Archive for August, 2008:
29 Aug
As Wolfpack Welcome Week (WWW) winded down the Black Students Board (BSB) held the Back to School Jam 2008, last Thursday on Harris Field, to welcome new and returning students back to campus. “The purpose of the Back to School Jam is to inform incoming students such as freshmen of the various African American organizations offered at NC State,” said Kornelius Bascombe, a sophomore in criminology and political science and president of the BSB. It welcomed a large crowd of students to long lines of free food and hand-outs while receiving information on several organizations.
The event started with the organizational fair which featured many African American organizations and clubs. The goal of this portion of the event was centered on recruitment and publicity of the organizations present. “Attendees of the event had the opportunity to talk and meet with the executive board of each organization and learn about the different programs and events that each organization is responsible for. I believe this will aid in the decision making process, if a student is interested in particular organization,” said Bascombe.
Many organizations took advantage of this event to increase membership. Charity West, a senior in elementary education and a member of HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare to Excel said, “We are trying to get more interested members who are willing to come join and participate in our yearly community service projects. We go to the local boys and girls club and we mentor students in the Raleigh
- Durham area.- According to West, this event has a proven track record of attaining new members of her organization. “We have done this for about three or four years and our membership has increased about twenty or thirty members,” said West.
The Back to School Jam allows various organizations to share a common stage to promote themselves and seek out valuable future leadership. “This gives the different organizations a chance to connect and network with the other organizations and it also will help with the recruitment of new members,” said Bascombe.
To wrap up the event, many organizations performed to showcase their skills, whether it be stepping or modeling. As the organizations captivated the audience, the new students and visitors at the event gained valuable knowledge on African American organizations and the community as a whole on NC States campus. “Overall I believe the Back to School Jam 2008 was a great success, we doubled last year’s attendance and spent less money! Most importantly the students, faculty and staff were happy and said they liked it better than last year,” said Bascombe. “The Back to School Jam is an important part of Wolfpack Welcome Week because it emphasizes to the community that every one hear is important and everyone here is welcome,” said Deb Luckadoo, Director of Talley Student Center-Activities.
This event annually starts off the year and welcomes it with a bang. With the BSB’s efforts and the support of African American organizations, incoming and current students have a spring board to get active in their community.
29 Aug
As of July 1st, what was formally known as the Office for Diversity and African American Affairs was renamed to suit a larger group of students and staff and is now the Office for Diversity and Inclusion.
Dr. Jose Picart, Vice Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, noted that, “The change in the name of the office has been discussed over the past five years in various forums with students, faculty and staff.”
Since Dr. Picart’s arrival in 2003, the office had been brainstorming about creating a more appropriate name for the department and seeking to enhance involvement with students from all ethnic backgrounds not just those of the African American community. Some students have begun to express legitimate concerns about the name change and its new outlook by questioning whether it will affect the office’s relationship with the African American community on campus. Dr. Picart has stated, “The name change will not decrease our commitment to African American affairs. I expect NC State will continue to grow our services and resources dedicated to promoting the enrollment, retention and success of African American students, as well as the success of our African American faculty and staff.”
Originally established in 2000, the Office for Diversity and African American Affairs has withstood speculation for its title, from administration and staff members, and has lead discussions about renaming the office ever since its conception. Not only does this office seek to improve the campus’ knowledge about diversity but promote more funding for programs, and change the perception of the university by creating a more inclusive environment.
By adding inclusion to it’s title, it helps to further represent the office and the NC State campus as willing to evolve into a university that is more adaptable to a changing global market, embody all ethnicities, cope with various cultures within one broad campus culture, and continue to make these groups feel included in every aspect of their college careers, social development and university life.
“The new name is much more consistent with the work of my office. Adding the word ‘inclusion’ communicates clearly that my office is directly involved in promoting diversity throughout all of the university’s operations, practices and activities. These activities include campus administration, the academic curriculum, engagement and extension services, and university advancement,” stated Dr. Picart.
Although the name has changed, so has its overall dynamic. The new name was created with a new and improved goal in mind; to improve the campus quality of life and provide more resources for all ethnicities on campus, while continuing to fully support the African American community on campus.
Even though students weren’t directly involved during the name change process, they were the primary motivation in the establishment of the new name and identity of this office.
29 Aug
The African American Student Advisory Council (AASAC) has a unique opportunity to promote positive change in many different ways because of its position as a link between many different student organizations that make a difference in the African American community.
Every year, AASAC takes on the task of providing leadership training for most of the leaders of the African American student organizations at NC State. Although AASAC does not host many programs because of its role as a counseling organization rather than a programming organization, this one program helps to prevent numerous problems that could result from untrained leaders in positions of power in African American and Caribbean student organizations. “I want AASAC to be a council where student leaders can come with their problems, and know that, together with the NC State Faculty, we can find a solution,” says Amber Carr, chair of AASAC. The leadership development program is also a good example of how AASAC attempts to take steps to prevent problems rather than simply reacting to them.
Another example of the preventative actions that AASAC takes is the Minority Experience Report Card, which grades the university on minority affairs such as freshman retention, and minority recruitment. This was a task formerly charged to the Office for Diversity and African American Affairs (now known as the Office for Diversity and Inclusion), but will now be AASAC’s responsibility. “By presenting the report card to NC State’s faculty we will be able to stop developing problems before they worsen” said Carr.
The accountability the report card will be able to provide for the administration is something that the president of the Collegiate Chapter of 100 Black Men Inc., Warren Rhem, is hoping to instill in his organization. “One major problem in the past has been accountability; I plan to hold everyone, myself included, to a higher standard and hold them accountable for their actions.” The Collegiate Chapter of 100 Black Men aims to serve as a council for African American male leaders where there can be a dialogue on issues of importance. It also aims to assist in implementing the “Four for the Future” program emphasized by the national organization which emphasizes economic development, health and wellness, education, and mentoring.
The 100 Black Men have plans in place to help extend their function as a council for young male leaders past the boundaries of their own organization. It has a Freshman Roundtable planned for the coming year in which members of the collegiate 100 Black Men and other upperclassmen will talk with freshman males about their time at NC State so far.”The Freshman Roundtable gives us a chance to help them [the freshmen] out on something that may be troubling them or address a bigger problem that is affecting the freshmen males as a whole,” Rhem notes. The Freshman Roundtable is not the only thing the organization has planned, as there are also plans for programming on how AIDS affects the college age community, and personal finance management.
As another year begins, there are more than enough challenges facing all of the NC State community members, but if things go as planned for many of our student leaders, the community at NC State will not be facing those challenges alone. Their planned outreach programs and counseling are sure to make a positive difference, not only for people on campus, but, for all people in the African American community.
29 Aug
Last year was a good year, but this year has to be better. Last year was filled with many great programs and activities, especially in the African American community. However, as great as these programs were, not very many were as successful as they should have been. There is a great need for more participation from the African American community, particularly Black males, in the programs that are done for us. Last year had a great start, just like the start of this year, with many new freshmen willing to get involved in our organizations. But hopefully unlike last year, this willingness will not die off as the year progresses, leading to too many empty seats in programs, and clubs suddenly searching for lost members. There needs to be a change from last year, more Black students need to be actively working in their own community.
I have heard many things said about my class, the class of 2011. Unfortunately, most of what is being said is none too positive. We have been called lazy, uninterested, and uninvolved. Even more unfortunate is the fact that, as a class, we are doing little to prove these accusations wrong. But I noticed last year that lack of participation is not unique to the class of 2011. This was evident at the annual Society of African American Culture Lecture, on Monday, March 31st 2008. The speaker was Earnest Green, the oldest member of the Little Rock Nine. This man is a piece of a very well known part of history, and a living testament to the Civil Rights Movement. The accomplishments of the Little Rock Nine are written down throughout many history books, and taught in history classes of any quality. Yet despite this, attendance at this event was painstakingly low, almost to the point of embarrassment. There was a shortage of people from all of the classes, not just 2011. Not to say that white people were not welcome to come, because the lecture was open to anybody that wanted to hear Mr. Green’s experience, but I was surprised to see that the number of white people at the program was comparable to the number of black people. This was surprising to me because even though African American history is also American history, Mr. Green’s experience is very specific to the struggles of black people.
It made me ask myself, “What is wrong with us? Are we just not interested in our own culture and history anymore?” It is understandable that some people had conflicts, such as class or a big test to study for, but most of us that were in the room are students, and we had work too. It’s hard to believe that so many people had conflicts, so I’m just going to go ahead and blame the absences on people being lazy, uninterested and uninvolved. Occurrences like this should not happen again.
Last Thursday, August 21st, was the annual Black Student Board Back to School Jam. This event showcased most of the clubs in the African American community, as well as performances by Greek organizations, dance teams, and modeling troupes. In my opinion, this event was a really great success, with the kind of interest and turnout that should be present at every event. As stated earlier this new freshman class has a lot of promise and enthusiasm. Many were asking about organizations and signing up for them. This is the kind of attitude that needs to be maintained during the year. It is important for freshmen, and students from other classes as well, to find organizations that match their interests and talents, and to stay active in them. It is important for students to be as enthused about other programs as they were for the Back to School Jam.
It is officially the start of a new school year. A new class of freshmen has arrived, and along with it are fresh attitudes and a lot of promise. Many organizations have new presidents and new ideas, and hopefully some dedicated new members as well. With all of this potential one can only hope that this excitement about the new year does not dwindle away, and is utilized to make the whole school year one to remember. As a community, we must be more involved in these events and in organizations in general. It is insulting to me what people are saying; that we are lazy and uninterested, but those accusations will not change if they are not being contradicted by our actions. Many of the members that were in these organizations last year have graduated. If more students do not step up and start participating I fear these organizations will eventually die. These clubs and facilities were placed here for us, and if we do not use them they will disappear. We cannot let our community get to this point. Now is the perfect time to step up to the plate. Many clubs are looking for new leaders, and are offering new positions on executive boards; some of these are even open to freshmen. So please, get involved in your own community and help it gain the strength of its potential.
29 Aug
What does an event need to guarantee a big turn out? Just combine three elements; live entertainment, free food and close proximity and students are sure to pack the house. It’s true especially when the location is right at Lee Field on campus, the free food includes everything from steak subs to funnel cake, and the main performer for the live entertainment is none other than 90s R&B male super group, Boyz II Men. This year, the Union Activities Board (UAB) used these elements to host their annual Friday Fest to an overwhelming success. In case you missed it and no one has truly broken down the details of the evening, here are some of the events’ highlights and low lights.
From the start, the UAB was extra careful in exercising security and safety at Friday Fest checking bags and utilizing metal detectors before taking tickets. Students were free to roam around to activities like a prize wheel that guaranteed a free T-shirt, or a hockey putting booth to collect some information about the Carolina Hurricanes or just shoot a puck or two. However, the bulk of students went straight to one of the several food booths offering hot dogs, hamburgers, ears of corn, steak subs, pizza, free drinks, funnel cake, and my personal favorite; deep fried candy bars.
If students weren’t interested in food or games, by 5:30 that evening, they could focus their attention on the Michael Jackson tribute band Who’s Bad, the first of the three performers lined up for the evening’s live entertainment. Who’s Bad performed the majority of Michael Jackson’s hits from “Rock WiTh You,” to “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and even some of his recordings with the Jackson Five and of course, Bad. The performance was so high energy and fast paced you would have to appreciate his effort.
“NC State what the f—- is wrong with ya’ll?” Apparently, the crowd wasn’t pumped up enough from Who’s Bad’s performance for rap group Little Brother who followed. Some students were shocked by Little Brother’s language and use of the N word;
“Their language was a little out of control at some points” said Jasmine Brunson, a sophomore in middle grades social studies and language arts education. “It seemed at some points they were cussing unnecessarily” she added also noting that even so, she still thought they were pretty good.
“I think they could have went on without that” commented Alton Wills, a junior in history. “I was surprised at first, but then I remembered that it was Little Brother; they speak controversy sometimes” he added.
After Little Brother wrapped up, the crowd was anxious to see the third and final Friday Fest performers Boyz II Men.
“The wait [for Boyz II Men to come on stage] was the worst” said Brunson, “I was ready to leave.” Nevertheless, she stuck around, and for a powerful show. After some delay, three of the four group members finally hit the stage around 9 p.m. and the hype Little Brother was looking for, finally appeared. If anyone’s feet got tired and they decided to sit in the grass, at this point, they were on their feet at once. Some students even abandoned the unbelievably long funnel cake line in their excitement.
Boyz II Men started with their upbeat, but shortened, hit “Motown Philly” then moved on to “On Bended Knee.” I was a little concerned that they wouldn’t have time to perform some more of their own music when they sang a Motown medley, but then they began what they deemed a “Boyz II Men history lesson” performing songs and giving some background on those songs as they went. They handed out roses to the women in the audience (in the first few rows of course) while performing “I’ll make love to you” and had students call their moms during a heartfelt performance of “Mama.” It seemed the band had reached it last breath when they performed “End of the Road” and afterwards many students began to leave the field. However, Boyz II Men came back out on stage for one final song: a full performance of “Motown Philly.”
Students were thrilled. Wills recalled “The whole performance was great, I grew up listening to them, so it just took me down memory lane a little bit.”
Students also had great things to say about the UAB’s effort this year. “Boyz II Men were awesome!” said Charlotte Lewis a junior in zoology. “I was so surprised that we actually got such a big name group for the event. I say for the UAB to keep up the momentum and good work, the event was truly the highlight of Welcome Week. What a way to welcome the freshmen! Wills added “I feel that it was a success, The UAB finally provided an event in which everybody could take part in and enjoy. It had been a little while since someone that I knew of performed on this campus.”
Needless to say, after such a successful event, this year’s Friday Fest will be the one to top.
29 Aug
Do you know there is a reading room featuring a myriad of books by African American writers right here on campus? This is a very special room that has many readings from the African American race, and it is waiting for you to grace it with your presence.
If reading popular black works of art is your forte, or learning more about this race is an objective of yours, then this room is the place for you. This collection has works pertaining to Africana studies, women’s and gender studies, and interdisciplinary studies, but do not worry, these books are not all based around educational genres; there are many fun books you can sit back and read during your leisure time. This library is here on campus for the sole purpose of providing us students access to learning more about the African American culture, and giving insight into the successful authors of our time and generations before. It is a privilege to have access to a room such as this one, simply because in some ways it is a beacon of hope to aspiring black writers on campus, and an opportunity for other races to learn more about African American history.
This reading room is equipped with computers capable of internet access. As if you were at D.H. Hill library, it is possible to search the NCSU databases and archives for projects. If it is in your interest to contact a librarian onsite at the African American reading room, you can do so through “Ask a Librarian.” They will also be able to provide you with sufficient responses to your questions about specific details, which you may inquire about, personally, through the phone or online. If for example you want to request an African American work that is not available on campus, through our online service “Tripsaver,” the school can provide it for you! “Tripsaver” is a delivery service that delivers the particular document one may request.
Students also do not have to worry about an ethernet cord here, or no internet access for your personal computer! There is wireless service available, so one can do what they need without dealing with the hassle of cords or entering passwords and such for the mainframe computers. Visually impaired students also have the opportunity of a black and white photocopier with magnification. For future reference, because I am sure you all will be visiting, this photocopier is dubbed the Telesensory Voyager Visualtek CCTV. There is also a TV/DVD/VCR available for viewing anything you may need for class or personal desires. For checking out books, you must be a NCSU student, staff, or faculty member. If you want to check ahead of time for your item of choice, to be sure it is available, give 919-515-1397 a call. Whatever you do, do not be inconsiderate by having your cell phones and pagers, and do not eat or drink in this room because you will not be allowed to stay.
If you want to visit, reading room hours are Monday-Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and it is located on the second floor of Witherspoon Student Center. Give this room a try, because it a great opportunity for students to have access to a room featuring wonderful African American literature. Tell a friend, bring a friend, or just come by yourself and take advantage of this wonderful part of the African American Cultural Center.
29 Aug
What is passion? The definition I found for the word passion in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary is: “a moving of the mind or soul; excitement of the feelings, whether pleasing or painful; disturbance or agitation of mind caused by a specific exciting cause and manifested by some sensible effect on the body.” Is there anything in life that excites you and makes you want to pursue it in an effort to better yourself and others around you? Whatever it is, please do not let go of your passion.
So many people today were once passionate about some things, then when difficult times came, they decided to let go of those things. They decided to give up because someone who did not truly have their best interests at heart told them they should. They decided to give up because nothing was truly keeping them rooted and grounded. Never give up. I know everyone goes through a time where they wish goals they have are not so difficult to accomplish. However, it’s during the difficult times in life when we see what we are made of. My pastor used to say before he passed away, “If it doesn’t work under pressure, it doesn’t work at all.” So when the pressure comes while you’re pursuing your passions, it’s coming to build you up, not tear you down.
While doing something that centers around pursuing your passion, someone might approach you with some constructive criticism. Be careful to not see it as an attack on you; but rather, see it as helpful information. If someone really cares about you, he or she is not going to tell you to do anything that is going to cause more harm than good to yourself. Evaluate the constructive criticism someone gives you and try to see why he or she is saying what they are saying. If you look hard enough, you might be able to see the chance to grow and mature in different ways.
While pursuing your passion, do not be afraid to do things differently from the way you might normally do things. This often involves leaving your personal comfort zone. Staying in your comfort zone (i.e. doing things only the way you want to) can be dangerous because then you are not willing to be flexible enough to adapt to change. Sometimes leaving your comfort zone means breaking tradition. This is difficult for many of us because we get comfortable doing things that have always been done in the same way they have been done. Trying new things can be scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, getting out of your comfort zone will not seem like such an arduous task. Many times leaders are the ones who are willing to step out into unknown territory to do things that need to be done because they see a need that needs to be met. Staying true to your passion will cause you to meet great needs at times.
With that, be true to your passion. If it’s singing, dancing, ministering, teaching, advising, mentoring, or just being there for people in different ways-whatever it may be-don’t lose your drive and determination. Great things come from people not giving up on the right things that are really important to them.
29 Aug
Clear, glowing healthy skin is a trait that many wish they could have. Some can achieve this characteristic without having to do much of anything. For some it is hard as they have tried everything from various facial cleansers to prescription medications. However there are many natural ways that could benefit your skin, thus making it clear and beautiful. One of the many natural ways that will be discussed is called the oil cleansing method.
Though it may sound weird, the oil cleansing method has shown to significantly improve the skin’s complexion, thus riding the skin of blemishes, bumps and pus filled acne. One may wonder why they should wash their face with oil, if their skin is already oily. However one should wonder, why should they wash their already oily face with a facial cleanser and water. Scientifically oil can not mix with water so you are really not effectively cleaning your face. According to Victoria Anisman-Reiner, a certified clinical aromatherapist and natural medicine feature writer for Suite 101.com, most facial cleansers sold in drug stores contain artificial chemicals and ingredients, even when they state they are natural. With ongoing use, these cleansers can be harmful to your organs and injure your skin.
Such cleansers are simply hard on your skin and only contribute to breakouts on your face and body by stripping your skin of essential oils along with bacteria. When these essential oils are lost the body’s reaction is to produce more oils to soothe and lubricate dry skin, leaving you even more prone to acne.
It is a known rule that oil mixes with oil and none the other. Do not be afraid of applying oil to your face. According to the oilcleansingmethod.com, oil alone will not cause blemishes. Acne occurs because of the build up of many different factors such as bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells and hormones. Your skin needs the oil it naturally produces.
Castor oil is a wonderful miracle oil that has many uses from reliving pain, to thickening eyebrow hair, to being used as a birthing aid. Castor oil is a detoxifying oil that when applied to the face with massaging movements, it effectively breaks up the oil. Our face as well as other areas of the body contain sebaceous glands that secrete naturals oils which aids in protecting and moisturizing the skin.
Anisman-Reiner says that all you need to try the oil cleansing method is a washcloth, hot water and the right oils.
First, mix up a blend of extra virgin olive oil and castor oil. Next, massage a small amount of the oils gently into your face. Spend a few minutes rubbing the oils into your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and neck.Wring out a washcloth in hot water, and lay it over your face to steam. After a minute, wipe away the oil and any dirt, using the washcloth. Your skin should feel clean, and soft due to a little oil left on the skin. If your skin feels dry, you can moisturize it using just a small amount of the olive oil castor oil mixture.
The oil cleansing method is preferably done at night time. If you practice this method too often (more than once a day), then your skin could become dry. If you try this method for the first time, you should you will immediately notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Give this oil cleansing method a try if you are one of the ones who desire clear, glowing healthy skin. A cheap and chemical-free alternative, whose materials are probably stored in your cabinet.
29 Aug
Despite common opinion, college life is not easy. There is the constant struggle of juggling academics, extra-curricular activities, a social life, and then, the ever-changing effects of being homesick. Initially, it’s a sense of being out of place. All of your surroundings seem unfamiliar, causing a negative perception of the new experience. Studies have shown that not only is it quite common, but homesickness is a natural occurrence.
I remember my first weeks here at NC State as a freshman. I was three hours away from my hometown and surrounded by people that I’d met once or twice at orientation or not at all. It was an overwhelming feeling. After learning my way around campus and making friends, the feeling diminished and became something I now joke about. For some students, the transition isn’t so easy. Their persistent feelings of homesickness may lead to a lapse in concentration and ability to perform well academically. Other students may not suffer in the classroom, but act out in a social way, by either partying too much or not having enough social activity.
Homesickness can result in many different emotions; for some people, it’s loneliness, sadness, or anxiety. Getting to know a wide range of people last school year allowed me to see the different effects of being homesick. My out-of-state friends seemed to miss home more than my friends who lived across the state or here in Raleigh. This may have been because they weren’t able to go home as often or felt out of place being in a different state or region. They were affected by everything from climate and weather changes to slang and fashion trends. To me it seemed the people who lived the closest were least affected by the transition, because their surroundings were somewhat familiar, so they adapted more easily.
After kicking the blues, you may feel like your bout with homesickness is long gone, but that assumption is far from true. Homesickness is a reoccurring problem that arises at different times. Some people experience it close to holiday breaks or around loved ones’ birthdays, and maybe even during a special event. There is no special gauge to determine how long or how often you will be homesick. For me it was something I learned to deal with on a daily basis. Missing your family and friends never ends, but it gets easier to deal with as you make new friends and become familiar with your new life.
Over the summer I experienced anxiety and sadness from being back at home. I missed the life that I had made for myself here at NC State. I wasn’t as busy as I had been the months before, so I felt like I wasn’t working toward any goals. I missed my friends and the environment that had become my life. Some of my friends enjoyed their time at home, while others were counting down the days until school started. I made frequent trips to visit my new college friends. This allowed me to keep in touch with my newfound life, while taking a break from school.
The battle is not choosing one life over the other or making one superior, but the goal is to adapt in a healthy and positive way. College is the time to prepare for the future and, although it may not always be comfortable, it can be a great experience. Whether you are a freshman, a returning student or a transfer student, NC State is equipped to meet all your academic and social needs. As you adjust to college take steps to make yourself happy, but stay in touch with the ideals and people that have brought you to this point. Remember, ultimately it is within your power to be happy both here and at home.
