August 14, 2014

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

Page 4

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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Thomas, continued

NEWS

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Thomas ran against Reagan Barr in April, 2017 for SGA President. Photo by Briana Cunningham

Continued from page 1

the details of how his parents met.

His mother became a preschool teacher and his father worked at a chemical plant.

Thomas’ older sister, Jasmine, studied at USA for two years. The enduring friendships she made at USA inspired Thomas to apply to USA’s Mitchell College of Business. Thomas described himself as an “ideas man” and he hopes that a concentration in marketing will allow him to use his creative nature.

Once at USA, Thomas immediately got involved with African-American Student Association and First-Year Council.

“My love for the university grew from there, because I met so many great individuals my freshman year, such as Elizabeth [Hernandez] the vice president and Kevin [Aria], the treasurer,” Thomas said.

His family has inspired him to try

to make USA a better place. During his election, Thomas proposed creating a mental health awareness month.

This was inspired by a family member who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Since he has opened up about his family member’s diagnosis, many students have confided their own struggles with mental health in Thomas, according to him.

Thomas was particularly impressed by the work of USA student group Fourth Nation, which seeks to remove the stigma of mental health problems in minority communities.

When asked what he likes to do in his free time, Thomas looked slightly bewildered. With a laugh, he said that it’s been a long time since he’s had much free time. When he can find free time, he enjoys listening to music, podcasts, spending time at the student rec center, writing poetry and going on long drives to clear his mind.

His favorite podcasts include “Potter’s Touch,” with Bishop TD Jakes and “Meditation Oasis.” With some pressing, Thomas confessed to also enjoying “The Read.” “The Read” is a humor podcast that covers hip-hop

and pop culture.

As for what the future holds, once he finishes his bachelor degree, Thomas hopes to go on to study for a master’s degree in business.

“As far as a career, I’d love to work for a Fortune 500 company, in a space where creativity is very much encouraged, where everyone is influenced by creativity and feeds off of each other’s creative nature,” Thomas said.

You can find out more about USA SGA by liking them on Facebook @ usasga.

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NEWS

3 How Jags should prepare for hurricane season

By Tricia west | Reporter

Hurricane season occurs from June 1 through Nov. 30 every year and without proper preparation it could potentially spell disaster for many students’ living units, property, or even lives.

Dr. Bill Williams, the current director of The University of South Alabama’s Weather Center and developer of the University’s Coastal Weather Research Center (CRWC), remembers a particularly brutal storm by the name of Hurricane Frederic that touched down in Mobile County on the evening of September 12, 1979.

When Williams was asked for the most important advice for students in the event of another high category hurricane on campus, he stated that supplies are a huge factor in the safety of individuals in such a situation.

Williams suggested that students should have the following items on hand: a battery powered or handcrank radio to keep track of weather updates and instructions, bottled or gallons of water, and flashlights with extra batteries in the event that power lines and water pipes are to be damaged.

Williams remembered when Hurricane Frederic struck Mobile, power was out in some locations for about two weeks and some locations had no power for several months.

He added that a having a stockpile of canned and nonperishable foods should be considered an essential, since it can be difficult to determine how long a storm could last before it’s too late to run to the store.

He also advised students to be aware if you’re in an area prone to flash flooding and to move to higher ground as needed.

The Hurricane Information page on USA’s website gives further instructions on preparing for hurricanes while on campus, including procedures for residential students whose homes are too far away to evacuate campus in a timely manner.

This gives students whose permanent address is more than 400 miles away from campus a temporary safe shelter called a Best Available Refuge Area (BARA).

The University’s Housing department will locate campus residents who will need to move to a BARA, and notify them of any shelter

procedures they must follow according to University policy.

“If a hurricane is anticipated to be severe enough to require the use of shelters, the University will officially suspend operations and evacuate its campus, at which time all events and classes will be canceled and only pre-designated essential personnel will be allowed to remain on campus,” according to USA’s website.

In the event of an evacuation, students are required to travel to off campus housing, an emergency shelter, or to a friend’s home until it is announced that it is safe to return to campus.

If an emergency causes students to be in immediate danger USA opens its emergency communication channels. This includes the weather and emergency hotline at (251) 4606999, USA’s mass notification center, and outdoor speakers known as the University Public Address System.

In the event of a hurricane that threatens campus safety.

The Housing Department will give the following indoor safety instructions to residential students: pushing mattresses and large furniture away from windows, unplugging and removing all electronic devices from the ground at the peak of the storm, keeping windows free of obstructions such as duct tape or boards unless instructed by the housing department.

Under no circumstances should students light candles for a light source due to emergency personnel being unavailable in the event of a house fire during a hurricane.

The website advised students to have enough food for at least a three day period and warned against cracking windows, opening doors, or going outside. Doing so could put the student in immediate danger, lead to structural damage during the storm or cause a building to weaken or even collapse.

To learn more about hurricane safety, and how you can remain safe while on campus you can visit The University of South Alabama’s website, under the “Hurricane Information” page. For evacuation routes, please visit the City of Mobile Hurricane Preparedness website where you can find city listed BARAs and procedures for city evacuation.

Students who live more than 400 miles away from campus have access to temporary safe shelter called Best Available Refuge Area. Photo by Briana Cunningham

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4 NEWS Jags migrate back to campus Week of Welcome Aug. 14 Student Rec center closed for staff training.

Jaguars Care: WOW Day of Service 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Fresh Food Dining Company Dining Hall JP Week of Welcome Outdoor Movie 9 p.m. Delta Pavilion

Aug. 15 Class of 2021 Picture 9:45 a.m. Mitchell Center Convocation 11 a.m. Mitchell Center SouthFit Group Fitness Sampler 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Rec Center Volunteers worked all day long to help new residents move into their dorms. Photo by Shelby Guidry

By Tricia west | Reporter

Over 1,200 USA freshman moved into over thirty-two residence halls in six communities for the upcoming school year from Aug. 12 to Aug 13.

This also kicked off the university’s Week of Welcome. Week of Welcome is a 15 day event where new students can become familiar with the University of South Alabama’s area, fellow students and University culture.

“Living on campus is an incredible experience and place for people to build community,” said Juliann Spray, director of Residence Halls Associated, “It proves to directly affect grades of students because of the positive impact that learning communities have on their studying habits and it really gives students a sense of home away from home.”

USA held its First Night Event which consisted of two performances at the Mitchell Center. The first act included magician Ben Siedman and the second was comedian Lafayette Wright. The University also provided free food for attendees. This is one of many events USA is scheduled to host during its Week of Welcome.

Spray also mentioned that this

year’s RHA motto is “Welcome Home,” a mantra implemented to give new students who are away from home for the first time a sense of ease.

When asked what students have the most difficult time adjusting to when moving to campus for the first time, she mentioned that organization and learning how to be independent are two things most incoming Jags have struggle with.

RHA combats this by offering students free events along with career programs and study sessions. She stated that it is “crucial for social development on campus,” and even that her stay in dorms has helped her get where she is today.

New students coming to campus also means lots of IKEA-esque furniture and new dorm decor coming with them.

SGA Vice President Elizabeth Hernandez was one of the many volunteers that helped new residents get settled in on move in day.

“The most difficult part [of volunteering] today was freshmen misreading their room numbers.”

Hernandez said. “Lots of moving boxes into a room and then out of a room when we realized it was the

wrong one!”

Volunteers showed up at 8 a.m. on Aug. 12 and stayed to volunteer until after 4 p.m. when check-in time for new residents ended. They helped haul luggage into 300 rooms in Azalea Hall, USA’s freshman-only hall, in the span of just a few hours.

When Hernandez was asked an important piece of advice for incoming freshman to keep in mind throughout the academic school year, she said that staying involved in campus activity was important for student success.

Spray had almost identical advice for incoming students.

“When students break out of their comfort zones, they not only learn new skills but do things they may have not ever imagined themselves being capable of ” stated Spray.

To find more Week of Welcome events that may offer free food and entertainment, visit the 2017 Week of Welcome schedule on USA’s website by typing “Week of Welcome... and Beyond!” into the search bar.

If interested in on-campus housing, applications can be found under the Residential Communities tab on USA’s website.

Aug. 16 Classes Begin Fraternity Formal Recruitment Interest Session 2 - 4 p.m. Student Center Sorority Recruitment Orientation (Registration required) 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 17

LBGTQ+ Welcome Reception 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Student Center Terrace

Aug. 18 “Constellations” 7:30 p.m. Laidlaw Performing Arts Center Visit USA’s Week of Welcome webpage to see more events.

NEWS

Battleship Crewmates celebrate 50th anniversary

5 BBB warns of a possible color/ fun run scam at USA any evidence of the event in other

cities (based on the event list on the website), and found nothing.”

Better Business Bureau Serving BBB attempted to contact the Central and South Alabama has been business, but when calling the phone alerted to a possible fun/color run number listed on the website, the call scam in Mobile, AL. goes directly to a “full” voice mailbox The event, Fun Color Run for the “Fun Color Run” and is unable (funcolorrun5k.com), is supposedly to accept new messages. being held by Hatcher Event BBB is advising consumers to Productions, LLC and is scheduled to always do their research and offers the take place Sunday, August 13, at the following tips for signing up for a fun/ Intramural Fields at the University of color run: South Alabama in Mobile.

Red flags for these types of races BBB Serving Central & South include: Alabama contacted the Hilton Garden • Similar names as other popular Inn in Daphne, AL where the supposed races or organizations pre-race “Expo/Packet Pick-Up” is • Questionable or undocumented located, but the hotel does not have ties to charities any record or knowledge of this event • Have a track record of canceling or taking place. rescheduling races BBB also contacted the University If you are thinking about of South Alabama Campus Rec participating in a themed “fun run”, department who says they have no fun/ here are some BBB tips: color runs scheduled for the advertised • Do your research. Check out the date and campus police is not aware of company’s BBB profile and search any event of that nature. online for additional information BBB CSAL was first made aware before signing up. of this business after being contacted • Understand the terms and

by BBB Serving Central Indiana who conditions. In some cases, received a Scam Tracker report from promoters state on their websites a consumer expressing their concerns that they don’t offer refunds, but with the legitimacy of the event: many consumers don’t read the “I received an email about this fine print before hitting “I agree” ‘event’ happening in San Diego on to long, online documents.

Sept 30th. I paid a ‘refundable’ deposit • Check the local venue. Contact of $100 (which I will have to get back the park or other venue to confirm from my bank), and then as time has that the event is scheduled. gone on, and I have been looking • Pay with a credit card. Charges for more details about the event, I made on a credit card can be started to feel like maybe it was not disputed after a purchase, whereas legitimate. There is a REAL ‘The debit, cash or wire transfer Color Run,’ which originally made me transactions cannot. think this was some sort of knockoff.

• Keep documentation of your I called the hotel that the email says order. After completing the online the packet pick up is at, and the hotel registration process, you should confirmed they DO NOT have any receive a confirmation receipt. record/information about this event. I Print out and keep a copy of the called the number, and it went directly confirmation and any supporting to a (personal sounding) voicemail, documentation for future that said ‘Fun color run!’ I looked for reference.

By better business bureau

Battleship Crewmates volunteer to promote the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Photo courtesy of USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park

By Sara boone| life editor

Battleship Crewmates alumni celebrated the 50th anniversary of the program at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park this summer.

The program was founded in 1967 as a way to create ambassadors to spread awareness of the park and represent Mobile as a whole.

More than 300 women have served as Crewmates and represented the Battleship Memorial Park. Six women are selected each year to volunteer their time at events promoting the park and the city of Mobile.

Outside judges select the USS ALABAMA Crewmates each year based on intelligence, personality, community service and interest in the Battleship Memorial Park.

The Crewmate program includes a scholarship that each ambassador gets for their work promoting the park for their year. The selected Crewmates each receive a $2,000 scholarship to the college of her choice.

Out of the 2017-2018 Crewmates, four attend the University of South Alabama and the other two attend Spring Hill College. Taylor Naman is a freshman majoring in hospitality management, Sophia Webster is a sophomore majoring in accounting, Danielle Miller is a sophomore majoring in business finance and Nicole Iida is a senior majoring in professional health sciences.

Crewmates Coordinator Lynne

Price says that she admires the enthusiasm of the Crewmates.

“It is exciting for me to watch these young women interact with the veterans, share their enthusiasm about USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park, as well as develop and mature into leaders in our community,” said Price. “They manage to juggle school, jobs and extracurricular activities while keeping a smile on their faces and a can-do attitude. These young women are amazing ambassadors for not only Memorial Park, but the entire state of Alabama.”

The program is more than just scholarship money according to Rhonda Davis, director of sales and marketing for the Memorial Park.

Davis is a former crewmate herself and said the program has meant so much to so many women in the community and has stood the test of time for that reason. Since it is a woman-only program, she feels that it empowers women and gives them the chance to learn from the unique experience of touring the state and sharing their love of the Battleship Memorial Park.

Over 200 former Crewmates toured the park for Crewmate Family Day at the anniversary celebration.

Crewmates shared their experience with their children and grandchildren.

Later in the evening, the ladies gathered at the park for a special reunion dinner.

Davis hopes that the Crewmate tradition will continue to make an impact on the state and last another 50 years.

This website claims there was a color/ fun run scheduled for Aug. 13 at USA’s Intramural Fields, but USA says no such event was scheduled for that date or time. Photo courtesy of funcolorrun5k.com

LIFE

6

Jeremy Towns dreamed of becoming a doctor and playing for the NFL. Photo by Ryann Guy

Continued from page 1

did not catch the attention of any NFL scouts.

“Every time I would get down . . . it gave me more faith,” he said.

Unwilling to give up, Towns got ready for Pro Day in Birmingham.

Towns felt a sense of relief the night before when he received news that USA accepted him to their medical school. However, his focus had already been set on standing out at Pro Day and getting signed with a team and med school was something Towns had always wanted to pursue after his NFL career.

By the end of Pro Day the day, he did not receive the attention he had worked so hard for.

“I was bummed, to be honest. . . football was a part of my identity,” he said.

Towns only dwelled on what seemed to be a missed opportunity until he remembered his letter of acceptance from USA’s medical school.

It seemed as if this was his final calling.

The summer before he decided to start medical school, he attended a mission trip to Dominica and promised himself that when he would return home, there would be a

voicemail from an NFL team asking to watch him play.

It took less than 24 hours into his trip to receive that call. Once he returned to the United States, he listened to a voicemail from the Washington Redskins saying they wanted him to come out and practice with them.

Finally, everything he had worked so hard for,paid off. The Redskins offered him a free agent position with their program. But one thing stuck on Towns’ mind - he had already committed to start medical school the next day.

He accepted the position with the Redskins, only to be cut shortly after.

Towns recalled what his peers said about his decisions to play football.

“It’s easy for people to say after the fact that I should have just gone to medical school,” said Towns.

Unaware of Towns the drive and motivation, one might assume that he missed his shot. He would prove otherwise.

Towns was waiting to begin his studies when his agent contacted him with another football offer. This time, it was the Buffalo Bills. Since he had a year to wait to begin medical school, he decided to give the Bills a shot.

Three weeks after bringing him to

their field, they offered to sign him to the Bills.

“It was a blast to be there with the team, I learned so much,” he said about signing with the Bills.

A year later, Towns is now a freeagent, taking classes at USA’s College of Medicine. He explains what his expedition through his NFL career taught him.

“Before I went through my NFL journey, I would have given up right out of college,” Towns said. “It’s like God spoke to me and said ‘you need to go on this journey in order for me to teach you something you otherwise would not learn.”

It is miraculous for any athlete to fully recover from a career ending injury. It is rare for an athlete to get injured twice and be offered a position with a professional program.

“It is nothing but a story of faith, both for my medical career and athletic [career],” said Towns.

In his free time, Towns enjoys mentoring kids who have grown up in less fortunate circumstances and strives to relate to them on a personal level by guiding them with his motivational speeches. Towns also trains aspiring athletes during summer camps that he organizes.

“I’m just a people guy.” Towns said.

“I’m just a common man. I’m here to learn from the professors but also from the other students in that my life will be more enriched if I keep that approach to things. If you see yourself as up on a pedestal you are not going to learn anything.”

Some may see Towns as a former NFL Player, a motivational speaker, or a classmate.

“To me, I haven’t done enough,” he says about his accomplishments.

“I don’t want to be someone who just played football or just became a doctor. I want people to remember me and say, ‘Wow, that guy really lived.’”

By 28 years old, Towns played for a Division 1 football team, endured two potentially career ending injuries that required surgery and still pursued a professional football career, while giving back to his community.

Now, Towns can be found around USA’s campus radiating positive energy and even throwing up a ‘J hand’ or two.

Towns hopes to graduate from USA’s College of Medicine within the next three to five years and has no plans, as of right now, to go back to the NFL.

LIFE

7

USA alumnus plans to open bubble tea shop

Coming soon to a shopping center near you - bubble tea. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

By Marissa Mason | managing editor

University of South Alabama alumnus Varin Nimityongskul is opening a bubble tea shop on Airport Blvd. next to Bangkok Thai Cuisine.

The shop, named Kurabi Bubble Tea after Nimityongskul’s childhood stuffed crab toy named “Crabby,” is planning to offer a variety of drinks including milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies and blended drinks with a variety of toppings to choose from.

“I used to live in New York for a couple years. I always loved bubble tea and would buy it regularly,” Nimityongskul said. “I’ve always wanted to try running my own business and I had the opportunity to use this space, so a lot of factors lined up for me. I’ve been working in the food and beverage industry most of my life. I feel I have a lot of knowhow to create a great cafe and I’m looking forward to make Kurabi awesome.”

The primary topping of bubble teas would be the tapioca pearls - also called boba - which are chewy pearls made from a starch extracted from the cassava root. These are mixed in with the drink and slurped up via an oversize straw. In addition to the boba, there are other toppings which can go into the drink to give it different texture and flavor, such as egg pudding and a variety of jellies.

“I have an emphasis on using clean, authentic, fresh ingredients,” Nimityongskul said. “I plan to incorporate filtered water, real sugar, and 100% genuine honey with

minimal usage of artificial sweeteners.

People can feel the difference with good ingredients. I want them to feel good and happy even after they’ve finished my drink.”

There is also a series of milk teas that use fresh milk as well as some popular Thai drinks. Nimityongskul also says he is working on a yakult - or yogurt - line that provides probiotics.

Many drinks can also easily have their sweetness adjusted to taste, so people can enjoy their drinks whether they love or hate sweets.

So far, Kurabi is set to sell snacks, but no substantial food, though Nimityongskul says he would be interested in partnering with a local business in the future.

“A partnership with other local businesses sounds like a good idea,” Nimityongskul said. “A lot of people have been telling me they would like me to carry baked goods, but so far I don’t really have the room to make and stock fresh baked goods every day.

I want to get my own line of products down and delicious first.”

Kurabi is designed to have an open, laid back setting where people can come and hang out, study, and socialize. There are several power outlets on the benches between tables for electronics, free Wi-Fi, and a community board where people can post local happenings and advertisements.

“I designed it to be a social place,” Nimityongskul said. “It’s a place where you can connect with people.

I want my customers to help shape

the atmosphere here. If they like something or dislike something, we’ll see what we can change around. It’s not just about what I want, but the clientele as well.”

Though the business has yet to open, many students can look forward

to enjoying a local, but off-campus place to relax and grab some drinks with their friends. The official address for Kurabi Bubble Tea is 3821 Airport Blvd Ste. A. For any questions, visit Kurabi’s Facebook page @ KurabiBubbleTea.

8 USA Sororities prepare for recruitment

USA sorority sisters prepare for a week of recruitment. Photo by Rachel Goodman

By Rachel Goodman| Reporter

Deciding to go through sorority recruitment may seem intimidating if you have no idea what you will truly experience. Recruitment is meant to be fun for everyone involved and should not be something you’re scared of! If you are considering going through sorority recruitment, but aren’t sure what to expect, keep reading for a full description of every night.

Sorority recruitment spans across five consecutive nights and begins on August 17, the first Thursday after school starts back for fall 2017.

During recruitment, you will visit all five of the sorority houses on South Alabama’s campus. Each night you will visit fewer houses, for longer periods of time, as you narrow down your decision.

The first two nights are called Ice Water Tea nights but there is no tea involved. This is just what the first night of recruitment is called on almost every college campus. These nights are the most casual of all of recruitment.

They are intended to give you a chance to visit every house and talk to as many girls as possible.

Interested candidates’ conversations on the first two nights will be brief and numerous. Don’t worry about remembering names or asking the “right” questions. Just be yourself and enjoy your night!

Candidates will visit half of the five houses the first night and the other half the second night. Which houses candidates see first or last is determined randomly, so don’t stress about the order.

At the end of the second Ice Water Tea night, candidates will be asked to rank their sorority preference from

one to five.

Don’t over think this decision; just go with your gut and ignore any outside influences. Every sorority has something unique and wonderful to offer.

The third night of recruitment is philanthropy night which teaches interested candidates about the philanthropic work of each sorority they visit. Charitable involvement is a huge part of Greek life.

The fourth night of recruitment is sisterhood night. On this night candidates will get a glimpse into what the sisters of each sorority do for fun.

This night, candidates should pay attention to which houses they feel the most connected with and let that feeling influence their choices.

The fifth and final night of recruitment is preference night. This night, candidates will only visit one or two houses. Their conversations will be longer and more meaningful.

Typically, this night is very emotional in a good way. Someone who cries easily should wear waterproof mascara.

On this night candidates will make their final choices regarding sorority preference. This can be a hard decision to make, but follow your gut.

Don’t let your friends choices or anyone else’s opinions influence your decision.

Remember, even if you don’t see the name you thought you would on Bid Day, everything happens for a reason. Don’t close yourself off to other options because things didn’t go exactly as planned.

Accepting a bid does not mean that you commit to that sorority forever.

You are able to go through recruitment again after one calendar year. Give it a chance!

LIFE

LIFE

9

Broadway play coming to Mobile

“Constellations” is coming to Laidlaw Theatre on Aug. 18 and is scheduled to have three showings in Mobile.

Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

By Sara boone and krisha amin

The University of South Alabama and Now Theatre present the renowned Broadway play “Constellations.” After the play made its first American debut on Broadway in 2015, Hurley and Maturo worked for nearly 10 months to bring “Constellations” to their respective colleges.

Hurly and Maturo are both thrilled be a part of this unique play because, unlike most, “Constellations” is a twocharacter piece.

Hurley and Maturo will play Roland and Marianne, respectively, at the USA debut on August 18, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center.

The production centers around the time-old tale of “boy meets girl,” and then spins it into a web of alternative realities. The audience follows Marianne, a specialist in theoretical early universe cosmology, and Roland, a beekeeper, through the ins and the outs of their ever-evolving courtship.

“Constellations” dangles this fragile universe in front of the audience and plays around with the idea that one aspect of a person’s personality, appearance or conversation can change the course of their life.

They cover a vast number of scenarios made possible through principles of string theory, relativity and quantum mechanics.

In the 2016-2017 season, “Constellations” was one of the most highly sought after plays to gain the rights to reproduce.

Both Hurley and Maturo felt that the seemingly effortless yet intricate structure highlighted several aspects of drama that were essential to capturing the voice of their theater company.

“We went through a handful of scripts, but when Paul and I read ‘Constellations,’ I just fell in love with it. The main plot is a relationship, so you get emotionally attached to it,” Maturo said.

“Constellations” is scheduled to have three showings at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center: August 18 at 7:30 p.m., August 19 at 7:30 p.m. and a final performance on August 20, at 2:00 p.m.

USA students can get tickets for $12. Seniors, faculty, staff and military tickets are $14 and general admission is $16. Tickets can be bought in the ticket booth located in the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center. For more information, call Laidlaw at 251-4606306.

“Constellations” explores a myriad of possibilities in a relationshp between two people. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan

LIFE

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Gulf Coast Holocaust Center and USA collaborate to create educational training aid

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Agnes Tennenbaum survived the Auschwitz death camp. Photo courtesy of the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center

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By shannon lundgren | Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Richard Ward and the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center worked together to keep the memory of Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ • Mobile resident and Holocaust survivor Agnes Tennenbaum alive CHERIE • 3 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH by editing a two-hour interview with • • Tennenbaum into an educational • Amour training aid.

• 3 Bedroom Townhouse Features The opportunity arose from Ward’s 2.5 Bath Community Amenities 1,415 Sq.Ft. efforts on a service committee. Last • Fitness Center year, Ward helped bring the film • BBQ Area • Surface Parking exhibit “Filming the Camps” to the Fleur • Playground History Museum of Mobile. The 2 Bedroom Flat • Pet Friendly N 2 Bath exhibit showcased film shot by three FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR • Swimming Pool & 1,014 Sq.Ft. Wading Pool American directors as America Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ AMOUR • Sports Court 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE / 3 BATH liberated concentration camps during Pet:COMMUNITY $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ •AMENITIES Dog Park World War II. • Nearby Transportation and MIRABELLE LEASING CENTER • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 • FITNESS CENTER FLEUR Highways: I-65 & I-10 2 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH Cherie According to Ward, towards the • BBQ AREA 251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com 3 Bedroom Flat • SURFACE PARKING Residence Amenities end of the project, the committee Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject 2 Bath • PLAYGROUND • Air Conditioning and information. wondered what else they could do to 1,367 Sq.Ft.to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details • PET FRIENDLY • Heating • SWIMMING POOL & WADING POOL raise Holocaust awareness.

• SPORTS COURT • Patios/Balconies When the committee discovered • Washer/Dryer Hook-ups • DOG PARK • Carpeting & • NEARBY TRANSPORTATION Ward could edit video, the Gulf Coast Vinyl Flooring • HIGHWAYS: I-65 &•I-10 Holocaust Center asked him to help • Full Size Kitchen transform a two-hour interview with • New White Shaker Cabinets Mobile Holocaust survivor Agnes Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ AMENITIES Rent: $ • Quartz Countertop RESIDENCE Tennenbaum into a film they could Throughout • AIR CONDITIONING CHERIE • Range use for educational purposes.

3 BEDROOM FLAT/ 2 BATH • HEATING • Refrigerator Tennenbaum’s interview discussed • PATIOS/BALCONIES • Microwave • WASHER/DRYER HOOK-UPS how she became her family’s sole • Dishwasher Amour • CARPETING survivor of the Holocaust, according • Garbage Disposal 3 Bedroom Townhouse • VINYL FLOORING 2.5 Bath • FULL SIZE KITCHEN to Ward.

1,415 • Sq.Ft. NEW WHITE SHAKER CABINETS In her interview, Tennenbaum • QUARTZ COUNTERTOP THROUGHOUT • RANGE details how her family members • REFRIGERATOR disappeared one by one, until only she • MICROWAVE • DISHWASHER and her mother were left, according to N • GARBAGE DISPOSAL FIRST FLOOR SECOND FLOOR Ward. Tennenbaum and her mother Pet: $ Application Fee: $ Deposit: $ Rent: $ were separated at Auschwitz death AMOUR 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE / 3 BATH camp.

“She got emotional in places, and MIRABELLE LEASING CENTER • 6427 Airport Blvd • Mobile, AL 36608 when she did, I would,” Ward said.

251-343-6800 • MirabelleMobile.com After working with her footage so Floor plans are artist’s rendering. Square feet and configuration may vary between individual apartments. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Please contact sales associate for additional details and information. long, Ward said he felt like he knew her.

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“She was an incredible person,” Ward said. “I think, like anybody who goes through this, the main thing they want is for the world to never forget.”

Thanks to Ward and the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center, the world will remember Tennenbaum’s story.

The Gulf Coast Holocaust Center is using Ward’s product as a training aid, according to Ward.

Ward said the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center had a specific vision for how they wanted Tennenbaum’s interview edited. The edited video is designed to be used over the course of several classes and has discussion breaks.

This isn’t the only project Ward has in mind: he would like to create a documentary on Tennenbaum’s life, using the interview and integrating other photos.

Currently, the edited video is only available through the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center, as a part of one of their classes, according to Ward.

Ward hopes the Gulf Coast Holocaust Center will allow the edited video to air on JagTV this fall.

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usabookstore@southalabama.edu

251-460-6679

www.usabooks.collegestoreonline.com

SPORTS

11

MEN’S TRACK EARNS FOURTH STRAIGHT SBC ACADEMIC AWARD courtesy of usajaguars

The University of South Alabama men’s track and field program brought home the Sun Belt Conference Team GPA award for a fourth-consecutive season after the league office announced the winners for the 201617 academic year on Friday.

As a group, the Jaguars recorded a 3.22 cumulative grade-point average last season, improving their overall GPA from 3.08 a year ago. The South men recorded fifth place finishes at both the 2017 Sun Belt Conference Indoor and Outdoor Championships, scoring 79 points in the indoor competition and 90 points during the outdoor event.

Individually, Sean Collins placed eighth in the men’s pole vault at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., out of 24 competitors to claim All-American honors. Collins returned after not being able to compete past the

conference championships during the 2016 season due to a dislocated ankle.

Jan-Louw Kotze was named to the Capital One Academic All-America® Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country for the second-straight season and his third time overall. Kotze also earned first-team academic all-district for the fourth-consecutive season.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/ USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Finish Line Club, the track and field and cross country specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All donations to the Finish Line Club go directly to support the South Alabama track and field/cross country programs.

For more information on how you can join visit: jaguarathleticfund.com/ finishlineclub.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU Monday to Thursday 8am -7pm Friday 8am -5pm Saturday 10am -2pm Sunday CLOSED Move in weekend 9am -4pm Contact: (251) 461-1446

Sean Collins three Sun Belt records at the Sun Belt Conference Outdoor Championship before suffering a season-ending injury. Photo courtesy of USAJaguars

Find us at the Student Center in the USA BOOKSTORE.

SPORTS

12

Soccer kicks off season with exhibition game

A USA soccer player keeps a close eye on the ball as she defends against Ole Miss. Photo by Muqit Asif Khan by shannon lundgren | Editor-in-chief

USA’s women’s soccer team lost an exhibition game to Ole Miss 1-0 in their Friday match-up at Sage Park. The Jags struggled to get and maintain control of the ball, especially in the second half of the game.

“The first half, we didn’t dominate possession, but we definitely created more chances,” head coach Richard Moodie said. “In the second half, we looked more tired and it was more of

usabookstore@southalabama.edu

251-460-6679

www.usabooks.collegestoreonline.com

a defensive battle and we were holding on for dear life and on the off chance we caught them on the counter.”

USA’s goalie Justice Stanford made 11 saves during the game, which kept the score at a draw until Ole Miss’ Molly Martin scored in the 85th minute. Stanford’s career high in saves is eight, set last season against Florida State.

Moodie also credited the back four with helping to keep the game competitive.

“That’s the same back four that played 90 minutes against LSU.” Moodie said. “It’s the same back four that had to play 90 minutes again tonight, bar one of them.… It took them every bit of 85 minutes to break down three freshmen and a junior.”

The Jags officially start their season playing an away game on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. against the Auburn Tigers.

For more information on USA soccer and other athletics, visit usajaguars.com.

Across from USA

SPORTS

13

Sexual harassment in sports reporting

By Ryann guy | sports reporter

It was the first game I had ever covered as a paid sports reporter.

Both teams were warming up on each end of the court. I walked through the tunnel of the basketball arena, amazed at the grandness of it all. I saw a name card on press row reading, “Sports Reporter Ryann Guy,” and I knew then, everything I had worked so hard for in school, had finally paid off.

As a young female college student pursuing a career in sports journalism, I have learned that I have to be aware of the intentions behind the way I am treated wherever I go. The first game I ever covered as a paid sports reporter was when I experienced that truth.

I sat down in my seat and placed my computer and notepad on my desk.

I was official. To my right were a few familiar faces from another production team. Before my gaze could reach to my left, I felt a presence weighting upon its arrival; a man with his arm already stretched out-urging for a handshake introduced himself to me.

I reacted politely and professionally, told him my name and then continued to arrange my belongings.

I have learned that there are people who are sincere and people who are not. A fellow may hurry down the sidewalk to hold the door for you,

smile and be on his way. Another guy may stand there holding the door while you are still sitting in your car.

He will stand there and stare with a grin until you walk in through that door. “That guy” will not forget to let you know how he thinks you “fill out those jeans so good,” as you walk by. It was the first game I had ever covered and I was sitting next to “that guy” by the end of the night.

Throughout the pre-game warmup and first two quarters of the game, “that guy” talked to me more than he broadcasted for his sports show. He was interested in who I was and what I have done as a sports reporter. I felt like I was networking. After all, professors tell us networking is one of the most beneficial ways to improve your career prospects. I was getting my name out there to professionals.

It gave me a sense of accomplishment knowing how easy it was just to talk to people. At my very first game I ever covered, I had a professional ask for my contact information so I could send him a portfolio of my work. I was expanding my legacy! It was both exciting and terrifying.

As the game concluded, we exchanged information and went on our way. In the amount of time it took me to walk from the post-game press conference to my car, my phone rang.

It was “that guy.” This call was not to

talk about my studies, portfolio, or career - it was to talk about dinner and drinks at T.G.I. Friday’s with him that night. The first time being the sports reporter I had worked to hard to become and I was overshadowed by “that guy.” It was disheartening.

As a young college student, studying and working in my field as a sports reporter, it is empowering to know I have this opportunity among so many amazing individuals who have worked in the industry for years.

As a young female sports reporter, it is unfortunate that I know I run the risk of being misled, mistreated, and taken advantage of by people who do not have my best interests in mind.

I am not here to complain about these situations; I am only here to make people aware that this really happens. Too many people fall victim to silence about their uncomfortable situations in fear of reprisals, but silence keeps the cycle of harassment going.

Many stories written reflect upon those who act poorly and speak unkindly about the broadcasting industry. Fortunately for myself, I have worked with many professionals who treat me and many of my peers as coworkers, in such a way feels like we are apart of their organization, not just a student. To reassure you, not everyone is like “that guy” and networking

with professionals is the best way to improve your career in the future.

Harassment may happen to you the first day you work as a sports reporter as you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation or it may never happen to you. However, to be mindful of how it can happen to anyone throughout any part of a career is important in understanding how to handle it.

“That guy” has contacted me several times since my first day as a sports reporter. I have learned, “that guy” comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. There are people out there just like him and the only thing that can change is the way we react to it. Stop it before it becomes a problem. Walk away, do not answer, and tell someone you trust. For every one of those guys who promise you the world and expect something in return, there are so many more people who are legitimate professionals and treat you like the professional you are. You have the power to chose how you react to the way you are treated and if you do it, you will gain the proper respect you deserve.

Title IX and the NCAA Office of Inclusion strive to make college and sports a welcoming and safe experience. To learn more about your rights in the face of sexual harassment, go to titleix.info or ncaa.org/about/resources/inclusion.

14 Biting the bullet with Bullet Journaling

by Marissa Mason | managing Editor

Getting organized is one thing many people say is key to being successful not only in college, but also in life. Luckily for me, there’s Bullet Journaling. Some people are content using calendars or planners, but for a lot of people, they just don’t work.

Often I would have ideas for stories or articles or I would want to jot down something I learned. A planner or calendar didn’t do everything I needed it to do, so I carried around multiple books for multiple tasks. Eventually, I tried to consolidate everything into an old notebook my mother gave me during high school. It was nice, but messy at first. As I looked for tips and tricks, I discovered Bullet Journaling.

I started using a Bullet Journal because I needed help staying on track between classes, research, jobs, and a social life. I always liked being organized, but I was at a loss for how to continue being organized when I felt so overwhelmed. It seemed so complicated at first and I thought I would never learn how to Bullet Journal properly.

The official Bullet Journal was created by Ryder Carroll, and is a happy medium between a to-do list, a diary, and a journal. You can track things you need to do and ideas you have with a Bullet Journal. Because you’re tracking your thoughts, ideas and progress, it becomes similar to a diary.

“It helps me ground myself and clarify my intent,” Carroll said. “It helps me clearly see how I’m investing my time and energy. By reviewing what I task myself with, I can keep my life edited back to only what’s essential.”

I like that it’s customizable. With a calendar, I’m limited to a square per day. With a planner, some days I have too much room or too little room. I never could find a setup that I liked the most. Using Bullet Journaling methods, I can set it up to be how I like it and if something does not work for me, I can simply turn the page and fix it.

“It gives you the freedom of a notebook while providing the structure of a planner,” said host of the YouTube channel How to ADHD Jessica McCabe.

People often break it down into short term and long term. I like to

have a page for each month followed by a page for each week in that month.

With this, I can locate my tests, work shifts, and club activities on my monthly planning list. I then use my weekly list to note my homework, quizzes, household chores, article assignments, and other things. This way I’m actively looking at the short term and long term simultaneously.

Looking at both the present and future allows me to prioritize what I need to do now to achieve what I want in the long term.

With this setup, I devote pages for monthly plans, weekly plans, then monthly ideas and thoughts. This amounts to two pages (one back and the subsequent front page) for a monthly spread, then two pages per week in the same manner, then I have empty space to jot down my ideas and thoughts. If my thoughts get lengthy or I just can’t wait to get home to draft that new Dungeons and Dragons character, I don’t have to worry about using too much space since my ideas are at the end of my planner.

This makes my months unevenly spread out, admittedly, but I fix that by using sticky tabs for each new month.

That’s right, this is another place customizability comes in: you can make your journal as plain or creative as you like. I like big headers, cute stickers, and motivational quotes in my journal. I like having quizzes and tests highlighted and I enjoy changing my color scheme month to month to keep everything feeling fresh.

A bullet journal usually consists of a key, an index, numbered pages, and different spreads. But don’t let all the jargon intimidate you. Bullet Journals can function just fine without being fancy.

“I shed all embellishments years ago,” Carroll said. “I try to strip out everything that does not add value to my notebook and practice. That’s not to say that embellishing your Bullet Journal is in any way incorrect. Do what works for you.”

I love getting artsy and personal with my Bullet Journal. It adds a little more cheer and motivation into my hectic life. However, when I become exceptionally busy (hello, midterms and finals), my spreads become extremely basic with plans scribbled in a to-do list format. I’ve even had my day planned out hour-by-hour on extremely busy weeks.

People might gawk at the idea of planning a day so intensely, but it works for me.

The question many people ask is, “How do I start?” The answer is quite simple: buy a journal! Any journal or notebook will do, but many people prefer “dotted” over “lined” pages.

These can be found at just about any craft supply store.

“Start simple,” Carroll said. “Don’t be distracted by the elaborate Bullet Journals you’ve seen online. It’s not about how your Bullet Journal looks, it’s about how effective it is… Once you get comfortable with the core features and methods, then make it your own.”

After that, you can choose to look up guides and follow those for setting up a journal, or go for it. Out of necessity on my part, I did the latter.

I set up a small key for my journals:

empty hearts for tasks I needed to do, full hearts for completed tasks, broken hearts for canceled plans, and a heart with an arrow through it for moved plans. Most people settle for boxes and bullets instead of hearts, but I found that using hearts cheered me up at the time, so I did it. It’s all about what you like and what motivates you.

“Be patient with yourself,” Carroll said. “Bullet Journaling is about self learning. Some lessons we learn slower than others. The Bullet Journal can become whatever you need it to be.

Figuring out what that is, is where you practice begins.”

For those who like instruction, you can start by viewing the free tutorial on Bulletjournal.com or search YouTube for “Bullet Journal.” After that, it is all you. Make it yours, be productive, and have fun.

Bullet Journaling can help to keep track of many tasks and events. Photo by John Uhri

15

How to get your “beach bod”

by Krisha Amin | Web editor

We’ve all made that summer resolution to get into shape. Almost every summer. And if we are being honest with ourselves, we’ve failed miserably. Summer isn’t completely over yet though. There is still time for you to get in shape if you just follow these useful tips.

1. When you make cookies in your Easy Bake Oven, just make one massive cookie instead of a dozen.

This way you are implementing long-term healthy habits, such as portion control. Now, when you do all of the math, you are eating one cookie and not 12. You will also learn to actually cook in the process. Your parents will be so proud.

2. Once you are an expert at portion control and are ready to “Live like Larry,” upgrade to Lunchables.

This way your food is portioned out like a five-year-old’s. Pro tip: if

you get the pizza version, pop that into your Easy Bake Oven, too.

3. Take the stairs from the first floor to the second floor of the Humanities building. Reward yourself with treat from P.O.D. Express. Then, take the elevator downstairs. Cardio is essential.

4. Another form of cardio is putting the weight of your parents’ expectations on your shoulders. The total weight includes maintaining a 4.0 GPA, getting your dream job after graduating, paying off student loans, learning to use an actual oven, and seamlessly having fun in the process. Don’t think too much about it, though. Remember stressed backwards is desserts.

5. De-stress with yoga, but be careful of hidden fees. Hidden fees include an expensive wardrobe from Lululemon and tennis shoes that look like highlighters, which must each be purchased separately in order to participate.

Sleeping is a full-proof method of preventing eating. Photo by Marissa Mason

6. Take sleep very seriously. When you are asleep, you aren’t eating.

7. It’s OK to cry over your grades. No one will judge you, especially since you’re shedding water weight.

8. Don’t attend parties. Parties have alcohol, alcohol has carbs, and carbs supposedly lead to weight gain. Really, just don’t have a social life at all on the weekends.

9. Psych! That’s not about to happen.

10. Instead of the five second rule, use the four second rule. This will really test your capacities when you get the munchies.

11. Try a reward system. For every one word you write for your essay, take one bite of your food.

Personal pronouns and articles (a, an, the) do not count.

12. Show up at the “caf ” five minutes before it closes because most of the food will be gone. There will still be some salad though.

13. Go vegan on the weekends. All you have to do is lay in bed, eat Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili chips,

drink Glacier Freeze flavored G2 Gatorade, and watch Netflix.

It’s so easy to do. It’s also called a hangover. Be careful when you reintroduce dairy and meat into your diet again. You might feel a little nauseous at first.

14. Remember when you were a kid and your parents told you not to fart in public? Yeah, I don’t really remember that moment either.

However, according to a recent viral meme, farting burns calories.

Fake news? Use this knowledge at your own risk.

In all sincerity, though, beach bodies are severely overrated. In college, food is the YOLO to all of our “I literally cannot even” moments, so cherish every second of it but do it in some moderation. While we all get carried away with our own vanity when it comes to having an ideal figure, let’s focus on what really matters: I think it’s called school. If all else fails, we can just try again next year.

If your roommate steals your food, you can’t eat it. Photo by Shelby Guidry

16

OPINION

50 Tips for Academic Success from a USA professor

By Dr. mir zohair husain | contributing writer

1.

Being a successful student is a full-time job. If you are taking a full load of classes, spend at least three to five hours each week doing your homework. It is vitally important that you complete the reading assignments that will be covered in your next class meeting.

2. Do not procrastinate! Prioritize and attend to tasks quickly—you will feel better about yourself.

3. Maintain an appointment book or day planner to track and prioritize important dates, such as appointments, quizzes, exams, and papers.

4. Minimize clutter in your room, especially where you study.

5. Attend class regularly to gain knowledge and succeed on quizzes and exams. It also shows the professor that you are a committed student.

6. Leave early for class so you will not arrive late.

7. Sit at or near the front of the class. Sitting at the back could be distracting.

8. Maintain contact with your instructors during and after your course. Don’t hesitate to ask for their help when you need it.

9. Deep learning, which becomes a part of your long-term memory, comes from active participation.

Therefore, ask pertinent questions and make insightful comments in class and you will gain the favor of your professors and classmates.

10. Before class each day, complete the reading assignments required on the syllabus, so you can take better notes and more fully understand the material covered in the readings.

11. Read actively by using a pencil to underline, sideline, and take notes in the margins of your textbook.

This helps you remember the most important information without filling up your book with brightlycolored highlights, which can be distracting, and you may not remember why you highlighted the passage.

12. When reading, ask if the author’s arguments are valid. How does the material correspond to previous readings and/or class lectures? What are the major

concepts? Read to understand the text. Do not be obsessed with memorization.

13. Take notes intelligently. Only jot down the most important points, using abbreviations and shorthand when possible. Avoid writing everything the speaker says. If the instructor writes something on the board, write it in your notes.

Instructors give many hints about which points are important and might appear in the examination.

14. Review your notes the same day.

This will allow you to expand them with additional points if you weren’t able to write everything down. Revise and expand your notes. This will help you remember what went on in class.

15. Develop your oral and written communication skills. This will help you succeed in class and your future.

16. If the instructor gives you a study guide, review it carefully and prepare answers to every essay question.

17. Establish and utilize study groups for all of your classes with enthusiastic, smart, and diligent classmates. Study groups are effective for exam preparation, and they offer unique but focused learning. Study groups with lackluster students or friends often lead to unproductive sessions that lean more towards socializing than learning.

18. Avoid non-serious students and/or those with destructive habits.

19. Do your homework at a table or desk in a well-lit, quiet room devoid of distractions, in order to improve your concentration.

20. Break up difficult or timeconsuming assignments (such as major term papers) into several phases: brainstorming, research, outline, rough draft, second draft, and final version.

21. Take a 10-15-minute break for every hour of productive studying.

22. Find out when you study best and, at that time, schedule your most important or challenging homework because they require more time, energy, and concentration.

23. Learn to compose formal and appropriate e-mails. Avoid shorthand, slang, or emoticons/ emojis, but use correct spelling,

Dr. Mir Zohair Husain has helped many USA students improve their study habits. Photo courtesy of AL.com

grammar, and punctuation. Show respect to the person to whom you are writing.

24. Write down unfamiliar terms and learn their meaning. Then, use these new terms in your conversations and papers.

25. Meet with your academic advisor at least once a semester, honestly discussing your academic progress and future courses.

26. Students should ask their instructors if they can deliver oral reports in class because it (a) assists instructors in getting to know their students, (b) engages several senses, making learning more active and memorable, (c) improves one’s research and writing skills, (d) helps overcome anxiety about public speaking, enhancing self-confidence, and (e) promotes an in-depth approach to learning and long-term retention through applying theoretical concepts to real world situations.

27. Inquire whether your instructors will allow you to review some of their old exams. Ask friends if they have old quizzes and exams from the same course(s). Then, prepare and practice for these classes by answering the old examinations.

28. Utilize index cards as a cheap, simple, and efficient method of studying. Index cards are portable and can be used over and over again.

29. Do not rush through quizzes and exams because, as the popular saying goes: “haste makes waste!”

A quiz or exam is not a sprint; pace yourself!

30. When you respond to short answer questions on an exam or write an essay, always assume the reader knows nothing about the subject.

31. If an instructor gives your class the opportunity to do extra credit, always do it. In fact, take the initiative and ask your instructor if you can do extra credit work.

32. Go to the college/university library frequently and establish a rapport with the librarians. They can prove very helpful when you are working on a term paper.

33. Complete your core requirements in the general college curriculum during your first two years, but also take a few classes early in your major, in order to effectively gauge your interest and commitment to your chosen field.

34. Actively participate in student organizations, particularly those pertaining to your major or minor.

Try to become an officer in at least one student organization and participate in the University’s Student Government Association; even attempt to become an office holder in it. This will look impressive on your résumé/ curriculum vitae and set you apart

OPINION from others applying for the same job, because it displays leadership qualities.

35. Read The Vanguard student newspaper regularly, because it is an invaluable source of information regarding campus life.

36. Carefully proofread every document and correspondence that you write.

37. Print out and read your papers aloud at least once before submitting them. It helps to step away from your writing; then, return and read it aloud again. In fact, it would be good if you could sleep on the thoughts expressed in your paper and return with a rested mind and fresh eyes the next day.

38. Make a concerted effort to improve your writing because it will (a) help you organize, integrate, and crystallize your thoughts while improving your vocabulary and grammar, (b) help you retain information as you process what you have read, heard, or learned, (c) provides a basis upon which your work, learning, and intellect will be judged, (d) serve to ease inner turmoil and is often cathartic, and (e) give you the communication and critical thinking skills to participate effectively in democracy.

39. Have a family member or friend read your paper, and insist that they give you their honest opinion.

40. Seek out academic help when you need it. South provides tutoring in several subjects through JagPALs and a University Writing Center on campus to assist you with your written work. All of these services are free and conveniently located in the Academic Services Center.

41. Utilize USA Career Services for all your job needs. Career Services offers help building your résumé and cover letter, and mock interviews that will prepare you for even the most competitive position. You can find full-time, part-time, oncampus, internships and co-op job opportunities through Jaguar Job Link. Additionally, Career Services sponsors career fairs, provides online testimonials from successful executives, and provides individualized career advice.

42. While at college, gain real-world experience by working at least 10 hours a week at a part-time job.

Work will provide a different set of experiences, contributing to your

skill set and wisdom.

43. Study abroad for at least one semester. It will not only be a memorable educational experience, but will also build valuable skills and significantly improve your prospects of getting a job and/or into a graduate program. You will also earn college credit hours and learn about another country, its people, and its culture. Furthermore, you will learn many new things about yourself, while adding a noteworthy feature to your résumé.

44. Intern in the field you plan to work. For example, shadow a doctor, work at an engineering firm, clerk for a law firm, join a radio and/or a television station, or volunteer for a political campaign. Interning will also help in the following ways: clarifying if you have chosen the right career, giving you insights beyond your textbook/class and strengthening your résumé. Sometimes it will result in a full-time job because the management has gotten to know and like you. If it does not result in full-time employment, you will at least have a strong recommendation from someone in the field.

45. Develop your résumé and a general cover letter shortly after entering college. You will need them to get scholarships, internships, and jobs. Always keep your résumé updated. No matter the situation, a professional résumé and cover letter can make all the difference.

46. Always be on time. Being on time shows people counting on you that you care, and it shows professors and supervisors that you can be trusted.

47. Improve yourself professionally and personally every day.

48. Volunteer to work for your church, a hospital, an assisted living facility, Boys and Girls Club, Ronald McDonald House, etc.

You will learn the value of helping others, and it will also reflect positively on your résumé.

49. In order to succeed in today’s highly competitive world, it is imperative to achieve a higher competency level in a field that is both enjoyable and applicable to your skill set.

50. Be persistent, learn from your mistakes, and never give up.

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Studying, getting enough sleep and exercise are all key components to academic success. Photo by Shelby Guidry

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OPINION

DISTRACTIONS usabookstore@southalabama.edu

19 251-460-1446

www.usabooks.collegestoreonline.com

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