The University of South Alabama Communication Building, Room 132 Mobile, AL, 36688
Tel: 251-380-2805 | Fax: 251-380-2850 duesouth@southalabama.edu
Editor-in-Chief | Ryleigh Thornton Assistant Editor | Mary Wolf
Contributors | Andrew Biehl Talitha Buettel Jamie Carpenter Lauryn Gunn Anne Hadaway Raven Harrington Gracie King Emma Lamm Rachel Lane Janie Szoboszlay Gabrielle Taylor Kaytlin Thornton
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. The Editor-in-Chief is decided by the Board of Student Communications. All contributors are freelance.
Cover photo from “Adventure Is Out There” by Gracie King; Photo by Talitha Buettel.
Best of the South first place for Best College Magazine, 2020
NEW FIRST TIMES
Come-back season is here!
CHOOSING WHO TO BE
What does your major say about you?
CAMP SMILE
Did you hear Disneyland has some competition now?...
ADVENTURE
“This is home. This is Outdoor Adventures.”
SPEAKING OUT Health, Empowerment, And Recovery from Trauma
GO THE DISTANCE
Unforgettable experiences aren’t out of your reach!
Trauma-dumping online may make you famous, but is it worth it?
Dating in college doesn’t need to be stressful!
The stories that shaped some of South’s familiar faces.
Some inspiration for your next playlist :)
If you had told me a year ago that I would be editor of a magazine, I would have laughed in your face. I would have told you, “Me? No way. I could never.” Yet, here I am and I love it!
When I first started to brainstorm for my first semester as the new Editor-in-Chief, I had zero clue of what to do. I began looking at the things around me and reflecting on my past 2 years of college. My first semester of college was Fall 2020 in the midst of COVID. Classes were online and there were barely any social activities on campus. Coming to a new area three hours away from home and not knowing anybody, I holed myself up in my dorm Freshman year. It wasn’t until last year that I began going to football games, intramural games, and in-person classes, even though socializing was still to a minimum. Before the semester started, I realized this would be my first “normal” year of college and I wanted to celebrate it. In this, I wanted to help my fellow Jags to get involved on campus. There are tons of clubs, organizations, and events going on all the time that I had no clue existed: the HEART Project, Outdoor Adventures, etc. You only have one life and one college experience, so why not make the most of it? That is what this Due South issue is all about: getting involved.
We aren’t meant to go through this life alone. We are meant to be surrounded by friends, family, and communities that love us. I might be an “introvert”, but I am never more happy than I am when I am around the people I love. I firmly believe when I am at the end of my life, I won’t be thinking about the jobs I had or the money I earned. I’ll be reflecting on all the wonderful memories that I have made with my friends and family. I sure have made plenty of those while being a student here at South. Hopefully by reading this issue, you’ll learn how to go about making memories that will make you smile when you look back on your college years.
RYLEIGH THORNTON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
It’s March of 2020 at the University of South Alabama and students are preparing to take some much needed time off for spring break. After nine weeks of stressful classes, some time off is much appreciated. As students pack their bags to travel or prepare themselves for a week of relaxation, there is an air of excitement on campus. Meanwhile, in the administration office, the energy is much different. There’s a new virus going around and no one really knows that much about it. People are questioning the severity of the virus, otherwise known as COVID-19, and are deciding what precautions are necessary to keep students and faculty safe. Data shows that this virus is airborne and highly contagious. As the week progresses, multiple colleges in Alabama decide to close their doors and make a temporary switch to remote learning. By the end of the week, South Alabama announces its decision to follow suit.
Although the original plan was to temporarily close, all operations at South Alabama were conducted remotely until August of 2020.
In the semesters that followed, many restrictions such as masking and social distancing prevented our university from fully going back “to normal.” A campus that was once buzzing with student life, extracurriculars, and events became quiet as students decided to learn remotely or participate in “hybrid” classes, in which the classroom was only at half capacity.
Fast forward to August 2022. As we begin this new semester, it is a very special occasion. This semester marks the first fully in-person semester with minimal COVID-
related restrictions- both students and faculty have expressed excitement about this new lively energy on campus. Although it is worth noting that COVID is still a prevalent virus, with new developments of vaccines and a greater understanding of the virus’ transmission, students have been able to get more
involved on campus and feel safe while doing so. Throughout the semester, I spoke to students about how they felt about the relaxed guidelines and what they are looking forward to during fall semester. Here are their responses:
“I’m happy with the restrictions being lifted, but I’m still cautious. I’m excited to participate in events such as Homecoming week. This year’s homecoming festivities felt more involved because people were happy they could have an actual event with less restrictions.”
-Hannah Nelson, Class of 2024
Homecoming week is one of the best weeks of the year! Always packed with festivities and opportunities for students to get out and mingle. South’s annual tradition “Junk the Jungle” continually brings students together to foster school spirit. This year, organizations across campus really outdid themselves, hosting a parade, fun-fair, and a concert featuring Flo Milli.
“Some things I have been enjoying doing this semester are sailing and tailgating with the Sailing Team, going on trips to the theater, and watching movies in the
“It is so exciting to see students come together to cultivate a richer, more social student life on campus.”
humanities building with the Horror Movie Club.”
-Dakota Rabren, Class of 2024
With each semester comes more opportunities to host new experiences on campus. This semester, students have come together to reestablish South Alabama’s sailing team! The last full team meeting was 12 years ago. This semester, the sailing team has hosted several events such as tailgates to bring more recognition to their organization and have worked together to make sure all members are acquainted with their sailing techniques and equipment to prepare for Regattas in the spring!
“I love that our campus has started to open up more since COVID restrictions have become more relaxed. As someone who started college during the peak of COVID, I look forward to sporting events and other traditions that have been revived this year such as movie nights. I really enjoy how much easier it is to meet new people now that they are a little less reserved.”
-Megan Mcley, Class of 2024
If any class got the short end of the stick in terms of experiences with COVID, It is most definitely the class of 2024. Coming to college during a time where everything was restricted or online, these students did not have the opportunity to experience key events during their freshman year. Now that things are more relaxed, students are looking forward to participating in experiences they missed out on and are making the most of their college experience. It is so exciting to see students come together to cultivate a richer, more social student life on campus.
“I’ve definitely felt more inspired to get
involved on campus this year with COVID restrictions being lifted. With the majority of club meetings and “events” in the past few years happening either over Zoom or with strict masking and social distancing regulations, every chance at involvement felt extremely forced and impersonal. Despite everyone’s best effort, trying to stay active on campus was almost more trouble than it was worth. Since lifting COVID restrictions, the energy of our campus has shifted entirely, and it’s once again beginning to feel like the lively, welcoming home I chose in 2019. This year, I’ve already gotten so much more involved in my sorority and all of the other organizations I’ve joined over the years, and being back in person has made it so much easier and more comfortable to take on greater responsibility in each. While we’ll never regain the time and experiences we gave up over the past couple of years, we can definitely make the most of what we have left!”
-Jo Cook, Class of 2023College is meant to be a collaborative experience. During the peak of the pandemic, classes and club meetings were held over Zoom and students weren’t able to experience student life outside of their dorms. As Jo mentioned, a lively and welcoming atmosphere among students is what draws so many students to our university. Going through the isolating experience of social distancing has made us come to appreciate the culture that allows us to call South Alabama “home.”
bodies and always focused on their work, which may help them further their career paths. Of course, everyone is different, but these are common personality traits that you may find within the plenty of majors in college.
When you were a child, do you remember talking with your friends or family about what you wanted to be when you grew up? As you got into high school, those dreams started to turn into career paths and thoughts on what major you wanted to study in college. Believe it or not, the major you choose to pursue in college may say a lot about your personality and who you are as a person! Those who work in healthcare need to be strong and have thick skin in order to work in the field that they’re aiming for. Since healthcare professionals
usually see a lot of things that might make the typical person queasy and even deal with rude and impatient patients, it’s important that those who choose this major have strong stomachs and even stronger skin. People who choose the medical field to major in are usually confident and extroverted, which can be extremely helpful in the medical field. People who choose to go into art may be quiet and introverted, choosing to use their favorite medium to express how they feel. Business majors may find themselves to be busy-
With that being said, not everyone falls in love with their major on the first pick. You might feel like a certain major was the right choice for you and that you would fit in well, only to find that you absolutely hate it early into the semester. This is something that is super common amongst college students. According to a study done by the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80% of undergraduate students end up changing their major. It’s even common for most undergraduate students to change their major up to three times! Even if you’ve been dreaming about going into this one specific major that you’ve been thinking about since middle school, it just might not be the right fit for you and that’s okay. It’s important to find a major that you are comfortable in and that you think will be something that you’ll enjoy as a permanent career.
Changing your major might be something easier said than done. Most college freshmen don’t really know what to do if they feel dissatisfied in the major that they enrolled in. Some may go on websites like Facebook for help, or they’ll simply just suffer in the current major that definitely does not fit
What does your major say about you?
their personality at all. First, it’s important to set up a meeting with your advisor to talk about what major might be right for you. Your advisor is there to help guide you through any problems and struggles that you may be having with your major. If you think you want to change your major, make an appointment with your advisor and see what advice they can give you. If you’re a freshman, going to a first year advisor may really help you figure out where you want to be. The advising center on South’s website has some really helpful resources that can guide you through signing up to meet with a first year advisor. If you ever need help finding the resources for first year advising, go to southalabama.edu and type in “First Year Advising”. It’s as simple as that! Second, make sure that you’re going into something that you are comfortable with. Don’t let the pressures of money or the future decide your major for you. If you think a quiet and calm environment like the Art Department would be good for you, then go into something art related. It’s important to focus on yourself when you are choosing which major is right for your type of personality. Finally, don’t be afraid
to talk to other people in the major you want to go for! Talking to others that have been in the program you’re interested in may help you decide if it’s the right crowd for you.
While majors may speak volumes about who you are as a person, it’s up to you to find a major that you truly think is the one. It’s okay if you have to change your major multiple times; college is about first experiences and your major will really shape you into the person that you want to be. Switching majors multiple times shouldn’t be something that anyone is ashamed of. If you have a personality that is bright and bubbly, or even one that is quiet and reserved, let that show through your major and your work. There is nothing more authentic in this world than
“There is nothing more authentic in this world than just being yourself.”
There is a place in Mobile where for four weeks out of the summer, Disneyland has competition for the title of “happiest place on Earth.” Camp SMILE, an acronym for Special Meaning in Life’s Experience, is a residential summer camp for adults and children with all disabilities.
Founded in 1972 by Reverend Glenn L. Vernon, Camp SMILE first began as a four-day three-night summer camp for 27 campers. Now, 50 years later, it is under the direction of United Cerebral Palsy of Mobile. Welcoming all ages and disabilities, it makes an annual goal of ensuring over 300 campers have a fun summer making friends, memories, and experiences that they can’t usually get anywhere else.
“We do everything you would do at a typical camp, we just adapt it for our campers’ needs. We do archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding, boating, fishing, zipline, things like that”, said current Camp SMILE Director Matrisza Alvarez, “If the word camp comes to mind, that’s what we do.”
The tagline for Camp SMILE is “No Limit to the Adventure,” and campers spend five days and four nights having all sorts of outdoor adventures surrounded by people whose experiences are similar to their own, as well as people who care about them and want to make sure they have an unforgettable week.
Camp SMILE is currently held at a
privately owned property of over 220 acres, called Camp Grace, that hosts multiple charitable organizations throughout the year at no cost. The sprawling campus is a great blend of beauty and accessibility, with wheelchair accessible bath-houses, cabins and boardwalks. It is a place where each afternoon everyone can have dinner down by the lake with music and laughter as “Mr. Sun” sets behind the trees.
A unique feature of the camp is the one to one camper-counselor ratio. Each week a camper is assigned a counselor who will be their buddy. Their counselor will share a bunk, do activities, and assist them with daily living skills. This helps them create friendships and ensures that each individual camper gets the care and attention they deserve.
From the time campers open their eyes, to the time they go to bed, it is the counselor’s responsibility to make sure their camper is having fun. Luckily, it isn’t too hard of a task. The Camp SMILE schedule is so packed with activities, it is nearly impossible to be bored. From singing camp songs after breakfast, to swimming in the lake, to the special themed activity that takes place after dinner, there is always something for campers and counselors alike to be excited about doing together.
“Getting the benefits of being outdoors and doing things they’ve never done before is great, but it’s even more important that they get to make those friendships with the
“It is a place where each afternoon everyone can have dinner down by the lake with music and laughter as “Mr. Sun” sets behind the trees.”
other campers and counselors. They look forward to it all year long. It’s things like that, those lasting core memories that camp has embedded in them that they might not get anywhere else,” said Alvarez.
In order for Camp SMILE to provide the high quality standard they hold themselves to, counselors are vital to make it happen. Every year, new volunteers attend a special training session before the start of camp. They are taught everything there is to know by the leadership staff, who have all been there for a very long time.
“If we don’t have the volunteers, we can’t provide that top-tier quality and security that the parents have come to know from Camp SMILE,” said Alvarez, “We’re also accredited through the American Camping Association, and we have standards we have to meet to continue getting our accreditation. All of that is very important, so having those volunteers come out to camp, and retaining them and then having those people help us recruit
future volunteers.”
Volunteers at Camp SMILE have a unique opportunity for self discovery. They often walk away learning more about themselves and opening their eyes to things they might not have noticed before. Many of them come to camp and through helping others, find their “purpose.”
Assistant Director Jana Williams went into camp the summer after her senior year of high school and it was a decision that changed her life.
“I signed up for just adult week, and I got there and I was terrified, because I walked in not really knowing anybody,” She said, “But I told myself I’m going to give it everything I have and do my very best and try to make this a really cool experience. So, I did that and found best friends that week, I found my husband that week, I found a camper that I’ve had for years that week. I think because I really gave my all and put myself into it, I’ve gotten so much out of it.”
In addition to building close bonds with their campers, Camp SMILE counselors can also create strong relationships with each other. No matter how much time they may spend apart, when they see each other again in the summer, it’s almost as if they never left. They become a part of the camp family.
Taylor Nelson, a freshman at South, first came to Camp SMILE when he was five years old. His younger brother Carter is autistic, and Taylor came to camp with him as a typical sibling. Since 2017, he has been coming as a counselor, and he attributes a lot of who he is today to camp and the community it creates.
“Something very important that needs to be understood, because you really don’t know until you go there, is how accepting the people are,” he said, “And how easy everyone is to talk to, and how easy it is to make friendships, and how easy it is to just be who you want to be
there, to just be yourself.”
One thing he stressed was how Camp SMILE is an experience that you get from it what you put into it. If you come with an open heart and mind, you may find yourself with new perspectives, skills, and relationships.
“If your heart and your mind is there, you won’t leave that week or that summer, multiple summers, every summer without taking something away from it. It brings the best parts of you out.”
Anyone who is interested in volunteering with Camp SMILE can find more information at campsmilemobile.org. The decision to volunteer is one you won’t regret, and it might even be one that changes your life.
Story by Gracie King | Photos by Talitha Buettel
“This is home. This is Outdoor Adventures.”
Take a deep breath. What do you smell, hear, see? If you’re in a classroom, maybe paper and coffee, shuffling feet, and chatting students. Out on the Delta, you smell the bait underneath an old fisherman’s fingernails, the comforting scent of wet concrete after a rainstorm. You hear low humming frogs, the roar of airboats speeding past you. You see a symphony of blues and oranges dancing in the sky at sunset, the quick flashes of the eyes of an alligator before creeping below the black water. This is home. This is Outdoor Adventures.
Before the pandemic struck, OA thrived. Overnight backpacking, camping, and kayaking trips were commonplace. People crowded into the rock wall to challenge themselves and make friends. Though things are going back to normal, it took a while for OA to bounce back to where it once was.
Despite two long, grueling years of getting the program back on its feet, its employees and leaders are reclaiming it for good.
Brad Simmons is the current coordinator for OA and is dreaming big for the program’s future. After spending 21 years in the Coast Guard, Simmons was eager to serve students and get out of the “young man’s game”.
“[We offer] experience in getting outside of the students’ comfort zone, in going a little bit beyond the norm and using critical thinking and problem solving skills to a level where they may not have thought about it before,” Simmons said of the most valuable
thing OA can offer.
Abi Anderson, an occupational therapy student, is relatively new to the program. Despite her “freshman” status as an employee, she has been an enthusiastic participant at the rock wall for the last few years. When she heard there was an open graduate assistant position, her excitement was through the roof.
“I immediately reached out to Brad Simmons, the coordinator of OA, and after an interview and discussion about what the position would entail, I knew this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Anderson said.
One of the most remarkable services that OA offers is their guided kayak and canoe trips. Chantelle Waddell, the trip leader supervisor, relishes her position as a leader of other employees and students who come on trips.
“I love my job. There are times when I’m in the pool training trip leaders how to do kayak rescues, and times when I’m in a canoe out on the bay and feel so happy and lucky that I get to do a job I love,” Waddell said.
OA strives to connect students back to the outdoors and develop a better appreciation for it. Grab some friends and sign up for the next trip. I can assure you that you won’t regret it!
To sign up for a trip, visit the Outdoor Adventures page on South Alabama’s website to rent gear and sign up for kayak, canoe, and bike trips and camp cooking classes. If you’re feeling up to a challenge, visit the rock wall on the bottom floor of the Student Recreation Center between 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. Call (251) 460-6065 or email outdooradventures@southalabama.edu to chat with a friendly employee about your next adventure!
Despite hearing so many stories on the news, you never think something like sexual assault could happen to you or anyone close to you. I believed this throughout high school, but was revealed the cold, hard truth when I began attending college. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men will experience sexual assault while on campus. Hearing these statistics, you might not think that could be very many people. However, if you think about it in smaller numbers, like the amount of people that attend the University of South
Alabama, the numbers become more personal and realistic.
On a college campus with a population of a little over 15,000, that means there could be 375 males and 1,800 females that have experienced sexual assault. It could happen anywhere: your dorm room, a party, or even in the parking lot at night. During my freshman year of college, I remember receiving at least two emails from the Campus Security saying there had been a sexual assault reported on campus. Who knows how many other attacks occurred that had not been reported? Slowly but surely, reality began to set in and
I began wondering what could be done.
At first, I had no idea what the HEART Project was. I had seen signs around campus, promoting the organization, but I never looked into it. However, after meeting with Dr. Candice Selwyn to learn more about this group, I could not have been more amazed. The HEART Project is dedicated to accommodating each student’s specific needs while promoting health and empowerment, while never being alone in any step of the process. Its focus is restoring each student’s sense of control over their own lives by being free, optional, and confidential. They also strive to educate students so that they can also help others. This means they offer free services that are completely
optional and confidential so you have the opportunity to go as far as you are comfortable with.
The HEART Project offers many different services. Their main one being medical forensic care, or a sexual assault exam. Anyone can go to the health clinic on campus during regular hours of operation and see a trained advisor who will perform the exam, which is important if the patient wants to move forward and file charges. You also have the option to have an advocate in the room with you to offer support as you undergo the exam and the appointment. During this visit, the patient will also attain any medication they might need, as well as being entitled to a follow-up visit. This organization will also connect you to an advocate for
support
“According
In order to get an idea of the experience of this on the South Alabama campus, I sent out a survey asking their gender, if they have even been a victim of sexual assault, and if they knew their perpetrator. I also included an open question if they washed to tell their story, completely anonymously. It only took four days to get over 30 responses, which genuinely shocked me. I was so moved by the strength and bravery these people took to even fill out the survey. From those responses, 93.5% identified as females, 3.2% male, and 3.2% preferred not to say. 83.9% were victims of some form of sexual assault and 82.8% knew their perpetrator. Here are some of the stories from the responses:
“I was 16 and was taken advantage of at a college campus, I still remember his name. I remember everything, how can I forget. I did nothing in fear of not being believed.”
“I lost my virginity to my male “best friend” while completely intoxicated. I hardly remember it but I know I was crying and told to “shush” because “it’ll be okay”. The word “no” never came out of my mouth but one would think someone pushing another away in tears would mean there’s no consent.”
“He was my best friend and he pushed himself onto me and would not allow me to get away. I told him to stop and he wouldn’t listen. Eventually I was able to push him off of me.”
“Many of my instances were small boundaries that were broken. Because they were small, I never initially identified it as a case of sexual assault, especially because these people were trusted friends. My cases also occurred while I was intoxicated, a friend would be taking care of me, and slept beside me in bed. As I was supposedly sleeping, my friend would grope me in various places, inappropriate places.
I didn’t stop them because I didn’t want to create an awkward situation.”
“I met the guy on Tinder. We’d been talking for a while and we finally had our first date. I thought it was going really well. He raped me in my family home, upstairs in my bedroom and left. I was completely caught off guard, and backed into a corner. The absolute worst experience of my life. I don’t think I’ve ever been the same.”
“An old boyfriend who made me do more than I wanted.”
“It was my ex boyfriend that’s all he wanted.”
“An ex-boyfriend sexually assaulted me after breaking up with me.”
“My younger brother emotional abused me for years and the summer of 2021 he repeatedly touch me inappropriately and tried to make me feel bad for thinking it was wrong.”
USA Advocate Program (251) 460-7280
USA Counseling & Testing Center (251) 460-7051
USA Student Health Center (251) 460-7151
Rape Crisis Center
705 Oak Circle Drive N., Mobile (251) 473-7273 or (800) 718-7272
Lifelines Counseling Services 705 Oak Circle Drive N., Mobile (251) 602-0909
National Sexual Assault Hotline Is (800) 656-HOPE (4673) hotline.rainn.org/online (includes a chat feature)
and additional resources. They also hold events on campus to bring awareness and create a safe environment to talk about your experiences.
Dr. Selwyn emphasized that the project is “here for more than those who identify as victims.” There are a few ways that you can get involved with The HEART Project. One being the Advocate Program. Students can either volunteer to be an advocate or sign up to work with one without getting Title IX involved in their situation. The belief behind putting this program into motion is that students are more likely to talk to a peer rather than a faculty member. Another way is as simple as reaching out. There are people out there that want to help you, even when you feel like no one understands what you are going through.
To learn more about what the program is through a student’s eyes, I met with Sophia Odland, who is one of two student assistants in the organization. She heard about the HEART project through her cousin after she became a victim herself. Sophia went through the program herself to receive help and heal from her trauma. After going through this process, she wanted to be able to give back to that community and help others who have gone through the same thing. As a student assistant, Sophia acts as a main point of outreach and communication. She connects those who reach out to whatever they might need, whether that be simply to talk or seek medical care. Along with the other people in the program, she is not a mandatory reporter.
However, if you want to report the incident, she can lead you in the right direction. Sophia believes that sexual assault has become normalized in our society and we need to do something about it. In my meeting with her, she claims that it is “time to stop blaming the victim and start blaming the perpetrator.” To her and many others, the HEART project is an incredibly comfortable environment filled with extraordinary people willing to do whatever it takes to help those who need it.
For many students, studying abroad is an experience that feels out of reach. Some think that it is too expensive, or that it cannot fit into their major, but the University of South Alabama provides a lot of options for students to have an international education that is both affordable and unforgettable.
There are several types of programs available for students to choose from, like exchange programs and virtual programs. Exchange programs are international university partnerships. This means that South has a reciprocal relationship where participating students will attend a host university abroad and the host university will send one of its students to South. Virtual programs allow students to have international experiences without ever having to leave their homes.
The university also offers a variety of faculty-led programs, which are group programs led by South Alabama professors. They are USA courses and are applied to your degree in the same way as all university credits. These programs take students all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Italy, and many other countries as well.
Sociology major Christopher Jay attended a Language, Business, and Culture program in Dijon, France. Something he initially thought to be scary, as he was worried that he might forget the language or struggle with culture shock. However after his time abroad, he discovered a new confidence in himself when it came to traveling, and a better idea of intercultural exchanges. “I took with me a deeper appreciation for languages and cultures different than my own,” he said, “Studying abroad allowed me to witness that culture firsthand and see the people behind the language and culture and not just see the differences between us.”
Students who are worried about the potential cost of an education overseas will be happy to know that the Office of International Education awards around $100,000 in scholarships annually, giving anywhere from $250-
$1000 per student. Students who commit to faculty-led programs early are guaranteed at least the amount indicated in their applications for early commitment.
According to Charmaine Blochlinger, a Study Abroad Ambassador for the OIE, “Our advisors are so passionate about getting students traveling and they want us all to succeed and bring our travels abroad with us into our futures.”
Students having any interest in studying abroad are encouraged to contact the Office of International Education and set up an advising appointment to see what their options are and get them ready for international travel.
Originally launched in September 2016, Musical.ly was a simple app that allowed its users to make short videos lip syncing to their favorite songs with different filter options and watch more popular creators’ videos. Its creation was laced with controversy due to its replacement of the popular app Vine. Most people at the time agreed that it could never be what it once was, but no one, not even Musical.ly’s most popular creators or the company that started it all, could predict what was in store. In 2018, Tik Tok made its official debut and was a smash success. The complete makeover of the app allowed users to make the lip-synching videos they had come to love as well as comedic videos similar to Vine. As most famous things do, TikTok has generated dozens of controversies and much national interest due to its mysterious owners and its ability to shoot anyone to fame with a simple video. It has become hard for even the least technologicallysavvy person to go a day without hearing about the app. Everyone that uses TikTok, however, knows that it is much more than an app for silly videos. Over the years, TikTok’s algorithm has allowed for different subcultures on the app
such as Book Tok, Straight Tok, and the newer Trauma Tok. It’s hard to say how many of the app’s users have discovered this more serious side, but some of its most popular videos have reached a few million views. At first glance, most of the younger generation would agree that talking about mental health is a great idea and that this side of TikTok is very much needed, but from a psychologist’s perspective, trends that emerge from this genre could be dangerous.
To discuss this trend more in depth, I met with USA’s Dr. Philip Smith who is a psychology professor and the director of clinical training at South. Dr. Smith, who is happily removed from all social media,
the only traumatic event. As time has gone on we sort of understand how people react to trauma and we realize there are a lot of experiences that people might have that can be considered traumatic.
Some experiences Dr. Smith has worked with personally are domestic violence and sexual abuse. Because our understanding of trauma is growing, more and more people are being treated and diagnosed with PTSD. Although we have come a long way since only diagnosing veterans with PTSD, there is still much to be learned. Dr. Smith explains that there are many theories for what causes trauma, but we can’t be quite sure which are or are not accurate. It is clear that trauma is
had many concerns when I informed him of this trend. Before we get too far into our discussion, it is important that our understanding of trauma is relatively similar. Dr. Smith describes trauma as reexperiencing, flashbacks, and negative mood alterations along with other criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Other countries also include definitions of complex trauma in their manuals which is “repeated, chronic exposure to traumatic experiences,” Dr. Smith explains. He goes on to explain how psychology’s understanding of trauma has changed as well.
When we think about trauma historically speaking, you are talking about returning war veterans, shell shock is a term that used to be used for that. So a lot of our understanding is really grounded in the experience of combat related trauma. Certainly that is not
a new and delicate topic. Because of this, Dr. Smith is very concerned with its introduction to such a large platform.
It is no secret that mental health has been a historically taboo subject. Talk therapy, exposure therapy, and other forms of therapy that can help trauma victims are relatively new. The emergence of Trauma Tok has created a platform for an extreme version of talk therapy where survivors disclose their trauma to millions of users. For Dr. Smith, this is a scary thought. The goal of therapy is to provide a safe, controlled space for trauma victims to work through their past and process it. Many people who want to participate in this trend may not realize how vulnerable they become when they put themselves out there in that capacity. As Dr. Smith puts it, “The world is harsh enough on its own. To have so much additional vulnerability is what worries me.”
It is true that
“It is no secret that mental health has been a historically taboo subject.”
many people may find closure through this trend. Whether that’s finding someone with similar trauma, finally receiving validation for their emotions, or just being able to talk about it, Trauma Tok has definitely helped some. It is unclear, however, just how many people have been negatively impacted by the trend.
There are many reasons one may want to stay off Trauma Tok. Many survivors may find these videos triggering or upsetting. Those who choose to participate in the trend may find the comment section to not be as kind as they had expected. Traumatizing experiences are often centered around very polarizing topics. With its millions of users, a video is bound to end up on the wrong For You page. It is often advised to stay away
your enemy.” Much as the saying goes, in attempting to get revenge on someone who has wronged you, you are hurting yourself even more. Whether or not you choose to
participate in Trauma Tok, it is important to keep in mind that you are putting yourself out there for others to see and judge.
It is no secret that bad things happen everyday. As our understanding of trauma continues to develop, we begin to understand just how many people suffer. Many people experience trauma and are able to process these memories and heal, but for those who are left with symptoms of PTSD, there are many outlets that can help. While it may not be the best idea to talk about your trauma on such a large platform, it is important for
from people who trigger you negatively or invalidate your experiences. When putting yourself onto such a wide platform, it is much harder to avoid such people. Another worry Dr. Smith shared was his fear surrounding revenge healing. Doxxing has become a well-known word especially on Tik Tok. It is a very dangerous form of revenge because it entails exposing a person’s name and other private information such as their address or where they work. Many survivors often feel anger and hurt during their healing process. For some, it would seem justifying to expose the perpetrator of their trauma. Dr. Smith does not believe that revenge is a part of the healing process. It can reaffirm unhelpful feelings or beliefs and works against acceptance and constructing positive meanings out of terrible situations. Dr. Smith likens it to the adage “taking poison to hurt
survivors to be able to recognize, accept, and heal after these events. Turning to friends and family who can be trusted is a good starting point. Disclosing is extremely hard and can be very upsetting, so it is important to only discuss your trauma with people you trust and feel safe with. If you find yourself unable to cope or heal on your own, professional help is a good option. For many people, understanding their symptoms and the impact their story has had on their mental health is a huge step towards healing. Having an unbiased professional source to go to is a valuable asset. South Alabama offers many services such as free student counseling, trauma advocates, and more. It is never too late or too early to get a jump on your mental health and talk to someone.
“It is no secret that bad things happen everyday.”
Dating in college doesn’t need to be stressful!
College is supposed to be the prime time of our lives- we are young, energetic, and hot! I couldn’t think of a better time to scope out a special someone. That being said, with the development of dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble, the dating scene has changed dramatically and meeting someone is easier than ever. Easier, however, doesn’t necessarily mean better. As someone with their fair share of embarrassing stories of dating in college, I know that it can be messy and confusing. So, I spoke to students across campus for their best dating advice. Here are their words of wisdom:
Story by Anne Hadaway | Graphics by Ryleigh ThorntonOne of the most attractive qualities a person can have is confidence. Having a strong sense of self is so important when you’re seeking out a partnership with someone. Remember that it’s important to put your best face forward while dating someone, but nobody’s perfect. Authenticity is a better look than a facade.
Dating is meant to be fun, but let’s be honest, it can be daunting at times!
The best thing to remember is that by putting yourself out there, you are already going in the right direction. If something doesn’t work out, that’s okay!
Each experience is an opportunity to learn about ourselves and what our needs are in a relationship.
One of the most common questions asked after matching online is the typical “what’re you looking for?” Although it is important to communicate your boundaries and expectations, it is perfectly okay to go into a first date with no expectations. Going into a first date being open to any outcome can make the situation feel less stressful and can allow you and your date to just enjoy getting to know each other!
by Jamie Carpenter | Photos by Lauryn Gunn | Being surrounded by people everyday, it’s easy to forget that absolutely everyone you meet has a story. Explore what’s behind the hustle and bustle of familiar faces on South’s campus, as fellow students give first hand insight into the stories that have shaped their lives.
Kayla Beitzel is absolutely everywhere at the University of South Alabama. A junior this year, Beitzel’s fervently involved in the Jaguar Marching Band as a cymbal player, the cheer team, Kappa Delta sorority, Residence Life, and holds membership in an array of different clubs on campus as well. Additionally, Beitzel has two jobs outside of school on top of her eighteen credit hour course load. But daily, she finds time in between everything to work out, hang with friends, and make time for herself.
A typical day in the life of Kayla Beitzel doesn’t look like your average college student’s, but behind the scenes, Beitzel deals with a lot more than meets the eye.
A Biology major with a double minor in Marine Science and Chemistry, Beitzel knew coming directly out of high school that Alabama was where she wanted to find her college home. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Beitzel chose South because of the proximity of its Biology program to the Gulf Coast, and the desire to truly feel like she could make a positive impact on the university.
Though she’s made her mark at USA in a big way, being so far away from her home in Illinois has been an ongoing challenge for Beitzel. She cites distance as an ongoing factor in maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family up north.
Beitzel is known around campus for her friendly smile and positive attitude, but despite her exterior demeanor, many are unaware that she’s still dealing with the aftershock of her father’s death last year.
“It’s been hard,” said Beitzel. “A lot of people don’t know about my
dad because I use all of my busy work to keep me just that– busy. School goes on no matter what. And me doing all of this stuff at South really helps keep my mind off all the stuff that’s happening at home.”
Among other things, Beitzel utilizes her membership in Kappa Delta sorority as a big outlet for dealing with the things she’s going through, leaning on her sisters and the other organizations she’s in for continued support.
Despite the difficult place she’s at in her life, Beitzel is doing her best to continue spreading positivity everywhere she goes and work to achieve her goals.
“This is my time of independence,” said Beitzel. “I hope that through meeting all of these people and being in somewhat of a spotlight at the university, people are able to look at me and know that it’s possible. There’s a lot of people that end up not wanting to be here because there was no one there for them. I want to be the person that was there.”
In the future, Beitzel has aspirations to finish her bachelor’s degree and become a professor later on in life. But for now, she’s busy smiling and taking it one day at a time.
Stepping into her freshman year at South Alabama, Lucy Raynor already knew what it took to be great. By her senior year of high school, Raynor was a licensed-cosmetologist and earned the title of Best Discus Thrower in the state of Oklahoma. Despite her success, transitioning from the familiarities of her home in Enid, a place where everyone knew her name, to a brand new state and school was a challenge. Raynor was already receiving offers to continue track in college by her junior year. South Alabama Track and Field head coach Paul Brookski saw Raynor’s potential immediately and offered her a spot on the team. She officially signed on with the Jaguars on a full-ride scholarship during Christmas break of 2020.
From a graduating class of only 72 students, and being one of the only African American women at her high school, Raynor is enjoying the change of pace
beginning her senior academic year amongst the diverse student population at USA.
Surrounded by a supportive team and a tight-knit circle of friends, Raynor has created a life that she loves throughout her time at South. But at first glance, many aren’t aware of the trials of Raynor’s past that have laid the foundation for her future.
Raynor’s father got sick as she began her sophomore year of high school, flipping her life upside down. Coming out of his second brain surgery, doctor’s told her and her family that he only had between two months to a year of life left. Her father had an abscess on his brain that pushed on his motor points consistently and made movement and general brain function very difficult.
The youngest of three, Raynor and her family feared for the stability of her dad’s health and hoped and prayed for more options. Though times were hard, the tough circumstances of Raynor’s earlier life led her to find a deeper passion for track and field.
“Around the time my dad got sick, I was just trying to figure out who I wanted to be,” said Raynor. “Even before I got offers for track, I knew I wanted to throw the best I could for him and for myself.”
Through everything she’s been through, Raynor credits her family for allowing
an open and supportive space for emotions at all times. Like Raynor, her father was a successful college athlete at Oklahoma State University, playing with the likes of Barry Sanders and Mike Gundy. His successes inspired Raynor to go out and become a great athlete as well.
In her junior athletic year at USA, Raynor has done just that. She uses track as an outlet for her emotions, consistently working on perfecting her craft. With her dad officially on the road to recovery, Raynor has her sights on placing in the top three for discus throwers at outdoor conference and winning with her teammates.
“Going from a place where I was the best around to now being in a bigger place where everybody is good has definitely been an adjustment,” said Raynor. “But I’ve learned to be proud of who I am and what I bring to the table. I’m just going to keep growing.”
A Strategic Communications major with a minor in Marketing, Raynor’s goals for the future stretch outside her time on the track. Her lifelong dream is to become a known celebrity makeup artist and make the world a more beautiful place.
Often a strong shoulder to cry on for the people in her life, Raynor hopes to leave a legacy of respect and care at South Alabama and everywhere else she goes.
“After everything I’ve gone through in my life, having friends that not only look like me but can also come to me for support is so special to me,” said Raynor. “And understanding more about myself and knowing that I’m making my dad proud… To me, that means the world.”
Mattie Teel is a force to be reckoned with. A Public Relations major from LaGrange, Georgia, she’ a very active student at South Alabama. Teel’s known for her work as a Resident Assistant in the Housing department, her work-study position in Shelby Hall at the Computer Analytical Engineering department, and serving as the Special Events chair for Jaguar Productions.
As of this year, Teel has also begun work as a fan engagement intern for USA’s athletic department, assisting with branding and maximizing student engagement. A rising junior at USA, Teel’s involvement has landed her in the limelight on campus, working closely with the university president and other prestigious individuals on a regular basis.
Though Teel is beginning to master getting through her busy schedule, behind her bright eyes and friendly smile is the difficult story that’s made her who she is today.
At just four years old, Teel dealt with the devastating loss of her father. Following his death, amongst multiple financial struggles, Teel was emancipated from her mother who battled with substance abuse. To separate herself, she moved in with her aunt to finish high school. But graduating in the class of 2020, Teel’s senior year was not one that resembled the average high school student, as COVID-19 quickly took the nation by storm.
With a hectic home life, college wasn’t something that Teel thought was feasible. But when her family moved to Orange Beach, Alabama, she saw hope for a better life outside of her Georgia home. Teel’s grandfather was a part of the first graduating class at the University of South Alabama, and her aunt and sister both attended as well. Though she never officially toured South, she found herself starting her
“I know that I do the things that I do now because of everything that happened in Georgia,” said Teel. “Having a lack of consistency in my life… Having a lack of a lot of things, has made me value them so much more.”
Currently a rising junior, on top of course work, Teel is financially responsible for the vast majority of things in her life. She cites this as one of the reasons she does everything that she does at USA, trying to ensure that her hard work to leave home and get where she is now doesn’t go to waste. With a passionate spirit and a fiery attitude, Teel hopes to leave a legacy of kindness and persistence at the conclusion of her time as a Jaguar.
Despite the things she’s gone through, Teel continues to work hard and put care into everything that she does, rising above her past and fighting for her future.
college life on the Gulf Coast.
At the start of 2022, and with the world slowly returning to a form of normalcy, Teel began to find her footing, getting into a routine. Every day, without fail, she gets up early before work to secure a Starbucks coffee and a muffin or sushi bowl. Though it may seem like a tiny pattern, consistency isn’t something that Teel always had.
“The things that happened in Georgia with my mom and my stepfather, they still affect me to this day,” said Teel. “But look at me now! I’m making it despite what all these people put me through. I want to be remembered as someone who cared about what’s right and stood up for people because I know what it’s like to be alone. After everything, I want to be known for being a good person. I want to be known for being Mattie Teel.”
What started as a TikTok trend transcended into a way to meet new people and hear different music. The idea is to just stand on a busy sidewalk or maybe in a building and ask people what song they’re listening to. Personally, I enjoy a wide variety of music that depends on my mood and what I need to get done for the day when I’m walking around campus. If I have a super busy day ahead of me, I turn to Kendrick Lamar, Rage Against The Machine, and the Beastie Boys for some pumped up inspiration. When I’m just chilling at Starbucks, I usually lean towards something a bit calmer like Fleetwood Mac, Remi Wolf, and the Gorillaz. Recommended by
From ““Speaking Out” by Ryleigh Thornton. Photo by Andrew Biehl.
