Volume 4 Issue 2 February 2015 College of Charleston’s student-run feature magazine
cisternyard.com
Inside: page 22
from ferguson to charleston page 28
cuba: what comes next?
Inside the Yard 4 Letter from the Editor
Volume 4 Issue 2 February 2015
38
28
5 Spring Events 6 Oh, the places you’ll study! 10
True Life: Charleston’s next top poet
12
Beyond the family tradition
16
Shifting Gears: Charleston’s underground bike culture
18
Professors #TBT
18
12
20 Just keep swimming Ferguson to Charleston: 22 From The race for racial justice
26 School of rock 28 Cuba: What comes next?
6
happy with Cougar 32 Get Counseling
36 Breaking Boroughs 38 In defense of free speech
38 8
Editor-in-Chief OLIVIA COHEN Managing Editor GILLIAN SPOLARICH Creative Director ASHLYN JACKSON News Editor JUSTINE HALL Sports Editor JASON LUTZ Feature Editor COURTNEY EKER Opinion Editor JOSH MULVANEY Blog Editor KRISTA RITTERHOFF Design Assistant RACHEL WILBOURN Contributors CHELSEA ANDERSON, KELSEY DEPORTE, LAUREN FINDLAY, CHRIS JACKSON, MADELINE LITTLE, SAMUEL McCAULEY, SAM POSTHUMA, KATE POWER, SAMANTHA RODRIGUEZ, JESSICA WILKINSON
media news radio
For advertisement inquiries with The Yard, please email: cisternyardsales@cofc.edu
Letter from the Editor In times of tumult, my family has a favorite saying: “You have to crack some eggs to make an omelet.” The first time I heard this expression, I was 10 years old and complaining to my dad about having to move to a portable classroom because of construction at my elementary school. I hated the gray, claustrophobic trailer with its dingy lighting and its stale scent. I hated the change. My dad’s words stuck with me, though, and I came to find the following year that, of course, he was correct. (Savor this, dad.) After one year in the trailer, I moved back into a typical classroom and found the building nicer than when I had left. Change is an inevitable aspect of life. It is an ongoing process full of frustration and joy, excitement and angst. And if we are honest with ourselves, as college students, change is the status quo. For the most part, the occurrence of change is out of our hands. Life acts upon us, and we exercise empowerment when we choose how to react. Sometimes, our reactions cause temporary and impermanent ripples in our lives. But other times, our reactions have long term effects that ripen over the course of a lifetime. For instance, the College of Charleston’s unique position to influence renewed U.S.-Cuba relations is a historic opportunity with lasting implications (page 28). Although change is often forced upon us, as human beings, we have the option of taking action when life presents us with circumstances that we find unfavorable. Race riots fighting against police brutality have recently erupted across the United States in response to increased racial tension, even in Charleston, as people struggle to create a more just and equitable society (page 22). In addition, students create changes within themselves every day, stepping out of their comfort zones to record music (page 26) and recite poetry (page 10). They explore their city by moving off campus (page 34) and explore their world by studying abroad (page 6). Sometimes change is painful, as any protestor can tell you. Moving beyond the confines of a well-known comfort zone is never easy. But as all cooks know, you have to make a mess in order to create something well worth savoring.
Olivia Cohen Editor-in-Chief
4
the yard
events spring
by JUSTINE HALL
arts MARCH 6 First Friday Art Walk Gallery Row-Broad Street 5 p.m. Free Admission MARCH 10 One-night Screen Printing Workshop Redux, 136 St. Philip Street 6-9:30 p.m. $100 Admission reduxstudios.org 843.722.0697 MARCH 13-14 Charleston Tells Storytelling Festival Wragg Square 7-9:30 p.m. $15- 45 ccpl.org/charlestontells/ MARCH 17-21 Baker Motor Company Charleston Fashion Week Marion Square charlestonfashionweek.com
food MARCH 4-8 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Marion Square charlestonwineandfood.com info@charlestonwineandfood.com 843.727.9998 MARCH 29 Lowcountry Cajun Festival James Island County Park 12-6 p.m. $15 Admission ccprc.com/137/Lowcountry-CajunFestival
music FEB. 27 Dead 27s + The Congress & Dank Sinatra The Pour House 8 p.m. Doors, 9 p.m. Show $10 Advanced, $13 Day of Show charlestonpourhouse.com MARCH 18 The Lovely Few & Michael Flynn Redux Contemporary Art Center 8 p.m. Doors, 9 p.m. Show $7 Advance, $8 Day of Show reduxstudios.org MARCH 25 Elim Bolt & ET Anderson Redux Contemporary Art Center 8 p.m. Doors, 9 p.m. Show $7 Advanced, $8 Day of Show reduxstudios.org
february 26
5
Oh, the places you’ll study! by LAUREN FINDLAY
College of Charleston is nationally ranked for the large number of students who choose to study abroad every year, in large part because of the wide range of international programs that complement any available major. Wouldn’t it be lovely to stroll along the River Thames after a class taught by a professor with an exquisite British accent? How about a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower before class? Some authentic gelato on the streets of Rome instead of “Italian” ice from Waterfront Park? Imagine yourself with some fellow art history students studying famous works of art at the Louvre. Say hello to study abroad: the act of attending a university in a foreign land (foreign meaning not Charleston, SC). Studying abroad comes in all shapes and sizes. You can choose a school sponsored program for a semester or a College of Charleston program led by a professor. If the College does not offer the exact program you want, affiliate programs have more individualized options, allowing you
6
to customize where you want to go and what you want to do. According to the College’s website, “Affiliate programs are a third-party provider or another U.S. university that facilitates enrollment at a host institution or offers their own courses abroad.” That means that you sort of transfer for a semester (or shorter). Let’s begin the exciting, magical journey into studying abroad.
when to go
When to study abroad is a crucial decision in your college career. Freshman year is out of the question. First semester freshman year is not an option for obvious reasons, and second semester is just as important as first semester in terms of getting settled into a new school. You need to spend at least a year at the school to make sure it is the right fit. By going away so early, you are doing yourself an injustice.
the yard
Sophomore year is an option; second semester is more convenient than first if you can swing it. By the second semester of sophomore year, most students still have some core classes left to complete, which are the easiest courses to find equivalents of abroad. Most, if not all, universities around the globe offer history and science courses, so you can be sure to find the right classes to keep you on track for graduation and enough credit hours to keep your scholarship. Who wouldn’t want to get their core classes out of the way in a beautiful city in a different country? Junior year is the most popular option because many study abroad programs cater to a specific set of majors. Gaining global experience in your field of interest is immensely beneficial to your resume. Additionally, juniors bring a higher level of maturity to the experience, so it might be easier to appreciate everything about the semester abroad, from the power of monuments and sites to the cultural differences. Senior year is not recommended because it is your last year of college (hopefully). Seniors are typically busy crossing off any remaining items on their Charleston bucket list, exploring available job opportunities or applying to graduate school. You do not want to be stressing out about your future career during your semester abroad. You want to enjoy every last second of the best four years of your life. Should you go abroad fall or spring semester? There are so many factors that influence which semester is best for you. Keep in mind the weather in whichever country you choose. Also double check the course schedule at your university of choice and at the College; there might be an essential class that is only offered during one semester in either location.
where to go
Where do you want to expand your horizons? Can you speak another language? Do you want to go somewhere known for its rich history of vikings or somewhere known for a lot of sunshine and tropical fish? Can you afford to live in an expensive city or do you want save costs and stay somewhere cheaper? These are all important factors when choosing where you want to study. The U.K. is one of the five most chosen countries to study abroad, and understandably so. London draws millions of people to experience its culture every year. London is a big city with lots of historic buildings, a great nightlife and an English-speaking population. On the weekends you can visit Buckingham Palace or any of the numerous castles around the country. You can literally walk the same halls as Elizabeth I or Henry VIII. The drawbacks are the high price of living and the dreary weather. Another (warmer) country among the top five most
february 26
popular destinations is Italy. Italy is especially good for art and architecture students, and it also offers a history filled with handmade pizza and tales of Ancient Rome. Asian countries offer a glimpse into a non-Western lifestyle. China is popular among business students because of its rapidly growing economy. If expense is a priority when choosing your study abroad location, Mexico City is one of the cheapest locations for students because of the low cost of food, transportation and living. If you want greenery, adventure and heavily accented English, then Australia is a great choice. Australia boasts so many beaches that you could go to a different beach every day for 29 years!
how long to stay
How long do you feel comfortable being away from the United States? How long do you feel comfortable not seeing your family and friends? Some people have no problem creating distance, and for these people, a semester (or longer) is a great idea. If you cannot imagine being away for more than two weeks, consider spring break trips or classes that offer a short trip abroad. If you are somewhere in the middle, a summer abroad is a great idea. Taking a few classes one summer to get them out of the way in London or Venice sounds a lot better than taking the courses at your local community college. This is also a great way to get electives out of the way. Why wouldn’t you take a theatre class at The Globe in London or an art class in Paris?
how much to pay
The average price of study abroad for a semester is similar to the cost of a typical semester at the College. A summer program, on the other hand, costs upward of $7,000. Any trip to Europe or somewhere across an ocean has an airfare worth least $1,000. Cost of living should also be factored into the amount of time you plan to live abroad. The longer you are away, the more money you are going to spend on travel and food. Being away for a shorter amount of time can be more cost effective. On the other hand, going abroad for a longer amount of time allows you to get more for your money. Is it worth it to spend $1,000 on an airplane ticket for one week, or is it more advantageous to spend that amount of money for a trip that will last a few months? Overall, studying abroad is a rewarding experience filled with new adventures and a new understanding of the world. You not only learn your course material, but also open your mind to cultural differences and have experiences that will stay with you forever. Study abroad. It’s good for your education and good for your soul.
7
Where should you study abroad? 1. How do you feel about language barriers? A. Worst thing about travel B. Eh C. They’re the lost challenge
4. After class you: A. Take a walk B. Surf C. Have a glass of wine (or three) D. Try new things all the time
D. I know six languages, not a problem.
2. What is more important? A. Structure B. Sunshine C. Relaxation D. Job opportunities
3. Which of these do you dream of? A. Castles B. Crystal clear water C. Art D. Fast growing economy
8
Mostly A’s: United Kingdom
Mostly B’s: Costa Rica
You enjoy new things a lot, but you also enjoy structure in your life. The U.K. offers you promising and exciting adevntures.
You enjoy the feeling of soft sand in between your toes and sunshine on your skin. On your day off, enjoy exploring the coral reefs and going on dolphin adventures.
the yard
5. How important is food to you?
6. Which mythical creature do you prefer?
A. I can eat anything
A. Fairy
B. I like seafood a lot
B. Voodoo doll
C. Pizza
C. Sea wicth
D. If I close my eyes I can eat anything
D. Hello Kitty
8. Pick a movie: A. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone B. Fool’s Gold C. The Lizzie McGuire Movie D. Rush Hour 3
7. How “outside the box” are you comfortable with? A. I enjoy stepping outside for one minute B. I go with the flow C. I’m fine as long as I have nap time D. Culture shock is my best friend
february 26
Mostly C’s: Italy
Mostly D’s China
Amazing paintings and sculptures await you. The delectable food is one treasure, but the wine is the champion. You can’t wait to see pure history before your eyes.
The Great Wall, dancing dragons and an increase in technology is what you are in search of. You are a hard working student who is looking for new opportunities.
9
Charleston’s next top poet by CHELSEA ANDERSON
photos by SAMUEL McCAULEY
It has been said that we must lose ourselves to truly find ourselves. While moving, this can be an extremely daunting statement. Reflecting on who I am as a person, I consider myself to belong to many communities: females, singers, those who keep up with the Kardashians and more importantly, writers. Although writing is something that I do love, I have never experienced a moment in which I lost myself in my passion. Aside from the occasional academic essay or quick write up for my job here at CisternYard, venturing out and crafting any other piece of literature terrified me. So when approached to write on the subject of poetry for this article, I was hesitant. Although you will find an ample amount of Kanye, Kendrick and J. Cole throughout my Spotify playlists, I was afraid that I could never form such eloquent prose as these poetic rappers. But I saw this opportunity to perform poetry as more than a simple rhyming game; I wanted to challenge myself as a writer and I questioned, is poetry really dead? Was it ever alive? What’s with the snapping? And what is a poetry slam? It is through this questioning that I immersed myself in a culture hoping to gain a better understanding of poetry and grasp the concept of slams, all while discovering my poetic identity. In actuality, I embarked on this journey about a month ago. Covering the Martin Luther King Jr. day celebrations in Charleston, I attended the Youth Speak-Out and Poetry Slam, with the theme of “Raise your voice and you will be heard.” The young contestants were judged on their delivery of poems concerning but not limited to themes of racism, police brutality and freedom of expression. I was intrigued by the energy, talent and confidence in the room and wanted to know more about the culture of poetry slams and spoken word in general. To guide me on this journey, I scoped out some help and was directed to Derek Berry, a junior at the College. Rumor had it that Berry established a reputation for himself in the Charleston poet community as someone with immense passion and knowledge of the artform. With this in mind, I dubbed him one of my coaches and began the first step in the running to become Charleston’s next top poet. Beginning his poetic journey at age 16, Berry, already a fiction writer, simply wrote poetry for spare change. Following his first win in the contest Poetry Matters, Berry “started writing with new eyes.” He found a passion in reading loud and expressive poetry and ventured on to local open mics. What started as an attempt to collect some spare change developed into a self discovery. Berry admits that he first stuck around because of the fellow poets he met. “The community proved to be loving. I encountered local poets who nurtured my growth and encouraged me to keep writing.” 10
TRUE LIFE
Foley reads Walt Witman at King Dusko’s open mic.
He suggested a great way for novice writers, such as myself, to be more poetic, was to seek out other poets and attend poetry events. I took this advice and sat in on an open mic. Finding my way to East Bay Meeting house, a fancy yet casual bar and cafe that hosts weekly shows starring a featured poet or musician. Performers entertain the crowd for around 45 minutes, followed by an open mic where participants recite up to two poems or original songs. During the night of my attendance, poet and songwriter Paul Allen was a sight to see, bestowing on the gathered crowd witty poems and clever songs. Currently the longest running open mic in Charleston, East Bay’s Monday Night Poetry and Music series has held packed audiences for more than five years. Seeking out other venues, I was directed to The Unspoken Word at King Dusko. Owned and operated by Jesse and McKenzie Eddy, the hangout offers anything from tea to local art and occasionally features amateur the yard
Poets showcase their skills at King Dusko.
poets reciting creative works that may be considered loud or even offensive. Sponsored by The Unspoken word is the Holy City Slam. The monthly event is an opportunity for poets to brush up on their skills, flaunt their lyrics and battle for a cash prize. Hosting their largest slam yet, Holy City Slam will also take their competition to Charleston Music Hall later this month, inviting not only local poets but several out of town notables. And presenting poetry with a kinky twist, The Erotic Poetry Show attracts an audience from near and far to engage in some of the wildest poetry around. While scandalous, the event nevertheless sells out. It features “some of the best entertainers in town” performing intense poetry that leads into an even livelier after party. However, with many more questions in mind I reached out and looked for additional guidance in this poetic city. I was referred to Matthew Foley, founder of Holy City Youth Slam. Like most teens, he used poetry as a coping method - an escape from difficult situations. Now a teacher, Foley admits that it was in his classrooms that he first started to believe in himself as a writer. “When poetry lessons and class poetry slams became the most popular events in my classroom, it reminded me how powerful poetry was,” he said. His motive in creating the Holy City Youth Slam was to promote this power in Charleston. Offering writing workshops, pairing youth with mentors and organizing poetry slams, Foley hopes to eventually send a team of young poets to Brave New Voices, a national poetry slam competition. He told me that at a typical poetry slam, poets have three minutes to read or perform their work for a live audience. Such competitions were introduced by Marc Smith, a poet from Chicago in 1986 who thought “poetry should speak to the lives of ordinary people.” Poems can focus on any topic, and can sometimes be performed through whispers, shouts or screams. A group of randomly selected judges then scores the poet from zero-10. The goal is to have 30 points after the highest and lowest scores are dropped - the poetic equivalent of a perfect 10. And although it is all a great competition, Foley mentions that “the goal of slam is to get people excited about poetry in an age when a lot of people would say that ‘poetry is dead’ and to help people remember how electrifying a great poem can be.” So after roughly two weeks of whetting my poetic appetite by studying the practice, seeing it, hearing it and february 26
following the instructions of my coaches, it was time to try my hand at poetry. First things first, find inspiration by following the styles of other poets. “We begin trying to emulate the choices of others and in that process, we find a voice of our own,” Berry said. Next, simply sit down and start writing. And once your masterpiece is complete, read it, listen to it, and revise it and repeat six more times. It is that simple. And to go the extra mile, share the poem at an open mic or compete in a slam. But, Berry warned, while poetry slams take practice and it is common to lose the first few attempts, “the real importance of poetry slams is to bring new voices to the stage, to inspire.” Concluding my journey, I can attest to the fact that the poetic culture is an exhilarating rabbit hole to delve into. And while poetry may not be for everyone, it is to be respected and appreciated. When applied to our lives, poetry has the power to draw forth our deep beings, daring everyone to face their hidden insecurities and break free from safe comforts within ourselves. Berry and Foley declare that poetry is the “holiest confession one can make” and it is a way to “speak truth to power, [expelling] our personal demons.” Poetry is definitely not dead; it is alive and thriving in Charleston. And though I may not be Charleston’s next top poet, I emerged from this journey with opened eyes, having seen the welcoming world and possibilities that come along with poetry. For now, I leave you with a small portion of the thoughts in my mind. It’s February. The month of love some say Of cold weather about every day. The time for grand declarations For candy and heart shaped decorations. I see these things in every store But this month is about something more. It’s February. The month of remembrance Of slaves that once did dance That once did sing That’s what I’m remembering. Martin Luther King Jr.’s voice Telling us we have a choice, To fight and strive, To keep his dream alive. This is why I need no valentine This month is ours. It’s yours. It’s mine.
11
Beyond the family tradition: Canyon Barry is creating his own legacy
by JASON LUTZ photos by SAMUEL McCAULEY
12
the yard
Get this family dynamic: your father is one of the greatest basketball players in the history of the sport, your mother is the only woman whose jersey has been retired at the College of William & Mary and you have four brothers who played NCAA Division I basketball - two of whom had long NBA careers. Talk about pressure for the youngest child. Canyon Barry, however, does not feel his family’s talent as a source of pressure, but as an opportunity to use his name to build his own legacy, using the College of Charleston as his driving vehicle. Barry is a redshirt sophomore at the College of Charleston and is the leading scorer on the Cougars men’s basketball team. He stands at six foot, six inches, and uses his length and athleticism to regularly be one of the best players on the court. As impressive as he is on the basketball court, the sport is not what defines the youngest Barry. Barry never was able to see his father or mother play basketball, but he certainly heard the stories of their fame. His father, Rick, is the only player in history to lead the NCAA, NBA and the now-defunct American Basketball Association in scoring. He was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987, along with having his number retired by the University of Miami and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. His mother, Lynn, set 11 different women’s basketball records at William & Mary and was an academic All-American twice during her career. With those basketball talents as parents, the sport was sure to be a part of Barry’s future, but growing up in Colorado Springs, Colo., he decided that he did not want just basketball to define him. During his high school career, Barry won two state championships in tennis, one state championship in badminton and a state title in track and field as a triple jumper. “I think I was best at tennis, probably,” Barry said. “I had a great high school coach and I was fortunate enough to win two state titles playing doubles. I think tennis is a great game; it’s good for footwork and eye coordination. I think playing doubles translated to basketball as well, interacting with a partner and trying to get through tough situations.” He did not limit himself to sports either. He is an impressive guitar player and was a member of his high school band as a horn player, sitting first chair no less. “Music is one of those things that really interested me,” Barry said. “Playing the guitar, the only thing holding me back was my own inability. With basketball, you always have someone guarding you, something in your way, so to say. I really like music because it lets me step back from basketball and helps me clear my mind.” Barry did all that while also leading his school’s basketball team in scoring during his junior and senior years, with multiple all-state first team selections to his name. For his athletic excellence, he was honored with the high school athlete of the year by the Colorado High School Coaches’ Association. “It was all a lot of fun,” Barry said. “To me, it’s good to experience new things both athletically and academically. I had a blast in high school playing all the sports I could because you know when you get to college, you have to focus february 26
Barry sets up for his distinct underhanded free throw.
on one sport, and obviously that’s basketball.” On top of basketball and his numerous other activities, Barry ranked number one in his graduating class of over 300 students. This landed him in the College of Charleston’s Honors College after he was recruited for basketball by former well-known Charleston head coach, Bobby Cremins. 13
“When I was at a basketball camp in North Carolina,” Barry said, “someone told us that I should check out the College of Charleston and that Coach Cremins was there. Coach Cremins coached two of my brothers at Georgia Tech, so we called Coach Cremins and he heard that my dad had another son, and he took me on the spot. When I came for my visit, I loved the school and loved the atmosphere, so I knew it would be a good fit.” Barry is a natural learner, someone who loves and appreciates learning new things whenever he can. He is a physics major, already finished a minor in mathematics, and is working on a computer science minor as well. “My mom was always my driving force academically, knowing that you can only play basketball for so long and you have to have something to fall back on to earn a living,” Barry said. “I’m more of a math and science guy and physics has a lot of both those things. The math minor kind of falls into place with the physics major, and then physics now requires computer programming knowledge, which I didn’t know much about, so I think it’s fun to push yourself to learn something brand new like that.” During his time in Charleston, he has taken part in the charity organization Charleston Hope, a non-profit organization that helps inner-city communities. His roots Rick Barry, Canyon’s hall of fame father, has become a staple at home games. in charity come from serving as an Eagle Scout in Colorado, something that was College with physics, he has three textbooks that when I always very important to him. open, I could be looking at Egyptian hieroglyphics. He takes “I got a little grief from my teammates in Colorado for pride with what he’s accomplishing academically, I mean being a boy scout,” Barry said, “but becoming an Eagle he makes arrangements with the custodian to get into the Scout is a very prestigious award to receive. Being a scout, it lab so he can really dedicate time to his schoolwork.” teaches you discipline, survival and thinking on your feet, On the basketball court, Rick Barry is his son’s biggest and also got me into charity work in general.” supporter and the source of Canyon’s unusual free throw Charleston Hope was founded by Emily Hoisington, style. While playing professional basketball, Rick shot junior and the girlfriend of the late Chad Cooke, a underhanded, contrary to the overhand method, and led Charleston basketball walk-on who passed away suddenly the league in free throw percentage nine different times. in December 2014. Barry and Cooke took part in the Of all his sons, Canyon is the second one to adopt the style organization together and Barry continues the work in and the only one to stick with it. Cooke’s name. “My son, Brent, actually did it when he was in college “Charleston Hope was something Chad was really into. and he was very good at it,” Rick said. “For some reason, he It is a great organization,” Barry said. “We get to give changed, but Canyon has the technique down, he’s gotten presents to under privileged kids who otherwise wouldn’t some bad breaks on some shots. It’s all about having a feel, get Christmas presents, things like that. Emily has done but he hasn’t shot enough yet to trust it. His form is perfect, a terrific job with the organization; she’s a true angel for and it’ll fall when he trusts it.” those kids, and I’m blessed to get to lend a hand.” For Canyon, he knows he needs to continue to work at With all that Barry is involved in at the College of his free throw to get to the level of success at which his Charleston, his father is impressed with his ability to father shot. balance school, basketball and extra-curriculars. “It really takes time to perfect, since I am nowhere near “I don’t know how he managed to get straight A’s again perfecting it. Hopefully by senior year, I will be able to shoot this last semester,” Rick Barry said. “To be in the Honors 90 percent. My brothers were all good free throw shooters
14
the yard
Barry often takes charge at critical points during games, leading the Cougars with 13 points per contest.
overhand, so there was no need to switch to the underhand, but I like doing it and it fits what I am trying to do on the free throw line. There’s good routine, good balance. And from a physics perspective, there’s less joints and not as much movement coming from a lower trajectory,” Canyon said. Rick Barry does not shy away from giving his son some constructive criticism about his game. He wants to see Canyon use his height and athleticism more to his advantage. “I told him that you’re six feet, six inches tall, you reach higher than I did and you have a 40 inch vertical, you need to get in and get some more rebounds. When he does get them, and as a ball handler he takes it down the floor, a lot of good things happen,” Rick said. Canyon embraces his father’s wealth of knowledge about the game of basketball, but also cherishes the motivation that his father gives him on a daily basis. “In basketball, and really life in general, he’s taught me to give my best in everything I do. For him, you can live with yourself at night if you’ve given your best effort because that’s the only thing you can do,” Barry said. For the youngest Barry, the idea of feeling pressure from his famous family is not something he thinks about.
february 26
He enjoys having so many people around to help in every aspect of his life. “I look at it as a blessing. I am able to learn from such a basketball-oriented family. The fact that my mom played college basketball, all four of my half-brothers played college basketball and then my dad is a hall of fame player, it means that I couldn’t ask for anything more and the best situation I could have possibly grown up in,” Barry said. With two years left of eligibility at Charleston, Barry has plenty left to accomplish. He hopes to lead the Cougars to an NCAA Tournament berth before his time is up. If his goal of making the Tournament comes true, he would challenge any player as the most well-rounded athlete in the national field. With his physics major and academic excellence, it is safe to say that his parents will have to clear the mantle for an academic All-American award soon. And that’s what pleases his father: knowing that he will be successful in whatever he pursues. “People always say to me that I should be so proud of my kid and I say that of course I am, but not for basketball, not for the reason you think. I’m not worried about Canyon’s future. He’s not here to become an NBA player, he’s here to enjoy his life as a collegiate athlete. He truly embodies what the NCAA stands for - that is being a student-athlete.”
15
ea
rs
f i t h S i
g n G
Charleston’s underground bike culture by KELSEY DEPORTE
The city of Charleston is widely known for its history, colonial style architecture, distinguished restaurants and Southern hospitality. While touristic landmarks such as the Market, historical buildings, and the Battery remain staples in the Holy City, downtown is also home to a vibrant culture surrounding bikes. “In the past years I’ve been back in Charleston, I’ve easily seen the number of people on bikes double,” said John Chritton, a Charleston native and employee at the Trek Bicycle Store in Mt. Pleasant. It may be surprising to hear that among the carriage rides and walking tours there is a growing population of bikes hitting the streets in Charleston. In different corners of the city, independent bike related events such as group rides, races and bike polo are drawing in a diverse crowd. “Last night we had a dress ride where 25 plus people showed up... The Midnight Mystery Ride had more than 30 people,” Jake Thomas, an avid cyclist and pedicab driver explains. The bike ride was one of the many social rides that routinely happen downtown. Social bike rides have gained popularity among locals from various backgrounds in the downtown area. Every last Friday of the month, a group of people on bikes gathers at Marion Square at midnight for Mystery Rides. The rides typically make stops at a number of locations along the way. “A big thing about social rides is getting people from all kinds of backgrounds, ages, locations and levels and getting them together to realize that they have something in common,” Sylvie Baele, a senior at the College said. A man wears a dress at one of the many themed social rides that are occurring with increasing frequency around Charleston. Photo by Samuel McCauley.
16
the yard
For those with a competitive or thrill-seeking spirit, there are cyclocross and alley cat races that are free of charge and open to the public. Cyclocross is a form of racing that consists of many laps around a one-and-a-half to two mile course. A lot of the planning that goes into these events involves making the course challenging; that is a big part of cyclocross. There are a combination of different obstacles for riders to pass through including mud pits, rough terrain, hills, tight spaces, tight turns and barricades. The number of other racers competing in the challenging course is an obstacle in itself, as bikers can compete with upward of 20 people. Charleston-based bike club, the Blue Collar Bandits, hosts cyclocross races in unlikely locations, including underneath the I-26 overpass between Huger and Grove Street. In recent years, the Charleston area has experienced higher rates of bicycle usage and increased demand for improved bicycle infrastructure. The city has increased the amount of bike parking and is making the greater Charleston area more accessible for cyclists. The Battery2Beach route network provides 32 miles of mixeduse paths that connects downtown to Folly Beach and Isle of Palms. Last year the city also approved building a
bike-pedestrian lane on the Legare Bridge over the Ashley River. “Right now seems like an important time for bikes,” Chritton said. “If you want to talk about getting more people on bikes, you have to have the infrastructure there for it. You have to think about not just the people that are already into bikes, but also people that don’t care about what kind of bike they have, but that rely on it to get them to and from work.” With the help of a few dedicated individuals, Charleston is quickly becoming a hub for the biking community. Biking is no longer just about getting from point A to point B, but rather it is seen as an alternative form of transit that can be both practical and social. The benefits of biking span beyond just physical health, but can also help shift people’s perspective on everyday surroundings. “You get to see a different side of the city. I know where all the potholes are, all the bumps in the road. You start to do things like timing yourself and trying to go faster. I started knowing how long each light takes,” Jake Thomas said. There are a number of facets that encompass the overall culture of bicycles that help make it a worthy pastime. Chritton said, “It’s good to get outside, ride and go really fast and at the end of the day be healthier because of it.”
Bikers compete in cyclocross - an obstacle course for bikers. Photo courtesy of Jon English.
february 26
17
r o s s e f Alumni professors remember their o t Pr #tb days behind the desks by COURTNEY EKER As you float through the haziness and drunken chatter of AC’s Bar and Grill, the last thing on your mind is probably your pre-modern history professor. But flashback to about 15 years ago and you might have been sharing a brew with a dreadlock-adorning Professor Kristin Halvorson. Rewind roughly 20 years and you might have even stumbled into Professor Christopher Day, rocking a shoulder length hairstyle and trucker hat. Although many things have changed since these professors were college students roaming King Street and adopting eclectic hairstyles, there is one thing that will never change: their shared Alma Mater, the College of Charleston. Imagine the campus without Addlestone Library or the New Science Center. Classes were held in random rooms of houses around town (which are now some of the department offices). Classes were smaller. Rent for houses on Bull Street was at most $120. According to Patrick Manning, Assistant Director of Database and Reporting , roughly 17 professors and assistant professors here at the College also claim this school as their alma mater. For professors from the Chemistry Department to the Theatre Department, a degree from the College was just not enough. Professor Edward Hart, class of ‘88, is and always has been a Charlestonian. In addition to teaching classes, Hart is currently the Department Chair of Music Theory and Composition. Interestingly enough, Hart nabbed this position from one of his own ex-professors, Steve Rosenberg, who gave him recorder lessons when Hart was a student. As a testament to how drastically students can change their minds, Hart started out at the College as an economics major. But “at the end of the day,” he said, “Beethoven was more interesting to me than Gross Domestic Product.” As far as his own college shenanigans, Hart remarked, “Let’s just say I had a colorful past.” Unlike Hart, adjunct professor Kristin Halvorson traveled to Charleston from Duluth, Minnesota in the Fall of ‘97. Why choose Charleston when you live in Duluth? “I was dating someone back then,” Halvorson chuckled. Halvorson shares an office with two other College of Charleston alums: adjunct professors Heather Crosby and Hayden Smith. Crosby, another native Charlestonian, graduated in 1997 with a degree in modern European history. The three professors did not know each other when they attended the College, but now find themselves reliving their favorite college memories back in the halls of Maybank--such as sneaking Citadel Cadets into the all girls dorms after hours (looking at you, Professor Crosby).
18
Crosby chose to be involved on campus and remembers busying herself with history club events, the Catholic club, student government and volleyball intramurals--while still taking advantage of classes without attendance policies as well as hitting the bar scene at places such as Club Tango and ACME. Assistant Professor Chris Day graduated with the class of ‘95. Day, who grew up in Canada, bears stories of a more spontaneous and rebellious Charleston. In his days at the College, he and his friends would repel down from parking garages and protest societal issues. And--up until this moment--he never got caught for pouring dish soap into the fountain behind Randolph Hall.
(Clockwise from left): Edward Hart, Chris Day, Heather Crosby and Kristin Halvorson today.
the yard
(From left) Edward Hart rocks a curly do while playing in one of the many bands to which he belonged. Heather Crosby poses with her car. Chris Day hangs out on his back porch. Kristin Halvorson rocked these dreadlocks when she was a student at CofC.
Though it may be weird to think that you share a common college hangout spot with the person who is assigning you papers and lecturing you on foreign policy, some professors barhopped down King Street just like you might have done last Saturday night. Professor Day reminisced about blurry nights at dives such as King Street Station, Cumberland’s, Vickery’s (which is now Leaf ) and AC’s Bar and Grill. Day talked about how the pop culture of Charleston has changed since he was a student; he remembers the hippie/Grateful Dead edge of Generation X. Halvorson said the same thing--and had the dreads to prove it. “But,” she said, “I washed them every day.” Hart’s memories of Charleston also reflect a gritty downtown area--with a nightlife that was a lot less classy than it is now. “It was also different because the drinking age was lower then,“ Hart said, “so college students could legally go to bars to drink beer.” If you have ever felt like your professors do not understand how much you have to deal with outside of their classes, you may be shocked to find out to just what extent they feel your pain. Struggling to pay rent? Juggling several jobs as well as maintaining an acceptable GPA? Surprisingly, your professors have been there, done that. Professor Hart managed going to school full time while working 30 hours a week at a “high falootin’” men’s clothing store--but that was only during the day. Hart recalls bouncing around underground bars and sketchy dives playing concerts with his band to scrounge up some extra dough on the side. Fun fact: he played keyboard and guitar in a band whose lead singer was comedian (and Charleston native) Stephen Colbert. Halvorson also recalls working her fair share of 30 hour weeks at Black Market Minerals
february 26
(a mineral store that just closed last semester) as well as-get this--working three nights a week as a professional DJ. “My name was DJ Tuff Girl,” Halvorson said. “People still call me that sometimes.” Both Crosby and Halvorson have both been tour guides in the Charleston area at places such as the Calhoun Mansion. (Halvorson still does Carriage tours downtown, so keep an eye out for her at the reins.) Day, on the other hand, worked at a bar and a music shop, both “under the table” because of his Canadian citizenship. A common theme among all four alums was the impactful relationships they shared with their previous College of Charleston advisors and mentors. Although he jokes about being a “profoundly unmemorable student,” assistant professor Chris Day recalls John Creed’s “Problems of the Third World” class as what made him interested in the developing world and helped him focus his energy on going to Africa. Halvorson came to the College as a transfer student from the University of Minnesota as a Biology major; if not for her mentor Peter Piccione, she would never have discovered her passion for Egyptian history. As for Crosby, this summer, her own love for history will lead her to teaching American History for the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier on the Mediterranean Sea. As Hart said, and we think the other alums would agree, to be back at the College as a professor is like being “rolled in butter.” It’s pretty unusual to land a job exactly where you want to be, but all four alumni are pretty confident that, at least for now, they want to continue to call Charleston, and the College in particular, their home.
19
neither CPR officers nor the responding EMT unit assisted him. Garner was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital less than an hour later. In response to Eric Garner’s death at the hands of the police force, Francis stated, “If police in broad daylight on the sidewalk of a major American city can choke to death
an American citizen and get away with it, then it should be of concern to all of us no matter who we are.” It seems too often that Americans relegate these instances of police brutality, and by extension, the continued aggressions against our constitutional rights, to the back of their minds as if they were taking place in some foreign, far-off war zone instead of right here in the country. National organizations such as #BlackLivesMatter and the Hands Up Don’t Shoot Coalition have been created to fight for change by demanding the demilitarization of police forces and bringing the officers responsible for the killings to justice. As these organizations continue to grow and spread through social media, word of mouth and demonstrations around the country, it is no surprise that their goals have become synonymous with the organizations on the College of Charleston campus that are fighting for equity as well. Karla Dunlop is one of the many concerned students taking a stand here at the College of Charleston. As Senior Advisor for the Black Student Union, Dunlop uses the BSU as a means of reaching out to African-American students by promoting black awareness and “encouraging the meaningful connections between minority students, their peers, professors and other staff members.” These connections are incredibly important as racism is an institutionalized concern, meaning that it is often casualized through ignorance and unawareness. Education through activism is one of the many ways organizations like the BSU can combat these issues. On Feb. 11, the BSU conducted a #BlackLivesMatter demonstration in Cougar Mall here on campus. Members donned all black garb and wore duct tape over their mouths with slogans such as “#icantbreathe” while they held their hands in the universal “don’t shoot” position. This, however, was not without difficulty. “During our silent protest in Cougar Mall, a group of guys who were tabling for another event decided it was alright to start playing hip-hop artist Gucci Mane and slow clapping and that really offended some of our participants,” Dunlop explained. This paints an unsettling reminder that people still
A student protests at a demonstration held in Cougar Mall earlier this month.
24
the yard
Race riots in Ferguson, Mo. began last August when African American teenager Michael Brown was shot to death by a police officer. Photos courtesy of velo_city via Flickr Creative Commons.
look at the problems plaguing our country and the African-American community as non-issues, diminishing them into a series of offensive jokes and failed attempts at humor. This type of behavior is all too alive and well in communities around the nation. The media spins a narrative that characterizes protesters as looters and troublemakers instead of those who are legitimately concerned for the safety of their lives and families. Dunlop, who volunteers regularly with disadvantaged youth and other members of the black community in Charleston said, “I’ve had the opportunity to work with a lot of young black men and many of them fear for their lives. I’ve had kids eight, nine years old tell me they’re afraid to go outside because they feel like they’ll be shot.” Consuela Francis echoes this sentiment, advocating that we begin to take demands from these communities seriously. Francis said, “The people involved in the Ferguson movement are thinking very hard about what could bring peace and normalcy to their communities.” It is increasingly more difficult for these communities to be taken seriously because they are often looked down upon for speaking out or ignored completely, left
february 26
on their own and then admonished when taking action into their own hands - an all too common pattern. Despite these often caustic and acrimonious reactions to the conversations addressing the plights of the black community, it is important to remember that things can get better. For years, organizations have fought to bridge the racial gap, ushering in an era of peace and equity never seen before. Today, following in their footsteps are #BlackLivesMatter and Dunlop’s BSU program, which use education as a tool to beat back ignorance. Though it is hard and oftentimes considered fruitless, it is important to remember that every agent of change, from the individual to the community, has the power to take the necessary steps to make this nation a safer place. “I think it’s important to remember that change is possible,” Francis explained. “The fact that you and I can sit in this building on the College of Charleston’s campus talking about race, which is a conversation between a white guy and a black female professor, is something that nobody on this campus imagined would be possible 40 years ago. “Change is absolutely possible.”
25
school of rock by SAM POSTHUMA photos by SAMUEL McCAULEY Charleston is a bustling, dynamic environment for musicians. From the DJs blasting their ways through clubs and parties to the punk bands tearing it up in bars and living rooms, there’s no questioning the overwhelming opportunities that exist for the aspiring musician. However, how does being a student factor into this? What are some of the challenges associated with trudging your way through classes, homework and the exam that always seems to be around the corner, when all you want to do is write music and perform for a crowd? Will Bragunier is a junior psychology major at the College who performs with his three piece acoustic pop punk band Level Headed. Growing up listening to Good Charlotte, Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy, Bragunier quickly integrated himself into the hardcore and punk rock scene of his hometown in southern Maryland. After moving to Charleston for college,
26
Bragunier found himself entwined within the Charleston music scene, performing in local sad-boy favorite Corinne before settling with fellow musicians Phil Walker and Jose Gonzales into the newly fangled outfit Level Headed. Starting in early January, Level Headed began their musical journey in true punk fashion by recording an acoustic extended play in Bragunier’s bathroom. When asked about the future of the band, Bragunier said, “We are planning to be in the studio with Matt Zutell [owner of Charleston based recording company Coast Records] for the first couple weeks of March to bust out a full length.” He went on to explain, “This summer we plan to make a couple of east coast tour runs and probably hit the Midwest while we are at it. Level Headed is all about DIY hard work, having a good time, drinking Jameson and Yuengling and writing heartfelt emotional songs.”
the yard
Band members of Carina Point balance work and school.
february 26
These are great ways to boost the band’s popularity, but how does school factor into these goals? “The main issue with being in any band is scheduling,” Bragunier explained. “Between classes, homework, volunteering and work, it is sometimes hard to find time to practice, but we make it a note to practice at least once a week.” Likewise, due to his loaded schedule as an upperclassman, touring is usually out of the question until the summer, leaving the band more or less stuck in Charleston for the time being. However, this has not deterred Bragunier or Level Headed, who, through constant DIY workmanship and a stellar attitude toward the craft, whether in a bathroom or a studio, refuse to stop moving forward and following their dreams of making music. “Overall, my experience has been amazing,” Bragunier said. “I have gotten to meet some of the coolest people in my life. Many I am proud to call my friends. I will play music as long as I am able to and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.” Erik Abrahamsson, guitarist for Charleston based alternative country band Carina Point, understands the struggle of balancing music making with school as well. Growing up playing guitar and studying classical music, there was no doubt Abrahamsson was destined to use his talent as a creative force. After moving to Charleston with his family, he quickly formed Carina Point with singer Chandler Brown and began his quest to make a name for himself in the bustling Lowcountry scene. However, because of a particularly heavy academic schedule on top of the relentless efforts to push his band further into the limelight Abrahamsson opted to take a semester off from the College, and he now expects to graduate in the winter of 2018. “When I was a full time student during the fall of 2014, my days started at 7:30 a.m. and ended at 4:00 a.m.,” he said. “The idea that you can do both school and tour as a band is now a little unrealistic to me.” Despite this, Abrahamsson’s devotion to his craft and Carina Point’s staunch DIY ethics are used to their full extent to create something truly commendable. These DIY ethics are especially important to Abrahamsson, who manages the band independent of labels and other types of big business. “As a band, we measure our success on what we’ve accomplished on our own,” he explained. “We love the idea of doing it ourselves and we hope to start our own record label within the next few years.” Carina Point recently recorded their first record entitled “This is Not a Country Record” with independent musician Tyler Ward in Boulder, Colo., which was released in December 2014. Now, the band continues to focus on building their foundations through social media, reaching out to venues and promoters, and of course, continuing to play shows every chance they can get. There is no doubt that the work required to properly manage, promote, create and facilitate a band is an arduous task when musicians find themselves confined between the pages of a textbook. However, the restless endeavours of students such as Will Bragunier and Erik Abrahamson paint a stunning picture of musicians who refuse to let bathroom stall recording sessions or even academic leave stop them from doing what they truly love - creating music.
27
Cuba: What Comes Next? How College of Charleston plays a role in reshaping international policy story and photos by CHRIS JACKSON On Dec. 17, 2014, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that there would be several significant changes to U.S.-Cuba relations. In the wake of this announcement, speculation has circulated regarding whether or not these changes will have a positive or negative effect on Cuba and the tricky situation existing between the United States and the island nation. The College of Charleston boasts a 15-year-old program that takes students to Cuba for the Spring semester. Additionally, the Honors College and the Center for Civic Engagement with the Bonner Leader Program have taken advantage of the College’s unique opportunity to travel to Cuba legally on an educational visa. The College of Charleston is one of the few universities in the United
States that offers such an opportunity. As changes take shape, there is much at stake; the collapse of recent bettered relations is certainly possible. With this uncertainty of the future dynamic between Cuba and the United States, the College of Charleston is not deterred in its efforts to bring students to the island nation. CisternYard News spoke to Colleen Sullivan, College of Charleston alum and Center for Civic Engagement Assistant Bonner Leader Coordinator, about her upcoming program to Cuba as a part of the Center for Civic Engagement’s Alternative Spring Break Program to get a greater understanding of how these changes could impact the College’s programs as well as the general trajectory of U.S.-Cuba relations.
The Havana skyline will become more accessible to Americans as a result of renewed U.S.-Cuba relations.
28
the yard
A Brief History of U.S.-Cuban Relations Cuba and the United States have shared tenuous relations since Fidel Castro took power in 1959. By October 1960, the United States placed its five decade old embargo policy on the Cuban nation. Between 1960 and 2014, Cuba’s economy has been strangled by offensive American economic policies that prohibit the flow of Cuban goods into the United States. These policies also blockaded all U.S. citizens from traveling to Cuba by banning Americans from spending money there. Furthermore, in 1982, Cuba landed itself on the U.S. list of terrorist countries, resulting in a Cuban rejection of a U.S. diplomatic presence. While the United States has maintained a special interests section in Cuba since this rejection, Cuba and the United States have officially had severed relations since 1982. When Barack Obama took office in 2008, he made informal claims that he had interests in improving relations between the two countries. On Dec. 17, 2014, President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced jointly that the countries were taking significant strides to normalize relations. This revolutionary change from an essentially frozen policy has stirred both excitement and anger within the United States. However, the trade embargo and travel ban still remain in effect. While travel to Cuba from the United States has become easier in the past decade, special permission is still required. Only travelers with preapproved Cuba-specific visas have been
february 26
given permission to visit and spend money in the country legally. Current changes to policy will likely not open the door for free travel in the near future, but will certainly change the dynamic for traveling, potentially making it much easier for programs at the College of Charleston to exist. What changes are being made? The United States hopes to open an embassy in Havana by April and claims that if this process is slowed, chances of normalizing relations will be hindered. However, the Cuban government intends to reject the opening of an American embassy on their soil until Cuba is removed from the terrorist nation list. This poses a challenge as President Obama is doubtful that this can happen by April. Despite challenges to the policy’s vitality, several key changes are being made. 1. Initially, changes were inspired by the release of the Cuban Five by the U.S. government and the release of many American political prisoners, namely Alan Gross, by the Cuban government. This prisoner swap marked historic cooperation between the two countries. 2. In mid-January, the United States took steps to simplify the process for traveling to Cuba legally. Rather than having to undergo a lengthy approval process through the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Americans wanting to travel to Cuba will be able to buy flights directly through
29
major airlines; the only requirement will be to select the purpose of travel. General tourism will still be illegal. However, travelers can go for more specific purposes, such as education and business. 3. Regulations regarding remittances will be loosened, allowing for greater money to be sent to family members of American citizens in Cuba. 4. The number and type of categories available for legal, approved travel have expanded to include 12 categories. 5. Economic changes will allow low-level American products to be sold in Cuba and increase in U.S.-Cuba business relations. 6. Travelers to Cuba will be permitted to bring back specified amounts of Cuban goods, including rum and cigars. 7. Efforts will be made to expand access to the Internet in Cuba through joint U.S.-Cuba efforts. While this list of changes is not exhaustive, it offers a general overview of the framework that is serving as the basis for a new period of U.S.-Cuba relations. These changes could potentially initiate a period of economic growth on the island along with increased cultural exchange. However, these changes could also backfire, as the road to recovery between these two countries is sure to be tricky. 30
College of Charleston as a facilitator of good relations Colleen Sullivan is leading a group of students to Cuba on an Alternative Spring Break trip with the Bonner Leader Program in March. Sullivan participated in College of Charleston’s Spring 2014 study abroad trip to Cuba, prompting her interest in U.S.-Cuba relations and her passion for sharing her experience with College of Charleston students. Due to the current travel regulations, Sullivan has partnered with Conscious Cuba, a group based in Dallas that specializes in bringing groups of American students to Cuba. While Sullivan was not directly responsible for securing travel permits, she worked in close coordination with Conscious Cuba employees. Sullivan admitted that the process of securing permission through the U.S. Department of the Treasury is a difficult process. Students must submit their passports much earlier than when applying for a typical travel visa. However, once the new changes come into effect, securing legal travel status “could be as easy as clicking an option from a dropbox,” Sullivan said. When asked about the nature of the changes being made to U.S.-Cuba policy, Sullivan referenced an on-campus talk she heard by Julia Sweig, a Cuban policy expert who has visited the College of Charleston on various occasions. the yard
The future of the travel ban and the embargo seems entirely unknown. “I don’t know how things will change,” Sullivan said. “Julia Sweig...was just as surprised by the sudden changes as the rest of us.” There is evidence to support that diplomatic talks have been occurring over the past nine months but much is left unexplained. Despite debate about what has occurred, one thing remains certain according to Sullivan: “It’s the effort of programs like our College of Charleston Study Abroad to Cuba that have made an impact on our new relationship with Cuba. The students that go down to Cuba and become inspired to share their experiences are motivating positive change.” Over the past 15 years, the College has established positive relations with Cuba through a variety of programs. For example, professor Humberto Miranda, who lives in Havana, has traveled from Cuba to Charleston to teach an Express II course in the fall semester for years. In addition to the traditional semester program, the Honors College has brought students to Havana during a
Maymester term and Sullivan will bring students for an Alternative Spring Break program. Despite this exchange, Sullivan explained that it is very difficult to get in touch with people from Cuba after returning to the United States. When asked if she could find a Cuban to speak to CisternYard News, she simply stated, “You know how it is with Cuba.” Sullivan explained that the sheer difficulty of contacting someone in Cuba in any reliable way exposes the core of the challenges faced by the two countries. Sullivan expressed an optimistic future for the College’s involvement in sending students to Cuba. “Both the College of Charleston and Conscious Cuba want to continue working with each other. We hope this Alternative Spring Break program can be sustainable,” she said. “We want students in Cuba every year.” As the dynamics between Cuba and the United States evolve, Sullivan is confident that it will be those who have traveled to Cuba that will drive the changes we are seeing in Obama’s Dec. 17 announcement.
From left: A Cuban Flag waves over the Havana harbor. A street in one of the historic neighborhoods of Havana. Billboards, one with a socialist message, line the side of a road.
february 26
31
Get happy with Cougar Counseling by JESSICA WILKINSON
photos by MADELINE LITTLE
The Cougar Counseling team provides support for students through open office hours, phone calls and text messaging.
Imagine a time when you have felt alone, uncomfortable or lonely. As a college student, you are away from home, living in a world where you must fend for yourself. College is hard and sometimes the support you need to get through can’t come from just friends or a phone call to your parents. To offer the comfort that we sometimes need, a select group of College of Charleston students and faculty dedicate their time and efforts to the Cougar Counseling program. Volunteers are highly trained and offer confidential support in a relaxed and open-minded environment. Rachael McNamara, advisor to Cougar Counseling and health educator, said that the goal of the program is “to be a support system for students on campus and to get them the services they need.” Recently, the counseling program has grown and evolved into a service that many more students on campus are taking advantage of to receive the help they need to survive college. Seven percent of all college students experience some degree of suicidal thoughts during their college career, which means about 700 students at the College have been in this situation. The Cougar Counseling team is there for those with severe issues such as suicide and depression, but they also provide assistance in problems ranging from relationships, roommate issues and family problems, to academic pressure and essentially anything stressful. Senior Kelly Venezia is the Co-Executive Coordinator 32
at Cougar Counseling and works to make all Colege of Charleston students feel safe, comfortable and secure. “There is no problem too small,” she said, “whether it’s homesickness, stress, social phobia or relationships.” Anyone seeking judgement free advice is welcome to take advantage of this service. A major obstacle within the program is that many students do not believe they should see a counselor. “Research proves that people who don’t think their problems aren’t important enough won’t ask for help,” McNamara said. “They think the health professional will think they’re crazy, which no health professional would ever really do.” At the foundation of the volunteers’ training is learning that every person has his or her own troubles and complications in life. As counselors, the volunteers are prepared to reserve all judgement and practice empathy toward the student. Counselors believe there is nothing to be ashamed of and if you feel alone, unloved or stressed, you should seek help and someone to talk to so you can feel better as soon as possible. As a completely anonymous service, visitors to the counseling office are not required to show identification or even to tell counselors their names. “When we see people around campus who have visited our office, we wait for their reaction first. If they don’t smile at us or say hi, we won’t either.” Venezia said. All volunteers are required to the yard
maintain complete security and confidentiality to ensure Though the Cougar Counseling program is growing and the confidence of the person who sought help. evolving substantially, the group is always looking to improve. Selecting who becomes a Cougar Counselor is not an easy “I love working with amazing college students who are task. Candidates go through a rigorous process in order to join super dedicated,” Mcnamara said, “because every year we this highly selective group. Along with an intense application, get better and better, building upon our program.” Their candidates must also write a large number of essays and main goal is to “reach out to more poeple on campus.” As go through over thirty hours of training. Once a candidate more people know about how great the counseling program becomes a counselor, he is, they will be more or she must agree to willing to use the service. volunteer for at least two Mcnamara and Venezia consecutive semesters. also hope to extend the Volunteers also must be hours that counselors at least sophomores, in are available. Currently, order to assure that they the office is open from understand the difficulties 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., of college life and must but the executives hope maintain a minimum 3.0 to establish 24-hour GPA. Venezia said, “The availability. This may hardest part of the process happen by extending the to becoming a counselor texting service’s hours so was definitely suicide that counselors can assist training. I had a friend students even when the who attempted suicide and office is closed. Mcnamara the training brought back also wants to start a a lot of harsh feelings. I’ve A look at the Cougar Counseling office on the third floor of Robert Scott Small. mental health awareness learned to take myself out group and would love of those types of situations.” Many psychology majors strive to create a CofC chapter of Active Minds - a nationwide to become a Cougar Counselor, as acquiring experience in organization that seeks to change negative perceptions counseling and psychology is rather difficult. However, not and prejudices of mental health issues. Mcnamara also all counselors are psychology majors; there is a wide variety hopes to find new volunteers to replace the organization’s of majors including studio art, business administration current seniors. and sociology. Without question, the Cougar Counseling program is a Within the past year, the Cougar Counseling program remedy for the stressful situations we feel and experience has grown rapidly. After receiving funding through as college students. A passion for helping others drives this grants, the organization secured new computers and program and keeps the counselors committed to serving improved a number of aspects within the service. and supporting students on campus. Kelly Venezia, One new way the Cougar Counselors are helping CofC who is graduating this spring and leaving the program, students is through a texting service. Students can text spoke about her journey with Cougar Counseling and “4support” to 839863 to have a completely anonymous became emotional reflecting on the wonderful times conversation with a member of the counseling team. she has experienced in the organization. “Of all the “Texting is more comfortable for people who don’t organizations on campus,” Venezia said, “the Cougar necessarily want to meet in person or call on the phone,” Counseling program is my favorite. This is my heart and Venezia said. With the addition of this service, as well soul. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing group of as other improvements, the Cougar Counseling office people.” Cougar Counselors have the ability to positively has grown from serving 25 people last year to over 80 so affect students’ lives, making them feel safe, secure and far this semester. This increase comes in part from the loved. We all need a little encouragement sometimes and program’s new initiative to organize outreach events, with Cougar Counseling, that support is never more than which increase awareness by talking to students around a few steps or a text message away. campus and giving away free swag and t-shirts.
february 26
“
“
Text “4support” to 839863 for anonymous texting services from the Cougar Counseling team
Texting is more comfortable for people who don’t necessarily want to meet in person or call on the phone. -Kelly Venezia
33
1. Cannonborough or Elliotborough
-
Spring Cannon Smith Bogard
Students living in Cannonborough tend to have their priorities in order - their drinking priorities, that is. Expect to be within earshot of a party Thursday through Sunday. Living here also guarantees ease of access to the oh so popular bars on upper King, so if walking to Midtown and not having to worry about paying six dollars for an Uber to get home at the end of the night sounds ideal, this might be the borough for you. Price Range: $650-900*
2. Radcliffeborough
- Morris - Rutledge - Vanderhorst - Coming Definitely the area most concentrated with College of Charleston students - Radcliffeborough is a very popular area to live, especially for those in Greek life, as it can feel a bit like a Greek village. Students are not shy to a party either, so do not expect peace and quiet here. And if Morris is littered with beer cans and guys yelling from their porches, well, just rest easy knowing that nothing is out of the ordinary. Price Range: $800-1,000
36
the yard
3. Harleston Village -
Bull St. Wentworth Pitt Smith
For those who want to go to college without living in the typical college house, Harleston Village might be your borough. The perfect little houses on theses streets tend to appeal to those seeking to model their homes after Pinterest photos and Urban Outfitters’ Instagram posts. Students living in Harleston Village might be a bit on the lazier side, as they don’t have to walk very far to get to class. Don’t expect any keggers here, but you might find a girl reading John Green on her porch with a cup of tea in hand. Price Range: $850-1,000
4. Wraggborough
- John - Charlotte - Henrietta If you’re the type to wake up before your 9:25 a.m. and go for a run or do some morning stretches in Marion Square, you might fit in nicely in Wraggborough. Here is where you will find the frisbee throwers of Marion Square, the dog walkers and the Cooper River Bridge runners. You’ll catch them at the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays and ENOing on their porches. They are tucked away in their little homes, far from the other lazy, contagious college kids. Price Range: $650-850
february 26
37
Op-Ed
In Defense of Free Speech The Charlie Hebdo Shooting Brutally Reminds Us We Need to Change by KATE POWER
Freedom of speech is not as free as it seems, even within the United States. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Harvey.
On the morning of Jan. 7, two Islamist gunmen opened fire on the Charlie Hebdo magazine headquarters in Paris. Twelve people were killed - five cartoonists, an economist, two editors, one guest, one maintenance worker and two police officers. Eleven others were wounded. The killing of these 12 people took mere minutes, and then “all of a sudden there was silence,� according to one of the survivors. And in that silence, the remaining survivors in the office looked around at their dead co-workers. Those short moments of utter tragedy and terror will last forever, frozen in time. 38
Charlie Hebdo is a weekly French satirical magazine. Subject matter consists of religion, politics and culture. Its content is irreverent and strongly laced with nonconformist, atheist and secular principles. For this reason, 12 people were shot and killed. For creative expression, 12 families will never see their loved ones again. For controversial cartoons published of Muhammad, the whole world poignantly feels the loss of 12 people who did not deserve to die, who woke up on the morning of Jan. 7 and went to work only to be brutally robbed of their lives in exchange for some radical terrorist victory. How heroic. the yard
Freedom of the press and freedom of speech laws have spurred controversy since the dawn of the written word. The First Amendment to the Constitution gives Americans the right to circulate opinions in print without censorship from the government. We can write what we want to write and make the art we want to make without fear of government intervention or punishment. This right of ours is highly valued, as demonstrated in the wave of strong, passionate reactions to Charlie Hebdo. The whole nation erupted in a frenzy of support for the magazine. “I Am Charlie,” we said. But are we Charlie? Legally, no one can keep us from voicing our opinions, but voices are silenced by society every single day. The question of free speech has less to do with the law and more to do with us, with our socially constructed guidelines that spell out what is appropriate to do, say, write and make--and what is simply not. The shooting at Charlie Hebdo boils down to a few radical Islamists taking offense to the caricatures of Muhammad and murdering the creators as a response to their disapproval. In this case, the most extreme of measures was taken, but every day more minor forms of this violence against free speech occur. A professor at the University of Illinois was fired for teaching the Roman Catholic view of homosexuality. At the University of Kansas, a professor was suspended for an opinionated tweet directed against the National Rifle Association. These are examples of someone taking offense to another’s beliefs or viewpoints and as a result, doing everything in his power to subdue the unwelcome voices. The cartoons of Muhammad printed in Charlie Hebdo offended the Islamist terrorists and in order to subdue those unwelcome voices, they destroyed them. We are mortified by the slaughter of the writers and editors, but we are a little too quick to take up arms over the protection and right to creative expression when in
“
our country today. Tolerance of unpopular, offensive or different opinions is hard to come by. We are legally tolerant while simultaneously discriminant. Satirists and provocateurs do not exactly rank high on the social ladder in America. We tend to look at them through a foggy lense to keep them at a comfortable distance. They tear down all the visages, reduce us to our weaknesses and deliberately pick apart humanity in an attempt to better it. We do not understand their blatant disregard of our speech codes. How dare they disrupt our carefully crafted peace of mind? We are celebrating the satirists of Charlie Hebdo as martyrs for creative expression but we still silence those of our own society. A magazine like Charlie Hebdo would arguably not be tolerated in America today. Its content is directly irreverent with no regard for speech codes. It is offensive. But does that really matter? Voltaire said, “I do not agree with what you have to say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This is the sole speech code by which we should abide. And while we do that, satirists and provocateurs should practice prudence. If we can somehow achieve this delicate balance, somewhere suspended between tolerance and prudence, then we may be able to stomp out socially created speech codes and strangled, censored conversations. The massacre at Charlie Hebdo is horrifying. It is a lesson and an all too real reminder that things must change, that we must change. A pencil is not a weapon of mass destruction and a gun does not symbolize bravery. Bravery is putting a pencil to paper and making a statement - spreading words, ideas and voices that refuse to be oppressed. Heroism is the artist who does not hear the oppressor, the one whose words make more noise than gunfire. No one wants to live in world where writers and artists have to fear for their lives in exchange for their work. Our voices will not be subdued.
Heroism is the artist who does not hear the oppressor, the one whose words make more noise than gunfire.
“
Kate Power was born and raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She is currently a freshman at the College of Charleston studying English and Communication and enjoying working as a Features Writer wtih CisternYard News.
february 26
39
our campus roots. your branch for news. cisternyard.com @cisternyard