Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, April 2, 2018
Volume 98 Issue 7
Touring the Intrepid Student Veterans hosts virtual tour Cheyenne Cole
museum in person, whether it’s because they are disabled Managing Editor or unable to make the trip for other reasons. Cameron University’s “Our mission here at the Student Veterans of museum is to promote the America (SVA) chapter awareness and understanding hosted a live, virtual tour of of history, science and service the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Complex on in order to honor our heroes, educate the public and the Hudson River in New York at 4:30 p.m., March 29, inspire,” she said. Between 1943 and 1974, in the MCC Ballroom as a part of Academic Festival X: about 50,000 people served on the USS Intrepid. American Identities in the She said the museum tour 21st Century. is about more than just seeing Museum Educator for artifacts on the ship. Access Programs Charlotte “We have some cool stuff Martin provided a tour to the audience via Skype of the here,” she said, “but it’s also about telling stories of the aircraft carrier launched in 1943 and used by the United people who lived and worked and served on this ship.” States during World War Martin started on the II, the Cold War and the flight deck, where more than Vietnam War. two dozen restored aircraft Martin said the are displayed. institution uses these “We have this wide range programs to reach out to of aircraft here,” she said, those who can’t see the
“I loved how she [Charlotte Martin] highlighted the good experiences along with the bad and how the soldiers found positive ways to keep the morale up while they were going through the painful experiences of war.” - Jason Poudrier Adviser for Student Veterans of America
“and part of the reason we have that is because we have this amazing aircraft restoration team at this museum.” Then she moved on to the hangar deck and the third deck, where she said museum visitors really get the chance to hear about individual stories because it’s where the crew members lived. “Intrepid was unsual for how long it served, which is amazing for us as a museum,” she said, “because we can cover so much time and there are so many crew member stories that we’ve been able to collect.” Here she showed the viewers primary sources like clothing, patches for specific crew jobs, calendars, planners and one of her own favorite items — liberty cuffs. Martin explained that the crew would sew a patch with something that represented them, like dragons or sharks, on the inside of their sleeves since they could not personalize their uniforms. “When they were on the ship or doing official duties representing the ship, they could keep their cuffs down. Everything looks totally normal. Then when they get off the ship, they could roll up the sleeves and show some of their personality.” CU SVA faculty adviser Jason Poudrier met Martin through one of her colleagues and worked with her to do the museum’s first-ever virtual tour at the Norman Veterans Center in Oklahoma.
Poudrier thought a tour through the museum would align perfectly with the SVA’s purpose, which is to increase the entire student body’s knowledge about veterans. “It’s [the SVA’s mission] not just to serve other veterans,” he said, “but to help educate others about veterans and what their experiences are.” Poudrier said the tour fell under the festival subtheme “America’s Place in the World.” “Looking at the different missions that it served with World War II and Vietnam
and for its tenure that Charlotte Martin shared with us,” he said, “it was a part of the battle of winning World War II — that represents America’s place as a world leader and world power.” As a veteran, Poudrier said the tour made him reflect on his own time in the military. “When I was overseas, there was the mission, and there were the people who brought life to the mission. You have to find ways to entertain yourselves. “I loved how she highlighted the good
experiences along with the bad and how the soldiers found positive ways to keep the morale up while they were going through the painful experiences of war.” Poudrier will moderate a “Diversity in the Military” festival discussion panel with veterans who received their U.S. citizenship through military service from 4-5 p.m., April 17, in the CETES Conference Center. For more information about Academic Festival X events, visit www.cameron. edu/festivalx/calendar-ofevents.
Photos by Cheyenne Cole and courtesy of Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Complex
Exploring the Intrepid: The CU Student Veterans of America chapter faculty adviser Jason Poudrier (below) introduces Museum Educator for Access Charlotte Martin (above), who provided a virtual tour of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Complex at 4:30 p.m., March 29, in the MCC Ballroom.
What’s inside Recap: Events in March Page 2
CU students protest gun violence
‘A Wrinkle in Time’ disappoints
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News
April 2, 2018
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Spring Break Retrospective
CU gives students a voice Stacie Larsen News Editor
Prior to Spring Break, Cameron University hosted a variety of events that highlighted diversity on campus, including Fashion Week, India Night and Open Mic Night. Cameron University’s Events Management Administrative Assistant Kate Powers said that being part of organizing campus events has given her a chance to see and appreciate diversity on campus. Powers said she thinks events not only provide a way for students, faculty and staff to explore and celebrate their personal identities, but also give them a way of sharing their cultural beliefs and backgrounds with others. “The really unique thing about being an admin in events management,” Powers said,” is that you get to create opportunities for people to come together to learn and grow not only as students but also as individuals.” She also said she thinks it’s important that universities host events. “It showcases our voice as a campus. It creates a
Photos by Stacie Larsen
dialogue for any platform.” She said what she enjoys most about her job is having an opportunity to see others celebrate different aspects of their lives and to be able to be a part of that process.
Fashion Week
At 7:30 p.m., on March 10, in the campus theatre, Cameron University’s International Club sponsored a fashion show featuring designs by Cameron alumna Merita Tyrell-Mitchell, who also directed the show. Tyrell-Mitchell said she began hosting the fashion show at Cameron in 2012 to raise scholarship funds for international students. However, she wanted to host a free show, so she decided to use this year’s event to design and present her own clothing for the first time. As a previous student and member of Cameron’s International Club, she not only wanted to give back to the community, but also help others see that Cameron is not a university that only caters to people from Oklahoma. “If you think about it, Cameron University is a staple in the community,” she said. “So many people have gone through its doors.” She said being from another country can be hard. However, during her time at Cameron, the faculty and staff were nothing but kind and accommodating. “When I first came to Cameron, I felt so at home,” she said. “I felt so comfortable. I give back in every possible way that I can.” Tyrell-Mitchell said Cameron students modeled her designs. In exchange for admission, event attendees brought at least two non-perishable food items. Tyrell-Mitchell gave all donated items to Unity of Lawton and Salvation Army. She hopes attendees left the event with an appreciation for their community and a willingness to serve others as much as they can.
India Night
At 6 p.m., on March 9, Cameron University hosted its 15th annual India Night in the MCC ballroom. The event featured authentic Indian cuisine catered by Himalayas Aroma of India, including main dishes, appetizers and dessert. The event continued with Food Network Star Aarti
Sequera as the keynote speaker, followed by a Bollywood performance by Infused Performing Arts in the Cameron Theatre. Director of Events Management Jonna Turner said she thinks it’s important to understand where people come from and why they think the way they do. “I think the more you know ... the easier it is to find compromise on certain things and find some common ground, too,” Turner said, “which was a big highlight of what Aarti talked about. “We want people to learn. We want them to have fun, and we want them to leave feeling like they know more about the India culture.” Turner said Sequera was India Night’s first female keynote speaker. Sequera said she was intrigued by the fact that Cameron had a tradition of hosting India night. “I was really taken back actually,” Sequera said. “Seeing people who were not Indian wearing Indian clothes and being excited about it…makes me proud of my culture all over again.”
Open Mic Night
At 6:30 p.m., on March 17, Sigma Tau Delta hosted one of their Open Mic Nights featuring 2016 Oklahoma book award finalist Jenny Yang Cropp at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Professor of English Dr. John G. Morris served as the events emcee and said the organization’s monthly Open Mic Nights serve as a forum for those who want the opportunity to read their own creative work. Morris said he requires his creative-writing students to participate in the readings with the hope they gain an appreciation for the performing aspect of creative writing, which can help with the revision process. “It’s also important to have a voice [but] to have people listen to. These days, people tend to listen to each other increasingly
infrequently, and it’s nice to have an opportunity for people to actually pay attention. “But, I think if anyone is very serious about being a writer, then performance in a public forum is a must.” Cropp said she attended the Open Mic Night as part of Cameron’s Festival X Reading series, “American Identities in the 21st Century.” “I write a lot about identity,” Cropp said, “so it was a good match for me to come in as part of the festival.” As a prior student and English teacher at Cameron, Cropp said she was excited about attending the event and getting the opportunity to read some of her more recent work. “Between the years 2000-2002, there were a few years where I was back in Lawton,” she said. “I was taking some classes at Cameron, and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I kind of knew I wanted to be a writer, but I didn’t yet know that I was a poet. I was trying my hand at it. “I would go to the Open Mics. It was back when they were at forgotten works. I remember the rooms being packed with young people and how scary it was to get up. “To get up and share something, you’re so vulnerable,” Cropp said. “It’s a very emotional experience, and it was formative for me to do it there, to do it in a community like this where people were so generous and supportive. “Getting that positive feedback encouraged me to keep going and keep trying.” She said the opportunity to be part of the event meant a great deal to her. “Its home. It’s my community,” she said. “I feel like my identity is rooted in these kind of events. Who I am is this person who got started in this way.”
Student Life
April 2, 2018
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‘18 Graduation Fair www.aggiecentral.com
Ready, set, grad: Cameron University hosted its biannual Graduation Fair from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 14, in the MCC Ballroom. At the fair, participating students purchased their caps and gowns, alumni memberships, took graduation pictures, purchased class rings and various other Jostens graduation memorabilia. Students were also able to speak to advisers about what to expect during graduation and Career Services about post-graduation plans.
Photos by Madison Lyda
CU students take a stand
Joining a nationwide walkout Katie Livingston
which is unaffiliated with Cameron University, deleted Jones’ announcements Staff Writer for the event - twice. Jones felt as though this treatment was At 10 a.m., March 14, students from unfair, a result of administrators personally Cameron University joined students across the nation by walking out of class to protest disagreeing with the nature of the event, rather than a result of Jones breaking the gun violence. The walkout, organized by sophomore English major Briley Jones, was a group’s rules. “I contacted one of the admins, and response to the Feb. 14 Parkland shooting. she said my post was deleted because my Cameron students met outside of personal views differed from those of the library, some with signs and others Cameron,” Jones said. with only their words, to call for stricter “Which they don’t, because it’s a regulations on guns in the name of student university and students are encouraged to safety. With the police present, as well as faculty express themselves.” After being unable to promote the event members and various local media outlets, on the Cameron University Group, he took the protest went over peacefully. to The Lawton Grapevine Facebook Group. For Jones, the process of organizing the On March 7, Jones posted about the event was rife with obstacles. event: “I hung up flyers around campus, and I let people know on social media.” Jones said. “Even though I was kicked out of some of the groups on social media for voicing my opinion.” Jones originally attempted to promote the event on the Not long after Jones made the post, Cameron University comments began flowing in. Some urged Facebook Group, a protesters to stay in school, while others privately run Facebook mocked and even threatened Jones. group for students to communicate with one another. The group,
For Jones, the message was important and long overdue. “School shootings are constantly shoved down our throats,” Jones said. “It’s time to take a stand and say ‘enough is enough.’” Basham said it wasn’t about the number of people; instead, it was about being seen. She felt that they accomplished Kassidy Basham, a freshmen political that, and she looked to the future as science major who helped Jones organize opportunity to continue the conversation. the walkout, felt that the backlash they “We’ve broken the ice. We’ve seen the experienced was a result of being located in a reactions,” she said. “It’s time to keep largely conservative area. She urged against trying.” squelching other people’s ideas. Jones also believed that the walkout “In any place where there’s a strong was beneficial specifically for Cameron leaning to one side we need to be sure that University by showing students that they we’re not silencing the other,” Basham said. can protest - that they have a right to voice Regardless of comments, Jones was their opinions. optimistic. Jones felt the small protest was a big “I’m pretty happy with the turn out deal for a typically quiet campus, with little considering how many people tried to student activism. silence me,” Jones said. “We need more activism on campus and On the day of the protest, students we need students to express their opinions stood in front of the library holding and express themselves.” signs that read things like “‘Guns don’t Basham thought that the walkout was kill people’ … Um yes they do” and “I don’t beneficial in that it encouraged discussion. know how to explain to you that you should She hopes to see a more active campus care about other people.” in the future, where people on all sides of Students also took the time to vocalize an issue are willing to communicate with their beliefs. one another and represent their ideals. Though the protest was “We have to have a conscious student small, Jones saw the event body,” she said. “We have to talk to one as a success because of the another and learn a little bit more.” media attention that it For student activists at Cameron, this is received. only the beginning. “We got our opinion out to the “Be prepared.” Jones said. “Because we’re community and possibly beyond the here to stay.” community,” Jones said.
Graphics by Madison Lyda
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Voices
April 2, 2018
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Trump and the war on drugs Justin Rose
declared the start of the war by saying drug abuse is public enemy number one. Staff Writer However, his effort to rid the country In a recent rally, President Trump spoke of drugs didn’t just focus on incarcerating again about enacting the death penalty people. for drug dealers. This kind of rhetoric is Nixon told Congress the same year that dangerous. if they wanted to eliminate drug abuse, they Countries like Singapore and the must rehabilitate the drug user first. Philippines have similar policies regarding Nixon wasn’t all talk either, at least for the execution of drug dealers, and the first year of his presidency. their processes have been extremely, During his time in office, more money unequivocally violent. got spent on the treatment, prevention and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s education on drugs, than the policing of war on drugs alone has led to the deaths of them. thousands of his own citizens. But by the start of his 1972 campaign, he Attorney General Jeff Sessions told started to lean far-right on the issue, leading federal prosecutors to seek the most severe to the creation of the Drug Enforcement penalties for drug offenses. Administration. On multiple occasions, Sessions has The goal of this organization is to put expressed his distaste for marijuana. more of an emphasis on fighting drugs He is quoted saying marijuana is only through the criminal justice system. slightly less dangerous than heroin, and that In 1973, Nixon proposed mandatory no good person has ever smoked the plant. minimum sentencing for drug crimes. Could this administration lead us to a However, he resigned before his proposal new war on drugs? What would this new could take shape. war look like? Fast forward to the 1980s, Ronald To understand the dangers that a new Reagan is president, and the war on drugs is war on drugs might bring, let us look at the about to reach its peak. first drug war, led by Richard Nixon and In the early stages of his presidency, Ronald Reagan. Reagan declared illicit drugs a direct threat It was in June of 1971 when Nixon to the country’s national security.
He also signed numerous pieces of legislation, including the Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Law of 1986. These laws had drug offenders, who only had minor infractions, face a lifetime of consequences. These laws also led to a significant increase in incarcerations for nonviolent drug offenses. The same laws were later criticized for having racist ramifications. This is because longer prison sentences were given to drug offenses dealing with crack cocaine, rather than offenses dealing with the same amount of powdered cocaine. Crack cocaine had been used more often by black Americans, while powdered cocaine became used more by white Americans. The same critics point toward data showing that black Americans are targeted and arrested on suspicion of drug use at a higher rate than white Americans, despite using drugs at the same rate. While technically the war on drugs is still being fought today, it certainly doesn’t have the same intensity or support as it had in the past. Barack Obama did a lot during his presidency to roll back a lot of the drug war policies put in place by previous
administrations. Obama’s administration green-lighted states to implement their own laws on recreational marijuana use, and he also spoke publicly against mass incarceration and mandatory minimum drug sentencing. Maybe the most important thing he did when it came to the rolling back of these policies was to make people think about drug addiction and abuse as a health issue rather than a criminal issue. If Trump does follow through with this policy change and go back to the old ways of dealing with drug abuse and addiction, what would it look like? Supporters of this kind of policy say that having harsh sentencing for these crimes will act as a deterrent. However, if we look to our past for answers, we can see that it won’t be that easy. Critics of Trump’s proposal say that it will again lead to more people in jail while not solving the root causes of drug addiction. Also, more people will be scared to seek treatment for their addiction. This will lead to an increase in deaths as a result. That is a terrible thing to think about, especially since we are currently in the midst of an opioid crisis.
gun or weapon the perpetrator used. Instead, the person who took part in the gruesome events should be examined thoroughly for any mental disabilities that could have led to the certain behavior. If you look at the Aurora, Colorado, shooter James Holmes’ mental health record, you will come across a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and schizotypal disorder. Sadly, these disorders weren’t noticed until after the deadly 2012 shooting. Take another shooter, for example: Dylan Roof. He murdered nine church goers in Charleston, South Carolina, and records show he may have suffered from autism. The list of mass murderers who suffer from mental health disorders can go on and on. The underlying truth behind these shootings isn’t always the weapon used to do so.
Today, we live in a society in which it is legal for people to possess and carry firearms with the proper training to do so. What makes our society so dangerous, though, is ignoring simple signs that could lead to destructive behavior. Until we the people admit that we have a mental health problem instead of the easyto-blame gun problem, we won’t see a proper change that many are calling for. No one wants to see innocent people murdered for no reason. If there is any way we could prevent these horrible acts from happening, it must start with further behavioral health examinations and screenings—not gun control. Sometimes, we fail to give those who need the proper treatment what they desperately need. We as a society must take a stand to help where we can and not sit back and blame it on something that truly isn’t the problem.
Gun control or mental healthcare? Zack Crow
When there are calls to take away guns or heavily restrict them, it appears the calls Staff Writer are for a change in the Constitution. This is something Abraham Lincoln warned against Considering recent school shootings, during a speech in Kalamazoo, Michigan in particularly the Valentine’s Day Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in Parkland, 1856. He said, “Don’t interfere with anything in Florida, many have started protesting to show the Constitution. That must be maintained, their disappointment in current gun laws. for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.” For those who lost friends and family It is humorous to think that the same members in the shooting, this is a so-called people who are speaking out about wanting to time of “revolution” and “change.” change portions of the Constitution are using To that I ask, what exactly needs to a constitutional right to do so. “change?” While this protest may be something For as long as our nation has existed, most people don’t exactly side with, one could citizens have graciously reserved the right argue the students who are participating to bear arms; a right given to the people by in the rallies are brave in standing up for the second amendment of the United States something they believe in; it just doesn’t Constitution. exactly make sense why they are protesting Our 242-year-old republic is established this particular issue. on the principle of the people being able to When looking at the whole debate of gun defend themselves against any kind of threat, control, we should take our attention off what both foreign and domestic. About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
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Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.
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The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.
Managing Editor - Cheyenne Cole A&E Editor - Sarae Ticeahkie News Editor - Stacie Larsen Sports Editor - Drue Watkins Student Life Editor - Madison Lyda Voices Editor - Payton Williams Copy Editor - Drue Watkins Aggie Central Editor - Jeff Larson Social Media Editor - Kerry Schoonaert
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Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Zack Crow, Miranda Fritts, Robert King, Katie Livingston, Justin Rose, Trevin Stevenson, Markel Turrell Advertising Manager - Cheyenne Cole Faculty Adviser - Mr. David Bublitz
All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by regular mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@cameron. edu or they may be dropped off at our office - Academic Commons 101 or at www.aggiecentral.com.
A&E
April 2, 2018
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CU spring concert 2018
Photo by Miranda Fritts
A simple melody: On March 6, Cameron University hosted the first spring concert of 2018 in the theatre. Choir Director Dr. Christian Morren began the night by introducing the concert theme, which included American composers and song writers, performed by The Cameron Concert Choir and Centennial Singers.
Miranda Fritts Staff Writer
The Cameron Concert Choir and Centennial Singers held their first spring concert at 7:30 p.m., March 6, in the Cameron University Theatre. Choir Director Dr. Christian Morren opened the concert by introducing herself, the theme of the concert and Centennial Singers. The theme for this concert revolved around American composers and song writers, which meant the song lyrics were predominately English. After the opening, Centennial Singers Director Doris Lambert took over for Dr. Morren and introduced the group, which included the pianist David Anderson and the drummer Dr.
Jim Lambert. The Centennial Singers led the concert in the National Anthem after Mrs. Lambert asked the audience to stand and join the recognition of our country. Immediately following the National Anthem, Mrs. Lambert went back up to the microphone to introduce the first song in their set list. In honor of our state, the Singers began the concert with the Richard Rodgers’s arrangement of “Oklahoma!” After the rendition of Oklahoma’s state song, the Centennial Singers brought in Cameron University Associate Professor Dr. Kirsten Underwood on the cello, who helped with a Rob Fisher arrangement of Leonard Berstien’s mash-up of “Take Care of This House” and
“My House.” Following the soft piece, the Singers turned up the beat again with an acapella version of “Turn the Beat Around,” with senior music majors Lorenzo Butler and Gabriel Caron as the soloists and beat boxers. Butler is an active member in the Centennial Singers and Concert Choir. He said he spent some time on perfecting his solo for “Turn the Beat Around.” “I needed a lot of breath,” he said. “I was like, ‘Where is my inhaler?’ But I thought it turned out good in the end.” At 7:30 p.m. on April 6, Butler will have his senior recital and he invites everyone to come and see the culmination of his years studying at Cameron. The Centennial Singers finished their set with Kirby Shaw’s
arrangement of “Got to Get You Into My Life” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, featuring Natasha Scharfenberg as the vocal soloist, Cameron Music Professor Dr. J.D. Little on the saxophone and music major Jason Villareal on the trumpet. Between the Centennial Singers and Concert Choir sets, Dr. Morren recognized Butler and senior music major Amy Morales, whose original compositions got accepted for publication. Dr. Morren then introduced Morales to play her composition “Reminisce” on the piano, accompanied by Underwood on the cello. After the audience applauded the original composition, Morales, as well as a few Centennial Singers, joined Concert Choir on stage for the final set.
Dr. Morren introduced the choir and the choir’s pianist Tom Willoughby. The choir sang a set of five calm, uplifting songs from American composers, including: “Set Me as a Seal” by Rene Clausen; “Sleep Eric” by Eric Whitacre; “Sure on this Shining Night” by Morten Lauridsen; and “At the River” and “Zion’s Walls” by Aaron Copland. Audience member Byron Phillips, who attended to see his girlfriend perform, said he also comes just for the overall experience. “The show was great,” he said. “The singers had beautiful voices. It really brought some life to the music presented to us.” The next Choir and Centennial Singers concert will be at 7:30 p.m., April 26, in the Cameron University Theatre.
Movie review: A ‘Wrinkle’ in the box office Caitlin Anders
stars to walk around. The perfect word to Staff Writer be used for this movie is “pointless.” Oprah Winfrey, Based off the popular Reese Witherspoon and book, “A Wrinkle in Time” Mindy Kaling portrayed hit theaters with a downpour the three peculiar beings, of disappointment. who acted as the guides and The film received a mentors for the three main critical rating of 40 percent children on a rescue mission. on Rotten Tomatoes, along Their so-called words with an audience rating of of wisdom during the 33 percent. It also scrapes by turning points in the film, with a 4/10 on IMDb. however, became boring The story follows young and disconnected from the Meg Murry as she searches storyline. They were also for her long-lost father. extremely inconsistent with After the journey, they their purpose in the story, become reunited, with the especially when they left moment of desperation and the children to complete overwhelming happiness the mission because they between the two beings very suddenly lost strength. apparent. The only excuse for this is So here’s the thing with because the writers wanted this movie: it has gorgeous to throw a roadblock in the special effects, phenomenal paths of the young heroes, costumes and makeup, and but they did it in such a poor eye-catching scenery. fashion. However, those There is also a scene when characteristics all seem to be Meg’s little brother gets present for only one reason: into danger, but the actress to distract the audience who plays Meg, Storm Reid, from the horrible script, the did not portray much of a choppy dialogue and the connection. She seemed to holes in the plotline. be only doing what it says It’s the same reason for in the script and nothing all the big-name celebrities more. There is no depth being in it; the creators knew or emotional investment the actual idea wouldn’t draw throughout the film. in audiences, so they instead Another pointless signed a bunch of well-known character is the third
Tribune News Service
A timeless tradegy: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ stars Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Mindy Kaling, who portayed the three astral travelers from the novel. The Walt Disney Pictures movie hit theaters Feb. 26. member of the young trio named Calvin. He did nothing for the story. He hardly knew the siblings, but suddenly felt the urge to join them on a dangerous adventure to a world that
represented the inside of a Dr. Seuss book. There were several scenes where Calvin frustrated me, because his activities only revolved around standing and watching all the action.
The only reason his character exists in this movie is for the purpose of a cute school-girl crush and love interest between him and Meg. Again, pointless. This movie is based off of
the five-book series “Time Quintet,” so who knows, maybe he’ll actually do more than flail his arms and make lovey-dovey eyes at Meg in the future installments, if there are any.
Sports
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By Drue Watkins Sports Editor
Bethany Hines might be a Cameron sophomore and Early Childhood Education major who loves kids, but there’s more to her than just those simple facts— she also happens to be a student-athlete who plays softball for the Aggies. Although, for Bethany, softball isn’t just a sport— it’s a huge part of her life. Since the age of three when she first picked up a bat to play tee-ball with her father, she has consistently striven to be the best she can possibly be at it, dedicating years for advancement. She’s both a primary pitcher and a second baseman on the field, throwing with her right hand but batting with her left, and she wouldn’t have
smile, “winning is always nice, too.” Winning for Bethany isn’t everything, but it’s a massive force for her as a player and as a person. She said she was practically raised to be competitive, and that her love for the game can’t always trump that. “If you aren’t out there to win, why are you playing?” she asked. “Yeah, you play for fun, but at this [collegiate] level you’re really playing to win. I feel like you have to be competitive or else you can’t go any further.” When Bethany is out playing on the field, it’s not believable to think anxiety is a problem for her, especially with a record of 7-3 on the season as a pitcher along with 56 strikeouts. However, as impactful of a player as she is, there’s just no avoiding it during games, even with her competitive streak. She says nervousness hits her before every Photos by Drue Watkins game, and there are only a few ways for that feeling it any other way. to get better. She said there’s no other “It doesn’t position for her, as pitching matter how big allows her to be in complete or how small control, making it her the game is,” favorite. “Sometimes I get stuck in she said, “I just the outfield and that’s fine,” get nervous. I calm myself she laughed. “I couldn’t down by play shortstop or third—I laughing with definitely can’t catch.” my team, or Competitive, smart and turning around humble, Bethany had a and looking fire in her eyes when she talked about her teammates, at them. Seriously,” she her sport and her goals; it assures, “that became both inspirational sounds cheesy, and spirited. but it’s true.” In fact, her teammates After are the primary reason for graduating her enjoyment of the sport; from they’re the driving force. Washington “My teammates are the best,” she said. “Just getting High School outside of to play our favorite game Norman, together, it’s the greatest Oklahoma, part. The friendships you Bethany felt make, nothing can beat those. Oh,” she added with a Cameron was ideal for her.
She got a good vibe from her visit, and her softball experience at Washington helped her adjust to Cameron’s team—especially mentally. She doesn’t want any of it changed. Softball has always come naturally to Bethany, especially because of her father. As a huge inf luence, his guidance, encouragement and compassion has aided in the establishment of Bethany’s strong mentality. She gives him loads of credit. “Softball has always been our thing,” she said, “ever since I was little. He’s a big motivating factor in it.” Even though Bethany has been extremely successful as a student-athlete, she still has challenges to face during her next two years, both physically and educationally. Her primary difficulty has been with time management, what with the juggling of games, practice, a social life, homework and, most importantly, sleep. It isn’t easy for her to get through the semesters with so little time.
“I use a planner thing,” she said. “It helps me figure out how to get things done by certain times and keep everything organized.” When Bethany isn’t striking out batters or working on her homework, she mostly finds herself hanging out with her friends, visiting with her dog Archie, and eating her favorite food, which just so happens to be popcorn. Although, she also really enjoys Mexican cuisine. “Oh,” she added quickly, “I also play Fortnite. Note that and put it in somewhere. Fortnite and popcorn.” Despite being athletic, she admitted she doesn’t eat a healthy diet, and most certainly doesn’t enjoy running. She explained that she plans on learning to enjoy running, though, for when she’s done with softball. “I have to find a way to stay in shape,” she said. “I do like lifting, so that helps.” It’s no surprise to learn Bethany has plenty of longterm goals for herself, such as running a marathon,
being on a reality television show, gaining her master’s degree in Administration, becoming a teacher and ultimately starting a family. However, regarding short-term goals, she really wants to see herself and her teammates make it to the National Tournament. To get there, Bethany knows she must work hard and continuously refine her skillset. “You can always improve on everything,” she said. “I’m going to try to get my drop ball figured out, pitching-wise, and incorporate a better rise ball. “Also, I can always get better in the batter’s box.” The Cameron softball team is performing very well this season, sitting at a 19-9 overall record, and Bethany knows her team can continue playing up to standard as long as they stick together. With all the aspirations she carries, it’s clear there is a path she wants to follow—and that path will hopefully lead her to more success.