Gwen Newell JOMC 220

Brief Intermission

2009-12-09T16:38:00.000-08:00

With Christmas quickly drawing near, students are more than excited about a break which allows them to recharge before the second semester begins.

Frequently referred to as "winter break", one of the best loved times for college students is Christmas. This alots time off from school to reconnect with family, friends, and anything but schoolwork. Many agree that the focus of the break is very relaxing and non-stressful.

Business Management junior, Josh Deshields, said it will be nice to just relax in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. "I plan on hanging out with a lot of my friends and possibly visit my old high school just to catch up with some of my favorite teachers, but I will mostly spend time with family."

Most students believe meeting up with old friends will be the highlight of their break; and for some, they brought their friends home with them in lieu of complications. "My roommate will be spending the holidays with my family this year because he won't be able to make it back to New York," said freshman Cody McEachin.

Making time for friends and family isn't the only priority for some students while being at home. Involvement with the community is just as important. "The day after Christmas, I'll be participating in our traditional YMCA turkey chase which is a local run that everybody in the community participates in," said sophomore Lauren Daughtry.

Between family gatherings, quality time with friends, and lots of relaxion, the Christmas holiday proves itself to be quite an enjoyable and well-needed break.

Final Exams, Stressful Students and Bad Habits

2009-12-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

As the week of finals fastly approach, some students will push their bodies to an extreme and unhealthy limit in attempt to study for long periods of time for exams.

To maintain focus may become quite difficult. This causes some students to use the drug Adderall which helps better their study skills and enhances their concentration level. Released in April, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health stated that 7 percent of all full-time college students, ages 18-22, use Adderall.

Adderall, an amphetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It is designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD. This drug has legal medical uses but has a high potential for abuse.

Arthur, a senior Public Relations major, said the stress of his major drives him to use Ritalin so he can concentrate before and during exams. Ritalin is a drug similar in composition to Adderall.

"Usually I take Ritalin or something like it so that I can stay up for 48 hours straight," Arthur said. "It helps short term. You don't retain anything, but it definitely helps short term. If I want to get into my internship I've got to get all As or close to, so I do it for that reason also."

Sebastian Health Center Director suggested that drugs aren't the only concern during the last week of finals.

"There are alot of things that could happen during finals week," said the Director. "Things like sleep deprivation and poor eating habits are things that will not improve performance on finals."

Alex, a freshman who admitted to abusing the use of Adderall, said he stays up for long periods of time before his test and other strenuous homework assignments. "I've studied for 12 hours straight without a break; without eating or anything," he said.

The coordinator of health promotions at Sebastian Health Center, said the stress surrounding final exams causes many students to resort to dangerous measures. "Stress levels are heightened because students want to do well on their finals. They want to make good grades and their stress response, if they don't have healthy coping mechanisms, can be negative."

The best ways to prepare for a final are to get adequate sleep and begin studying at least a week before the test so "cramming" isn't necessary. Drugs are not beneficial.

Community Opens Its Heart

2009-12-02T08:14:00.000-08:00

For almost two hours, volunteers came together to serve a customary Thanksgiving feast to hundreds of people who may not have had a place to go.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Durham Rescue Mission hosted its Annual Thanksgiving Community dinner. The facility was a beehive of activity as volunteers prepared meals for delivery and serving those that made the journey out. They served a free traditional Thanksgiving meal and gave away free clothing and groceries. In addition, games and activities were also given away for the children to enjoy.

Community members donated almost 100 turkeys, ham, and conventional side dishes a long with a wide variety of desserts. Ashley Lawson, 22, was volunteering for the first time and had done a number of jobs in the kitchen. "Volunteering is rewarding to help other people," she said. "I'm really happy to help out."

Just 16 years old, this was Cydney Williams 4th year as a volunteer. Her job this year was washing serving trays. She said the hardest part was scraping the trays clean before placing them into the dishwasher. "Its important that the younger generation help people out too," she said. "Someone has to eventually take over."

Stella Johnson, a homeless mother, was thankful to enjoy dinner with her son. "This is great," she said. "I don't know how they do it. It takes a lot of work and hours of preparation."

After one hour on Thursday, more than 200 meals had been served by more than 100 volunteers.

45 Years Later

2009-11-18T08:06:00.000-08:00

From its very start, students have played an integral part in the civil rights and social justice movement. Arguably, the horrific kidnapping and murder of 14-year old Emmett Till at the hands of an angry white mob in Mississippi was one of the catalyst that motivated thousands to fight for change.

Forty-five years ago, sitting at a Woolworth's lunch counter, four A&T college freshmen changed the course of American history. This sparked a revolution that would inspire similar sit-ins across the state and the South. With the 50th anniversary fastly approaching, this movement does not only effect the African-American students of A&T, but the minorites as well. "Many people should use the Greensboro four as a reason to set an example and continue to make change. They fought for us to never give up on what you believe in", says Ashley Stewart. Stewart, a freshman this year, is Caucasian who was adopted by an African-American family.

Many minorities at A&T feel a sense of abandonment when it comes to things that are relateable to the civil rights movement. Although the movement's primary focus dealt with African-Americans and women, it essentially affected everybody. "It regards everyone, not just African-Americans. Fighting for what you believe in applies to everybody" says Greg Bodmer, another Caucasian student at the university. Kristina Clayton, a sophomore, is biracial and identifies with both races, but agress that this part of history has an impact on all students and should be treated as such. "When its all said and done, we are all one at this school."

No good deed is put to waste. Woolworth later integrated all of its stores and the Greensboro four have become icons of the civil rights movement.

The Aftermath

2009-11-09T08:03:00.001-08:00
Known as "The Greatest Homecoming on Earth", North Carolina A&T State University encountered many complications in preparation for the eventful week. Because of this, opinions which were once positive were interchanged with those that were more adverse.

Although events during the week were a success, things slowly began to take a toll for the worst as news emerged that one of the headlining artist for the Homecoming concert would not be in attendance. Later it was confirmed that not just one, but two headlining artist would not be present. During a sit-down interview, I asked a few students how they felt about the overall experience.

Q: Overall, how was your 2009 Homecoming experience?

A: "It was the worst one since I've been here. I think it was bad timing also. It was too late in the month and it was at the same time as other schools' homecoming." -Lavonte Kendrick

A: "Honestly, it was wack." -Maurice Tory

A: "There was too much drama behind it, but it was pretty good despite the rain." -Rob Hill

A: "The concert was very unorganized and people made too much of a big deal out of it which was unnecessary." -Kelley Byrdsong

A: "This Homecoming was one that will never be forgotten." -Mia Fenell

A: "The best one since I've been here. Better than last year." -Ashley Mack

New Mayor in Town

2009-11-04T08:15:00.000-08:00
Former Mayor, Yvonne Johnson, loses election to Bill Knight as Aggies dismiss the polls, causing an overwhelming defeat after the unofficial final vote count was 17, 580 to 16, 616.

After news hit the Greensboro community that Johnson lost the 2009 Mayoral race, it was more than a complete suprise. Johnson, alumni of NC A&T State University, was short almost 970 votes in order to reserve her seat as mayor. Voting turnout was low in exact parts of the city where Johnson drew her strongest support in an easy victory two years ago. No one in her camp expected defeat.

Unfortunately, the number of Aggies who showed up to vote did not outweigh the number of votes Johnson needed to gain for her win. The attendance and support shown was not only an upset, but a great disappointment as only a mere 100 students voted. "We can't keep complaining and not voting", said former A&T SGA President Marcus Bass.

This marked the first time in Greensboro history that an incubent has lost their seat. Johnson was the city's first black female mayor.

2009 Step Show

2009-10-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

It is homecoming week and with wonderful events such as the pep rally, comedy show, fashion show, and concert, there is nothing like the step show. As people fill the stands, the energy becomes so overwhelming as Greeks from Aggie Land rip the stage. Known for their powerful performances, the brothers of Phi Beta Sigma have won the last four homecoming step shows. During an interview with Talvin Davis, he sheds light on the experience.

Q: Are you excited about this year's Homecoming Step Show?

A: I am very excited. We have been practicing extremely hard and I can't wait for us to perform. I'm just ready for it to be over with.

Q: Can we expect anything different about this performance than ones in the past?

A: With our performance this year, we will bring a little bit of humor along with precision and a higher level of difficulty within the steps. Nothing will change. We strive for each show to be better than our last.

Q: How did you guys prepare for this Step Show?

A: We practiced extremely hard. Very extensive practices that started in the evening and lasted until early morning.

Q: There are some new Spring 09' initiatives within the chapter. Will they be participating?

A: They will be there in full support of the Phi Beta Sigma step team, our sister organization Zeta Phi Beta, and the Pan-Hallenic Counsil as a whole.

The Future of Hip-Hop

2009-10-27T09:52:00.000-07:00
There is some hip-hop that is terrible, opulent, and disrespectful to the genre's more plugged-in roots. Then there are sharp intellectuals who strive to keep hip-hop honest with intelligent analyses on the culture and everything that it consists of. Brandon Sutton talks about the future of hip-hop during a sit-down interview.

Q: Briefly tell me about yourself.

A: I am a 23 year old hip-hop artist coming from North Carolina. I am also a student going to school for animation.

Q: When did you first fall in love with hip-hop?

A: I first fell in love with hip-hop when I heard Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog's "Aint nothin' but a G thang". The whole West Coast movement back then was too unreal for me.

Q: Who is your favorite artist and why?

A: Andre 3000 because he is an all-around artist. He can do anything he wants and he is nice at everything he puts his mind to.

Q: How do you feel about artist with no lyrical substance, such as Soulja Boy?

A: I can't hate on Soulja Boy. I actually like him. He's all about business and he has drive to prove that he's not this "one hit wonder" that disappears. As far as lyrical content, it's Southern, so I can't get mad. If that's what people are used to, why talk about anything else? You can't expect a fish to fly.

Q: Where do you think the future of hip-hop is headed?

A: The future of hip-hop is headed towards a more educational audience. With people like Drake, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, and Asher Roth, hip-hop is going super mainstream. People that didn't like hip-hop will have no choice but to like it because it is no longer all about drugs, sex, and violence anymore.

NC State Fair

2009-10-21T20:11:00.000-07:00

As the North Carolina State Fair kicked off just a few days before fall break, it has been deemed the place to be as students of NC A&T enjoy a brief intermission.

As the air becomes cooler and the leaves start to change, summer abruptly fades to fall. It's October and in Raleigh, N.C. the 2009 State Fair has broken ground. The smell of funnel cakes, turkey legs, and other wonderful foods fill the air. The fairgrounds are swarmed with people of all ages from morning till midnight in anticipation of the many attractions.

Some local residents make this annual event one of the top priorities. Whitney Page, a resident of Raleigh, enjoys the fair with her co-workers. "The atmosphere is fun, friendly, and festive. I love everything about the fair!" Along with great eatery and rides, there is an abundance of different vendors and entertainment.

Even in a down economy, the State Fair offers a day of entertainment and provides an opportunity for a fun outing with family and/or friends.

Homecoming Game

2009-10-14T08:24:00.000-07:00

With Homecoming fastly approaching, the football players of North Carolina A&T State University prepare for one of the biggest, most anticipated games of the year.

The Homecoming game is a very big deal as Aggies look to celebrate a win against Bethune-Cookman College. The players are more than excited and have been working extra hard in preperation for this game. With a fairly good winning streak, the football team has promised a victory that would not only make students proud, but alumni as well. "The team as a whole has a tremendous upside. We are learning and getting better everyday", says sophomore teammate Will Pettiford. As practices become more strenuous, the team believes in working hard and playing harder.

With a new coach and different fundamentals, the Aggie football team has done some things this year that have not been done in past years. Pettiford believes that this goes back to trust and belief in each teammate and in the coaches. "It's a team effort. We can do anything when we are trained and taught properly."

Along different routes, this game will not only be interesting, but also authentic as students and alumni await the outcome of a potential win that would top what is known as "The Greatest Homecoming on Earth."

Football Q & A

2009-10-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

As North Carolina A&T students continue to make progress in academics, the football team also continues to make progress in athletics with a winning streak of 3-1 so far. During an interview with Justin Ferrell, he elaborates on his life as a football player for A&T.

Q: Tell me about yourself.

A: I am a Business Management major from Danville, VA. I am a humble young man who just wants to be the best in whatever I do. I am a 3-sport athlete (track, football, and wrestling) and a scholar athlete.

Q: How does it feel to be on a winning streak?

A: It feels really good to have a winning record at this point, but we can not be satisfied with where we are now. We have to continue to get better week in and week out in order to become MEAC champs.

Q: What was different about last year that made it difficult to win?

A: Last year's team really didn't believe we could win and gave up when things got rough. This year's team believes we can win and works hard every day at practice. Even when we find ourselves in bad situations, this year's team works together and gets the job done.

Q: What are the strengths of the team?

A: We have a dominant discipline defense that loves facing adversity. We have a freshman punter who has contributed to the kicking game in a major way and we have coaches who preach discipline and are students of the game.

Q: Who is the most challenging team and why?

Florida A&M will be the most challenging team to me because they have a dangerous punt returner/kick returner in Leroy Vann. They have a dual threat quarterback and playmaker receivers. Also, they have a very good defense.

Q: What do you think the record will be at the end of the season?

A: At the end of the season, I believe we will be MEAC champs.

About Me

2009-08-31T08:21:00.000-07:00
My name is Gwen Newell and I am a Junior, Public Relations major from Durham, NC. I am 20 years old and my hobbies include being a full-time student.

My aspirations include graduating from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University and working for a very successful PR firm.