ECU11/16

Carolinian

Rise in illegally obtained opioids effects Greenville

In recent months, fentanyl has become a frequently discussed issue amongst politicians, due to its highly addictive qualities, Pitt County has been seeing a rise in cases of the illegal fentanyl drug.

Lost transgender lives honored

Two ceremonies organized by a number of East Carolina University organizations will be held tomorrow to honor lives lost in the country and around the world due to anti-transgen der violence.

Senior Associate Director of Inter cultural Affairs and Director of the Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center Mark Rasdorf said the two Transgender Day of Remembrance Ceremonies will be held at noon in the Health Sciences Campus Student Center and will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Green Room inside the Croatan.

While ECU is participating in the observance on Thursday to allow more students and guests to join, Transgen der Day of Remembrance is interna tionally recognized with its official date on Sunday, Rasdorf said.

“Transgender Day of Remem brance is an annual commemoration

that started in 1999 when a woman named Gwendolyn Smith created a ceremony to honor the life of her friend Rita Hester, who was a trans woman who was murdered in San Fransisco,” Rasdorf said.

There will be food provided at the end, Rasdorf said, and students must RSVP for the ceremonies on Engage since. There will be multiple speakers at the event Rasdorf said.

Interim Program Coordinator of the Peel center Rose Bogue who goes by they/them pronouns said Transgender Remembrance Day is about honoring the victims of anti-transgender hate rather than focusing on the hatred itself.

“We try to focus on the part where we’re honoring people. We don't want to spend more time talking about the horrible deaths and the horrible lives that they had leading up to their deaths,” Bogue said. “We want to see them off as who they truly were.”

Bogue said at the end of the cere

mony at the Croatan, an ECU student in the transgender community will give a reflection speech to bring the energy to a calm level for the dinner afterwards.

Director of the Women and Gender Office (WGO) Chelsie Hargrove said the WGO has collaborated with the Peel center for the main campus ceremony.

It is important, Hargrove said, for everyone to spread awareness of anti-transgender violence and be a part in fighting hate in any form.

“It (Transgender Day of Remem brance) brings awareness to anti-trans violence not just in our country, but around the world,” Hargrove said. “We can stand as allies and advocates with the transgender community.”

The list of victims’ names that will be read is very long, Hargrove said, and that is why they will only be reading the names of victims in the United States.

Sharon Ermolowich, teaching instructor with East Carolina University’s chemistry department, said she specializes in analyt ical and pharmaceutical chemistry and has experience working with opiates and other prescription drugs.

“Fentanyl is what is known as a synthetic opiate, so it’s not something that derives from nature, the synthetic stuff is a lot stronger than some of the other opiates that you hear about often for pain management,” Ermolowich said.

Fentanyl can be obtained both legally from a prescription and illegally via drug dealers, Ermolowich said, and because of fentanyls strength many drug dealers have begun to use it for its affordability and efficiency.

Ermolowich said fentanyl is more lethal than other synthetic opiates because of its potency, but its potency and strength is also what makes it more appealing to users and dealers.

“The drugs that you find on the streets are usually mixed in with other things (drugs), you don’t typically find fentanyl by itself,” Ermolowich said.

Fentanyl was originally developed as a pain reliever for cancer patients, Ermolowich said, and if somebody who is not in chronic pain like a cancer patient takes fentanyl, the effects can be overwhelming to their body.

Ermolowich said the drug metabolizes at different speeds for different individuals who take it, so two people can take the same dose of fentanyl but depending on their bodies metabolic rate one person can overdose while the other is OK.

“Over 150 people die everyday from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl,” Ermolowich said.

Detective Justin White with the Greenville Regional Drug Task Force said he has noticed an increase in fentanyl in Green

City Art Gallery hosts annual holiday show

Nebab FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Tomorrow, the City Art Gallery will host its annual Holiday Show from 6 to 8 p.m. to sell new art pieces from the gallery’s collection of artists.

Jordan Parah, an associate of the City Art Gallery, said the Holiday Show’s opening event is free and open to the public. Parah said the transactions will be done through the gallery and 10% of the evening’s sales will be donated to the art fund of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain.

Parah said the holiday show will feature around 100 new art pieces from 50 of the gallery’s artists. She said these works will include paintings, ceramics, metallic sculptures, glass works and textiles, and Parah’s own metal sculptures will also be sold at the show. Parah said all of these art pieces will be for sale in different price ranges.

“The opening event is really there to highlight all of these pieces and all the hard work that we’re putting into the show (as artists),” Parah said. “The gallery owner, Ms. Torrey Stroud, is very selective of everything she brings into the gallery. She wants to offer a variety of pieces, so there’s a little something for everyone.”

Parah said the opening event will also feature a mystery art item raffle, where people who attend the show will be eligible to enter to win. She said the holiday show will offer wine and hors d’oeuvres to any visitors.

Sara Hecker, another associate of the City Art Gallery, said she will help oversee the selling of the art pieces and any work that doesn’t sell will be kept at the gallery. She said she wants people to know that the gallery is willing to help people find unique art items or gifts and the gallery also offers complimentary gift-wrapping and shipping options as well.

“We usually get a pretty good crowd here for the opening because of the holidays. We get quite a few people coming in to do their gift shopping,” Hecker said. “But we also want people to see that we have a great, little art gallery here in Greenville. A lot of people who come in don’t realize we are here or that we’ve been here.”

Anybody is welcome to come in prior to the opening times tomorrow, Hecker said, and people can also stay

after the show ends to continue their holiday shopping.

Sally Sutton, an artist who will have her work featured at the holiday show, said she’s been with the gallery for almost a decade. Sutton said she’s a landscape and abstract painter, fabric designer and music composer. She said she has always participated in the gallery’s group and solo shows, where she has sold many of her artworks.

“I always like putting my work out there and going to the openings and talking to people and hearing what they have to say, discussing art with the other artists, or with the people who view my art,” Sutton said. “I like hearing how people respond to my work, and I’m participating because it’s always fun to see.”

Sutton said the gallery does a great job at representing its artists by including a variety of different painters, pot ters and sculptors. She said gallery owner Torrey Stroud, always creates a beautiful, high-end gallery for people

»POLL: Are you going to attend SoTD's production of "Bright Star"?

to attend. Sutton said previous holiday shows have a “party-esqe” atmosphere where a few people dress up in holiday themes before coming out.

At the show, Sutton said she will be selling her piece titled "Big Heart Big Roses,” an abstract painting that cap tured her feeling of excitement and happiness when her husband gave her flowers. She said she will also be selling a shawl and kimono, titled “Spots,” a piece that features her use of bold black-and-white geometric designs.

“When I paint, I choose a certain subject because I want my work to bring out a certain emotion,” Sutton said, “For example, when I capture how the light hits a subject and it brings out a happy or melancholic feeling, I want to share that with other people by trying to put that on a canvas.”

JAYLYN GORE THE EAST CAROLINIAN

The Dr. Jesse R. Peel LGBTQ Center and the Womens and Gender Office will host the Transgender Day of Rememberance.

Eli Baine FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Julia Lawson FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN

NIA CRUZ | THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Sophomore fine arts major Justin Colon observes the artwork at the City Art Gallery Holiday Show located in Greenville, North Carolina.

Martha

Job fair to be held virtually for all majors

Today, ECU career services will hold a virtual job fair for all majors. The event will take place at 10 a.m. and students can access the link through ECU career services’ engage page.

SGA to hold student assembly

Today, ECU’s student government association will hold its weekly student assembly. The meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be held in Hendrix theater. There will be a period for the public to ask questions and voice their opinions and concerns.

Organization to hold parent donation drive

Tomorrow, will mark the first day of Preconception Parenting Pirates’ parent donation drive. Donations can include small selfcare items like chapstick, toothbrushes, toothpaste and hand sanitizer as well as a small toy. Donations will be taken in the first floor study room of the Carol G. Belk building until Friday.

Meeting to be held by Greenville Utilities

Tomorrow, the Greenville Utilities board of commissioners will meet. The board meeting will occur from noon until 2 p.m. and will be held at the Greenville Utilities Commission office.

CORRECTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS

Experts discuss health importance for the holidays

As Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s approach, health experts discuss how easily holiday times can become challenging and how importance it is it to maintain good mental and physical health.

A lot of people associate the holidays with eating a lot of food and traveling long or short distances to their loved ones, John Briley, fitness coordinator for Vidant Health, said.

“Good food and meals are how we celebrate the holidays,” Briley said. “We are making the effort to travel to our family and friends, to sit down and spend time with them. Even though we should enjoy this time, for some this might be bad on their mental and physical health.”

Everything nowadays is about a large amount of activity and work, Briley said. The holiday season, Briley said, can bring people out of their routine and disturb their sense of normality.

The physical and mental exhaustion can be tough for everybody at any age, Briley said. However, senior citizens usually struggle during this time of the year, he said.

“Many senior citizens might be able to care for themselves throughout the year, but during the holidays, the feeling of being isolated can become overwhelming,” Briley said. “

Triggers for faculty, staff and students at East Carolina University may involve additional fac tors, Coordinator for Well-Being at ECU, Gwen Krause, said.

“Returning home for the holidays and expe riencing a lack of independence might trigger students, especially freshmen,” Krause said. “They realize quickly that they don’t have that indepen dence anymore they gained from living alone. ”

Not being able to see friends or roommates every day, having no support system and the lack of creating a social well-being might also trigger some students, Krause said.

Other factors, such as not sharing the same beliefs and morals as other family members anymore, Krause said, might contribute to a discomfort in mental health.

“Attending college can change the way you see the world,” Krause said. “You have the opportunity to build your own beliefs and morals. Coming home and sitting at a dinner table, being confronted with difficult conversations can be hard. Especially when parents or grandparents don’t share the same opinions as you do.”

access to a gym, simply standing up and giving the body a break can do a lot too. Perform some stretches. Maybe jump around a little bit.”

Going on a walk has a lot of impact on physi cal, as well as mental health too, Adams said. Being outside and getting some Vitamin D from the sun, Adams said, can work against seasonal disorders.

Of utmost importance, Adams said, is enjoy ing the time together with family and friends.

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“You’re on vacation, just spend time with your loved ones,” Adams said. “You only get to enjoy this time once a year with them. Make the most out of it. Don’t think about how much food is going to be served. Don’t think about whether or not what you’re eating is healthy. Your grandma is baking the pumpkin pie for this occasion only –appreciate it. Do you think anyone wants to pass on a piece of pie? No. I promise, everyone is going to eat it.”

Other options to have a positive impact on physical health during the holidays is keeping the body moving, Dshawn Adams, personal trainer for Take Off Fitness, said.

Even though activities might differ from the place and temperature one finds themselves in, Adams said, there is always a way to exercise.

“In a place where it’s warmer, it’s easy to do some outdoor activities such as games,” Adams said. “Especially during the holidays, going out with the family and playing some football, hiking, or even going fishing with them is a great way to exercise. In colder places, if you don’t have

Instead of giving food a bad connotation, Adams said, accepting food is simply a source of nutrients is the first step.

“I always ask ‘Have you ever seen an evil taco?’” Adams said. “The answer is no. Restric tions are bad and unnecessary. One or two days are not going to mess up a year of health. You’re in this for life. A healthy relationship towards what you think of food is key.”

Being thankful family and friends are coming together, Adams said, is what each individual needs to focus on this holiday season.

DRUGS

ville and the drug is normally disguised to look like another drug.

White said this increase in fentanyl use is not isolated to Greenville, but is a nationally growing trend.

“We've (the drug task force) primarily seen fentanyl in pills labeled as Perc-30s or Percocets, basically they are made to look like fake Percocets with the number 30 stamped on it,” White said. “Occasionally, it still happens, where we see fentanyl in xanax pills.”

The pills appear to be small, round and the color can vary from green to blue, White said, and the fentanyl can either be on its own or combined with another substance like heroin.

The main concern with the rise of fentanyl, White said, is its ability to cause overdoses even in small amounts.

“Due to fentanyl being what it is and being as powerful as what it is, overdoses are very common, especially someone who is doing heroin and they don't know the fentanyl is laced in with it,” White said.

The internet and access to the dark web is a contributor to the rise of fentanyl in Greenville, White said, and is making the drug more accessible and common.

White said in order to remain safe from the dangers of fentanyl, everyone should avoid taking drugs that are not directly prescribed to them.

“Be smart about it (drug use), don’t take anything that’s not prescribed to you, don’t trust anyone if they're like ‘oh try this out,’ especially like if you’re at like a big group at like a party or something,” White said.

The best way to avoid fentanyl, White said, is to never accept drugs, especially if there is not 100% certainty the drug is not laced.

“We (The Winterville Police Depart ment) have been getting some complaints as of late that fentanyl is being mixed into the cocaine around here (Pitt County),” Greene said.

Recently, Greene said he arrested a young man for possession of fentanyl, and the man explained fentanyl can look very similar to cocaine, because fentanyl is an opiate and can constipate users so it is frequently combined with laxatives giving it a white, powdery appearance.

Greene said the Pitt County Coalition on Substance Use (PCCSU) provided a vending machine with free narcan in it to be used in life threatening instances, such as an overdose, and this machine can be found at the Pitt County Detention Center.

“The PCCSU, the Pitt County Coa lition on Substance Use, those guys over there actually have an opioid action team,” Greene said. “These guys and gals are part of the needle exchange program that advo cates users bring their own needles, we’ll (PCCSU) give you new needles.”

As a police officer, Greene said he understands the need to help users avoid potential overdoses by all means necessary with programs like the needle exchange program and narcan availability, but he also fears that these programs could help encourage addiction.

Greene said he doesn’t know the answer on how to decrease drug use, but there are many sources to contact like counseling and rehab.

“Its (drug use in Pitt County) trending now mostly towards all heroin, all opi ates, that’s the big thing, I barely ever see crack-cocaine anymore, and meth is just starting to hit,” Greene said.

Chief Tim Greene of the Winterville

Police Department has been an officer for about 15 years and he said he has noticed an uptick in fentanyl use in Pitt County.

Kim Kassner FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

JAYLYN GORE I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Freshman marketing major Anika Ruff and freshman biology major Ashly Dacosin stretch in one of the studios at the Eakin Student Recreational Center.

RANDY LAYBOUR | UNSPLASH

Fentanyl disguised as other drugs is creating life threatening problems across the country.

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Tips to staying safe in college

Rachana Charla TEC STAFF

As students think about housing next year, safety becomes a priority determining where students live, how to commute and experience living in Greenville attending East Carolina University.

Sophomore political science major Danna South well said while campus is active during the day, she still keeps any eye on her surroundings, keeping pepper spray and a taser on her person at all times. She says safety on and off campus must be a priority, particu larly at night.

In addition to safety accessories, Southwell said she uses the buddy system, always making sure she is with someone when going out to places she might not be familiar with. She also said that staying vigilant around Greenville is essential to staying safe.

“I usually feel unsafe when I am walking back from class and it is late at night. We just had the time change and now that it’s getting darker earlier. But I try to walk in on paths with lights and a good amount of foot traffic,” Southwell said. “I definitely think campus could feel safer.”

As a Greenville native, Southwell said she knows the area well and tends to steer clear of uptown. She said when she does go out she sticks to places she knows are safe. Some apartment complexes near campus are known for being unsafe and having break-ins, she said.

College students are inevitably going to make bad decisions, South well said. But, she said people should have the freedom to be able to socialize and be safe. Greenville and the ECU community have tried their best to wrangle the wild college nights, Southwell said. However, there still remains room for growth when it comes to pedestrian accidents and driving, she said.

lit areas with people around. She said she has seen the blue light phones and knows about the police escort service offered on campus but remains wary of utilizing these services and their effectiveness.

McGee said college campuses are most concerned that safety is not always the top concern on our campus. She said things happen on campus that are not taken seriously, especially sexual assault. While sexual assault is no stranger to college campuses, McGee said ECU’s campus has a history of taking their time reporting and addressing incidents that often go unresolved.

“It’s especially (concerning) with sexual assault on campus because I had a situation happened to me freshman year and, you know, everyone cared for a day or two and everyone forgot within a week. So, the biggest thing I would be worried about is if something really big did happen, not even just the sexual assault, like anything. Then no one would take it as seriously as they should, but I feel like that’s a problem everywhere,” McGee said.

ECU currently uses programming, outreach and education with partnerships between the ECU Police Department (ECUPD) and Office of Environmental Health and Safety, ECUPD Captain Chris Sutton wrote in an email statement.

ECU has a full service police department which is in operation 24/7 all year, Sutton wrote. He said the police station offers different training options to campus partners and students such as Rape Aggression Defense training, and Run-HideFight training.

is a collective effort. The ECU police department and ECU administration cannot do this alone.

-Chris Sutton

“In terms of my personal safety, well, I’ve almost been hit by a few cars on campus, so that’s one. It is people on the hill. People like to just speed like the speed limit is I think 25. People are obviously going over 25 and then don’t stop at the crosswalk. So like I’ve been in the crosswalk a few times and always been hit and had to literally run to get away from the car and then they had the audacity to honk at me so that was fun,” Southwell said.

Senior public health major Kacie McGee said safety is a huge deal for her, especially as a college student. She said she generally feels safe on campus with students, faculty and staff populating our campus during the day. McGee said the police station on campus is a reassuring indication of safety.

However, McGee said safety off campus in Green ville and uptown is debatable. She said as an Emergency Medical Technician she sees the numerous calls from specific parts of town that are often college student hotspots around town.

“I just try to be aware of what’s going on, you know, like I try to always notice my surroundings. I try not to put myself in sketchy situations. And if I do feel kind of unsafe, I call someone. I stay on the phone with some one until I feel like I’m in a safe location,” McGee said.

When walking around on campus and around Greenville at night, McGee said she tries to stick to well

“The most common crime reported on campus, and likely most campuses across the U.S. is larceny. This is a crime of oppor tunity,” Sutton wrote. “It is important for individuals to reduce the opportunity for them to be victims of crimes. You need three ele ments to occur for a crime to be committed. The elements are opportunity, knowledge and intent. You cannot control someone’s knowledge or intent to commit a crime but you can reduce the opportunity for one to be committed.”

For those who are campus residents in the dorms, Sutton said ECU holds safety programs that all residents are encouraged to attend. ECU also holds programs for staff and faculty as well as provides informative presentations to many different groups across campus including Greek Life, Student Govern ment Association, Student Safety Committee, Pirates Roundtable and more.

Sutton said he encourages students to use all the resources that are available to stay safe, like Safe Ride and the LiveSafe app. He said bystander intervention is key especially when it comes to timely reporting of crimes. If you see something say something, Sutton wrote, watch out for each other and make good choices. Safety is the number one priority, Sutton said, and part of being a responsible adult is being a safe adult.

“This is a collective effort. The ECU police depart ment and ECU administration cannot do this alone. It is a combined effort between students, faculty, staff and law enforcement. We are stronger when we combine our collective efforts to keep our campus community safe,” Sutton wrote.

Jala Davis TEC STAFF

Brendan Cavazos TEC STAFF

Owning a pet as a student takes responsibility and some times a bit of sacrifice but it provides a unique companionship while at college, here’s how students at East Carolina University manage it.

A big part of owning a pet is making sure they won’t spend all their time alone or locked up in a cage, senior communi cation major Elke Crabtree said. It’s unfair to the animal and doesn’t support their needs, she said, as not everyone has a schedule that can handle the addition of a pet so changes may need to be made to make up for it.

Crabtree said she owns two cats and a dog. She said she feels responsible for their entire lives and safety as their owner

“You’re literally like their parent,” Crabtree said. “Feed, bathroom, play, water, attention. I mean they chew everything, they could choke.”

Pet-owning can seem easy, Crabtree said, but the actual process of taking care of an animal requires lots of attention. Providing food and water for pets is as necessary for them as it is for their owner, she said, and similarly, nobody wants to be locked in their room everyday until 5:00 p.m.

Crabtree said she couldn’t put her dog in a crate even when he was little because she felt bad that it would be locked up as she believed he would be negatively affected by it. She went on to say that she thinks people who lock their dogs should not own one.

“Don’t get one if you can’t take care of it,” Crabtree said. “Like if you’re not going to be home, don’t get one because I see so many people who do that and it’s so sad for the dog.”

Senior communication major Mark Wetherington, who is also chairman of the Student Media Board for Pirate Media 1, said it is also important to “pet-proof” one’s home. Leaving small objects or dangerous foods out can harm animals who don’t know any better, he said, and this is a big part of pet-owning that can keep one’s pet possessions safe.

Weatherington said he owns a young poodle and had to move anything that was on a low shelf to keep his pet safe. He said other things like TV cables and power cords were also moved out of reach.

“If it’s in his reach, it’s a toy,” Wetherington said.

The process of house training his dog, he said, is just starting to stick. He said one of his biggest strug gles as a pet-owner in college is accommodating his schedule for the dog’s needs. Between him and his wife, he said they had to figure out how to have at least one of them there for the dog every few hours to walk him, feed him or give him attention.

Owning a pet is a big time investment, Wether ington said. He said students should refrain from getting a pet if their schedule does not yield a lot of free time. However, he said he highly recommends those who have enough time should get a pet of their own.

“If you are lonely and you spend a lot of

time at home, it’s definitely worthwhile,” Wetherington said. “It brings a lot of fulfillment and they never let you sit around and do nothing. They’re always going to want you to take them for a walk, or feed them, or play with them or just give them attention.”

Senior communication major Kathryn Jenkins said she has to switch her schedule around fairly often to accommodate for her dog’s needs. She owns a four-year-old pit bull and said it takes a lot of responsibility to keep him happy.

Jenkins said her dog is well-behaved so she has not had to

schedule requires her to be on the move a lot and with her dog, that requires her to stop at home every so often to check on her pit bull. She also said that she sometimes has to make sacrifices in her schedule for the good of her dog.

“On the weekends when I go from work to going out, I have to allot time to go home and walk the dog because she walks a long time,” Jenkins said. “Sometimes when I’m doing stuff it’s like ‘Oh I can’t do x-y-z because I have to go let the dog out.’”

Setting up a time to exercise your pet is important. Jenkins said she takes her dog to parks around the Greenville area because she likes to go for long walks and runs.

There are several spots around Greenville and ECU’s campus that are pet-friendly and encourage pet owners to get their pets out of the house. The Greenville Town Commons Park is located on East First Street with lots of room to walk your pet around. Just make sure you have a leash.

CAROLINIAN

Carolina Wright and Melanie Ohoppe pose with their dog Cooper at the dog park.

A guide to budgeting money in college

Chris Long TEC STAFF

As a college student, money can be tight as students find balance prioritizing being a student first and perhaps an employee second.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of full-time undergraduate students who were employed is decreasing. According to the statistics, of all fulltime undergraduate students, 40% are employed, while 74% of all part-time undergraduate students are employed. Those numbers are down from five years prior where those numbers were 43% and 78% respectively.

Senior philosophy and English double major Lauren Cekada said she is an unemployed student, though she stays busy with internships and sororities. Cekada said being a student is a full time job.

“As a college student, I make money from this thing called my mother,” Cekada said. “My job is to be a student. She wants me to graduate and do it well. I’ve been very fortunate. I get a budget from her.”

Accountability is key, Cekada said. Being aware of spend ing habits and budgeting is one thing, but having someone else aware and concerned for one’s budget and spending habits is another.

Cekada said that budgeting comes down to having a game plan. She also saidthat knowing when money is due is important to how you manage money, especially when it comes to bills. Bills that come out regularly, either weekly, monthly or annually, can be noted as guaranteed expenses when making a budget.

“I know that my rent always comes out and I try to turn it in a day before it’s due,” Cekada said. “I just base it off of those things and then usually I go shopping for groceries at the beginning of the month. Then structure every two weeks or so depending on how busy I am.”

Cekada said she has made cuts regard ing her spending when needed. Saying no to

Target runs, cutting out some of the fun stuff, eating out and changing where she shops for groceries are areas where she saved some money.

Junior English Education major Mackenzie Rouse said that she has a different philosophy on accountability. For Rouse, her spending is limited only by her imagination.

“I do not have a concrete expense sheet that I can pull up and look at,” Rouse said. “I know when I am supposed to get paid and do not check it much more than that. I know that I have payments that I will be spending every month, but I know that I can also swipe my card comfortably within reason.”

Though she is self proclaimed loose with her spending, Rouse too said she has found ways to cut down on unnecessary spending. Online shopping, particularly for “just because” items like excess clothing, was a habit that took time and self control to shake for her.

Rouse said she works in retail and the flexibility of working while in school has allowed some breathing room in what would be an otherwise tighter budget.

“Not having to rely on someone anytime there is a need or anytime I want to buy some thing small is nice,” Rouse said. “It gives you a certain level of

financial independence.”

Senior criminal justice and media communications double major Emily Redecker said she has been working for ECU Athletics in the creative media department for the past year.

“I started working as an intern for ECU Athletics the fall of my freshman year after I saw a post that said they were looking for help in the media department,“ Redecker said. “I’ve gotten to travel to away games for football and work for ESPN because of the opportunity.”

Redecker said that she budgets mentally as well, setting aside money for rent and gas first and foremost. From there, Redecker said that she cuts spending by limiting how much she goes out with friends and wasting money on luxury things like Starbucks.

Like most students, Redecker said that the majority of her money goes to rent, gas and groceries. She said she pays atten tion to where and when she is spending money, particularly when it comes to gas and groceries prices.

“Save money, get a job during the summer and try to work during the school year,” Redecker said. “That would be my advice to students.”

Students do not have to leave campus to find employment, as ECU has several opportunities for students to find employ ment on campus. ECU also offers resources for those who may be struggling to keep a budget in line or have questions regarding keeping money straight at The Financial Wellness Hub, located in the Main Campus Student Center.

“The ECU Financial Wellnes Hub provides financial edu cation, coaching, and resources that empower our students to make better decisions, foster better relationships, and to build better communities,” according to The Financial Wellness Hub website.

Services available at the hub include both one-on-one and group meetings and programs over a variety of topics such as credit, loans, budgeting, saving, and investing, according to their website.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Different ways to avoid the freshman 15

Reagan Blackburn TEC STAFF

Many college students may deal with an unexpected gain during their first year at college: the freshman 15. Staying active, meal prepping and knowing how to grocery shop are all things to keep in mind when trying to avoid the freshman 15, here are a few tips:

Ways to stay active: on campus

As East Carolina University’s Campus Recreation & Well ness offers a diverse set of programming, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

• Rock climbing

• Cycling

• Yoga • Barre Body pump

• Swimming Intramural sports

Ways to stay active: at home Additionally, there are a multitude of exercises to do from home.

• Yoga YouTube videos

• JustDance songs and videos

• Push-ups Sit-ups

• Stretches Planks

Prepare healthy meals

Some healthy, low-maintenance meals include:

Whole wheat bagel with a light topping of choice

• Turkey sandwich with a side of apple slices and peanut butter

• Seasoned chicken and rice

• Zucchini pasta

• Salad

• Cauliflower mash

Hit all the food groups when grocery shopping

According to MyPlate, there are five categories one should hit when planning a meal: fruits, vegetables, protein, grain and dairy/sory alternatives. Keeping these categories in mind while grocery shopping can be helpful too.

Fruit options: strawberries, blueberries, grapes, cher ries, pineapple, mango and more.

Vegetable options: broccoli, asparagus, brussel sprouts, carrots, kale, spinach and more.

• Protein options: chicken, steak, salmon, tofu, nuts, beans, potatoes, eggs and more.

• Grain options: rice, pasta, oats, wheat, cereal, bread, crackers, quinoa and more.

• Dairy options: milk, yogurt, cheese and more.

Soy alternatives to dairy: plant-based milks, cheeses, yogurts and more.

For more information or help regarding nutrition, eating habits, and more on campus, visit ECU Student Health Services for a variety of services.

JAYLYN GORE I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Fitness instructor at the Eakin Student Recreation Center teaches a group fitness cycling class for students remain fit and active.

JAYLYN GORE I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Eakin Student Recreation Center members play basketball on the courts on the main floor of the building to get fit.

ILLUSTRATION BY OLIVIA MAGISTRO

Dining options across ECU’s campus

Markayla McInnis TEC STAFF

East Carolina University has a variety of dining options all across campus with choices for everyone with and without a meal plan.

Main Campus Student Center

• Steak N’ Shake opened in fall 2022, where the original steakburgers are featured along with signature Steak N’ Shake meals and milkshakes. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Starbucks is where handcrafted beverages, such as lattes and refreshers, are served with sweets and pas tries. It’s open from 7:30 a.m to 7 p.m.

• Raising Cane’s is the only location in North Carolina and features chicken fingers, sandwiches and fries. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Panda Express is one of the largest chain restaurants in the U.S. and serves Chinese cuisine. It’s open from Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Pirate Market has prepared sandwiches and produce items offered alongside snacks and drinks for a quick stop. It’s open from Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m to 9 p.m.

Au Bon Pain offers sandwiches, pastries, soups and salads for a healthier nutritious meal. It’s open from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wright Place- Monday-Friday

• Yo-Kai Express was just added to Wright Place in fall

2022, and is a machine that prepares gourmet noodle and rice bowls in under 60 seconds. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels is the nation’s largest operator of bagels featured in Wright Place for quick made-toorder sandwiches, bagels, salads and coffees. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• El Taco Morado is ECU’s own Tex-Mex spot where one can build their own tacos, burrito, bowls and salads. It’s open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

College Hill

Todd Dining Hall has a made-to-order deli, on-thegrill options and a home-cooked line. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Pirate Market P.O.D is located in The Galley and offers sushi, grab ‘n go options and convenient store essentials. It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight.

• Brewhouse by Port City Java is located in The Galley and is a coffee shop that offers pastries, smoothies, coffee, places to study and more. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Subway is located in The Galley and has subs to salads, and is a healthier dining option that has Pirate Meal options and more. It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight.

West End

• West End Dining Hall features a variety of foods with a menu that changes every day. All students with a campus meal plan have unlimited swipes to both

dining halls. It’s open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Subway is located in the Reade Street Pirate Market, from subs to salads, Subway is a healthier dining option that has Pirate Meal options and more. It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight.

• Reade Street Pirate Market is an on-campus conve nient store that stays open late for snacks, microwave able meals and small essential items. It’s open from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Around Campus

• Chick-fil-A is a quick-service restaurant that offers sandwiches, nuggets, salads and more. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m to 5 p.m.

• Pirate Market at Bate offers Port City Java coffee as well as grab n’ go items for students during class times. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• The Starbucks at Joyner Library is where handcrafted beverages, such as lattes and refreshers, are served with sweets and pastries from around the world. It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Starbucks Truck is a mobile version of the wellknown Starbucks in locations that students have to pass to get to class. It’s open Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. in front of Wright Place, and noon to 2 p.m. in front of the Eakin Student Recre ation Center.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Elton Holley grills the famous steakburgers at Steak n’ Shake in the Main Campus Student Center.

JAYLIN ROBERTS I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Panda Express in the Main Campus Student Center serves a variety of Chinese cuisine daily.

Navigating roomates in college

Clavijo TEC STAFF

Students discuss the benefits and downsides of living with and without roommates and how their choice of living situation works perfectly for them and their lifestyle.

Senior public health major Oliva Jarvis said there were two major reasons that swayed the decision she had to make between living alone and living with roommates. The first, Jarvis said, was that it’s cheaper to live with roommates and the second is that she wasn’t sure she was ready to fully live on her own.

“The more roommates you have, the cheaper your rent is going to be at most apartment complexes,” Jarvis said.

Living with two of her best friends, Jarvis said, makes her feel like she has her own little family with her even while she’s away from her actual family back in her hometown.

Just like living with her family at home, Jarvis said com munication is key to living with roommates.

“You have to discuss things like who is taking the trash out, who is responsible for cleaning what, buying groceries and when they do something that bothers you,” Jarvis said. “Everyone grows up differently, and having to adjust to two, three or even four different ways of loading the dishwasher or organizing the pantry can be challenging.”

Something Jarvis said that she wishes she knew before deciding to live with roommates was that one doesn’t always have to be best friends with their roommates. Trying to force a friendship with someone can sometimes create more problems than simply deciding not to be friends, Jarvis said.

Finding roommates can be challenging, Jarvis said, so students should start searching for one sooner rather than later. When looking for roommates it is also important to try to find people who have common interests or goals, she said.

Jarvis’ roommate, senior social work major Peyton Thomas, said for her, living with roommates made the most sense because rent is typically cheaper when living with more people and if she lived alone she would have a tendency to isolate.

“There are so many benefits,” Thomas said. “The first is really having a constant support system. My roommates are my best friends and we work to lighten the load on each other in big ways and small ways. We alternate cooking, cleaning and taking out the trash, but we’re also there for each other on our hardest days.”

Thomas said that living with other people is not something that is always easy. Similar to the benefits there will no doubt be small and big challenges, Thomas said. She said that sometimes roommates have completely different lifestyles and they have to figure out how to mesh them together in a way that makes everyone, for the most part, happy.

Communication between roommates is something that can help work around potential challenges, Thomas said.

“Talk to each other before you talk to other people,” Thomas said. “It’s okay to vent about some roommate issues to a trusted friend, but make sure that you’re communicating with your roommates the most. Lean into the hard conversations. They will grow you as a person and make you better roommates in the process.”

Regardless of if roommates are best friends are just acquain

tances who live together, Thomas said that it is important to understand that disagreements will happen. Setting boundaries and having conversations about living habits and when first moving in together is something Thomas said can make these disagreements a bit easier.

Though living with roommates can be a ton of fun, espe cially when they are your best friends, Thomas said that she advises figuring out how to set boundaries with school work and alone time.

“Having that healthy balance of school work, social time, and alone time will make you a better roommate and help you manage your time so much better,” Thomas said.

Junior communication major Taylor Lee said she chose to live alone because it benefited her lifestyle better.

Lee said living alone gives her total freedom in so many situations that living with roommates would not, like when she is able to have people over or how she decorates.

“You get to make your own decisions rather than sharing decision making with another entity,” Lee said.

Things that could create conflict between roommates are never an issue, Lee said, because she is the only one respon sible for the space she is in. However, being the only person responsible for everything in your living space can also have its downsides, Lee said.

All chores and bills are the responsibility of one person, Lee said, so it’s important to be prepared for that before deciding to live alone. The difference in dealing with money, cleaning and just being constantly alone is an adjustment, Lee said.

“Safety is the first and foremost thing to consider before

living alone,” Lee said. “As a girl living alone in Greenville I have a ring camera on my front and back door, in my living room and bedroom as well.”

Lee said that in addition to the cameras and other physical measures she took for her safety she also advises doing research on the area where you plan to live as well.

After living alone for a while Lee said there are a few things she wishes she knew before deciding to live on her own.

“It’s extremely easy to unintentionally neglect friendships when living alone,” Lee said. “My friend group gets together almost every Wednesday night to go out or just hang out and this is my way of making sure that I spend quality time with them and show them that I value them.”

Though making sure to maintain relationships is import ant, Lee said it’s also important to become self-reliant. Doing things like learning how to change the tires on a car and buying a tool kit for the house are ways Lee said are easy ways to be reliant on oneself.

Lee said though it’s important to be able to do things without help, remembering not to become a “lone ranger” is essential to living alone.

“When living by yourself for the first time it can be tempt ing to cave into isolation,” Lee said. “However, you should always seek out chances to socialize and make new friends.”

Attractions in Greenville to beat boredom

The city of Greenville, North Carolina has much to offer and many interesting places to dine, exercise or just have fun.

Best Places to Grab a Bite To Eat or Drink

Sup Dogs | 213 E 5th St.

The restaurant has won three barstool com petitions and features food such as hot dogs, burgers, chicken strips and sandwiches. The restaurant is open on Monday from 10:30 to 2:30 a.m., Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 to 2:30 a.m., and Thursday and Friday from 11 to 3 a.m.

The Scullery Creamery and Coffee House | 431 Evans St.

This restaurant offers breakfast, soup, salad, a coffee bar and more. The Scullery is also home to different fundraiser events such as drag brunches and Thanksgiving dinners. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pitt Street Brewing Company | 630 S Pitt St.

Pitt Street Brewing Company is a craft beer production facility and taproom. From Monday through Wednesday, the brewery is open from 2 to 10 p.m. On Thursday’s, the brewery is open from 2 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the brewery is open from noon to midnight and on Sunday they’re open from 1 to 7 p.m.

What to do when bored

Greenville Museum of Art | 802 S Evans St.

If interested in viewing art collections, visit the Greenville Museum of Art. The admission of the current exhibit, Scott Avett: After the Fact, is five dollars for those who are 16 or older. However, their permanent collections are free for the public to view. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Going to a local theater is a great way to kill off time or boredom and AMC Fire Tower 12 offers a variety of films to view. They also have premium features such as recliners, reserved seating and the ability to order snacks ahead of time.

Bowl AMF East Carolina Lanes | 700 Red Banks Rd.

This back-lit bowling alley is retro-themed and offers interactive arcade games, cocktails and food. They also have billiards, a sports bar, lounge area and bumper cars.

The bowling alley is open Monday from 6 to 11 p.m., Tuesday from 5 to 11 p.m., Wednesday from 5 to 12 a.m., Thursday from 12 to 11 p.m. and Friday from 3 p.m. to 1 am.

Carolina Icezone | 104 Red Banks Rd.

Carolina Icezone is an ice-skating rink that offers lessons to people who want to learn how to figure-skate and play hockey. It’s also open to the public, for anyone who’s looking to have a fun time. The ice-skating rink is open on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m., 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 7 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Recreational Activities:

Rivers Park North | 1000 Mumford Rd.

At River Park North, there’s all kinds of things to do that will not only be entertaining but will provide good exercise as well. You can go boating, hiking, camping, etc. The park features five ponds and two piers, a wildlife observation platform, hiking trails, a picnic area, and they will soon have pedal boats. They are open Nov. 1 through Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and March 1 through April 30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Jaycee Park | 2000 Cedar Ln.

There are a variety of ways to get exercise or just relax at Jaycee Park. They have a picnic shelter, a playground, a softball field, a recreation center and a skateboard park. Jaycee Park is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 12 to 4 p.m.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

Abbie

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.

NIA CRUZ I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Sophomore biology major Bansari Patel and junior art major Charity Ray do chores togther while living in their student apartment.

HALIE MILLER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Kenna Cardel serves Sup Crushes at Sup Dogs to customers.

HALIE MILLER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN Emeral Lemear skates at Jaycee Park.

HALIE MILLER I THE EAST CAROLINIAN The Rogers family prepares to see Wakanda Forever at AMC Fire Tower 12.

Shatiece Starks TEC STAFF

`

ECU should discuss gun violence more

As the rate of violent crimes among adolescents in Greenville continues to rise, the discussion of gun violence and safety is becoming more important than ever.

Gun violence and safety have been a discussion across the country as the numbers of school shoot ings rise, however, the discussion of safety regarding gun violence on college campuses has not been emphasized enough.

In 2019 tragedy struck the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as a former student opened fire injuring three and killing two. Most recently, on Nov. 13, at the University of Virginia (UVA), three football players were shot and killed by a former UVA football player. Two more were injured. The shooting has sparked yet another conversation of safety and gun violence awareness at col leges across the country.

We, the editorial staff of The East Carolinian, believe the conversation surrounding gun violence and gun safety needs to be a priority not just at East Carolina University but on college campuses everywhere.

Understanding the consequences of violent crimes involving guns is a place to start. As shown by the after math of the shooting at UVA, gun violence directly affect communities.

The safety of students and faculty on and around campus should be a priority of the university. We all play a role in keeping our environment safe. It is important that we learn to use firearms safely, to recognize potential signs of violence and how to react in a potentially negative and scary situation.

This is a conversation that needs to be had yearly. Not one that is only had following an event.

PIRATE RANTS

made in Pirate Rants.

I’m just waiting on y’all to understand that Greenville and ECU are two different places! Nothing is the same when you go past campus, they don’t care about you out there lol.

Dude, Greenville’s weather needs to get colder. How is it 80 degrees in November??? Climate change is crazy man.

The lack of gas stations on campus is insane. How am I supposed to buy a lottery ticket in Greenville? Winning is my only hope.

I wish the ice cream place was open in the main campus student center, Steak n Shakes shakes are not replaceable for ice cream.

Someone needs to draw attention to the fact that ECU barely cares about their disabled students. Everything from students with mental illness going unnoticed to IEPs going ignored by teachers. There has been very little done to show they care about disabilities except when it’s about looking good.

The clubs and bars in Greenville are kinda lame and crusty.

Why are universities ran as a business now rather than an educational institution? Maybe ECU should start looking at it’s student body as students again rather than a source of income.

Why is registration so complicated? Like just let me sign up for my classes. Also the fact that there are no seats open for the classes I want is ridiculous.

Questions regarding Pirate Rants can be directed to Rachana Charla at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.

Submit your Pirate Rants on our website under the opinion tab or scan the QR code.

Let go when the right time comes

What is the most difficult part of hold ing onto something you love? Is it the fighting to keep it? Is it the constant dread and worry you feel that it can slip away in a moment? Is it worse? In my experience, the most difficult part of holding onto something you love is letting it go.

Letting go is difficult. American author Ann Launders summed up the experience well by saying “some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.”

Much like physically grappling with something and clutching it tightly, holding onto that which you love can be painful. Just as your fingers will grow red and swollen before falling numb as you use every bit of strength to hang on, so also does your patience, peace, and mental capacity when fighting for something you love.

In the same way that the physical pain of holding on manifests itself, so too does the mental toll of holding on. I found that it hurts like gripping too tightly, before the pain has been around for so long that it starts to change and mold itself into a numbness. That is, a feeling that you can no longer feel. Soon you begin to feel a drift in your personality and your outlook on life.

I have been through that. Holding on can change you. Where you were once chipper and optimistic, the pain of holding on creates a numbness in your outlook that defies your nature and laughs at you as it bends your will to suit its circumstances.

Where I was once ready for each day from the moment my eyes opened, the pain of holding on made it difficult to escape the solitude of my bed. Where I once had the energy to speak to everyone in my path, holding on drained my social battery and drew me into seclusion. Where I once took the time to get to know people in my path, I now stayed to myself in an effort to cause as few problems as possible.

I traded my peace for familiarity. Rec ognizing the error, I made a change and I implore you today that if this sounds all too

familiar, it is not too late for you to make that change too. Let go of whatever it is that you are holding onto. If you feel like you cannot do that, talk to someone else about it. As iron sharpens iron, so too does one man sharpen another. Alone, we are weak, but together we are strong.

Letting go, while it may be more difficult momentarily, has lasting impacts that will benefit you in the long run. Do not focus on what it is you are losing, especially if it has affected you as it has me, because in the end you are gaining so much more.

If every loss is a lesson, letting go is a victory in every sense of the word. While, yes, it may be a lesson, losing yourself is not worth holding onto anything. All things work together.

As cliche as it is, there is truth to the phrase “if you love something, let it go and if it is meant to be, it will come back to you.” You, reader, have had something in mind while reading this piece that you need to let go. The time is now. Let go.

Streaming services ruin sitcoms

I consider myself a pretty big fan of the TV sitcom.

From Full House to Parks and Rec to Abbott Elementary, I find comfort in the comedic timings of a fictional world.

Creating a “found family” dynamic in unusual ways is a great way to get me to watch a show.

However, over the years with the rise of streaming television, these sitcoms have shorter and shorter episode counts. While older TV shows would have almost a full year’s worth of programming and 20 episodes in a season, many sitcoms now are lucky to get to 15 episodes.

For dramatic TV shows or mini-series, there’s nothing wrong with a shorter season. Although we love to spend as much time with our favorite characters as possible, sometimes it is best for the story if there is a contained arc, with no room for “filler episodes.”

However, for comedies, many people’s favorite episodes are the filler episodes. The episodes where nothing really moves the plot along, but you learn more about the characters. It’s a mundane world, but

these episodes find the beauty in the small things in life — the things we relate.

But with shorter seasons and fewer episodes, there’s less time to learn about these characters and enjoy the world they are living in. I don’t necessarily watch sitcoms because I love the plot or storylines; I watch them because I love the characters and their development.

Although this is not necessarily a sitcom, Avatar: The Last Airbender has one of my favorite filler episodes: “Tales From Ba Sing Se.” It’s an episode that follows certain characters or certain relationships throughout a day in their lives. It’s a seemingly simple episode but introduces certain elements of the characters you would never have known.

While longer seasons were more common on cable stations such as NBC or ABC, streaming services usually do not go past 10 episodes for a sitcom season. It’s hard to grow to love these characters when the only time we spend with them

is during chaotic and transformative moments in their lives. It’s fine to have shorter seasons, but the show has to be longer, or sitcoms as we know may find themselves to be but a distant memory.

Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but I love sitcoms! Thankfully, executives seem to be getting the message, as new sitcoms such as Abbott Elementary (although still a cable show), received a longer second season, which is typical of sitcoms.

And while I am all for innovative television and testing new things out, don’t break something that doesn’t need to be fixed. I want to enjoy a sitcom about the modern world I am living in, but I just want to be able to enjoy it for longer than 10 episodes.

edited for libelous content, decency and brevity. All letters must be signed and include a telephone number. One copy of The East Carolinian is free. Each additional copy is $1. Unauthorized removal of additional copies from a distribution site constitutes theft under North Carolina law. Violators will be prosecuted.

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The East Carolinian Mendenhall Ground Floor, Suite G51 Greenville, NC, 27858-4353

Email: editor@theeastcarolinian.com Newsroom: (252) 328-9238

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Serving ECU

The East Carolinian does not endorse the statements

Emily Peek

Reagan Blackburn TEC COLUMNIST

Chris Long

Convictions with Chris

Rambles

of

Reagan

It’s a mundane world, but these episodes find the beauty in the small things in life — the things we relate to the most. -Reagan Blackburn

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Slow for sharp corners or tricky sections. Physical action gets satisfying results. Stay focused. Hidden dangers could arise. Communication opens a fortunate door.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Fun and romance figure among your objectives. A barrier blocks the way. Work with someone who sees your blind spot. Communication provides the missing link.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Clean domestic messes to restore functionality. Communication is key. Avoid upsets and listen more than speaking. Find out what's underneath the pile. Stay cool.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Revise and edit carefully or miss a silly mistake. Avoid gossip, jealousies or controversy. Clarify misunderstandings as soon as possible. Monitor the news.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Don't offer to pay for everything. The coins trickling through your fingers add up to real money. Plug leaks. Modify unnecessary expenses. Develop profitable opportunities.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 6 — Take extra care of yourself. Limitations or obstacles could frustrate a personal situation. Stick to practical objectives. Consider an outcome that you would love.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Settle into your private space to plan and strategize. Avoid travel, noise, chaos or controversy. Coordinate and organize upcoming logistics. Recharge. Process recent changes.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov.

21) — Today is an 8 — Compromise is required to resolve team issues. Everyone gives a little, and everyone gets something. Communication brings good luck today. Collaboration advances your shared cause.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec.

21) — Today is a 9 — Solve a professional challenge by connecting with experienced friends and allies. You're especially charming this month with Venus in your sign. Use your persuasive arts.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.

19) — Today is a 7 — Explore your subject. Expect traffic and deviations if you go out. Follow one thread after another. Clues reveal the hidden story. Study the situation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.

18) — Today is an 8 — Contribute to a joint venture. Old assumptions get challenged. Review budgets carefully to plug any leaks. Keep your side of the bargain. Make deadlines.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

— Today is a 7 — Together you can make magic. You might annoy each other, too. Remember the big picture and shared commitments, in hotheaded moments. Communication illuminates the source.

THE

CROSSWORD

by Jacqueline E. Mathews

TOMORROW

Intramural Trivia!

Uptown Brewery

418 Evans St.

7 to 8:30 p.m.

(252) 328-6387

ECU Symphonic and Concert Bands

Wright Auditorium

100 Founders Dr. 7:30 to 9 p.m. (252) 328-6851

SATURDAY

ECU Symphony Orchestra

Wright Auditorium

100 Founders Dr.

7:30 to 9 p.m. (252) 328-6851

East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance (SoTD) will perform “Bright Star” Wednes day through Sunday in the McGinnis Auditorium.

According to ECU’s events calendar, ‘Bright Star’ tells the story of a woman, Alice Murphy, at two different points in her life: the first, when she is a wild, young and carefree girl in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the second when she is a well-to-do magazine editor in Asheville, 22 years later, according to ECU’s events calendar.

Administrative Support Associate for the SoTD Amanda Hudson said this play is for anyone who loves folksy music, banjo music and considers themselves a North Carolinian.

“I think anybody that likes a good love story that has a few trials and tribulations will love it and anybody that has a good sense of humor will love the comedy in there,” Hudson said.

Steve Martin, the writer of “Bright Star” and renowned actor, is a great humorist and brings a lot of great subtle comedic aspects to the story, Hudson said.

Because of her roots in eastern North Carolina, Hudson said she can personally relate to this story. The overall theme of “Bright Star” is love and fol lowing one’s dream, she said.

“I just love musical theatre and I really enjoy seeing that heightened sense of reality on stage,” Hudson said. “And I love seeing the audience’s reaction so I can relate to it in that way because theatre makes everybody happy.”

Director of Production for “Bright Star,” Bryan Conger, said at first it was a bit difficult to find a way to smoothly transition through the show’s time-period based settings, but it was a challenge that motivated him and the crew even more. Conger and the crew eventually overcame this challenge and now the transitions are fluid and move quickly, Conger said.

Participating in this production is another way to continue his passion for southern dramaturgy, Conger said.

“The shows we pick here are definitely first and foremost to serve our students and our audiences but also to serve our faculty’s creative activity and work, so I was very interested in stories that focus on specific cultures and Southern culture,” Conger said.

Sophomore musical theatre major and cos tume design minor, Madison Lind, said she took

a lot of time researching and talking to mothers to prepare for her lead role as Alice Murphy. She goes back and forth between being 16 years old and being 40 years old in the show, so there’s a lot of difference in the way she has to act to show the audiences those two very different ages, she said.

Lind never thought she would land the lead role, she said. An ensemble role or a supporting character, she said, would’ve been satisfying for her.

“The cast list came out and I looked at the bottom of the cast list first to look at the ensemble, and then I just kept looking up and I was like ‘Oh my gosh!’ and there my name was at the very top, so it was quite shocking,” Lind said. “I felt really connected to Alice’s character when I was reading the play and watching it for research, but I honestly didn’t think I’d end up getting it so it was quite a shock but a really big honor to play her.”

“Bright Star” will premiere today at 7:30 p.m. The price of admission is $18 for the general public, $15 for senior citizens, faculty and staff and $10 for all other students and youth, according to the events calendar. Other times for the performance include: tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Ray Waddell TEC STAFF

JAYLIN ROBERTS | THE EAST CAROLINIAN

The School of Theatre and Dance brings the musical “Bright Star” to light at the McGinnis Auditorium today through Sunday with multiple show times.

'

spertZ

The East Carolinian

Sports experts predict this week’s events

Cavazos Sports Editor

ECU vs Houston on Saturday Score Prediction?

ECU 35-21

Why? A loss to Cincinnati killed the Pirates’ hopes for a conference championship but it won’t kill their spirit against a mediocre Houston team. This season has been special for the Pirates with a few unfortunate endings but a loss to Houston will stain that outlook.

Chris Long Sports Chief

ECU vs Houston on Saturday Score Prediction?

ECU 52-35

Why? Houston’s achilles heel this season has been ECU’s highlight—defense. While Houston’s senior quarterback Clayton Tune is sure to put on a show, the final game in Dowdy is sure to be special, especially for a Pirates team robbed of a win last week. Houston’s offense bites hard, but the Pirates bite harder!

ECU vs Houston on Saturday Score Prediction?

ECU 38-27

Why? ECU will have their hands full with a Houston offense that puts up 37 ppg, but with Houston’s defense being No. 123 in the nation allowing 36 points per game, Ahlers and the Pirates offense can look to be productive in the passing and run game for the last home game of the season.

ECU hosts Hampton to go for 3-0 start

Nick Bailey FOR THE EAST CAROLINIAN

East Carolina University men’s basket ball (2-0, 0-0 American Athletic Confer ence) is set to take on Hampton University (1-1, 0-0 Southern Conference) today for a 7 p.m. tipoff for the Pirates’ third game of the season in Minges Coliseum in Greenville, North Carolina.

The Pirates last contest against Pres byterian University (1-1, 0-0 Big South Conference) was an electrifying one that the fans had to be there for the whole way. ECU struggled in the first half, making only 25% of their field goals. This caused the Pirates to go down big as the Blue Hose got out to a 23-4 start with 9:37 remaining in the first half.

The scoring differential of 19 points was Presbyterian’s biggest lead of the game. This early run was attributed to sophomore forward Terrell Ard Jr. and senior forward Owen McCormack, who both scored six points a piece within the first 10 minutes of the ball game.

“We have to find a way to be better at starting games,” Head Coach Michael Schwartz said during the post-game press conference. “The biggest thing was that they were making tough shots, give them credit they have really good players, on the other end that’s where we were really struggling. We were abysmal in the first 10-12 minutes of the first half.”

Schwartz subbed in freshman guard Kalib LaCount and he started to give the Pirates life on the offensive end. LaCount

went on to score 13 of the Pirates first 19 points with various three pointers and a tough and-1 layup to cut the Blue Hose lead to 30-21. With a couple of more buckets from the Pirates and the Blue Hose, the halftime score ended up being 32-26, with Presbyterian holding on to the lead.

In the second half, the Pirates’ offensive numbers were boosted compared to the first half. ECU shot 59.3% from the field, and a high three point percentage of 64.3%. Pres byterian’s shooting got troubled by ECU’s defense in the second half, as their shooting percentage plummeted from 44% to 25.8% from the first half to the second half.

Sophomore guards RJ Felton and Javon Small were the heroes in the second half of the game, scoring 20 and 16 points respec tively. Both players played all 20 minutes in this half. Small scored all of his points in this game in this half, overall shooting 4-8 from the field and 3-5 from three point range. Felton had everything going for him in the second half as he made 7-10 of his shots with four of those being three pointers.

The final score of the contest would end up being 77-57, with the Pirates outscoring the Blue Hose 51-25 in the second half. The substantial 19 point comeback was the second largest comeback in school history for ECU. This record is tied with a 19 point comeback that happened last season against Memphis on Jan. 15, 2022.

Looking ahead to Hampton, they will be traveling from Virginia to face off against the undefeated Pirates. They have played James Madison (3-0, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference)

and Regent University (0-2, 0-0 National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association). Against James Madison, Hampton lost by a large margin with a score of 106-58, but then went on to beat Regent 89-60.

Hampton’s squad has been led by strong guard play from players like senior guard Marquise Goodwin, who is averaging 12 points per game. Sophomore guard Amir Nesbitt also averages 11 points on the season so far. Senior forward Raymond Bethea Jr. has been on the glass heavily as he is leading Hampton in rebounds per game with eight.

Small for the Pirates will be looking to keep his high scoring season going against Hampton, as he is the leading scorer for ECU with 19.5 points per game. Hampton will have a handful on the defensive side of the ball against the Pirates because they average 77 points per game, compared to Hamptons 58.

Following this home game for the Pirates, the team will have a four day break and then will be playing in the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Florida. Their matchup will be Indiana State University (2-0, 0-0 Missouri Valley Conference) on Monday at 1:30 p.m.

Next up after that for ECU will be Old Dominion University (1-1, 0-0 Sun Belt Conference) where the Pirates will have their first away game on an enemy’s home court. This game will be next Saturday at 7 p.m.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.

Football to host Houston for Senior Day

Chris Long TEC STAFF

East Carolina University football (6-4, 3-3 American Athletic Conference) will face off against the University of Houston (6-4, 4-2 AAC) for the final home game of the season on Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium in Greenville, North Carolina.

For the Pirates, this game comes following the loss against the University of Cincinnati

(8-2. 5-1 AAC). ECU saw its dreams of the first championship game appearance in the American dissipate following the Friday night contest after the first team headed for the Big 12 Conference next season claimed a victory against the Pirates.

The successful offense game plan was cut down when sophomore running back Keaton Mitchell was taken out of the game with a big, controversial hit from Cin cinnati’s sophomore safety Bryon Threats. The play was flagged for targeting, as Threats made contact to Mitchell’s head while the running back was defenseless.

“I 100% think they were trying to take him out,” senior quarterback Holton Ahlers said during the postgame press confer ence. “It was a dirty play, and they’re known for that so that’s all I’m going to comment on that.”

The Pirates gave it their all, as the group gained more yards, forged more plays and dominated the time of possession with over a 13 minute differential in time of posses sion. Along with the loss of Mitchell in the third quarter, six costly penalties against ECU helped decide the final score.

Houston enters the game following a 43-36 victory against a Temple University (3-7, 1-5 AAC) team that has struggled to find a rhythm all season long. The 36 points by Temple was the second highest of the season, second only to the team’s only conference win against the University of South Florida (1-9, 0-6 AAC) on Nov. 5 for a 54-28 victory.

The point total set by Temple against Hous ton highlights the Cougars’ biggest struggle of the season– defense. Through 10 games in the season, Houston has allowed every opponent to score 20 or more points and have allowed 30 or more points six times. The team has found wins through shootouts, led by senior quarterback Clayton Tune.

Tune, a fifth year senior, has 3,439 yards of total offense with 36 total touchdowns to eight interceptions on the season. His 68.3% comple tion percentage is a collegiate career best as he currently stands with a passer rating of 158.3. For his entire career at Houston, Tune has thrown for over 10,000 yards and is knocking on the door of 100 passing touchdowns with 95 thrown in his

Matching up the gunslinging quarterback against a consistent defense, particularly in the red zone where the team ranks No. 13 in the nation, will be the key to the outcome of the season’s final game. This game at Dowdy-Ficklen will be the last for Ahlers and six graduate students includ ing wide receiver Isaiah Winstead.

The Pirates will look to take down the final opponent on the schedule slated to join the Big 12 conference on July 1, 2023. ECU is now 2-1 against teams that will join the Big 12 next season.

ECU will have one more regular season game before the team plays in their first bowl game since 2014. The Pirates will travel to face Temple next Sat urday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Brendan

COURTESY OF ECUPIRATES

East Carolina University’s sophomore forward Brandon Johnson pulls up from deep for a three-point jumper against Mercer University.

Nick Bailey

For the East Carolinian

HALIE MILLER | THE EAST CAROLINIAN

Senior quarterback Holton Ahlers takes off for a run against Old Dominion.