2/19/16 Digital Edition

the rocket

Friday February 19, 2016 • Volume 99, Issue Number 15 • An Independent, Student-Run Newspaper

www.theonlinerocket.com

SRU calls second 'true cancellation' in three years

By Chris Gordon Assistant News Editor

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET

Jeremy Parsons, sophomore athletic training major, skis down Keister Road in celebration of the snow day on Tuesday.

Belly rewards students with points for dining with AVI

A delay followed by a cancellation kept students from class Tuesday, as winter weather prevented Slippery Rock University facilities from ensuring a safe campus.

Rita Abent, the executive director of university public relations, said that due to continuous snowfall, SRU facilities were unable to clear the wet snow and ice below it by their 10 a.m. deadline, prompting the second "true cancellation" in three years.

"We figured that if campus couldn't be cleared by 10 a.m. the best thing to do was cancel," she said. "The health and safety of our students are always top concerns."

"Safe" does not mean "clear down to the pavement," Abent added, indicating that the university primarily focuses on the visibility of lines in parking lots and whether or not students can safely enter and exit buildings.

Abent said the university is obligated to hold classes if it can safely do so, noting that, in this three-year time frame, SRU has only called four delays, two evening cancellations and one other full cancellation.

"We don't want to delay or cancel class," she said. "People pay tuition, so we try to stick to the university schedule."

When making a delay or cancellation decision, Abent said the university begins receiving weather reports at 4:30 a.m.

Professor creates LLC to support students recovering from addiction

By Haley Barnes

By Dan DiFabio

News Editor

Rocket Contributor

Students recovering from drug or alcohol addiction now have the opportunity to live with other students who are also pursuing recovery in a supportive Living Learning Community (LLC) called Rock Recovery starting the fall of 2016.

Gerard Love, associate professor in counseling and development, is the creator of the program and he said that this LLC is something he has always wanted to see at the university.

"There's a need on college campuses for a place for students who a pursuing recovery to live," he said. "We are looking for students who are looking for a safe, supportive abstinence-based environment to live in."

The program is developed to help address the needs of students who have completed inpatient or outpatient treatment and committed to active recovery. Through the LLC, he explained that students will be in a supportive environment with like-minded people, which is an important key to active recovery. He said that this program will allow students who are pursuing recovery to feel welcome and safe on a college campus, where the stereotypical perception of college is to engage in risky behaviors.

"Recovery is not just about not drinking, but recovery

A new program on campus allows students to earn redeemable points by buying food.

Belly is a loyalty program that gives points to customers who shop at various kinds of businesses; these points can then be redeemed for certain reward items. The program is now being offered at Rocky’s.

“Other campuses have some form of a loyalty rewards program, so we thought we’d give it a try and see what would happen,” Resident Director for AVI Food Systems Joseph Balaban said.

Balaban said that the program has shown good success so far, with close to 200 students signing up since its introduction. He also said there have been a lot of redemptions and people checking in.

Although points can only be earned at Rocky’s at this point in time, Balaban said that if the program continues to show success, then it could expand to other locations.

Students can sign up at the register SEE AVI PAGE A-3

Campus walkways, parking lots and roads are also assessed.

"We then ask, what are the local road conditions like?" she said, indicating that only a third of SRU students are "true commuters," living further than three miles from campus.

Weather conditions outside this radius vary too greatly to be a determining factor, Abent continued.

"If you live north of here, you understand why we cancelled," she said. "If you live south of here, you got rain and are looking out your window asking, 'what the heck are they talking about?'"

Abent said that social media activity from students does not influence delay or cancellation decisions, clarifying that classes were cancelled one day last spring due to a broken snow plow, not because of student frustration over walking to class in below-zero weather.

"I actually got a call from a reporter that day saying, 'it's warmer, why did you cancel today?'" she said. "If it weren't for the broken plow we would not have cancelled that day."

Abent emphasized the effort the university makes to communicate delay and cancellation decisions to students in a reasonable time, indicating that an email was sent out as early as 5:29 a.m. and advisories were also issued through the SRU website, TV stations and social media.

S l i p p e r y R o c k Un i v e r s i t y reopened for normal activities on Wednesday.

is about engaging in specific behaviors that help support sobriety and part of that being commitment to abstinence, support from other people that are in recovery and perhaps participation in like A.A. (Alcoholics Anonymous) or N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous)," Love explained.

Love explained that there is a difference between substance abuse and addiction.

"If someone is abusing a substance, they may be using too much, they may be using too often, they may be using at an inappropriate time and place, but they do so by choice," he said. "That's where you draw the line between substance abuse and addiction. If someone's addicted, they may be using too much too often, inappropriate time and place, but it's not by choice."

Love defined the phrase "not by choice" as a person having a difficult time reshaping their behavior despite negative consequences.

He included that students in the LLC would be working in 12-step programs with sponsors. Students will also be paired with a mentor and graduate students studying addiction counseling will have the opportunity to assist the students with addiction specific counseling. The students will also have the opportunity to complete the ropes course, which Love described as a great opportunity for self-discovery.

Students Weigh In on Fetty Wap

Rock Softball To Start Season in S.C.

The rapper chosen for the spring concert draws mixed opinions from students Page B-2

The SRU women's softball team heads south to Myrtle Beach to begin the 2016 season.

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SEE SRU PAGE A-2

SRU Students Dress For Success Rock PRoductions hosted a fashion show on Wednesday to showcase professional attire.

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NEWS

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INDEX Blotter.................A-4 Opinion................B-1 Comics...................D-4

Sports...................C-1 Campus Life.............D-1

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SRU staff discuss norovirus misconceptions after local outbreak at Ursinus College

By Jim Meyer Rocket Contributor

Ursinus College recently experienced an outbreak of norovirus that affected over 200 students, faculty and staff.

While Slippery Rock University's campus remains unaffected, it is clear that many misconceptions exist concerning the nature, cause and transmission of norovirus.

Commonly known as stomach flu or food poisoning, norovirus causes symptoms of severe diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. Kristina Benkeser, director of Student Health Services, said that other less common symptoms may include fever and stomach pain, which is the reason for norovirus to be erroneously referred to as stomach flu.

“It’s a complete misnomer,” she said. “There’s no such thing. It has nothing to do with the influenza virus whatsoever.”

According to the CDC, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused influenza viruses, while norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can be transmitted from person to person through contaminated food or water and by touching contaminated surfaces.

Benkeser said that the prevention of norovirus outbreaks can be summed up in three words: Wash your hands.

“That breaks the chain of norovirus at just about every level,” she said.

“The most common way to get it is fecal to oral route. Somebody who has norovirus does not wash their

hands after going to the bathroom and they touch something that you then touch.”

Norovirus travels quickly as it takes a very small quantity of particles to infect a person.

“The good news is that hand washing and environmental cleanliness do keep outbreaks of norovirus at bay,” Benkeser said.

In the event of an outbreak, the first step is often to rule out or rule in communal dining areas by closing temporarily for cleaning and inspection.

Joe Balaban, resident director for AVI Food Systems, said that dining halls are the first place to be contained only because of the high volume of people passing through.

“A lot of times, oddly enough, the dining hall isn’t ground zero,” Balaban said. “A lot of times, it works its way in from other locations. When you’ve got 1700 students rolling in here at lunch every day, plus staff and everyone else, you never know what’s going to happen.”

Another reason for the dining hall to be decontaminated first is so that food distribution can continue as soon as possible. In the recent incident at Ursinus, Wismer Dining Hall was given a clean bill of health and was closed for two meal periods.

“It could’ve been coming from any off campus eating establishment,” Benkeser said. “It could’ve come from a big party.”

The other nickname for the norovirus, food poisoning, often leads to finger pointing at food preparation staff, although food contamination is one of several ways

220 Eisenberg Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA 16057

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the virus can be transmitted.

“Norovirus is not necessarily food poisoning,” Balaban said. “It’s a very common misperception in all honesty. With most food-borne illnesses, you don’t even start to see any ramifications from it until between 12 and 18 hours. It takes a little while to work through the system.”

Balaban said that there is a series of plans and contingency plans to be put into action in the event of an outbreak.

“All units are going to be shut down, steam cleaned and sanitized,” he said. “We would bring food in from our main commissary to get people fed.”

Balaban described the assessment plan of interviewing infected students about their activities in the last 48 hours in an attempt to trace the source of the infection. Also under rigorous scrutiny would be the supply line for the food all the way back to the vendors.

Meanwhile, the Health Center would be assisting the Butler County Department of Health with gathering information as well as distributing sports drinks, bottled water and sanitary wipes.

“There isn’t a cure,” Benkeser said. “The treatment is what we call supportive care – fluids, rest.

The biggest danger is becoming dehydrated.”

Benkeser said that recovery involves letting the infection run its course.

“Your body gets rid of the virus by pooping it out,” she said. “I don’t know any other way to put it.”

SRU becomes second university in Pennsylvania to offer on-campus recovery program for students Continued from Page A-1

CONTACT US

February 19, 2016

"There's a lot of heavy collaboration and utilization of a lot of campus recourses for that Living Learning Community to have some joint, kind of common adventures," Love said. "You know whether it's kayaking down at Morraine or doing some camping trips, learning new activities and learning sober activities are kind of cool things."

Love said that there are about 40 other universities and colleges that provide a safe space for recovering students. Slippery Rock University recently joined the Association of Recovery in Higher Education as an institutional member. The collegiate recovery program, Rock Recovery, places SRU among a group of prestigious institutions, such as Chapel Hill, University of Georgia and Vanderbilt University. The only other university to offer a recovery program in Pennsylvania is Penn State University.

"It's pretty cutting edge that we have the opportunity to provide this kind of service to students," Love said.

He explained that the pilot program is to happen in the ROCK apartments.

"We are starting off small with two four bedroom units in ROCK apartments," he said. "Then also included is one of the apartments that's not used for students to live in is going to have a common meeting area and that's where the LLC students can congregate and meetings will take place there."

He said the common meeting area will provide students with a confidential meeting space.

"There's a kitchen in their common meeting area," he explained. "One of the areas that gets overlooked a lot, but is a really important area for a holistic program is nutrition. So we are going to be looking at the role of nutrition in ongoing recovery, highlighting a different aspect of nutrition and how that helps support sobriety and recovery."

Love said he likes to think of the journey to sobriety as a rollercoaster and through this program, he wants to help students flatten the roller coaster.

Love explained that there have been a few concerns with students being able to remain anonymous, but that the program is going to be very low-key for students involved and that the only shame comes from the stigma that society puts on people pursuing recovery. However, Love feels as if the general body of students today are more open-minded when it comes to understanding addiction because most people in today's society are touched by addiction in someway.

"Most people that are in recovery are incredibly proud of the fact that they made it and so you know, particularly people that are like new in recovery, most people are pretty proud of themselves because it's a new identity that they are taking on," Love explained.

Students who are interested in this opportunity can contact Justin Kleemok, assistant director of residence life and coordinator of LLCs.

February 19, 2016

NEWS

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POLICE BLOTTER Campus

February 13- A staff member February 17- Samantha Brophy, reported that their state van had 21, was charged with drunk been struck in East Central Loop. driving.

February 11- Alexus Dutrieuille, The van had to be towed away.

19, was charged with a drug violation after being found in February 17- Kevon Bruce, 21, possession of marijuana behind February 14- Mariah Trautman, was charged with defiant trespass. the residence halls.

19, was charged with a drug violation in Building A.

Borough

February 7- John O’Donnell was cited for disorderly house for an alcohol offense along Normal Avenue.

February 11- Kyle Dynes was arrested for drunk driving along New Castle Street.

February 13- Theodor Groeger, 18, was charged with an alcohol February 16- Jeremiah Bortmas, February 12- Brady Moore was violation after being transported 18, was charged with a drug February 6- Michael Wainauskis cited for Disorderly House at the to the Health Center by police and violation in Building F. II was cited for disorderly house Wine and Spirits store. then to the hospital by ambulance. for an alcohol offense along East Water Street.

Compiled by Chris Gordon

AVI staff encourage ROCK students to sign-up Continued from Page A-1

and are given a card that corresponds with their account. They can also sign up through the Belly app or its website by making a new account or connecting with Facebook.

Users earn their first points at sign up and then get five points per visit. Additional points can be earned by liking Belly on Facebook.

Students can check in once every hour to get points. The total amount of points earned will show up at the register or on the Belly app.

There are 15 different options for rewards, including a free fountain drink, free Starbucks and an order of wings at Quaker Steak, with some higher rewards being a catering event for 10 friends or a dinner for two prepared by the executive chef.

Balaban said that not all of the rewards are completely foodcentric, with some fun ones thrown in, including arm wrestling a manager for a pizza party or building and naming your own sub at Bolder Subs in Rocky’s. The rewards can be redeemed at the register.

Balaban said that unlike the punch cards at T&B Naturally in Bailey Library, this new program is more widespread across campus.

“You really only need one card to do it versus a bunch of punch cards at multiple locations,” Balaban said. “It streamlines the process too.”

Balaban encourages everyone to sign up for the program as participation and feedback will be key to its success.

9 No security deposits!

9 4 different locations - South Rock Apts. on Keister Road or South Rock Drive, Stone Crest Apts., & Main Street Apts.

9 2, 3 or 4 bedroom floor-plans 9 Over 180 apartments to choose from 9 Cable, internet, water, & trash included 9 Stove, microwave, dishwasher, disposal, fridge, washer & dyer included* 9 *NEW! On-site laundry facilities at Main St. location – NO COINS NEEDED! 9 Sofa, love seat, coffee & end tables, TV stand, twin or full size beds, dresser, desk, & night stand included** 9 NEW! Living room furniture at South Rock!

9 Not all units are furnished at Main Street location** 9 24-hour emergency maintenance 9 Professional on-site management 9 Close proximity to SRU campus 9 Direct-wired smoke detectors 9 Fire extinguishers in each unit 9 Access to Clubhouse 9 Handicap apartments available 9 On-site parking 9 Close to SGA bus stop

NOTES

FREE BUTOH PERFORMANCE There will be a free Butoh performance entitled "Moon Rabbit" on Feb. 29 at 9 p.m. in the West Gym Auditorium. Butoh is orginally Japenese art that has expanded into a global phenomenon in recent years. This performance features the SRU Dance Department and world-renowned Butoh artist, Du Yufang.

WEEKLY PLANETARIUM SHOWS Vincent Science Center offers a different show every week. Admission is free and the show starts at 8 p.m.

THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES Laugh, cry and learn what it means to live with a vagina. The Vagina Monologues will occur on Feb. 19 and 20. Tickets will be sold at the door and general admission is $5 or $3 with a Student ID. All proceeds from this event will benefit V-day, Butler County VOICe and the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County.

To submit a Rock Note please send your announcement by 6 p.m.

Wednesday to Haley Barnes at hmb1006@sru.edu or to rocket.news@sru. edu. The Rocket does not guarantee that all requests will be published in the paper.

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OPINION

Our View

Recovery LLC is beneficial to students

OPINION rocket.letters@sru.edu Volume 99, Number 16

220 Eisenberg Classroom Building Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057 Phone: Fax: E-mail:

(724) 738-4438 (724) 738-4896 rocket.letters@sru.edu

EDITORIAL BOARD Janelle Wilson

Editor-in-Chief

Haley Barnes

News Editor

Amber Cannon

Campus Life Editor

Ryan Barlow

Sports Editor

Rebecca Dietrich Victoria Davis

Photo Editor Copy/ Web Editor

Chris Gordon

Assistant News Editor

Emma Pfeifer

Assist. Campus Life Editor

Cody Nespor

Assistant Sports Editor

Kendall Scott

Assistant Photo Editor

Amanda Salvia

Assist. Copy/Web Editor

Emily Brown

Multimedia Reporter

Mark Zeltner

Faculty Adviser

ADVERTISING STAFF Karleigh Santry

Advertising Manager

ABOUT US The Rocket is published by the students of Slippery Rock University every Friday during the academic semester with the exception of holidays, exam periods and vacations. Total weekly circulation is 3,000. No material appearing in The Rocket may be reprinted without the written consent of the Editor-in-Chief.

The Rocket receives approximately 5 percent of its funding from the SGA Student Activity fee paid each semester by students. All other income is provided through the sale of advertising.

Advertising inquiries may be made by calling (724) 7382643 or by emailing rocket.ads@sru.edu.

CORRECTIONS If we make a substantial error, we want to correct it. If you believe an error has been made, call The Rocket newsroom at (724) 738-4438. If a correction is warranted it will be printed in the opinion section.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to The Rocket are available. Subscriptions are $20 per academic semester and $35 for the full academic year. Inquiries should be directed to the Editor-in-Chief at the address listed here.

GRAPHIC BY KENDALL SCOTT / THE ROCKET

Imagine being a college student actively trying to recover from a drug or alcohol addiction, but you’re in an environment where the social norm is to drink and participate in other risky behaviors. How does that affect your ability to be able to recover and live a sober lifestyle while also maintaining your student status?

Starting the fall of 2016, students pursuing active recovery will now have a safe haven to live on campus in a Living Learning Community (LLC) with the company of other students pursuing active recovery with the guidance of professionals who are knowledgeable on addiction.

The Rocket staff feels that this is a wonderful opportunity for students in recovery and we feel as if this shows Slippery Rock University’s dedication to provide an inclusive environment for all students.

Gerard Love, associate professor in counseling and development, is the driving force behind the LLC called Rock Recovery. He distinguished the difference between substance abuse and substance addiction.

Abuse is when a person uses too much, too often and at inappropriate times by choice. Addiction is when a person uses too much, too often and at inappropriate times not by choice and despite negative consequences.

Society places a heavy stigma on people who are suffering from addiction; however we acknowledge that these students who will need

this rehabilitation program are not bad people and deserve a chance at education just like any other student on this campus.

This program is open to any student who wants to be in an inclusive college environment, but wants to stay on track and keep away from tempting substances that would take them off track from recovery.

This is a great opportunity to allow students who may not have gotten the best start in life to not only heal, but also to be in an environment where people understand and are able to give advice based on personal experience.

Originally our staff was skeptical that the worth of the LLC would outweigh the cost, but after finding out that this service wouldn’t take up an entire floor of a dorm, and instead would take place in two ROCK Apartments, it seems a lot more feasible.

The director of the program is also planning on utilizing services like Alcoholic’s Anonymous and Narcotic’s Anonymous, as well as the 12-step program for recovering students, so it isn’t as if those in recovery will be left to their own devices. This will also lend very well to student recovery, and will help students to focus their efforts toward it.

Love said that anonymity was a major concern for those who will use the program, however he also

In the Quad

said that the program is proposed to be very low-key because of the stigma society puts on addiction and recovery.

This is also an important part of the healing process, so we hope students who are brave enough to pursue this option aren’t ostracized for their efforts.

We’re sure that their apartments aren’t going to physically be labeled as Rock Recovery LLCs, but it’s important that student confidentiality is treated with the utmost respect.

We also hope that the time devoted to treatment doesn’t interfere with students’ social and academic life, as those things are hard enough to deal with without pursuing treatment.

While it’s important to keep up with those students, personal development time is also important.

Love said that he thought today’s students were more understanding with regard to addiction, and that some of them have been affected by it, and we hope that that’s true.

Many students may also pressure those who are in recovery to go out drinking and partying, and we think that classes for freshmen explaining the nature of addiction, as well as the struggle of those who face, it will ultimately help those in Rock Recovery. So, if a recovering student explains why they can’t go out partying, other students will understand.

This week’s question: Are you excited that Fetty Wap is coming to campus?

In the Quad is a segment in which random students, faculty and staff are asked for their opinions on a specific topic.

EDITORIAL POLICY The Rocket strives to present a diverse range of opinions that are both fair and accurate in its editorials and columns appearing on the Opinion pages. “Our View” is the opinion of the Editorial Board and is written by Rocket editorial board members. It reflects the majority opinion of The Rocket Editorial Board.

“Our View” does not necessarily reflect the views of Slippery Rock University, its employees or its student body. Columns and cartoons are drafted by various individuals and only reflect the opinions of the columnists.

LETTERS POLICY The Rocket welcomes letters to the editor and guest columns, but does not guarantee their publication.

The Rocket retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes the property of The Rocket and cannot be returned. Anonymous submissions will not be published.

Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major and/or group affiliation, if any.

Please limit letters to a maximum of 400 words. Submit all material by noon Wednesday to: The Rocket, 220 ECB, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, Pa. 16057. Or send it via e-mail to: rocket.letters@sru.edu.

Irene Koury Freshman Digital Media Production Major Meadville, Pennsylvania

Ashley Crago Freshman Digital Media Production Major Meadville, Pennsylvania

Brian Finn Junior Safety Management Major Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“It’s a great opportunity for a small town to get such a big artist .“

“I love Fetty Wap but I

“Some people will definitely be excited. The line [to get tickets] has been long all day.”

think it’s disappointing that they can only sell 2,000 tickets.“

OPINION

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February 19, 2016

QUESTION OF

THE WEEK @SRURocket

Your college degree won’t give you anything, that’s up to you

Janelle Wilson Commentary Janelle Wilson is a senior journalism major and is the editor-in-chief of the Rocket

What can I do with a college degree?

I’m certain this is a question students inevitably ask themselves while tears are streaming down their face, and they’re one cup of coffee away from going into cardiac arrest. Is it worth it all for a miniscule piece of paper that has value that is solely intrinsic?

I’m here to argue that yes, it is.

Recently, a Slippery Rock University alum posted a video of himself burning his college degree on Facebook, stating “I’d like to thank Slippery Rock University for all the opportunities you’ve given me, but not for the skills required to achieve what I already have.”

I will not name the student I’m speaking about, nor am I here to lecture about what a mistake he’s

made not only in burning his college degree, but also in burning bridges between himself and the people who have helped him achieve the success he’s claimed to have garnered on his own. That is not the intent of this editorial. Instead, I’d like to remind the students of SRU, and perhaps elsewhere, that a college degree doesn’t entitle you to anything, and that a college education is a reward in and of itself.

SRU was my first choice school.

In high school, I had mastered the art of doing just enough to get by, and little more than that.

My parents shipped me off to college that August, and I was returned to them on the Dean’s List. Some might equate this to easy classes, or dumb luck, but it was certainly a change from what my parents were used to seeing.

The next semester, I started writing for The Rocket. The semester after that, I was its Assistant Campus Life Editor, and the semester after that, I began working on SLAB, SRU’s literary magazine.

Despite the added stress, and increase in class difficulty, my grades got better. I was overwhelmed the majority of the time, but infinitely proud of what I had accomplished and the relationships I had built with the people who were rushing at opportunites with the same passion that I was. The weight of all that I carried was heavy, but it didn’t

crush me because I was proud to carry it. I had found what I loved, and by finding that, I found out a lot about myself. I would have never had any of this if I hadn’t gone to SRU. Entitlement is definitely an issue with young adults in the world today, and please excuse me if I sound like one of your parents or grandparents by saying that.

Instead of appreciating the inherent learning experience that comes with attaining a college education, students and alumni are quick to cry that it shouldn’t be required to have a college education to make a living in this world, and further that because they don’t have a job relating to their field, that their degree is inherently worthless.

In doing this, they are ignoring that they are already making it in this world because they are fortunate enough to be able to afford a college education, a privilege denied to so many, and maybe even denied to those who are more deserving.

I understand that my college experience isn’t going to be the same as the majority of students’ experiences.

If your grades weren’t the best, but you recognize that you made friendships and memories that will last you a lifetime, then good on you.

I will not judge the worth of your time here measured by my standards of success. As long as you realize that whether you spent the majority of your time in Bailey Library or in

Ginger Hill, you’ve learned something about people, and hopefully something about your major, even if it’s that you want nothing to do with your major, you have grown.

T h is g row t h c an not b e encapsulated within a diploma. If by the end of your time here, you claim that you have not learned anything, you are not only lying to yourself, but to hordes of potential students who are going to make this university their home. And it will be a home, a home where they will learn about themselves, and meet people who will help them succeed.

My college experience definitely wasn’t just sitting in the classroom, counting the minutes until class was over so that I could go sit at home. It certaintly wasn’t me whining that some opportunity hadn’t come and landed in my lap, and it won’t end with me sitting around wondering why my diploma wasn’t the end-all answer to my personal success and development.

If that was your college experience, you have no one to blame but yourself. If your college diploma is little more to you than a very expensive sheet of paper, then you are extraordinarily privileged to have been given the resources to purchase an expensive sheet of paper.

And no, that sheet of paper will not get you anything in this life, not unless you’re willing to dig your feet in the dirt and never give up.

Job experience isn’t necessary to build resumes, experience

Joseph Szalinski Commentary Joseph Szalinski is a senior creative writing and professional writing major When applying for jobs or trying to begin one’s career, college graduates are faced with the daunting challenge of listing experiences.

The typical person lists his or her academic achievements and his or her job history. While these achievements are remarkable in the regard that one has successfully completed at least a Bachelor’s degree and has held down a job at least at some point in his or her life, such achievements are all too typical of the conventional student, which doesn’t allow for much license for one to stand out.

Granted, a student may have to pay, or help pay, for his or her education, depending on

financial situation, but for those with more economic independence, I support the idea of taking an atypical approach to gaining experience.

Organizations that most students tend to flock to, or at least express some degree of interest in are Greek ones such as fraternities or sororities. Yes, said organizations provide opportunity for community service and networking, particularly post-college, but other organizations can be equally as beneficial.

Personally, I was never involved with many extra-curricular programs in high school. I settled for just getting by and leaving school grounds as soon as I could. Even at community college I did the same thing, and though I do not subscribe to the idea of believing in regrets, I sometimes wonder how I would have benefitted from spending my time at school differently.

Coming to Slippery Rock, I went out of my way to become involved with as much as I could. I signed up for a multitude of things at the club fair and attended most of the clubs’ meetings. Of course, I couldn’t keep up with all of them, so I chose which ones I liked the most.

My experiences with clubs includes me being an active member in them, with me eventually becoming a vice-president in two of them.

Being able to say I helped lead meetings, make important decisions and exert authority over

others, speaks volumes about my personal growth way more than my position of working in a grocery store for over four years.

Critics to my approach may cite that everyone has to work eventually, after all, isn’t that why we’re going to college, in order to find a job?

Although that is one reason for attending school, it has become more of a reason since pursuing higher education has been coopted by monetizing everything and deriving immediate practical applications from one’s endeavors. Going to college means seeking knowledge and developing as a person. If work is the only thing that matters, then why bother with college? Employment should be enough on its own.

But I think that by participating in “nonpractical” activities, even if that means volunteering or taking on an internship as well, students cultivate more valuable experience for themselves than they would wasting time doing something they hate that has no bearing on their aspirations.

Disclaimer The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors on The Rocket opinion pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Rocket or The Rocket staff

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February 19, 2016

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET Hundreds of students line up outside the Robert M. Smith Student center to purchase tickets for University Program Board's upcoming spring concert starring rappers Fetty Wap and Hardo.

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COMICS

COMICS

Today's Birthday (02/19/16). Group actions magnify your efforts this year. Social participation pays.

Cash flow increases (after 3/8), allowing for new destinations (after 3/23). Family windfalls (after 9/1) impact your financial situation (after 9/16).

Best in Show

By Phil Juliano

Begin a two-year study and travel phase after 9/9.

Explore your passion.

To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- Enjoy fun and games over the next two days. Rest and relax with family and friends. Don't start a new project yet.

Make long-term plans this month. Creativity arises in a peaceful setting.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) -- Today is a 7 -- Home and family have your attention over the next two days. Your social life is especially active over the next month ... prepare your place for parties, gatherings and meetings. Make an upgrade you've been wanting.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Study and explore over the next two days. Gather information. Re-evaluate career goals. You can advance significantly over the next month, with intentionality. Focus on what you want. Get creative to realize it.

Brewster Rockit: Space Guy

By Tim Rickard

Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Today and tomorrow are good for making money. Keep track of the flow, both in and out. Travel entices over the next month. A business trip could be fun, if it works financially.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You're getting stronger today and tomorrow. Over the next month, strategize to grow family finances. Make long-term plans. Make changes you've been wanting.

Determine priorities together. Clean up messes later.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 6 -- Pay attention to your dreams over the next two days. Look back for insight on the road ahead. Peaceful productivity suits.

A partnership phase this month favors collaborative efforts. Share the load.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You work especially well with others today and tomorrow.

Develop your team strategy. Hold meetings and gatherings. Put love into your work, and it takes off this month. Your status rises with increasing demand.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- You're lucky in love this month. Raise the level of your game. Career matters have your attention today and tomorrow. There's a test, so prepare and practice.

Research illuminates the pitfalls lining the road ahead.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Home and family matters hold your focus this month. Get artistic and eclectic. Settle into your nest. Change is unavoidable. Regroup emotionally. De-clutter.

Studies, travels or errands pull you out into the world today and tomorrow.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- This month favors communications, networking, publishing and learning. Study, research and write.

Money has your focus over the next two days. Study how to make and save more. Consider someone who needs you.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -Collaboration increases the fun and profitability of your efforts. Play with your partner. Share common aims and diverse talents. This month can be especially lucrative. Support each other, despite conflict or controversy. Consult an expert.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -- Refocus on work today and tomorrow. The workload is increasing. Use your imagination. You're especially hot this month, with the Sun in your sign. Your natural genius flourishes. Find new ways to contribute.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black's legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @lindablack.

For more astrological interpretations visit Linda Black Horoscopes and www.nancyblack.com) (c)2015 bY NANCY BLACK. DISTRIBUTED

BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Bliss

By Harry Bliss

B-5

February 19, 2016

4

S SPORTS

INSIDE SPORTS

Softball

Tennis

Rock softball looks to have a solid 2016 campaign as it welcomes back several starting players.

Women's tennis shuts out Alderson Broaddus 9-0 in West Virginia Saturday.

See Page C-2

See Page C-4

Rock soars past Golden Eagles

KENDALL SCOTT/THE ROCKET

Junior guard Ciara Patterson drives toward the hoop Wednesday during SRU's 71-54 victory over Clarion. Patterson averages 12.7 points a game with a .436 three-point percentage.

By Ryan Barlow Sports Editor

An overwhelming advantage in rebounds and an ability to cash in on second-chance points propelled Rock women's basketball (12-14, 8-12 PSAC) past Clarion (8-19, 8-13 PSAC) Wednesday evening, winning 71-54 at Morrow Field House.

Slippery Rock out-rebounded the Golden Eagles 48-23, the largest advantage off the boards that The Rock has held all season. In addition to its dominance

in rebounding, SRU controlled the offensive glass by cashing in on second-chance opportunities with 25 points off of offensive rebounds.

"The past couple days as a coaching staff, we challenged our players to start controlling the glass and that's exactly what they did," Rock head coach Bobby McGraw said.

"We had a ton of turnovers which is very uncharacteristic of us, but we dominated the boards so well that the turnover kind of became a non-factor."

The game was relatively close after three quarters with

SRU leading Clarion 49-46 heading in to the break.

However, the Green and White pulled ahead with a 22-8 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter to break open its lead en route to the 17-point victory.

Junior guard Lexi Carpenter continued to lead SRU on the court as she has all season, scoring a team-high 22 points while also dishing out four assists and grabbing eight rebounds. Senior guard Erica Aiello followed SEE SRU, PAGE C-2

Rock baseball blown out in doubleheader sweep

By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior 2B Jordan Faretta makes contact in a game against Seton Hill last season. Faretta has .279 career batting average and is five hits shy of 100 for his career.

The Slippery Rock University baseball team continued its North Carolina road trip Sunday with a doubleheader at Wingate University.

SRU dropped both games without putting up much of a fight, losing game one 13-4 and game two 10-3. The Rock drops to a 1-3 record after its first four games of the season.

SRU head coach Jeff Messer thought his team looked sluggish after a long bus ride and having played a doubleheader on Saturday.

"Mentality was as discouraging as anything else, we just weren't ready to play. The weather probably did have an impact on that. It was a long trip they were probably tired out," Messer said. "We have some very good players and a very good team, but you just don't like coming back one and three. Against quality teams like that you have to put everything together."

The Green and White got off to a good start in game one as freshman center fielder Frankie Jezioro started off the top of the first inning with an infield single before stealing two bases to end up at third.

Then with two outs, senior first baseman Alex Bell blasted a home run off the scoreboard in left field to put The Rock up 2-0 early.

Sophomore pitcher Stephen McKee got the start in game one and struggled to find the strike zone. McKee lasted only three innings, giving up five hits, six runs (three earned), walking five batters and hitting another while taking the loss.

Freshman Jay Cortese came in to relieve McKee in the third inning and fared no better, giving up four hits, seven runs (one earned) and walking two in the game's final three innings.

Sophomore shortstop Mitchell Wood had a good day at the plate, going 2-3 with a double and two runs scored.

SEE DEFENSE, PAGE C-3

SPORTS

C-2

February 19, 2016

Softball returns seven starters, aims for playoffs

Men's Basketball 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

20-6 (17-4) Indiana (PA.)* 16-8 (13-7) Mercyhurst* 14-9 (13-7) Edinboro* Pitt-Johnstown 15-10 (11-9) 13-14 (10-11) Clarion 14-12 (9-11) slippery rock 11-13 (9-11) Seton Hill 7-17 (6-14) Gannon 7-19 (4-16) california (pa.) *Clinched PSAC Tournament berth

Upcoming games REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Junior pitcher Cary DeRose winds up against Edinboro last season. DeRose has a career 4.63 ERA and 140 career strikeouts.

vs

By Cody Nespor Assistant Sports Editor

Sat. Feb. 20, Morrow Field House, 7 p.m.

at Wed. Feb. 24, Pitt-Johnstown, 7:30 p.m.

Women's Basketball 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

California (PA.)* Indiana (PA.)* Gannon* Edinboro* Mercyhurst* Seton Hill Slippery Rock Clarion Pitt-Johnstown

19-5 (16-4) 19-6 (16-5) 16-8 (14-6) 18-8 (13-7) 13-13 (11-9) 13-13 (9-11) 12-14 (8-12) 8-19 (8-13) 7-19 (4-16)

*Clinched PSAC Tournament berth

Upcoming games vs

After finishing last season with a 15-23 record the Slippery Rock University softball team will be looking for a return to the playoffs in 2016.

Led by second-year head coach Stacey Rice the softball team is returning seven position players that made at least 24 starts a year ago.

With all the returning players, Rice thinks this leaves the team with very few holes in the line-up.

"There aren't a lot of holes on this team and that gives me a lot of confidence, and I think that gives the players a lot of confidence too," Rice said. "It's going to be a dogfight for playing time at second base and in right field. We'll be going with a rotation when we head down south to see who can produce runs and play well together at those positions."

Headlining the list of returners is senior shortstop Katie Kaiser who started in all 38 games last year for The Rock and led the team with 49 hits. Kaiser batted .353 (49-139) with seven doubles, three triples, four home runs and 21 RBI's. Kaiser also led the team in fielding assists with 55 and runs scored with 24.

Also returning for her final season is senior third baseman Ashley Samluk. Samluk also started all 38 games and is second among returners with 31 hits last season. Samluk batted .261 (31-119) with six doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI's.

Other returning seniors include designated hitter Stacey Herzog and outfielder Megan Maloney. Herzog made 24 starts, batting .325 (26-80) and led the team in home runs (seven), RBI (28) and slugging percentage (.725). Maloney made 37 starts, batting .248 (26-105) with eight RBI, 15 runs scored and a team-leading 12 stolen bases.

First baseman Allie Fischer, catcher Lauren Hawley and outfielder Emily Nagle are all returning for their sophomore seasons after seeing significant playing time in their rookie seasons.

Fischer started in 25 games and batted .323 (21-35), Hawley started 36 games and batted .265 (27-102) with two home runs and 17 RBI's and Nagle started 20 games while batting .333 (15-60). Hawley also threw out six would-be base-stealers from behind the plate to lead the team a year ago.

SRU plays big, stays in PSAC race Continued from Page C 1

Sat. Feb. 20, Morrow Field House, 5 p.m.

at Wed. Feb. 24, Pitt-Johnstown, 5:30 P.M.

Standings as of Thurs.Feb. 18 at 10:13 a.m.

It would appear that the front-runner for the starting second base job is junior infielder Caitlin Baxter. Baxter started 18 games in the infield last year and batted .292 (19-65) with 14 RBI's. Sophomore infielder Kaylee Pistorius could be another option at second as she saw action in seven games and had two hits in seven total at bats in 2015 while driving in four runs.

Vying for playing time in the outfield will be junior Nicole Siciliano and sophomore transfers Amanda Brush and Emily Snee. Siciliano went hitless in three appearances last year, Brush went 10 for 45 at Merrimack a year ago and Snee appeared in 17 games for Waynesburg during her rookie season.

Rounding out the returning position players is back-up catcher McKenzie Garland who played in seven games and had four hits in 13 at bats last spring.

Returning on the pitching staff is junior Carly DeRose and sophomores Paige Flore and Brooke Dawson. DeRose led the staff last year with 112 innings pitched, going 8-12 with a 4.13 ERA in 20 starts with 82 strikeouts. Dawson, the only lefty pitcher, was second on the staff lat year with 76 innings, going 5-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 12 starts with 75 strikeouts. Flore had a .91 ERA in 7.2 innings over four appearances.

Rice has high expectations for DeRose in her junior season.

"I have huge expectations for Carly. She's the leader and the veteran of this staff," Rice said. "Don't overlook Paige and Brooke though. Brooke's a good lefty pitcher and Paige is great at mixing her pitch speeds."

Slippery Rock was picked to finish fifth out of six teams in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West division in the preseason coaches poll. Rice thinks this ranking reflects last year's team and thus is not representative of the 2016 squad.

"We're just going to have to go out there and prove them wrong. I think we're a team that could sneak up on some people," Rice said. "We're going to stick with our game-plan and be an offensive team that scores and manufactures a lot of runs. Our goal, as always, is to make it to the playoffs."

The Green and White will start their season Friday when they travel south to Myrtle Beach, S. C. to compete in the Myrtle Beach Softball tournament where they will play five games in a two day span.

Carpenter in the scoring column with 13 points while sophomores Mallory Heinle and Ciara Patterson scored 12 and 11 points respectively.

Aiello and Patterson each collected six rebounds as well while Heinle pulled in five.

Freshman Morgan Henderson continued to make her presence known for The Rock, scoring eight points and grabbing a team-high 10 rebounds. Henderson was also able to block two shots while grabbing a career-best three steals.

"Morgan Henderson is a Division I caliber center and last night was basically her coming out party,"

McGraw said. "We've been waiting for her to do this for 26 games. She rebounded the ball and played great defense and we were really proud of her last night."

As a team, SRU shot 40.4 percent from the field (23-for-57) and 83.3 percent from the foul line (20-24).

The lone advantage Clarion held in a statistical category over Slippery Rock was in steals, leading 17-9. In total, The Rock gave up 19 turnovers.

With the win and losses from both Seton Hill and Mercyhurst Wednesday, SRU's post season hopes remain alive. In fact, Slippery Rock's 12 wins are the most single-season wins the program has had since the 2005-2006 season.

"It's one of those things where we have zero control over Seton Hill and what they're going to do," McGraw said. "Does it work in our favor that they play two teams that on paper are better than them? Absolutely. But the only thing we can control is how we guard and play against Gannon on Saturday."

The Rock tips off versus Gannon (16-8, 14-6 PSAC) Saturday at 5 p.m. at Morrow Field House. The Golden Knights currently sit in third place of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division. SRU must win its final two games to clinch the sixth and final spot the PSAC post season tournament.

February 19, 2016

SPORTS

C-3

Missed free throw leads to one-point loss

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior center Cornelius Brown goes to the hoop against Clarion Wednesday night in the team's 68-67 loss. Brown scored a career high 29 points against the Golden Eagles.

By Jordyn Bennett Rocket Contributor

The Rock’s second half rally was not enough to edge Clarion University Wednesday night in a 67-68 loss.

The effort was there, Rock head coach Kevin Reynolds said, they just could not finish.

“We did a great job of guarding them in that time period,” Reynolds said. “We just couldn’t separate ourselves. We couldn't make the go-ahead buckets.”

After shooting 7-24 from the field in the first half and coming out sluggish in the second half where the Golden Eagles had a 15 point lead, The Rock found what it needed to get back in the game. The Green and White allowed only nine points to be scored for 10 minutes of the second half, bringing their deficit within two points with less than eight minutes to play.

The Rock fought to stay in the game until the last second. With seven seconds to play, the Golden Eagles had a five-point lead over The Rock. Senior guard Malcolm Richardson was fouled off of an inbound pass sending him

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Senior guard Malcolm Richardson lays the ball in against Clarion Wednesday night in the team's 68-67 loss. Richardson scored 12 points and two assists in the game.

through the free-throw line, sinking both attempts.

The Rock retained the ball with less than five seconds left and looked back to Richardson who was having a poor shooting night, going 2-8 from the field. Richardson missed the shot making it his second missed three-pointer for the night and ended the Rock’s chance to get the win.

“We missed the shot,” Reynolds said. “They made the plays at the end of the game and we didn’t.”

Redshirt-senior center Cornelius Brown picked up on offense where Richardson lacked. Brown had a team-high 29 points, 17 which came from a 100 percent outing from the free throw line. His aggressive play in the post also helped him grab team-highs with 14 rebounds and two blocks.

“He is putting up first team all-conference numbers,” Reynolds said. “But we need him to do more. We need him to keep putting up the type of points and rebounds he has been."

"This could be all of our last games," Reynolds said. "For the seniors, it could be there last ever."

Junior forward Chaquille Pratt assisted Brown’s efforts with 11 points and nine rebounds. Though Richardson had a poor night of shooting , he managed to put up 12 points due to his eight made attempts from the free-throw line.

SRU edged out Clarion in rebounds (43-36), points in the paint (28-14), second chance points (15-5), points off turnovers (15-10) and won the turnover battle (12-10).

The Golden Eagles’ victory was led by senior guard Andre’ Anthony and junior guard BJ Andrews who had 18 and 17 points respectively.

With only two games left in the regular season the Rock does not have any room to lose any games if it wants to make the PSAC tournament.

“We are tied for sixth, but we lose the tie breaker right now,” Reynolds said. “If we win out we might have the chance to make it, but if we lose it will really be detrimental to our season."

Reynolds and his team will be back at Morrow Field House Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. to face Gannon University.

Defense and pitching falter in cold weather GRAPHIC BY CODY NESPOR/THE ROCKET

Continued from Page C 1

However, Wood struggled in the field, committing five throwing errors in the game.Sophomore second baseman Matt Mandes was removed from the game with an apparent injury in the sixth inning.

The Rock started off well again in the second game as junior right fielder Ty Zimmerman doubled in the top of the first inning and was driven in by a Christian Porterfield single two batters later. Porterfield, a sophomore, started at catcher in game two and finished with two hits and two RBI's.

The Rock was unable to hold the lead very long however, as junior infielder/pitcher Preston Falascino gave up the tying run in the bottom of the first and another seven runs in the bottom of the second.

Falascino finished with two innings pitched, seven runs allowed (six earned) and two walks, taking the loss. Falascino was replaced by sophomore Shawn Holman who pitched four innings, giving up four hits, two runs (one earned), walking two and striking out two.

SRU added a run in the sixth on a solo home run by freshman infielder Joe Campagna and one final run in the seventh as Porterfield drove in Falascino for his second RBI.

Wood's rough day in the field continued as he committed another throwing error before being replaced by freshman infielder Ray Scala.

Despite the rough day, Messer expects Wood to be the team's starting shortstop moving forward.

"The ball just felt like an ice cube and it got into his head. We did not want to lose him mentally. In hindsight maybe I should've taken him out and let him not think about it as much," Messer said. "Sooner or later he's got to go back in and do it. Take that game out of the mix and he's still one of the best defensive shortstops in our conference.

It's a day that he just has to put behind him and get back out there."

Bell left the game with an apparent arm injury after being hit by a pitch in the first inning.

Junior left fielder James Divosevic was on base three times in the game with two singles and a walk.

Zimmerman was the best SRU player of the day, going 3-8 with a double, an RBI and a run scored.

Slippery Rock will now have to wait 12 days between games as the team travels to Virginia on Feb. 26 to compete in the Dinwiddie Invitational.

SPORTS Tennis handles Alderson Broaddus with ease C-4

February 19, 2016

By Logan Campbell Rocket Contributor

The Slippery Rock University women's tennis team recorded a solid non-conference win on the road Saturday over Alderson Broaddus University (ABU) 9-0.

With this win, SRU improves to 4-2 on the season. Alderson Broaddus drops to 1-5 with the loss.

“We played as well as we needed to,” Rock head coach Matt Meredith said “We took care of business like we should have to earn the win.”

The Rock continued the great play in doubles, finishing one point shy of a complete sweep.

The first team, consisting of sophomores Nina Barbano and Carla Corrochano Moracho, fell one point out of a shutout by winning 8-1.

Their win came over Mireia Fabrega and Eva Sever of ABU. Barbano and Moracho are now at a 7-2 mark in the 2015-2016 season.

“They are in their second year playing together, and they will be competitive throughout the year,” Meredith said. “They’re still young and will continue to improve their game. Overall we’re still a young team, that’s building and developing as we go. We’re definitely a lot stronger than we were last year.”

The second team of junior Stephanie Fortier and freshman Amanda Bruscemi recorded an 8-0 shutout over Stephanie Gertsakis and Nicole Martin.

The third team of juniors Tiffany Kollah and Kylee Woodman also won by an 8-0 score over Taylor England and Chelsea Jefferson.

The Rock continued its impressive day in singles play, winning at each tier in play.

Bruscemi and Fortier each recorded shutouts of 6-0, 6-0 at the fourth and fifth singles. Their respective wins came against Martin and England.

Freshman Allie Welch and Barbano also came close to shutout victories in the sixth and second singles. Welch won 6-1, 6-0 over Jefferson, while Barbano bested Sever 6-0, 6-1.

With their wins, Barbano improves to 8-5 in singles play and Welch moves above .500 to 5-4.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET

Sophomore Carla Corrochano Maracho returns the ball during a match against Westminster earlier this season. Corrochano has a career 16-14 singles record.

Kollah earned a 6-0, 6-2 win over Gertsakis at third singles, and Moracho won 6-0, 6-4 against Fabrega in the first singles.

Moracho improves to 6-3 on the season in singles play.

The Rock will look to continue their winning ways as they travel to St. Bonaventure University on Feb. 27.

“St. Bonaventure is a D1 team, and they’ll be very competitive for us to play,” Meredith said.

“It’ll be good to see how good we perform with our next several games coming up. These games will be a challenge for us, they’re all tough for us down in the south and in Florida.”

Match time is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Olean, NY.

C

CAMPUS LIFE

INSIDE CAMPUS LIFE

The Grammys Has It's Ups and Downs

SRU Holds Dress For Success Fashion Show

The Campus Life Editor discusses The Grammys that aired on Monday, whether the awards were rightfully given and which performances were a hit or a miss.

The Office of Career Education and Development and the CSIL presented a fashion show to teach students how to dress professionally to get their dream job.

See Page D-3

See Page D-2

Transgender UPB brings Fetty Wap students share their journey

By Amber Cannon Campus Life Editor

Some students often feel that the sex they were born as differs from the gender they feel on the inside. Some students often struggle with changing their physical appearance to match how they feel. Two SRU students decided to transition to make themselves feel the same on the inside and outside.

Sophomore psychology major and transman, Morgan Scott said when he was younger, he was the basic tom boy.

“I had Legos, Ninja Turtles, Yu-Gi-Oh cards and Pokémon cards,” Scott said. “I really didn’t have anything feminine at all. I refused dresses as soon as I was knowledgable of it.”

Scott said to him, being female just didn’t feel right. He said he wasn’t feminine at all, but he wasn’t over-the-top masculine at the time either because he had to hide it until he figured out that he was transgender.

REBECCA DIETRICH/THE ROCKET UPB committee member Olivia Langston and UPB President Brandon Quinn reveal the spring concert artist at the men's basketball game last Saturday.

Program Board" was trending in Pittsburgh.

By Emily Brown Tickets for the show went on sale on Multimedia Reporter Thursday, Feb. 18. Banks said he predicts the tickets will sell well.

UPB announced their spring concert artist, "I believe the tickets will sell out in a week," Fetty Wap, last Saturday during half-time at Banks said. the SRU men's basketball game.

Tickets went on sale at 12:30 p.m., with a line Members of the organization revealed the forming started at 10 a.m. The line extended artist by unraveling two big posters on the out to the stop sign near Patterson Hall and court, stating that this year's concert will be the Robert M. Smith Student Center by noon.

Fetty Wap, along with opening act, Hardo, a Sophomore art major, Julia Null, said she rapper from the Pittsburgh area. planned on buying her tickets on Thursday.

Many SRU students posted their excitement "I think it will be a great concert," Null said. about UPB's concert choice on social media. In "A lot of people are excited to see him. Tickets under 12 hours, UPB's tweet about the spring will definitely sell." concert had over 50,000 Twitter impressions.

According to UPB's Director of Campus Events, Ian Banks, "Slippery Rock University SEE FETTY, PAGE D-3

In order to receive top surgery to remove his breasts, Scott said he started a GoFundMe page. GoFundMe is a fundraising website used to raise money online. Scott said a GoFundMe page was his absolute last decision.

“I didn’t want to do it because the top surgery that I had was $8,000,” Scott said. “We tried to reach out to my insurance to see what they would do, but they only covered hormone therapy and counseling, not any surgeries. So, my parents thought about GoFundMe.” Scott said he didn’t want to return to college until he had the top surgery. Since Scott said his parents didn’t want him to stop school, they dipped into their line of credit. Scott said he has to payback his parents back half of the $8,000 throughout the next few years.

SEE TRANS, PAGE D-2

SRU 'Love Your Melon' gives back to children with cancer through selling hats

By Megan Bush Rocket Contributor

As temperatures in Western PA drop into the single digits and snow falls from the sky eight inches at a time, students all over SRU are trying to keep warm.

SRU Love Your Melon (LYM) plans on helping students keep warm.

Love Your Melon is an apparel brand run by college students across the country on a mission to give a hat to every child battling cancer in America.

Senior resort, recreation and hospitality management major, HOPE Peer Educator and SRU LYM Campus Crew member Beth Dulak, said LYM is an organization that brings joy into the lives of families that are having a rough time.

Every time someone purchases a hat, Love Your Melon gives

another hat to a child battling cancer.

“Their main purpose is to bring a smile to each and every child going through a tough time,” Dulak said.

Last semester, junior public relations major, Phi Sigma Sigma tribune and SRU LYM President Kelsey Reed said she heard about Love Your Melon from a friend, who was a representative for Headbands of Hope, which is a similar organization to LYM. Reed said the two foundations had a partnership, and Reed discovered that many of the schools surrounding SRU had Love Your Melon Campus Crews while The Rock did not.

Reed applied online to become an ambassador and now the SRU LYM Campus Crew has 17 members, has sold over 160 hats and is currently working on an application and waitlist process for the crew itself.

Reed plans to hold promotional events on campus to raise awareness about the organization and when new beanie releases happen.

Reed said one event that SRU LYM will have coming up is a free hot chocolate bar where they will be giving out free hot chocolate, wristbands and stickers.

Grove City College’s Campus Crew and SRU Campus Crew are also planning on teaming up for a big event sometime soon, Reed said. She said having both schools represented at this event will really boost awareness.

Although the Love Your Melon foundation was originally meant for children battling pediatric cancer, Reed said she’s working on getting a donated hat for the SGA Bookstore employee who’s recently been diagnosed with cancer, Penny Flowers. Reed said that by doing this, she wants to remind Flowers that “we all care

about her, and we’re all fighting for her.”

As the SRU LYM Campus Crew is credited for more and more sales, they are given more chances to do good things in the community.

The Crew is currently planning a Superhero Home Visit for a child in the community; a few members of the Crew will dress as superheroes and go to the child’s home to play games. If the Crew is credited with enough sales, they have the ability to make a hospital visit as well.

“We hope to see the SRU community help us change the lives of families and hopefully give them something to smile about,” Dulak said.

Students can buy beanies online at loveyourmelon.com. The beanies are made in the US and are entirely hand knit. They are sold for $30 each online. When checking out, customers can credit SRU Campus Crew.

CAMPUS LIFE

D-2

February 19, 2016

SRU teaches students how to "Dress for Success"

By Emma Pfeifer Asst. Campus Life Editor

Rock PRoductions hosted their Dress for Success fashion show on Wednesday night in the Student Center Ballroom to help students prepare for their future careers with guest speakers, tips on fashion and a fashion show.

Guest speaker, Michele Czerwinski, director of marketing and business development of the Grove City Outlets, gave advice to the students on what to wear for their first interview, a day at the office, a casual Friday, travel wear, a workout at the corporate gym and a holiday party.

“The first impression is the biggest and most important moment in an interview,” Czerwinski said.

“The moment someone meets you, they are already forming a subconscious opinion either unknowingly or knowingly.”

Eight students walked the runway, one at a time, to show what is proper attire to wear in the workplace.

The first outfit was for a first interview for a woman.

The student was dressed in a tan skirt suit with a pastel pink shirt underneath with cream flats. Czerwinski recommended that for a first interview to wear a darker suit such as black or gray, but they were showing that outfit for a trendier look.

The second student was a male, also showing a first interview look. The male was dressed in a gray suit with a white undershirt and a dark tie. A nice fit is key and important for everyone, but especially males, Czerwinski said.

“Michele did a good job of pointing out that the way you stand out is not to be flashy in the way you dress, but rather to be conservative in most areas,” said John Rindy, director of career services.

A day in the office was presented by one female student for this section. This student wore a gray pantsuit with a trendy white and blue top with jewelry.

As you spend time in the office and see what other people are wearing, you can use your own discretion on what to wear that brings out your personality but is also appropriate, Czerwinski said.

Next was travel wear. A female student came out in a hot pink pantsuit with a black shirt and black flats. The

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMIE GREENE Students walk down the runway at the end of the "Dress for Success" fashion show on Wednesday night in the ballroom.

suit was stretchy and comfortable for a plane ride but also brought out personality while being professional.

A casual day in the office was presented by both a male and a female. The male had on khakis with a blazer and a striped shirt with casual shoes. The female had on a trench coat with a black dress and black boot heels.

Working out in a corporate gym was brought out by a female student. She had on yoga pants with a long sleeve workout top.

“People remember what you wear," Czerwinski said.

"It is important to always appear professional in the

workplace."

The last setting presented was a holiday party outfit. A female student came out in a fitted black dress with black heels that appeared sexy but also appropriate.

Junior creative writing major Rachel Whittier said she really liked the fashion show, and that she's never been to a fashion show before and it will definitely help in the future.

To conclude the event, raffle tickets were picked, giving away over $600 in gift cards to students who were at the event.

Trans student argues about LGBTQIA issues on social media Continued from Page D-1

Scott said now, he feels a lot better because the United States have passed a lot more laws involving the LGBT community. Scott also said he’s not as terrified to use the bathrooms anymore.

“In In h e re ( S m it h Student Center,) I’ll use the gender neutral n e utral restrooms, but in buildings like Spotts, I’ll use the men’s m n’s restroom.” me S c ott s ai d i f he h e would want students to know anything about his transition, it’s that he’s he’s transitioning

PHOTO COURTESY OF MORGAN SCOTT AND GIGI Sophomore public relations major GiGi (above) and sophomore psychology major Scott (below) pose for the camera. GiGi is a transwoman and Scott is a transman.

not just because he wants to, he’s transitioning because he needs to.

“It’s not just like I just decided one day to switch my gender," Scott said.

Sophomore public relations major and trans-woman GiGi, who asked that her last name be withheld, said when she was younger, she would always play with wit Barbie dolls, but she would also play with Power Rangers as well well. She said she was always interested in girly things, but that she also lik liked weird and creepy things, like Goosebumps. GiGi said she started to feel different in middle school.

“I didn’t really know what any of that was back then," GiGi said, She said she d didn’t know there was a term for being transgender until she saw the You YouTuber, Gigi Gorgeous.

Gorgeous is a trans-woman who makes daily videos on YouTube for her viewers.

“I was learning learnin from her and I was like, ‘oh my goodness, this is me,’” GiGi said.

GiGi said her moods vary from day to day.

“You have you your good days and you have your bad days,” GiGi said.

“The good days are really, really good, so the bad days are worth the good g od days because go bec the good outweighs the bad. It’s a struggle, but everyone in life has their own struggle, and this just happens to be my struggle.” strugg Transitioning isn’t just about the physical changes that a Transi person goes through, but the mental changes as well, GiGi said. Sh She said the mental transition is a lot harder than the physical physica transition.

“Although the physical transitions are a lot more expensive, “Alth the men mental transition is like a war,” she said.

GiGi is aalso well known on Twitter for getting into an altercation with entertainment blogger, Perez Hilton. She said the argument enter occurred because Hilton was being negative to people online. b “For som someone who is in the LGBT community and for Perez Hilton to be a gay man, and to be as openly mean as he is to other people, I jjust think that’s awful because you’re in a community yourself that tha is undermined and the bottom dogs,” she said. “So, I just let him just kknow about himself in about ten different tweets, and I said a lot of bad thing to Perez, he said some bad things back, and then he blocked me” bloc GiGi ssaid by being transgender, transg most people feel that it is an open invitation to come up and touch her, w which isn’t true.

“M “My favorite one is when people aare like, ‘oh my goodness, I never knew you were transgender until my friend told me; can I get a picture?’”

"Although the physical transitions are expensive, the mental transition is like a war."

-GiGi

CAMPUS LIFE Talented musical artists go unnoticed at The Grammys February 19 , 2016

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Ask Andi

Andi is a senior at SRU giving advice to those who seek it and occasionally to those who don't.

Question: Dear Andi,

PHOTO COURTESY OF TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Rapper Kendrick Lamar performs a medley of his most popular songs at the Grammys on Monday.

Amber Cannon "Ambie's Rock Reviews" Amber Cannon is a senior communication major and the Campus Life Editor of The Rocket

The 2016 Grammy Awards premiered on Monday, and as an avid music lover, I was eagerly waiting for The Grammys to come. It's an understatement to say that I was disappointed in The Grammys this year. Let's be honest, I fell asleep at some points because of the level of boredom I felt while watching the award show.

First, let's start with all the performance cancellations.

Rihanna, who I was very excited to watch perform, cancelled her performance. With Rihanna being at the top of the charts with her new song, "Work,” her not appearing at the Grammys caused a huge controversy on Twitter with many of her fans tweeting at the Grammys Twitter account.

R&B singer, Lauyrn Hill also didn’t show up to her performance at the Grammys, another performance I was anxiously waiting for.

On top of that, a lot of other celebrities were missing from the award show. Where was Nicki Minaj? Drake? Kanye West? Jennifer Lopez?

Two musical artists that really went unnoticed at the Grammys were J.Cole and Tori Kelly. Both artists didn’t win a single Grammy, despite their amazing songwriting and performing abilities.

Although J.Cole lost to my other favorite, Kendrick Lamar, he’s so underrated and it’s disappointing that the Grammys didn’t honor

him. After all, he is the first rapper to go platinum without a feature song in over 25 years.

Tori Kelly has a voice of an angel, and everyone has noticed over the years with her angelic performances, including her performance at the Grammys with singer-songwriter James Bay. The performance was one of the best performances of the night, and I think everyone can agree that she should have won the Grammy for Best New Artist over Meghan Trainor, who in reality, isn’t even a new artist because her song “All About That Bass,” came out in 2014.

My absolute favorite performance of the night was Kendrick Lamar’s. The performance was both musically and visually appealing. His performance had a very strong message about racial equality and you can tell by his body language that he meant every word that he was saying. It gave me chills, and although I love his songs and album, he won me over even more.

In my opinion, Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly,” deserved to win Album Of The Year over Taylor Swift’s “1989.” Even though Lamar walked away with five Grammy awards, he’s still so underrated, in my opinion.

All of the tribute performances were surprisingly good, but not long enough, in my opinion. I would have loved to see Lady Gaga’s tribute to David Bowie and Stevie Wonder and Pentatonix’s tribute to Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire last a little longer, but I guess the Grammys wanted more time allotted for Miguel’s performance of Michael Jackson’s “She’s Out of My Life” and Adele’s performance of her song “All I Ask.” The sound apparently messed up several artists' performances, one major one being Adele.

Normally, I enjoy all of Adele’s performances, but this one was a nightmare to watch. She hit several wrong notes and you can tell by her posture during her performance that she knew it was a bust. I’m assuming the sound had something to do with Justin Bieber’s pitchy performance of his songs “Love Yourself ” and “Where Are Ü Now.” Overall, the Grammys killed my anticipated excitement and wasted my time. The show did have some high points, but missed the mark by a huge mile.

Fetty Wap predicted to be the best UPB show Continued from Page D-1

Junior forensic chemistry major, Kristen McLiverty said she's excited that Wap is coming to SRU. "Although I'm not huge into rap, you can guarantee I'm going," McLiverty said. "He's a great artist and it's exciting to see how excited the whole school is to see him."

Senior marketing major, Kate Campell said she is also excited to see Fetty Wap in concert. She said for the first time, she is actually thrilled about a UPB spring concert.

She said she was surprised that UPB decided to bring Wap. Although some students are excited to see Fetty Wap, some students feel differently about the spring concert choice.

Senior accounting major, Patrick Loedding said he doesn't find himself wanting to attend this concert. He said he's not a Fetty Wap fan personally, so he won't be going.

"I would have rather seen someone else," Loedding said.

Other students who aren't fans of Fetty Wap, or rap music in general, said they are impressed that UPB decided to bring Fetty Wap this semester.

Senior digital media production major, Mathew Flannery said that he is surprised by UPB's choice. He said he's not a

When my friends and I go out to the bar, I'm always the "mom" out of the group. It's not like I choose to be, but when we go out, they always get way more drunk than I do, and then when I take care of them, they never say thank you. What should I do to make this stop?

Sincerely, 2 Nice

Answer:

Dear 2 Nice,

You've got quite the problem on your hands. Sounds to me like you started as just being a good friend then started to get taken advantage of. It's a sticky situation to be in an uncomfortable confrontation with friends, but it's always better to be honest with them than to bottle it all up inside.

Eventually, those bottled feelings will explode and no one wants that, especially if the explosion happens after a night of drinking. Just remember that sometimes being a good friends is just being honest.

Sometimes cutting people out of your life who don't appreciate you is okay. It's easier said than done, but have faith in yourself and take care of yourself just as well as you take care of others.

Best Wishes!

Andi

Question: Dear Andi,

Graduation is approaching and I recently just found out I only get four tickets to graduation. I told my family, and now they are all freaking out on me. I have a big family, so everyone won't be able to get a ticket and now everyone is mad at me. Do you have any advice to make my family understand that not everyone can get a ticket?

Sincerely, Most Hated In The Family

Answer:

Dear Most Hated In The Family,

big rap fan, but he will probably go to the concert.

"I'd say they (UPB) did something right with how many people are hyped up about it," Flannery said.

Junior psychology major, Christy Paterni also thinks UPB is doing a good job with changing up the artists from the last semester even though she's not a fan of Fetty Wap. "I'm not going to go, but I like that he's so different from last semester and it's a nice mix of styles," Paterni said.

Last semester, several students were upset that UPB decided to bring Hunter Hayes over Fetty Wap. Students rushed to Twitter to tweet their hopes of UPB bringing Wap instead of Hayes. Most students were surprised and excited that UPB is giving them what they want.

Banks said UPB members are as excited as students to see Fetty Wap. He said he feels this concert will be one of the best shows that UPB has put on for students.

"We gave the student body exactly what a majority of them told us they want," Banks said. "The student reaction once we announced the artist was unlike any I've ever experienced here. It was truly a humbling moment."

The concert will on Apr. 11 at the Aebersold Recreation Center. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Only getting four tickets is a blessing for some and a curse for others. However, graduations usually aren't all that thrilling anyways, so maybe the people you don't pick will be thankful. Obviously it's best to pick you mom and dad, or other important guardians. The remaining two could go to grandparents, siblings or aunts and uncles.

I would just pick those closest to you or ones that helped you through your college education. You never know, someone might be willing to sell you their exta tickets.

Regardless, family is family. They'll forgive you if they aren't the lucky winners of a graduation ticket.

Best Wishes!

Andi

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February 19, 2016