October 30, 2019
@vsu_spectator
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HAPPY
HALL -OWEEN SPECIAL
what’s inside Blazers begin 2019-2020 women’s basketball season Even celebrities want to be celebrities From red to pink: VSU celebrates disability awareness
Special Edition
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
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October 30, 2019
Buying In: Lady Blazers embrace new changes Chris Jordan
Staff Writer cajordan@valdosta.edu The Valdosta State Women’s basketball team have lofty expectations for the upcoming season. Despite losing to Lee University 81-73 in the Gulf South Conference championship game last season, the Lady Blazers believe that this season is theirs for the taking. The voters don’t think so. The Lady Blazers are projected to finish No. 5 in the GSC, in the latest conference preseason polls. “Our players were a little upset with that,” Head coach Deandra Schirmer said. Schirmer is entering her firstyear at the helm for the Lady Blazers. The team has shown their trust in Schirmer. “With this group I’ve been very appreciative of how they’ve come in with their work ethic and they come in every single day, and they get to work,” she said. “I’m very thankful that they’ve come and bought in to the system I put in.” Coach Deandra Schirmer was an assistant at Eckerd College for five seasons and was elevated to Associate Head Coach in 2018.
Photo Courtesy of VSU Athletics The Lady Blazers finished last season 21-10 under former head coach, Carley Kuhns. Kuhns moved on to Samford University.
She’s also a former student athlete. She played at Cloud County Community, earning all-conference and all region honors as a
sophomore. Kayla Bonilla, entering her third year at point guard, will serve as one of just a few veterans on the squad. Like all athletes, she
has set her own personal goals. “I want to be all conference,” Bonilla said. “I definitely want to be top five all conference. I think I deserve it. I just have to work a
was non-conference, women’s basketball game that had a great crowd and a great following. I thought, ‘Wow, they have such a great community here and it’s great to build a program.” So let’s go back to your playing days. You had a solid career at USC Aiken, what were the biggest highlights of your career? “Personally, I will always be the first to tell you I was not a stud during my playing career. I don’t think I led my team in any statistical category, maybe rebounding. But I always prided myself on being a good teammate, I prided myself in being really coachable and Photo Courtesy of VSU Athletics being able to accept my role and Head Coach Deandra Schirmer was an assistant at Eckerd College for five seasons and was elevated help my team win. Everywhere I to Associate Head Coach in 2018. went I saw success, and that had to do with accepting my role and being the best teammate.” As someone who played as an aggressive rebounder, do There’s an ongoing debate culture. I wasn’t going to leave for Kyle Grondin you try and instill that level of about whether kids at a young just any job and was looking for Staff Writer physicality into your team? age should specialize in one the right fit. kpgrondin@valdosta.edu “Yeah I think sport or play a variety of sports. I was familiar Who: VSU Lady Lady Blazers head coach Deanteams always are Given your background do you with VSU because dra Schirmer is entering her first Blazers vs. Fort Valley going to take on feel that playing a variety has we had come to season at the helm of the Lady the identity of State merits? play here beBlazers. their coach. So, When: Nov. 8 at 5 “I think you learn valuable fore and I had a Here are a few questions from for me a big piece skills with different sports. You familiarity with the p.m. Kyle Grondin, staff writer, as he is rebounding and know volleyball is a great learnfacilities and staff Where: VSU Com- defense are hustle interviewed Schirmer: ing tool for rebounding. To read here which helped. When did you start playing plex plays. For me, I the ball in the air and react to the Then, of course, it’s basketball? All-Time: Lady Blaz- always want to ball. It can directly translate to Titletown. Blazer “I was always very energetic make sure my team rebounding. Nation is such a ers are winning the child, playing every sport. You Playing different sports allows respected thing and current all-time match- is outworking the know and my family was a you to develop different skill sets I am very fortunate up against FVSU, 7-2. other team. We did football family and then a lot of a toughness drill helps you train. Actually training to be a part of. the females played volleyball. Most recent game: the other day to different muscles that you want to When Eckerd For me, I always liked basketball Lady Blazers defeated take charges and always use on the basketball court came to VSU, because it was much more of an so it is definitely a way of cross what stood out to FVSU Nov. 9, 2018., dive on loose balls. intellectual game that I could That is something I training.” you? 71-52. play in different roles and know try to instill in how What brought you to Valdosta “I remember spethe strategy. I just kind of drifted ‘This is how a team State? cifically our players towards that and I’ve been playing wins’ games.’ “I had been at Eckerd for a will not pay attention during the since I was little but really didn’t You mentioned playing your while and for me it was a great game because they had cartoons even get into basketball as my role, and I think roles are parsituation. I had a great boss and going on with the TV and had only sport until college.” ticularly important in basketit was a great system and great sparks flying during pregame. It
Q&A: Lady Blazers head coach Deandra Schirmer begins first season
little harder than I did last season. “I was almost there last season so it’s not like it’s not reachable. I can definitely do it.” She didn’t leave out the rest of the team. “This season were trying to win most of our games definitely,” Bonilla said. “It’s going to be a couple of teams that’s going to be tough, but we can definitely come out on top, and we want to be the first team in the conference like top one or two.” Bonilla will have to adjust to the offense of coach Schirmer. But, Bonilla believes the team will buy into it. “We have a new system this year,” she said. “We’re not really running plays we’re just running sets. It’s basically new to all of us so we just have to buy in.” VSU will have an exhibition matchup versus the University of Florida on Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. in Gainsville, Florida. The Lady Blazers will have their season opener Nov. 8 against Fort Valley State at 5 P.M. at the VSU Complex. The Lady Blazers have won the last two season openers against FVSU. ball. How do you, as a coach, go about carving out the roles for your players? “I think the biggest thing with roles and having people understand what people bring to a team is being as transparent as possible. Honesty is really appreciated and players want that honesty. I’m still learning a lot of their capabilities and being honest during player meetings with how to define their role and work on developing their skills. Is being a former player help build that level of trust and relationship with the player where you can be honest? “Yeah of course. I understand to treat players as I wanted to be treated. I can relate to what they’re going through and we work hard as a staff to make sure we understand those feelings.” When did you decide coaching was what you wanted to do? “I actually started going into graphic design and I had a job in graphic design when I was graduating. Then I went to get my Master’s degree in Atlanta at Georgia State and was in a marketing program, knowing I wanted to hang up the shoes. Then for my marketing program, I remember working some of the football and basketball games and realizing I just really missed the interaction with the players I really miss the camaraderie of it and I miss being in a social setting right here on a team and you’re pushing each other for your best. Sports is like going to war every single night with your teammates. For me I really missed that and I missed having that interaction. I might be crazy because coaching is a taxing job, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
October 30, 2019
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Even Celebrities Want to be Celebrities TJ Weaver
Staff Writer tmweaver@valdosta.edu It’s finally Halloween time, folks! From the horror movie marathons to the trips to haunted houses, Halloween is a favorite holiday of many people. However, you cannot forget one of the most important parts of the Halloween season: the costumes! So today, we are going to break down some of the most iconic Halloween costumes showcased by celebrities. Let’s get into it.
never been a Lil Kim fan in the slightest, but her impact on fashion in the hip hop industry is undeniable. Beyoncé recreated Kim’s most iconic looks down to the T, from the clothes to the poses. 2) Jonathan Cheban and Kim Kardashian as Sonny and CherSay what you want about Kim, but her Halloween costumes are ALWAYS on point, and this one is no different. Both celebrities did a great job recreating the iconic look, and I cannot wait to see what Mrs. Kardashian-West decides to do this year. 3) Rihanna as a Chola ZombieRihanna’s spin on the classic Zombie costume, will never not be iconic. This costume was so different and original, and the execution was beautiful from the makeup to the clothing choice. 4) Ariana Grande and Mac Miller as Mugatu and Katinka from Zoolander- One of my favorite duos ever, Ariana and Mac look fabulous with this costume, dressing up as the villains from the 2001 movie Zoolander. They had so much chemistry together, and it shines with this costume. Rest in peace, Mac.
Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons Lil’Kim in one of her most iconic appearances.
1) Beyoncé as Lil Kim- While this isn’t especially one costume, I can’t shout out one look without showing the rest of them. I’ve
5) Katy Perry as a Flamin’ Hot Cheeto- This may be a little tame for a Katy Perry outfit, but this is very iconic. It’s so simple yet very innovative and creative. I will forever love how funny this costume is to me.
choice to some people, and I get why. Two older men dressing up as the creepy little girls from one of the most recognized horror films ever must be a bit unsettling. However, this costume will forever make me laugh. It is honestly brave of them to walk out of the house like that, so they gain my respect and admiration. 10) Lebron James as Pennywise
6) Heidi Klum as Michael Jackson in “Thriller”- Heidi Klum is another celebrity who is fantastic at showcasing crazy and creative costumes. This outfit is so similar to the original, so it’s hard not to give props to Heidi for such an outstanding costume.
Photo Courtesy of Pinterest Kylie Jenner on the stroll dressed as Christina Aguilera.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr Selena Quintanilla at one of her many famous Dallas concerts.
7) Demi Lovato as Selena Quintanilla Many celebrities have recreated the late Selena Quintanilla’s iconic looks. However, my personal favorite must be Demi Lovato’s take on one of her most recognizable outfits. Demi fits into the costume so well, and despite not being too fond of her in general, I have to give credit where it is due here. It’s is one of my favorite things that Demi Lovato has ever done.
8) Kylie Jenner as Christina Aguilera in” Dirrty”- As one of the most influential fashion icons of our generation, Kylie Jenner has to show us what she can bring to the table when it comes to giving us outfits that are memorable and iconic. Sure enough, she delivered with her spin on the classic outfit from Christina’s music video for” Dirrty”. I think the costume is spot-on, as the hair and ensemble look uncannily like what Christina was wearing in the video. 9) Bruce Willis and his pal as the Grady twins from The Shining- This may be a weird
Photo Courtesy of MGN Online Lebron James as one of the most terrifying monsters in cinema.
Last, but not least, we have Lebron James dressed up as everyone’s worst nightmare. It is scary how well put together this outfit is. I applaud James for this fantastic costume, and he looks sinister as the most infamous clown in history.
Last Minute, Cheap, DIY Halloween Costumes Jasmin Small
Staff Writer jassmall@valdosta.edu It’s almost Halloween, and it’s time to dress up! But wait, you’re in college, which means that you are most likely broke. You want to dress up, but your bank account screams no. Well, here are a few cheap, fun and easy Halloween costumes you can create. 1) When Life Gives You Lemons You will need yellow clothing. This can be a sweater, t-shirt or maybe a yellow beanie. Next, create a name tag using an index card, safety pin and a marker and title it “Life.” To complete this funny costume, go to a store and buy lemons. If you want to get your point across, buy a carton of lemonade.
2) Classic Black Cat Everyone knows the cat costume. All you need is an all-black outfit, a washable black marker, or even eyeliner and cat ears. The cat ears can be bought at your local dollar store, made using black construction paper and cutting them into triangles, or if able, you can put your hair into two space buns. 3) We Love You, Bob Ross “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” All you need is an afro possibly from a dollar store, Walmart, or Target. If you have natural hair then you can skip this step, and you’ll need a fake beard, and a couple of paintbrushes. Clothing wise, all you need is a blue collared shirt and a pair of blue jeans. 4) Feminist Icon-We Can Do It
Photos Courtesy of Flickr There are no mistakes; there is also no budget. These people know how to make it work.
This is an easy costume. All you need is a denim collar shirt or a blue collared shirt and a red bandana. And there you have it, ladies, you are the iconic 1940s Rosie the Riveter.
5) She Doesn’t Even Go Here “Four for you Glen Coco, you go Glen Coco! And none for Gretchen Weiners.”
All you need to be Damian from Mean Girls is an oversized hoodie and a pair of sunglasses. Oh, and don’t forget to yell, “She doesn’t even go here!” in a crowd.
The Spectator | www.vsuspectator.com
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October 30, 2019
Campus Life
From red to pink: VSU celebrates disability awareness Lenah Allen
Staff Writer lrallen@valdosta.edu With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to an end, the Department of Diversity and Inclusion decided to host a “Pink Out Party” on Oct. 28 to support not only victims of breast cancer, but to also spread awareness of Disability Employment Awareness Month. A lot of people don’t know about Disability Employment Awareness Month which occurs every October. Its purpose is to spread awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate all disabled employers in the U.S. Sandra Y.G Jones, director of Diversity and Inclusion said that her department wanted to combine all the events surrounding disability awareness to create a wider-scope event that would impact the campus in a bigger way. “we always want to give equal access to success and that’s what it all boils down to, being able to let people know that just because someone has a different ability doesn’t mean that they’re not hireable and doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have equal access to success.” Jones said that breast cancer is also considered a disability, which is why the name of the event is
the Pink Out Party. She hopes that her event will bring awareness about disabilities and encourage those students with disabilities to seek help at the many offices located around VSU. “Just bringing people together to let everyone know about the different areas and how they are impacted by disability as well as just letting students know about what’s going on with this issue so that they can be more aware,” she said. “a lot of our students have been impacted and I think sometimes they just appreciate the acknowledgement. Dr.Sonja Wright-Smith, director of the Access Office, said that 10 percent of VSU’s population has a disability and it’s important that those students are aware of the benefits that are not only at the Access Office, but at other offices on campus. “Right now we may be working with at least 300 or so students that are registered with our office,” she said. “The reason we partner with Diversity and Inclusion is because we want to make sure that disability services are an included part of the population for our students on campus because we have several students that are registered in our office and so we serve students with disabilities.” Kendall Collier, graduate assistant
VSU student makes the transition from student to student DJ Kaitlyn Baich
Engagement Editor kebaich@valdosta.edu From Atlanta to Valdosta, Brian Bogues, or DJ Slim B, has made a splash with not only Valdosta State students, but surrounding universities with his DJing career. Bogues’ journey with Valdosta State began in the Fall of 2016. The Atlanta native decided on VSU because of the open space offered in the city of Valdosta. “Being from the city I’m used to a lot of people and everything being far away from each other. Down the street here [Valdosta] means 2 minutes, versus in Atlanta where down the street is 15 minutes, with no traffic,” said Bogues. Before attending VSU, Bogues’ dj’ed for himself for about a year starting in Feb. 2015. After deciding to take his career public, Bogues became DJ Slim B in honor of his late grandfather, who was nicknamed “Slim,” the decision to add a “B” was simply for the ring of it. Starting his debut in his first semester at VSU in the fall of 2016, Bogues utilized social media as a way to reach more clients. With the support of his Valdosta State family, Bogues has been able to stretch himself farther than just the Blazer community. “I post highlights from events which reach other schools that lead to more bookings and more event coordinators across the state and parts of Florida,” said Bogues. Even with his outside success, Bogues continues to stay loyal to the blazers as he creates what he thinks students will find useful. “I’m currently working on creat-
ing a playlist on SoundCloud for student sot listen to for upcoming finals week as they study,” said Bogues. Creating relationships in his career became a very important part of Bogues growth in becoming a DJ, not only with his Phi Beta Sigma fraternity brothers, but even with rival dj’s. Attributing some of his drive to VSU alumni, Sequan Brown (DJ Supreme X) and senior, Khalian Brawner (DJ Ocho), Bogues continues his success in DJing because of the motivation he’s gained from friends that have turned into family. “A rival and also a brother [Brawner], he’s pushed me past my limits and continues to motivate me in many ways,” said Bogues. As his success in DJing continues to increase, his ideals have stayed the same. “Handle your business” is something he continues to live by as his career flourishes through Valdosta and surrounding cities. “A saying I received from my father, which means no matter how things are going in your personal life, business and other priorities come first above all else,” said Bogues. In handling his business, Bogues plans on DJing at an event at Columbus State University on Nov. 14. For business inquires email Bogues at djslimb03@ gmail.com.
for the Counseling Center, said that collaborating with other organizations is one way the Counseling Center has been able to increase awareness about mental health, which is why they chose to participate in the Pink Out Party. “I just think that when organizations try to do stuff by themselves it’s just a little harder to gather people,” Collier said. “What VSU is about is inclusion and working with who you have around you to let students be as great as they can in all areas.” A number of students have had personal experiences with disabilities and breast cancer. Nia Luke, a sophomore biology major and fundraiser chair for Distinguished Women of Excellence, said that’s one of the reasons her organization decided to participate in this year’s Pink Out Party. “I have family members that have suffered from breast cancer, and I just feel like it’s important for people to be aware about the issue,” Luke said. “Distinguished Women of Excellence already had an idea for the bra pong game and so we just thought it would be a nice addition to this event to create a game out here.” Daryl Lowe, assistant vice president and dean of students, made an appearance at the event and said that he’s happy to support
Signs along the grass which presented facts on breat cancer. Photo Courtesy of Lenah Allen
the event as it has a positive impact on the VSU campus. “This is a wonderful event. We promote breast cancer that affects so many college-aged women on our campus and around the country,” he said. Dr. Wright-Smith said that her department is even extending the access office’s services to other colleges and high schools that have students with disabilities. “We have invited seven different
school systems to actually bring their students with disabilities to come see the services we offer here at Valdosta state,” she said. Disability Awareness Month may be over, but the Access Office will not stop trying to spread awareness about issues surrounding disabilities and the many benefits available at their office.
Toxic masculinity discussed at VSU Breannia Stillwell Staff Writer bastillwell@valdosta.edu
Some topics are difficult to discuss and talk about among your peers. Student Diversity and Inclusion has found a way to bridge this gap by opening a space for students to comfortably speak about difficult topics. On Oct. 23, Student Diversity and Inclusion hosted a Brave Space Dialogue with the topic of toxic masculinity. Toxic masculinity refers to the harmful behavior that is commonly associated with men. Some of this harmful behavior includes men feeling the need to repress their emotions and act in an aggressive way. Sandra Y.G. Jones, Director of The Department of Student Diversity and Inclusion, started this event so hat students can express their opinions and concerns in a safe, judgment free environment. “This generation doesn’t really talk much, to sit down across from someone that’s different about a real difficult conversation, we don’t do,” Jones said. “So, I think that if we give people the opportunity in a facilitated guided conversation, there’s a bunch of opinions.” Many of the men that attended the event expressed that there are certain expectations that are put on them and these expectations causes toxic masculinity. Many times, men are told to be strong and toughen up, which prevents them from showing emotions and tapping into their feelings. Also, the expectations that are put on men causes them to limit women to a certain role which can then become toxic to women as well.
Sandra Y.G. Jonesspeaks at Brave Space dialouge. Since society expects men to be the leader, this results to women feeling inferior and being required to submit to men; when they don’t submit, the man’s ego is then challenged causing them to act in an aggressively dominant way. There are different types of toxic masculinity that often gets overlooked, for example rape culture. “We have some things that we need to traverse and change, however, there is also a rape culture, we need to deal with toxic masculinity,” Jones said. “Like when I brought up pornography there was a hush because we’re always thinking of toxic masculinity as the boyfriend beating up the girlfriend or the date rape, but what about the reason you do that; is it because of the things that you watch and the things that you get socialized to do that’s manly.”. Amanda Pennington, sophomore, said that she grew up with a lot of male friends and they often used her as a force to let emotions out on because she wasn’t a “bro”. “It was kind of weird to see them change up personalities; they’ll get more masculine around all of
our guy friends, but kind of soften up and show a more feminine side around me.” Amanda said. Amanda also said that she only recalls her father crying twice and that her father was very structured and had the mindset of “I’m a guy, I’m not going to cry”, and for her to see him have that genuine moment is powerful. Lindsey Surprenant, junior, said her experience with toxic masculinity has been negative so far. “Toxic masculinity definitely makes me not want to be around guys because if I’m going to get yelled at for anything that I say, I’m not going to be around you.” She said. Brave Space Dialogues are usually hosted once a semester in the Student Union and they cover topics that range from toxic masculinity to immigration. This event is held in the Student Union Meeting Room 2 and 6:00pm.
Photo Courtesy of Breannia Stillwell