The SpringHillian Volume 106, Issue 1
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
No Time Like the Present for Job Searches
Courtney Willamor | Reporter Spring Hill College seniors scheduled to graduate in May should begin their job searches now, said Jeremy Moore, SHC’s director of Career Development. As the date approaches quickly, many SHC seniors are working on laying out the foundation for their lives after college. Some students are searching for jobs, while others are applying for graduate schools. Although some students may already have an idea of what they would like to do after graduation, a lot of students either have no idea what to do, or are unsure of the next steps that should be taken to carry out their goals. Moore said that students should be applying to at least two to three jobs a week during January to March. That is when employers start hiring for the new year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, the current unemployment rate is 4.1 percent. This is the time to be job searching. Moore also recommended having someone from the Career Services office or someone of academic authority to look over your resume before sending it out to potential employers. Moore encourages students to visit job fairs and networking events catered to students who are looking for employment opportunities. Fortunately for students, most of these events are held
on campus. Moore suggested that students have more than just one career path interest. “Pick three areas you’re interested in.” Moore said. “If you have a degree in public relations and advertising, and you’re interested in the music industry, have a research and a public relations job lined up, too--just in case the music industry doesn’t work out for you,” he continued. Moore explained that having a back-up plan is always the safest way to ensure that there will be a place for you to start no matter what happens. SHC graduate Josh Moore reminisces on his time at SHC. Moore also encourages students to Photo: Courtney Willamore schedule appointments with him to discuss internship opportunities and his academic achievements, one that included future career plans. his experience and one that displayed all of his Former student, Josh Moore, recently finished volunteer efforts. his last semester at SHC with a major in health Josh discussed what he appreciates most sciences. He claimed that cleaning up one’s about not being in college: “Being students most resume, taking the time to write cover letters and of our entire lives, we are taught so much about including references on one’s resume are import- structure and time. Everything we have done has ant steps to take when applying for jobs. been completely structured, but once you get out He explained that after finishing his last seof school that’s completely different. You have so mester, he started working on creating multiple much freedom. Just do your research and stay on resumes tailored to specific jobs he was applying top of everything.” for. He had one resume that focused on all of
Housing Selection Faces Minor Changes
Laissez les bon tempes rouler!
Morgan Jemison | Reporter Having just hired the 20182019 resident advisor staff, Spring Hill College’s Residence Life is moving onto its next big project: the process of housing selection. A year after reshaping it, Residence Life is preparing the process for its second year, but with a slight change. There will be one minor change taking place this year: every residential student will be selecting their housing for next fall on the same day. Before, the process occurred over a span of a week, with
rising seniors choosing their housing a week before the rest of the student body. The time of a student’s housing selection appointment will still be determined by their number of completed credit hours and their application submission time. Those with the most credit hours (typically rising seniors) and the earliest application submissions will be among the first to reserve their preferred room for the 2018-2019 academic year... (story continued on page 2.)
Mobile Mardi Gras festivities. | Photo: Rebecca Bankston
Story on page 8..
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The SpringHillian
NEWS
February 1, 2018
SHC Combats Multi-Car Break-Ins Across Campus Cecilia Von Mann | Reporter
Several Spring Hill College students have recently been the victims of car break-ins across campus. While the burglars have yet to be caught, SHC faculty and staff are working towards preventing any more. In the past three weeks, there have been two separate incidents of multicar break-ins. The first in the Stewartfield parking lot, and the second in the back of New Hall’s parking lot near the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center. In both incidents, the cars’ windows were shattered and students’ belongings were stolen. It appears that the burglars are targeting cars with purses or other valuables visible in the car. SHC sophomore Rebeca Cortes says that she will be extra cautious when leaving her car unattended after the recent break-ins. Cortes said, “I will always make sure to lock my car, and bring my purse with me wherever I go, even if I will not be gone for long.” Although these burglaries have some SHC students concerned, the director of Public Safety, Todd Warren, states that Public Safety and the campus police are patrolling in order to ensure safety around campus. Warren also acknowledges that these burglaries are not just happening on SHC’s campus, but seem to be a trend in the greater Mobile and Baldwin county areas. Warren suspects that the break-ins on SHC’s campus are most likely connected to the ones outside of SHC. With the burglaries occurring near the campus’ entrances, Warren’s theory may hold true. For those that frequently park near the Arthur R. Outlaw Recreation Center, at Stewartfield and at the Skips Viragh Complex, it is advised that students hide their valuables, bring their keys and lock their cars. Many students, though, have wondered if lack of lighting in these areas is to blame and not proximity to the entrances. This is a concern that SHC’s Student Government Association talked about in their latest meeting. SGA secretary of campus life, Adam Schmitt, discussed the steps they are taking to help ensure safety on campus. Schmitt said, “The school has taken sever-
al steps to prevent future break-ins. They improved lighting by Stewartfield, Public Safety officers have been doing more patrolling on a nightly basis and administrators have been advising students to make sure to not leave valuables in their cars, which makes automobiles a prime target.” Furthermore, SHC’s maintenance crew is working hard to make sure all lights are working in these darker areas of campus. Finally, Warren is calling for SHC students to help keep the campus safe. Warren explained, “You guys have eyes that we don’t, so if you see something, say something.” For any students looking to report suspicious activities, call Public Safety at (251) 380-4444.
SHC’s Public Safety gears up its safety measures. | Photo: Cecilia Von Mann
(Continued from Page 1) Greek Recruitment Hits Low The current housing selection process was created last year by the director of Residence Life, Joy Morris, and a committee of students who served to represent the student body as a whole. There were many changes made by the committee, the biggest of which involved an entirely in-person housing selection process. Joseph Mraz, an SHC junior, said, “I thought the new process was better. When I was a sophomore, it was really hectic because it was during finals week. [The new process] was much easier than sitting in front of a computer to make selections.”
newswire.shc.edu
SHC MEDIA TEAM:
There are nine residence com- Maggie Algero | Reporter Participation in Spring Hill College munities on campus, six of which will be open to rising upperclass- Greek recruitment hit a significant low men. With the Fairways being the this year. Recruitment for both sororities first choice among most seniors, and fraternities just wrapped up with there being noticeably fewer students Residence Life staff said that Portier Place and Mobile Hall will rushing: 44 men and 98 women. Last year, around 150 women and 75 men follow close behind as the most popular residence halls. To qualify participated in recruitment. The reason for an apartment, a student must for this, many believe, is due to the be a fourth-year college student number of commuters in the freshmen and must have at least 94 credit class. Joey Nolan, president of Sigma Chi hours. fraternity, agreed. Nolan noted how Housing selection for the upcoming academic year will take Sigma Chi was only able to get 13 new place on April 8, 2018. The dates members, less than what they got last of interest meetings for residential year. So, will participation in Greek life students will be announced soon. at SHC continue to decrease? Kaschia
@SHC_Media
@shcstudentmedia
The SpringHillian Editor:
Web Editor:
BTV Producer:
Marian Cook
Samm Brown
Sydney Clark
Art Director:
Advertising Manager:
BTV Director:
Dori Green
Daniela Perez
Alyssa Miles
Benjamin, president of Phi Mu fraternity, hopes that is not the case. Benjamin stated, “I am not sure what the future holds, but I truly hope that Greek life will get stronger and stronger. Going Greek, honestly, was one of the best decisions I have ever made.” As for Phi Mu, Benjamin stated that its new pledge class was almost the same size as last year’s. Grace Thelen and Brandon Balnoschan, both SHC freshmen, were among those who rushed this year. They both thought it was an excellent opportunity to meet new people. Thelen said she had always planned to join Greek life, while Balnoschan was initially hesitant because of how much time he thought it would take up.
SHC Student Media Reporters:
Maggie Algero, Rebecca Bankston, Breanne Bizette, Emily Buck, Brenda Carrada, Emily Creasy, Kristen Dunham, Katie Huete, Morgan Jemison, Walter Massey and Cecilia Von Mann.
shcmedia@shc.edu Advisors:
Stuart Babington and Johnny Stevens
Volume 106, Issue 1
OPINION
My Experience as an International College Student
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Brenda Carrada | Reporter My name is Brenda Carrada and I am a junior majoring in communication arts with a concentration in public relations and advertising. As an international student, everything about Spring Hill College was new for me. Ever since middle school, I knew I wanted to continue my tennis career into college. During high school, I was a part of different exchange programs in Canada and England. Knowing how much I love to travel, my parents started to bring up the idea of studying abroad. I wanted a new experience and they encouraged that idea. I thought that studying in the United States would be a great opportunity to keep playing tennis, while improving my English and experiencing personal growth. The tennis coach at SHC contacted me and I eventually got my acceptance letter. I was frightened and excited at the same time. I was scared that I wouldn’t make friends in class, and that I would not be prepared for this new experience.
So, my family and I decided to do a road trip from Mexico City to Mobile. That road trip was one of the best and toughest trips I have ever been on. Once I got to Mobile, I started to regret studying abroad and leaving my family. Mexican culture is very family-oriented, so that’s why it was so hard for me to say goodbye. I remember seeing other freshmen being all excited for college while I was so scared and nervous for this new experience. As much as I aspired to study abroad, it was particularly difficult for me to step out of my comfort zone during my first few months in school. It wasn’t until the latter half of my freshman year that I became more comfortable with the whole studying-abroad experience. It turned out that it wasn’t too hard to make friends. Things started to change when I finally loosened up. I started to meet the most amazing people from various places around the world. Other than the comforting feeling of knowing there were international students equally or more terrified than me, I learned that everyone was just as nervous and eager as me to make new friends! Now, I am hap-
py to say that every part of my freshman year was memorable and rewarding. I learned about the school, the country, the culture and the people. I have no regrets. Energetic school spirit is a large part of the SHC experience. Back in Mexico, we never really had a big thing for college sports. School spirit, nor rivalries, were intense. My freshman year, when I first got to feel the lively school spirit, I was stunned and exhilarated. You could say it was a bit of a culture shock, but I grew to be as proud of my school as my fellow Badgers. According to an article by the International Student, there are 1 million students who have chosen to broaden their education and life experiences in the United States. Nearly 5 percent of all students enrolled in higher-level education in the U.S. are international students, and the numbers are still growing. So, don’t feel alone, keep in mind that there are other international students across the country who similarly share your feelings and life experiences. It is simply a process of settling, adjusting and feeling comfortable again.
Marian Cook | Reporter Out of 84 categories, only 10 women won awards at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony in New York on Jan. 28. So what gives? The most debated wins involved Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars. Mars won the most awards: seven, which included Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Sheeran’s win in Best Pop Solo Performance was controversial because he won in a category dominated by women: Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Lady Gaga and P!nk. Sheeran also beat out Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga and Kesha for Best Pop Vocal Album, women who made headlines for their personal and vulnerable albums. Other points of discussion included Alessia Cara, SZA and Lorde. Alessia Cara, who won Best New Artist, was the only woman to win a major award. Meanwhile, SZA was nominated in five categories—the most of any woman—yet won zero awards. Lorde was the only woman nominated for Album of the Year and the only woman in that category not invited to deliver a solo performance. But this disparity at the Grammys is not new. A
five-year study by USC Annenberg found that, from 2013-2018, only 9.3 percent of Grammy nominees were female; meanwhile, 90.7 percent were male. During the awards ceremony, the hashtag #GrammysSoMale started trending on Twitter. When asked to respond to the hashtag, Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said, “I think it has to begin with women who have the creativity in their hearts and their souls—who want to be musicians, who want to be engineers, who want to be producers, who want to be part of the industry on an executive level—to step up” Despite men dominating the awards, the Grammys tried to seem supportive of women. Kesha--along with other celebrities--performed her song “Praying,” which describes her rediscovering strength after having endured sexual abuse and mental health problems. Singer Janelle Monae introduced the performance by making a reference to the Time’s Up movement, an organization started by more than 300 women in Hollywood. It was formed in response to the wave of sexual allegations against Harvey Weinstein (and other Hollywood men) and the #MeToo movement. Earlier this month, the movement made a major statement by encouraging everyone to wear black to the 2018 Golden
Globes. Considering everything that’s recently been going on, why did the Grammys regress? Are the Recording Academy members—whose votes choose the Grammy winners—to blame? Its possible considering USC Annesberg’s findings. The study found that for every 4.9 male artists there is one female artist, for every 7.1 male songwriters there is one female songwriter and the ratio of male to female producers across 300 popular songs is 49 to 1, among other shocking data. Is the problem--as Portnow states--because women haven’t “stepped up?” Or, say, a vicious cycle that restricts opportunities for women? Maybe the reason more women didn’t win Grammys is because there are few women among the Recording Academy members. Maybe there are few female Recording Academy members because there are few women in the music industry. And maybe there are few women in the music industry because they have to choose between suffering through sexual harassment, sexual assault and gender bias or preserving their mental and physical health. Ultimately, maybe that’s the problem: that women shouldn’t have to give up their dreams due to threats to their safety. In fact, nobody should.
Everything Wrong With the 2018 Grammy Awards
EDITORIAL POLICY:
The SpringHillian is published five times each semester from January to April. The views expressed herein do not represent the views of Spring Hill College and are not the views of the faculty, administration, staff or students. They are the views of the individual columnists.
SUBMISSIONS:
The SpringHillian publishes guest submissions at the discretion of the student-editor and section editors. Submissions should be less than 300 words, and editors reserve the right to edit the submissions for length and content. Original writings should be mailed or delivered to: Student-editor, The SpringHillian, Communication Arts, Spring Hill College, 4000 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36608. Submissions may also be sent as emailed attachments to: shcmedia@email.shc.edu.
January 29 - February 4
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The SpringHillian Monday 1/29 Women and Men’s Basketball welcomes Miles College
Tuesday 1/30
AROUND THE HILL
TEDxCommittee Meeting Design Your Life: Senior Workshop
Wednesday 1/31 Cathedral Square Gallery Art Clinic S’mores outside McKinney’s
Thursday 2/1
REACH Workshop: Telling Your Vocational Story @ 12:30 PM Dr. Tyler Sexton, Guest Speaker @ 4 PM Order of Polka Dots Parade @ 6:30 PM
Friday 2/2 Baseball vs. AUM @ 3 PM
Saturday 2/3 Double-header: Baseball vs. AUM @ 12 PM
Order of Inca Parade @ 6:30 PM Maids of Mirth Parade @ 6:30 PM Softball vs. Shorter University @ 2:30 PM
February 1, 2018 Sunday 2/4 Men’s Tennis vs. Birmingham Southern College @ 8 AM Women’s Tennis vs. University of Montevallo @ 1 PM
Sophomore Holly Thorn at the Women’s March in Mobile, Alabama. Photo: Emily Buck
Senior Elizabeth Wellendorf, junior Ashlyn Adams, and freshman Abie Herbert at the March for Life in Mobile, Alabama. | Photo: Ashlyn Adams
Junior Kaschia Benjamin and junior Molly O’Malley at Phi Mu’s philanthropy day during women’s recruitment. | Photo: Cecilia Von Mann
February 5- February 11
Volume 106, Issue 1 Monday 2/5 Order of Venus Parade @ 6:30 PM
Tuesday 2/6
AROUND THE HILL
Baseball at University of Mobile @ 3 PM Design Your Life: Senior Workshop @ 7 PM Order of LaShe’s Parade @ 6:30 PM
Wednesday 2/7 Thursday 2/8 Friday 2/9 Rydin’ on the Rydex @ Get Consent Workshop @ Mardi Gras Break 6 PM 4 PM
Saturday 2/10 Mardi Gras Break
Sunday 2/11
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Mardi Gras Break
DWELL Meeting @ 5 PM Boyle Lecture @ 6 PM Mystic Stripers Society Parade @ 6:30 PM
SHC cheer team hosts a Little Badgers Cheer Clinic. Photo: SHC Spirit Teams
Senior Elizabeth Wellendorf at the March for Life in Mobile, Alabama. | Photo: Ashlyn Adams
Juniors Dot Brown and Sydney Clark at the Women’s March in Mobile, Alabama. | Photo: Emily Buck
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The SpringHillian
LIFESTYLE
February 1, 2018
Peace Corps Sparking Interest Among Students Courtney Willamor | Reporter
Dominique Howard prepares for the Peace Corps. Photo: Courtney Willamor
Former Peace Corps volunteer, English professor Dr. Meg Smith, shared her experience about working as a rice volunteer in a farming village in Senegal, Africa. Smith is a professor at Spring Hill College with a PhD in second language acquisition and teaching. In 1996, she set off on an unforgettable adventure. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Smith realized that she had no desire to secure a regular nine-to-five job. Like many students coming straight out of college, she wanted
to experience all that the world offered in the most unique and caring way. Smith said her project allowed for her to truly be immersed in her work. “It was a two year commitment that gave me the opportunity to travel, learn languages and live in a different culture. That is what attracted me to the Peace Corps,” Smith said. She mentioned that she went through a three month-long training experience, where she learned important techniques, like agriculture and even water purification. Successful training in the Peace Corps results in competence in various technical, linguistic, cross-cultural, health and safety and security areas, according to the Peace Corps website. SHC senior Dominique Howard has been experiencing the long and tedious process of what follows after being accepted into the Peace Corps. “Right now, I am going through my legal clearance process, which I’ve been going through since July of 2017. It’s given me a lot of time to think,” Howard said. She is working on completing a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education and English. She applied to serve in Jamaica but remains uncertain of where she wants to live.
Howard talked about her focal point once she begins working for the Peace Corps. “I keep reminding myself that this is not an opportunity that a lot of people get. I have to keep in mind when I’m there that I am on a mission. I am an ambassador for the United States,” said Howard. Smith claimed that the most valuable insight to take with you on an immersive cross-cultural experience, such as this, is to spend the time building relationships. Smith concludes, “Get to know the language, be patient, sit and drink tea and ask a lot of questions. You need to know from the community how they see the world. Practice being present.”
Professor Meg Smith recalls her experiences. | Photo: Courtney Willamor
SHC Hosts Omega Psi Phi Neophyte Presentation Walter Massey | Reporter Spring Hill College welcomed Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. on its campus for the first time in over 30 years. On Jan. 18, the Mary Lou and John Barter Student Center held a ceremony that revealed the identity of the newest member of Omega Psi Phi. Students around the city, faculty, staff and parents came to the event, which featured a single student entering the student center to thunderous applause and cheering from a crowd of more than 100 people. The masked young man positioned himself in the center of the stage in the student center and peeked through the holes in a ski mask to the frantic and anxious spectators. SHC student Jewel Hill enjoys The faces in the the event. | Photo: Walter audience lit up Massey with curiosity of the individual behind the mask. This curiosity derived from the fact that the members of the Omega Psi Phi usually come from SHC’s neighboring university, the University of South Alabama.
The understanding that there must have been a SHC student taking the stage buzzed around campus. The performance, which was originally scheduled a week prior, drew the attention of more and more people as the extra week did nothing more than add to the excitement and anticipation. Students raved about their confirmed assumptions about the grand reveal. SHC student DeAndre Lacey mentioned in a post-performance interview, “I was shocked to see the face that was uncovered during the show, I had no idea that he would join a fraternity, let alone one that is not even on our school’s campus.” SHC senior Jewel Hill was also in attendance and said excitedly, “I’m proud to see a fraternity of color joining the Spring Hill community. Before him, there Over 100 students were in attendance. | Photo: Omega was only one Greek organization that is dominantly black on campus, limiting the Psi Phi options for the guys who want to particiOmega Psi Phi ’s Mobile chapter student pate in Greek life.” advisor Alfred Ransom said, “I am very proud of Director of Student Involvement Mike this young man. His process was long, and he was Freyaldenhoven worked closely with Omega Psi able to see in through.” Phi members in the Mobile area to organize The SHC student body looks forward to learnand host the presentation on SHC’s campus. ing more about this new Greek organization and Freyaldenhoven sent out a mass email to stuanticipates several more of these events to be dents, faculty and staff, inviting and encouraging hosted on campus. them to attend the unique and special event. Students united in support of their peers.
Volume 106, Issue 1
7
SPORTS
Kittrell Returns to Spring Hill as Softball Coach Brenda Carrada | Reporter sion II schools in the South East.” Despite the new coaching changes, the loss of some girls who transferred and not being eligible for the conference championships this year, Kittrell still has a positive attitude. The returning coach said, “I‘m really excited about the young ladies we do have. I think the whole staff is excited about the chemistry and we want to be the best team that we can be. Our goal is to help them become that level.” Kittrell is not the only addition that the team obtained this year. Former Badger shortstop, Shea McDaniel, has rejoined the SHC program as assistant coach. Coach Kittrell stated, “She has been a super asset to me. So I’m very grateful to have her as a full-time assistant coach.” When asked about the new coaching staff, pitcher Hannah Brenton stated, “I have learned a lot in the small time that they have been here. I’m looking forward to the season with them as my coaches.” Regarding Kittrell’s coaching style and philosophy, he said, “My philosophy is to get that degree and have fun getting it.” Coach Kittrell oversees practice. | Photo: Brenda Carrada Kittrell went on to say that he believes first and foremost that student-athletes are in Spring Hill College announced that Steve college to get a degree. Kittrell said, “We want our Kittrell has returned to The Hill as head coach softball players to really enjoy the whole package of the softball program. Kittrell, a Mobile native, of Spring Hill College.” Freshman Brittany Hartung began his coaching career in 1983 and spent his said, “I decided to play for Spring Hill because I first season coaching SHC’s baseball team. The am a nursing major. When I came to look at this now-softball head coach has returned and has school, I was looking for a school where I would said to make the team “one of the top NCAA Divi-
be able to play softball all four years and still have nursing as my major.” Kittrell described the team’s attitude as “tremendous.” He said, “I’m excited about their attitudes and the way they approach things.” Kittrell went on to say, “When you are coaching you want to have that kind of internal chemistry that perpetuates recruiting and young student athletes coming to visit, it spills over and is contagious.” According to Kittrell, teamwork is necessary for the greater good of the team. These Badgers are, as he said, “a good group of young, fun and hard working ladies.” Brenton said, “We all work together very well. We are all very close and we’re a family. We have each other’s backs and when someone’s down we pick them up.”
Hannah Brenton prepares for the new season. Photo: Brenda Carrada
Developing Healthy Habits for New Year Goals Kori Wilbourn | Reporter As the new year rolls around, it is likely you are deciding your resolution. Maybe it involves cutting sugar out of your diet, being nicer to others, or not watching as much Netflix as you did last year. The most common new year’s resolution is getting in better shape. You try to eat healthier, go to the gym more and, The gym at the Arthur Outlaw Recreation of course, everyone is at the Center. | Photo: Kori Wilbourn gym at the same time as you are. You keep this going for maybe a month or two--maybe even three--but then it gets old. Your body is burnt out. You’re tired of constantly being sore and not being able to eat the snacks you once used to. But there is a way to still eat the snacks you once used to. You do not have to feel sore and tired every day. The key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and meeting your fitness goals is to simply ease your way into it and let your body acclimate. When you first start working out and eating healthier, your immediate plan is to cut out all junk food and work out harder than you ever have before. But this leaves you exhausted, bloated and unhappy because you’re
not seeing rapid results. Spring Hill College senior Rebecca Keeney is a fitness and health enthusiast. Keeney discussed her own attitude towards diet and exercise plans: she views them as lifestyle changes. She stated that when she cuts out junk food, she focuses on eating well; for example, she trades foods with preservatives for foods with natural ingredients. This makes her not want to return to eating junk food because her body has adjusted to eating organic foods. Exercise is another issue some face with starting a new and healthy lifestyle. In the first week, you imagine yourself committing to and completing a series of intense workouts, and you expect to see physical results soon after. However, that’s not how it works. The best thing to do is to start slow and steady. Long workouts are not required. SHC senior Ben Spotswood offered some advice on this subject. He stated that simply going to the gym and riding the bike for 20 minutes, or incline walking for 30 minutes, is one way to gradually start an active lifestyle without burning yourself out. Starting slow will allow your body to get used to the new physical rigor. After one week of taking it slow, gradually increase the rigor and length of your workout. It’s like slowly easing yourself into a hot bath. Spotswood also stated that consistency is key: breaks in your routine will only make it harder for you to start again. Just committing to 15-30 minutes of activity every day will allow your body to begin to crave exercise. The first week of this new lifestyle will be hard. But choose the healthy route and your body will love you all year long.
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The SpringHillian
HILL YEAH!
February 1, 2018
ON THE SPOT
What is your personal anthem for 2018?
Piper | Papillon “Who Let the Dogs Out”- Baha Men
Aundrey Washington | Freshman “Long Live the Chief”- Jidenna
Simone Smith | Sophomore “Here Comes Your Man”- The Pixies
Arielle Joseph | Senior “Glory”- John Legend
Mardi Gras Celebrations: the Mobile Edition Rebecca Bankston | Reporter
party” though, it is also an industry. Blackwell Mobile is gearing up for its 315th Mardi Gras mentioned, “Just last year it generated over $227 celebration, and began with the Krewe de la million for Alabama’s tourism economy.” Dauphine parade on Jan. 13. On Fat Tuesday, it To some, Mardi Gras is a time of overindulwill come to an end with several parades ranging gence as one prepares for the purging of Lent. from the Order of Athena to the Order of Myths. Blackwell recalls, “It symbolizes a huge cultural “America’s Family Mardi Gras,” as Mobile is known, is also the birthplace of Mardi Gras, and Mobilians never let anyone forget. This year, thousands of people will participate in the flamboyant and animated festivities of Mardi Gras. The long standing tradition has multiple origins dating as far back as to the early medieval carnivals of the 1500s. Though the French are thought to have been responsible for bringing it to the “New World,” the Spanish also influenced the vibrant culture. According to Cartledge Blackwell III, Curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum, “Mardi Gras was first celebrated at the Fort at Colonial Mobile, which is 27 miles up the Mobile River from the present day setA few of the colorful floats at the parade. | Photo: Rebecca Bankston tlement. The first recorded processions and events date not from the French phenomenon that ties people and families togethepic, but from the Spanish period with the Spaner by having a good time and promoting a strong ish Mystic Society in the 1790s.” rivalry before the Lenten season.” The season The holiday itself typically starts in early Febrepresents more than the parties and parades, it ruary, continuing until before Lent, and closing represents a close-knit community for those who on Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras is not just “one big
come out and support their peers. Ellie Seiter, president of the Student Government Association at Spring Hill College, stated, “As SGA president, I would love to see more students down here going to parades and brining that same vibrant culture back to campus. I want everyone to see how great Mardi Gras is and fully embrace what the [holiday] has to offer.” What makes Mardi Gras in Mobile so unique is that it is a family-oriented tradition that focuses on fun for all ages. Mary Kay Rasp, member of The Order of KHAOS and mother to SHC junior Katy Rasp, recalls the overwhelming feeling and excitement of being a part of Mobile Mardi Gras. She stated, “I have been a member of The Order of KHAOS for about 10 years and we parade on Joe Cain Day which is also called the people’s parade. Being a part of this Mardi Gras tradition is an absolute blast! There is no better feeling than when you are riding high above the crowd, cruising through the downtown streets and throwing beads, MoonPies and stuffed animals to thousands of people screaming at you! It just doesn’t get any better than that!”