THE
SHIELD
From California to Indiana, Page 4
T h u r s d a y, A u g u s t 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 | U s i s h i e l d . c o m | v o l . 4 7 i s s u e 1
LOCAL 5K BENEFITS FAR-AWAY CRISIS
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Riedford
A student studies at her school library which was paid for by Road to Mafraq. The donations which funded the project were largely from the Evansville community. Elizabeth Riedford, an organizer for “Run for Refugees,” said the girl told her her dream was to work hard to “become just like her teacher.”
by sarah loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
Elizabeth Riedford said realistically the Syrian refugee crisis cannot be solved in Evansville, Indiana. But she does believe the community can raise awareness and money that can help. That is part of the goal for the “Run for Refugees” which will take place Sept. 10 at the Hearts on Fire Course at USI. The 5k run and one mile walk will benefit Road
for Mafraq and the efforts to provide education to the children who were forced to relocate after fleeing Syria. Riedford, an adviser within the College of Nursing and Health Professions is one of the organizers for the race. She traveled to Jordan along with USI alumna Ellen Billard, the founder of Road to Mafraq, in March. Riedford said the experience was wonderful, but challenging because she saw the reality of the situation first hand. “For me personally I believe education is the foundation of how we solve almost all problems that we have in this world,” she said. “When we
find out there is a generation of kids that almost over half of them are out of school right now, that is just not okay with me.” According to statistics from Road to Mafraq, over 13 million children had their education disrupted by violence in the Middle East. Riedford said she was able to take all of her experiences from Jordan and bring them back to Evansville. She connected with locals who were also supportive of Road to Mafraq. That is when the idea for the 5k started to materialize. Riedford said the money raised during events like the 5k and others for Road to Mafraq have already done visible good in communities in Jordan.
run for refugees, PAGE 3
‘People-focused’ trustee backs importance of education by matthew Devault mrdevault@eagles.usi.edu
Ellis Redd believes education is an equalizer. “It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you come from, an education can level the playing field and help you achieve things that you probably otherwise wouldn’t achieve,” R e d d said. “I’m an example of that.” Redd, Redd the newest member of the USI Board of Trustees, is happy to find himself working in education again. He previously served on the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Foundation board. The 52-year-old said he is “extremely honored to be named the new trustee.” Gov. Mike Pence, who decides on all board members, appointed Redd July 1. Redd was raised by a single mother in Martinsville, Virginia. He is the youngest of nine children and was the first in his family to attend a four-year university.
He paid his way through college and in nine years after graduation, he had paid off his student loans. “But if it wasn’t for (college) then I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in,” Redd said. He graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in December 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering. A year later, Redd was hired in Evansville at Mead Johnson as an engineer. He has been a resident of Evansville ever since. Redd eventually returned to school and earned a MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Redd has served on numerous committees, councils and boards. He is the current vice president of human resource and administration for Vectren Corporation and is the current chair of the Welborn Baptist Foundation. Serving on the Welborn Baptist Foundation board is when Redd first met the chairman of the board of trustees at USI, Jeffery Knight. Ron Romain and Harold Calloway are trustees who also serve on the Welborn Baptist Foundation Board.
redd, PAGE 3
Photo by The Shield
Students participate in a chant for their individual colleges during last years Welcome Week. Each college works to be the loudest as they walk into the Physical Activities Center.
Walking into Welcome Week New students introduced to college life by riley guerzini rguerzini@eagles.usi.edu
Moms and dads unloading vans packed with clothes, TV’s and minirefrigerators, faculty members guiding students around campus and an ice cream and movie night – these are just a few things to discover during this Welcome Week 2016. From Aug. 18 to 24, Welcome Week leaders aspire to guide firstyear students as well as get them familiar with professors and administrators. Students will also get a chance to explore the campus with their families and get a good handle on the lo-
cation of their classes. One of the largest events during Welcome Week is convocation. “For new students, convocation is the introduction to the university,” Carmen Stoen, director of Student Development Programs, said. “It is a welcoming given by the president of the university, administrators and top student leaders. It is meant to encourage incoming students to get involved and take every advantage of their college experience.” This formal introduction to the university will take place Friday afternoon with a 2020 class picture being taken directly after in the Quad. At convocation, first-year students will be introduced to the University
and sophomores will be recognized for some of their achievements from last year. Student leaders will be recognized and available to any students with questions they may have. The Student Government Association (SGA) president, Ashley Wright will conduct a pinning ceremony at convocation, where students will receive a pin with their entry year into the institution. Aside from the more formal welcoming sessions, several interactive evening activities are scheduled throughout the week ranging from an ice cream social to hypnotist Daniel James.
welcome week, PAGE 2
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
2
Welcome week
Read The Shield.
continued from Page 1
“What I am most excited for during Welcome Week is the hypnotist,” freshman Andrew Todd said. “I’ve talked to some people who have been to past Welcome Weeks and they say he is awesome.” The evening events are designed to make new students feel more a part of their university, while also bringing them together with returning students. One of the other popular events is the college meetings accompanied by lunch with the faculty. “This gives students the opportunity to get to meet some of the faculty connected to their majors,” Stoen said. “It also gives them the opportunity to interact with other students in their major.” The meetings start at 11:30 Friday. Students will be given a free t-shirt representing their college that they can wear at Convocation. One of the required por-
tions of the week is Eagle Experience: UNIV 101. Since all new students must complete the UNIV 101 course, all incoming freshmen and transfer students must attend Eagle Experience “There will be people from campus talking about different issues,” Stoen said. “We end it with a small group discussion with an AMIGO and you’ll meet some of your classmates for the first time that are in that UNIV 101 class.” Stoen said she ultimately hopes students meet two or three new people they can make a connection with, someone they can grab lunch with once the semester starts. “I also hope that students feel a little more comfortable being on campus and won’t be as anxious on their first day of class,” Stoen said, “and be a little more confident about their surroundings and the resources that are available to them.”
Photo by The Shield
Abe Maze, an accounting major, leads his new fellow business college students into the PAC during last years Welcome Week.
PUZZLES
For weekly puzzle solutions visit usishield.com/puzzles
Stay connected Editor-in-Chief
812/464-1682 editor@usishield.com
The Shield at USI
Newsroom 812/464-1645 news@usishield.com
Twitter @usishield
Sales
@usishield
812/464-1870 sales@usishield.com
Snapchat usishield
The Shield is the student publication of the University of Southern Indiana. The Shield is a memeber of ACP and ICPA. First copy is free. Additional copies of The Shield are 25 cents.
News
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
Redd
University meeting adjusts for time, simplicity by gabi wy features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Faculty members applauded moderately for small announcements at the university meeting Wednesday, but one of the most audible reactions was support for holding the session later than usual. “It’s nice to see everyone here on time,” Provost Ron Rochon said at the 9 a.m. meeting. In years past, the meeting has been held at 8 a.m. Another change Rochon acknowledged was the agenda---he and President Linda Bennett were the main speakers, as opposed to previous meetings where a slew of department heads and representatives gave shorter updates. A surprise for all of the faculty was a 10-min-
ute focus on the Chamber Choir’s success in Ireland. The award-winning choir performed several pieces live at the meeting. Director Daniel Craig shared about all university choirs and led into a video presentation featuring pictures of the summer Ireland trip and another audio sample of the Chamber Choir. Rochon announced a new website page: usi.edu/ employeeupdates. The page contains new faculty pictures and biographies for anyone wanting to learn more about new employees. By using this page to introduce new faculty rather than individually recognizing them, Rochon expedited the meeting. He introduced “Squawk the Vote,” a university effort to promote students to register to vote. During three days during September, stu-
dents will be able to register through a ‘Voter Registration Blitz.’ Rochon said the goal is to register 1,000 students to vote. Kindra Strupp, assistant vice president for Marketing and Communications, introduced a new “mission” for the university. She said through “Elevating Spirit @ USI,” the university will boost pride around campus. Strupp brought out three models wearing shirts designed for the campaign. She urged faculty to buy apparel from both the campus store and any retailers who sell university gear. Faculty were encouraged to exchange their name tags for free shirts. After Strupp laid out guidelines for claiming the free apparel, the meeting concluded.
3
continued from Page 1
Knowing Knight, Romain and Calloway has helped Redd transition into his new position. Redd is confident he will be able to connect with all the board members. “I think I’ll fit in very nicely because I consider myself more of a people focused person,” Redd said.
He said he wants to focus on student experience and thinks he can bring critical thinking skills to group which he’s acquired over his career. Knight is pleased with Redd’s addition to the board. He said Redd has a collaborative leadership style and is going to bring some perspective to the
board. “He’s an incredible human being and he’ll serve the University of Southern Indiana well,” Knight said. Redd said being a member of the board of trustees is a high ranking accomplishment for him. “USI is a very fine institution,” he said. “It has the ability to impact lives.”
Run for refugees continued from Page 1
Photo courtesy of elizabeth riedford
Students read together in a donated library at their school. The libarary is often used as an award to students who are doing well in their classes.
zimride.com/usi
One school she visited was able to add a second story which was turned into a library. She said the principal will use the library as a reward for students who are behaving and doing well. “What was happening was the library has become this safe haven for students,” Riedford said. Many schools have been developed but they lack safe areas for students to play, Riedford said future money raised will help those areas be built. She said there was a positive response to the visit she was a part of with Billard, but they do not focus on the events that happened before families arrived in Jordan. Riedford said they always ask the children what their dream is and what they hope to be when they grow up instead of asking them to explain the events that made it necessary for them to leave Syria. Sarah Rogers Wagner talks to her 9-year-old daughter Malley about the fact that there are children her age who have never attended school, along with the situation in Syria.
Traffic Accident OʼDaniel North Apartments – Schricker Building 8/1 1:36 p.m. Illness Report OʼBannon Hall – 1720 Rochelle Ln 8/1 3:24 p.m. Property Damage Parking Lot G 8/2
Intimidation Science Center 8/9
1:00 p.m.
Harassment Science Center 8/9
1:00 p.m.
Illness Report Rice Library 8/9
4:20 p.m.
7:55 a.m.
Protection/Restraining Order Violation 506 Main St New Harmony – New Harmony Gallery 8/2 9:30 a.m. Criminal Trespass OʼDaniel North Apartments – Branigin Building 8/2 5:55 p.m. Fire – Alarm – Cooking 1770 Rankin Ln – Governors Hall 8/5 8:54 p.m. Injury Report Rice Library 8/8
8:26 a.m.
Traffic Accident Parking Lot D 8/9
10:31 a.m.
Lost Property Report Liberal Arts Center 8/11 2:57 p.m. Traffic Accident University Boulevard 8/14 7:58 a.m. Fire – Alarm – Cooking 912B Eckels Lane – McDonald West Apartments – Saletta Building 8/14 11:08 a.m. Criminal Mischief University Center East 8/15 12:57 a.m. Theft Publishing Services Center 8/15 9:58 a.m.
Information gathered from USIʼs Public Crime Log, provided by USI Safety and Security.
have the same goals and dreams she might have.” Wagner said the race is large portion of the event, but there will also be a community fair that includes henna booths and a craft booth. The crafts created will be sent to students who are supported by Road to Mafraq.
FASt FACTS What: When: Where: Cost:
Run for Refugees Sept. 10 @ 8 a.m. Hearts on Fire Course (USI) Ages 5 - 24 - $20 Ages 25 and up - $25
Everyone registered by Aug. 22 is guaranteed a t-shirt. Sign ups on race day will include a price increase
Malley has even held a lemonade stand and started to fundraise to raise money to cover her race fees. Wagner said she talks with Malley about how not having an education would affect her life. “(I) make sure she understands people in other regions of the world are really not that different than her,” she said. “These kids
She said even if people cannot race she hopes they will come and experience the event to see the work that is being done locally. “We are more alike than we are different,” Wagner said. “It just kind of hits home, the work we are doing helps real people with dreams just like we have.”
briefs
USI Security Incident Log 8/1/16 - 8/15/16
“It’s something that we make a point to have conversations about with our children in age appropriate ways,” she said. Wagner, who graduated from the university in December of 2003, is one of other organizers for the 5k and her daughter will be racing in the one-mile walk.
Indiana landscape artist featured in New Harmony
University recognized for veteran, military support
The university New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art will host Tom Keesee’s exhibition, “A Changing Landscape.” The free exhibit is open from July 20 to Sept. 11. Keesee, who studied at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Miami University, focuses his art on Indiana landscape. The exhibition is the first of a two-part series featuring Indiana artists.
The university received the 2016 Seven Seals Award from the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. President Linda Bennett accepted the award July 15. The award noted the university Veteran, Military and Family Resource Center as well as Career Services and Internships for their career development support.
Chick-FilA, Steak ‘n’ Shake to open next week
The two new dining options in the University Center, Steak ‘n’ Shake and Chick-Fil-A, will open Sunday and Monday, respectively. The restaurants were confirmed to replace Archie’s Pizzeria and Burger King in February. At the all-faculty meeting Aug. 16, Provost Ron Rochon said he expects both options to be busy and in-demand right away.
Follow us on Twitter
@usishield
4
Features
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
'It’s so beautiful’ by gabi wy features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Photos by gabi wy | The Shield
TOP LEFT: Senior Housing and Residence Life worker Megan Sink (left) helps freshman business major Alicia Fredrick ready paperwork and a key card for an early move-in Aug. 16. TOP RIGHT: Fredrick and her mother, Katherine, leave the Housing and Residence Life Building, touting backpacks as they head to Alicia’s new dorm. MIDDLE: Fredrick and her mother embrace after moving Fredrick’s belongings into her dorm. The two had seen pictures of the university but had never stepped foot on campus before move-in. BOTTOM: After unlocking her dorm room for the first time, Fredrick gazes out of her window in Governors Hall. “It’s my new backyard,” she said to her mother, pointing out how green the view is compared to California.
POST - Grad Life REsume writiing Career coaching recruiting of the
USI www.career-associates.com Gene Whorl gene@career-associates.com (812) 423 - 7263
Light rain pattered the sidewalks as freshman Alicia Fredrick and her mother, Katherine, arrived on campus the evening of Aug. 16. The two were all smiles after a three-day road trip from California. “Rain is good luck for our family,” Fredrick, a business major said. “It’s raining, but it’s so beautiful here.” She said she picked a school so far mainly because tuition is expensive in California, but also because of class size, the business program and pictures she’d seen of campus. As the pair unpacked Fredrick’s car for an early dorm move-in, Katherine said good things have happened to them when it rains. The two grinned as Fredrick swiped her card and
gained access to Governors Hall. “This is so great,” Fredrick said as she looked at the decorations in her dorm hallway. Her mother smiled and said, “You’re great.” Katherine, a travel nurse, said she and her only daughter are incredibly close. She planned to catch an airplane to California two days later. “(Being apart) will be very tumultuous at first,” Katherine said, “but I feel confident leaving her here.” Unloading the car took only a few up-and-down trips and less than half an hour. The mother and daughter decided to go eat dinner and prepare for Fredrick’s orientation the next day. “I’d seen individual pictures of buildings on campus, but now I’m here,” Fredrick said, eyes wide. “It’s crazy to think it’s a real place.”
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
5
InfoGraphic by sarah loesch | The Shield
Phi Delta Theta sets Phi-K goal by sarah loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
Lou Gehrig was a member of Phi Delta Theta in the early 1920s, but his memory lives on in the fraternity years later. Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939 after his health began to deteriorate. He died within two years. Phi Delta Theta adopted ALS as its international philanthropy because of Gehrig and each year chapters around the country raise thousands of dollars to help fund research. The USI chapter of Phi Delta Theta is doing their part to raise money by holding a PhiK (5k) walk/run August 27. Zachary Floyd, the coordinator of the event, said during the recruitment process the history of Phi Delta Theta is explained, along with their
‘
Everyone thinks of frat as just like this sterotype, but in reality we are helping end a super bad disease. -Zachary Floyd Coordinator of USI’s Phi-K
connection to Gehrig. The sophomore said they have set a $10,000 goal for the race and so far there have been over 50 sign ups. “I feel like a lot of people will sign up after we get back to school and race day,” he said. “I’m hoping to have over 100 people.” All of his fraternity broth-
ers are excited and will be involved in the event in some way, he said. Some of the brothers are currently working toward their Iron Phi. To earn the Iron Phi, a member of the fraternity must choose an athletic event, raise $1,000 through the national Iron Phi organization and then
’
complete the event. “Everyone thinks of frat as just like this stereotype, but in reality we are helping end a super bad disease,” Floyd said. Kara Hall, the development director for the ALS Association Indiana Chapter, said events like the Phi-K all make an impact on research and the fight against ALS.
In the past two years, four new genes have been discovered which will help identify new therapies. One of those genes was NEK1. It is found in both familial and sporadic ALS. The discovery of the gene is expected to help aid in the discovery of new drug treatments. “It’s crazy to think that we put all that money into ALS and it’s directly factoring into them finding the gene,” Floyd said. Hall said ALS is a devastating disease and in the past there hasn’t been much hope for patients and families, so every breakthrough helps people with awareness. To sign up for the Phi-K racers should visit https://register. chronotrack.com/r/21421/. There is also a Facebook event listed as Phi-K Run/Walk.
REVIEW
‘Enthusiastic’ professor Sausage Party, recognized by arts painfully un-funny council by gabi wy features@usishield.com @GabiCWy
Brakston Farrar said art professor Joan deJong doesn’t spoonfeed her students. deJong, who taught Farrar in the fall of 2014, received the 2016 Educator Award from the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. She is one of eight winners receiving an award from the council and will be honored today during a reception and awards presentation at Victory Theatre. “In class, (deJong) needs you to push yourself,” Farrar said. “Her teaching let me prove to myself that I can do this and stand up for myself.” As a senior art major with an emphasis in graphic design and illustration, Farrar took deJong’s upper-level graphic design class. He said some students struggled with her teaching style, but Farrar flourished when set loose to explore design with few boundaries.
“I had rough patches as any student does, but I learned a lot,” Farrar said. “I’m now striving to better understand myself as an artist.” He said the way deJong interacts with him both in and out of class has been comforting as he figures out what he wants to do after graduation. “She’s always happy and enthusiastic about promising artists,” Farrar said. “I wish more people could know what she does and meet her.” Anne McKim, executive director of the Arts Council, said in selecting the recipient for the Educator Award, the committee looks for people who do more than teach the “fundamentals” of art fields. “The Arts Council gives the award to someone who teaches students to value art in the community,” McKim said. “Someone who serves as a role model and goes above and beyond.”
McKim is not part of the committee, which consists of artists throughout the community as well as past recipients of the award. Through the several years McKim has been overseeing the Arts Council, she has witnessed deJong’s engagement with the community and passion for teaching others. “deJong has been engaged with the Arts Council and design groups,” McKim said. “She’s such a fixture at USI and Ivy Tech, and her impact is really felt here.” She said deJong’s work in education and the community ties in with the Arts Council’s basic mission: to promote the arts and celebrate different aspects of art in the region. “It’s nice to have people in the community who are pulling in the same direction as we are at the Arts Council,” McKim said. “It’s affirming to think what we’re doing here can assist her, and I certainly would consider (deJong) a partner to us.”
In theaters now Sausage Party is the film equivalent of jangling keys in front of a baby’s face for entertainment, or to put that in modern terms: an Adam Sandler movie. The first widely-released computer-generated cartoon with an R rating, Sausage Party pitches itself as a debaucherous sex comedy about anthropomorphised food items in a grocery store as they learn their lot in life is to be eaten, not ascend to a sexual paradise. Sadly, much like the sexy hotdog bun Brenda (Kristen Wiig), this film has next to no nutritional value and as a result it does its best to distract the audience from catching on to that. The film seems to think only four topics are inherently funny simply because a cartoon food product is making the joke: sex, drugs, food puns and references to real-world racial tensions. Amongst the four writers of Sausage Party there was a smorgasbord of hilarious potential for parody and satire using this foul-mouthed
sex comedy as a front for genuinely funny humor. Instead we get a Nazi bottle of sauerkraut calling for the extermination of all juice, a box of grits complaining about crackers taking over his aisle, a Jewish bagel and a Muslim lavash arguing constantly and a Native American bottle of whiskey named Firewater. It’s worth noting I am not inherently turned off by racial humor. When done correctly, comedy can cover just about any topic well, and I have seen racist stereotypes elevated from derogatory to enlightening societal commentary in bet-
ter films. With four talented comedy writers behind the wheel, I expect something far better than an Indian stereotype chanting “hey how are you” in the same manner that one would expect from a comedy shot in the 1940s. If one wants to resurrect a longdead joke, at least make it funny. If I had a bigger word count I’d delve into how the movie is one of the most ham-fisted attempts at bashing organized religion and spreading atheist views I’ve ever seen, how the literal douche antagonist (Nick Kroll) exists purely to set up a lame dick joke in the third act, but I don’t have the space or time. If simply hearing about sex, drugs, religion, racism and swearing counts as comedy to you, Sausage Party is worth your time. If you want to actually have fun with talking food, go watch the train wreck that is 2014’s Food Fight.
Rating 1/5 BY Gavin gaddis
Work for us
apply online at usishield.com/work-for-us
6
Opinion
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
Pokemon GO ON the rise | Megan Thorne | The Shield
Commitment issues by Megan Thorne opinion@usishield.com @MeganRThorne
When I was 6-years-old I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian. Until I realized it involved having to see cats in pain or having to put one down. When I was 12-years-old I thought I wanted to join the WNBA. Then I suffered from an injury that ended up changing my plans. When I was 18-years-old I thought I wanted to major in
theatre and eventually star in musicals. Until I realized that lifestyle wasn’t for me. Now at 19-years-old, I am a journalism and art with an emphasis in photography double major with a minor in radio/ TV. Since starting university I have switched my major four or five times. And that’s ok. You hear stories about all people who go into professions they end up hating and it’s scary. I still think to myself, “Am I
The real you by sarah rogers sgrogers@eagles.usi.edu
I read somewhere once you have a reputation, it doesn’t require much maintenance. I admit I read it in the second “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book, but details. Roderick was giving Greg some brotherly advice and told Greg he did not need to do bad stuff often because he already had a reputation of being a bad kid. Therefore, people simply assumed he was always up to no good. At the time, this sounded like the most brainless advice Roderick ever gave Greg, however, as I think about it at this point in my life, I realize it’s true. During high school, I met people from multiple walks of life. I would be lying if I said I was not aware of their reputations before I met them. That being said, nine times out of ten, I was shocked that my fellow students were different than I had heard and previously expected. For instance, there was a girl who went to my high school and everyone said she was mean, stuck up and promiscuous. Never actually talking with her personally, I simply took everyone’s word for it. My senior year of high school I had the opportunity to get to know this girl. It turned out people thought she was mean and stuck up because she was shy and quiet. Ironically, she had been in a steady relationship with her boyfriend for four years. It was only slightly humiliating. I think about the concept of college: leaving
home, leaving friends and starting completely over. In my case, I am moving three and a half hours away from home and I’m not going to the same school as a single person I went to high school with. I am no longer with the same people I have been with since grammar school, and I have every opportunity to start over. I lived in the same small town for my entire life. A small town adds an extra struggle to changing how a community views you. To compensate for lack of attractions, small town communities can make discussing residents its pastime preference. According to “The American Freshman: Forty-Year Trends” by John H. Pryor, “These trends data now constitute a national treasure, documenting the changing nature of students’ characteristics, aspirations, values, attitudes, expectations, and behaviors” once they transition from high school to college. I do not think this has as much to do with the students themselves, as it has to do with the people they are surrounded with. It is very easy to let people assume whatever they want about you. It takes more effort to show people who you really are. College presents a unique opportunity to meet people who have no former knowledge of who you are and therefore you are given a chance to introduce yourself as you are. College: a seven-letter word for opportunity— make the most of it.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Shield accepts original, unpublished letters for all of its readers. Letters should be no more than 250 words, signed and have a telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit for length, style, and grammar. Pieces will appear in The Shield online. Letters can be submitted online or via e-mail.
good enough at what I do?” or “Will I be able to make a living at what I plan on doing?” However, none of that matters. What matters, is if you’re happy. We never know how long we are on this earth and the important thing is while we are here we make an impact and love what we do. Students have the opportunity to intern, join clubs and be a part of something they are passionate about all within reach. I thought I wanted to go into print journalism completely,
but later found out photojournalism was what made me happy. Although I had friends question what I was doing and if I was aware of the income decrease, I knew that having the freedom to travel the world and photograph life was what I should be doing. Granted it sucks when you compare yourself to your friends who have their lives completely figured out and you feel like you’re stuck in a hole of cluelessness. They found themselves at a different pace and that’s ok
too. Life isn’t a race to see who can succeed faster or make the most money. I realized at this point it doesn’t matter what anybody thinks, because if you are passionate about something, you will do everything possible to make a dream possible. Never be afraid to change your major or career path. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed it just means you’re on the pursuit to find happiness. Something no one else can find for you. Take a deep breath and find your passion, it’s worth it.
Who needs enemies by OsmaN Bien Aime orbienaime@eagles.usi.edu
There are few things worse than being close to someone who’s harmful to you. Leaving them can be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do, but you owe it to yourself to want something better. As a high school freshman, I made a few friends. They came around when it seemed like I wasn’t going to fit in anywhere and it felt great to be accepted. Unfortunately, I soon realized how little we had in common. One loved to party. He’d come to school too high to think, usually covered in bruises from who-evenknows-what. Another was very intelligent, but arrogant and prone to lies. He once told me that he’d learned mar-
tial arts in an abandoned carpet factory, then threw some punches at me to show off. It took my shoulder a few days to recover from from the one that actually connected. A third friend was always looking for a reason to fight somebody. I remember sitting quietly at our table while he alternated between yelling at his girlfriend and trying to stop her crying before someone heard. I couldn’t tell you how many almost-fights we got into. For many of us, the only thing more intimidating than the people we call our friends is what we fear life might be like with no friends at all. That way of thinking, however, simply isn’t worth it. Plain and simple, between the violent, manipu-
lative, and illegal things they’d do, my friends were unsafe to be around. I was too afraid of having nobody, though, and it wasn’t until graduation that I cut all ties to them. I spent the following two years focusing solely on my education. When I felt ready, I started making friends again. Today, six years removed from high school and with graduation on the horizon, I’m more confident, and it shows in the wonderful friends I’ve made. When someone’s creating a toxic environment for you, the only thing you should think about is leaving it immediately, for your own well-being. I don’t always make smart choices, but leaving that group and never looking back is probably my smartest.
Crop top controversy by alexa suderman alsunderma@eagles.usi.edu
The over sexualization of women is prevalent in pop culture and social media. When I was in high school the dress code was strict for girls, however boys could get away with just about anything.Girls weren’t allowed to show shoulders, stomachs, wear skirts shorter than their knees, or even have holes in their jeans. Girls weren’t allowed to show shoulders, stomachs or wear skirts shorter than their knees. Before certain sporting events we would have ‘spirit weeks’ where we would dress up to show support to the team playing. One of the spirit days was gender swap, girls would dress up like boys and boys would dress up like girls. Boys would wear crop tops and it would be perfectly fine, but if a girl’s pants sagged she would be sent to the office. Girls weren’t even allowed to wear crop tops on normal
school days, but boys could in order to be funny on a spirit day. I was raised in a religious family and my pastor and his family would often throw pool parties. The boys could wear whatever they wanted, they could probably show up in a speedo if they wanted. Girl’s weren’t allowed to wear anything that showed their stomachs, because that would be distracting for the boys. If a girl showed up in a bikini she would have to put on one of my pastors oversized t-shirts. An old man can ride around town on a bicycle shirtless and it’s okay but if an older woman rode around town on a bicycle wearing a bikini top it’s almost guaranteed she’s going to get honked at, stared at and yelled at. Everything could be the same, age, weight, bike, but the one thing that’s going to be noticed is their sex. If girls have sex with multiple people they’re called sluts, if guys have sex with multiple people they’re looked upon highly
by other guys. Two people doing the exact same thing except for one person it’s right and the other it’s wrong, purely because of their gender. Last week on Fox’s Sports Court there was a segment where they debated whether or not female athletes participating in the Olympics should wear makeup. The decision was unanimous as the men decided part of the women’s responsibilities as televised athletes was to look sexy. Here are women that made it to the Olympics purely on their hard work and athletic talent and now they’re getting told that’s not enough. If you’re a woman it doesn’t matter how good you are at something if you don’t have the looks to back it up. Men and women have never been looked upon as equals, ever since the beginning of time men have been the dominant sex. Until the unfairness is realized by everyone, nothing will change.
THE
SHIELD Editorial Board Sarah Loesch Editor-in-Chief NOW HIRING News Editor Gabi Wy Features Editor Megan Thorne Opinion Editor NOW HIRING Sports Editor NOW HIRING Chief Copy Editor Jessica Stallings Visual Editor
S ta f f NOW HIRING Special Publications Manager Brian Tenbarge Page Designer NOW HIRING Chief Photographer Gavin Gaddis Community Engagement Manager
Sales & Marketing S ta f f Anthony Ross Sales & Marketing Director Olivia Meyer Business Manager Emily McAtee Marketing Manager Danielle VanHooser Layout & Design Manager Gavin Gaddis Circulation Manager Sam Anslinger Sales Consultant Burke Strong Sales Consultant Opinions expressed in unsigned editorials represent a consensus opinion of the editorial board
Sports
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
7
Court to Coach Former USI player joins full-time staff
Photo courtesy of Photo Services
Stephanie Carpenter dribbles past a Quincy University player during a game in 2014. Carpenter is moving from a part-time coaching position to a full-time assistant coach for this upcoming basketball season.
By Megan Thorne opinion@usishield.com @MeganRThorne
Basketball became the main sport in Stephanie Carpenter’s life during second grade. Carpenter graduated in 2014 with a criminal justice major and accounting minor, the USI alumna is now back on the court as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
“Being able to continue basketball was a dream come true,” she said. Carpenter finished her career ranked first all-time at USI in made three-pointers and ranked 14th all-time at USI with 1,003 points. “I didn’t think about life after basketball,” she said. “ When it ended I knew that’s what made me happy and I knew right then and there that coaching was
something I wanted to get into.” Last season Carpenter was a part-time coach, which she said helped to give her some experience. “I’m excited about being able to go full time and having a bigger role to play,” she said. “It is exciting.” Carpenter said she will be coaching two girls on the team who she was teammates with. “They respected me as a
Introducing intramurals RFWC brings new programs for fall By Sarah Loesch editor@usishield.com @seloesch
The Recreation Fitness and Wellness Center is introducing multiple new programs to start out the new semester, as well as returning annual events with new twists. This year the staff at the RFWC will introduce a Housing and Residence Life Cup, Fraternity and Sorority Cup, 4v4 futsal and euchre. Joseph Gratz, assistant director of intramural sports said the addition of new activities is based upon student discussion. Gratz said there had been a buzz about euchre, a tricktaking card game which he said has been offered before. “Obviously we can’t offer everything,” he said, “but we are always trying to listen to what (students) do want to offer and if we can do it we sure try to.” The RFWC attempts to offer more than just athletic activities to reach students who may not feel they are athletic enough to participate in the sports. That was another push to add the card game to the activity schedule. “Not everyone is an athlete,” Gratz said, “and not everyone likes sports.” Intramural soccer had the most teams in program history last year which helped influence the decision to add futzal. There were 50 teams last year and Gratz said there is a segment of students on campus who are really passionate about the sport. The intramural soccer league is offered as a spring
intramural and it would have been hard to make it a fall sport as well because of the amount of fall activities already offered. Students will have the choice to participate in futzal, a version of soccer which is played on a smaller, indoor court. Gratz said fraternity and sorority members make up a large portion of students who join intramurals so they are introducing the Fraternity and Sorority Life Cup. He said it might make even more participate now that there is a trophy up for grabs. The same concept is also going to be applied to Housing and Residence Life.
right next door. “I see this as a win-win for both departments and for students,” Huseman said. Other than this year’s new activities, the annual Rock the Rec and Labor Day at the Lake will both take places soon after students are back in the swing of classes. This year Rock the Rec takes place Aug. 24 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and will bring two new activities, laser tag and bubble soccer. There will be food provided and students are free to explore the RFWC climbing wall, exercise area or attend group exercise classes. Gratz said the activities offered and events like La-
FASt FACTS What:
Rock the Rec
When:
Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where:
Recreation Fitness and Wellness Center
Cost:
Free
There will be a traveling trophy that can be won each year. “If we can get students who are living in their housing units to play with one another it might build community,” Gratz said. Karen Huseman, assistant director of programming for Housing and Residential life, said their staff is excited to have the opportunity to connect students with the RFWC. She said it will allow students the opportunity to connect with people who may not be on their floor or
bor Day at the Lake offer students more than just an athletic opportunity. “The whole social aspect of it is just really neat to see,” Gratz said. “We kind of see it as more than a sports activity, they are making new friends, they’re having fun, getting some exercise, they’re maybe letting loose of some stress.” For sign up dates see page 8. All sign ups are done through imleagues. com.
teammate and now as a coach,” she said. “It’s interesting and I think it’s a benefit…they know how I was as a player and they know I care about the game and the program.” Carpenter said she gets more nervous coaching as opposed to when she was playing, due to not having as much control over the game. However, she plans on doing whatever she needs to do for the
team and provide everything she can. “I have a special place in my heart for USI so being able to coach here is really exciting,” she said. Kendyl Dearing, a senior exercise science and strength and conditioning double major, was one of Carpenter’s former teammates.
Coach, PAGE 8
AT T E N T I O N ! Like to make $20.00/hour part time? Flexible hours For more information contact us at info@alleycattea.com
8
The shield | August 18, 2016 | Usishield.com
Coach
continued from Page 7
“It’s going to be really cool having her as a coach,” Dearing said. “She was so recent and she knows what we are going through and can get on a personable level and connect with us personally because she is more our age.” Dearing said she has al-
RFWC
ways seen Carpenter as a coach, even when she was her captain when she started playing for the university. “She is taking a step forward so we have to treat her more as a coach instead of a teammate…she is a great coach and role model,” Dearing said.
When Dearing was a freshman she said she always viewed Carpenter as a hard worker and someone who always put the team before herself. “I think her mental attitude toward their game and how she approaches every situation with charisma and
class will carry over,” she said. “That’s a great role model for teammates and captains this year.” Tanner Marcum, a senior sports management major, said Carpenter wasn’t just her teammate but her best friend. “She is always really pos-
itive with me and challenges me,” Marcum said. “That’s what I really like about her.” Marcum said she thinks Carpenter’s transition to a coach will be smooth due to her understanding of a player’s perspective and said she is excited Carpenter is on the coaching staff.
“I thought she was the greatest,” Marcum said. “She broke the three point record and always works so hard and she encourages me to be a good leader.”
continued from Page 7
Sign-up dates arriving soon
Location
Rock The Rec Softball League Coed Softball League Whitewater Rafting Trip Labor Day at the Lake Spikeball Tourney Coed Tennis Tourney Ultimate Frisbee Night
@ The REC @ Broadway Complex @ Broadway Complex @ Banton Tennessee @ New Beginnings @ REC Outdoor Courts @ Varsity Tennis Courts @ Broadway Complex
Deadlines
Playing Date(s) Wed. Aug. 24 Sept. 6 - Sept. 29 Sept. 6 - Sept. 29 Sept. 10-11 Mon. Sept. 5 Sat. Sept. 17 Sun. Sept. 18 Mon. Sept. 19
August 26 Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 9
WELCOME FOLLOW US ON
Welcome
Week 2016
Thursday, August 18 Unpack and Unwind New Student Dinner 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. @ University Center Eagle Experience Community Development – Residence Hall Community Meetings 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. *Residents will meet outside of their buildings
Friday, August 19 Convocation 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. @ Physical Activities Center
Eagle Experience: UNIV 101 Sections 930-949; HS1-3; NO1; NO2 Noon - 3 p.m. @ Carter Hall Eagle Experience: UNIV 101 Sections 950-978 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. @ Carter Hall SGA New Student Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. @ UC East and West
Sunday, August 21 Welcome Bash Dinner 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. @ The Loft
Eagle Experience Community Development – Apartment Community Meetings 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, August 20
*McDonald East meet in East MPR, McDonald West meet outside of Community Center, O’Daniel North meet on lawn outside of HRL office, O’Daniel South meet behind Jennings
Eagle Experience: UNIV 101 Sections 901-929 9 a.m. - Noon @ Carter Hall
APB/SHA Block Party 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. @ Community Center
For complete schedule to go www.usi.edu/welcomeweek Follow Us. We’re Social. Facebook usihousing Twitter @usihousing Instagram usihousing