The Oracle 11-3-2020 by TN Tech Oracle

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Volume 105 | Issue 6

Nov. 3, 2020

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Empowering women shapes past and present ANA PENA VELASCO

Reporter

Women’s empowerment has taken its place in history, shaping it into what it is today, changing society and allowing women to achieve any dream they have had of achieving in this lifetime. Two women from Tennessee Tech University, Paula Hinton and Nicole Cook, offered their insight on how women’s empowerment has come to be in the past 188 years dating back to the year 1832. Hinton is a History professor, and Cook is a Sociology and Political Science professor both from the Women and Gender Studies program. “During World War I the National Woman’s Party protested outside the White House, holding up signs and banners demanding the same freedoms for women in the United States that America was helping other nations in the world protect or obtain,” Hinton stated. She continued by saying, “. . . After months of non stop protests, the authorities began arresting the women who showed up to protest. In prison, they were horribly abused, when they protested that treatment by going on a hunger strike, they were brutally force-fed, beaten, and ridiculed.

Nicole Cook has worked at Tennessee Tech since the fall of 2018. She graduated from MTSU with an M.A in Sociology.

When the American people finally heard about what was happening to them, opinion in favor of suffrage for women increased, ultimately causing support for the suffrage amendment to grow.” Throughout history there have been numerous women who have contributed to empowerment and fighting for women’s rights. One of those many women is Amer-

52-48 vote confirms Amy Barrett to Supreme Court

Amy Coney Barrett shown swearing in before confirmation hearings. Photo provided by PoliticalIQ.

ever be confirmed to the SuSocial Media Editor preme Court and is the third female justice serving currentAmy Coney Barrett was conly. She takes the place of Ruth firmed and sworn into the Supreme Court on Monday, Oct 26. Bader Ginsburg who passed last Just eight days ahead of election month from cancer. Barrett’s confirmation leaves day. republicans with a 6-3 majority The Senate confirmed her to the Supreme Court with a 52-48 in the court. This has caused a lot of fear within the Democratvote. No democratic senators ic Party, despite the claims she voted in favor of her becoming made following being sworn in. a justice, and only one repuliBarrett stated that she will sepcan senator voted against her. arate herself from any political Maine’s Senator Susan Collins party while serving on the court. was the lone republican vote Barrett, 48, will likely serve against. Collins offered no pubon the court for decades. This lic comment on why she voted could drastically change the outagainst her republican peers. comes of cases for many years to Her vote came as a surprise to come. many, especially because she Barrett was sworn in by fellow voted yes for Justice Kavanuagh Justice Clarence Thomas outside in 2018. see Barrett pg. 3 Barrett is the fifth woman to MORGAN LEE

ican physician and women’s rights leader, Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919) was born in Oswego, NY. She was the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army, serving during the Civil War. She was captured and spent four months in a Confederate prison. “There was very little respect shown to her as a doctor at that time. Female nurses serving during the Civil War were also treated with disrespect by most male doctors and officers. While she was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, it was revoked in 1917 by Congress. It was not reinstated until 1950, 30 years after her death,” Hinton elaborated. “Mary Walker and other women who challenged the gender norms of the late 1800s were largely ignored and/or attacked for their views at the time, but over the decades she and others slowly chipped away at the belief that women were inferior to men,” added Hinton. Cook named another woman who has contributed to women equality. “If I had to name just one woman, I would choose Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I feel there is none more fitting to mention here when reflecting back on impactful women throughout history due to her recent passing. Like see Women pg. 3

Election draws to a close MALAYSIA TALBERT

Reporter

The 2020 presidential election has faced many challenges over the course of the campaign. From controversial topics to the coronavirus pandemic, candidates have been center stage as voters have critiqued how each would respond. At last week’s debate, Americans were able to take one final examination of the two candidates before casting their ballots. As a result, long lines were witnessed across the state of Tennessee as people exercised their right to vote. In fact, Tennessee early voting broke records with an increase of 91%, according to the Tennesseean. Leading into the debate, there were still many undecided voters who were seeking answers as to where each candidate stood on key issues. Tennessee Senator Paul Bailey said he felt that these voters received the

answers they needed to make a decision. “I believe undecided voters came away with a lot of clarity after the last presidential debate. I believe after watching the final debate that people came away with a good understanding of which candidate is the right fit to lead this nation in the direction it needs to go in,” Bailey said. Despite the differences in the candidates, some voters have found it a challenge to lean one way more than the other feeling confident about who to support. Certain undecided voters disagree with the policies or persona of either of the candidates. At the same time, third-party voters have been deciding who will run the country best the next four years. The economy, the coronavirus, the workforce and American families have been the main topics undecided voters have focused upon. Swing states tend to determine see Election pg. 4

Tennessee Senator Paul Bailey who is originally from Sparta, TN. Photo provided by Bailey.

What’s Inside Center for Career Development offers help for students’ futures. Page 3

Students give opinions on their favorite donut shop. Page 3

Seth Jones breaks down an NFL star’s $1 million donation to Nashville school. Page 4

Page 2

Student on the street LAURA NAVARRO MORENO

Reporter

“What would you like your professor to know about you?” Alex Rinks Journalism Sophomore “ I feel like I am hardworking in a way. I guess I have anxiety about stuff and when due dates come. Like when my professor moves due dates closer than they were expecting, which is my absolute favorite thing that happens. It really affects my mental health, and like my mental health still struggles in different ways anyways so sometimes it’s good to take a break on stuff.” Victoria Somerey Environmental Engineering Major Junior “ At the beginning of each semester I send to every single professor like the CRN number calling disability and I say: Hey just so you know I have disability registered with ODS, this are my accommodations. I am going to come up to you the first or second day of class to introduce myself and then discuss if we need to clarify any accommodations because that’s what you got to do when you get extended time on tests that you didn’t finish on time. ” Jillian Wheeler Computer Science Major Sophomore “I live very far from home. I live one and a half hours from home. I almost always calling or texting my family and it’s very hard. There is a lot of stuff in my life that you wouldn’t know about me so please if I ask for help is a big move from me, I don’t typically ask for help. So, me being like “hey can I get an extension does not mean, I was lazy and I didn’t do it. You don’t know what’s going on in my life right now. There is a lot more behind the student. We are not here just for college, we are also here to learn about ourselves. ”

“ I would want them to know immediately that I am a hardworking and dedicated student. That I am not a student that procrastinates until the last minute. I know some teachers have that assumption at first where students won’t do what they are supposed to do like catch up on all their assignments and due dates.”

Nov. 3, 2020

OCC accepting donations MARCUS MCMEANS

Photo Editor

Quiera Bentley Exercise Science major Senior

News

Operation Christmas Child began in 1993, with the mission to provide God’s love in a triangle way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The event is founded by Samaritan’s Purse. Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through his son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. They take up and collect gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23, to fill shoeboxes with gifts such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items and give them to children across the globe. In their early beginnings in 1993, they received enough gifts from local volunteers, as well as Canada, and were able to send 28,000 shoebox gifts to children. Since then the number of shoebox gifts they were able to send out has risen

from 100 million in 2012 to 178 plus million to the present day. “Every box is an opportunity to reach a child with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, said. Tens of thousands of local church officials across the globe lead the volunteer efforts, reaching out into the surrounding communities to find partnerships with individuals, as well as organizations to lend a hand towards their generous efforts. Two of the partnering organizations are Tech’s Service Learning and Nursing Departments. The service learning departments third consecutive year assisting Samaritans with this event and the nursing department has also been contributing to the cause for many years. This year both departments decided to join forces and give one mass collective effort to ensure they give the children the best possible shoebox gifts. They have already begun collecting gift items to fill the shoeboxes with. There are collection boxes placed in the Roaden University Center (RUC) on the first floor and at the Tech food pantry. These locations are set up through the entire month of October to Nov. 17 th once National Collection Week begins. Also on Nov. 17

there will be a drive-thru drop off event at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the RUC for anyone in the surrounding area wanting to contribute items to volunteer’s who will be set up outside. Volunteers will retrieve their donations as well as sign-off on volunteer hours if needed. The departments will be hosting a packing party on the quad from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 19 where all donations will be placed into shoeboxes by all willing participants and volunteers. Volunteers are also welcome to sponsor shipment boxes for $9. Samaritan purse is making adjustments to help protect the health of those involved in shoebox collection and processing during the Operation Christmas Child festivities. Adjustments include the standard temp checks, mask requirements at drop-off locations, hand sanitizing stations set up in facilities and social distancing guidelines. Also, all items are asked to be placed into clear plastic bags so the distribution process may run more efficiently. In the distribution process volunteers will fish through hall donations and ensure there are no prohibited items. Anyone looking to contribute may find gift item suggestions and guidelines at samaritanspurse.org.

SOLO brings the Q & A to your screen LANE MOCHOW

Reporter

Through the rest of November, SOLO will be hosting four virtual Question and Answer events with famous cast members of Saturday Night Live and Netflix. Coordinator of Student Activities and Campus Life, Jerry Keeton, gives the inside scoop on how he got these well known comedians to speak to the Tennessee Tech community. “We have a contract with a booking agency… students make suggestions, and later SGA votes on them,” explained Keeton. He sends off the top four suggestions and sees what Tech can afford. He goes down the list from first to fourth choice, checking prices and the artist’s ability to schedule the date assigned.

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He said the most popular suggestion was Taylor Swift, but not only is she far beyond Tech’s price range, she does not do concerts at universities. Keeton begins coordinating the next year the day after the current year’s event,“We are locked in a year in advance,” said Keeton. The virtual Q&A’s have been very popular among the student body, with over 200 students signed in to the Brian Baumgartner event, famous for playing Kevin Malone in the American version of The Office. Keeton encouraged students to submit questions for the occasion on Tech’s Student Activities page. For more information on the upcoming virtual SOLO Q&A’s, check out www. tntech.edu/studentactivities/solo.php

The Oracle

graphic by Emma Kenner

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Oracle Staff Co-Managing Editor........................ Emma Kenner Co-Managing Editor......................Kitty Porterfield Social Media Editor ............................ Morgan Lee Assitant Social Media Editor ........... Lane Mochow Online Editor ................................ Brooklyn Driver Copy Editor....................................... Irene Sullivan Assistant Copy Editor....................... Lauren Finley Sports Editor.......................................... Seth Jones Photographer.................................... Emily Hidgon Photography Editor ........................ Laura Navarro Faculty Adviser .................................. Teddy Burch News content and photographs for The Oracle are provided by the JOUR 2220, JOUR 3370, JOUR 4820 and JOUR 4930 classes.

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News

Nov. 3, 2020

Page 3

Ralph’s vs Big O’s donut debate decided

Photo by Emily Hidgon

Ralph’s Donuts has been a staple in Cookeville since 1962. This building has had many Tech students walk through it’s doors over the years.

LAUREN FINLEY Copy-Co-editor Cookeville is known for its college town charm, full of local businesses. Two locally-owned donut shops call Cookeville home, and the question must be asked: which donut shop is better, Ralph’s or Big O Donuts? When asked this question, there is a clear divide among Tech students. Some are strong supporters of Ralph’s, while others are die-hard Big O’s fans. The University Christian Student Center was given a poll, asking which donut shop was

best. Out of the 82 individuals who responded, 59 were in favor of Ralph’s. “Ralph’s doughnuts are [more fresh] than Big O’s and the doughnut shop environment at Ralph’s is… friendlier and inviting,” Emma Gunnells, a student at the UCSC, stated. “Ralph’s is my place,” said sophomore Ali Grant, who shared Gunnells’ opinion. “Ralph’s donuts have always been higher quality, but I used to be team Big O’s.” After surveying other individuals, this seems to be a common

opinion. Many students loved that Big O Donuts was closer to campus, and that it was open 24 hours. However, Big O’s has since moved to be a mile and a half away from campus, and their hours are more strict: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., closed on Wednesdays. Their prices are ideal, though: $1.09 for one donut. Ralph’s Donut Shop, though, is only one mile from campus, and has not changed location since it opened in 1962. It is open from 5 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., and their prices are almost identical to Big O’s’: $1.10 for a single donut, and $10.50 for a dozen. Additionally, students found the environment at Ralph’s charming. Owner John MacDonald described Ralph’s atmosphere as, “cheerful, busy, [with an] upbeat attitude.” He suggested this environment is beneficial to more than just the customers. “The whole atmosphere… affects how the donuts taste.” The visual aspects of Ralph’s contribute to the atmosphere . The sliding door donut cases appear to be original to the shop, and the paintings on the outside of the shop mimic a 1960’s style. When asked if the coronavi-

rus has affected business, MacDonald answered, “Yes, for a time it did.” He said that during the worst of the epidemic, the store’s drive through was, “absolutely helpful.” Ralph’s is back to operating normally. Big O Donuts declined an interview, but freshman Caleb Sowards recently visited the establishment, and offered his opinion. He described the environment as, “not welcoming.” He elaborated, saying that Big O’s felt, “more business oriented, and less personal. They were more focused on the profit than the customer.” Tom Bonning, owner of Big O Donuts, told 94.1, the Upper Cumberland News Talk radio station that the business was forced to move after the building had been bought out. “The building got sold without being offered to us,” he said. Bonning later commented that the COVID-19 epidemic and moving their business was challenging to recover from. Big O’s has had a rough go of things, just like the rest of us this year. Ralph’s Donuts, however, has continued to produce a friendly atmosphere, and showstopping donuts according to the students polled.

said. The CCD is a tool for students to use. “The tools that the career center can give you will help make you the candidate that stands out and gets chosen when you start applying for jobs,” Coats said. One tool the CCD has is called Handshake. “I like to describe Handshake as a LinkedIn for college students exclusively. It’s a job board full of employers that are looking especially for our students,” Coats said. Brown described it as a mix between LinkedIn and Indeed. He said you have your profile on it like LinkedIn, but you also can apply for jobs or internships that are entry-level and tailored to college students. Both Brown and Coats said there were so many students who had been helped by the CCD. Brown even mentioned people coming up on a later date and thanking him. So how are students able to get

Analeigh Coats helps prepare students for the interviewing process.

Center for career development offers help for the future KAYLEE SELBY Reporter

The Center for Career Development hosts weekly Career Workshops in the RUC Multipurpose room every Tuesday and Thursday during dead hour. Students can come to get their resume reviewed, learn how to set up their resume, do well in an interview or land that first-time position or internship. Analeigh Coats, a senior business administration: HR management major, and Zach Brown, senior biochemistry and cellular molecular biology major, are both Career Ambassadors for the CCD. Career Ambassadors are the students who help do resume reviews, interview skills and other jobs the CCD needs them to do to help prepare students. Coats said she does all of those things plus job fairs and social media for the office. “The Center for Career Development is a resource for students to prepare them for life after graduation and give them

Zach Brown prepares students for the next steps in the job hunting process.

the tools they need to succeed in the workplace,” Coats said. Brown went more in-depth about the CCD defining it as a “one-stop-shop for students to possibly find their next employment or internship.” Brown talked about how even if students have a resume, it is still a good idea to be involved with the CCD. “Even if someone comes in with a great resume…it’s just giving them that confidence,” Brown

involved? “I would suggest starting by making an appointment for a resume review; it will get you in the office and expose you to our resources,” Coats said. “They can always come up to our office, RUC 338, on the top floor, second door on the left… if they have no interest in that or they aren’t on campus, they can go to our website tntech.edu/career,” Brown said.

Women’s continued Barrett continued Mary Walker, Ruth Bader Ginsburg paved the way for women and achieved many prominent positions. . . She worked to change our nation’s laws, many of which disadvantage, and in some instances, disqualify, women from holding an equal place in society. She has had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on where we go from here,” said Cook. Cook also had a final message to female students at Tech who may be going through a rough time because of their gender,

and in trying to succeed in life as a woman in the workforce. “I would tell her that she has many women in her corner fighting with her. There will be many times throughout her life in which she will experience varying degrees of oppression, but that through each of these experiences, she has others to lean on. By helping one another and being a support to one another, we can provide the joint strength we need to continue our efforts,” Cook concluded.

of the White House. Barrett took the constitutional oath, like every other federal employee, except the president. The constitutional oath is, “I, _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States

against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am

about to enter. So help me God.” Barrett begins her time on the Supreme Court with historic cases dealing with the 2020 election. The way she votes on issues such as counting absentee ballots received after Nov. 3 could change the outcome of the election.

Follow The Oracle on Tuesday night, November 3rd for live election coverage. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and our website will all be providing live election results beginning at 7:00 p.m. Twitter:

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Page 4

Nov. 3, 2020

Seth Speaks Volumes NFL Star gives $1 million to a Nashville School SETH JONES

Sports Editor Jalen Ramsey, a star cornerback in the National Football League, has donated $1 million dollars to Purpose Preparatory Academy in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. This helps shine a positive light during a negative year. Jalen Ramsey has been playing in the NFL since being picked in the 1st round of the draft at #5 in 2016. He was a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars until 2019 when he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. Since then, he has shined as an impactful player on the LA Rams team. He decided to donate $1 million dollars to his local school for, according to newsbreak. com, “underprivileged children” and to ‘help level the playing field’ as Ramsey put it. It is a charter school with around 400 students ranging from Kindergarten to fourth grade.

He has already given them the money contribution for this school year. The student population of this school is “98% black with more than 75% of its students eligible for free and reduced-price lunches” according to espn.com. He wanted to give this money in order to help these students have the materials needed to learn effectively. The fact that he decided to take the time and effort to help the place that had established him as a player and person will leave an amazing impact on his community. He wanted to give something back. As a sports professional, everyone learns to work together to reach a goal. He was able to reach that goal by helping his own community with his charitable efforts. It gives his image a positive look because of how stereotypical NFL players are usually seen. Most people associate NFL players

Seth Jones gives his opinion in every issue of The Oracle

with being selfish and only about themselves, but now we can see that this is not the case for Ramsey. It was kind and considerate for him to make sure the place that helped raise him can continue to raise many people to come.

Things will get hairy for No-Shave November BROOKLYN DRIVER

Online Editor

No-Shave November is an annual trend in the United States. Despite being a popular hashtag and challenge online, many people have no idea where the trend originates from. No-Shave November is a month-long practice where the participant is not allowed to do any kind of shaving or grooming for the entire month of November, according to NoShaveNovember.Org. The participant then uses the expenses they would normally put towards monthly maintenance and donate it towards cancer research, treatments and recovery. The concept of No-Shave November is to embrace hair growth, hair which many cancer patients lose during their treatments. By foregoing any shaving the participants help

to celebrate and honor those fighting battles with cancer. If you are uncomfortable with growing your hair out for a month, do not worry. The No-Shave November organization encourages everyone to participate anyway. Other ways you can help is to support your friends, create your own leaderboard or make a donation to the cancer organization of your choice. By sharing posts on social media with #NoShaveNovember during the month long challenge you can raise awareness and encourage others to participate in the challenge as well. For more information, visit NoShaveNovember.Org to shop apparel, register to participate in the official leaderboards for the month or to make a donation.

Election continued

President Trump and Presidental Nominee Joe Biden exchange opinions. Photo provided by Getty Images.

of the election, which is why gaining the support of undecided voters was important and a crucial element going into last week’s debate. Matthew Nicholson, a Cookeville resident who is studying at Belmont, had the opportunity to work the help desk in the Media tent during the last presidential debate helping journalists with tech and general organization. This allowed him to have a front row seat to the media covering the debate, which he felt was the next best thing to being in the debate hall itself. In regards to his perspective as a first-time voter in a presidential election, Nicholson agreed that the needed information for those who were still unsure was provided. “Any undecideds should have more than enough informational backing to pick one candidate or the other. The beauty of democracy is that we are able to make our own choices on who becomes our leaders,” Nicholson said. This key message is one that continues to be repeated when speaking of the importance of voting in this election by both young and more mature voters. Bailey expressed his thoughts

about the difference in the last presidential debate compared to the first one. “One thing that stood out to me about this Presidential debate was that both men showed each other more respect on stage than the first debate...It’s important leaders lead by their examples, and I hope the actions of the final debate set a good example for our younger generation,” Bailey said. It was this behavior that was under the spotlight as a result of the previous debates where many Americans found themselves even more uncertain as to who would be the better candidate to lead our country. Both politicians and other Americans have a lot at stake when it comes to the outcome of any election. This one is no different. Each voice has the opportunity to be heard regardless of occupation, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, gender or race. That is democracy. As the 2020 presidential election comes to an end, our nation will move forward as Americans united by the same dream of living in a country where we can enjoy our freedoms, rights and the pursuit of happiness.

graphic by Emma Kenner