PASQUINO March 1, 2017
Volume 96
Number 3
Engineering Students Building Launchers
Tristan Kimble builds a tennis ball launcher for the upcoming STEM Festival. The Engineering Club is making five projects to present at the Festival. Visit PSCPasquino. wordpress.com for additional photos. Photo by Corrisa Connor
By Corrisa Connor, Staff Writer Have you ever experienced a potato being launched across the quad? WVU Potomac State College engineering students are building a potato cannon to do just that. The Engineering Club is preparing for the upcoming STEM festival by making a windmill, drone, tennis ball launcher, potato cannon, go-cart and a few small robots. Tristan Kimble explained how he and Kezia Butcher are planning to make an eight-to-ten-foot windmill, which could store energy and be used to turn on various electronics. Student Noah McDonell said he is making a potato cannon. “The one I am making here will go up and over the quad.” They hope to have it ready soon to test launch the potatoes on the PSC farm. “We are waiting on the live action axle for the go-cart, which makes both wheels move at the same time,” Kimble explained. The go-cart is being made nearly from scratch. The students have modified the engine and added an old chair for a seat. Previous projects include a 3D printed drone, a mini windmill, a handmade radio and a small robot. The STEM Festival is March 25 from noon to 4 p.m. on campus. Families are invited to enjoy the interactive displays and presentations.
Youth Learn Hunting and Fishing Skills
The Wildlife Turkey Federation hosted a family event at PSC. The community and faculty participated in presenting a myriad of activites including turkey calls, archery, hunting safety, making a plaster of tracks, fish identification, water safety and fly fishing. Youth up to age 18 were invited to participate in the activities.
Photo by Corrisa Connor.
Tegan Connor aiming for her shot at the Jakes Take Aim Range.
CJ Students Win First Place in Competitions
Students in the criminal justice program have enjoyed a successful year. Students earned first place in both the Crime Scene and the Quiz Bowl Competitions at the annual West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators’ Association Conference. Alicia Loy, a fourth-year student, was featured in this year’s issue of “West Virginia Senior High Magazine.” Photo by PSC Communications
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ENTERTAINMENT PASQUINO
Netflix: Top 6 Shows By Corissa Connor, Staff Writer As the semester progresses, students need to remember that sometimes taking study breaks are much needed. The best way to relax is Netflix. The biggest issue is finding what to watch. Check out these binge-worthy shows: “The 100” When a nuclear bomb destroys earth, the only human survivors are in the International Space Station. The station’s resources diminish after three generations. To test the earth’s habitability, the space station sends 100 juveniles to the surface, where they learn how to live and survive on earth. “The 100” has three seasons on Netflix. “Heartland” This show follows main character Amy Fleming and her family. They operate the family-owned ranch after the passing of her mother. Amy is a horse whisperer who fixes horses that have issues, and she stands up for what she believes in. This show will have you laughing and crying all in one episode. This Canadian show currently has seven seasons on Netflix -- with three more to come. “iZombie” With two seasons on Netflix and a third to come, “iZombie” is a creative new crime-solving show. Liv Moore turns into a zombie at a party. Attempting to blend in with the other humans, she takes a job at a coroner’s office where human brains are available. “Jessica Jones” Jessica Jones, an ex-superhero based off of a Marvel character, becomes a detective who solves cases with people who have special
abilities. Though she is trying to do well, she seems to find herself in more trouble than expected. This dark and twisted Netflix Original might only have one season, but do not worry; this action-packed mystery will keep you entertained until the next season comes out. “The Magicians” This SYFY series keeps you guessing through the whole episode as main character, Quentin Coldwater, finds a magical world while he is a grad student studying magic at Brakebills College. Quentin and his friends discover the world they read about as children is actually real and poses a danger to humanity. Netflix currently has the first season of “The Magicians”; the second season aired in January this year. “Revenge” All four seasons of this series will have you thinking about what’s next as Emily Thorne plots her revenge for The Hampton socialites who ruined her family and their reputation. At any cost, she will get her revenge. This series will have you on the edge of your seat as she moves into her childhood home with a different identity. “Stranger Things” “Stranger Things” is a Netflix Original series that takes place in 1983 in a small Indiana town. After a child goes missing, his mother and friends search for him. They reveal supernatural forces, secret governments and an extremely peculiar girl. This show will have you hooked after one season.
March 1, 2017
How Do You YouTube? By Gretchen Shoemaker, Editor
Photo by Devianart Many people who are unfamiliar with the various gamers and vloggers of YouTube may be baffled by the increasing popularity of watching gamers. This growing trend of watching gamers can be seen all over YouTube. The commentary of these videos shows a range of emotions like comedy and horror. “YouTubers seem to be more relatable than mainstream stars. They show they are more like us, the average guy or girl,” said Nic Rinard, PSC student. For those of you who are new to the world of YouTube gamers and vloggers, be sure to check out some of these popular internet sensations. Felix Kjellberg, better known by his online alias PewDiePie, started his business RevelMode with other YouTubers including CutiePieMarzia, Jelly, Markiplier, CinnamonToastKen, Dodger, EmmaBlackery, Jacksepticeye, Cryaotic, PJ Liguori and Slogoman. Kjellberg is a web-based comedi-
an and video producer from Sweden who took a new market of video game commentary and turned it into entertainment. He may not have been the first to record himself playing video games, but he is considered one of the most entertaining. PewDiePie is the most subscribed channel of all time. By January 2017, the channel had reached over 52 million subscribers with an overwhelming 14.6 billion video views. With the help of Kjellberg, many YouTubers gained popularity including Sean McLoughlin, better known as Jacksepticeye. McLoughlin starts all his videos by saying in a loud tone, “Top of the mornin’ to ya laddies! My name is Jacksepticeye,” which is one of the main reasons he calls himself the “most energetic video game commentator on YouTube.” Mark Fischbach, better known as Markiplier, is recognized for his comical gaming videos, unique comedy skits and animated parodies. He has a very intense style, known for his yelling, cursing and even crying during games. Evan Fong is known by his online alias Vanoss. Most of the Vanoss’s videos are a “funny moments” mixture of various clips from a game session he played with other YouTube gamers, such as Lui Calibre, IAMWILDCAT, Mini Ladd and H2O Delirious. Here are some other popular YouTube gamers and vloggers to check out: Shane Dawson, Danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil, VEGETTA777 and The DiamondMinecart.
March 1, 2017
AROUND CAMPUS PASQUINO
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Helpful Exam Tips
By Gretchen Shoemaker, Editor Did you ever have one of those wild and crazy nights trying to prepare for an exam that must be taken the next day? You are always thinking that there will be plenty of time to jam-pack all that information into your brain. You finally find time to sit down to study when Murphy’s Law decides to show up, meaning anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. First, you notice that notes are lost or not as complete as you thought, so you think you will just grab the textbook to finish the notes. Then you remember that you lent the book out and have not gotten it back. Finally, you get the book only to realize that time has run out for any possible studying. Most of us have had an incident like this, and we promised ourselves that it will never happen again. Try a few of these helpful hints that can help you have a more positive exam experience. •Get plenty of rest. Sleep is very important for the mind, body and soul. Getting a full night’s sleep will play a major role in the outcome of your exam. •Give yourself enough
time to study. Don’t wait until the last minute. Some students love the cramming, but this is not the best way to get ready for an exam. Take a few minutes to study every day. Don’t wait until the last minute to try and catch up on all your reading. •Organize your study space. Make sure there is enough space to spread out your books and notes. Try and get rid of all distractions and possible interruptions. Get comfortable so the ability to focus will be better achieved. For some people, this means silence; for others, background music helps. Some individuals need everything to be neat and organized to concentrate, while others do better in a more chaotic setting. •Organize study groups with friends. Studying with friends can create a more relaxed atmosphere. •Eat healthy. Keep your body and brain fueled by choosing foods that help with memory and the ability to focus such as nuts, berries and yogurt. Sugar may seem tempting, but it won’t help in an hour or so. •Take advantage of the Academic Success Center. You may be surprised to know that “A” students get tutoring! Don’t be shy to get help.
Pasquino Staff:
Jesse White, a NASA Education Specialist, visited PSC on January 27. He talked about internship opportunities at NASA in Fairmont and other NASA facilities. These internships include software validation and verification, software developing and engineering. Some PSC students are applying for the spring NASA internships. Photo by Ali Barrett
Ali Barrett, Managing Editor Gretchen Shoemaker, Editor Holly Wegman, Editor Aaron Smith Corrisa Connor Molly Browning Cody Brazil Kendra Disspain Kaylee Lambert Dalton Minnigh Alyssa Murray Kayla Lloyd Aleeya Mayo Join the staff! Contact Amber Butcher, advisor, AC308 amber.butcher@mail.wvu.edu
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HUMANS OF PASQUINO
March 1, 2017
The JRL 225 students accepted the challenge to interview and photograph a stranger much like “Humans of New York.” The subject of the interview is not identified by name. Here are the stories of the Humans of Potomac State College.
“I think the thing that motivates me the most is intrinsic motivation because I want to have the best life I possibly can. I made the goal of getting good grades in college, and it’s been incredible because I made President’s List first semester. It’s all about time management with school work. You just have to sit down, block everything else out and do it.” --Interviewed by Molly Browning
“I’m from New South Wales in Australia and came to America to play soccer. I’ve been playing for 11 years. I had to make a profile of myself filled with videos and pictures, so colleges could recruit me. I faced my biggest struggle when I hurt my arm and couldn’t play for half the season. One thing I couldn’t live without is my mom. My motivation in college right now is knowing I get to go home in May. I get homesick a lot. I’m the first person in my family to attend college and travel outside the country. I plan to get my associates in early childhood education next spring and open my own daycare. I already have my certificate in business, retail and hospitality.” --Interviewed by Ali Barrett
“I’m from Martinsburg, West Virginia. I came here for my degree because I want to own my own business. I like money… and Bugattis. I’m majoring in Business and Marketing right now. I want to own my own fashion or sports business in the future, but that’s my fallback plan. Plan A is to transfer schools next year, play football, and get to the NFL eventually. I might transfer to Shepherd or maybe Fairmont. I’m going to keep working toward my degree wherever. But the main goal is the NFL. And the Bugatti.” --Interviewed by Alyssa Murray
“I want to be an equine therapist and move to Ireland. I am currently enrolled in the Potomac State College equine program and will continue to West Virginia University. I am a part of the Student Government Association and Equine Horsemanship Club. The Equine Horsemanship Club plans trips to different horse conventions, where people receive advice on how to properly ride a horse. The best way I handle the many hardships of college is by listening to music, reading a book and sleeping whenever possible. Advice that I have for future freshman is to attend class on a regular basis, study and do not fall into peer pressure.” --Interviewed by Dalton Minnigh
March 1, 2017
POTOMAC STATE
“You need to make choices to better yourself. Through the summer after high school, my friends came first. I really had to make some changes, so I could get my stuff done before college classes began. You have to study and take classes seriously because they are not like high school at all. The professors don’t come after you to make sure you are staying on top of your classes in order to graduate. You have to be responsible for it yourself. The support system I have through my friends and family has helped me stay motivated and focused on my goals. I couldn’t live without my computer either; it is a lifesaver. I really love helping others and learning medicine and chemistry; being a nurse anesthetist ties all these together. My future career helps me to push myself through the difficult points of my current semester.” --Interviewed by Kendra Disspain
PASQUINO
“I’m 23 years old and a sophomore here at Potomac State. I’m in the Business Technology program, but I don’t know what I’m going to do after I get my degree. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot, and right now, I’d like to be in HR. Surviving college is all about balancing stress and relaxation. I mean, it’s only Tuesday, but I’m already done with this week! What can you do, though? Just find something to laugh about and keep a smile. That’s been working for me!” --Interviewed by Aaron Smith
“I’m from D.C., and I am the first generation in my family to go to college. I’m an electrical engineer major. I love math; I love it so much. I love electricity and wires-everything about it. I hope that for the future I have a stable career working with electricity. What’s most important to me is that regardless of the situation I’m in, I’m happy and that I am always doing things that will contribute to my growth.” --Interviewed by Aleeya Mayo
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pscpasquino.wordpress.com Sports articles More photos SGA update Photo by PSC Communications
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“I’m from Romney. I like it here because it’s small (the campus). It’s not like as big as Morgantown. You don’t have to take a bus to get from one end to the other side of campus, or it’s not like too big - where you have to like walk a mile to get somewhere. I’m going to try to get my criminal justice degree. I’ve been watching a lot of “Bones” lately, and I love “NCIS” and “Criminal Minds.” Then, I’ll probably go into the military and get a few more degrees, so I can become a crime scene investigator. I’ll have to wear gloves anyway!” --Interviewed by Kayla Lloyd
AROUND CAMPUS
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PASQUINO
March 1, 2017
Student Being Published Safe Zones for Students By Holly Wegman, Editor
By Holly Wegman, Editor
Potomac State College student Diana Cayton is going to have a story published in the “Backbone Mountain Review”, a local literary journal in Frostburg, Maryland. The “Backbone Mountain Review” showcases essays, poems, prose and artwork. Cayton is a sophomore majoring in English. An excerpt from Cayton’s story reads: He looks her up and down, from her matted hair to her stained clothing and track mark riddled arms. “We don’t need your kind around here,” he says, wrinkling his nose, “And we certainly don’t need that filth.” Gesturing to the word she had painted across the bricks. He snaps handcuffs on her wrists, quite roughly even though she holds her arms out to him with no struggle. He shoves her in the back of the car and wipes his hands on his uniform as if he’s touched something dirty….
Diana Cayton’s story “4 Letters” will be published in the 2017 edition of the “Backbone Mountain Review.” Photo by PSC Communications
ultimate goal is to be able to support herself financially by writing novels and articles for magazines. Cayton said she wrote the fiction piece for Steve Oberlechner’s creative writing class, which is the first creative writing class she has ever taken. She said that Oberlechner is a really fun professor. “Having peers look over my writing and getting to look over others’ writing was a good experience,” Cayton said. Titled “4 Letters”, the story The class gave her the opexplores the disease of addicportunity to get opinions from tion and how people treat those Oberlechner, who is published, battling addiction as second-rate and her peers. citizens. She has submitted mulShe added that having multiple pieces of her work to many tiple sets of eyes to look over a different places. This was the story helps the editing process first piece to be published. immensely. Cayton began writing as a A release party with readchild once she physically learned ings for the 2017 edition of the to write because she wanted to “Backbone Mountain Review” is create her own stories. set to be held on March 26. Cayton writes mostly fiction mystery stories. Cayton’s
You may have seen these stickers around campus recently. They represent ‘Safe Zones’ for students, faculty and staff. A Safe Zone is a place where someone can go when they need someone to talk to who will be nonjudgmental and unbiased. Many safe zones exist on campus. The Safe Zone stickers indicate individuals (faculty, staff, etc) who are willing to talk with anyone who is feeling bullied, overwhelmed or who just wants to talk, according to professor Sheri Chisholm.
“I believe that sometimes the smallest, simplest acts can have meaningful, lasting effects.” - Catie Snider Cris Mayo, director of LGBTQ+ center in Morgantown, trained PSC faculty and staff on gender and sexuality diversity policies that will help protect those minorities from bias. Mayo said, “the people who go through trainings and put up Safe Zone signs have learned how to be allies to LGBTQ people and understand what resources for support and advocacy are available at WVU campuses.” Professor Catie Snider has safety pins outside of her office door, AD 117, as part of the safety pin movement. She said the pins are for anyone who wants to take one and show that they are a ‘safe person.’
Safe zones on campus are marked with these pink and purple stickers. Photo by Holly Wegman
The “safety pin movement” began around the time of the recent presidential election. Some people who are disabled, Muslims, Mexicans, women and nonheterosexuals experienced fear based on some things that were said during the recent presidential election. Some individuals decided to wear a safety pin to show others that they are a safe person, will not discriminate or judge, and can provide help if necessary. However, just because someone is not wearing a safety pin does not mean that they are not a safe person. Snider said, “I believe that sometimes the smallest, simplest acts can have meaningful, lasting effects.”
March 1, 2017
AROUND CAMPUS
PASQUINO
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Ray Burner Visits PSC By Aaron Smith, Staff Writer “Get closer!” Raymond Burner said, urging journalism students at Potomac State College to do what it takes to get the perfect shot. Burner, a local sports photographer, gave sage advice about the history and importance of photojournalism as well as techniques for getting better photographs. Burner explained the history of photography, including how cameras have evolved from film to digital. Students interacted with Burner as he showed them around the classroom and pointed out how light changes at different angles. He furthered his point with photo evidence – showing two similar portraits taken at the same time but from different angles. “Photography is like painting with light,” he remarked, adding that good photographers know
how to use lighting to their advantage. He went in-depth to show students the importance of photojournalism and how it has changed society. He shared pictures of refugees and war zones, noting that without photographers, some people in society may never see what is going on. “Because of pictures like this, a real change can occur,” Burner said. Burner also talked to the aspiring journalists about the importance of ethics in the field. With digital technology and photo manipulation programs and apps easily available, Burner said the line between what is ethical and what isn’t is becoming blurry. He stressed the importance of photojournalists making sure their shots accurately capture the scene at the time. Photo examples included ma-
By Corrisa Connor, Staff Writer Students with children face many obstacles that traditional students do not. Sick children and public school delays or cancellations are just some of the things that student parents face. Potomac State College could address this issue with on-campus daycare. With the stress of college, being a student is even harder for parents. A student parent often does not get two straight hours of study time or the chance to
join study groups. Children get sick and need their parents; parents can’t tell their children to wait until after a test to get sick! Though wonderful, children are demanding. PSC can justify the expense of having a daycare facility on campus by allowing child development and elementary education majors to work in the daycare for work study or as a part of an internship. Both opportunities allow students in these fields to boost their resumes, offering
Ray Burner speaks to students about photojournalism. Photo by Aaron Smith
nipulated shots that ran in actual newspapers, with one example being as small as a wire cord being photoshopped out of the shot. It might not have changed the story drastically, but it was not an accurate representation. Burner added that the change resulted in the photographer getting fired. Some of the class may have doubted that such a small change was unethical, but one example of Burner’s was agreed upon unanimously to be unethical: a basketball being
photoshopped into a photograph and completely changing what was shown. With the examples Burner used to highlight photojournalism’s importance in telling the stories society must see, the need for ethics was apparent. Using the tips Burner gave to get a good shot and the knowledge he imparted about photojournalism’s ethics, students were well prepared for their next assignment: to take portraits of a stranger and photograph an event on campus.
them a college experience that will make a difference in finding a job easier post-graduation. Students and employees with children could receive an affordable rate. PSC could offer to work around students’ and faculty’s schedules to allow these parents to have a reliable daycare when they need it. According to teenpregnacystatistics.org, less than two percent of young parents will get a college degree. The Institute for Women’s
Policy Research states: “Over a quarter (26 percent) of all undergraduate students, or 4.8 million students, are raising dependent children…Students with children are especially unlikely to complete a certificate or degree within six years of enrollment, with only 33 percent attaining a degree or certificate in that time.” If PSC made it easier for students with children, more people could beat the statistic of being a college dropout due to parenthood.
Opinion: PSC Student Parents Need Resources
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THE ARTS
PASQUINO
March 1, 2017
Cast of “Oliver!” Practices For March 17th Opening By Ali Barrett, Editor The stage lights of Church-McKee hit the cast of “Oliver!” as they practice their figure-eight choreography for what seems to be the 100th time. As they weave in and out of the center, the actors begin to bring their characters to life by interacting with each other. Smiles on faces as they sing out the song prove this musical will be a sight to see. Chris McCabe is directing this classic tale with choreography by Kim Rowley. Dr. Brian Plitnik, PSC music professor, is producing and conducting the music. “We chose to do ‘Oliver!’ this year because we were looking for a show with a large cast as well as being able to sell to school groups and families,” McCabe said. The cast is made up of children, teens and adults. Donny Ness, community actor, is playing the iconic role of Oliver Twist. Justise Clay, a sophomore, said she tried out due to her love for theatre and performing on stage. Her favorite part of “Oliver!” is the dance numbers and meeting new faces that share the same passion as she. Clay is part of the ensemble for “Oliver!”; she will be dressed as a boy. This is her third musical performance with PSC. “I hope the audience will see how hard the cast and crew have worked on the show come open-
However, the victim takes him in to raise as his own son. While learning the ways of how a family unit works, Oliver faces being kidnapped by the leader of the pickpockets. Show dates are March 17-26. For more information concerning tickets, visit Potomac State College’s website under the “Campus Life” tab. For the first time, tickets are being sold online through eventbrite.com. PSC students can get in for free with a student ID.
Photo by Aaron Smith Donny Ness, who plays Oliver Twist, reads lines during a rehearsal.
ing night,” Clay said. The cast has been practicing three times a week for two months and will meet every day this week to put finishing touches to the show. Karlee Witherite, an eighth grader in Meyersdale Area School District, said her favorite part of “Oliver!” is the musical number of “Consider Yourself.” This is also her third musical with PSC. Witherite, also dressed as a boy, will join Clay as part of the ensemble. Witherite has been dancing for 12 years and has taken many different styles of dance. Her favorite is tap; she
will be able to showcase her skills in a tap dance break in the show. “I am beyond excited for the tap break. The last time I performed tap on stage at PSC, I was a chimney sweep,” Witherite said. The writer and composer, Lionel Bart, turned the famous Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist”, into an award-winning musical. Oliver Twist is an 11-year-old orphan growing up on the streets of Victorian England, and he finds himself friends with thieves and pickpockets. Oliver is later captured for a crime he did not commit.
Photo by Aaron Smith Robert Godfrey, Donny Ness and director Chris McCabe block a scene for the show.