August 14, 2014

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If it matters to you, it matters to us.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA

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MONDAY AUG 14 2017 VOL 1718 ISS 1

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Students return to campus The fall semester brings students back to campus.

“Constellations” coming to USA

A drama is scheduled to open Aug. 18 at Laidlaw Theatre Page 9

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50 Tips for Academic Success

A USA professor shares valuable guidance start your year off right. Page 16 & 17

Jeremy Towns journey to the Jaguars

“Time for Thomas” was Thomas’ campaign slogan. Photo by Jake Cannon

Meet SGA President Carl Thomas By shannon lundgren | Editor-in-Chief After many years, Jeremy Towns is hoping the same work ethic he had in the NFL will help get him through medical school. Photo by Ryann Guy By Ryann guy | sports reporter

At 6 feet 4 inches and 280 pounds, Jeremy Towns towers over the average person, smiling brightly as he approaches South Alabama’s College of Medicine. Clearly an athlete at first glance, Towns was a part of more than one professional football programs prior to his journey as a medical student. Not only is he an athlete and a student, he also finds the time to give back to the community as a motivational speaker. He has made a commitment to his relationship with God and shares it with anyone who crosses his path. “Faith is everything to me,” Towns said, “it is who I am.”

His previous endeavours began with Samford University’s football team. At Samford, during his senior year, Towns suffered from what was thought to be a career ending injury which is part of what brought him closer to his religion. He believes his faith is what led him to his future. “I felt like everything was a test,” he said about all the obstacles he overcame to get to where he is today. After two surgeries and a full recovery, he felt at the top of his game again, only to get injured again during his fifth year on the field. Due to his talent, the NCAA granted him a sixth year. Scouts came to watch Towns play, only to notice he was still limping. They delivered the news to him of their unlikely return.

This was one of the moments where Towns had to accept his fate and move on, or work harder than he ever had before. “I just committed myself to the grind,” said Towns. He dedicated his time to working out with his friend and former Samford teammate, Nick Williams, who is now a Miami Dolphins defensive end. Towns said Williams challenged him to be a better athlete which Towns said is the best way to motivate others to want to do well. Towns said to challenge one another is the best way to teach others. After Towns’ sixth year, he found an agent and traveled to Houston to an NFL training camp. Initially, Towns Continued on page 6

SGA President Carl Thomas, Jr. has come a long way, from the dusty, dirt roads of Calvert, AL, to becoming USA’s next SGA president. Family history has shaped Thomas into being the person he is today. His family started out in a single-wide trailer off of a dirt road in Calvert. Through years of hard work, his family slowly upgraded their home from a single-wide trailer to a doublewide trailer. Finally, the Thomases built their own home on 20 acres of land. His parents, high school sweethearts, married young and always supported their children, according to Thomas. Like so many family stories, no one quite agrees on Continued on page 2


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August 14, 2014 by The Vanguard - Issuu