Niner Times: September 16, 2014

OP-ED: Revealed by the iPhone reveal

Last week’s reveal of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus show us that Apple can and will create a mob mentality and keep consumers at their beck and call. p. 14

Escaping the stigma of weight and the scale

While being healthy is important, it is equally important to escape societal set values of weight. Motivation to be healthy can be more than the number on the scale. p. 17

With tremendous growth on campus and an expected student body of 35,000 by 2020, standards raise for future applicants p. 4 1

A PRODUCT OF STUDENT NINER MEDIA • THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHARLOTTE • VOL. 27, ISSUE 4 SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014 NINERTIMES

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SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

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Sept. 16 - 22, 2014

V O L U M E 2 7, N U M B E R 4

ASSISTANT EDITORS Salina Dickie, Amanda Duke, Aaron McCain

ADDITIONAL STAFF Edward Averette, Corlene Beukes, Natalie Chan, Ariel Clayborn, Chris Crews, Jared Green, Warren Pettee, Quan Siler, Brittany Wilson

MARKETING STAFF Sales: Michelle D’Silva, Jack Fahnestock, Katelyn Ford, Briona Kiser, Melissa McHugh, Dylan Robison, Brandon Weiner Promotions Coordinator: Sean Grier

Street Team: Natalie Chan, Sydney Cunningham, Amanda Duke

SALES OFFICE: 704.687.7144 CIRCULATION BY STUDENT UNION LOADING DOCK TEAM

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CAMPUS GROWTH SGA, POLICE AND WEATHER RECYCLEBOT HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER COACH CULLEN PROFILE FOOTBALL RECAP OP-ED: INTERNET TAXATION OP-ED: IPHONE REVEAL RUDIMENTAL PROFILE ISLANDER REVIEW WEIGHING YOURSELF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

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SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

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NT File Photo

ANNUAL GROWTH IN FRESHMAN CLASSES RAISES STANDARDS FOR FUTURE APPLICANTS UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS EXPECT TO SEE 35,000 STUDENTS ENROLLED BY THE END OF THE DECADE

Edward Averette

STAFF WRITER UNC Charlotte’s 2014 freshman class is the most academically qualified in the history of the university according to Claire Kirby, director of admissions.

“There is an increase in both the GPA and SAT averages of the 2014 class,” said Kirby. “The middle 50 percent of freshmen had GPAs ranging from 3.6 - 4.3 and SATs ranging from 1540 to 1770.”

While the first class of Levine Scholars graduated in May, 2,200 applications were sent in for the university’s scholars program with only 15 spots available. Out of those 2,200, 62 were selected as finalists for the fifth incoming class of scholars.

In addition to this, 15,600 freshman applications were sent to UNC Charlotte for this school year, which trumped the previous record of 14,400 the year before. Overall, this represents an 80 percent increase in applications since 2005.

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“We enrolled more than 3,300 new freshmen and 2,800 new transfers this fall for a total of 6,100 new Niners,” said Kirby.

In comparison, fall of 2012 featured a record 3,800 freshmen, which was about 600 more students than the university had planned for. This occurred during a period in which UNC Charlotte’s state funding was cut $33 million which affected resources such as staff and caused delays in construction to accommodate students to create capacity in entry-level courses.

It seems that with each passing year, as overall enrollment inches closer to 30,000 students, the university is becoming far more selective and cautious with growth.

“As the number of applications increase and the quality of the overall applicant pool increases, it becomes even more important for students to apply early and present the best academic profile possible,” said Kirby.

“We anticipate growing the freshman class each year, but for now, that will be modest growth. It’s important to consider the capacity of our classroom spaces and the faculty who teach those first year courses.”

The capacity perspective applied to SOAR sessions as well. While UNC Charlotte did not add additional dates for sessions, the SOAR office did add capacity to each of the freshman sessions for a greater influx of students.

According to Kirby, incoming freshmen noted that they choose UNC Charlotte for several factors such as location, strength of academic programs, the modern campus and growth.

“Our location is a significant factor because of the proximity to the city and the opportunities available for internships, research, culture and other experiences,” said Kirby. “The variety of academic offerings and the

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strength of those programs is a significant factor for families. Our facilities are another common factor – we offer newer academic spaces, residence halls and student life spaces. New students and their families are also really excited about our growth and the excitement that goes along with that. We’re not only growing physically by increasing enrollment and adding facilities, there’s also an increase in awareness and excitement about where we’re headed as a university.”

While official reports are under wraps for the next few weeks, enrollment is expected to be over 27,000, mirroring a rise from 26,500 students in 2013. In addition to a new wave of students arriving on campus, UNC Charlotte expects to see enrollment numbers rise to 35,000 by the end of the decade. Nearly half of all enrollment growth (48 percent) in the UNC system occurring from 2008-13 has taken place at UNC Charlotte.

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Student Government Association prepares for fall elections Ballots will be open Tuesday and Wednesday, with the winners announced on Thursday EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The ballots for the Student Government Association (SGA)’s fall election open on Tuesday, Sept.

16, at 8 a.m. and close Wednesday at 5 p.m. During these elections, 39 candidates are vying for 16 available seats. The breakdown of the seats are: two for the College of Arts and Architecture; one for the College of Computing and Informatics; three for the College of Education; three for the College of Health and Human Services; one for the William States Lee College of Engineering; two for University College; four Class Presidents.

To cast a vote, visit vote.uncc.edu on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Below is information about the 39 candidates.

The results of the election will be announced Thursday, Sept. 18 at 12 p.m. in the Student Union Rotunda.

At-Large Senators Jake Butler, sophomore, pre-buisness administration major.

Vincent Cahill, junior, pre-economics major.

Tanner Holden, sophomore, pre-kinesiology major.

Andre Jefferies, sophomore, political science major.

Brijesh Kishan, senior, political science major.

Spencer Kwolyk, sophomore, pre-business administration major.

Sam Polad, senior. finance major.

UNC CHARLOTTE METEOROLOGY PROGRAM

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Freshman At-Large Senators Austin Beebe, pre-accounting major.

Mackenzie Belton, University College.

Tavares Bush, pre-accounting major.

Amber Creft, political science major.

Raymond Galicia, pre-nursing major.

Aaliyah O’Neal, pre-kinesiology major.

Kelsey Summey, University College.

Freshman Class President Alex Cauthren, pre-communication studies major.

Emily Crunkleton, political science major.

Chris Davis, pre-accounting major.

Abby DeBerry, pre-business administration major.

Brittnee Gaines, pre-biology major.

Makeda Harris, health professions exploration major.

Joel Hernadez, computer engineering major.

Matthew Moermond, mechanical engineering major.

Jaimish Patel, pre-business administration major.

Sydney Quach, pre-middle grades education major.

JT Robbins, pre-business administration major.

Julian Robinson, psychology major.

Brandon Rotimi, political science major.

Hilda Swanepoel, University College.

Matthew Washington, political science major.

Sophomore Class President Christina Gullo, pre-elementary education major.

Ashley Martin, University College.

Junior Class President Domonique Byers, pre-business administration major.

Tiffany Lieu, finance major.

Bianca Nanje, political science major.

Brandon Nixon, philosophy major.

Senior Class President Brittany Bryant, marketing major.

Bethany Burch, finance major.

Andrea Ellis, public health major.

Mitul Mehta, finance major.

For additional information, visit sga.uncc.edu/candidates

ASSAULT SEPT. 8

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

83°F

75°F

74°F

74°F

75°F

Partly sunny.

Low of 70.

SEPT. 17

Partly sunny.

Low of 66.

SEPT. 18

Partly sunny.

Low of 59.

SEPT. 9

• Belk Hall, victim reported that an acquaintance was continuously sending threatening text messages to her phone.

CALLS FOR SERVICE SEPT. 9

• Lot 7, officers responded to a call of an intoxicated female subject. The call was classified as second degree rape, resist obstruct/delay and underage possession.

SEPT. 10

• Wallis Hall, officers responded to a call in reference to an individual having thoughts of suicide.

COUNTERFEIT SEPT. 8

• Student Union, subject passed a counterfeit ten dollar bill to pay for food.

POSSESSION SEPT. 12

• Lot 23, subject was found in possession of a baggie containing marijuana.

For more information on Mecklenburg County arrests, visit arrestinquiryweb.co.mecklenburg.nc.us

TUESDAY SEPT. 16

weather.uncc.edu

SEPT. 8 - 12

• Miltimore Hall, after arguing with the victim, subject threw bottle, which struck victim on her right eye.

Eden Creamer

GET MORE INFO ABOUT THE

POLICE BLOTTER

SEPT. 19

Partly sunny.

Low of 57.

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SEPT. 20

Mostly sunny.

Low of 58.

SUNDAY SEPT. 21

77°F

Mostly sunny.

Low of 59.

MONDAY SEPT. 22

79°F Sunny.

Low of 62.

NINERTIMES

RecycleBot to appear at Jerry Richardson for third football game With funds from CGI, a team of graduate engineer students and their professor take steps towards unveiling their green gadget

Edward Averette

STAFF WRITER During Fall 2013, the Charlotte Green Initiative (CGI) granted $5,000 in funding for the creation of RecycleBot. The game plan involves having the environmentally conscious robot at football games to interact with people, although there’s still a ways to go before the prototype makes its appearance.

“We may have something working at the end of this month, but we’re really shooting for the third football game, which is fairly late October to have it actually operational,” said UNC Charlotte engineering professor Dr. James Conrad.

RecycleBot will be able to dipose of both recyclables and compostables through two types of technology. The first type is an ultrasonic sensor, which will be able to detect if an item has been placed in front of it. This in turn will turn on a camera, which is hooked up to a Raspberry Pi computer that will identify whether the item is recyclable or compostable.

“By using this Raspberry Pi we can do almost everything with the robot. It’s the heart of the robot,” said UNC Charlotte graduate student Dharmik Mehta.

Two servo motors will then complete the process by tipping the item into the corresponding bin it belongs in.

“This is not going to be a fully autonomous because we need some people to be with it to be able to be there in case things go really nuts,” said Conrad. “Because again, this is a prototype, this is not a commercial product that has gone through extensive testing. However, we will give it GPS coordinates and it will have other sensors (ultrasonic) which will detect if someone steps in front of it so it won’t run over people.”

UNC Charlotte graduate student Vatsal Soni is one of several students working on the robot and is involved in building the GPS navigation system.

“As a student, there’s a lot of things to do for the Raspberry Pi computer,” said Soni. “We can learn how to operate it and how to use it for the future aspect to fulfill our requirement for the robot. We are learning so much, doing all these things for RecycleBot.” In addition to GPS, several microcomputers, ultrasonic sensors and motors, the rectangular bot will also feature unique steering for movement.

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From left: Dharmik Mehta, James Conrad and Vastal Soni. Photo by Edward Averette

“We use a specific type of wheel … that allows it to turn a lot easier than having four wheels that are all straight,” said Conrad. “You can turn one way or the other.”

While RecycleBot is almost ready for game time there are still a few finishing pieces it needs before it can navigate Jerry Richardson Stadium.

“We’re basically building a vehicle and vehicle platform from scratch and we only had one person associated with the mechanical part,” said Conrad. “I’ve used graduate students as the workers for the electrical part, which has worked out well. They have an option where they could work on a particular project and use that project as a demonstration of the work they’ve done. I don’t have anybody like that mechanical-wise.”

Conrad and his team have so far had three mechanical engineers (all of which were undergraduates) work on the robot in conjunction with electrical engineers, but has run out of funds from the $5,000 grant given to his team from CGI for the project.

Although the frame, the bins and much of SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

the electrical framework is present for the RecycleBot, it still needs features such as the tipping mechanism and a platform for recyclables.

“Building a robotic vehicle takes hundreds of hours,” said Conrad. “I got enough money for 100 hours of mechanical engineer’s time … I have a lot more work to get done. I may be able to move some funding from what we were going to buy for parts, then instead use it for manual labor.”

With the help of a mechanical engineer, Conrad hopes to add a clear plastic skin cover on the robot in order to give people a better idea of how the machine works scientifically, while also encouraging them to recycle. “We have talked to Charlotte Green Initiative and said that we would design this so that it could be used inside the football stadium for football games, but also outside during football games (tailgating) and at basketball games and at the International Festival and some of these other types of events that can go on.”

To stay updated in the progress of RecycleBot, visit http://cgi.uncc.edu/projects

NINERTIMES

Will benefits of a new Health and Wellness Center outweigh raise in student fees?

University officials weigh pros and cons of adding an additional fitness center to campus

Jared Green

STAFF WRITER There is currently talk amongst UNC Charlotte officials of plans to create a new Health and Wellness Center. As many students have noticed (and voiced), there is a lack in available fitness facilities on campus.

When visiting the Fitness Center in the Student Activities Center (SAC), students will find a crowded space having long wait times to use equipment. This can make finding time to exercise extremely difficult for the average on-the-go college student.

Hopes are that after the renovations to Belk Gym, which are set to be completed by Fall 2015, some of the crowdedness will be alleviated.

Alternatively, Jim Hoppa, assistant vice chancellor for Student Activities and Recreation, says, “with good facilities, utilization will increase.”

An increase in utilization, along with our university’s rapidly increasing enrollment, means that even with the reopening of Belk Gym,

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fitness facilities may continue to be overused and often overcrowded. With such a need for additional fitness space, the solution is just to build more facilities, right? Well, unfortunately, the solution is not that simple.

The construction process for new facilities involves a thorough process which must be completed before architects and engineers are even hired to draft blueprints.

A decision for a project, once approved by university officials, must go through a board of trustees to be approved. If they approve, the project is submitted to a board of governors for their additional approval.

According to Hoppa, “[The decision] becomes a matter of politics ...If the public sees us using this money to build these new facilities, they might say that the money should go to build new academic buildings.”

Thus, the board of trustees and the board of governors must be careful in making approval of such a large

Inside the Fitness Center at the James H. Barnhard Student Activities Center. NT File Photo

expenditure.

Even if the project was to be approved, much budgetary work would have to be done to make it fiscally feasible. Hoppa explained that money and resources would need to be “moved around” from place to place, project to project, in order to finance a new center.

Though it would be an arduous process to undertake, the project still is on the table because it is a need of high importance for the university community.

“The university understands that there is a need, a high need, for [more fitness facilities],” said Hoppa, “Our facilities are completely overwhelmed, they are too crowded. They are not offering what [people] need in a facility.”

With the recognition of this need, the matter is not “if” facilities should be built, but “when” they should be built.

“The issue comes down to funding; it will obviously cause an increase in costs to students,” Hoppa said.

The proposed project would cause a projected increase of around $75100 in existing student fees. Hoppa expressed that while this may not be much to some students, other students are already struggling and this would only add to their financial difficulties associated with obtaining

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a higher education. He expressed how university officials are striving to make a decision in the best interest of all students.

The university is certainly taking student input into account to determine when they will move forward with the project. They are working closely alongside students using tools such as student surveys to get their opinions.

The university is also working with the Student Government Association (SGA), which has already voiced its support for the project, to get a feel for what student popular opinion is on the matter.

Though student input is an important determining factor, it is only one of many factors that will determine when such an endeavor will take place. Numbers must be crunched and further approval must be sought before this project becomes concrete.

In regards to possible on-campus locations for the new Health and Wellness Center, two locations have been discussed. The first location would be where the current Union Lot is located, at the corner of Craver Road and Alumni Way. The second location is where the old Facilities Management office is located, at the corner of Craver Road and Mary Alexander Road.

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NINERTIMES

COACH CULLEN BLEEDS CHARLOTTE GREEN AND WHITE WOMEN’S SOCCER COACH JOHN CULLEN HAS RETURNED TO HIS ALMA MATER IN HOPES OF ONCE AGAIN LEADING CHARLOTTE TO THE NCAA TOURNAMENT

Matt Chapman

SPORTS EDITOR Charlotte Head Coach John Cullen has 49ers green and white running through his veins, so when Director of Athletics Judy Rose offered him the women’s soccer coaching job he couldn’t pass on the opportunity.

Cullen, who’s originally from London, England, became the program’s fourth head coach when he accepted the job on Jan. 15, 2009.

Cullen is now in his sixth season at the helm of the 49ers and has posted a stellar 61-36-11 overall record, including four double-digit win campaigns and two conference tournament championship game appearances.

“I am extremely pleased to have someone with John’s character, abilities and accomplishments but the one thing that you can never put a price tag on - the one thing that truly excites me - is his passion for

COACH CULLEN

BY THE NUMBERS Seasons at Charlotte: 6 Overall Record: 61-3 6-11 Winning Percentage: 62.8 percent Regular Season Conference Titles: 2 (2010 and 2013) Double-digit win seasons: 4 Conference Tournament appearances: 5

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our program,” said Rose when she made the hire.

“To have an alum, who was a member of our soccer program, who has great coaching credentials, come home, is the best of both worlds.”

Rose not only loved Cullen because of his ties with the program but she also saw his winning ways while coaching at Division II Catawba College.

“What he’s done at Catawba is remarkable and I think the sky’s the limit for him here. He has a vision for our program that exceeds what we’ve done,” said Rose.

Cullen graduated from Charlotte in 1993 after playing all four years on the 49ers men’s soccer team.

Cullen was named captain and earned a spot on the NSCAA South Region Scholar-Athlete Team.

He was a member of Charlotte’s first NCAA Tournament team during the 1991 season, as well as the 1992 tournament team that ranked as high as number two nationally at one point in the year.

Following the conclusion of his playing career, Cullen coached on various club teams throughout the 1990s and early 2000s while also working with the Olympic Development Program.

He worked as the assistant director of coaching for the Charlotte Soccer Club and also served as the executive director of soccer with the FC Carolina Alliance based in Concord, N.C. Cullen earned his first collegiate head coaching position in 2001

Photo by Ben Coon.

at Division II Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. He began his tenure in 2001 and transformed the Indians into a powerhouse over his eight seasons in charge of the program.

He made four NCAA Division II regional appearances while at Catawba and advanced to the regional finals in two of those outstanding seasons.

Cullen was named South Atlantic

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Conference (SAC) Coach of the Year on four different occasions, and he also notched NSCAA regional Coach of the Year honors after the 2005 campaign.

Cullen finished his time at Catawba as the most decorated coach in school history, compiling an impressive 113-33-16 overall record.

He coached two All-Americans and two SAC Players of the Year while

NINERTIMES

CULLEN, cont.

Charlotte 49ers Women’s Soccer Head Coach John Cullen. Photo by Chris Crews.

also delivering two SAC regular season titles.

The 49ers head coach attributes much of his success in the Queen City to the valuable lessons he learned coaching at the Division II level.

“It was my first opportunity to get into college coaching. I went with the approach that as a coach I wanted to look for players that are passionate, competitive and want to fill their potential,” said Cullen.

“When I was at Catawba I looked for players who I felt were strong enough mentally to play every day and compete every day.”

Cullen also developed patience and work ethic as he has ascended through the ranks of coaching soccer.

“What I brought from Division II to Division I was a gratitude and an appreciation of what I’ve worked through to get to where I’m at. I think going from club soccer to Division II to Division I gives you a great appreciation of the process so I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I

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think it was a good stepping ladder and a good way to work my way up,” said Cullen.

Cullen experienced immense success at Catawba and knew it would take a special job offer to get him away from the program.

When he got the call from Rose he knew it was time to move on to bigger and better things at his old stomping ground.

“I was very honored to be asked to come coach the Charlotte women’s soccer team,” said Cullen.

“I had a wonderful experience here as a player, a great experience here as a student-athlete, a lifetime full of memories and great relationships.”

Cullen simply couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to his old stomping grounds and help return Charlotte to the NCAA Tournament.

“When the opportunity came to coach at my alma mater on the women’s side I just jumped at it, there was no hesitation whatsoever. I had been at Catawba for about nine years and I had turned down a num-

ber of jobs while I was there. I think Charlotte was the only job that really appealed to me. It was an opportunity to come back to a school that has been really good to me and hopefully I can come back and recreate a lot of wonderful memories.”

Cullen has certainly added to the memory bank since accepting the job with the 49ers.

He has guided his team to the conference tournament in all five seasons, including conference championship game appearances in his first two seasons in 2009 and 2010.

The 49ers added some hardware to the trophy case in 2013 as Cullen led his ladies to the Conference USA East Division title in their first year back in the league.

Charlotte won the outright championship and earned the number one overall seed in the conference tournament before bowing out in the semifinals in a devastating 1-0 double overtime loss against North Texas.

Cullen has enjoyed his success with the 49ers but is certainly not satisfied and understands what he has to do for this team to reach new heights in the future.

“I think to be a good program you can’t look too far ahead and you have to remain humble and hungry,” said Cullen.

“You have to maintain very high standards as a coaching staff.”

Cullen and his staff make sure not to look too far ahead though, he makes sure his team focuses on improving day by day.

“We coach in the present, like what can we do to be a better team today?

How can we make this player a better player tomorrow? My approach to coaching is that the training Monday through Thursday is very, very important and Friday through Sunday is the rewards,” said Cullen.

Cullen is looking to take the next step with this program and take his squad into the NCAA Tournament in the years to come.

“Division I women’s soccer is very competitive and every year we’ve been good enough to compete for conference titles which hopefully will give us an opportunity to be an NCAA team,” said Cullen.

“Every year whether we’re picked to finish number one or number 14, I still think we’re good enough to win

SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

it.”

Cullen has the utmost confidence in his players and his coaching staff and believes that the 49ers have what it takes reach the top and compete for championships.

“That’s our approach and that’s our mindset and we’re trying to develop a winning mentality. Sometimes there’s adversity and sometimes there are setbacks but it doesn’t change our focus and we still think we’re good enough to go and capture titles,” he said.

Coach Cullen is a big fan of Charlotte’s move back into C-USA and he feels as though competing in a tougher conference will not only make his players better but also improve his team’s chances of making the NCAA Tournament at the end of the year.

“When we were in the Atlantic 10 it was regarded as the 10th best conference and now that we’re in C-USA it is regarded as the sixth or seventh best conference in the nation,” said Cullen.

“It’s definitely a step up. It’s a very athletic conference and there are speedsters all over the map. We come up against very good athletes weekin and week-out.”

Cullen stressed the fact that C-USA soccer delivers more challenges and more opportunities for the the 49ers movin forward.

“It’s a different brand of soccer, it’s a much faster pace than the Atlantic 10 was. The conference is going to test us every week. It’s a strong conference in terms of RPI [Ratings Percentage Index] and legitimately every year I think there are six to eight teams that are good enough to win it.”

Cullen has won roughly 60 percent of his games since taking the reigns at Charlotte in 2009.

The 49ers have been consistent over the years and are looking to take that last step that will propel them into the NCAA tournament come November.

Charlotte will play their first home game of the 2014 season this Wednesday night at Transamerica Field when they host the Winthrop Eagles at 7 p.m.

The 49ers will then host Davidson on Sunday, Sept. 21 before kicking off C-USA action on the road against Florida Atlantic on Friday, Sept. 26.

NINERTIMES

49ers hold on for a roller coaster win over the Eagles The Charlotte 49ers improve to 3-0 on the season despite allowing 28 unanswered points in the fourth quarter

Alex Passannante

SPORTS EDITOR In an unforgettable game against the North Carolina Central Eagles, the Charlotte 49ers football team came out of Durham with a 40-28 win.

The score at the beginning of the fourth quarter was 40-0, but the final score was much different thanks to an incredible run of 28 unanswered points from the Eagles.

Coach Lambert talked about holding North Carolina Central scoreless for three quarters and their turnaround to 28 unanswered points.

“Some things didn’t go our way. There was a pick six and we left our guys in there to try and reward them for their good play earlier. But hey, we won it,” said Lambert.

The 49ers opened the game with a 65-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Matt Johnson to Austin Duke on the first play from scrimmage.

Charlotte tacked on two field goals from kicker Blake Brewer to extend their advantage to 13-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The 49ers found the end zone with ease throughout most of the second quarter.

Running back Kalif Phillips found pay-dirt twice in the quarter on a pair of goal-line runs that put Charlotte on top comfortably 26-0 with 8:09 remaining on the clock before halftime.

Phillips’ two scoring runs pushed his touchdown total to eight on the young season. He leads all Football Championship Subdivision running backs in touchdowns through three weeks of the 2014 campaign.

Charlotte safety Branden Dozier recovered a fumble late in the first half and delivered a back-breaking 52-yard return all the way to the end zone that gave the 49ers a 33-0 lead heading into the locker room.

Both teams started slow in the third quarter but the 49ers finally broke through with 3:10 remaining in the quarter when true freshman running back Maetron Thomas took a six-yard scamper into the end zone to extend the Charlotte lead to a seemingly unsurmountable 40 points.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, that’s when things started to get a bit dicey.

In the fourth, Eagles quarterback Malcolm Bell started to pick apart the dominant 49ers defense and connected on a 28-yard pass to speedster Adrian Wilkins for their first touchdown of the game, making the score 40-7.

Backup quarterback Lee McNeil then entered the game for Charlotte and immediately threw a pick-six, which was returned 26 yards making the game 40-14.

From then on, North Carolina Central scored two more touchdowns in a row, combined with a

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Branden Dozier, 3, returns a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown against North Carolina Central. Photo by Ben Coon.

missed field goal from the 49ers.

With the game much closer, the 49ers made a big play when they needed it, as they’ve done all year.

Redshirt sophomore Tank Norman ended up being the player to deliver for Charlotte’s defense, with an interception to seal the game with two minutes left.

“We said how we needed a turnover,” said Norman.

“The defense didn’t want to give up any more touchdowns. We needed a big play and I was happy I could deliver it.”

Injuries were a big factor in this game, which Coach Lambert said is problematic.

“We’re getting a little beat up this year. (Kalif) Phillips is going to be okay. We have to have a doctor look at Colby (Clayton-Molby) and Eugene German’s ankle.”

Phillips did not play in the fourth quarter after exiting the contest with a bruised shoulder.

Lambert most likely removed his starting running back for precautionary reasons with the big lead.

With this win, the 49ers have avenged their loss from last year, where they fell to the Eagles 40-13.

Larry Ogunjobi said that they needed to send a SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

message in this game.

“This isn’t a first-year program anymore,” said Ogunjobi postgame.

“We gave them too many gifts last year, and this year we wanted to show them that we are a very good football team.”

Not only did Johnson deliver with his arm on Saturday night, he also racked up 150 yards on the ground on just 14 carries.

Johnson tied for the longest run in school history in the fourth quarter when he broke one for 70 yards at a crucial moment with the Eagles building momentum.

Phillips continued his dominance of the 49ers competition, carrying the ball 14 times for 104 yards and the two touchdown runs in the first half.

He has now scored a touchdown in seven straight games dating back to last season and he has scored multiple touchdowns in five straight contests for Charlotte.

The 49ers have improved to 3-0 on the season and have captured their first three-game winning streak in school history.

Charlotte will be looking to remain undefeated next weekend with a match-up on the road against the Elon Phoenix.

NINERTIMES

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NINERTIMES

NO TAXATION

Millennials tell the federal government to keep its hands off free market Internet Brittany Wilson INTERN

“I wanted to work for myself. I wanted to make my own schedule. I wanted to have more control over my life and my work. I wanted to become an entrepreneur.”

Kylah Allen, a UNC Charlotte alum and founder of a successful North Carolina company, is far from alone in her pursuit to pave her own path to success. According to Reason-Rupe’s latest poll, over half of America’s millennial generation has dreams of someday becoming an entrepreneur, working for themselves and starting a business.

With the economy in distress, youth employment at a disconcerting high (12.67 percent in the state of North Carolina) and an austere lack of upward mobility in the modern job market, it’s hard to believe that America’s youngest generation could muster the ambition and grit to become the biggest producer of entrepreneurs.

But we have, and we’ve done it our own way.

Millennials understand and appreciate the new era of impartial competition and fair profit and have thus turned to the freest marketplace left in America to pursue their ambitions: the Internet.

By providing a forum for virtually unconditional free speech, an outlet for new ideas and a marketplace for international business that the brick and mortar businesses of yesteryear lack, the Internet has not only survived the recent economic downturn – it has thrived.

Last week, the Hudson Institute reported that online sales have accounted for 20 percent of economic growth between 1997 and 2002 and 10 percent growth between 2002 and 2007. The Internet is now a fundamental slice in America’s modern economy and young entrepreneurs are

taking note.

America’s next generation has found a faster, cheaper and easier way to do business, but where there is free market innovation, bureaucratic red tape is sure to follow.

Introduced to Congress on Aug. 17, 2014, the Marketplace and Internet Tax Fairness Act (MITFA) essentially allows states to collect taxes from retailers with no physical presence in that state. Additionally, if passed, this legislation would place thousands of new restrictions on new businesses and would raise the price of items most often bought online. Good news for government, bad news for you.

Like it does for most college students, the Internet regularly provides me with some of the staples I use in my daily life and is thus what I usually turn to when shopping.

For example, when shopping for textbooks, Amazon undoubtedly trumps an inconvenient trip to Barnes and Noble. Online, it’s possible for me to shop for the same books sold at brick and mortar stores but with more choice, better competition, lower prices and higher quality, all at a time and place that conveniently fits my busy schedule.

Implementation of a federal Internet sales tax would translate practically to higher textbook prices and lower incentives for online shopping.

This government-induced hindrance is detrimental to business and detrimental to America.

When I made this discovery, I, among tens of thousands of angry millennials, took to the Internet.

In an epic event of political discontent and youthful vigor, millennials fought back using the very entity government was trying to dismantle. Thanks in large part to a “Facebook bomb,”

EDITORIAL POLICY Niner Times is written and produced by students at UNC Charlotte. All unsigned editorials are the expressed opinion of the editorial board and do not represent the views of the University. Views expressed in signed editorials are solely those of the author. Niner Times is published on Tuesdays during the regular academic year except during holidays and exam periods.

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organized by Generation Opportunity, negative attention was brought to the bill, which currently looks as though it’s not going to pass.

When asked what the greatest innovation to come from the 21st century is, most young people will respond with the creation and development of Internet. With a user base that’s 86.2 percent of the United States population strong, it makes sense that most 18 to 30-year-olds could not imagine a life without it.

It also makes sense that older congressional leaders, who are disconnected from our generation’s way of thinking, acting and doing business, just wouldn’t get it.

Young Americans, recent college graduates and our nation’s next generation of innovators have found a better approach to business that is easier, faster and more effective, and it is now our responsibility to protect it.

Recently, there has been vague talk of more government regulation on Internet commerce and a reemergence of the Internet sales tax. We must not forget the struggles that we’ve overcome to keep our Internet free and our politicians accountable. We must stay vigilant.

If government continues to meddle with Internet commerce, there is a strong potential for countless Americans with similar hopes and dreams to Allen to be unemployed at the feet of the federal government.

Luckily, our generation is fighting back. Recently, young people from around the country let their voices be heard and actually made a difference in legislation that would directly impact them. You can too. Contact your local official today, and tell them to keep their hands off our innovation.

GIVE US SOME FEEDBACK Niner Times welcomes letters. Feedback should be under 200 words, legibly written or typed and should include the author’s signature, year in school, major and telephone number. Faculty and staff should include title and department. Unsigned, anonymous letters will not be printed. All letters are subject to editing for space and style.

SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

SUBMIT LETTERS TO:

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Going along with the herd Once again, Apple’s iPhone reveal event brings the hype, and users follow like sheep

Natalie Chan INTERN

Apple CEO Tim Cook reveals the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus on stage on Sept. 9. Photo courtesy of MCT Campus

Apple fans have been anxiously waiting for the newest electronic gadget, and the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus will finally be available on Sept. 19. Those who have already planned to upgrade phones are especially ready to get their hands on the new product.

The iPhone 6 runs for $199, $299 and $399 on contract for the 16GB, 64GB and 128GB models, respectively; the iPhone 6 Plus will run you $100 more at each level.

Although the Android market is providing numerous options of smartwatches, smartphones and laptops to customers, Apple CEO Tim Cook announced they once again created the best version of iPhone ever and provided all new functions to persuade people to buy it. Last year, the iPhone 5S and 5C weren’t really enough to impress the users.

Since technology has become a

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significant part of our lives, college students always carry around their electronic gadgets, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, laptop or a combination.

And they are also objects of envy.

This morning, my cousin uploaded a picture of his iPhone 6 order, and his friends immediately liked his post and expressed their jealousy.

Before you get an iPhone 6, will you ask yourself the question of whether you really need it? We may have numerous reasons to convince ourselves that having an iPhone 6 is absolutely necessary.

Apple products, especially iPhones, always come out every year. It’s not crazy to think that Apple saves some aspects of technology and design for the next model, ensuring that the iPhone always has some problem so that customers will want to renew their phone every year.

Many of us are enslaved to the idea of chasing the new model to make us look cool, showing people that we only use the newest and best. Some don’t want to be left behind the trend – when everyone is obsessed with the same brand, people force themselves to use the same model as their friend (or one better) in order to gain peer recognition.

In the old days, we used our phones for several years and didn’t buy a new one until the old one broke. Since the advent of smartphones, companies have had a yearly cycle of new products to stay competitive. Now we trade in our year-old phones, even though it’s still working, to buy the new model.

Everyday, we live under commercial and social media, and we have been told how people are looking forward the new iPhone.

And when you look at their

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slogan, “Bigger than bigger,” how can you pull yourself out of the herd behavior – a behavior of an individual to do the same as the group without planning ahead.

The herd behavior marketing wants to increase impulse purchasing and make people buy the new product to replace the old one. This was clear when Tim Cook introduced the iPhone 6 on stage and the audience erupted in applause.

Apple always attracts unparalleled attention, and year after year, people keep lining up for the new products. Although we are all social animals and tend to do automatically the same thing as others, can we stop and ask ourselves, “Am I doing this because of the group or for myself?”

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Photo courtesy of Rudimental

Rudimental leaves it to the vibes

UK sensations, Rudimental says its all about “positivity, family and good f***ing times”

Leanna Pough

A&E EDITOR Three weeks into their tour with Ed Sheeran, Amir Amor and Piers Agget of Rudimental say life on the road is mostly work.

“It’s kind of like going to another planet for a while. We’re in a different place everyday pretty much,” says Rudimental guitarist and keyboardist Amor.

Those who have experienced Rudimental live can attest to the out-of-this-world aura. The band has received recent attention from industry staple, VIBE, who describes their stage presence as “infectious and high energy.” In addition to Amor and Agget, the band includes Kesi Dryden and DJ Locksmith.

“There’s nine people on stage so it’s a high energy show. We’re all really enjoying the fact that we’re here and thankful for it,” says Amor.

“When you come to see us live it explains what Rudimental is. It’s the four of us playing instruments at the front and the rest of the family hav-

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ing a good time,” says Agget.

“It’s great to get those kinds of compliments because it’s not something that happened overnight for us,” says Amor.

Other outlets have even said they’ve got the magic touch. Much like Disclosure, once an artist is feature on a Rudimental track, they’re guaranteed success.

“We look for a good soulful vocal that gets us happy, gets us buzzing … we’re attracted to like minded musical people,” explains Agget.

“Usually we write our song first then have some idea of vocals or lyrics to bring the song to life,” Amor chimes in.

“We get involved with pretty much everything from the writing, producing, mixing. We do back vocals as well,” continues Agget.

Rudimental is a group with many hats.

“It’s where we come from. Being producers and working in community

centers and schools and being around young talent,” says Agget.

“We have so many different influences in us. We’re four different people that come together. So for us to have one singer would be pretty difficult. So it’s great to be able to access some of these singers, especially up-and-coming ones because like Piers said, we’ve been producers before this,” says Amor.

“We get influences from people like Funkadelic, punk soul bands from the ’60s and ’70s. It’s not about one person … it’s about family vibes,” says Agget.

The quartet is working to expand their family. After joining two years ago, Amor says the band turned his then studio into Major Toms, their record label.

“A lot of the artists that you hear on our first record cam through that studio,” Amor admits.

Major Toms’ first signee, Anne Marie Nicholson, accompanied them

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at Thursday’s show.

The band hopes the label will help grow the Rudimental culture and leave an imprint on music.

“For us, we don’t really want to be in the videos. We don’t want to be in the front like that. We’d like to let the emotion of the soulfulness be the message and do the talking. So yeah, it’s positivity, family and good f***ing times,” says Amor.

As for future plans, fans can expect an album early next year.

“We feel like we’ve stepped up so much in the last couple of years …Now we’re just so much better because we’ve played live so much,” says Amor.

“It’s still got the elements we grew up with … drums and bass, but its just been extended really. Its become cleaner now,” explains Agget.

Thus, adding new additions to their “love potion” while keeping some legends in the mix.

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“Violence & Destruction” by Islander The alternative rock band’s debut studio album, “Violence & Destruction,” gets three stars

Ariel Clayborn

NEWS EDITOR Islander’s genre can best be described as a blend of alternative rock and heavy metal – not quite hardcore enough to make your parents nervous, but just enough to make people from your grandparents’ generation shake their fists at you and call you a ‘rebel youth’ when you’re blasting the music from your apartment into the wee hours of a weekend night.

Islander’s roots stem not so far from the Queen City, in Greenville, S.C. The band is comprised of members Mikey Carvajal, Chris Doot, Eric Frazier and Andrew Murphy, who all formed the group Islander in 2011. Islander’s most recent album, “Violence & Destruction,” was released on July 8, 2014.

To review “Violence & Destruction” I really had to travel back in time and harken back to the mind of the Ariel from my freshman year of high school, back when P.O.D. and System of a Down were in my repertoire. While channeling this particular point in my life I noticed three things: 1) It’s been a long time since I was a freshman in high school, 2) my music taste has changed significantly over the last few years and 3) most shocking of all, freshman Ariel would not like this album because almost every track sounds exactly the same. Thank you, freshman Ariel.

In exchange for your insight, it may please you to know that you grow an inch taller when you’re 17, and your wardrobe improves

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drastically.

In any case I wouldn’t go so far as to say that a lack of variety in the album tracks’ sounds connotes a lack of creativity, but “Violence & Destruction” could do with a bit more spice in the stirring pot. As the album continues, the tracks become somewhat predictable and less unique. Naturally one shouldn’t judge an entire album by the first couple of songs, but when you’re not keen on the first three tracks and everything else sounds just about the same, you can’t help pining for a little diversity – something to say “If this song wasn’t your cup of tea, let’s switch it up a bit more and you can try this one on for size!”

If you are an Islander fan and this album is on your Christmas or upcoming birthday wish list, it’s a no-brainer that you would most likely enjoy “Violence & Destruction” more than I did. In all fairness, being new to Islander, there may be a previous album I have not listened to that did exceptionally better in the past – it just wouldn’t be on my Spotify queue any time soon.

For the curious music enthusiasts who are considering giving Islander a go because you want to rediscover your inner metalhead that’s been collecting dust over the years, be warned: this album is not for the faint of heart, and probably not something you would listen to in the company of your parents.

ACROSS 1 Story 5 Gauge on a dash 9 Lowest opera voice 14 Landed on the runway 15 Sunburn soother 16 Starting squad 17 Window material 19 Beauty at the ball 20 French friend 21 Rapture 23 Marshland 24 Legendary skater Henie 26 “If it only could be” 28 “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas” author 34 Indian or Chinese, e.g.

35 Nametag greeting 36 Harbinger 39 Hindu guru 42 Imitated

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43 Images on a desktop 45 Bride’s beloved 47 One coming in from the bullpen 51 Thigh bone 52 Feel around in the dark 55 N.C. State’s conference 57 Early metalworking period 61 Hush-hush fed. org.

62 Centrally managed store group 64 Explosive situation 66 Metamorphosis stage 67 Scat legend Fitzgerald 68 “__ upon a time ...”

69 Speak 70 Optimistic 71 Brew found in increasing quantities in the ends of 17-, 28-, 47- and 64-Across

DOWN 1 Spanish appetizers 2 Texas mission 3 Every cloud’s silver feature?

4 Somme summer 5 Soft mineral 6 “Ah, me!”

7 What you pay 8 Half a guy-gal argument 9 Infantile 10 Had dinner 11 “For Dummies” bookstore section 12 Reduced-price event 13 Harbinger 18 Drive and reverse 22 Stockholm’s land: Abbr.

25 Lady in the 1965 sitcom pilot episode “The Lady in the Bottle” 27 Pot for clams 29 “__ better to have loved ...”: Tennyson 30 How half-shell clams are eaten 31 Eel, at sushi bars 32 Land in la mer 33 Silent agreement 36 Knight’s title 37 Cubes in a bucket 38 Wheels on the links 40 Mohawk-sporting actor 41 Biennial games gp.

44 Advanced college course 46 “Golly” 48 Cat’s coat 49 Like capitalized nouns 50 Legendary football coach Knute 53 Cake serving 54 Like the idiomatic beaver 55 Civil rights org.

56 Online dialogue 58 __ contendere: court plea 59 Leatherworking tools 60 Down Under greeting 63 “__ got it!”

65 Director Reiner

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MCT Campus

NO SCALE

VICTORY Quan Siler INTERN

Only a year ago, I was a prisoner. No, I didn’t commit murder or burglary or extortion, but I was trapped behind a set of mental bars.

I believed that the only way I could escape my self conscious holding cell was to see a smaller number on my bathroom scale each day.

My routine was like an inmate; a monotonous, predictable schedule. I woke in the morning and I weighed myself.

After classes, I weighed. After dinner, I weighed. After my evening workout, I weighed. And before bed, I weighed.

I was a prisoner of my scale. And the only the only crime I committed was believing that the number it read was a signifier of my self worth.

Today I know the only power a scale could possibly possess is to determine my weight relative to gravity.

However, there are some of you reading this article at this very moment who are prisoners too, and cannot escape the idea that the number on the scale defines you.

I want you to understand and trust that it does not. The media, popular culture and even America’s medical system is fooling our minds into believing our body weight is the most important aspect of our health.

A classic example is the Body Mass Index (BMI) chart that is used every single day in doctor’s offices across the country. Your BMI is simply the number you get when you divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches.

A normal BMI for adults is anywhere from 18.5 to 24.9. If your BMI is 25 to 29.9, that signifies that you

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are overweight. If your BMI exceeds 30, you are considered obese.

Although it may serve “as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults,” according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, here’s where the BMI chart goes wrong.

Lebron James, superstar basketball player is 6’8” and 250 pounds.

According to the chart, James has a BMI of 27.5, which puts him in the overweight category. The BMI chart is an ineffective indicator for athletes or people who are naturally muscular since muscle is denser than fat.

Superior athletes like Lebron James, Mike Tyson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and 56 percent of the NFL players would be told by their doctors that they are overweight and obese, according to ESPN.com. This means that the BMI chart is clearly flawed in many aspects.

Commericals and infomercials are one of the worst culprits for weight shaming. During the day you are bombarded with advertisements for Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, HydroxyCut, NutriSystem and Lipozene.

These are all diet programs that focus on eating the right things or swallowing the right pills in order to see the number on the scale drop.

If you’re flipping through channels late at night, then you are bound to see longer infomercials about countless exercise programs like the Six Week Body Makeover, Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred and Shaun T’s Insanity.

While these programs do a great job of emphasizing that a balanced

meal plan and physical activity together is the key to a healthy lifestyle, it is impossible to ignore all the extreme before and after testimonies.

All day and all night images of numbers and pounds are displayed on our TV and computer screens. Our brains are flooded with messages that scream out “drop 20 pounds and your life will become better” or “I lost 50 pounds and met my husband/ wife.”

This display of unrealistic results and the constant exposure of these commercials and infomercials are brainwashing us. They are making us believe that if we buy this product, then we will lose weight and because of the weight loss, our lives will dramatically change for the good. In reality, this is simply an exaggeration.

The media does a wonderful job of idolizing the scale as well. There is not one magazine rack in America that doesn’t contain a tabloid claiming “Hollywood Star shrinks to a shocking 100 pounds!” Every Cosmopolitan and Glamour magazine will feature on its cover how to “drop 10 pounds in two weeks.” Day time talk shows such as E! Hollywood News, The Wendy Williams Show and The View comment on celebrity weight loss and gain on a weekly basis.

Lately in popular culture, a “cleanse” phenomena has taken over.

Diets in which only juices, teas or shakes are consumed have been promoted everywhere.

These cleanses can have many beneficial health aspects such as cleaning the colon, clearing skin and producing natural energy. However, the main promotional message asso-

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ciated with all of these cleanses is the dramatic weight loss effects.

Our doctors, televisions and magazines make weight such a big deal in today’s society. This makes people overly concerned with their body weight and can cause a scale obsession like mine.

It is time that we embrace No-Scale Victories. A “No-Scale Victory” is any progress you can see or feel within your body other than stepping on a scale.

Did you shave off 30 seconds off of your mile run?

Are you waking up with more natural energy?

These are are all No-Scale Victories and are more important than a number.

Like a ball and chain, the scale can hold you back. If you let it, it can strip you of your confidence and self esteem.

But today is the day to realize that you are still a beautiful, smart and strong person, even if your weight goes up or down.

Today is the day to say “I don’t care what the scale says!”

Today is the day you decide not to weigh yourself two, three or five times a day.

Today is the day you throw out your scale.

Today you cut the ball and chain from your leg.

You are not your weight and the number on the scale has no correlation to your beauty.

For more fitness fun from Quan, check out her column, “Motivation Monday” on NinerOnline.com

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INTERNATIONAL

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT From: Surrey, England

Corlene Beukes INTERN

Q: Why did you choose to be part of an exchange?

A: It is part of my course, but I think even if it was not mandatory I would still want to do an exchange.

It is such an amazing experience to live in another country. I have lived in several and I have realized that that it is the only way to properly get to know the place. Going on holiday somewhere just is not the same. I am really interested in American history and politics, so it is just the perfect experience for me really.

Q: Can you elaborate on the several countries you have lived in?

A: So I was born in Malta, which is in Europe, and when I was 10 we moved to London. We lived there for five years. And then we moved to Surrey, and my parents have lived there ever since. Now I go to the University of Kent.

Q: What made you decide to come to UNC Charlotte?

A: Actually UNC Charlotte was one of my last options. Maryland was my first choice because it is close to DC, and obviously I am a politics major. But they dropped out of the program with Kent.

The second place I replied to, which I can’t remember the name of, they also dropped out. The third place only had one place open and it went to my friend. And the fourth place was UNC Charlotte.

And now I am here!

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Q: What is the most prominent way in which your culture and American culture differs?

A: I mean with Americans, they are way more open and friendly. In England you don’t even speak to your neighbor; you don’t even say “good morning.”

While here they get in like fullon conversations. It’s insane in comparison. Culturally, I mean, we watch American TV; we listen to American music.

It’s more like the food, I think, that has really, really shocked me. The food and the slow pace of life, especially since we are in the South, it really gets to me. But apart from that, it’s not that big of a culture shock for me. I’m not migrating back because of the food!

was my favorite.

Q: What do you look most forward to here at UNC Charlotte and in America?

A: I want to do a bit more traveling –hopefully to Boston. I want to go to some stereotypically American things, like a baseball game, NASCAR races, go shooting which I feel like I need to do that.

Nothing in particular. Just see

how it goes. It’s the little things, isn’t it? Just like walking around campus and seeing the rush posters for all the fraternities and sororities. When I walk by them I just think, “That is so American.”

Q: What is something that you would like UNC Charlotte students to know about your home country?

A: Well, every time I meet an

Q: What has been your most exciting moment on the exchange?

A: The first week when we didn’t have lectures and we were all getting to know each other and the area was amazing. I feel, because I have moved so much, I genuinely think there is no high that’s the same as meeting new people and getting to know them.

So, yeah, that first week –getting to know the internationals and a few Americans, and just stuff like that. Going to Wendy’s for the first time. Just those kind of silly firsts that Americans would be like “Really?” But when you are coming from somewhere that’s so different, it makes an impression.

Oh, and the football game. That SEPT. 16 - 22, 2014

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American they ask me if we eat scones and drink a lot of tea, that is true.

I have at least five cups of tea a day. It’s cold back home; you need the tea to get you through the day.

It does rain all the time, it is true. I think most of the stereotypes of the

English are actually true. We are not as friendly as Americans, until you get to know us.

I think the culture shock for Americans who come to Europe will be way bigger than for us coming here, because of Americanization all over the world.

Meet Nicole

Photo courtesy of Nicole Debono

Age: 20 Studies: History and politics Hometown: Reigate in Surrey, England Home university: The University of Kent Favorite color: Sea blue Favorite food: Pasta What do you miss most from home? The way of life. Everything’s so much quicker. Especially in London you can get anywhere in a decent time. Where here, especially because we are internationals and we do not

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have cars, it takes a while to get anywhere.

Favorite quote: “Life is like an ocean. It can be calm and still or rough and rigid, but in the end it is always beautiful.”

Fun fact: Her full name is Nicole Marie Joanna Louise Carmen Demech Debono.

Nicole Marie are her first and second names. Joanna and Louise were given to her by her godfather and godmother, respectively.

Carmen was given to her by the church in which she was baptized as is the tradition.

Demech Debono is her double-barreled last name.

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