Back to School Edition August 2016
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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
August 15, 2016
Welcome to the next era of news Gabe Burns
Letter from the Editor
The Spectator, as most newspapers in America, is in a transition period. News is becoming more and more digital-based as technology continues to grow. As a result, papers from The Spectator to The Valdosta Daily Times to the New York Times are forced to adapt. This is the beginning of a new Spectator. Fall semester will feature more digital media than years past. While we will continue to print weekly, there’s an increasing emphasis on our social media, website and app. Details will be unveiled as the semester continues. Regardless of the platform, The Spectator is dedicated to bringing news to the VSU community. We will be your go-to source for breaking stories, features on campus figures, sports updates and everything else. As a student-run publication independent of the university, we operate with complete freedom. We will investigate any potential story with the school’s best interests at heart. The new era will bring with it immense changes and a renewed focus on VSU-related content. What does that mean? Innovation. It means cooperating with other schools, producing podcasts and more visual media to expand our own brand and enhancing your college experience. If you have any tips, story ideas, interest in contributing or just want to meet the reporters, come visit us in 1238 Hopper Hall, tweet/message @vsuspectator on Twitter and Instagram, or call our office: 229-333-5688. As Editor-in-Chief, my door is always open. Feel free to email me at gcburns@valdosta.edu, message me on Twitter: @GabeBurns_DN, or call/text 229-251-8895. We’re looking forward to the best semester The Spectator has ever had, and we wish each of you the same fortune. Let’s get it started …
Editor-in-Chief gcburns@valdosta.edu
Get connected to VSU wi-fi: How do you connect to VSUWiFi for the first time? Where available (Residence Halls, Odum
Library, Bailey Science Center):
1.
Select VSU-WiFi in your network list on your device
2.
Enter your MyVSU username and password.
3.
If prompted, choose Trust the certificate.
IT Contact Info
How do you connect to VSU-Personal if returning?
Phone: 229: 245: HELP (4357)
Where available
Email: helpdesk@valdosta.edu Web: www.valdosta.edu/ helpdesk Twitter: @VStateIT
(Buildings not listed on the left): 1.
Select VSU-StartHere in your network list
2.
Launch your web browser to connect via
the SmartPass Connect Wizard
3.
After completing the steps provided by the wizard, your device will be moved to the VSU-Personal network
Philo TV is now at VSU -Philo connects with the VSU campus network and offers 42 HD channels -Carry Philo TV with you on your computer, tablet or phone -Each student is given DVR storage and unlimited recording power with his or her account -For information on applying, visit http://www.valdosta. edu/administration/student-affairs/housing/apply/welcome.php or see your housing portal.
Stone Creek Golf Course • Affordable Student Rates for
Blazer Pride is searching for individuals who are “professional, eager, dedicated sports enthusiasts” to join its team.
18 Holes of Golf • Affordable Student Memberships
PGA Professional On Site For Lessons
COME PLAY OUR CHAMPIONSHIP QUALITY gagolf.com GOLF COURSE!
4553 Greenway Drive, Valdosta
Blazer Pride Interest Meeting:
229.247.2527 ext.2
The organization is hosting a meet and greet at the Athletic Field House August 25 at 6 p.m.
August 15, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
Gabe Burns Editor-In-Chief
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Mayah Cantave Managing Editor
Official classification: Senior Major/Minor: Journalism Hometown: Valdosta, Georgia Length of time with the Spectator: One year Positions held over that time period: asst. sports editor, sports editor Favorite song: “Sugar” by Maroon 5 Favorite movie: “Captain America: Civil War” Favorite book: “The Best Team Money Can Buy: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Wild Struggle to Build A Baseball Powerhouse” by Molly Knight Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams: I want to be a professional sports reporter in a major market. Weird fact about you: I know the words to almost every Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande song.
Julia Rodriquez Opinions Editor Official classification? Junior Major/Minor? English with an emphasis in Journalism Hometown? Fort Plain, New York Length of time with the Spectator? Two semesters Positions held over that time period? Staff writer, assistant Favorite song? I don’t really have a favorite song, but my favorite artist is Eminem. Favorite movie? “The Green Mile” Favorite book? “Invisible Monsters” by Chuck Palahniuk Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? To find a reliable job after graduation that I love and to one day publish a book. Weird fact about you? I hate when people touch my knee caps.
Michaela Leung Copy Editor Official classification? Senior Major/Minor? Mass Media, Institutional Cross-Training Certificate in Journalism Hometown? Bronx, New York Length of time with the Spectator? 1st Year Positions held over that time period? Copy Editor Favorite song? “Immortal” by Kid Cudi Favorite movie? “Trainspotting” Favorite book? “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? I aspire to be a journalist. My dream job is to be a news anchor or the editor-in-chief of a major magazine. Weird fact about you? I can only drink water when it’s bottled.
Kyle Dawson Sports Editor
Official classification? Senior Major/Minor? Mass Media/Journalism Hometown? Vada, Georgia Length of time with the Spectator? One year Positions held over that time period? Circulation Manager, Photo Editor Favorite song? “March Madness” by Future Favorite movie? “Forrest Gump” Favorite book? “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? I want to one day be able to go to sporting events for free and write stories about them. Weird fact about you? I am from so far out in the country that I wasn’t able to get high speed internet until my senior year of high school.
Kayla Stroud Web Editor Official classification? Senior Major/Minor? Major: Journalism ... Minor: Graphic Design Hometown? Leesburg, Ga Length of time with the Spectator? Been here since Fall of 2014 Positions held over that time period? Web Editor and SpecTech Editor Favorite song? Blackbear Remix) by Billie Eilish Favorite movie? HUGE horror movie fan Favorite book? Current favorite: The Sea of Tranquility Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? Short term goal: Keep my dorm room clean for more than a week and to get a job in my dream profession– journalism. Weird fact about you? I have a fear of butterflies. Hate 'em.
M E E T T H E S T A F F
Official classification? Senior Major/Minor? English-Journalism Hometown? New York, New York Length of time with the Spectator? 3 Years Positions held over that time period? Staff Writer, asst. social media, asst. opinions editor, college life editor Favorite song: “n.A.A.d city” by Kendrick Lamar Favorite movie? “Leon: The Professional” Favorite book? “Mud Vein” by Tarryn Fisher Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? I have no idea. I’m making it up as I go, hopefully moving towards success. Weird fact about you? I have an obsession with Spiderman.
Blake Clark Photo Editor Official classification? Carbon-based, multicellular, organism / artist Major/Minor? Anthropology Hometown? Good ole Valdosta, Georgia y’all! Length of time with the Spectator? One Week Positions held over that time period? Photo Editor Favorite song? “Mmbop” by Hanson Favorite movie? “The Little Mermaid” Favorite book? “The Hobbit” Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? I wish I was a little bit taller. I wish I was a baller. I wish I had a rabbit in a hat with a bat and sixfour Impala. Weird fact about you? I scare very easily because I’m paranoid.
Kelsey Dickerson College Life/Features Editor Official classification? Sophomore Major/Minor? Journalism Major Hometown? Moultrie, Georgia Length of time with the Spectator? 2 semesters Positions held over that time period? Staff writer, Assistant college life editor Favorite song? “A Little Less Sixteen Candles” by Fall Out Boy Favorite movie? Maybe Disney's “Tarzan” Favorite book? Sylvia Plath's “The Bell Jar,” “The Girls” by Emma Cline, and “Brain on Fire” by Susannah Cahalan Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? To make it to graduation with a 4.0 gpa. Weird fact about you? When I was younger I was extremely afraid of Mike Myer's Cat in the Hat character from the 2003 movie remake and would have nightmares about it.
Tyra Mills Social Media Editor Official classification? Super Senior (Or Just Senior..) Major/Minor? Mass Media Hometown? Columbus, Georgia Length of time with the Spectator? 3 Years Positions held over that time period? Web Editor Assistant, Web Editor, Photo Editor Favorite song? “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson Favorite movie? Disney’s “Hercules” Favorite book? “Where The Sidewalk Ends” Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams?I hope to be a radio host or TV personality, and a Youtuber partner. Weird fact about you? I had a nightmare about a hair brush once.
Darian Harris Multi-Media Editor Official classification? Sophomore Major/Minor? Dual major Art / Interdisciplinary Studies; Marketing Minor Hometown? Atlanta Length of time with the Spectator? 3rd Semester Positions held over that time period? Freelance Photographer; Multimedia Editor Favorite song? “Through The Wire” by Kanye West Favorite movie? “Friday After Next” Favorite book? currently; “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon Aspirations? Goals? Hopes & dreams? Own a studio in Midtown overlooking the skyline. Weird fact about you? I have a pet snake.
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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
August 15, 2016
Things to keep in mind... Julia Rodriquez
Opinions Editor jlrodriquez@valdosta.edu
Students are here to help one another. Be sure to reach out when the opportunity presents itself.
Whether this is your first year, last year, or anything in between, there are a few things for us all to keep in mind. First of all, VSU is always changing and improving, so no matter how long you have been a student, there are constantly new things to check out. Some of the dining options, for example, have been replaced, improved or moved. Besides remembering to look for new features of the school, there are social things to keep in mind as well. Through the stress and fluster of starting a new semester, we often forget about
those back home. Try to squeeze in a phone call to a loved one at least once a week. Through the ups and downs you will face this semester, family will always stand behind you and it is important to keep that bond. After the needed phone call, take a step back and breathe. Relearn your coping methods for stress. No matter how bad things seem to get, you can always move past it. One failed test is not the end of the world, but try not to make a habit of it. Friends come and go, and though it may hurt, it is usually for the best. Keep in mind, it is always okay to ask for help. Through the personal struggles you may encounter, consider that
there are those around you who are facing their own mountains. Be kind. Though you may not be a new student, there are many around you who could ask for your assistance finding or doing something. Remember that you were once in their shoes. Additionally, just because you are kind, does not mean someone will be kind in return, but do not let your positivity waver. Everyone has an off day, so try to give others the benefit of the doubt. You can achieve any goal you set for yourself. Work hard and keep your head up. Good luck and have a great semester.
Dear Freshmen... Tyra Mills
Welcome to your first year of college! This will be one of the most painfully beautiful phases of your life. I don’t mean painful as in literally but figuratively. It is time to grow up and with growing up comes growing pains. You are now your own adult. You have to be responsible for your actions, your health and your overall well-being! Your parents won’t be around to make you do homework or make sure you have something to eat for dinner. They won’t be around to make you go to class or force you to study! Everything falls on you now and that’s a good thing. As far as your college experience goes, your best bet is to get involved. Find organizations on campus that pique your interest and join them! Don’t be afraid to socialize and make friends! If you need a place to study or just need some peace and quiet, go to the library! Odum is your best friend, but get there early if you want a study room. Be respectful to your roommates and always be considerate. The biggest mistake you can make is getting caught up in the fast life of college and forgetting to take care of yourself. College can be fun, but it also has a lot of distractions. Remember why you came here: to get a degree! Don’t lose sight of your main goal. Always keep a positive attitude this year, and you can overcome anything. Good luck!
Social Media Editor tnmills@valdosta.edu
Blake Clark/THE SPECTATOR Freshmen lives have been dominated by move-in week prior to classes starting Monday.
The Spectator Recruiting For Fall 2016 Graphic Designers - Print, Web & Mobile Advertising Sales Representatives Marketing Assistants Writers Copy Editors Photographers Videographers Assistant Editors All Majors Are Encouraged To Apply
Marketing & Design Positions Require 15 Hours Weekly
Sociology Anthropology Geography / Geology History Philosophy Li Literature Political Science
To A p p l y : Email Cover Letter, Resume & Samples of Work To: Aimee Napier, Advertising Manager acnapier@valdosta.edu or
Gabe Burns, Editor in Chief gcburns@valdosta.edu
August 15, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
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A Blast from the recent past: Dear Sophomores Letter from a former editor
Jordan Barela
Former Editor-in-chief jlbarela@valdosta.edu When I wrote my goodbye letter in May, I thought I was saying goodbye to The Spectator for good. I was wrong. When the people who take over after you graduate are good friends of yours, and threaten you into this writing this letter, you have to go through with it. Life after VSU has been great so far. Within the few short months after graduation, I have spent time with family, caught up on a lot of Netflix and started my career. I somehow escaped the postgraduation cliché of not being able to find a job. Now, I am a reporter for the Times-Enterprise in Thomas-
ville — my first big boy job. I took all that I learned from The Spectator and applied everything to my job. The endless layout nights, the constant coffee runs and hours spent writing, talking to sources, and working on deadline only transferred to a new place. Even if you end up in the post-graduation slump, don’t worry. The job you want is out there — you just have to go find it. If I had to pick where I wanted to end up after VSU, it would have been Atlanta, New York City or any other city with a Chipotle and a big enough newspaper. Sometimes there is beauty in not ending up where you thought or wanted to be. Yes, it may hurt not ending up in your dream location after graduating, but that does not mean you will not get there
eventually. If you end up somewhere small or in a place not as ideal, take it as a learning experience. Start there and learn everything you can. Then take everything you learn to your dream location and be that much better. Or, in the words of someone very wise, “a half-inch taller.” Make the most out of your time here at VSU. Make as many memories as you can. Grow and learn from everyone and everything around you at VSU. The four years (or more) you are here will be the time for you to really get to know who you are and become the person you want to be. No threats were actually made in the writing of this letter.
Blake Clark
Photo Editor blaclark@valdosta.edu Hello and welcome back to another exciting and actionpacked semester of studying, procrastinating, parties, midterm terrors, caffeine-fueled cramming and absolute elation after another triumphant trial by final. Last semester was the first of many challenges of character and resolve. As you settle back in, get ready because this next level is slam packed with mindbending puzzles, contemptuous mini-bosses and at least one Demogorgon of an exam. Fear not; however, VSU has a plethora of pastime easements, professional
academic assistance programs and clubs that are valuable resources to conquer any college crucible. Check the “Campus Connect” under “My VSU” on the VSU website for access to student happenings and clubs. Also, check your VSU email regularly for a weekly update on all sorts of fun events, from movie/game nights, hiking trips, community involvement and study sessions. We all know college can be tough at times, but it’s the challenges and how we react to them that define us. Go out there, show the world what you’re made of, and blaze a path to success.
VSU laundry rooms gets an update: New machines sends alerts to students Kelsey Dickerson
College Life Editor kedickerson@valdosta.edu Valdosta State is upping its laundry game in each of the residence halls this school year with new machines and an alert system you can access from your smart phone. This fall housing will be rolling out all-new Wascomat Crossover Washers in the laundry rooms in each hall. According to the school website, the new machines are larger, will offer a more intense wash, and will dry clothes faster. You may not have
to worry about broken machines either because the new machines are said to have fewer service issues. You can also search for open machines in your hall from laundryalert.com. The Laundry Alert service comes with a code specific to Valdosta State (vsu6168), and allows you to see how many washing machines and dryers are open in each hall. The service also lets you set up alerts through text or email so you can always know when your clothes are done.
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @vsuspectator Blake Clark/THE SPECTATOR Blazer Sports Grille: the newest campus sensation. Be sure to check it out at Hopper Hall.
The VSU Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies There Are Still Seats in These Wonderful Philosophy & Religious Studies Classes! No Prerequisites! Use the 5 digit CRN to Register in Banner!
• Fall ‘16 Philosophy Courses Still Available • PHIL 2020 Principles of Logic & Argumentation
80567A TR 8:00-9:15am James WH 104 82834 D MW 3:30-4:45pm Lovern WH 147 80570 IB Online Hackett 80573 • PHIL 2030 A • Ethics & contEmp sociEty • MW 12:00-12:50PM • SAntAS • AH 1212 **Online Hybrid 80574 • PHIL 3090 A • history LatE modErn phiLosophy • MW 2:00-3:15PM • Lovern • WH 150 80578 • PHIL 3620 IA • post-coLoniaL issuEs in indigEnous cuLturEs • Online • Lovern 80579 • PHIL 3900 A • phiLosophy of happinEss • t 5:00-7:45PM • SAntAS • AH 1212
REL 2020 World Religion
•
Fall ‘16 Religious Courses Still Available •
80581 A MWF 11:00-11:50AM SerrAn-PAgAn WH 147 80582 B MWF 1:00- 1:50PM SerrAn-PAgAn WH 147 80588 • reL 3360 A • sacrEd tExts: hEbrEw bibLE • tr 9:30-10:45AM • DoWnIng • WH 147 80589 • reL 3504 IA • archaEoLogy of anciEnt israEL • Online • DoWnIng 80590 • reL 3520 A • isLam • tr 11:00AM-12:15PM • SerrAn-PAgAn • WH 147 80591 • reL 3620 IA • post-coLoniaL issuEs in indigEnous cuLturEs • Online • Lovern
Visit Our Dept Website
www.vaLdosta.Edu/phiLosophy
• Ashley Hall
NOTE: All sections marked IA & IB are Online.
For information on how to get started in online courses, go to: www.valdosta.edu/elearning
• 229.333.5949
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
Dear Juniors
Michaela Leung
Copy Editor maleung@valdosta.edu It is time to take all of the knowledge and experience you have gained so far and put it into practice. Your time in college is coming to an end soon and every second counts. Make sure you do all your assignments, study, do well but do a little more. Get more involved on campus, network, try to find an internship in your field of choice and have some fun. Take this year to go the extra mile. Challenge yourself. Put your insight and knowledge into use. You can also help others. For example, you can find a freshman to mentor. Your experiences allow you to give guidance. It’s important to
better yourself but help others along the way. The moment you have been working toward is approaching: graduation. Work harder and smarter this year because you’re almost at the home stretch. Don’t lose sight of your goals and ambitions. Make sure to put forth effort every single day so that you can get where you want to be. We all know that college is stressful, but try not to overwhelm yourself. Make sure you socialize and enjoy your college memories. You only experience being an undergraduate once, so be sure to make the most of it. Never lose sight of your goals and remind yourself every day why you decided to start this college journey: to get your diploma.
Football opener: vs Albany State Saturday, September 3 at 7 pm Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Tailgating spots will be available near the stadium.
DID YOU
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KNOW?
August 15, 2016 VSU head football coach Kerwin Bell played nine years in the Canadian Football League where he amassed 19,538 passing yards and 101 touchdowns.
Football hopes to prove GSC coaches wrong:
Blazers aim for playoffs for a third straight year Kyle Dawson
Sports Editor kkdawson@valdosta.edu The VSU football team will be back in action with the first game against Albany State at Bazemore-Hyder stadium at 7 p.m. Sept. 3. VSU goes into the season as underdogs after the Gulf South Conference coaches picked them to finish fifth in the conference, while picking rival West Florida to finish first. The Blazers are coming off of a 9-3 season in which they made it to the second round of the playoffs, and a successful spring in which sophomore Roland Rivers emerged as the starting quarterback. New head coach Kerwin Bell is looking forward to leading the Blazers as they try to make it to the playoffs for the third year in a row.
This season will be Bell’s first at the helm for VSU as he comes from the same position at Jacksonville University. He also spent time in the NFL and the CFL as a quarterback from 1988 to 2001. Although the team is losing some key players – including former starting quarterback E.J. Hilliard, wide receiver Greg Dent and current Philadelphia Eagles running back Cedric O’Neal – Bell is confident that competitions among position groups will set the Blazers up for another playoff run. Anchoring the defense will be GSC preseason first team defensive back Kenny Moore, and Bell also said that relentless recruiting by his coaching staff this summer has helped the Blazers gain depth. One student organization that will be working closely with the football team is The Fire Pit. The Fire Pit, which started last
spring, works to build school spirit around VSU, and they plan to be active at all sporting events, especially football. Any student can become a member of the Fire Pit. Also, VSU will begin a new tradition this fall by starting all home games at 7 p.m. except for the homecoming game, which will begin at 3 p.m. This means fans can avoid the heat while enjoying the games in 2016. Fans will also be able to enjoy two away games this season without having to travel. The Oct. 29 game against Florida Tech and the Nov. 3 game against West Alabama will both be broadcast on ESPN 3. A tradition that will continue this year is the pregame tailgates outside of the stadium. Tailgating spots can be purchased with the Office of Student Life.
Let C ENTRALIZED A DVISING Help You Stay On Course! First Year Learning Communities
VSU CENTRALIZED ADVISING
First Year Programs
First Year Advising
Student Services Center University Center South Mon-Thurs 8-5:30pm Fri 8-3pm
229-245-4378 studyabroad@valdosta.edu www.valdosta.edu/studyabroad/ 229-333-7410
Morocco
Istanbul, Turkey
Osaka, Japan
Puerto Rico
St. Petersburg, Russia
Paris, France
ENHANCE THE VALUE OF YOUR COLLEGE DEGREE! PROGRAM LENGTHS ARE FROM 2 WEEKS TO A YEAR. ANY MAJOR CAN STUDY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD AT ANYTIME. FUNDRAISERS AVAILABLE! HOPE APPLIES TO TUITION
August 15, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
Page 7
Dear Seniors:
Dont get too comfortable Dear Seniors, Your time has Managing Editor finally come. mcantave@valdosta.edu Graduation is around the corner. All those late night Starbucks runs, hours studying in Odum and index cards you’ve wasted will not be for nothing. Even though you’re almost at the finish line, don’t expect to take this last year easy. It’s time to start filling out applications, taking internships and start putting the degree you’ve been working for to use. Don’t let the anxiety for entering the real world deter you from your goals. Start early. Don’t wait until the last moment to apply for jobs. They may not be available when you need it. The most anyone can ever do is say no. If this happens try, try and try again. There’s plenty of jobs in the world, you just have to go out and find them.
Mayah Cantave
In the process of setting up your future, don’t forget to relax and enjoy your last year. There’s no time like being in college. As you can probably already tell, time goes by fast. Don’t let it slip away. It may not seem like it when your teachers stack mounds of homework on you, but they are trying to help. Get yourself a mentor. Not only do they have real life experience but they will more than likely have contacts that will help you obtain a job. Trust me, mentors can help. Networking is not a myth. It really works. Meet and try to stay in contact with as many people as you can in your given career field. Use them to your advantage. Senioritis is real. Don’t start slacking now. You’re almost there. Good luck. Success is in your future.
Blake Clark/THE SPECTATOR
The VSU community bonds during move-in week.
Pregnancy isn’t the end.
..
You have options.
Options Now
compassionate & confidential
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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
August 15, 2016
Tips for having the best year ever Kelsey Dickerson
College Life Editor kedickerson@valdosta.edu Planning to have your best school year yet can seem complicated, but you can get the most out of this year by tweaking your routine in a few simple ways. Start off by writing down your goals for the year. Don’t be afraid to share them. A study conducted at the Dominican University in California found that people who wrote their goals down and shared them with friends were
33 percent more likely to accomplish them. Think about what you want to do this year or what you want to improve on from last year. Write it down as a goal. Give yourself a set time frame to complete your goals and plan ways to devote part of your time to finishing your list. If a higher GPA is one of your goals, try changing the way you study this year. A 2013 study of learning techniques by a panel of five professors from Duke University, Kent State University, University of
Wisconsin—Madison, and the University of Virginia found that some common studying techniques don’t do very much for students who use them. Research suggests that both highlighting and summarizing class materials and notes for later study has “little utility” when it comes to preparing for exams. Instead of just reviewing highlighted facts and creating flashcards, the research suggests that students should also perform what they call “elaborative interroga-
tion.” When you’re flipping through your flashcard pile for class, try to ask yourself why an event happened, or how the term you’re looking at relates to another term in your notes. Though your flashcard or highlight may simply say “George Washington was the first president of the United States,” asking yourself why that happened can help you make key connections with other material you’re covering in class. That will better prepare you for exams and boost your grade.
An outfit change could help you out this year as well. Try to “dress for success” before class this semester to give yourself a confidence boost. Countless studies and news articles say that what you wear can change your attitude, the way others perceive you, and even how you think. A study published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal last year called “The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing” found that dressing up can lead you to engage in higher
levels of thinking and make you feel more powerful. When you’re hitting the snooze button on your alarm remember that getting up and putting extra effort into how you dress can be a set up for success. Finally, to make this year your best yet, don’t forget to have fun. Find the right balance of work and play for you and stick with it. Working too hard can lead you to burn out, so remember to divide your time between pursing your goals and relaxing with your friends.
A day in the life of a VSU student Blake Clark
Photo Editor blaclark@valdosta.edu
Grand Opening of new turf field They will be serving free burgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill. Water activities: Kickball slip n slide, water balloons and more! Knocker Ball, inflatable earth ball, beach volleyball, can jam, spikeball, cornhole, football competitions, soccer and more!!
• Schedule Your Consultation with a Reference Librarian • Email Your Research Questions/Problems for Help • Live Chat with a Reference Librarian from Home • Individual Research Appointments
229-333-7149
valdosta.edu/academics/library/services/students.php
Event Date: Friday, 8/19/2016 Time: 12pm-2pm Event Location: VSU Student Recreation Sports Complex Multipurpose Field
August 15, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
Six random –but often overlooked– tips that freshmen should do during their “first week” It’s Week One. The first week of a long Web Editor kistroud@valdosta.edu semester of school. We go in with dreams of keeping our grades in check and making New Year Resolution-esque lists of goals for the upcoming school year that we give up on three weeks in. While the first week is typically the easiest to get through, there are still some overlooked things that we suggest that all freshmen should do during their first week. 1. Get the Tapingo App – Have a 30-minute break period between classes during lunch hour but don’t feel like waiting two decades in a ridiculously long line? This time saving app corresponds with the on-campus eateries and allows you to order your food without the hassle. 2. Bookmark Wherestheblaze.com – If you mostly depend on the school’s shuttle system to *cough *shuttle*cough* you around campus, bookmark Wherestheblaze.com NOW. As a carless student who hates working out and lives a mile away from main campus in Centennial
Kayla Stroud
Hall, this site has been a godsend. Its just a map that tracks all of the shuttles that run throughout campus, super basic. Trust me. It’ll save you the embarrassment of hauling butt out of your room only to turn the corner just in time to see the bus fly by. (Yes, that was an intentional “Saved by the Bell” reference.) 3. Manage your Dining Dollars – Sure, grabbing a quick coffee at Starbucks is like an everyday ritual for our generation but the money eventually adds up. And yeah, the money is already prepaid but unless you 're ready to shell out "real" cash, I'd spend those Dining Dollars wisely. People rack up their Dining Dollars within the first month or so and start moaning once they realize how little they have left when they actually need something . It happens every single semester. 4. Always bring your umbrella – No matter if it’s a sunny, cloudless sky, always bring your umbrella. Valdosta weather is unpredictable. I remember thinking that I was in the clear after forgetting my umbrella one day. Nope. In came
an end-of-days, monsoon type rain. Kept me stuck in the Student Union for an hour because there was NO way I was walking out in that. So save yourself the future annoyance and remember to toss one of these in your backpack. 5. Always keep up with your syllabus – Yes, your syllabus serves a greater importance than being made into a paper airplane. This simple sheet of paper is your lifeline for the semester. Don't lose it and always remember to check back on it sporadically because tests and project due dates WILL sneak up on you if you don't. 6. Go to class on time – It’s so obvious. But after wasting the past two months lazing around stuffing your face and staying up at hilariously late hours you need to get yourself on and your sleep schedule back on “school hours” time. The first week is crucial. You need to start the year off right because as soon as you turn up late twice and in a week, the cycle starts. Make sure you have your schedule down and know where all you classes are.
STAFF PICKS
TOP CURRENT FAVORITES “The Sound” by The 1975 Kelsey (College life/Features Editor)
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“Free Lunch” by Isiah Rashad Tyra Mills (Social Media Editor) “Broccoli” Lil Yatchy & D.R.A.M. Julia (Opinions Editor)
“I’m God RIP David Higgs” by Clams Casino Blake
(Photo Editor)
“Champions” by Kanye West, Gucci Mane, Travis Scott, Big Sean, Desiigner, 2 Chainz, Yo Gotti, Quavo Darian
(Multi-Media Editor)
“The Boys Are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy Kyle
(Sports Editor)
Please be safe and DRINK RESPONSIBLY
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
DID YOU
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Suduko X Complete the grid so that every row, column, diagonal and 3x2 box contains every digit from 1 to 6 inclusive. Good Luck! For the solutions head to VSUSpectator.com!
KNOW?
August 15, 2016
According to National Center for Education, in fall 2015, some 20.2 million students attended American colleges and universities.
August 15, 2016
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
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The Blazin’ Brigade is back in session Because what is a football game without the band?
The Blazin’ Brigade will unveil its new show during halftime of VSU football’s opener against Albany State Sept. 3.
Embrace a fresh start Kelsey Dickerson
College Life Editor kedickerson@valdosta.edu You have reached a major milestone in your life: college. You are undergoing a major change in scenery, and in your lifestyle. You may have moved away from your hometown away from your family, friends, and places you’ve come to love. Now, it is time to embark on a new journey and make some new memories. It’s natural to be a little bit homesick at first. Make phone calls back home when you need to but be sure not to
hold yourself hostage in your room. Get out and experience life at college. During the first few weeks there will be tons of events around campus. Take advantage of the chances you have to make new friends and socialize. Think of VSU as your new home. Never forget where you came from but you have so much to look forward to. Don’t dwell in the past and don’t let homesickness get the best of you. Have fun but also be sure to study and work hard. This is the beginning of a new chapter and you should make the most of it.
Coming soon: -The “official” first issue of The Spectator will be available August 26 -The Spectator podcast -Newly improved Spectator App
Blake Clark/THE SPECTATOR
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The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
August 15, 2016
Beer, music and fun in Valdosta Ashley Street Station’s got it all Kyle Dawson
Sports Editor kkdawson@valdosta.edu As students pour back into Valdosta for the fall semester, most of them will be looking for something to do on the weekends, and Valdosta’s best dive bar can provide a solution. Ashley Street Station, located on Baytree road, is best known in Valdosta for its eccentric crowd, variety of live music and its top notch beer selection. The bar is also known for having “something” going on almost every night. Live music is the main type of entertainment at Ashley Street.
The variety is astounding at times with jazz bands, bluegrass groups, reggae bands and the ever popular metal Monday with everything in between. Grammy winners and Broadway performers have graced the small stage at the dive bar. Ashley Street also hosts events like beer tastings, including ones with summer, winter and Octoberfest themes. It also hosts parties for holidays (such as Halloween), VSU sports after parties and other annual events. The bar has also hosted wrestling events, laser light shows set to psychedelic rock music, burlesque performances, standup comedians and circus performers
including sword swallowers and other traditional circus sideshows. In addition to the bar and stage, Ashley Street also has a full game room with video game machines and pool tables. The room also has an old school juke box, and the bar sometimes runs specials for free pool and games. Ashley Street recently built a deck on the back of the bar with tiki torches, heat lanterns for the winter and plenty of seating. The bar has also held some summer themed parties on the deck. Ashley Street Station is a great place to go for your entertainment and craft beer fix. It truly is one of Valdosta’s hidden gems.
Ashley Street Station is a true American dive bar complete with craft beer, a seating area, stage and game room including four billiards tables.
THE VSU GRADUATE SCHOOL WEBSITE HAS: • COMPLETE PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS • ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS • APPLICATION DEADLINES • FINANCIAL AID INFO WWW.VALDOSTA.EDU/GRADSCHOOL CALL
229-333-5694 OR 1-800-618-1878, OPTION #5 • E
GRADSCHOOL@VALDOSTA.EDU