A&C
Sports
Imagine Circus visits Winthrop
S&T
Eagle of the week: Emily Wunder
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No car no problem: Bike share in Rock Hill •pg.8
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theJohnsonian
Serving Winthrop and Rock Hill Since 1923
Winthrop University
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Rock Hill, SC
Cheyenne Walsh and Caroline Riggs/ The Johnsonian
Upperclassmen discuss the biggest challenges they faced as freshmen Caroline Riggs riggsc@mytjnow.com
It’s the time of the year when the newest eagles leave their nests to create a home at Winthrop, but the stress associated with that transition has caused many upperclassmen to share their advice on freshman year. Amy Kalajian is a senior political science major who has remained involved on campus throughout her time at Winthrop. She described the difficulties she faced when she was becoming accustomed to her new life at Winthrop, and how she made the most of her time. “Make copies of everything because it will definitely come
in handy. Be polite to office workers; they’re sweet and want to help you as much as they can. Remember you can grow into and out of friendships; don’t hold on to some relationships too hard. Just go to class,” Kalajian said. Some upperclassmen addressed the stress they felt about moving away from home and into an entirely new environment on their own. They said that venturing out and remembering that Winthrop is a family that is always willing to help will create a better, more successful first year. “Coming to Winthrop and not being near your family is stressful, but I’ve made many new friends who love and support me. I also have amazing RAs that are there along the way. A tip of advice is to savor the moments you have with your loved ones and
Karen Kedrowski flies away from the nest Anna Sharpe sharpea@mytjnow.com
Next semester, Winthrop will be losing a faculty member who has continued to shape the political environment on campus for 25 years after her decision to carry her efforts to another university. Karen Kedrowski, political science professor, will become the executive director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University in January 2019. She will be responsible for fundraising, grant writing and teaching at Iowa State, all of which are services she has been a part of on Winthrop’s campus. However, one of the biggest expectations of the
executive director is communicating with the media to provide commentary on the Iowa Caucus. Kedrowski will begin her position at Iowa State during the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment, which she said is a true inspiration for what she plans to do with her time at the university. “I look forward to the opportunity to figure out how I can help work with other people at Iowa state to help inject the voices of women and to talk about the role of women in American politics in conjunction with the Iowa Caucus,” Kedrowski said. see Kedrowski pg. 3
mytjnow.com
to create memories with new people,” Maddie Morrison, a sophomore athletic training major, said. Many Winthrop students said they believe that Winthrop does an excellent job of providing enough clubs and organizations for students to join. They also said that joining a club or organization on campus could allow for new relationships to form and an opportunity to branch out will be provided. “You not only surround yourself with people who have a common interest as you, but you make new friends, gain new experiences and new skills. In addition to that, it could open up a new world of opportunities,” Ryen Cohen, a sophomore mass communication major, explained. Sabrina Mateo-Lo is a junior human development and family studies major who
said that she believes getting involved as soon as possible is the best way to ensure a leadership position. She also said that putting off joining an organization on campus could lead to never actually joining or getting involved with something. “Being involved in an organization for several years allows you to work up to leadership positions, which opens up opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t have,” Mateo-Lo said. Many other upperclassmen have suggested that incoming freshmen relax and enjoy their first year because it only comes once. They have also said that it is important to forget what people say about where you have to be and what you have to accomplish and to focus on your own goals at Winthrop.
To watch or not to watch Shakespeare’s twelfth night is coming to Winthrop’s ampitheatre Caleb Hinkley walzerc@mytjnow.com
A wide array of works is almA wide array of works is almost always on display at Winthrop University. This fall will bring some great performances from the theatre department, but a special performance will also take place in Winthrop’s outdoor amphitheater. Shakespeare Carolina will present William Shakespeare’s ”Twelfth Night.” This production will be unlike any before, with a new setting, new prologue
and reinvented characters. The classic tale of “Twelfth Night” combines love, confusion and joyful discovery. While the original play is set after a shipwreck on the fictional island of Illyria, this production will take place after a plane crash. This is just one of the ways that Shakespeare Carolina plans to put their own spin on these classic plays. Tom Ollis, the director of “Twelfth Night,” describes his production as “Lost meets Gilligan’s Island.” He is setting his production in the South Pacific. The prologue will establish this new environment and it will be as if the souls of the original characters in “Twelfth Night” see Shakespeare pg. 4
Index: News 3 | Science & Tech 5 | Sports 6 | Arts & Culture 8 | Opinion 10
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August 22, 2018
Charlotte pride 2018 Caroline Riggs riggsc@mytjnow.com
Community members march in parade on August 19th.
Women represents her son while marching.
Attendees peacefully defy counterprotester.
Winthrop students Sabrina Mateo-Lo (left) and Sydney Strother (right) attend festival.
Attendee wearing pride colors.
Companies and individuals were represented during the parade.
The parade was filled with music, dancing and even bubbles.
The festival had multiple places where people could register to vote.
Father and daughter watch the parade together.
People of all ages attended the parade.
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August 22, 2018
Kedrowski from front After 25 years of support and opportunities that she has said gave her a diverse skill set, from event planning to dealing with the security of presidential candidates, the decision to leave Winthrop was a tough one for Kedrowski. “I love teaching, and Winthrop students are absolutely amazing and great, and so many of them have become my friends after 25 years. Leaving my tribe won’t be easy, but I’m so glad that social media makes it easy to keep in touch with people,” Kedrowski explained.
It was through social media that led Kedrowski to join the Catt Center when she was scrolling through and saw a post about the previous director’s, Dianne Bystrom, retirement. “I clicked on it just out of curiosity and I thought, ‘Oh holy cow, I could actually do this job,’ and I applied without really thinking that I had a shot, threw my hat in the ring and went about my business, not expecting I would hear anything. Then next thing I knew, I was interviewing, and then the next thing I knew, I had an offer. It was
really accidental,” Kedrowski said. Kedrowski began her career at Winthrop 25 years ago, and she said that perhaps the biggest change to campus since her first day has been the growth of political engagement. “When I see about what has happened and how much Winthrop’s footprint has grown, that’s something that I’m really proud of and I think [it] also is a huge change from what has happened in my 25 years here,” Kedrowski expressed. Kedrowski offered
some advice to freshmen as she begins her last semester at Winthrop and leaves her students with a few final parting words. “One of the real advantages is its [Winthrop’s] intimacy, so get to know your faculty, go stop by and visit them; they want to talk to you. Second, read the syllabus and do your homework. I mean, there’s no secret to academic success that is not: being engaged, showing up and doing the work,” Kedrowski said.
Small to success: the making of a small business
Melissa Gladden, 2018 convocation speaker is the owner of Carolina Recruiter. Caroline Riggs riggsc@mytjnow.com
Melissa Gladden was the Winthrop Class of 2022 Convocation speaker. Her speech centered around overcoming the obstacles given to you and making a hero out of yourself. She is a small business owner who has said that she hopes to continue her efforts of inspiring students by speaking on campus and sharing her story. Gladden spoke about her endless search for a job after having been laid off three years out of college. She explained how she didn’t even know where to begin and how she had to live off of unemployment checks during her job hunt. “I would go around searching for job after job after job. Like everyone probably looking for a job it was hopeless. You feel so hopeless and you feel like you’re just submitting applications to this black hole,” Gladden said. Due to her lack of success in the job market she said she was able to find her passion for helping other people find a job they will love and give them the chance to join a successful business. She started Carolina Recruitment out of the spare bedroom at her parent’s house and used a $2000 loan from her husband to begin the business. “I started it there [bedroom] because of course I didn’t have any money, I had I think what was a $2000 loan from my husband. So, when you only have $2000 to start your own company you start running around, trying to figure out what’s free,” Gladden said. Gladden shared her thoughts throughout the process of creating Carolina Recruitment and the fact that her doubt could never hold her back. She said that not knowing the outcome of her situation would’ve been the worst part about not attempting this new venture. “I would be able to live with myself knowing that I at least believed in myself and so what if I failed but having to go through life wondering. I couldn’t live with that unknown, with that wondering,” Gladden said. When Gladden received the honor of SC Small Business Person of the Year in 2015 she said that she couldn’t understand why she would receive an award like that. She
Caroline Riggs | News Editor riggsc@mytjnow.com
Caroline Riggs/ The Johnsonian
explained how she had become so enclosed in her own business that she forgot what all she had been able to accomplish with her success as a business woman. “It felt almost like a fraud because a lot of times you don’t see the beauty and value in yourself and so when something like that happens to you, you’re like ‘are you sure,’” Gladden said. Carolina Recruitment and Gladden have both spoke on the issue of diversity in the workplace and creating a diverse, inclusive space for all people. Gladden has said that she believes in creating a space where individuals can express themselves and contribute to the business wholeheartedly. “One lesson and a hard one that I had to learn was valuing people as an individual,” Gladden said. Gladden shared her advice to Winthrop students and what she believed she should’ve done to make her time on campus worthwhile. She said that she wishes students will understand that they’re education is important and that they will see the value of their degree with time. “Education is almost like an acorn in the sense that it’s insulation and its nutrients for that seed. But, until you plant that seed into fertile ground and it gets water it’s not going to grow so what are you going to do with your education, where are you planting your seed?” Gladden said.
theJohnsonian
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August 22, 2018
Meet the new CSL leaders The president and vice president of CSL have taken office and begun their roles as they serve the Winthrop student body and share their goals for the community Courtesy of T’Mani Eady
Courtesy of T’Mani Eady
academics and morals. The CSL is a liaison between the Oriana Gilmore student body and the presStaff Writer ident and board of trustees and is here to offer assistance Winthrop has officially to students, whether it be welcomed new student body leaders Ximena Perez-Velazco academic support or assisting a student organization that and Jared Garrett. Ximena plans to serve the community. Perez-Velazco is a senior hu“Our job here is to support man nutrition major and will students, be here for students be serving as student body president alongside Vice Pres- and serve as a voice and an ear for the Rock Hill commuident Jared Garrett, a senior nity and Winthrop Communisports management major. ty,” Perez-Velazco stated. Perez-Velazco has been serving on the Council of Garrett and Perez-Velazco Student Leadership for four said they are ready to upyears and has been appointed hold those values within the committee chair co-person of Winthrop community. They various organized events in addressed implementing previous years. This will be President Daniel Mahony’s Garrett’s second year servWinthrop Plan to support ing in the CSL. Last year, he inclusive excellence, promote served on the Traditions Com- global and community enmittee and helped assemble gagement, have diversity in events such as the MLK Day faculty and staff, make proof Service. visions for student facilities, According to Perez-Velazco, programs and technology, and the CSL’s main priority is to establish financial stability. be a support system for the “We want the university to student body. The organiget accustomed to [the Winzation’s ideals are based on throp Plan], so they know that the core values mentioned this is how the higher leadin Winthrop’s dedication to ership is trying to implement excellence, which includes plans to help us and make us standards centered around feel welcomed and make it a
student-centered university,” Garrett clarified. One of the most important concepts that Garrett and Perez-Velazco said they would like students to understand is the relationship between them and higher leadership on campus and how that is expressed through the five pillars in President Mahony’s Winthrop Plan. “We want to work from the inside first, fix our home, clean our home, and then invite everyone else into it,” Perez-Velazco explained. The new student leaders said that they want students to know that the council is not only a support system, but a resource for the student body. “We offer financial support to student groups if what they’re doing is for the good of the community,” Perez-Velazco stated about the council’s allocation system for student organizations. Garrett and Perez-Velazco described their plan to promote diversity and inclusiveness as a way to consider all backgrounds of the Winthrop student population. Pe-
rez-Velazco said that her goal is to offer more support for minority groups and students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. “Winthrop is a very diverse campus. [We want to] make sure everyone has their safe zones and everyone is accounted for,” Garrett added about his goal for the campus during their term. Both new student body leaders agreed that they want to use their platform to better the community by sustaining the values of Winthrop while bridging the gap between students and the university’s leadership. “Being in a leadership position is not just about the title; it’s about actually giving back and serving in the community, and that’s something I’m really passionate about,” Garrett added. If you would like to engage with student leaders and share your opinions or concerns, the Council of Student Leadership meetings are open to all students at “The Fishbowl” in Digs 114 on Mondays at 7 p.m.
Keeping up with the freshmen
Laylah Chisolm Theatre education major
Savannah Scott Biology major
Julia Breitkreutz Secondary English education major
“One of the most important moments of my life was finding my passion for teaching and with that I was able to lead my tech team in high school at the Tech Olympics, a phase of competition at the South Carolina Theatre Association Festival, to accomplish the fastest score at folding a backdrop. This accomplishment showed me that my life goals are attainable, that I am capable.”
“One of the most notable things I did in high school was colorguard and our marching band was really good to where we got to go to grand nationals my junior year. It was so cool because we got to perform at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and I was a soloist there and we got to perform in front of tens of thousands of people and we actually placed eighth that year.
“I participated in National History Day. First came research, tons of it and then came the time to sit down and write a script. I advanced to the SC State Competition and placed first in the performance category. The next phase of the competition was Nationals in Washington, DC. Hard work paid off because I won a Special Prize and some scholarship money.”
Anna Sharpe | Assistant News Editor sharpea@mytjnow.com
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S&T
theJohnsonian
No car, no problem
Mikayla Mangle manglem@mytjnow.com Winthrop implemented its first bike share program just before summer vacation as a way to curb greenhouse gases caused by motorized vehicles and to become more connected to the city of Rock Hill. The bike share program has already been a major hit with many students during the summer months. Students have been seen riding the bikes throughout campus and are able to ride into downtown Rock Hill if desired. The bikes on campus give students a new way to travel while also being sustainable. “The bike share program is sustainable because it is an eco-friendly, green way of traveling and promotes community and public wellness […] The bikes serve as a way to travel while reducing air pollution,” said Winthrop’s former sustainability intern, Alexondrea Harrison. The program, according to Harrison, was specifically designed to connect Winthrop to the downtown Rock Hill area. This is beneficial for students who do not have a car on campus. However, even students who
August 22, 2018
do have cars are encouraged to make use of the bike share program to help reduce their personal carbon emissions. “When traveling by bike instead of by car, CO2 emissions would reduce instead of increase. I have
seen a generous amount of students make good use out of the bike share program. A lot of people use them in the afternoon, typically after classes are over,” said Harrison. A bike share program is a service in which bicycles are made available for shared use to individuals for a short period of time. There is usually a fee involved to use these bicycles, but that fee amount varies for each program. The first ever bike share program began in Amsterdam
in the 1960s. However, bike shares did not begin getting popular in other places around the world until the 1990s. In a paper published by the University of Florida, it is stated that benefits have been seen in the cities where
Cheyenne Walsh/ The Johnsonian
bike share programs have been implemented. These benefits include reducing greenhouse gases, improving public health and increasing transit use. The research on bike share history done at the University of Florida concludes that it is likely that bike share programs will continue to grow in the future. Due to traffic congestion and population growth, people are likely to find faster ways to get around a city. Every bike share varies in
its fee charges and how to go about getting a bike. A good thing, however, is that Winthrop has worked to make it as easy as possible to reserve a bike through their bike share program. Harrison explained, “You can go online or download the Social Bicycles app to reserve a bike. You create an account and use the account number and pin code in order to unlock the bike. The first two hours of biking are free, and after that time it’s $6 per hour.” The bike share program is intended for anyone on campus to use. This includes students and faculty. The bikes themselves are still fairly new because the program was only implemented in late April of this past school year. The bikes themselves can be found to the side of the West Center, behind Margaret Nance resident hall. The program is ultimately intended to promote community and connect more students to Rock Hill, all while reducing carbon emissions. Throughout this next school year it will be seen how much bike share companies can benefit a campus and community.
Follow Winthrop’s environmental club, SEAC, and the sustainability department on Instagram. You can be one of the first to hear about their events coming up on campus! (@winthropseac)
Review: A Hat in Time Joseph Calamia calamiaj@mytjnow.com A new addition into the 3D platformer genre in video games is the charming crowd funded video game "A Hat in Time" by Jonas Kærlev and his small studio, Gears for Breakfast, came out last fall on PC and to consoles XBOX One and PlayStation 4 a few months later. Back in 2013, Gears for Breakfast launched a kickstarter for the game and surpassed its initial goal of $30,000 with over $296,000 and released in 2017 after numerous delays. With the release, "A Hat in Time" was met with critical praise from gamers and critics alike for its quirky story, its imaginative world and characters, solid gameplay and its tribute to previous 3D Platforming games. "A Hat in Time" follows the
adventures of a little alien girl named Hat Kid, who is traveling through the galaxy home when she’s stopped on a nearby planet by a Mafia man and crashes with her magical hourglass that act as fuel for her spaceship scattered all over the planet. It’s up to Hat Kid to travel the planet’s locales to find her hourglasses and get home. Along the way, she’ll meet with various characters like a Little Red Ridinghood-esque rebel named Moustache Girl, a pair of avian film directors and a spooky trickster obsessed with contracts. The gameplay is familiar to 3D platformers of video games past as Hat Kid’s moves consist of jumping around, using a grappling hook, fighting enemies with an umbrella and sliding around the various locations within the game. A unique feature of "A Hat in Time" is collecting balls of yarn, which can allow the player to create
new hats to gain new abilities such as running faster or throwing explosive potions at crates and enemies. Graphics-wise, "A Hat in Time" gives off the charm of an old school 3D platform with its cell shaded graphics and detailed environments. Each level is also introduced with an art card featuring Hat Kid and each mission, whether she’s sneaking through a haunted house to find a time piece or leading a parade of penguins on the moon for a movie by a disco penguin. The setting takes the player to four various locations throughout the game to find the missing time pieces and to collect currency and new items to create new hats. Some locations include the Dead Birds movie studio in “Battle of the Birds,” where each level’s final score adds up based off what you collect for the two feuding directors movies in their
Mikayla Mangle | Science & Technology Editor manglem@mytjnow.com
bid for a movie award or the spooky Subcon Forest with a terrifying, yet goofy, ghost obsessed with contracts. An endearing part of "A Hat in Time" is its writing that delivers humor and charm into little details in the dialogue between characters and the animation of the characters. One example is if Hat Kid is idle, she would occasionally pull out some toys and play with them or she can either tease people by making a face or blow a kiss. Gears for Breakfast also promises to release new DLC in the incoming months for free to players. Overall, "A Hat in Time" is an energetic and goofy ode to platformers of old that is sure to please fans of games like "Mario 64" and "Psychonauts." "A Hat in Time" is available on PC on Steam and on PlayStation 4 and XBOX One. The game is rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence and Alcohol and Tobacco References.
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SPORTS
theJohnsonian
August 22, 2018
EAGLE OF THE WEEK
Emily Wunder sport but it is a big change academically for students. “Collegiate level volleyball is a lot more time consuming than high school volleyball. Besides the practices we also have to go to lift, team meetings, sports psychology and we spend a lot of time in the athletic training room recovering and trying to prevent injuries,” said Wunder.
“”
I love the sport so much and it has opened up so many opportunities and friendships for me Emily Wunder Volleyball
Wunder said that transitioning from a high school to a college-level sport changes an athlete’s time management skills. Playing a Division One sport takes up a lot of her time, along with studying and attending classes as well as learning how to manage her time on and off the court is another difference from high school. “The coaching staff for college volleyball is significantly larger than a normal high school coaching staff. Because there are so many coaches, players receive a lot more feedback which helps us improve,” said Wunder. The Lady Eagles have been hard at work this summer since July 10, practicing and lifting to prepare for the season. “This means that our players had to sacrifice a lot of their summer Photo Courtesy of Winthrop University to start preparing for the season,” Proctor is the first tennis player to receive the title , having received the honor of said Wunder.
Big South Women’s Tennis Player of the Year for the past three years.
Meet the newest member of Winthrop’s volleyball team GabbyGardner gardnerg@mytjnow.com
Students athletes had to leave their friends, families and homes to move to Rock Hill for most of their summer, starting their school year early. Wunder said that it was hard to leave home “but the time I spent on campus practicing and lifting and getting to know my teammates definitely helped me transition into pre-season a lot easier. Moving in early also allowed me to explore Rock Hill and find some really cool places and restaurants.”
New York freshman native, Emily Wunder, is a 6’3 outside player for the Winthrop women’s volleyball team. Wunder attended a small school called Penn Yan Academy, in upstate NY. She decided to continue her volleyball career into her college years. “I love the sport so much and it has opened up so many opportunities and friendships for me,” said Wunder.
These Eagles have some great games to look forward to this year. Wunder said, “As a freshman I have high hopes for this season and I hope to see a lot of fans cheering us on as we compete.”
As a freshman here at Winthrop, Wunder is transitioning from a high school-level playing field into a college-level playing field. Not only is it a big transition to go from a high school to a college
For more information on upcoming volleyball games and the entire 2018-2019 girls volleyball roster visit the Winthrop Athletics website.
Greta Conboy | Sports Editor conboyg@mytjnow.com
Winthrop women’s volleyball’s first home game will be Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Winthrop Coliseum.
theJohnsonian
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August 22, 2018
Men’s Soccer Recruits Nine Newcomers for the Upcoming Season
The Johnsonain checks in with the men’s soccer team for details on this year’s team Greta Conboy conboyg@mytjnow.com Winthrop head men’s soccer coach Daniel Ridenhour has nine incoming Eagles in their 2018 recruiting class. These incoming players include: Davis Bryan, Andres Carvajal, Chandler Gaunce, Carter Jefferies, Jayden Mace, Jordi Mola, Alfie Rogers and Matthew Woodington. The Eagles head into the season with these nine newcomers joining 15 newcomers, six of which are starters.
“We have eagerly awaited to announce our 2018 class. There have been some loose ends to tie up and we still expect to add a few more players to this group. These young men will represent Winthrop University very well in all aspects,” said Ridenhour. The Winthrop coaching staff says that collectively they all want to push to get better and improve their team. “There are some things we needed with this group. Our staff has done a tremendous job in getting the right young men for Winthrop,” said Ridenhour. This year the Eagles have a diverse group of men playing for this team. “We have very creative players, some guys that are blue collar, guys that can score goals, and every one of them are hard workers,” said Ridenhour. The head coach gave additional credit to coaching staff member Phil Hindson for managing and directing the needed recruiting for this season. Assistant Kyle Kenney also helped with these achievements. The coaching staff believes that their current group of players is a good representation not only for Winthrop University, but the state of South Carolina itself. “I think it is also noteworthy that we have a number of players from the state of South Carolina. We have made a concerted effort to find players in our backyard,” said Ridenhour. “Our staff is looking forward to August rolling around so that we can get back onto the training pitch with our team. Working to integrate our current players with the new guys is always fun and our returners certainly had a very positive spring 2018 in all phases of the game,” said Ridenhour.
Photo Courtesy of Winthrop University
Winthrop head men’s soccer coach Daniel Ridenhour intensely observes the team’s preformance.
Winthrop Strength Gains A Fuel Station New fuel station in Winthrop’s Athletics training room gives Winthrop Athletes the potential for a major competitive edge Greta Conboy conboyg@mytjnow.com This summer, Winthrop Strength created a fuel station inside the weight room for student athletes to take advantage of this year. This fuel station consists of protein shakes, protein bars, chocolate milk and more. The Winthrop Strength staff consists of three employees that are passionate about their work. These members include: Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, Ben Abbott, and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coaches Jena Ready and Andy Parker. “We made this station to provide our athletes with nutritional products that optimize recovery post workout,” said Parker. Winthrop Strength states that having a protein bar before your workout will give you the energy you need for your workout. This helps if the protein bar has carbohydrates from whole grains. “We need to educate our athletes on the importance of nutrition and how to properly fuel themselves pre and post-competition and workouts,” said Parker. The alternative for athletes is to go to the fuel station to get a protein bar right after a workout. This provides the same combination of carbs and protein your muscles need for growth and recovery. The Winthrop Eagles have been taking advantage of the station throughout their training thus far. “Having this new fuel station is super beneficial for all athletes that are working out. This summer I
Photo Courtesy of Greta Conboy
Two Winthrop athletes enjoying the workout benefits of the new Fuel Station.
took the opportunity to use this option and I feel grateful that this program is thinking about our nutrition for workouts,” said men’s basketball player Bjorn Broman. “This will allow our athletes the opportunity to not only fuel themselves for competition and activity but also help give a competitive edge in regards to providing and educating our athletes at the highest level from a nutritional standpoint,” said Parker.
Gabby Gardner | Assistant Sports Editor gardnerg@mytjnow.com
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A&C
theJohnsonian August 22, 2018
Artist Spotlight: Antonio Christopher
Highlighting one student’s ability to capture his subject’s essence in his work
Shaniah Garrick garricks@mytjnow.com Winthrop University thrives off of a diverse and talented student body which possesses a range of artistic and leadership abilities that is changing the face of campus daily. One of those emerging leaders is Antonio Christopher, who is starting to make his name more prevalent on Winthrop’s campus. Christopher began his academic career at Winthrop in 2016 after graduating from Dreher High School in Columbia, South Carolina. While majoring in fine arts he specializes in drawing and painting portraits of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Christopher began drawing at an early age and immediately loved it. “I have been drawing as long as I can remember, actually ever since I could hold a pencil,” Christopher said. He is driven by drawing portraits that invoke a lot of emotion and can allow the character to truly express themselves. Christopher uses his drawings to connect with his audience in a personal yet meaningful manner. His art aims to be objective as Christopher would rather his audience get their own perspective than coerce them into his own. His goal is for his audience to make their own story based on what they see. Christopher is mostly inspired by Japanese artists and African culture. This is reflected in the characters that he depicts who possess exaggerated facial features and very expressive body language. Christopher finds inspiration in his view of the world as well as in his personal life. In his recent series entitled, “Dear My Ex-Lovers” Christopher presented
portraits of all his ex-lovers the way he saw them after their relationships ended. “I kind of like, painted them but also put in some poetry that symbolize how they broke my heart and how they made me a stronger person at the same time,” Christopher said. One of Christopher’s big plans for the future is to work on a final art show for his senior year with more artwork that is very personal and symbolic to him. “As artists we should always challenge ourselves to do things out of our comfort zones. Being comfortable can get boring,” Christopher said. Christopher has an array of ideas that he is working on. He plans on exploring media beyond paint or sketches because he doesn’t want to limit himself or his ideas. Christopher’s biggest aspiration is to take his art to the runway and actually design the clothes that are depicted in his paintings. His next series will be called, “Black Women and Fruits.” This display will include a new take on black women, natural black hairstyles and African fruits. Christopher has the potential to be one of Winthrop’s finest. His work possesses the ability to personalize each character with their own unique story. He uses visualization to tell the story of his life, emotions and who he is. Great things can be expected from him as he continues his artistic career at Winthrop.
Step Right Up….
The Welcome Week festivities launched with the mystifying, the marvelous and the stupendous performers of the Imagine Circus. Dillon O’Neill oneilld@mytjnow.com
To kick off Welcome Week, DSU (metaphorically) pitched a big top tent over Byrnes Auditorium and welcomed the performers of the Imagine Circus. Those in attendance were treated to a high energy show consisting of acrobats, jugglers, aerial performers, belly dancers and several more mesmerizing acts. One of the two charismatic hosts and organizers of the show, Adam, was really impressed by the Winthrop crowd and hopes to come back next year. “Oh man Winthrop is awesome,” Adam said. “They were so enthusiastic and extremely supportive and remembered all the performers names, and man you guys are the best.” The circus is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and have
Dillon O’Neill | A&C Editor oneilld@mytjnow.com
performed all over the country. The performers have been a part of the circus collective ranging from five to 15 years. Often having to travel for training, just last year performers found themselves traveling to San Diego, Spain and New Mexico. “Even though it’s not a full time job, it feels full time because we are always practicing and training,’’ Gina, an acrobat, said. The performers have all taken different paths that lead them to circus life and even still, live very different lives off the stage. Storm, the main aerialist performer of the night, is a full time teacher who often practices at her gym and with her students. Mike, another acrobat, holds a day job as a paramedic. While Adam has gathered his main income as a circus performer for 17 years. One portion of the show that featured Adam and his co host, Bash juggling everything from bowling pins to sharp knives. During this time volunteers were brought on stage. One of the volunteers in of the middle of the action, and the very sharp knives was Winthrop student, Joseph Calamia. He had a blast on stage. “I had so much fun up there and I really hope they come back because I would do it again,” Calamia said. The hosts, Bash and Adam, were responsible for the order and presentation of the show. “Each one of the performers has worked on the skills they have, a lot,” Adam said. “We worked with
the performers to see which of the acts they felt really good about and what balanced with the other performers.” Ultimately, the energy of the audience was electrifying, excited and engaged in a way that is infrequent in Byrnes Auditorium. There was a shared adrenaline rush and childlike wonder that was palpable from the crowd. The feeling of this energy was not lost on Adam. “I want the audience to identify with me as a person and to see me going through a challenging experience and for us to do that together,” Adam said about his performance. “I really see it as a whole group thing, and the ability to tune in with that many minds at the same time, for all of us to be focused on the same thing, in the presence of eachother, where we’re breathing together, and although I can’t see anyone while I’m up there, it’s a really personal experience.” Last Saturday we took a trip to the circus and began this semester with an unforgettable bang. Welcome Week events continue through Sunday, Aug. 26. Imaging circus and all their travel adventures can be found on their website imaginecircus.com. photos by Sam Ross
theJohnsonian
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August 22, 2018
Beginners guide to Rock Hill
Whether you’re looking for some time off campus, content for your instagram or a way to really make this town feel like home we’ve got you covered Dillon O’Neill oneilld@mytjnow.com FOOD El Cancun - The most authentic and delicious Mexican food you’ll find this side of the border. With it being just a short drive away from campus, it’ll soon become your favorite way to fill your cravings. (And the margarita specials aren’t bad either.) Location: Cherry Rd. Best: Mexican Amelie’s - Picture if you will; strolling leisurely through the streets of Paris on a rainy afternoon. The Eiffel Tower off in the distance as you relax at a quaint cafe. Your waiter brings a cappuccino and menagerie of macaroons to enjoy. Now, instead of dreaming about this picturesque scene, go live it at Amelie’s. Enjoy the coffeehouse vibe with a french twist and improve your study session as you dream a French fantasy. Location: Downtown Rock Hill Best: Study spot
and savory, of breakfast and lunch, learn about the Friendship Nine. They were a group of students in 1961 who staged a sit in at the lunch counter that previously inhabited the Five & Dine building. The original counter and stools are still on display today. Location: Downtown Rock Hill Best: Brunch with a side of history Flipside - If you’re looking to show off Rock Hill and have a delicious meal, Flipside is the way to go. Their combination of locally sourced comfort food with an upscaled Southern vibe creates the perfect space for you and visiting family to relax, catch up and convince them you’re doing “just fine” at college. Location: Downtown Rock Hill Best: Dinner spot when parents come to town Legal Remedy Brewing - This local brewery is just a few blocks up from campus and provides all the delicious craft beers one could ask for. Between brewing their own on site to keeping a wide local selection stocked, you’ll have to just grab a tasting flight to see what suits you best. However, if beer isn’t your thing (or legally can’t be yet) try anything off of their mouth watering, locally sourced menu. It’s all the favorite pub food classics meant to pair perfectly with a cold beer but honestly taste just as amazing without one. Location: Oakland Ave. Best: Surprisingly good pub food IC Juicy - When you need a sweet treat but one that will look great with a filter and a caption, head to IC Juicy. Their rolled ice cream or bubble tea presented in a light bulb will satisfy your sweet tooth while pouring on the likes. Location: Cherry Rd. Best: Dessert to instagram
The Yolk - At first glance, this might seem like just a typical breakfast place with nothing special. Don’t let that fool you. This homey and cozy diner makes comfort food that is bursting with flavor while being as fresh and local as possible. Anything on Dillion O’Neill/The Johnsonian their menu from the Some delious pastries and drinks pecan waffle to home avalible at Amelie’s fried seasoned with their own special spice blend will Nova’s - Have you been watching start your day off right. too many baking shows on Netflix Location: Mt. Gallant Rd. again? Don’t worry, at Nova’s you’ll Best: Breakfast find a delicious selection of crispy, flakey, buttery thing you’ve been SHOPPING dreaming of. Friends Books on Main - If you Location: Cherry Rd. love paying hundreds of dollars for Best: Baked goods textbooks, this isn’t the place for you. No, in this bookstore that’s operated Five & Dine - Every weekend from by the Friends of the York County 9 a.m.-3 p.m. you’ll find a delicious Library, all you’ll find is donated classic brunch and an important goods and nothing over three dollars. history lesson being served at Five & If that isn’t your scene, maybe stick Dine. While enjoying a mix of sweet to the campus bookstore and leave
more for the rest of us. Location: Downtown Rock Hill Best: Break from overpriced textbooks The Newsstand Record and Book Store - Now if you’re looking for a more recently released title or to expand your vinyl collection, head a few doors down from Books on Main and you’ll find The Newsstand. Their aim is to bring back physical media while providing a place for people to come connect over their
Hill expect Fountain Park to be surrounded by a plethora of food trucks. Packed with any food you could imagine in a street festival of deliciousness, Food Truck Friday it the best place to be. Attendees can expect live music, a mesmerizing display from the fountains and a mingling of the Rock Hill community we don’t usually get to see just on campus. Location: Fountain Park Best: Exploration of the community
Dillion O’Neill/The Johnsonian
A snapshot of a Food Truck Friday favorite artists and authors. Location: Downtown Rock Hill Best: Bookstore/casual hangout A Hand Up Thrift Store - You’ll be hard pressed to find something in this thrift store over one dollar. When you’re really starting to resonate with the title of “broke college student,” this thrift store has got you covered. Location: Cherry Rd. Best: Way to budget but make it fashion Nao Leigh Boutique - This chic boutique has got all the latest trends in stock. Beyond that they also have one percent of their entire monthly sales going to a different local charity each month. Let your fashion make a statement while your community reaps the benefits. Location: India Hook Rd. Best: Way to look and feel good EVENTS Windy Hill Orchard - Fall is swiftly approaching, so when someone inevitably mentions going apple picking, be ready with the plan for Windy Hill. Just a 30 minute drive away, the Windy Hill Orchard has everything that will get you in the fall mood. We’re talking apple picking, farm animals, games, hay rides, cider donuts, fresh apple juice, apple slushies and much more. In addition Windy Hill has been producing their own hard cider on site since 1996. Enjoy tastings and on tap ciders at their outdoor cider bar every weekend,and there’s usually live music to accompany. Location: York Best: Seasonal Outing
Old Town Farmers Market - The benefit of this farmers market is that you don’t just have to buy a bunch of vegetables. There are crafts, local food and drinks and so much more. Additionally you’re supporting local makers,independent businesses and the community around you. The market held on Thursday nights at Fountain Park features all of these things. The market held on Saturday mornings at Legal Remedy Brewing is primarily food based sales. Location: Legal Remedy Brewing and Fountain Park Best: Place to #ShopLocal EXPERIENCES Revolutions - Bowling, arcade, laser tag, food and drinks - what more could you want? Take a night off and go have some harmless fun to blow off some steam. Location: Dave Lyle Blvd. Best: Game Night Escape Rooms - We have not one, but two escape rooms to choose from. For your next problem-solving oriented outing, pick between Escape Eight or Mind Games. Take an hour and those you trust the most to work through the clues and try to escape before it’s too late Location: Escape Eight-Downtown Rock Hill, Mind Games-Cherry Rd. Best: Team (fighting) building Kate’s Skating Rink - Like your night out to have a nostalgic twist? Then spend the evening skating around and imagining the roller rink glory days while possibly practicing your roller disco moves. Location: Celanese Best: Retro Moment
Food Truck Friday - Every third Friday in Downtown Rock
Amphitheatre • from front He said that every character has been reimagined to look like they may be more modern. Though there is a new environment in this production, the play will still include the dramatic-comedy that typically ensues. Orcino, a prominent character, has now been reimagined as the Duke of Rock and Roll. Dervin Gilbert plays Orcino in the show. He has had several roles in various productions of Shakespeare, but this is his first with Shakespeare Carolina. His rehearsal method involves doing actual research of Shakespearean words in his script. “When you really dissect it you get to a deeper level,” said Gilbert, “which then makes it seem even more genius.” In addition to acting on the stage, Gilbert’s musical skills will be on display as his character has to play the guitar. Since Shakespeare Carolina productions are produced by Winthrop Professor Chris O’Neill, there are opportunities for Winthrop students to get
involved in their productions. Sophomore theatre major Chloe Verholland is stage managing “Twelfth Night.” When asked about how Shakespeare Carolina affects her Winthrop experience Verholland said, “It’s great practice for theatre education majors because I will most likely be directing shows for my students in the future.” The play will be performed at Winthrop’s outdoor amphitheater which adds a whole new level to the environment of the set. As a warning, there are no actual seats in the amphitheater, so one may benefit from bringing their own lawn chair or blanket to put on the grass. The play will run from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8 and performances will begin at 8 p.m. The play will also count as a cultural event, so it is an easy way for students, particularly freshmen, to get cultural credit and enjoy a night of live theatre. Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased online or at the amphitheater box office.
Caleb Hinkley | Assistant A&C Editor hinkleyc@mytjnow.com
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OPINION
theJohnsonian
August 22, 2018
Not Today, Not Anymore
The Not Anymore program at Winthrop is focusing too much on alcohol and drugs and forgetting the other major issues that plague our campus and its students Cheyenne Walsh walshc@mytjnow.com
Is drinking alcohol at a party going to hinder my academic success? Not anymore. Is this required program where students learn about alcohol, drugs and sexual assault really being seen as a learning tool? Not anymore. The Not Anymore online program has been a staple for incoming freshmen as a way to reach out to them about the harms of alcohol, drugs and sexual assault before entering the exciting world of freedom we like to call college. However, what once was viewed as an informational video has now become ‘this video we have to watch’ at the conclusion of summer. Coming in to Winthrop freshman year, these 30 minute videos were not something I necessarily wanted to do, but that didn’t stop me from learning. As freshman, we come in with confusing, intimidating thoughts running around in our heads of what college life is like. Most of the time, the word ‘college’ is associated with drinking, and in this new age of the “Me Too” movement, is has also become associated with sexual assault. As a freshman, I learned that my actions could have consequences on not only myself, but also on those I surround myself with. But that was then, and this is now. I am a senior, and having watched the Not Anymore videos for a fourth time, they have lost their effect on me. I no longer pay attention to the real life stories, the statistics… really
anything the video has to offer, other than the answers to the pre-test questions. Why should seniors, and I’ll even go so far as to say juniors, be subject to the same videos from freshman year? We have become acclimated to college life and new societal troubles have presented themselves. We are not just thinking about parties and alcohol and freedom. We are thinking about internships and clubs and graduating. While I do understand the importance of alcohol and drug prevention, along with sexual assault, the Not Anymore program offers so much more that we fail to utilize as a university. On the Not Anymore website, they have multiple programs designed for different students. Undergraduate, graduate, returning students and greek life are just some of the programs offered, yet we only strongly utilize one: alcohol and other drugs. There was one video about dating violence
Téa Franco/ The Johnsonian
and another about consent. However, that is only two out of the five I have had to watch in the four years I have been a part of this university. Where is my refresher on dating violence? How about unhealthy relationships? Not Anymore is not just about alcohol and drugs. College, itself, is more than alcohol and drugs. Men and women on this campus face both mental and physical domestic violence, sexual assault, issues with consent and so much more. Alcohol and drugs is a small piece of a very large and intricate puzzle. So Winthrop students, faculty and anyone else who may be reading, I turn the question to you. Should alcohol and drugs be the main focus, the only focus, on our campus? Not Anymore.
Winthrop as a safe place I want nothing more than for Winthrop to be a safe place for everyone. GLoBAL, Winthrop University’s LGBTQ+ club, is the first step to that path, in my mind. Marcus Julien Foster Special to the Johnsonian Coming from the southern tourist town of Myrtle Beach, I did not have the highest expectations for friendliness towards the LGBTQ+ community when I started college. I expected to be scared and closeted like I was in high school, but I was blown away when I looked into Winthrop and saw they had a LGBTQ+ club. I never thought I would be able to join a club like that at any college, let alone end up become the Vice President of one. Before coming to Winthrop, I was planning on starting my transition when beginning school, thinking of it as a fresh start, which worked out pretty well. GLoBAL helped me feel more comfortable and confident being myself--being male. I found some of my best friends here, and I was able to grow in ways I didn’t think were possible for me in Myrtle Beach. In high school, I struggled with keeping my gender identity at bay, because I knew it would not be safe. I had a transmasculine friend who was constantly harassed and had to use the bathroom in the nurse’s office on the first floor. I was rightfully fearful. It is a decent town, don’t get me wrong, but over the summer I was the victim of a (nonviolent) hate crime, so I definitely prefer the safe space Winthrop has to offer. I have only had one problem so far using the bathroom at school as a male, and the one I had was more of a misunderstanding than anything malicious, so I would definitely say that my experience has been a positive one. Of course, there will always be people who do not understand, and I have had my fair share of experiences with that, but for the most part, I have been success-
Photo Courtesy of Marcus Julien Foster
Members of the GLoBAL club tabling at Conovcation encouraging new members to join their welcoming and inviting atmosphere ful. Professors are always happy to change my name in their rosters and use the right pronouns, even if they mix it up a few times at first, which I understand completely. I can present the way I see fit without being stared at. I also feel safe holding my boyfriend’s hand when walking around campus, and that is very important to me. I can’t say the same about walking around Rock Hill as a whole. To any LGBTQ+ freshman coming, I want you to know that Winthrop is a safe place for you to be. I see LGBTQ+ couples holding hands on Scholar’s Walk all the time and no one will question you in the bathrooms. Resident Life will try their hardest to accommodate trans students, which is also very important to me (I have the best roommates in the world). GLoBAL plays a huge role in making Winthrop a safe
Erin Streetman | Opinion Editor streetmane@mytjnow.com
place for LGBTQ+ students, and I’m not just saying that because I’m vice president. I’m vice president because I want to make Winthrop as inviting to LGBTQ+ people as possible, through education and inclusion. I want everyone to feel safe and loved and included on campus. If you ever need a safe place to stay, to feel welcomed for who you are or to feel welcomed for who you love, GLoBAL and Winthrop’s campus as a whole is the place to be, and I welcome you. Therefore, there is only one solution to this problem: do not get rid of the agency, but instead remove the president whose policies fuel racism, hatred, and violence and expel the lawmakers who support him.
theJohnsonian
11
August 22, 2018
Making the most of where you stay
Photo taken and edited by Katherine Harper
A class assignment depicted Erin Streetman making the most of her traditional style dorm. There is a long-standing debate between the ups and downs of traditional-style dorms, such as Wofford or Richardson, versus apartment-style dorms, such as Courtyard or Roddey. This is how you make the most of wherever you stay. Erin Streetman streetmane@mytjnow.com Traditional Style:
Tea Franco francot@mytjnow.com Apartment style:
As a freshman I lived in Wofford: one of the all-girls, traditional style dorms. At first I was disappointed. I wanted to live in an apartment style dorm where I could have my own close-door room and my own bathroom, where I did not have to interact with anyone unless I actually wanted to. However, ending up in a traditional style dorm changed who I am as a person and changed how I connect with people for the better. I learned to be more interactive with new people and ended up meeting so many people who I would have never thought to approach before. Traditional style dorms come with their difficulties, like hall bathrooms and rare but cherished alone-time, but they also end up being eye-opening experiences for all types of people. In order to live your best life in a traditional style dorm, you have to know your pet peeves and how to avoid letting them be set off. For instance, if you are absolutely not a morning person but your roommate has 8 a.m. classes everyday, try getting over-the-ear headphones and a sleeping mask. If the sun is your best friend and your roommate needs the room to be frigid cold, stock up on fuzzy socks and throw blankets and talk it out with your roommate to keep the room a happy medium. If you hate the lack of privacy, try hanging up tapestries under a lofted bed to have a small space to retreat to when things get to be too much. Remember that the key to keeping happy in a traditional style dorm is to talk it out with your roommate; you both have to compromise and respect each other. Provided you have the funds, loft beds are a great way to save space in your room. Getting a loft was probably the single best decision I made for my room freshman year. I don’t know how I would have fit everything without it. It also lended a bit of privacy for naps, reading and homework, as I could just climb up into my loft while my roommate was at her desk. There are other items--like headphones, a robe or laundry-drying racks-that can make life in a traditional style dorm a lot more comfortable, but aren’t totally necessary. All-in-all, a traditional style dorm is just like any other space: you have to make it your own. You don’t have to spend tons more money on your room to be happy. You just have to make the space that you live in a place you would be happy to return to. Part of that is opening yourself up to the people around you. A place in itself is never home: home will always be the people you choose to surround yourself with.
Moving into an apartment style dorm, especially as a freshman, is exciting to say the least. You get your own room, no community bathroom and just think of all of the wonderful Ikea trips you can take to furnish your new digs. It seems too good to be true- probably because it is. One week after move in you are sitting on your stiff couch, eating microwavable macaroni and cheese for the second time that week. You feel like you are not living the apartment life the way you thought and that’s because you are doing it wrong. That’s why I am here as a wise upperclassmen to let you in on all of the courtyard secrets. First and foremost- buy ample cleaning supplies. There is way more stuff to clean in an apartment style dorm so make sure you have something to clean the floors- you will need to buy something separate for the tile floor versus the carpet. Get glass cleaner, dish soap, a toilet bowl brush and really good multipurpose cleaner. Nobody wants to live in a disgusting living area, plus you will get fined if you leave behind a dirty apartment at the end of the year. Go to Walmart or Target and buy the cheapest dishes available to you. You are going to need dishes to make it feel like a home but you don’t want to spend too much because moving them back and forth every year can cause a lot of breakage. Buy small appliances that you can use to cook in your apartment. I am in love with my crock pot. It prevents me from having to fight for a spot on the communal oven to cook my food and I can let the food cook while I go to class. Also, if you do need to cook something in the kitchen, go on a Sunday morning when nobody is awake and cook enough food to meal prep for the whole week. Finally, buy some decorations for your common area. We always think of dorm shopping as just furnishing our rooms but the common area will be the area where you hang out with your roomates, entertain guests and spend a lot of time. You want it to look like a home because this is your home.
The pros and cons of going greek One staff writer’s exploration of the potential pros and cons associated with joing a College Panhellenic Concil Sorority. Shealy Long Staff Writer Greek life varies from campus to campus. Everyone who joins a chapter has their own experience. Just because your best friend joined a sorority doesn’t mean that you’ll love the same chapter and likewise, just because you know someone who did not like Greek life doesn’t mean you won’t, either. When I first thought about joining a sorority I was a bit skeptical. I wasn’t exactly what I thought of as a “sorority girl” because of the stereotypes from movies like Legally Blonde or TV shows like Greek. As with any big decision, I talked to my mom. She told me about her days being in a sorority. Then she said, “From the inside looking out, you can never explain it; from the outside looking in you can never understand it.” After my talk, I decided to go through rush, and it ended up being a great decision. After all, my life motto is, “Don’t knock it till you try it.” Being in a sorority has its pros along with its cons, like every life situation. Jordan Farrell/ The Johnsonian
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theJohnsonian
August 22, 2018
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