Vol. 61, issue 7 by The Blue Banner

V O L . 6 1 , I S S U E 7 I W E D N E S D AY, O C T. 1 5 , 2 0 1 4 I T H E B L U E B A N N E R . N E T

New anonymous app gets students on campus yakking SARAH COFFELT scoffelt@unca.edu Contributor

It’s the scribbles on the bathroom stall of social media. Difference is, you’re using your phone instead of the pen in your back pocket. College students across the United States are using a new application, Yik Yak, which recently became a huge hit at UNC Asheville. Its anonymity can be enticing, but Sam Groesbeck, senior management student, says sometimes, the effects aren’t rewarding. “The anonymity is also bad because people just kind of feel that it’s a no-consequences thing and say whatever they want,” Groesbeck says. “They’re not really thinking about how it affects other people.” Yik Yak is a free app created by two Kappa Alpha fraternity brothers from Furman University. It was initially made for Greek organizations on college campuses, so people could post anonymous messages read by others within a 1.5 mile radius, according to Business Insider. The app can be used to post or scroll through messages, but for Zack Martin, mechatronics student, and Eric Edelstein, a psychology student, the application provides a means of fun competition. “I just got to the point where I wanted to be at the top of the board,” Martin says. Martin says he posted at most 76 times in one day, trying to make it to the top of the board.

Photo Illustration by Brian Vu - Photography Editor

A new social app, Yik Yak, allows users to post anonymously to a hyper-localized forum. And he succeeded. “The weird thing is that of those 76, about 20 of them were at the top of the board.” Martin says. “The first 20 were all mine.” “Whoa, whoa, whoa – I was in there that day too,”

Edelstein says, interrupting Martin. “I had like three or four posts.” Other students, like Keenan Devaney, sophomore Spanish student, rarely use the application for posting. Devaney says

he spends most of his time on Yik Yak reading posts. “Unless I come up with something really clever, I’m just going to continue reading and staying on that side of things.” But what makes this ap-

plication so controversial? Yik Yak can be used as a cloak for people to express their opinions without fear of retribution. But anonymity is a double-edged sword. The application can be

used to bully different people, according to Adweek. “People can take shots at other people, and then have no backlash because no one knows who it is,” Devaney says. “So they can really take advantage of the whole anonymous posting without as many consequences.” Yik Yak does have a self-regulating policy. If students see a post that is negative or inappropriate, they can downvote it. “We’re in Asheville and Asheville seems to be pretty accepting,” Martin says. “Whenever there is any sort of lash out that I’ve seen, it instantly gets five downvotes, or people comment.” As for UNCA, the Yik Yak posts are more positive than negative and people on campus enjoy the application because of this, Martin says. Devaney, Edelstein and Martin all have one thing in common: the belief that Yik Yak’s existence at UNCA is funny, uplifting, and for the most part, positive. But that belief can differ elsewhere. According to an AP Regional State Report from Mississippi, a student at the University of Southern Mississippi was arrested and charged for posting a threat to cause injury on Yik Yak. Luckily, Asheville tells a different story. “The most negative posts I’ve seen have actually been about depression and feeling lonely.” Devaney says. “Which if I went to read the comments, all of the comments were positive afterwards.”

Local authorities crack down on property crimes BLAKE WILLIS

bwillis2@unca.edu contributor

Asheville residents have numerous tools, such as locking doors and reporting suspicious behavior, at their disposal to harden themselves against property crimes, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. “I felt relieved that nothing was taken. I knew the area itself wasn’t the greatest,” said Sebastian

Gurrola, a 22-year-old junior at UNC Asheville, as he recalls his mom’s experience with a property crime. “My mom was upset for obviously financial reasons, but also because someone broke into the car.” In 2013, there were 1,300 cases assigned to the property crimes division, which was a 27.6 percent increase from 2012, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities cleared 599 cases, resulting in a 46.08

percent clearance rate. “Typically most of the crimes that we deal with are property crimes, breaking and entering and things of that nature,” said Natalie Bailey, the public information officer at Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. She said most of the time people commit these crimes looking for valuable items to trade for drugs or to get money for drugs. “Most of what we’ve

found is that at the heart of all those crimes is some kind of dependence on some type of controlled substance,” Bailey said. She said thieves commonly check door handles for unlocked vehicles. If they come across an unlocked door, they easily gain access to the vehicle’s contents. Detective Sarah Hofecker, former employee at the property crimes division of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office,

said locking your doors hardens residents against theft. Some people say they have the right to not lock their doors, but others may gain entry to their car and valuables as a result. “All it takes is five minutes,” Hofecker said. Hofecker said some people use a lost dog as an excuse to check out potential targets. They will knock on the door and if nobody answers or they don’t hear a dog barking, they’ll see the

residence as an easy target. She said if someone answers the door, they would just say they’re looking for their lost dog. “They work in teams of two, sometimes utilizing a female because people are more inclined to hold a conversation with a female than a male,” Bailey said. Bailey said residents should call 911 if they see anyone suspicious. An officer will come out and

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Study finds no link between compassion and meditation VALERIE McMURRAY vrmcmurr@unca.edu Asst. News Editor

Contrary to what scientists at Emory University were expecting in their recent study, meditation showed no effect on brain systems associated with compassion. The study’s findings were presented at a workshop, “The Heart and Science of Compassion: An Introduction to Cognitively-Based Compassion Training” at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center on Sept. 27. “We must address the Dalai Lama in addressing compassion,” said Lobsang Tenzin Negi, director of the Emory-Tibet Partnership and former Buddhist monk. “He says that at a basic level, compassion, which is called in Tibetan, nying je, is understood mainly in terms of empathy, how you would enter into and to some ex-

tent share others’ suffering.” The large, federally-funded study focused on of the effects of meditation practices on well-being and health. Jennifer Mascaro, a biological anthropologist who has studied the effectiveness of CBCT since 2010, presented the findings. Study participants also did not self-report feeling more compassion after meditation. Negi created the meditation training in 2004 to help reduce the prevalence of stress among students at Emory University in Atlanta, where he is a lecturer in the religious department. According to the UNCA website, CBCT is intended as an introduction to compassion practices drawn from the Lojong tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, “a systematic practice of gradually training the

mind in compassion until altruism becomes spontaneous.” Sophie Mills, professor of the humanities, presented the workshop along with UNC School of Medicine Asheville and Mars Hill University. Mascaro’s team did find that the meditation group scored better on a task measuring empathy than the control group. The meditation group had 11 percent odds of improving their score due to increase in activity in areas of the brain responsible for decoding others’ facial expressions. Mascaro said one drawback to the test for the purposes of their study is people don’t usually see photos of expressions – they see real people. The test activated the areas of the brain responsible for sensing others’ feelings and the areas for detecting threats.

“We really wanted to see if differences in physiology and neural activity accounted for differences in behavior,” Mascaro said. The study included 30 people, ages 25 to 55, who were inexperienced with meditation. The control group held a weekly health discussion of various topics rather than meditating. They were asked to self-report, among other personal background information, levels of spiritual meaning and anxiety in their lives. Scientists did not find people reporting high levels of spiritual meaning going into the study reporting higher levels of compassion, contrary to their expectations. Mascaro said people higher in spiritual meaning endorsed a lot of more fundamentalist spiritual traditions. For their current study, Mascaro’s team is recruit-

ing veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and gone through front line treatments. They’re not really suffering from acute PTSD symptoms anymore, but they continue to report interpersonal symptoms. They are also recruiting second-year medical students for training in compassion meditation. “There’s a lot of research showing that well-being takes a huge hit in medical school, but parallel to that, empathy does as well. Those are cognitively related. We want to see if compassion meditation has effects on those two features,” Mascaro said. Recent research reveals empathy and compassion are more different than neuroscientists realized. Tests show eliciting compassion stimulates the same reward and motivation systems triggered by eating chocolate, viewing

potential mates or abusing drugs. “The other reason I think this is interesting is that in my other line of work we look at parental empathy and caregiving so there’s a lot of research now showing that this system is a proactive motivation to care for offspring,” Mascaro said. “I think it fits in well with how Buddhist contemplatives think about compassion.” Negi said the empathy and compassion a parent feels for their child could extend to unlimited care for others in need. He intends for meditation learners to take advantage of their pro-social feelings. “This I would call an engaged form of compassion that may lead one to actually do something to alleviate another’s suffering and to promote their well-being,” Negi said.

College value outmatched, faculty say SGA continues plans to increase student voting, participation ERIN DALTON

edalton@unca.edu Contributor

Students question the value of college, but faculty at UNC Asheville say it is about the experience and developing skill sets for future careers. According to PEW Research Trends, students’ views of college vary significantly by major, while the first outlook on college is from a financial standpoint. Financial aid is under threat, said Jeff Konz, the dean of social science. According to a 2011 survey by PEW Research, 57 percent of the general public say higher education systems fail to provide students with good value for the money they spend, while 86 percent of college graduates say college was a good investment. “Financial aid concerns stem from delicate tension between legislation and universities,” said Lisa Friedenberg, professor of psychology. Studies show the overall expenses for attending college increased over the years, making it harder on lower income families to sustain going to school. “It is very hard for undergraduates. We have made going to college a way for social mobility,” said Sophie Mills, a professor of classics and a National Endowment for the Humanities distinguished professor of humanities. “Kids are expected to finish high school and continue on to college in many households, in terms of higher education,” said Cory Cheeks, a 23-yearold UNCA alumnus working retail and sales.

CRIME

The Pew Research Center survey confirms what generations of parents have told their children: to get a good job, get a good education. “I would not say the value for higher education has decreased, we just have more people completing undergraduate degrees,” said Emma Bussard, UNCA alumna and volunteer for the Peace Corps in Africa. According to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, a bachelor’s degree value is at an alltime high. PEW Research Trends said as one achieves more education, thoughts on the usefulness of education getting them ready for the workforce increases. Those who do not go to college find jobs and careers without the degree; however, college gives that next edge for that career, according to Konz. According to the Federal Economist, college graduates earn about 61 percent more per year than high school graduates. “When you have bare minimum you cannot successfully support yourself and go to school,” Cheeks said. Colleges now do their best to accommodate all socioeconomic statuses and background, according to faculty members. Friedenberg said there is no necessary link between talent and socia-economics. “There is much more diversity of students, and not just demographics but in their interest, their thoughts,” she said. This accommodation is seen as a historical progression because before a

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check the area to make sure it’s safe. She said a call can lead to property being recovered, and those responsible can be caught and held accountable. Bailey said the sheriff’s office also has good rela-

tionships with pawnshop brokers in the area to prevent stolen goods being traded in for cash. There’s a system called “LeadsOnline” and all the pawnshops participate in the program. “It happens more often

college degree was a luxury of the upper class, faculty members said. “College is the best tool for social mobility,” Konz said. College is not purely about getting a job, but to give intellectual growth, breadth of experience and connections, according to Mills. Konz himself was a first-generation college student and said it opened up opportunities, enriched life and gave him the ability to continue learning about the world. According to PEW Trend Research, 47 percent of the public said college is to teach work-related skills and knowledge, while 39 percent say it is to help the student grow personally and intellectually. “I truly understand how UNCA shaped my critical and creative thinking tools, especially with my current job as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa. I am required to really think outside of the box in terms of how I can help my community using limited resources and in a way that is sustainable and builds capacity of natives,” Bussard said. Ultimately colleges look at what they provide for the student, faculty members said, and these traits and the degree that make college all worth it. “Its value was what I perceived it to be. It should be a time to be social, to explore new things,” Cheeks said. According to PEW Research Trends, most public and private colleges and their graduates agree that college pays off. “What are you using, which metrics, to compare

to each other?” Friedenberg said According to FRBSF Economic Letter, for most Americans the path to higher future earnings involves a four-year college degree. PEW Research studies found 50 percent of university presidents say college is to help them mature and grow intellectually, 48 percent say it is to provide skills, knowledge, and training for the work force. “A college degree is an indicator to employers that you can work and complete tasks assigned to you effectively,” Konz said. He said liberal arts are particularly valuable. “A liberal arts degree is not easier than a typical degree. In my mind, it is more thorough and requires more imaginative minds,” Bussard said. “It provides students the ability to think analytically and communicate,” Konz said. “University of North Carolina at Asheville gives students breath. We strive to give them different connections,” Mills said According to PEW Research Trends, 6-in-10 college presidents say the system of higher education is heading in the right direction. “Even though it was probably the most stressful five years of my entire life, it taught me so many lessons,” Bussard said. Cheeks said college is a tool to a more successful life because it increases the chance for a career. “It is not just self-indulgence, but to broaden and better understand the world we live in,” Konz said.

than you think,” Hofecker said. Residents can record their serial numbers as a safety net, Bailey said. Hofecker said she positions her TV and electronics out of view of the windows so that people can’t see what valuable items she has. “If I didn’t live in an apartment where lots of people live around me, I

would have a security system,” Hofecker said. “I highly recommend them.” She said victims of theft should call 911, and the operator will direct them to the correct jurisdiction. “This is good so that people can know what resources are out there,” Bailey said.

AUSTIN HANNA

ahanna@unca.edu SGA Contributor

Students of UNC Asheville, including this year’s largest incoming freshman class in history, regardless of their hometown, now hold state residency, giving them an important role in the upcoming midterm elections. In preparation for Election Day, the Student Government Association launched a massive, eightweek effort to educate students about a number of issues surrounding voting. Their goal aimed to register all UNCA students and dispel common myths brought on by recent changes to voter registration laws. “We have collaborated at tables, in classrooms, residence halls, meetings, at events and off campus to be a resource and advocate for voters,” said James Whalen, SGA president. To achieve their goal, SGA partnered with Residential Education, Student North Carolina Association of Educators, Students for a Democratic Society, Model U.N., Black Student Association, College

Democrats and Young Americans for Liberty. The student organizations kicked off their effort at the beginning of the school year and successfully registered more than 400 students by North Carolina’s Oct. 10 voter registration deadline. “Very few students refused registration and anyone who was unsure re¬registered,” Whalen said. SGA plans to continue providing resources to student voters throughout the semester. In the plan’s second phase, SGA will transition to an informative role. “We will distribute nonpartisan information, host candidate forums and encourage classroom discussion,” Whalen said. The organization will also offer shuttles to polling locations on voting day, he said. “Voting is a private action with public consequences,” Whalen said. “No one vote is enough, but every vote sends a rippling message that encourages more and more students to follow our example.”

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features

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EDITOR: CORY A. THOMPSON I CORYETC@GMAIL.COM

Beat from the Street By Larisa Karr - lakarr@unca.edu - Contributor

Many stories lurk throughout Asheville, whether they be behind the Vaudevillian jazz-folk played by buskers around Pritchard Park, the colorful businesses decorated with funky, hand-made crafts or the laughter echoing from a patio as locals and tourists alike enjoy delicious beer.

Ashley Seller Winston-Salem native

Tell me a bit about your style philosophy? “To be honest, I just kind of roll into my closet and roll back out. I’m all about jewelry, bracelets, and hair and I just throw on whatever matches.” Do you have anything that inspires you creatively? “I would say nature. I could just sit on a rock surrounded by water for hours. I can actually think.”

What are your favorite colors? “Green and purple, hence the purple hair.” What brought you to Asheville?

“I was here last weekend with a friend of mine who has a friend of hers who lives here and we were coming here to hang out and have a couple beers.

“Then, we ran into some street musicians and we hung out with them for a couple hours and I had a really great time. So, we switched numbers and now I’m here.”

Photos by Larisa Karr - Contributor

Shasta Iverson

native of Mt. Shasta City, California Tell me about yourself: “I’m a gem and mineral dealer and digger. I dig my own stuff from all over the country. I do jewelry as well.” How would you describe your style? “I don’t know about a style. I’m just me.” Does what you do influence the way you dress? “Yes, absolutely. Digging gemstones and putting stuff together like this is my passion, my career and my hobby all at

once. We go out to the woods and the deserts, dig it up and bring it to the people. A lot of this stuff is from New Mexico and Arizona and all the big crystals come from Mount Ida, Arkansas. What are your favorite colors? “I like earth tones for clothing. I like to wear not white but tan because I play in the dirt. “My favorite color is probably turquoise. It’s always been my favorite color.”

“I was in the service. I got sent overseas and I came back kind of messed up so I just kind of fell back into stones. I always liked them, even as a kid. “I had some high anxiety issues going on and was a little shook up from the whole experience. Working with stones toned my life down quite a bit. “I think that there’s always something somebody can do to get out there.”

What inspired you to start doing this?

African student builds new life in America, continues studies CALLIE JENNINGS cjenning@unca.edu Staff Writer

After moving from his home in Onitsha, Nigeria, Emeka Okonkwo, a senior, represents the growing number of international students enrolling at UNC Asheville to continue their education in the United States. “I came here from Nigeria with my parents and my siblings on March 7, 2011. My dad won the American Visa Lottery. So when my dad applied, he was lucky that he won it, but I was already in the university. I was in pharmacy school,” Okonkwo said. According to Okonkwo, people in Africa apply for these lotteries in hopes to gain the liberties to come to live in America as a permanent resident. After five years, they can apply for citizenship. Okonkwo and his family came straight to Charlotte to live in an apartment that

a family friend found for them. “I wanted to come to America – I was 20 when we moved here, but it was hard to leave my friends and everyone we knew. But I knew I had to try and adapt to make new friends. Which was hard because I was all about staying inside, not going out. I was trying to stay home,” Okonkwo said. According to Okonkwo two months passed with little accomplished. “It was time for me to get back to school. That’s one of the reasons I was so willing to come with my dad here. I have more opportunities at school here than I would in Nigeria. So I applied,” Okonkwo said. Okonkwo applied to many schools including UNC Charlotte, UNCA and South Carolina University. Okonkwo, after only being in the United States for three months and armed with his transcripts from

Nigeria, was denied. The universities did not yet see him as a resident of North Carolina and told him he would need to pay out-ofstate tuition. “I went to so many universities but they all said I would have to pay outof-state. That got me mad. I went home and told my dad that they said I would have to wait a year to be an in-state student, but if I want to start right now I would have to pay outof-state,” Okonkwo said. “They gave me options, like loans and things, but no, I didn’t want to do that. So I told my dad I wanted to go back to Nigeria. I wasn’t enjoying America anymore.” Okonkwo’s mindset of starting school right away and begged his father to pay for a plane ticket to send him home so he could be in pharmacy school again. His father refused. “He told me I needed to have patience and adapt to American life. I am so

happy today that he did that, but I wasn’t happy with him at the time, we had little Emeka Okonkwo conversation. So I started making calls to anyone who would get me a ticket so I could go back home,” Okonkwo said. Finally, after a year of waiting and working, Okonkwo was finally able to go to school. He chose UNCA because of the pharmacy school program, the scenery and the distance from his home. “After the first month, I started making connections and I have good friends here. Not that I wouldn’t like to go back to Nigeria and visit those friends, but we’re not as close as we used to be. I want to stay in America ever since I started school

in Asheville. Okonkwo graduates in May and he has not been back to visit Nigeria since he moved here. “Emeka is a great guy, very fun and down to earth. He truly embodies the spirit of positivity. There hasn’t been a time where I haven’t seen a smile on his face or he isn’t trying to help someone,” said Mirlesna Azor, community director of Founders Hall. Azor worked with Okonkwo two years now and she herself can relate to his story. Azor moved to Boston from her hometown of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. “If you are an international student or if you’re coming from another country there are things that are going to make you love it or hate it. Quite often people don’t realize that in media, America is portrayed as something and you have to find out what that something is for you.

It was a big leap of faith. I’m glad that he stayed,” Azor said. Someone else who is glad he stayed is Jazz Person, a junior. Person and Okonkwo dated for the past two years. “I first met Emeka on bingo night my freshman year, two years ago. Toward the end of the night this tall guy saunters over and just stands over us, it was really weird. But he talked to my friend in order to figure out who I was and told her he was interested in getting to know me,” Person said. Person agrees with Azor that Okonkwo is very positive. “He’s always laughing. He encourages other people to get in a better mood but I don’t think he realizes how impactful his personality is. If people see him not talking they find it scary because it’s not normal. I’m just glad he has finally found a good place to be,” Person said.

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Faculty Spotlight

Photo by Rachel Ingram - Copy Desk Chief

Assistant Professor Ameena Batada received the UNC Asheville Community Connector Award for academic and civic engagement last April.

Faculty member discusses students, social change RACHEL INGRAM ringram@unca.edu Copy Desk Chief

Are you still working toward any life goals? What’s the next step for you? “I’m fairly new in this environment so I’m still learning about the culture of an academic setting. Part of my goal going forward is to become a better teacher and better learner. I also want to become better at integrating the community work, the teaching and learning, and students and the research I do. “Long term, I’d like to just become better at what I’m doing. I’m not going

anywhere. I don’t have aspirations to move up in the administration here, or to go work at a different place or to change careers. I like what I do, so my goal is to just keep doing it and become better.” What do you think your students would say about you? “Oh, that would probably vary on a day-to-day basis. I have had students tell me that they think I am thoughtful and intentional and they sense that I care about their learning. I think those are some of the things they would say about me. And those are the kinds of things that I

want to be.” What are some things you hope to see changed in our world in your lifetime? “There are several concrete things I would like to see. I would love to see limits on the kinds of foods that can be marketed to children, in terms of federal legislation. I would also like to see broader social change in terms of institutional practices around racism. “Also, an overhaul of how we treat children in schools. Our prison systems are another place where I think we could really do much better. I

think a lot of this is rooted in racism and prejudice in our society.” If you could enact one piece of legislation, what would it be? “It’s hard for me to pick, but at the top of my mind right now is the debate over gay marriage. This is really one of the issues of our time. I’d legalize marriage between two people, with beneﬁts and everything that come with it, for everyone in our country and hopefully around the world as well.” What are your teaching strategies?

“I’ve been on a personal mission to incorporate more contemplative practices into both the classroom as well as to my own processing as an instructor. I’ve also been thinking a lot about a ﬂatter world and our role as faculty members in the classroom. “We’re at a time now that’s different than any other time. Students have access to as much as, sometimes more, information than we do. I think that’s exciting because students can bring so much to the classroom, both personally and from their own research of what’s out there. “But it’s also made me question the academic

model and how we could potentially evolve it.” What’s been on your mind lately? “We are moving away from this model of professors as holders of the information and students as the recipients. Students are not receptacles that we just ﬁll -- we have exchanges. I think that’s important. Not only is there an exchange, but there’s a value to what we can all bring to the classroom. “Then it becomes more of a conversation about issues, and isn’t that what education should be, instead of just a ﬁlling-up of information?

Alumnus opens wellness center, reﬂects on time spent at UNCA TINA LANGFORD

clangfor@unca.edu Staff Writer

The education received at UNC Asheville continues to serve alumni later in life, said Phillip Ramsey, an alumnus from UNCA, who graduated with a psychology degree in 1997. “The liberal arts program at UNCA was very helpful for me,” Ramsey said. “I’m perhaps part of the student minority that thoroughly enjoyed the arts and ideas and humanities programs.” Ramsey also said he feels thankful for the exposure to subjects outside of his course of study. “In the long run they exposed me to a lot of literature and history that I would not have been exposed to by just studying within the conﬁnes of my major,” Ramsey said. Ramsey opened The Cultivation Center earlier this year. It functions as a community wellness center just off of Central Avenue. The center offers licensed therapy, qui gong, aikido and other wellness outlets for his clients. “The goal behind starting the center was to bring togeth-

er my professional interests, along with some personal interests I acquired by continuing my education, studying Chinese medicine and martial arts together in one place,” he said. Ramsey also became a licensed marriage and family therapist through Appalachian State University in 2000. He furthered his education by pursuing interest in Chinese medicine and martial arts at the Daoist Traditions College in Asheville, where he also became a licensed acupuncturist in the state of North Carolina. “Because Phil opened the center later in life, he is able to offer many different things to the community,” said Marie Ramsey, his wife and business partner. “Everything has come together in once place. The feel and energy of the center is very purposeful, even down to the ambience of the place, because he has so much experience and has put hours of thought into it all.” “I went to acupuncture school after getting my psychology degree and then becoming a therapist because I saw the strong potential for acupuncture and Chinese

medicine traditions to work on both physical and emotional issues and obstacles,” Ramsey said. Ramsey used a combination of his scholastic background to establish his own business. “I’m able to offer something to just about everyone,” Ramsey said. “Counseling services and therapy classes, acupuncture and the elements of qui gong and aikido – all come together in resonance and harmony.” Admiring the city in which his first alma mater resides, Ramsey decided to stay in Asheville permanently after first moving here in 1989 to complete his degree. “Asheville and the UNCA community is a great fit for the center and what I do,” Ramsey said. “There is such an emphasis here on health, wellness, healing and people just wanting to better their lives all around.” In June, Buncombe County received the 2014 RWJF Culture of Health Prize awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “I’ve learned that Asheville is one of the best places to network in the health and wellness field.”

sports

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EDITOR: ASHIKA RAVAL I ARAVAL@UNCA.EDU

Paul Egle, a senior at UNCA, puts himself between an opposing team’s player as he defends the ball during a game.

Photo by Adrian Etheridge - Contributor

Senior soccer star plans to finish season strong ASHIKA RAVAL

araval@unca.edu Sports Editor

As UNC Asheville’s men’s team soccer enters the second-half of their fall season, senior players are stepping up and leaving a mark on the team. Paul Egle, one of seven graduating players this year, opened his senior year by helping the Bulldogs gain their first victory this season with an unassisted goal against USC Upstate. Since then, Egle continues to keep the team strong with multiple assists and kicks. During Egle’s first two years at UNCA, he started in 15 games each season. During his junior season

Egle started and played in all 19 games. Starting off as a forward and midfielder, this season he is mostly found on the back of the field as a defender, but he continues to play as a versatile player. “Which one I like really just depends on the individual game, but I like all three. It also just depends on where coach places me each game,” said Egle. Egle’s dedication to soccer started around age four, playing all four years at Roberson High, as well as club soccer. “I played all sports growing up. I was so hyper so my mom just had to get me involved in sports. It was between basketball and soccer and I just loved

soccer,” Egle said. “When I was younger I always wanted to play pro, but I mean as you get older you’re like okay can I actually play in college? And I decided yeah, I do want to, so here I am.” As Egle joined the team his freshman year, Matt Kern, head coach, was also in the beginning years of his career as head soccer coach at UNCA. “My freshman year we were pretty good, my sophomore year we weren’t that good – it was a learning experience, but that was the first couple of years having a new coach and he was working to change the dynamics of the team,” said Egle. “It takes time; it takes four to five years to

make that change. So far this season, it seems we have a good team. I think coach has done a good job at changing the culture and making us better.” According to Egle, Coach Kern isn’t on strict discipline, but he definitely places a heavy structure on the team that helped shift them into becoming a more soccer oriented team. “I feel like me and the other seniors this year definitely made an impact on the team. I mean we were one of the first classes that Matt brought in. Over the past four years we came in and definitely changed things,” Egle said. Egle said this year the freshman look to him for advice and he feels pres-

sure to step up as a leader. He says as a senior leader it is important to have a good relationship with the players as well as a strong relationship with the coach. “His knowledge of the game is superior and he contributes strong ideas to the group. In the past three years he’s developed immensely as a leader on the field and in the weight room being a good example for the younger guys,” said Dan Jackson, Bulldog’s senior goalkeeper. Scoring the team’s highlight goal last season with a 1-0 victory over sixth ranked Coastal Carolina, Egle stands strong as one of the strongest players for the Bulldogs.

“Scoring the winning goal against Coastal was definitely the best moment on the team, for me personally and for the team. Anytime we win it’s the best. Winning is rare in college, especially beating a team like Coastal,” said Egle. Egle says his confidence on the field and position as a top player may seem effortless, but he works hard for it. “Paul is one of a kind. He is a tremendous guy that brings laughter and plenty of humor to the team. His ability on the field to perform at a high level is consistent and an easy stand out in the conference,” Jackson said.

Hornets spend pre-season training camp at UNCA HARRISON SLAUGHTER

jslaught@unca.edu Staff Writer

During the first week of October the newly renamed Charlotte Hornets held their training camp in the Kimmel Arena on UNC Asheville’s campus. “I like it in Asheville. It’s a cool atmosphere up here in the mountains,” Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, small forward for the Charlotte Hornets. “I haven’t had a chance to get around and check anything out besides UNCA and the hotel, but I like it because there aren’t any distractions here in Asheville.” P.J. Hairston, rookie small forward for the Charlotte Hornets, said he remembers playing

UNCA when he was a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill. “I didn’t get to see much when we came up to play my freshman year, but I remember the fan base is crazy and the view of the mountains is lovely. Clearly it’s a great place to be,” Hairston said. “It’s very quiet and no one bothers you. It’s definitely low key. I can just come in and get my work out in and go back to the hotel. It’s cool because they have their own little downtown area that is fun to walk around.” This marks the third consecutive year the Hornets traveled to UNCA for their preseason training camp. Their record improved every season since beginning training camp in Asheville.

“The guys that are under contract and also the guys who are free agents trying to make the team are really good organization wise which is really critical because with five guys out there at a time, if one man can’t execute the play properly, it can really throw the team off going forward,” said Steve Clifford, head coach of the Charlotte Hornets. “The guys have done a really good job with that both days so far.” According to Clifford, the second day scrimmage went very well. He was very proud of how many of the things they worked on in practice had translated over to the scrimmage so quickly. Al Jefferson and KiddGilchrist are two notable names of players who

worked hard this summer to improve their game, Clifford said. “I’d love to get the same play out of Jefferson that he gave us last year. The thing I like about him is that he’s working on it. He came to me saying he wanted to work on his pick and roll defense,” Clifford said. “His whole attitude is great. I sense more of hunger to have a year like last year more than I do any complacency with how well he played. I do know that he sees what the possibilities are for this group. He’s just competitive and he wants to win.” Kidd-Gilchrist is well known in the NBA for having one of the weirdest forms when shooting the ball. “I think my jump shot is coming along very well.

I have put in a lot of hard work during the summer,” Kidd-Gilchrist said. “I fixed everything. I can’t really name one thing. I put in the time with my footwork, elbow motion, all the way to the follow through.” Lance Stephenson, newly acquired shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets, said he feels like he came in at just the right time. “I feel like the Hornets still have a lot to prove. They just changed the name, we got new players. It feels like a new beginning,” Stephenson said. “This year, we just need to get off to a good start and win.” According to Stephenson, everybody is all about the team. These guys have great hearts and are all about winning.

“Training camp is always physical. We have to get everybody tough and ready for the big boys because this is a great league,” Stephenson said. “I’m definitely ready for the preseason and getting things started for the new season.” Kidd-Gilchrist said he is ready for the season and just wants to have fun. “I see my role as playing defense, of course, offense and just go out there and hoop. I don’t feel any pressure being seen as one of the better defenders in the league. I’m just learning something new every day, and I feel like we still have something left to prove. I want to get back to the playoffs, like I said -- I’m just out here to have fun at the end of the day.

T H E B L U E B A N N E R I W E D N E S D AY, O C T. 1 5 , 2 0 1 4 I T H E B L U E B A N N E R . N E T

On the Trail

SPORTS CALENDAR OCT. 15 - 21 Oct. 15 Kayak Roll Session Student Recreation Center Pool 7:30 p.m.

Exploring local nature spots

RACHEL INGRAM ringram@unca.edu Copy Desk Chief

s the leaves begin to change and tourist season in Western North Carolina reaches its peak, Asheville locals can retreat down hidden paths and enjoy some of the best secluded views the region offers. Black Balsam Knob Difficulty: The Art Loeb trail up Black Balsam is 1.5 miles to the peak.The first section of

the trail winds through a dense, young forest. Next, the steep and rocky trail climbs straight up the side of the mountain, heavily eroded in some places from excessive use. The long ridge that encompasses Black Balsam and Tennent Mountains is flat and grassy, making it the ideal location for a picnic or tossing around a Frisbee disc. Getting there: From Asheville, follow the Blue Ridge Parkway south. After passing mile marker 419, begin to look for a brown sign reading “Black Balsam,” indicating a road to the right. Follow this road for

0.5 miles to the a small trailhead where the Mountains-to-Sea trail and Art Loeb trail intersect. The worn shoulder reveals roadside parking. The treasure: The 6,200 feet summit of Black Balsam grants a 360 degree view. The grassy, mountain-top meadows are the ideal setting for photography, camping, stargazing or just a quick break on a single day hike. This ridge continues nearly three miles before the trail drops back into the trees, eventually leading to the Shining Rock Wilderness area.

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Yogalates 351 Sherrill Center 5:30 p.m. Oct. 16 Spin Express 213-B Student Recreation Center 7 a.m. Oct. 17 Volleyball vs. Gardner-Webb Justice Center 7 p.m. Oct. 18 Women’s Soccer vs. Coastal Carolina Greenwood Field 2 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Winthrop Greenwood Field 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19 Spin 213B Student Recreation Center 5:30 p.m. Oct. 21 Abs Blast 351 Sherrill Center 12:15 p.m. Fit in 5 351 Sherrill Center 12:30 p.m.

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opinion

THE BLUE BANNER’S VIEW #StudentVote remains crucial for local, state elections

As stud e n t s head into their final stretch of the semester, in addition to writing paGRACE pers and RAPER building Editor-In-Chief p r e s e n tations, they should also seize their opportunity to make their voices heard instead of ignoring the continuation of a failing system. The common stigma of low-voter turnout in the United States in recent years does not hold true in one area -- students. According to a study by Edison Research, 21 percent of eligible voters in the United States make up the 18 to 29-year-old demographic. Many traditional college students fall within that demographic, making them a key voting source. In the 2012 election, 19 percent of 18 to 29 year olds cast their ballots, making it one of the highest demographic turnout rates. Furthermore, 60 percent voted for Barack Obama,

clenching the highest youth vote for the Democrats in 30 years. However, students can’t afford to be complacent in their voting habits and only turn up to vote for the occasional candidate. Part of becoming an adult citizen allows the access to a voting booth -- some-

thing countless individuals across many minority and gender lines courageously strove to achieve. The ability to choose your government appears to be broken in the minds of many Americans. As of September 2014, only a meager 14 percent of Americans approved of

Congress, according to a Gallup poll. While sitting out might seem the logical or only choice, it is prudent to remember that the United States still claims the title of a representative democracy. When approximately a quarter of qualified voters lie in a key demographic,

excuses to sit out of election day run dry. If there is ever to be a change in America, it must come at the hands of those educated enough to recognize the broken system and care about their future generations. It’s easy to pretend your vote doesn’t matter, but

when that apathy breeds across all lines on a national level and only 57 percent of the population turns out to the polls, part of that failure will eventually fall on your shoulders. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, voter turnout dipped 5 percent from 2008 to 2012, effectively neutralizing the previous 5 percent bump up from the 2004 to 2008 elections. Many explanations could be offered, but the falling approval ratings for both Congress and the president are perhaps the most telling. Recently introduced voter ID laws didn’t inhibit students from reaching the polls in 2012, despite many concerns. As courts across the nation begin striking these laws down as unconstitutional, any barrier they posed will be virtually nonexistent by the 2016 presidential campaign. Voting was once a crucial part of citizenship -students fought for their right to make their voices heard and now they have the opportunity. They should continue fighting to encourage fellow peers and colleagues to represent themselves and the changes they’d like to see.

Unsure where to vote?

Head to www.ncsbe.gov to find your nearest polling location.

Between the Signs

The Blue Banner Editorial Board

A.V. SHERK

asherk@unca.edu News Editor

Aries March 21 - April 20 It’s time to talk with your friend or significant other about the problem you’ve been sweeping under the rug. Beware of temper flares -- you can’t expect others to read your mind. Taurus April 21 - May 21 You may feel like you have your hands full, so this week may be the time to cut some commitments. Weigh what you bring to your friendships and see if the scales are even. Gemini May 22 - June 21 Tighten the belt and the purse strings, because overspending now will cause you trouble in the long run. Try to step above game-playing and be the bigger person you’re meant to be. Cancer June 22 - July 22 Identity shifts and defining moments shaped your life for the past two weeks. Find a way to merge your old self with your new independence as the theme of change continues.

Leo July 23 - Aug. 22 With your many projects and busy social schedule you may verge on fizzling out if you aren’t careful. Cut the dead weight and don’t make any promises you can’t keep this week.

Karpen Hall 019

Sagittarius Nov. 23 - Dec. 21 Sometimes it’s better to be respected than liked. While you rarely hold back your opinion, it’ll take careful but firm leadership to work within a team this week.

Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 22

Capricorn Dec. 22 - Jan. 20

Despite your best efforts and intentions, you can’t continue to pick up others’ slack any longer. Be clear in your expectations and unafraid to part ways if there is no way to compromise.

It’s time to give those closest to you top priority, but try not to fall into the role of the martyr or fixer. Don’t get baited into a battle of wills this week, even when you know you’re right.

Libra Sept. 22 - Oct. 22 This week calls on you to determine what you need to rise to the top. Introspection combined with confident action can shape you into the new and improved person you want to be. Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 22 As the week rolls on, you’ll finally be able to put the stake in those emotional vampires which haunted you too long. Now is the time to try your hand at influencing the future through mentoring those less experienced in your field.

Aquarius Jan. 21 Feb. 19 Take care of yourself in the weeks to come; eat seasonally, mix Eastern and Western healing methods, breathwork and meditation. You may need to consider and reconsider what is “truth” to you and if it’s always necessary to share it. Pisces Feb. 20 - March 20 If you feel your life, particularly your love life, is a river raging out of control it’s time to stop and swim ashore. Instead of ignoring it, let envy be your compass.

(828)251-6586

www.thebluebanner.net

Grace Raper, Editor-in-Chief graper@unca.edu

Brian Vu, Photography Editor bvu@unca.edu

A.V. Sherk, News Editor asherk@unca.edu

Jorja Smith, Multimedia Editor jsmith8@unca.edu

Valerie McMurray, Assistant News Editor vrmcmurr@unca.edu

Emily Honeycutt, Layout Editor ehoneycu@unca.edu

Cory A. Thompson, Features Editor coryetc@gmail.com

Tim Barrett, Co-Business Manager tbarrett@unca.edu

Ashika Raval, Sports Editor araval@unca.edu

Tyler Sprinkle, Co-Business Manager tsprinkl@unca.edu

Shanee Simhoni, Political Correspondent ssimhoni@unca.edu

Michael Gouge, Faculty Adviser mgouge@unca.edu

Have a news tip?

Send to graper@unca.edu

The Blue Banner is UNC Asheville’s student newspaper. We publish each Wednesday except during summer sessions, finals week and holiday breaks. Our office is located in Karpen Hall 019. The Blue Banner is a designated forum for free speech and welcomes letters to the editor, considering them on basis of interest, space and timeliness. Letters and articles should be emailed to the editor-in-chief or the appropriate section editor. Letters should include the writer’s name, year in school and major or other relationshiop to UNCA. Include a telephone number to aid in verification. All articles are subject to editing.

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