Recycled Fashion Show Page 6-7
Pensacola State College
The News The Students Choose
January 2017
Islamophobia is alive in America
Students reveal what the media doesn’t show about Muslim Americans By Sean Minton
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laa Ibrahim spends most of her free time at school socializing and relaxing with her friends in the Student Center. Never could she have thought that her peaceful time could turn into a battleground of hate. Ibrahim is like any other teenager her age. She loves to dance, sing, swim, free-write and socialize. “Socializing with people makes my day,” said Ibrahim. However, her encounter with another student did not make her day, but instead ruined it. One day in the Student Center, Ibrahim had a run-in with a student who happened to be an acquaintance. He harassed her by throwing pork at her over her Islamic religion. She later told him that if he continued to harass her, she would get the police involved. The scenario described is considered a hate crime. Many Muslim women are easy targets for incidents like this because of the headscarf they wear. “Even though we dress differently, wearing a scarf does not mean that we are threatening your life. We are actually really nice people and exactly like anyone else,” said Ibrahim. Since Muslim women are an easy target for hate, many of them fear for their safety. “I used to feel safe in public, but now it’s like I cannot even leave my house,” said Ibrahim. 18-year-old Muslim American student Adam Kader is not easily targeted like Muslim women, but he still has concerns for their safety. “I don’t really look Muslim because the men don’t wear anything like the headscarf, so I don’t worry about myself, but in public I worry for my mom. When she and my sister go out, I don’t know what is going to happen to them or what to expect,” said Kader The harassment is not only at school. It is more common for criticism to occur for these teenagers outside of the learning environment. “Usually, most
of the racist remarks come from older generations, but they aren’t to blame because they grew up in a different time,” said 18-yearold Sarra Krichi. However, Krichi feels that racism is not inherited, it is taught. These teenagers have concerns for their well-being, and they hope for change. The best way for change is to educate other Americans on what Islam is. Islamic extremists do not represent Muslims the same as the Klu Klux Klan does not represent Christians. “We are not what the media shows us as. We are normal people with a different religion. The people you see in the media
aren’t Muslims. One of the major sins in the Quran is killing another,” said Kader. All three students agreed that some of the misconceptions about Muslims and Islam stem from what the media displays. The major one is assuming that all Muslims are a threat. According to the Huffington Post, “the average American is more likely to be crushed to death by their couch or television than they are to be killed by a Muslim.” Based on that fact, the real enemy in America may be household items rather than Muslims. This country is a melting pot full of millions of different citizens. “When people
"I used to feel safe in public, but now it’s like I cannot even leave my house."
see my headscarf, they automatically assume I’m not from here. I was born and raised in Pensacola,” said Krichi. As much as some do not want to face the facts, these students would like to get their message across any way they can. “I would really enjoy for a gathering so people can come together and learn about Islam because people don’t know about Islam. I just want people to treat us like humans and with respect. If I treat you with respect I deserve that respect back,” said Ibrahim Hank Shirah, campus Chief of Police has advice for anyone experiencing harassment. “Report it to the campus police department. The college has a policy which states that it will not tolerate harassment based on race, color, creed or sexual orientation, and we totally support that." "If you are being harassed or stalked, it is serious. If you call us, we’ll look into it. We will do an investigation and see what we can find out because the college is not going to tolerate harassment, and the law enforcement is not going to tolerate it," said Shirah. If one experiences an altercation such as this or knows someone who is facing discrimination because of his or her religion, he or she should seek justice instead of ignoring the problem. An organization that Muslims can use to seek help is the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). They help protect civil liberties and promote an understanding of Islam. More information on CAIR can be reached on their website at cair.com. PHOTO BY BARA'AH JARAISEH
Column
Student success: Tips on surviving college How to stay committed to new goals By Tracey Squaire
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t’s the start of a new year which is a time when people are ready for changes. It’s a time when people make promises to themselves, but it’s also a time when many people make promises they know they are unlikely to keep. Some of the common resolutions people make at the start of a new year are things such as losing weight, eating healthy or developing better study habits. While these are admirable goals, only 8% of people in America succeed in completing their New Year’s resolution, according to statisticbrain.com. If you are one such person who has made a New Year’s resolution, but you are afraid of giving up or failing, there are some things you can do to ensure you are among the elite 8% of Americans. First of all, actually make a resolution. The experts over at statisticbrain.com reported that those who stated exactly what it is they wanted to achieve were ten times more likely to complete their
goals than those who didn’t. When stating a resolution, don’t be vague. If you want to lose weight, make a specific goal such as “I want to lose 15 pounds in 90 days.” If you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, it will be harder to work towards that goal. One thing to keep in mind is to make your goal realistic and achievable. Saying that you want to get a body like Ariana Grande in two months is probably not achievable. If you try to work towards something like that, you’ll likely get discouraged and give up. The next thing to do is to actually start working towards your goal. This may seem like an obvious step, but some people tend to make a plan and not actually go through with it. If you are having trouble getting motivated, think about why exactly you made your resolution in the first place. Make a plan for how you will achieve your goal. It’s all well and good to say
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you want to eat healthy, but you can’t do that if you’re splitting an extra large, five cheese pizza with one of your friends because you got hungry at school. If your goal is one such as eating healthy, plan ahead and prepare a healthy lunch to take to school with you or pack a healthy snack to avoid making an impulsive trip to the vending machine. Planning not only gets you to stay focused on your goal, but it helps you to keep track of exactly what you’re eating. Set a schedule for yourself to work on things at certain times. If you make your goals a part of your daily life, you will be more likely to stick to them. You’re less likely to waste an hour browsing Imgur when you’ve already scheduled a workout for that hour. Setting a date by which you want to have achieved your goal is also vital. If your goal is to be better at studying so you get a better grade, you don’t want
to make your “succeed by” date in the middle of summer. Motivation is important. If your goal is to develop better study habits, you probably care about your grades and your future. If succeeding in work or school is what motivates you, keep those things in mind when you’re feeling discouraged. Think about how the habits you develop for yourself now will help you not only in your school career, but also in your work career. Consider relying on others to help you keep on track. If you want to study more often, join a study group. If you want to be healthier, join a health club. Just don’t rely on these things to keep you on the road towards your goals. Ultimately, the only person who can help you succeed is you. Following these tips will help you stay on track, but the will to achieve your goals can only come from inside. ILUSTRATION BY KATHERINE CHEN
Editorial / Column
January 2017
Editorial: Stop ignorance; Embrace understanding S ince 9/11 and the initiation of the War on Terror, Muslims have become easy targets for discrimination in Western society. This is especially true for Muslim women who are easily identified as Muslim by their headscarf, known as a hijab, worn by certain practitioners. Despite what many people think, Muslim is not a race of people, but rather a name for practitioners of the religion of Islam. Tensions in America have increased over the last decade and a half since that infamous day. This pressure has worsened in recent months due to questionable comments made by the president-elect and some of his supporters during the campaign season.
An important distinction should be made that former president George W. Bush declared a war on terrorism, not the Islamic religion. It is equally as important to keep in mind that only a small percent of Muslims are extremists seeking to destroy Western values, just as only a small percent of Christians are Ku Klux Klan supporters. The tension stems from ignorance of the Islamic religion and of the perceived differences between Western and Middle Eastern societies. The very fact that people think that it is okay to harass others because of religious or racial differences is appalling and certainly un-American. Matters become even more egregious
when the harassment happens in schools or in the workplace. When the harassment happens among friends and family, often the offender feels that they can backtrack or write off the hateful language as a joke. The real joke is when free speech is exercised to spread hateful, false messages. Even if someone thinks of harassment of different people to be harmless, it isn't. Harassment is rarely harmless. Despite the old adage about sticks and stones, words can hurt. If you see someone being harassed, speak up. Staying silent is the same as saying that it’s okay for someone to say prejudiced comments to another person. When intimidation is allowed to
pass by without a word against it, it then becomes normalized. This can increase instances of repeat offenses as more and more people believe it's okay to treat others however they wish. This isn’t an issue of sensitivity, just common decency and adhering to the democracy we live by. The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides for a freedom of religion and the 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens. We must respect the laws that protect all of our neighbors, as well as treat other faiths equally. A college campus is supposed to be a safe place for learning and growth, let’s work together to ensure that happens.
You can make a difference: Volunteer in your community
Habitat for Humanity: Hands needed, tools optional
By Sarah Richards
ILLUSTRATION BY ANNA JOHNSON
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ensacola Habitat for Humanity builds energy efficient, quality homes and sells them to eligible families in need of affordable housing at cost with a nointerest loan. The homes aren’t given away, but neither does the organization turn a profit on them, as mortgage payments are used to build additional homes. All Habitat homes are single family homes (3-4 bedrooms), and recipients are permitted to choose their neighborhood and décor to help make it their own. Recipients must give 200 hours of “sweat equity” so they are invested in their dwelling before they can move into their Habitat House, which they will own. “Habitat” has helped people become successful homeowners. Families must make at least $18K minimum (even a family of one), and maximum incomes vary. A family of four, for example, must not gross more than $49,450, so that those who need “habitat help” will get it. Melanie Jacobi, the Director of Volunteer Services at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, says, “The work that we do here is something everyone can be a part of.” Building a house is a team effort, and benefits families around the globe, as homeownership is still very much a part of any country’s dream. When it’s made affordable, it becomes an attainable dream. The Pensacola Habitat provides six areas where people can volunteer. The first is the ReStore. The thrift store accepts donations for housewarming and housebuilding items like tools, lumber, decorations, furniture and appliances. There is a need for people who will clean items that may have been sitting in
someone’s garage; sales floor help are also needed. The shifts are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., at 5810 North Palafox. The second is office help. These are akin to unpaid internships which is great for those majoring in Communications, Graphic Design, or social work. Shifts are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The third is the Neighborhood Revitalization program where volunteers can work with residents to help improve their homes and outdoor spaces. Areas such as West Side Garden District, Brownsville and Cantonment have been improved this way. Projects such as these are set up on a scheduled basis. The fourth is the Global Village Project, encompassing 90 countries. Global Village trips are comparable to a church mission. The next trip is to Guatemala, on March 4-12 of 2017. You must pay airfare and a program fee of $1000, which covers all expenses once in the country such as lodging, transportation, meals, building materials, translation services, etc. The second is to Malawi, which costs $1700, plus airfare, but there are fundraising opportunities to help cover costs. The fifth is the “Women Build Program,” where 120 women each commit to raising $600 and build for 1 day, the total coming to $72,000 which is enough for a Habitat House. The recipient family only pays for the materials, not the labor, which helps keep costs down. The Women Build takes place each October, but those interested can sign up now for more information about next year’s build. The sixth is construction, but one doesn’t have to have construction experience to serve in this capacity. One doesn’t even have to know how to use tools; there are people onsite to help guide those who want to donate their time. Those ages 14 and above can help with painting and landscaping, and those 18 and over have limitless opportunities. “Habitat” volunteers range from spring breakers choosing to do a service project as a group to retirees who simply want something to do. Currently, there is a service project in Century, Florida, being planned, due to February’s President’s Day tornado. One must sign-up in advance before showing up. The shifts are Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and no experience is needed. Just bring lunch and water. To volunteer, one must signup in advance and contact Kevin Thomas, Volunteer Coordinator, where he or she will be asked to complete the application online; if one would like to attend an optional orientation, it occurs on the first Wednesday of every month at 12 p.m. and the third Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., at 300 W. Leonard Street. For more information, email volunteer@pensacolahabitat.org, or call the Volunteer Services Department at (850) 434-5456.
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Feature
Stress, false hope, bananas
How predatory groups target vulnerable students By Kelli Green
ILLUSTRATION BY LILA FITZPATRICK
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n 1978, on November 18th more than 900 Americans died in Jonestown, a settlement in Guyana, South America under the leadership and influence of Reverend Jim Jones. It was the largest unnatural loss of American lives before 9/11. A majority of the people that died were members of the People’s Temple, a cult lead by Jones. It’s been almost forty years, and the tragedy has been reduced to a misled joke about kool-aid, but college students probably shouldn’t put what happened in Jonestown off to the side of their conscious. After all, those who forget their past are
destined to repeat it. Anyone who has heard of the tragedy in Jonestown has probably asked themselves “How do people get caught up in cults?” Many people think of these victims as zombies and think that this could never possibly happen to them. The thing is, no cult leader is going to come up to you and say “Come join my cult, we’re serving cookies and abuse.” Instead, they resort to tricks and manipulation. For example, in order to convince followers that he had created the perfect Utopia in Guyana, Jones held up bananas to a tree to pretend they grew there. Attending college can offer numerous opportunities. It can be a very rewarding experience, but it can also be extremely stressful. Many college students are still young and trying to find their place in the world. When people feel lost, they become more vulnerable because they’re searching for something or someone to make them feel like they belong. For instance, Journalism major Spencer Maupin believes students tend to ignore their problems for too long and get overwhelmed, trying to balance school along with their personal lives. Reports have shown that colleges are a target for cults and their predatory behavior. According to a poll done by Colleges.com, forty percent of the people
polled said that they were aware of cults on college campuses. Thirty five percent of the people polled said that the cults used mind games on college students to control them. Luckily, none of the students asked reported being aware of any predatory groups at Pensacola State College, but some still found the concept of cults preying on college students to be alarming. General Studies major Nahomi Sanchez said that the ideas of cults or any type of predatory groups scare her a bit, but she can see how a student could get swept up in something like that. “I absolutely think it would be easy. Peer pressure is a serious thing and anybody could be part of it.” One of the things a student or any individual can do to protect themselves is to reach out to different people and try to surround themselves with good energy. Cults and other predatory groups such as gangs prey on people who are looking for a place to belong. History professor Andrew Barbero said “Whether it is some sort of cult, gang or hate group, they tend to recruit people on the margins. Maybe someone is socially awkward or the victim of abuse. Such groups offer a sense of inclusion and security in an otherwise cruel world.” Maupin said “It’s the mob mentality I mostly don’t like. Surrounding yourself with people that think like you can lead to
dangerous situations.” Groups like cults know that students are experiencing hard times and key in on that. Members from Jonestown tapped into their followers need to be accepted and have a purpose. Jim Jones offered to be anything one needed whether it was a father, a friend or even a god. That in itself is dangerous. Sanchez said “If anyone is telling you something that is too good to be true or promising you a perfect future, be careful. Students should really trust their instincts." Maupin suggests that if students are going through a tough time, they should talk about it and try to expand the amount of people they are openly discussing their problems and issues with. “Having one person to rely on is as bad as keeping it to yourself.” He also pointed out that PSC offers help to students in need. In Building 20, room 2067, Angelique Austin offers therapy for students. PSC C.A.R.E.S. is also a group on campus focused on helping students. So, if you’re going through a tough time as a student, take a deep breath and talk about your problems. Cults and other groups that prey on people are not easy to spot, so it’s important to be secure in yourself and keep a positive circle around you. Be aware of people that offer you the world and promise unrealistic happiness. In other words, don’t trust every banana.
Stay healthy; Fight the flu before it invades you
Five tips to prevent sickness before it happens
By Sierra Sellers
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t’s that time of year again. The dreaded flu season is upon us. Some less fortunate souls can take practically every precaution in the books to avoid getting sick, but still succumb to every little virus. If you are one of these unlucky few, then the following five tips may just be the key to avoiding another pesky cold. Tip one is the most well-known, but it can make a huge difference. Wash your hands, and do so often, even if there is no one in the bathroom to give you the skeptical side-eyes for not doing so. While hand sanitizer may come in handy, over sanitizing can actually make you more susceptible to germs than not washing your hands all together. Now, tip two takes a little more mindfulness, but it is something to be conscious of. Avoid touching your face. This is the number way one that germs are spread from one person to the next. From classroom doorknobs to the keyboards in the library, if someone else has touched it, there may be germs on its surface. If you touch your face, those germs will travel from that surface to your face.
Tip three is a bit hard to do for college students, but should still be taken into consideration. Maintain a proper sleep schedule. If your sleep is compromised, then so is your immune system. Besides, who doesn’t love a good excuse for a nap? Tip four may not be as appealing to some, depending on your taste buds. A daily intake of probiotics, which are most commonly found in yogurt, can be beneficial. Studies show that students who eat yogurt, and other foods abundant in probiotics, have a stronger immune system than those who do not. Tip five goes hand in hand with tip four. Start taking vitamins. It’s not a difficult habit to start, and it’s a really great one to have. One trick many people recommend is placing your bottle of vitamins next to your toothbrush, so you don’t forget to take it. ILUSTRATIONS BY BY KATHERINE CHEN
Feature
January 2017
Club spotlight: Gaming, history, fitness By Minnie-Lee Bush
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etting involved in campus life is hard in a community college setting. PSC has Jared Sparks History Club a multitude of clubs available to students in many different and diverse areas of PSC’s Jared Sparks History club welcomes all history majors and history enthusiasts. interest. If a student does not find a club they are interested in, they have the opportunity The club meets once weekly. Each meeting consists of student lead discussion and guest to make their own with help from Student Activities. speakers. By joining the History club, members receive the option to go on field trips Here are three out of the abundance of clubs and organizations that PSC has to offer: such as a trip to New Orleans during the spring. They also visit museums and historical sites and volunteer on National History Day along with other activities provided by PSC. Anime & Gaming Club The History Club meetings are held in Building 14 in room 1446. Those who are interested on joining can contact Andrew Barbero at abarbero@ When joining the Anime and Gaming club, students will be introduced to stylings in pensacolastate.edu Japanese animation and culture. The club also allows social gamers the space and time to get to know one another in a safe and comfortable setting while never losing their distinct competitive nature as gamers. No drama and no cheating is allowed with this weekly get PSC Fitt & Well Club together of nerds and geeks as the time is spent having a good time with everyone. Meetings are held every week on Thursday from 12-3 p.m. in building 17 room 1710. Fitt & Well Club is new to the Pensacola campus and focuses on educating PSC For more information contact the Club advisor Rich Cacace at rcacace@ students about health and wellness. The club focuses on many areas of wellness including pensacolastate.edu ARTWORK BY TRACEY SQUAIRE physical, emotional, environmental and financial. Members of the club will receive monthly health screenings and have overall wellness monitored. They will also support PSC Health and Wellness programs which includes campus safety. Meetings are twice a month on Monday and Tuesday at 2 p.m. The first meetings will be held Monday, January 23rd and Tuesday, the 24th. For more information contact Club advisor Paul Swanson at pswanson@ pensacolastate.edu or at his office in building 14 in room 1401.
Counseling available on campus No charge for students seeking help By Jennifer Brandon
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ILLUSTRATION BY KATELYN BAILEY
ollege students are faced with stress in the form anxiety, depression, drug/alcohol addictions and eating disorders. Some come to school with pre-existing mental illness or have suicidal ideations, etc. No matter the case, the number of college students needing professional guidance around the country for mental illness related problems are rising. Student services might be able to help
with students who are feeling overwhelmed and need help coping with the demands of life. Many colleges are now offering behavioral health services on campus such as counseling. Pensacola State College has partnered with Adult & Child Mental Health Care, LLC (ACMHC) to provide students with the counseling some desperately need. The annual report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State University for 2015 is based on data which focuses on the over 100,000 college students receiving mental health treatment on campuses in the Unites States. The report also reveals complaints by students of extremely long wait times to get appointments. As of now, the counseling offered on PSC’s campus is underutilized. Only 20 PSC students are signed up for these services, so getting an appointment is fairly easy. This partnership began in August 2016 when licensed clinical social workers and mental health counselors began seeing PSC students for counseling. Most students being treated however, were referred to the ACMHC counselors by the campus’s behavioral intervention team during September’s Suicide Prevention month. In addition, a person can refer themselves by calling the appointment line at (850) 466-3200. Counselors are available to students most days of the week, but are seen by appointment only. Although this is a new program offered by PSC, licensed clinical social worker Ginger E. Woods says that it is an important one. Woods has been with ACMHC for a little over a year and has been working with students
since the beginning of the fall semester. “Counseling is important for anybody. I think counselors should go to counselors. It is important for us to be able to talk to someone that is not biased,” said Woods. Even though the program is new and under-utilized, it is needed. That need was recognized by congress. In 2004, the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act was passed, which created three programs, Campus Suicide Prevention, State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention and the Technical Assistance Center; these programs provide the funding for the prevention, education and outreach of mental health needs that exist on campus. Counseling services at PSC are free of charge for uninsured students or those that receive Medicaid or Medicare. Students with private insurance can still be seen by ACMHC counselors, but will have to go to their main office on Cervantes for the appointment. The counseling session for all other students takes place in a small office tucked away in the library. In the session, the client will learn coping strategies and stress management techniques to better deal with tough situations. Woods described her treatment style as “person-centered” and hopes her clients will bring whatever they want to discuss to their session. Her approach is solution focused and sometimes simply establishing a solution to a problem proves to help with most degrees of stress, depression and anxiety. For more information, call the appointment line at (850) 466-3200 or visit the ACMHC website at www. acmhc-fl.org.
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FRESH &
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recycled Cosmetology students give recyclables new life on runway By Becca Carlson
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odels sashayed across the stage of the Hagler Auditorium sporting the Cosmetology department's best recycled materials creations. Nearly 60 Pensacola State College students delighted audiences with their designs on November 11th, 2016. Students from Pensacola, Milton and Century Center campuses participated in this year's Fall Fashion Show. Trash bags, toilet paper rolls, fans and feathers are just some of the materials that were on display. Some students confessed to bringing their concepts together in just one day while others spent countless hours perfecting their outfits. Raven Stanton, a student designer, discussed her concept as her model posed for photos. “She’s a post-apocalyptic warrior. It’s inspiration from Fallout and Borderlands [video games],” said Stanton. “I made this soda tab corset— it took over 20 hours to make it. I got a nerf gun and repurposed it, then put a bunch of circuitry and wires on it.” Other students used items found around their own home. Shelby Risch found her husband's habits became her resource. “I used some water bottles that I cut down all the way so they are curly spirals. I used some bubble wrap and some grocery bags. I spray painted them a gold and a chrome color, and they are like a tail,” said Risch. “My husband likes to drink a lot of water, so, I thank him for staying hydrated.” Overall, Cosmetology Coordinator and Instructor Kim Markwick says she is impressed by the student's creations.“I think it went wonderfully,” said Markwick. “The students really stepped outside of the box.” Markwick also said that many of the students kept their designs a secret until the day of the show. Kayla Epstein found her inspiration right in front of her eyes. “Well, I made it out of Coke boxes, Coke cans and some duct tape,” said Epstein. “We were just sitting down thinking about our project with a Coke in our hands and were like, hmm— Coke cans.” Other participants looked to nature as their muse. “I collected fall leaves, and I spray painted them gold. I attached them to the chest and made a crown,” said Lindsey Saccomanno of her design. “It’s all real leaves. It’s all natural.” Rebecca Spivey only had to look in her own closet for materials. “It’s a recycled prom dress,” said Spivey. She also incorporated a leopard face paint motif and used a medieval inspired hairdo in her design. Catherine Dowd knew exactly where she would find her inspiration. “I really like comic books. All of us really like comic books, so we kind of just played off of that,” said Dowd. “Purple, pink and blue happen to be the most prominent colors in the comics we had.” To accomplish the task on time, some teams split their design duties such as Vanessa Sturms and Leah Kea. “[Kea] mainly did most of the work on the dress. She did the origami which is made out of cardboard paper,” said Sturms. “The headpiece, I made. It’s made out of sticks. [The head piece] actually took me three months to do.”
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1. Cosmetology Coordinator and Instructor Kim Markwick struts peacock style. 2. Student designer Catherine Dowd used her love for comic books to inspire this runway look. 3. This recycled card dress is spiced up with a crown and Queen of Hearts inspired make-up. 4. Spray painted bubble wrap makes up the skirt and high fashion make up completes this look. 5. Raven Stanton presents her post-apocalyptic creation. The ensemble was created with soda tabs, circuitry, and a shower curtain. 6. Kayla Epstein used coke cans, boxes and duct tape to create this look. 7. This patchwork dress is comprised of denim scraps and pieces. 8. Kayla Hollingshead designed this Corpse Bride inspired bridal gown. 9. Student designers collaborated to create a newspaper prom dress. 10. This model sports origami art on her trash bag train, which is echoed in her hair and headpiece. 11. Lindsey Saccomanno hand collected leaves that she then spray painted gold to create this striking look. 12. Shredded newspaper and tulle were used to make this layered dress. 13. Shelby Risch constructed this dress out of water bottles, bubble wrap and grocery bags. 14. Braids of the models hair were incorporated along with a stack of CDs for this head piece. 15. Aluminum foil and reflective material were used to create this head to toe silver masterpiece. 16. This look was created from a recycled dress with fall leaves added to it. The ensemble was completed with a fall inspired headpiece. 17. This Pinterest inspired dress includes a deck of cards and fierce eye make-up. 18. Grocery bags comprise the upper portion while shredded trash bags complete the skirt. This dress is accented with crime scene tap. 19. This two piece creation is made of everything from bottlecaps to rolled up newspapers. 20. This raggedy doll look uses shredded newspaper. 21. Trash bags, beer tabs and heels are used in this outfit to send a message about alcoholism. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CORSAIR STAFF
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Reviews
Review: Shameless By Katelyn Bailey
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owadays, it’s complicated to find a slice of life TV show that’s intriguing enough to keep you wanting to watch episode after episode and still keep you on the edge of your seat. Most dramedies are tacky or really generic. The ends are predictable and they feel borderline not realistic because, let’s face it, whose life always ends perfectly at the end of the day? The U.S version of “Shameless” shows the true rawness of real life and all of its downfalls.The show takes us through the dysfunctional family of Frank Gallaghar, an alcoholic single father of six kids. While he spends every waking moment
of his days in a drunken blur, his oldest daughter, Fiona, acts as the mother figure for her siblings. We see the struggles of growing up in the poverty stricken, south side of Chicago, and how the family sticks together to make it through whatever life throws at them. Life makes sure to never give them a break. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The show has a great way of tying comedy into dark situations. Shameless really captures a lot of today’s big problems, and it helps watchers remember to make time to laugh when things get rough. Let’s be real here; the world’s a little
crazy, so why watch a show that sugar coats everything? Shameless is a great watch for those who appreciate the good in the bad, for those who are struggling with real life problems and want someone to relate to and for those who just need to laugh and cry, maybe at the same time. There are six seasons of Shameless on Netflix, and season seven just premiered at the beginning of October. Shameless is also available on Hulu. There’s no doubt that once you start watching, you’ll be up all night watching episode after episode, and there’s no shame (pun intended) in that.
feel, but others with the app can post “Vibes” saying how they feel about the weather that day, along with any observations they see such as the sky being cloudy or there being a layer of mist obscuring the view. Vibes show up on a map so others can see what area a specific Vibe was posted in. Sunshine users can like each other’s Vibes, indicating that they agree with a person’s assessment of the weather. The best thing about this app is that with its location feature, you can receive
recommendations for an area you will be in later that day that may have a different weather outlook than your current area. The only issue with Sunshine is that it doesn’t give as in-depth a weather review as some other weather apps. While it will tell you weather you will need an umbrella “later,” it doesn’t give you a specific time that the weather might change. Sunshine is available to download for free in the Google Play store and the Apple store.
App Review: Sunshine
By Tracey Squaire ave you ever wished you could plan the perfect outfit to wear so that you would be comfortable all day, no matter the turn the weather took? Well, the Sunshine app assists you in doing exactly that. Sunshine is a weather app that remembers what you tell it about the weather. Say it’s 65 degrees outside. To another person, that may feel like nice, cool weather, but to you, it feels as though your fingers will freeze and fall off. If you walk outside and it’s 65 degrees,
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you can tell Sunshine whether this feels pleasant, warm, hot, cool, cold or freezing, and it will remember what you say. It then makes suggestions to you in the future based on your indicated preferences. Sunshine gives you a personalized greeting each day, and it gives you suggestions about what to wear based on how the weather is at that moment and how the weather is projected to be later that day. Not only do you get weather updates from Sunshine predicting how you will
Review: Hush By Arieann Pettway
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ush is a suspense/thriller movie directed by Mike Flanagan. Kate Siegel stars as Maddie. The movie is what one would call a lesson learned movie. Trouble for Maddie starts one day when she’s home alone and notices picture messages from her own phone popping up on her computer. Though the main character, Maddie, is deaf, she doesn’t let her attacker torture
her for his game. Instead, she fights back by outsmarting her attacker and playing his game against him 100 times better while fighting for her life in the process. Instead, of letting her disability overcome her, she learns to live with her handicap and use it to her advantage. As she searches her home, she quickly realizes that she is stuck in a house with a masked, psychopathic killer. It is up to Maddie to figure out whether she lets her disability stand in her way of fighting for her life or whether she puts it to good use to outsmart this uninvited guest. This movie is horrific, suspenseful and intriguing all at the same time. This movie teaches a lesson: never underestimate anyone just because they have a disability. Much like how Maddie feels throughout the movie, “Hush” will make you feel hopeless at the beginning but fearless by the end. I would definitely rate this movie a 5 star film.
Game Review: Mystic Messenger By Brittany Lane and Hunter Heim
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f visual novel based games are your thing, Mystic Messenger is right up your alley. This game is utterly addicting and can (probably will) mess with your sleep schedule This game is a dating sim (simulation) game in a visual novel format, commonly known as an Otome game. These types of games are usually geared toward women. Cheritz, most popular for their game Nameless, released the app Mystic Messenger on July 18th. In the past couple of months, the app has gained a huge following. In the game, you have choices that influence your dating route. Your choices determine your relationship route. You can romance characters in up to five different routes. If you get into a bad relationship, your storyline gets cut short. Texts and chats are important to the story, as they will give you character hearts
(points). Calls usually happen after chats have ended and are just a bonus, and will give you more of a no harm-no foul experience. It has texts, calls, and chats that update in real time. If you live in Pensacola, and another character opens a chat at 3 am, the chat will open and wake you up. In the chats, the other character will suggest people to invite to the party. If you do so, that guest will send you an email. You reply three times to confirm their attendance. Throughout the game, you have to collect 15 or more emails (guests) to get a good ending to each route. This game has the option of a Casual Story or a Deep Story. The biggest being difficulty in routes. The Casual Story is usually easier to get a good ending, while the Deep Story may be a bit harder to develop a relationship.
Reviews
January 2017
Album Review: “Coconut Oil” by Lizzo By Sean Minton
COLLEGE NIGHT STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZZOMUSIC.COM
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any men and women feel like and does not let anyone else say otherwise their looks are not ideal and stating “I don’t need a crown to know that stress over the thought of “a perfect body,” I’m a queen.” This song is more laid back but musician Lizzo wants everyone to with a modern hip-hop vibe showing that embrace their beauty no matter what Lizzo can keep up with other mainstream shape, size or color they are. She expresses rappers as well. this sentiment through her music. After Scuse Me, is Deep, an islander Lizzo is an upcoming Alternative hip-hop dance hit. This down tempo tune will put Artist from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her you in the mood to grab a partner and hit music is a mix of various elements from Jazz- the dance floor. The melody is smooth Pop to hip-hop soul. It is certainly different and calming. It’s sure to have you asking from mainstream hip-hop. She has produced your partner “how deep is your love.” three albums, the latest Following the soothing one is Coconut Oil. vibe is one of Lizzo’s most I don’t need a This 19 minute long popular songs, Good As Hell. crown to know album only holds six This anthem is for those who songs; however, that is that I’m a queen. need to leave bad relationships all the time Lizzo needs behind and focus on to get you on your feet themselves to “feel good as and moving. Each song has its own unique hell.” The leading hook is “If he don’t love you sound making the album very versatile for anymore, than walk your fine ass out the door.” different types of listeners to enjoy. Last is the single Coconut Oil. This soulful Coconut Oil’s main genre is hip-hop, song mixes old school gospel melodies with a but every song sounds completely different hip-hop beat, complete with an organ. Lizzo from the next. The first song on the album, steps back to rap about her past self to say Worship has a jazzy tune that makes you we cannot do all things; just slow down and want to automatically dance. enjoy the moment. Next is Phone, a club-dance song Overall, this album expresses a that is silly and catchy. It’s leading chorus rollercoaster of emotions from showing your “Where the Hell’s my phone?” is something love to someone to leaving your unhealthy everyone will be singing the next time they relationship to live a better life. Lizzo’s music misplace their cellular device. is empowering to both men and women While you are looking for your phone, experiencing low self-esteem and low you can then “feel your look” with the body confidence. Whether you are in this song Scuse Me. Lizzo excuses the haters, category or not, listen to Coconut Oil. It is takes a moment to appreciate her looks sure to boost your self-confidence.
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$ 55 ADULT BUFFET WITH PROOF OF CURRENT COLLEGE ID*
Every Monday from 4-8pm
*Beverage not included. Valid for all local colleges & universities with current school I.D. Not valid with any other discount/offer.
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Words to Inspire “Don't think about what you haven't done yet. Focus on what you will do one day.”
Staff 9 7 9
Feature
Get informed, take action, make a difference How to live a greener life By Sarah Richards
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nvironmentalism isn’t just for hippies or millennials, and one doesn’t have to be as wealthy as Ed Begley Jr. to make positive change. With every environmental crisis (like the BP oil spill, for example) people are becoming more aware of their environmental impact with every carbon footprint they take and the choices they make. Not everyone can afford solar panels, hybrid cars or even green versions of sundries like laundry detergent and “bath tissue,” but everyone can take small steps that make a big difference. In some ways, it can actually cost less to live a more environmentally-friendly life. One can combine shopping trips to burn less gasoline, avoid speeding, consume less food by implementing a farm-to-table lifestyle, rent rather than buy (depending on the how often you will use the product), air dry bath towels after each use (the seventh time just might be the charm), use a toaster oven rather than a full-size oven (great for Florida summers), use a laptop (as they use roughly half the energy of a desktop), and invest in a water filter rather than buying
bottled water. What is good for the planet can also be good for us. When going to the grocery store, try to opt-out of paper or plastic bags; reusable bags are still best, except for when using raw meat. Use glass straws rather than plastic ones that get tossed after one use. Borrow books from the library instead of buying them, or use Netflix instead of paying for movies. Some students recycle, but others do a little bit more. Even enough people doing the smallest things can make a great impact. Carissa Adams, a Business major says “I cut up the rings around Gatorade bottles to help protect the sea turtles.” Some companies, like the Saltwater Brewery in Delray Beach, Florida, have created 6-pack beverage rings created from beer by-products (such as barley and wheat) that feed marine life. Many green habits grow from one’s environment. “When you live in California, you’re used to saving water. We use a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and then water the plants with it,” says Skylor Newton, a Cybersecurity major. One might call that a manual form of a greywater system. When we think of pollution, we think of trash—something tangible one could hold in their hand. Culinary management major Shelby Butts says, “When I was in high school, I volunteered with Turtle
THiS which measured light pollution. Sea turtles are more sensitive to blue spectrum lighting and will go towards that rather than the moon which causes them to get run over, eaten or dried out. Our mission was to try to get companies on the beach to invest in red spectrum lighting which is better.” Environmental awareness isn’t just about taking action but also knowing what actions to take. A lack of education or an abundance of ignorance can be a dangerous thing. You don’t have to be an environmental science major to help our planet. Sometimes, the greenest thing to do is to reuse and not have to recycle in the first place, as recycling still requires energy. Furthermore, invest in durable goods. Cheap goods can turn out to be more expensive in the long run. When one is constantly replacing things, more things are made. With proper care, items such as books, clothing and furniture can last for years. In many ways, people a century ago were greener by default, wasting less food by using the whole animal, repurposing old clothes into quilts or rag rugs, and using cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar. Though many may not have the skills (or the stomach) for such things, they can find things they can do and go from there.
Living in the electronic age, people produce an incredible amount of e-waste. Items such as cell phones which contribute a great deal to waste because of their short lifespan. When one replaces their cell phones with a new model every few years or so, the old model doesn’t always get recycled. It’s better to donate one’s phone than recycle it. For more information on what to do with old cell phones, go to https://blog.epa. gov/blog/2009/04/climate-for-actionput-your-old-cell-phones-to-good-use/
Over 10 new menu items. All of them awesome. 50 HDTVs // Full bar & 29° draft beer ] HAPPY HOUR $2 OFF BAR [ Every day from 4pm-7pm & 10pm-close
4952 BAYOU BLVD • PENSACOLA, FL 32503
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For all UWF & PSC students, faculty & staff with valid ID. ARTWORK BY KATELYN BAILEY
Sports
January 2017
Yoga poses to aid stress relief Step by step guide to yoga relaxation #1
By Melanie Catches
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very student experiences some form of stress, but not every student knows how to relieve this stress. Exercise can be a big help when it comes to stress reduction, and yoga is a great exercise to achieve this. The deep breathing, meditation and rhythmic exercises create a tranquil state for relaxation and mindfulness. Fitting the following poses into your life can reduce everyday stress and boost your energy and mood. No matter where you are or what you are wearing, you can stop everything and do these five poses. It may not change what is happening around you, but it will leave you with a refreshed point of view and a better attitude.
#1 Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) The cobra pose opens up the shoulders and neck, improves blood circulation and reduces fatigue and stress. It’s a very useful pose for people diagnosed with any respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Place your hands palms down on the ground beneath your shoulders. Lift your chest up off the ground by straightening your arms. Gaze upwards, and keep your abdominals engaged. For Cobra Pose, lie down on your abdomen, and point your feet behind you.
#2 Child’s Pose (Balasana) Child’s pose is a resting position that quiets the mind, easing stress and anxiety, while gently stretching your back. Begin with your shoulders stacked over your wrists, your hips stacked over your knees and the tops of your feet relaxed down on the mat (tabletop position). Center your breath, and begin to let your thoughts slow down. Rest your buttocks on your heels. Sit up straight, and lengthen your spine. On an exhalation, bend forward, leading with your chest and draping your torso between your thighs. Allow your forehead to rest on the floor. You can keep your arms long and extended overhead on the floor or place them alongside your thighs with your palms facing up.
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The cat and cow poses alleviate lower back stress. Begin with your hands and knees on the floor. Make sure your knees are under your hips and your wrists are under your shoulders. Begin in a neutral spine position with your back flat, and your abs engaged. Inhale a deep breath. On the exhale, round your spine up towards the ceiling, and imagine you're pulling your belly button up towards your spine, really engaging your abs. Tuck your chin towards your chest, letting your neck release. This is your cat-like shape. On your inhale, arch your back, let your belly relax and go loose. Lift your head and tailbone up towards the sky without putting any unnecessary pressure on your neck. This is the Cow portion of the pose. Continue flowing back and forth from Cat Pose to Cow Pose, and connect your breath to each movement — inhale for Cow Pose, and exhale on Cat Pose.
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#5 Puppy Pose (Uttana Shishosana)
A variation of child’s pose, this mild inversion allows you to counter the tendency to crouch and slouch your shoulders while studying or stressed. Begin in tabletop position. Walk your hands out in fr––ont of you, lowering your chest down toward the ground. Keep your hips over your knees and your arms shoulder distance apart. Gently release your forehead down to the ground. Activate your arms by pressing into the palms of your hands and lifting your Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose (Viparielbows and forearms away from the ta Karani) ground. Draw your shoulder blades into Resting your legs up the wall pose is your back, and reach your hips up high incredibly helpful for stress reduction. The toward the ceiling. Invite your neck to relax pose renews blood and lymph drainage and breathe into your back, lengthening your spine in both directions. back towards the heart.
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Cat Pose (Marjaryasana) to Cow Pose (Bitilasana)
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ILLUSTRATION BY KATELYN BAILEY
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January 2017
Humans of Pensacola State College Editor in Chief
Tracey Squaire / Minnie-Lee Bush Social Media Editor Kelli Green
Creative Director Bara’ah Jaraiseh
Staff
Kenneth Oleson General Education
Courtney Weekley General Education
Leah Fischer General Education
Haylee Weaver General Education
What is your outlook on the New Year? Do you think 2017 will be a good year for you? I do feel hopeful for 2017, especially when it comes to school. I feel like I have more knowledge and confidence to make the year run smoother. I’m going to try to be more optimistic because I really think things are better than I am. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or goals? Definitely. I really want to start living a healthier life both physically and mentally. I want to eat healthier, exercise more and find better ways to de-stress. Why did you choose these resolutions or goals? I finally want to feel good about myself inside and out. It’s so cliche, but it really will be a new year and a new me.
What is your outlook on the New Year? Do you think 2017 will be a good year for you? I’m very excited for the new year. I think that 2017 will be a good year because I’ll be starting to take classes that focus on my major. I believe that change is good, and this new year will be amazing. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or goals? My New Year’s resolutions includes saving money, reading more and not worrying about the little things. Any big plans for the year? Like vacations, mission trips, or graduating? I’ll be graduating from PSC in the summer, and hopefully taking a trip to Indiana in the fall.
What is your outlook on the New Year? Do you think 2017 will be a good year for you? I have high hopes for the new year. I know it will be a good year for me because I’m finally starting to figure stuff out with school. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or goals? No, because I know I won’t keep them, and neither will anyone else who makes them. Do you have anything planned for the year? Like vacations, mission trips, or graduating? I just got back from a mission trip to Guatemala, so I’m fresh out of cash for the new year. No trips for me.
Do you have any New Year’s resolutions or goals? I hope to save/make more money and also study more for my classes. By doing this, I am also hoping to make better grades. Why did you choose these resolutions or goals? This school year, I learned the hard way how quickly money disappears and how important it is to be prepared for tests and quizzes. These resolutions will probably help me be more prepared. Any big plans for the year? Like vacations, mission trips, or graduating? I will graduate in the summer of 2017, and then transfer to get my Bachelor’s from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Brad Andrews Katelyn Bailey Michael Blackwell Jasmine Britt Becca Carlson Katherine Chen Madelyn Conley Tee Dahn Matthew Daniels Michele Danley Lila Fitzpatrick Briana Gardner Izzy Gardner Nicole Gunter Hunter Heim Alaa Ibrahim Anna Johnson
Jessica Khalil Ashley Knowles Sumaya Krichi Brittany Lane Rick Lane Victoria Lewis Jessica Lowe Grant Marshall Madilyn McCurdy Izzy McGowan Sean Minton Arienn Pettway Sarah Richards Sierra Sellers Elizabeth Shaw Tamara Thomas Sean Williams
Adviser
Paula Ingram
Contributer
Jennifer Brandon Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquires regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President of Institutional Diversity at (850) 484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL.
{
Paid positions now available at The Corsair! Contact us by email corsair@pensacolastate.edu Or in person Building 96 Room 9665
}
COMIC BY KATHERINE CHEN