The Spectator, January 21, 2016.

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January 21, 2016

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Student killed in ATV accident Photos taken by John Stephen/THE SPECTATOR The new Center for Exercise Medicine & Rehabilitation (top and bottom), which offers extensive therapeutic and clinical services to the entire VSU community, will hold its grand opening tonight from 5-7 p.m. in the HSBA building. The building is open to the VSU community.

New exercise building to open today John Stephen

CORRESPONDENT jsstephen@valdosta.edu A new extension of the Student Health Center will now allow all VSU students and employees access to preventive and therapeutic clinical services previously offered only to university athletes.

The Center for Exercise Medicine & Rehabilitation (CEMR) will host its grand opening ceremony and reception tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will include information on services offered through the CEMR, the opportunity to sign-up for these services, as well as a tour of the facilities.

Refreshments will be served, and all members of the VSU community are invited to attend.

The CEMR is part of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. It is housed in the Health Sciences and Business

Administration (HSBA) building, a $32 million edifice located on North Campus that was completed in 2014.

“Many individuals seek medical attention due to musculoskeletal injuries/symptoms, and students have historically been referred to services off campus to address rehabilitation needs,” said Sean Hutchison, clinical instructor for VSU’s athletic training program. “As part of the CEMR, certified athletic trainers will evaluate and treat certain musculoskeletal complaints that are within the trainer’s scope of practice.”

Hutchison said the CEMR will also offer individualized and supervised exercise programs for those with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Costs for the CEMR’s services range from $10 to several hun-

dred, depending on the treatment.

Forty dollar monthly memberships for certain services are also available.

The CEMR’s services will be administered by the faculty, staff, and students of VSU’s Athletic Training and Exercise Physiology program. The center’s operations are divided among three offices: the Athletic Training Clinic, offering rehabilitation and injury prevention services, such as pain-free running on anti-gravity treadmills and post-concussion testing; the Fitness and Wellness Center, providing a safe and healthy fitness environment as well as expert supervision and advice on diet and exercise; and the Human Performance Laboratory, which uses modern equipment to assess cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition.

The CEMR will also provide new learning opportunities for

students.

“The center will be of help to our exercise physiology and athletic training students who will gain hands-on clinical experience,” VSU President Cecil Staton said. “I am grateful the new center will be able to offer these services and expand clinical experiences for our students.”

According to Dr. Sheri Noviello, dean of the college of nursing and health sciences, planning for the CEMR first began over 10 years ago when the idea for the HSBA was first conceived.

All CEMR services are by appointment only, and some require a physician referral. To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about the CEMR, such as its hours and detailed information on the clinical services offered, call (229) 333-5959.

The VSU accounting major died on Jan. 9.

Jyrell Wynn

CORRESPONDENT jdwynn@valdosta.edu On Jan. 9, Valdosta State student Patrick Stewart McKinley died due to complications from an ATV accident at Dodge County Hospital in Eastman, Georgia, according to the Valdosta Daily Times.

McKinley was a senior accounting major.

As a Valdosta native, McKinley went to Open Bible Christian School until the 11th grade, but graduated from Valdosta High School in 2011.

While in high school, he worked at J.C. Penny in the men’s department, which led to him being hired by Jos A. Bank.

He helped people with technology issues and became known as “Project Pat” as a disc jockey.

He collaborated with Chris Carter at his Sunnyland Lawn Care business and provided photography for Dope Productions.

He was 23 years old. The funeral was held on Jan. 13 at Northside Baptist.

Invest. Ignite. Inspire. beats out five year goal Miles Brown

STAFF WRITER milbrown@valdosta.edu The VSU community is investing, igniting and inspiring the future of Valdosta State.

To date, the campaign has raised $46 million. This goal was achieved in a short year and a half, which beat out the predicted five year goal.

“Invest. Ignite. Inspire” is a

comprehensive capital campaign strategy for VSU with a working goal of raising $53,250,000.

The plan is to use the campaign to fund five different project areas. The five areas include student enrichment, faculty enhancement, program opportunities, athletic excellence and facility upgrades. Donors choose different project areas to donate to base on their interests.

“Our campaign is a five year

campaign, started in July 2014 and will end in July 2019, ” John Crawford, vice president of university advancement, said.

“We originally established a working goal of $43,250,000 but in December of 2014 the board of trustees voted to increase that goal by $10 million.”

Many donors are VSU college graduates, as well as many people in the community who want to help VSU . The largest amount

donated as a gift to the university was $17 million. This donation became one of the major reasons why the campaign goal was increased.

Eighty-seven percent of the money total is already raised.

“We have received $21.8 million in scholarship,” Crawford said. “[This] allows the university to leverage private scholarship dollars for more tuition dollars, [and] this can dramatically im-

pact VSU. This allows for more enrollment and retention rates, a key component in the campaign.”

The athletic departments and art departments could see the biggest impact because most are student funded. Faculty enhancements could take place with the continued success of the campaign, coming through endowment funds to support faculty with salary, research and scholarly work.

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January 21, 2016

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James LaPlant named new dean of VSU’s graduate school Tiarra Bell

Staff Writer tcbell@valdosta.edu

“This is one of the best jobs on the planet,” Dr. LaPlant said.

“You’re interacting with very bright, wonderfully motivated stu­ dents. I enjoy working with a new group each semester and also the opportunity to take students study abroad. If I had a magic wand, I would make sure every one of our students get to study abroad and that they get to engage in a mean­ ingful undergraduate research experience. I'm a big believer in study abroad and undergraduate research.

“There's no better place to work than on a college campus,” Dr. LaPlant said.

Dr. LaPlant has a philosophy that he applies to his administra­ tion position.

“What animates me the most is to be fair with individuals and

to work hard,” Dr. LaPlant said.

“We have one opportunity on this planet. If we work hard and give it our all, it can be contagious.

If there's a philosophy I follow whether it’s teaching or commu­ nicating with our wonderful staff or any part of my job, I hope that excitement and enthusiasm are contagious.”

Because of his administrative position, Dr. LaPlant only teaches one class per semester. Those classes include Southern politics, research methods, and conspiracy theories in American politics.

Responsibilities of dean of the graduate college include oversee­ ing graduate admissions process, graduate assistantships, revisions to graduate curriculum, and the final process of thesis and dis­ sertations.

“Much of my job is interact­ ing with our wonderful staff,” Dr. LaPlant said.

Since becoming the interim dean on Feb. 1, 2013, LaPlant has expanded graduate assistantships, created a fund for graduate stu­ dents who present at conferences, and graduate enrollment increase.

Aside from teaching at VSU, Dr. LaPlant is an active member of the Southern Political Science Association, Georgia Political Science Association, as well as being involved with Council Un­ dergraduate Research for nearly 12 years.

On the weekends, Dr. LaPlant enjoys occasional trips for a round of golf or watching the Green Bay Packers.

KNOW?

DID YOU

After serving as the interim dean of the graduate school, Dr. James T. LaPlant was named the permanent dean of the Graduate School at VSU on Dec. 18.

Dr. LaPlant says that he plans to grow a fund for graduate student research, grow and support faculty research, implement 4 +1 pro­ grams, and pick up a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in a five-year window.

Dr. LaPlant attended college in his hometown at the University of Central Oklahoma receiving a bachelor’s degree in political science. Staying within his home state, Dr. LaPlant received his master’s and doctoral degree also

in Political Science at the Univer­ sity of Oklahoma.

Prior to arriving at Valdosta State, Dr. LaPlant worked for the Oklahoma State Board of Re­ gents as a policy analyst. There, Dr. LaPlant discovered he was missing his true passion of being around students, faculty and staff on college campus.

“I was in a cubicle and I had to let someone know I was going to the bathroom,” Dr. LaPlant said.

“I worked there for a couple of months and as soon I got the job at Valdosta, I was ready. I was ready to be on a campus. I really wanted to continue working with students and faculty.”

Once he arrived at Valdo­ sta State in 1996, Dr. LaPlant received his first faculty job at VSU’s Graduate School.

According to UberFacts, happiness is a by-product of the pursuit of success and meaningful goals, rather than success­ ful accomplishments, studies suggest.

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SGA President addresses issues at first meeting Kyle Dawson

PHOTO EDITOR kkdawson@valdosta.edu

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January 21, 2016

Spotlight

Head to vsuspectator.com to read our profiles on Sheri Noviello and Calvin Walker!

At the first meeting of the semester on Monday, SGA President David Burdette addressed the senators about some of the problems the organization had last semester as well as some

upcoming events and news.

“Last semester was a little rocky,” Burdette said, “I’m excited to be here, and we’re ready to get to work.”

Last semester ended on a sour note with the Nov. 30 meeting going into executive early and lasting the entire meeting without much reason behind the session.

Burdette said that Senator Joel Pollack has taken a leave of absence to focus more on his duties with the VSU College Republicans.

Burdette then said that he has been working on a committee to increase student enrollment at VSU as the lone student member and that the enrollment has increased since this time last year due in part to VSU Ambassadors working a call center as well as the new VSYOU campaign.

“The retention task force has done a lot of great work, and the retention rate is increasing,” Burdette said.

Burdette then addressed President Cecil Staton’s task force on diversity and proposed a student body formal to promote diversity in the future.

Senators were then asked to work All-Star Weekend, which is an event sponsored by SGA that includes a cookout at the Palms Quad on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., a stand-up comedy show in the student union from 7 to 10 p.m., and a basketball game from 6 to 8 p.m. at the complex.

Burdette then addressed new business which included community service and relationships with other student organizations.

He said that SGA must do more community service in order to build their image on campus. He also introduced the idea of organizational tours where SGA partners with other organizations on campus to do events and bring more awareness to SGA and other organizations.

Lastly, Burdette suggested doing a video series to promote SGA transparency. SGA would post a short video on Twitter that profiled members and told of events every week in an effort to get in touch with the student body.

Secretary Jarius Leavy then took to the podium to tell the senators about the importance of attendance at the SGA meetings as well as the importance of committee meetings in the coming semester.

A proposal was then brought forth for “High Heels and Higher Standards,” a banquet involving four organizations on campus. Senators approved to co-sponsor the event with Enactus, Phi Beta Lambda, National Council of Negro Women and Distinguished Women of VSU. SGA will give $450 in order to provide food for the event which will be catered by VSU. The meeting adjourned after an hour. The next meeting will be held on Monday, January Jan. 25 at 8 p.m.

Photo taken by Aldean Starr/THE SPECTATOR Dr. Michael Savoie was recently appointed the Dean of the Honors College. Savoie was also a professor in the Mass Media program.

Savoie appointed Dean of Honors College Aldean Starr

STAFF WRITER astarr@valdosta.edu Recently, VSU and the Honors College took a huge step forward by officially naming longtime Interim Dean Michael Savoie as the Dean of the Honors College.

The Honors College gives honor students the opportunity to take enriched courses and participate in different types of activities. It is designed for different majors and the Honors College places emphasis on creative thinking, research and community service activities. But for almost four years, the Honors College did not officially have a dean.

“It’s a powerful statement Dr.

Staton has made because aside from my appointment, to my peers, my colleagues and the other deans, those people are wonderful and they deserve to have that level of stability as well as the VSU community,” Dr. Savoie said.

Before he joined the Honors College staff, Dr. Savoie got his start at VSU as a part of the Mass Media Department. He later joined the Honors College staff, became the interim Dean and held that position for almost four years until this past month.

“I have never really acted as an interim dean, we made sure we moved things forward,” Dr. Savoie said.

The Honors College is trying to expand and find ways to improve

the college.

“We will always be connected to research, presentations and getting students to generate excellent scholarship, but we also are looking towards the future in the perspective that by getting experience by doing actual applied work,” Dr. Savoie said.

“I like the students tremendously and I am not just talking about honor students. I like being on a college campus; I love seeing young enthusiastic people willing to learn and grow.

I don’t want anyone to be fearful that we don’t want to connect with others. It’s not just about being academically advanced, it is about connecting with other people,” Savoie said.

Sociology Anthropology Geography / Geology History Philosophy Li Literature Political Science

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January 21, 2016

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Our point of view...

Show us the money The last two semesters at VSU have been rough.

Last spring, a simple protest led to a media frenzy which engulfed VSU. In the fall, over 30 faculty and staff members were let go. Faculty and staff were at the pinnacle of their careers and some relocated to Valdosta because of VSU. Because of this, it seemed that VSU was going on a downward spiral. The air around VSU seemed dismal.

However, there seems to be a shining light for VSU. That light is the “Invest. Ignite.

Inspire.” campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to raise money for the university’s advancement.

In order to achieve this, the campaign is aimed to donate to different programs at VSU, which include the scholarship foundation and the athletics foundation, among others.

To date, the campaign has raised a total of $46 million.

What makes this feat more beneficial to VSU is that it surpassed the initial five year goal and was raised in less than two years.

This is promising for the VSU community.

This could be the comeback that VSU needs and everyone loves a good comeback story.

The gargantuan amount of money donated shows that people care and support VSU wholeheartedly. After two

rough semesters, VSU needs a morale boost.

We at The Spectator only have one request: show the VSU populace where that money is going.

We as an editorial staff want to see the money truly be put towards to the true advancement of this university.

The campaign has done a good job of listing what money goal each area has and how much money has currently been raised. According to the VSU website, out of six areas, the campaign has surpassed in Student Enrichment and is above 80 percent in two other categories. With half of the categories completed or almost completed, the future looks bright for VSU. The support from the VSU community is what needs to be the driving force for this campaign. Show the VSU community the money is being put to good use. Bring the community to the forefront and show each member of the Blazer community the value of her or his support.

In the words of the campaign, this campaign should “invest” in the future of VSU, “ignite” Blazer pride, and “inspire” VSU. This campaign has the power to shape the future of VSU for the better. We can’t wait to see how VSU will advance and how bright its future will burn.

This editorial was written by a member of the editorial staff and expresses the general opinion of The Spectator.

Read Olivia Studdard’s story about New Year’s resolutions on the web at www.vsuspectator.com Editorial Staff Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Barela Managing Editor: Tatyana Phelps Opinions Editor: Kenzie Kesselring College Life Editor: Mayah Cantave Sports Editor: Gabe Burns Photo Editor: Kyle Dawson Web Editor: Kayla Stroud Social Media Editor: Tyra Mills Copy Editor: Zenobia Harris

MCTCampus

Obama faces unnecessary backlash over new gun control proposals Jada Dukes

Staff Writer jldukes@valdosta.edu “We maybe can’t save everybody, but we can save some!”

This is a powerful statement made by President Obama during his speech regarding gun laws on Jan. 5, 2016.

We are only a few days into the New Year and our president has made it very clear that he is taking his last year of presidency by storm. One thing that the POTUS is taking extremely seriously this year is gun laws.

Since the subject of gun laws has continued to be a hugely problematic and unresolved issue in 2015, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our president is still pressing the issue. Just a few days ago, Obama gave a very powerful and emotional speech addressing the issue of gun laws in which he unveiled his plan to control gun violence. It goes without saying that Obama’s speech was met with backlash from some of his more conservative counterparts, although his plan seemed more than reasonable.

During his speech, Obama

struck an irrefutable argument against Republican members of the senate who voted against the “common sense compromise bill” created by Vice President Joe Biden and two United States senators that would essentially force everyone who purchases a gun to be subject to a background check.

Obama then questioned how this became such a “partisan issue,” being that 90 percent of Americans agreed with the compromise bill and 90 percent of Democrats in the senate voted, which ultimately failed because 90 percent of Republicans in the senate voted against it. The president then began to unveil his new gun laws which much like the compromise bill put a lot of focus on background checking anyone wanting to purchase a gun, and cracking down on illegal gun trafficking.

The most notable out of these laws are the ones that have to do with mental health, which includes a $500 million investment to increase access to mental health care that will increase service capacity.

Republicans and Democrats agree that mental health is a huge

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issue amongst Americans, since the counterargument to gun control is that “guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” This alludes to the problem of mental health, which couldn’t be more true.

Millions of deaths in the past year could have been prevented had there been more focus placed on mental health in America.

With that being said, just focusing on mental health will not be enough to resolve the issue of gun violence. There are millions of American suffering from mental illness that are not receiving any form of help; it will be a few years before every single American with a mental illness is helped. In the meantime, there needs to be some sort of immediate action set forth to reduce the amount of deaths caused by gun violence.

Background checks allow the government to monitor the sale of firearms and allow it to ensure that guns do not get into the hands of criminals. Background checks should pose no threat to any lawabiding American citizen; this proposal is nothing but “common sense,” as Obama would say.

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January 21, 2016

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GMO foods should be labeled for the benefit of consumers Meaghan Bitters

Asst. Advertising Manger mkbitters@valdosta.edu

After there has been so much talk about the connection between genetically modified organisms and cancer, several people have chosen to cut out GMOs from their diet. However, it can be pretty hard to do that if consumers are unsure of which food has been modified and which have not.

A GMO is an organism whose genetic material has been altered by means of genetic engineering, which means it’s DNA contains one or more genes not normally found there (Dictionary.com).

Scientists have been altering the genetic material of plants and other feeding material so they can do things such as produce faster, last longer, and need less herbicides. The risk of doing this is compromising consumer’s health.

Labels should be put on every product that has GMOs to ensure safety for consumers. People should know what they’re eating, and not all people read the ingredients of the foods they’re buying. If the food is labeled GMO, then less people will buy that food. This is good for our environment and the

...if GMOs are potentially linked to cancer and birth defects, why risk the health of our population by using them?

health of consumers, but will eventually lead to the discontinuation of GMOs, which will be bad for the GMO companies.

GMO companies try to say their products are scientifically proven to be safe. If they’re so safe, why hide their ingredients by refusing the GMO label?

If GMO is forced to label, consumers will stop buying GMO foods and start buying non-GMO foods. This will be good for non-GMO companies, as they’ll be able to increase profit by marketing that they don’t use GMOs. However, this will be undesirable for GMO companies because their profits will decrease. This could lead to banishing GMOs entirely and cause them to find an alternative for their products.

This is desirable for the health of consumers because if GMOs are potentially linked to cancer and birth defects, why risk the health of our population by using them? Not everyone knows the difference between GMO and non-GMO food and shouldn’t be held responsible for conducting their own research. Isn’t that what the FDA is for?

If the GMO food isn’t 100 percent safe, people should know.

Sad attempt to defund Planned Parenthood fails: Obama vetos bill proposed by pro-life advocates Kenzie Kesselring

Opinions Editor klkesselring@valdosta.edu Earlier this month, President Obama vetoed a bill proposed essentially by Republicans that would defund Planned Parenthood.

This bill was a reaction to rumors from last year that Planned Parenthood was selling parts of aborted fetuses.

It is no secret that our country is very polarized on the topic of abortion, but attempting to defund Planned Parenthood is going too far. According to the Planned Parenthood break down of services provided to women in 2014, abortions made up only three percent of those.

Defunding Planned Parenthood would mean depriving middle and lower class American women their legal right to decide what happens to their bodies. Not only pertaining to abortions, but with testing for sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, and

cancer screenings.

Wanting to defund an organization that aids women in getting the healthcare they deserve is just another shot fired in the war on women that is already rearing its’ ugly head in 2016.

However, even if Planned Parenthood only offered abortion services, 43 years ago the U.S Supreme Court decided the 14th amendment of the Constitution gave women the right to access an abortion.

One of the beautiful rights included in being an America citizen is not being forced to agree with our government or even one another. Although, it is often forgotten that one does not have to agree with someone to be respectful of his or her rights and opinions.

Pro-Life politicians and voters need to remember that just because something defies their religious or moral beliefs, it does not mean another citizen’s Constitutional rights can

Lay off of Planned Parenthood.

Lay off the estimated 30 percent of American women who have chosen to have an abortion... or should be stripped from them.

So, Pro-Life advocates, lay off. Lay off of Planned Parenthood. Lay off the estimated 30 percent of American women who have chosen to have an abortion, and stop pressuring the government to defund an entity that serves 2.7 million young men and women each year.

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Oregon militiamen’s treatment shows racial bias Ongoing standoff over land ownership continues to be ignored by media and law enforcement Tyra Mills

Social Media Editor tnmills@valdosta.edu On Jan. 2, a group of militiamen walked into the Federal Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon and declared it their own.

The standoff is happening at the headquarters for the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. They have been protesting for weeks now, allegedly due to an issue they have with the government and its “overreaching.” Some of the protestors have stated that they are willing to stay at the refuge for years and even die fighting if they have to. They have stated that they do not want to hurt anyone, but will use violence if they are threatened with removal.

Honestly, the protesters demands are kind of confusing and unclear. The revolt is being held

by Ammon Bundy and his younger brother, Ryan. What I find the most funny about all of this is that Ammon and Ryan are the two sons of Cliven Bundy, who just held his own armed standoff in 2014 in Nevada over yet another

dispute with the government. This must run in the family.

So far, the protestors have destroyed a fence built by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. They apparently even went as far as to use the own agency’s equipment to do so. Bundy stated that last year, the Wildlife Service used a $100,000 grant to install a fence to prevent a local ranching family from grazing their 600 cattle on public property. Bundy stated that they destroyed the fence to help out the family and allow them to run their ranch how they have in the past.

Bundy also stated the protest will continue until Dwight Hammond Jr and his son, Steven, are released from prison. The Hammonds were sentenced to five years in prison for deliberately setting fires to public land.

Most of the protestors are military veterans and small business owners, and it seems that local officials have decided to just wait the occupiers out to see when and if they’ll leave.

This is a prime example of how law officials handle whites differently than minorities. Here

we have a group of armed military veterans destroying government property, and not one of them has been apprehended. Not only has law enforcement decided to ignore them, but it seems the media outlets have as well. Yes, they have covered the story but in the most minuscule way. These militiamen aren’t being called what they actually are, which are bigoted terrorists. They aren’t being called criminals, though they have clearly committed a crime. They aren’t being called thugs, though they have definitely destroyed property. No, in the media’s eyes these are just frustrated occupiers.

There has been no media backlash from this situation and there have even been national organizations, such as PETA, who have sent the men food to help with their protest. This protest isn’t calm, peaceful, or lawfully correct and yet and still there have been no consequences for the actions of these men.

Whereas, in Ferguson, last year when minorities gathered to peacefully mourn the death of Mike Brown, they were greeted with army tanks, automatic weap-

MCTCampus Ammon Bundy gives a daily speech to fellow militiamen outside of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge on Jan. 6. As of Jan. 20, the standoff has not been resolved.

ons and were pelted with wooden bullets. Some were arrested, others were beaten or gassed. This hasn’t been the only time minorities have peacefully gathered to protest and were handled in an excessively aggressive way.

Recently at University of Missouri, when word got back to school officials that the football players were planning on protesting, their scholarships and grants were threatened to be taken away.

It seems like minorities must be

chastised and reprimanded immediately when they do something the government doesn’t like, whereas when white men do it they receive a mere slap on the wrist, if that.

Would this be a different story if blacks or Muslims decided to take over a government building with guns? Absolutely. It’s sad to see that not only does the media pick and choose who it shows its leniency to, but the government does too.

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January 21, 2016

The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com

Julie Jernigan

STAFF WRITER jvjernigan@valdosta.edu

Hoverboards ride straight into ban across college campuses Erin Martin

STAFF WRITER erimartin@valdosta.edu An especially popular Christmas gift, more recently known as the “hover board,” is a technology trend that caught on quick.

Despite its admiration from the thousands of buyers, some college campuses have deemed the boards unsafe due to the potential fire hazard it poses.

More than 30 schools have now banned or restricted hover boards, including Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Georgia Tech, and UGA. The glitch in the machine is caused by the lithium ion battery inside causing them to randomly explode when the battery is punctured.

The Consumer Producer Safety Commission reported 28 fires

and 70 E.R.-treated injuries and counting. They’ve also been banned in airlines, on roadways and in malls. They are investigating reports of fractures, strains, bruises, and concussions from accidents with the hoverboard.

The flip side to the situation is that all of the boards aren’t made the same. There are hover boards that are poorly made with dangerous batteries, and others that are built with a different type of battery inside of them. Some colleg-

wikimedia.org

es are completely fine with students using hover boards as long as they meet the safety standards and have the appropriate seal.

“I like the idea of the hover

board. I haven’t seen many people using them on our campus, so I doubt that we’ll have any problems with them,” said VSU student Demarcus Green.

Although hover boards pose a potential threat for buildings on campuses, they are still a form of transportation for students and should be treated the same as bicycles. They shouldn’t be completely banned, but they should probably be kept away from dorm rooms and class buildings for students’ safety.

“I think they’re pretty cool, and they should be allowed on campuses.” said Jasmine Williams, sophomore accounting major. “I bought one for a friend, and I’d be pretty upset about wasting my money. College students are responsible enough to have them.”

Turn it “off” before you get it “on”: A new form of birth control develped for males

Julie Jernigan

STAFF WRITER jvjernigan@valdosta.edu When we think of birth control, we don’t necessarily associate it with men. Why is that?

All our lives we are taught that it’s up to the woman to supply her own form of birth control whether it be from pills, patches, shots, or making sure she brings a condom, but what if there was a form of men’s birth control?

German inventor Clemens Bimek had the same question about contraception, which lead to his creation of the “Bimek SLV.” The “Bimek SLV” is a two-centimeter on/off switch device that is implanted during a 30-minute procedure in both spermatic ducts where the user can easily turn sperm flow on or off by hand due to the thin skin of the scrotum. There is also a safety screw, which prevents the switches from accidently turning on. The device works like a vasectomy would in that when the switch is flipped off, it prevents the sperm cells from leaving the testicles, and they are reabsorbed back into the body. Unlike a vasectomy though, it can be turned on at any time, where as a vasectomy cannot always be reversed.

The only recipient of this new birth control is the inventor himself, who had it implanted in 2009. This device has yet to be approved by the FDA, and Clemens still has to go through

clinical trials with 25 willing participants, and hopes to receive 5.5 million dollars through investment and crowd-funding the Daily Mail reports.

Many experts have concerns that this switch will have negative side effects on the body. Dr. Wolfgang Bühmann, a spokesman for Society of German Urologists, believes this device will cause scar tissue to develop in the seminal ducts which can cause infertility issues and clogging over time. Other experts are saying the material Clemens is using has already worked without complications in other technologies throughout parts of the body.

There are also concerns that it is not as effective as condoms, which can help guard against STD’s, so really this is more geared to long term relationships/married couples. The website also says you have to use another form of birth control after the device is implanted as the sperm takes months to exit the pathways, therefore this switch takes more planning than just turning it on and off.

This new invention can potentially change the way we think about birth control if thought out and tried correctly, but will it be effective? Only time can tell. It still has a long way to go, and the company hopes their product will be available for the public in three years, the estimated cost for the procedure is around five thousand dollars.

mctcampus.com

Dump Trump Google extension filters out Trump related from your information social media: Miles Brown

STAFF WRITER milbrown@valdosta.edu It seems as if in the recent weeks U.S. business manager, TV personality and Republican presidential front-runner, Donald Trump is everywhere in the news and on social media.

So much so that there is a new extension created just to block any post on social media regarding Mr. Trump. The Trump Chrome Filter Extension targets those who despise Donald Trump enough to want anything pertaining to him deleted off their feed.

The extension works by identifying parts of the web page that are likely to

contain Donald Trump and erasing them from the internet. Post on social media such as Facebook remove post with “Donald” and “Trump”.

However, it will not remove all instances, such as his named being referenced. Its icon doesn’t show up on your device because it runs in the background. There are around 12,700 users who already have the app and its average rating is three and half stars. As you can imagine an app extension that deletes Donald Trump posts will come with problems.

Many users complain that their pages run slower and block most of the posts on

their pages. Therefore the users’ Facebook pages will not work and the content is blocked.

However, many users simply feel it is more convenient to get it to filter out unwanted Trump news instead of manually doing it. This 80 KiB extension is one of the most popular new extensions. As Donald Trump’s presence grows evermore there will be more and more people who will take advantage of the app. The Donald Trump Chrome Filter can be a great way for those who dislike Trump to get rid of his presence altogether, but only if they sort out the technical issues first.

Brand new pregnancy test takes the edge off of waiting First Response launches new Bluetooth enabled pregnancy test Kelsey Dickerson

STAFF WRITER kedickerson@valdosta.edu Hundreds of new ultra-connected devices were unveiled this month at the Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas and pregnancy tests were among them.

First Response launched a new blue-tooth enabled pregnancy test and an accompanying app to instant media buzz at the show. The three minutes waiting to see results in the tiny window of a pregnancy test can be three of the most nerve-wracking minutes of a woman’s life, and First Response has set out to alleviate the nerves of women everywhere with its Pregnancy Pro Test and app combo.

The test is easy to set up; the user simply downloads the app onto their smart phone or tablet and follows the on-screen directions to connect the Pregnancy Pro with their device. The app presents a short list of questions before the test can be used—you can even specify whether or not you’re actively seeking pregnancy, a feature which helps the app tailor itself to each user’s needs.

During the waiting period the First Response consumer can choose one of three options from the app: Educate, Entertain, or Calm Me. While the “Educate Me” fertility education option may cater more towards women actively trying to get pregnant, both the “Entertain Me” (which plays through a selection of Buzzfeed videos) and “Calm Me” (which plays calming music, gives meditation tips, or displays videos of calming nature scenes) are appropriate for both women actively trying to become pregnant and those who are not. Users may also choose to simply display a timer and a short message from First Response reading simply “Don’t stress!” Once the three-minute wait time is over, the user is asked to enter a security code

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DID YOU

January 21, 2016

which can be found on the back of their test in order to view the results.

This extra step may seem unnecessary, but the security of knowing that only you can access your results lends sense of privacy to an otherwise tense process.

For those not wishing to become pregnant who receive a negative response from the test, the app’s usefulness ends with the completion of the test, but to those wishing to become pregnant—or those who are, the app continues to be a support system. The app boasts a cycle tracker, tips to becoming pregnant, and fertility facts. For expecting mothers the app can even calculate an estimated due date and help the user make appointments with their doctor.

Both positive and negative test outcomes allow the user to share their results from the app.

The test itself may seem pricey at $20 a pop, but the support system the app supplies by making itself a one-stop shop of distractions and advice may make it worth the money for many consumers, especially those who want to be as informed as possible about their pregnancy.

The Pregnancy Pro is the first and only Bluetooth-enabled test on the market, and comes from the only brand of pregnancy tests that has the ability to give a result up to six days before a missed period, so for nervous buyers looking for a little security this may be the best bet. You can check the test out on First Response’s website before buying and compare it to other, less expensive tests by the brand.

KNOW?

The default time in iPhone ads is always set to 9:41.

Kelsey Dickerson

STAFF WRITER kedickerson@valdosta.edu

Courtesy of pixabay

Twitter extending tweets to 10,000 characters?

Twitter CEO announces possible new feature Carlius Williams

STAFF WRITER carwilliams@valdosta.edu Earlier this month, Twitter CEO, Jack Dorsey released some news that almost broke the Twitternet— Twitter would make tweet limits 10,000 characters.

This new feature would be way too much for current Twitter users such as myself. There are already certain apps that allow users to tweet more than 140 characters, such as Twitlonger and Medium, but only a few people use them. To offer it to every Twitter user seems a little farfetched but a disclaimer was issued stating that tweets would appear pretty much the same way they do now Before talking about expanding the character limits on tweets, many users are pushing for the ability to edit tweets. There is also a major concern from users who feel that Twitter does not do enough to stop harassment and offensive, stalking, or bullying behavior. The fact of the matter is that most users do not see Twitter as a business; most of the users who complain about the small details that Twitter has not covered have their ads turned off. Twitter has a considerably large following, and is compet-

The Campus Activities Board Presents. . .

ing with platforms such as Snapchat and Facebook, who are constantly releasing new content within their platforms to satisfy users instead of sending them away.

Maybe the new 10,000 character limit is exactly what Twitter needs. Dorsey said in a Ben Franklin Technology Partners blog that the 140-character limit that Twitter is known for has “become a beautiful constraint.” The 140-character limit has been a signature part of the website since the beginning.

Dorsey has high hopes that the new changes will attract more users. Needless to say the company is aware of certain apps that allow tweeters to break away from the 140-character rule like the previously mentioned apps. He points towards a possibility in the near future for the site to support full-bodied text tweets that are searchable and can be highlighted by users without the 140-character restriction.

Is this a new feature that Twitter users want? The new feature may hit sometime in March of this year, according to Forbes. Whether you love the new change or hate it, the 10,000 character limit will definitely change the way stories are told and memories are captured on Twitter.

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KNOW?

January 21, 2016

The original Super Mario Bros shifted 40.24 million copies.

Can you make your way through our maze?

We’ve updated our Spectator App.

Go and download it from any App Store!

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January 21, 2016

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Temporary Tattoo Part Two:

A preview and a how-to guide on how to wear Momentary Ink Julia Rodriquez

ASST. OPINIONS EDITOR jlrodriguez@valdosta.edu You can wear your dream tattoo without the pain. It’s not forever, but its possible with Momentary Ink. An earlier article introduced the website Momentaryink.com, where you can take an image for a test run before it becomes a permanent part of your body. These fake tattoos are meant to look real, and meant to last at least a week so that you can get an idea of how the tattoo will look on your body, work with your wardrobe and to see how popular it is with friends and family.

The advertisements sound great but do these tattoos live up to the way they’re talked about by the people selling them? Well, after buying and trying some out, it can be said that they do look real. As for durability, hassle and application, you may decide it’s not worth it. Everything you need for application will be inside the packet that comes in the mail. There are clear directions included that will walk you through the process.

Similar to fake tattoos you would get in a grocery store vending machine, you apply the image by pressing it to

the skin with a wet washcloth. After 30 seconds you will peel back the paper and the tattoo should be left on the skin. If you are applying to a not-so-flat part of your body, you will want to order two because the tattoo will not apply so easily and you might need a backup.

Once applied to the skin, allow it to dry for three minutes, then, spray the entire image with the provided, blue, sealant spray. Let this dry for another three minutes and then paint on, with the provided brush, the pink matte serum. The serum dries quickly and is meant to take away the shine. It is this step that really makes the tattoo look authentic.

Any areas of the skin where the matte serum was applied may become itchy because it can dry out your skin.

However, try to refrain from scratching, as you could ruin the tattoo. You will also notice that it feels very much like a fake tattoo, in the sense that you can feel it stretch and crinkle as you move.

So long as you are cautious not to scrub your tattoo in the shower or get too sweaty, it should last. It stands up to dry clothes rubbing on it, but not wet. If you play sports or work out, try to wait until a rest day to apply the

tattoo because sweat combined with clothes rubbing against the image will ruin it.

Overall, the way it looks really sells it. The purpose of Momentary Ink tattoos is to allow you to see how an image will look on your body before making the big commitment. It follows through on its main function.

Cost and hassle may deter you, but the price of Momentary Ink compared to tattoo removal is very small.

Remember that if you do not like the way these look, they’re only temporary. If you do not like the way a real tattoo looks, you’re stuck with it.

Julia Rodriquez/THE SPECTATOR

New craze “Drunkorexia”: skipping or binging for millenials: meals to save room to have more drinks Geneva Crooks

STAFF WRITER grcrooks@valdosta.edu In a society obsessed with appearance, dieting has become a way of life.

But, what happens when calorie conscious people want to have a few drinks? For some, the answer is a phenomenon called “drunkorexia.”

Common among college students, “drunkorexia” is the process of someone eating less to

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drink more. With drinking being such a huge part of life for most college students, some find themselves skipping meals to save calories for when they drink.

You may be wondering, “People really include the calories of their drinks in their daily diet?”

The answer to that is yes. In fact, many people do. Which is why so many different alcoholic drink companies are now marketing lighter beverages with fewer calories.

Drinking on an empty stomach

is never a good idea. It has been known to cause extreme sickness and a massive hangover. Besides those unpleasant symptoms, drinking on an empty stomach has far more grave consequences.

Not only is it extremely dangerous, but it can also lead to an increased risk of diabetes, liver disease and dementia.

Although these may not cause immediate problems, they are dangerous long term effects.

“It really just sounds like a terrible idea to me,” Andrew

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think it’ll be good for your liver in the long run. It’s basically just running your body dry.”

Although “drunkorexia” isn’t considered an eating disorder yet, with the pressure of looks in our current day, it could be someday soon.

It is important to be aware of just how terrible this can be to one's health, and not worth the long term effects at all.

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Earle, junior psychology major said,“Although fun, alcohol has a lot of bad things in there. That’s insane to starve your body of nutrients to make room for something harmful.”

Studies show that 30 percent of women, ages 18 to 23, have skipped a meal to drink. Alarming right?

“Wow, I’ve never heard of that,” Chelsea Ramsey, junior biology major, said. “I think it’s pretty dumb considering alcohol makes you dehydrated. I don’t

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KNOW?

You can make diamonds out of 80 proof (40%) tequila?

Who wants to be a billionaire?

The Powerball jackpot breaks record of $1 billion balls matched correctly in any order, and the grand prize is announced when someone correctly has all five white numbers as well as the red Powerball.

But why should college students care? What's our draw to this outrageous gamble? Of course we all know that the lottery is big money, and that playing could change our lives forever. Statistics show that the people who play the most money in the lottery are the people who are in the lowest income brackets. College students typically fall under this title, and a ticket to play Powerball only costs $2 which makes it especially alluring. That night, whether you bought a ticket or not, many students were imagining the changes their lives could have with the grand prize of $1.5 billion dollars.

“I’ve never played before, but heck yeah I almost did for this last one,” freshman psychology major, Mary Reinhardt said. “If I won, I would have bought an island. I would probably also buy a really attractive husband— no, a different one for every day of the week. And then after all of that, I might invest some of what’s left.”

Olivia Studdard

Staff Writer oastuddard@valdosta.edu Last week we had a record breaking day in lottery history when the Powerball jackpot broke $1 billion. This is the first time the prize has ever broken the $1 billion mark in any state, ever. With the Wednesday night drawing on Jan. 13, it seemed as if the majority of the country was on the edge of their seats waiting for the six numbers to be drawn.

The way the game works is simple.

There are two drums of balls. One is filled with 69 numbered white balls and the other is filled with 26 numbered red balls.

Each Wednesday and Saturday night at 10:59 EST, the balls are rolled around in the drums and then five white balls are drawn as well as one red ball, coined “the Powerball.”

Just like the Hunger Games, the odds are definitely not in your favor.

The overall chance of winning a prize in the Powerball game is 1 in 25. With this in mind, the prizes get larger in number the more numbers out of the six you have matched. If you match the one red Powerball you automatically get a prize. A second prize of $1,000,000 is rewarded if you have the five white

The overall chance of winning a prize in Powerball game is 1 in 25

Other students, such as VSU senior, Christian Thornton, said that most of his money would have gone straight to the bank.

“I’ve never played the lottery because I know I don’t have a good chance to win, but if I had, I would have invested all of it except for the portion I donated to charity,” Thornton said.

For others, the game is simply not something of interest to them. Many chose not to participate in the lottery at all, whether it’s for religious reasons, or even family traditions, such as freshman

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communications major, Layne Brock.

“I’ve never even considered it. That’s just how I was raised. My parent’s never did it, so I’ve never seen myself doing it either,” Brock said.

Whichever way your ticket folds, the game is an imaginative sport. You can play to risk it all or you can play to risk little to nothing. It’s a lot like college itself.

You get out of it whatever you put into it. But however you chose to play, play it with confidence, dignity, and the persistence to stick it out until the 10:59 p.m. deadline.

#digitalfeels

New app makes it easy to send love letters and thank you notes in the mail Julie Jernigan

Staff Writer jvjernigan@valdosta.edu What ever happened to genuine, from the heart, handwritten cards?

In a society ruled by technology, sending letters in the mail seems like a thing of the past. Text messages with heart emoji’s is the closest we get to sending love letters. In today’s fast-paced world, the modern man or woman may not have time to jet to nearest store, and pick upon the thousands of cards on the shelf, only to feel impersonal when he or she sends them.

Tomer Alpert, creator and CEO of the new and free “Felt” app, had the same problems when he needed to send a thank you note one night, and decided to renovate the way we send snail mail.

Felt conveniently lets you write and send personal, handwritten cards straight from your iPhone.

It enlists the help of your finger or stylus to mark your personal penmanship, which gives it that charming touch. If you don’t particularly like your handwriting, they have plenty of beautiful fonts to choose from.

The app also has a ton of eccentric and cute card styles to pick from, and even lets you use your own photos for a backdrop.

“I hope I can bring back the special feeling of receiving personal, handwritten cards, to create special meaningful moments between people, and to help us all be the heartfelt people we are,” Tomer said.

All cards are printed on premium Mohawk paper, and tucked into a recycled-paper envelope. When you first download the app, your first card is on them, but everything after that is 3 dollars and they even go as low as 2.20. The app ensures that your card will be printed, stamped, and mailed within 24 hours.

For an added bonus, the entire month of January is “Thank You Season,” and users can send a free thank you note.

Enter the code “FELTMANIA” at checkout, and it’s good for five cards. Download the app in the iTunes app store, and get started!

I’ve already sent three.

January 21, 2016

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Flag football takes home second title in as many years Tiarra Bell

Staff Writer tcbell@valdosta.edu Winning a national championship is hard, but winning back-toback national championships is historic; yet, the Nikes pulled it off with a cool demeanor.

The Valdosta State University Nikes won the 2015-2016 National Intramural Recreational Sports Association Men’s National Flag Football Championship for the second year in a row.

The Nikes and P-Rex traveled to Pensacola, Florida, for competition at the University of West Florida. There, each team competed in a total of five games from Jan. 2-4.

P-Rex is Valdosta State’s co-rec flag football team that won the 2014-2015 NIRSA co-rec National Championship. The group fell short this year, losing to Angelo State University 23-9 in the national championship game.

However, the Nikes defeated five teams, one of which broke a national record by trouncing Saginaw Valley State 103-0.

In the men’s national championship, the Nikes continued to dominate the field, this time beating the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley’s Hoosier Daddy, 26-12.

Among 22 players, five Valdosta State players earned All-American honors. Co-rec AllAmerican honors include Lance Jarriel, Rachel Swilley and Eric Johnson. Men’s All-Americans include team captains D’Angelo Smith, who was also named MVP,

and Romaz Jones.

Jones told his teammates there is one goal this year.

“It’s a must that we take the national title back home,” Jones said. “I remind them to be ready and stay focus. We’re going to get to the mountain top.”

The Nikes came into the season knowing that they have improved from last year’s contests. The team had lost only one game in pool play and finished the nationals undefeated. Having a lot of poise played a huge role on the road to be reigning champs.

“The mindset we had going to Pensacola was that we knew we were going to win,” senior Tedrian Thompson said. “We felt like we had an advantage. We go into games knowing our defense will step up and hold our opponents one or two touchdowns a game. Offensively, we felt no one can stop us.”

While one teammate was openly confident in winning, freshman Craig Snead Jr. asked a certain question before going into the championship: “Do we have what it takes to be a champion?”

“Yes, we do,” Snead said.

“Never let fear strike your path.

When you have a team that goes to bed with determination and wake up with satisfaction, we all become winners. We achieved that mindset by giving it 110 percent every play, second by second.

Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships.”

Julia Rodriquez/THE SPECTATOR Madi Mitchell (15) attempts a free throw in the Blazers’ 61-55 win over West Florida last Saturday at the Complex.

Mitchell lighting it up for the red-hot Lady Blazers

One of Valdosta State’s newest additions has provided a much needed offensive spark this season.

Aldean Starr

Staff Writer astarr@valdosta.edu The Valdosta State Lady Blazers basketball team needed to fill a significant scoring void to have any chance at a title. It did just that and more by finding a gem this past off-season in forward Madi Mitchell.

Mitchell is a 6’1” sophomore from Warwick, Georgia who transferred to VSU from Mercer University. “(VSU) feels like home and its close and it’s the perfect fit,” Mitchell said. “When I came I knew it was the perfect fit immediately.”

Her sister, Courtney, also played for Valdosta State, thus connecting her with Blazers coach Kiley Hill.

This season, Mitchell is the Lady Blazers leading scorer with an average of 10.5 points per game in 27.9 minutes per contest.

Those statistics show great improvements compared to her last season at Mercer, where she averaged 2.7 points per game and 12.3 minutes in 30 games.

“I feel like here I can play in-and-out and that really helps,” Mitchell said. “We have really worked on my outside game this year and that opens it up for everyone.”

The Blazers are seventh in the Gulf South Conference with a 9-7

(5-6) record. Mitchell believes the team will continue to ascend.

“As far as this season’s goal, I feel like with have a lot of young talent and potential, and I feel we can win the conference,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell’s theory is beginning to materialize thanks to the run the Lady Blazers have been on. The team is currently on a three-game winning streak and owns victories over Alabama-Huntsville (9-6) and West Florida (10-5), two of the better units in the GSC. Mitchell also wants to extend her thanks to all the fans and fellow Blazers for their support this season.

Upcoming Blazer sporting events Baseball:

Softball:

Jan. 30: @ North Georgia

Jan. 30: vs. Augusta State (Columbus)

Feb. 3: vs. Albany State Feb. 6: vs. Wingate

Follow us on Twitter for score updates and more: @VSUSpectator

Jan. 30: @ Columbus State Jan. 31: vs. Armstrong Atlantic (Columbus)

Women’s Basketball:

Men’s Basketball:

Jan 21: @ AlabamaHuntsville

Jan 21: @ AlabamaHuntsville

Jan 23: @ North Alabama

Jan. 23: @ North Alabama

Jan. 28: vs. Shorter

Jan. 28: vs. Shorter

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January 21, 2016

The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com

The search continues

Valdosta State is turning over every stone in its effort to find the right head football coach.

Gabe Burns

Next Blazer Boss?

Kerwin Bell (top), Matt Mumme (left) and Rush Propst (right) are three rumored coaching candidates for VSU’s football program.

Sports Editor gcburns@valdosta.edu David Dean, the winningest coach in Valdosta State history, will not be winning any games for the Blazers in the foreseeable future.

Dean’s departure to Georgia Southern came as a surprise to not just VSU, but to the entire community. As a result, Blazer fans wait with anticipation as the school continues its search for the next headman of VSU football.

The rumors of potential targets have been flying since Dean left to become the offensive coordinator for the Eagles on Jan. 5. Chris Hatcher, the current coach at Samford who enjoyed seven seasons as the Blazers’ leader, was a prime candidate, according to Ed Hooper, a VSU alumnus who runs a blog covering Valdosta-area sports. Hatcher coached VSU from 2000-2006 and collected a 76-12 record before departing for Georgia Southern himself.

However, VSU has since moved on to other options, according to Hooper and Valdosta Daily Times sports editor Jamie Wachter.

Popular names circulating in the rumor mill include Colquitt County coach Rush Propst, Kerwin Bell, formerly of

Jacksonville State University, and LaGrange College coach Matt Mumme.

The most likely and intriguing name here is Bell. According to FootballScoop.com, Bell is “still in” the competition to be named the coach.

Bell is the winningest coach in the history of Jacksonville State, but the Dolphins let him go over reported “philosophical differences” after nine years in charge.

Bell played quarterback at the University of Florida and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 1988 NFL draft. He also spent time with the Indianapolis Colts, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons in his playing career before becoming a graduate assistant at UF in 1990.

Bell interviewed for the offensive coordinator position at Florida in 2011 and has gathered plenty of interest from other universities during his JSU tenure. With Bell at the helm, the Dolphins were 66-35 with two Pioneer League Championships.

Propst has been a hot name locally because of his recent success in Moultrie, where the Packers have won two-straight national titles. Propst told Hooper he wouldn’t leave Colquitt for “another high school job.” That

comment piqued the interest of fans, and while Propst has expressed some level of interest in the position, it remains an unlikely hiring.

Mumme is the son of former Blazers’ coach Hal. Hal Mumme, who also coached at Kentucky, is highly-regarded nationally for his innovative work with the Air-Raid offense. His disciples have fared well over the course of their careers, and Matt has already made an impact at LaGrange College offensively.

Defensively, the Panthers have left much to be desired. A defense that surrendered 38 points per game dropped LaGrange’s record from 5-5 in 2014 to 2-7 in 2015.

That lackluster performance could cool VSU’s interest.

While the Panthers have yet to post a stellar record, the team has set several of its own offensive records in Mumme’s two seasons.

With VSU’s past emphasis on familiarity, Mumme still makes for a logical target.

With such a wide-casted net of candidates, athletic director Herb Reinhard has taken his time to assure that VSU brings in the right man for the job.

“I am confident that we will find the right person to continue to build on our rich tradition of success at Valdosta State,” Reinhard said in a statement.

There are a million* reasons to earn your degree at VSU. Here are a million and one: “Many people believe that an English degree is just for people who want to write or teach, but it can open doors to professions students may not have even considered. I left college assuming I would get a job at a newspaper or publishing house, but instead I ended up at a tech startup in San Francisco.

When I first started this job, I was disheartened because I felt like I was not using the degree I worked so hard to obtain. However, I quickly realized that I use the skills from this degree on a daily basis when interacting with colleagues, members, or when I am identifying and solving problems.

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This degree forces students to think critically and analytically in order to see things from varying perspectives. It also teaches students how to communicate their thoughts clearly and effectively, both written and orally. These skills have been part of the reason I have been so successful at my current role.

I would strongly recommend an English degree to anyone who loves to read, solve problems, and discover new ways of thinking.”

Start here. Stay here.

Succeed everywhere. * A typical worker with a bachelor’s degree earns $1.19 million more than a typical high school graduate, according to Hamilton Project’s “Major Decisions: What Graduates Earn Over Their Lifetimes.”