The Oracle - 03/28/17

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Tuesday, March 28, 2017

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BOARD Tech President Phil Oldham, far right, converses with members of the board of trustees after their inaugural meeting Thursday in Bell Hall.

Garin Delon | The Oracle

Board names Jones as chair at inaugural meeting

By HAYLEE EATON Managing Editor

The new Tech board of trustees selected trustee Tom Jones, Cookeville native and general manger of Research Electronics International, as its chairman during the inaugural meeting in a packed room of Bell Hall on March 23.

“We’ve got a wealth of talent here, and I think most of them could serve as chairman, but it occurs to me that Tom Jones is the logical choice,” Trustee Millard Oakley said. “He’s been chairman of the Tech Foundation and did a really good job with that, and he is local, that helps I think. So, I would like to place Garin Delon | The Oracle a nomination for Tom Jones.”

HASLAM Governor Bill Haslam exits the inaugural Tech board of trustees meeting The board also chose trustee, March 23 in Bell Hall.

Trudy Harper of Soddy-Daisy, as vice-chairwoman.

The board then went on to select its The board was created over the past thinking ‘how can I help Tennessee Tech final seat that belongs to a student repre- six months are a part of Governor Bill be an even better university?’ will mean sentative. The three finalists for the posi- Haslam’s FOCUS act. This act shifted the a lot.” tion: Bobby Adams, Micalya Holton and governance of universities across the state The board heard presentations from Nick Russel, discussed their qualifica- from the Tennessee Board of Regents to Claire Stinson, vice president for planning tions for one to two minutes before the an individual board of trustees. and finance, on university budgetary poboard discussed the candidates.

Each new board is made up of 10 lices and Provost Brahman Ghorashi, on Trustee Johnny Stites made a motion members: eight trustees, a faculty trustee university academic policies. to accept Russell as the student represen- and a nonvoting student representative.

Stinson presented the finance potative with a unanimous agreement from Governor Haslam unexpectedly lices of the university that the board apthe other board members. joined the meeting after a short recess, and proved unanimously. These seven polices After a recommendation by trustee had encouraging words for the trustees. establish the appropriate processes for Barbara Fleming, the board created an “I really wanted to be here because to budgeting, student fees and financial peradvisory board for the student represen- me this is a historic occasion. I think this formances. They also include revisions to tative. Adams and Holton will make up is a difference maker for this university,” replace the Tennessee Board of Regents the board.

Haslam said. “This is already a great uni- with the board of trustees.

This meeting was the first since 1972, versity that impacts this entire region, She discussed the tap the university when the Tennessee General Assembly es- but I think that having men and women had to make into reserve funds to cover tablished the Tennessee Board of Regents. of this caliber who wake up every day the nearly $2 million in scholarship over-

ages, and the permanent budget cuts estimated at $3.4 million. The university made these cuts in order to balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Stinson also presented an increase in non-mandatory specialized course fees.

The increases, ranging from $5-$25, will affect students in agriculture and human ecology, biology, physics, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering, business, music, art, education and nursing courses according to Stinson’s presentation.

The proposed increase passed by a 8-1 vote with Trustee Barry Wilmore issuing the only nay.

“Eight percent seems high for an increase. I know when you weigh everything together, it’s justified, but still,” Wilmore said.

Ghorashi discussed university academic policies with the board during his presentation. The polices voted on are to help with the transition from the Tennessee Board of Regents to the board.

He also presented a proposal from the College of Business to create a new online master’s of science degree in accounting. The board approved this proposal unanimously.

The board also approved a new alignment to the admission policy for the department of counseling and psychology’s masters program in educational psychology. Students that have completed the fast track program will no longer have to take the GRE if they meet all other graduate school requirements.

The next board meeting is set for June 13 and 14. All meetings are open to public attendance and can be watched via livestream.

Tennessee Tech Tomorrow highlights campus achievements

By ASA COSTELLO & HAYDEN WHITE Beat Reporters Tech is scheduled to present the “Tennessee Tech Tomorrow” event in the Bryan Fine Arts Building at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to emphasize Tech’s accomplishments that positively impact the student experience.

“The biggest part of our [Tech’s] story is our students,” Dewayne Wright, senior director of public relations, said, “and so everything that we do, even when we’re building buildings, we’re doing that to provide an education that students deserve.”

Displays of various research projects from students and faculty are expected to be shown in the lobby of BFA, including research from mechanical engineering faculty member Steven Anton, Ph.D. His research includes ways smart materials can be used in joint replacements.

“This event is exciting because we are getting the opportunity to introduce our new faculty and display some cool, cutting edge technolRead More Online

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ogy,” Anton said, “people are going to get to see a glimpse into the future with these displays and see things that may not even be on the market for another 10 years.”

According to Wright, President Phil Oldham is scheduled to deliver an address on his vision of Tech’s future at 11 a.m. in Wattenbarger Auditorium.

A major announcement is expected regarding the university’s upcoming capital campaign.

“As we educate students today for jobs and opportunities that don’t yet exist, we realize that the world continues to change rapidly,” President Phil Oldham said.

“This raises the question: What will Tennessee Tech be in 10, 20 or 50 years? And just as importantly, how can we get there?”

Multiple Tech students are scheduled to share their stories of how they are bold, fearless and confident because of Tech. This portion of the event is scheduled to run from 11-11:30 a.m.

“On campus March 28, we will showcase a host of recent achievements and ongoing efforts that speak to this critical question,” Oldham said.

“Student experiences, faculty achievements, and campus improvements trumpet exciting progress now and in the near future.”

Displays of proposed and planned buildings will be on display in the main lobby concluding Oldham’s speech and student presentations.

The newly renovated Jere Whitson Building is expected to be a major part of the display.

The building is scheduled to reopen this summer after being closed for renovations since summer 2015.

The only returning tenant to Jere Whitson is The Backdoor Playhouse. In a more ‘one-stopshop’ approach for students, Jere Whitson is expected to house several of the campus’s student services including Office of Admissions, Financial Aid and potentially Military & Veteran Affairs.

The new fitness and science centers are other buildings that are expected to be on display during the event.

Construction on the fitness center is expected to break ground in April, while the science building is scheduled to start construction this fall.

The displays will have artist’s renderings and virtual walk-throughs, Wright said.

“We wanted to share information about these building projects,” Wright said, “and more importantly, how those buildings are going to positively impact a student’s life here at Tech.”

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WEDNESDAY 55/35 °F

THURSDAY 62/45 °F

Page 2 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

NEWS

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

tntechoracle.com Contact us: oracle@tntech.edu

>> Campus

Tech human ecology course offers study abroad trip to Italy

By DILLON EAKES & SYDNEY COWEN

Beat Reporters

Tech students enrolled in the Human Ecology Study Tour class are scheduled to travel to Italy May 9 for two weeks.

The course is open to HEC alumni and current students. All other majors at Tech can enroll in the course, but current HEC majors are given precedence.

“I’m not an HEC major, but I heard about the trip through multiple friends who are in the major,” Kayla Bates, early childhood education major, said. “I am graduating this spring so I really wanted to embark on this ad-

venture to Italy to complete my college experience.”

The group of students plan to travel to Milan, Florence and Venice. The students plan to visit fashion studios, explore tour spots and popular museums and take boat rides and trains to prevalent places in Italy.

During their time abroad, the group will have a fulltime tour guide and translator that will stay by their

sides every day.

“I expect the trip to be life changing,” Grace Smith, fashion merchandising major, said. “Italy has always been the No. 1 place on my travel list. I cannot wait to see how different their culture is than ours. Italy is so rich with history and beauty; I know it’s going to be completely different from America and I am excited for that factor.”

Campus Calendar March 28 Event: Jave Yoshimoto, Painting Exhibit Time: All day Where: Joan Derryberry Art Gallery Event: Tennessee Tech Tomorrow Time: 10:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

Where: Bryan Fine Arts Lobby

BCM Spring FIing

March 29 Event: Jave Yoshimoto, Painting Exhibit Time: All Day Where: Joan Derryberry Art Gallery

March 30

Jeremy Adams | The Oracle

OUTDOOR FUN:

The Baptist Collegiate Ministry held its annual Spring Fling March 23 on the main quad where they gave out free food including popcorn, cotton candy, hamburgers and more.

The Spring Fling is the BCM’s annual event to help with outreach efforts for their ministry. The BCM hosts this event that allows students to take study breaks and to go out and have fun! The event lets even college students release their inner child.

Kappa Delta hosts fundraiser to Police respond to call help Prevent Child Abuse America of intoxicated dorm resident Friday night

By HANNAH SARAGO & ASHLEY SARAGO

Beat Reporters

Kappa Delta Sorority held their annual shamrock week benefiting Prevent Child Abuse America last week.

The events of the week included a spirit night at San Antonio Taco Company, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, a “selfie’s for shamrock” event and War of the Wings.

“Each event fundraises for Prevent Child Abuse America,” Taylor Patterson said. “100 percent of the proceeds go toward PCAA with 80 percent staying in the middle Tennessee area.”

Patterson, a sophomore at Tech, serves as the vice president of community service for Kappa Delta and was in charge of organizing the week.

“I had to start doing stuff two months in advance. Like

getting the supplies, requesting the rooms, getting the DJ, working with Buffalo Wild Wings to do the wings and going around to other businesses who made money and wing donations,” Patterson said.

Seven fraternities and one sorority participated in the philanthropy. Each organization received points through each event and for raising money. The organization with the most points at the end of the week placed accordingly. Sigma Chi placed first for the fraternities while Phi Mu placed first for the sororities, Patterson said.

“It kind of puts things into perspective. We look at philanthropies as like a competition but once you go through it and see how happy it makes people and seeing a great turn out of people trying to help it made me realize its not about beating records, but helping people,” said Patterson.

According to Patterson, the total money raised is not yet final but expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

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Event: Jave Yoshimoto, Painting Exhibit Time: All Day Where: Joan Derryberry Art Gallery Event: Suicide Prevention Training Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: RUC Lobby Event: Swing Dance Club Bake Sale Time: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: Centennial Plaza Event: Campus Wide Step Show Time: 2 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Where: Derryberry Auditorium

& SHELLEY RENO

Beat Reporters

Police responded to a call regarding an intoxicated male under the legal drinking age Friday night on campus.

Police received a call at 2:23 a.m. from a resident in Evins Hall about an intoxicated resident in the showers.

The student smelled of alcohol and was covered in vomit, according to the police report.

The responding officer called EMS to the scene to determine if the student needed emergency care.

The student declined, and the officer arrested him for public intoxication and underage consumption.

The officer referred the student to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, according to the police report.

March 31 Event: Second Chance Prom Time: 3 p.m. - 11:45 pm.

Where: Tech Pride

Room

Event: Swing Dance Club Disney Dance Time: 7:30 p.m. 11:30 p.m.

Where: Ray Morris Hall

April 1 Event: Project Wild Workshop Time: 8:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m.

Where: Ray Morris Hall

Event: Celebration

of Craft Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Appalachian Center for Craft

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 3

Campus <<

NEWS

Cold Feet FOOTBALL PRACTICE:

Tennessee Tech football’s offensive coordinator Tyree Foreman tries to stay warm with some music at spring practice during winter-like temperatures.

Several on and off season sports teams have been doing guesswork when it comes to practice waether.

Tennessee is infamous for its constantly changing weather patterns and March was no exception.

With Spring starting, students are eager for sunnier days and warmer weather.

Luke Jennette | The Oracle

Biology student conducts research on declining quail populations

By MALLORY ENGLAND Asst. Managaing Editor

For the past eight weeks, Sarah Brown, a junior in the biology department is researching bobwhites, a type of quail.

These birds are found all over the continent, but prefer warmer areas to live in. They are a type of ground bird.

The bobwhite quail are not on the endangered species

list, yet, but due to changing climates, the warm-weathered quail have had a hard time adjusting.

The focus of Brown’s research is to determine what types of seeds the quail are eating.

She and Steven Hayslette, Ph.D., have been testing agricultural grains and natural grains.

So far, the pair have found most quail to primarily eat agricultural grains, leading to a decline in their overall health.

“We don’t really know much about the diet of these pen raised birds, or their wild counterparts. We don’t really know how their populations have declined, we just know factors,” Brown said.

Through the observations in this research, Brown hopes to open their findings up to the entire scientific community.

“I’m giving a few presentations to state and national groups in the next few months. My hopes are to publish our findings in a wildlife article,” Brown said.

Brown was given this opportunity through the Wildlife Society, a national society that has a chapter that meets at Tech.

“I think it’s valuable to have hands-on experience and just be able to get your feet wet. To say, ‘this is something I’m passionate about and I want to learn more about it’,” Brown said.

“I would love to research some of these animals that have been either threatened or endagered, especially in North America.”

Page 4 || THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN

ENTERTAINMENT

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

>> Reviews

Grammy-nominated mandolinist set to perform at Tech

By MASON BUTLER & BEN WHEELER Guest Contributors Tech’s English Department is acting as host to Grammynominated mandolinist Darren Nicholson this Friday at 7 p.m. in the Talon Theater in

Foundation Hall.

This free concert, is a part of the English Department’s “Bird is the Word” program, formed in 2014.

Andrew Chaney, graduate student of English, had the idea to reach out to Nicholson about playing at Tech as a part of the “Bird is

the Word” program and possesses experience in the world of Bluegrass and Folklore.

“I first became interested in bluegrass through my grandfather who helped me learn the banjo,” Chaney said.

“I came in contact with Mr. Nicholson through my podcasts

about folklore and bluegrass, ‘Up On the Mountain.’”

Chaney’s thesis helped act as a motivator to collaborate bluegrass into the English Department’s program.

“My thesis involves song collectors of the literary world and their

preservation work in the ballad. I thought Mr. Nicholson would be a good fit with the English Departments program,” Chaney said.

The next “Bird is the Word” event that is scheduled is a performance by Graham Kash, Ph.D., and his wife Betty in mid-April.

Nicholson

Dave Chappelle makes bold stand-up return

By CAMERON FOWLER Entertainment Editor

At the beginning of the first of Dave Chappelle’s two new Netflix s t a n d - u p specials, Morgan Freeman narrates the flow of Chappelle’s mind as he sits in a park, staring blankly. The scene resembles something out of an art house film while Freeman says Chappelle’s stare “signifies a profound train of thought,” and suddenly we’re thrust into adversely shocking and prodding new comedy from Chappelle, who hasn’t had his own stand-up special since 2004’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Throughout both specials, Chappelle’s voice and tone stay as sharp as they ever were, even if the veteran comedian loses steam occasionally.

In the first special, “The Age of Spin,” Chappelle entertains a crowd at the Hollywood Palladium with jokes about people like O.J. Simpson, Bill Cosby and, well, himself.

Chappelle immediately begins this special giving his take on a recent show in Detroit where he performed after getting high with some rappers, admittedly bombing much to the paparazzi’s delight. Chappelle makes no secret in either special that he has had a difficult time reappearing into the public eye, but while listening to his material here, it’s hard to understand why. He’s a comic who lays himself out there perhaps more candidly than most working today.

Photo Courtesy of nyt.com WELCOME BACK - Chappelle returned to full-time touring in 2013 following years of infrequent appearances at comedy clubs.

Whether it’s him blowing off a charity event in Flint, Michigan, to instead attend the Oscars or relating racial tension to Netflix’s “Making a Murderer,” Chappelle simply doesn’t care about his image, and that’s what makes these specials work.

Chappelle consistently muses about Cosby in “The Age of Spin,” and we get to see his assessment of how rape allegations against Cosby alter his image of a personal hero.

It’s easy to feel the crowd swell before Chappelle moves on to another joke.

Chappelle also attempts

to weave sincere social commentary in as well, but unfortunately his timing and connection with the audience gets thrown off. In a series of jokes and thoughts about Caitlyn Jenner, Chappelle struggles to successfully define the line between commentary and a punch line. This happens several times in the first special, but the second sees Chappelle more relaxed and loose than ever.

“Deep in the Heart of Texas,” which takes place at Austin City Limits, contains some of Chappelle’s most biting and pointed comedy

yet. Chappelle yet again starts off with a story about getting pelted with a banana peel while onstage and quickly explores some controversial topics such as abuse and racism, but always with a reminder that this is Dave talking. At one point, he asks for a cigarette and sits while contemplating gender and marriage. These moments never feel contrived or forced but rather smooth.

The second special ends on a high note with a multi-tiered and impressive contained yarn concerning his dog, a duo of tapes mysteriously sent to his house and his son getting into a

fight at private school. In the last few minutes, Chappelle shows he’s meant for storytelling just as much as telling fierce jokes. The second special has a stronger flow, and Chappelle owns the stage while successfully mixing his thoughts with humor.

Chappelle’s return to the stand-up special is not only infused with his classic personality and astute delivery, but with a genuine sense of asking “why?” Both specials contain questions, sometimes prodding, but always from the mind of the man who’s controlling the stage, who does so with relaxed finesse.

‘Kong’ disappoints audiences

By HANNAH BARGER Entertainment Critic Photo Courtesy of tntech.edu DATE - ‘First Date’ will be the first musical performed by the Tech Players since ‘Avenue Q.’

Tech Players mark musical return with ‘First Date’

By CIARA WALKER & JAZMEN MARTIN Guest Contributors Tech Players are scheduled to perform the musical “First Date” at the end of next month.

The production is set to open April 19 in Derryberry Auditorium.

Mark Creter, artistic director of the Backdoor Playhouse, said this was his first time doing a musical in Derryberry, however the club did a nonmusical last fall and it “went well.”

“We didn’t do a musical last year and I’ve missed them and I think the students have too,”

Creter said. “Musicals are complicated and I just didn’t want my first production in Derryberry to be complicated.”

Creter went on to say that he, as well as the members of the club, are excited to be performing “First Date” in Derryberry since there has not been a musical performed in the auditorium since the mid-1970s.

The production takes place during a first date.

The two lead characters are played by Samia Anderson and Christian Bare.

“First Date” is expected to run from April 19-29.

In a world full of remakes a n d reboots, I can’t say I was all that excited for the release of “Kong: Skull Island.” But hey, my younger brother works at the movie theater in our hometown, meaning he gets free tickets and popcorn, and I didn’t have any plans for Friday night.

Our story starts in 1973. With the Vietnam War on its last legs, U.S. soldiers are ready to pack it in and go home. That is, until Captain Samuel L. Jackson (his character has a name, sure, but this is Samuel L. Jackson doing Samuel L. Jackson) gets a phone call from a mysterious scientific corporation offering a contract mission to an island in the middle of nowhere. Hungry for action and depressed over the war’s abrupt and futile end, the captain is totally stoked to get back in the game (our merry

band of misfit soldiers, not so much). Meanwhile, Brie Larson, who does a fair job as an anti-war photographer, and Tom Hiddleston, playing an ex-British special forces navigator, join the team.

Things go about as well as you’d expect: the team flies through a hurricane and Kong himself makes an appearance fairly early in a jarring scene where he literally knocks helicopters out of the sky.

But as we learn, he’s the least of our protagonists’ worries.

I went into this movie totally blind; not even knowing it existed until a few days previous.

My brother mentioned Tom Hiddleston’s name, which piqued my interest, but otherwise, all I knew was I hoped this movie would be as good as the surprisingly awesome 2005 remake.

And really, it wasn’t a bad movie, but not because of Tom Hiddleston or Samuel L. Jackson (both of whom were phoning it in, not that I can really blame them). The real star of this film was John C. Reilly, whose part as a stranded World War II pilot injected life, humor

Photo Courtesy of thrillist.com KONG’S DOMAIN - ‘Kong: Skull Island’ was filmed near the same locations in Hawaii as ‘Jurassic Park.’ and humanity into a mostly lackluster script (seriously, the movie is worth watching if only to root for his character to get the happy conclusion he deserves).

With its PG-13 rating, the film’s violent scenes veer into the kind of cartoonishness one would expect to see in a Syfy channel original movie.

And that’s essentially what this movie is, albeit with a big name cast and better acting. Most of the characters are difficult to relate to, and although the movie currently sits at

an impressive 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie is nothing to write home about in terms of being memorable. With the exception of Reilly’s fantastic role and an excellent Vietnam-era soundtrack, the movie is fairly forgettable. All in all, the sort of movie that plays in the background of a party and doesn’t really compel anyone to sit down and pay attention. At the very least, I liked it enough not to feel cheated out of a few hours of my Friday

COOKEVILLE, TN || THE ORACLE || Page 5

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OPINIONS

Think Freely <<

Eletricity outage unplugs high-tech stress KATE TREBING Opinions Editor As I write this, I am sitting at our family table, writing by candlelight.

With the onset of a spring storm came the cutoff of our electricity, and with it our connection to the outside world.

Have you ever simply sat in the dark, listening to the rain? No music, no TV, not even any light except for a few over scented candles burnt down to the nubs. The sensation of unplugging, truly and completely. It is liberating, and yet unnerving.

Our society is only gaining speed. We rush from one event to the next, living by the hands of the clock. Who invented the clock anyway? With the first chime of the hour came the birth of a new lifestyle.

Schedules became more important than moments, and we slowly forgot how to just be.

Only one source of modern electricity lights our old house

‘‘

I am thankful for the ease of this modern life, but I regret the passing of a time when the to-do list was never prioritized above the simple act of just being.

tonight. Our phones glow in the dark like flashlights. They are only good for that tonight.

No Wi-Fi means no Facebook, YouTube or Pinterest.

As our batteries run low, we muse over running our cars for hours, just to charge up our devices. Instead, it’s books in the dark and listening to the popping sounds of an old house.

Some families have stories of games they play when the electricity goes out. We aren’t that creative. Instead, my quiet family grows more vibrant in the dark. Our personalities come out, in the silence.

We joke and share stories, things we would not bother discussing in the wake of a TV screen.

I can see the appeal of this simple life and why some choose this over the flash and glimmer of the modern world.

We think of all our toys

and gadgets as modern conveniences, our privilege for having been born first-world citizens in the 21st century. We can do virtually anything if we put our minds to it.

I can Facetime my brother in South Korea. 3D printing enables us to literally print a new arm or leg for an amputee.

We have flown to outer space, and we have created the worldwide web to keep us all connected, all the time, no matter what.

With these inventions has come a world of stressors. Our health system has improved dramatically, but unfortunately we now seek cures for ailments we have ourselves created.

Heart disease, diabetes and strokes have all been connected to everyday stressors in the average American’s life.

We are making remarkable improvements in the world around us, but during all of that, we are forgetting how to

,,

appreciate the simple joys that keep us naturally healthy.

I love to hear my parents talk about their childhood.

Neither came from especially wealthy families. In fact, my mom didn’t have running water until she was in high school.

My favorite stories are of my dad’s paper route in his Illinois hometown (he still delivers packages, only with FedEx instead of on his bike); my mom’s family of eight siblings running to the creek with a bar of Ivory Soap to take a cold bath in the midst of a sticky summer; my grandpa riding his horse to school in the same valley where I have spent the majority of my childhood.

These stories have one thread in common: a simpler time. A more innocent life.

I don’t want to discredit all of the conveniences of my lifestyle. I am thankful for the innovations that have

made our lives so much more comfortable. My dad has plenty of stories of freezing his fingers on his paper route, and my mom had to run to that creek twice a day in the summer simply because there was no escaping the humid heat of the sun.

Rather than get rid of all those modern conveniences, I feel more appreciative of them when I have the chance to disconnect. I can rest and return to that world refreshed and with newfound perspective.

I am thankful for the ease of this modern life, but I regret the passing of a time when the to-do list was never prioritized above the simple act of just being.

I dread the moment the lights flicker back on. With that surge of electricity comes the return of life as I know it, schedules and deadlines and time wasted on trying to keep up with work. Life can’t be suspended forever. But just a few more moments in the dark would be a welcome gift.

Kate Trebing is a senior in communication with a concentration in public relations.

She can be reached at kdtrebing42@students.tntech.edu.

Top 15 tips senior advises freshman self JENNA ELLIS Guest Critic This is a letter; it is a letter to myself as much as it is a letter to all of the people who’ve been fighting the same things that I have. But more than that, it is my hope: a hope for a brighter future.

Dear 18-year-old self, 1. You do not have to be nice to everyone.

If you take a class with someone from high school who was cruel to you and now they’re asking you if they can borrow your notes and be your lab partner, say no.

You do not have to cater to them. You do not have to smile or make yourself smaller so that they’ll feel more comfortable in your presence.

2. Your professors are not these elusive, ethereal beings. Don’t be afraid to talk to them and ask them questions. When you pass by them in the hallway, say hello.

They’re human too, and some of them might even inspire you to become a better version of yourself.

3. Although most of your professors will be great, some of them

THE

Photo courtesy of Jenna Ellis FRESHMAN YEAR - Jenna (second from left) poses with friends Lindsey Pippin, Katie Malone and Kelsey Stephenson after her freshman color run. are going to be jerks, or idiotic, or a combination between the two.

Some of them are going to try to convince you that you aren’t good enough to take their class, or smart enough to be in college at all. Keep working hard. Prove them wrong.

4. You won’t be good at everything. If learning something doesn’t come natural to you, that’s OK. Not “getting” something right off the bat doesn’t mean you never will, it simply means you have to learn. There’s no shame in asking for help

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Tennessee Tech University TTU Box 5072 Cookeville, TN 38505 Managing Editor - HAYLEE EATON Asst. Managing Editor - MALLORY ENGLAND Business Manager - BRIANA SMITH Assistant Business Manager - SHELLEY RENO Copy Editor - ASHTON BREEDEN Opinions Editor - KATE TREBING Sports Editor - MARCUS HANSON Asst. Sports Editor - ROBYN HANSON Entertainment Editor - CAMERON FOWLER Entertainment Critic - HANNAH BARGER Circulation Manager - AALIYAH SYMLAR Faculty Adviser - VANESSA CURRY Thanks for reading The Oracle Read more @ tntechoracle.com

can find and fill up your elective credits with them. Make friends with your new classmates.

You won’t be sorry.

9. Don’t be afraid to study abroad. It’s expensive, yes, and learning a new language is hard, but there are options out there for everyone and sometimes a change of pace is all you need to get your life back together. Just think of all the new food you’ll get to try!

10. Be unapologetically yourself. Over the next four years, the definition of “yourself” might get a little blurry because you’re going to change from day to day, but you’ll figure it out.

Do not apologize for growing. You are on a journey to learn about yourself. Do not apologize for living by the sound of your own heartbeat.

11. You need to set aside some time for the people you love.

Go see a movie with your parents or grandparents, hang out with your siblings, bake cookies for your aunts and uncles, take a week off work to vacation with your friends, have lunch with someone you haven’t seen in years.

from someone you know, or finding a tutor.

5. Even if you never “get” math, or zoology, or quantum physics, don’t worry. College is about finding your own path and figuring out your likes and dislikes.

I know a lot of your friends are STEM majors and sometimes it’s difficult to join in on conversations about classes when yours are so drastically different.

But you should embrace these differences… they’ll strengthen your friendships in the end.

6. Don’t try to mimic

other people’s writing.

Your style is your own.

If you want to add a— dash—of breathlessness, go for it. If. You want.

To slow. Down time…do it. Pour your heart, soul, and voice into the ink and keep typing.

7. Take time for yourself. Your mental health is more important than perfect attendance.

If you feel sad, go eat a sandwich, take a short nap, meditate for an hour, and call your best friend.

8. Branch out from your major a little. Take the weirdest classes you

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College takes up a lot of space in your schedule, I know, but these people won’t be in your life forever.

12. Do not waste your time on people who can’t or won’t value you for who you are.

You’re going to be a little too much for some people to handle, and that’s perfectly fine. But do not for one instant try to base your own value on other people’s thoughts or opinions.

13. Forgive people.

Especially forgive the ones who never asked for your forgiveness and probably never will. By forgiving others, you’ll learn how to forgive yourself…and that is the greatest gift you could ever receive.

14. Allow yourself to feel. It is OK to wear your heart on your sleeves and to let things affect you.

It is OK to laugh, cry, or yell. Sometimes, you’ll feel like doing all three things at once. That’s OK too.

15. Be warm, be kind, and most importantly— remember to breathe.

With all my love, Jorjenna Jenna Ellis is a senior in English. She can be reached at jorjennaleeellis@gmail.com.

5. The Oracle reserves the right to edit for style, grammar, length and clarity.

6. Submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Friday.

7. Your thoughts are free. Think often, think free.

News content for The Oracle is provided by the Journalism 2220, Journalism 4820 and Journalism 4930 classes.

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DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect those of Tennessee Tech University’s employees or of its administration.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

THE ORACLE || COOKEVILLE, TN || PAGE 6

>> Inside the Game

Tech football ends spring practice

By MARCUS HANSON

FRIDAY

Sports Editor

Tech’s football team ended their spring practice March 23.

“We’ve had a great spring,” Marcus Satterfield, Tech’s head football coach, said. “We came out of it relatively healthy, which is our number one priority to make sure we have everybody here for fall camp. The coaches did a really nice job from day one on focusing on details and fundamentals.

We didn’t do a lot of X’s and O’s and the stuff we needed to get better at, we got better at it and improved on from last year.

Hopefully, that will help us take a step forward in the conference.”

Tech had 15 practices starting in February, and faced the Tennessee weather ranging from 20 to 70 degrees and included rain and snow.

“Dontez Byrd looked great,” Satterfield said.

“Josh Cunningham playing at corner looked really good, Nadir Barnwell looked good, Tim Collins has been good. I don’t really want to start naming names, because I know

#WINGSUP UPCOMING HOME EVENTS

MARCH 31 BASEBALL Tech Vs Eastern Illinois 6 p.m. at Bush Stadium

SATURDAY

APRIL 1

SOFTBALL Tech Vs AUSTIN PEAY 1 p.m. at Softball Field BASEBALL Tech Vs Eastern Illinois 2 p.m. at Bush Stadium Luke Jennette | The Oracle GOLDEN EAGLES SPRING PRACTICE - Tech football finished up spring practice March 23 at Tucker

Stadium.

I’m going to forget someone, but the guys who are supposed to play, they played. They didn’t let us down. We had some young guys who have really started to step up, like Andre Sale in the last five practices as the starting quarterback. He’s really built up his con-

fidence and there’s just something about him.

He’s shown good leadership with the team.”

Four months still remain until the team reports back for the fall camp.

“We have to stay healthy,” Satterfield said. “We have to keep

overachieving and keep working on academics, overachieving with our civic duty and just trying to be the best we can be every day. If we just do that and be an OK football player, we’ve got a chance to be a pretty good team. We’re going to focus on finishing

strong and sewing up all the loose ends off the field. I think our kids are locked into our standards of perfection and performance and they’re going to do a great job with it.”

Tech starts the season Aug. 31 against Western Illinois University at home.

SOFTBALL Tech Vs AUSTIN PEAY 3 p.m. at Softball Field

SUNDAY

APRIL 2 BASEBALL Tech Vs Eastern Illinois 1 p.m. at Bush Stadium

Golden Eagle baseball at top of OVC standings

By MARCUS HANSON

Sports Editor

After three weeks of conference play Tech’s baseball team is ranked No. 1 in the Ohio Valley Conference. The Golden Eagles have an OVC record of 9-0 and an overall record of 20-6.

Tech wrapped up a three game series defeating Austin Peay March 25, winning 14-3, 10-8 and 14-13. This win was the Golden Eagles’ first sweep over their in-state rival since 2001 and their

first sweep against the Austin Peay Govs in Clarksville since 1988.

In the first game, of a double header Friday, Tech started strong; ending the first inning 4-0.

With Chase Chambers and Chris Brown both scoring homeruns, and Trevor Putzig scoring off Kevin Strohschein and Ryan Flick scoring off Chambers’ homerun.

The game continued on their strong start scoring a homerun by Flick in the third inning, and David Garza and Alex Junior both scoring in

Golden Eagle tennis defeats the Governers at Austin Peay

the fifth inning.

The game picked up in the seventh and eighth inning. Flick, Brown and Chambers scored in the seventh, and Matt Jones, Garza, Junior and Strohschein scored in the eighth.

The second game against the Governors, Strohschein scored a homerun in the first inning.

It was not until the fourth inning that the game started heating up.

Brown, Chambers and Collin Harris scored. Not to be left behind in that

inning, Austin Peay had five scoring runs. Parker Phillips, Cayce Bredlau, Dre Gleason, Alex Robles and Chase Hamilton all scored before Kyle Wilson struck out.

Tech finally caught back up in the seventh with Chambers, Flick, Harris, Brown and Jones all scoring; bringing the score to 9-8 at the end of the seventh.

The game-winning run for Tech, was made

by Chambers in the top of the ninth.

In the third and final game of the series,

both teams brought their best. The final score was 14-13, with the Golden Eagles almost losing it in the ninth.

The Govs started strong with a 3-0 lead in the first, but Tech got in the game at the top of the fifth. Junior, Strohschein, Putzig, Brown, Chambers and Jones all scored. Bringing the score to 9-6, with the Golden Eagles leading.

Harris, Flick, Brown and Jones all scored in the seventh and eighth, but Austin Peay was not done yet. Scoring four

runs in the eighth, and barely losing the game in the ninth.

The 9-0 conference play is their best start since 1956, where the team finished 10-1 in the OVC while winning the league and earning a trip to the NCAA District III Playoffs.

Tech next plays at the University of Tennessee Knoxville March 28, and then moving back home to play Eastern Illinois University in a three game series at Tech March 31 through April 2.

Golden Eagle Soccer

By ROBYN HANSON

Asst. Sports Editor

Tech’s tennis team is already off to a good season start with a win over Eastern Illinois in the OVC opener match of the season.

The Golden Eagles played OVC conference mate Austin Peay March 24, with Tech still on its winning streak since 2015, going on its 19th match win. Winning 7-0 against Austin Peay, Tech has been flawless this season.

In the singles play, Eduardo Mena played Manuel Montenegro, winning 7-6. Teammate Marcos Bernardes also snagged a win against Austin Peay’s Almantas Ozelis. Carlos Tajes’ competitor forfeited, giving Tech the win on that game.

On the doubles play, Mena and Bernardes played Aleh Drobysh and Ozelis, but did not finish their game.

Alberto Esteban and Guillermo Nicholas won againt Montenegro and James Mitchell, 6-2. Their teammates Carlos Tajes and Jorge Alfonzo did not get to play as their game was a forfeit.

The Golden Eagles play again next month at Eastern Kentucky on April 1.

The match is the last road tilt of the regular season and starts at 11 a.m.

Marcus Hanson | The Oracle

SPRING GAMES: Tech’s soccer team played two spring matches March 25 and 26. The first game was against Trevecca Nazarene University, and the second game was against Cumberland University.