Reflector Magazine, Fall 2012

RED VS BLUE SHOWDOWN

THE VALUE OF THE STUDENT VOTE IN ELECTION 2012

GSU VS UGA:

battle

beyond the field

THE REFLECTOR • 1

REFLECTOR

in The Williams Center.

Magazine Editor-in-Chief Business Manager

MALLORY McLENDON CHLOE DOUGLAS

Production Manager

KELSEY PAONE

STAFF

Reflector Editor SHAUNTEL HALL Reflector Deputy Editor QUANIQUA EPPS Copy Editor ARIELLE COAMBES Copy Editor COURNEY TIELKING Photo Editor LINDSAY HARTMANN Photographer MARK BARNES II Photographer TASHA LUND Photographer CHAD KENNEY Design Editor TYLER FLEIDER Cover Designer JOSE GIL Contributor DUSTIN TILLIGKEIT Contributor JAMES FARMER Contributor TANIQUA R. RUSS Contributor GRACIE KESSENICH

OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA Director JOHN L. HARVEY Administrative Secretary BRENDA H. GREENE The Reflector is copyrighted 2011 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.

This semester is my first with the magazines at Student Media, and I’m so excited about it.

After three years with The George-Anne, holding many different positions, I’m glad to get a change of scenery.

My staff is a fantastic group of people who work hard to get their publications filled with great things that you, as students, are going to love to read about. Each and everyone of them are fantastic and accomplished writers and editors. There’s no telling what they’ll do next.

My goal for the magazines is to continue to grow. I want students to know all the names of Student Media magazines so that you all can’t wait to get the next edition in your hands.

This issue of the Reflector, I’m pleased to say, is a purely student interest magazine.

We’ve filled it with hot topics that we’re sure college

SHAUNTEL HALL

CIRCULATION & MARKETING Distribution Manager NICK GARCIA Distribution Associate COREY CARNAHAN Marketing Manager T.J. JACKSON Marketing Associate AMBER GORDON

from the

Reflector Editor

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.

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 Mallory McLendon at 912-478-0565 or by emailing Reflector@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.

2 • THE REFLECTOR

students would be interested in. It’s our audience that guides us, so let us know what you think. Contact us at reflector@georgiasouthern.edu.

I can’t wait to see where the magazines expand to these upcoming years.

Student Media as a whole has grown so much since I first started off as a lowly Assisstant News Editor in the Fall of 2009.

I’m one of the oldest Student Media memebers on staff right now, and it’s been amazing watching us grow so far.

Our staff numbers are growing. Our distribution is expanding. Our readership is thriving. We’ve come such a long way in so little time.

And we’re going to keep growing. We have so many plans for the future of Student Media. So, get ready Georgia Southern. We’re still covering the campus like a swarm of gnats!

I hope that you’re just as excited about this issue of The Reflector as I am.

During this journey as a firsttime magazine editor, this experience has been nothing less than amazing. All the blood, sweat and tears that were involved literally were all worth it.

To the students, realize that this publication is for you. As a student interest magazine, The Reflector works to provide you coverage of issues that affect you and what you actually care about.

Despite all the serious issues, we provide you with entertainment stories that suit your interests.

In this issue you will find stories about actual students just like you.

Anisha and Kenny, on page 6 and 17 respectively, are two completely different students but both have a story to tell.

MALLORY McLENDON

The Reflector is published twice a year

by Georgia Southern University students.

The office is located at room 2013

Notes Editors Editor-in-Chief

I really love finding students with great stories or who have accomplished great things.

I want to keep this trend going. If you have an interesting story or know someone who does, don’t hesitate to let us know.

This is your magazine so you should be a part of it.

The upcoming election is a huge issue for students. We wanted to dive into whether students really care about this election and why they should.

We are dedicated to keeping students informed on issues that affect you.

As the university grows, we expect to grow with you.

We will work our best to keep you informed and entertained, even if it includes blood loss and sweating. I’m willing to make that sacrifice. Possibly.

Maybe. I’ll consider it.

Above all this magazine is for you, so enjoy it!

Contact Student Media Magazines @gsureflector

Miscellany: Magazine for the ARts

miscellany_gsu

REFLECTOR

FALL 2012

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17

10

8

19

4 6 8 10 14 16 17 18 20 21 22 23

SPORTS

What you need to prepare for as the GSU versus UGA game approaches this November.

LIFESTYLE PROFILE

You think your student life is hard? Try adding parenting to your to-do list.

NEW ON-CAMPUS DINING

As we say goodbye to Landrum Center, we prepare for some new things from campus dining.

ELECTION

Professors and students discuss the election and student apathy across the campus.

STUDENT POLITICAL PARTIES

The students of the Republican and Democratic parties of GSU sit down with the Reflector to talk about the upcoming election.

FASHION

Catch up on what is trending in the forecast of this fall’s fashion.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Kenny Olowoyo, a fashion student, talks about his acceptance to Parsons New School for Design.

REVIEWS

“The Tender Bar” brings an entertaining story of the 1920’s, we look foward to the ending of “Twilight,” and Simply Sweet Bakery gets four gold stars.

HOW TO: CAMPUS PARKING

Your guide to making parking on campus a little easier includes a few helpful hints and tips.

OFFICE HOURS

Visit political science professor Dr. Debra Sabia in her personal space on campus.

REFLECTIONS

Reflector Editor Shauntel Hall speaks on student service on campus.

OVERHEARD

Some of the oddest things overheard on campus are sent in by readers.

THE REFLECTOR • 3

SPORTS

GSU UGA versus

game goes beyond the field

By Shauntel HALL and James FARMER

Photo by Mark Barnes II 4 • THE REFLECTOR

As many know, Georgia Southern University is in the midst of a period of growth. This growth can be seen both academically and physically throughout the campus and university.

The most obvious areas of these changes are visible in new academic buildings, programs, students, faculty and more.

The growth of Georgia Southern does not just stop at the campus level either. The surrounding Statesboro community has experienced this trend as well.

Success at GSU mirrors success in the community, sometimes seen more explicitly through the addition of new businesses and other factors in the community. Therefore it can be properly estimated that the university and community work together as a unit.

At the root of GSU lies spirit and tradition.

These are two factors that are critical in identity of this university.

All students learn the elements of spirit and tradition, the backbone and driving force behind the university, which makes up what we know as the Eagle Nation.

When many students, faculty and members of the community begin to think about GSU, one thing is sure to come to mind: Football.

Football at GSU is more than just a sport; it is central to campus life.

This fall GSU will have the chance to show down with the University of Georgia Bulldogs in Athens.

The GSU versus UGA game in November will have much more at stake this year than the usual bragging rights associated with it.

GSU needs a strong showing to prove that it belongs at the FBS level of football, and after its early season loss to The Citadel, the team will need all the help it can get.

Here at GSU, all the pieces are set for an FBS move. We have plans to add onto Paulson Stadium, a new football complex and a shooting range is being built to potentially house a rifle team.

After last year’s showing against the eventual national champion Crimson Tide, the stage seems set for a competitive game that will showcase GSU’s talents to the conferences.

But to think that the only reason this game matters is conference realignment is discounting the fact that over half of our players come from the state of Georgia.

This game will have particular significance for senior defensive tackle Brent Russell, who tore up his knee versus the Bulldogs in his first collegiate game, and had to redshirt his first year.

The importance of this game stretches way past the field of athletics. For the university and the players, the UGA game is more than an every-four-year inevitable loss against an FBS school. It’s a chance to prove yourself, for revenge and most importantly a chance to upset the way people look at GSU. In essence this is a chance for GSU to prove that they have what it takes to “play with the big dogs.” GSU is essentially aiming to reach the level of stature of UGA, so this game will soon be the chance to prove it to the fans, students and community that GSU is ready for the growth that lies ahead.

Photo by Lindsay Hartmann THE REFLECTOR • 5

Photo by Chad Kenney

‘I’m just like you’

Debunking the myth of the ‘typical’ student

By Shauntel HALL

6 • THE REFLECTOR

Imagine a life where your biggest fears weren’t ridiculous term papers or hour-long lab reports. Add additional responsibilities that don’t usually hone the reality of the typical college student. Better yet, let’s examine that term “typical college student.” What is this organism composed of? What climate do they best survive in? What is their natural habitat?

Before you begin thinking of heinous answers to this question, don’t bother. The “typical” college student, just as the “average”

person does not exist. It is simply a way to categorize what is familiar to us in our own heads, based on experiences and teachings that we have each been exposed to.

Anisha Cooper, 22, is one of over 20,000 students here at Georgia Southern University just like the “typical” student. Where the difference lies is that she is also a parent.

During her final year of college, she received some of the biggest news ever. She was having a baby.

Photo by Chad Kenney

Prior to childbirth, Anisha was heavily involved on campus in many ways. She is one of the founders of SAAS (Southern African American Sisterhood), served as a MAP (Minority Advisement Program) sponsor, a member of Circle K International and a guide dog trainer.

Anisha does not have what many of us would call a “typical” day. From waking up at 6 a.m. each day, dropping baby Bailey off at daycare and her boyfriend Brandon off to class, she then heads to work each day as a grad assistant for the Office of Student Activities.

“Every day is a juggle,” said Anisha as she describes her day to day. As if many of us think our days aren’t overwhelming enough, try juggling classes and a family.

How does she manage being both a student and a parent?

“The whole thing to it is just time management. As cliché as that sounds you just really have to just have your P&Q’s in order.”

Dealing with negativity was one thing that was common during her pregnancy.

“People were saying that I was stupid for keeping the baby- I mean I got everything.

People wanted to assume that I was out there or I was promiscuous. People would see me walking and I would get stares.”

“It takes a village to raise a child.” That is how Anisha describes how she made it through the challenges that accompany pregnancy and motherhood, with the help of family and friends and the father of her child, Brandon McMaster.

“I don’t know where I would be. They have just been so supportive. So that’s how I dealt with it. I have people who love me so and they don’t matter.”

Anisha definitely has a different way of thinking about obstacles. She embraces her child as a positive part of her life and not a hindrance.

“This is another obstacle that I have to overcome. Other obstacles you get through it and you’re so happy that it’s over. This is something that is an everyday, like thank God for this child,” she said.

Despite all that may be going on in her life, Anisha says that motherhood is her biggest challenge.

“That is my biggest challenge because on top of that I’m still a professional student, I work. You always want your children to know that they are first. I’m scared that I’m going to get caught up in everything else and she’s going to be like who is this lady? So that’s a big challenge for me.

Despite the challenges, she still finds a way to encourage other young mothers.

“I just want mothers to know that, don’t let anyone tell you ‘oh you should get rid of it,’ you do what you feel is right. But know if you do decide to keep your child, it is possible.

You’re going to get through it,” said Anisha.

Being a part of a university that is a sea of over 20,000 students, it’s important that we all understand each other. Sometimes it is good to just step back and notice what is going on with others, to see that if they are getting through this, then I can, too.

Our obstacles come in different shapes and sizes. If you listen to a story unlike your own, you end up learning something that can help you get through your own problems.

“It’s amazing how my boyfriend and I made a person. Our genes came together and we made a person, that’s biology. On top of that she has a purpose, she has a soul, and a personality. That’s God. Apart from everything else, even though she came in a way that was different than what I wanted, she’s still a blessing.”

THE REFLECTOR • 7

OUTwith the old INwith the new GSU says goodbye to Landrum Center and welcomes change to campus dining

By Dustin Tilligkeit Students may have noticed the destruction of the university’s cafeteria, Landrum. In recent years, the building’s age began to cause problems, and after health inspection failures, the university decided to build a new Landrum in place of the old.

This construction unfortunately came at a time when plans were already in place to renovate another university eatery, Lakeside Café. In order to supplement students with a place to gather and eat, the university constructed The NEST, a temporary cluster of buildings located in the parking lot outside the Performing Arts Center.

Eagle Dining designed the NEST to serve students until the new Landrum Center and Lakeside Café are opened next fall. The new facilities will have more modern features and will be larger and easier to maintain than the previous buildings.

Landrum Dining Center

Landrum has been serving students for decades — being open for over 40 years.

Landrum has been a place for students to eat and has housed Eagle Dining Services and the University’s post office for years.

“Eating together like this really builds a sense of community for students,” Assistant Director of The NEST Greg Crawford said.

Before its demolition, Landrum and Lakeside were both popular destinations for students not only looking for food but also for a place to relax outside of classes.

“We want to bring the inviting atmosphere of Landrum and Lakeside into the new buildings,” 8 • THE REFLECTOR

Photo by Mark Barnes II

Students head into The Nest to enjoy a buffet style lunch. Smokey’s Barbeque, Tilted Skillet, Home Slice, and La Bistro stations serve a variety of foods for students to enjoy.

Eagle Dining Marketing Coordinator Michael Murphy said.

In recent years, however, the newly increased student population has placed a strain on older buildings like Landrum. This strain on the facility has in part contributed to Landrum’s lower health inspection scores, and it has caused some crowding of Landrum during peak hours.

This was part of the reason behind the university’s decision to build a larger, more modern dining facility for students.

“These new facilities will be very modern, and we’ll have the capacity to stay up to date,” Murphy said. In order to keep students well fed, The NEST was built to operate for a year while Lakeside is being renovated, Landrum is being demolished and the new dining center is being built.

The NEST

The NEST is located in a parking lot in between the PAC and the Watson Pods. The NEST functions like Landrum, offering buffet style eating with a variety of options for students.

“It’s a wonderful facility. It surprises people when they walk in. It’s bigger than a lot of people expect,” Murphy said.

Eagle Dining worked with the company building The NEST to ensure that it would feature everything that students would need.

The NEST features a wide variety of foods, with the more popular stations from Lakeside and Landrum being brought into the NEST to serve students. Some of the stations at The NEST include Smokey’s Barbeque, which

Picture courtesy of Michael Murphy

Picture courtesy of Michael Murphy New designs of Landrum and Lakeside is to be completed Fall 2013. Top: An artist rendering of the new design of Lakeside that will feature a hibachi grill. Bottom: An artist rendering of the new Landrum Center that will have a Mongolian grill as well.

serves burgers and chicken sandwiches, and Home Slice, which serves Italian pasta and pizza.

The NEST also features a salad bar and dessert bar if a student comes in looking for something beyond the typical lunch or dinner.

“There’s something for everyone here,” Crawford said.

The Future

While most of the details of the new dining centers are unavailable, discussions coming out of Eagle Dining Services are promising to students looking for larger, better dining choices on campus.

The plan is to expand seating for Landrum up to over one thousand seats and seating for Lakeside up to five hundred seats. This is to

ensure that the new dining centers can handle GSU’s burgeoning population.

Another hope of Eagle Dining Services is that the centers will have longer hours of operation to better serve students that have more unpredictable schedules.

“We’re talking about extending the hours,” Murphy said. There may even be a chance that the new Landrum or Lakeside is accessible to students all the time.

“There’s a possibility of staying open 24 hours a day, but we’ll only do that if there’s student interest in it,” Murphy said.

There’s also the potential for the new buildings to feature futuristic technology like iris scanners to make the whole process faster and easier for students. That however is still unconfirmed, according to information from Eagle Dining.

There are also plans to bring a more varied selection to the centers with the possibility of a hibachi grill for Lakeside and a Mongolian grill for Landrum, among other options.

Regardless of what the new centers will feature, Eagle Dining is excited for the change.

“We’re really excited for the new facilities and the change in the dynamic,” Administrative Director of Eagle Dining Jeff Yawn said.

The centers will also feature new offices for Eagle Dining Services.

“We’re excited to see everything new,” Crawford said.

Students are no doubt just as excited, if not more so, about the coming changes to campus dining, with the new Landrum and Lakeside opening at the beginning of the fall 2013 semester.

THE REFLECTOR • 9

GSU students discuss why their vote matters in this year’s election

By Quaniqua EPPS It is Election Day, and as in previous years, people line up at Bulloch County’s polling places. Voters standing in line are there to voice their opinion.

Some of them have been stuck in the same spot for hours, but it is worth it, because they understand the importance of having a say in their nation. Absent from the lengthy lines are the younger voters. Georgia Southern University students have chosen to not show up to vote in an election that will affect them more than the individuals that are there.

Although this scenario is a bit of an exaggeration, what is true is that younger Americans have a reputation for not voting in presidential elections.

Even with the campaigns and demonstrations that target younger voters, adults ages 18-25 continue to have the lowest voter turnout.

“I think students generally care, but people who

are 18-25 are the least likely to vote, so I think it’s natural that you will see a lot of students not voting. They don’t have a habit of voting, so I think that students are kind of interested in what’s going on, but their percentage of votes is not going to be overly-high compared to other age groups,” Richard Pacelle, professor of political science, said.

As the young voter turnout at the polls disappoints every single election year, GSU students gave reasons as to why they believe their peers do not vote.

“I think most students, when they come out of high school, they just don’t really look up that much information about politics. They’ve heard it all through high school, with people constantly battering them with ‘you need to pay attention, you need to pay attention,’ and they just don’t want to,” Angela Quillen, junior psychology major, said.

Some students, however, have a different take on things.

“I feel like a lot of students don’t vote because they feel like their vote doesn’t matter, and another big reason is they feel like they don’t know what they’re voting for, or if their vote is going to make a difference. A lot of young people just don’t see the effects in their lives,” Naomi Cherry, a senior child and family development major, said.

In 2008, when the current president Barack Obama was running against Republican nominee, John McCain, there was momentum around this election. The campaigns garnered attention because of Obama’s race and McCain’s age. For this year’s election, a lot of individuals do not seem as excited or as informed as they were about the last election.

Professor of political science, Robert Pirro said, “I think student interest is there, although not to the

Photo from www.barackobama.com 10 • THE REFLECTOR

Photo from www.mittromney.com

extent that it was in 2008. But it may be that this election will have more significant consequences for the kind of America students will be living in when they are older.”

Pacelle believes that the enthusiasm surrounding the election has dwindled because of issues that Americans are facing and because of a loss of faith in American politics.

“I think the excitement of 2008 really got people engaged in things, and I think that there’s a feeling of being let down a little by the system, and I think people have natural inclinations to kind of withdraw a little bit from that,” Pacelle said.

Political science professor, Debra Sabia, had a different take on things.

“No, I think the media is doing a really poor job.

I think there is a great deal less public enthusiasm for this election, and I guess a third thing is that people are just really distracted by their own economic crisis. So I guess for all those reasons, I would say people are not paying attention as much as they should perhaps be,” Sabia said.

From the economy, to healthcare, to samesex marriage and other social issues, what a lot of younger voters do not understand is that much of what is being discussed effects all of America, especially the younger generation.

Pirro and Pacelle offer their views on what they believe are the important issues and topics that college students should consider this election year.

“There are some major issues that will be decided. For example, if the Republicans win, we will probably see the guaranteed benefits of Medicare turned into a voucher system whereby seniors will have to shop for private insurance. This may not seem to be a front burner issue for today’s GSU students but if the guaranteed benefit of Medicare is eliminated, they may have to step in financially when their parents reach retirement age,” Pirro said.

“Well everybody’s pretty concerned about the economy, that seems to be sort of pushing everything else off. We live in a time, and we’ve

lived in a time since these students were six or seven years old, with global terrorism and things, so security issues, foreign affairs and everything that’s going on in Europe, with Spain and Greece, their economies are in trouble, and that affects us,” Pacelle said.

GSU students also give their opinions and views about what they feel is important in this election.

Nathan Nelson, junior psychology and sociology major, believes that healthcare for college-aged students is a major issue.

“I really want something to be done about healthcare for collegestudents. I feel like we don’t get fair treatment when it comes to healthcare. I feel like there should be better options for us in general,” Nelson said.

Like Pirro and Pacelle, Cherry believes that the major issue in this election is the economy.

“Education, jobs and the economy, those are really big. For this election to be at the peak of my undergrad year, around the timeframe of when I am supposed to be graduating, it’s almost like am I going to have a job out of college? Is my degree going to be worth anything now or in the future?”

Cherry said.

Another reason for the lower voter turnout for students during elections is also because students do not know why they should vote. Sure, we have all had courses in history all throughout our years in school, but some students still do not understand why voting is important or how it affects them.

Representatives from the GSU College Republicans and GSU Young Democrats explain why everyone, especially those in the younger age demographic, should exercise their right to vote.

“It’s one of the most important elections that (students will) probably vote in in a long time.

Things that are decided in this election affect the students more than just about anyone else in the country, and it’s a lot further down the road than they realize,” Second Vice Chair for the GSU College of Republicans and senior political science major Aron Randall said. “(Students) need to have a voice. There is the

threat of their Pell Grant being cut, especially on a state level where you have cuts to the HOPE scholarship program and increases in tuition.

If students vote, they wouldn’t be facing this issue. If you look at older individuals, look how Medicare has been able to stay alive, that’s because older generations will actually go out and vote,” President of the Young Democrats of GSU and senior political science and economics major Mark Silver said.

Both GSU students and professors agree, voting in this upcoming election is vital for GSU students.

Sometimes students want to vote but may not be as informed as they would like to be or may not know where exactly to begin when deciding on how to make the choice.

In an effort to help students out, the GSU community render advice to students gear up to vote.

Senior general studies major Helen Tyler believes students should be unafraid to voice their opinions.

“It doesn’t really matter who you vote for just as long as you vote, because I feel like when you vote, it gives you the right to complain, but if you don’t vote, I don’t feel like you can complain about the way things are, because you didn’t do anything to change them, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, and nobody will know who you vote for unless you tell them, and you can tell them whatever you want,” Tyler said.

Rebecca Case, junior psychology major, shares the importance of being well informed. “It is important to vote not just based on a party. You need to actually get to know the candidate and what they represent,” Case said.

Pirro reminds students that voting is still a primary responsibility. “It may not seem as though elections matter when you are scrambling to pay for college, go to classes, do your homework and prepare yourself for the job market, but let me tell you, elections matter, for you, for your parents, for your grandparents. You are going to be living for many decades in the country that your vote or nonvote has helped to shape,” Pirro said.

THE REFLECTOR • 11

Romney 12 • THE REFLECTOR

RED VS

THE PRESIDEN

ECOnOMY Should Mitt Romney be elected, he plans on having lower taxes and less regulation. Romney also plans on taking away jobless benefits and substituting them with unemployment savings accounts.

HEALtH CARE

If Romney is elected, he plans on giving out an executive order that will get the federal government to distribute Obamacare waivers to all of the states.

After this is done, Romney then has plans on getting Obamacare repealed. To replace the Obamacare legislation, Romney plans on putting policies into place that will give every state the ability to create their own health care reform plan that would be best for its residents.

nAtiOnAL dEFEnSE Should Romney be crowned Commander-in-chief, he will increase the navy’s yearly shipbuilding rate from nine to 15, improve the supply of the Air Force, the Army and the Marines, and implement a defense structure that will restrain and protect America against nuclear attacks.

HigHER EduCAtiOn Romney holds the belief that higher education should be available and affordable to all students no matter what type of post secondary institution they decide to attend. If Mitt Romney becomes president, he will implement focused job training opportunities to ensure that students are prepared to enter into the workforce should they decide to do so.

Compiled by Q

BLUE

NTIAL PLATFORMS ECOnOMY During his presidency, there were high rates of unemployment, his solution for the economic crisis known as the recession was an approximate $800 billion stimulus plan. He carried out the auto industry bailout that former president, George W.Bush began, and he went through with Wall Street bailout.

HEALtH CARE Worked to get universal healthcare for everyone in the country with his Obamacare reform. Under his insurance plan, insurers will not be able to discriminate against people for pre-existing conditions. He also plans on helping out the small businesses that do decide to offer health insurance for their employees.

nAtiOnAL dEFEnSE President Obama has lessened the amount of American troops in Afghanistan, and if he is re-elected, he will be on track to end the war there in 2014. He is responsible for bringing down Osama Bin Laden with the raid of his compound in 2011 and has also been working on strengthening ties with Israel, NATO, Asia and Latin America.

HigHER EduCAtiOn Obama has signed off on a law that will make it easier for all college graduates to pay back their student loans, which starts with new borrowers in 2014. Obama has also increased the amount of students eligible for pell grant from six million to nine million.

Quaniqua EPPS

obama

S

THE REFLECTOR • 13

STUDENT DEMOCRATIC AND From the Left: gSu students talk about the relationship Obama has with college students

By Quaniqua EPPS What change do you feel needs to be brought to America, and how do you feel that the democratic party candidate will do that?

Ashley Collins, Communications Director for GSU young democrats, and senior, general studies: I feel like we need to get back to focusing on our people. Our people are our greatest asset, and we talk about the economy.

The economy doesn’t just run itself.

We’re people, we run these things, we build these things, we create these things with our minds, we think them up. If we’re not investing in education, we’re not investing in good healthcare so that people can at least get an education, and also not taking care of ourselves and the environment that we live in.

We’re just giving people the resources to bring America back to it’s glory days where we technically were number one in so many fields.

The way it’s been going, all of these cuts and those detrimental parts of our country, which is our people it has been really hurting us and really crippling us.

What are some issues that you feel affect gSu students? What is the stance of the democratic party candidate on those issues?

Mark Silver, President of GSU young democrats, Economics and Political Science major, senior: Well, obviously I think student loan reform and the pell grant, the threat of them being cut is obviously a very important issue to a lot of students here at Georgia Southern.

You look at Republicans that are currently in office, and that are running for office and they want to cut the pell grant program, Barack Obama does not want to do that.

You’re looking at the need for student loan reform, the student loans are the only types of loans that you can’t declare bankruptcy on, they’re stuck with you for life, obviously there needs to be loan reform, and that’s a system that 14 • THE REFLECTOR

president Obama wants to provide.

Just recently, president Obama paid off his student loans, versus Mitt Romney.

Collins: Who never had a student loan in his life. I don’t know about everybody else, but it’s really nice to have a president who truly understands what it’s like to be a college student relying on certain resources to get through school.

He has first-hand experience understanding that, not just having a sympathetic heart for it, but he really cares. He knows what he is talking about.

He doesn’t believe that it should be that much of a privilege for everyone to get an education. I feel like if you come here, you want to be here, you shouldn’t have to jump through hoops and hurdles.

Now, of course, everyone believes that a little bit of struggle helps, gives a person incentives and a better perspective about life, but at the same time, how much is a person supposed to sacrifice to get ahead.

What type of place do you envision America becoming if Barack Obama were to reclaim the presidency?

Silver: I mean, one word that comes to mind is better; you have two different people running for office.

You have one that basically wants to cut every single program, and that’s not going to work.

Then you have this other person that basically wants to continue what has been happening not just over the past four years, but the programs that have been going on for the past 40, 50, 60 years.

Mitt Romney hasn’t even put forth proposals; all he has done is bash the president.

And so, the question that I want to pose to the American people and the question I think the president is posing is, do we want to turn Medicare into a voucher program?

Do we want to privatize the services the government already provides, which will make it more expensive? Do we want to not spend as much on our infrastructure, and instead provide $2 trillion more to the Pentagon, which they haven’t even requested for?

That’s the question that we need to pose to the American people. Do you want that or do you want to continue with this administration that saved the auto industry, saved over 1 million jobs that has turned one of the worst recessions of our country’s history and allowed us to create jobs.

We haven’t created enough jobs to make up for jobs lost, but the point is, we’re creating jobs, and it’s gonna take a little bit of time to bring us back to the point we were at. Cooperation is another thing that needs to be worked on.

The other party sees compromise as a sign of weakness, and compromise is governing, we wouldn’t have our country without compromise, there wouldn’t be a house and a senate if it weren’t for compromise. Compromise is key to governing.

Why should Barack Obama be re-elected as president of the united States of America?

Collins: I started watching Obama in ‘04, and he got my interest as somebody that Republicans were talking about. They were saying “Hey, there’s this great senator from Illinois who is really great at reaching across the aisle between parties to get the job done.”

The more I found out about him, the more I liked him, so when he started to run in ‘08, I was behind him, I was like, this is the guy we need, and that was really interesting considering the fact that he was running against Hillary Clinton, someone that I had admired, her and her husband.

But, I felt like he was a new type of Washington.

I mean the Clintons are wonderful, but Obama, I felt like was a new change, a new approach to things, and I feel like that’s what makes him so great.

Silver: I see not only that, but the greatness of Barack Obama, but also, I mean even looking at the alternative, we’ve already stated that the alternative hasn’t even put ideas out, even looking at the convention, the amount of lies that were in the speech, just blatant lies or misrepresentations.

You’re looking at not only the alternative but also the group as a whole. These are people that failed to put forth ideas, that failed to put forth proposals, even looking at Mitt Romney, he flip flops on so many things.

REPUBLICAN PARTIES REACT From the Right: gSu college of Republicans leader discusses Romney’s economic plans

By Quaniqua EPPS What change do you feel needs to be brought to America, and how do you feel that the Republican Party candidate will do that?

Aron Cody Randall, senior political science major, Second Vice Chair, GSU College of Republicans: (America) need(s) to work on our regulations. We need to get people back into work.

We need to get people back into jobs and back doing things to get that pride of doing a day’s work, and we need to do that by encouraging growth not by giving people money.

Government doesn’t make jobs. Businesses make jobs.

We need to encourage the businesses to start hiring and getting people; they can’t do that unless the government allows them to do that. America, in general, would be a much, much more involved voter.

on to their children.

I feel as college students, we’re in a position where we should be focused on the big picture.

Mitt Romney is a big component of getting America back to work and a big component of education funding. He likes vouchers and different kinds of options other than federal funding.

He likes giving money to the states, not just individual institutions, and when it comes to education on a front of student populations, that money comes in and it needs to be given to the individual counties and the states to do what they want, not No Child Left Behind — and that was a Republican policy, which I think was horrible — not federal mandates, but state and local.

What works in Alabama doesn’t always work in Michigan.

That’s a huge issue, and as far as jobs and getting things, and the economy back going, he’s a huge component of cutting the debt, he’s a huge component of cutting drastic healthcare spending so that we can get that under management, he doesn’t want to get rid of those things, but he wants to overhaul, and that saves us money, cuts back on our debt and allows us to actually do what needs to be done as a nation.

What are some issues that you feel will affect gSu students?

What is the stance of the Republican Party candidate on What type of place do you enthose issues? vision America becoming if Mitt Romney were to win the presiA: Federal funding for student loans is gonna be a big thing for students. They affect dency? how you pay for your school.

Same-sex marriage is something that will probably be brought up. It involves people.

With us being young college students, abortion is something that holds involvement with students, but I think the thing that most affects them is that for most students their parents pay for them to come (to GSU), and if mom and dad can’t afford to pay their tuition, and they can’t get a grant or scholarship, then they can’t attend the university.

Jobs are first and foremost. We’re in national debt, and that affects us more than anything because for far too long the adults have been making decisions and passing them

A: If Mitt Romney wins the election, I feel we’ll see a cut in our deficit, a drastic cut in our federal spending, a better reallocation of educational funding and a resurgence of investment and confidence in American markets which will allow us to begin producing products and selling products which will then bring in revenue, and when people have money, they buy houses.

You have home ownership, you have better families, better home life, you have better education. It’s all around better.

The other issues that are out there: samesex marriage, abortion and prayer in schools,

they talk about it on the news all day long.

They are important issues, but they’re not as important as whether or not I have a highway to get to my school or church and a military to defend the borders of my city, my country and my state.

America is a great place, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.

America, as it is now, as a population, as a country, we’re the best we have ever been, and we’re only going to get better. As a political system and a government, we’re going in the wrong direction.

Why should Mitt Romney become president of the united States of America?

A: Because I think he’ll do a better job.

I think Mitt Romney has good plans and decisions on how he wants to handle our finances and how he wants to handle our budget and our deficit.

I believe that he’ll do what needs to be done, and I feel like I can trust him to accomplish what I want and that he’ll do what’s right for the country and right by me and that’s fix our economy and get people back to work and at the same time maintaining our national security and not alienating us against other countries.

I feel that he has the experience in order to do that and the biggest issue against Mitt Romney and Barrack Obama is Barack Obama in four years has accomplished little to nothing that he promised he would.

Democratic or Republican, Liberal or Independent, regardless of what my opinion was, I don’t want somebody reelected that didn’t do what they promised me the first time.

If you can’t deliver me your promise, if you tell me you’re gonna do 15 things and you accomplish one or two of those things, you should’ve never promised them to me in the beginning.

You should’ve known better, and I’m sure as heck not gone give you another four years to not do what you didn’t do the first time.

It’s time to give someone else a shot.

THE REFLECTOR • 15

FASHION

Students incorporate season’s trends into their wardrobe

Using polyvore.com, Shauntel Hall creates sample looks of how you can apply this season’s trends into your everyday wardrobe.

By Shauntel HALL Fall fashion is all about bold colors and rich textures. As students during this fall season it’s important that your new wardrobe embraces creativity, style, comfort and most important to many: budget.

LEATHER

This season, leather is back in a big way.

Leather is the perfect way to pull off a rugged or sophisticated look. Whatever look you decide you are going for, leather is definitely worth adding to your wardrobe.

From models to celebrities to average onthe-street fashion, leather is the new staple look for chic and simple. To add even more flair this fashion season, colored leather is emerging as a part of this trend in tones that distinguish fall fashion such as maroon, auburn and burgundy.

The ever-popular motorcycle jacket will definitely be an everyday go-to item for many.

A studded or colored leather twist to the traditional motorcycle jacket is sure to help you make a statement with this trend.

PEPLUM Not only is peplum one of this season’s top fashion trends, it is also one of the hidden secrets to flattering your silhouette.

One of the essential goals of fashion is to find items that not only complement your style but flatter your body shape as well.

Peplum is definitely the answer for both.

The added drama at the waistline of the garments give the illusion of a bottle shape and bring less attention to the tummy area.

Peplum shirts and skirts are vital to the female wardrobe this fall so be sure to add this trend to your collection.

16 • THE REFLECTOR

PLEATS

The classic look of pleats have an essential presence in fashion this fall season. The pleated texture of these garments are casual and sophisticated, a perfect day time look for class, interviews and in between.

The folded pattern that makes up the garment distracts the eye and conceals the waist and hip areas to aid for more confidence as you wear the garment.

Offering many different styles ranging from dresses, skirts, and blouses the pleat trend offers you a wide range of options to add to your own creative touch to this trend.

Try this trend: If attending a formal event, pair a pleated skirt with a cropped blazer and envelope clutch for a fashionable but conservative spin on a trend.

CHUNKY KNITS A staple item for the fall season, chunky knits are go-to fashion items for all women.

These items are perfect for the women who value comfort the most as they move through their prospective busy days.

Great paired with jeans or leggings and riding boots or UGGs, the simplicity of this look does not cause fashion-ability to suffer.

Whether it is a sweater, cardigan, cape or scarf all these knit items add a casual feel to the fashion forward woman.

Tips for accessorizing this look would include adding a cross body bag, comfy boots, and an unique pair of crafty studs to minimize the look of busy-ness at the covered neckline.

Try this trend: To capture the full spirit of fall fashion, try pairing a cable knit cardigan with riding boots, leggings, and a loose bun for a fun look for class or a day of shopping.

Try this trend: For a casual but fashionable look, pair a leather motorcycle jacket with a simple top, leggings and boots for a great on-the-go or off to class look.

Try this trend: Pair a peplum top with a pencil skirt for a sleek and sexy look.

Photo by Tasha Lund

Fashion blends art for an unexpected outcome

By Taniqua RUSS Statesboro may not be the fashion capital of the world, but Georgia Southern University is producing future major players in the fashion game.

With fashion-centered organizations, D.I.M.E.S. and Fashion Menagerie, and the illustrious alumnus Mychael Knight, GSU is no stranger to fashion. Senior fashion design and 2D studio art major, Kenny Olowoyo, is continuing this Southern exposure.

Olowoyo talks with the Reflector about his acceptance into the renowned Parsons The New School for Design and the next stops on his journey into the fashion world.

Q:

Parsons is a very competitive school. What about your garments or your application do you think may have set you apart from other people that applied at the same time?

I don’t really know. Maybe because I was young at the time, maybe my garments showed a certain sophistication. I really don’t know.

I really wasn’t expecting to get in. I was just like, “Oh well, Parsons is fun and I really want to like go there, it would be nice,” but I wasn’t expecting to get in.

A:

Q: A:

What are your aspirations concerning fashion and art?

I want to continue creating. I just love creating things, whether it’s a painting

or drawing or garment. When it comes to fashion, I want to create garments for strong women.

I know I have really strong influential women in my life, like my mom and my sister. I want to have women put on my clothes and feel strong and beautiful and powerful and nothing else should matter but them.

In my way, it’s kind of like giving back to all the women who have sacrificed so much for me, especially my mom. I’m not being super selfish, doing this solely for my mom, I’m doing it for all the women that are like my mom.

Q:

Besides your mom and besides you wanting to do this to honor the strong women in your life, who else would you say has been a big influence on your designs and your art and even the creation of your garments?

A:

I would definitely say the fashion professors, like Ms. Wallace and Dr. Ahn. They push me no matter what.

They push so hard and make sure that I am the best that I can be, and it is just amazing that they care so much.

Professors aren’t meant to stay over on the weekends and help you out, but they do and they are really sweet and really nice. I can’t thank them enough.

Q:

What do you plan on doing with your time here at Georgia Southern University before you take that next step to wherever you choose to go?

A:

My time left this year is probably going to be dedicated to building the art department and the fashion department.

I, in my little way, whatever little way possible, can expand them, make sure the programs are the best the school has to offer. When people come here, and they are interested in fashion stuff, they find out we have a fashion program and they are like “oh, Georgia Southern has a fashion program?

I was about to go to SCAD for that.” In my own little way, I am going to try to push the fashion department; more advertising so people can know about it, more publicity.

Q:

What would you say to your peers who are aspiring to do the same thing? What kind of encouragement or advice would you give them in trying to bring that change about?

A:

I would say work your hardest to be the best you can. When you start showing those really awesome qualities, that you are driven and can push to achieve a certain goal, then everyone else will see that and kind of get the bug and also try to be like you.

The only thing I can really say is if you are successful then the whole department is successful.

You just have to work hard and not be selfish, kind of take everyone else under your wing and do everything for the common goal, the greater good.

THE REFLECTOR • 17

REVIEWS

‘The Tender Bar’ isn’t your typical bar BOOK REVIEW

By Gracie KESSENICH

Photo from www.barnesandnobel.com

Growing up in a bar is probably a college student’s dream.

JR Moeringer, the author of the memoir The Tender Bar, doesn’t have a childhood on a playground, or at home, or even in a church; he finds his childhood memories at a local bar.

Raised by his mother, grandparents, and reluctantly, Uncle Charlie, JR (pronounced J-R not “junior” as explicitly stated in the book) finds his voice sitting atop the overused cushion of a bar stool.

The memoir is more than an autobiography about a kid with drinking problems in his early 20’s.

It’s the survival story of a little boy growing up without a father but finding one in a motley group of alcoholics. It’s about what JR makes of himself, and how he succeeds. The bar young JR stumbles into is run by a group of mismatched men in Manhasset, NY. The bartender, Uncle Charlie, welcomes his nephew after some early hesitance. Yet, Publicans soon becomes young JR’s home, his haven, and most importantly his place to grow as a man under the guiding light of some strangely named men.

After a rough start as a child including a welfare mother and a disappearing dad, JR finds solace in a love of books and words in high school. A book-

store run by two unidentified Russians turns into JR’s knowledge haven.

They guide him and eventually encourage him to apply for Yale University. After many attempts at a personal essay critiqued by his mother and his friends at the bar, JR settles on one and submits his application for Yale. He gets in. Throughout college, Publicans becomes his sounding board for excitement, tears and triumphs.

He had friends in college, but his family was waiting at the bar top. Thus, he wasn’t a successful college student. He passed with C’s and D’s, overwhelmed with professors’ tough grades and harsh criticism. A steady stream of alcohol peppered with moments of firsts becomes Moeringer’s voice as a student. Then, trying out for the New York Times was followed by even more alcohol.

After a startling moment of revelation from a drunken escapade with his father, Moeringer gets his shit together and puts his serious hat on. Stepping away from alcohol wasn’t presented as a major issue but the result was a journalist and writer that took himself seriously.

The most admirable trait about the book is its ability to keep even the most impatient reader enthralled in the story. The lulls aren’t lulls at all, they’re moments of some profoundly funny revelations and acknowledgements of truth about a young writer and reader.

Moeringer delivers an excellent piece of literature that is a great read for anyone.

The end of an era: ‘Twilight’ draws to a close MOVIE REVIEW

By Mallory MCLENDON It’s finally here: The ending of the Twilight saga. Some are waiting with bated breath. Others are crying tears of joy. But no matter what your feelings are about Twilight, the books and movies have shaped a generation.

In case you’ve forgotten what happened last movie, Bella and Edward got married and went on their honeymoon where they had room-destroying sex. Then, Edward decides he isn’t going to put out and denies Bella anymore nookie. That’s okay because he already knocked her up. So, after a few hard months of vampire-eating-you-from-the-insideout pregnancy, Bella finally gives birth (which was bloody and gory and spine-breaking), before she was shot up with some life-saving vampire saliva—I mean venom. Now she’s a vampire.

That’s what you missed. Yes, that’s all. They literally could have made Breaking Dawn into one longer movie.

But Part 2 looks much more exciting.

There was a lot of drama onset between Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, what with her affair with the director of “Snow White.” But despite all 18 • THE REFLECTOR

that, there are actually a few fun things to look forward to: The movie looks like it’s going to be action-packed, like the third movie—not so mushy-gushy romance as the fourth. Which is weird because none of that fighting was in the series.

It looks like the script is deviating from the book, which I’m perfectly okay with since the ending was a little boring. This last part looks exciting and epic with some new characters that movie-goers should love.

The CGI looks iffy. There’s a moment when Bella is supposed to leap up and tackle a mountain lion midair, but it looks like she just kind of lifts up and floats through the air. On the other hand, there’s a moment when a character uses his elemental mojo to create a wall of water that looks pretty fantastic.

The wolves look amazing as always.

There are a lot of things we’re going to find we like in this next installment of the Twilight series, I think. The movies have gotten progressively better. Well, minus the second—that one was kind of bad.

Personally, my biggest problem with the new movie is that there isn’t going to be enough Charlie Swan. You can never have enough Charlie Swan.

Photo from www.breakingdawn-themovie.com

Photo by Lindsay Hartmann

From whoopie pies to cake pops to cupcakes, Simply Sweets is every dessert lover’s dream. Adding a distinctive flair to the common cupcake helps this bakery stand apart from others.

Simply Sweet Bakery

Photo by Lindsay Hartmann

makes dessert with a twist

FOOD REVIEW

By Shauntel HALL Nestled in the corner of ever-popular Buckhead drive lies Simply Sweet Bakery. Don’t blink. You just may miss it.

New to the Statesboro community, Simply Sweet is definitely a must stop shop for sweets in the area.

I first laid my eyes on Simply Sweets while perusing through the options of The Farmer’s Market during the beginning of the semester.

After fighting with myself during the difficulty of narrowing down a choice between all the flavor options that were present, I settled with the peanut butter fudge flavor cupcake.

Judging by the second visit I am preparing to tell you about, you can see that after my first experience I was in fact pleased.

As I entered the bakery the ambiance mirrored that of which the name conveyed, Simply Sweet.

As you look around, an abundance of dainty and fun decorations adorn the Barbie doll pink

walls that make up this fun and flirty bakery.

As I made my way around the corner to the bakery I was greeted with a cheerful hello from one of the owners, Christina Babe.

Unexpectedly, I made my visit at the right time as I was presented with the Happy Hour Special that includes buy one get one half off cupcakes.

After sifting through my choices once again I decided on a half dozen cupcakes which included: Birthday Cake, Caramel Macchiato, Maple Bacon, Lemon Drop, Sweet Potato and Dulce de Leche.

Simply Sweets doesn’t just stop at cupcakes either. Their menu includes cakes, cookies, Whoopie Pies and Frosting Shots.

Suited for the college student budget, the bakery also offers Monday specials for Mini Cupcakes of all flavors for just one dollar.

Just so you don’t get tired of the same flavors, Simply Sweets changes two flavors each week and adds a new flavor each month.

This month, of course, they are offering an October-Halloween Candy special theme for

your sweet tooth.

If I had to order my reaction from delicious to delectable, it would be as follows: Lemon Drop, Sweet Potato, Maple Bacon, Birthday Cake, Dulce de Leche and Caramel Macchiato.

The flavors I would recommend the most for new comers are Maple Bacon and Sweet Potato.

Bacon, a new trend in the culinary field, has now made its way to desserts. This maple bacon cupcake is the perfect combination reminding you of a great homemade breakfast — a stack of pancakes to be exact.

On the other hand, Sweet Potato is arguably the perfect cupcake for the fall season. As I took a bite, I felt myself back at home preparing to dig into a delicious Thanksgiving dinner as I was being handed the candied yams.

All in all I must say that I enjoyed my experience with Simply Sweet Bakery. Good food and great service are always a great way to sell me on a product.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Simply because there is always room to improve!)

THE REFLECTOR • 19

HOW TO

Photo by Mark Barnes II

Campus parking isn’t as confusing

as it seems

MALLORY McLENDON Editor-in-Chief

20 • THE REFLECTOR

It’s a bigger part of student life than it should be, and it can get expensive fast — not just buying the parking pass, but getting tickets and boots.

Sometimes things can get complicated. But, by just understanding the rules and what they mean, you can avoid all the hassle.

The best advice anyone can give you: Avoid getting a parking ticket.

If you do get one, it’s not the end of the world, but don’t wait until you get more tickets to pay for it, or you could get a boot.

“A lot of students get confused about how many tickets you have to get before you get a boot,” Megan Muccillo, junior multimedia communications major and an institutional student working for Parking and Transportation, said. “If you get three or more tickets, or if you accumulate $50 or more worth of tickets, you could get a boot.”

If you do get a boot, you have to pay for all of your tickets, and you

only have twenty-four hours to pay them before your vehicle gets towed, Muccillo said.

Tickets are pretty easy to avoid if you just learn the rules.

Thirty minute parking is thirty minute parking. Not an hour. Not fortyfive. Don’t park in university visitor’s parking, especially if you already have a parking permit. That’s just common sense, but people will get you. The fine young men and women who work for Parking and Transportation WILL GET you. They are very good at their job.

Of course, they don’t work all day long. Tickets stop at 4 p.m. This means, you can pretty much parking anywhere except for spaces allotted for 24/7 surveillance.

“Except for residential parking, you can only park in residential areas if you have a pass for that lot.” Muccillo said. “Only commuter and campus parking is available.”

You can park at the RAC at any

time, as long as you have a current pass. Last year’s pass doesn’t count.

Anyone can park there after 3 p.m. for free. If you can’t afford a parking pass or if you’re in another car, park at Paulson Stadium. It’s absolutely free and the buses stop by periodically. Of course, don’t think you can park there and get to class in five minutes. Give yourself enough time. Riding the bus is cheaper than all the tickets.

However, there is a rule to follow here too.

“We do monitor the lot, and if you do have those three or more tickets, we will put the boot on you at Paulson Stadium,” Muccillo said.

One last tip: Pay attention to your class schedule. I know you already have your parking permit for this year, but pay attention for next year. You don’t want to get your pass at the IT when you’re going to spend most of your time in the Math/Physics building. It’s a long walk.

Go ahead and plan for next semester. Parking passes don’t last per semester, but a whole year through summer. If you’re not sure about your classes, get a pass in a parking lot that is midway on campus. Everything will generally be the same distance away.

In reality, parking shouldn’t be much of a problem. Our campus is a walking campus, with nice sidewalks and foliage. The university works hard to make it look so good, so make sure you appreciate it!

OFFICE HOURS WITH DEBRA SABIA POLITICAL SCIENCE PROFESSOR Photos by Tasha Lund

“The most interesting things in my office are my scholarly books.

They are my friends.”

“My most meaningful award and recognition has come from Bulloch County. I really believe in community outreach. I feel so blessed, and I feel like I just have an obligation.”

“My office is very sunny, cheerful and empathetic. I’m open and inviting, the door is always open, my office is such an inviting place.

I want students to feel as though they are welcome. A lot of the decorations that I have in here have come from student gifts that I have received. The pieces that I have added to my office space are pieces of me.”

The decorative elements in Sabia’s office include plaques and certificates on the wall celebrating her achievements at Georgia Southern University as well as in the Bulloch County community.

“A lot of the decorations that I have in here have come from student gifts that I have received.”

Among the certificates on the wall is a plaque created by students in honor of Sabia being named professor of the year in both 1996 and 1997.

Another award that sticks out on the wall is one that was awarded to Sabia by Bulloch County for her service to the community.

THE REFLECTOR • 21

REFLECTIONS ESSAY

Growth within the university

should mirror within the community

22 • THE REFLECTOR

along with you in the future.

“I think that is extremely important, and I think that it helps students to see a different side of life.

Maybe they are not accustomed to seeing a certain population of people or a certain social class. Helping them to get that different perspective can not only help them further in life by helping them to understand other people’s perspective but also give them insight to what they want to do in the future. Lots of students that I have the joy of working with have found their true calling in life based on a service project that they have done,” Harralson said.

As a new student, or maybe even a continuing student, a lot of times we are stuck in the bubble of campus being GSU and may not think of volunteering outside the parameters of the campus.

“I think it’s very easy for Georgia Southern students to be stuck in the bubble that is the campus bubble and the area that surrounds campus, but there is so much more to Bulloch county and Statesboro and so many people that need help. I think that it is our obligation and especially as students who are only here for four years that you are impacting the community. I think it’s our duty to help the community that you are living in for four years,” Harralson said.

Another effect of service is getting a first hand account of the issues that are going on in the community around you.

“There is a great percentage of

Statesboro that lives below the federal property line, and a lot of students don’t know that. There are a lot of very underprivileged people in the community. I think it’s our job to help them and educate them,” Harralson said.

“It’s as easy as just walking in the office and saying I want to volunteer but I don’t know how to do it,” Harralson said while describing the process of students who seeking to begin their volunteer experiences.

Harralson goes on to say that the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement is working very hard to provide opportunities for students to be involved in the community. From weekly volunteer trips, where transportation is provided, to alternative break trips, where students use a break from school to go do service with their peers in another community.

Service is not only a significant part of the college experience but an essential part of molding you into a great citizen.

There are lessons that can be learned from service in the community that can long surpass just the purposes of sitting on your resume. There are loads to take away from the experience if you are willing to let that happen.

Harralson said, “It’s really our duty to help other people and to help students become active citizens and to carry that active citizenship from their time in college to post college and being involved in the community that they then become a part of.”

SHAUNTEL HALL

It is very apparent that Georgia Southern University is on the path of tremendous growth. Just for the three years since I began at GSU, I can agree that much has changed.

New buildings, new programs, new policies, new people.

So ask yourself, in the process of that growth what is important that must also mimic that growth?

I believe that an example of that would be service. GSU is an institution that has very close ties with the community. The Statesboro community is very involved with the dealings of GSU and vice versa.

Therefore the service provided to the Statesboro community also benefits GSU. When many of us think of volunteering we think of something that we have to do. Many of us who are involved in various organizations are sometimes required to do things to help the community. So what about the other half of the student population that may not have these requirements and possibly never have the opportunity to help out in the community? What are they missing?

To further understand the importance of service and the affect that is has on students and the Statesboro community, I sat down with Heather Jo Harralson, coordinator of civic engagement in the Office of Student Leadership.

Harralson believes that through service in the community your perspectives can be changed and you may even find something to take

Reflector Editor

OVERHEARD AT SOUTHERN People say crazy things in public. Here are some of those crazy things that were heard right here in Statesboro.

"The irish are like a banjo, it's hard to hear them and not smile a little bit." overheard in lit class

"I hate when you find out a girl cheated on you and you think: wow, i could've had sex with so many other people while we dated. " overheard on the bus

"Getting your arm cut off by a light saber is the way to go because it's already been cauterized and you don't have to worry about a tourniquet." overheard in the Library

"DON'T DO THAT TO ME IN PUBLIC. WAIT 'TIL WE GET HOME." overheard AT THE BUS STOP

"when I'm pregnant, I'm going to eat steak." overheard in THE Williams center

"he came into my room and threw up all over my wall. then he ran out into a field and sat with him. I worry about him sometimes." overheard in the dorms

"Bill clinton looked like he was reaching ouT to touch every single aMerican. Some in inappropriate places." overheard in political science class

"IF GHANDI WAS OUTSIDE RIGHT NOW HANDING OUT KITKATS, HE WOULDN'T GIVE ME A BREAK." overheard in THE ART BUILDING

"My homeboy got mad at this cashier at McDonald's and this fool asked to see the mcmanager." overheard on campus

"What's the definition of anthropology anyway?"

"I don't know, looking at skulls and shit." overheard in THE MAGAZINE OFFICE THE REFLECTOR • 23

24 • THE REFLECTOR