Due South Spring 2013

How To Survive the Next Music Festival

spring 2013 • vol. 2, issue 2

HECK YES! USA turns 50, celebrating the past, present & future

It’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Time

Dressing Well Could Help you Get an “A”

trends • culture • events

We dedicate this issue of Due South to

usa PRESIDENT GordON Moulton who will retire on July 1, 2013, after 46 years of service to the University of South Alabama.

The true measure of a great university is ultimately demonstrated through the accomplishments and recognition of its graduates and the contributions of its faculty through the creation of new knowledge and ideas.

The quality of the faculty, the staff and the students in any institution ultimately drives this outcome, and I have been privileged to work with the very best.”

– Gordon Moulton University of South Alabama President 1988-2013

5 Calendar 7 New+Noteworthy 9 The 2-minute Interview

features

agenda

22

starters

9 Handsome Scoundrels Keeping punk rock alive

10 Festival Survival

Don’t forget the hula hoop

11 AMB Karaoke

13 USA Concert Choir

In honor of USA’s 50th anniversary, seven determined kayakers take a 50-mile journey along the Bartram Canoe Trail.

30

The Great War

36

School’s Out Forever

Performing with the MSO

15 LoDa Artwalk A fun-filled night for everyone

17 “Fifty Shades” Other book alternatives Editor in Chief Alyson Stokes las601@jagmail.southalabama.edu Associate Editor Anna Stanley acs407@jagmail.southalabama.edu Associate Editor Allison Woodham anw804@jagmail.southalabama.edu

Take a look at USA’s newest celebrity as he takes over the campus with his sweet dance moves and nunchuck skills.

26 Take the Bartram Challenge

Monday night revelry

the creative dept.

Cover story: Flippin’ Sweet!

Venture back in time to the year 1989 when USA’s men’s basketball team defeated the Crimson Tide for the NCAA.

Find out what happens after the most anticpated day of a student’s college career—graduation. What’s next?

Due South is published twice per academic year – once in the fall and once in the spring.

Unless otherwise noted, all content is copyrighted by Due South. Due South is a production of USA Student Media, and does not necessarily reflect the views of The University of South Alabama’s administration.

ed note

You say goodbye, I say hello

A

(SOUTHALABAMA.EDU)

h, graduation, and for those of us who aren’t graduating, summer break. They’re both what we all go to college for, right?

But, this year’s a little different. This year, we celebrate a birthday--a golden birthday. This year, the Univeristy of South Alabama turns 50, and while I know some students have already expressed their exhaustion with hearing about the anniversary and all the jazz that goes along with it, our alma mater deserves the praise.

This issue is our attempt to give back and represent that praise. It’s about discovering the past, present and future of our university. Our cover subject, Napoleon Dynamite of the University of South Alabama, is now a youthful unversity ambassador, paving the way for new traditions to come. As our writer Mary Beth Lursen discovered, he is Napoleon Dynamite. I encourage you to keep an eye out for his sweet dance moves at USA sporting events.

Cal Thomas’ beautiful language in “50 f0r 50” follows seven kayakers on a 50-mile journey down the Bartram Trail in honor of USA’s 50th anniversary.

Nursing Professer Tom Meyer’s successful attempt at completeing the Bartram Challenge honors USA’s positive impact on his life and his family.

Of course, college isn’t college without studying and graduation. Allison Woodham explores “The Lost Art of Studying” and uncovers some unusual study habits while Anna Stanley discovers some helpful post-graduation tips.

From front to back, we’ve got you covered: summer reads, the punk rock sound of The Handsome Scoundrels, new Monday night adventures at The Alabama Music Box and heaps more. This issue will relax you, it will entertain you and it will probably make you laugh a time or two. But, most importantly, it reflects our university. Love it. Take pride in it. Represent it well.

So, instead of saying “goodbye,” I’m going to say “hello” because The University of South Alabama...well, you have arrived, and I know you have many, many more great years ahead. Go Jags!

Alyson Stokes

Editor in Chief, Due South

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CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

starters

INTERVIEW

turn the page for more events

SAVE THE DATES community events May 8

PRESENTATION Looking Back: The University of South Alabama at 50 by Jennifer Z. Ekman. Bring lunch; complimentary beverages provided.

Noon. History Museum of Mobile. www.museumofmobile.com

June 13 - 15

HOT AIR BALLOONS Splashes of color fill the sky as the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival takes flight. The event is full of arts, crafts, games and a festival kick-off balloon glow.

Free. Times vary. Foley, Ala. www.southbaldwinchamber.com July 18 - 21

FISHING RODEO The Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, the largest fishing tournament in the world, now attracts over 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators.

Dauphin Island, Ala. www.adfsr.com October 4 - 6

BAYFEST

Alabama’s largest music festival celebrates its 19th anniversary with an expected crowd of more than 200,000 guests

Tickets available Summer 2013.

Downtown Mobile.

May 17 - 19

HANGOUT FESTIVAL One of the Gulf Coast’s hottest music festivals with over 60 acts featuring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Kings of Leon and Stevie Wonder.

Gulf Shores, Ala. www.hangoutmusicfest.com June 21

MOLLY RINGWALDS World’s greatest 1980s tribute band. Sheffield, England natives claim they are not just another “cover” band. Join the ‘80s experience.

11 p.m. $10. 18+ show.

Soul Kitchen Music Hall.

July 23

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND One of the popular American rock bands in concert with special guest John Butler Trio. $55-$65 plus fees on Ticketmaster.

7 p.m. - 11 p.m. The Wharf.

Orange Beach, Ala. www. amphitheateratthewharf.com October 19

BROWN BAG

Lunchtime series featuring local and regional artists playing a mix of blues, pop and jazz.

Wednesdays, 11:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Free. Bienville Square. www.ncsmobile.org

July 11

CAMERA CLUB Providing beginners to professionals with educational and skill building opportunities; open to anyone interested.

2nd Thursday. 6:30 p.m.

Faulkner State Community College. Centennial Building.

February 22

OPENING

“Noises Off” by Michael Frayn.

Friday and Saturday. 8 p.m.

Sunday. 2 p.m.

Joe Jefferson Playhouse www.joejeffersonplayers.com

Through October

STEP OUT

AT THE MUSEUM

The “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes” event consists of a 3-mile walk. All funds raised help the American Diabetes Association.

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Bienville Square.

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Through May 29

05 }

“Thursdays at the Museum” provide free admission to all galleries, special programs and light refreshments.

Thursdays. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Mobile Museum of Art.

starters

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

INTERVIEW

campus datebook SPORTS May 16

June 29

Oct. 19

6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

Student Recreation Center.

Homecoming. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Men’s Baseball vs. Troy University

Badminton (King of the Court)

Jaguar Football vs. Kent State

May 17

Aug. 29

Oct. 26

6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

TBA. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

TBA. Bobcat Statidum, San Marcos.

Men’s Baseball vs. Troy University

Jaguar Football vs. Troy University

Jaguar Football vs. Texas State

May 18

Sept. 7

Nov. 2

6:30 p.m. Stanky Field.

TBA. p.m. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

3 p.m. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Men’s Baseball vs. Troy University

Jaguar Football vs. Southern Utah

Jaguar Football vs. Arkansas State

May 22-25

Sept. 14

Nov. 23

TBA. Lafayette, La.

TBA. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

TBA. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Men’s Baseball Sun Belt Conference

Jaguar Football vs. Western Kentucky

Jaguar Football vs. Louisiana-Monroe

June 7

Sept. 28

Nov. 30

Student Recreation Center

TBA. Neyland Stadium, Tenn.

TBA. GSU Sports Arena, Atlanta

Raquetball (Beginning Singles)

Jaguar Football vs. Tenn. Volunteers

Jaguar Football vs. Georgia State

June 14

Oct. 5

Dec. 7

Student Recreation Center

TBA. Veterans Memorial Stadium

TBA. Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Table Tennis (Beginning Singles)

Jaguar Football vs. Troy

Jaguar Football vs. La. Lafayette

ARTS May 1

May 4

June 6

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Woodwind Ensemble

USA STEEL / World Music Ensemble

USA Tuba Euphonium Recital

May 2

May 5

Sept. 8

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Laidlaw Recital Hall.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 3 p.m.

Concert Choir and University Chorale

Robert Holm Faculty Piano Recital

Fisher Memorial Concert

May 4

May 5

Nov. 3

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

John Goforth Senior Recital

USA Trumpet Student Recital

Mobile Chamber Music Concert

CULTURE May 17 - 20

July 4

Aug. 17

9 a.m. Campus-wide.

Campus-wide.

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Mitchell Center.

Scuba Dive. Key Largo, Fla.

Fourth of July Holiday

JagFest (President’s Dinner Buffet)

May 25

Aug. 17

Sept. 2

7 p.m. Scott’s Landing, Causeway.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Residence Halls.

Campus-wide.

Full Moon Paddle

JagFest (Move-In Day)

Labor Day Holiday

May 27

Aug. 17

Oct. 7-8

Campus-wide.

5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Mitchell Center.

Campus-wide.

Memorial Day Holiday

JagFest (Campus Fair)

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Fall Break

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

INTERVIEW

starters

new+noteworthy EXHIBITS

RESTAURANTS

Made up of over 750 forks, spoons and knives, Dr. William P. Hood’s “Fabulous Flatware: Non Traditional Tools of the Table” gives new meaning to “set the table.”

This quirky collection can be viewed at the Mobile Museum of Art.

Moe’s Original BBQ and LoDa Bier Garten have both set up shop on Dauphin Street in the past year. Moe’s serves up award-winning cuisine and showcases live music from top bands while Bier Garten, Mobile’s first and only “authentic” German pub, boasts 75 beers on tap and over 100 bottled or can beers. Don’t forget to try a German pretzel!

Did you know?

Every Thursday is free admission to the Mobile Museum of Art. The museum is open from 10 a.m.

- 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.

(FACEBOOK.COM/DAUPHINSTREETBLUESCOMPANY)

HANGOUTS

As the weather warms, check out Dauphin Street Blues Company at the old Corner Bar location. This new addition to O’Daly’s Irish Pub serves up orginial Mobile daiquiris and is home to the $5 Black and Blue.

MUSIC

The Vivid Verbs is the latest music project to emerge in the Mobile area. “We like to think our sound is rooted in the ‘90s,” says keyboardist and vocalist Rachael Fowler. “It’s indie and alternative with a definite ‘60s influence. We’re particularly proud of our infectious melodies.” The Verbs consist of Fowler, Nick Chamblee (guitar/vocals), Kyle Coffey (bass), Justin Harrison (drums) and Kevin Reagan (guitar/vocals). { due south

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If you’re out and about downtown, keep your eyes open for the food trucks—Smokin’ Gringos, Cruzin’ Taco and Momma’s Mojo. Satisfy those late-night cravings with tacos, nachos and sandwiches from these fully licensed, self-contained moving restaurants on wheels.

(ROAMINGHUNGER.COM)

starters

CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

INTERVIEW

food for thought

This may be hard to believe, but your student ID can do more than just get you into the rec center.

With your ID, you can get a 10 percent discount at several participating restaurants in the area.

by Mary Beth Lursen

1

2

(CHILLYOGURT.COM)

3

6

(FIREHOUSE.COM)

(FACEBOOK.COM/PICKLEFISHRESTAURANT)

(GIGISCUPCAKESUSA.COM/MOBILEALABAMA)

(ZAXBYS.COM)

4 1. Chill Frozen yogurt.

6167 Airport Blvd.

251.316.0045

5

(FACEBOOK.COM/MELLOWMUSHROOMOLDSHELL)

2. Firehouse Sub sandwiches.

3694 Airport Blvd.

251.342.2352

3. Pickle Fish Pizza and bar.

5955 Old Shell 251.344.9899

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4. Mellow Mushroom Pizza and bar.

5660 Old Shell 251.380.1500

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5. Zaxby’s Chicken fingers.

3444 Spring Hill 251.343.6438

6. Gigi’s Cupcakes.

273 S. McGregor 251.316.0008

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CALENDAR

INNOVATIONS

INTERVIEW

starters

minutes with Miss Pawla

an interview by Allison Woodham

AW: Where can we find you?

MP: I very rarely miss a South sporting event, especially the football games. I always have fun in the Jag Prowl. This is the best place for me to have a picture with you. Then SouthPaw and I visit the Alumni Tent and welcome everyone to the game.

During the game, I have lots of fun on the sidelines with my cheer girls and guys rooting on our team.

I am always at the girls’ basketball games cheering on our Lady Jags. They said I was too short to make the team but I still have fun on the sidelines and in the stands. The Prowlers are my girls and the Pep Band brings me to life. I also like the student section and the fans. I guess I just like it all!

At baseball games, I am usually having fun in the stands with my fans and SouthPaw. They won’t let me in that game either, even after I told them I was on a boys’ team one time. (Didn’t tell them I was nine at the time and it was Little League.)

AW: What is your best tailgaiting advice for football season?

MP: Do not miss the Jag Walk – it is so much fun (2 hours before the game) it is the party in the parking lot, and your chance to cheer on our team as they go into the stadium. Get your picture taken, and of course, dance with ME. Dress like a DIVA with lots red, white, blue and Jaguar print! The more you get into it, the more fun you will have.

AW: Who is the coolest person you’ve been able to meet and why?

MP: WOW, I have had the honor of meeting so many great fans – members of the football team, basketball team, cheerleading team, dance team and our band. They have been so nice welcoming me back! I really look forward to meeting more of our baseball players.

I had posters of other mascots on my wall as a teenager, but I can tell you that SouthPaw is the coolest of the cool.

AW: What is one thing our readers would be surprised to learn about?

MP: Actually, I really am Miss Pawla. But to avoid a commotion, I attend my South classes disguised as a shy college coed.

{ due south

(FACEBOOK.COM/SOUTHALABAMA.CHEERLEADING)

DETAILS ROLE: Representing the USA Jaguars at athletic competitions and other community events.

GREATEST SUCCESS: “Getting to be a DIVA! I love being a Jaguar Girl!”

BIGGEST CHALLENGE RIGHT NOW: “Entertaining you, making you smile and making you proud to be a Jaguar. Also, it is a challenge getting around to all my fans and making sure none of them get left out.

HER BIGGEST SUPPORTER: “SouthPaw is my biggest supporter. He loves me! He really does love me. He just hasn’t realized it yet. Oh, and I do not want to forget Momma Pawla— she loves to come to all the events and take pictures of me!

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE: “Get involved. Repeat. Get involved. Enjoy your college life and get involved. Here at South we have lots of activities that are fun to be a part of. Come out and support our teams.”

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agenda

MUSIC

FESTIVALS

NIGHTLIFE

THE HANDSOME SCOUNDRELS Spreading the Gospel of the Punk Rock text by Alyson Stokes / photo by Anna Stanley “I was reading a biography on Hank Williams Sr., and he was described as a handsome scoundrel,” Robert Giles says, sitting between his two band mates at a patio table outside The Blind Mule Restaurant and Bar in downtown Mobile. “So, I thought it was a cool band name. It fits. It kind of throws people off because they really don’t know what to expect. It’s like, ‘Those guys are fugly!’ and ‘Wait a minute?

You’re The Handsome Scoundrels?’ I guess some people are expecting us to be a rockabilly band or just a rock band, and we show up and bring in some punk rock, pop punk awesomeness. They tend to dig it.”

But let’s put expectations and aesthetics aside for a minute.

Handsome or not, The Handsome Scoundrels had huge year in 2012.

The Mobile-based trio released a full-length album called “Street Legal,” scored a spot on the Bay Weekend Launching Pad stage at Bayfest and took home five Nappie Awards, handed out by the “Lagniappe,” for Best New Band, Best Band Name, Best Drummer, Best Guitarist and Best Bassist.

“I don’t want to say we dominated that category, but we dominated that category because we’re awesome,” says Giles, who received runner-up in the Best Singer category. “I think I lost to Katy Perry again.”

Sporting a denim jacket displaying decorative pins and patchwork of punk rock legends like The Ramones paired with black pants and a pair of classic, black high-top Chuck Taylor Converse, Giles looks and fidgets in his seat like a true punk-rock kid.

When asked about the band’s biggest accomplishment, he looks to his right at bassist Michael McAuliffe and then to his left at drummer Andy Scott.

McAuliffe opts for a simple jeans and t-shirt combination matched with a leather jacket and Vans shoes while Scott’s khaki pants and basic button up shirt may seem anti-punk until one takes note of his long hair, disguised in a ponytail at the base of his neck. The Scoundrels sit quiet for only a split second, contemplating their response. { 10

“We made that battery out of a potato that one time,” Giles blurts out before continuing with a more serious answer.

“We’ve actually sold a CD or two in France, which was awesome,” he says. “French people have great taste. I’ll never say a bad thing about French people again. And the Lagniappe thing was a really cool accomplishment.”

The Handsome Scoundrels are currently riding off the completion of their latest six-track EP entitled “Thick Cuts Pt. 2,” which may not be for the faint of heart. Love-sick ballads are no more. Instead, the EP includes tracks about infectious diseases and a shipwreck influenced by the hit television show “LOST.”

“Some songs are about girls, but they’re a little bit more fun too because we put a song on there about a girl with smallpox. Thought that would be an interesting topic. Haven’t heard that one,” says Giles, managing to keep a straight face. “Andy has been into smallpox girls for a long time, and I’m just now getting into it.”

“Yeah, I’m really heavily into smallpox,” Scott interjects. “There’s like two websites out there. I’ve been trying to get my wife to get smallpox. It’s just one of those things.”

Giles says “Thick Cuts Pt. 2” is the album he always wanted to record because with the previous two albums, he felt the band was “almost there” but their style ranged from sounding really Ramones to sounding really Social Distortion.

“This one (“Thick Cuts Pt. 2”) was really consistent,” he says. “This one sounds like us.”

With the popular, punk rock buzzsaw drone of Giles’ guitar, Scott’s fast-paced, energetic drumming style and McAuliffe’s relentless, heavy bass lines, The Handsome Scoundrels serve as a beacon of punk rock light in a town like Mobile where punk and metal scenes are thin.

After recently coming off a weekend-tour in Florida, The Scoundrels open up about their city’s lack of punk rock influence.

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I guess some people are expecting us to be a rockabilly band or just a rock band, and we show up bringing in some punk rock, pop punk awesomeness.

They tend to dig it.”

– Robert Giles Vocals/Guitar

(L TO R: MICHAEL MCAULIFFE, ANDY SCOTT, ROBERT GILES)

“Punk rock has a better scene, and I would say less mainstream stuff has a better following over in Florida,” Giles says. “Here in Mobile, it’s really isolated. There’s us and the Hibachi Stranglers, who are probably the closest other thing to punk rock. There’s really not a metal scene over here at all.

I don’t know what it is with this town, but they just really like their Americana and their Blues. They like their thing, and we don’t really fit in with their thing, so that’s just how it is.”

Citing the early 90s to 2000s as Mobile’s thriving punk rock era, The Scoundrels reflect on the “more unified scene” of the past. The scene filled with those rejecting association with the mainstream—the valiant and true punk-rock kids craving the next show.

“There used to be a coffee house on Holcombe. It was awesome,” says Scott. “Kids used to come out from all over the place to that venue. There was no alcohol in there. It was just kids coming out to shows.”

“Andy was playing in punk rock bands, and I was playing in grind metal bands in ‘97 and ‘98,” Giles adds. “And it didn’t matter if it was a metal show

or a punk rock show or an indie rock show. You had some goth kids showing up to your punk rock show and there were metal kids there too because there was a show. But then, there weren’t shows like there all the time now.

There’s pretty much a show every single night or three nights a week—there’s a show. But back then, you had a show maybe once every two weeks, so that was your time to get out. The scene was better then. There was a big metal scene, and there was a good punk rock scene.”

But Giles expresses no urgency to bridge the gap to revive punk rock along the Alabama Coast. In fact, resurrecting the dying scene in Mobile is not the band’s prerogative.

“I don’t think our motivation is to build a punk rock scene in Mobile, and I hate to say it because I’m going to sound like a jerk, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” Giles confesses.

“I think the days of Mobile’s punk rock scene are long gone.”

The Handsome Scoundrels receive airtime on local radio stations such as 92ZEW and JagRadio. “It’s weird,” says Scott, “because we’ve always been in { due south

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Scan the QR code for “Thick Cuts Pt. 2.”

more underground hardcore bands that wouldn’t get played on the radio. Now we’re playing stuff that’s more radio friendly, but it’s not all the way mainstream. The super underground thinks we’re too poppy, and the people who are mainstream say we’re too hardcore.

It’s like we’re in the middle.”

Despite the dying nature of punk

rock in the area, The Handsome Scoundrels ensure their drive comes from their friendship in and out of the band, which did not originate on Craigslist, and looking forward to the next show (They’re hoping for a tour through Japan).

“I just like playing. It’s fun. I have fun with these guys,” McAuliffe says.

“It’s playing and the promise of the next show,” Giles concludes.

“Maybe the next show is going to be the best show we’ve ever played—the allusive next show. It’s just fun. We really enjoy it. We enjoy playing. We enjoy meeting other cool bands. It’s fun to play shows with your friends.”

“Spreading the gospel of the punk rock,” he adds, “that’s really our goal.

Just keep going.”

agenda

MUSIC

FESTIVALS

NIGHTLIFE

(VOODOO 2012)

(BUKU 2013)

(PERPETUAL GROOVE AT AURA 2013)

music festivals 101 A basic “how-to” survival guide for the hottest music festivals around.

by Allison Woodham / photos by Timothy Borland

As summer quickly approaches, the thought of sun, sand and sleeping in clouds the minds of South Alabama students. One popular summer activity in the South is enjoying beautiful weather at music festivals. After the tickets are bought and hotel booked, what is the next step? What do you pack?

Most festivals have wristbands which means visitors can come and go as they please, but it’s a hassle to walk back and forth to the car or hotel. Pack everything in a backpack you need the night before if you plan to head out early, or the morning of. The backpack doesn’t need to be too big because some festivals have bag checks. You don’t want to be “that person” holding up the line while your friends go in ahead of you. Pack light and only the necessities. { 12

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When packing money, put it in your wallet or a small toiletry bag for safe-keeping. If the festival is on the beach, like the Hangout Music Festival, it’s best to keep money, cell phones and other important belongings in a plastic bag to avoid the sand.

No matter if the festival is on the beach, in a park or in a random parking lot, always pack and wear

FESTIVAL LINEUP May 10-11, 2013

GULFPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL Gulfport, Miss.

May 17-19, 2013

HANGOUT MUSIC FESTIVAL Gulf Shores, Ala.

June 13-16, 2013

BONNAROO Manchester, Tenn.

Sept. 20-22, 2013 DELUNA FEST Pensacola, Fla.

Nov. 1-3, 2013 (AURA2013)

VOODOO MUSIC+ARTS EXPERIENCE New Orleans, La.

It’s not a festival without hula hooping daily.”

– Whitney Patterson USA Public Relations Major (BUKU 2013)

(VOODOO 2012)

sunscreen. Nothing ruins a good time like sun poisoning, peeling and looking like a lobster.

Sunglasses are also important to remember. Students recommend that buying cheap sunglasses and flip flops is the way to go. If you lose them in all the chaos, it doesn’t matter because they weren’t your Rainbows or your Raybans.

To stay hydrated and feeling your best, bring water. Be sure to pack a refillable water bottle. Festivals usually have refill stations to keep you hydrated as well, like the Hangout

Festival or Bonaroo.

Festivals are an all-day or allweekend event, so it’s best to bring something to rest on and enjoy the shows. Most festivals are moving towards a “Woodstock” feel and don’t allow any type of lawn or bag chair.

A beach blanket or towel is highly recommended.

Remember, festivals are supposed to be fun! Pack light, stay hydrated, wear plenty of sunscreen, remember the hat and shades and don’t forget the hula hoop. Stay safe and enjoy yourself. { due south

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(BUKU 2013)

(BUKU 2013)

agenda

MUSIC

FESTIVALS

NIGHTLIFE

MORE THAN JUST YOUR AVERAGE KARAOKE NIGHT The Alabama Music Box gives new meaning to the word Monday. text and photos by Ticauris Stokes When I karaoked at the Box last Monday, it was a beer-soaked, lyric-slurring, night of fun.

Karaoke nights at the Alabama Music Box or, the Box as the regulars refer to it start at 10 p.m. and can last until 4 a.m.

As I walk into the Box fresh off work, I greet the doorman and bartenders with handshakes; the bar is lined with patrons who are ordering drinks, and the rest of the building is sprinkled with small of groups of people. I make my way to the bar, I see the faces of strangers and regulars alike. I ask Beau Bonfe, one of the bartenders, for a High Life. After downing a few more beers, I swivel around on my bar stool and see a bearded man who calls himself Eric the Red open up the night with some Wu Tang Clan song I didn’t recognize. I get my feel of the High Life, leave the bar and see a group of my friends. I make my way to them through the small crowd of people.

The interior of the Box looks like a cross between a dive bar and a heavily graffitied alley way.

When you first walk into the Box you see the stage to your right and on your left is a long bar stretching half way through the building. There are LED lights hanging from the second-f loor banisters and shining onto the stage. There are two amplifiers on the front

(FRED PERRY)

two corners of the stage and a decorative portrait of a woman on the wall behind them. There is a mirror behind the bar ref lecting the faces of patrons. Rows of liquor are set on a wall behind the bar and the draft selection is to the left.

There’s a dance f loor in front of the stage, and the bathrooms, sound booth and staircase leading to the second f loor are behind it.

The sound booth is tucked between the bathroom and stairway and is elevated and covered in band stickers. Past the sound booth and bathrooms, there is a patio with a big square bench and outdoor { 14

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bar. Like the inside of the Box, the outside is also covered in graffiti.

The second f loor open, secured by banisters, and lined with stools and tables, letting people look down onto the dance f loor and stage below.

My stocky and very drunk best friend David Torres, a freshman studying psychology at USA, asks me to sing “Don’t Stop Believing,” by Journey. So of course I say “Yes,” and David and I go sign up.

As the night goes on, I keep drinking.

David stumbles and spills beer on our friend Fred Perry, a sophomore studying education at USA.

Fred takes his personal image very seriously and makes fun of David for his lack of an expansive closet.

Fred immediately starts yelling at David in the sassiest fashion, “David, get away from me, you’re basic, you’re tacky, and you only got four shirts.” David responds, “So what dude, I’m sorry if I really like these shirts.”

As David and Fred were about to start bickering, we hear the DJ say “Can I have Fred to the stage?”

Fred stops and looks at David.

“David, I’m done with you and your basic-ness. Good bye.” Fred then walks to the stage.

The music starts and begins to smoothly rap “Sunshine in a Bag,”

by Gorillaz. Fred walks onto the stage, grabs the mic and belts out the words. He dances and slides across the stage with a confident swagger. Towards the end of the song, Fred drops down on his

knees, hips thrusting. The crowd goes nuts; Fred eats it up. The song ends, and Fred walks off stage with a big cheesy grin.

After waiting an hour or two and drinking what feels like a gallon of beer, I hear the DJ say, “Don’t forget to tip your mother[expletive] bartenders! Can I have Torres and Ty to the stage?” David runs to the stage. He’s pointing and yelling for everyone who knows “Don’t Stop Believing” to get up and join. I see him pulling person after person on stage, filling it to maximum capacity. Then he spots me in the crowd and starts yelling curse words of encouragement for me to join him. When I finally stumble on stage, David bear hugs me, grabs a mic, looks me in the eye, and says, “This my best friend of 10 years right here.”

The crowd surrounds the stage, and I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with

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(L TO R: TY SHAW, CHASE REHM)

all of David’s recruits; the screen lights up and the music starts. At this point people are yelling and screaming; the crowd is singing along. I’m all numb-faced slurring the lyrics of the song.

The music stops and everyone makes a mass exodus off stage. I make my way back to my friends who’re all laughing and smirking.

I finally drag myself out of the Box and make it home at 3 or 4 a.m.

I face plant in my bed, get four hours of sleep, and wake up to a bad hangover and an 8 a.m. class.

the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

(USA CONCERT CHOIR AND MSO PERFORMING BEETHOVEN’S 9TH IN 2011 // COURTESY DR. LAURA MOORE)

IN PERFECT HARMONY The voices of USA’s concert choir blend with the Mobile Symphony Orchestra for an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind musical powerhouse.

by Jaclyn Lebatard With a total of 87 members from all academic disciplines, the USA Concert Choir is the largest vocal ensemble on campus. And although no audition is required, a look at the group’s resume will have you thinking the risers are packed with seasoned professionals.

For example, for the past three years, the USA Concert Choir has worked with the Mobile Symphony { 16

Orchestra (MSO), a figurehead for musical excellence in the Mobile area. The concert choir first performed with the MSO in the December 2010 Holiday Pops concert.

The following spring, the choir rejoined the MSO for a performance of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.” After an outstanding concert, the choir was then invited back to perform Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” in the spring of

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(PHOTO BY JACLYN LEBATARD)

2012. Finally, the choir was again asked to perform Sergei Prokofiev’s “Alexander Nevsky” in the spring of this year.

USA Concert Choir director Dr. Laura Moore and the group work tirelessly throughout the spring semester to perfect each MSO performance while still presenting an excellent spring concert. But the preparation for their on-campus performances is vastly different from the work they must do to be prepared for a performance with the MSO at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Mobile.

“The challenge is to build the projection and endurance, because what you can accomplish in the rehearsal room with a piano is nothing like what you have to accomplish on stage with 90 members of the MSO in front of you,” Dr. Moore said.

”It is an exciting feeling when

the sounds of an orchestra come in to play and you are standing behind them adding to the sound,” says senior piano performance major, Brent Nowell.

Jessica Head, a senior communication major said she is grateful for her experience as a member of the USA Concert Choir, especially after having an opportunity to perform with the MSO. “It is a very exciting and invigorating experience to collaborate with the top musicians in Mobile on the Saenger stage. It makes me proud to be able to tell others that I have done something extraordinary that many people don’t get the opportunity to do.”

Though Dr. Moore is confident that the two organizations will collaborate again in the future, the choir will not be performing with the MSO during the 2013-2014 season due to scheduling conflicts. The University { due south

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Chorale, however, will be involved with the MSO this upcomign season.

But a break in performances with the MSO does not mean a break for the concert choir.

The group will continue to prepare for and present on-campus concerts, exhibiting the same degree of musical excellence they do on the Saenger stage when accompanied by the MSO. Many of the students say they enjoy performing with the choir no matter where they are.

“I’m so happy that I have been able to be a part of the USA choir,” senior Erica Washington said. “Every time we perform deepens my love for music.”

Stay up to date on performances from the USA concert choir and other campus ensembles by visiting www. southalabama.edu/music/.

the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

an evening of art Downtown Mobile provides an ecclectic mix of entertainment from traditional art to street performance and everything in between. text and photos by Timothy Borland

LoDa Artwalk is a must-see spectacle, drawing artists of different mediums into a single celebration of creative expression. A group of sponsoring businesses and permanent art galleries open up to the public on Dauphin Street starting from Royal Street all the way to the OK Bicycle Shop. Those in attendance have a unique opportunity to view artwork and exhibits by local Mobilians.

Some galleries even offer complimentary samples of wine and hor d’oeuvres.

In addition to being a social event, the artwalk also doubles as a venue through which artists can sell their wares and gain some visibility among the general public. The Mobile community has enjoyed LoDa Artwalk for eight years now, the second Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m.

One might expect the walk to feel stuffy or elitist, but the diverse venues ensure there is a comfortable location for any type of person.

If a particular gallery gives you bad vibes, the next location is only a few feet away. Maps of all participating businesses are available for free, and people usually work their way down

I like to get my artwork out in the world so that people can enjoy it.”

– Ashley Mahoney Artist/USA Business Major

the entire street.

Artwalk has become a center for more than just visual art, thanks in part to strong community support.

Musicians busk the streets, jewelry makers set up sidewalk stands and some independent artists hang their work up right on the sides of buildings for passersby to examine. The Raq Garden student dance troupe can often be spotted performing surprise bellygram dances in Cathedral Square. With the celebration extending out of the galleries and into the streets, and Artwalk proves to be a worthy home for all art forms.

“I bellydance to get away from my husband, have a break from my children and just spend some quality time with my girlfriends,” says Raq Garden member Alicia.

South Alabama students are also getting involved. Ashley Mahoney, a junior business major at University of South Alabama, has many of her paintings on display at Lunatix & Co. clothing store. She was even successful at selling one of her pieces. For Mahoney, art is a fun hobby she has been doing from the age of six. This USA student has never considered being a professional artist because of the risk of losing enjoyment from the pastime.

“I like to get my artwork out in the world so that people can enjoy it. I’d like to eventually have a name where people can actually recognize my artwork,” says Mahoney

LoDa Artwalk is a great experience for friends on a Friday night or perfect for decompressing after a week of heavy studying. The occasion can also be a very classy, yet inexpensive first date. Even after the walk ends, downtown clubs and restaurants provide even more entertainment. Perhaps the best thing about artwalk is that the event is free and open to the public, which is certain to appeal to budget-conscious students.

DATES: 2nd Fridays, every month / TIME: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. / LOCATION: Downtown / COST: Free

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ASHLEY MAHONEY

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the creative dept.

PERFORMANCE

ART

LITERATURE

FORGET “FIFTY SHADES” Has “Fifty Shades” turned your grey matter to mush? Don’t be a victim to this unfortunate phenomenon! Check out these brighter recommendations.

by Emily Melvin Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past year, chances are you’ve heard of a book called “Fifty Shades of Grey” (2011) by E.L. James. Perhaps you’ve glimpsed some middle aged woman attempting to sneak a few chapters in an airport, her cheeks flushed red with what is hopefully embarrassment. Perhaps you’ve overheard your mother discussing its racy passages in hushed tones with her friends. Or perhaps, though you would rather die than admit it, you’ve even read it yourself. Either way, the effect this book and its sequels have had on the literary world is hard to ignore.

“Fifty Shades of Grey”, an erotic romance novel that chronicles the, uh, unusual sexual relationship between college graduate Anastasia Steele and wealthy businessman Christian Grey, was originally posted online as fan fiction based on the “Twilight Saga.” It has since snowballed into a phenomenon that praises the sacrifice of good writing in favor of controversial subjects. The book has been criticized for its poor literary qualities, as well as for depicting a female character that has little to no selfesteem.

In light of this phenomenon, it seemed it might be helpful to provide some suggestions of books with actual literary merit that people should read instead of “Fifty Shades of Grey.” I polled several South Alabama students for recommendations, and the response was fantastic.

Here are a few of my favorite suggestions, in no particular order.

• “The Night Circus” (2011) by Erin Morgenstern Bailey Hammond, a senior English major at South, says this book is the only one she will let touch her Harry Potter books. “I hope that is enough to show how much I love this book!” she says. Set within the black and white canvas tents of Le Cirque des Rêves, a mysterious circus open only at night, this book hypnotizes its readers with { 20

warm smells of caramel candies and a maze of endless displays of magic. Behind the curtains of this puzzling spectacle, an intense competition between two young magicians is underway. Trained since childhood for a duel in which only one can win, Celia and Marco upset the balance of their unpredictable world when they fall deeply

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in love. “The Night Circus’ is one of those books that has magic in the very syllables making up the words,” Bailey says. “I devoured it in one sitting and couldn’t stop thinking about how beautiful the book is.”

• “The Kite Runner” (2003) by Khaled Hosseini

“The Kite Runner” follows the story of two unlikely friends living in a tumultuous and politically unstable Afghanistan. Amir, a wealthy boy, and Hassan, the son of his father’s servant, spend their days kite fighting, until a series of terrible events tears them apart. “It was the most real, raw book I’ve ever read,” says sophomore nursing major Megan McLaren. “There are moments when I just hated it, but couldn’t stop reading.”

• “Looking for Alaska” (2005) by John Green

Senior Chemisty major Maelynn La says she bought “Looking for Alaska” after hearing all the hype about John Green and reading quotes from his books on the internet. “I didn’t have high expectations for this book because it [is] classified as Young Adult. “Looking for Alaska” was so much better than I was hoping.” John Green’s award-winning debut novel tells of high school junior Miles “Pudge” Halter, who leaves his safe and boring life in Florida to attend boarding school in Alabama.

There he meets Alaska Young, a mysterious, adventurous, beautiful, self-destructive girl with whom he falls instantly in love. When tragedy strikes his new group of friends, Pudge discovers the importance of living fully and loving unconditionally.

ingly says that she recommends any book besides “50 Shades of Grey.” “Just kidding…but not really,” she says.

“You know my first response has to be the Harry Potter series. If people still have not read those, they need to get on the ball.” Pretty much the only excuse any book-loving person has for not having read these books is that they actually have been living under a rock.

The seven books in J.K. Rowling’s debut series follow unlikely hero Harry Potter, who finds out that he is a wizard at the age of 11, and that everything he knows about the world is wrong. He is immediately sucked into the magic of the wizarding world, and soon learns that its fate rests in his hands. With the help of his best friends Ron and Hermione, Harry must face fear, loss, and death itself in order to defeat the evil wizard Voldemort. These books have touched millions of people of all ages around the world, and have provided inspiration for our generation.

So while you’re lying on the beach this summer and the urge to read some cheap smut strikes, grab one of these instead. You won’t have to cower beneath your sun hat in shame or hide the book between the pages of a magazine, and the lover of literature in you will thank you for it!

• “Water for Elephants” (2006) by Sara Gruen

Valerie Lanier, a senior majoring in speech and hearing sciences, recommends this book. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, “Water for Elephants” follows the story of Jacob Jankowski, an almost-veterinarian left penniless when his parents unexpectedly pass away. Dazed and distraught, he hops aboard a train, unaware that it is home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. There, he is instantly pulled into the filthy yet magical world of the traveling circus, and soon finds himself in charge of training Rosie, the circus’s huge bull elephant. Jacob develops a dangerous relationship with Marlena, the wife of the show’s owner, and the two unexpectedly provide the spark that ignites a life-changing blaze for the entire circus.

• “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (1998)

by J.K. Rowling

Secondary education major Kathleen Wilhelm jok{ due south

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FLIPPIN’ SWEET!

While USA celebrates its golden anniversary and the traditions we have recognized for the past 50 years, a brand new tradition is emerging to be celebrated.

by Mary Beth Lursen / photos by Anna Stanley

F

You may have seen him at a basketball game or heard about his dance-off with SouthPaw. He’s known for his “sweet dance moves,” from his signature pelvic thrusts to his groovy disco steps.

Napoleon started going to the games with the Catholic Student Association’s group of Jag Warriors, and it wasn’t long until he decided to show off his dance moves in the bleachers, leading him to instant popularity.

“After that game, Travis Toth asked me to show off my sweet moves at the next game’s

rom a seat on the right wing of the empty Laidlaw theatre, there’s a clear view of the stage. Thick black curtains hang across the

back and sides of the stage, and the platform is made up of a ramshackle collection of wood with blue spike tape scattered across it.

halftime,” he said. “So I did.”

And so the tradition began.

You can usually find him dancing at the basketball games to pump up the crowd.

During one game, he even had a dance-off with SouthPaw,

Bright lights are shining on a gangly figure striking quirky poses in a dance-like sequence. He has a mop

who beat him.

“I don’t know where he got

of tightly-curled brown hair and wears vintage aviator

those freakin’ moves,” Na-

glasses marked with smudges on the lenses. He’s wear-

poleon grumbled. But even

ing a white shirt with the words “Vote for Pedro” printed across it which is tucked into his high-rise, stone-wash jeans. Finally, his look is complete with his shiny, black moon boots.

though he lost the first one, Napoleon told us that there will be a rematch against SouthPaw in the future. He says the USA Prowlers have

He is Napoleon Dynamite.

also expressed interest in

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Lots of people tell me they go just to see me.

I even got chapstick from a girl at a football game before.”

– Napoleon Dynamite of South Alabama

dancing with him.

now.”

Since his dancing debut, he has quickly gained popularity with the students and is

And he does, continueing with our conversation.

becoming a familiar face to see at USA sporting

“What are you writing down?” he asks.

events.

“Quotes.”

“Lots of people tell me they go just to see

“Oh.”

me,” he said. “I even got chapstick from a girl

“Is that okay?” I ask.

at a football game before.”

“I guess so,” he replies before looking out

Despite the presence Napoleon is building at sporting events, he loves USA for more than

the window.

When asked if he plans on graduation, he

just the games. For example, he enjoys a good

quickly replies, “Heck yes I am. I’m not gonna

quesadilla when the food court is open, and

be here forever.”

he also likes going to the student rec center,

But what about leaving USA Napoleon-less?

even if they don’t offer Rex Kwon Do. He does,

“I’m Napoleon Dynamite,” he says. “If any-

however, like to play racquetball, but admits he

one wants to impersonate me...” he trails off

might have to get some different shoes.

and shrugs his shoulders, unimpressed by the

“I tried to play racquetball once, but they won’t let me play ‘cause of my shoes,” Napo-

idea of impersonators.

But, with his dynamite dancing skills, his

leon said. “They’re not athletic, or something…

love for USA and the popularity he’s gained

but I’m gonna try to play again.”

with students, Napoleon is certainly on his way

Napoleon, like anyone else, becomes frustrated too from time to time. While in the middle of his interview, he receives a phone call.

“I’m in the friggin’ interview now, fiiggin’ idiot,” he says. “I’m gonna hang up on you { 24

to establishing a tradition for the next 50 years.

Don’t miss Napoleon at upcoming USA sporting events, and be sure to “like” him on Facebook at “Napoleon Dynamite of South Alabama” to check out all his photos and videos. due south }

(WITH PAWLA // FACEBOOK.COM/NAPOLEONDYNAMITEOFSOUTHALABAMA)

(WITH KHADIJA WILLIAMS // FACEBOOK.COM/NAPOLEONDYNAMITEOFSOUTHALABAMA)

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(DANCE OFF WITH SOUTHPAW)

(L TO R: MARION CAMPBELL, MAGGIE PYLE, TOM MEYER, NICK KINDERMAN, RICH WETMORE, JOSEPH HERRING)

50 for 50 { 26

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In honor of USA’s 50th anniversary, seven determined kayakers take a 50-mile journey along the Bartram Canoe Trail, a 200-mile interconnected system of paddle trails spanning the Mobile-Tensaw Delta area. text and photos by Cal Thomas

D

awn was creeping into the sky, a golden ball that slowly eased onto a gleaming expanse of river. It was cool and still, the only motion the distant rustling of the wind in trees across the river and the lapping of the water – swollen over its banks from recent rains upstate. A handful of people stood at the river’s edge, in various stages of readying kayaks for launch. Among them stood USA Assistant Professor of Nursing Tom Meyer, excitedly working to untie the kayak on the roof of his red pickup. The kayak had golden leopard-spot decals – gold lettering identified the boat as Onca – short for the scientific name for the jaguar, Panthera onca – alongside a depiction of the Moulton Tower and “USA - 50 Years - University of South Alabama”.

“These are great conditions!” he exclaimed, easing the boat onto the ground. “It’s just like a plane that’s caught a jet stream.” He paused for a moment to face his companions before turning to get his pack from the cabin. “Are we ready?” he bellowed.

“Are we ready? Are! We! Ready!”

In a few short moments, the kayakers scrambling to beat the sunrise into the water were drifting out of sight around a corner, the last remaining view of their

It had begun.

(TOM MEYER)

Meyer is among six determined kayakers who trekked 50 miles in honor of USA’s 50th anniversary on Saturday, March 30, along the Bartram Canoe Trail, a 200-mile interconnected system of paddle trails spanning the Mobile-Tensaw Delta area.

The assistant professor, an avid outdoorsman, sought a challenge – and what Meyer got was a 12-hour feat that he hopes to establish as an annual tradition.

“Before I thought of this as an anniversary event, I just wanted to inspire someone – give them the idea we should establish an annual kayaking event. If they can race 50 miles { due south

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down the Mississippi, why not 50 on the Delta?” Meyer said. “Kayaking as a recreational pastime is exploding, and with that comes races and events. We really don’t have many around here. There’s the Dog Paddle on the Dog River, but that’s not really attractive to serious paddlers.”

Rather than waiting for someone else to get the ball rolling, Meyer pitched the idea of the course to Keith Ayers at the University – and the Bartram Challenge was born.

This maiden voyage run saw Meyer and his team of fellow experienced kayakers – Rich Wetmore, Marion Campbell, Nick Kinderman, and Maggie Pyle – paddle from

Holly Springs Landing in Northern Baldwin County to the launch at 5 Rivers in Spanish Fort.

“When we began, it was a beautiful day. It was bright and morale and enthusiasm were high; it was just a great day to be alive,” Meyer said.

Coasting at what was described by a couple of paddlers as an ‘easy’ six to seven miles an hour down the Alabama and Mobile Rivers beneath overhanging cypress and tupelo trees, through marshland crawling with hundreds of species of plants and animals.

“The Mobile-Tensaw Delta and lower Alabama River area is the most biodiverse place per square mile on this continent,” Meyer said. “It rivals the Brazilian rainforests. About half the turtle species in the world are represented here.”

But this changed about halfway through the trip. Strong current and

As we approached the finish in the dark, we could hear the distant yells from well-wishers shining lights to guide us home. It was like morphine for the pain.”

– Tom Meyer Clinical Assistant Professor Adult Health Nursing Department

a course facing into a 20 mph headwind produced choppy waters and waves that churned the river into a force against the team. Their speed reduced from six to seven mph to barely four. At one point, a bolt from Meyer’s kayak popped off and he { 28

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began taking on water, leaving Wetmore and the others to help while he bailed water repeatedly over a fivemile stretch.

These obstacles did not hinder them much – they landed at 5 Rivers only an hour later than their projected arrival time of 7 p.m., with Pyle updating the event’s facebook page from her iPad along the way.

“As we approached the finish in the dark, we could hear the distant yells from well-wishers shining lights to guide us home,” Meyer said. “It was like morphine for the pain.”

Meyer said that in constructing the Bartram Challenge he’d sought the effort as a “symbolic gesture representative of the value of commitment and persistence in accomplishing extraordinary things” – and the completion of the track by the group certainly counts under this.

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The Great War

And the Shot that Rolled the Tide one of the 50 greatest moments in jaguar history

by Joel Ponce / special thanks to Mr. John Sellers

For the University of South Alabama, it was a Great War. Atlas stood waiting. Cronos rolled across the floor, fighting to save every second, then hurled a boulder to Atlas. With every ounce of energy he could muster, the Titan hurled the boulder toward its mark. The arena shook with deafening screams for victory. If Atlas’ throw hit its mark, Olympus could fall.

The year was 1989. It was Friday night in Atlanta.

The Omni was the arena for this Great War. USA’s young Titans had everything to gain. The University of Alabama’s Olympians had too much to lose. It was a game that The Tide never expected to play. It is rumored that Wimp Sanderson, Alabama’s head basketball coach, paled when he heard his team would play the young, half-mortal warriors to the south.

University of South Alabama’s Jaguars had won the Sun Belt Conference. Now, the team wanted a chance to prove they could play toe-to-toe with the best of them – including The Crimson Tide. The NCAA had given the Jags that chance.

The NCAA had essentially handed USA a winning lottery ticket. It was up to them to cash it in. Their fate was in their hands. It hadn’t been long since the conference had increased the number of participating teams from 32 to 64. There were very few Titans to challenge the gods. Mid-Majors, like South Alabama, just weren’t getting a chance to play on the big screen. Now, South Alabama would be given that chance. One chance. They had to make it count.

It was the first round of the NCAA playoffs. The winner would be one step closer to claiming a national title. But, this match meant so much more to South Alabama. It was about state bragging rights. And, it was about South Alabama’s coming of age. For Alabama,

losing this game would be an embarrassment to the Wimp Sanderson legacy. Alabama was not only expected to win, they were expected to win big.

During the pre-game, announcers and analysts broke down the keys to the game. Alabama had a record of 23-7 and South Alabama had a record of 22-8. In order for USA to win, they would have to create turnovers and be hot off the press. Alabama had to maintain their 3-point efficiency. Michael Ansley was Alabama’s go-to guy. He was a senior, who averaged 20 points per game. With a 6-foot, 8-inch frame, the wingspan of a small plane and the agility of a gazelle, he was, bar none, the highest regarded player on the court that night.

South Alabama had a dynamic duo to challenge Ansley. Hodge and Junie, a.k.a. Peanut Butter and Jelly, were two of the best senior guards in the nation at the time. At 6-foot, 3-inches, they lacked the size of their Alabama counterparts. But, they made it up with heart and teamwork. Peanut Butter and Jelly--a phrase the announcers used with a slight snicker.

There was a reason for that. The duo was self-proclaimed the summer prior to their senior season. Junie came to Hodge’s dorm room one night and said they needed a name, something for people to talk about. When Hodge asked what he had in mind Junie immediately said, “Peanut Butter and Jelly.” Hodge laughed and told Junie he had too much time on his hands, but Junie didn’t let up. He said, “Come on Hodge, it’s perfect! I stick to people like peanut butter and you Hodge, you’re smooth like jelly.” Hodge had no choice. He went with it.

Junie’s plan had worked. Peanut Butter and Jelly became the talk of the nation.

As leaders of the South Alabama team, Peanut Butter and Jelly certainly felt the pressure. It was evident by the

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(JEFF HODGE // USAJAGUARS.COM)

(JUNIE LEWIS // USAJAGUARS.COM)

(“GADSDEN TIMES” MARCH 18, 1989 // NEWS.GOOGLE.COM)

score at halftime. They had a lackluster performance. Ansley was living up to expectations. He had just possibly played the best first half of his career.

And, he brought teammate Gary Waites with him. At the half, the score was Alabama 49 – South Alabama 33. South Alabama had simply not played their game. And, the players knew it.

Prior to the team going to the locker room, Larry Conley (analyst) interviewed Joe Gottfried, South Alabama’s athletic director. He told Joe it must be a disappointing first half, but they’ve had a terrific year.

Joe responded, “Oh, we’ve had a great year and obviously we’re disappointed in the first half. But,

you have to credit Alabama. They’ve gotten in the transition game, they’ve been able to take advantage of perimeter shooting, and their defense has prevented us from scoring like we normally would like to.” Conley went on to say, “Yeah and I’m sure you’re disappointed in your guards. They’ve not played the way they’ve played all year long.” Joe firmly responded, “Right, and Jeff Hodge has to get into the floor of the game, he is also not moving without the basketball like he has done all season. And Junie Lewis...I have confidence in both of them. They’ll come out in the second half and play like they have played.”

Larry Conley finished his interview by saying, “Estaba is playing very

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well for you inside.” To that Joe was pleased to say, “Well Gabe is an outstanding player for us. He’s so strong and so dominant, he’s got that ability to draw a foul and draw a lot of attention on the inside. That he has been able to do. At least he has been able to keep us in the game from that standpoint.”

As the South Alabama players walked into the locker room, they knew all hell was about to break loose. Coach Arrow was upset. He knew his guys weren’t playing to their potential. Arrow said, “I knew we were better than that first half.

We had worked all season to get here and I didn’t want them to leave disappointed. I wanted everyone to see that we could play with the best of them. There was no reason to bow down now.” Hodge says Arrow was plain and simple. His words to the team were, “You guys played like shit!” as he punched a hole through the locker room blackboard. Jeff and Junie rallied the team and knew they had to play some “South Alabama” basketball. That was a major turning point in the mindset of the players, Hodge said. It made an impact.

After the half, Alabama came out flat, but never gave up. As the team’s sandwich duo got into a grove, their Venezuelan teammate, Estaba added to the presentation. The announcer said, “Peanut Butter and Jelly are starting to taste pretty good right now!” Alabama kept getting charging calls, and this gave USA multiple free-throw opportunities.

A key play was when Hodge missed his second free throw, Estaba recovered the ball, drew a foul, and made a shot on his way down. That made it a 6-point game with ten minutes and 15 seconds left to play.

The crowd went wild! The Great War was on. The Jaguars were ready to

Arrow kept telling us, ‘Just believe. We will win’.”

– Jeff Hodge

strike and the crowd fed their fury.

As the game bounced back and forth, Hodge said they realized that Ansley was close to fouling out. He knew Alabama wasn’t going to take their offensive powerhouse out of the game. With 4 minutes and 41 seconds left, Ansley had an incredible 25 points and eight rebounds. With four minutes and 22 seconds left in the game, Estaba made his move – checkmate. Ansley fouled out. The decibel level in the arena compared to a Titan’s battle cry.

How fitting. Sanderson was clearly frustrated. It would be hard to explain a loss after leading by 16 points at halftime. How would he explain losing to the University of South Alabama?

The cheering was deafening.

John Jimerson took his free throw for South Alabama … it’s in! That made it a 3-point game. The announcers are getting excited and hoarse. “Some comeback for South Alabama,” one proclaimed. Another said, “The only thing you gotta be concerned about is do they have enough legs to finish it off? And another big question is, can Alabama stop them?!”

Waites kept the Tide in the game with a 2-point shot and also drew a foul. It’s a 5-point lead for Alabama.

Three minutes and 46 seconds remain. Waites goes to the free-throw line. Hodge comes back with a 3-point shot. Since the beginning of the second half, he has been scoring off the fast break, from the perimeter and off the dribble. He has 26 points now – 18 in the second half.

Three minutes and 31 seconds to play. Alabama makes an incredible pass down the baseline that turns into a 3-pointer. Alabama leads by five points. South Alabama takes the ball down the court and scores!

Three-point game again, with two minutes and 42 seconds on the clock.

With two minutes and ten seconds, it was a 1-point game.

Alabama was in the lead.

Wimp Sanderson takes a timeout at two minutes and three seconds.

The score is Alabama 81, South Alabama 80.

Immediately after the timeout, Estaba steals the ball in midair. With a chance to take the lead for the first time all night, he makes the shot.

One minute and 37 seconds left to play! South Alabama is ahead by one point, with a chance for free throws.

The crowd is roaring with madness.

USA’s mascot, SouthPaw presses his snout to make a fighting roar. Wimp Sanderson looks concerned on the sideline.

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Estaba makes the free throw, giving USA a 2-point lead with one minute and 32 seconds remaining.

Estaba has 26 points.

Both teams continue to battle it out. Ansley watches in distress.

Alabama’s go-to guy is off the battlefield. Arrow calls a timeout with 34 seconds remaining. The score is Alabama 84, South Alabama 83. It’s South Alabama’s ball.

The announcers start strategizing. “What would you do?” they ask.

One announcer says, “You’re down one, now do you play for the last shot and try to win under the gun?” His colleague immediately responds, “It looks like they’re going to take another timeout to discuss it.” This Alabama state championship game has turned into one heck of a ball game, they remark.

Hodge says every timeout during that second half ended with the same message: “One possession at a time.”

“Arrow kept telling us, ‘Just believe. We will win,’” he said.

The ball is passed from out of bounds to Hodge. Hodge drives towards the free-throw mark and passes back to Lewis. Time ticks down. The duo cross paths and exchange the ball almost immediately. Hodge dribbles back and calls a play. Nineteen seconds left. Hodge

passes the ball to a teammate at the top of the key and makes a run. The ball is passed back to Hodge, but is knocked out of bounds by an Alabama player.

Ten seconds left. Atlas shrugs.

Cronos checks the clock. Time stands still.

South Alabama calls its final timeout. The players hear the same message – one more time. “Just believe. We will win.”

The boulder is hurled like a pebble. The ball is lobed to Lewis from out of bounds. It’s overthrown.

Lewis tips the ball and saves it from rebounding off the backboard to an Alabama player. The ball is loose going down the baseline. Lewis is on the ground. He crawls over to

save it. He jumps back and passes the ball in midair to his counterpart, Hodge.

Hodge takes the shot with six seconds left on the clock. As the ball is traveling in the air, Hodge remembered his coach’s admonitions and encouragements.

“I didn’t give coach much of a chance at first. He came during my junior year and I felt like it was my territory. But coach eventually sat me down and explained to me where he wanted to take the team, what he wanted me to become and how he was going to help me get there. I was committed to him from that day forward.”

The ball went in! No one could believe it. The arena exploded as if a

mountain had hit Olympus. Everyone thought it was over. There were four seconds left.

South Alabama had just done the unthinkable. But, Alabama had one more chance.

With the precision of an Olympic marksman, the ball was tossed across the field into the hands of Waites.

Only two South Alabama players dropped back – Estaba and Hodge.

Waites took his shot, with one second left on the chronometer. The ball bounced off the rim into Estaba’s hands. The war was over.

It was an extrodinary victory.

South Alabama 86, Alabama 84.

Arrow said he has never jumped that high again in his life, but sure would like to be given the chance to try.

(“LAKELAND LEDGER” MARCH 18, 1989 // NEWS.GOOGLE.COM)

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(WWW.USOUTHAL.EDU)

School’s

Out Forever

So, what happens after graduation? What about when all the celebrations are over? What really happens after the pomp and circumstance?

by Anna Stanley

Of all the things that students anticipate throughout their study at USA, graduation is probably the one event that they look forward to most. Maybe it’s the realization that you’ve finally taken your last exam or turned in your last 15-page research paper. Maybe it’s the sense of pride that comes when all your hard work and accomplishments are officially recognized. Whatever the reason, surely, no Friday, holiday, spring break or fall break brings as much joy as does donning a mortarboard and turning the tassel while your inner voice sings Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” But what happens when the graduation celebration is over, your degree arrives in the mail and the reality sets in that “school’s out forever?” What happens after the pomp and circumstance?

Even though graduating is something that we all look forward to doing, it can also become the source of a lot of stress and anxiety when students are faced with making important decisions about the future.

“Do I attempt to find a job right away? Is graduate school a good option for me? Should I stay in Mobile?

It’s a lot to think about, and all at one time,” Logan Anderson, a geography major said.

Anderson certainly isn’t alone. Feeling nervous about life after college isn’t unusual. I asked several USA students what they feared most about their post-graduation plans and responsibilities and found that there are a number of common fears among soon-to-be graduates.

Many students report feeling anxious about how well they will be able to transition from their roles as students.

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I think that a large number of students fear graduation because they have become good at being students, and as graduation approaches, the reality that they will now have to join the real world starts to become more evident.”

– Laventrice Ridgeway Clinical Mental Health Counseling Major

(CULINARYED.COM)

For example, as students, we all follow a beaten path. We all progress through our fields of study according to a set of requirements that are clearly laid out for us. But after graduation, it’s highly unlikely that your academic advisor will have a “Bulletin of Life” on their shelf with your name on it. The next step isn’t guaranteed in writing, and no one can really tell you what you should do with your life. It’s all up to you.

“I think that a large number of students fear graduation because they have become good at being students, and as graduation approaches, the reality that they will now have to join the real world starts to become more evident,” Laventrice Ridgeway, a clinical mental health counseling major, said.

Another source of anxiety for college seniors on the verge of graduation is how quickly, if at all, they will be able to secure a job. Cayla Brewer, a senior communication major, said she thinks it will be difficult to find a job that doesn’t require a lot of previous experience.

“I have been looking for jobs and they all require 2 to 3 years of experience, so I’m hoping that I can find that job that is willing to give me a chance,” Brewer said.

“Everybody has to start somewhere, but it is very competitive now.”

In addition, several students noted that one of their { 36

main goals is to not only land a career, but to find employment that allows them to apply what they have learned in their field of study.

“With the job market being as it is, this is a very real concern for my career field,” Ridgeway said.

In an attempt to defy the odds of becoming another unemployed bearer of a bachelor degree, many students say that relocating is something they feel is necessary to secure job opportunities. At the same time, moving presents another source of apprehension as many students may find it difficult to become completely independent, especially financially.

“I’m going to have to move because of the field that I am in,” Brewer said. “One of my biggest fears is leaving home because I’ve never lived by myself, and I’ve never lived outside of this area. I know it will be quite a shock because I won’t be able to live like I’m used to.”

Of all of the common fears that graduates will face after college, possibly the most obvious and stressful realization is the need to manage and pay off student loan debt. According to the Institute for College Access and Success, the average student loan debt accumulated by college students today is nearly $27,000. That’s enough money to buy a 2013 Ford Mustang V6 Convertible, 2,700 movie tickets for a night out with your not-so-closest friends, 135 iPhone 5s or 122,000 red Solo cups. In other words, $27,000 is a lot of money.

But all of this is not to say that you should have played a massive game of beer pong instead of earning a degree.

Even though the climate for recent college graduates isn’t the most favorable for job hunting and student loan repayment, there are still many opportunities for future success. And according to Dr. Robert Hanks, interim director of Counseling and Testing Services at USA, the best way to prepare for the future when faced with the

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avoiding it. stress and uncertainty of transition is to be proactive and “This may provide temporary relief, but it can actually use your resources wisely. cause anxiety to build over time,” Hanks said.

“It is certainly not unusual to work with students who Instead, Hanks suggests “tapping into support are worried about their post-graduation plans,” Hanks available through Counseling and Testing Services, said. “But some degree of stress or anxiety about the Career Services, faculty mentors, other new graduates future can be helpful if it results in motivation to take the and family and friends.” steps necessary to get a job and move on to the next stage If you’re nervous about life after graduation, you in life.” aren’t the only one. And while your future success is In other words, it may actually be good to have a ultimately up to you, you don’t necessarily have to figure certain level of stress when it comes to planning your out how to make that success happen on your own. There future. But freaking out and losing focus is bound to are plenty of resources that create problems.

USA offers graduates who are “It could be detrimental facing the need to transition if [stress] results in excesinto the professional world and sive worry or anxiety which begin a career. And Career could result in insomnia, Services is certainly one of the trouble concentrating, best places to start. difficulty making decisions

“The great thing about or a reduced energy level,” our office is that you can Hanks said. absolutely come back in [after In order to avoid being graduation] and schedule an overcome by worry, Hanks appointment to see an advisor said it is important to for any of the services we channel your stress in a way offer,” Jessica Weaver, assisthat facilitates success tant director of Career Services rather than inhibiting it. said.

He says this can be done by

Career Services offers a “substituting work for range of helpful resources to worry,” and “being proacstudents and graduates tive in identifying and including advice on how to taking the steps necessary create a professional resume to resolve the issue at and tips for doing well in an hand.” interview. In addition, they Whether it be preparing also provide opportunities for a resume, creating a professtudents to connect with sional network, actively (IMAGE COURTESY OF SCOTTCHAN // FREEDIGITALPHOTOS.NET) employers through Jaguar Job seeking job opportunities, Link, Career Services’ online professional network, their registering with organizations that provide employment career expos, and many other events they host. By services, or developing your page on a professional social providing opportunities to network with employers and media site, it is important to keep your focus on whatever be advised and critiqued in a one-on-one, low-stress the next step is for you. environment, Career Services offers a leg-up to graduates “To overcome my fears as I approach graduation, I who need some extra TLC to prime them for the “real have tried to consider every possible route. For me, being world.” prepared really helps me to overcome fear of not being “We hope that students take advantage of our office able to secure a job after graduation,” Ridgeway said. along with other departments to stay connected and But if you’re having a hard time planning, you don’t continue to build their network,” Weaver said. “There are find what you are looking for right away or if things don’t so many great opportunities to be had and so many work out for you exactly the way you hoped they would, people willing to help.” try not to deal with the stress of a lack of success by { due south

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The Lost Art of Studying “Study.” It’s the second-most hated word in a college student’s vocabulary, right behind “Monday.” But what about studying makes students quake in their Chacos or procrastinate until the last possible second?

I

by Allison Woodham

despise studying, so I wanted to research what in the brain allows us to retain information and what tricks and habits other students use that help them succeed in their studies. I was on a mission. Maybe the reason most of us feel studying is a chore is because we do not know how to perform this task properly.

John Dunlosky, Katherine Rawson and others with the Association for Psychological Science, studied ten types of learning techniques, including summarization, highlighting, practice

testing and self-explanation. They found that the most successful study technique was practice testing. They explained that “practice testing can help students retain information by triggering retrieval processes.”

One way students can implement this method into their own study habits is to use the online sources from a book’s publisher. Most textbooks have an online companion website that includes reviews from the text’s chapters and online tests. If there is no online companion website, use the review questions at the end of chapters for guidance, or ask a friend to quiz you on the chapters that you read.

Dr. Laura A. Powell, an assistant professor of psychology at South Alabama, also agrees with this information. She adds that a way for students to improve their studying is to practice the Premack Principle.

This is using behaviors that we want to do to reinforce behaviors we don’t want to do. For example, if you are studying, give yourself a reward to work toward. After two hours of studying, you can hang out with friends for 30 minutes.

Experts say one of the most common mistakes students make is using highlighters to attempt to find important points in a chapter or summary.

According to them, “this technique typically appeals to students because they are simple to use, do not entail training, and do not require students to invest much time beyond what is already required for reading material.”

Students will use this less-effective technique instead of using another, such as practice testing and waste valuable study time.

Fascinated, and a bit baffled about the information given in the article, I asked a variety of students what tricks and “quirks” they used to help them study. For a majority, the article was correct; most students stayed away from the highlighters and used interactive techniques such as fill-in{ 38

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(WWW.USOUTHAL.EDU)

the-blank reviews, flashcards and acronyms.

Several biomedical science majors say they prefer to study in the library or open rooms in the Allied Health building. Kristin Fortenberry, a senior, likes the individual study rooms. “As for studying techniques,” she says, “I use flashcards and acronyms for the most part.” Several nursing students also agreed with Fortenberry’s comment; they use open classrooms and take advantage of the dry-erase boards. They memorize as much as possible and fill in the blanks in preparation for tests and quizzes.

“Education majors in Alabama must pass a state test, the Praxis: Elementary Education Content Knowledge, to student-teach and graduate. Lindsey Harville, a junior education major, is currently preparing for her test this spring. Her way of studying for this test is playing the board game “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Both professors and test proctors recommend this board game to help students prepare.

“The reason we are told to study this game is because the Praxis series contains questions based on elementary education. For this specific test, we are answering as if we are the children, not the teacher,” Harville says.

Lindsey Sentell, a senior preoccupational therapy major, says that listening to classical music is her secret to studying. “I also put it on the radio in my car when I’m driving to take my test. It keeps me focused and calms my nerves,” she said

Andrew Augustine, a senior criminal justice major, has one of the most unusual study habits (that I have to admit, I will try soon). He discovered his secret during his first semester at USA. To finish a paper, he decided to “pull an all-nighter.” If he studied on his bed, he fell asleep; if he listened to music, he was not able to retain any information or concentrate. “So instead I sat in the bathroom and left the shower running,” he said. “Not only did I get the paper done, but I also managed to get some studying in for another { due south

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test that day and ended up acing it.” Augustine says that since his accidental discovery, he uses this study trick nights and mornings before tests. “It usually ends up yielding great results on my tests or when I need to do some work on a paper,” Augustine said.

Dr. Powell may have come to a conclusion as to why studying in the bathroom may help. “You’re reducing distractions,” Powell says, “but it’s not the distraction, like a television that takes your attention away from your studies.” She also adds sitting in a place less comfortable than a bed will force the student to concentrate on a paper they may be writing or studying for a test.

Augustine is not the only one to succeed in the bathroom while studying. Trent Wilkerson, a senior bio-med major, lives in a full household and finds that the bathroom is a quiet place to get homework accomplished. Wilkerson also mentioned that he enjoys studying in a tree stand. “I’m not sure if it is the tranquility of the woods or just the lack of anything else to do when you’re 20 feet in the air, but it seems to work for me,” Wilkerson said.

What I have learned from my informal survey is that there is no “correct” way to study. We are all different, so our brains process information differently as well. This study shows that no trick is too weird to test when studying, whether it be in a typical classroom, bathroom or tree stand 20 feet in the air. Talking with other students gave me some ideas of my own I am curious to try.

I hope after reading this, your palms have stopped sweating and your heart rate has reduced. Although it seems like the worst chore, we all have to study and with these tips you are sure to succeed in your next educational endeavor.

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closing remarks: fitness

TAKE A dance ON THE WILD SIDE

(DETOURFITNESSSTUDIOS.COM)

by Chelsea Archey Ready to get fit for summer?

Ready to lose those few extra pounds? Ready to look like Megan Fox? This was the mindset I had when I signed up at Mobile’s very own Detour Fitness, an exercise studio that offers pole fitness classes.

I wanted a different spin on fitness, and running and lifting weights weren’t cutting it anymore.

So, I found something unique to help me get in shape--pole dancing.

Owner, Jacinda says, “Pole dancing is an intense, full-body work out.”

When pole dancing comes to mind, it’s often affiliated with bachelor parties rather than fitness.

But, after my experience at this energy-filled studio, I have a new respect for the art of pole dancing.

I began with Detour’s “Intro to Pole” class. After all, I have seen Magic Mike more times than I am

willing to admit, so I thought I had would have it under control.

“Okay ladies, we are going to begin by taking four sexy steps to the pole.”

Easy! I walk all the time.

“Next, I want you to wrap your right leg around the pole, pull yourself upwards with your arms and spin seductively around to the left side.”

Okay…Can we walk again just to be sure?

After that very challenging hourlong class, my 5-foot, 9-inch body was exhausted from head to toe. I knew I had found the fun spin on fitness I had been looking for.

After my experience in the “Intro to Pole” class, I decided to switch it up and enroll in Detour’s “Chair Dancing” class in hopes of rock-hard abs, or just visible abs.

Tyga’s hit song “I’m Different” began to play while I “dipped my { due south

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hips from side-to-side and rolled my body towards the front.” It was then certain: “I’m different! Yeah, I’m different!”

Regular member, Maryan, admitted, “A few times I thought I was going to throw up…” No worries, though. I was right there with her.

I continue to take full advantage of all that Detour Fitness Studio has to offer including cardio classes, fitness classes and even did a little workout with a hula hoop. It was a fun experience and a challenging workout to say the least.

Detour’s vet-member, Chasity Carr said it best, “If you just do the same workout over and over, you’re not going to have different results.

You need to step it up.”

So, I challenge you to take her advice and my lead and come get sweaty with us because a pole fitness class is definitely one workout you don’t want to miss.

closing remarks: fashion

(TRENDHUNTER.COM)

dress Well, Test Well

by Abbi-Storm McCann

YOU ARE WHAT YOU WEAR

The college campus can exist as an oasis of freedom when a young person’s clothing choice is finally free from the restraints of a dress code.

What students forget, however, is that many people think “you are what you wear.” Outward appearance is a student’s first impression on those around them.

During this time of balancing school work and a social life, many students fall victim to lack of sleep.

To salvage what little sleep they can, they may often let their appearance suffer.

“A main reason for not dressing well for class is because it gives me

more time to sleep in,” explained Hillary Williams, a freshman studying biomedical sciences.

Suddenly, after the first week of class, wearing sweatpants and a hoodie seems to be an unwritten rule that many students follow. Dressing well is reserved for the weekend.

An 8 o›clock class is every student’s enemy, and sometimes comfortability might be the student’s only ally. Psychology senior Olivia Shantaeu says t-shirts and shorts are her normal class attire. “Comfort is more important to me than impressing my classmates and also makes class less miserable,”

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Shantaeu admits.

In contrast, dramatic arts senior John Ross Thomas says he tries to dress well every day and be comfortable doing it.

“Comfort above all else is important to me. I typically wear clothing that can be adapted to different times of day and different situations,” Thomas said. “Lately, boots, corduroys, oversized band t-shirts, denim, monochromatic looks, mixing patterns and textures and vintage neckwear.”

As understanding about the average student’s lifestyle as professors are, they still deserve to be

shown a grain of respect. Showing up for class dressed in clothes deemed appropriate for the gym does not always show that a student cares about the class. If dressing well is completely out of the question, combing your hair or adding a little makeup can go a long way.

Communication department teacher Megan Sparks has also worked for a law firm and knows how different each work environment can be. “Personal hygiene is important and is a skill that should be learned by everyone,” Sparks said. In other words, be sure and pay special attention to eye boogers and pillow creases on your face.

Dressing well shows respect for your professors, and it shows you have respect for yourself. “A lack of care for one’s appearance speaks a lot about them,” Thomas said.

“There’s a difference between dressing casual and not caring what you look like,” Sparks said. “In the real world it’s all important--how you act and how you look.”

When a student makes the choice to dress like an adult, it can have more positive effects than simply showing respect. Sparks acknowledges that dressing well has the ability to make a student more confident.

A recent study by researchers Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adams at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University proves that the clothes a person wears directly affects their confidence levels. Galinsky said the findings show that it’s not just the experience of wearing the clothes but it’s also the symbolic meaning they hold for people.

“If you associate those clothes with power and confidence, it’s going

to have a huge impact.” Adams said.

By dressing well, students are likely to be more confident and therefore perform better in the classroom. Williams admits that dressing well makes her feel more confident.

Author of the book “The Freshman 50,” Carly Heltinger praises the theory: “dress well, test well.” Essentially, by dressing well for class, students can gain the selfconfidence necessary for test taking.

(JOHN ROSS THOMAS // PHOTO BY JOELLE ROSEN)

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College is a time of growth for young people and a place where students prepare themselves for the “real world.” Sparks admits that if a student practices getting up, getting ready and getting to class on time, this routine will pay off in the professional world.

No one expects a suit and tie in the classroom, but it’s easy to stick to the basics. Try and look presentable, and if you haven’t showered, fake it as best you can.

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