Due South Spring 2023

SOUTH

DUE SOUTH

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

Ian Cannette

Jamie Carpenter

Noah Ethridge

Lauryn Gunn

Anne Hadaway

Gracie King

Gabrielle Taylor

Kaytlin Thornton

Marketing and Promotions | Yolanda Carreras

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 “Express Yourself” by Ryleigh Thornton; Photo by Andrew Biehl.

Best of the South first place for Best College Magazine, 2020

CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

STUDY TIPS & TRICKS

Everything you do now is for your future.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Shop Local :)

ROCKS

What’s the deal?

EXPRESS YOURSELF

“When it comes to art, it’s important to not hide the madness.” - Atticus

TOP PICKS ft. THE DUE SOUTH STAFF

Sharing our favorites!

CULTURES ON CAMPUS

Embracing our differences.

COOKING IN COLLEGE

No need to be Gordon Ramsey in the dorm!

BE KIND TO THE EARTH

Is going eco-friendly worth it?

BLOSSOMING TRENDS

Create your spring self!

ACCESSIBILITY ON CAMPUS

Differently-abled doesn’t mean unable.

CONTRIBUTORS

What is your idea of self-care?

MARY WOLF ANDREW BIEHL

TALITHA BUETTEL

JAMIE CARPENTER

LAURYN GUNN

ANNE HADAWAY

GRACIE KING GABRIELLE TAYLOR

KAYTLIN THORNTON

ASSISTANT EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER

WRITER WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER

IAN CANNETTE WRITER

NOAH ETHRIDGE GRAPHIC DESIGNER

EDITOR'S NOTE

What do you think of when you think of Spring? Baby birds? Flowers blooming? Easter? Even, allergies? There are a lot of sterotypes when it comes to this season. One of my favorites is SPRING CLEANING! There’s not much I love more than a deep-cleaning, some organizing, throwing things out, etc. As Sharpay Evans sang, “It’s out with the old and in with the new!”

When I was trying to come up with this semester’s theme, I was at a loss. It’s hard to come up with new ideas, feeling like everything has already been done. When my brilliant Assistant Editor, Mary, texted me over Christmas

break, it was definitely a light-bulb moment! She suggested something lighter and more fun, as opposed to the more heavy topics we have been covering lately. It’s good to cover that, but the light-hearted stuff is always needed. In a crazy world with heart-breaking news plastered on every site everyday, it’s nice to just settle down. Quiet the mind. Take a breath. I encourage you to do the same as you flip through these pages. Take the time to laugh, smile, breathe, and enjoy the simple things.

From all of us here at Due South, we hope you find every comfort within the pages of this issue!

study tips and Tricks

Everything you do now is for your future.

Studying is hard. Whether it’s sitting down with an open textbook or a blank document waiting for you to fill it with wise words that will get you an A, it can be difficult to get your motivation up, especially in college. The life of a college student can be incredibly busy. Sometimes, studying or doing homework is the last thing on your mind or the last thing you really want to do. Oftentimes, it is grueling to even know where to start, what to write, or what to focus on. Studying can seem like a heavy task, but it doesn’t have to be. As Julie Andrews sang in The Sound of Music, “Let’s start at the beginning: a very good place to start.”

Know Yourself

There are four ways of learning: auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and reading/writing. Being an auditory learner means you prefer listening to the information presented to you. You might work well studying in group settings or reading aloud to yourself. Visual learners may retain information better when they soak in information visually. Sometimes, graphic depictions or diagrams help them the most. Being a kinesthetic learner means you prefer being more hands-on and actively engaged during the work. Lastly, when your learning style leans more towards reading/writing, you might be a big note-taker. It is important to know which way works best for you. For me, I’m more of a mix of visual learning and reading/writing. Yes, you can be multiple. You can also change throughout your life. For example, when I was little, I was more of a kinesthetic learner.

It is also important to know what time of day you are more productive. I find that I get more work done in the afternoon, directly after class. I used to be more of a morning-work person, but that has changed during the past few years. Plan your study hours around that time and that can help you be more productive.

zoning

If you don’t know what zoning is, I’ll give you a brief overview. It basically means sectioning off your spaces for certain things. For example, my office is where I do work, my desk in my room is for homework, my bed is for sleep, and everywhere else is for free time. You can actually condition your brain to associate a place with an action if you do this. It’s pretty cool.

reward system

Ever heard of the Pavlovian Method? Yeah, it works! You are working hard and doing amazing, so you should treat yourself every now and then during your study blocks. Give your pet a hug and get your favorite drink or your favorite snack/candy. You need to remember to be kind to yourself.

Story by Ryleigh Thornton | Photos by Gabrielle Taylor

body doubling

This method is one of my and my friend’s favorites. Get a study buddy or just someone to sit with you while you work. You don’t have to be talking or even working on the same thing. Sometimes, it is just nice to have some company or someone there to keep you accountable.

music

Music can be a great way to hone in on whatever you are doing. Sometimes, you need instrumental music when you are reading or studying — words can be distracting. Other times, you need pump-it-up music to get in the groove. Make your playlist curated to your needs and how you focus best. Another great thing about listening to music when you are studying is DANCE BREAKS! Give yourself breaks to just get up and move your body: readjust that blood flow and get some energy out.

set your goals

Sometimes you have over a dozen things on your To-Do list. How do you get it all done? Most of the time, you don’t really have to get every single thing done that you think you need to, and that is a-okay. A good thing to do is go through your list and pick your top three or five things you absolutely need to get done, then go from there. If you get those things done, reward yourself! After that, go through the rest of your list with the time you have left.

to do

If anyone were to ask me what my favorite thing to do during my academic life is, my answer would be filling out my planner. Color-coding my classes? Dopamine hit. Putting in due dates? Dopamine hit. Marking things off my To-Do list? Dopamine hit. When my life is laid out in front of me in such

an organized fashion, everything seems more manageable. My process is incredibly meticulous: Google planner, paper planner, to-do lists, wall calendar, reminders, etc. This is not for everyone and that’s okay. However, I cannot stress how beneficial making a To-Do list is.

I hope this article helped ease some of the stress that comes with studying! I know how overwhelming it can be, but it’s important to remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. The seemingly impossible list of things to do can become easily more manageable when you break it apart, one thing at a time!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

under-addressed issues impacting our population, the Persingers set out to create a company that could approach these problems in some way.

It’s in the name. Located right here in Mobile, Alabama, Do Goods Mercantile has been connecting local consumers with companies doing good in the world one item at a time.

In October 2022, Annie Persinger and husband Christopher set out on a journey to use the resources they had to try and make a positive impact on the world around them. Feeling called to serve after uncovering more about the complexities of marginalized communities and other

Unsure of where to begin, Annie reached out to other small businesses and business owners in the Mobile area, as well as friends and community members with business experience, to help create the foundation for the idea. With continued support from the community, Annie and Christopher were able to create Do Goods, a business centered around being the safety bridge between consumers and the wide world of products and ethical versus unethical companies to choose from.

Do Goods solely sells products from businesses that are doing something good in the local community or elsewhere. Whether that be through items whose proceeds go towards nonprofits against human trafficking or clothing that’s truly

Story by Jamie Carpenter Photos by Lauryn Gunn

environmentally friendly and made where workers are paid a livable wage, Do Goods has it covered.

“Do Goods is like a one stop shop for companies doing good. We get to be the middleman. We get to literally curate a collection of companies that are doing good. Our customers can rest assured that the goods that we carry are truly doing good,” Annie said.

With an overwhelming number of companies in the world that are all claiming to do ‘beneficial things’ in terms of sustainability, social impact, etc., Do Goods allows the consumer to take a deep breath. For those looking to shop more ethically or who have a heart for causes giving back, Do Goods Mercantile acts as the bridge to directly connect customers with the missions they care about.

“Working at Do Goods, well – it doesn’t feel much like work when you get to do what you love every single day. It’s so exciting that we get to be a part of the

change. How we spend our money has a really big impact, and if it impacts individuals, it matters,” Annie said.

continued...

Alumni Atelier. Blackowned and self-started, Alumni Atelier is a design, tailoring, and manufacturing business located right next to the University of South Alabama. With an emphasis on custom apparel, suiting, and special events, Wilton and the Alumni Atelier staff service the Mobile community in more ways than one.

Alumni Atelier is located at 6715 Old Shell Road Suite D, Mobile, Alabama 36608.

At first glance, Mobile, Alabama may seem like just another tourist city in the South, but many native Mobilians know that beneath the surface, it’s a place that’s packed with tons of culture and history, delicious food, gorgeous views, and an excellent market for business development. Terry Wilton, born and raised in Mobile, is no different.

After moving back to the Mobile area from Atlanta with a Bachelors in Fine Art and Fashion Design, Wilton dedicated his time to growing his pride and joy,

“The difference with us in comparison to other tailoring businesses in the area is that we do everything from idea to concept,” said Wilton. “We make patterns, we make gowns, we make suits, we do it all from start to finish.”

In addition to being a tailoring business, with his extensive knowledge of fashion and design, Wilton also teaches young creatives how to perfect their craft and be successful in the design industry.

“We are lacking a creative community in Mobile,”

said Wilton. “I want young creatives to know that there’s a place for them and help grow that community. With the knowledge I’ve got, I want to teach others how to take their dreams from a dream state to an actual business.”

With a staff that goes above and beyond for each and every one of their customers, and with Wilton at the helm of the ship, Alumni Atelier is a small business that’s presenting a new take on the classic tailoring company. Whether you need a suit fitted, a wedding dress made, or have a design idea that you’re not sure what to do with, Alumni Atelier has you covered in more ways than one.

“I knew that if we could bring [business] back here, educate people, and grow the Mobile creative community, that we could then expand outside of Mobile, outside of Alabama, and hopefully outside of

the Southeast and beyond. Our goal is to grow our brand, grow our lines, and educate those that have a similar passion and would like to come in and join that journey or

create a journey of their own,” said Wilton.

What's the Deal? ROCKS

Story by Mary Wolf | Photos by Andrew Biehl

If you take a minute to look at the campus around you, you may notice a strange phenomenon. Rocks…They’re everywhere. Not only do they fill gardens and parking lots, people are wearing them as jewelry and keeping them in pockets. “What’s the deal with the rocks?” you may ask. Crystals are increasingly popular objects. Some people wear them purely for decorative purposes while others find a deeper, metaphysical meaning in these beautiful stones. From an outside perspective, it may seem ridiculous to find healing properties or strength in a simple mineral, but once you understand the deeper meaning of them, you may find a new appreciation for these crystalline structures. Since the world of gemstones is too big to divulge in a single read, we’ll start with what you need to know. We will

discuss crystal shapes and colors, which help many people to pick their special crystals. While it may seem like pseudoscience to some, it’s important to understand where other people’s beliefs originate.

There are many different structures a crystal can come in such as natural formations like clusters or polished formations like spheres. Depending on the crystal shape you choose, it will provide a certain meaning to it. Some popular crystal shapes are points, spheres, clusters, pyramids, and worry stones. Points help to amplify the energy inside the stone, directing healing energy towards yourself or pointing intentions towards the universe. Spheres are believed to radiate energy in all directions because they are cut into a perfect ball. Spheres, believed to neutralize unbalanced energies, are often connected to the Earth and Moon because of their shape. Crystal clusters are found in nature inside of geodes and caves. Because they have so many points, they radiate a high energy and aid with manifestation. Pyramids have a

wide base and come to a sharp point at the top, which helps to stabilize energy and provide balance. The last crystal shape we are going to talk about is the worry stone. Worry stones are often palm-sized, flat stones with an indentation in the middle to rub your thumb across. They provide a very specific purpose in relieving stress through small movements, working much like a fidget toy. Worry stones can be made from any crystal. It is important to know the properties of the crystal to better help your intentions manifest through the crystal shape.

One of the most interesting aspects of crystals is how they naturally form in a wide variety of beautiful colors. Some of the most common crystal colors are red, yellow, blue, green, purple, and black. The color red is often used to channel passion, courage, love, and desire. Red crystals represent strong emotions and can be energizing. Some red crystals are ruby, garnet, and carnelian. The color yellow is often associated with energy, motivation, and joy. Yellow crystals are often used to increase feelings of confidence and mental clarity. Some yellow crystals are citrine, amber, and topaz. The color blue represents peace, tranquility, and truth. People often use blue crystals to increase calming emotions and intuition. Blue crystals are very popular because they promote inner healing and relaxation. Some blue crystals are turquoise, blue lace agate, and apatite. The color green has many meanings including balance and growth, and it can also be used as a symbol of prosperity and abundance. Green crystals are believed to provide emotional support while also releasing

negative feelings. Some green crystals are emerald, jade, and malachite. A common color of crystal is purple. Purple helps to enhance spiritual awareness and remove negativity. Purple crystals are

often used to release anxiety and promote success. Some common purple crystals are amethyst, fluorite, and lepidolite. The color black is incredibly versatile. It represents protection and grounding while also promoting strength and courage. It helps to protect against negative energies and bring clarity. Some black crystals are onyx, obsidian, and black tourmaline. Now that we know some of the basics of choosing a crystal, we can dive into the best crystals for beginners. Clear quartz is known as the master healer. It can amplify the healing properties of other crystals and provide protection from negative energy. It helps to treat physical and mental disorders, while also stimulating positive feelings.

Black tourmaline is another crystal that helps to deflect negative energy. It detoxifies the body and supports a healthy immune system. I personally use black tourmaline to stop myself from ruminating on past trauma and pain.

Amethyst is another healing rystal that many people use to help their anxiety. It shifts negativity into positivity, helping you to overcome negative habits. Amethyst is also used to promote restfulness.

Labradorite is the last crystal we are going to talk about. It is associated with the third eye chakra, meaning that it helps stimulate intuition and spiritual development. It also helps to release negative thoughts about yourself as well as to overcome fear.

The realm of crystals can be daunting to an outsider, but once you are in the know, you can open yourself up to a completely new world. While we did not dive too deep into this topic, you now have the foundation necessary to do your own research and form your own conclusions. It is important to remember that everyone has their own beliefs and values, so, whether you are a skeptic or a believer, be respectful of other people’s opinions and do your research.

YOURSELF

“When it comes to art, it’s important to not hide the madness.” - Atticus

Story by Ryleigh Thornton | Photos by Andrew Biehl

When I was younger, I never could find the words to express my thoughts and feelings. Because of this, I turned to the paintbrush, the iridescent watercolors, thick acrylics, and my transparent paint palette. As a child, I was always conjuring up little doodles on canvas. However, in fourth grade, my parents decided to place me in an art class. I remember the fumes filling my senses and the thrill coursing through my veins when I put brush to canvas. I remember thinking, This is it. This is how I can communicate. Fifth through seventh grade, I filled all the canvases I could —most of which have now ended up in my dad’s office at work— and I couldn’t get enough of it. In eighth grade, I transferred into a public school (I homeschooled up until then), and I was finally able to be in an art studio again. I was appalled at my classmates not taking it more seriously. Instead of making grids and drawing still-lifes, they would send erasers and plastic tub-tops soaring across the room at each other. As for myself, I kept my head down and my eyes on my tracings. After that, I took Art every year, even taking Advanced Placement Art in my senior year. The art studio became my haven, my safe-place, a place where I could be myself. I grew incredibly close to my art teacher throughout the three years I had him. While our interests rested on different ends of the spectrum in the art community, he always believed in me and never questioned my crazy ideas. Surrealism became my niche pretty quickly. Realism always seemed out of reach. I could never get the shading right and I felt contained in a crystallized cage.

I did my best work in bright watercolors on animals, spray paint on cardboard cut-outs of the planets, and scribbled lines of ink.

I regret to admit my days in front of the easel vanished after my freshman year of college. I still enjoy my little scribbles here and there and

even looking back through my old pieces. However, I find myself more in the written word now. That isn’t to say I’m not an artist anymore. I will always be an artist. You don’t need a paintbrush in your hand to be considered an artist. In my mind, there are a million different ways

to channel your artistic talents: music, theater, dance, sculpture, literature, architecture, film, etc. Everybody has their niche, you just have to find it. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You don’t NEED a certain skill set; there is something out there for everyone.

“Using the fine arts as an expressive tool is one the most unique and limitless forms of communication. It has the potential to help express ideas, feelings, and thoughts that would otherwise be very difficult to reveal” (The Refuge Center). Life can get complicated. When there are no words to express what you’re feeling inside, what can you do? Art can connect us to ourselves and the world around us while helping our brain process our complex emotions when it seems like nothing else can. Not only that, it improves our focus and reduces our stress. Making art can help you be more present and in the moment by activating “a variety of networks, including relaxed reflective state, focused attention, and pleasure” (ACRM). This coping mechanism can be a “cathartic experience” and create a sense of relief

when times get tough (ACRM). Professor Semir Zeki performed a study analyzing brain scans while the patients were shown paintings by famous artists. They found that “when people viewed the art they thought was most beautiful, blood flow increased by as much as 10% to the region of the brain associated with pleasure — the equivalent to looking at a loved one” (ACRM). Overall, art affects brain plasticity, making us better at observing, remembering, and expressing.

“As we age, we might face isolation through a loss of social connections, such as friends, family and workplace - as well as other limitations such as decreasing physical health. Through getting involved in arts programmes, people in later life can rebuild their social connections and extend existing support in their communities” (Mental Health Foundation).

There are many ways to get involved in the art community. For instance, the algorithm for my TikTok For You page has put me in the loop of pottery and painting videos. There are also plenty of outlets within our own community right here in Mobile. On the second Friday of every month, people gather from 6 to 9 p.m. in

the downtown Arts District to share their love for the arts (Mobile Arts Council). On

Museum Drive, you can also find the Mobile Museum of Art housing over 6,000 artworks ranging from sculptures to crafts (MMofA).

Whether you paint, draw, act, sing, or dance, you are creating something special: something unique to you. It

can help you express and process what you are thinking and how you are feeling. It doesn’t matter if others don’t understand it. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

TOP PICKS

Sharing our favorites!

Taylor Swift Songs

1. “Cruel Summer” from Lover

2. “Don’t Blame Me” from Reputation

3. “Exile” from Folklore

4. “Dear John” from Speak Now

5. “Out Of The Woods” from 1989

Scooby Doo Movies

1. Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase

2. Scooby-Doo and the Relucant Werewolf

3. Scooby-Doo and the Boo Brothers

4. Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School

5. Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island

Podcasts

1. “Armchair Expert” with Dax Shepard

2. “Two Hot Takes” with Morgan Abusher

3. “Up First” with NPR staff

4. “Crime Junkie” with Ashley Flowers

5. “The Comment Section” with Drew Afualo

ft. THE DUE SOUTH STAFF

Childhood Shows

1. Wizards of Waverly Place

2. Hannah Montana

3. Codename: Kids Next Door

4. Ninjago

5. Phineas and Ferb

Favorite Albums

1. “In Rainbows”Radiohead

2. “MADVILLAINY” - MF DOOM and Madlib

3. “To Pimp A Butterfly”Kendrick Lamar

4. “The Money Store”Death Grips

5. “The Black Parade” - My Chemical Romance

Cryptids

1. Loch Ness Monster

2. Mothman

3. Wendigo

4. Kraken

5. Bigfoot

- MARY - TALITHA

- NOAH - ANDREW

- ANNE

- KAYTLIN

Your Due South staff is eager to share a few of their top favorites! From books to movies, Taylor Swift songs to albums, cup trends to old Disney Channel shows, we have LOTS of opinions. How do ours compare to yours?

Story by Gracie King | Photos by Talitha Buettel

-

Books

1. “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab

2. “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman

3. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak

4. “The Autobiography of Alice

B. Toklas” by Gertrude Stein

5. “The Bookshop on the Corner” by Jenny Colgan

Cup Trends

1. Owala

2. Hydroflask

3. Stanley

4. Swell

5. Tervis

Food

1. Cheese

2. Mac and Cheese

3. Green Olives

4. Buffalo Wings

5. Raspberries

Clothing Trends

1. Mom jeans

2. Bell bottoms

3. Crochet tops/ dresses

4. Mini skirts

5. Body jewelry

Movies

1. Spotlight (2015)

2. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

3. BlacKkKlansman (2018)

4. Arrival (2016)

5. Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004)

Apps

1. Twitter

2. YouTube

3. ASOS

4. Yuka

5. Yamibuy

RYLEIGH - JAMIE

- LAURYN - GABRIELLE

- GRACIE - IAN

CULTURES ON CAMPUS

EMBRACING OUR DIFFERENCES

Culture is a word that encompasses many things: art, history, customs, cuisine, religious beliefs, and much more. It is a number of characteristics that are shared by a group of people. A person’s culture is often a large part of their identity.

South Alabama is a campus that is overflowing with culture, from opportunities for global education to the many diverse groups and organizations representing different cultures and people. The goal is to make sure that South students not only feel welcome but are able to have the opportunity to share and learn about these cultures with each other.

Global USA is an organization whose goal is to fully integrate and enhance international activities and efforts. This means providing a welcoming and safe environment for international students and scholars while also offering opportunities for domestic students to experience culture through study abroad and travel opportunities to places all over the world.

There are several different offices under the Global USA umbrella that work together to provide these opportunities. The Study Abroad office focuses on finding ways for students to experience education overseas, so they might come back to South and share their experiences with other students. The Office of Global Outreach is tasked with traveling to other countries to recruit students from all around the world. The Office of International Admissions and Student Programs works to admit international students and provide support for them as they complete their degrees here in Mobile. They also work with student organizations to help with cultural programming, which enables them to educate the USA community about the very diverse population of students.

Story by Kaytlin Thornton | Photos by Lauryn Gunn

International education allows for students to be exposed to a diverse range of people from all over the world. Students may broaden their minds and learn about people whose backgrounds are not like their own. In many ways, this can help the USA community grow closer and stronger to each other because learning about a person’s culture can help people better understand the perspectives of others, and it can also show that while people can come from completely different backgrounds, there are a lot of things that they have in common as well.

South Alabama also has a large number of organizations that focus on culture by promoting awareness of different cultures that exist here on our campus: the Vietnamese, Latin American, Indian, Muslim, Native American, and Bangladeshi Student Associations, the Filipino Cultural Society, Hallyu USA, and Friends of Internationals. Many of these organizations host events throughout the year to help share, educate and create general awareness around the cultures that they represent.

These events often shed light on specific aspects within a culture. For example, the Muslim Student Association hosted an event earlier this semester discussing mental hardships in Islam. The discussion included Islam’s perspective on mental hardships and how they may be confronted within the religion. Not only do these events help educate about certain topics from within a culture, they also bring people closer together in a greater understanding of one another and allow students from these cultures to have their voices be heard.

“International education allows for students to be exposed to a diverse range of people from all over the world."

Graduating Senior Raegan Bonner is a registered member of the Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama, and she has experienced first hand the effects of culture sharing and education within the USA community. During her time at South, Bonner received the honor of being named Miss Indian Alabama, which is a scholarship program for young women within all nine tribes of the state of Alabama.

Miss Indian Alabama serves as an ambassador for these tribes over the course of a full year before the honor is passed down. She travels to local powwows, events with the Governor, schools, and a number of other places where the opportunity is presented that she can educate and share her culture with others. Though Bonner has passed down the honor, she remains dedicated to acting as an ambassador to the Alabama tribes and tribal people by continuing to educate others.

“The college experience is not just about academic education, but also to continue education in making us more well-rounded and prepared to face the world,” Bonner said, “We are here to constantly learn, whether it’s inside or outside the classroom. Cultural awareness is an important skill as much as the skills we learn for our major.”

However, educating others isn’t always easy. According to Bonner, there are many people who aren’t aware that there are tribes located in the Southeast or have any idea about Native American culture at all. Even close friends will often be surprised when she begins to share the history

of the Alabama Tribes. And there are also those who doubt her credibility due to their own ignorance.

“Many people don’t believe me when I say I am a Native American. This is why I have dedicated myself to reconnection with my heritage and sharing it with others.”

Despite the difficulties, however, Bonner finds that South Alabama is a university that clearly appreciates its diverse student body and takes great care in ensuring that culture sharing and education become an important part of the campus community. Every student at South deserves the opportunity to be seen, have their voices heard, and to listen to the voices of others.

“It has been evident to me that South loves students from all over the world and that culture is an important part of student life,” Bonner said, “I would love to see more and more student organizations for different cultures continue to exist on campus.”

Sharing cultures allows the students at South to grow closer as a community as they learn more about each other, how they are alike, and how they are different. Culture and its diverse nature deserve to be shared and celebrated, as it’s a big part of what shapes a person. Everyone has their own culture, so it’s important to share them with each other to foster a strong community, and within that community a unique culture is created: the student culture of South Alabama.

“Every student at South deserves the opportunity to be seen and have their voices heard, and to listen to the voices of others.”

COOKING IN COLLEGE

No need to be Gordon Ramsey in the dorm!

Nine times out of ten, I find myself at a crossroads between the several dining choices the campus has to offer: the Caf, a staple to South Alabama living, sort of defined by its routine consistency; the food court, always there for a well-deserved indulgence in a nice steak stack or Cobb salad; the Delta Deli, the ultimate latenight adventure of every on-campus freshman; and, finally, that little space in the back end of the student center, providing a surprisingly top-tier sandwich menu. All of these options are quite yummy and affordable, but what if I’m craving something just a little more home-y? Or more, dare I say, creative? Beneath all these different options lies a very apt and creative dining experience: a self-cooked, selfpioneered meal.

Cooking on campus can be a very taxing yet rewarding experience. Some might find themselves inhibited by the limitations of dorm life (i.e. an obligatory lack of toasters), others by the difficulty of acquiring the ingredients for any sort of meal beyond the caliber of gourmet ramen. The usual option for me is to simply sit and devour while putting as little work into my food as possible, yet there is a certain appeal to making one’s own food. Not only does doing so provide

student chefs with full knowledge and reign over their ingredient choices, nutritional decisions, and diet balances, but it also allows them to alter such dimensions to fit their personal physical and health goals.

In the same way that athletes have the opportunity to make food to bulk up or trim down, students have options to make their own vegan, Kosher, or vegetarian options; the bottom line is that building your own meals gives you the flexibility to do what you want with your diet. Cooking on campus has so much potential, largely untapped by the present student population. On campus, housing options such as the Betas, the Gammas, and even a few Delta apartments feature a small kitchenette, essentially composed of a microwave and stove top combination, allowing for a more uninhibited approach to student cooking. In addition, the availability of other kitchen resources, for example certain cooking appliances, make this an oncampus cook’s haven.

In a dorm room, cooking is much more challenging due to the limited space and appliance types. Fear not, however, as making the best use of these options might be as simple as finding interesting appliances to work with, from mini air fryers to hard-boiled

Story by Andrew Biehl | Graphics by Ryleigh Thornton

egg cookers. A true student cook is limited not by housing choices but by the imagination!

Take, for example, Keisei Velez, a first-year advertising major who lives in Azalea Hall; one of his favorite recipes is for a Puerto Rican chicken, made with a simple air fryer. The recipe calls for adobo and sazón seasoning, olive oil, and boneless chicken; check it out below:

1. Cut the chicken breast into half-inch cubes and put it in a ziploc bag.

2. Coat the chicken with one packet of sazón and 5 tablespoons of adobo.

3. Put in the fridge for 15-25 minutes to marinate.

4. Remove the chicken and put in the air fryer at 400 degrees.

5. Cook for about 5 minutes, take out chicken to shake, and cook for 5 more minutes.

6. Serve on a plate with a side…and enjoy!

Looking for a more filling, more complete dish, as opposed to simply a (very) tasty entree? Another South student, mechanical engineering major Logan James, was happy to share a recipe that she comes back to time and time again: her loaded mash bowl. It requires the same appliances but

a larger host of ingredients, simple enough to be available in a dorm but still providing a unique comfort-food experience.

Logan’s original recipe calls for mashed potatoes and chicken breast, as well as simple salt-and-pepper seasoning, one 4-oz packet of instant mash potatoes, butter, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and green onion.

1. Cut your chicken into 1-inch cubes & season while preheating the oven or air fryer to 400.

2. Grease liner/air fryer to prevent sticking, insert chicken, & cook for 2022 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. At the halfway point, use your microwave or stovetop to heat some water to a boiling/very hot level.

4. Put your mashed potato packet in a bowl, and gradually add 2 cups of hot water (or however much it takes to reach a desired consistency).

5. Mix the potatoes thoroughly, adding 3 tbsp butter, some salt & pepper, and most of the cheese.

6. Add your bacon bits, remaining cheese, & sliced green onions as a topper; remove chicken from the fryer, garnish, & enjoy.

available (assuming, of course, you are lucky enough to have the kitchenware the box recipe might call for). These recipes are not concrete, and changing them can add your own twist on the recipe at hand.

In addition, this dish is something of an alternative to Keisei’s Puerto Rican chicken, but cooks are encouraged to experiment with the two recipes and see which flavors work together. Perhaps the Puerto Rican flavors might apply, and marinating the chicken works just as well for this recipe as it did for the last. As a cook, everything is up to you, and the best way to find what works and what doesn’t is through trial and error.

Say, theoretically, you don’t live in a kitchenette-style dorm, you don’t have access to any cooking appliances, from a pressure cooker to a microwave, and in fact, you really don’t care for silly elaborate recipes. You, opportunist that you are, just want a simple, fun, and affordable meal you can snack on without the hustle and bustle of your appliance-heavy peers. Is there a solution for you?

Indeed there is. Freshman Will Murray, business major and Gamma 2 resident, has quite the solution: a very healthy, low-carb breakfast item: overnight oats, easily one of the most simple-to-make and customizable dishes in the cookbook. The delicious recipe is as follows:

1. Add one cup of oatmeal to a cup you wouldn’t mind eating out of.

2. Add ¾ cup of milk, milk substitute, or water.

cranberries.

5. Let sit in the fridge overnight.

6. Wake up and enjoy!

The thing about this recipe is that it’s much more fluid, given that it’s made for people living in a dorm; if you have the option to use a fancier potato brand, that option is definitely

3. Add less to make thicker or more to make thinner, whatever works best for you.

4. Add desired toppings, such as chia seeds, raisins, brown sugar, or

There you have it! If knowledge is power, you might as well be a culinary king. All of these options, and more, are modifiable at your discretion, but regardless, these recipes serve as strong guidelines to the comfort food South’s students have invested in during their time living on campus. Creativity is key to these recipes, and the more time you spend experimenting the better and better your dishes will get.

Hopefully, this guide has opened your eyes to the unbelievable potential for cooking on campus at South Alabama, whether you’re a fifth year Beta resident or a brand-new, Epsilonbound freshman. Going forward, feel free to take this knowledge and start cooking with friends, classmates, and roommates. South Alabama’s apartments and residence halls are no longer a match for you and your creative potential, especially now that you have in your possession the formative South Alabama guide to cooking on campus.

BE KIND to the EARTH

Is going eco-friendly worth it?

Story by Ian Cannette | Graphics by Noah Ethridge

Being eco-friendly can take some time to research, and may lead to a student thinking “How does this affect me?” Overall, it plays a huge role in human health and well-being. Conserve Energy Future, an environmentalist group, states that it can help conserve energy, while also preventing air and water pollution. It also helps reduce toxic waste, as well as pesticides, released into the environment. Our planet’s resources are limited, and becoming eco-friendly will help put less of a strain on those resources. There are so many ways as to how an eco-friendly lifestyle can affect us now and in the future.

A suitable definition of eco-friendly according to the Council on Environmental Quality is anything that is not environmentally harmful. When it comes to being eco-friendly during college years, it is most likely the least of a student’s concerns. Most students would probably see being eco-friendly as another task rather than what it really is.

A very popular question on Google about being eco-friendly is “Is going eco-friendly worth it?” To this, the response is always yes and there is so much reasoning behind it. Depending on the

ways you choose to go eco-friendly, the effects may vary. However, all these effects are beneficial to not only you, but the environment around you. Going eco-friendly can lead to much cheaper bills! This is especially helpful for college students who live off campus. It can lead to less waste being generated, which can lead to savings over time. Dongying Li and William Sullivan, researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Landscape Architecture state that going eco-friendly has also proven to lead to much better test scores and overall student achievement. The important question is, what can we do as students to become more eco-friendly. Here are a few ways to become eco-friendly while being a college student.

“Our planet’s resources are limited, and becoming eco-friendly will help put less of a strain on those resources. "

Digital note tracking is an excellent way to be eco-friendly and is extremely accessible. Most college students have access to some form of electronic device whether it be a cell phone, tablet, or laptop. Not only is it accessible, it leads to less greenhouse gas emissions. According to The Slate, you can use an iPad for up to 7 hours before surpassing the greenhouse gas emissions of a single sheet of paper. Greenhouse gasses lead to climate change, warming the entire planet by trapping in heat. It also affects our atmosphere, resulting in it weakening and even causing holes in the ozone layer. Aside from greenhouse gas emissions, using digital note tracking ensures no physical clutter in your workspace. Most devices also allow you to link it to a cloud, enabling you to access the notes on other devices.

environment. It also plays a big part in the need for new plastics and cutting down more trees. When it comes to these products, you must look as early as the production stages all the way to the packaging stages. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Green Guides states that for a product to be properly labeled as eco-friendly, the packaging must explain why it is environmentally responsible. These products are easily accessible and can be found at many stores. However, they are usually a little bit more expensive than non-recycled supplies.

For those without access to these devices, using school supplies made of recycled materials is another great way to be ecofriendly during college. Shrink that Footprint, an online news page dedicated to eco-friendly topics, states that using recycled materials leads to less greenhouse emissions and reduces air and water pollution. School supplies that are made of recycled material are usually biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable. This means that if the supplies are discarded correctly, they are less likely to harm the

Thrift shopping is another great way to be eco-friendly and is already commonly done among college students. Thrift shopping became somewhat of a trend with this generation due to Tik Tok. However, many students’ goals are to save more money. Not only does it save college students money, but it leads to less waste production. Shopping at thrift stores instead of other stores can affect the amount of clothing produced. Bloomberg, a current events news outlet, states that fashion production makes up about 10% of carbon emissions. Not only that, it can also lead to water sources drying up and pollution in rivers and streams. Thrift stores are also extremely available, with over 20 thrift stores in the Mobile area. Thrift stores significantly mark down prices, allowing those on a budget to have a much easier time.

Buying used textbooks is another great way for a college student to be eco-friendly. Every college student hates having to buy books every semester, due to the prices being very high. However, buying used textbooks often comes at a much cheaper price than buying a book brand new. Firefly Books, a North American book publisher and distributor, states that buying used textbooks helps with the water consumption needed to make textbooks. Publishing industries consume roughly 153 billion gallons of water each year. To make these books, it takes a very large amount of fossil fuel as well as large amounts of electricity. If these books were to be thrown out instead of reused, it would lead to large amounts of global warming emissions, as well as toxic impacts on local water systems. As stated earlier, this way of being ecofriendly can also help save a college student money. If you cannot find the book you need in a physical used copy, buying it digitally is also eco-friendly and is usually cheaper than a physical book.

makes the difference. All these things help fight against pollution in the environment. It also helps reduce waste and energy consumption when creating new products. Using more eco-friendly products decreases the need for additional plastic manufacturing. While all the needed items to make an eco-friendly lunch are easily accessible, it does come at a cost. Most of these products can be found relatively cheap at stores, but items such as a reusable water bottle or recycled material lunch boxes can be a bit pricey.

Packing your own lunch is another way to be eco-friendly during college. According to Green Learning, what makes packing your own lunch ecofriendly is not the lunch itself, but what you use to hold the lunch. Using things such as alternative plastics, reusable food containers, packing utensils from home, and a reusable water bottle are what

There are even more tips, tricks, and ways to be eco-friendly to be found that can be put into your current lifestyle. The ones listed can be built upon, using them almost like stepping stones until you reach the eco-friendly lifestyle you want. Everyone's life allows different things to be integrated into it, but with proper research, you will be able to find ways that can fit into your lifestyle. These ways being integrated into your lifestyle have one main purpose and it is to help the Earth. Our planet may seem like an indestructible mass, but in reality, it is very fragile and needs proper care in order to allow everything on it to live. Becoming eco-friendly is a great way to take proper care of our lovely planet while also taking care of yourself in many ways.

blossoming trends

Create your Spring self!

Story by Anne Hadaway | Photos by Talitha Buettel

Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashion fades, style is eternal.” Time and time again, this sentiment has proven itself true. At its core, fashion is meant to be customizable and personal, centered around the individual’s personality and needs. As the next season begins and temperatures rise, new flowers aren’t the only things growing on campus: Spring 2023 trends are blossoming! Although every trend isn’t suitable for everybody’s tastes, we have chosen to highlight a few of the latest spring fashion trends on campus that can be a great addition to your spring wardrobe and adaptable to your lifestyle, budget, and fashion preferences.

Denim-on Denim

Y2K fashion is back and is here to stay. Denim-on-denim is one look that will for sure serve early 2000s realness, giving the edgy yet nostalgic vibes we are obsessed with this season. If you’re looking to add a little spice to your look but aren’t ready to fully commit to something super bold, try experimenting with denim-on-denim. Mom jeans with a simple crop top are a classic outfit for a night out–accessorizing with an oversized denim jacket can add a more edgy feel. Denim tote bags are also perfect for those trying to go for a softer look. If you’re really adventurous, you could even go for a monochromatic look wearing head-to-toe denim. Denim is such a versatile fabric. There are so many ways to style it, and, with it being so durable as well, denim pieces are typically long-lasting staples. Many of the best denim pieces can actually be found at thrift stores as they hold up so well!

Bold Bottoms Statement Earrings

Featured in Vouge’s “Spring 2023 Trends our Editors are Wearing Now,” it is evident that bold-colored bottoms have become a staple in our spring wardrobes. Always guaranteed to make a statement, bold-colored pants are a great way to spice up your going-out outfit or even your everyday wear. Whereas it isn’t practical to wear dress pants every day to class, bold-colored athletic wear is one of the best options to stay comfy and stylish when you're having to walk around campus all day. Next time you're in the market for some new leggings or yoga pants, try adding some fun colors such as red, pink, or blue instead of your typical black.

Sometimes your outfit needs a little sparkle! One of my favorite ways to dazzle up an outfit is to add a cute pair of statement earrings. Fun earrings are going to be everywhere this season. You can find fun earrings in boutiques around Mobile. For our creatives out there, you can actually make your own earrings using pliers and jewelry wire. So, next time you find a cute trinket or charm, ask yourself: “Could these be earrings?” The possibilities are endless!

Keeping up with trends shouldn’t be hard or stressful! Fashion is a form of self-expression, and truthfully, style beats trendiness any day of the week. Keep this in mind when you are shopping for new pieces this season, and consider how different trends can be adapted to suit your day-to-day needs and personal style. This is the key to looking your best!

ACCESSIBILITY O N CAMPUS

Differently-abled doesn’t mean unable.

Story by Gracie King | Graphics by Noah Ethridge

At the University of South Alabama, there are currently 652 students enrolled with the Center for Educational Accessibility and Disability Resources who receive accommodations like extra testing time, faculty parking passes, or support animals. 652 students wake up everyday to face a different, sometimes unwelcoming and unaccommodating reality, both on campus and in the world.

Before you go to class each day, do you consider how you will get there? Ride a bike, drive, walk, take the JagTran? Where do you park? Which entrance do you take into

the building? Do you take the stairs or the elevator? How close do you need to sit to the board? The majority of students don’t really have to consider these kinds of things before taking the dreaded journey to their 8:00 a.m. lab in the rain. Those 652 students have to consider each of these questions every time they venture out to class, the grocery store, the gym, or even just to check the mail.

The Center for Educational Accessibility and Disability Resources (CEADR) is a cornucopia of support for students with disabilities on campus. Not only do they

provide assistance to their registered students, they also aim to provide faculty, staff, and other students with the tools they need to be inclusive and accessible.

We hear the word accessibility and think of it as a stagnant, blanket resolution to all disabilities. As long as everything is accessible, everyone’s happy, right? Well, not really. Accessibility is a fine-tuned, individualized plan for each student. Just because a product or service is helpful to a visually impaired student

doesn’t mean it’s helpful to all visually impaired students. CEADR strives to work individually with each student to decide what exactly will assist the student.

Michael Evers, the Assistant Director of CEADR and a member of the Mobile Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind, speaks to students on a daily basis about their needs and how they can work together to satisfy them.

“A lot of people are very receptive to what I bring to

the table in terms of how to help students with visual impairments. Everyone is very willing and wants to encourage inclusivity and accessibility on campus,” Evers said.

He personally had a hand in many of the technological projects that CEADR has undertaken to aid its students. Though some of the projects are still in the works, there are even more ideas in store for the department.

“Being able to get the 3-D printer for the department was one of my favorite projects I’ve gotten to work on,” Evers said, while his seeing eye dog, Onslo, huffed quietly in the corner.

Jessica Hultquist is the Sensory Impaired Technology Coordinator for CEADR. Her mom, a former special education teacher, imprinted on her from an early age just how important accessible education is.

“ACCESSIBILITY IS A FINETUNED, INDIVIDUALIZED PLAN FOR EACH STUDENT.”

“At home, I grew up speaking English, Spanish, and American Sign Language because my mom wanted me to have those communication skills,” Hultquist said. “She always taught me the importance of not just including somebody but about trying to treat them like everybody else and realizing that even though they may have different needs, we still have things in common.”

As the Technology Coordinator, Hultquist plays a special role in understanding and developing the various

forms of software that can aid a student with a disability. For example, Learning Ally provides audio versions of novels or textbooks for students with visual impairments or learning disabilities. Book Share is similar to Learning Ally but may have more material that Learning Ally doesn’t have. Access Text requests access directly from the author or publisher. Fusion acts as a screen reader that can dictate emails, texts, or even social media posts for its users.

“We cannot guarantee

success but we can guarantee access,” Hultquist said. “It is up to each individual student to put in the work, but we will do our best to provide them with what they need.”

Though the University of South Alabama can be described as a relatively accessible campus, there is still much work to be done. Some of the older buildings on campus, like the Mitchell College of Business, face structural challenges when it

comes to updating things like elevators or wheelchair lifts.

“Accessibility can be tangible or intangible. There are actual, physical things that our students need to be successful and then there are more conceptual, technologybased things they need,” Mario Sheats, the Director of CEADR, said.

Sheats is hoping to expand some of the tangible services throughout the campus. However, it’s not as simple

“IT IS ACTION AND OPEN DISCUSSION THAT DRIVES CHANGE.”

as securing funding and getting the OK to proceed with construction. Oftentimes, adding an elevator, a wheelchair lift, or even just a ramp to an existing building poses many unforeseen challenges.

University of South Alabama students can be a part of those tangible solutions. Whether you’re an in-class note-taker for a visually or hearing impaired student or you implement accessibility tools into your daily life, being an ally to students with disabilities makes our campus

stronger.

Like all issues in life, talk is not enough when discussing accessibility for students with disabilities. It is action and open discussion that drives change. Louis Braille, the French educator credited with inventing a reading and writing system for those who are visually impaired, said it best: “We must be treated as equals - and communication is the way we can bring this about.”

“WHETHER YOU’RE AN IN-CLASS NOTE-TAKER FOR A VISUALLY OR HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENT OR YOU IMPLEMENT ACCESSIBILITY TOOLS INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE, BEING AN ALLY TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES MAKES OUR CAMPUS STRONGER.”

From ““Making a Difference” by Jamie Carpenter.

Photo by Lauryn Gunn.

DUE SOUTH

Student Magazine for The University of South Alabama