September 13, 2017
New Lowery Fitness Center Revealed Emma Gomes, Staff Writer
Two decades have passed since the last renovation of Meredith College’s fitness center. On Aug. 28, 2017 the grand opening of the new Lowery Fitness Center revealed a 5,400 sq. ft. expansion. Ms. Ann Lowery ‘74, co-chair of Meredith’s Beyond Strong Campaign, is the Angel responsible for funding the project. Her contribution, as well as several other helping hands, brought this highly anticipated facility to life. Erica Roelofs, director of the Fitness Center, acknowledges the hard work put into the project
by stating, “This renovation could not have been possible if it weren’t for everyone who had come together to make it happen.” The expansion has made room for more equipment including over 30 cardio machines, free weights, kettlebells, and allpurpose gym mats. These will prove to be beneficial not only to students and athletes, but physical education classes as well. Although Meredith College no longer funds a program to obtain student trainers, the staff at the Lowery Fitness Center are knowledgeable about the
equipment and are adequately trained to assist students. Roelof notes, “In the past, many students had gym memberships out in the community, but since the remodel, the usage rate has quadrupled.” The new space allows for Photo Courtesy of Meredith Marketing Department. students to stay active in a variety beginner, for the athlete, for the of ways with a sick soundtrack determined, the Lowery Fitness to keep them motivated. For the enter is for everyone.
New Year, New Dean [of Arts & Humanities] Tishya Robertson, Staff Writer
The new academic year at Meredith began with new classes and new faces, including the new Dean of Arts & Humanities, Dr.
Sarah Roth. Roth explains that the duties of a dean include acting as a liaison between faculty and
upper administration, attracting prospective students, and helping current students seek prospects after graduation. Dr. Roth jokes that being at a women’s college is a lot more fun than being at a co-ed one. She believes that because of Meredith, “women are poised to advance and be real leaders in society.” Roth elaborates that the emphasis of having women in leadership roles is necessary at both women’s colleges and co-educational institutions, enabling women to “break through the glass ceiling.” She encourages students in the School of Arts & Humanities to be proud of their majors because Meredith degrees are extremely valuable; 93% of Meredith alumnae are employed or attending graduate school in just a few months after graduation. The 2017-18 school year will bring more of Meredith’s mission to life. Dr. Roth is working on a strategic plan to “expand the mission in exciting ways.” Dr. Garry Walton, the previous Dean of Arts and Humanities, is confident in the college’s selection of Dr. Roth.
Walton said, “I think Meredith’s Arts and Humanities departments are fortunate to have as the new dean someone who has experience in administration, is a respected and published scholar, and has already forged strong working relationships with Meredith’s provost and president through her previous work in academia. We are all looking forward to her new ideas for making the heart of Meredith even stronger.” Here are some fun facts about Dr. Roth: She is from Pennsylvania. She loves the cheese straws in the dining hall. She recently tried Cheerwine and is sharing it with her friends in Pennsylvania. Did you know that Meredith’s School of Arts & Humanities offers 16 different majors and 23 different minors? For more information, please visit http://www.meredith.edu/ academics/schools/arts_and_ humanities.
The Purr-fect Cup of Coffee Prepares to Pour Into Raleigh Laurie Diggett, Staff Writer
Coffee shops have been a popular hang-out space for college students for years now. Let’s face it, college students need their caffeine along with a place to escape the sometimes stress-inducing environment that a college campus can produce. Whether you’re looking for the “hole-in-the-wall” vibe that Cup of Joe gives off or the eccentric artwork and organic baked goods that Lucky Tree offers, a local coffee shop can be a unique spot for anything from fun group outings to study groups during exams. Now imagine a type of cafe that has not yet emerged in the
Raleigh area; one that combines the liquid energy boost that college students often crave and the opportunity to take a breather and spend some quality time with a few furry friends. That’s right, Purr Cup Cafe is going to be in Raleigh in the spring, and the pun in the name is no accident. “If you love cats and coffee as much as we do, this is the place for you,” says the Purr Cup Cafe Facebook page. Although the idea of a cat cafe may be somewhat absurd to a Raleigh local, it is pretty common in popular travel destinations like London and Tokyo.
In fact, there are hundreds of themed cafes in Tokyo that have been around for years, featuring decorations themed around an Anime, a place for Pokémon players to compete, maids or butlers that wait on you and, of course, cats to cuddle. Last Sunday, the Raleigh School of Ballet hosted a Pop-up Cafe to help raise funds for the construction of this unique addition to the Raleigh area (the permanent location is expected to open in Spring 2018). There were raffles with cat related prizes, beverages, and a separate room for people to spend time with kittens. All of the
kittens available for cuddles were either adoptable or had already been adopted. The prospective owners of Purr Cup Cafe, Sarah Newton and Arthur Hailey, have partnered with Meow House Cat Rescue to help cats find a forever home with cafe customers. “Our mission is to create a haven for cat-lovers to enjoy a quality beverage or locally made treat in the company of adoptable cats looking for love and forever homes,” says the cafe’s Facebook page. “Get excited and help us make this dream a reality for all the triangle area’s cat and coffee lovers!”
News Texas’ Road To Recovery Ashley Ricks, Staff Writer
Imagine looking out a window and seeing the street outside turned into a river and instead of cars being used as transportation, boats were being used to escape the ever increasing flood waters. This view is what the citizens along the Gulf Coast of Texas saw as Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25. At the time Harvey hit Texas, it was a
Photo Courtesy of Digital Trends.
category four storm, making it the first major hurricane landfall since 2005, the year Hurricane Wilma hit Florida. Harvey made landfall quicker than expected and came inland with 130 mph wind and rain beating the areas of Rockport, Corpus Christi, and Houston. Many areas of the Gulf Coast in Texas received more than 40 inches of rain, causing major floods
throughout the coast. This powerful storm resulted in 17,000 rescues and displaced 30,000 people; the most recent numbers say at least 70 people have lost their lives due to this massive storm. Hurricane Harvey lingered on the Texas coast for four consecutive days, which made the flooding worse. Due to the size and catastrophic effects from this storm, the name Harvey will never be used to name a tropical storm again. In an interview with junior Yessy Anorve-Basoria, she discussed the hardships of having family members from Texas. Anorve-Basoria has relatives in Houston and knows the difficulties they are currently facing in the aftermath of Harvey. Even though her family was able to make it out safely before the hurricane hit, Anorve-Basoria believes the government and families should plan for these types of catastrophes so no one is completely caught off-guard when another major storm hits. As a way for Meredith students to get involved in the
relief efforts, she recommends students give old clothes, blankets, hygiene necessities, and diapers. Although Houston has a long recovery down the road, AnorveBasoria says, “The United States has a reputation in recovering from disasters and Hurricane Harvey is no exception. Recovery will be a slow process, but there is a great support system in America.” Currently, the Communication Club, Student Government Association, and the Office of Student Leadership and Service are collecting items such as hygiene products and cleaning supplies to help Hurricane Harvey victims. Donation box locations are: Carlyle Campbell Library, the Cate Center, Belk Dining Hall, Jones Chapel, and the first floor parlors of residence halls. The on-campus donation drive will continue until Sept. 15. After the drive is over, students who still want to contribute to relief efforts can give monetary donations to charities such as the American Red Cross, the Houston Humane Society, and Texas Diaper Bank.
Office of Career Planning Invites Students to Internship Discovery Expo Emily Chilton, Co-Editor-In-Chief
On Friday, September 15, the Internship Discovery Expo will be held in the Cate-Park Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The expo provides an opportunity for Meredith students to interact with a multitude of possible internship employers in one place. Internships are a valuable part of the Meredith College experience and provide essential experience to add to resumes. Dana Sumner, the director of the Office of Career Planning, enthusiastically encourages students to attend.
The team in the Office of Career Planning is excited about the strong interest from employers in participating in the Internship Discovery Expo on September 15. These employers represent a variety of sectors and industries so there is something for everyone. If you are exploring a major and interested in learning more about what you can do with that major, looking for an internship this semester or next semester, wondering what employers are looking for in “career ready” students and graduates, or
graduating in December or May and looking for a full time role, then the Internship Discovery Expo is for you. In a casual, relaxed atmosphere here on campus be ready to make a great first impression, develop your contacts, and learn more about opportunities available to you. As she points out, the expo represents a wide variety of fields and types of opportunities. Niki Bell, OCP’s marketing intern and a senior, had this to add: “It’s a unique way for students to practice networking skills in an environment
with less pressure and formality. We want students to come out, put their best foot forward, and explore all of the booths! Students are encouraged to dress ‘snappy casual’ to make a good impression with our invited employers.” You can find out more by going to your CareerLink (now powered by Handshake) page. Employers that will be represented include the American Red Cross, Delve Interiors, Marbles Kids Museum, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, SAS, Sherwin Williams, Wells Fargo, and more.
over the course of the four-day festival. SPARKcon does more than showcase local artists of all ages; it also allows visitors to participate, with options including collaborative street art, free dance classes, open mics, and writing workshops. In past years, Meredith College’s Artist’s Alliance has reserved a 5’x5’ square for one of artSPARK’s more iconic events, street-painting. Everyone is sure to find something that piques their interest! While most events are free, street-painting requires an entry fee, and a few after-hours events have a small admissions charge. Events begin Thursday evening and continue through Sunday evening. A full schedule and list of
Photo Courtesy of Mark Turner (flickr.com). “sparks” can be found at http:// to offer a fun-filled weekend and sparkcon.com/. an unforgettable experience of Located just 15 minutes Raleigh’s creative culture for all to from campus, SPARKcon is sure enjoy.
SPARKcon 2017 Caroline Garrett, A&E Editor
SPARKcon, the Triangle’s annual festival for creativity and the arts, will take place this year during the weekend of September 14-17 on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Now in its twelfth year, SPARKcon is planned by Visual Art Exchange, a gallery located on Martin Street just blocks away from the festival. Designed to be an opensourced, community-centric series of events, SPARKcon is divided into fourteen individual “sparks” covering a variety of artistic and creative endeavors, spanning dance, art, literature, food, and more. Over 2,000 visual artists, performance artists, dancers, actors, poets, and so on will collaborate to produce 200 events
Arts & Entertainment Comedy Worx Commemorates Grand Re-Opening Teressa Berton, Staff Writer and Social Media Coordinator Meredith College has a new neighbor in local comedy club, Comedy Worx. The club recently celebrated their grand re-opening at their new location in the Royal, directly across the street from MC. “The Royal was a nice fit for us,” stated Comedy Worx’s general manager Ashley Myers during an interview. “It was a great opportunity for us to grow and develop.” But Comedy Worx’s move to Hillsborough Street is also an opportunity for Angels to take advantage of the many opportunities Comedy Worx has to
offer. With affordable shows (and a student discount for those of us who are ballin’ on a budget), Comedy Worx offers a unique form of entertainment. “Improv is interesting,” said marketing manager Maddie Cantrell. “You can see a different show every time, all for the same price as a movie ticket, for a once in a lifetime show.” There are several different shows each weekend, including a family friendly show at Fridays and Sundays at 8 p.m., which features inclusive and quick-witted humor in the format of a battle
between two improv teams playing short form comedy games. The show relies on the audience’s suggestions to get things rolling, so be prepared to get involved. For a more mature show, the 10 p.m. “after-hours” show features more freeform and irreverent comedy which is sure to get you laughing. In addition to these shows, there is also a free show, where you can get together a team of friends and try your hand at improv. If you are more serious about trying out improv, Comedy Worx also offers improv classes. Staff noted that they developed
their strengths through these classes. Getting involved with the improv community can build up your skills as you learn to be bold, confident, supportive, and genuine — not to mention a dazzling conversationalist. Show manager Cary LaMay commented, “Improv really enriches your life and allows you to make better connections. It’s a really amazing thing to see.” To see it for yourself, visit https://comedyworx.com/ to learn more about classes, view the schedule of shows, and purchase tickets.
Bryan Stevenson Challenges and Inspires In Memoir Just Mercy Caitlyn Grimes, Staff Writer
Bryan Stevenson, an exceedingly successful attorney and founder of the Equal Justice Initiative portrays his fight for eliminating discrimination in the criminal justice system in the memoir Just Mercy. Stevenson’s book parallels current events in the country. Just Mercy has been proclaimed as society’s reality version of To Kill A Mockingbird, teaching readers how “each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” Throughout the book, we
September Events
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follow the stories of Stevenson’s major cases of his law career. Readers are introduced to riveting perceptions, harsh truths, and the concept of benevolent goodwill in the aim for justice. Stevenson illustrates to readers how it is possible to be a part of change, no matter how intimidating or beyond one’s capabilities. Just Mercy shows Stevenson’s perspective of how law school seemed “abstract and disconnected before, but meeting the desperate and imprisoned, it all became relevant and critically
important,” a relatable feeling that law students have before real life application of their profession. Each chapter bolsters a sense of energy and endurance that anyone would hope to acquire towards their profession. Ultimately, Stevenson actively shows readers how the right amount of passion and determination can help one succeed in any cause or project. Stevenson’s memoir is like no other, depicting honest emotions of citizens who have been wrongfully accused. The
stories of each chapter teach us how “the true measure of our character is how we treat the poorer, the disfavored, the accused, the incarcerated, and the condemned.” I was personally inspired while reading this genuine, heartfelt novel. Just Mercy blends a sense of warmth and hope with a chilling awareness of the injustices in the criminal justice system. Bryan Stevenson’s morals, stories, and drive can inspire one not only to fight for justice but also to never give up on a goal.
Featured Cartoon Senior and Herald Features Editor Sarah Smerko finds the new signs on campus to be a little redundant. On the other hand, she finds the new campus maps to be helpful — something she wishes was there when she started her first year at Meredith. Read the whole story in Out With the Old, In With the New [Campus Signs] on the Editorials page. • Cartoon by Laurie Diggett
King Lear (Honest Pint Theatre) William Peace University Sept. 15-17 and 22-24 Tickets at https://honest-pinttheatre-company.ticketleap.com/ king-lear/dates $20 each CenterFest Art Festival 2017 Downtown Durham Sept. 16 - 17 (Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm) For more info: http://centerfest. durhamarts.org/ FREE; Suggested donation $5 CIRCUS 1903: The Golden Age of Circus Durham Performing Arts Center Sept. 26 - Oct.1 Tickets at ticketmaster.com ISSUES (Rock) The Ritz Sept. 29th, 7pm Tickets at livenation.com NC Pride @ Night Harrington St, Raleigh and Rigsbee Ave, Durham Sept. 30, 4pm - 4am For more info: http://www.ncpride. org/pride/pride.shtml
Do you enjoy drawing? Do you want one of your pieces featured in The Meredith Herald? If so, email herald@email.meredith.edu for more information.
Editorials Out With the Old, In With the New [Campus Signs] Sarah Smerko, Features Editor
There is nothing like the start of a new semester at sweet MereCo. It is wonderful to see friends who you have not seen all summer, catch up with professors, and get back in the swing of school with new classes. As I was walking to Joyner for my Shakespeare class on the first day of classes, I noticed something different about my second home on campus: Joyner. There was a brand new maroon
and white sign with the words “Joyner Hall.” As I walked into the building, I looked up and saw the tried and true old sign still there. My confident senior self thought, Is it really that hard to find Joyner? Why are there two signs?! Don’t get me wrong, the new building signs look great and are a lot clearer about which building is which. I also appreciate that there are now signs on campus that have campus maps-
this would have been very helpful when I was a freshman and thought that every building looked the same! However, there’s just something classic about the old signs. The new signs next to the old campus signs on buildings just looks redundant. Even though I’ll be sad to see the old signs go, only one sign per building is necessary. Campus has changed a
lot since I was a freshman back in the fall of 2014. The Learning Center was renovated, we got a beautiful new fountain, a renovated Johnson Hall and the Jo Ellen Ammons Welcome Center, and most recently, the new Lowery Family Fitness Center. New signs accommodate a changing campus, but for a sentimental gal who likes to hold onto things of the past, the old signs are just fine for me.
Having gone through what I did, I reached out to Margie Hattori, the Counseling Center’s Assistant Director, to ask her if she had any advice for the Class of 2021, hoping that I might be able to help them avoid making my mistakes. Her first piece of advice was simple: accept that change will happen, and that even positive changes may be stressful. She also warned against using your friends as therapists, as they probably can’t give you the outside perspective
you need. And speaking from experience, venting to friends too often can strain otherwise strong relationships. As Hattori put it, “You want your friends to be friends, not counselors.” Finally, she noted the stigma that surrounds discussing mental health, and wanted to remind students that using your resources can be a way to remain independent. There’s nothing weak about seeking counseling, any more than it is weak to go to the gym to stay in shape. Meredith’s Counseling
Center offers multiple resources, from individualized sessions to drop-in hours where you can learn relaxation techniques and receive other helpful advice. For more information on this and other services, you can contact the Counseling Center at counselingcenter@meredith.edu or (910)-760-8427. Meredith women are known for their strength, and there’s nothing stronger than taking care of yourself. As Hattori put it, “Be kind to yourself. It’s okay not to feel okay.”
Freshwomen Hacks Alex Rouch, Staff Writer
Freshman year isn’t easy. Change is hard. College is stressful. New people and relationships? Even more stressful. Combine these and you’ve got a recipe for a lot of stress that can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. My first year was complicated, and I spent a great deal of it isolating myself. I never sought help; my justification was always that I wasn’t bad enough to need it. Judging by what I’ve heard from fellow classmates, I wasn’t alone.
Is a Master’s Degree in Journalism Worth the Price? Seung Pang, Staff Writer
Columbia University’s School of Journalism recently created a new master’s program in data journalism, which is estimated to cost $147,514 for a yearlong program. Getting a master’s degree in journalism from this renowned private university amounts to the cost of owning a luxury car. But is it worth it? The average starting salary for journalists is well-known to be low. According to PayScale, the national average of journalist salary is $37,000. In defense of the highcost program, Chantal De Soto, Communications Manager at Columbia University School of Journalism, said, “The challenge for the next generation of journalists will be to adapt data and computational science to reporting and storytelling while upholding the profession’s core journalistic mission.” Yes, the current media world is data heavy. Both young media outlets such as The Vox Media and BuzzFeed and traditional newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post hire data-driven journalists to deliver more accurate information to readers. As digital and data
journalism jobs increase in correlation to declining print and other traditional journalism jobs, a graduate degree is relevant for young journalists to meet the demand of contemporary media market. But the cost of tuition for the three-semester-long program is just daunting. Looking at the reality of affording higher education, roughly 70 percent of American graduates with bachelor’s degrees leave school with debt, according to The Hamilton Project’s 2014 study. For these borrowers, the average balance is $26,500. Kassondra Cloos, a Colorado-based journalist, did everything in her power to minimize her undergraduate student loan debt. When she was attending Elon University, she got a scholarship, worked on campus, front-loaded all of her graduation requirements, and maximized the number of credits she was taking to avoid six figures of debt. “A year of private college often costs far more than the starting salary for young journalists,” said Cloos. She had a lot of experiences from internships, fellowships, and the student newspaper, but Cloos wasn’t
prepared for how much her student loans would cost and how little she would make in comparison. She realized that she would likely have much more disposable income if she had skipped college and been a waitress or bartender instead. “When you’re just starting out, it’s common to make $25,000 to $30,000, and sometimes much less, at your first job,” said Cloos. “For a long time, it was hard to think about how much I’ve spent on student loans and not get frustrated.” Amanda James was a student at Columbia’s journalism school for the summer program called The Lede. The program, which enables students to learn the same skills taught in the data journalism master’s program, is around $15,000 for 12 weeks. “It is still a huge investment that I had to take out a loan for,” said James. But to James, the program was worth it as it allowed her to learn the data visualization and coding skills at an accelerated pace, for less than one-fourth of what the master’s program costs. “I wouldn’t pay for the master’s program at Columbia,” said James. “The cost of tuition for universities in the U.S. has
become a crime, creating a generation of graduates who will be slaves to lenders for the rest of their lives.” She believes enrolling in a certificate program at a prestigious school is a more affordable way to get access to a network of incredible alumni, to work with talented professors, to learn new skills, and to add the name of the school on one’s resume that will make him or her more employable. “But at the end of the day, good journalists are those who produce good work,” said James. “It’s not about the name of the school where you got your degree,” she added. For more information, please visit: http://www. hamiltonproject.org/papers/major_ decisions_graduates_earnings_ growth_debt_repayment/
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STAFF
Emily Chilton, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Sarah Kiser, Co-Editor-in-Chief. Sarah Smerko, Features Editor. Caroline Garrett, A&E Editor. Morgan Whithaus, Editorials Editor. Rachel Crawford, News Editor. Morgan Whithaus, Layout Designer. Olivia McElvaney, Online Editor. Teressa Berton, Social Media Coordinator. Staff Writers: Abby Ojeda, Teressa Berton, Carolina Brust, Emma Gomes, Caitlyn Grimes, Olivia McElvaney, Yessy Anorve-Basoria, Seungha Pang, Tishya Robertson, Laurie Diggett, Ashley Ricks, Alex Rouch.