Feb. 10, The Appalachian

The Appalachian POST-IT NOTES Tuesday, Februrary 10, 2015 page 2

Fiddlers gather at Appalachian Students, community attend 9th annual Old-Time Fiddlers Convention

by Lovey Cooper

Senior A&E Reporter

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raveling bands, seasoned performers, talented children and Appalachian State University students competed and bonded as equals Saturday at the 7th annual Old-Time Fiddlers Convention, hosted by the Appalachian Heritage Council of the Appalachian Popular Programming Society.

Organizers estimate between 200-300 people came through Plemmons Student Union between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and the show at Legends that night brought out a little over 100 people, Virginia Reed, Appalachian Heritage Council Chair said.

She said she feels good about the turnout, although numbers were lower than anticipated at events Thursday and Friday nights. “We had been preparing for so long Maggie Davis

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Appalachian Popular Programming Society’s Appalachian Heritage Council organized the Fiddlers Convention on campus Saturday. Music, crafts and storytelling events made up the 7-hour event.

Western Youth Network provides mentors for local children

by Clare McPherson Intern News Reporter

Western Youth Network, which opened 30 years ago, provides one-onone mentoring for children ages 6-17, who are recommended to join the program through teachers, parents and community members.

Two-thirds of WYN’s mentors are Appalachian State University students. Angela McMann, Director of Mentoring Services at WYN said college students are more desired by mentees and show children that college is a realistic option.

WYN mentoring started when former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt created a grant for mentoring programs.

“The initial intent of the grant funding was to reduce the kids’ involvement in the criminal justice system,” McMann said. “But we’ve expanded that now to really encompass helping kids who need a positive role model.”

Mentors spend time with their mentee for at least 2 hours per week for one year. Emma Florin, senior social work major and intern at WYN said she and her mentee enjoy doing “girly” things.

Sarah Hawley

The mentors of the Western Youth Network pose for a group shot. A new club on campus, the Mentoring Club, offers an outlet for mentors to discuss the challenges and the triumphs of working with WYN.

“Our relationship is really good – we hang out as much as possible,” Florin said. “We like to do ‘girly’ things together. We love getting nails done, shopping and stuff like that.”

Florin said her mentee has become a lot more self-confident since they met two years ago.

“She was very shy when I first met her,” Florin said. “She’s become a lot more open with me. Her self-confidence has gone up a lot.”

Despite the assistance they provide,

McMann said one of the biggest issues with Appalachian student mentors is their unpredictable schedules.

“We love student mentors,” McMann said. “But a lot of student mentors aren’t here in the summer.”

If a student mentor leaves in the summer, this can cause communication issues with the mentee.

Elizabeth Pardieu, an academic advisor in the College of Business and the WYN mentoring program assistant said Appalachian students are good because

they play the role of an older sibling.

“I think students are great,” Pardieu said. “Cool college students are something [WYN children] need. [They] look more like a big sister or big brother.”

All mentors are required to sign a confidentiality waiver before spending time with their child. This prevents mentors from discussing their mentee’s issues with people who have not gone through a background check with WYN. However, mentors are permitted to talk to other mentors about some problems they may face via a new oncampus club that was started last year, titled the Mentoring Club.

Christine Patterson, a junior social work major and mentor for WYN, said the Mentoring Club is a great place to be with people who are dealing with some of the same problems.

“It’s a safe confidential space,” Patterson said. “In any of the helping professions it’s important to have support from your coworkers or from other volunteers.”

Florin said mentoring is really easy and a lot of fun.

“It’s just like having a friend, but a little one,” Florin said. “It’s just really fun.”

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Positive Post-its

Jordan Kimbrell

Students placed Post-it notes across campus Monday with encouraging sayings to increase positivity on campus.

Sam Bender, a sophomore marketing major, created a Facebook event Feb. 3 to coordinate the activity.

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Race Talk offers inclusivity for minorities

by Chamian Cruz

Intern News Reporter

After Black Lives Matter protests and demonstrations surrounding national events such as the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner, the Office of Multicultural Student Development and the Counseling and Psychological Services Center collaborated together to create Race Talk.

Race Talk is a therapy group where ethnic or racial minorities come together and discuss how being a minority on campus affects emotional and social health and academic success and share their perspectives on various issues.

“Both departments saw a need arise when protests and marches started happening among our students of color,” said Everette Nichols, assistant director of MSD. “Students don’t always think about resiliency or don’t often have the venue to express emotion and think about self care when exposing themselves to nonviolent protests and marches.”

The goal of Race Talk

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FEET (NOT ON THE STREET)

Maggie Davis

Dr. Allyson Matt is the leader of a group designed to discuss how ethnicity affects emotional, social and academic success at Appalachian State University.

is to create a safe and confidential place to support students as they work on reducing isolation, finding support and making changes.

“I think there are some barriers for diverse groups of students for actually coming into the counseling center in terms of mental health stigma,” said Dr. Allyson Matt, psychologist for Appalachian State University’s counseling center.

Students participate by self-submitting their names by contacting Nichols or Matt.

“The number of students that responded is far beyond what I expected,” Nichols said. “I was really expecting 10 or 12 students and there were 39 total who selfsubmitted in less than a week.”

Both offices are working to set up a designated time, but groups consisting of about eight to 12 students will be conducted in a private room by one or two counselors.

“Since students are sharing personal stories, within the coun-

seling groups it is understood by everyone that what is shared here stays here,” Nichols said.

Minority students are often faced with microaggressions by students who unintentionally or intentionally hurt their feelings with stereotypical comments or actions.

“I think many minority students on campus experience heavy emotion and most of the time that comes from a negative experience,” Nichols said.

Many minority students also feel isolated or misunderstood concerning their experiences, but Race Talk creates an inclusive environment where students are offered support and a place to vent if needed.

“The connections students build helps people feel like they can start to reach out to people in classes or they can build more relationships on campus that are meaningful,” Matt said.

“Meaningful connections are an important part in people being

successful in college.”

There are a few other student groups and organizations on campus where students discuss these feelings, experiences and situations, but none that are specifically catered to counseling and psychological services.

“Most students of color get support from organizations and the sort of like small families that they form either through clubs and organizations like the Hispanic Student Association, Black Student Association or even through housing,” Nichols said.

Although group therapy may initially cause intimidation or anxiety, offering Race Talk in this setting rather than students gathering on their own allows people to feel more comfortable and open up about personal concerns since everything is confidential, Matt said.

“I think that once people start to get into that [group therapy] setting with all of these people and start to connect with peers on a level

that maybe is different than what happens on a daily basis, they begin to find out that other people are also going through similar fears and struggles and they are not alone in that,” Matt said.

Appalachian consists of only a 12 percent minority population. The remainder of students are primarily white.

There are various factors that affect the diversity rate at Appalachian, but Nichols said one of the biggest obstacles is that Boone is about two hours away from any other large city compared to other universities who pull a diverse population from surrounding cities.

“I think there needs to be an overall university commitment to diversity and inclusiveness for increasing multicultural competencies,” Nichols said. “It has to a whole campus movement, sort of like how the campus gets behind the football team during football season – we have to get behind these initiatives as well.”

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and stayed on top of things as they came up during planning, which made the day of the convention enjoyable rather than stressful,” Reed said. “This year I was lucky enough to have a group of extremely hardworking and dedicated people who were instrumental in making this convention one of the best and most well planned we’ve ever had.

While most of these people come from regional music networks, growing numbers of participants, organizers and viewers are now coming from another culture completely – Appalachian State University graduates themselves.

Banjo player Rebecca Jones returned for her seventh year in a row as emcee on the main stage, after first getting involved with the council during her sophomore year as a student at Appalachian. A broadcast major, Jones moved to Boone for the music after growing up two hours away. She stayed for her master’s degree once the convention started her senior year.

“I had met a lot of people through the community who helped me to learn and grow, and that really helped me find a sense of home,” Jones said. “That’s what the Heritage Council was for me.”

Her personal participation in community music jams on and off campus had given her the beginnings of connections to then bring to the convention when it began, as a way to connect the students with the com-

munity more directly. After hosting a bluegrass and old-time music radio show on campus for five years, she volunteered herself as a public stage manager and announcer and has returned to the role every year since.

“It was one of the greatest times of my college career to be a part of that– everyone working together for this greater cause,” Jones said.

This year, her work began with checking in at 9:30 a.m. to see what organizers had to say and announcing participants and winners in the solarium from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., all while trying to meet with long-lost friends and community members and preparing for her own show in Legends at 8 p.m., playing banjo with The Buck Stops Here.

The band first met through mutual friends and got together in September of 2013 as the members from Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina all came together at various other fiddlers conventions. The group features three fiddlers as well as a banjo and guitar. Every member can sing lead as well as play three or four instruments.

They see this as their first gig of the year before planning to record an album later this month, as a way of coming home after playing a few earlier shows together in Sugar Grove and at the Jones House.

Emily Schaad of the band Old Buck also joined Jones on stage Saturday. She too met her band members through the convention circuit, after first being involved in the beginning of Appalachian’s, when a member of the Boone town council who worked for the Jones house brought the idea

Maggie Davis

Musicians perform in the International Hallway of Plemmons Student Union during the Fiddlers Convention last weekend.

back to the APPS Heritage Council in hopes of its return.

Saturday, Schaad led fiddling workshops and caught up with friends before returning to Legends to headline the show – her first official gig since graduating in 2009.

After growing up as a classical musician, she always knew she wanted to get involved in this type of music, but just wasn’t sure what it was until she was 20 and attended a week-long music camp about southern music and decided to pursue the genre by making friends at fiddlers conventions. She eventually found her way to Appalachian’s Appalachian Studies master’s program.

“It sounded like history to me,” she said.

Now she teaches workshops, like the one she led Saturday, for a living.

As her first visit back since 2009, she calls this event “bigger, better and more awesome.”

Reed says she plans to return to the competition in the future. To her, carrying on tradition is not a oneperson job.

“One of the biggest things that Appalachian culture emphasizes is togetherness,” Reed said. “I’m very fortunate to not only be part of this inclusive community, but also to have the chance to welcome others to it.”

“The forces that brought me to the music while I was here are still here, and I feel like I come here to get more influence,” Schaad said. “It’s just amazing to be back and see all

these dear friends who play music and hear the sounds again. There’s so much good music here, even just walking through the halls of the student union and just hearing the thrum of the string bands practicing for the contests.”

Jones too was somewhat surprised that the students here have carried on the traditions they set in place.

“I’m really excited to see a new crop of students carrying it on and through that process learning about the local music community and heritage here. It’s a big part of this place and I think students put blinders on when they’re in college and they focus a lot on their schoolwork, so they forget to look around at their surroundings, at the place where they’re going to be living for four years. This event kind of helps bring the community to them and hopefully makes them more aware of this place that they’re living and studying in, and hopefully makes them feel more a part of the High Country,” Jones said.

She particularly enjoys revisiting the local children who have grown up through the Junior Appalachian Musicians convention, as the Appalachian convention gives them a space to show their skills as they grow and progress.

“It’s not just that people are trying to preserve it, but that it’s being celebrated in an active way,” Schaad said. “People are enjoying it; I think that’s what it is. It makes it so it’s not like it’s in a museum, but in a living way.”

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University physicians look to raise awareness about heart disease

by Chamian Cruz

Intern News Reporter

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month, aimed at educating people on how to reduce the risk of getting heart disease as well as remembering those who have fought and are currently fighting the disease.

Heart disease affects both men and women and is most common among older adults. Although heart disease is rare among young adults, it is still possible.

Heart health should be taken into consideration early in life.

Every year, about 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States. It is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Data shows heart disease is most frequent among those living in the south and African American, Hispanic and white ethnicities, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease, occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart and can

lead to atherosclerosis, chest pain, blood clots, heart failure, arrhythmia, heart attack or other heart issues, according to the CDC. Appalachian State University physician Dr. Martha McKay said smoking and eating foods with synthetic or processed oils in them can create plaque buildup in arteries that lead to heart disease. She recommended restraining from smoking and eating foods with natural oils, such as fish oil and avocado oil.

High cholesterol levels caused by foods high in trans fat and saturated fat lead to a buildup of plaque when cholesterol is combined with fat, calcium and other substances in the blood.

Sophomore management major Ryan Chet said he remembers the frightening day his dad had a heart attack.

“The day of the heart attack he just felt really numb, he thought he was having an allergic reaction and went to his allergist, they told him to go to the ER and they said he had a heart attack,” Chet said.

The heart attack was

caused by lifestyle choices, such as eating red meat once a week and his genes, because there is a family history of heart disease, Chet said.

“I have a pretty good chance of heart disease, but I lead a slightly healthier lifestyle than [my family,]” Chet said. “I am a vegetarian and I exercise at least an hour a day.”

Since heart disease is hereditary, it is important to be aware of risk factors, current heart health issues and family history of heart disease.

Risk factors include smoking, high blood cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, diabetes or prediabetes, overweight or obesity, metabolic syndrome, birth control pills, lack of physical activity and an unhealthy diet, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Risk factors may increase the risk of getting heart disease, especially if heart disease already exists.

“There are some other illnesses that make heart disease more likely such as

diabetes and heart pressure, but the things that cause diabetes and heart pressure are lack of exercise and healthy foods rather than just the high blood pressure or diabetes,” McKay said.

More research needs to be done to determine how stress contributes to heart disease, but it has been proven that stress affects a person’s behaviors, which may lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

“Stress can make people exercise less, eat more, sleep less and raise their blood pressure, but if stress can be a reason to exercise more or meet up with more people, then stress can reduce the risk of heart disease,” McKay said. “It depends on what kinds of decisions people make with their stress.”

Diagnosis is usually determined by checking blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and by checking on the family history of heart disease.

Tests to diagnose heart disease include an

electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, exercise stress test and others, according to the CDC. For college students, diagnosis may simply include a visit with a family doctor and the doctor asking about exercise, breathing and shortness of breath after long exercise, McKay said.

“Often, treatment is very simple such as taking an aspirin once a day or taking some fish oil once a day and visiting a physical therapy department to do some more exercise with a therapist around,” McKay said. “I would say diet and exercise are the key points.”

Most of the time, heart disease is preventable by making lifestyle changes, but if heart disease is a family issue then taking the proper preventative measures is important.

“Some of the good things in life are also good for your heart, like whole wheat bread, fruit, home made foods, taking a walk with a friend or quitting smoking,” McKay said. “These things feel great now and are huge boosts to heart health.”

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2015 Vagina Monologues open Wednesday

by Casey Suglia

Intern A&E Reporter

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he annual performance of The Vagina Monologues will be held in the Blue Ridge Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union Wednesday through Friday.

The Vagina Monologues is a collection of monologues written in 1996 by writer Eve Ensler, after conducting a series of interviews with women around the globe. The Women’s Center at Appalachian State University puts on the event every year, and donates 90 percent of the ticket proceeds to Opposing Abuse with Service Information and Shelter, or OASIS. OASIS is a nonprofit located in Boone that focuses its efforts on ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga County and surrounding counties.

First-time directors, sophomore geology major Audre Sylvester and junior theatre arts major Lauren Thefaine applied to work with the show back in November when there was a high demand for applicants to direct The Vagina Monologues.

Thefaine had no previous experience with the play. Sylvester played the part of a narrator when she was cast in the 2014 production.

“One of the great things of having [Thefaine] as a codirector is that she has never seen it before, so she has no idea what has already happened or the way people generally do things...[s] he has really new and fresh ideas,” Sylvester said. “That’s something that really translates into this show – it’s really cool.”

The monologues hosted auditions in November and started the rehearsal process at the beginning of the spring semester.

Auditions were open to anyone who identified as a female; no previous acting experience was required. Out of the 60 or more women who auditioned, 23 were cast in the production.

“It’s really interesting to have a cast of people from every walk of major or life, and you just come here for casting and they just

Emma Kovasckitz

Vagina Monologues cast member Georgia Bowen (right) leads the cast during rehearsal.

show up and you know nothing about them,” Thefaine said. “You just decide based upon how they present the monologue.”

Despite being put on every year, the duo found some challenges in directing this year’s monologues, as there is a set of rules given by Ensler on how to direct the show.

“Most of the rules are in place so you’re not creating some lively theatrical piece,” Thefaine said. “It is not a play – it’s a movement.

It is containing you in these rules so you’re not making it something it’s not.”

Each year Ensler adds a new “spotlight monologue” to the set, which focuses on a hot topic from the year.

This year’s spotlight monologue focuses on revolution and change. “‘My Revolution Begins in the Body’ focuses on revolution and is done by two great actresses from last year’s production,” Sylvester said. “It is such a strong powerful piece. It talks about revolting against this state of mind that we tend to have. It talks about demanding change and sacrifice and power and it’s sort of a call to action to the audience to get them to understand.”

Sylvester said the piece takes the whole message of the show and tells the audience to go and do something knowing what they know after viewing it. She said she also believes that the performance will bring women together.

“You see this group

of women on stage and they’re so obviously friends and they’ve so obviously worked hard together and they’re so comfortable with where they are front and center of the audience’s attention,” Sylvester said. “It not only shows you that it’s not a bad thing to have attention and get attention and demand

attention but also that you can team up with other women, especially when we tend to see themselves at competition with each other at all times.

This really takes that away. It shows you that you’re not competing with women at all times; you can make friends, you can connect, you can unify and you can

be this big amazing group and power.”

Tickets for The Vagina Monologues are $12 at the information desk in Plemmons Student Union before the show and $15 cash only at the door. T-shirts, buttons and candies will be available for purchase at the show and at contact tables in the union this week.

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HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS “For men, a tie is a magical thing. It makes or breaks the situation,” Keith said. “You either have a tie and you are on their level, or you don’t have one and you’re inexplicably below them.” That said, be sure that the pattern is understated and not too flashy or formal.

Nametags go on the right side of your torso, above the chest, Cary said. This makes your name more visible as it follows the natural line of sight when web-to-web handshaking.

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Perhaps most importantly, avoid distracting yourself. Leave the backpack at home and empty your pockets. The center recommends leaving cell phones in the car, in order to avoid looking disinterested, even in the waiting room.

Cover tattoos and remove visible piercings at the first interview or a job fair. “If that’s a part of your identity that you’re not willing to compromise, then that says something about your fit with a company,” Cary said.

Pay attention to shoes, and don’t be afraid to polish them before an interview. “If your shoes are not clean or you’re wearing your Sperry’s that are eight years old, then it doesn’t complete the picture,” Keith said. For women, shoes should be a shade darker than their hem.

Hygiene: how you smell and how your hair looks are small aspects that can make or break a look. A little product goes a long way, and a lot of guys don’t even think about that, or they think it’s emasculating or too feminine, but a little gel keeps you looking tidy. The center recommends carrying breath strips and a lint roller. Nail polish should not be chipped.

Avoid wearing too much color or flashy jewelry.

“Gone are the days when you could only have a black or navy suit. Now you’re free to incorporate color, but I think that sometimes that’s hard for students to figure out where the line is,” Cary said. Keep the number of overall buttons and items of jewelry under 12, she recommends.

Part of knowing what is appropriate is knowing the company you are applying to, Cary said. Dress for a graphic design job is different from that of a job at Bank of America. Know the context and act like you intend to be there.

Cary said that length of clothing is a common mistake for women, as well as finding an appropriate fit to one’s shape – something most shoppers might not be able to tell without a second opinion.

Erika Cary & Kyle Keith Career Development Counselor

Information compiled by Lovey Cooper Infographic by Malik Rahili

Graduate Student in the College Student Development Program

Fashion tips: how to get hired

by Lovey Cooper

Senior A&E Reporter

Snow boots, facial hair and dreadlocks may be the norm at Appalachian State University, but they’re not always accepted in the professional world.

“Sometimes it’s just about educating the companies on what an Appalachian student symbolizes. You’re going to get a different kind of student here – a more civically engaged, more carefree, free-spirited person, and we see that as a good thing,” said career development counselor Erika Cary.

Sometimes, however, it’s about teaching students how to conform to the corporate rules.

To help ease the process, the Center for Career Development hosted a Career Fashion Show sponsored by Maurice’s, Loft and Van Heusen, and featuring a presentation from studentrun business Corner Tailors.

“We realize it is hard in Boone, because there’s not that many options as far as clothing stores in general, but especially for suits and professional dress,” Cary said.

“We just wanted to put some of the major places that do offer this clothing and put it right in front of students in one place.”

Attendees were offered a discount card to local clothing stores, in hopes that students could find an affordable professional suit to mix and match with, regardless of budget. The event catered both to freshmen scrambling to dress up for a class presentation, to older students seriously looking for a job who might not know what to wear to an interview.

Ashley Holland, a graduate student in the college student development program, was asked to model by another student in her graduate program who works for the center.

“When I was interviewing for grad schools, part of the requirements for my program was that you had to have an assistantship somewhere. I had to have a suit and the whole nine yards,” Holland said, noting that she also worked professionally for two years before coming to Appalachian, and had to dress that way every day.

“We talk about how first impressions aren’t everything – but they are. As shallow as that seems, it’s definitely a big part,” Holland said. “When you look more put together you feel more confident, and employers generally tend to like people who are more put together.”

Kyle Keith, another graduate student in the college student development program, also responded to an email call for models.

“I think sometimes undergraduates can be unprepared for professional

wardrobes if they have only had campus jobs or summer jobs – nobody ever prepared me for that so it’s awesome that they’re having this.”

The center recommends wearing business formal dress for all campus career opportunities, like job and internship fairs.

“Our overall goal is that when students graduate they feel really confident in their next step. It can mean anything – grad school, jobs, a year of service or just trying to take some time and figure out what they want to do with their life.

Everything is just as important as long as you’re confident. I think when you look good, you feel good.”

Cary encourages students to come talk to the counseling center to find out more about their future opportunities no matter where they are in their career or major.

opinion

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Student activism can foster critical engagement Kevin Griffin

Opinion Writer

Editor’s note: This is a second in two-part series on the impact of race and student activism.

Last semester this campus saw a much more prominent level of student activism than I have seen in my nearly three years at Appalachian State University. Students and some faculty spoke out about becoming involved in causes as diverse as voting rights, sexual assault, the direction of the university and

race relations.

Seeing such passion for these issues was as refreshing as it is important. Student activism provides both personal and institutional benefits. The personal benefits are of course the feeling and sense of accomplishment that comes with working for something that matters. Today more than ever, however, the institutional values are what matter most.

Last November, faculty members and students held a forum called “Whose University is This?” which touched a number of the signs of corporate culture, including the growth of administrative bloat and the idea of students as consumers, according to the Nov. 17 edition of The Appalachian. Treating students as consumers is one aspect of

shifting the university from its traditional functions of education and research at universities to a model that revolves around economics.

Education scholar Henry Giroux wrote in an essay for www.counterpunch.org in 2012 that stated many universities “are now committed almost exclusively to economic goals, such as preparing students for the workforce.”

We can see this sort of mentality at work in North Carolina, with Gov. McCrory frequently promoting joboriented education and disparaging the liberal arts.

Of course universities have an economic role, but many aspects of higher education are lost when this becomes the primary function of the university. A major part of

education is equipping students engage critically with the world. The narrow focus on the economic aspects of education diminishes this element of personal fulfillment and societal advance.

Student activism provides an outlet for students to combat this paradigm. Though it is not part of the curriculum, activism allows students to be autonomous and critically interact with the world in meaningful ways. Also, student activism can work to change the aspects of the university that are inhibiting that intellectual potential.

For those reasons, I hope the student activism we’ve seen continues forward.

Griffin, a junior journalism major from Madison, is an opinion writer.

Emily Howard | The Appalachian

‘Glee’ coach’s transition: right move for wrong reasons?

Madison Seale Opinion Writer

The television show “Glee” has made waves once again; one of its regular characters came out as transgender, and now photos have released of his new look airing on Feb. 13.

Sheldon Beiste, formerly Shannon and often referred to as Coach Beiste, first appeared in season two as the high school’s football coach.

Beiste, who is portrayed by actress Dot-Marie Jones, is a character with excellent depth and a tough, strong personality despite self-esteem issues. The result of these

traits creates the most realistic character in the show.

When Beiste revealed she was transitioning into a man, there were two clashing results. On one hand, another much-needed representative of trans characters has entered television, which thrills me. On another, one of Beiste’s strongest messages was lost in the process.

Beiste has been a role model for younger viewers, saying you can be tough and masculine and still be a woman. Typically these kinds of characters are either shown in a bad light or used only for comedy, but Coach Beiste is done very well. When you think of it as a masculine female role model turning out to be a man all along, the message is lost.

While this is disappointing, I believe the character’s new meaning makes up for the former one.

There are lots of strong female characters in media and numbers are growing.

If you want to see balanced, realistic women, look no further than “Orange is the New Black.” Beiste is the first regular character to ever come out as transgender and transition on broadcast television. Dot-Marie Jones said in an interview with People Magazine that she is “honored” to take on the role and is very involved with the LGBT community. She has also received responses from transgendered men saying “I never thought I’d see myself on TV.” Jones is working with the right attitude and fully intends to give the part justice.

“My big thing is to make the trans community proud and have the most respect for it,” she told “After Ellen.”

I’m fully confident she will portray Sheldon’s transition

excellently. She’s great for the part and always has been.

The show itself, however, isn’t.

“Glee” has a history of taking a single “token” member of a demographic and toting them around. Part of true acceptance is not creating a fetish out of diversity. “Glee’s” portrayals range from respectful – Beiste delivered an emotional monologue about his transition that was near flawless – to cringeworthy and stereotypical.

Did the show make this decision for all the right reasons? I don’t know for sure, but I doubt it. Do I care? Not really. Beiste’s transition on this popular of a show is a great step forward for the media’s acceptance of the transgender community.

Seale, a sophomore communications major from Charlotte, is an opinion writer.

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CRIME LOG BOONE

Feb. 9 10:02 p.m. | DWI - Alcohol and/or Drugs Hardee’s Parking Lot An arrest was made for a DWI involving alcohol and/ or drugs.

Feb. 7 8:58 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Central Dining Hall An arrest was made for the underage consumption of alcohol.

Feb. 8 12:28 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Roof Area of Founders Hall An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Feb. 6 3:48 a.m. | DWI - Alcohol and/or Drugs Howard Street There is no cleared disposition for this case.

Feb. 9 12:03 a.m. | Possession of Marijuana Hardee’s Parking Lot An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

Feb. 7 10:16 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Bowie Hall An arrest was made for the underage consumption of alcohol.

Feb. 8 10:55 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Lovill Hall An arrest was made for the underage consumption of alcohol.

Feb. 7 9:33 p.m. | Underage Consumption of Alcohol Appalachian Panhellenic Hall An arrest was made for the underage consumption of alcohol.

Feb. 3 11:10 p.m. | Possession of Marijuana Mountaineer Hall An arrest was made for the possession of marijuana.

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The Appalachian 217 Plemmons Student Union, Boone, N.C. 28608 828 • 262-6149 Copyright © 2014 The Appalachian

WHO ARE WE? The Appalachian, a student-run publication at Appalachian State University, strives to provide fair and accurate news for the campus community; to inform, entertain and create a forum for ideas; to provide an outlet for reader's opinions; to be a champion for student, faculty, staff, and community interests; and to remain independent, exercise and ensure its First Amendment rights.

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Editor-in-Chief Joshua Farmer Managing Editor Gerrit Van Genderen Visual Managing Editor Malik Rahili Chief Copy Editor Abbi Pittman News Editor Laney Rucksthul A&E Editor Emma Speckman Sports Editor Cory Spiers Graphics Editor Samantha Cordialini Photo Editor Alex Gates Video Editor Chris Deverell Enterprise Editor Michael Bragg

BUSINESS OFFICE Business Manager Paul Heckert

ONLINE Web Manager Justin Perry Community Outreach Stephanie Sansoucy

ADVISER Assistant Director, CSIL Allison Bennett Dyche

Contact Information EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (828) 262-6149 BUSINESS OFFICE (828) 262-2157 ADVISER OFFICE (828) 262-2245

Associated Collegiate Press

app news

# Submit Announcements App News is a service of the Division of Student Development.

Email dycheab@appstate.edu.

Submissions should not exceed 100 words and must include the event title, date/time, location and cost, and a contact email, phone and/or URL. Announcements will be edited as needed and will run as space allows. Preference given for events that are free or have a nominal cost.

Student Leadership Awards Nominations are open for Student Leadership Awards through Feb. 23. Nominations are requested for students who provide significant leadership and service and go beyond what would normally be expected of them in their particular leader or service role. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development. Two forms (nomation and student data form) are required for a complete nomination, and are available at studentdev.appstate.edu/leadership-and-service-awards.

Each year, Appalachian State University recognizes Student Leaders for their service and leadership to the university at a Student Leadership Award Ceremony sponsored by the Office of Student Development. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 24, Parkway Ballroom, PSU. International opportunities The Walker College of Business encourages its students to par-

ticipate in one or more of its travel abroad opportunities. Some of the trips are scheduled during fall and spring breaks. Scholarships available. Students do not have to speak a second language, and they can earn credit toward their degree.

Visit international.business.appstate.edu.

Free tax assistance ASU’s Walker College of Business will provide free tax assistance for individuals or families with a combined household income of $60,000 or less. Anyone can prepare and e-file their own federal and state income taxes for free using www.myfreetaxes.com.

The Free Tax Help Lab, will be held 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, through April 15, room 2014, Peacock Hall. Email hofmannma@ appstate.edu.

Campus safety concerns The Appalachian Student Chapter of the American Correctional Association will host Campus Safety Concerns: Active Shooters and Other Threats, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10, room 110, Anne Belk Hall. The event will feature Chief Gunther Doerr, Director of Public Safety & Risk Management at ASU. Free and open to the ASU community.

Expressive Arts Group for Veterans Open to any faculty, staff and student veterans at Appalachian State University. The group’s purpose is to allow for the establishment of community amongst veterans and to offer creative outlets

to explore through multiple modes of expression. Email falckms@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2696.

All sessions will be held at 5:45 p.m. in room 306, College of Education. The dates are: Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 17, March 31, April 14 and April 28.

The Wellness Workshops Presented by the Counseling Center, The Wellness Workshops: Feelin’ Good in the Neighborhood.

Call 828-262-3180 or visit counseling.appstate.edu • Bored and Brilliant: The Lost Art of Spacing Out, 11 a.m.-noon Feb. 11, Three Top Mountain, PSU • Survive and Thrive: Suicide Prevention Training, noon-2 p.m.

Feb. 23, Three Top Mountain, PSU • It’s NOT all about the BASE: Crafting a Compassionate Sense of Self, 4:15-5:15 p.m. March 3, Rough Ridge, PSU • Talk to the Paw: Come Destress with Allstar, the Dog, 4-5 p.m. March 26, Three Top Mountain, PSU • Reducing Stress with Mindfulness, 12:30-1:30 p.m. April 15, Three Top Mountain, PSU Expressive Arts (EXA) Studio The studio seeks to engage Appalachian faculty, staff and graduate students in exploring how art-making can sustain individuals and communities. Will be held 3-5:30 p.m. in room 301 in the College of Education. Email platok@appstate.edu.

• Feb. 13: EXA Soul Collage • Feb. 20: EXA Open Studio • Feb. 27: EXA Studio TBA

Career Development Center Workshops • CareerFest, noon-4 p.m. Feb. 19, Holmes Convocation Center

Outdoor Education Certifications University Recreation recently created a partnership with Landmark Learning, a wilderness certification provider education center to offer wilderness medicine, emergency medicine and leave no trace outdoor ethics courses for students and the community.

For more information, go to https://op.appstate.edu/certifications--trainings.

• Feb. 21-22, Wilderness First Aid • March 7-15, Wilderness First Responder • April 10-12, Wilderness First Responder Re-Certification • Leave No Trace Master Educator, Aug. 10-14, 2015

Suicide Prevention Training Learn how to help someone who is showing signs of emotional distress. By the end of this training, participants will know the warning signs for suicide, how to intervene, and where to go for more help. All training sessions will be held in Three Top Mountain, PSU. • noon-2 p.m. Feb. 23 • 6-8 p.m. March 25 • 10 a.m.-noon April 21, 5:307:30 p.m. April 22, 6-8 p.m. April 27, 3-5 p.m. April 28 and 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. April 29

February

sunday

monday 8

tuesday 9

wednesday 10

Build-A-Pet, 11 a.m., Grandfather Mountain Ballroom, PSU, free Fracking: Facts and Fiction, 3:30 p.m., Parkway Ballroom, PSU

11

friday

thursday 12

Appalachian Symphony Orchestra, 2 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, free

16

13

“Dear White People” The Fox Fire concert, “Thoroughly Modern 9:30 p.m., Legends, screening, 7 p.m., Millie” screening, $4 advance, $6 door 7 p.m., Greenbriar, I.G. Greer, freee PSU, $1 “Thoroughly Modern “Big Hero 6” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 “Big Hero 6” screenMillie” screening, 7 p.m., Greenbriar, p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 ing, 7 p.m. and 9:30 PSU, $1 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

14 “Big Hero 6” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

Healing our Soils: True Sustainability for Field, Farm, and Forest, 9 a.m., Samantha Frye Stu- Cooperative Extendent Voice Recital, sion Conference 6 p.m., Recital Hall, Center free Healing Arts Todd Wright’s Val- Yoga, 10:30 a.m., entine Evening, 8 Turchin Center, p.m., Rosen Concert $5-$10 Hall, free

Bored and Bril“Dear White People” liant: The Lost Art of Spacing Out, 11 screening, 7 p.m., a.m., Three Top I.G. Greer, free Mountain, PSU Campus safety concerns, 5:30 p.m., room 110, Anne Belk Hall, free

15

saturday

17

18

19

20

21

Tai Chi, 5 p.m., Turchin Center, free for students

Outdoor Jobs Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Grandfather Ballroom, PSU

CareerFest, noon-4 p.m., Holmes Convocation Center

Jazz Ensemble I, 8 p.m., Schaefer Center, free

Wind Ensemble & Symphony Band, 8 p.m., Schaefer Center, free

HSOM String Faculty Recital, 6 p.m., Recital Hall, free

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

Painting class, 7-9 p.m., Turchin Center, Spring Leadership Fair, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free for students International Hall, PSU Mardi Gras Feast, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Rivers Street Cafe in “Victor Victoria” screening, 7 p.m., Roess Dining Hall, Greenbriar, PSU, $1 Park Place Cafe in Trivette Hall Axiom Brass Quintet, 8 p.m., Rosen APPropos!, 8 p.m., Rosen Concert Hall, Concert Hall, free free

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” screening, 7 “Victor Victoria” p.m. and 9:30 p.m., screening, 7 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2 Greenbriar, PSU, $1

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1” screening, 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., I.G. Greer, $2

12

From Serbia to Boone, Kostic’s future stays bright

by Bryant Barbery

Sports Reporter

In order for a basketball team to mesh well during the season, certain pieces during the process of recruiting must be aligned for a team to have success in the future, especially under the direction of a new coaching staff.

Freshman forward Milos Kostic has been such a player for the Mountaineers in conference play.

Coming into Jim Fox’s first season as head coach of App State men’s basketball, recruiting players that fit well into the new style and system of play started right away.

“We needed a stretch four player when we recruited [Kostic],” Fox said. “We needed a guy who could shoot it and pass it and someone who had a good basketball IQ. We knew he would be able to help us eventually.”

Basketball is nothing new for Kostic, who grew up playing the game in Serbia.

The love for the game started in first grade for Kostic, and it has not wavered.

“Basketball is pretty big in Serbia,” Kostic said. “It used to be Yugoslavia before but then the country started separating but they kept the basketball tradition. My mom pushed me.

There were a lot of times in the morning when I didn’t want to go and she would make me go. It’s paying off now.”

Kostic came to the United States

and started his high school basketball career playing at Traders Point Christian Academy in Florida.

Kostic spent one season at the IMG Academy in Florida where he played under head coach John Mahoney, who spent several years as an assistant coach under Michigan head coach John Beilein.

Kostic averaged 10 points, five rebounds and five assists per game during his one season at IMG Academy and helped lead the Ascenders to a No. 4 national ranking, as well as a 24-2 record and a spot in the prestigious, eight-team National Prep Championship.

“College play is a lot different than high school and prep school, but you just get used to a better level and get tougher,” Kostic said. “I’m just trying to do my best and do whatever the coach asks me to do. Back home, the game is more of a slow style just passing and cutting. Here it is a faster style of play and kind of like a speed adjustment.”

Kostic first made his presence felt in App State’s conference opener on the road at Arkansas State. With less than two minutes to play, the Mountaineers found themselves down 6971.

Kostic came up big at that moment and showed a flash of what kind of player he could grow to become by draining 3-pointer to give App State a 72-71 lead with 51 seconds left to play.

With 13 seconds left in the game

Cory Spiers

Freshman forward Milos Kostic glances at the sideline during a game against Troy this season. Kostic averages 7.8 minutes and has played in 15 games.

the Mountaineers once again found themselves down against the Redwolves at 72-73, only to have Kostic come up big as he grabbed an offensive rebound off of a missed jumper by fellow freshman guard Jake Babic to put the game-winner in the basket and clinch App State’s first Sun Belt victory.

“He went out and really went after the 50-50 ball, got it and had the poise and toughness to score the game winner,” Fox said. “He has got the potential to be very good but has to realize it and continue to work hard.”

On the season, Kostic has appeared in 15 games, averaging 7.8 minutes

per game off of the bench while adding 2.5 points per game.

App State’s veteran players, including junior guard Frank Eaves, said the brightest times seem to be ahead for the young forward.

“I think Milos in the time he is out on the court has contributed to the team a lot,” Eaves said. “Milos has really helped us throughout the season. I think he is going to continue to improve because he is a really smart player on the court and fits well into the coach’s system.”

Kostic and the Mountaineers return to the court Thursday to face UALR in Boone at 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling falls on senior day, stays in second place

GET YOUR WORK

PUBLISHED SUBMIT YOUR PROSE, POETRY AND VISUAL ART TO:

thepeelreview.com INITIAL FEEDBACK DEADLINE

JANUARY 30

(artists will receive a critique from one of our committees) Cory Spiers

Chattanooga successfully spoiled App State wrestling’s senior day Sunday in Boone as the Mocs edged the Mountaineers 19-17. The match was close throughout, but the Mountaineers missed a chance to move up in the Southern Conference standings and with the loss, remain in second place. The next match for App State is slated for Feb. 16 against VMI.

FINAL DEADLINE

FEBRUARY 18

all submissions are eligible for the spring online and print publications

12

From Serbia to Boone, Kostic’s future stays bright

by Bryant Barbery

Sports Reporter

In order for a basketball team to mesh well during the season, certain pieces during the process of recruiting must be aligned for a team to have success in the future, especially under the direction of a new coaching staff.

Freshman forward Milos Kostic has been such a player for the Mountaineers in conference play.

Coming into Jim Fox’s first season as head coach of App State men’s basketball, recruiting players that fit well into the new style and system of play started right away.

“We needed a stretch four player when we recruited [Kostic],” Fox said. “We needed a guy who could shoot it and pass it and someone who had a good basketball IQ. We knew he would be able to help us eventually.”

Basketball is nothing new for Kostic, who grew up playing the game in Serbia.

The love for the game started in first grade for Kostic, and it has not wavered.

“Basketball is pretty big in Serbia,” Kostic said. “It used to be Yugoslavia before but then the country started separating but they kept the basketball tradition. My mom pushed me.

There were a lot of times in the morning when I didn’t want to go and she would make me go. It’s paying off now.”

Kostic came to the United States

and started his high school basketball career playing at Traders Point Christian Academy in Florida.

Kostic spent one season at the IMG Academy in Florida where he played under head coach John Mahoney, who spent several years as an assistant coach under Michigan head coach John Beilein.

Kostic averaged 10 points, five rebounds and five assists per game during his one season at IMG Academy and helped lead the Ascenders to a No. 4 national ranking, as well as a 24-2 record and a spot in the prestigious, eight-team National Prep Championship.

“College play is a lot different than high school and prep school, but you just get used to a better level and get tougher,” Kostic said. “I’m just trying to do my best and do whatever the coach asks me to do. Back home, the game is more of a slow style just passing and cutting. Here it is a faster style of play and kind of like a speed adjustment.”

Kostic first made his presence felt in App State’s conference opener on the road at Arkansas State. With less than two minutes to play, the Mountaineers found themselves down 6971.

Kostic came up big at that moment and showed a flash of what kind of player he could grow to become by draining 3-pointer to give App State a 72-71 lead with 51 seconds left to play.

With 13 seconds left in the game

Cory Spiers

Freshman forward Milos Kostic glances at the sideline during a game against Troy this season. Kostic averages 7.8 minutes and has played in 15 games.

the Mountaineers once again found themselves down against the Redwolves at 72-73, only to have Kostic come up big as he grabbed an offensive rebound off of a missed jumper by fellow freshman guard Jake Babic to put the game-winner in the basket and clinch App State’s first Sun Belt victory.

“He went out and really went after the 50-50 ball, got it and had the poise and toughness to score the game winner,” Fox said. “He has got the potential to be very good but has to realize it and continue to work hard.”

On the season, Kostic has appeared in 15 games, averaging 7.8 minutes

per game off of the bench while adding 2.5 points per game.

App State’s veteran players, including junior guard Frank Eaves, said the brightest times seem to be ahead for the young forward.

“I think Milos in the time he is out on the court has contributed to the team a lot,” Eaves said. “Milos has really helped us throughout the season. I think he is going to continue to improve because he is a really smart player on the court and fits well into the coach’s system.”

Kostic and the Mountaineers return to the court Thursday to face UALR in Boone at 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling falls on senior day, stays in second place

GET YOUR WORK

PUBLISHED SUBMIT YOUR PROSE, POETRY AND VISUAL ART TO:

thepeelreview.com INITIAL FEEDBACK DEADLINE

JANUARY 30

(artists will receive a critique from one of our committees) Cory Spiers

Chattanooga successfully spoiled App State wrestling’s senior day Sunday in Boone as the Mocs edged the Mountaineers 19-17. The match was close throughout, but the Mountaineers missed a chance to move up in the Southern Conference standings and with the loss, remain in second place. The next match for App State is slated for Feb. 16 against VMI.

FINAL DEADLINE

FEBRUARY 18

all submissions are eligible for the spring online and print publications