Archive for March, 2009:
29 Mar
With exam week coming up in a month, students are looking forward to escaping the stressful environment of college and enjoying summer. In preparation for the warm summer months, there are steps to take to ensure that the break is fun and safe.
Stay Protected
The months of summer are the hottest months of the year. With tank tops, shorts, and shades comes the risk of overexposure from the sun. While searching Discovery online, I found that the sun is approximately 1.4 million miles away from Earth, but can still cause severe damage to your skin. We have all had that pesky sun burn, the kind of burn that prevents us from moving, along with the suffocating smell of aloe vera to try and soothe it. Why suffer through all of that on vacation? Whether you’re hitting the beach or out and about in your hometown, stay protected from the sun’s UV rays by wearing sunscreen. Wearing at least SPF 15 can provide your skin with the protection that it needs to prevent burns as well as deeper damage that can cause skin problems in the future.
Keep the Hair at Bay
Whether you shave, wax, pluck, or pull out your unwanted hairs, keeping them at bay during the summer months can make you, and especially others, happier during vacation. No one likes to see a woman on the beach in a bikini with unruly hair in places where it should not be. Waxing will yield longer results, but for those ladies just not into the cost, shaving is a simple and easy way to look neat and clean all summer long. Also, whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, permed, or in braids, keeping your hair protected from the sun with moisture can keep your hair manageable during the busy days of summer. I know that for my hair, keeping it moisturized during the warm months keeps it healthy and prevents it from drying out.
Get the Beach Body
Working out before summer has been a tradition for me and my friends since I can remember. The need to fit into the perfect swimsuit serves as the ultimate motivation; however, having the same workout routine can get boring. To add variety and enjoyment, try a fitness class. The recreation center has classes Monday through Friday and Sunday that can suit the needs of anyone. For those wanting to focus more on abs, there is a class called AB solutions. For those wanting to focus on a total body workout, BOSU Burn and Raise the Bar are the classes for you. I personally tried the BOSU Burn class with a group of my friends. It’s a total body, intense workout. I was sore for a few days, but “no pain no gain.”
Be Safe
The last step to take I would say is the most important. Be and stay safe. If you are traveling somewhere else for summer break, be aware of your surroundings. Know where you are and where the nearest emergency services are located. Also, never walk or go anywhere alone. Staying with a group of friends can help to keep you safe. Limit the information you give to people you do not know and never hesitate to report suspicious behavior. I am sure we all would appreciate all of our NCSU family returning to the university safe and sound in the fall.
29 Mar
Mi Familia and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) hosted Somos’ El Cambio in Stewart Theatre Saturday.
The event opened up with a slide show that showed the audience prominent Hispanic/Latino figures in American history that included Roberto Clemente, the first Latino player to be elected into the baseball Hall of Fame (1973), Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, and Rita Moreno, the first Latino woman to win an Oscar (West Side Story).
Afterwards, emerged Bill Santiago, the host of the event. Santiago, an up and coming comedian, provided the audience with some laughs that helped lighten the mood and get the show started.
Sube Ritmo performed, a Latin dance team here on campus.
Sube Ritmo developed an eye-opening performance that riveted the audience. The next performance included women dressed in traditional Hispanic/Latino attire while doing traditional dances known to the culture.
The next segment of the show included songs in Spanish and included Latin-based instruments. Some songs were slow and jazz-like while the last song played included two members of Sube Ritmo showing off more of their dance moves.
During the intermission, Bill Santiago came out once again came out and provided the audience with more laughs. His material included excerpts from his book Excuse My Spanglish and life in the United States from the Hispanic/Latino perspective.
Fusion, a dance team here on campus, well known for their hip-hop inspired dances, added another burst of excitement for the event and another example of well-roundness that the Hispanic/Latino exhibit everywhere in the world but in particular on campus.
A fashion show followed that showcased several different attires that represented something traditional and something new for the culture.
This part of the show included three different themes; the first was traditional where the models showed off clothes that are traditional in the countries of Mexico, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica just to name a few.
The second theme dealt with attire worn in the workplace and the third theme featured clothes worn in the social scene. Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc, a Latina sorority, performed a quick stepping routine before members of Cobo Brothers Dance Company graced the stage. Cobo Brothers Dance Company, a company that offers salsa lessons and also competes in various competitions, performed a little salsa skit that showed the audience why there among the best of the best in their field.
A segment of the show, entitled Mi Cultura that was done by Nicole Machado. The event closed with another stellar performance with the group that had brought in the show with a bang, Sube Ritmo.
To many, Somos’ El Cambio went very well. Jezzette Rivera, a senior in criminology and Political Science and president of Mi Familia, feels the event was a success and is thankful for the people who had came out and supported the event.
Ekaterina Dones, who graduated in December 2008 with a degree in civil engineering, admired the passion that was put into the event by the students to make it a success.
This feeling was shared by Abraham Dones, advisor for Mi Familia. Mr. Dones is proud of the at the magnitude of effort that the students of each organization had put into the event and is truly humbled at the experience. He also feels that after this year, the sky is the limit for Somos.
29 Mar
One common problem I think we all face in America today is what to call each other. Since we as a university strive to better our understanding of diversity, this subject tends to reoccur. The last thing we want to do is offend someone, so we try to be as politically correct as possible. Sometimes an issue such as this can get us into trouble.
I have had a few friends who were not African-American try to describe a black person to me, but they would always dodge around the word “black.” I would ask them “Well, what did this girl look like?” They would proceed to tell me she was tall, thin and any other word they could come up with. When it came to skin color they would always pause. It occurred to me that they were afraid to call her “black.” At first I did not understand why it was such a big deal. Then as I continued talking to them I found that they genuinely did not know that black was not a derogatory term. They were trying so hard not to sound offensive that they were at a complete loss for words.
In my experience, I have never seen a black person become angry over being called “black.” I cannot say this for all black people, but to me the term does not sound offensive. Yes, there are others that prefer the term African-American, or person of African descent and etc. One thing people need to realize is that when you try too hard to not be offensive you may come across as offensive anyway. This goes not only for race but for things like religion, sexuality, etc.
If you find that someone is uncomfortable and confused about how to address you, just tell them. Reassure them that you know they do not mean to cause you any harm. Even though we are all meshed together on this campus, we have not been properly educated on how to talk to each other. I do not think calling someone “black” is the same as calling them “the n-word.”
Now, there are those black individuals that wish to be addressed as “Black American” rather than “African American.” In a psychology class I had, we talked about this specific topic. There were those who felt as though they had no ties to the African way of life, so they did not want “African” to be in their title.
There are also those who take great pride in being called “African American.” They may not always have direct ties to Africa, but they are proud to say that they are descendents of the enslaved people that were brought over to America.
Personally, I do not mind which one I am addressed as. I do tend to call myself both. My father is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and so are many of my family members. I am proud of this because Africa in itself is so rich in culture. So I take pride in being called an African-American.
There are also others that do not want any kind of ethnic or racial definition in their title at all. They would just like to be described as “American.” This is not because they are ashamed to be black or because they want to be associated with another race. These are the people that feel that the ethnic and racial titles are part of the racism problem. They feel that by separating themselves from others, these titles actually widen the gap between us as a country. So if everyone were just American then it would cut down on the “us against them” idea.
The bottom line is that no one can ever be sure of what to call anyone. Take a stab at it, and if they do not respond positively, ask them what they prefer to be called. I am sure that people would not get angry with someone simply by asking them their preference on labels. If they do, then your friendship with them should be questioned. If you are of African descent and someone asks what you want to be called do not get mad and think “They should know this” because they don’t. Be proud of who you are and be proud to speak out.
29 Mar
America is not a perfect country, and it has not been in the past either. It has been riddled with political strife and has denied many groups the basic right to live in a truly free country. The great thing about our country is our ability to change for the better.
The great heroes of the past have resonated inspiring stories and imparted beauty in our hearts. Martin Luther King Jr. empowered us with his role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The Women’s Suffrage Movement gave women the same impermissible rights as men. But who has ever heard of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay official elected to public office? Milk is not just a documentary about the man or even the gay and lesbian movement. Gay rights are not just an issue, they affect people’s lives. It is because of every closet door which drove Milk. He kept trying, running for office four times, losing many lovers in the process, facing death threats, but he kept trying.
“All men are created equal,” Milk, played by Sean Penn, proclaims, “No matter how hard you try, you can never erase those words.”
Penn’s performance is brilliant, and is worth 100 percent of his Academy Award. It is Milk’s little idiosyncrasies that cement his role. His wide, wrinkled smile, emphatic gestures, and relentless sense of optimism make the man more real. It is hard not to love Milk, because he is so personable. “You’re going to meet the most extraordinary men,” he coaxes activist Cleve Jones, “the sexiest, brightest, funniest men, and you’re going to fall in love with so many of them, and you won’t know until the end of your life who your greatest friends were or your greatest love was.”
Jones, played by Emile Hirsch, is an eccentric character, young and more restless than Milk, but he is no less active and passionate about the movement. He immediately takes the ropes of the movement, having witnessed a Spanish drag queen keep trudging long after being shot to death. Jones takes on conservative crusaders, Anita Bryant and John Briggs, the latter of whom founded the Briggs Initiative, which proposed banning gay teachers and their supporters from public schools in California. Jones marches through the streets chanting: “Anita! You liar! We’ll set your hair on fire!” It’s a riotous affair, but one centered on ideas of hope and social justice.
Milk is a testament to the gay and lesbian movement in the controversial late ’70s, but the prejudices that drive Milk to politics are the prejudices that are still alive in today’s society. As long as we deny gay people equal rights and continue to have “gay” as a synonym for stupid in our lexicon, we are doomed to repeat history. But Milk’s legacy was not in vain. “If a bullet should enter my brain,” he says, “let that bullet destroy every closet door.” He paves the way for equality for all citizens in the future, but we must all work towards this goal. Harvey Milk wants to recruit you- to go out, rent the movie, and fight for equal rights.
29 Mar
Ever been locked up for reading the novel Where the Red Fern Grows? How about spending hours “behind bars” for donating The Outsiders? Try doing hard labor just for skimming OK or People magazine.
Although these ideas may seem slightly farfetched, no idea for a program seems too awkward or too boring for a good cause. For the students of the African American Association for Student Educators, the organization raised a book drive and social program for the purpose of building a multi-purpose library for the Washington Boys and Girls Club of Raleigh. A considerable amount of students came through to support AAASE by donating books and magazine publications to the Bragaw Activity Room.
According to AAASE Vice President Iwinosa Idahor, the organization and its mission statement was founded from students of the College of Education for the purpose of promoting service, education, and mentoring for students of color within the college. It was only fitting that the year long project would be formed to help out others in and outside of the N.C. State community.
“Out of our vision, we decided that we wanted to establish a library at the Washington Boys and Girls Club because we felt that we do not promote literacy as much as we should,” said Idahor, a senior in middle grades education.
“We decided that we wanted to establish a multi-purpose library for not only the Washington Boys and Girls Club, but also to Walnut Creek.”
The program was also co-sponsored by the resident advisors of Bragaw Residence Hall, according to Marquis McCollough, a junior in science education.
“We thought it was a good way to get the rest of the community involved and also different organizations in the African-American community,” said McCollough.
Several students participated in the book drive with the chance of winning a $25 prize donation to the organization of their choice to those who collected the most books. The members included McCollough; Kadeem Myrick, a junior in business management; and Paul Abrams, a junior in biological sciences. Abrams collected the most books with 41 in total, while Myrick came in second place with 40, and McCollough with 37. A maximum total of 250 books were projected for donation. On the night of the program, a total of 118 books and magazines were collected for donation.
Tracy Howard, a senior in chemical engineering, was one of the few who donated eight books to the program on that night. “I didn’t want the books, [and] it’s for a really good cause,” she said.
Though the program was significant in its cause, the Lockup for Literacy was also a fun social event for those that stopped by.
“It’s a very chill program. It wasn’t structured,” said Idahor. Some people stopped by the event to speak with other students, while others were playing pool or board games for fun. The hosts also played the movie Higher Learning during the program.
Michelle Harris, a senior in middle grades education with a concentration in language arts and social studies, felt that the less structured nature of the program was well needed.
“I think it attracts more people because a lot of times, formalities can turn people away,” said Harris. “But when you have a less formal setting, it takes away less attention away from us and more attention on the kids.”
The program ended up being a success in promoting literacy to both collegiate and non-collegiate students alike. With the addition of more books to be donated to the Washington Boys and Girls Club, the multipurpose library will hopefully provide the resources needed for every child and adult.
29 Mar
The media seems to constantly portray what society deems as a beautiful woman. Reality shows, magazines and music videos all give of this visual image of the “all American girl.” It’s time to “smash the beauty box” and recognize that beauty comes in a variety of complexions, shapes, sizes and heights. It is often a topic on the African-American community about hair textures, complexions and size due to the image that media venues portray.
However, we are not the only population of individuals that go through these issues. Rosie Molinary, a freelance writer, editor, author and teacher, was the keynote speaker at the “Smashing the Beauty Box” program hosted by the Women’s Center, and Lambda Pi Chi Sorority during Women’s Week 2009.
Molinary has authored a book entitled, The Latina in Me which she said “centers on the issues that Latina women face and what she went through growing up.” She wanted the audience to know that “what’s hot is loving yourself, caring for yourself and others.”
Molinary researched and found out that 80 percent of American’s are dissatisfied with their overall appearance in the U.S. and that 94.6 percent say that women should do whatever it takes to become more attractive, meaning having breast augmentations, nose jobs, liposuction, and any other cosmetic surgery that will in enhance beauty according to society’s standards.
Have you ever heard of the term “super girl?” This is a new term that is used in today’s society by many people. This term is used to describe a person who does not want people to know that she works hard to be as close to “perfect” as possible.
For example, a “super girl” will get out of class early on a Friday and spend the rest of the time shopping for the “perfect” outfit, the “perfect” shoes, and the “perfect” accessories to attend a party that same night. Then she will spend hours doing hair, applying make-up, and putting her whole look together to show others her “perfect” appearance. Once at the party she thrives off of the compliments that she receives from others. If someone says, “You look really nice tonight,” the “super girl” will respond with something similar to, “Oh this old thing, I just threw something on at the last minute.”
Molinary said that the “super girl’s worth is depending on how other people respond to her.” Also, Molinary said that a Duke study found that individuals would like to have “effortless perfection.” This is when you do little to nothing to prepare but you look your best and receive compliment from others.
In recent years, The Dove Self-Esteem Fund has launched many commercials and aids that are aimed at improving younger kid’s self-esteem and perception of body image. Molinary showed a commercial that was aired during the half time show of a super bowl game a few years ago. She said that the commercial was “targeted towards dads about their daughter’s beauty” and how they should recognize that beauty comes in many different forms. She also announced that Dove.com now has a body image online training guide. She encouraged everyone to visit Dove.com and complete the training. She promised that “you will benefit from it in one way or another.”
Some media, such as the Dove commercials, try to promote a positive outlook on body image and perception, but it was pointed out how other media sources such as magazines, reality television, and videos constantly place images in people’s head on what is deemed as beautiful by society.
Felicia Baity, assistant director for African-American Student Affairs, pointed out how “reality television has a huge impact on people’s perception, both positive and negative.” She brought up the example of America’s Next Top Model and how they added a twist to the eligibility requirements for the upcoming Cycle 13. For this cycle, Tyra Banks has made the height requirement 5′7″ or below. This will open up the doors for more “average” height females to apply.
Jennifer Rodriguez, a senior in communication and sociology, said, “I love the Bad Girls Club, and it doesn’t show the super skinny girls; they are all average in my eyes.”
It is important to realize Rosie Molinary’s message which is to “love thyself” despite what others say, especially the media. Beauty should come from within.
Molinary encouraged the audience to log on Dove.com and take the online body image training that they provide. As cliche as it sounds “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and everyone should remember that. So as Molinary said, we should all strive to “smash the beauty box!”
23 Mar
Please be aware that the Student Government candidate debate is tonight at 6 p.m. in Witherspoon Campus Cinema. Come out an hear what they have to say before casting your vote Tuesday, March 24. For more information visit <a href=’http://students.ncsu.edu/’>Student Government website.</a>
23 Mar
Thursday, student body president candidate, Kornelius Bascombe, held a town hall meeting to speak to students about his platform and clear up any misconceptions about his campaign. Bascombe is a sophomore is criminology and the chair of Black Students Board, an umbrella organization under Union Activities Board. Bascombe feels after serving on the Student Senate Board of Directors, and the judicial board, he is the most polished candidate for the position. Bascombe said, “In a way this is history… I am the first sophomore candidate for SBP in about 20 years.”
One of the main ideas he discussed Thursday was making the University’s administration more accountable for negligent acts of discrimination and re-budgeting student fees to best suite student’s needs. “We need a more proactive administration, not reactive,” Bascombe said, referencing the tunnel incident.
It’s a relative issue, stabilizing the print quota system for students is a way to ensure printing capabilities without gauging them with having to print required readings or assignments. “I am the only candidate to disburse student fees,” he said.
To accomplish this goal he would like to “serve as the liaison between students and administration” to link the supply and the demand on campus.
Bascombe spoke briefly about a career initiative that will create better relationships between undergraduates and alumni for more on the job training and experience, plus increase the ratio of graduates to ready employment opportunities.
“Paying attention to the general education requirements” is key said, Bascombe in response to his plans to improve academia, asked Marquis McCullough. He also said we need to “hire more staff to ensure student graduates in four years.” He described in his own experience struggling to create an opportunity where there was none, by seeking an internship with an organization that was not registered with our career center. Bascombe said, “That should never happen at this University.”
“I can’t change Spring Break,” said Bascombe to further prove his point that some candidates are making empty or untangible promises to ensue a victory by telling students what they want to hear.
He said, “I am realistic” and have set goals that are attainable. Also, Bascombe doesn’t see his reign as student body president merely lasting a year, but could reach beyond since he is only a sophomore. “I am fresh and new, living my dream everyday,” said Bascombe. He feels very qualified for this position for a number of reasons, mostly because of his experience in student government, organizations like UAB who use student monies to plan events for diversity, and his ability to make time for students, and the campus he loves.
When asked about the challenges he may face during his term, Bascombe felt gaining student involvement would be the largest obstacle to over come.
Freshman Kela Farmer said, “I loved what I heard tonight- it’s a plus that I will get to witness his policies affect this campus. I will become more involved” after hearing Bascombes pleas for participation on behalf of students. “To make change, I need each of you,” he explained.
Bascombe is up for the task of facing adversity. Candace Lee asked, “Will you be afraid to stand up to the Technician?” Bascombe replied, ”Yes, these things are unfortunate and offensive but there is a way to handle it.” Jezzette Rivera added, “We have a great group of candidates-I am impressed with Kornelius because he has what the students want.”
18 Mar
Here,read the full detailed interviews Culture Reporter Art Goodson gave candidates Kornelius Bascombe, Andrew Swanson, and Jim Ceresnak, that did not make the printed edition. Interviews are in Q&A form.
Kornelius Bascombe
Question: With the current economic conditions, many students are concerned about the possibility of reducing funds for student organizations and activities. What do you think you, as student body president can do to address the problem?
Answer: Funding is down everywhere, not just NCSU, so I want us to look more into making sure funds are equally dispersed, and make sure that student are aware of what their funds go towards.
Q: Last year’s tunnel incident brought a lot of controversy and attention to NCSU, what do you think makes you well prepared to deal with those types of issues.
A: I think my involvement around campus, including being on the President’s Roundtable and both UAB and BSB has prepared me well to deal with controversial issues like the tunnel incident. Thanks to my experience I have an understanding of and appreciation for different opinions and cultures, and the importance of NCSU living up to its promise of equality for all.
Q: Many students have expressed concerns about space on campus in places like the buses and the atrium, do you have any plans to address these issues.
A: It is tough to deal with those problems because of the economic conditions, but as far as transportation it is important that we use our buses in an effective way, and plan for peak times. There is also currently a plan to expand Talley Student Center’s food court so hopefully that alleviate some of the issues with the atrium.
Q: There have been many discussions about the problems with tution and fees for students, how do you plan to advocate for the student body?
A: I think it is most important for students to understand what their tuition and fees are going towards, why tuition and fees are going up, and to understand the effects of the economic crisis. There are, for example, some things that student want that may raise tuition but could be supported because students believe they would greatly help the student body like my idea for a one time fee for print quota.
Q: What do you think can be done to make NCSU more attractive to prospective students?
A: It would help to try to create more of a bond between faculty and staff, and have more events beyond just homecoming and welcome week. I think it would also be a good idea for NCSU to involve students in events involving sustainability and cleanliness.
Q: What changes would you like to see made concerning athletics and campus traditions.
A: I would love to see our traditions become more diverse and exciting, and have our events reflect the great number of different cultures here at NCSU. Homecoming and other traditional events need to reflect NCSU being the melting pot that it is, and campout should be more fun and more interesting. Campout should include more than just camping out and should incorporate other activities into the event.
Andrew Swanson
Q: With the current economic conditions, many students are concerned about the possibility of reducing funds for student organizations and activities. What do you think you, as student body president can do to address the problem?
A: I think it is important to unite students through their ideas, the student body should decide what the best way for us to deal with budget problems is. I also have faith that many student groups are innovative enough to find their own ways around budget problems, and find alternative sponsorship.
Q: Last year’s tunnel incident brought a lot of controversy and attention to NCSU, what do you think makes you well prepared to deal with those types of issues.
A: I think those students made those poor decisions because they did not understand the value of diversity. I think people unite under similarities but learn from their differences, the students are the best ones to find solutions to controversial problems and the best way to prepare them for those decisions is to educate them as to the value of diversity.
Q: Many students have expressed concerns about space on campus in places like the buses and the atrium, do you have any plans to address these issues.
A: Those problems are tough to deal with due to the economic problems, but the best way is to solicit ideas from the student body, the more voices in the discussion the better. I’m completely open to criticism of my own ideas, and the ideas created by the student body. Out of 32,000 students, I have faith that one of them has an idea that can help solve the problem.
Q: There have been many discussions about the problems with tution and fees for students, how do you plan to advocate for the student body?
A: I think it is most important for students to understand where their tuition and fees are going. I think students should be allowed to actively contribute to making funds be better dispersed, and should be allowed to change how funds are distributed.
Q: What do you think can be done to make NCSU more attractive to prospective students?
A: I think my campaign distinguishes itself from the other campaigns because it sees the students as an extremely active part of the decision making process. I think the best way to make the university more attractive is to give the university to the students and let them see their own ideas put into practice. Students would be more enthusiastic about their ideas if they could see them implemented.
Q: What changes would you like to see made concerning campus athletics and campus traditions?
A: I like the incentive ideas for coming to games, I also think we should find a way to reward the students for winning games. We need to find a way to create places where student can unite as a campus.
Jim Ceresnak
Q: With the current economic conditions, many students are concerned about the possibility of reducing funds for student organizations and activities. What do you think you, as student body president can do to address the problem?
A: There is no question that budget cuts in response to the current economic conditions are soon going to be affecting students in very tangible ways on campus. We will likely see a reduction in campus services, a reduction in classes offered, and very likely a reduction in funding for student groups. While it will be a challenge to secure money for student groups as the University will be committed to maintaining the most critcal campus services first, I pledge to fight for every dollar possible for student groups as your next student body president. The university experience is as much about finding out who we are as individuals as it is about receiving a formal classroom education. Student groups allow students to find their niches and grow as people while they participate in the activities that interest them. I will present this argument to the administration when advocating for student group funding. Also, the first thing I plan to do as student body president is to make all university budgets transparent and accessible online. There is no excuse for wasteful spending on any level in these tough times and I pledge to insist on financial accountability from the administration to the bowling club. When we spend money wisely, we will save money and we will be better able to allocate available funds to the groups that need them.
Q: Last year’s tunnel incident brought a lot of controversy and attention to NCSU, what do you think makes you well prepared to deal with those types of issues.
A: The tunnel incident last year was an extremely shameful and embarrassing event for our school and I am glad that it has prompted a conversation about diversity issues not only at NC State, but state-wide. I am committed to doing everything in my power as student body president to ensure that that conversation continues, that solutions to problems are found, and that new policies addressing these issues are effectively implemented. The time has passed for “band-aid” solutions to diversity problems. We must make a commitment to real progress and understanding between people so that we all may better co-exist on campus and in society. I don’t claim to be an expert on diversity issues, but I promise to address these problems with an open mind and a true commitment to understanding so that we may together, work to create a culture of mutual respect on our campus.
Q: There have been many discussions about the problems with tution and fees for students, how do you plan to advocate for the student body
A: Finding common sense solutions is the theme of my campaign, and I believe problems with traffic, busing and campus renovations can all be addressed with that sort of attitude. There are several hundred civil engineering students at NC State that could be working on solutions to campus transportation problems as a part of their education. It just makes sense to use their skills and brain-power to improve our campus instead of hiring expensive contractors. Also, I will work to keep the ball rolling on planned renovations to Talley Student Center and the Atrium, but I will not allow those projects to be started without significant student input on what they would like to see in those spaces. I am tired of the administration believing that architects and developers know better what students want then the students themselves. We deserve a say in the decisions that will affect us and I promise to be a strong voice for students in these matters.
Q: What do you think can be done to make NCSU more attractive to prospective students? It would help to try to create more of a bond between faculty and staff, and have more events beyond just homecoming and welcome week. I think it would also be a good idea for NCSU to involve students in events involving sustainability and cleanliness.
A:I will work diligently to ensure that tuition and fees remain as low as possible by looking for innovative ways to cut costs. Through a campus-wide sustainability initiative, we can save countless dollars by cutting our energy consumption. I plan to promote sustainability by implementing energy saving measures and then using a portion of the savings generated for merit scholarships that can be given to outstanding student innovators. Through creative money-saving measures like these, we can keep NC State as affordable as possible. Also, as I mentioned before, the first thing I plan to do as student body president is to make all budgets transparent to ensure that we are spending money wisely. This is the first step to financial accountability and it will help us fight to keep tuition and fees as low as possible.
Q: What do you think can be done to make NCSU more attractive to prospective students?
A: I think one of the best ways we can make NC State more attractive to prospective students is by working for a culture of mutual respect here as I mentioned before. While we are many different people from many different backgrounds, we are one Wolfpack family. I think that the respective community atmospheres that different universities provide are what sways many students to choose one college or another. By creating a stronger and healthier community here, I feel that many more students will be enthusiastic to join the Wolfpack. It is my belief that this all starts with “Hello”. A freshman Agri-buisness major told me a few weeks ago that the one thing he didn’t like about NC State is that no one says “hello” on campus. I pledge to make NC State a more friendly and respectful campus to make the quality of life here just a little bit better. I know that this is not the answer to all our problems, but I feel that starting with this small gesture will provide us with a foundation for building a better community.
Q: What changes would you like to see made concerning campus athletics and campus traditions?
A: Gamedays and traditions are two essential parts of our college experience here at NC State. I am committed to enhancing these by continuing to promote awareness of our traditions, and by working with alumni to make gamedays even better. I will work with orientation counselors to ensure that incoming freshman understand what NC State is all about, and that they are excited to join our family. “The Brick,” a book about our school and traditions that was given to all incoming freshman this past fall, was a great start. I hope to find more ways to educate all our students about the glory of NC State. I also hope to work with alumni to learn more about our past, but also to secure funding for things that will make our gamedays better, such as more student entrances to football games, and more tailgating time. By better understanding our community, we can better enjoy it and become a part of it. I look forward to working to achieve this as your next student body president.
18 Mar
Students, faculty and staff gathered together in Talley Student Center Ballroom to witness students pay homage to women who have made a difference in the world, at the second annual “Unforgotten Women” program Monday evening. The program was filled with music, dance and acting performances, devoted to recognizing influential and pioneering women.
The College of Humanities and Social Sciences – Multicultural Association for Students and Women Empowering Society Together first organized the program last spring. This year, the organizations decided to hold the event as a part of Women’s Week, a week of programming organized by the Women’s Center in recognition of Women’s History Month.
Contributing organizations each performed a special tribute to a different woman. Members of the Beta chapter of Theta Nu Xi, Multicultural Sorority Inc. recited a poem and performed interpretive movements to the poem to honor Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean.
LaDonna Joseph, a senior in biological sciences and and president of the sorority said, “I think it was a great opportunity for us to be able to honor women. The woman that we picked we actually didn’t even know about [previously] so it was a learning experience in itself. I think we’ll do it again next year since it’s going to be annual. We really enjoyed it.”
The African Student Union honored Janet Museveni, who is the current First Lady of Uganda. She played a role in developing national strategies of HIV/AIDS prevention after recognizing the widespread growth of the disease in Uganda, promoting such principles as abstinence and monogamy.
Isaac Owolabi, a senior in aerospace engineering performed a poem titled “One Continent, One World” that addressed the HIV/AIDS crisis. Following Owolabi’s poem, ASU presented a beauty show, featuring the ladies of ASU.
Owolabi said, “I felt honored to be able to honor women. The Bible says that out of Adam’s side came woman, but out of woman comes man so it’s like there’s this interconnectedness and we all need one another. I feel that we all need to learn to how respect and love these women, who are going to be leaders.”
CHASS-MAS and WEST collaborated to honor Claudette Colvin, the woman who pioneered the Montgomery bus Boycott movement before Rosa Parks.
A member of the NAACP, Colvin would not give up her seat to white person in 1955 but, she was not chosen to be in the forefront of the movement.
The members of the organizations performed a skit to illustrate Colvin’s struggle. Junior in business administration, Nikki Gallion, portrayed Colvin in a skit, while the other members portrayed fellow bus riders and dissenters who insisted she give up her seat.
“It’s definitely a blessing to be able to do this again with the Women’s Center It’s a lot of work but the end result is worth it” said WEST president Meshawn Chalmers, a senior in psychology.
Chalmers also said she felt the program gave people an opportunity to learn more about women who were not in the forefront or in the media as much as other female leaders.
Sarah Atchley, a senior in social work played a Beetovhen piece and “I Hope You Dance” by country singer LeAnn Rimes on the piano, along with an interpretive dance performed by Candace Payne, a junior in business administration. She honored Adele Marcus who taught piano at Julliard and around the world and influenced many notable pianists. Amber Carr, a senior in applied sociology, followed with a tribute to Lori Ann Piestewa, an U.S. Army hero who died in the Iraq War in 2003. Carr sang the national anthem while a slideshow depicting Piestewa’s photos and achievements ran in the background.
“I think [the program] definitely turned out the way I wanted it to I think we had a really good turnout compared to last year. It’s really growing so next year I know it’s going to be even better” said April Daley a senior in communication an president of CHASS-MAS.
“A lot of planning went in from last semester and contacting organizations to see if they wanted to participate. We just worked diligently” she said.
Students who attended the event also felt that it was an opportunity to learn more about and to honor the achievements of women.
Kelvin Carter, a freshman in computer and electrical engineering said “I loved it. It made me think about women more than normal.” Carter said referring to the influential women he learned about that night. He said that he would attend the event next year.
For more information about Women’s Week, visit the Women’s Center website or the Nubian Message online.
