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Old Old Gold Gold & Black & Black | Freshman | Freshman Tabloid Issue
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INSIDE THE ISSUE Letter from the Editor ........................................ 3 On making friends ............................................. 4 What the tour doesn’t tell you .......................... 4 Being Black at WFU ........................................... 5 Building the ultimate schedule ......................... 5 Tips from a senior .............................................. 6 The true value of Old Golds ............................... 6 Pros and cons of going Greek ........................... 7 Hangover cures .................................................. 7 Decorating your dorm ........................................ 8 Mental health and “Work Forest” ..................... 9 Campus traditions ............................................. 9 ‘Deac Speak’: learning WFU jargon .................. 9 Advice from Faces of the Forest ....................... 10 Advice from Faces of the Forest ....................... 11
Picking a major and minor ................................ 12 Befriending your professors .............................. 12 Outdoor activities in Winston-Salem ................ 13 Meme accounts to follow .................................. 13 Inside Wake Forest sports ................................ 14 LGBTQ+ at Wake Forest .................................... 15 Living on a college budget ................................ 15 Baking in a dorm room ...................................... 15 Guide to Winston-Salem Restaurants .............. 16 Becoming an active community member ........ 17 Study Abroad ...................................................... 17 Getting involved ................................................. 18 Handling homesickness .................................... 18 Student organization quiz ................................. 19 Map of campus .................................................. 20
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 3
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
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Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
ear Class of 2024,
Welcome to Wake Forest! As you are days away from moving in, I know that you are feeling all of the emotions: excitement, nervousness, happiness, fear and the overwhelming desire to move out of your childhood bedroom. Although a lot is different, I can say with confidence that I felt the same way moving into Angelou my freshman year. The uncertainty you are feeling right now is innate to the freshman experience, so try to embrace it. As we worked to plan this special edition of the paper, I realized that we were somewhat limited in the advice we can give you as you begin your college career. In fact, you and I have much more in common than normal: we will both be experiencing this new version of Wake Forest at the same time. So, I can’t really tell you how to navigate the ins and outs of online learning. With social distancing guidelines, we don’t know exactly how the social scene will manifest. And we sadly decided to cut our Pit hacks article from this issue, because we have no clue what the Pit will look like this fall (when things go back to normal, check out our website for the lowdown on making your own breakfast burritos and grain bowls). That said, these limits and the uncertainty of the situation make our Freshman Tabloid that much more important. We crafted these 20 pages to give you everything you need to know about how to tackle the Wake Forest experience we know, addressing the new normal as much as we can. There is an entire page dedicated to outdoor activities in the Winston-Salem area, how to make friends while social distancing and how to turn your “dingle” (double turned single) into a home.
However, there’s a lot of sage advice that hasn’t changed — don’t be scared to befriend your professors, explore your options and get involved on campus, make sure you are primed on Wake Forest jargon and so much more. Further, knowing that making connections with upperclassmen will be harder this semester, we did some of the heavy lifting for you. After surveying the Wake Forest community, we have dedicated two pages to advice from your peers: the Faces of the Forest. These short snippets of wisdom come from across grade levels, and will hopefully assuage some nerves and answer some pressing existential questions about navigating college. Although I’ll be the first to tell you that a Zoom cocktail hour is nothing like pregaming with new friends, I can also say with confidence that the Wake Forest community is welcoming you with virtually open arms. You will be challenged in such unique ways this semester, and you are being asked to sacrifice a lot for the Wake Forest campus to be able to function. My last piece of advice to you is to remember the feelings of this school year, because at some point things will go back to normal and you will be introduced to the real Wake Forest. You should hold onto those feelings, because it’ll make you appreciate the Wake Forest experience that much more. It will also remind you of how lucky you are, how lucky we all are, that one of our biggest stresses during a global pandemic was about losing out on a year of the “college experience.” As you embrace the spirit of Pro Humanitate, let this reality inform your perspective on the world and push you to rethink your own predispositions. Go Deacs, Olivia Field Class of 2021 Editor-in-Chief
O LD G OLD & B LACK
THE FRESHMAN TABLOID Olivia Field Editor-in-Chief
Charlie Benedict Business Manager
Elizabeth Maline Emily Beauchamp Print Managing Editor Online Managing Editor Special thanks to: Anna Bloch, Maggie Burns, Renting Cai, Ben Conroy, Leilani Fletcher, Katie Fox, Alexandra Karlinchak, Ryan King, Rafael Lima, Jessica Mark, Kate Pearson, Jack Portman, Catherine Regen, Caroline Walker and Will Zimmerman. Online: wfuogb.com Instagram: @wfu_ogb Twitter: @wfu_ogb Snapchat: @wfu_ogb Facebook: facebook.com/OGB1916 The Freshman Issue is a special publication of the Old Gold & Black, published online and printed by Triangle Web Printing for distribution. It is the official Wake Forest student newspaper, and is published weekly during the semester outside of holidays. If you have any questions or comments, email fielor17@wfu.edu. For advertising inquries, email benecc19@ wfu.edu.
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Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
Cultivating lasting college friendships Building relationships in college just takes some time, initiative and a positive attitude BY JESSICA MARK Asst. News Editor markjf19@wfu.edu If your situation is similar to what mine was at the start of college, then the first few weeks of freshman year might feel completely overwhelming. And believe me, I know how intimidating it can be to find new friends. I used to wonder: will it go smoothly when I approach new people; will my bonds with college friends ever be as strong and solidified as my bonds were with high school friends; will Wake Forest ever feel like my “home away from home”? Flash forward one year, and I can tell you that the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “yes.” I have a routine, extracurriculars and solid friends — people with whom I can laugh, trust and be myself. So, as you embark upon your journey at Wake Forest and seek to make new friends, here are a few pieces of tried and true advice. First things first: every other freshman also feels uncertain and eager to meet new people. Everyone wants to feel included, accepted and like they belong. It’s in this context that you should take the opportunity to introduce yourself. Others will appreciate it when
you make an effort to be friendly, just as you appreciate it when others make an effort to be friendly toward you. You can never go wrong with simply saying hi, and you never know who you may meet. Also, as you look to make new friends, don’t let restrictions regarding COVID-19 discourage you. This is a time when we need to be physically distanced, but that does not mean we need to feel socially isolated. There are ways to socially engage with others while staying safe. Invite a hallmate to walk through Reynolda Village, play non-contact sports outside or have a socially distanced picnic on the Quad. Despite new rules created in the era of social distancing, you can still make strong and lasting friendships during your freshman year. In addition, regardless of whether your classes are inperson, blended or fully online, one of the benefits of a small school like Wake Forest is that you will meet and get to know the people in your classes. View this as an opportunity to make friends; if you hear about a common interest you have with a classmate, reach out and follow up. If you hear a classmate asking questions that you know the answers to, contact them and offer a helping hand. If you think you would work well with other people in your class, invite them to join a virtual study group. As you make new friends, be sure to keep in touch with old ones too. Throughout my freshman year, I had a weekly FaceTime call set up with my friends from high school. Those chats were always healthy and fun for me. Make an effort to check in with your friends from
home. On the flip side, remember that as you evolve during your time at Wake Forest, you will inevitably drift from some high school friends. That’s okay. Your true friends — the ones that really matter — will last long beyond your first year of college. Above all else, remind yourself that there is no magic recipe for friendship — it forms naturally and over time. You won’t find your close friends overnight, but you will find them. It just takes some time, initiative and a positive attitude. Eventually, your college friends will become some of the most important people in your life; not just during your four years at Wake Forest, but also throughout adulthood.
Caroline Walker/Old Gold & Black
WFU after dark: not your mother’s campus tour Take this junior and tour guide’s advice on how to navigate the realities of Wake Forest BY ALEXANDRA KARLINCHAK Asst. Opinion Editor karlae18@wfu.edu
Freshmen, it is no secret that this school year is not exactly what you anticipated your first year at Wake Forest to be like. With social distancing guidelines in place and plans shifting day by day, you might feel unprepared to tackle the challenges and changes that lie ahead. That is where I come in. As a rising junior and tour guide, I am here to get down to the nitty gritty and tell you all of the things your tour guide wished they could tell you … but couldn’t. A is for Academics I want you to read this article and see me as more of a cool aunt than a harpy mom, but I am required to remind you that Wake Forest is still school. And school means work. A lot of work. Thankfully, there are a lot of resources here to help you. While I am unsure how tutoring sessions will be moving forward because of the pandemic, Wake Forest has a Writing Center that can help you brainstorm, format and edit research papers, projects and proposals. On top of this, there are tutoring centers for almost every major on campus. Just ask your professor (or Google) and they can point you in the right direction. Speaking of professors, please take advantage of their office hours. When I was a first-year at Wake Forest, I was terrified to go to office hours out of the fear that I would say the wrong thing or look dumb. Thanks to that fear, there is now a C printed under Calculus on my transcript. While my alliteration remained untouched, my GPA was not so lucky. It might sound cliché, but professors are there because they want to be. They want you to learn and succeed, so show them that you want the same thing.
Finding a good study space is also crucial to succeeding academically. Not everyone is built for the library, and many find studying in a dorm room to be distracting. Insider tip: try to study at the law school, in Campus Grounds or in random academic buildings and empty classrooms. If you do choose to study in ZSR, try to pick a consistent spot that makes you feel “zoned in” each time you visit. It’s All Greek to Me You do not have to major in Classics to know that Greek life at Wake Forest is pretty extensive. Because Winston-Salem is not a college town and all of the bars are 21+ (except for Last Resort which you can get into for a small fee), most night life revolves around fraternity parties. Before I go any further, I also want to remind everyone that we are in the midst of a global pandemic and there is no responsible way to socially distance at a typical frat party. That said, these parties are usually located in off-campus houses and are open to essentially anyone the first few weeks of school. Throughout the rest of the year, girls continue to get in no problem, but boys have a tougher time because fraternity recruitment runs through the fall. If you are thinking about rushing a sorority or fraternity, attend informational meetings or reach out to upperclassmen for advice. Do not use sources like GreekRank or CollegeConfidential because they are, for lack of a better phrase, a flaming dumpster fire of falsehoods. As someone in a sorority myself, I think the most important thing to know about Greek life on Wake Forest’s campus is that it can be whatever you make of it. If you do decide to rush but have no interest in drinking or packing into a dark sauna of a basement, that is okay. Furthermore, you do not need to join a sorority or fraternity to enjoy a robust social life at Wake Forest. There are plenty of other co-ed fraternities across campus, most notable Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a service fraternity, and Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi), a business fraternity. And if you do not want to join a fraternity or sorority because they scream “cult” to you, that is okay too. But you need to get involved.
The happiest people I know are involved in at least two organizations. If you love to sing, there are countless a cappella groups. If you like to play sports, we have a wide range of club and intramural sports teams. If you enjoy service work, the Office of Civic and Community Engagement runs a multitude of programs that can add meaningful volunteer opportunities to your time at Wake Forest. Even though there is not an in-person club fair this year, there is a complete list of student organizations that should be sent out to you on the Flip Grid platform. I encourage you to check them out and reach out to the ones you are interested in. Change is Hard I think the most important thing to know about attending Wake Forest is that college is hard. You are going to get homesick, overwhelmed and overworked. You are going to question if this is the right school for you and you are going to feel out of place and lonely at times. All of this is normal and an unspoken college experience nation-wide. My freshman year, I heavily considered transferring because I was very unhappy and felt misunderstood and lost in the crowd. With time and support, those feelings fade away. You are not alone, I promise. Things might get tough, but you are tougher. Bonus Speed Round of Advice -Just because you can take up to 17 credits a semester does not mean you have to. -Do not worry about finding a summer internship for after your freshman year. -Walk on the right side of the path/stairs/hallway. Also, please do not walk three people across. Why are you building a human barricade? -Do NOT wear a lanyard around your neck with your ID in it. It is, how you might say, super ugly. -Budget, budget, budget!!! Learn how to handle your money or it will control you (check out page 15)! -Invest in a good reusable water bottle, and clean it often.
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Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
How to build the ultimate class schedule From Coursicle to DegreeWorks, here is a crash course in scheduling BY KATIE FOX Photography Editor foxkg19@wfu.edu
Scheduling can seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of planning you can build the perfect course list for your college lifestyle. The first thing to consider is what academic boxes you are looking to check, which for most freshmen is typically divisionals. These are classes that expose you to different areas of study, so pick ones that interest you; classes you don’t care about can often be the hardest. One way to find out which divisionals you have yet to satisfy is to use DegreeWorks. This website can be found in WIN and it creates a ‘degree audit report’ to be used as a guide when planning your schedule. The homepage shows you which classes you are currently registered for and which core requirements they satisfy. The ‘What If ’ tab allows you to select potential majors and minors, as well as input ‘Look Ahead’ courses. When you process your ‘What If,’ the website creates a hypothetical transcript and highlights the requirements of your chosen academic path. Within these requirements, DegreeWorks also lists all of the courses that could possibly
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
Try planning out your schedule visually, on paper or on Coursicle, before registering for your courses through the university’s system. fulfill them. This is extremely useful for planning which classes to take for a certain major or minor. If you know your major, you can already start to develop a timeline for fulfilling each requirement. Another schedule-planning website I use is Coursicle. While DegreeWorks is useful for knowing which courses to look for, Coursicle is a third-party website designed to help you build your actual schedule. You can browse for classes based on department, professors, attributes and meeting times, and then add them to your mock schedule. If you have faceto-face courses, take travel time into consideration and check the class locations
listed on Coursicle. You can also create multiple schedule options which allows you to have back up classes if your Plan A fills up before you get a chance to register. Another way to build your schedules is through the ‘Plan Ahead’ section of the WFU Registration Portal, which I highly recommend because it allows you to easily load your courses when it comes time to register for classes. An important aspect to consider when planning your schedule is your life outside of class. You have to learn for yourself what works best for you, but there are a few key things to remember when building your first schedule. Meal times are really
important to plan out because it’s nice to eat at around the same times every day. You’re also going to want to implement study breaks and leisure time and ensure that you have time for yourself outside of your academic life. Finally, plan out your gym times and any other activities you know you want to make space for in your day-to-day schedule. Remember, your class schedule is just one part of your day at Wake Forest. In general, be honest with yourself about your course load and, when in doubt, take it easy. You have four long years to take a range of classes that will eventually build towards your major, so make the most of every semester by using the liberal arts model to your advantage. Take classes that both fulfill requirements and pique your interests, even if that means stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to use the Add/Drop period available the first week of classes as you get into the groove of your schedule. If you have questions about a certain course or professor, reach out to an upperclassman for advice. The official Wake Bulletin is also very comprehensive, so you can easily Google “[insert your major] WFU” and you should find course information. Additionally, be sure to utilize the Office of Academic Advising and your student and faculty advisors for more advice on how to create the best schedule for you.
Living in color: being Black at Wake Embrace the colors of your time here, including the one most tied to you: your Blackness BY KATE PEARSON Contributing Writer pearke18@wfu.edu
Dear First-Years, Famed Painter Wassily Kandinsky said, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” I could not agree more. I am fairly certain that Kandinsky was referring to the vivid hues in his abstract art, but I think that this quote applies to my experience on Wake Forest’s campus and may also apply to yours. In preparation for writing this letter I reflected on my time at Wake Forest and a clear theme of color arose. While the initial weeks of my first year have started to blend together, I can still distinctly reconstruct a few conversations, memories and hues. For example, on one of my first days on campus, my now-best friend offered me a dark flannel to protect my then-pressed hair from a rain shower. Having met through the BUILD preorientation program, the color palette of our friendship is a bright one. We connected in the rich green grass behind Collins as she strummed a guitar. We would laugh and bound up the red-brown brick steps to the upper quad to rehash nights of dancing over Subway sandwiches wrapped in white paper speckled with yellow and green.
We swung in the blue moonlight, swapping secrets in front of Angelou. Mixed in with these greens and yellows and browns and reds and blues is the most important color in my life: my Blackness. She and I both grew up in the northeast, have moms that worry a little too much, and dads that laugh a little too loud, but one of our most intimate connections is our culture. Two years and one big chop later, she and that dark flannel are still constants in my life. And so is color. I usually rock black and gold when representing Wake Forest at a conference; I love donning some red lipstick when letting loose to City Girls with my close friends; I have grown to appreciate the deep blue of my service fraternity. These pigments are modes of expression, belonging, identity, but the only common thread in this rainbow tapestry of my life is the Black one. My Blackness is what is noticed before the colors of the Demon Deacon when I stand to speak. My Blackness can bring me in — or all too often keep me out — of social spaces. My Blackness has shaped my role in service and community at Wake. First-years, throughout this fall semester you are going to encounter situations, environments and conversations dominated by color. Some are welcome sights, like the fiery orange hues as the trees change with the seasons; the constant gingerbread brown of the Reynolda brick; the deep green of the upper quad. Some are a little more uncomfortable, like the classroom discussions of race; the
Kate Pearson/Old Gold & Black
domination of white greek life; the inexplicable challenge to the rallying cry “Black Lives Matter.” Despite remaining distant from your fellow Deacons, you will get up close and personal with the palette of Wake Forest. Some hues will represent joy, while others sorrow, but all of them will contribute to the artwork of your first-year experience. And while those pigments and so many others are notable, do not forget the color that is the most important: yours. Safeguard and celebrate it. I encourage you to
live boldly. I never had a problem with color (I own several neon eyeliners and a blue lipstick that my mom hates), but it took me a while to be unapologetically Black. Many will encourage you to try and blend into the background, but the best part of Wake Forest is its vibrancy and that comes from you. Light up the campus with your color. All love, Kate Pearson, ‘22
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Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
Three years later: advice from a senior Professors can make or break your time at Wake, and don’t forget to have a little fun BY RAFAEL LIMA News Editor limara17@wfu.edu
Leaving your parents’ house for the first time to go to college can be an exhilarating, but also extremely challenging, time. The freedom and independence you get for the first time is truly amazing, but the pressure of being on your own in unfamiliar territory can also quickly weigh you down. After three years at Wake Forest, navigating through the highs and lows of college life, here is some advice that I would have loved to hear when I first set foot on campus: Get to know your professors What really sets Wake Forest apart from other higher education institutions is the classroom experience it provides to students. Wake Forest professors are
world-class and you can benefit a lot from their expertise. Even in a COVID-19 world, professors at Wake Forest are a great resource to have, so do not be afraid to reach out for some clarification or even set up an appointment outside of class time. Office hours are a really good resource available to us and you should definitely take advantage of them. Especially now with classes mostly online, you should take every opportunity you have to soak up the knowledge your professors have to offer. Plus, it is way easier to ask for a recommendation letter or that lastminute, grade-saving extension on a hard assignment when the professor knows you have been engaged in their class. Don’t isolate yourself This is perhaps the single thing I would want to change about my college experience. During my first year, everything was new and exciting but also, quite frankly, too daunting. I was faced with bigger responsibilities and life
changes that I was clearly not prepared for at first. Whether it is not doing too well on an assignment, missing home or simply not knowing if you should sit down with your new hallmates for lunch (socially distanced, of course), it is very easy to feel out of place during your first few weeks at Wake Forest. For some — and that clearly was my case — you tend to shut yourself down to all of those anxiety-inducing moments. This can lead to you isolating yourself from your friends, professors and the people that are ultimately there to help you navigate through this sea of changes. Make the effort to talk things through with your friends or seek help from the counseling center, if that’s the case. You will see that the challenges that college poses are much more manageable when you have people and friends around you that make you feel supported. Take time to experience Wake Forest This might sound counterintuitive to my earlier point about focusing on your
classes, but you should take time to explore everything Wake Forest has to offer outside of the classroom. As an international student on scholarship at Wake Forest, I arrived on campus with an added layer of concern to prove myself and show that I had the academic acumen that would justify my presence. Yet, now, as I am about to enter my senior year, I realize that some of the best memories I have made in college resulted from staying up a little later or pushing back an assignment to attend a once-inthe-semester event. I am not advocating for skating through college, which usually doesn’t end well at “Work Forest.” But, you should cut yourself some slack and explore beyond your required class reading. Trust me, when you look back at your college time, you will remember much more about 3 a.m. post-party conversations or time in your favorite student organization than what grade you got in your social science divisional during your sophomore year ... unless it’s a really bad one.
Discovering the true value of Old Golds There are many different places to use Old Golds, but here are the best options BY RYAN KING Asst. Opinion Editor kingrm17@wfu.edu
Old Golds are an essential part of keeping any Wake Forest student fed. Once you really get into the semester, you’ll probably find that there’s one or two places that you regularly choose to return to. And because that varies from person to person, it’s hard to say which option may be objectively the best, but some of these meal deals are definitely more popular than others. Below I’ve ranked some of the more popular Old Gold options based on value and quality, so you can have some idea of what to expect from a few of your options. 1st Place: Moe’s Southwest Grill Having spent my fair share of Old Golds over the course of my three years at Wake Forest, I have come to find that Moe’s is my favorite option. It seems to be one of the most well rounded in terms of quality, customizability and value. For an Old Gold swipe you can get a burrito or a bowl, with chips and a drink. In either option you can get rice, beans, a protein and then a wide range of additional ingredients that range from queso and shredded cheese to pico de gallo and fresh diced jalapeño. Which is to say that you can focus on maximizing flavor, maximizing macronutrients or whatever qualities you want (you can even build a reasonably effective vegetarian dish). I’ve found a meal at Moe’s to be one of
the most filling, especially if you opt for the bowl, which seems to grant you more fillings than the burrito option. Moe’s ability to grant you a substantial, healthy meal for the same Old Gold that you can use elsewhere has made it my go-to. 2nd Place: Chick-fil-A Chick-Fil-A may be the most popular non-pit dining option on campus. If you walk through the second floor of Benson University Center during lunch time on a weekday, the line you see will tell you that much. An Old Gold swipe at Chick-Fil-A will grant you a sandwich, waffle fries and a drink, or a salad and a drink. One plus to Chick-Fil-A is that they have some good breakfast options (Subway also serves breakfast, but it hardly compares). If you use an Old Gold at breakfast you can get a biscuit or chicken minis, hash browns and a drink. Once again, the meal size is pretty standard, but what ChickFil-A has going for it is the quality of the food. If you’ve ever had Chick-Fil-A elsewhere, it’s no different at the location on campus. They still have outstanding chicken. A couple of the downsides are the lack of customizability and options compared to Subway, and the lack of vegetarian or vegan options. 3rd Place: Subway Unless you have a gluten intolerance, Subway could very well become a staple of your Old Gold usage. One swipe will get you a six-inch sandwich, a bag of chips and a fountain drink or bottle. In terms of how much it’ll fill you up, it’s nothing special. A sandwich and chips is probably as standard as it gets when it comes to a
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
meal. The main appeal of Subway is its customizability and accessibility. The options you have for changing up what flavors your meal consists of at Subway are unmatched. This can keep things from getting stale if you do choose to come back often. Another characteristic unique to Subway is that it’s open 24/7. Whether you’re refueling after a late night at ZSR Library or at Last Resort
(an 18+ bar that you will eventually get to know), you can count on Subway to be there for you. Of course, you will have to decide for yourself what your favorite option is. Exploring what options campus dining has to offer will be an experience for your first weeks on campus, but hopefully this can help you know what to expect as you begin.
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 7
To Rush Or Not To Rush? Pro-Greek
Pro-GDI
BY OLIVIA FIELD Editor-in-Chief fielor17@wfu.edu
BY CAROLINE WALKER Staff Writer walkct18@wfu.edu
Formal recruitment for Greek organizations occurs at the beginning of the spring semester each year, so you have plenty of time to acclimate to campus life, weigh the pros and cons of rushing or not rushing and ask upperclassmen for insight into recruitment and Greek life. As someone who ultimately decided to rush a Panhellenic sorority in the spring of my freshman year, I strongly encourage you to consider the benefits of rushing a Greek organization. Rushing can enhance your social network. You will have the opportunity to bond with people in your grade and the grades above during the recruitment process, regardless of whether you end up in the same fraternity or sorority as your first-semester friends or someone you “clicked” with during a recruitment conversation. In a Greek organization, you can meet new people in your pledge class, as well as upperclassmen who can give you valuable advice on academics and social life, introduce you to new clubs or intramurals on campus and attend events on campus with you. Through this larger Greek network or your more specific Greek lineage of “bigs” and “littles,” you can find a sense of belonging on campus, form authentic and lifelong friendships and create memories to treasure forever. These friends may also become your roommates, because you have a wider variety of options for housing on campus through Greek life. From Davis to North Campus Apartments, Greek organizations have housing blocks where members can live with their “brothers” and “sisters.” You are much more likely to secure an ideal rooming spot with your friends by applying to live in your Greek
organization’s housing block. These locations are also usually situated above a lounge that active members can use as a space for studying, socializing or holding sorority or fraternity events. With your new Greek friends, you will also find more ways to become involved and serve the community around you. Sorority and fraternity members actively exhibit the Pro Humanitate spirit, as they regularly organize many different events on campus to support and to fundraise money for local and national philanthropies. Greek organizations also regularly form teams to participate in campus traditions like Hit the Bricks or Wake N’ Shake, which fundraise money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Finally, the benefits of Greek life extend beyond your college experience. Each organization offers opportunities to gain leadership and internship experience to increase your career readiness. You can apply or run for different positions, including head of recruitment, philanthropy chair or President. In these roles, you can sharpen your event planning, communication and leadership skills, all of which can boost your resume. You can also network with current members and alumni of your Greek organization to get tips on interviewing for internships or jobs, as well as advice on the internship or job search process. These opportunities and many more will be available if you decide to join a Greek organization. However, please know that you will still be able to make friends in the small, close-knit Wake Forest community regardless of whether you decide to rush or not to rush.
After returning to campus for my spring semester of freshman year, refreshed and renewed from winter break, I was slapped in the face by my new reality. I decided not to rush a sorority, and now I was a GDI (a god damn independent, someone who chooses not to participate in Greek life). I didn’t have a new pair of converse sneakers to doodle on, my room wasn’t trashed with glitter and I was free to do whatever I wanted on Monday evenings (the day chapter meetings take place). Although I would be lying if I said I never had moments of doubt, I can now say with confidence that my geed-ness has allowed me to flourish at Wake Forest. For the first few weeks of that spring semester, it felt like one’s status within Greek life was going to be a pervasive force in campus life. Within a few weeks, however, the novelty of the system wore off, and it became clear that being in a sorority or fraternity is only one facet of people’s experiences at Wake Forest. I continued being friends with people in Greek Life, just as they continued being friends with GDI’s. The way that I think of it, Greek Life provides a friend group just like any other student organization. So, joining a group like the Old Gold & Black (OGB) provided me with a diverse social circle composed of students from different grades and places. The feeling of belonging on campus can be defined in a multitude of ways — Greek life being just one of them. Joining a student organization like OGB, trying out for a club sport or becoming part of a co-ed fraternity
like Alpha Phi Omega (APO) or Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) is an even better way of building community, as you actually have something in common other than your Greek letters. Another reason that I chose not to rush is simply that I don’t love the institution. The idea that I have to sell myself and my personality to a group of people judging me based on a few conversations rubs me the wrong way — that’s not how friends are naturally made, and it seems forced. Personally, I am proud of myself for deciding not to participate in the rush process. With all of that said, I am clearly not speaking from experience. I have many friends who are in Greek life and have had overwhelmingly positive and empowering experiences. All I can say is that I am happy with the choice I made, and you have that choice too. Ultimately, one of the most persuasive reasons to not join Greek life, and the one that initially pushed me not to, is that it costs a boat load of money. Depending on the organization, you can pay hundreds to thousands of dollars a year to participate. Echoing my above argument, I truly dislike the principle of needing to pay money to make friends. But mostly, I just couldn’t (and still can’t) afford paying those dues on top of every other college expense. So, whether or not you choose to rush is up to you, but just know that it’s okay not to be a part of Greek life. The most important thing is that you surround yourself with people who support you and make you happy, however that comes about.
How to: cure a hangover By Emily Beauchamp
Step One: Get out of bed and start your day. Step Two: Hydrate or Die-drate, make sure you drink lots of water.
Step Three: Grab some food, protein and carbs should do the trick. Step Four: If you still feel bad, then aspirin is your friend.
Step Five: If all else fails, go back to bed and start again tomorrow.
Turning your dorm room into a home
Page 8 | Friday, August 14, 2020
With some careful thought and effort, you can make your dorm room just as comfortable as your room at home BY RYAN KING Asst. Opinion Editor kingrm17@wfu.edu
Moving into your dorm room is one of the first challenges you’ll face on campus, and making it as comfortable and livable as possible is important. Think about your dorm room as a blank canvas of possibility. But if it stays that way, it might not feel like the sanctuary it can be, where you can both relax and tackle your online classes. So, how exactly can you make the most of your room? An unfortunate fact about living on campus is that not every dorm room was created equal. If you live somewhere like Angelou or South, you may feel that your room was created with spacious comfort in mind. If you live in Luter or Collins, you … might not. But, this isn’t to say that you’re S.O.L in the latter case, rather that your priorities might be different when organizing your room. Regardless of the size of your room, the most fundamental idea in transforming it and making it feel like home is to customize every empty space possible. The idea is rather simple, but in execution, you’ll want to put some thought into how you do it. Finding ways to functionally and intentionally fill the surface area of your room will help form it into a
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
space that you enjoy being in, and choosing what you put where can most definitely be a way of expressing yourself. It’s important to keep in mind that there is a difference between filling your space and making it cluttered, but it’s hard to reach that point if each piece you choose has a function (which can be solely improving aesthetics). Filling up the empty wall space is probably the most obvious. Hanging posters of your favorite movies or musical artists can do a lot to add color and life to your space. Just make sure that you use command strips and remove them correctly when they come down so that you don’t have to worry about paying for damage to the paint. You would be suprised how easily those charges rack up. Unless you bring a desktop computer, you’ll likely have excess desk space. Of course, this is an area where simple functional items like desk organizers can be placed. But, beyond that, most if not all desks in dorm rooms have shelves, which give you way more space to use than your textbooks can account for. You can fill up the extra space with DVD’s or video games that you bring from home, small items like POP figures if you’re into that sort of thing or even more books. If you have a book shelf back home, taking some of those titles to put on your shelf in your dorm room can be a great addition, regardless of if you plan to read them or not. If they’re books that you’ve already read, having them on display can not only demonstrate your interests or values to those that visit your room, it can simply act as a passive, familiar sight to make you feel more at home in your room.
In some cases the bed in your room, if not bunked with another, will be lofted, leaving a lot of space between it and the floor. Though you may have to work on your vertical to actually make it into your bed, the added storage space you get under your bed is worth it. This is a great area to store bins or luggage that you used to transport your things to school, and stuff that you brought but chose not to utilize. Rooms with lofted beds will most likely have a set of drawers that you can slide under it, but if your wardrobe is that big, or if you have other haircare and skincare items that you need to organize and store, there are plenty of options for inexpensive drawer sets or shelves that will still easily fit next to the existing furniture. The top of your bed and the floor are horizontal spaces that shouldn’t be ignored if you really want your space to feel cozy, but are probably less essential than other areas. You may choose to leave the floor alone, especially if you just prefer a hard floor, but an area rug is a really effective way to make the space feel more full and can really tie the room together. Comfortable bedding is definitely essential to bring, but tossing on a throw blanket or pillow can make your setup look extra sharp and make it extra comfortable. It’s entirely reasonable to feel excited about customizing your own space, because there’s so much you can do to make it feel like your own. Though, if you aren’t so excited about it, there are still simple changes that can make the space considerably more personalized and livable. In any case, making your space feel like home is rather simple, and is mostly a matter of making the effort to do so.
Ryan King/Old Gold & Black
Pictured is a freshman dorm room that uses many of the styling tips listed above, such as hanging a poster of your favorite band on your wall, maximizing the storage space under your bed and using your desk to display some of your favorite items from home.
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 9
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
Tips for navigating “Work Forest” There are many unique resources to help students navigate college life BY KATIE FOX Photography Editor foxkg19@wfu.edu I spent most of my first semester freshman year in my ‘Bostwick Lair,’ where my bed was my refuge from the pressures of college life. I made a few friends through campus groups, but from what every other freshman was posting on social media, I definitely felt like I was struggling socially. After a month, I was already falling behind academically, although I assumed everyone else was on top of it and I didn’t want anyone to think less of me, so I kept those struggles a secret too. I still went to class and attended my activities, but I spent the rest of my days laying in my bed watching TikToks. I didn’t feel like I was having a bad time; I just chalked it up to freshman year blues. Flash forward to my first finals week of college. Overwhelmed by my to-do list, I broke down and went to the drop-in hours at the University Counseling Center (UCC). I sobbed as I confessed to the intern that I had 10 essays to complete by Friday and, if I didn’t, I would fail two of my classes. They helped me set up an appointment with the Learning Assistance Center (LAC) and made me email those two professors explaining my situa-
tion and asking for help. Both professors recommended I take an Incomplete (‘I’) in their courses, meaning I would have until mid-February to finish my work and get a grade for the class. I was afraid of what an ‘I’ would mean for my GPA and how I would explain that to my parents; however, with the help of the LAC, I ended up writing the essays for one class and taking an ‘I’ in the other. I didn’t tell my parents anything until they made me open my grades in front of them, but they were surprisingly understanding. They explained that both of my older sisters had experienced similar situations when they were in college and they were just glad I finally went to the UCC to talk to someone about it. My parents encouraged me to seek out other mental health resources, so I scheduled an appointment at the Wellbeing Center. When I returned to campus in January I met with Brenda, a coach from the Wellbeing Center. She talked to me about different wellbeing goals I could set for the semester so I could work towards a holistically balanced lifestyle at college. The Office of Academic Advising (OAA) also encouraged me to utilize the UCC in light of my ‘I.’ I still didn’t talk to my friends about it until the deadline for my ‘I’ was coming up and I was experiencing severe stress again; when I did, they were also understanding and all had stories about how they or their friends had taken an ‘I’ at one point. Looking back, I wish I had talked to someone about what I was experienc-
ing sooner. There are so many resources on campus available for students to take advantage of because the university wants to see us succeed. Especially in an academic environment like Wake Forest, where it seems like everyone has it together and is doing it all, it’s important to talk to your peers about where you’re at. If I had opened up sooner, I would have learned that at some point in college, most people experience mishaps like mine; and especially freshman year, these are not mistakes that define us. I can laugh about it now because I’ve worked hard with the Wellbeing Center, LAC and UCC to ensure I can manage my time better and have a more healthy outlook on my academics and life in general. Having this framework also set me up for the intense changes brought about by COVID-19 that overshadowed the end of my freshman year. This is a unique year to enter college and it will come with its own challenges, but it can be easier if you know what resources are available for you. I loved having a Wellbeing Coach but you can also schedule counseling at the UCC or get academic guidance from the LAC. You don’t need a reason to use any of the services I mentioned, so take advantage of them as much as possible while they’re free. Talk to your professors and ask for help when you need it, communicate with your friends and family, and get involved so you can make those friends that will understand the ‘Work Forest’ struggles.
A primer on Wake Forest traditions From rolling the Quad to Hit the Bricks, here’s a year of memorable traditions BY RAFAEL LIMA News Editor limara17@wfu.edu When you join a school with 186 years of history such as Wake Forest University, you’re bound to come across and experience countless traditions during your four-year college experience. Most people don’t know when we started rolling the quad or when the ringing of the Wait Chapel bells became a punctual 5 p.m. presence in our lives, but it is undeniable that Wake Forest traditions are constantly shaping students’ lives on campus. Here is how a typical Wake Forest year, sans COVID-19, of traditions usually goes: When Fall semester first rolls around, excitement is palpable around campus as we are eager to catch up with some old faces and meet new ones too. The kickoff of the semester also marks the start of football season and we pack BB& … Truist Field for the first game of the season to cheer on our Demon Deacons. Unfortunately, and that could be called a tradition too, our excitement for a new football season usually lasts us exactly two quarters of football each game, as many of us are seen journeying back to campus a little past the
halftime show by SOTOGAB — Wake Forest’s marching band. Yet, when the Demon Deacons win a big game, we are the first to celebrate, rushing to the Quad to roll our trees with toilet paper in big fashion. The remnants of such party usually last for quite some time, reminding us of our latest triumph over a big rival. Also, thanks to Head Coach Dave Clawson, we have rolled the Quad quite frequently, probably a tad too much, with five straight bowl appearances. So, opportunities for this will be plenty. When the biannual Pres Ball takes place, we usually flood the LJVM Coliseum in what is our first big party of the year. We dress in semi-formal attire, enjoy free food, live music and some great moments together that we’ll surely look back fondly for many years to come. Fast-forward to Hit the Bricks, and we quite literally hit the ground running at the upper quad in support of a campus-wide philanthropy effort in the fight against cancer. Some run backwards, with a pushcart or even dressed in unicorn pajamas, but the important thing is that everyone is donating their time and effort to help fund one of Wake Forest’s most noble causes, the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. We realize the semester is winding down when we all gather around at Wait Chapel to celebrate Lovefeast. Coming from Moravian influence, Lovefeast is one of the most beautiful experiences you can ever have at the
Chapel and a moment to feel closer to our fellow Deacs. The Spring is also filled with events like Wake N’ Shake, which probably grabs the semester’s biggest headlines as far as traditions go. Once again, Demon Deacons from all grades and majors donate 12 straight hours to the fight against cancer in a unique and colorful dance marathon. A few brave ones stay for most or half of the event, but it only takes as little as five minutes to feel the special atmosphere that takes place — even if virtually this past semester. Basketball season is also in the thick of things during the Spring, but as of the last few years, we will keep that tradition on hold. Towards the end of the Spring semester, when it is time for Shag on the Mag, we all celebrate our favorite Springfest event at the lower quad. The Student Union’s production always brings a different themed party and the event is filled with great joy — and alcoholic beverages for those over 21, too. Wake Forest has many great traditions and events that we, as upperclassmen, hope will shape your experience here as much as it shaped our’s. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that things will likely be different for a while. Perhaps, this is the time to slightly tweak and reinvent our traditions as we adapt to a new normal. And perhaps, you will get to shape the traditions of our future.
Deac Speak To fully adapt to the Wake Forest lifestyle, one must first learn the language. Here’s a rundown of the most common jargon you may hear around campus. By Emily Beauchamp
1.
B-School: Shorthand version of the Business School. Located in Farrell Hall.
2.
LRsday: Thursday nights are defined by Last Resort. So, we renamed a whole day after it.
3.
Darty: Day-Party. Day Jam. Most saturdays. A staple of the spring semester.
4.
Drunkway: Subway, but make it late night. The subs just hit different.
5.
GDI/Geed: Term used to refer to individuals not affiliated with Greek life.
6.
The Compound: Wake Place Ct. and the location of many darties and parties.
7.
NARP: “Non-Athletic Regular Person.” We love our athletes, so we accept the title.
8.
North Pit: The regular Pit, but make it sophisticated. Located next to Mag.
9.
Pit Sit: When a group of individuals, often working in shifts, occupy the Pit all day.
10.
Red Room: A room with red carpet located on the forth floor of ZSR Library. Original, right?
Page 10 | Friday, August 14, 2020
“Be open to growth, say yes a lot (and be responsible), and reach out to people who you don’t expect will respond (they will).”
Class of 2022
“Some WAKE rules of Wisdom: 1. Be yourself. 2. Remember that everyone feels just as uncomfortable as you. 3. It is okay to miss your home and friends. 4. Always trust your gut. 5. Take a chance - you don’t want any regrets. 6. Have fun.”
“Don’t be afraid to go up to people and initiate conversations. Everyone’s looking for friends, and college is the perfect time to meet diverse people.”
Class of 2023
Class of 2021
“Join the Screamin’ Demons and go to games! We have a new men’s basketball coach and really good football and men’s soccer teams. Be a part of the electric environment!” Class of 2023
“Putting yourself out there can be scary, but its the best way to make friends and find your niche at college.”
“Be smart about how you budget your time. Wake’s academics, clubs, and events all demand a lot of your time and energy. Prioritize what is important to you and don’t overstretch yourself.”
Class of 2022
Class of 2023
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 11
“My advice for freshmen is to be open-minded as we move towards the semester, but most importantly to stay vigilant as we are still dealing with a global pandemic.”
Class of 2023
“There is no one ‘right way’ to do college, there is only YOUR right way. It’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out, you will find your place in your own time and your own way!”
“It’s a long four years. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because you’ll need it.”
Class of 2021
Class of 2022
“When meeting new people stay true to who you are, I met my greatest friends this way. Allow yourself to talk to people about your struggles. Most of the time, they are feeling the same way too!” Class of 2021
“No matter how cute they are, they aren’t worth it. This is college and time to focus on you and what you want to do in your life, not the next hot guy or girl you see on the Quad.” Class of
2021
“Ask for help! Last year, I needed help with a research project, and I emailed professors I’d never met who specialized in my topic. Almost all of them returned my message.” Class of 2023
Page 12 | Friday, August 14, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
Choosing a major requires patience BY JACK PORTMAN Opinion Editor portjt17@wfu.edu
of high school. Now I’m majoring in anthropology and political science — which is to say, you might not actually know what you are going to major in right now. (You might think you do, though ... when I was a freshman and one of the go-to icebreakers was something like
Frankly I don’t know what to say about choosing your major. Have you seen Harry Potter? It’s possibly like that scene in Diagon Alley when Harry buys his wand. The scene is a cheesy parable about how certain aspects of our paths in life are chosen for us, not vice versa. The conceit is that wizards don’t choose their wands, the wand chooses its wizard. Harry tries out various wands (or rather various wands try out Harry) and after considerable chaos resulting from wandwizard incompatibilities Harry finds a wand that apparently approves of him. Choosing a major is maybe something like this, and it can definitely be as chaotic. Among my four closest friends at this school, something like three majors have been dropped, around three have been added on at some point and a slew of minors have come and gone. Actually, to that point, I have no idea what my friends’ minors are. I entered college as a biology major, having expected to do just that for much
It’s not a requirement to come to college with your entire life planned out. Taking time to explore different subjects helps students find their passions.
Picking a course of study involves exposure to new topics and courses
“what do you want to major in?” I always thought it was strange when someone would respond that they weren’t sure; it seemed bizarre to me not to have at least an idea of how you wanted your life to proceed … but I now see how much wisdom and maturity lay in what seemed then like peculiar indecision …)
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
You probably won’t even declare your major until your second year. So, if you already have an idea of what you want to major in, by all means start taking classes in this subject. But take classes in other departments too. I took a medley of biology and chemistry classes my first three semesters and realized before long that I enjoyed reading the popular science writers like E.O. Wilson and Richard Dakwins more than I enjoyed sitting through college level lectures on renal tubules. And while I was gradually coming to terms with the dissatisfaction I felt with the course of study I’d long believed myself to be on, I was simultaneously kindling a deep adoration for the social sciences and humanities. I’d taken an archaeology class on a whim during my first semester which redefined my understanding of the world we live in radically, and had I not taken archaeology, I may not have realized the extent of my interest in the study of culture and society. So what I believe I’ve communicated is that choosing your major is by design a messy experience and that the messiness should be embraced. Majors can be changed after they’ve been declared, minors can be picked up unconventionally late in your college career and frankly what you major in won’t matter nearly as much as you think it will — I know of precisely two religious studies majors who are presently on their way to law school.
Professors are an essential resource
Here are some surefire ways to help build relationships with your professors BY CHARLIE BENEDICT Business Manager benecc19@wfu.edu
My mom and I used to make fun of all the clichés sermonized by the overzealous guides at the schools I toured. “The library is open 24-7 and has a Starbucks!” or, “We have the Blue-Light system everywhere so it’s super safe!” Big school, small school, northeast, southeast, midwest, it didn’t matter, every tour guide said it. My personal favorite was “the Professors at ____ college are always super welcoming, and they want you to succeed.” It sounds nice the first couple of times, but in my experience, it became more and more meaningless the more I heard it. Perhaps that was just my jaded personality, but I find it hard to believe I was the only one thinking that. But then I moved to campus, and for the first time in my schooling career, I actually liked all of my professors. Don’t get me wrong, in high school I loved a certain subset of my teachers, but at least once a semester, I’d find myself being taught by a geriatric toddler. Even though I’m just two-semester in, I can say with about 95% confidence (shoutout to Professor Emily Huang), the overwhelming majority of Wake Forest professors are caring people who are genuinely invested in your development. I’m not usually one who spouts effete expressions such as above, but it feels true
in this case. Like I said, while the vast majority of professors are awesome, you do need to reciprocate the goodwill and benefit of doubt that they give you. This probably comes from my life-long love of sports and competition, but I’ve always viewed school as a game. Games have rules that you need to abide by, tools that you can use and strategies that are best for winning. I don’t say this to dehumanize professors by describing them as tools at your disposal, but to an extent, they are. However, in order to gain utility from the tools, you have to play by the rules. That means be on time to class, be it in-person, or via Zoom. It shows you take your obligations seriously and respect your professor’s time. Pay attention, or at least pretend to pay attention, while in class. This one should be obvious, but far too frequently I witnessed my fellow Demon Deacons not following that rule. The third rule is to be respectful. Emails are not texts, don’t treat them as such. Call your professors the title they want. Take your hood or hat off when you get into class, take your AirPods out (I feel this shouldn’t need to be said) and say “thank you” when you leave their class. The most important rule though is just to be friendly. You catch more bees with honey than vinegar. Everyone is capable of being nice, so just do it. The great thing about this game is you start off winning. You start in the right direction; you just need to make sure you don’t veer off that path. Next semester will inevitably be different, but the same principles still apply. All of this, from the way you clean up for yourself in the Pit, to the way you interact with your professors, contributes
to the spirit of Pro Humanitate. Being greeted by name with a smile from professors and other students may seem small, but from talking with friends at other schools, I’ve learned that it’s unfortunately rare. Moreover, it’s just one example of the special community we all live in. We patiently explain math concepts to each other during our free periods when we could be watching
Game of Thrones, hold doors open for each other and help each other clean up spills in Benson University Center. We bless each other after we sneeze, attend each other’s sporting events and plays and quiz each other on Latin American Art. I’ll be working my rules on whoever has the unfortunate task of teaching me next semester, and I hope you will be like me too.
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
Wake Forest offers a unique environment to build relationships with your professors. With just a little effort, you can create lasting bonds with them.
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 13
Outdoor activites in Winston-Salem One of the best ways to socialize and find new ways to fill pandemic-induced free time is to adventure outdoors. Although Winston-Salem may not appear to have many exciting places to go, there are a few hidden gems around the city that can help you get your nature fix. Here’s a list of seven outdoor activities to explore in and around Winston-Salem.
BY MAGGIE BURNS Science &Technology Editor burnme17@wfu.edu
Reynolda Gardens
Perhaps the most accessible way to get outside and stay close to campus is by visiting the Reynolds Gardens. The gardens are on the grounds of the Reynolda House Museum, and they are only about a five minute walk or bike ride from anywhere on campus. The gardens are a great place to stroll on a first date, when you need a break from class or when you just want to get some fresh air.
Maggie Burns/Old Gold & Black
Olivia Field/Old Gold & Black
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
This state park is one of the closest to Wake Forest’s campus, and it is well worth the 20 minute drive. Pilot Mountain is a great place to go on hikes that vary from a quick jaunt to an all day adventure. This is also a great spot if you are interested in outdoor climbing; there are an array of sport and toprope routes that are easily accessible. Pilot is a great place to visit on a weekend day or even in the afternoons to catch the sun set over Winston-Salem.
Hanging Rock is another popular state park in the greater Winston-Salem area. This spot is more optimal for an all day venture, as it is about 45 minutes away from campus. In the park there are a variety of trails that take you up peaks and to several waterfalls. The different hikes vary in difficulty but all lead to beautiful spots. Hanging Rock is a lovely place to spend a Saturday exploring the woods all day.
Tanglewood Park is a great place for mountain bikers of any skill level. There are several trails that run throughout the park that are well-maintained and great for cross country mountain bikers. If you aren’t a biker, Tanglewood Park also has maintained gardens and an Arboretum for visitors to check out. Tanglewood is a fun spot for bikers or a stroll around the gardens — the perfect place to clear your mind and get some fresh air.
Pilot Mountain State Park Hanging Rock State Park Tanglewood Bike Trails
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
Emily Beauchamp /Old Gold & Black
Salem Lake
Quarry Park
Belews Lake
Salem Lake offers fishing, boating, running, walking and biking. While you cannot swim there, the lake is relatively large with a running/walking/biking trail that borders it. The loop around the lake is eight miles long. This is a great spot to exercise out in nature, but is also a nice place to pack up a picnic and hang out for an afternoon. Salem Lake is also an easy location to go fishing, if that’s your thing. It’s also only a 20-minute drive away from campus so Salem Lake is a great place for a day trip.
Quarry Park is an old rock quarry that has been beautified to accommodate visitors. The extraction of the rocks created a small lake that looks out over the Winston-Salem Skyline. There are some short trails around the park and there is an observation bridge that allows visitors to look out into the quarry. This is another great spot to catch the sunset because the skyline of the city catches the sun beautifully every evening; it›s also another lovely spot to have a picnic date.
Belews lake is about 45 minutes away from campus and is a fun place to go swimming if you were bummed about not being able to swim at Salem Lake. The fun thing about Belews is that it’s close to a Duke power plant, so the water is warm nearly all year long. There is a really awesome rope swing near the boat ramp — it can be tricky to find, but it’s a blast when you do find it. If you aren’t interested in swimming, this is a great place to take paddle boards or kayaks and paddle around.
1. @fake_worest Must-Follow Wake Forest Meme Accounts
The bread and butter of the WFU meme community, no group on campus is exempt from the critical eye of Fake Worest humor. Follow them for your classic LRsday and Natty O memes.
2.
@farrellhallfrank
You don’t have to be a Bschool student to enjoy the content that Farrell Hall Frank posts, whether you’re laughing at the B-school bros or with your B school bros.
3.
@wfugeeds
WFU Geeds caters to an audience of un-affiliated Wake Forest students, and although they primarily make fun of everyone else, it wouldn’t be a Geed account without a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor.
Catherine Regen/Old Gold & Black
Maggie Burns/Old Gold & Black
Page 14| Friday, August 14, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
A look inside Wake Forest sports Men’s and women’s teams across the sports program are looking to build upon stellar 2019-2020 campaigns BY WILL ZIMMERMAN Sports Editor zimmwj19@wfu.edu
Wake Forest radiates success, and as you will quickly learn, our sports are no exception. Following tremendous accomplishments during last year’s campaigns, expectations are high for many of Wake Forest’s teams entering the 2020-2021 season. Better yet, the programs that traditionally garner the most attention — football, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s basketball — are not the only ones worth keeping an eye on. Track & field, golf, tennis, baseball, field hockey, volleyball and club ice-hockey teams are also poised to wreak havoc across the ACC and beyond. While the reality of the situation at hand means there is some uncertainty surrounding how the pandemic will affect sports seasons at Wake Forest and other NCAA programs, trust me when I say, if our teams are able to take the field this coming fall, you’ll want to be watching. The ACC has announced that if public health guidance allows, fall sports will begin competition the week of September 7. At Wake Forest, Saturdays and football go together like freshmen boys and neglected laundry. During the 2019 campaign the Deacs
Photo courtesy of Wake Forest Athletics
Photo courtesy of @WakeMSoccer Twitter
started hot, winning seven of their first eight contests before suffering some injuries to key players down the stretch and ultimately finishing 8-5. In the Pinstripe Bowl, played in December at Yankee Stadium, the team lost to Michigan State, 21-26. Head Coach Dave Clawson, entering into his seventh season, will look to build on last year’s success despite losing key offensive pieces in quarterback Jamie Newman, running back Cade Carney and wide receivers Kendall Hinton and Scotty Washington. With Newman announcing his transfer to the University of Georgia, the ball will likely be in the hands of the more-thancapable Sam Hartman. Receiver Sage Surratt, who had over 1,000 yards on 66 receptions (including 11 for touchdowns) last season, will likely be Hartman’s number one option. The game-day experience at Truist Field that students have become accustomed to might not look the same as it has in years past, but you can be sure that Wake Forest will provide plenty of opportunities to cheer on the football team as they seek bowleligibility for what would be a programrecord 5th straight season. The Deacs will play a total of 11 games over the course of 13 weeks during the regular season, their first on Sept. 12 when they host the Clemson Tigers. The Deacs will face another powerhouse in Notre Dame early in the season. The game, which is set for Sept. 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte is sure to be another highlight. Also on the schedule are bouts with ACC competitors including Louisville, Duke, UNC,
NC State and Syracuse. If the Deacs can find their groove early and take down the Fighting Irish or Tigers, they’ll likely have a good shot at a berth in the ACC Championship game scheduled for mid-December. Equally impressive during last season’s campaign was the men’s soccer team. Bolstered by 2019 graduate Bruno Lapa’s 10 goals, the Deacs finished with a record of 16-5-2 (6-20 against ACC competitors) and made it to the semifinal round of the NCAA tournament where they fell 2-1 at the hands of No. 1 seeded Virginia. If circumstances permit, students can make the quick walk up to Spry Stadium to cheer on Head Coach Bobby Muuss’ squad. Muuss and his players alike understand that this season, the bar is high. “The opportunity to compete for the most competitive trophy in college soccer, an ACC Championship, is what motivates us each day. With that, we are excited for the opportunity to be able to get back on the field and train together. It›s extremely important that we do this for our student-athletes,” Muuss said, per a statement released on GoDeacs.com. The NCAA men’s soccer championships will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC in mid-November. Come springtime, newly hired Head Coach Steve Forbes will look to restore the former glory of Wake Forest basketball. The highly touted Forbes spent the past five seasons at Eastern Tennessee State University where he led the Buccaneers to the NCAA March Madness tournament twice. Many hope he can do the same for the Deacs, who have not made it to the first round of the tournament since the 2009-10 season.
Page 15| Friday, August 14, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
Navigating WFU as an LGBTQ student Here are a few tips to help you navigate campus life as an LGBTQ student BY LEILANI FLETCHER Contributing Writer fletln18@wfu.edu Welcome to Wake Forest! This year you will make friends, discover passions, explore a new environment and grow in ways that you never imagined. The first-year experience is always unique, but for queer students, it comes with a lot more complexities due to Wake Forest’s very straight student body. This transition can be uncomfortable, especially if you come from a big city like I did. As I reflect on my experiences as a queer student, I offer you some advice about the importance of finding your community. As a New York native, my adjustment to Winston-Salem was interesting to say the least. As a Black and Latinx woman, I was accustomed to navigating predominately white spaces, but the overwhelming heteronormativity shocked me. I felt out of place when I stepped onto Wake Forest’s campus, constantly suffocated by my own thoughts; stressing about where I would “fit in.” I desired to find a community where I could live unapologetically.
Although anxiety stayed at the forefront of my mind, it was vital for me to be my authentic self. If that meant facing some rejection, that was okay, because I knew I would be found by the people who were supposed to be in my life. This courageous choice helped me learn valuable lessons on campus and meet those who I would later call my closest friends. I found most of these people at the LGBTQ+ Center; it was a space where I truly felt affirmed. Every time I entered this space, I would always feel a sense of ease; the pressure to perform as a “straighter” version of myself would leave. I encourage you to explore the LGBTQ+ Center and browse their resources as soon as you get settled on campus. They have countless of initiatives that support queer students, my favorite being the identity spaces. The staff support from the center is also phenomenal. AJ Mazaris and Kayla Lisenby-Denson, the director and assistant director, or the parents of the center as I’d like to say, are incredible. They go above and beyond to support queer students no matter the situation. All that being said, there is no singular place for queer students on campus. The most important thing is to find the best supportive and uplifting community for you, and only you can
determine that. As I conclude, I want to leave you with my biggest pieces of advice: 1. At this point I probably sound like a broken record, but find a community where you feel safe and affirmed. The small queer community at Wake Forest makes it easy to feel isolated, so finding your “home” is really important. 2. Talk to queer upperclassmen. We want to help you find your way! It can be scary going into this new environment thinking that you must have everything figured out when honestly, no one truly does. 3. Try going to the LGBTQ+ Center. It might be nerve wracking entering this space (possibly virtually), but pushing yourself can help in the long run. 4. Trust that it’ll all work out and if you need someone to talk to, find me! I know how hard and overwhelming it can be coming onto Wake Forest’s campus as a queer student, so I’m always here to listen. My instagram is @ lf710 and my email is in the byline. Don’t hesitate to reach out! Overall, your adjustment to Wake Forest will be a continuous process every time you step back on campus, but the support from your affirming community will help you through it. Never undermine your resilience.
Dorm room baking on a budget By Katie Fox If you’re looking for a fun way to spend your days stuck in your dorm, look no further. Baking is therapeutic and tasty, especially with the help of these easy-to-follow recipes. Angel Food Cake
• Betty Crocker mix • 1 1/4 cups water Stir together in a bowl. Pour mixture into an ungreased pan. Make use of the hall kitchen, and bake for 35-45 minutes at 375°. Store upside down until cool. Eat. For best results, use an Angel Food Cake tube pan. Bake at a lower temperature (350°) if using a 13x9 metal or glass dish.
Being in college without being broke With independence, comes the mighty responsibity of budgeting correctly BY ELIZABETH MALINE Online Managing Editor malied17@wfu.edu Money, money, money. Yes, it’s a great ABBA song, but it’s also something students have to learn to manage as they begin their freshman year. For the first time, many of you will make your own choices about how to spend money, without your parents keeping close watch over you. It’s tempting to make impulsive purchases (and believe me, you will), but college is a great time to learn frugality. To help you make responsible choices about spending, here are a couple of pointers you should know before you break out your brand new credit card. (If you’re still looking to get a credit or debit card, Wells Fargo is the ideal choice since they have an ATM on campus and you’ll avoid cash withdrawal fees). One large expense students have is textbooks. Though the university bookstore is a convenient place to buy your books, don’t forget to compare prices to Amazon. You’d be surprised by how much you can save when you do some extra research. You’ll also choose between buying or renting your books. In most cases, renting is the preferred option, as it is often significantly cheaper than buying a book new or used. Just don’t forget to return it at the end of the semester, as not doing so could result in large fees. If you do choose to buy
books and don’t need them after the semester, take them back to the bookstore for the book buyback. Use your pre-paid Deacon Dollars to buy toiletries and school supplies on campus rather than with real money at Target. If you do have the impulse to go to Target or CVS, make a list beforehand. You don’t want to get suckered into buying things you don’t need, and that will just create more clutter in your dorm room. When you safely venture off campus, you’ll find that Winston-Salem is actually a relatively affordable city with fun attractions and exceptional restaurants. Treat yourself, but be sure to utilize your pre-paid meal plan, which gives you access to many of the same options you’ll find off campus, such as Village Juice and the new Camino Bakery in the ZSR library. If you find that you’re not using as much of your meal plan as you thought you would, scale down to a cheaper option next semester. Not to mention, it can get expensive to travel off campus all the time. Rather than pay for Uber or Lyft, try carpooling or taking the campus shuttle (which are probably safer options, too). If you’re looking to avoid the hassle but have the urge to get off campus, the shops and restaurants at Reynolda Village are walking distance from your dorm room. Now that you’re in college, a world of student discounts is at your disposal. Why pay $10 per month for Spotify premium when you can pay half that (and get a free Hulu subscription). Amazon Student is free with your Wake Forest email and gives you access to prime TV shows, two-day shipping and textbook rentals. Also, many local restaurants,
movie theaters and stores offer student discounts. If you want to make some extra money, there are several opportunities to work a job. Though most on-campus jobs are reserved for Work Study, Campus Recreation hires non-work study students and many local businesses look to hire students during the year. Additionally, Benson University Center is typically looking for student-employees. This newfound financial independence can be scary at first, but the key is to plan ahead and make smart decisions. Consider every purchase with scrutiny and think to yourself, “Do I really need this?” or, “Is there a cheaper way to get it?”
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
Microwave Rice Krispie Treats
• 1 stick of butter • 16 oz mini marshmallows • 9 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
There are many ways to make and save money while on campus.
Microwave butter and marshmallows for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds. Stir until melted. Fold in Rice Krispies. Place mixture into an ungreased container and press down. Refrigerate until cooled. Eat.
Page 16| Friday, August 14, 2020
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
A beginner’s guide to Winston-Salem dining A brief description of some of the city’s most convenient and affordable eateries BY BEN CONROY Sports Editor conrbd19@wfu.edu At first glance, the prospect of beginning college in a new city can seem incredibly daunting. There are several pressing inquiries that require immediate answers, such as: How will I drag myself out of bed for my 9 a.m. class? How will I ever find the motivation to keep my room neat? Where and what will I eat? While the answers to the first two questions continue to elude me, I might be able to shed some light on the third. Winston-Salem is chock-full of tasty eateries and other nifty spots — you just have to know where to look. Here are a few potential options to consider: Village Tavern Village Tavern was the first Winston-Salem restaurant I ever tried, and the results have kept me coming back ever since. With a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options available, the menu offers virtually anything one could imagine. The restaurant includes two locations in close proximity to campus, both with excellent service and plenty of seating. It’s worth noting, however, that Village Tavern is fairly upscale, and slightly higher (although reasonable) prices can be expected. COVID-19 Protocol: Dine-in, curbside pickup and delivery available. Pictured bottom right. Putters Patio and Grill If you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy some quality bar food and take in whatever sporting events are going
on at the time, look no further than Putters. Located a mere stone’s throw from campus, Putters offers the nonrestrictive atmosphere of a sports bar with exceptional prices to sweeten the pot. Televisions of all sizes line the bar area; if there’s a big game you’re looking to catch with a few friends, Putters can provide an outstanding viewing experience without breaking the bank (P.S. — I recommend the buffalo chicken tenders). COVID-19 Protocol: Dine-in and curbside pickup available. Pictured bottom left. Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria Let’s face it, we all grow weary of nationwide delivery pizza chains every once in a while. Fortunately, Elizabeth’s (virtually next door to Putters) provides a tasty, cheap alternative, serving a number of specialty pizzas in addition to the classics. Available for delivery and carryout, Elizabeth’s menu also features all sorts of Italian cuisine (pasta, calzones and the like), complete with heaping portions to ensure no customer leaves dissatisfied. COVID-19 Protocol: Takeout and contact-free delivery available. Pictured top left. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar At Bad Daddy’s, what you see is what you get: toptier burgers and quality service. Although it’s about a 15-minute drive from campus, I can personally attest that the journey is worth it every time. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is fast-paced and friendly, and the prices won’t wreak havoc on your bank account. Plus, if you manage to save room for dessert, Bad Daddy’s makes what I believe to be one of the finest milkshakes in Winston-Salem. COVID-19 Protocol: Dine-in, contact-free delivery and curbside pickup available.
Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill Mi Pueblo is a friend to all Wake Forest students who might fancy a journey south of the border, serving all kinds of tasty Mexican food. From enchiladas to tacos, Mi Pueblo covers all the Mexican culinary bases with agreeable prices to match. Perfect for anyone searching for an affordable alternative to the plethora of American restaurants within a few mile radius of campus. COVID-19 Protocol- Dine-in open at 50% capacity, take-out and delivery available. Pictured top right. Jeffrey Adams on Fourth Jeffrey Adams differs slightly from the other restaurants I’ve discussed in that it’s located squarely in downtown Winston-Salem, a bit further removed from some of the dining options near campus. I include it in this article because it’s a perfect spot to dine with visiting family members (provided dine-in opens in the near future), as it’s a high-end eatery nestled snugly within one of the most vibrant sections of Winston-Salem. When I went there with my parents, the steak and seafood were both well-received, but the menu boasts an outstanding selection in other areas as well. COVID-19 Protocol: Curbside pickup, takeout and delivery available. These are just a few of the restaurants that helped shape my freshman year dining experience in and around Winston-Salem. Although my descriptions have barely scratched the surface in capturing all the city has to offer (Re: Camino Bakery, Mozzarella Fellas, Krankies, Sweet Potatoes and more) it is my sincere hope that these options might provide a foothold into Winston-Salem’s thriving culinary scene.
Emily Beauchamp/Old Gold & Black
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 17
Community involvement is an imperative Volunteering in WinstonSalem can positively impact your surroundings BY JACK PORTMAN Opinion Editor portjt17@wfu.edu Wake Forest University moved its campus to Winston-Salem in 1946. During the 1940s, and continuing into the 1960s, redlining and other explicitly racist public policies significantly augmented the city›s geography of race, wealth and resources. Much of Winston-Salem is considered a “food desert,” and many low-income minority residents in neighborhoods such as East Winston live prohibitively far from affordable quality foods. This contributes to nutritional inequities throughout the city. Furthermore, Forsyth County reports some of the highest rates of eviction in the country, with predominantly Black and predominantly LatinX census tracts showing nearly double the eviction rates present in predominantly white tracts. These elevated rates of eviction are partially driven by a severe deficit of affordable housing, a
shortage of roughly 16,000 units for lowincome community members. Additionally, almost 10,000 low-income residents in Forsyth County have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a public health crisis which has disproportionately harmed low-income and minority communities locally and nationally. For Wake Forest students, over onefifth of whom come from families in the top 1% of income earners in the United States, engaging in volunteer work within the community may be a valuable diversion from the rigours of academic life. However, I would raise that doing so is in many cases a moral imperative. I wish I had recognized this imperative earlier in my time at Wake Forest, especially given the ease with which students can become involved in giving our city’s problems the time and atwtention they need. The University’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement offers a variety of opportunities for students to positively impact their surroundings. Many of these projects and programs, such as Campus Kitchen — a group that repurposes surplus food and redistributes healthy meals throughout the community — and Hit the Bricks — a fundraiser for the Brian
Piccolo Cancer Research Fund — will continue throughout the Fall semester with modifications to accommodate social distancing. Students can also engage with the community virtually by becoming a tutor for K-12 WS/FCS students. The social justice incubator and social justice book club are also valuable avenues for recognizing and taking action against the systemic issues facing the city. Second Harvest Food Bank in WinstonSalem provides donated goods to food pantries throughout Northwest North Carolina. As unemployment increases nationally and eviction moratoriums come to an end, many families will likely become increasingly reliant on these crucial resources. Volunteering with Second Harvest can help ensure that food pantries throughout NC remain stocked. Not to be excluded are the various ways students can become politically involved in the community. Interested students can join canvassing efforts during election cycles or attend events and protests organized by local groups such as the Triad Abolition Project (@ triadabolitionproject on Instagram) and the Unity Coalition. The college experience is inseparable from the community in which it is situated, and
there seems to be a natural obligation to develop a mutually beneficial relationship between students and their surrounding community. Furthermore, and of greater consequence, Forsyth County’s history of redlining and legal segregation, its loss of tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs over the last 40 years, its nationally leading proclivity for evicting minorities from their homes and its severely underfunded and underperforming public schools continually reinforce the systems of inequality and patterns of concentrated poverty that make it the third worst county for economic mobility in the entire United States. Community service is not the one-fix solution to these manifold and deeply rooted issues. However, it seems that to attend a $70,000 per year private university in one of the least economically mobile communities in the country without working to benefit the people surrounding you would be to egregiously miscalculate your complicity in the systems that harm this city’s residents. It took me a while to fully recognize the implications of this obligation, despite the University’s ostensibly “Pro Humanitate” emphasis, and I encourage you to make community involvement a priority.
Study abroad defined my time at Wake Wake Forest makes studying abroad around the world possible for all students BY CATHERINE REGEN Life Editor regecl17@wfu.edu A question that every prospective college student asks themselves is about study abroad. Will I go? Can I go? Where should I go? You might have already asked these questions yourself, and more importantly, you might already be considering some answers. First and foremost, if you have already written off studying abroad as a luxury you can’t afford due to your major, divisional requirements or your finances, take a step back and reconsider. Studying abroad was the single best experience I’ve had as a student at Wake Forest, and that’s because this university offers one-of-a-kind programs. Provided that travel bans get lifted in the next few years, studying abroad is the chance of a lifetime. Don’t let your expectations as a pre-med student or business school student dissuade you from the potential fun. Overall the Global Programs and Studies Office has enabled Wake Forest students to travel to over 70 countries, 29 of those being through Wake Forest programs. If you want to go somewhere, Wake Forest can make it happen, but more importantly they want to make it happen. Not only are there a variety of destinations, but within those places there are usually multiple programs. For example, I studied abroad in London, England, and while I did the Worrell House program, I had friends who studied through the program at Queen Mary University and another who did
Catherine Regen/Old Gold & Black
Worrell House is located right outside of London central. The Fall 2019 cohort is pictured above at the Shakespeare Globe with Professor Barry Maine, one of the many excursions sponsored by the program. INSTEP London. There is no such thing as one perfect program, and you can find the best one to suit your needs as a student. While there are endless possibilities, I would like to take a minute to be selfish and plug the completely underrated WFU House programs. Wake Forest has the unique advantage of owning properties across the world in incredible locations. Casa Artom is located on the Grand Canal in Venice. Flow House is nestled in the Austrian hills outside of Vienna, Austria. Finally, Worrell House (the best house, although I am entirely biased) sits on Primrose Hill just outside of central London. When I began my search for the perfect study abroad program I found
that no one really talked about the WFU Houses — I hadn’t ever met anyone who had stayed at any of them. But now, dear reader, you know me and I will tell you of their merits. Every semester a faculty member from Wake Forest travels with a group of students and one Resident Advisor to each of the houses. The students live together in the house, cook together in the communal kitchen and take classes together in the various learning spaces. Your classmates become your family for those months you share together. At the Worrell House, Professor Barry Maine of the English Department traveled over with us and taught a class on American writers abroad and British novels on
film. There were also three classes taught by three British professors who reside in London, full time. I have previously written an article on my whole Worrell House experience, which goes into much further detail, and can be found on the Old Gold & Black website. I cannot recommend studying abroad enough, and I think anyone else who has done it would say the same. If you worry that you won’t be able to afford it, there are scholarships available, another plus to doing one of the WFU House programs is that cost is the same as if you were attending Wake Forest. Give the study abroad experience serious consideration, and if you go, I can promise you won’t regret it.
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Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
Finding the right student organization How to sort through more than 200 student organizations to find a meaningful extracurricular activity BY CAROLINE WALKER Staff Writer walkct18@wfu.edu This year, over 200 student organizations will deliver elevator pitches to students in short videos during a virtual student involvement fair. With so many videos to watch and opportunities available, it’s important to remember that a meaningful commitment to one or a few student organizations are better than weak attachments to too many clubs. You will ultimately have to balance your extracurricular involvements with your academic work and social life, so you want to make sure that you are making smart decisions and finding activities that bring you joy and add meaning to your life. First, you need to figure out what you are looking for in a student organization and how it will cater to your interests and passions before you start to sign up for countless meetings and block out all of your free time for the next few weeks or months. One option is to consider which of your extracurricular involvements in high school meant the most to you and whether there are opportunities to continue this activity in college. That might mean running for Student Government or trying out for the Mock Trial team if you were on a high school debate team or trying out for a club sport team if you played sports in high school. Or, your high school experience might also indicate that you should not sign up for a club similar to one that you didn’t enjoy previously. If you have a special talent or passion, there are also many artistic outlets on campus. You can try your hand
Photo Courtesy of Erin Anderson
APO is Wake Forest’s service fraternity. Above, members work together to clean a river in Todd, NC. This is just one of many student organizations freshman are able to join. at sketch comedy with the Lilting Banshees Comedy Troupe, join an a cappella group if you are musically gifted or join a dance group like Setting the Groove. You can also branch out and join student organizations that weren’t offered at your high school, but now interest you and align with your interests in college. You could learn more about sustainability and the environment by joining the Sustainability Leadership Group, or advocate for human rights as a member of the International Justice Mission. You can also find ways to venture beyond the campus and serve the local Winston-Salem community. You might decide to volunteer at Campus Kitchen, join Alpha Phi Omega (the co-ed service fraternity) or become a member of a committee for Wake N’ Shake or Project Pumpkin. There are lots of ways you can actively show the Pro Humanitate spirit both on and off campus.
If you’re still unsure about which organization would be the best fit for you, seek out advice or recommendations from other students or faculty members. There are some organizations, such as the Pre-Law Society or The Neuroscience Club, that may align with your academic or career interests. Or, there may be organizations like Outdoor Pursuits or Student Union in which your friends might be involved, and they might ask you to join them. With all of these suggestions, keep in mind that no club is one-size-fits-all. You may even decide to switch organizations or pick up a new activity later in your college career. You might not feel like any of them seem appealing right now, and that is also okay. Whatever you decide, you will always have the opportunity to change directions and pursue new opportunities.
How to handle feelings of homesickness Things might feel uncertain right now, but over time, you will find your place and your people at Wake Forest in no time BY JESSICA MARK Asst. News Editor markjf19@wfu.edu
Whether your hometown is located 20 minutes or thousands of miles away, it is normal to feel homesick at the beginning of college. Think about it: you have just entered a new environment — where almost every face, building and experience is unfamiliar. Many of you will be overwhelmed. I was overwhelmed, too. Although homesickness is upsetting, there are effective coping mechanisms you can employ when it arises. One way to manage homesickness is to change your environment. For example, if you feel homesick when you are isolated in your dorm room, leave your dorm room. Go to the gym and workout or spark a conversation with a friend in your residence hall. You can also vent about how you are feeling to your RA — who, by the way, has been trained to help freshmen with homesickness. If you feel homesick while buried in assignments at the ZSR Library, give yourself a break. The workload at Wake Forest is likely more intense than the workload from your high school, and feeling homesick as you adjust is understandable. Take care of your mental health; if you need a break, give yourself a break. Step outside for some fresh air or go grab a meal from the Pit. Then — once you’ve been able to refresh and reset — head back to whatever it was you were initially doing. Sometimes, it only takes a change of scenery to snap out of feeling homesick or overwhelmed. If a new setting does not do the trick, there are still many other strategies you can use to combat
Katie Fox/Old Gold & Black
homesickness. Oftentimes, one of the reasons students feel homesick at the start of college is because they have not yet found “their people,” their close circle of friends; this uncertainty can trigger homesickness. If you have been feeling this way, do not fret. Try this: instead of digging yourself into despair, redirect your attention on finding quality people to whom you can relate. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by joining clubs and extracurriculars. Through these outlets, you will meet people with similar interests and passions. So, if you love to write, come to the Old Gold & Black (OGB). If you have the special skill of making others laugh, join the Lilting Banshees – our comedy troupe on campus. If you play a sport, join a club team — we have everything from ballroom dancing and taekwondo to wakeboarding and waterskiing. The point here is that there is a place for everyone on this campus. Including you. Finally, if you feel homesick, sometimes the best thing to do is to simply call home. It might sound counterintuitive, but from personal experience, I know how the voices of family and friends can be reassuring. These moments are reminders that, despite physical distance, bonds from home are still fully intact. Also, since these are the people who probably know you best, they might know just what to say to cheer you up. How do I know all this, you might ask? Well, just last year, I was in your shoes. I was a freshman, and — as the homebody that I am — I experienced moments where I really, really missed home. But those moments passed, and I adjusted. Now, a year into college, I have found extracurriculars that I love (thanks, OGB), professors with whom I have relationships and friends who — in an unexpected way — have started to feel like family. Wake Forest has become a new kind of home, and one that I love very much. And over time, Wake Forest can become a home for you, too.
Freshman Tabloid | Old Gold & Black
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Page 19
Which student organization should you join? Take this quick quiz to discover which organization you should join. After you’re done, tally up your score and look at the answers below. BY EMILY BEAUCHAMP Print Managing Editor beauea17@wfu.edu
1. What is your intended major? A. Communication, English, Psychology B. Business and Enterprise Management, Accounting, Finance C. Biology, Chemistry, Physics D. History, Politics and International Affairs, Sociology E. Theatre, Studio Art, Musical Performance
4. When are you most productive? A. At night B. Between class C. During all freetime D. The morning E. Whenever Inspiration hits
2. Which sticker do you have on your laptop? A. Inspirational Quote Sticker B. Coffee and Tea Stickers C. Sustainability Sticker D. Political Stickers E. Animal Sticker
5. What are you most excited about this year? A. Making new friends B. Building relationships with professors C. Hanging out on the quad D.Participating in Wake Forest traditions E. Exploring Winston-Salem
3. What is your freshman dorm? A. Collins B. Angelou or South C. Johnson or Bostwick D. Babcock E. Luter
6. What’s your ideal weekend day? A. Stay in and read a book B. Go out with friends C. Go for a hike D. Volunteer somewhere E. Go to watch the newest movie
Photo Courtesy of Aplha Kappa Psi
Photo Courtesy of the Lilting Banshees
7. What Divisional are you most looking forward to that doesn’t pertain to your major? A. Fine arts B. Humanities (History, Philosophy, Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Religion) C. Social sciences (Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Education, Politics, Psychology and Sociology) D. Math and natural sciences E. Literatures (English and In English Translation)
If you got mostly A’s - Old Gold & Black
The Old Gold & Black (OGB) is the best fit for you! The OGB is the university’s student run newspaper. It has been in publication for over 100 years, with the release of the first issue on Jan. 15, 1916. The paper is published weekly on the fifth floor of Benson University Center and is distributed all over campus every Thursday afternoon. As a member of this organization you can either be a writer and help with the content of the paper or help out with its production as an editor.
If you got mostly B’s - Alpha Kappa Psi
Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) is the best fit for you! AKPsi was founded in 1904 as a Professional Business Fraternity. You don’t have to be a business major to join this organization, and don’t let the word fraternity fool you either, women are also welcome to join. AKPsi helps its members develop professionally. The organization also focuses on community service and hands on business experience for anyone who is interested in the field.
If you got mostly D’s - Student Government
Student Government is the best fit for you! There are tons of options available to members of Student Government. There are seven committees that you could potentially be a part of including Academic, Diversity and Inclusion, Public Relations, Campus Life and several more. So, there’s a spot for everyone to have their voice heard in an area of campus they are passionate about.
If you got mostly C’s - Sustainable WFU
Sustainable WFU (Susty) is the best fit for you! As a member of Susty you work very closely with the Office of Sustainability to help develop initiatives to make Wake Forest a greener campus. As a sophomore, junior or senior you’d be able to apply to live in the Sustainability House right off of campus. The organization also works diligently to maintain the Campus Garden (located right next to the Susty House).
If you got mostly E’s - Lilting Banshee Comedy Troupe
The Lilting Banshee Comedy Troupe (the Banshees) is the best fit for you! As a member of this organization you’re dedicated to making those around you laugh. To accomplish this, the Banshees host shows twice a semester where students can go and watch hilarious sketch after hilarious sketch that all parody campus life. The group writes their own material and you always know when a show is coming up because campus will be covered in their signature gold flyers.
Page 20 | Friday, August 14, 2020
Freshman-friendly MAP
Old Gold & Black | Freshman Tabloid
NOTABLE SPOTS:
1. Campus Grounds: Pick up a coffee or snack at this student- run shop.
2. Davis Field:
3. Spry Soccer Stadium:
sion, Farrell is home to the Business school and Einstein’s Bagels.
7. Greene Hall:
Situated between Carswell and Manchester Halls, this building is home to the Languages and Psychology.
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6. Farrell Hall: A great place for a really focused study ses-
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5. Reynolda Hall: Reynolda is home to a variety of impor-
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Spend an evening watching either the men’s or women’s soccer team in action.
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Campus, grab dinner and enjoy a new ambience with your Pit swipe.
tant offices, the Magnolia room and the Fresh Food Co. (the Pit).
Stop for a quick picnic and relaxing swing from the trees.
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4. North Dining Hall: Although a far walk from South
P h ot o
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es
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a m p u s G ro u n d f C s
4
6
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7
Em
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Be
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ld Gold &
Bl a
ck
KEY:
*If the colors are mixed, it indicates that the building is home to multiple categories*
Academic Buildings
ZSR Library
Freshman Dorms
Food
Upperclassmen Dorms
Green Spaces
Athletic Buildings
Wait Chapel Graphic by Olivia Field/Old Gold & Black