VSU Spectator E-Print Edition 9-25

September 25, 2019

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Special Edition

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September 11, 2019

News Student loans:

Totally predatory or a steppingstone?

Isabella Schneider

Staff Writer imschneider@valdosta.edu A reality for many students on campus is that without the help of financial aid, more specifically loans, most would not be attending VSU. Everyone knows the horror stories of graduates having loan debt in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and working their entire leaves to pay it off . The financial aid office at VSU even advises students to completely avoid them if they can.

However, loans don’t have to be a dark cloud invading your credit report.

The obvious benefit is that student loans do help students afford college. After all, college is not cheap, but loans can make it possible to pay for most of your tuition or other things such as books or supplies. But, like the aid office says, a loan should be used responsibly and students should only take out the amount needed.

Instead of something you must pay back, you should look at a loan as an investment in your future.

Since student loans can help with the relief of having to worry about paying for school, this, in turn, can let students focus on what’s most important: school, and growing and learning in your field.

Another benefit to utilizing student loans is being able to build credit when paying off the loan.

Paying the loan bill on time every month can help students build a good credit score. This can help later when there is a bigger investment that requires a review of

Photo Courtesy of Pexel.

Since student loans can help with the relief of having to worry about paying for school, this, in turn, can let students focus on what’s most important: school, growing and learning in your field.

credit history and credit score.

On the flip side, loans can be quite expensive. Depending on how much is taken out, it can certainly add up quickly over the four years that a student attends school. Loans usually also have an interest rate that accompanies the loan that can range from 4.5 to 7 percent. This makes the debt you pay off expensive.

Even for undergrads, this means students are already in debt. After graduation, students may focus more on paying back loans than what the next steps are in their

education or career path.

To prevent this, make sure to pay the loan bill every month and even create a timeline of how much money should be saved each year to pay off the debt promptly.

Tracking the receipts and remaining balance is a must.

The length of time it takes to pay off a loan can seem daunting, but a good tip to alleviate that is to pay extra on your minimum payment whenever you can. Doubling up on your minimum payment can cut your time by half, meaning five years can turn into two-

Driving under the influence at VSU Logan Gullage

Staff Writer ltgullage@valdosta.edu It’s no secret that college students enjoy a good party every now and then. The drinks come out and sometimes things get out of hand. It’s also no secret that many college students believe themselves to be invincible, and convince themselves that they are okay to drive after “just a few too many.” Although, Georgia residents may want to think twice before getting behind the wheel, for more than a few reasons.

“When it comes to driving under the influence, Georgia has been ranked the third strictest state with laws concerning the issue.”

According to an article by “Driving Laws,” even driving under the influence for the first time

could land you anywhere from a $300-$1000 fine. A student or any drunk driver could also find themselves in jail for 10 days all the way up to a year, depending on the severity of the arrest.

The article also said that drivers found to be under the influence may receive a “12-month suspension but may be reinstated after 120 days if the driver completes a DUI education program and pays a $200 reinstatement fee.” When it comes to young adults who are under 21 drinking and driving, “you can expect to lose your driver’s license for a minimum of six months with no work or school permit available.”

So, what does this mean for students? The phrase has been repeated for years and years; simply do not drink and drive. There are several alternatives to getting home after a fun night out.

The most common form of prevention is having a DD, or designated driver. This person should be a close friend or family member who refrains from consuming any alcohol throughout the night.

The role of a DD is a simple one: deliver the intoxicated person

or persons to their homes or a safe place where they can spend the night. This option is the most common because it provides students with a safe place to go, while also keeping them in the care of a sober driver.

Another alternative to getting home safe is Uber and Lyft. These services are similar to taxi drivers who can come pick you up and drop you off at any location at pretty much any time of day or night. These drivers are trusted to be sober and safe, but always be cautious when getting into one of these cars while intoxicated.

Drunk driving compromises the safety of not only the driver, but also other drivers. They are risking the lives of the other passengers in the vehicle, and also other people driving on the roads.

Instead of risking countless lives by drinking and driving, focus on which option suits you and your friend group best. Decide on a designated driver or discuss getting an Uber/Lyft. Every student must decide which option is best suited for their situation, because no one’s life is worth ruining over an easily avoidable mistake.

and-a-half easily.

Knowing the long-term goals and what options are available is essential to using a loan effectively without too much stress. Be sure to utilize other outlets such as scholarships or federal funding before resorting to student loans.

The Office of Financial Aid offers services to help students with information regarding loans as well as scholarships, grants and if you qualify for things such as work-study.

Students should use loans in a way that will be a stepping stone

because not only is it an investment, it will also be a big benefit to their credit if used right.

Good credit can get you that nice car, apartment or big-ticket item even if you don’t have the physical cash now.

Loans are not completely predatory; they are more like a tool to get you what you need and a chance to show how responsible you are with finances. If used right, the rewards are plentiful. If used wrong, the suffering will be immense.

ELI searches for VSU volunteers Jasmin Small

Staff Writer jismall@valdosta.edu The English Language Institute (ELI) is in search of volunteers for its Conversation Partner Program.

The ELI is one of VSU’s numerous academic programs.

Formed in 2001 with the goal of giving students the experience of different cultures while also improving their English language skills.

“ELI’s Conversation Partner Program allows students to improve not only their English language skills, but also their academic and professional expertise.”

Students are provided with knowledge about other cultures in

order to help them function in and outside of the United States.

With these goals, students are always able to find something in the program that will help them in their future. Every student enters the program with a goal and they are individually assisted in reaching them.

The ELI believes “that what you learn in the classroom should be reinforced outside the classroom.” For this reason, the Conversation Partner Program created activities for the students to partake in outside of school.

Activities include volunteer work, local areas of interest trips and trips to Orlando, Savannah, Atlanta, and other exciting areas.

The ELI program is an opportunity to meet new people, make new experiences and make friends along the way. There are also opportunities to travel abroad.

Regular meetings will be held every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the ELI Annex Building at 111 W. Moore St. next to the Student Health Center.

For more information email Chris Wise at cwise@valdosta.edu or call (229) 219-1246.

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September 25, 2019

Blazers continue atop DII ranking Prince Robinson Jr.

Sports Editor parobinson@valdosta.edu If you are not first, you’re last.

For quite some time, the Blazers haven’t felt what it was like to be at the bottom.

Not even second.

The Blazers entered the 2019 season on a 15-game win streak.

Now with three victories in, it doesn’t seem like the excitement and winning ways to slow down anytime soon, as they sit atop the Division II power rankings.

The Blazers defeated Albany State on the road in the season opener, 38-3.

Prior to the opener, the Golden Rams received some votes in the NCAA preseason poll, as some hoped they would improve after a 7-4 season in 2018.

Then came the unknown: Ohio Dominican.

Much like the ASU, the Panthers received votes coming into the season. In the national showcase in DII, the Blazers made it a non-existent contest, defeating the Panthers 48-21 at BazemoreHyder Stadium.

Ohio Dominican is 2-0 versus formidable teams outside of their only loss to the Blazers.

Last weekend, then-No. 20 West Alabama came to town in a top-25 matchup that warranted all eyeballs.

The Blazers turned that hype into business, taking down the Tigers, 44-27.

The Blazers went into halftime with a 12-point lead over the Tigers, never trailing less than double-digits all the way to the last whistle.

At 3-0, the Blazers and West Georgia are the only undefeated squads in the Gulf South Conference this season.

The two will meet in the regular season finale in Carrollton, Georgia on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

In the meantime, it should be noted that saying the Blazers are “winning” is an understatement.

Three games are a small sample size, but they have been dominant over those games, defeating opponents with an average 26.3-point margin a game.

Gary Goff is in his first year at head coach for the Blazers and it has been an impressive start to the season.

There was a growing sense that the Blazers would take a huge drop off with the departure of Kerwin Bell.

The Blazers averaged 52 points a game last year, never actually in a close game until the national title game against Ferris State where they won 49-47.

So far, the Blazers average 43.33 points a game, tops in the conference. Also, they only give up an average 17 points a game, third in the GSC. A perfect balance for a team looking to repeat. For what it’s worth, being ranked No. 1 is exactly where the Blazers should be.

Onesided: Blazers, Hawks have weird history Prince Robinson Jr.

Sports Editor parobinson@valdosta.edu Lopsided.

That’s the one word I would use to describe the football history of the Blazers versus Shorter.

Since their first matchup in October of 2012, Shorter has found it nearly impossible to defeat the Blazers.

In seven games all-time, the Blazers are undefeated against the Hawks.

In their most recent matchup which took place at BazemoreHyder Stadium on Sept. 9, 2018, the Blazers defeated the Hawks, 52-0.

Rushing was in abundance as Blazers running back Jamar Thompkins amassed 115 yards and a score on 11 carries.

Seth McGill added 98 yards and a game-high two rushing touchdowns.

Quarterback Rogan Wells had a lackluster evening, passing for 192 yards and one score.

He was 12-of-30 passing in the game, which was his worst of the 2019 season.

Back-up signal caller Ivory Durham filled in where Wells couldn’t, passing for 113 yards and two scores.

The Blazers offense totaled 583 yards to just 223 for the Hawks.

A year prior, the Hawks lost with the same 52-0 score on their home turf.

The Blazers controlled the football, running 88 plays to 49 by the Hawks.

What makes matters a bit worse is the Hawks have not scored a single point against the Blazers for three straight years.

On Oct. 22, 2015, the Hawks came within eight minutes of rewriting history and downing the Blazers.

After an 81-yard run late in the fourth quarter by former Hawks running back B.J McCoy, the Hawks trailed 27-22.

Then the Blazers happened.

A field goal and a 91-yard run from former Blazers running back Cedric O’Neal sealed the deal, winning 37-22.

It was the shortest margin of victory in the contest.

This was the first time the Hawks scored in double-figures against the Blazers.

And only.

This year is anticipated to be no different with the Hawks opening the season with three consecutive losses, most recently to Fort Valley State, 30-23.

Shorter ranks last in the Gulf South Conference in offense and defense with averages of 15.7 points per game and 40 points allowed per game, respectively.

The Blazers hold a 3-0 record, currently riding a program record 18-game win streak.

The two will face off for the eighth time in Rome, Georgia on Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.

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September 25, 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT Twitter fingers turned to trigger fingers: the full Tekashi69 breakdown Malia Thomas

Entertainment Editor malithomas@valdosta.edu It looks like rapper Tekashi69 may want to consider a career shift, because he is singing like a canary in the courthouse concert that is the federal 6ix9ine trial.

Tekashi, born Daniel Hernandez, has been held in the New York federal prison Rikers Island since November, 2018, due to his affiliation with the criminal organization “Nine Trey Bloods.”

He was charged with a laundry list of serious felonies, ranging from racketeering, assault and possession of a firearm.

He was facing up to 47 years in prison, so Hernandez decided to take a plea bargain with the New York state prosecution. Now he is holding up his end of the bargain, and his testimony can only be described as straight out of a movie.

The prosecution had Tekashi testify about how he became affiliated with Nine Trey. He revealed that he was a ‘studio gangster’: in other words, he portrayed a tough image to sell records.

He grew up in Brooklyn, and he worked a variety of odd jobs such as a grocery bagger and busboy in his teen years. He made it clear he was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was not ‘gangbanging’, as his music implied.

Hernandez was at his grocery job when music producer Peter Rogers introduced himself and commented he liked Hernandez’s look. Rogers then suggested they work together on a musical career.

“At the store I was working in, Stay Fresh Grill, there was a guy by the name of Peter Rogers

The Tekashi69 drama plays out like a classic telanovels.

always coming in there, buying things like tilapia, peanuts, stuff like that,” Hernandez said. “He asked me if ‘I made music, if I rap’. I was like ‘No’. And he was like: ‘Well, you got the image for it. You look cool’. I like, you know, took it into consideration, and we started making music with the guy.”

With this partnership, Hernandez toured Eastern Europe as an underground rapper, and his career hit peak success when he linked up with a high-ranking member of the Nine Trey gang, music executive Kifano ‘Shotti’ Jordan, for a music video for his 2017 single ‘Gummo’.

Jordan, owner of the record label Trey Way Entertainment, convinced Hernandez to join the label and affiliate with the gang.

Hernandez avoided typical gang initiation rituals such as being

‘jumped’ in (which involves physical assault of the initiate) or having to commit a crime, and he simply hired Shotti as his manager. He even started shouting out ‘Trey Way’ in his music to promote Nine Trey.

When questioned why he would associate himself with a dangerous gang when his career seemed to be going smoothly, Hernandez noted that rappers are expected to have a ‘hardcore’ image, and he thought that his affiliation would promote that image.

“Like the credibility. Street credibility. The videos, the music, the protection. All the above.”

In return, Hernandez offered the Nine Trey financial backing. Then the floodgates opened.

Tensions between Hernandez and Jordan were near immediate.

Hernandez testified that he was frustrated by Nine Trey taking

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

additional money from him on the backend of his music deals and exhorting him. Jordan took issue with Hernandez’s disillusionment with the gang.

This culminated in a July 22 incident, where Hernandez was robbed and kidnapped. Hernandez initially announced on social media that it was an inside job, and he tearfully confirmed on the witness stand that members of Nine Trey set him up, forced him to the back of his vehicle, put a gun up to his temple, beat him and stole $350,000 worth of money and jewelry.

“Damn, they caught me slipping, it’s over,” Hernandez said.

“I’m pleading with my heart: ‘Yo, don’t shoot.”

Hernandez claimed the civil war didn’t stop there. He claimed that Jordan continued to embezzle money from him, totaling out to

$22 million. To add further insult to injury, Jordan allegedly slept with Hernandez’s then-girlfriend Jade, whose full name has been redacted from all records.

The personal tensions reached a fever pitch when in November of 2018, two weeks before the Nine Trey police crackdown, Tekashi fired his entire team. This led to a social media firestorm and angry fans complaining about him missing tour dates and shows.

Behind closed doors, law enforcement was closing in. Arrests were in order for eleven Nine Trey members, including Hernandez and Jordan.

Nine Trey was not the only set implicated by Hernandez. He confirmed fellow rappers Jim Jones and Cardi B as being associated with the Bloods.

Of all the defendants of the trial, so far only Hernandez and Jordan have pleaded out. Jordan was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on September 20, 2019.

His testimony sparked a firestorm on social media, namely Twitter. Users were joking and fearing for his safety due to Nine Trey’s street code “snitches end up in ditches”.

These fears were realized when prosecutors played leaked audio from a phone conversation between Jim Jones and Nine Trey leader Jamel ‘Mel Murda’ Jones during Day 3 of Hernandez’s testimony. Jones advised ‘Mel Murda’ to ‘violate’ Hernandez for being a ‘fake gang member’ and for telling on the Bloods.

As the 6ix9ine trial ends, only time will tell if Hernandez will receive witness protection, a career resurrection, or violent retribution from the streets.

Candance Owens got a taste of TIP at the Revolt Summit Logan Gullage

Staff Writer ltgullage@valdosrta.edu The recent ‘Revolt’ summit that took place in Atlanta has raised many eyebrows.

The event consisted of many different voices such as Killer Mike, T.I., and Candace Owens discussing politics and other topics surrounding the black community.

At one point, rapper T.I. and conservative commentator Candace Owens got into a heated argument on stage.

Owens was discussing President Trump’s infamous slogan “Make America Great Again” and how it is taken specifically by the black community.

T.I. stopped Owens in the middle of her argument to ask her, “When you say ‘Make America Great Again’, which period are we talking about?” He said. “The period when women couldn’t vote? The period when we were hanging from trees? Or the crack era? Which period in America are you trying to make America like again?”

This question seemed to stump Owens. She hesitated before

Photos Courtesy MGN Online

Candance Owens and TI was the highlight of the Revolt Summit.

avoiding the question, “America was one of the first…slavery was all over the world,” Owens said.

Her off-topic response sent the crowd into a sea of booing and angry yelling.

“Why are you booing a fact? I haven’t gotten to my point yet,” She said.

Her and T.I. then continued to go back and forth until Owens was eventually silenced and frus-

trated by the lack of understanding from the panel as well as the audience.

T.I. explained that the beginning of Owens argument was not strong enough, and that is why the crowd had the response they did.

“You started with some bullshit,” He said.

The fact that Owens could not finish her sentence caused some

critics to argue that she could have had a solid answer after her initial point was made. However, many Twitter users began to shame and Owens due to her support of Trump and his slogan.

Throughout the panel, Owens was discussing the good aspects of Trump and people with conservative views in general. T.I. was discussing the opposing views

which caused a clashing of opinions and a heated debate.

Killer Mike interrupted the tension with wise words of advice.

“What y’all are seeing right now is free people arguing over what master to serve,” he said. “The proper course of action is creating your own agenda and goals.”

The Revolt Summit claims to be more than just a conference, but a 3-day experience that celebrates the Power of Hip Hop, connecting people who are passionate about building their dreams, taking control of their future and pushing the culture forward, but the dialogue left many wondering whether that was the truth.