Claw Magazine - Fall 2014 by The UNC Mirror Student Newspaper

DRAWING ON THE WALLS

Claw magazine

A Greeley graﬃti artist uses colorful spray paints to brighten the city’s once-dark alleyways.

also: Birthday Bash

UNC celebrates its 125th Anniversary

Teacher Feature

Adjusting the Scope

Dan Obluda makes his mark on campus

Change the way you look at campus

FALL 2014 Vol. 3 / Issue 1

Hi! And welcome, to the new

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done a bit of a refresh! We hope you like our updated look and be sure to catch us again Spring 2015!

About the Claw FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK

e made it to November without the season’s first snow. Leaves took longer to fall and The Claw took longer to hit the campus shelves. But here we are, a fresh, shiny magazine with fresh, shiny content, kicking off our third year with a redesign. This year marks a milestone for us. We’re no longer a student club, but a publication of the Student Media Corporation. We’re out to push our limits and make a name for ourselves, and we can’t do that without you. So my first thank you goes out to you, our readers, who make an effort to pick up this magazine and thumb through the pages. Without you, student media cannot exist. Without you, we can’t explore this amazing community like we have in this issue. We’ve expanded our content

to cover Greeley, not just the campus, and starting now we’ll be featuring a different student band and a different UNC teacher every semester. My second thank you goes to The Claw’s amazing production and design team: Dakotah, Natalie, Manny, Mohammed and Trystin. After a week’s worth of long nights, Harry Potter movies in the newsroom and giggling over lack of sleep and InDesign find-and-replace fails, you guys have put together what I’d like to think is the best issue we’ve had yet. And just like we’re improving, our awesome university is always improving, too. They’ve made an effort to make dorms more fun by allowing pets, which you can read about on page 6. Even after a 125-year run, which we celebrate on page 4, UNC’s got outstanding professors like Dan Obluda, featured on page 16, amazing outreach programs for students who struggle with disabilities, like the writer who shares her experience on page 8, and the exchange students featured on page 20. As we look at campus anew on page 26, look at The Claw anew, too, and support your student media.

Editor@uncclawmagazine.com UNCOEntertainmentMag @UNCClawMagazine 2

STAFF

Editor in Chief: Awnna Evans Copy Editors: Tara N. Cady, Amy Yoelin Graphic Design Chief: Dakotah Intriglia Photography Chief: Natalie Stacker Advertising/Sales Manager: Hannah Crowley Writers: Zach Blackburn Anna Bohren Tanner Brownlee Katy East Shelby Foster Ye-In Morris Laura Muff Amy Yoelin Graphic Designers: Mohammed Al Nemer Dakotah Intriglia Manny Pérez Trystin Smith Natalie Stacker Photographers: Anna Bohren Zach Jones Ye-In Morris Natalie Stacker Ad Representatives: Hannah Crowley Amanda Rogers PR Representatives: Amanda Mulnix Tory Orozco General Manager: Matt Lubich Student Media Corporation 823 16th Street Greeley, CO 80631 (970) 392-9270 The Claw is a publication of the Student Media Corporation.

Contents Fall 2014 Volume 3 Issue 1

On the Cover: Birthday Bash

UNC celebrates a major milestone: Its 125 year.

Teacher Feature

Dan Obluda makes an impact on the lives of UNC music students.

Light in the Dark Spaces

A local graffiti artist helps to brighten Greeley one spray can at a time.

Adjusting the Scope

Ways to see campus from a different point of view.

Student Lifestyle: Pets on Campus?

Students compare opinions on allowing pets in the dorms.

Breaking the Silence

How one student deals with a disability in college.

The Art Scene: Off-Campus Jazz

Jazz students spice up Northern Colorado.

Hypnotic Vibes

A local band entrances students with unique music.

On Campus: Stepping Onto Fresh Soil

Students from foreign countries experience America through UNC.

PVA Preview

UNCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College of Performing and Visual Arts presents...

UNC 125 Anniversary th

by Zach Blackburn

NC celebrates its 125th anniversary this academic year. The university, founded in 1889, has gone through numerous changes as a teachers’ college, a state school and a successful diverse university.

Despite UNC’s professors being among the lowest paid in the nation, they are still passionate about teaching and are engaged in the students’ learning.

5 12

“125 years really establishes a university and I’m proud to be a part of it,” said Jonica Jurgens, a junior special education major and senior resident assistant for Presidents’ Row. “The university’s values match mine as a student.”

In addition to the student body, the faculty also makes students proud to be a part of the university.

“[I] came for the teaching program but stayed for the people here,” fellow senior RA Elisabeth Coco said. The RAs agreed that the University of Northern Colorado is not only great because of its values but also because of its students and the community the university has built, especially within the Housing and Residential Education department. Students generally agree that UNC has a great sense of community and that students are very inviting and kind. There is also a strong sense of diversity on campus.

“They really care about the students and want them to succeed,” Jurgens said. UNC’s community also plays a big role and has become a crucial part of the university. The community supports UNC and vice versa in promoting academics, athletics, activities and an overall good environment for the students. “UNC has the whole package. It’s fun, I’m learning a lot, the people and faculty are great and I love it here,” Coco said. So whether it’s for the students, faculty, community or the whole package, UNC deserves to be celebrated for its 125 years of tradition and success as a wonderful school.

Surviving the college years with new friends and old. Photo by Natalie Stacker

Student Lifestyle

It’s Raining

by Ye-In Morris

GRAB Your Umbrella

ets are a major part of our lives, serving as our companions and members of our family. Going through withdrawals after having to leave beloved pets behind for school is a common issue. However, a new policy for the 2014-15 school year has made it possible for students to attend school with their animals. Lawrenson Hall has made rooming with your pet allowed so Fluffy won’t be left behind. To many, this is a dream come true. But to others, it is a nightmare that has become a reality. Some people are dog people, others cat people. Some are even snake people, but others are not so keen on our four-legged—or no legged—companions. Most people would argue, “But they’re so cute!” Well yes, they are cute, but with cuteness comes responsibility. I love my cat and I miss her dearly, but that doesn’t mean I don’t remember all of the unpleasant times spent cleaning her litter box, her puke and other stains she left around the house, plus her hair covering every possible surface and all of the clothing and furniture she destroyed. It’s not just your pet you will be sharing your room with, it’s their odors and messes as well.

Not to mention, a dorm room is a very small and enclosed space, and your pet will be confined to it for hours while you are in class. This also makes for a boring and stressful environment for your poor companion. I don’t know about your pets, but mine would often leave a “present” on my bed or my floor if I left them locked up alone for too long. Many people around campus have no issue with pets being allowed in dorms, but they believe this policy should stay limited to only a few choice places, such as the first two floors of Lawrenson like it is now, instead of being allowed everywhere. Not everyone wants their pet in their room with them. I live in Wilson, and those dorm rooms are tiny. And I mean tiny. I’m sure any roommate wouldn’t be too pleased with the smell. On top of that, the room you are in is only yours for that year, and after that, the people who live there after you are stuck with the leftovers from your stay there.

Cats and Dogs! T

Get Ready to Dance

he worst part about leaving home was saying goodbye to my dog. My dachshund, Juliette, is and was one of my best friends. Sadly for me, I couldn’t bring her. Apparently, Wiebking doesn’t allow pets. That’s too bad! Luckily for the people living on the first and second floors of Lawrenson Hall, they can have their best friend by their side. This year, UNC is trying something new. They are experimenting to see how well having some “pet friendly communities” works. The school has chosen the first two floors of Lawrenson Hall to test this. These pet owners have to really work to stay in this community. The owners are expected to use the dog run that has been constructed next to Lawrenson. Also, they are required to follow the campus-wide policy of leashing their animals when they go for walks. In the beginning of the year, they also have to pay some insurance for any damage to the room. “I believe this pet community is a really good opportunity to do something innovative that will benefit students and provide a unique living and learning experience,” said Hannah Labelson, a

by Anna Bohren

senior sociology major and the RA for the pet-friendly community. Preach it! I miss my dog terribly. I think that it would be more than worth it to rush back to my dorm between classes just to let my pet out. I’m willing to follow the guidelines and pay the extra fee that pet owners in Lawrenson have to. Having my pet by my side is one of my favorite feelings. Amelia Pompey is a senior journalism major who has a rabbit named Pickles. If Pickles weren’t with Amelia at UNC, the rabbit would be at her mother’s house. No fun for Pickles! According to Corey Friend, the Lawrenson Hall director, this “experiment” is going really well. “What we’ve found is that our current group of pet friendly residents understand that this is a big deal. They’ve invested an incredible amount of time, a great amount of learning and even invested financially in the community. Our students have stepped up to the doubters and nay-sayers, and have done so resoundingly.” I’m hoping that this pet friendly community expands into something bigger for the students who want their best friends by their side. Photos by Ye-In Morris and Natalie Stacker 7

Breaking the

Silence by Laura Muff

hen I was a little girl, my grandpa, Frankie, always would take me on tractor rides and tell my sister and me about the wonders of the world. He always said that there is something special about each and every one of us. Everyone has trials which make us stronger. And everyone has triumphs that make life wonderful. He was absolutely correct. There is something special about me. I am living with a disability known as epilepsy. One of the biggest concerns for people with epilepsy and their families is how it affects our day to day life. Do I need to restrict my activity, and if so, how? Other concerns may arise such as how seizures may affect family life, other relationships, school, work or recreation. Coping with epilepsy is different for everyone. Also, having a lot of seizures and taking seizure medications may affect how people think and feel and their ability to cope. After experiencing a few seizures, I can personally say, “Don’t look at me differently.” I’ve also learned that I can’t live in a box or hide in a corner and think that if something happens no one can see, because it is very embarrassing being so vulnerable. I’ve learned that this is my life and that I can overcome anything; that I can go each day and live as if I am completely normal. But the thing about being “normal” is so boring. It has been quite an adventure with trials and triumphs, but if it has taught me anything, it is that this is my life and I’m going to make the most out of it. I guess the medicine I take has given me a positive outlook because I have learned to accept this

disability. It is something I am honored to have. It was clearly given to me because the good Lord believes that I am strong enough to carry and live with epilepsy every day. It has truly made me stronger. I have come across people who absolutely hate me for being so positive and having such a supportive family and friends. Even the nurses and other health professionals tried to feel better about themselves by bullying me for my epilepsy. I learned to ignore those types of people because life is too short to not accept such a blessing. Life is what you make of it and this is my life. I’m going to make the most of it. We all come from different places and all have different backgrounds. Some of us are luckier than others. Some of us are Catholic, Jewish, American, African-American, Spanish, gay, lesbian, transgender, blind, deaf, developmentally disabled; yet so many different aspects make each and every one of us special in our own unique way. So go out there, tell your stories, embrace who you are, live life to your fullest potential, go on an adventure and discover the unknown with the people you love. Don’t worry about the negative because some will adore you and some will hate everything about you. But who cares? It’s your life. Make the most out of it. Photo by Natalie Stacker

Creators and creations of Greeleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s artistic landscape. Photo by Natalie Stacker

Art Scene

Oﬀ - Campus

Jazz

NC jazz students have made their mark—not just on Greeley, but on all of northern Colorado. Even in Fort Collins, most of the places you hear jazz will involve UNC students. The jazz scene has also been building in Greeley. “These sessions are all about having a good time, supporting the community of Greeley, and the UNC community,” said Kenyon Brenner, a master’s student of jazz studies with an emphasis in composition and tenor saxophone player. “We are trying to provide a welcoming experience for people to have a good time.” Greeley is notorious for its lack of activities off campus. Students are trying to fix that. In reality, it’s just a matter of looking around and saying, “Instead of a party, 10

by Anna Bohren

let’s go check out the bands downtown, go to an art exhibit or to a football game.” There are two major, student-run jazz nights in Greeley. Every other Wednesday night, students entertain at the Cranford Cove Tea Tavern and on alternating Thursday evenings they can be found in the Kress Cinema Lounge. These jam sessions last about two hours, but people can come and go during the event. “It’s great for students of any music level to play music together in a non-school setting,” said Tom Amend, a sophomore jazz studies major and jazz pianist. The jazz program is constantly expanding. In January they will make their mark nationally. Lab Band 1, UNC’s highest level jazz ensemble consisting mostly of graduate students, will be featured at the National Jazz Education Network Conference in San Diego on Jan. 8. The band

will also perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association conference in Colorado Springs the weekend of Jan. 28. Lab 1 has been ranked number one among college jazz ensembles in the nation by Downbeat Magazine, a monthly magazine devoted to jazz culture in the United States, for eight of the last 10 years. Brenner said he would like to enrich the jazz program by getting more students involved in off-campus jazz events. “I would love to help any student that wants to learn more about jazz and learn more about how to get involved in the jazz community,” he said. “One of the ways is by getting involved in the Greeley jazz nights that we’ve started.” So get out there, support your fellow students and groove to some amazing music!

Light in the Dark Spaces

by Shelby Foster

n a hot Tuesday afternoon in a renovated garage on the edge of downtown Greeley, magic is happening. Zach “Slive” Keiss, a Greeley resident and student at The Art Institute of Colorado, is transforming basic letters into works of art. Keiss has loved drawing for as long as he can remember. A passion for drawing cars quickly evolved into a skill for the stylized writing form commonly known as graffiti. Keiss credits this transformation to his sister, who introduced him to the hiphop scene and to the graffiti artists who “tag” or write on train cars. Keiss was attracted to graffiti because of its unique style. “Graffiti versus any other kind of art is more of a free form of expression; there is no real set rules,” Keiss said. “Basically,

for graffiti, you want to lose the letter but keep the basic form of the letter.” For Keiss, art is all about personal expression. Graffiti resonates with him because there aren’t rules to hold him back. While graffiti doesn’t come with limits, there are basic styles that artists typically use to classify themselves. Keiss is a “wild style” artist, meaning the letters he uses as the outline for his design can be layered, overlapping, complex and intricately woven together. However, Keiss doesn’t stick strictly to this style. Because he is a graphic design and web layout student at The Art Institute of Colorado, he adds graphic design elements, such as typography and logos, to his pieces. Details like that help to set Keiss’ art apart from his fellow graffiti artists, but there are other, larger factors that set

Keiss apart as an artist, too. Keiss, unlike many traditional graffiti artists, won’t paint illegally. The original boom of graffiti on train cars has become a dying tradition, but defacing property with graffiti is still alive and well. Just not for Keiss. One of the biggest struggles he has faced as an artist has been bringing his modern and sometimes controversial style to a conservative town like Greeley. Many people hold a negative opinion of graffiti because of its traditionally illegal practice. This is, in part, why Keiss won’t do any of his art illegally. He sees graffiti as something that can bring a city together, and he wants it to be something that people celebrate similarly to mainstream art. To change the minds of those who oppose his chosen style, Keiss has brought his art to the city of Greeley. Keiss has been featured at the Greeley Arts Pic-

Keiss presents the sketch and final product of his mural in “The Garage” off of Eighth Avenue.

nic and the University of Northern Colorado’s “I am Hip-Hop” event, which is sponsored by the University Program Council at Café Panache. He also recently finished a piece commissioned by the Greeley Downtown Development Authority and the Greeley Art Commission in the alley between Eighth and Ninth streets. The DDA and the Greeley Art Commission teamed up to fund a mural project spanning the alley. They hired Keiss’ artistic mentor, Armando Silva, to manage the project and to paint the first mural: a sunglass-clad man playing transparent piano keys and looking up in artistic bliss. Silva mentors artists like Keiss through the proposal process and forming logistics for their murals. Silva shares the downtown garage studio space with Keiss and encouraged him to propose a mural. After six days of working on his most recent mural high above the ground, the scaffolding came down and Keiss’ piece was finished. His masterpiece of

Art Deco-style silhouettes, each with a different colored background and instrument, sits wedged in two old window panes in the alleyway. “We love it,” said Pam Bricker, the executive director of the Greeley DDA. “All along, I always looked at the old filled-in windows and thought that silhouKeiss’ Art Deco mural in the alley behind Stuft Burger Bar. ettes would be cool. The town because he did a more Art minute we saw what his concept was, we said it would be Deco piece instead of a straight up graffiti-style piece. This is a perfect for those windows. He great breakout move for him,” took it from there, and it came Silva said. out just wonderful.” If you haven’t seen Keiss’ muWhile Keiss’ mural doesn’t ral or the mural alleyway, be sure depict his beloved graffiti style, to stop by the alleyway behind he sees it as a stepping-stone to gaining respect as a graffiti artist. The Rio and soak in all the magic it has to offer. He said he believes creating ties to Greeley’s community will help open doors for graffiti to create Photos by Natalie Stacker celebrations like the mural alley in the future. “I think it fits really well down-

Keiss’ artistic representation of his artist name, “Slive.”

Hypnotic Vibes

by Ye-In Morris and Tanner Brownlee

rom small jam sessions to performing for crowds, Hypnotic Vibes took the stage and won the hearts of many with their melodic music and poetic lyrics. This alternative-reggae rock band has come a long way since starting from the bottom and working their way up to the top, but the sky is the limit for the members as they continue to work toward greatness and impact people with their music. The founders of the band, Stefan Lopez and Joe Solano, shared the story of how Hypnotic Vibes came to be. Lopez and Solano knew each other in high school, but it wasn’t until their freshman year of college that they became friends. Both shared a love for music and would often hold informal practices together, playing guitar for fun and hanging out during the school year. When Solano returned from the Navy for their junior year, they became roommates. It was during this time that their simple jam sessions sparked something bigger. As their friendship developed, their passion for music grew even more. Even though neither had the

intention of starting a band, it was this moment that eventually led to Hypnotic Vibes. They began experimenting with songwriting, starting out with clips then eventually writing full songs, some of which are featured on their first EP, including “Ladybug,” which started out as a poem Lopez wrote until Solano transformed it into a song. Solano is the main songwriter and Lopez is the lyricist. Lopez said it’s mainly Solano’s bass chord progressions and vocal melodies that give birth to a song. “Joe presents a skeleton to the band, and we add the flesh, the organs, the blood, the smile,” Lopez said. “This being starts going around and making impressions on others.” Lopez, with his literary background, provides the lyrics that speak strongly in their songs and the other members of the band continue to add spice and character to their music. Those other members are Sterling Swanson on trombone, Davis Williams on bass, Mario Alvarado on drums and Alex Vilanova

on trumpet. The Hypnotic Vibes family all share a deep love and dedication to music. Their goal is to change people’s way of thinking about the world along with how they feel, Solano said. He said the band wants to take hardships and turn them into something positive. Inspiration for their songs comes from sources like their favorite bands as well as past experiences. No matter what the experience was or what emotions they felt, their songs try to capture the essence of those events and to relate to others who share similar experiences. It’s not just about “feel-good” music. The journey has not been easy for the band. It has been full of roadblocks, potholes, hills and other blockades that all of the members have had to overcome. Having to juggle work, school and gigs in addition to trying to raise enough money to fully produce an album, the band has had its fair share of struggles, but they’ve worked through all of them together.

Though the journey has been a long one, band members say it’s been worth every step. They want their music to make people feel, to make them smile, to have an effect on the lives and moods of their listeners. None of it is about money or fame, they said, and none of the band members allow their egos to get out of hand. The music itself and the impact it has on people is all that matters. The release of their new EP is a huge stepping stone for the group, as it will fully introduce the world to the magic that is Hypnotic Vibes. “Our first EP on a scale of one to 10 was a one,” Lopez said. “Our new EP is going to be a 10.” Fans can expect to hear the familiar chilled out music of the band and heartfelt lyrics with some new aspects mixed in. “Peace, Love and Good Vibes.” — Hypnotic Vibes Photos by Ye-In Morris

D B

A N

ntroducing Dan Obluda. Talking about UNC pride, this man takes the cake. He not only completed his bachelor’s at the University of Northern Colorado, but he completed his master’s here and has taught music classes at UNC for four years. Obluda was raised in Arvada. He attended Arvada West High School before coming to Greeley. “One of the greatest things about UNC is that there are so many good things happening in such a small area,” Obluda said. Obluda is a percussionist and has played for 13 years. He said his favorite percussion instrument is the timpani, though that’s far from all he plays. “It’s not about playing one instrument, it’s about playing several.” That, he said, is why he loves being a percussionist. Along with percussion, he plays piano. Outside of the classroom, Obluda can most likely be found outdoors. His favorite way to exercise is to ride his bike. He said his favorite thing to do on campus is watching students have fun, whether that’s going to a concert, gallery or

D U

football game. While working on his graduate degree, he served as a photographer for UNC’s student newspaper, The Mirror. His motive behind working for The Mirror was having full access to campus events. Obluda said he believes it’s important to attend these events. “Even if you don’t think you will like it, just go,” he said. “You forget how talented the people around you are.” His advice to young students is to figure out how to manage time. He said that by spending five minutes per day thinking about what needs to be done, the day will overall be more productive. He also said he believes that the day needs to include putting down the textbooks to walk to a coffee shop or lie in the grass and read. Kyle Cervantes, a freshman jazz studies major, said Obluda helped him to make the jump from high school to college an easier transition because he relates to his students. And most students would agree, Obluda is relatable.

He’s loud, he’s out there and he’s teaching music.

by Anna Bohren “His style of teaching is easy to latch on to,” Cervantes said. “Which is good since he’s teaching an incredibly hard subject.” One of his favorite phrases is, “If you get it, great! If you don’t, great!” Obluda’s advice to older students is to not assume you know everything you need to know. He advises the importance of mastering the basics, whether they are the fundamentals of music theory, grammar or even mathematic time-tables. Understanding the basics is essential to both academic and daily life. His advice to every student is to enjoy the fact that you’re not in high school anymore. “It doesn’t matter what you like,” Obluda said. “As long as you like it, that’s all that matters.” In other words, go for your dream career! His students also credit him with giving them motivation for their music studies. “I came into college not knowing very much about music, and I think if I had not had him as a teacher, I might not have stuck in the music program,” said Morgan Overley, a sophomore vocal performance major. Having that kind of long-term impact on a student’s musical career is important to Obluda, he

said. He works hard to connect with students and to communicate his passion for music. He helps build the skills that students need to be successful. He plays an instrumental role in helping students understand what they need to know. The words that inspire Obluda most are, “A painter paints a picture on a canvas, but musicians paint their pictures on silence,” a famous quote from Leopold Stokowski. He said that quote captures the challenge of making every note and beat count against the background of silence. “All of the things that this university is able to draw to it is neat,” he said. He said he enjoys all the different performances offered at UNC and the opportunities that come from being surrounded by so much music. Most importantly, he said, his students make the university such a great experience. If he can help them keep their passion for music alive, he knows that he has accomplished something. “My goal is to show students what’s out there. It’s ultimately up to the student to figure out what they like.” Photo by Anna Bohren

Photos by Natalie Stacker

A tour of campus sights, sounds and scenes. Photo by Natalie Stacker

On Campus

Stepping Onto Studying Abroad in the United States by Ye-In Morris

tudying abroad can be a wonderful experience. It allows students to experience other cultures and societies. To students in the United States, American culture is normal and American surroundings are familiar. But to others, the U.S. is a foreign land filled with unfamiliar experiences. Though the journey is incredible and is a chance to meet lifelong friends and make memories, it can also be frightening. Some of the foreign exchange students at UNC shared what studying in the United States is like through their eyes. The University of Northern Colorado has a wide variety of students visiting from South Korea, Germany, China and France, among others. All chose to come to the University of Northern Colorado due to its reputation in their areas of study such as business, education and English. Youngki Cha and Yoonsil Chang from South Korea, Qian Zang from China, Sarah Zweers from Germany and Fatos Llabjani from France shared what it is like to study abroad in America in contrast with their homelands. From shocking portion sizes,

outlandish drinking ages and a surprising lack of umbrellas, the American experience is more unusual than people might think. Things considered to be part of everyday life are oddities to those from a different country. “One of the things that I’m really looking forward to is actually getting to lie in the grass and take a nap,” said Cha, who was surprised by the lack of “keep off the grass” signs. Having come from a condensed city like Seoul, where open spaces are rare, seeing a massive open field of grass that anyone could run around on whenever they wanted was like being a child in a toy store. Chang said she was surprised by how vast and open the landscape was, since the state of Colorado is larger than all of South Korea. Seeing people walking around in the rain without an umbrella was also a shock to students native to South Korea. Here, rain is clean water falling from the sky. In South Korea, however, no one goes out in a shower without an umbrella due to the acid rain caused by the country’s pollution. The friendliness of people at UNC was also a

Fresh Soil... Qian Zang from China

Yoonsil Chang from South Korea

Youngki Cha from South Korea Photos by Ye-In Morris

common and pleasant surprise. “In Paris, even if you are lost, nobody will bother to help, so you better have a map,” Llabjani said. Chang said she was also pleased with how willing people were to help her despite it being sometimes difficult due to the language barrier. “When I was at the library the lady there was so nice,” Chang said. “She had no problem with helping to find what I needed even though it took forever.” The language barrier is a common roadblock for visiting students. The problem is not so much with understanding English, but with certain interactions, phrases and slang people use in the U.S. To them, it is very strange if someone were to say hello in passing. Such random and abrupt interaction is uncommon where they come from. Many foreign students also find it strange how high the drinking age is in the U.S. Here, turning 18 gets people stuck in an awkward position where they are legally an adult but not allowed to go to a bar and order a drink for another three years. In countries like France and Germany, the legal age is 18, and minors as young as 16 are allowed to drink in their own homes. There, alcohol is introduced at a young age so many were surprised to see so many college students making a huge deal out of getting their hands on it when they could. What did they expect to happen while studying abroad at UNC? “Getting fat!” Zweers said. She said America in general has outrageous portion sizes. “I’m not saying the food here is bad, but I’m from France,” Llabjani joked. After being surrounded by fine dining restaurants, it was unexpected to suddenly be confronted with choices such as Taco Bell and McDonald’s. Even though their experience has been different and sometimes stressful, all of them said they have enjoyed their short time here and look forward to the rest of the year. Every day, there are new sights to see, new people to meet and new memories to be made.

Sarah Zweers from Germany

: e p o c S e h s t u p g m n i a t C s n u j o d e A nt Angl e r e Diff

ty Ea by Ka

hat really matters about a college campus is how each individual student can make a connection with it. Everyone has their own different angle and their own unique perspective. When it really comes down to it, the personal connections made, the relationships forged and the overall impressions left on each student are unmistakably linked to the locations on campus that individuals encounter. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult for students to realize the impact their campus has on them while they are actually in college. With the countless classes, clubs, sports, jobs, homework and more, it’s easy to pass right by the things that make the college experience unique to each student. Hours are always spent in vapid action or locked away in a dark room trying to make up for lost hours of sleep. The places that students see and experience everyday become foggy, with only small remnants of the mystifying structures everyone experienced on their very first campus tour. Take a moment now to picture the one area of campus that really struck you on your very first visit, or even your first day of class. Envision the great views, the unique architecture and anything else that reached out to you personally. Chances are, this area of campus is one that you either walk past or have class in every single day. You either ignore it or don’t notice the same things that completely entranced you the first time you saw it. The aspects of campus that speak to each individual do not change; what changes is the student’s perspective. If you take time now to be mindful of your surroundings, your appreciation and gratitude for campus will grow. Take time out of each day to enjoy the beautiful campus at UNC. Your time here is very short, whether it seems like it or not. There are countless views that only the students who attend this university get to experience each and every day. Don’t let it slip away unnoticed. Take a new perspective, a different angle on campus. Adjust your scope.

Photos by Natalie Stacker

PVA Preview by Amy Yoelin he UNC College of Performing and Visual Arts always gives viewers a stupendous show, including dance, art, design and theater. Here is a sample of what the upcoming season at UNC has to offer. Charlotte Nichols—Metalsmith Mariani Gallery Brought to you by a former UNC student, Charlotte Nichols presents unique sculptural designs, all created from brass and copper. Nichols incorporates commonly held ideals—courage, empathy and tolerance— into her pieces. Viewers will not forget the sights of the sculptures created by Nichols. For nearly two months, you will be able feast your eyes upon the wonders of Nichols’ work! October 27-December 9 University Bands Union Colony Civic Center Monfort Concert Hall The UCCC features University Bands—a program that will showcase three UNC ensembles. Discover the raw talent UNC students have to offer at these events! You may find yourself baffled that students at UNC possess such musical abilities. With only the best of the best, the UNC@UCCC series will please your ears! February 17 at 7:00 p.m. April 10 at 7:30 p.m. Children of Eden Langworthy Theatre Featuring the age-old dilemma of child versus parent, Children of Eden will connect with the audience’s hearts and develop a personal connection. Starring Adam, Eve, Noah and Father, each come to making brutal decisions that will affect their lives. The themes of family, love and difficult choices will strike close to home, making Children of Eden all the more relatable to viewers’ personal lives. March 4, 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. March 8 at 2 p.m. Ladies First Langworthy Theatre Showcasing intricate dance routines, Ladies First highlights the beauty, precision and creativity of an all-female cast. The works in Ladies First are designed entirely by professional female choreographers. In 2014, the Spring Dance show featured only male performers. However, in 2015, the ladies take the stage, ensuring delight and sentiment from the crowd. April 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

In addition, be sure to pledge your support for Arts at UNC. And remember, UNC has events year-round!

Photos courtesy of the College of Performing and Visual Arts