Issue 18, Volume 117-- February 23, 2022

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS’ STUDENT NEWSPAPER

SINGLE COPY PAID FOR BY STUDENT PUBLICATION

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 23, 2022 Volume 117 — Issue 18

ucanews.live CONWAY

Track meet: Bears set five personal records at Arkansas Qualifier.

New release: RY X bares his soul in newest single ‘Let You Go’

Valentalk: Black love highlighted at Valentine’s Day Event.

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Sports:

Entertainment:

Campus Life :

TODAY’S FORECAST

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Room and board rates to increase by 4.48%

Rainy

38/31

By Mia Waddell News Editor

THE NEWSDESK

UCA’s Board of Trustees voted to increase room and board rates, raising the price of tuition and I N T E R N AT I O N A L fees for on-campus students by $354.

Russia and Ukraine “We feel like we’re being tensions escalate conservative,” Diane The Kremlin, the executive Newton, vice president branch of the Russian of finance and government, declared administration, said. massive nuclear drills on “But we know we have Friday, Feb. 18. President to have funds to keep Vladimir Putin pledged to the facilities up.”

Room and board, protect Russia’s national interests against encroaching based on a doubleoccupancy room with Western threats. U.S. and a total access meal plan European leaders grasped are $7,896 per year. for ways to keep the peace The increase will raise and Europe’s post-Cold War rates to $8250 per security order. This week’s year, a 4.48% increase. actions have fed concerns The Arkansas of of East-West tensions and Department Education fueled war worries. U.S. and Higher European officials warn the recommends a 4.00% conflict in eastern Ukraine increase in room rates, and a 5.00% increase could provide the spark for a in the total access meal border attack. plan, placing UCA’s increase on par with ADHE guidance.

N AT I O N A L All universities report their room Daunte Wright killer and board rates for sentenced to 2 years a double-occupancy room with a total Kim Potter, the former access meal plan as the

FROM THE ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Graphic courtesy of Diane Newton

UCA’s board of trustees approved a 4.48% increase in room and board. UCA’s current room and board rates sit at $7896 for a double occupancy rate with a total access meal plan.

baseline for their fees.

“With that change, we stay in the same place,” Newton said, comparing UCA’s room rates to other universities.

“We always tend to stay right in the middle, which is a good place to be.”

“It’s always a troubling thing, it costs more for the students, it costs more for the parents, but it’s the cost of doing business,” Terry Fiddler, chair of the board, said.

Mya Hall,

suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she confused her handgun for her taser when she fatally shot Daunte Wright, was sentenced Friday, Feb.18, to two years in prison. Wright’s family denounced the sentence as too lenient and accused the judge of giving more consideration to the officer than the victim. Potter was convicted in December of first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 killing of Wright.

president of UCA’s student government association, voiced support for the increase. “The student body recognizes the benefits of the increases and thanks to the university for continuing to make our housing and residence life great,” Hall said.

The board approved six campus projects, with a total cost of $2.9 million.

All projects have an estimated completion date of August 2022.

Lighting will be replaced in Torreyson

Library, which is estimated to save the university $80,000 annually in electricity and labor costs.

ESPN fiber will be extended from the Farris Center control room to the softball and soccer fields to broadcast games.

A dish machine in the cafeteria will be replaced.

Classrooms 100, 101, and 102 in the Lewis Science Center and rooms 102 and 104 in Manion hall will receive new seating. Funding for

ELECTIONS

See Increasepage 2

Sydney Cyr

Entertainment Editor

Average daily COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations photo by Ashlyn Little are continuing to fall in the Freshman Denasia Hardin registers to vote at the booth hosted inside Torreyson Library. The booth was put on by Vote U.S. this month, an indicator Everywhere and Indivisible Little Rock and Central Arkansas. that the omicron variant’s hold is weakening across the country. Total confirmed cases reported Saturday barely exceeded 100,000, a sharp downturn from around 800,500 five weeks ago on Jan. 16, according to Johns by Ashlyn Little Graybeal said. tables on campus, as well Staff Writer The goal of Vote as her involvement in a Hopkins University data.

UCA Vote Everywhere hosts voter registration booth inside Torreyson

S TAT E

UCA Vote Everywhere joined Indivisible Little Rock and Central Arkansas to host a voter registration table in the Torreyson Library, encouraging students to register to vote or check their registration status on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

“Vote Everywhere is a nonpartisan student organization supported by the Andrew Goodman Foundation, with chapters at higher education institutions throughout the U.S.,” Lesley Graybeal, director of service-learning and volunteerism and Campus Champion of Vote Everywhere said.

“UCA has had a Vote Everywhere program since 2018. It’s led by two student ambassadors, who are currently Emma Davis and Vivian Norris,”

Redistricting case to be thrown out

U.S. district judge, Lee Rudofsky, said Thursday, Feb. 18, that he’s dismissing a lawsuit challenging Arkansas’ state House districts as diluting the influence of Black voters, unless the Justice Department joins the case as a plaintiff. In a 42-page decision, Rudofsky said he can’t rule on the merits of the case. The Justice Department declined to comment on the ruling. The ruling comes days before candidates can begin filing for legislative and state offices in Arkansas.

Index:

Everywhere is to get college students more involved and realize the importance of voting, junior Vote Everywhere ambassador Vivian Norris said.

Vote Everywhere hosts voter registration drives about once every month, but engagement has seen a slight decrease due to the pandemic.

“The turnout for voter registration has gone down since COVID-19, but there is definitely still some engagement with people either registering for the first time or just changing their address.

I definitely think it’s effective even if people aren’t coming up to the table. I think it’s just a good reminder that voting is important,” Norris said.

The convenience of voter registration

class project centered on the importance of voting, is what drew freshman Denasia Hardin into registering to vote on Tuesday.

“In upcoming elections, our votes really count, so why not sign up?

It’s convenient. I don’t think a lot of students register to vote, so I think it’s good that they are here stressing the importance of voting,” Hardin said.

Indivisible LRCA is a nonpartisan organization that reached out to help Vote Everywhere achieve its goals of institutionalizing voter registration and engagement on campus by supporting its on-campus registration drives this semester.

Indivisible

See Elections page 2

UCA’s Counseling Center has recently seen an increased volume of appointments and needs additional staff, space and funds.

Every year, the Counseling Center faces a greater demand for services and an increase in appointments. But, around five years ago, the demand increase from the previous year was a significantly large jump.

“Each year since then, we’ve continued seeing a significant increase,” Jim Guinee, the Counseling Center training director, said.

The increased volume of appointments has caused an increased wait time before students can get in to see a counselor.

The earlier in the semester, the shorter the wait times are, but as the semester continues, the counselors’ schedules fill up, and new clients may have to wait a few weeks before they go to their first appointment.

“We can only schedule so many people each week, even when we take on more appointments than we are supposed to. I’m worried the increase in student appointments is going to keep climbing to the point where we are not only overwhelmed but overrun,” Guinee said.

The Counseling Center is doing different things to try to see students in a timely manner, including offering group counseling, referring students to an outside provider and more.

The center has also seen an increase in the seriousness of challenges that students seek counseling services for.

“This increase is not only here but everywhere, including private practice.

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6 Opinion 7 Entertainment 5, 8 Sports

Photo courtesy of Phi Sigma Kappa

Joseph Whittington, a sophomore at UCA died on Friday, Feb. 18. Whittington was a physics major and a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.

“We are saddened by the loss of our beloved brother Joseph,” Phi Sigma Kappa said in a statement. “No words can be said that could do him justice on how special of a man, brother and friend he was to all of us.”

Whittington graduated from Genoa Central School in 2020, where he played percussion in the band and was part of the cross-country team.

UCA’s counseling center will hold a group discussion on grief at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 in Student Health Center 307. Contact Susan

See Memorial- page 2

The stress of the pandemic and the uncertainty may be a contributing factor,” staff counselor Reesa Ramsahai said.

The Counseling Center doesn’t have enough resources for its needs.

One of these needs is additional staff.

“We have been understaffed most of the time I have been at UCA, which goes back to 1994. We haven’t had increases in staff proportional to the increase in student body and students seeking counseling,” Guinee said.

The Counseling Center was able to add one full-time position in 2019.

The center also added one full-time and one part-time position in 2021.

“Our increased volume would benefit from having the part-time position bumped up to a full-time one, but that needs to be balanced with budgetary constraints university-wide due to the decrease in overall enrollment that’s projected for the next few years,” Susan Sobel, the Counseling Center director, said.

The center also needs additional space.

“Our main center, while a wonderful space to be in, was not designed to grow easily and accommodate new staff.

However, the Psychology Department has allowed us use of their space in the clinic on Dave Ward, which has definitely helped,” Sobel said.

In addition to the center’s need for more staff and space, the center could also benefit from an increase in funds.

“The salaries for Counseling Center therapists are far below market value.

No matter how great your

See Resources page 2

Inside:

Contact Us: 2

UCA mourns student death

Counseling Center in need; understaffed, overwhelmed

U.S. COVID-19 cases continue to decline

4 Police Beat 4 People of UCA 4 Students Say

this project is from the leftover Lewis Annex construction funds.

The drainage system on UCA’s baseball field will be replaced and repaired.

Windows will be replaced with more efficient models in Arkansas, Conway and Hughes Halls.

“We have anticipated savings on that,” Newton said of the window project.

“We think it will be a six to seven-year payback.”

P r e s i d e n t Houston Davis provided an update on masking and the university’s response to COVID-19.

“We are indeed moving from something that was a public health crisis to something that has taken on more of the markers of personal health responsibility,” Davis said. “What does it mean to use a system that was built to address an aggressive Delta strain that doesn’t seem to necessarily

MEMORIAL

RESOURCES

by

In New York, the number of cases went down by more than 50% over the last two weeks.

page8

Opinion :

E-mail: ucaechoeditor@gmail.com @ucaecho The Echo ucaecho © 2022 The Echo, Printed by The Courier, Russellville, Arkansas.

The commercialization of Black History Month is harmful.

see page 6

2/February 23, 2022

NEWS

Police Beat

Memorial:

The following information is compiled from UCAPD incident reports

by Assistant News Editor Kathryn Thornberry

Student urinating on Simms Street

On Friday, Feb. 18, Officer Boyd arrested UCA student Jase Wicker for public intoxication, minor in possession of alcohol and disorderly conduct.

Boyd saw Wicker standing on Simms Street between a parked car urinating.

Boyd made contact with Wicker, and noticed that he was stumbling. Boyd smelled a strong odor of alcohol coming from Wicker. Wicker gave Boyd his license, which showed he was only 18 years old.

Boyd asked Wicker why he was urinating on the street.

Wicker said he just needed to use the bathroom before he got into his friend’s car to go home. Wicker said he came from the Sigma Tau Gamma house.

Employee backs into student car

Officer Hargus responded to a parking lot accident that happened west of State Hall on Friday, Feb. 18. The caller was physical plant worker Robbie Heffington. He said he was parked near the brick wall west of State Hall to go inside and check the boilers in the mechanical room around 5:15 a.m.

Heffington got back into the physical plant vehicle and drove backwards through the parking lot.

UCA student Gracie Spears backed up from her parking spot at the same time, causing the two vehicles to collide. Spears said she honked her horn, Heffington didn’t realize and backed into her. There was minimal damage.

ucanews.live

Tumble in HPER leaves head injury

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, Officer William was called to the HPER Center because UCA student Kayla Hughes’ head started bleeding after she fell from a machine. William said when he arrived Hughes was alert and oriented to name, date, time and place.

Hughes said she was not unconscious after she fell.

Hughes said she was using bands to workout, and one of them was not secured to the machine, causing her to fall backward. Hughes hit her head on an object that was behind her, but she didn’t know what the object was. Hughes’ head was wrapped with kerlix, and the bleeding was controlled with cloth. The wound was an inch long.

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Sobel at ssobel@uca.edu for additional information.

“We continue to live under trying circumstances and the loss of a classmate, friend and student may also trigger grief from additional losses experienced due to the pandemic,” Robin Williams,

Whittington remembered by campus.

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vice president for student affairs, said in a campus-wide email.

In a statement from President Houston Davis, support was offered to campus members who may be struggling.

“We know the death of a student affects the entire

campus community. No words can erase the pain of losing a member of our [UCA] family,” Davis said.

“If you or someone you know needs assistance, please reach out at (501) 450-3138 or online at https://uca.edu/ counseling.”

RESOURCES

Correction on Police Beat, Issue 17, page 2: Lauraine Fosburgh was not charged with a DWI. The sobriety test led to a citation for minor in possession.

Graphic courtesy of Charlotte Strickland

Director of Professional Development Charlotte Strickland shared a presentation on how to have difficult conversations. Strickland told attendees that avoidance of these conversations only makes matters worse.

Difficult conversations focus of training, Bear in Mind series aims for development

By Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor

Photo by Mia Waddell

President Houston Davis speaks at the first Board of Trustees meeting of 2022. The board approved a resolution of appreciation for board member Kay Hinkle, who served as chair 2021.

Increase:

Board raises room and board.

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hold the characteristics of the Omicron strain?”

“We do expect to provide some changes to our masking requirements.

We expect that will happen in pretty short order,” Davis said.

Michael Stanton was introduced as the newest member of the Board of Trustees.

Stanton was a member of the ADHE coordinating board and previously served on UCA’s Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2009.

Members of the board are appointed by the governor and approved by the Arkansas Senate. They

serve seven-year terms.

Two students were awarded the Bear CLAWS award, an acronym that stands for celebrating the lofty achievements of our wonderful students.

Senior Hannah Bender, a studio arts major and president of the UCA Feminist Union was recognized.

Senior Marvin Russell, a computer information systems major, and mentor in UCA’s minority mentorship program was also recognized.

The board approved a resolution of appreciation for board member Kay Hinkle for her work as chair of the board

Elections: 4 Continued from page

LRCA strives to educate and activate voters in Arkansas.

“Arkansas is one of eleven states where you can’t register to vote online, which holds a lot of people back from registering,” Kat Beattie, lead for the Indivisible LRCA voter registration team said.

According to the Pew Research Center, eligible voter turnout increased in every state during the 2020 presidential election; however, Arkansas had the second-lowest eligible voter turnout, preceding Oklahoma by 1.1%. This statistic is one that Indivisible LRCA is hoping to change, Beattie said.

The deadline to

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Voter registration booth for students.

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photo by Ashlyn Little

Freshman Chandler Saul registers to vote. The booth encouraged students to check their voter registration status.

register to vote in the May primary election is April 25, Graybeal said.

“There’s also a voter information tile in MyUCA where any student

Resources: 4 Continued from page

group, if you double their workload while keeping budget and salary increases flat, you risk losing these people. To be fair, just about every workplace has the same three problems: they need more money, they need more positions, and they need more space. So, I realize we are far from alone in our struggles,” Guinee said.

in 2021.

Larry Lawrence, associate VP for facilities, was honored for his work.

Davis announced Lawrence’s retirement, effective at the end of Feb. 2022.

The board approved expense reimbursement for each board member for performing their official duties. This is approved at the first meeting of each year.

A contract with Evisision LLC for existing campus software was renewed.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be on May 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. in Wingo Hall.

can go to check their voter registration status, and any student is welcome to contact me directly if they are interested in registering to vote or have questions about where and how to vote,” Graybeal said.

Vote Everywhere will host another voter registration drive on Tuesday, March 15 in the Student Center.

For more information on registration status, upcoming elections and how to prepare to vote, visit uca.edu/go/election.

Students can also follow @uca_bearsattheballot on Instagram for more information and updates on registration drives, and receive text reminders by texting “ucavotes” to 56525.

Director of Professional Development and Training Charlotte Strickland led a discussion on how to have difficult conversations with people in the workplace, Friday, Feb. 18.

“We’re constantly learning how to be better when it comes to having conversations with individuals,” Strickland said.

Strickland started the discussion by talking about the reality of having difficult conversations at work.

She said every workplace has difficult people, which can lead to problems that may need to be addressed through a conversation.

The reality is everyone is stressed or nervous when addressing these concerns, and it can be a challenging time.

Flight and fight instincts are usually the most typical response to having these conversations. People either avoid the talk altogether and let their feelings fester or go into it fighting, Strickland said.

One student expressed how the most difficult conversations are those where the other person is not likely to be receptive to what is being said.

Strickland agreed that it is difficult when the other person is not willing to listen, but sometimes it is necessary to avoid tension.

“I can’t enter a difficult conversation based on my assumptions of what they’re going to say or do. All I have

to do is be true to myself and know that when I finish that conversation to the best of my ability, I’ve been professional,” Strickland said.

It’s all about mindset too.

Strickland said to not go into a conversation thinking the worst about someone; but to instead approach it with kindness. She said to think about how the conversation will change a workplace environment for the better.

Strickland said, “There’s nothing wrong with being direct or specific, but it’s about what you say and how you say it.”

There are three steps to take before having a difficult conversation; identify the issue, identify your mental state and identify the game plan. In the heat of the moment, people can say things they don’t mean Instead of going in guns blazing, Strickland suggested taking a step back, cooling off and writing down exactly what to say. Then, once in the right head-space, it will be easier to have that conversation.

Following up on the conversation doesn’t mean a month later; try to do it within 48 hours. Strickland also said, “don’t save stamps,” meaning do not approach someone with a list of grievances, address things as they happen.

Also, use ‘I’ statements such as I think and I feel.

Starting a conversation with all the wrong things that someone has done could feel like an attack, Strickland explained.

Fiscal support analyst

J.W. Calvery said, ”I hadn’t really thought too much about the mindset going into a difficult conversation before. What I tend to do, if I don’t make myself do better, is avoid something until I’m upset enough.”

While having a difficult conversation, Strickland said it’s important to be an active listener. A clip of Sheldon and Amy from The Big Bang Theory was played as a demonstration of active listening.

Active listening leads to better comprehension between both parties, Strickland said.

Strickland went through a series of examples featuring different coworker problems and attitudes. She provided a sentence formula for approaching these difficult conversations.

Another good practice, Strickland said, was to email the person afterward so there’s documentation. If the behavior continues, the first step has already been taken. The second step may have to be a visit to human resources.

Ending the discussion with a quick recap, Strickland said, “To the best of your ability, prepare, go in there, have your I statements and think the best of the situation.”

She told attendees to be realistic and prepared if the other person is defensive. She also shared a tip that her supervisor once told her. “Go to the balcony, get above it … to put those issues into perspective,” Strickland said.

Counseling center needs more.

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Additionally, if students do not keep their counseling appointments, the counseling center cannot meet students’ needs as efficiently.

“Many times, we get a student in, and they miss their appointment. This puts them out of rotation and getting back in can take longer. We have had an increase in no-shows. This

is unfortunate because we can put someone in that spot if they let us know ahead of time,” Ramsahai said.

The Counseling Center typically has someone oncall throughout the day to see students who are dealing with emergencies.

Students can make an appointment with the Counseling Center at uca. edu/counseling.

Graphic by Mia Waddell

Campus Life

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February 23, 2022

Around Campus:

Why Graduate School?

From 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Office of Diversity and Community and BearX will host an event online where Latinx graduate students will talk to undergraduate students about their decision to attend graduate school. The link to the event can be found on CubConnect.

Comedian: Chinedu Unaka From 7:00-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 23, the Student Activities Board will host comedian Chinedu Unaka for a performance in the Student Center Ballroom.

Unaka was named the 2020 Comic to Watch by TimeOut LA.

First Spring Informational From 7:13-8:13 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. will host an informational in Student Center room 213 where students interested in joining the sorority can meet members and ask questions.

Teachers Fair From 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, Career Services and Cooperative Education and BearX will host a teachers fair in the Student Center Ballroom where those interested should bring resumes.

Photo by Courtney Shepherd

Students view the “I Am Psyched!” exhibit, a touring pop-up exhibit that focuses on women of color’s contributions to the field of psychology. The exhibit was located in Mashburn Hall, opening on Feb. 14 and closing on Feb. 18.

Women of color celebrated in ‘I Am Psyched!’ exhibit by

Courtney Shepherd

Staff Writer

While touring the nation, the “I Am Psyched!” multimedia popup exhibit stopped by the UCA campus to highlight women of color in the field of psychology.

The exhibit, which was available to the public from Feb. 14-18 in Mashburn Hall, was hosted by the department of psychology and counseling but was a collaborative effort, according to professor and department chair, Art Gillaspy.

“The idea to bring ‘I Am Psyched!’ to UCA began in December,” Gillaspy said. After speaking with faculty at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and the Central Arkansas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gillaspy consulted the UCA Diversity Committee about the idea.

“We wanted to bring ‘I Am Psyched!’ to Arkansas.

Having the exhibit at all three institutions gave us the opportunity to share it with more Arkansans,” Gillaspy said.

According to the American Psychological Association, “I am Psyched!” is “a multimedia initiative that explores the history and contemporary contributions of women of color in psychology as they engage in psychological science, practice and social justice.”

The exhibit featured photos and biographies of notable women of color and their contributions to psychology, as well as interactive QR codes for videos related to the content.

“Historically, psychology as a profession has been dominated by white men,” Gillaspy said. “Most of our theories and research

come from a very white, European perspective. ‘I am Psyched!’ highlights some of this history, but more importantly, it features the contributions of women of color. Hopefully, students can see themselves in the leaders featured in the exhibit and be inspired to perhaps pursue their own career in psychology.”

For Darshon Reed, associate professor in the department of psychology and counseling, her desire for her students to encounter the exhibit stems from her own experience as a Black woman in the field of psychology.

“In my entire undergraduate training career, I only interfaced with one person of color,” Reed said. “If I would have had those faces and those people who could have been part of my journey, I would have felt like I belonged in the field.”

“Representation matters,” Reed said. “It really affirms who you are, and it helps people to know that different doesn’t always mean bad. You should interpret ‘different’ as something that is unique and allows us to see the world in a different way,” she said.

Reed, being the first and only Black faculty member in the department of psychology and counseling at UCA, is hopeful when looking to the future.

“I’m absolutely wanting to get rid of that title so that I can say I have other people who can help students to see representation,” Reed said.

She believes the department is taking steps in the right direction.

Freshman Raven Deloch viewed the exhibit after hearing about it in her general psychology class.

As a psychology major,

Deloch was inspired by the exhibit and the possibilities it displayed in terms of her future.

“I am a woman of color, so it’s pretty important to me,” she said. “It’s something I want to do with my life.”

A notable figure showcased was Mamie Phipps Clark, an African American psychologist whose research was “instrumental in the Brown vs. Board of Education decision,” Gillaspy said.

“Dr. Clark was born in Hot Springs.

I wonder how many more Dr. Clarks we have right here at UCA, just waiting to do important psychological research or clinical practice?”

“Could be some of the students who toured the exhibit this week,” Gillaspy said. “That’s exciting to think about.”

POETRY

Talent Night: Master the Mic From 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, Students For the Propagation of Black Culture will host a talent night in Ida Waldran Auditorium where students can enjoy an evening of performance and learn about Black-Owned businesses in Conway.

Spring Career Fair From 1:30 -2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, the UCA Pre-Law Society will be hosting a general interest meeting in Irby room 211 where students who are interested in pre-law can meet other pre-law students and discuss resources.

Unity Choir Concert From 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24, the Music Department will host a Unity Choir Concert in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall.

SURF Panel From 1:40 - 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship alumni will participate in a panel hosted by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Photo by Madison Ogle

Glenn Norris recites his poem to the audience of the Ronnie Williams Student Center Ballroom during “Can We Valentalk?,” hosted on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The event was put together by the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture as part of their lineup of Black History Month events for the duration of February.

‘Can We Valentalk?’ features poems on Black love by students

by Madison ogle

Campus Life Editor & Cartoonist

Students for the Propagation of Black Culture celebrated Valentine’s Day with food, formal attire and poems about black love on Feb. 18.

Students stuck to a dress code of black and red for the night’s activities, gathering in the Ronnie William’s Student Center Ballroom. The floor was open for anyone to perform and senior Patoreus Lewis, the host for the evening, encouraged those in the audience to snap when they heard portions of any performances that they

particularly liked.

Deciding on a poetry event to celebrate Valentine’s Day was something that Lewis said was an easy choice, given poetry’s connection to the idea of romance.

“Poetry is associated with love and there are a lot of poems that are centered around the idea of love,” Lewis said. “We just wanted to have this during the month of February to best represent love.”

Lewis performed a poem of her own during the event titled “Church Sex.” The poem discussed the relationship between remaining abstinent while also facing pressure to be

physically intimate with a partner.

“Growing up in this Christian lifestyle, the instruction to wait till marriage has always made its home in my ears,” Lewis said. “[...] As someone who has never swiped my visa, I am constantly approached with jaw drop and amazement, lip flapping words such as ‘that’s nice’ or ‘trust me, save it while you can.’”

Lewis said that while purity is a beautiful thing, the lifestyle that comes with it is not always the same.

“When you’re a person like me, you don’t know who to trust,” Lewis said.

“You don’t know who

actually loves you for you.”

Prior to Lewis’ poem, student Glenn Norris performed a poem of his own that focused on black love and appreciating companions.

“The inspiration for the poem is me just really digging deep to my past and conjuring up those feelings [from then],” Norris said. “I just put it on paper. [It was] me expressing the love that I still have for them to this day.”

In his poem, Norris spoke directly to the woman he admired, saying “I remember the first day I saw you. My heart dropped.”

Norris described the woman as being a golden

rose surrounded by a bush of thorns and having beautiful, black skin.

“We’re black and we’re beautiful. That’s what our parents told us from birth, before we knew the terrors of the world,” Norris said. “[...] Let me transform you into something astonishing, something worth holding on for. Be my rose, be my turtle dove, that’s all I ask.”

The SPBC hosted “Live Museum: Remembering the Legacy” on Feb. 22, and will have the month’s final event on Feb. 25.

This will be a talent night called “Master the Mic” and will take place in the Ida Waldran Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.

4/ February 23, 2022

CAMPUS LIFE

Students tackle relationship queries

by Olivia Snelson Assistant Campus Life Editor

On Tuesday, Feb. 15, the Minority Mentorship Program hosted an event called “Single, Taken, or It’s Complicated?” at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom.

The event, which was the program’s first of the year, featured conversations about relationships and college. “The purpose of this event was to connect with people.

The pandemic took away the privileges of social interactions,” Christian Goodwin, a Photo by Madison Ogle Team Leader for Minority Minority Mentorship Program members take questions from students.

Mentorship Program, said.

The event was hosted Feb. 15 in Ronnie William’s Student Center.

The event consisted of men and women coming in and grabbing a students about some of the part of the event was getting to sticker that indicates whether they questions they may be interested in know people. are single, in a relationship or it’s being asked.

“Getting to see and have complicated. They then sat at a table The questions were mostly conversations with people who and answered questions. relationship based and had answers think differently than I was “I, along with my co-host, that related to individual preference my favorite part. I was able to MaKayla Russell, called out a such as, “How much money should understand their logistics and question that they had 3 minutes to you spend on a partner?” even find minor errors in my own answer,” Goodwin said.

Kayla Scott, a mentor for thought process,” Scott said.

To prepare for the event, the program and someone who “I could ask myself ‘Why do I Goodwin and Russell asked attended the event, said her favorite think this way?’ and then better

communicate that pathway to others in the room.”

Scott believed the event was helpful to students and herself. “I realized the event didn’t necessarily target individuals in a relationship, single or a complicated mix. It was an organized way to have an intellectual conversation with your peers,” Scott said.

The program was a success according to its organizers. “This was the first time for this event.

I hope that I’ve inspired the future executive to keep this as an annual event. I’d say the scene was successful and organized. The turnout was decent,” Goodwin said.

The Minority Mentorship Program is an RSO that consists of minority students mentoring other minority students.

Scott said,“I’m a member of the program because I wanted to help lead and assist minority students.

I was once mentored myself in my freshman year and wanted to give back to the RSO that assisted me through my freshman year of college.”

WORKSHOP

Faculty teaches note-taking skills for success

by Estefania Mojica Staff Writer

The Office of Student Success held a workshop Feb. 15 on note-taking strategies and skills.

Renee LeBeau-Ford, the speaker for this workshop, has been on UCA faculty for 15 years and is working on the library faculty and collection development. For the past 10 years, she has been teaching note-taking and study skills to students. Her goal is to help students learn the importance of these skills so they can achieve academic success.

LeBeau-Ford categorized note-taking into three categories; lectures, textbooks and presentations.

The biggest focus in her presentation was what students should do before, during and after the lecture.

“You will take much better notes if you look at the textbook, review previous notes and look at your syllabus,” LeBeau-Ford said.

She suggests that being prepared for a lecture

is much better than walking into the lecture with no prior knowledge of what you’re going to be hearing.

“Ask yourself, what am I supposed to get from today’s lecture?” LeBeau-Ford said. “If you have some idea of what you’re supposed to get out of a lecture, you’ll actually think about it more, and you’ll remember it more.”

The best way to retain the most information is finding the correlation between the lecture, textbook and other resources such as diagrams or slideshow presentations.

“Take notes on what you do not know.

There’s no point in writing down something if you already know it. You’re wasting time in the moment and also later when you are reviewing your notes,” LeBeau-Ford said.

Another tip that students got was to actively review for exams and spread out the time that is used to study. Students are used to cramming all the information the night before an exam, but that method does not help retention.

LeBeau-Ford also looked at individual

subjects and the various ways that notes can be taken depending on the subject. The most important information will be different between science classes and history classes.

Taking notes, actively reviewing and planning out the time for studying will ensure that academic success is obtained.

Students walked away from LeBeauFord’s lecture with knowledge of what notetaking skills they should use to be successful in their academics.

The next academic success workshop is titled “Effective Communication is NOT Common — or Common Practice” with Amy Hawkins, associate professor of public relations.

The workshop will introduce students to communication mistakes that they could be making when communicating with their professors. Students will learn to be more effective and professional when communicating with professors and people in their professional careers. The event will be held Feb. 22 in Burdick 205.

CAMPUS SAFETY

ucanews.live

STUDENTS SAY did you do for “ What Valentine’s Day? ” Story and photos by Will McDonald

Sophomore Cam’ron Medley

Freshman

“I laid in my bed I didn’t do anything. I don’t like Valentine’s so I didn’t do anything.”

“I was at rehearsals for a production that the UCA theater program is doing called Guiltless.”

Freshman Bree Archer “I went and hung out with my boyfriend or whatever.”

Elizabeth Baker

Freshman Lewis Jeffery

“We played a game, a tarot card game that we invented.”

RSO gives COVID-19 essentials to students

by Amber Austen Staff Writer

Students felt a sense of support during UCA’s Students for the Propagation of Black Culture’s “Mask Up UCA!” event on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The “Mask Up UCA!” event gave free “bear essentials COVID-19” bags to students that were put together by members of the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture.

Included in these bags were masks, hand sanitizers, tissue, toothbrushes, juices, candies and chips.

“We want students to be aware that COVID is still a thing,” Jimeya Mayes, Black History co-chair, said.

“However, this is a college campus, so have fun, but be safe while doing so.”

Since UCA lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions and fully transitioned back into the classroom last semester, more campus events have been able to take place this school year

Photo by Madison Ogle

Nia Kelly, Miss UCA, dances with assembled goody bags for students.

The bags had essentials like a toothbrush, tissues and masks.

compared to last.

Even though some time has passed since the beginning of the pandemic, some students are still struggling with the emotional weight the crisis brought on.

“As college students, we go through a lot just in general,” sophomore Kaleb Vassar said. “But now we are going through a pandemic as well, and issues with mental health are arising.”

Instead of trying to force students to make up for lost time, Vasser expressed gratitude toward the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture’s willingness to slow down and see the bigger picture.

“It is nice to see someone actually take the time to recognize what is still happening, to give us a break, to let us know that someone is standing with us [students],”

Vasser said.

Senior Nichole March had a similar perspective.

“You never really know what others are going through. They [the Students for the Propagation of Black Culture] are telling us, ‘I see you, I hear you, and I support you,’” March said.

This is not the first event that the organization has put on that outreached many students.

The Students for the Propagation of Black Culture is a community service student organization whose focus is to spread Black culture while breaking barriers.

“Masks Up UCA!” was the organization’s third event for its month-long Black History Month programs.

The RSO’s next event, “Live Museum: ‘Remembering the Legacy,’” will highlight the men and women who paved the way for people of color on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. in the Ronnie Williams Student Center, room 205A.

Freshman Brandon Williams

“I was in class all day. I didn’t do much because I was busy.”

Senior Taylor Canada “I made my boyfriend and myself a homemade dinner and got him a squishmallow.”

People of UCA: Chloe Short

by Andraea Aguilera Staff Writer

Originally from the Conway area, Chloe Short studied at Arkansas State in Jonesboro before recently accepting the role as social media content manager for the School of Communication at the University of Central Arkansas.

Short spent five years in college, where she majored in multimedia journalism and minored in English. After graduation, she decided to move back to Conway last January because she missed the feeling of community and because there’s more to do here. She also wanted to be closer to family again.

During her interview with School of Communication director Donna Stephens, and her assistant, Brenda Herring, Short was asked to look over the social media platforms and website to see what she would do to improve it.

“The socials had a brand in place, the tools to keep it consistent and plenty of room for creativity. I knew I could add more videos, engagement and creativity to help liven it up,” Short said.

Short said the interview went well and all of her questions were answered.

She also noted that both Stephens and Herring gave off a genuine sense of a team environment, which appealed to Short.

As the Social Media Content Manager/Admin II Specialist, Short will keep up with all the School of Communication social media accounts and generate content. To decide what to post, she uses a “PREEI” model, which means promote, relate, engage, educate and inspire.

“Currently, I’m in the idea and scheduling process deciding what days I need and/or want to post certain content.

I hope to eventually progress where I can schedule posts a week or two out,” Short said.

Short worked a similar position at Tacos 4 Life as a content creator where she came up with ideas and then shot and edited photos and videos.

As the Admin II Specialist, Short will work on the Argos and Banner Systems.

For Short, her biggest accomplishment so far is finding a job that

allows her to be creative. She is passionate about meeting new people, being creative through arts and crafts, music and poetry.

Short even credits majoring in journalism to her love for reading magazines.

“Finding a job that encompassed my creativity and other elements I learned in college was beyond rewarding,” Short said.

Short advised anyone who desires a similar career: to always stay creative and write down any ideas you have so that you may expand on them later. She also said to keep up with different social media platforms — especially new ones that people gravitate toward.

She encourages others to keep brands in mind when posting on their social media accounts and suggests delivering unique messages.

Short suggested taking on as many internships as possible. Throughout her college career, she had four internships that helped her get jobs.

“Do one a semester if you can. It makes your resume stand out and shows that you have hands-on training,” Short said.

Photo via uca.edu

Chloe Short is a new employee for UCA. She is working as the social media content manager for the School of Communication.

Sports

5

February 23, 2022

Upcoming Games Men’s Basketball 6 p.m., Feb. 23 at North Alabama Women’s Basketball 6 p.m., Feb. 24 at North Alabama Baseball 6 p.m., Feb. 25 vs.

Southern Illinois Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Feb. 25 ASUN Conference Championships Softball 3 p.m., Feb. 25 vs.

Pine Bluff

Editor’s Take

Photo by Emily Kennard

The game’s highest scorer, senior forward Jared Chatham makes a 2-pointer while being blocked by Eastern Kentucky’s sophomore forward Michael Moreno at the Farris Center. Chatham scored 36 points at the game, secured 16 rebounds and three assists.

Bears achieve victory against Colonels despite recent defeat Sugar Bears deserve higher attendance by

Emilee Hagewood

Sports Editor

My assistant Will and I attended the women’s basketball game against the Bellarmine Knights last Thursday and noticed there were hardly any fans in the stands.

On the box-score recap for the men’s and women’s games, the number of attendants is listed.

For the women’s game against Bellarmine, there were 386 attendants. At the men’s game, there were 1,918 attendants, a striking difference from the women’s game.

The women had about 20% of the fans that the men’s game had in attendance. A good portion of the attendants were female student-athletes honored at half-time for having either a 3.0 or 4.0 GPA. Note that a large majority of them only just showed up at half-time and then left right afterward. It’s sad that the other female athletes didn’t stay to watch their fellow Bears and cheer them on.

This is a continuing trend that is disrespectful to the Sugar Bears and women’s sports in general. For ages, there has been a huge pay gap and viewership gap between men’s and women’s sports.

This gap is clearly evident in college sports as well. At the women’s game, a good portion of the crowd was made up of the band, other coaches, and the cheer and dance teams. The school band showed the most enthusiasm for the Sugar Bears.

I believe that without them, there would hardly be any fans cheering at all. These women play fiercely every time, and they deserve more recognition for all their hard work.

They have won the same amount of games as the men’s team but have less than a third of the fans attend their games.

It’s not right, and there needs to be a change. UCA Athletics needs to do a better job of promoting these games and encouraging fans to attend.

As a former athlete, I know that having a large crowd can change the way you play because the crowd hypes you up.

The Sugar Bears deserve a good crowd and fans that actually show up and show out.

by

Emily Kennard

Staff Writer

The UCA men’s basketball team beat the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 83-76 at the Farris Center on Saturday, Feb. 19, with senior forward Jared Chatham scoring 36 of the Bears’ points.

Junior Darious Hall contributed 21 points to the Bears’ 79-72 win in the season’s Jan. 4 game against the Colonels. Due to an ongoing shoulder injury, Hall was out of commission for their second matchup, which left an opportunity for the other starters to step it up on home turf.

Fittingly, for the team’s senior day game, Chatham did just that. Not only did he pitch in three dozen points, but he also secured 16 rebounds and three assists for the team.

The Bears started strong, leading 40-26 at halftime. The Colonels struggled to overcome the Bears’ comfortable lead going into the second half but put up a fierce fight near the game’s end.

In the last five minutes of the game, the Colonels chipped away at the Bears’ double-digit lead, and with a minute left, the Bears were only three points ahead.

The Bears quickly retook control of the court,

thanks to four free throws and a dunk by Chatham just before the final buzzer.

“Eastern Kentucky, they press a lot. So we expected that coming in, and I was just trying to encourage my teammates to stay calm at all times,” Chatham said.

“No one has been more consistent than [Chatham] down the stretch. An amazing, amazing game,” coach Anthony Boone said to ucasports.com.

Boone said the win could put them in a better position for future brackets. “We want to be able to play a game at home in the conference tournament.”

“We’re taking each game one at a time and however many games we can win to help secure that,” Boone said to ucasports.com.

Chatham took photographs with young Bears fans before and after his post-game interview.

“My mom being in town, you know, she came from L.A., she’s not able to come to most of my games, so when she’s in town, I got to always make sure [I’m focused],” Chatham said.

The win against the Colonels comes a few days after the Bears’ loss to the Bellarmine Knights Wednesday, Feb. 16, with a final score of 79-69 in the Farris Center.

Boone recognized freshman guard Camren Hunter’s performance, who started for the team and scored 25 points against the Knights.

“I can’t say enough about [Hunter]. I really can’t.

He handled the ball well, didn’t turn it over, finished strong around the basket and made the right plays. He had an incredible night. I just hate that we couldn’t pull it off with him playing so well,” Boone said.

“We have to be a little bit better than we were tonight, especially shooting the ball,” Boone said after the loss. “[The players] understand that Eastern [Kentucky] wants to come in, and they understand that we want to get this taste out of our mouths.”

Boone credited sophomore Jaxson Baker for energizing the team with his 3-pointers and for having his best shooting game of the year.

The Bears will play in Florence, Alabama, against the North Alabama Lions at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23. Then, they will be headed to Nashville, Tennessee, to face the Lipscomb Bisons at 1 p.m. the following Saturday.

The NCAA’s Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament will take place March 1-8, and the locations and times for the games will be updated on ucasports.com once they become available.

FEATURE

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Redshirt junior infielder and pitcher Jaylee Engelkes swings the bat and hits the ball on her home turf at Farris Field. Engelkes loves the energy that her team gives her, especially after she hits a home run. Instead of pursuing softball after college, Engelkes plans to become a neonatal nurse.

Engelkes: ‘There is nothing like being on the UCA softball team’ by

Andrea Aguilera

Staff Writer

Jaylee Engelkes is a redshirt senior at the University of Central Arkansas where she plays softball.

Engelkes has played for UCA for four years now as a pitcher and hitter, last season she posted a batting average of .333.

Engelkes started playing softball when she was only five. She has always been inspired by her dad to play. He pushes her to work hard to get even better at the sport.

“He always told me to work early in the count and be aggressive and make the pitchers pay for it,” Engelkes said.

Engelkes said her greatest accomplishment this year was hitting a homerun at Louisiana State University. Last year at a conference tournament, she hit a home run at the top of the seventh inning against Southeastern Louisiana University.

“It was such an adrenaline rush. Personally, every time that I hit a home run, I feel like my team just goes completely crazy, and they get some kind of energy,

and it is something that I never want to go away,” Engelkes said.

Engelkes’ achievements include being selected to the All-State team for four consecutive years from 2015-2018 and being named the Arkansas 5A State Most Valuable Player in 2018. She was selected as the Athlete of the Year at Greenbrier High School in 2018 and led the Greenbrier Panthers to the 2018 Arkansas 5A State Championship.

She was also named part of the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll in spring 2020.

In 2019 Engelkes appeared in seven games. In 2020, she appeared in 14.

“There is nothing like being on the UCA softball team. The atmosphere is just different, and it’s a good different. I wish that everyone could get to experience something like it because it’s just so awesome,” Engelkes said.

Engelkes sometimes struggles with being a student-athlete. When trying to balance both school and softball, she will usually do her homework during any free time she has.

“I feel like having a planner is essential. I also think that getting ahead is key,” Engelkes said.

The student-athlete chose to attend UCA because she wanted to be close to her home in Greenbrier. She describes herself as the family-oriented type. Both her parents, Jonathan and Julie Engelkes, are also UCA graduates.

Engelkes will graduate in the spring of 2023 with a Family and Consumer Science degree. She also recently got accepted into nursing school.

“One of my goals for after UCA is to be a neonatal nurse. I want to be able to help people in general, whether it’s babies or adults. I feel like it is my calling, and I plan to give 100% every day I can,” Engelkes said.

Engelkes advice to other student-athletes is to treat every game as if it were the last. She also said to give every chance that you’re given 100% effort and to go to camps and keep in contact with coaches.

“Something that I will take away from college sports is that you will always be a team player,” Engelkes said.

Opinion

6

February 23, 2022

The Voice

Ne w a qu at i c ce nte r cou l d b e smar t move for C onway

The Echo Staff Addi Freeman Editor-in-Chief Bennett Tinnermon Associate Editor Mia Waddell News Editor Kathryn Thornberry Assistant News Editor Madison Ogle Campus Life Editor/Cartoonist Olivia Snelson Assistant Campus Life Editor Milo Strain Opinion Editor Sydney Cyr Entertainment Editor Emilee Hagewood Sports Editor Will McDonald Assistant Sports Editor Delaney Van Wilpe Online Editor Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Online Editor

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Big companies don’t care about Black people The celebration of Black History Month donate during Black History Month, but it feels acknowledges the contributions and sacrifices performative. Their activism is “launched” on the that African Americans have made since the first day of February and fails to surpass the 28th birth of this country. It is a time for honoring the day, only to trend upwards again at the start of the traumas they have endured while simultaneously next year. Supporting the Black community and rejoicing in their triumphs and successes diversity among their company as a whole should throughout the years. remain at the top of their list, especially if Black Many companies have minimized Black History Month means as much to them as they say History Month down to its profitability. It it does. has become an opportunity for them to Black women are still being paid less participate in the celebration for their own than their white counterparts, earning benefit — by slapping microaggressions 64 cents for every $1 that a white man onto t-shirts and expecting a round earns, according to the National of applause from Black Americans.

Partnership for Women and The commercialization of Black Families.

History Month is harmful When it comes to to the community that the companies like Amazon, holiday aims to observe. It which faced multiple lawsuits allows the companies to regarding pay and workplace deny responsibility for their discrimination against role in the discrimination women of color in 2021, against minorities by any statement of support

by Courtney Shepherd feigning their support. during Black History Month Staff Writer Instead of profiting off feels like hypocrisy. In of the Black community collaboration with Moses during a month dedicated Sun, a Black artist from to their recognition, companies should make Seattle, Amazon allegedly “recognizes Black sure they are not complicit in the mistreatment History Month by highlighting Black-owned of Black Americans in the workplace. small businesses, along with black creators, It is common for brands to collaborate with celebrities, authors and employees.” a Black artist on a line of merchandise set to be Without further action toward creating an released for Black History Month. These artists inclusive workplace, Amazon’s claims are not deserve the exposure that giant brands can give reflective of their actions. It is not acceptable to them, however, their art exists year-round, not preach diversity and inclusion while mistreating just in February when brands feel the need to your employees of color. It is deceptive. “take a stand” on racial inequality. Perhaps if There are far more efficient ways for they continually advocated for diversity and companies to truly support Black Americans that constantly worked with artists of color, they don’t involve a direct funnel of cash heading back wouldn’t have to remind everyone once a year into their pocket. Ensuring their employees of they don’t support racism. color, especially women, are paid fair wages is a It’s great to see companies collaborate and good place to start.

Nothing really matters and life has no meaning You wake up with a cold sweat, heart racing, religious beliefs and found that over 70% said mind puzzled for what is going on. As you they believe that there is some form of heaven anxiously rise, your body feels weightless, and after death. PRC also found that about 17% of your perception twisted. You realize that you people do not believe in any afterlife. are late for class.

The American Psychological Association You dash around your room hunting for also found that religion, in particular, fulfills a any necessary items as the clock ignorantly human need for meaning. marches onward. Breathing becomes rapid and But what about those that do not believe in unpredictable as you manically rush out the religion, are they stuck feeling that there is no door, hoping that each second you save will be meaning to anything? worth it once you arrive.

In short, no; meaning can be found Joints ache and tendons clench as you in anything we do. In fact, a large mindlessly pursue the building that hold percentage of people that go to college your class. As you approach, your body have a plan to do something that gives freezes, but you don’t understand why them meaning. you have stopped.

For some of us, that is specific You begin to question: Why am I and predetermined, but for others, here? Why should I ever care that I it is just the baseline, and we will am late? Will anyone notice that I find the feeling of necessity am gone? Am I obligated to live as we progress through our this way? And most importantly, lifetime. why does any of this matter?

Unfortunately, that This question is just what some of terrorizes our minds, us hope for, and for

by Brayden Bailey and it is how we face this others, it is a reality that Staff Writer question that determines we detest. our ambition.

Moral and religious If we choose to deny structures in society the possibility that nothing really matters, then are man-made constructs, but we are ingrained we must believe that there is a reason for us in our culture to believe otherwise. I reject that being here. On the contrary, if we succumb to there needs to be a reason for life, as it goes the idea of nothingness, then we believe life is against our nature of free will. made up by the individual, not society.

If we believe that there needs to be a reason For many of us, we wish to believe that then what is the validity of the individual that there is a greater meaning in life. Whether it be questions it? Once you see there are two sides through religion, environmentalism, personal to every idea, you begin to question which gain and achievement, or just experiencing life side is justified. One cannot say which is true. in general, we cannot live without the feeling If you cannot justify meaning, then there is that all of this must be worth something. nothingness.

From 2007 to 2014, Pew Research Center There cannot truly be meaning to life, which surveyed 35,000 American adults over their leads me to believe that nothing really matters.

Conway voters recently voted to approve bond issues for the construction of an aquatic center and soccer complex in town. While the $39 million that was approved that night could have potentially gone to more utilitarian public works projects, the aquatic center and soccer complex are still a great use of public funds.

Conway does not really have a lot of public recreational facilities at the moment, besides the several public parks and trails, but they are not anything to write home about.

There’s some campgrounds and hiking scattered around too but Conway is severely lacking a public pool. A new aquatic center could address this concern.

The addition of an aquatic center probably won’t make living here any worse than it already is. The best case scenario is that Conway finally will have a huge, state of the art aquatic center that’s loved by everyone for many years. Worst case scenario is that it doesn’t get built for some reason, whether it just falls through or it gets bogged down with delays, and we’re all in the same boat as before.

The end result will probably lie somewhere in the middle. It seems unlikely that the new aquatic center will be a glorious, New Deal-style public works project but for how much money the city is spending, it better be a pretty darn good aquatic center. According to an online

Conway citizens voted to approve a bond worth $23.7 million for the construction and operation of the new aquatic center article from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, Conway voters issued a bond worth $23.7 million for the construction and operation of the new aquatic center, while the rest of the $39 million was devoted to building the new soccer complex and paying off bonds from 2017.

The current plans for the aquatic center do, admittedly, sound promising. According to an article published on the Log Cabin Democrat website that goes over the proposal for the aquatic center, it will be over 140,000 square feet and have indoor and outdoor facilities. The outdoor portion sounds like it will be a water park, with features such as water slides, a lazy river and even a climbing wall, among some other amenities. The indoor portion will have a large pool that can be used for swim meets or rented out for a party as well as a separate heated leisure pool.

All of these plans sound terrific, but they are still just plans. It will take at least 18 months to construct the center once a contractor is chosen, a process that is currently underway. Until then, all we have are plans, and plans can change.

Hopefully, this endeavor will be a success that leads to more projects in the future. Since the closure of Wild River Country in North Little Rock, the only water park of note in Arkansas has been Magic Springs in Hot Springs, quite a pricey outing that’s over an hour away from Conway. The aquatic center should be a welcome addition to Conway that could bring lots of potential revenue and maybe even make Conway a more enticing place to live.

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Entertainment

7

February 23, 2022

New This Week

Super Bowl halftime show celebrates Black LA culture

Movies

by

Sydney Ambrus

Staff Writer

Hip-Hop had a massive night this past Sunday, as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar headlined the Super Bowl LVI halftime show with special guest appearances from 50 Cent and Anderson .Paak. The five artists put on a stellar show, as they performed a few of their hit songs, many of the songs produced by Dr. Dre himself. The halftime performance was a celebration of Black Los Angeles culture, Feb. 25 — The Desperate as the Super Bowl was held at Hour (PG-13), directed Sofi Stadium in LA, against

by Phillip Noyce, starring the LA Rams and Cincinnati Naomi Watts, Colton Beagles.

The artists performed in Gobbo, and Sierra Maltby an all-white house set design — Widowed mother Amy that contained multiple Carr races against time to different rooms and scenes. save her son after a shooting Each artist had their own room takes place at his school that catered to their music and style. I didn’t like the overall set design. The white color Feb. 25 — Gasoline Alley (R), with white led lights was very boring to look at. I also didn’t directed by Edward Drake, like the camera cuts to each starring Bruce Willis, Devon artist. The scene changes Sawa, Luke Wilson, Kat were choppy, and only a few Foster, and Irina Antonenko had a smooth transition into — An ex-con enlists the help the next scene. It was slightly overwhelming, going from of two homicide detectives scene to scene as drastically to investigate a triple as it did. I would have enjoyed homicide he is implicated in some more color on the set design. The white set, white Feb. 25 — Studio 666 (R), directed by BJ McDonnell, starring Jenna Ortega, Whitney Cummings, Taylor Hawkins, Dave Grohl, Rami Jaffee, Will Forte, Leslie Grossman, and Jeff Garlin — The Foo Fighters move into an Encino mansion to record their 10th album

Music Feb. 25 — Love Sux — Avril Lavigne Feb. 25 — The Garden

Edmund Burke

Feb. 25 — Spellbound

If RY X’s music hasn’t yet come across your radar, his newest single release, “Let You Go,” is the idyllic introduction to the artist’s music discography.

Like most of the Australian artist’s music — “Let You Go” is a transcendent and cinematic experience, one that clutches the soul and then lingers after the song ends.

RY X’s croons “I don’t wanna let you go” in the opening chorus over a subdued acoustic guitar before the low steady beat comes in underneath his lush voice as he sings, “hold the light.”

“Toe the line,” sings RY X. “Feel my warm tears,” almost in a way that lays bare his emotional turmoil — very much a shared human experience.

“Let You Go” is the first single off his upcoming yet untitled new album, which will be his first outing since 2019’s “Unfurl.”

RY X tweeted on Feb. 18, “I’m so honored to make art for you, for me, for the deep diving into the soul and the growth and the swirl of it all in this beautiful wild life. The temporal and deeply poetic experience of being human played out in every breath.”

The new single landed with the self-directed video shot by Benjamin Hardman — the captivating yet straightforward visual was filmed on an Icelandic beach.

The video is available now on YouTube.

“I made this whole album in my mountain home near the sea,” tweeted RY

— Robert Glasper Feb. 25 — The Tipping Point — Tears For Fears Feb. 25 — Everything Was Beautiful — Spiritualized

Information from: www.metacritic.com

Netflix Feb. 25 — A Madea Homecoming, directed by Tyler Perry, starring Tyler Perry, Cassi Davis-Patton, David Mann, Tamela Mann, and Gabrielle Dennis — Madea isn’t putting up with any nonsense when family drama starts during her great-grandson’s graduation party Feb. 25 — Back to 15 (Season 1), directed by Vivianne Jundi and Dainara Toffoli, starring Maisa Silva, Camila Queiroz, Klara Castanho, Caio Cabral, Antonio Carrara, and Luciana Braga — 30-year-old Anita discovers a way to travel back to age 15 Feb. 25 — Restless, directed

by Régis Blondeau, starring Franck Gastambide, Simon Abkarian, Tracy Gotoas, Jemima West, Serge Hazanavicius, and Victoire Zenner — A cop’s life starts to spiral when he starts receiving threats from a witness

Top 5 Lessons I’ve Learned in 2022 So Far List compiled by Olyvia Gonzalez Assistant Online Editor

the crowd get louder as the intro to the song started. From Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, it transitioned into 50 Cent’s set, which was by far my favorite out of everyone. Not only was it unexpected, but he performed his hit “In da Club,” which was produced by Dr. Dre. I loved how 50 Cent performed upside down just like he performed in the iconic video to “In da Club”. I loved the nightclub vibes his performance had. I enjoyed his backup dancers also. The energy of his overall performance was very fun and upbeat. I felt like I was actually

at the Super Bowl with them.

Mary J Blige’s performance followed after 50 Cent. Out of all 5 of the performances, hers was my least favorite. With the theme being Black LA culture, and the other performances giving the audience a Los Angeles nightlife vibes, I didn’t see fit for Mary J Blige’s performance. Blige performed her singles, “Family Affair” and “No More Drama,” which were produced by Dr. Dre. Outside of that, there wasn’t much correlation between her and the other acts. It was odd of them to include Mary J. Blige

MOVIE

RY X bares his soul in new single ‘Let You Go’ by

Feb. 25 — Black Radio III

cars, and even Mary J Blige’s white and silver costume were underwhelming. However, I did enjoy the personalization of each artists’ set. I also like how they incorporated Eve After Dark, an iconic music venue in LA, and Tam’s Burgers #21, which is a burger restaurant located in Compton.

The show started with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, as they performed their collaborations “The Next Episode” and “California Love.”

The dynamic duo’s presence was felt as they performed “California Love.” It was so cool to hear

MUSIC

— Basia Bulat

— Judy Collins

Photo courtesy of www.nfl.com

The Super Bowl halftime show aired on Sunday, Feb. 13. The show featured performances by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent.

when she is an R&B artist, and the other acts were exclusively rap.

Lastly, there was Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. I am not too familiar with Eminem’s music, but I still enjoyed his performance. His introduction was super cool. I liked how he was on top of the stage, and pieces of the stage exploded when he started to perform.

Once he finished performing, he took a knee. Though he didn’t explicitly say why, the public speculated it was in support of Colin Kaepernick and his protest against the NFL. I think it was really brave of Eminem to do this and add that element to his set.

I am not the biggest fan of Kendrick Lamar, though his performance was good and peak activism. Lamar was also brave when performing his set. He performed his single “Alright” which became a protest song for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Though when performing he missed a lyric, “And we hate po-po.” I wondered if he took that lyric out or did the NFL ask for him to remove it. I wish, however, he would have included it. If you’re going to perform such a bold song and make such a statement, perform it all the way through.

But, his performance still made an impact nonetheless.

Staff Writer

1. Forgiveness is key I have used the phrase, ‘forgive and forget’ but the forgetting part has become harder the older I get. Yet, I have found that when I truly forgive the person who hurt me, then forgetfulness comes quickly.

Forgiveness is not so much for their sake but for my own psyche and physical wellbeing. Studies found that forgiveness can lower the risk of heart attacks by improving cholesterol levels and sleep, while also reducing pain (especially back pain), blood pressure, levels of anxiety, depression or stress.

Overall, the inner-ailments will eventually show themselves physically if we are not too careful. So, forgive and forget.

X. “Drenched in sun with salt on skin most days in my studio, windows open for the dripping sun or dripping rain. I poured and poured into it all. So many songs and uncoverings of my own being among it.”

Listening to RY X’s discography is a euphoric experience, and “Let You Go” is no different.

RY X is the type of artist who translates his own life experiences and makes them universal — a sign of a great lyricist.

Of the upcoming album, RY X tweeted, “I played every instrument on almost all the songs, produced and engineered it all alone among our spinning world, often late at night after all beings were asleep. Finding ways to push my boundaries and continue to create from a place of deep authenticity and expansion.”

With lyrics such as “does anybody really know me?” and “throw my name into the fire,” RY X is wrestling with an internal dialogue — that of someone in the throes of an existential crisis amid love loss. It’s an all too relatable experience.

RY X both poses and ponders the question, “Does anybody really know where they go when they die?”

Like many artists exploring the depths of the human experience — RY X invites the listener into his work.

“Let You Go” is a visceral experience like so much of RY X’s music discography and one not to be missed.

RY X’s “Let You Go” is available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, TIDAL, Pandora and for purchase on iTunes and Amazon Music.

2. I hate what I apologize for

It is just as the title suggests, and it is probably what you do unconsciously as well. While reading a textbook, I came across this statement: when people apologize to you for something that is not a big deal to you, they are actually telling you the things that bother them. For example, I will apologize when someone enters my messy vehicle. To some, it is not an issue but I secretly expect a clean car when I ride with someone. This tip is helping me improve all my relationships. I now know my roommate fully expects a clean kitchen, my boss hates late employees and my friend hates being interrupted.

Photo courtesy of www.unchartedmovie.com

The film, “Uncharted,” is based on Naughty Dog’s video game series of the same name. The film stars Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Taylor Ali, Antonio Banderas, and Tati Gabrielle.

‘Uncharted’ film: action-packed, fails to follow video game canon Bennett Tinnermon

“Uncharted” the movie uses the same tropes as the video game series, but blatant inaccuracies may leave a bad taste for original fans.

The movie, released Feb. 18, follows treasure-hunter Nathan “Nate” Drake, played

by Tom Holland, as he is roped into an adventure to find the lost treasure of Ferdinand Magellan. He is pulled into this world by Victor “Sully” Sullivan, played by Mark Wahlberg.

The friendship between these two characters is hugely important to the game series, with the third installment, “Drake’s Deception,” showing how the two meet.

The movie tosses this story line, along with the entire father-son type of dynamic, out the window.

Instead, Nate and Sully are hostile towards each other for a good part of the movie while working together.

This throws off the expectation that original fans would have.

Of course, there was familiar sarcastic banter

between characters that fits with the games. Only towards the end of the movie are the two shown with a more familiar dynamic.

In addition Nate was often seen fighting opponents a bit beefier than him, which was fitting to some of the fight scenes in the game where Nate will throw whatever he can at heftier foes.

As someone who has been waiting for “Uncharted” to be put on the big screen since I was 10, seeing the characters was really fun, even though the story line is inconsistent with the games.

I understand that movie adaptations of video games, and even books, will have differences and be their own piece of media, but some of these changes bothered me.

The personality differences are one thing, but some of the bigger differences in the story line take away from being engulfed in the story that fans know and love.

The movie chops up different events from the games and uses them, even though the movie is supposed to be set before the events of the games. This doesn’t set the

movie up for a future of plot lines consistent with the game’s story.

There was a quick cameo from the game’s voice actor for Nate, Nolan North.

I was happy to hear a familiar voice that pays homage to the original series that ran from 2007-2016.

As an adventure movie, “Uncharted” does a decent job. It has scenes that feel reminiscent of movies like “Indiana Jones,” with tense action and unrealistic stunts.

The characters and basic idea of the games are present so that original fans can enjoy seeing more of the series.

A couple end-credit scenes set up the “Uncharted” movie for a sequel, maybe one that better follows the canon of the game and brings in more known characters.

There are definitely plenty of plot lines from the game series for future adaptations to explore.

I look forward to seeing more, even though the movie fell short in some aspects to what 10-year-old me hoped for.

“Uncharted” is currently playing exclusively in theaters.

3. Jesus cares

4. Everyone has a purpose

5. Taking sides is childish As soon as your best friend has a breakup, the natural response is to subtly point out all the red flags you have picked up along the way. With this in mind, I have found that taking sides has got to be the most childish move anyone can make. First, both individuals, whether in a romantic or non-romantic relationship, are human and humans make mistakes. Second, you are probably not going to hear both sides unbiased once you have settled your mind to stand with one cause. Lastly, it is going to be quite awkward when everyone begins to hang out again. Love needs to be first and foremost as an outsider looking in. Stop taking sides and just be a friend.

by

Associate Editor

As a broke college student, I started the year off right with car and phone trouble. Neither one was a feasible amount to throw out on the spot. During this time, a woman came to the church I attend and spoke about the little things in life that Jesus wants to handle.

While storytelling, she made a statement that was so profound to me: “Jesus, You’re my Father and because I am Your girl, I need you to ___”. So, the next day, I took my phone to Him. I laid it down, pointed to the problem and said, ‘If I’m Your girl, I need you to fix my phone right now’. Then, with my elevated faith, I texted my roommate that I was going to call her to see if the issue was fixed, and it was.

I am an INFP-T and I carry the HSP trait. My roommate is the exact opposite, ISTJ-A and if there was a trait opposite of HSP, she would have it. We get into various arguments due to the difficulty of not putting on each other’s shoes. My personality was made and molded to fit me where I am today. I can alter how I act or react around others, but I cannot change my personality.

That being said, I have to expect others around me to be who they are. When I am annoyed with how someone acts or frustrated with their personality in general, it really means I feel like I am better and they do not matter. This is pride. Each of us were made exactly how God wanted us to be, we just have to find the place our piece fits in order to complete the puzzle.

ucanews.live

SPORTS

8 / February 23, 2022

UCA STATS CORNER SPORT

OPPONENT

RESULT

RECORD

Men’s Basketball

Eastern Kentucky

83-76 W

9-17, 6-7

Women’s Basketball

Eastern Kentucky

65-59 L

9-16, 4-10

Baseball

Missouri State

11-2 L

1-1

Softball

Mississippi State

5-3 W

3-5

4-2 L

5-3

Tennis

Mizzou BASKETBALL

Photo courtesy of ucasports.com

Sophomore utility player Kristen Whitehouse swings the bat and hits a home-run against Georgia Tech. The Bears split their four games, losing two. The Bears will host the Michelle Short Memorial Classic next weekend.

Bears defeat Mississippi State, Georgia Tech at Bulldog Classic by

Ashlyn Little

Staff Writer

The women’s softball team had a split weekend in Starkville, Mississippi, at the Bulldog Kickoff Classic, bringing home 2 wins in 4 games, including one against Mississippi State.

After an 11-3 loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Friday night, Feb. 18, the Bears brought it back on Saturday against the Bulldogs in their second game of the tournament.

In the close rematch, the Bears won 5-3. Sophomore Kayla Beaver pitched the entire game for the Bears.

Sophomore Mary Kate Brown had a grand slam and 4 RBI’s for the Bears, which was a major contributing factor to the team’s success against Mississippi State.

Coach Jenny Parsons said Beaver’s pitching, Brown’s hitting and sophomore Kristen Whitehouse’s defense and hitting were some of the highlights in the tournament this weekend, aside from two wins and two grand slams.

The Bears’ first win of the tournament was against Georgia Tech on Friday at 10 a.m..

The team took the lead early in the game; however, Georgia Tech made a comeback and held the lead until the fifth inning.

A grand slam by Whitehouse put the Bears back ahead, with each team scoring one more run to make the final score 7-4, UCA. “Beating teams like LSU, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State fuels your confidence going into the regular season,” Parsons said.

In their final game of the tournament, the Bears fell short to the Southern Illinois Salukis, 9-6. The Bears were batting as the home team against the Salukis and held a 6-1 lead until the fifth inning when Southern Illinois made a comeback with 5 runs.

Two more runs at the top of the seventh gave the Salukis a 3-point lead and the Bears were unable to respond with runs of their own.

“We had a chance to win every game except for the first Mississippi State game. We competed hard and are growing together,” Parsons said.

Despite ending the tournament in a split, the team is still proud of their wins against

Georgia Tech and Mississippi State.

Brown said, “It’s still early in the season. A lot of stuff needs [to be] worked on. We will be working to fix these things throughout the season.”

“Our motto this season is ‘not settling.’ We want to constantly get better and not stop going until we get as far as we can go,” Brown said.

Parsons said, “We are very excited to be playing at home these next two weekends. We have a game against Arkansas in between these next two tournaments.”

The Bears will host the Michelle Short Memorial Classic at Farris Field next weekend.

The team will play on Friday, Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and 5 p.m. against the University of Omaha.

On Saturday, Feb. 26, the Bears will face the University of Missouri-Kansas City at 1:30 p.m. and Saint Louis University at 6 p.m.

On Sunday, Feb. 27, the Bears will play their final tournament game against the University of Missouri-Kansas City again at noon.

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Photo by ucasports.com

Freshman Jaiden Ventour runs in the 400-meter dash at the Arkansas Qualifier in Fayetteville, where he set a personal record with a time of 49.27.

Bears set five personal records at Fayetteville Arkansas Qualifier by

Megan Holder

Staff Writer

The UCA men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Fayetteville, Arkansas on Friday, Feb.18 for the Arkansas qualifier where five personal records were set.

The Bears’ five personal records were freshman Maximilian Laur with a 13.31m in the weight throw, freshman Jaiden Ventour with a time of 49.27 in the 400-meter dash, freshman Jordan Johnson with a time of 50.46 in the 400-meter dash, and sophomore Alec Townsley with a time of 50.60 in the 400-meter dash. For the women, freshman Zadie St. Louis ran a 59.16 in the 400-meter dash.

Johnson said, “I’ve been out with a hamstring pull for almost a month, so coming into this meet I was a little nervous to push myself. My main goal was just to finish the race and get a time down and work from there.”

He prepared for the meet by

going to the training room every day to loosen his hamstring.

Although Johnson set a personal record, he wants to do things a little differently at his next meet. “The one thing I plan to do differently next meet is to push myself a little harder to see where I’m really at,” Johnson said.

His personal goals during the conference season are to make finals and help his teammates as much as he can.

Julian Haessner, a graduate student, didn’t race in this meet, but he will in the conference competitions.

Haessner said, “Not many teammates ran at Fayetteville Friday since there is only a one-week gap to conference.

However, we were able to set multiple personal records, which is a sign that we peaked at the right point of the season.”

He said, “At Conference, I will race my first 5k for this indoor season. Normally, you can look at the ASUN performance list to see where

you are in the region. The problem is that many athletes run their first 5k at conferences as well. That is the reason why it is difficult to set a specific goal. However, my last 3k races were pretty good. That’s why I will go into the 5k with much excitement and confidence.”

In the men’s 400-meter dash, Ventour finished 11th, Johnson finished 17th and Townsley finished in 19th place.

In the women’s 400-meter dash, St. Louis finished 17th.

Sophomore Bruce White finished in 8th place in the men’s 200-meter with a time of 22.28.

Junior Wesley Suen finished 21st with a time of 22.70.

In the men’s weight throw, Malik Beasley threw 15.30 meters, which placed him in 9th, while Laur finished in 10th.

Beasley also placed 8th in the men’s shot put with his throw of 14.36 meters.

The Bears will attend the ASUN Conference Championships in Lynchburg, Virginia on Friday, Feb. 26.

Photo by Will McDonald

While the Knights tried to defend the goal, graduate student forward Hannah Langhi goes up for the shot. Langhi had three rebounds and scored two points.

Sugar Bears defeat Bellarmine by hitting free throws, 3-pointers

by Will

McDonald

Assistant Sports Editor

Clutch free throws and an offense with contributors such as junior forward Lucy Ibeh, senior guard Carly Hudspeth and freshman guard Randrea Wright resulted in a Sugar Bears victory of 65-58 Feb. 17 against the Bellarmine Knights.

The Sugar Bears are now 9-15 in season play and 4-9 in conference play. This win completed the season sweep against the Knights, ended the five-game losing streak and secured the Sugar Bears a hosting spot in the ASUN tournament.

The Sugar Bears came out with a 6-0 run in the first quarter, establishing a 10-point lead. Ibeh scored eight of those points. This lead was held the whole first quarter.

It was challenged by the Knights in the second quarter when they narrowed the gap down to three. At halftime, Ibeh led the game with nine points and five rebounds.

After halftime, the Sugar Bears stretched the lead in the third quarter to 11 points with a 7-0 run.

The Knights responded with an 8-0 run of their own.

The Sugar Bears led by

three when Hudspeth hit two three-pointers near the end of the third quarter, widening the gap to 44-36.

Hudspeth scored 14 points and four three-pointers – a season record.

“I think it just comes with going hard every day in practice and all glory to God. My teammates are so fun to play with, and we bounced off each other’s energy,” Hudspeth said.

In the fourth quarter, the Knights closed the gap again making it a two-point game in the final minutes.

Hudspeth led a run that almost put the game out of reach, but Bellarmine kept responding with runs of their own.

However, the lead was never forfeited due to clutch free throws made by players Ibeh, Wright and freshman forward Lashiyah Fowler.

Fowler contributed a career-best of 12 points.

Ibeh said, “I think I just tried to execute the game plan.

The team played together like our coach asked us to. The focus is to win at all costs. This is when every win matters, so that’s what we are focusing on.”

Coach Sandra Rushing said

the game was a much-needed win.

“I think we played hard.

They are a much better team than what their record indicates. I’ve said that all along I feel like they are the most dangerous team in the conference. They played hard.

They don’t stop. If we got a little run, they came back with a run, and I’m just really happy with this. We needed this win,” Rushing said.

The Bears faced Eastern Kentucky University last Saturday, where they lost 6559.There are only two games left in conference play against North Alabama and Lipscomb, which will determine their placing in the ASUN Conference Championship.

However, Rushing noticed areas in need of improvement going forward.

“We made some silly mistakes backcourt and had some turnovers. We didn’t have a whole lot, but things like blocking out at the free-throw line. Those things can turn into big things later on if we don’t take care of it now,” Rushing said.

The Sugar Bears tip-off against North Alabama at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24th in Florence, Alabama.

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