Tuesday, December 3, 2019
Volume 73, Issue 13
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Junior, wide-receiver Cameron Mackey brings Grambling’s Kenan Fontenot along for the ride as he hustles for yards after the catch during the 46th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday, November 30 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. (Adriana Trosclair/DIGEST)
Southern University Head Football Coach Dawson Odums is joined by SUS System President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton, Former Southern University Football Coach Pete Richardson, and SU Athletic Director Roman Banks during the presentation of the 2019 Bayou Classic Trophy. Jalyn Garner
The Southern Digest
With an opportunity to win the SWAC West and return to the SWAC Championship game, 68,314 spectators left the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA stunned. The 46th Annual Bayou Classic was definitely one to remember. After the opening 15 minutes, the fans in black and gold were already planning the post-game celebration. The Jaguars started off the game having issues getting into an offensive rhythm, while the Tigers jumped to an early 21-3 lead. However, Head Coach Dawson Odoms and the Jags didn’t sit on their hands. Late in the first quarter, LaDarius Skelton threw a rocket to wideout Cameron Mackey, putting the Jags deep into Grambling territory. Two plays later, Skelton found a wide open Hunter Register for a three yard touchdown they desperately needed. On 3rd & 11 with under a minute left until halftime, the Jaguar defense stopped the Tigers, forcing them to kick a long 46
yard field goal. Kicker Miguel Mendez missed the kick wide right, which gave the Jags the opportunity to close in on the eleven point deficit. Hunter Register caught a contested 37 yard reception inside the 15 yard line, giving the Jags a lot of momentum and great field position. An offsides penalty by Grambling on the one yard line gave the Jags one more chance to score right before halftime with only one second left on the clock. Running back Devon Benn ran into the endzone, cutting the Grambling lead to only four points, ending the second quarter with momentum shifted on their side. In the third quarter the Jaguar defense contained the Tigers on defense, which allowed the offense to take their first lead of the game late in the third quarter 21-24 via Register’s second touchdown reception. Coach Dawson Odums was very expressive about the team’s emotional response in the second half. “You saw the emotion and that really took the swing in the game, we went up 24-21 and then they went right back ahead. I really
thought the two blocked field goals were the deciding factor of the game”. With the offense scoring 21 unanswered points since the last second touchdown in the second quarter, at the start of the 4th quarter the Tigers started to claw back themselves with Hickbottom walked into the endzone to give the Tigers back the lead 28-24. Not to get raddled the Jags quickly answered back after a pass interference call on the Tigers defensive back Tre’von Cherry putting the Jags in the red zone, on the next play Jarod Sims rushed into the endzone with ease giving the Jags back the lead; but the extra point was missed so the Jags would have to secure their two point lead 28-30. With the game nearing the end, it got tighter than a belt on Thanksgiving, as it all came down to the Tigers kicking a field goal to punch their ticket to the SWAC Championship and to win the Bayou Classic. After Coach Dawson Odoms used his last two timeouts trying to “ice” the kicker, Miguel Mendez got into position to try and send the Tigers off to Lorman,
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Mississippi for the SWAC Championship game. Then God answered all of Jaguar Nation’s prayers when defensive linemen Joe Davis blocked Miguel Mendez’s possible game winning field goal sealing the huge win for the Jaguars. Coach Dawson Odums felt that the team willed themselves to victory, “Our team played and they believed and that belief has to come from somewhere, we play hard, and we make games tough”. Safety Jakoby Pappillion said that earlier in the week the Jaguars worked on blocking kicks, and when regarding the huge comeback down 21-3 Pappillion said that “ We had to persevere, we had to come together as a defense and put our foot down and play football”. The Jaguars will return to the SWAC Championship game in back to back seasons and just like last season, the Jaguars will play rival the Alcorn Braves back in Lorman, Mississippi looking for revenge for the 2018-2019 SWAC Championship lose 28-37. SWAC Championship game is on Saturday December 7, 2019 @3pm.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2019 - Page 3
Biztech Challenge 2019 Dante Davis
The Southern Digest
The BizTech Challenge Presented by Louisiana Economic Development (LED) was hosted last Friday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New Orleans. This year’s competition featured five teams: two from Southern University and one from Grambling State, Xavier, and Southern University Law School respectively, all submitting business pitches and vying for a cash prize of $15,000 The teams researched and created a product that they were marketing to a panel of judges. The pitches were comprised of two parts: a product description phase and a business and sales phase. The product description phase detailed the actual product, including how it works, what the goal of it is, how it is made, etc. The business and sales phase focused on how the product was going to make money and how it was going to attract both consumers and investors. The panel of judges, comprised of individuals from a wide variety of fields and companies, evaluated each of the teams on both phases and how well each team was able to sell them the idea and effectively communicate that the product could be feasible. The designs ranged far and wide, from a magnetic driven piston engine to an automatic trash and recycling unit, the products were incredibly unique but still incredibly practical. For example, Xavier University’s team, Team Schollo, was comprised of two young men, motivated
Southern University A&M College students, team ReCan, presented their idea of smart trash cans that seperates trash and recyclable items at the BizTech Challenge November 29 (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
Southern University and A&M College students, team Desco Electric, presents their idea of creating a magnetic generator as an alternative to conventional engines at the BizTech Challenge November 29 (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
by their lack of funding for school, who created a crowd sourcing website, app, and community where students can raise money for school.
Law Bloxx, a team from Southern University Law School who developed a legal assistant app, finished the competition inn fifth place. Team Recan
from Southern University, who developed the automatic trash and recycling unit, came in fourth place. With prizes of $2,500 and $5,000 respectively, Teams Schollo and Decso Electric placed third and second. The grand prize of $7,500 went to the team MiEye from Grambling State University. The placings were somewhat controversial, though, with many in the crowd believing that DesCo Electric had the stronger pitch over team MiEye. With team MiEye being from Grambling and DesCo Electric from Southern University, some argued that unjust bias was used in the decision making, “I actually had DesCo as my number one. I thought the concept was innovative and revolutionized the way that we think about renewable energy. But MiEye had a great concept that just needs a little work,” said a Business Lead for Microsoft’s Extreme Labs, Dean Jones, when asked what MiEye did to separate themselves from the competition. Assistant Secretary for the Louisiana Economic Development, Mandi D. Mitchell felt that team MiEye had more potential to generate revenue, “The edge that MiEye had was that it was something that could be sold or marketed to the masses, and they could partner with so many different companies.” Irrespective of the results, all the teams performed well and they all came away from with some very valuable new skills, “[we] learned how to write a business plan and just work alongside people on a project as big as this,” said one of the members of DesCo, Dashanna Bradford.
Board Meets Bayou: SUS Continues to collect Jacqueline Morgan
The Southern Digest
At the midst of festivities, the Hyatt Regency Hotel of New Orleans was busy with Southernites taking care of business. “I’ve never felt more at home around Jaguars, than I do here in this meeting today,” were the words that the President of Grambling State University, Richard Joseph Gallot, Jr. spoke at Friday’s annual Southern University System Board of Supervisors Meeting. Starting the morning, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education, Kim Hunter Reed greeted the members of the board with salutations full of sentiments about pushing higher education in Louisiana to the next level. The presentation emphasized the large deficits and gaps that Louisiana has in higher education, but also shone a light on statistics that makes those gaps a reality for the mass of the population. “In 2009, the state paid about 70% of the cost for educating our students. In 2019, the families pay about 67-70% of what it costs to educate students … We need to see higher education as an investment, not an expenditure,” Reed informed the crowd. Echoing the Commissioner’s sentiments, newly elected State Senate Representative, Cleo Fields introduced Attorney John H. Carmouche of the Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello Law Firm, as a partner of Southern University;
someone willing to go to extraordinary lengths to ensure the success of the university and students alike. “God sends special people, at special times, for special purposes,” said Fields as Carmouche approached the podium, with an evident check in tow. “Being that you all will be one of the only collegiate bands participating in the Rose Bowl Parade (Pasadena, CA), I pray this will help out getting you all there safe and sound,” Carmouche said as he presented Director of Bands, Kedrick Taylor, with a check for $100,000. As a graduate of the Southern University Law Center, Carmouche, wanted to ensure that he gave back in a way that the university could see almost immediate change. He went on to say, “I was told by Senator Fields that the athletic department has to rent a vehicle for equipment every time they travel … and I don’t think that should happen anymore. So I have committed to buying [a] truck wrapped as [Athletic Director, Roman Banks] sees fit so that the university no longer incurs those costs.” As the spirit of giving lingered in the room, the family of the late Marquita Christy returned before the board to present another scholarship to a Southern University Law Center (SULC) through the MARQ My Words Foundation. The MARQ My Words Foundation is “a newly recognized nonprofit organization located in Louisiana, established to honor the legacy of
Attorney, John H. Carmouche, presents a hundred thousand dollar check to Southern University Director of Bands, Kedric Taylor to cover travel expenses for the Human Jukebox’s trip to the 2020 Rose Bowl Parade.(Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
Marquita D. Christy and continue the mission to inspire African-American communities to seek knowledge of legal rights, redefine workplace standards, and adapt healthy lifestyle whilst pursuing higher education.” Marquita Christy is an alumna of Southern University, where she received her Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology, and attended the SULC until her untimely death. The MARQ My Words Foundation has taken up an ambassador program that allows young girls to have a chance at professionalism and leadership before adulthood. Malika Lewis (Whitecastle, LA), Shyina Littles (Donaldsonville, LA), and L’Rae Celestine (New Orleans, LA) are middle schoolers that partake in the program. They were able to present the
The Marq My Words Foundation presents a scholarship at the Southern University Board Meeting November 29 (Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
members of the Board of Supervisors with limited edition collector’s coin. “We set a good example, we show leadership and kindness, and we are junior ambassadors of the program,” said Lewis. To find out more about the MARQ My Words Foundation or become a partner, visit marqmywords.org.
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Page 4 - Tuesday, December 3, 2019
3 Keys to Victory: Things to Look Out for in SWAC Championship James Eaglin
The Southern Digest
Run Down the Clock Southern leads the SWAC in 3rd down conversions (72/145, 49.7%), but Alcorn is not far behind at #2. (69/159, 43.4%) In a matchup featuring two top 5 defenses, whichever team keeps their offense on the field longer will likely have the advantage throughout the game. One way of chewing the clock is by running the ball, something Southern has been good at all season. The Jaguars are one of three teams (PVAMU, GSU) who have averaged more than 200 yards rushing this season. LaDarius Skelton and Devon Benn utilizing a talented offensive line has had a lot to do with those numbers. A standout Bayou Classic performance from freshman Jarod Sims (89yds, 2 TD) could see him added as another element to the game plan Saturday. Contrary to the belief of some, Southern’s offense has produced more rushing yards (27211779) and more touchdowns this season compared to Alcorn
State. However, with the Braves ranking #1 in rush defense, only allowing 127.5 yds/game, whichever team dominates at the line of scrimmage will likely play a huge factor on the outcome in Lorman, MS. The (Primary) Secondary The Jaguar secondary will have to play like the focal point of the defense if the Jaguars want to make it to the Celebration Bowl. Reason being, Braves quarterback Felix Harper is the most efficient passer in the SWAC. He ranks second in the conference in passing yards (2387) and touchdowns (29), while only throwing 5 interceptions, tied for the fewest. Alcorn’s top three receivers are averaging 16 yds/rec or better. Look for Tamaurice Smith, who is amongst the best in the SWAC at pass breakups, and the other Southern defensive backs to rise to the challenge with a trip to Atlanta on the line. For Skelton, he will be going up against a defense that ranks #1 in interceptions, yet second to last in sacks. With a veteran offensive line, the Bayou Classic
Logan Williams
For college football teams, losing seniors to graduation can be tough. Losing any key player that was an intergal part of your program for the last four years can be tough. For the Southern Jaguars, it will be no different, as they will be losing one of their key players to graduation this December in linebacker Calvin Lunkins. For Lunkins, he has excelled not only on the football field but also the classroom in his time at Southern. Lunkins has made honor roll four times during his time at Southern and currently has the highest GPA on the team. The New Orleans native and alum of Warren Easton High school says he chose to play for Southern during his recruitment process because he felt like it was the best decision for him. Lunkins also said Southern “felt like home” to him and he built a great relationship with the coaching staff and players.
Calvin Lunkins has excelled very well in the classroom to the point where he has already graduated with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Leisure Studies, and currently working on his masters Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling. When asked about his postcollegiate plans, Lunkins said “I want to become a certified recreation therapist and a certified rehabilitation counselor.” Although he doesn’t have a favorite professional team, Lunkins plans to pursue his dream of being a professional football player in a sport that has he only wanted to play since he was a little kid. Being a leader for the Jaguars football team, the linebacker also wants to be a leader in his community and give back as well. “The reason I chose my major because I love healing people at the end of the day. It feels good putting a smile on someone’s face even when they are having a bad day. My goal is to help people with disabilities because you
Jags Snap Losing Streak vs IUPUI Debrandin Brown
The Southern Digest
Courtesy/Swac.org
MVP should be able to have enough time to avoid pressure in the backfield, but it will be up to him to make the right decisions through the air. Of course, the easiest decision is to find wideout Hunter Register. His 11 touchdowns rank third in the SWAC, including two big endzone catches that gave SU the comeback victory last week. With the attention on him, Timothy Bedford and Cameron Mackey could see big plays open up for them on the field.
DIGEST Sports Feature: Calvin Lunkins The Southern Digest
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never know what they are going through. I feel like I been blessed in so many ways, its only right I gave back to the people and the community.” This season was Lunkins’ last as a Southern University football player. Coming into this season, the main goal for himself and his team was being “1-0” after every week and “taking it a step at a time.” The hard work has come to fruition as the Jaguars are once again SWAC West division champs for the 2nd year in a row. Lunkins loves a lot of things about the game of football, but his favorite thing about the sport is the bror therhood. “All the blood sweat and tears we put in together makes it special.”
Special Special Teams If the game came down to a field goal, Southern’s Martell Fontenot and Alcorn’s Corey McCullough are two of the best kickers in the conference. The leg of SU punter Caesar Barajas will ultimately be the X-factor. The more times Alcorn takes ball inside their own 20 could make it tougher for them to score, while setting up the Jaguars with great field position.
The basketball season for the Southern Jags is approaching it’s apex as the Jags traveled to Omaha, Nebraska to participate in the Cayman Island Classic Mainland Tournament. Despite dropping their first game of the tournament to Omaha, Southern still has one more opportunity to get back on the road with a win. In the midst of their current 11-game road stretch, the Jags went into Tuesday’s game looking to improve their win percentage before the start of SWAC play. The first half of play saw a closely contested game between the two squads as Southern trailed for most of the half. Despite a strong offensive half for Southern’s Lamarcus Lee who finished the half with 11 points, the Jags went into the break trailing IUPUI 42-38. The second half of play saw Southern’s bench catch fire and match IUPUI play for play down the stretch. Brendon Brooks and Damiree Burns combined for 20 second half points for Southern. While there was scoring in bunches for Southern throughout the night, the story of the game came from a dominant showing from the bench. Outscoring IUPUI 45–19 on the night, the bench for Southern was able to hit their three’s and knock down their free throws in route to an efficient overall night. Leading the bench’s dynamic scoring run was Brendon Brooks who finished the night with 14 points. Contributions from the bench unit specifically gave the Jags the extra scoring pinch they needed to pull away late. “I thought we played really well in stretches,” said head coach Sean Woods on his main takeaways from the night. “We started the game with a lot of energy but we have to learn to sustain it, we have a lot of new players and we are trying to find our rhythm and still learning to play hard for 40 minutes,” continued Woods. The Jags defeated IUPUI with a score of 83-77, but lost to Tulane in New Orleans Sunday to bring their overall record to 4-5 on the season. “These games will help test our toughness and help us learn a lot about ourselves, as we keep growing and learning, these games will help prepare us for Southwestern Athletic Conference play,” said Woods.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2019 - Page 5
A Classic Among Classics Aliya Creecy
The Southern Digest
This years Bayou Classic featured a bevy of entertainment sources during the weekend-long lineup of events. The excitement kicked off with the annual Battle of the Bands, took place on Friday at 9:00pm in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Roughly 30,000 students, faculty, alumni, and fans packed the Superdome to witness Southern University’s very own Human Jukebox marching band battle against Grambling State University. The Human Jukebox came out presenting bright visuals and blue and gold color schemes on their uniforms, which only served to make the soulful songs played throughout the night even more potent for those in attendance.
“The Human Jukebox really impressed me with their variety of song selections!” said Dasia Sullivan, a freshman biology major from Augusta, Georgia. The Jukebox was able to mix modern hit songs and old school classics to provide a listening experience that many fans appreciated. Every year, the Battle of the Bands has been dedicated to filling up the Superdome and celebrating the hottest HBCU bands to take the stadium. This year’s Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands presented performances that, according to the fans in attendance, lived up to the hype. Another event that took place during the Bayou Classic See CLASSIC page 6
(Jairus Moore/DIGEST)
(Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
(Tiffany Williams/DIGEST)
2019 Bayou Classic Stepshow Champions
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Sigma Chapter (Te’yannah Owens/DIGEST)
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Tau Chapter (Te’yannah Owens/DIGEST)
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Page 6 - Tuesday, Deecmber 3, 2019
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Black Women in the Music Industry Keenon Glover
The Southern Digest
The state of modern day R&B and soul has been an area of much criticism over the past couple of decades. This isn’t because artists have stopped making good music, but rather, the masses have stopped consuming and appreciating it. This year’s Soul Train Awards exemplified this point as Ari Lennox, one of the more prominent R&B and Soul artists of the decade, was snubbed for Best Soul Album
in favor of Lizzo’s Cuz I Miss You. Lennox, who made her debut in 2009, has been a part of J Cole’s Dreamville Records since 2015. She has been one of the more consistent, yet underrated artists in the genre since her initial debut. While Lizzo has had an unprecedented year commercially, marketed as one of the best musicians of the year, there’s a difference between making good music and music that is good for the soul. With Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox reopened the door to a genre that hasn’t a classic in over a decade, and she gave it one. There was no question as to whether or not it fit the prerequisites of what makes soul music great, because you could feel it in the music. Lizzo made a great album, and will have a long career as a diverse and talented artist that broke down walls in her own right for musicians who sound and look like her. At the Soul Train Awards this year however, she wasn’t the creator of the years best soul album. Until artists who are true to their lane of music are represented and respected on mainstream platforms such as award shows, the true creators of such music shouldn’t participate in what has been shown to be predetermined popularity tests. Outside of this instance, however, the complications for black women in the music industry don’t cease. Freshman R&B singer Summer Walker is an interesting example. The singer’s initial following
Top
was drawn in by the melancholic Atlantanative’s enchanting use of alternative neosoul, which pleasingly contrasts with her tattooed and grungy exterior. Following the success of her renown single “Girl’s Need Love” and debut album Over It, Walker became a focal point for 21st century R&B, whisking her from the comfort of her social media performances to real-life performances. Within this career growth, however, one can also notice an artistic decline with Walker’s latest work becoming less and less reflective of her natural sound. Many fans have theorized that the artist has been pushed into following a trend of ‘trapsoul’ by her record label, LoveRenaissance, noticing her new sound and appearance mimicking that of artists such as Bryson Tiller and PARTYNEXTDOOR. This became even more apparent with surrounding controversy regarding Walker’s ironically named ‘First and Last Tour’, particularly her lackluster stage performances and distant interaction with fans. Although she has always been vocal on her difficulties with social anxiety and public interaction, Summer Walker has recently made headlines for these issues manifesting within her quick rise to fame. In this decade, true artists are being made to bend to the norms of an industry that doesn’t believe in longevity and the quality of good music. For artists such as Ari Lennox and Summer Walker, this shift only serves to do a disservice to creators everywhere. As long a marketability and views are valued over substance, the amount of truly good music will only continue to decline.
CLASSIC FROM page 5 weekend was the Bayou Classic Fan Fest 2019, which was jampacked with numerous artists and special guests. This year’s fest was sponsored by Cox, Q93.3, iHeart Radio and Morris Bart. Friends, fans, students, and Alumni got to experience a collection of entertainment from a plethora of local artists from the New Orleans area, including artists such as Tonya Boyd Cannon, Sherwood Marty, Mista Cain and Scotty Cain. Additionally, artists such as Roca B, Denesia, Young Juve, Choppa Style, and King Bronze we’re also in attendance and performed. In an interview with Fresh x Reckless, the performer Junya spoke about his overall experience performing and experiencing this years Bayou Classic. “The performance was great [and] the fans were amazing!” said Junya. This year’s Bayou Classic presented its fair share of show stoppers and notable events, both musically and otherwise. With the Jags claiming a victory in the football game as well, this years Bayou Classic will be one to remember.
BEAT ALCORN! Diamond Butler/DIGEST
Bayou Classic Moments 1. Comedian Sheryl Underwood judges the Greek Show, with special guest & television personality Terrence J making an appearance as well. 2. The Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. took home 1st place at the Greek Show. 3. The Human Jukebox outshines the Grambling Band at Battle of the Bands. 4. People stepped out in their best outfits to attend the Greek After party. 5. Allegedly, a building almost collapses, which led to a moments of panic from people in attendance at the Parade. 6. Artist E-40 performs at Fan Fest. 7. Southern wins the Bayou Classic for the second consecutive year, making them back to back SWAC West champions. 8. Quarterback Ladarius Skelton wins Bayou Classic MVP. 9. SU students take to Twitter to state GSU stands for “Go Southern University.” 10. The Human Jukebox pays tribute to re-elected Govenor John Bel Edwards.
Te’yanah Owens/DIGEST
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Post Grad Depression: Keith Lewis
The Southern Digest
Embarking on a life unknown is a common fear amongst college graduates. Your next move is dark and obscure. The uncertainty starts to kick in as soon as the congratulations and celebrations die down. Your journey is your legacy, and will you leave it memorable and remarkable or fade away as just another number? Post-Grad depression stems from years of being systematically prone to being rushed through each phase of life. You aboard the train in grade-school and it pushes you to be good enough for middle school, which pushes you to prepare for high school and that drowns college down your throat. As soon as you are here, it’s straight to internships, jobs, management skills, and how are you going to change the future essays. Now you’ve slaved to get to your destination and you’re at a screeching halt. How does the quote go? “Work your whole life so that you can get to the point to where you can work you whole life...” The 8am classes, the responsibility, the predetermined structure all to receive that piece of paper that certifies you in your respective field. The disturbing fact is that that is not enough. The fact that you stayed up late nights for that A in comm. law or your nursing classes doesn’t matter. Those late nights in Pinchback, who cares. Practicing piano for your proficiency until your fingers develop stage 1 arthritis, oh well. You come to this unsettling thought after jobs routinely “pass
up” your resume. As time and time again, the employer repeats the words “we aren’t really hiring this quarter, but we’ll keep your application on file.” In a recent report from the Pew Research Center 44% of grads are working in a field that doesn’t require a college degree. Bachelor of Arts in computer science but working as a night time security guard. Now a plan must be developed to obtain a reasonable income. Six-months until repayment on your loans, three months until your parents are tired of seeing you at home (or you are tired of being there). Those refund checks, gone. Friends that you could laugh about being broke with, are now distant. Those café meals we love to hate, no more. Now you’re hungry, mentally and literally. You’re hungry for a break in life, “there’s no way I did all this for nothing” you start to think. You wonder if you’re good enough and why it was so simple to create those vision boards but to put it into fruition seems futile. However, keep your head up grad! You’ve weathered the storm. You are a graduate of THE Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College. Where “fighting the system” is a weekly pass-time. Scratching and crawling to get ahead is common amongst peers who want the same goals. You are going to face heart ache and pain, but the end goal is so much sweeter. Engrave your name in the world and give them proof you were here Kings and Queens. Post-grad depression is a sadden truth but a healable one. Focus on your goals. Remember how you got here.
WISHING EVERYONE GOOD LUCK DURING FINAL EXAMS! - OFFICE OF STUDENT MEDIA
Tuesday, Deecmber 3, 2019 - Page 7
No Place Like Home Keenon Glover
The Southern Digest
For some Jaguars, the place they call home is just over the hump. For others, it’s a couple hours away: a midnight drive to New Orleans or Natchez. When you’re home is around the corner, surviving in college is a lot less intimidating. When the holidays roll around, the pleasant ride back home to comfort and security is always a promise. Although you may be living on your own, you’re never too far from the nest to be left without what’s needed. However, for some Jaguars, home is farther than a trip to Cuba, and for many that’s far from a dramatization. When the winter holidays roll around - Thanksgiving, Christmas and even birthdays - those students who are so far removed from home are exposed to a cold truth: they won’t be spending the holidays with those who love them. This state of isolation is prime
time for maturity, as these students have to learn how to be on their own much sooner than many of their classmates. Mayberry and Dunn are closed? No choice but to eat elsewhere, and let’s hope the holidays aren’t shutting the closest dining options down. Could they go actually go home? Of course the choice is there, but for the average college student, an almost $400 ticket for a week at home is a trade they can’t afford to make. Could they celebrate with friends? Maybe they could spend that time with those who they’ve built connections with away from home: a friend or anyone with a kitchen to cook in. However, these options aren’t common, considering these friends will often be with family as well. And even if they are available, there really is no place like home. I was lucky enough to have a friend welcome me into her home for Thanksgiving break, and she definitely ensured
my stay felt like I was right back in Los Angeles. Even then, I still missed the comfort of family, and any family I do have in the area never invited me over. Imagine that isolation, during the most family-oriented time of the year. So with all the melancholic testimonial I can offer, let’s lighten the conversation up. What can you do to help a friend too far away from home? The answer is simple: give them what you would want. If you were thousands of miles away from home, would you want to get a taste of the warmth of family? Assuming you would, help your friend experience that too. Bring them to the family reunion, fake last name included. Let them cook a sweet potato pie with your Mama, you can sit this year out. Take them all around your city, and throw them into the rich culture you have to offer. There will never be any place like home, but your home is wherever you make it.
Did Someone Say Food Stamps? Garland Johnson
The Southern Digest
Being a college student comes with facing a lot of adversity. Learning how to maintain and budget the way your money is spent in college is very important. Of course, studying and getting good grades are a priority, but the main thing that keeps us alive is FOOD! Just like money, food comes and goes....down our stomach. Every college student can relate to having those late nights when we’re hungry and in desperate need of something to eat. There’s nothing worse than an empty stomach on a Tuesday night and having nothing to eat because the cafe just closed. I know It hurts and no one wants to feel like that. The bottom line is that even though we’re in school, we need to eat too! This is why college students should take advantage of food stamps. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a
government program that helps college students that are eligible to receive a monthly supply of food stamps. The amount awarded depends on the personal information that is provided. Two of the requirements are that the student must be presently enrolled in an institution and work at least 20 hours per week with the proper documents for proof. Sophomore social work major Ashley Johnson feels that “Full time students who don’t live on campus should be able to receive food stamps regardless of if they have a job or not. Some people don’t have meal plans and should be given something else as a substitute. It should be food stamps”. This is an interesting position because some students aren’t capable of working a job and focusing on school at the same time. Food stamps can really help students with getting groceries and help our chance of survival
in college a little better. Food is essential for brain flow and body activity that gives students the ability to go out and perform well in our classes. Junior agriculture major, Christopher Amos, says that “In college we need food. I think food stamps is perfect for college students and it helps us rack up on food for the month.” Unless you’ve been in school before, you wouldn’t know about how college can actually be a struggle sometimes, especially when it comes to food. As a fellow college student, I’m always looking for different ways to get food for free and I feel like this is another program out there that we should at least try and take advantage of, at least for our stomach’s sake. If you’re a college student and you feel that you may qualify, you should go ahead and apply for free. We no longer need to struggle to survive, for food stamps have arrived.
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Page 8 - Tuesday, December 3, 2019
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