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franklin Friday, April 11, 2014 • TheFranklinNews.com
I-65 to expand near Franklin
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Ukrainian student here to stay
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Kiley Lipps: The Franklin
Tau Kappa Epsilon members lip-sync while performing an exercise-themed routine (left). Members of Delta Delta Delta celebrate the sorority’s first Lips for Literacy win in recent years (right).
Pi Beta Phi has full house for philanthropy event Delta Delta Delta wins lip-syncing competition with “Willy Wonka” routine By Darian Eswine
darian.eswine@franklincollege.edu
Pi Beta Phi’s annual philanthropy event, Lips for Literacy, raised approximately $1,600, double the amount raised last year, for a nonprofit that provides books to children in need. The lip-syncing competition started at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Branigin Room. “I think just great publicity (helped fundraising) and all the teams put in effort and told their friends to come watch them,” said Paige Clark, a sophomore and vice pres-
ident of philanthropy for Pi Phi. First Book, Pi Phi’s official partner, donates books to children in need across the country. Last year’s event raised approximately $800. The fundraising totals come from both the $4 admission fee and the team registration fee. Eight teams competed this year – Zeta Tau Alpha, resident assistants, Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, Delta Delta Delta, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Delta Rho and Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
ZTA kicked off the night re-enacting scenes from the movie “Mean Girls,” followed by the RAs who had recorded their own music and rap. Lambda Chi chose a hypnotist theme, Phi Delt went country, TKE held a workout session complete with Richard Simmons, KDR played Space Jam, and SAE also recorded a narration for a SAE/Pi Phi love story. The winning team of the evening, Tri Delta, brought Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory to the stage. Junior Allyn Pearson said
their team has been rehearsing since the beginning of March. “The hardest part was coming up with the choreography,” Pearson said. “But once we knew the theme, it was easier.” To pick a theme, Pearson said the team members looked on YouTube to see what other people had done with lip-syncing. After finding several, they decided to use Willy Wonka and adapted it with their own twist. See “Pi Beta Phi” on page 5
news Good Morning
Ann Gilly
Costs affect college decisions My sister’s college search is in full swing and my family is stressed out. I bet you remember the feeling. What will the dorms be like? What will you major in? How will the food be? The options are sometimes overwhelming, but there is one question that can really narrow it down: How much will it cost? Many students’ final decision comes down to what they can best afford. While this makes logical sense, it can have upsetting results. It’s unfortunate that cost is a deciding factor in college choice for many people, because it should be about the education and not about the stress of paying for it. Yes, scholarships and financial aid can be very helpful, but many people still have leftovers to pay. To combat issues like this, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is working on a proposal called the “Tennessee Promise” that would combine the state’s excess lottery reserve funds with an endowment to allow all high school graduates to attend any two-year community college for free, according to The Jackson Sun. While the proposal will need work before it is finalized and passed, it’s a step in the right direction. A degree is becoming more and more necessary for even entry-level jobs today. How many people would be more willing and able to pursue a degree if they knew they could afford it? As for my sister, I hope she and my parents can find a school that has both a high quality of education and affordability.
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Photo provided by Lourdes Hurtado
Lourdes Hurtado, assistant professor of history, poses for a picture while in Peru. She will instruct a course on Latin American History through Food and Sport during the fall 2014 semester.
FC offers new and diverse courses By Ray Brents
rbrents@franklincollege.edu
Three new international exploratory courses have been added to the fall 2014 schedule. Alli Fetter-Harrott, assistant professor of political science, will teach Contemporary Ethiopia; Kathryn Johnston, modern languages instructor, will instruct the Jesuits in Latin America: Yesterday and Today; and Lourdes Hurtado, assistant professor of history, will teach Latin American History through Food and Sport. Even though these are 300-level courses, there are no prerequisites for any of the classes. “LAN 300 is considered a topics course,” Johnston said. “You don’t have to know anything about Latin American History, anything about Spain or Jesuits. You can take this course as a freshman.” Johnston taught for four years at Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School on the north side of Indianapolis. Because LAN 300 courses are often taught by language professors, Johnston can help students better understand the Jesuit influence on different tribes and cultures. “Geography, food, language, music, religion and history are the topics that will be covered during the course,” Johnston said.
Johnston is not the only professor with strong ties to the courses that she teaches. Fetter-Harrott said she thinks Franklin students will benefit from what Ethiopia has to offer as far as history, faith and culture. Not only does she have a love and strong interest for the country but Fetter-Harrott has family from Ethiopia as well. This course will cover Ethiopia’s history, politically, and its influence on culture today. “It’s great for us to add to our array of classes with Africa and on East Africa in particular,” Fetter-Harrott said. “Ethiopia has a really interesting history in terms of faith and an interesting and unique history on the continent. I would like for Franklin students to get to explore that further.” She said she hopes the class will be interactive and would like to add small events to help inform the class and campus. “I would like to screen a film on campus called ‘Town of Runners,’ about a world-famous coach from a town called Bekoji,” Fetter-Harrott said. “I would love to explore sport and running in Ethiopia, take a group to an Ethiopian restaurant, and celebrate the Ethiopian New Year, which will happen early on in the semester.”
One of Hurtado’s particular interests is in food and how it has an effect on society and the geographical regions people have lived in. She said she wants to help students understand how food and sports are affected by the influence of politics and even with nationalism. Atama Abdourahmane, a junior Spanish major, is currently enrolled in Hurtado’s class. “When I heard Franklin was offering a class about Latin America, I couldn’t contain my excitement,” Abdourahmane said. “It is really hard to find classes outside my Spanish major that deal with Latin American culture. So I think this class will be perfect in presenting Latin America through other lenses, and what better way of understand people than through what they eat and the sports they play.” Hurtado said she wants to explore how millions of people and societies were shaped by something as simple as a particular crop or food, such as corn or potatoes. “Food is a very good way to connect history,” Hurtado said. Soccer and baseball are the two sports that Hurtado wants to discuss, as well. See “New courses” on page 5
news
Tri Delta senior to work for sorority next year
By Halie Solea
halie.solea@franklincollege.edu
Senior Meghan Bender has her post-graduation plan set: she’ll be traveling a region of the country visiting various colleges as a Delta Delta Delta field consultant. Inspired by previous visitors, Bender said she couldn’t help but notice how much the field consultants seemed to enjoy themselves, as well as their natural charisma. She decided to research the job further. “It included traveling and Tri Delta, which are two things that I love,” Bender said. “It was the best of both worlds.” Bender found the one-year position appealing and well suited to her public relations major. Typically, the job consists of a group of graduating seniors who visit each chapter of Tri Delta in order to check in on their well-being and upkeep of the Tri Delta values. Junior Emma Peavey, Tri Delta president, said she knows Bender will help chapters problem solve “professionally and confidently.” It is also a field consultant’s job to promote good morale and communication among the groups. “It’s really about connecting with people,” Bender said, men-
tioning her hope to carry on the group’s cheerful reputation. “Meghan is one of the most joyful people in the sorority and she is perfect for this job,” Peavey said. “I have no doubt Ms. Bender will be just as charismatic as past field consultants.” The Franklin chapter’s alumna adviser Jenni Andrick recommended Bender for the position and described her personality as “warm and welcoming.” “I have never seen Meghan as anything but a leader,” Andrick said. “No matter what was going on in her life, she was always smiling. Even when she didn’t hold an officer position, she was always able to rally people in and get them excited about events, even ones she wasn’t planning.” Three of the biggest sorority-wide events Bender will work on include an upcoming convention in Indianapolis, the Collegiate Leadership Conference at headquarters in Arlington, Texas, and a trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the sorority’s philanthropy. While Bender anticipates those events to be highlights of the year, she also looks forward to continuing her experience with Tri Delta
after graduation and staying with the chapter members on their respective college campuses. “I think that there’s just something so lively about being on college campuses that it really appeals to me,” Bender said. “I’ve looked into possibly doing admissions, counseling or something in student affairs.” Bender said she might explore more career options with Tri Delta in the future, though field consultants are encouraged to take a year or two away from Greek life work after their first year in order to get a better feel for “the real world.” Until then, Bender is excited to let her future develop while she takes advantage of the opportunity to reach out to others like herself. “I hope that I can have an impact on college girls to make them realize that this is such a great opportunity to be a part of this sisterhood,” Bender said. “I know that great things are going to happen. I’ll miss Franklin College, but it will be refreshing, new and nice to try something different. It’s bittersweet.”
Halie Solea: The Franklin
Senior Meghan Bender will spend her first year postgraduation working as a field consultant for Delta Delta Delta’s national fraternity. She will travel across the country helping chapters promote good morale and communication.
Students to stay quiet, raise awareness against bullying By Brittney Corum
brittney.corum@franklincollege.edu
In 1996, approximately 150 students in Virginia started a project that would stand up to the cause of bullying by staying silent for 24 hours. On April 11, Franklin College will be participating in this event. “Another reason that the Day of Silence started is that kids that were being bullied were starting to take their own lives,” said Megan Curran, a junior and Grizzly Pride Alliance (GPA) treasurer. “This day is to recognize not only them, but the ones that are still bullied, but take it in silence.” Curran said some people go to the lengths of putting tape across their mouths for the en-
tire day; however, she said she doesn’t take it to that extreme. “I don’t sing, I don’t talk, I don’t even whisper. I just keep silent to let them know that I understand their pain and I’m supporting them,” Curran said. “You can’t answer your phone, sing in the shower, or in the car. You have to be silent for an entire day. Can you imagine how hard that is?” The Day of Silence became national in 2001 and now there are colleges and universities across the United States that participate each year. “(The) Office of Multicultural Services and Grizzly Pride Alliance co-sponsor this event,” Curran said.
“Anyone can be a part of this event, if you feel like bullying is something that you want to stand up for (against bullying) then you should do it. “ Curran advised students to make sure they had nothing important happening if they do participate. “If you have that interview that day or have to go to work, then don’t do it,” she said. Curran said a Day of Silence may be more effective than most people think. “People are going to be wondering why a person isn’t talking,” Curran said. “Any student can partake in this event; they don’t have be a part of the Grizzly Pride Alliance or Office of Multicultural Services. If a
student just wants to make a stand against bullying, they can take part.” GPA will have booths set up across campus about the event’s mission. There will also be printouts passed out that students can wear around their necks. “I was bullied in high school and lost friends because I supported my mom when she came out,” Curran said. “When you’re gay, lesbian, transgender, or even an ally to one of those people, there is still a side of people that will bully you, but staying silent for those who stay silent – this will cause more people to realize what is going on in this world.”
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how to
register for your room
Brace yourself: it’s almost room selection time at Franklin College.
If you have not already thought about it, you may want to make some decisions this weekend because room registration starts on Tuesday. To help you with that endeavor, check out these helpful hints to getting a room next year with people you like (or a room by yourself). 1. Who do you plan to live with? Will you be able to live with them for an entire year in a shared space? Sometimes, best friends are not meant to live together. It is a tough truth, but there are times that space is needed to keep all parties happy. An alternative to living with a friend is living next door to that person so that you each have a separate space. It works very well (in my experience). 2. Have a Plan B. Sometimes, you are not going to be lucky and get the room you want. Have a backup in mind in case it happens so you do not miss your second choice… or your third choice. 3. Once you know who will be your roommate, I recommend figuring out who is going to claim the room and send out the living requests. It eliminates the confusion during the actual process of all of you trying to grab the same room. Also, that’s fewer people trying to use the system. 4. If you are rooming with someone, try to be in a common location so everyone is on the same page during the entire process. If that one group grabs your selection before you can, you can quickly go to Plan B. On the other hand, if you grab the room first, you can celebrate together. It’s a win-win situation. Make sure to check your registration times. They are different from last year. 5. Find a place where connection to the internet will not be a problem. Wifi or 4G can be iffy on campus sometimes. I recommend using a location that you use when signing up for classes. 6. Most importantly, there is a survey that you must complete before registering. Do it before registration, so you do not have to do it the minute before registering. The link is housing.franklincollege.edu. Also on the website, you can check and see what rooms are available in each building as well as access a countdown that rolls down to when you are free to register.
Story and photos by Emily Metheny
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7.
If you have questions about the process of securing a room, use your resources. It is better to ask some questions than to miss out on the selection.
May the odds be ever in your favor. Top: On the website, you can choose a hall and then choose the level and wing. It is really, really helpful when planning to live next to your friends. Also, you can see who will be your neighbors before the next school year begins. Right: Junior Kate Miller and sophomore Emily Irvin are not roommates but they are suitemates in the Dietz Center. Just because a door seperates their living spaces, they can still visit each other’s rooms and have a party... a study party.
news >> PiContinued Beta Phi from page 1
Student Congress to hold Senior Citizen Prom By Ellie Price
ellen.price@franklincollege.edu
Although some FC students have organized dances for seniors in the past, Student Congress will hold its first Senior Citizen Prom Friday night Kurt Davis, a junior and the traditions and programs chair for Student Congress, invited adults who go to Franklin’s active adult center, and are older than 55, to come to the dance. But unlike some of the other similar dances, Student Congress’s dance is also open to all students and is held on campus. Davis has planned for 75 adults and 100 students to attend the dance, which will start at 6 p.m. on Friday in the Branigin room. The Western-themed dance will have music, food, Bingo, card games, door prizes and a dance floor. Davis came up with the idea for the event partially because of Student Congress’s goal to collaborate with the community.
“I hope a lot of students will come as well, so it’s not just us throwing a party for senior citizens,” said Tess Anglin, a junior and president of Student Congress. “Hopefully we can mesh and have fun together.” The Student Council at Davis’s high school in Cloverdale, Ind., held a similar event when he was a student, and he thought it would be good to bring the event to Franklin College. Anglin said even though other students have organized dances with Franklin’s active adult center in the past, Student Congress’s motivation for the event is a little different. “I think for a school project, you’re more focused on the ends than the means because you have a grade or certain goal you have to meet for the project,” Anglin said. “But I think we genuinely want to have a good event and give back to the Franklin community.”
“We thought about the characters, the kids from Willy Wonka, and what would tell their stories,” Pearson said. Tri Delta received third place two years ago, did not place last year, and then first on Tuesday. “I don’t remember the last time we got first,” Pearson said. “There were a lot of nights staying up late and working and it’s a really great feeling to see that pay off.” Clark said the event took roughly two months to plan. “I started early,” Clark said. “You have to find the judges, set up the room, collect registration and payment, print pamphlets and get music.” One difference this year is that a non-Greek organization – the RAs – participated. Clark said it’s good to get other groups on campus involved. “Everybody did a great job and you could tell there was a lot of hard work and effort put into it,” Clark said. “Everyone came out tonight.” Facts about literacy were shared throughout the evening, such as one in four children grow up func-
tionally illiterate. To help with the reading theme, a speed-reading contest was held at the end. Representatives from each team read a Dr. Seuss book as fast as possible out loud, for one minute. Tri Delta representative and senior Meghan Bender won by reading more than 200 words. “The speed-reads are so much fun,” Clark said. “We switched it up this year, which threw some people off. We didn’t do One Fish, Two fish because some people started memorizing it.” Clark said nationally, Pi Phi actually holds large speedreads across the country in an effort to raise more money. “They are awesome and it’s sad that we’re not on a big enough campus to hold one of the national events,” she said. For next year, Clark said she hopes even more teams participate to have fun and raise more money. “It’s always a big event and always a full house,” Clark said. “It’s great to see it continue to be a big event.”
>> New courses Continued from page 2 “When you think about countries like Brazil or Argentina, soccer is a very important component of these societies,” she said. “It’s an issue of identity.” These courses haven’t been offered at Franklin in the past and are a chance for Franklin
franklin Issue 16, Volume 110
The Franklin aims for accuracy and clarity in all articles. We take errors seriously and regret any mistakes. If you find an error, please send an email to thefranklin@franklincollege.edu.
students to get a better grasp on the world around them. “I like very much that professor Fetter-Harrott is going to teach the class on Ethiopia,” Hurtado said. “It’s something that puts you away from the regular classes we already have.”
Ellie Price Executive Editor Olivia Covington Opinion Editor Darian Eswine News Editor Caitlin Soard Features Editor Ben Brown Sports Editor Danielle Faczan Copy Chief Ryanne Wise Assistant Designer
Halie Solea Photo Editor Emily Metheny Special Pages Editor Alex Zimmerman Web Editor Jacie Shoaf Ads Manager Lesley Weidenbener Adviser Wendy Shapiro Adviser John Krull Publisher TheFranklinNews.com
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editorial Anna Wilson
Senior farewell: PSJ offered support Coming to Franklin, I had one thing on my radar: soccer. But that’s changed over my four years, and I owe it to the professors in the Pulliam School of Journalism. Whether it was a text to Hank about getting a lead on a story, after-hour calls to Joel about my video project, numerous office visits with Ann to get classes done in less than four years or Tuesday meetings with Wendy to help me get through the busiest semester ever, I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I truly value what I’ve learned from those who have helped mold me into the young woman I have always wanted to be, but there is one person in the PSJ that has influenced me the most. Lesley Weidenbener would go above and beyond for anyone she meets. She’s the most kind-hearted woman I know and has truly touched my life. I not only gained a mentor when I met her, but I gained a lifelong friend, which is the most valuable thing a person can have. There has never been a dull moment with Lesley, and I’ve come to find that we’re the same person, which isn’t so bad. Regardless of who has guided me in my journey through the PSJ, I always knew I could count on every one of them. They were my family away from home. To all of you, thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me, the laughs you’ve given me and the belief you’ve had in me. I will miss you all.
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Students should be aware of potentional dangers, take precautions to stay safe One of the appeals of Franklin College is its safety. Franklin is your typical small town where, if you ask some natives, “nothing ever happens.” For the most part, this is true. You rarely hear of any crimes around town or on campus. They do crop up every once in a while, though, like the attempted robbery behind Dietz last spring. No matter how safe a place is, it’s never perfect. However, Franklin students tend to take the campus’ inherent safety for granted and sometimes take unnecessary risks. In 2012, there were 17 reported burglary incidents either on campus or in campus houses, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, there were four reports of aggressive sex offenses that same year. The Department also reported two non-campus burglaries in 2012 in Franklin, and six burglaries on public property. There are six registered sex offenders within a half-mile radius of campus, and 12 within a two-mile radius, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. We don’t offer this information to scare current students or dissuade perspective students from coming to campus. Rather, we believe students need to be informed of the potential dangers in their area in order to keep themselves safe. Obviously, the town of Franklin isn’t quite as safe as it seems. The school does a good job of informing students if there is an incident in town, like the two bank robberies last school year. But students have a responsibility to themselves and to their friends to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves safe, especially when they’re out at night.
As freshmen, we’re given an extensive list of campus safety tips. It’s easy to dismiss this advice as unnecessary because we’ve heard it all before, but it’s actually genuinely important. Here are some safety tips we think are the most important:
• • • • •
Avoid walking alone at night. Be aware of your surroundings and recognize your own vulnerability. Know the location of campus emergency phones. Don’t get in a car with someone you don’t know. Lock your doors if you’re not in your room or car.
These are all words of wisdom we’re given not only at college, but even as children. But, our tendency to think that “nothing will ever happen to me” often clouds our judgment and makes us think we can get away with letting the rules slip. You may be able to let the rules slip a few times. But eventually you’ll get yourself into trouble if you ignore everything you’ve ever been taught about keeping yourself safe. These aren’t hard rules to follow. If you need to walk across campus after dark for some reason, ask your roommate or a friend. Chances are they’re going to be up for a while, anyway. Or, you can always call campus security and ask them to walk you to wherever you need to go. There are blue emergency phones outside of every residence hall on campus, so if you feel even slightly uncomfortable in a situation, go to the nearest one and call security for help. Obviously, if you have something valuable, lock it up whenever you’re
Our Position:
The Franklin editorial board believes Franklin College students should be aware of safety risks and should take measures to ensure their personal safety.
away from it. It’s your responsibility to keep your personal items safe. Students tend to ignore car safety more than any other type of safety. Whenever you’re driving, make sure you’re alert and sober. Whenever your friend is driving, make sure they’re in good condition. And don’t ever, under any circumstances, get in a car with someone you don’t know. Of all the safety tips listed above, the most important is the second: be aware of your surroundings and your vulnerability. It is completely up to you to keep yourself safe; don’t ever think, “It won’t happen to me,” because it just might. Again, we don’t want to scare students, we just want them to be safe. Everything we’ve said so far is review, but it’s a review we need. You’re in charge of your own self: take care. The editorial board represents the opinion of The Franklin and its staff members. The board meets once a week to discuss pressing issues relevant to Franklin College students. Meetings are moderated by Olivia Covington, the opinion editor. Board members are juniors Ann Gilly and Adam Lee, sophomore Caitlin Soard and freshman Brittney Corum. Ellie Price, the executive editor, sits on the editorial board. If you have an issue you would like the editorial board to consider, please feel free to email Olivia Covington at olivia.covington@franklincollege.edu.
opinion
provs. con Fun on Franklin’s campus Jefferson Street Pub, known as JSL, is one of students’ favorite restaurants in downtown Franklin.
Brittney Corum
On This Day in History: April 11
Ellie Price: The Franklin
Campus, town have fun options
Campus deserted on weekends
Franklin College may not have the big school atmosphere that many students want. It may be a small town of 24,000 people, according to the United States Census, but there are plenty of things to do on and around campus that are fun. Instead of sitting in your dorm room, lounging in the student center or “Saga sitting,” you can go out and enjoy a game of campus golf, if the weather permits it. It doesn’t matter what your skill level is; campus golf is just a way to get outside and hang out with friends while trying to hit the occasional passerby. If that doesn’t seem interesting, go play racquetball in the fitness center, or ping pong and pool in the student center. If physical activities aren’t enticing to you, then look elsewhere around town. Canary Creek is a great place to see a cheap movie, and the multiple restaurants in downtown Franklin and on US 31 have some great food that is affordable for college students. 66 Water Street is also a cheap and relaxed place created specifically for Franklin College students. The nightlife also has its opportunities for fun, with Bojak’s Bar & Grille, Jeff Street Pub and Grill Bar all within walking distance. Franklin may not have a wild party atmosphere or a city riddled with large malls and shopping centers, but it isn’t impossible to have fun. In the end it isn’t your location that decides whether or not you have fun, but rather the people you are with. If you enjoy those around you, then you will enjoy the time that is being spent with them.
When I came to college, I expected it to be a much more exciting place than the small, backwater town I grew up in. I was wrong. Franklin is very much a Monday through Friday school. What you don’t realize as a potential freshman touring the campus is that nearly everyone leaves campus on Friday afternoons, and they don’t come back until later in the day on Sunday. On the weekends, it’s like a ghost town around here. If you do stay, there’s hardly anything at all to do, particularly for students under 21 or those who aren’t involved with Greek life. The most fun I have is almost always spent away from Franklin. I like my professors and classmates and I think this is a great campus, but there’s just not a lot provided outside of classes. The actual town of Franklin offers very little; there’s the Artcraft, a few restaurants and that’s about it. You can always trek to Greenwood or Indianapolis to go shopping or to a movie, but that can get costly, and finding someone who’s around on a Saturday afternoon can prove to be difficult. I think if Franklin provided more entertainment opportunities – local music, community events, art shows, etc. – students would be more likely to stick around on the weekends, and everyone would benefit from it. The economy would get a little boost, and the campus would look more like an actual college and less like a deserted wasteland from Friday night until Sunday afternoon.
Adam Lee
Caitlin Soard
Everyone knows about the famous Napoleon – the one that decided to take over France and the rest of Europe, not the dork in the movie. On April 11, 1814, this charismatic French leader was forced to give up his throne and live in exile on a Mediterranean island. Napoleon was born on the French island of Corsica near the Italian coast in 1769. After attending military school, he fought in the French Revolution, worked his way to the top of the French military and established a military dictatorship in France. He declared himself emperor in 1804. But Napoleon wasn’t happy with only having France under his rule, and by 1810 he had control of most of Europe. In 1812, however, his power began to dwindle. He heard a rumor that the Russians planned on forming an alliance with England, so the dictator decided to invade Russia. This plan failed and Napoleon and his troops were forced to retreat back to France, where Napoleon officially abdicated his throne. He didn’t stay in exile forever, though. In March of 1815, Napoleon escaped exile and went to Paris. He redeclared himself Emperor Napoleon the First and began his Hundred Days reign. In the following June of 1815, Napoleon’s second reign came to an end after the Battle of Waterloo against the British. This battle signaled the end of France’s conquest of Europe. Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of South Helena, where he died at the age of 52, possibly of stomach cancer, or possibly from poisoning.
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Photo provided by Leslie Johnson
Photos provided by Emily Metheny
The religious life team took 20 students on a mission trip to New York City to volunteer in soup kitchens, food banks and clothing banks (left). Habitat for Humanity took students and faculty to Lexington, Ky., for the eighth year to work on a house foundation (right).
Students spend spring break on service trips By Amanda Creech
amanda.creech@franklincollege.edu
Members of Habitat for Humanity and the religious life team spent their spring break helping others in need. Habitat for Humanity went to Lexington, Ky., to work with its affiliate to build a house. The religious life team visited New York City to volunteer in food banks, clothing banks and a soup kitchen. Sophomore Shannon Murphy and junior Megan Stroude were two of eight students who went with Habitat for Humanity to work on the foundation of a house. This was their first trip with Habitat. “It was a really good experience,” Murphy said. “We met one of the families that was getting a house there, so it was kind of cool to meet someone that was going to be living in one of the houses we were building.” Stroude said she had a lot of fun on the trip and that the students who went were “cool.” “It was just really fun to spend a week helping others rather than just going to relax on a beach in Florida,” Stroude said. Doug Grant, service-learning coordinator and adviser for Habitat,
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accompanied the students on the trip. He said this was the eighth year Franklin had chosen to go to Lexington. Grant said Habitat offers the Collegiate Challenge to hundreds of colleges and there are many locations colleges and universities can choose to go to over spring break. “The first few years I was here we went some pretty heavy distances,” Grant said. “There was a group that went to Denver; we went to Americus, Ga.; and another year we went to Cleveland. One year we decided to just make it a three-hour driving distance and Lexington was needing groups. We just gave it a try and it’s worked out so well we just kept going every year.” Grant said he enjoys Lexington because it is farther south so it’s a little warmer, and the relationship between Franklin and Lexington is closely knit. “We’re their favorite because we usually have really good groups,” Grant said. “Even if we don’t have that much talent as far as what we’re able to do, they all work hard and that makes a huge difference.” Habitat for Humanity also helps with a wildlife sanctuary, a decon-
struction site and helped Lexington’s Habitat clean up their office. The religious life team took five faculty and staff members and fifteen students. Senior Leslie Johnson said religious life took anyone who wanted to go. They spent the week in New York at the Metro Baptist Church. The program, Johnson said, was the Urban Immersion program through the Metro Baptist Church, which offered one or two days of small, educational info sessions about the homeless population in New York City and AIDs epidemics. “Most of the afternoons and some of the mornings we did actual service work,” Johnson said. “So we would be in the food banks and in the clothing banks and one evening a group even did the actual soup kitchen as well.” Religious life goes on a mission trip every spring break, and Johnson said they went on the same New York trip three years ago, in the spring of 2011. Sophomore Cody Warren, who went with religious life, said he enjoyed being in the middle of New York City and helping others.
“It was about a five minute walk from Time Square,” he said. “Then on top of that, we helped the homeless. We packaged over 10,000 pounds of food in one day, we went to a soup kitchen and served over 600 homeless people, we went to a food pantry and handed out food to over 500 families, and we also did an after-school program in Harlem.” Both organizations spent their time helping others, and Grant said he enjoyed the experience of working with others and getting the chance to help someone in need. “It’s empowering when you help somebody roofing their house,” he said. “And when you leave at the end of the day, you know that they are going to be warm and dry in that house.” Johnson said she grew up doing service work and liked the opportunity to continue that in college. “It’s something I enjoy and it just seemed right to have another trip to see a new city and do a little more service work,” Johnson said.