan pursued his love of music and being at Pfeiffer

University has helped him evolve in many ways. “I’ve been [at Pfeiffer] for four years, going on my fifth year right now. There are a lot of memories and emotions that have been felt here,” Ranganathan explained. “A lot of those experiences I can put into my music. I fell in love here and out of love here. Those emotions you can tie into songs. I’ve also met amazing people here; my best friend Joe Whitesides, Chris Stokes, and my manager John Anderson.” “In May I signed Shank to my company, Lancelot entertainment,” Ranganathan’s manager, John Anderson said. “His worth ethic is good and he’s very talented lyrically. He has the potential to be a mainstream icon.” “My part in supporting Shank is to

Picture By Jessica Homrich

make sure he feels comfortable on the stage, so basically I get the crowd hyped; make sure he feels at home,” Chris Stokes said. “Shank’s driven and ambitious. He doesn’t always work to his potential, but once its crunch time he does what he needs to do. Success is a process, but I see him getting where he wants to get.” There are many people who openly believe in Ranganathan and see his career going far, but to Ranganathan there is something even more important. “There are always going to be people that believe in you and people that don’t, but as long as you believe in yourself nothing else matters,” Ranganathan said as he stepped into the sound booth.

14 December By Hannah Causey

Final Frustrations

Finals are right around the corner, and many students are stressing out over how to study and make the grade. Pfeiffer’s Learning Center may be a solution. With peer tutoring and some extra help, finals shouldn’t be a problem. “Devote at least two hours to studying per class. It really helps to study with others and have them quiz you as well, because sometimes you will develop little jokes or something to help you remember,” stated sophomore Mary Boyd, who works for the Learning Center. Note cards and outlining the chapter can be helpful too. Chapter outlines give an idea as to what’s important. Breaking the time up into small segments helps to keep you focused and remember more than cramming.

“Know how you can learn best, whether it’s visual, audio or kinesthetic [hands on] learning,” Chip Dennis, Learning Center Coordinator, said. “You should [also] devote at least two hours study time per hour of class.” Dennis also advises limiting study groups to four people. “Note cards are great because you can quiz yourself or have others quiz you. Also outlining the chapter is really helpful. Reading the chapter helps many as well. Don’t wait until midnight to start studying. Professors can also help by providing review sheets, which are always helpful too,” Boyd added.

Studies have shown that sitting in the same seat you took notes in can help you recall facts and information as well. So get plenty of rest, study early and in segments, have friends help, and if necessary, the Learning Center is there for support.

Picture By Tyler Smith

THE MOST By Samuel Soto It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year when we are all grateful that we get a break from schoolwork and just take it nice and easy. What are things that students at Pfeiffer can be grateful for this holiday season? Senior Angie Hunt is “grateful for my best friend Kelly and my doggy buddy.” Love for others can be spread to even our furry friends. Sophomore Emoline Addams is grateful for “my family and having a house over my head.” “I am grateful for my friends who have supported me this year,” sophomore Hannah Cushman stated. This holiday break we all have much to be grateful for, whether it is our education, having the greatest friends in the world, a loving home and a roof to sleep under. Log onto our Facebook page and tell us what you are thankful for.

GRATEFUL THINGS

features

A “GLEE-” ful Club

By Shea McDonnell

“I love them! I’m like an obsessed fan; I cannot wait for their concerts and everything! I never knew just college kids could be such good singers!” junior Alycia Caravousanos said. The Pfeiffer University Glee Club is a relatively new club, but one that in a short period of time has impressed many and inspired a number of new people to join. The club does two large concerts, a Christmas concert and a spring one as well. Throughout the year they also do a number of smaller

events that are usually advertised in the Toilet Paper. “The concerts are the best part. It’s when all our hard work and fun pays off and we get to show everyone what we’ve got!” junior Katherine Athens said. The club meets every Monday and Wednesday and holds auditions at the beginning of every semester. “I am excited for our concerts this year. They are going to be my last ones I get to perform in since I am a senior, and I know

JUGGLING

they are going to be our best!” treasurer and co-founder Kayla Lookabill said. Be on the lookout for information regarding the upcoming December concert. And all interested parties are encouraged to audition in the spring. “I can’t wait for the Glee concert. I loved them last year and cannot wait to see them all again,” sophomore Haley Gourdie said.

MOTHERHOOD AND SCHOOL

By Kati Furr

“You’re pregnant” are two words that most young women still in school fear hearing. I heard those two words on February 15, 2012. Once the initial shock went away, I was happy that I was an expectant mother. Although I was excited, in the back of my mind I was worried about my education because I was due in the middle of the fall 2012 semester. During my first trimester, luckily, I never had morning sickness but was always tired. I felt like I never got enough sleep. Some nights I would fall asleep at seven o’clock at night and sleep until ten o’clock in the morning. There were some days where I did not want to get out of bed and go to class but I knew I had to go in order to graduate on time. I have always been active with sports and exercising but pregnancy definitely limited the things I was able to do. After my first trimester, I gained some of my energy back and would walk every day during the summer and would work a lot. I stayed on my feet most of the time. I tried to incorporate as much movement as possible since it was suppose to help with the labor process.

Once the fall semester began, I still had my energy but was nervous about how my professors would react. I didn’t know if they would understand and e-mail me work or let me make up late assignments, or expect me to be in class a few days after delivering. The image that has been portrayed in society is that it is nearly impossible for a young woman to go to school while raising a newborn. Because of that image, I tried to work and plan ahead with assignments and let my professors know my due date was and pending signs of labor. On Monday, September 24, 2012, I finally looked into Deegan Michael Furr’s eyes for the first time. I wanted to go back to class that Thursday but decided to wait till Deegan was a week old. Motherhood is definitely an adjustment but it is one of the most natural things I have done. I went from sleeping through the night to waking up every two hours to a hungry baby. Luckily, Deegan would go right back to sleep after getting his belly full. While I am at school my great-aunt or grandmother usually watches Deegan. This helps out tremendously even though it was hard to leave him the first time. I didn’t

have to go through placing him in a daycare or dropping out of school like most young mothers are forced to do. I am truly thankful for the support from my friends, family, and professors. I cannot thank them enough.

16 December

Work, School, Repeat

By Jane Meyer Many students who attend Pfeiffer University also manage to work part-time or full-time jobs. With school, work, homework, and extracurricular activities, maintaining a balanced schedule can quickly become complicated. Former student Kari Fischer Everidge worked at Old Navy in Salisbury, North Carolina while she was an undergraduate at Pfeiffer. “I went to school and I worked almost every weekend, usually morning shifts,” Everidge said. “I had to make sure I didn’t sign up for any morning classes so that I would have time to work, and I was there all the time. It was crazy. I didn’t have any free time and I even lost a few good friends

because we never had time to see each other.” Freshman Diane Rose works as a telephone consultant for the Pfeiffer Phonathon. Even though she only works a couple nights a week, she still has to plan ahead. “I have to set specific times to do specific things, like do homework, have free time, etc. If I don’t stick to that schedule, I will mentally spaz out,” Rose said. “It’s really difficult balancing school and work,” senior Morgan Wood said. “You have to figure out what your limit is and say no to things you cannot do. Being a senior makes it harder, but I have to have the job for experience.”

HISTORY OF THE

If you are a working student, or even if you are planning to get a job while still attending school, here are a few tips:

• Keep a flexible schedule • Talk to your boss and all your professors ahead of time • Find a reliable co-worker to cover your shifts if needed • Keep a planner • Make sure to get enough sleep • If all else fails, drink a lot of coffee

FALCON’S EYE

IMPORTANT DATES IN THE LIFE OF PFEIFFER’S NEWSPAPER Courtesy: Jonathan Hutchinson

September 28, 1928 The first issue of the school newspaper, The Torch, made its debut with these words: “A freshman college course was installed at Mitchell this year, and so far it has been a huge success. Students from several different states are now enrolled. In fact, there are seven of them…” The first issue was mimeographed on both sides of three rough pages, and it carried a torch – but not the familiar torch of the Statue of Liberty, just a torch. In spite of a small staff and financial difficulties, the paper produced eight issues during

its first year. The eighth issue was most ambitious with a total of 16 pages, printed on semi-glazed paper and carrying twelve illustrations. The big news of that first year was the meeting of the Blue-Ridge Atlantic Conference (pre-cursor to the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church) and the richest jokes were those pulled from or built around the visiting preachers.

October 16, 1945 The name of The Torch was changed to The Pfeiffer News. “After 17 years of continuous publication “The Torch” is replaced by the Pfeiffer News” read the headline in the middle of the first school newspaper for the 1945 school year. The name change was endorsed with very few dissenting votes by the Student Assembly on Tuesday October 16. College president Chi Waggoner himself suggested the name change, “emphasizing the importance of securing a name that is simple and explicit, that is in some manner tied to the college, that should modestly suggest a news sheet of and for our campus”.

features

FAST FOOD = FAST FAT? By Ryan Goldsmith America is country that likes to have things delivered the fastest, easiest and cheapest way possible. That’s especially true when it comes to food. Fast food is one of the largest businesses in America, generating more than $65 billion annually. With over 160,000 fast food restaurants in the U.S alone, it’s the main source of food for more than 50 million Americans daily. With a new fast food restaurant popping up on almost every street corner, you can only imagine how this is affecting America’s health. Just take a look at Rockwell, Misenheimer’s neighboring town. There are seven fast food restaurants in and around one plaza. The temptation to living an unhealthy life is just around the corner. The average Pfeiffer student eats fast food at least once a day. That might not seem like a lot, but when you look at what you’re actually putting into your body, it can really start to add up. “As long as I’m hungry and it tastes good, I’ll eat it,” sophomore Brandon Bouysou said. You may be most surprised by what

most fast food restaurants use in their burgers or tacos. The infamous “Pink Slime” is the main ingredient in most meals at the top fast food chains. The “slime,” which was approved by the FDA, consists of spare beef trimmings that have been treated with ammonium hydroxide (to kill the pathogens and make it more pleasant to eat). “When you really look at the things that are put into the food, it almost makes you sick,” sophomore Adam Kotwaz said. The average McDonald’s meal has a whole day’s worth of calories (1500-2000), about three days worth of fat, and almost three days worth of sodium. This means that for the average Pfeiffer student to work off his or her daily fast food meal they would need to work out quite a bit. For the average person to burn off one meal at Mcdonald’s, they would need to run for over two and a half hours. Some Pfeiffer students won’t do that in a week; forget about running off a daily meal. “Now that I know how long it

actually takes to burn off fast food, I never want to see a burger again!” sophomore Corey Davis said. So how can we make the change to living a healthier life? Think of fast food as a treat. Assign one day every week as a “cheat day”. On this day you can go have that tasty Big Mac and truly consider it a “happy meal”.

CHINA ON THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION By Tongtong Xue Recently, I have been surveying my family and friends in China, and I collected some of their opinions about the U.S. Presidential Election. Some people support Mr. Obama; others like Mr. Romney, but all especially care about what kind of new policy toward China the new president will employ. “I would like to support Mr. Obama, he really tried his best to be a good president of the United States [the] last several years, and I believe he will still try his best to

decrease the unemployment rate of the USA in the future,” my friend Yuxi Jing said. But all agree that no matter who is president, it’s important for China and the US to have friendly relations. I definitely agree. Americans have been friendly to me since I came to the USA, and I strongly believe the friendship between the American and Chinese people will be strong and eternal.

18 December Banner Year? By Rodd Baxley College basketball season is here and every team comes in with the same goal: win a national championship. The 20122013 Pfeiffer Men’s Basketball starts that journey with a lot of new faces. With only seven returning players, the Falcons are a young bunch, but they’re not using that as an excuse. “We’re starting to come together as a team,” lone senior Josh Humphrey said. “I love playing with these guys.” “We want to be the hardest working team in the nation,” Head Coach Jeremy Currier said.

The Falcons look to play at a fast pace this season while putting constant pressure on their opponents at the defensive end. “It’s been tough in practice, we’ve been going extremely hard,” freshman Silvere Aluko said. “I think our biggest thing will be translating what we do in practice into the games.” With 15 of 26 games this season being played at Merner Gym, there will be plenty of opportunities for the student body to see the Falcons in action. Plans are currently underway to implement halftime shows that get the fans more involved. Assistant Coach, Matt Adams is working with “Pfeiffer Pfury” to help coordinate these events. “We really want to get the students excited about the games, and I think these events will help do that,” Adams said. This season the Falcons hope to start an era of winning basketball for years to come. “We have to continue to work hard and work together,” Humphrey said. “We want to win a national championship, and we want to put up a banner.”

photos by Jessica Homrich

sports

Staff List EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: RODD BAXLEY LAYOUT EDITOR: JAMIE ALCALA ASSISTANT LAYOUT EDITOR: CARESSA SAMUEL FACULTY ADVISOR: CHARISSE LEVINE NEWS EDITORS: SHEA MCDONNELL, CARESSA SAMUEL PHOTO EDITORS: JESSICA HOMRICH, TYLER SMITH

SARAH HILL KELLY HOEY PA LEE AMANDA MCCLURE MARIANA’ MELVIN JANE MEYER ARIANNA PAPAJ CATHLYLEEN RICE ZACH THOMPSON TONGTONG XUE

STAFF: ASHLYN FREEMAN RYAN GOLDSMITH SAMUEL SOTO MARIE WOOD JOHN ANDERSON III LAUREN CAUDLE HANNAH CAUSEY KATI FURR KIMBERLEY GOODELL KANE HATHCOCK JOLEEN HILL

ADVERTSING EDITOR: ANGELA HUNT

Exam Day

Final Exams Schedule

Fall 2012

Misenheimer Campus

The exam time is:

Exam Date

9:00am-‐12:00pm

2:00pm-‐5:00pm

6:00pm-‐9:00pm

For classes that meet:

Wednesday

12/12/2011

Friday

12/14/2011

MWF 11:00am

TR 12:30pm X

Thursday Saturday Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

12/13/2011 12/15/2011 12/17/2011 12/18/2011 12/19/2011

MWF 09:00am TR 09:30am TR 11:00am

MWF 12:00pm MWF 08:00am

Wednesday evening

MWF 01:00pm Thursday evening TR 02:00pm X

MWF 02:00pm Monday evening

TR 08:00am Tuesday evening Others