Reflector Magazine, Spring 2016

Becoming one with your mind, body, and spirit

Master culinary classics

The beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guide to cinema

The dating red flags everyone ignores

How to maintain a healthy balance in your life Places in Georgia to fulfill your wanderlust How healthy are you really being? International student’s tasty memories of home The evolution of a GSU landmark Easy dishes you can make after college The finer bites of the ‘Boro

An in-depth look into a controversial topic about Overcoming the how far is too far when statistics of the system “borrowing” traditions from someone else’s The classics you have to culture. watch/listen to Opening your mind to non-traditional books Behind the scenes of an online gaming community All about #Relationshipgoals and Tinder Creative ways to decorate your space The tasks you should know in order to be a functioning adult

Letter from the Editor

From the moment you’re able to crawl, you crave one thing. Independence. You no longer want to be held. You want to learn how to walk, then run to your destination without the help of anyone. That never changes as you get older. Your teenage years are spent gaining little bits of independence. My first weekend at Georgia Southern, I went out to a house party. I was laughing with my friends when I happened to glance at the clock on the microwave. It read 3 a.m. My first instinct was to panic and check my phone for 100 missed calls from my mom and an amber alert. But there was nothing. No missed calls or search parties. Just the time. I realized at that moment that I was free. I was no longer bound by curfews or having to answer for where I’m at or who I’m with. It was my first taste of complete independence. Although it might sound cliché, college really is about discovering yourself. You figure out what you’re capable of accomplishing without your parents. Whether it’s cooking your first homemade meal or changing a flat tire, there’s just something satisfying in the fact that you did it by yourself. You’ll have a lot of those little independent triumphs in college, each one molding you into who you are. Use these years to try out and experiment with different things in your life. There’s nothing wrong with adventuring off and doing what you want to do. So what if it’s not the “right” thing—it’s your thing. Own it. If you decide to travel through a rainforest and juggle peaches on the highest canopy, do it (but don’t blame me if it ends badly). Or maybe a ‘Do it Yourself’ project or taking time to care for your body and mind is more up your alley. Whatever you choose to do, make the most out of it. As always, thank you for picking up and taking the time to enjoy Reflector Magazine. Reflector Magazine Editor Donna Jones

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Staff list Editor-in-Chief Reflector Editor Creative Manager Magazines Visual Chief Design Editor Designers

Contributors

Jeff Licciardello Donna Jones Hailey Smith Cristen Gullatt Alex Smith Rebecca Davis Erin Fortenberry Mara Suarez Tayler Critchlow Julia Fechter Cheryl Nuzum Michelle Pratt Alexandria Richbourg Yasmeen Waliaga

Business Manager Marketing Manager Public Relations Coordinator

Taylor Norman Cydney Long Lauren Little

Director of Student Media Business Coordinator

David Simpson Samantha Reid

Mission Statement The Reflector is copyrighted 2016 by Reflector Magazine and Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Ga. It is printed by South Georgia Graphics, Claxton, Ga. The Reflector is operated by GSU students who are members of Student Media, a Georgia Southern student-led organization operating through the Dean of Student Affairs Office and the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management. The magazine is produced twice a year by GSU students for the Georgia Southern University community. Opinions expressed herein are those of the student writers and editors and DO NOT reflect those of the faculty, staff, administration of GSU, Student Media Advisory Board nor the University System of Georgia.

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Partial funding for this publication is provided by the GSU Activities Budget Committee. Advertisements fund the remaining costs. Advertising inquiries may be sent to Office of Student Media, PO Box 8001, or by calling the Business Office at 912-478-5418. Inquiries concerning content should be sent to Magazine EIC Jeff Licciardello by emailing magseditor@georgiasouthern.edu. All students are allowed to have one free copy of this publication. Additional copies cost $1 each and are available at the Office of Student Media in the Williams Center. Unauthorized removal of additional copies from a distribution site will constitute theft under Georgia law, a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine and/or jail time.

Health & Fitness

THE BALANCE YOU DESIRE

As human beings, we never stop growing. Our minds never stop acquiring knowledge, and our spirits, if taken care of, awaken and allow us become wiser beyond the wrinkles that may form on our faces. You are constantly changing. As a young adult, it’s as if you’re going through metamorphosis and at this stage of your life, college is your

cocoon. While you may use the methods you know to exercise your body, are you doing the same and taking the time to exercise your mind or vice versa? You need to make sure that these dimensions of wellness: your mind, body and spirit, are aligned in order to keep the balance you crave as a human being.

BY: ALEXANDRIA RICHBOURG

PEACE OF MIND:

KEEPING YOUR MENTAL STATE IN GOOD SHAPE.

Stress, academics, emotions and your personal life all play a role in your mental well-being. How you manage these facets are very important when it comes to mental wellness. Most people have their own ways of dealing with each but then again, some people don’t know how to handle them individually or all at once. For example, while you may be doing great academically and getting work done, your personal and social life may be faltering. Ultimately, leaving you down in the dumps and feeling as if you have no

life outside of school or work. Yeah, been there, done that. Your mental health depends on your ability to acknowledge the negative and the positive. When you are able to acknowledge the things that are troubling you, you are able to make effective, clear decisions and not beat yourself up about them later. How will you make a change and what will do you to make sure you continue to keep your mental state healthy? Luckily, you attend a University that offers the resources to help you out with these questions.

The Counseling Center at Georgia Southern University is a safe space where you as a student can get the help that you desire. If you don’t feel the need to go to the Counseling Center, there are some self-help things you can do on your own. “Whatever your outlet is to manage your emotions, go to that outlet for 1015 minutes... You’ll be surprised at the benefits of doing that daily,” Michelle Martin, Wellness Program Director, said. Take the time and steps you need in order to be mentally healthy. Whether you know it or

not, your mental health affects your physical health as well.

DE-STRESS YOURSELF:

TAKE A 10-MINUTE BREAK AND COLOR PRAYING OR MEDITATING WRITING IN A JOURNAL LISTENING TO YOUR FAVORITE SONG HAVE A PICNIC ON SWEETHEART CIRCLE

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cente ounseling c e th h c a You can re 12) 478-5541. (9 6 | REFLECTOR SP RIN G 2 016

r at

Being able to deal with every aspect of your life can be hard. Can you name one person that literally has it all together? Neither can we. However, it’s not about how much you can juggle, it’s about how well you can juggle. Physical, mental, and spiritual health each individually play some part in the other. Once you find yourself doing well within one aspect, you may find yourself happy with another. Balancing school, work, relationships, and taking care of yourself is not easy, but when you make the effort to keep your spirit, mind and body aligned, you only get that much closer to figuring out your purpose in life and achieving complete self-fulfillment.

BALANCE:

THE KEY TO SUCCESS Spiritual health can be looked at outside the realms of religion. Everybody has the ability to be spiritually well whether they practice a faith or not said Martin. “Spiritual wellness really comes in, when the mind and body connect. It comes into play when you do things like self-reflection. Self-Reflection comes through mediation, or through yoga,” said Martin. Take a while and reflect as you lose yourself for that moment in time, allow yourself a chance to be exposed to the hidden wisdom your spirit holds.

photo by Cristen Gullatt

Let’s start off by saying you are unique and you define your own beauty. You don’t have to fit any mold that society says is “perfect.” Perception and reality are completely different things. Just because someone may look as if they have the “perfect” body, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are healthy. If you want to be physically fit, there’s ways to approach getting there. It’s all about taking baby steps Michelle Martin, said. “Starting first with just physical activity and exercise, I would say as students we have a really great resource here on campus at the RAC and lots of different ways to get involved and that is included in our fees. So definitely make use of that,” Rachel Kiliany, the health education coordinator at Georgia Southern said. Being physically healthy doesn’t only consist of how you treat your body on the outside, but on the inside as well. “As far as food goes, if you are on a meal plan there are really healthy dining options and there’s also some unhealthier dining options. So it’s making those healthier choices over the unhealthy ones,” Kiliany said. When you decide to make a change in the way you treat your body and allow yourself time to acknowledge the way your mind works, a part of you that you didn’t even realize was there may reveal itself.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH

BEING PHYSICALLY HEALTHY

photo courtesy of Stone Mountain Park and Treetop Quest Gwinnett | Cloudland Canyon State Park, Amicalola Falls, and Indian Springs | Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Do you ever crave to go on an adventure and get some fresh air? Or maybe you just have the desire to see nature that goes beyond the sea of never-ending pine trees in your backyard. Going somewhere new and doing something for the first time can be good for your well-being. There are plenty of places right here in Georgia that offer you the experience you yearn for.

Tree-Top Quest Gwinnett Tree-Top Quest in Gwinnett is an adventure course that anyone can enjoy. The quests are outdoors and self-guided, ranging from six different levels of difficulty that challenge the body. Location? 2020 Clean Water Dr, Buford, GA 30519 (or their Dunwoody location which is 4770 N. Peachtree Rd Dunwoody, GA 30338) Cost? Prices for admission range from $22-$49. Member and group discounts are also available.

Other things to do? Nature hikes, zip lines, monkey bridges, tarzan jumps

Distance from Statesboro? 240 miles

Stone Mountain Stone Mountain park is a great place to have fun while becoming one with nature. Visitors can walk, jog, or climb up and around the mountain. Location? 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd. Stone Mountain, GA 30083 Cost? The daily rate for parking is $15, and the annual pass is $40.

Other things to do? Summit skyride, snowzone, miniature golf, SkyHike, laser shows, hiking, fishing, shopping, and camping.

Distance from Statesboro? 221 Miles (3 h 15 m)

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Amicalola Falls State Park

This is the perfect place if you’re into hiking. There are many trails here where you can backpack, mountain bike and explore. Location? 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 Does it cost? Parking is $5 for visiting the park and prices vary for campsites

This place is more than your average state park. Their guided fitness trail is where you’d get a good workout and have an instructor who knows the ins-andouts of the park. Located? 418 Amicalola Falls Lodge Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534 cost? There are different packages available depending on what you’d like to do. Prices range from around $119-$200. Other things to do? zip lining, climbing wall, 3-d archery, guided hikes, GPS scavenger hunt

Other things to do? camping, cave tours, hiking 2-mile waterfalls trail, exploring the Cloudland Connector Trail, horseback riding

Distance from Statesboro? 325 miles (5 h 25 m)

Indian Springs Indian Springs is known for being one of the oldest parks in Georgia. Not only is it popular because of its age, but because of all the things you can do to have fun outdoors. Located? 678 Lake Clark Road Flovilla, GA 30216 cost? Parking is $5 for visiting the park and prices vary for campsites . Group shelters range from $325-$625.

Other things to do? boating, aqua cycling, kayaking, camping , swimming, biking

Distance from Statesboro? 165 miles (2 h 30 m)

Distance from Statesboro? 240 miles (4 h 45 m)

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What you should know about

Mineral Water has gained a lot of attention over the years. It contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium. There’s no added chemicals (which can be found in tap water) and is preservativefree. With the magnesium found in mineral water, it can play an essential role in keeping your blood pressure level normal. “A significant decrease in blood pressure was found in the group consuming mineral water at 2 and 4 weeks,according to a study completed by BioMed Central. Mineral water has plenty of other functions such as: -Lowering LDL cholesterol - Maintaining electrolyte balance - Reducing the risk of kidney stones.

Vitamin water has some vitamins in it, but it also contains syrups, sweeteners and flavors that mimic the taste of fruits, as well as caffeine. Unlike regular water, this water contains a good amount of calories. There are 120 calories in a 20-ounce serving, according to Vitaminwater®. Due to the artificial sweeteners and the high calories, this water will not help you lose weight if that’s what you’re looking for.

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know which one is actually the best for you. While breaking down the different waters and their benefits as well as their problems, hopefully you will be able to gain a better understanding of what you should be putting into your body.

Salt water can lead to some pretty life threatening problems if you consume it. However, it can be very beneficial for external use. Sodium chloride helps cleanse the skin and is much better than using harsh chemicals that can damage pores. Some of the benefits include: -Treats acne and sem-permanent scars -Treats dry scalps and dandruff ● -Softens hair ● -Prevents sweating on your scalp

Fruit water/infused water: If you aren’t a big fan of water because of the non-existent taste, then fruit water is a great substitute. You’re getting the benefits from water, as well as essential nutrients from the fruit. Fruit infused water is something that’s pretty simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of work. All you do is place fruit into water and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

illustration by Alex Smith

By: Michelle Pratt

ater. It runs through our bodies and is an essential part of keeping us alive, but do we really know the benefits that water has for our bodies? With the numerous amounts of fads such as mineral water, fruit water, and vitamin water, it can be hard to

H2O

photos by Kiara Griffin

Cuisine & Culture

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HOW TO MAKE OYAKODON Lim lived in Incheon, ramen, including pork South Korea, before and miso. Ingredients (yield 2 servings) attending Georgia “My favorite is the pork 1 cup of white rice Southern University. One ramen. In Japan, ramen is 2 small chicken breasts, boneless 1/2 yellow onion of the Korean foods really popular. There are so 3 eggs that Lim enjoys is many ramen restaurants, 1/5 cup of tsuyu sauce kimchi soup. so each restaurant’s ramen “Kimchi is tastes different,” Shoko Cooking Tools cabbage, and Hara said. small-medium sized pot sometimes we Ramen is a well-known cooking spoon put some pork or Japanese food; however, small pan ham in the soup. many people may not measuring cup When I grew up, my know about a Japanese cutting board & knife mother always made dish called oyakodon (ohkimchi soup,” said Lim. yaa-ko-doan). Kaho Saito, Pour the cup of rice and two cups of water into the pot. Cook the rice for about 20 minutes. Lim said that most a junior business major Depending on your pot and stove, cooking Korean people have from Toin, Japan, said times may vary. kimchi in their home. It’s that it was her favorite While the rice is cooking, cut the onion into a healthy staple in Korea. dish from home, partially thin slices. Then, cut the chicken breast into Kimchi is rich in probiotics because her mother made cubes. and several vitamins the dish for her when she and nutrients that we was younger. Pour 1/5 cup (50 cc) of tsuyu into the measuring cup. Add 2/5 cup (100cc) of water need, according to the “Oyakodon is made into the cup. Huffington Post UK‘s from egg, chicken, onion, article “Kimchi: Recipes rice, and tsuyu sauce. In Pour the tsuyu-water mixture into the pan. and Health Benefits.” oyakodon, oya means Wait for it to boil, and then add the chicken and onion into the pan. This dish is one of the parent, and ko means most well-known Korean child. Egg and chicken is Cook the chicken and onions for about 5 cuisines. In addition to like the parent and child,” minutes or until the chicken is a light brown. kimchi, bulgogi is another Saito said. Crack the 3 eggs over the pan with the chicken well-known Korean dish. The dish tastes like and onions in it. Bulgogi is Seonhee sweet soy sauce. She Wait 30 seconds after adding the eggs to stir You’s favorite Korean has cooked oyakodon the contents of the pan. Then, mix the mixture food. Bulgogi (bullfor some of her friends slowly for 30 seconds. go-gee) is sliced beef at Georgia Southern, and Then, turn off the stove and wait for a few with soy sauce and many of them are eager minutes for the food to cool. vegetables, You, a senior to enjoy the dish again, tourism major from said Saito. Serve the oyakodon in a bowl. Put the desired Daegu, South Korea, said. Sometimes, you like amount of rice in the bowl, and top the rice off with the chicken, onion, and eggs. Enjoy! “There is a special eating a food so much, sauce with the soy sauce. you can’t help but share it Foreigners really like that with other people. But it’s like sushi and ramen. What we one because most Korean food know as ramen, however, is not just about the food. When is spicy and has a strong taste, not anything like ramen served you have the ability to create but bulgogi is sweet,” You said. in Japan. Shoko Hara, a junior and share something so special You’s bulgogi and Lim’s to you, you connect with others. hospitality management major kimchi would be lacking People recognize that you take from Chiryu, Japan, said that without something to pride in making a particular ramen, noodles in a broth, was complement the dishes. Korean her favorite Japanese dish. dish. The smiles on their faces food is very rice-based and will be just as big as the smile Unlike the ramen you have includes multiple side dishes in stashed in your pantry, the on your face when they take every meal, You said. Another the first bite. Japanese version contains country that shares in having broth flavored with either rice as a staple and many side pork bone, fish, soy sauce, or dishes is Japan. salt. There are many types of Japan is known for its dishes

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photos by Kiara Griffin

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

photos by Tahir Daudier designed by Rebecca Davis

DINGUS MAGEE’S

AN ICON AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN STATESBORO BY YASMEEN WALIAGA REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 11

very town with a dense college student population has that place; that environment where young people choose to meet up more often than not. That “place” cannot be just any restaurant or bar. There is a certain level of hospitality, a mutual understanding among the entire space and the individuals who occupy it on a Thursday night. That understanding is what makes these types of places different than the bars that make a quick appearance before vanishing and the chain restaurants that instantaneously appear. In Statesboro, that “place” is the locally owned restaurant and bar that sits on a street corner across from the Georgia Southern campus, Dingus Magee’s. On any weeknight, it is no surprise for a flood of relieved students to enter the bar and quickly fill up the several booths lining the wooden interior walls. To these students, Dingus Magee’s feels like home, which can be directly linked to how it was established and the values of the owners. “I try to keep things the same.

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You know, those people, [alumni] when they walk in, they get that fuzzy feeling, like ‘I had so much fun here!’ and that’s what I want for you when you come back in ten years,” Stephanie Owens, co-owner, said.

Owens wants you to get that fuzzy feeling when you walk in the door. She wants it to be homey for people because people make some of the best

memories in college. Larry Owens, of Thomasville, Ga., opened Dingus Magee’s in 1979. His wife, Stephanie Owens, said that before opening the restaurant, he was working at a bank and got tired of it. Since he really liked Statesboro, he decided to try something different and ended up opening the restaurant. When the “local icon” first opened, however, the aesthetic was much different. Mrs. Owens said, when Dingus Magee’s first opened, there weren’t many restaurants in Statesboro with a similar atmosphere. The restaurant used to have carpet flooring and tables covered in white cloths and glass. Fresh flowers were delivered each Friday and plants would hang where the neon signs hang today. Two hostesses greeted the guests and there was a two-hour wait every Friday and Saturday for guests who came to dine there. The adjustments were made after the sale of liquor in restaurants was passed in the once “dry” town, causing more chain restaurants to open here.

photos by Dingus Magee’s

photos by Cristen Gullatt

“We knew that when the chains came to town, people would go there. And we struggled for several years just trying to figure out what we were going to do and how we were going to change. So, we pulled out the carpet and we just made it into more of a bar,” Owens said. This, which was over 15 years ago, was the only major transformation. Since then, Dingus Magee’s has mainly just adapted, but its reputation as that bar with the classic songs everyone can sing along to and the constantly craved food remains. Anne Lomax, of Statesboro, Ga., is a Georgia Southern alumnus and sometimes visits the local restaurant with her daughter who is currently a student. “It looks the same! Their chicken fingers and cheese sticks were the best! Everyone remembers the bartender “Chambers” and halfprice appetizers and drinks at happy hour. Guys always said, ‘go there to find your wife,” Lomax said. And, that standard of respect remains as well. “I just want it to be welcoming and comfortable, and that’s why we don’t put up with a lot of the crap around here. There’s no fighting and drama, we don’t put up with that. You know, you won’t see ‘belly shots’ on the bar or ‘wet t-shirt contests’, that’s not my scene. I want it to be a fun place where people can go and hangout and enjoy themselves,” Owens said. One tradition that the owners created from the time it opened is photographing the staff each Spring and hanging the framed group of people on the wall. This exemplifies the bond between the owners and the staff and the feeling of family within the employees, which explains their low turnover rate. “It’s one big family. I’ve met so many great people and we’d do anything for each other. I think we all share a closer bond because it’s a family-owned restaurant

that values the friendships with all the employees,” Nicole Hedrick, a senior psychology major and waitress at Dingus Magee’s, said. Owens said that most of the employees just call her “mama Steph,” and she often reminds them to let her know if they need anything. One of her previous employees who just graduated and moved to Atlanta missed her “famous” chicken and rice, so she sent some up to Atlanta. Owens cooks quite often and insists that their food is as fresh as possible. She said she makes all of the hamburgers, ensures that the chicken is fresh, and always has the employees pull the fresh lettuce instead of getting it in a pre-cut bag. It is common for local bands to perform at Dingus Magee’s and the genres vary, but Owens tries to book bands that play a lot of wellknown sing-along tunes. “We use a lot of local entertainment. We try to use young, fresh people that are just trying to make a name for themselves. Luke Bryan used to play here and look at him now, and also Cole Swindell used to play here. Dallas Davidson, a very famous songwriter, used to hang out in here too,” Owens said. However, the busiest nights are the nights of home football games. “During home game days, is madness. You’re literally bobbing and weaving throughout mass crowds of people,” Hedrick said. The game is typically projected on the large screen on the stage on the main side of the bar, and large groups of Eagles fans occupy tables filled with beer pitchers and plates of appetizers, chanting for the team. Dingus Magee’s has become a “staple” in the college community within Statesboro; whether it’s a game day, a live band, or a casual happy hour gathering, Dingus Magee’s is that “place” to hangout and make memories. Like Owens said, “It’s just an icon, you know.”

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Vegetable Soup 1 tbsp olive oil 3 cups of vegetable stock 14 oz diced tomatoes 4 red potatoes ½ cup of chopped baby carrots ½ cup of corn ½ cup of green beans ½ cup of onions ½ cups of peas Suggested Seasonings: salt, black pepper, basil

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Directions

1. Boil potatoes 2. Heat olive oil, adding in chopped carrots and onions. Stir about 3 minutes. 3. Dice potatoes. 4. Add carrots, onions, and potatoes to large pot along with canned tomatoes. Bring to simmer. 5. Pour in vegetable stock. Bring to simmer. Cook about 8 minutes. 6. Add corn, peas, and green beans. Cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes. Serves 8

Ingredients

photos by Kelly Lowery

Healthy and flavorful. Perfect for a cold night in, a veggie fix, or just something hot to hit the spot. Plus, you can mix and match the vegetables added to fit your own taste buds.

Chicken salad is the staple in any backyard barbecue. Every family has a homemade recipe and if you don’t, take ours.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 2/3 cup of mayonnaise ½ cup of heavy whipping cream ½ cup of shaved almonds 1/3 cup of chopped grapes

Has anything ever hit the spot as well as one of Mom’s homemade brownies? You might have just met your match.

Chicken Salad Directions

1. Boil chicken breasts. 2. Once done, allow to cool then shred. 3. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, stirring. 4. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Serves 6

Brownies

Ingredients

1 cup of butter, melted ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder ¼ cup of chocolate chips 2 cups of all-purpose flour 2 cups of granulated sugar 4 eggs 4 tsp of vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line pan with foil and spray. 2. Mix butter and cocoa powder until smooth. 3. Add flour and sugar. Beat. Add eggs and vanilla extract. 4. Add chocolate chips. Bake 25-30 minutes, until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let stand for 15 minutes. Makes 12 brownies

Loaded Mashed Potato Loaded baked potatoes are yummy, delicious. Not to mention they have all the flavor and none of the struggle.

Ingredients

8 red potatoes ½ cup of heavy whipping cream ¼ cup of sour cream 1 tbsp of bacon bits ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese Suggested seasoning: chives, onion powder, garlic powder

Directions

1. Chop and boil potatoes until done. Mash well. 2. Add all other ingredients. Mix well. Season to taste. Makes 6 servings

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By Donna Jones

photo from 441 public kitchen and bar

photo from RJ’s seafood and steak

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GEE DAS TABLE

When you visit Gee Da’s, you can expect an atmosphere that is very intimate with a great bar. They use and cook with locally grown produce. The dishes range from crispy pork osso bucco to cheese stuffed burgers. Featured on the menu is the catch of the day fresh from the ocean. It’s served with chef inspired sides and seasonal ingredients. They also have a beautiful space that you can rent out for events. Hours: Tues. – Fri. from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sat. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

RJ’s Seafood and Steaks

This quaint restaurant is a onestop shop, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s so packed at lunch that you’ll have problems getting a plate, especially after church. Their menu has a wide range of steaks including the N.Y. strip, filet, and rib eye. RJ’s Seafood and Steaks also serves roasted chicken breasts, seafood and other fresh entrees and sides. The restaurant offers R.J.’s Blue Plate Special, which consists of a meat, two vegetables, and bread for $6.95 on weekdays during lunch. Hours: Mon.- Thurs. from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fri. - Sun. from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

2 441 Public Kitchen and Bar 441 is the ultimate dining experience complete with a comfortable, no dress code setting and food that is to die for. The menu varies from day to day, but favorites that are always on the menu include shrimp and grits, gumbo, roasted chicken, and cornmeal fried shrimp. You won’t find any mainstream drinks at this restaurant, and there’s beer from the local brewery in Statesboro. The restaurant also has a bar full of whiskeys, bourbon, gins and craft cocktails. For parties and other intimate occasions, 441 offers a private dining experience with a meal prepared in front of you. Hours: Tues – Sat from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. From 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

photo by Tahir Daudier

usual Saturday night out on the town in Statesboro includes grabbing Cookout or Zaxby’s and hanging out with friends. But what about the nights where you want to be a little romantic with your significant other or treat yourself to something not out of a box? These upscale restaurants are the perfect place to enjoy a savory meal while having a good time with friends.

Features

Cultural

Appropriation When is Ignorance No Longer Innocent?

photos by Tahir Daudier

By Yasmeen Waliaga

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ou’re exhausted and anxious and a childlike grin is adding well-purposed wrinkles to your sunburnt face. It’s a Saturday in July and you are in the midst of one of the most popular music festivals in the southeast. Just as you envisioned, blasting melodies are accompanied by illuminating lights and colors; you’re consumed by all that is good, and it’s invigorating. Swinging your limbs towards each direction in a blissful trance, a stranger dancing beside you whose sweat even tastes like champagne. All you see are these faces, these lights, and the vivacious array of extravagant decor worn on people’s bodies. The stranger places a large headdress on your head. It’s like you are a kid again, playing dress up. There’s this strange sense of belonging within you but at the same time, an unfamiliar concern arises. The question is, is it “wrong”? Cultural appropriation arising concern in today’s society, however it is no new discussion, Dorsey Baldwin, the director of the Georgia Southern Multicultural Center, said.

Defining and Understanding Cultural Appropriation Cultural appropriation occurs when members of one cultural adopt or use elements belonging to a different culture. However, the controversy of this phenomenon is not adequately expressed in this common explanation of it. There are two main aspects contributing to cultural appropriation: a lack of mutual respect and an imbalance in power dominance, John Nwosu, diversity education coordinator of the multicultural student center, said. “Cultural appropriation can only occur when there is an imbalance in the power dynamic,” Nwosu said. Addressing cultural appropriation often concerns people who believe that changing our idea of borrowing from cultures might challenge our very instincts in human nature. When acknowledging major developments in history, it is obvious that there’s a pattern of borrowing from each other. On one hand, people are uncomfortable with how acceptable it is for individuals to essentially “take” whatever they admire and use it how they wish. On the other hand, is the theory that imitation is, in fact, a form of flattery rather than mockery. However, the opinions people have continue to waver as they are exposed to the categories that cultural appropriation encompasses.

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What Does Cultural Appropriation Look Like Cultural Appropriation is evident in aspects of society that surround people constantly. Quite often discussed is the existence of cultural appropriation in fashion and beauty. Many of these examples are offensive to people of the less dominant culture because in many cases, they are misrepresenting an aspect of their religion. Celebrities has been photographed with “bindis” on their foreheads, which has received criticism from the Hindu community. People wearing veils over their heads resembling “hijabs”, the article of Muslim clothing that women drape over their hair to represent modesty and respect, also portray Muslims in a negative light, said Muslim Somalian and Ethiopian Laila Abdi, a senior multimedia communications major and Arabic minor. Another trend in this generation is the adoption of Native American styles such as headdresses. Dorsey Baldwin, director of the multicultural student center, said the problem with people borrowing these styles and dressing up as Cherokees is that seldom do they see any actual examples of that culture in American society, so people are led to assume that there are none, detaching Native Americans from the rest of humanity. “So, we don’t take their lived experiences as anything that’s real because we don’t have any real Native Americans that are walking around with headdresses and traditional attire because we don’t see that. We only see the part of the culture that we are appropriating,” Baldwin added. Other clothing pieces sometimes debated as being a form of cultural appropriation include kimonos and African prints and fabrics. Nwosu said, “For women, traditional styles in African American culture, like hairstyles and clothing and things of that nature are perceived differently when white people wear those styles, I think that’s pretty powerful.” African American hairstyles such as dreadlocks and cornrows have become popular among member of other races, as seen on celebrities like Kylie Jenner. Highlighting the double standard among the dominant group and the culture it borrows from, he added, the issue is not that white people are wearing these styles, but that people of color are looked at differently when they wear them. Cultural appropriation is nothing new in the world of popular culture and entertainment. Several musical artists have been accused of misrepresenting

cultures in their performances and music videos, including Beyoncé and Coldplay, Miley Cyrus, and Iggy Azalea. One instance of this is the notion of “twerking,” which has been part of the African American culture for years, despite just recently appearing in pop culture. “This is something that has been attributed to one culture for many years but has gotten negative backlash, but now when someone else does it from another culture, another skin tone, it’s like ‘oh, so this is acceptable now?’” Takeshia Brown, assistant director of the multicultural student center, said.

Appropriation vs. Appreciation: Where Do We Draw the Line? Perhaps, it is not the “what” but the “how.” Maybe it’s not the act of “borrowing” from another culture that is deemed unacceptable and offensive, but the act of corrupting that cultural element and exhibiting it in any way you please for your own benefit. This theory evokes two central questions examining the person in question for being guilty of cultural appropriation. First, is the person in question educated or is there a certain level of ignorance? “If you’re informed about it, you are more likely to be using it in the appropriate, correct way or you would show appreciation for it. But if you weren’t educated about it, you wouldn’t really know how to promote it the right way,” Abdi said. She added that the line between it being appropriate or offensive is clear there are some things that someone obviously would not take from a culture if he/she actually knew the meaning those things held. Secondly, is the person in question promoting or attributing deserved credit to the culture? For Brown, the line is crossed when the culture isn’t being properly attributed. “You can appreciate the culture, but what are you doing to help the culture? You can publicize certain aspects of African American culture, but are you supporting social movements that are important to African American culture?” Baldwin said. She added that there are sometimes positive acts of cultural appropriation that are more celebratory to those cultures. These can be seen in entertainment forms when the artist seems to be informed and inspired by the culture. “It all goes back to the packaging of it; how you’re celebrating it and presenting it and the education portion of it. With appropriation versus

appreciation, it’s really about that awareness piece and how you take ownership or give credit to people who have started those traditions,” Brown said.

Who Holds Responsibility and How Does Society Move Forward? As with most controversial topics, the media has been subject to speculation for their role in causing cultural appropriation and perpetuation of stereotypes. “We’re feeding the media what we’re consuming and vice-versa,” Nwosu said. He said there is a mutual responsibility, however, the media possess more power, giving those in charge of the information sent out more responsibility in the equation. Brown’s opinion on the responsible party was geared more towards the public. “The media does its job. The media is not responsible. We as people have to be critical consumers of media and the information we are given so that we can come to our own conclusion and understanding of what’s going on,” she said, “That’s where the problem lies; people aren’t being critical consumers of media. We are reading things and taking them at face value.” With more ways to contribute to the conservation of cultural appropriation, it is possible that a transformation can occur overtime. People can start by responding when they feel a culture is being clearly misunderstood or incorrectly represented. How do we start that conversation appropriately? In the face of cultural appropriation, Baldwin suggested, “’If you don’t know’, instead of getting upset, ‘let me help you understand.’”

With appropriation versus appreciation, it’s really about that awareness piece and how you take ownership or give credit to people who have started those traditions,” Brown said. REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 19

Silver Lining:

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anyone to be raised in. After obtaining her degree in family services at Georgia Southern, Chambers now works as a Child Development Assistant, or toddler teacher, at the Child Development Center. “A child removed from home always has trauma, any child in care will have additional issues,” Olivia Egan, staff therapist at the counseling center, said. The hardship of being repeatedly moved from house to house, being

“I would much rather a woman decide to abort a child than give them up to foster care.” - Natasha Chambers

hree years, two months, and one day. That is the length of time Natasha “Annie” Chambers lived in the foster care system. Roughly 1,156 days of uncertainty, anger, and an overwhelming sense of not knowing where she belonged. “I would much rather a woman decide to abort a child than give them up to foster care,” Chambers said, coupling that with the explanation that the system is not good enough for

photos by Tahir Daudier

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

crammed into a living situation with multiple other children, or being unable to see your own family takes its toll on anyone. It is a harsh reality of those living under the foster care system. “I was angry. I was highly upset. I mean I was in the school system doing things...and that all got taken away,” Chambers said. Chambers at the time had just gotten the part of Ms. Hannigan in the school play of Annie and as an eighth grader, had a place on the high school softball team. Around when she was 10-yearsold, Chamber’s mother hit her. Not for the first time, but this time it was with enough force to prevent her from sleeping that night. In the morning Chambers told the counselor at school her mother hit her “because at that point it was just too far,” she said. Her mother was arrested that day, but after bail had been posted and paid her mother returned home and that night. Chambers came home from school to find her bags packed and her mother kicking her out. “So I’m 10 years old getting kicked out of the house for telling the truth,” Chamber said. For the next three years, Chambers and her mother attended counseling. After the situation, it was decided that Chambers had ADHD. Instead of taking the medicine, she and her mother opted for counseling. Tragedy struck two weeks after her 13th birthday when Billy Wayne, her mother’s long-time boyfriend who was like a father to Chambers in every way, passed away. “My mom like lost it,” Chambers said, “And it got to the point where I was dragging my mom to bed drunk. It was like two or three weeks after he passed away my mom was locking me out of the house to have sex with other guys.” After calling her aunt in Florida to pick her up from her mother’s house, her aunt directed her to stay with her grandparents who lived in the same area. The police became involved after her mother called the cops reporting that Chambers had been kidnapped by her aunt.

Shortly after her 13th birthday, Chambers entered the foster care system. It took over three years for her grandparents to go through the necessary steps of adoption and for her mother to finally stop finding loopholes and lying to the system in order to keep her in the system longer. Parents have 18 months to resituate their lives in order to regain custody of their children before the child is put up for adoption. The goal of foster care is reunification or adoption if the parents continue to be unfit, but after the age of eight the children are harder to place and are more likely to remain a ward of the state which cuts them off at 18 years old, Alice Hall, Ph.D., associate professor in child and family development, said. The process of getting into college

and remaining there is an arduous task for even the best of students, those with a stable home life and have the guidance of parents and mentors. Not all students at Georgia Southern University and other universities across the nation have that privilege. Only 10 percent of foster care children end up graduating high school and of that only one percent eventually make it to graduate college, according to the Children’s Law Center of Minnesota. “If a child really has been in the foster care their whole life, they won’t be here (college),” Hall said. There is not a lot of research done on former foster care people in the university setting, most of it focusing on adults who were in the system at some point in their lives. The results show poor outcomes with a higher rates of incarceration and early pregnancy, Egan said. Chambers was adopted by her grandparents, her mother’s parents, who told her about Georgia Southern and in time helped her apply to the university.

The low statistics are disheartening, but when taking a closer look at the system it isn’t as surprising. At 18 children ‘age out’ of the system and many end up alone and homeless due to a lack of support system or financial foundation, according to the Intelligence Report ‘When Foster Care Ends’ by Lyric Winik. All aid ends at 18. The government assistance stops, and most foster parents won’t pay out of pocket for a college education without any monetary compensation in return, Hall said. “So it’s not that a child couldn’t get financial aid, but more the process of getting to college,” Hall said, “And honestly, it would have to be some high school guidance counselor that would really have taken that student under their wing.” Chambers plans on becoming a foster parent after her son goes to college. Her goal is to take in high school students until they age out; the ones who don’t have any direction and need assistance deciding what they are doing afterwards. Whether it is going to college, the military, or straight into the workforce, she plans on improving that one percent statistic. Despite the anger that she first felt when entering the system, Chambers tries to maintain a positive outlook on life and in doing so has enabled her to see the benefits that she received from the system. “Roommates, having three girls in one small bedroom, that really helped me when I first came here. I think maybe confidence in a weird way. I was never a shy kid but just I guess knowing more of who I am and where I came from, it helped me I think in that way,” Chambers said. Reflecting back on it she remarks that if it hadn’t been for foster care she would still be back in her hometown with the boyfriend that she had at the time and most likely onto her third child with him; now her end goal is her child, Nick, and her outlook on that experience has matured as well. “Life,” Chambers said to sum up her experience in the system. “It’s just a part of life. Looking back at it, it’s kind of like an appreciation.”

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TRAILBLAZING FILMS OF THE CENTURY W

hen films are created most effectively, they remain relevant for decades, successfully connecting viewers together while pioneering new ideas. Five films that are considered classic, quintessential works are Casablanca, The Godfather, Jaws, Jurassic Park, and Pulp Fiction.

The Godfather (1972) The Godfather is a mob drama that offers a view into an infamous Italian-American crime family and their role in the mafia. The film, which was directed by Francis Ford Coppola, was the launch of a trilogy. “To me, it’s a film that is long but it doesn’t feel long because you’re so involved with these characters and their performance portraying the drama and crime in the mafia family,” James Patrick, senior film production major, said. Many people who have never seen the movie have heard the famous line, “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The Godfather is a must-watch film,

Jaws (1975) The drama and suspenseful mystery about a shark attacking a community was first major film directed by Steven Spielberg. Jaws is remembered for its iconic score by John Williams, contributing to the overall appeal of the suspense. Despite the nightmareresembling production process, the film ended up winning three Academy Awards and making history as the first film ever to beat $100 million in the U.S. box office.

Casablanca (1942)

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Jurassic Park is a sci-fi adventure thriller movie directed by Steven Spielberg. “To me, it’s one of the most important films because it’s a simple story that’s got characters you care about and memorable lines, but it’s the technical aspects that make it a game changer,” Patrick said. Jurassic Park has established a reputation as the “quintessential special-effects movie” because of the combination of animatronics and computer generated imagery that brought the dinosaurs to life in the film, Patrick said.

Quentin Tarantino’s dark comedy/ crime film, Pulp Fiction, is famously known as a cult classic. “Pulp Fiction definitely has too many quotable lines. The art of storytelling that Tarantino does, you get these different character perspectives and it really engages the audience, ” Patrick said. Tarantino conveys the violent and revengeful plot in an eclectic manner, revealing stories in a scattered order but weaving them together in a certain way.

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Jurassic Park (1993)

photos by imdb

Michael Curtiz’s famous black and white film, Casablanca, has been regarded as the ultimate romance story that ties together multiple generations. Casablanca is famous for telling a story of conflicted emotions between a woman, her old flame, and her current husband during the early years of World War II. The strong characters portrayed by the male and female leads make Casablanca a classic. Some say this film is important because unlike most other films of that time, it very subtly conveyed war propaganda through a powerful love story.

London Calling The Clash, 1979

It’s a common belief that music is one of the most sincere forms of artistic expression. Musicians carefully craft a combination of songs, each communicating something real and true. A good album has the capacity to alter people and more importantly, to alter society. The mid-late years of the 20th century welcomed an abundance of significant albums, making cultural impacts and sharing innovative ideals.

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

photos by Jeff Licciardello

The Beatles, 1967

With Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles used a revolutionized style of psychedelic rock to convey the overarching themes of the decade. The album incorporates spiritually influenced sound, further characterized by the iconic packaging and aesthetic. The Beatles initiated a generation more eager to experiment with sound and appreciate poetic composition.

The Wall

Pink Floyd, 1979

Pink Floyd’s multi-themed concept album tells a story of exasperation and loneliness. The Wall’s simple chord combinations and basic instrumental techniques allowed for each song to build and evoke intense emotion. Pink Floyd included references to war, educational corruption, power struggles, and The Berlin Wall. Although this album is very unique in structure, it was an influential mark on the progressive rock genre and the use of synthesizers and additional engineered sound methods.

The Clash introduced music fans to a funky “punk meets reggae” The contrast between the light-hearted sound and the tasteful political references to the Spanish Civil War proved that punk wasn’t just a bunch of rebellious shouting and reckless intuition. Rather, it was driven by a recurring feeling of passionate disregard for false hopes in society and was fueled primarily by the conflict of being displeased for too long.

Straight Outta Compton N.W.A., 1989

N.W.A.’s album Straight Outta Compton was a genius move for progression of the rap genre, which resulted in the somewhat-inevitable evolution of rap lyrics. Straight Outta Compton consequently gave birth to a new style of “gangsta rap” defined by lyrics intended to criticize the recurring negative aspects of life in Compton. The album was an expression of the discontent associated with the harsh realities of life surrounded by the West coast street culture. The rap group combined thought provoking lyrics with sounds that linked the songs to real-life struggles.

The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars David Bowie, 1972

David Bowie’s music played an essential role in the idea that the identity of performers contributes an entirely new dimension to the communication of their music’s message. As a concept album, it was intended to tell the story of a fictional rock star named Ziggy Stardust. However, the release of this album pushed another trailblazing message into society. David Bowie’s glam-pop debut showed people that self-expression is the most profound form of liberation. This album verified Bowie’s identity as a pioneer in presentation and the artistic elements of eclectic performance. REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 23

EXPAND YOURSHELF BY JULIA FECHTER

A young man comes home from his job delivering pizzas, only to find his mother murdered. He runs from the authorities. He’s been framed and needs to gather evidence to prove his innocence. His solution? Use his special ability to go back in time, and stop his mom’s murder from ever happening. No, this isn’t your typical murder mystery book. It’s Erased, a manga by Kei Sanbe. Mangas, as well as other mediums, are pushing the boundaries of what is “normal” to read. While it is perfectly all right to read 1984 or Pride and Prejudice, why not step out of your comfort zone? Open your mind to the many different forms of a book.

Cookbooks are a way to explore new recipes and different methods of cooking. There are cookbooks out there for almost any food you might crave or want to investigate, whether you are looking to read about organic foods, international cuisine, or celebrity recipes.

Travel books provide potential travelers with information about hotels, food, transportation, and things to do. Tailor travel books to your interests and preferred travel destination, no matter if you plan to travel in state, nationally, or internationally.

Recommendations: Audrey At Home: Memories of My Mother’s Kitchen by Luca Dotti College Cooks: Simple Ingredients, Easy Recipes, Good Tasting Food by T.C. Stephan

Recommendations: Off Truck Planet’s Travel Guide for the Young, Sexy, and Broke by Freddie Pikovsky and Anna Starostinestskaya

MANGA

“Manga is the Japanese word for comic,” Keith Brown, manager of Galactic Comic and Games, said. Mangas differ from American comics in that they are printed in black and white, read in a right-toleft format, and the characters have very expressive facial features. There are wide ranges of manga genres, such as comedy, mecha, horror, realistic, and mystery, Brown said. Recommendations: Batman the Killing Joke, Friends with Boys by Faith Eric Hicks

GRAPHIC NOVELS Graphic novels capture our attention by employing more visual techniques- think crisply drawn characters, a unique balance of black and colored images, and unconventional lettering. These novels are stand-alone stories with sequential plots similar to comic books, but that usually involve more complex plots, Ted Gallop, Galactic Comic and Games employee, said. Some types of graphic novels are superhero novels, personal narratives, and non-fiction. Recommendations: Stitches by David Small, The Joker: Death of the Family by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

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ART BOOKS

The Smithsonian Libraries’ webpage “Smithsonian Libraries’ Artists’ Books” describes art books as artistic expression presented as a book. Some art books mix images and literature, while others just present images. Works may include poetry, graphic design, experimental narratives, and various other elements. Recommendations: Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Staton Beloved Dog by Maria Kalman

COMIC BOOKS

Popular comic book genres include superhero, science fiction, comedy, and non-fiction. “Comic books are basically soap operas. You get hooked on the characters and you get hooked on the storyline. That’s how the individual issues keep working. You have to see what happens next,” Gallop said. Recommendations: Star Wars regular title, Darth Vader title, and the Lando Calrissian mini-series

photos by Kelly Lowery

TRAVEL BOOKS

COOKBOOKS

A Home for Gamers by Tayler Critchlow

photos by Cristen Gullatt

he idea originated when Williams and his friend were sitting around the table eating, discussing the need for an outlet for those who wanted to play video games in a safe environment and providing a structure for them, when his friend just said, “What if this could be a thing? You know, for all of campus.” eSports, or electronic sports, are games that incorporate realtime strategy, fighting, firstperson shooting, and multiplayer online battle arenas, such as League of Legends, Hearthstone, and Call of Duty. Southern Collegiate Gaming Association (SCG) started as Chi Alpha, a kind of ministry outreach group, that slowly transpired into creating a community for gamers about four or five years ago to becoming official roughly two and a half years ago. “I think the organization is a good way to get people of like minds and like vision to work under one banner and game and develop community within the group,” Dr. Christopher Leveritt,

mentor and friend to Kevin and the organization, said. One of the main foundations of the organization is fostering community through holistic development of students by challenging them mentally, physically, and spiritually. “It’s basically about growing, we say students, but it’s about growing everyone in the community because so many people come together and work together and we’re just a bunch of gamers and that’s kind of like a coincidence,” Geoffrey Wright, SCG President, said. Along with growing, the students are taught how to speak to people in both structural and instructional settings, such as during practices and strategy sessions. “We are more than just about being good at this game, we are about developing people into productive citizens and also productive teammates that can go out into the working world and use all the skills that they’ve got from SCG to better whatever company they are in and to help develop

others as well,” DJ Hart, League of Legends team captain, said. On top of the community building and social skills that the gamers build there’s also money that could be won. There is a pot for the championship consisting of thousands of dollars that first, second and third place divide among themselves, and the top thirty teams receiving five thousand dollar scholarships, Williams and Matt Frantz, a member and student director of marketing for SCG said. Within the past year and seven months the SCG has bought a house in downtown Statesboro that houses nine of the competitive team players. This allows the players easy access to the fiber optic gaming system supporting the house and each other for strategizing and practices. Hart said, “We have a family. It’s huge. We’re just a bunch of lovers who like to hang out and do fun things. It’s amazing here, we just have that kind of community here.”

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Life & Style

What is love?

THE CULTURE OF DATING IN COLLEGE BY: MICHELLE PRATT

Having a jealous streak

Sure, it may be cute at first when they get mad at someone else for looking at you the wrong way, but it will get real old, real quick. “Many people tend to ignore a little jealousy because it reconfirms that that person wants you if they are showing that they are jealous. You don’t see it as a red flag until it leads to fights and it blows up in your face,” Julie Odom-Dixon, a first year masters student focusing on personality and close relationships, said. In a lot of relationships, an over jealous boyfriend/girlfriend will drive away their partner.

4 Drinking

too much

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Asking/Talking about sex too much If you’re having sex then you’re probably enjoying it. Sex is a great thing, it’s a connection you share with someone and you get to have fun while doing it. In relationships, it is generally healthy to talk about sex and really get to know your significant other on a more intimate/physical level. But there does come a line when you talk about it maybe a little too much. The last thing you really want to hear is about how your boyfriend used to get down and dirty with Sally down the street. Not saying that sex is a bad thing, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you two ever talked about.

We’ve all come to that point in our life when we look at someone and say “my parents really wouldn’t approve of this.” Yet, we still pursue them ignoring all the red flags that scream for us to run in the opposite direction. Here’s a list of red flags that we all know about, but could really care less about avoiding.

Talking about an ex in a negative way Your significant other may have that one ex who deserves all the negative comments. However, you have to remember they did date that person at one time because they cared about them. Hearing constantly about how that ex from three years ago is “such a hag” could mean that you’re next.

You’re in college which means you might have that typical drinking session at Dingus from time to time. However, when you see your crush walking around campus with a water bottle that reeks of cheap vodka, you should probably take that as a sign to run the other way. When you really want to get into a serious relationship, it has to be more than a drunk grinding session at Tav on Saturday nights.

photos by Tahir Daudier

The red flags no one listens to:

e’s just not that into you...or is he? Dating in college can be tricky. With the multitude of “stages” before you actually define the relationship, it can make it near impossible to even get to the stage of dating. Dating in college now is a rare sight and you will see more hookups now than at Woodstock. Hopefully this guide will shed some light into the culture of dating while in college. From red flags we always ignore to what pick-up lines to use on Tinder, we’ve got you covered.

THE tinder BREAKDOWN:

Whether your Tinder flame has been burning for quite some time or maybe you’ve just sparked, you know that Tinder is referred to as the “ultimate hook up app” in college. To get the most out of your Tinder experience, you will need to follow the rule of not taking it too seriously. It can be an awkward experience when trying to break the ice with someone over an app that you both ultimately know is for hooking up. So try these hilarious pick up lines to help ease the awkward (results may vary).

THE MOVIE QUOTE WITH A TWIST:

Relationship Timeline Hooking Up Typically, if you’re just hooking up with someone then there’ll be no strings attached. Hooking up with someone will most likely only last a week or two, but you may occasionally get that booty call text.

Talking

Jake, 21

You’re not in a relationship yet, but you both could see things going that way. You could either be having sex in this part of the relationship or you could just be going out together and texting/ snapchatting a lot.

Jake, 21

About Jake

“I don’t know who you are or what you want. If you are looking for a hook up, I can tell you I do not want that. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills that make me a delight for people like you . If you hate my icebreaker, that’ll be the end of it. I will not pursue you. But if you do, I may ask you to coffee.”

THE ‘I DIDN’T MEAN TO SWIPE RIGHT’: “Tinder: Error Code 402. Match unsuccessful. Please try again. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

THE LET’S GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER:

Officially Dating

If you have made it this far, chances are you’ll stay together for a while since you’ve conquered the other stages. You might go through a couple of fights, but stick it out. you’re looking forward to a bright future.

Friends With Benefits

This is like the complicated version of the hook up. You start off as friends and you may feel a mutual attraction towards each other, but you don’t want to date the person. You act like BFFs until you go home at night, where it turns into you two having taking it much further. .

Together

You may still be going on dates with other people, but you somehow always end up being the two back together. You’re not serious yet, and you may be scared to fully commit, so a lot of times the relationship ends up dying in this section.

“Are you a bank loan? Because you have my interest.” REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 27

DIY:

Take advantage of your small space By: Michelle Pratt

Instead of sticking your used wine bottles on top of your kitchen cabinets, opt for a classier idea and make them into vases. A really creative way to do this is to burn candles that are different colors in the bottle and let the wax drip on the sides. It gives a neat texture while also looking very shabby chic. “The wax bottles were made from empty liquor, wine, or other pretty bottles and just any candlestick. When I was younger I would melt old crayons on them to add more color,”Lomax said. This is a great way to add decoration to your room by adding a pop of color. You can also stick fake flowers or feathers in them to give them more of a boho look. 28 | REFLECTOR SPR IN G 2 016

Bottle Vases:

photos by Cristen Gullatt

urning a house into a home can be a difficult task in college. Your room may never be the way you want it unless you spend hundreds of dollars at Pier 1 or World Market. You may have thought before to try a DIY that will spruce up your room, but think you are artistically challenged. Fortunately for you, we have found a few awesome “Do It Yourself” projects that will not break the bank, or your back, in the process. We sat down with Annsley Lomax, a junior fashion merchandising major, to discuss how to liven up your modest bedroom.

Wall Art:

Anything big and bulky to help cover up white space will instantly make your room feel more like home. A non traditional idea for wall art is actually using skulls and wood to make a cool three dimensional piece. “My mom has an interior decorations business called Drift with Anne so she uses a lot of old wood so her work was kind of the inspiration for that,” Lomax said. “I thought the skull was really neat but wanted to make it unique so I added the pearls, flowers and feathers to it.”Sometimes adding elements that you would not normally think would be considered as decoration in a room can add a good balance to your bedroom. Lomax liked the contrast between the kind of rustic skull and the girly embellishments.

Headboard Substitutions: If your headboard does not come attached to your bedframe, then you may run into the problem of having just a plain bare wall behind your bed. Just because a headboard does not come with your bed, doesn’t mean you can’t make one on your own. Annsley decided to make a headboard out of old barn wood to really express her personality and save some extra money. “I definitely think I save money by making them myself instead of buying them. In addition to saving money, DIY gives you the freedom to be creative and make it your own,”Lomax said. By adding a headboard behind your bed, it can really help pull a room together. If headboards aren’t your thing, adding a tapestry or hanging pictures behind your bed are other decorative substitutions. REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 29

As students, we learn a lot throughout our four, or five, years of college. Unfortunately, there's still things that we're clueless about. From credit to taxes, these are the basics you need to know after college.

Once you graduate, it’s important to note many things prior to signing lease. 1.Budget wisely. Remember, rent isn’t just one set price that you will have to account for. You’ll also need to budget for utilities, meaning water, electric, and gas. Plus, Internet and cable. 2.Make sure the quality of the apartment is up to standard. Turn on all the water faucets to make sure the water not only works but runs clear. Look at the walls and windows for any cracks or damage you may be responsible for later. Check for mold or pests. 3.See what comes included. Many postgraduate apartments don’t offer furnishing. Double-check to see if any is offered and ask about the quality of appliances.

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Credit

Credit is a way for a person to receive a good or service without paying upfront based on the promise that payment will be made at a later time. Think of it like when you needed to borrow something from your parents. “Dad, can I please borrow the car?” Your father gives you the keys on the promise you’ll do the yard work later. If you don’t do the yard work, not only will you not be allowed to borrow the car again for a while, you might also be grounded and given extra chores on top. So you have to make sure you come through with the promise. Do’s: •If you borrow money, pay it back ASAP. •Make the minimum payments •Get the lowest interest rate to avoid larger fees. Don’ts: •Max out your credit card. •Start missing payments. •Take out a bigger load than necessary.

Taxes

Taxes are one of those things that everyone stresses and complains about, but never actually teaches you how to do them. Things to know: •Companies such as H&R Block and TurboTax can do your taxes for you for a fee. •Certain exemptions or deductions are allowed, for example state/local taxes or if you have children. For young adults, you can actually get a deduction if you’ve paid interest on your student loans. •The amount of student loan interest you pay will vary, but unless you’ve paid some serious interest, you’ll likely fall in the 15% tax bracket. •Every pay period, a certain amount of taxes gets taken out.

It is estimated that nearly 40% of eligible voters aren’t registered to vote. One reason young adults aren’t voting may be that they simply don’t know how to get registered. In the state of Georgia, the easiest way to register is to log on to the Georgia secretary of state’s website, www.sos.ga.gov. You can also register at the Department of Motor Vehicles when applying for or renewing your driver’s license by checking the “voter registration” box.

First Apartment Post-Grad Style

STUDIO

2 BR

3 BR

912-681-7873 | 210 Caribe Court â&#x20AC;˘ Statesboro, GA 30458

www.CaribeCourt.com FREE Internet FREE Cable Pets Welcome Ceiling Fans Washer and Dryer Central Heating and Air Walk-in Closets

REFLECTOR SP R IN G 2 016 | 31

now leasing!

Call, Click or Tour Today! 912.225.0098 livestatesboro.com

apartment features

community amenities Adjacent to GSU Campus

2,3, and 4 Bedroom Units

GSU Bus Stop Across Street

Fully Furnished

Wade-in Resort-style Pool

Individual Leases Full-sized Washers and Dryers Cable/High Speed Internet

24-Hour Cardio Fitness Center Stand Up/Lay Down Tanning Beds Conference/ Study Center

Private Bathrooms

Multi-Screen Gaming Room

Fully-Equipped Kitchens

Billiards Lounge

133 Lanier Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458