Issuu

HAMMOND, LA

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

S O U T H E A S T E R N L O U I S IA NA U N I V E R S I T Y

It is OK to get help

“Typically, when things are minor, they are easier to handle,” said Newton. PRAKRITI ADHIKARI STAFF REPORTER

Even though mental health is an important aspect of a healthy life, it may sometimes be swept under the rug. Mental health issues are a common problem among college students and anyone needing help must always seek it. According to the American Psychological Association, “the number of university students with serious mental illnesses - such as depression and anxiety - is on the rise,” and “86% of students with a psychiatric disorder withdraw from college prior to completing their degree.” Annette Newton, assistant director of outreach and programming for the University Counseling Center, is a licensed mental health counselor. She mentioned some of the patterns that are common to students who need to seek help regarding mental issues. “Problems getting your work done, sleeping either too much or not sleeping at all, sometimes your friend may make comment like that ‘you’re losing interest,’” noted Newton. “If you feel like your eating has changed, have problems with concentration. Sometimes your friends may notice before you. Those are some of the indicators to come to counseling.” Newton encouraged students to seek help as soon as they notice any of the mentioned patterns, emphasizing that it gets easier to solve problems when they are not too complicated. “Typically, when things are minor, they are easier to handle,” said Newton. “They are easier to treat when they’re small. Not that things are not treatable when

they are big but when you think of things like sometimes people get so depressed that they miss class. So, if you are feeling depressed, and you’ve only missed a couple of days of class, it’s easier at that point to come and seek counseling than if you’ve missed months of class.” According to the American Psychological Association, “Anxiety is the top presenting concern among college students (41.6%), followed by depression (36.4%) and relationship problems (35.8%).” Newton also noted that these are the major problems in the university. The UCC offers one on one counseling for students protecting confidentiality as well as group counseling for those seeking for help. “We are trying to make it a lot easier for students to pursue,” said Newton. “All they need to do is come to the Counseling Center and do an intake form and ask for an appointment with a counselor. That is the most traditional way to seek for help, but now the University Counseling Center is also offering

support groups. So, a student could literally drop in to one of these groups.” Some of the support group services

see MENTAL HEALTH, pg. 6

The University Counceling Center provides Gratitude Journal booklet to help students reflect on the positive aspects of their life. PRAKRITI ADHIKARI/THE LION’S ROAR

Vibriyogn earns computer certification Making a resume error-free

Geographic Informaton System (GIS) is a computer software system that deals with spatial or geographic data. Vibriyogn Epuri, a sophomore mathematics major, is among the first to receive a new certification in this area. GERARD BORNE/THE LION’S ROAR GERARD BORNE

mathematics major, earned a Geographic Information Systems V i b r i y o g n International Building Epuri, a sophomore Code certification in the STAFF REPORTER

summer of 2019. GIS IBC is a computer software system that is designed to capture, store, manipulate,

analyze, manage and present spatial or geographic data. Epuri explained what the certification means and where he does most of his work. “It is an industrybased certification for the entry-level positions for the GIS positions,” shared Epuri. “Basically, once you get the certification and after graduation, you can get a job that starts pay at $15 an hour. It’s a job that is very technologybased as you work from your computer all day.” He shared what the job role is of a GIS and what they use their research for. “You add layers on different types of maps on a computer,” said Epuri. “From those maps, you can do stuff

like analysis, study different geographical areas and learn about land shifts.” Epuri took the certification for the Global Geospatial Institute in Baton Rouge. “More times than not, it takes a year to study everything and take the certification test,” commented Epuri. “I was given a scholarship by Ms. Fran Harvey to take the course. It is supposed to take two semesters to really learn the material, but we had to cut it down to six months to learn it all. When they cut the class down to six months, it affected my studying schedule greatly.” Tutorial books were available to help prepare for the exam.

see VIBRIYOGN, pg. 6

Social media offers platform to influence GABRIELLE WOOD STAFF REPORTER

Instagram influencers have evolved into their own community over the past years, getting more popular by the post. Hammond bloggers share why they chose to be an influencer and how it has shaped them. Instagram has been a popular social media outlet for many years, allowing many to rise to fame from it. The start of Instagram did not always include these influencers, Overtime, Instagram influencers reached popularity, and are shaping the lives of users. whether it’s through sponsorships, how-tos

and broadcasting their day-to-day lives for people across the world to see, people are getting famous. An article titled “What are Social Media Influencers? Are They Friends or Foes?” written by Delfina Forstmann, a content specialist and copywriter explores the growing industry of influencers. According to Forstmann, “70% of teens trust influencers more and six in 10 teens follow the advice of their favorite influencers over celebritie.” Brooke Chiro, social media blogger, has influenced many with her Instagram posts and discussed how she found her passion

Weather

Tuesday H 92 L 70

through Instagram. “There was never a moment where I decided to become an Instagram blogger,” stated Chiro. “It kind of just happened for me and I love it. Fashion is a very big part of my life and being able to express myself with fashion on Instagram has always been fun for me.” Many of these influencers focus on blogging, fashion, parenting and other lifestyle type posts. There is also a lot of time and preparation that goes on behind the scenes.

see INSTAGRAM, pg. 2 Index

Wednesday H 93 L 71

Campus Life ................................2 Opinions ....................................3 Sports & Fitness ..........................4

Horoscope, Crossword, Sudoku ...5 A&E ...........................................5 News .........................................6

JACOB SUMMERVILLE OPINIONS EDITOR

Job opportunities and internships for college students will likely require the applicant to submit a resume to get a chance to work for the company. The importance of building a resume correctly is paramount to being hired. According to a 2019 Business News Daily article titled “20 Resume Mistakes Keeping You From Getting a Job (and How to Fix Them),” mistakes on an applicant’s resume will, at the very least, give a bad impression to the employer, if not keeping someone from getting hired. Kimberly Readlinger, a career counselor at the Office of Career Services, explained that some essentials to include on one’s resume are their contact information, work experience, education and organization membership. “Don’t wait until you are a senior about to graduate and need a resume,” explained Readlinger. “Building your resume is an ongoing process as you are learning new knowledge and skills throughout your college career.” Some mistakes students need to watch out for include grammatical errors and misspellings, as well as putting incorrect degree information. “For example, Bachelor of Arts when it should be a Bachelor of Science,” shared Readlinger. “I always advise students to refer to their catalog or Southeastern’s website to ensure they are writing their degree correctly on their Stay Connected With Us! Like and follow @lionsroarnews.

resume.” For students looking to shorten their resume to one page, there are some methods to help before deleting information from the document. “A few tips include changing your margins to 0.6 or 0.7 all around, changing your font to 10 or 11 point-font, and instead of your header going down your page, you can create it going across to save space,” shared Readlinger. “Also, don’t use templates as it can be very difficult to adjust your spacing.” A section listing activities and honors on a resume can help employers understand what skill sets a student has gained through organizations, extracurricular activities and officer positions, according to Readlinger. When building a resume, students need to put their most important and relevant titles, skills and achievements first. “You don’t want the most important ones to get lost and not stand out among the others,” said Readlinger. “Always list your most important involvement first on your resume so that it is easier for an employer to notice.” A cover letter should accompany a resume when applying for a company. “One of the benefits of a cover letter is that it allows you to expand on information in your resume and how it specifically relates to the position for which you are applying,” shared Readlinger. “It also illustrates your written communication skills. Remember that a cover

see RESUME, pg. 5 Volume 91, Issue 5 A Student Publication www.lionsroarnews.com lionsroar@southeastern.edu

OSE ? PAGE 2 | SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

The Lionʼs Roar | CAMPUS LIFE

How can students be engaged on campus? PRAKRITI ADHIKARI STAFF REPORTER

Besides academic achievement, extracurricular activities are an integral part of the university experience. Students can get engaged in various activities through different events, Greek life and organizations on campus. The Office of Student Engagement oversees student bodies and facilitates student engagement through various branches - such as the as Student Government Association, Multicultural and International Students Association, Greek Life, Campus Activities Board, Student Organizations and Leadership Development. The office is under the leadership of Marjorie Parker, the interim director of OSE. In the “Cool, Calm, and Connected” event organized as a part of freshmen orientation,

Kandace Formaggio, academic advisor for the Office of Student Excellence, said that students can reach out to OSE to get involved on campus. “The office on campus that connects all of our students with getting involved is the Office of Student Engagement, all that is engaging you in the campus,” said Formaggio. According to the OSE page on the university website, the office is committed to “providing development opportunities for all students and challenges them to become empowered, motivated and experienced leaders and citizens through a comprehensive co-curricular experience.” The Campus Activities Board organizes events for students’ entertainment. Some of the events organized by CAB include “Miss Southeastern Louisiana University Pageant,” “Gumbo Ya Ya,” “Haunted Trail” and movie nights among others. The coordinator for CAB

is Nick Elliott. Different branches of the Student Government Association offers service to contribute to university advancement. 20 national and international Greek letter organizations are registered through Greek Life. Information on all Greek organizations is available on the university website. The Student Organizations branch of OSE has over 100 registered organizations. Students can also create their own organizations if they want to. The requirement is to have 10 fellow students and a faculty advisor. “Let’s say you look through the list, and you don’t find anything that you match with,” said Formaggio. “Well, if that is the case, you can create your own organization. In fact, most of our organizations have been created by students who had an interest, had a passion and said, ‘Hey, I wanna create something.’”

The primary objective of MISA, according to the university website, is to provide inclusion to students from diverse backgrounds. Different programs offered through the branch include Project P.U.L.L. Mentoring, Awards Banquet, Black History Month and Fall Carnival among others. The Leadership Development branch helps students discover and develop leadership abilities. Services offered include ExCel Scholarship, a leadership fellows program and DSA leadership ambassadors. The Office of Student Engagement is located the Student Union, room 2307. Students can contact student.engagement@southeastern.edu for any information or visit the office. Students can also get free coffee, Scantron forms and blue books with the presentation of university ID and borrow calculators after filling out a request form from the office.

Transportation Services registers bicycles DYLAN MECHE STAFF REPORTER

Safety is paramount for all kinds of vehicles, including bicycles. In order to better ensure the safety of all students, the Office of Transportation Services requires all bikes to be registered through the university. The requirement of registering bikes to be used on campus has been made compulsory this semester. The registration and the bike parking tag is free of charge. In order to register a bike, the student needs to bring their bike to the Office of Transportation Services located at Pride Hall. Once students fill out a registration card, they are able to obtain a tag to put on their bikes. Gary Prescott, the director of the Office of Transportation Services, explained why the office decided to require all bikes to be registered through them. “The biggest push behind getting bikes registered on campus is more of a safety and security reason,” said Prescott. “The database helps us better identify who is on campus and what bikes actually belong here. It also helps out in the case of some theft situations where the student can get help recovering their bicycle if it is ever found by the police.” The university started a registration process last spring in order to ease into

the process, but this semester, it is a mandated process for all students who wish to ride any type of bicycle on campus. Prescott explained the benefits of this new process. “The biggest thing is being able to know who is on campus, why they are on campus and what bikes are going to be on campus,” described Prescott. “It is more of a safety issue than anything else. Since this is a public university, anyone can come here, so we want to make sure that no one is out of place. This can also help students feel more secure about bringing their bikes here. We also want to ensure the bike works properly. This makes it more safe for both the students riding the bikes and the students walking around campus.” Prescott also feels students should be made aware of the penalties for violating these new policies. “According to the policy, it says that there can be a $15 fine associated with an unregistered bike,” informed Prescott. “There are also fines that are associated for not locking your bike up properly to an assigned university bike rack. So, if you were to leave your bike chained to a tree, stairwell or you are blocking an entrance to a building those also come with a fine.” There are several university designated bicycle racks on campus where students can leave their bicycles. These are located outside in front of

Student’s bicycles are chained to a bike rack outside of St. Tammany Residence Hall. To use a bicycle on campus, students must register their bicycle with the Office of Transportation Services. DYLAN MECHE/THE LION’S ROAR most buildings on campus. Prescott feels that students considering bringing their bike to campus and going through the bike registration process should consider the benefits one can gain from riding bike on campus.

“The benefits gained from riding all the safety rules and regulations.” a bike is that you can get where you For more information regarding need to go in a fairly quick manner,” bicycle registration, contact the Office said Prescott. “Riding a bicycle on of Transportation Services. campus is definitely the fastest mode of transportation. Having said all of this, we encourage all the students to follow

A tale of deception, love and death

The front page of “Othello,” the version available at Sims Memorial Library, is displayed. The story of Othello explores themes that college students can relate to. JACOB SUMMERVILLE/THE LION’S ROAR

OPINIONS EDITOR

First performed in 1604, William Shakespeare’s “Othello” is a play about the African general Othello who slowly turns mad after being deceived by the revenge plot of one of his soldiers, Iago, INSTAGRAM

continued from pg. 1 Alexx Whitehead, creator of the gracecoveredcurves account on Instagram, discussed what being a social media influencer entails. “It is definitely work for sure,” stated Whitehead. “It takes a lot of time to make sure you have a

good quality of posts, photos and content.” Instagram influencers have the ability to connect with followers and reach many social media users with their posts. This gives influencers a platform to be able to make an impact on social media. Allie Ridgell explained her goals in being an Instagram influencer and how she connects

with her audience. “My goal is for someone to relate to my words and know that in the midst of whatever gets thrown their way, someone else is walking with them and cheering them on,” shared Ridgell. “I love the idea of celebration, and I think it’s one of the biggest things our world is missing out on.”

revenge,” said Faust. “Almost any mini-series on cable TV today deals with the same issues. Can spouses be faithful? What must I do to advance my career? How can I manipulate others to attain my desires? To what lengths must I go to get revenge?” Iago, one of the main characters in the play, has been described as a more maleficent character than Satan in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” according to Faust. “Throughout the play, we see him suggest reasons for his hatred of Othello in a manner Coleridge called ‘motive-hunting,’ since he has no real reason for wanting to destroy Othello

but suggests various and assorted possibilities,” discussed Faust. A point for students to note is that once Desdemona is murdered, Iago does not become more sensitive to his actions. Rather, he becomes more deeply entwined with his vengeful plot. “He refuses to give a reason for destroying so many lives, simply telling the authorities, ‘Demand me nothing. What you know, you know; / From this time forth I never will speak word,’” shared

see OTHELLO, pg. 6

Organizational

News

JACOB SUMMERVILLE

who Othello had passed a promotion for the office of lieutenant for another soldier, Michael Cassio. “Othello” is a seventeenth-century work that deals with themes that today’s students are able to relate. As the play progresses, Iago uses other characters, such as Desdemona - Othello’s wife, Emilia - a prostitute and Cassio, as tools against Othello. After believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, Othello kills his wife. Emilia confesses her actions were unknowingly used as a part of Iago’s part, and upon learning about Desdemona’s innocence, Othello kills himself. Dr. Joan Faust, professor and undergraduate coordinator for the Department of English, teaches the play most semesters in her classes. Faust explained that out of all of Shakespeare’s plays, “Othello” is one of the most relevant plays to the modern world. “Among the themes explored are sexual jealousy, ambition, race, cultural differences, the validity of reputation and irrational desire for

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DEMOCRATS – The Southeastern Louisiana University College Democrats provides an organization for progressive-minded students to be involved with those who have similar views. We volunteer on Democratic campaigns, participate in Democratic events, inform the campus and community about Democratic issues, perform community service and host social events. Our social media handle for both Instagram and Twitter is @slu_dems. Follow us to find out meeting times and events throughout the semester and always remember to Lion Up. PHI KAPPA PHI – Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society is hosting the 18th Annual Homecoming Intramural Quiz Bowl Competition on Tuesday, Oct. 8, from 2-5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. Teams of four compete together in a double-elimination tournament culminating in the top student vs top faculty team for the Quiz Bowl Championship. Cash prizes are awarded to the top two student and faculty teams. For an application form, email Dr. Claire Procopio at claire.procopio@southeastern. edu. Only the first four student and faculty teams will be accepted.

Opinions | The Lion’s Roar

September 17, 2019 | Page 3

Saving the environment one straw at a time

Reusable straws have become mildly popular and should be used instead of plastic. Plastic straws have become a controversial topic for many individuals who are advocates Gabrielle Wood for the Staff Reporter environment. I, personally, believe not using plastic straws is a big step in making the world a cleaner and healthier place. As the years have passed, humans have seen a steady decrease in the overall wellness of the world. This has been from polluting and harming the

environment with all of the waste we produce and release into the environment. One common type of waste is plastic. Ourlaststraw.org stated how much of an impact plastic straws have been on the environment. According to the website, Americans use millions of plastic straws a day. Those straws litter our streets, lands, shorelines and oceans. Plastic drinking straws are among the top 10 contributors to marine debris pollution. Plastic straws are also not biodegradable, so they cannot be broken down after its use. This creates an issue because plastic will never truly disappear once it’s been created.

Speak

Out: Speak Out

Being just one person in a big world, it may seem like there’s not much of an impact that one person can make. However, cutting out plastic straws from one’s daily routine is the start of making an environmental impact. Instead of using plastic straws, people could be using paper straws, stainless steel, or even no straw at all. There are many places where you can purchase reusable straws such as Walmart, Target, and Trader Joe’s. Well-known stores are selling these straws to customers as a great way to promote non-plastic straws to a wide audience. There should also be more commercials and advertisements on this issue

Should plastic straws be banned? “They should not be banned because you are not changing much by banning them. We still have other plastic materials such as bags here on campus that leave far more of an impact on the environment.” Peyton Sawyer Junior, Communication

“Well, I think all straws are bad because the suction and the pressure will actually deform your teeth.” Eros Barajas Freshman, Criminal Justice

“I think they should be banned because it is a huge waste.” Reggie Elloie Sophomore, Management

because that would reach many viewers. Businesses are also starting to move away from plastic straws by not providing them to their customers. It is a great idea for these companies to participate in this initiative because being so popular influences people to a greater level. Starbucks has changed their cup lids to be drinkaccessible without having to use a straw. All food service companies should also consider being apart of this movement. This will help out the environment enormously because it is less plastic that will end up in local trash cans. Here on campus, the Main Dish started incorporating an alternative

seem like a hassle, it really is simple and easy to do. All I have to do is bring my own straw to use or sip from the cup itself. Washing the straws has been convenient as well. I just put my stainless steel straw into the dishwasher daily. The key is simply keeping it sanitary and remembering to carry it wherever I go. It is nice to feel like I am making a difference in the world and contributing to making a healthier environment one reusable straw at a time. The more people are seen using them, the more people will want to join the bandwagon as well.

“If you are going to ban plastic straws, you need to ban other plastic materials because most companies pump out plastics much more harmful to the environment.” Stephen Brayard Junior, History “If we could find an adequate replacement for them, I would say yes.” John Rhodus Junior, Industrial Technology

“I do not see any reason to ban them. They are cost effective, and I don’t like paper straws.” Dustin Hunt Senior, Computer Science

“I believe that banning plastic straws will go a long way in helping clean up the environment but we should not ban them for people who need them.” Taylor Alonzo Sophomore, Kinesiology

“Strictly thinking about the environment, yes but I believe that there are better alternatives.” Sijan Tiwari Senior, Computer Science

to its plastic straws by providing paper straws. So many students use straws in the cafeteria so this is a great idea, and a big step in making a change in our university. My family has also decided not to use plastic straws in our daily lives. My mother has purchased reusable straws through Amazon, and it has been something that I find useful. My sisters also take them to their own schools and use them in-between meals. The use of reusable straws has become very well-known in the younger age groups. When ordering drinks at restaurants or fast food places, most of the time I order something without a straw. Although it may

“I do not think they should be banned entirely but I think they should be limited. We should focus more on encouraging people to bring their own straws or cups.” Will Mobley Senior, Criminal Justice “I personally try not to use plastic straws but the problem of pollution is way bigger than just straws. It is not the biggest issue facing the environment.” Kendall Lee Graduate Student, Applied Sociology

“Yes, because it is good for the environment.” Heather Williams Sophomore, Psychology and Nursing

“I think that they should be banned because the plastic straws always end up in the oceans and paper straws are far better for the environment.” Nyeshia Brumfield Sophomore, Communication

Sports place a physical and mental toll on athletes When is it OK to quit? Is it when your passion for the game runs out, or is it when your body can not take the brutal six month seasons? Is it okay to give up on a fan base when you have had enough or Gerard Borne when they feel Staff Reporter satisfied? The truth is it’s okay to quit when you feel that you have completed your job and done enough. In the case of Andrew Luck, former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, his retirement should upset no one. He brought a team, which was 2-14 in the

2011 season, to an 11-5 record in the 2012 season and a trip to the AFC playoffs. Luck gave his all to the Colts organization, but when he retired, the fan base broke out in chaos. This is simply unacceptable, especially when the reason for Luck’s retirement was due to health concerns. Whenever an athlete retires, the timing is never perfect. The mental toll of rehabbing yet another injury adds up, as Luck noted in his retirement speech. “I’m in pain - I’m still in pain,” said Luck. “It’s been four years of this pain, rehab cycle. It’s a myriad of issues — calf strain, posterior ankle

impingement, high ankle sprain. Part of my journey going forward will be figuring out how to feel better.” Luck lived in pain even during the off season. The fans saw a smile on his face, but did not know the pain behind the smile. An athlete should be able to step away whenever he or she wants to, not when the fans feel like it’s right. Fans tend to think that athletes are just athletes, but they do not take into consideration that these athletes have a family and a normal life. Imagine waking up with sharp pains every day just to satisfy people you will never meet. The physical pain that

athletes endure is not healthy, and no one should have to wake up everyday feeling like they have been hit by a truck. The Indianapolis Colts fans booed as they found out Luck decided to retire. The fans did not have to wake up in the same pain that Luck woke up with. The fans did not have to do the same rehab treatment that Luck had to nor did they have the countless surgeries that Luck had to go through. I could see why the Colts fan base was angry with Luck’s surprise decision. He just signed a five-year contract extension for 140 million dollars. His team was a Superbowl favorite, and he retired right after a very

successful season. In the midst of all of this, the fans did not sit back and think of everything that Andrew Luck gave them. He gave them four winning seasons with an all-time record of 53-33. Many NFL players retire at an early age, Rob Gronkowski, Calvin Johnson Jr. and Barry Sanders are just some who come to mind. All of these players were constantly injured and in rehab. The mental toll it takes on a player to go through rehab, get back on the field, get injured and start the process all over again can be draining. Some ex-NFL players described the day after a football game like waking up

after a car wreck. Their bones would ache and body would be stiff. Many said it was not worth the millions of dollars to wake up every day and feel older than what you really are. We, the fans, should not judge these players when they chose to retire due to the pain. Fans should support these athletes and thank them for everything they have done. Luck’s retirement was a surprise, to say the least, but we should not bash him for it. Instead, we should praise him for giving up millions in order to live a healthy pain-free life.

Manifest your goals with a vision board Many students know what they want to accomplish, but some may have a hard time visualizing their goals. This is where a vision board may be helpful. A vision board is a display of what someone would like to achieve or pursue. Gabrielle Wood By putting together a Staff Reporter collage of pictures or items that represent this end goal, each item should represent an individual focus on making goals a reality. This visual is helpful for people to see what they ware striving for right in front of them, and continue to be encouraged

to follow through with their plans. It is also very easy and cost-efficient. If a printer is available, it would not cost much money to print out pictures needed for their board. Other materials are likely common household items. In order to get started, there are a few materials one would need: To begin, find any type of board or poster. The board is the base for the project. The size of the board should correspond with the place someone would like for it to be on display. For example, many would rather place their vision boards above a desk. The types of boards that most people use are cork boards or presentation posters.

Pictures that represent one’s goals, stickers, markers, tacks, glue-sticks and anything else a person would like to use to decorate the board. Scissors would also be helpful to cut everything out. Crafting materials needed for a vision board can be purchased at a local craft store like Hobby Lobby or Walmart. Pictures are ideally those that would represent a person is trying to accomplish or “dream” about. Many of these pictures are ideal jobs, items to purchase, places to go and anything else that someone would want to include. People can also use pictures that mean something to them, such as family and friends. Once everything is gathered and

Policies and Procedures The Lion’s Roar is the official newspaper of the students of Southeastern Louisiana University. It has been in continuous publication since 1937. Submissions and letters to the editor are welcomed, but the editor of The Lion’s Roar reserves the right to edit all submissions for grammar, libel and available space, or refuse publication without notification. Submissions must include the author’s full name and either phone number, e-mail or other contact information (not to be published). Faculty and staff members should include their title and department. Students should include their classification and major. By submitting an article for publication, the author understands that the submission will be edited. Organizational News space is provided at no charge as a courtesy for university recognized Greek and Student Organizations. The space of such articles is limited to 150 words. Submissions of this Organizational News must adhere to the same polices as other submissions or letters to the editor, but must also include the name of the organization.

All views expressed in The Lion’s Roar are those of the author or, if unsigned, those of the staff of The Lion’s Roar. These views should not be interpreted as the views of the administration, faculty or students of Southeastern Louisiana University. A single issue of The Lion’s Roar is free. Additional copies may be purchased for 50 cents in the Student Union suite 1303. Annual mail subscriptions are $35 within the continental U.S. The Lion’s Roar, in its print form, and associated online or digital versions, are designated public forums. Student editors have the authority to make content decisions without censorship or prior approval. The Lion’s Roar also defends the rights of student journalists relative to freedom of speech and press as stated in Amendment I of the Constitution of the United States of America. The Lion’s Roar is published through the Office of Student Publications, part of the Division for Student Affairs. It is published weekly during regular semesters and monthly during the summer semester.

A vision board is displayed in a student’s dorm room. Students can create a vision board to help them achieve their goals and dreams. Gabrielle Wood/The Lion’s Roar arranged, make sure to fit it cohesively vision board, the result should be a on the board. When it is all in its desired collage of all items. place, then glue or tack each item Vision boards can be made for together in a way that is most pleasing. When someone has completed their see VISION BOARD, pg. 6

Staff Editor-in-Chief - Annie Goodman Opinions Editor - Jacob Summerville Distribution - Garrison Dighton Office Assistant - Alyssa Larose, Ashlyn Harris Advertising - Sean Haydel, Kyla D’Arensbourg Administrative Assistant - Gemma Carter Coordinator - Lorraine Peppo Director - Dr. Lee E. Lind

General Offices Student Union 1303 Mailing Address The Lion’s Roar SLU 10877 Hammond, LA 70402

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PAGE 4 | SEPTEMBER 17, 2019

The Lionʼs Roar | SPORTS & FITNESS

Byerley steps in as new Athlete Spotlight assistant softball coach DYLAN MECHE STAFF REPORTER

A new assistant coach has been hired to train the softball team. Jack Byerley was hired in July of 2019 to assist Rick Fremin, head coach of softball. Byerley started his coaching career from Robertsdale High School in Robertsdale, Alabama. During his time coaching there, the team won state championships back-to-back. After starting a softball program at Central Alabama Community College, he took on an assistant coaching job at the University of Florida. During his time at the University of Florida, Byerley advanced to the NCAA Regional. He has also had coaching jobs at Auburn University, Northwest Florida State College and Spring Hill College. Byerley arrived at the university after coaching numerous softball programs around the country. “It has been a long journey, and the good Lord has taken me and my family to some fantastic places,” commented Byerley. “Each move has been blessed and was a fantastic move. I coached Northwest Florida State College for nine great years before this job. I enjoyed that job a lot, but God said that I was getting too complacent and took the job away from me. That is when Rich Fremin, the head softball coach, found me and told me that there was a position open here at Southeastern. That’s how I ended up here.” Growing up in a military family, Byerley has been moving around the country his entire life. He went to three high schools in three different states and eventually received his diploma from Highland High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from the University of South Alabama and started coaching immediately out of college at the high school level. He initially coached high school men’s

Devonte Williams Sport: Football Position: Running Back Classiﬁcation: Senior

The Lion’s Roar: What other sports besides football did you play growing up? Williams: I ran a little bit of track and played AAU basketball.

Jack Byerley, assistant softball coach, winds up the bat at practice. Byerley, armed with decades of coaching experience from schools around the nation, has recently joined the Lions softball coaching staff. COURTESY OF JACK BYERLEY

basketball, but he began to coach softball in 1989. Byerley explained what led him to switch positions. “When I graduated, a gentleman asked me in August to coach the men’s basketball team at Robertsdale High School,” said Byerley. “I was 22 years old at the time. Back in 1989, the head softball coach at Robertsdale needed an assistant coach and asked me if I would do it. He went on to become the principal of the school, so I took over the program. It was an exciting time in softball in Alabama because we were making the transition from slow pitch softball to fast.” With his many years of experience, Byerley has come to love many things about softball over the years. “It is much faster than any other sport,” explained Byerley. “It is like soccer is to

kickball. Soccer is fast, and the ball is moving everywhere compared to kickball, and I love how softball is that way. Another way to describe it is like baseball in a pinball machine. It is that compact, and the ball is going everywhere. Things are happening all over the place. The young ladies I have had the pleasure coaching are very dedicated to building a great team.” Byerley also shared what he is most excited about regarding softball this year. “I love the family atmosphere here,” shared Byerley. “This place is like a big family. Knowing that we have a lot to build on from last year. We have a great returning team. Just knowing that I have the opportunity to relax, coach and work with great people. It has been a ton of fun so far, and I am very excited to see what is in store this year.”

Intramurals return for Fall 2019 GABRIELLE WOOD STAFF REPORTER

Each semester, students have the opportunity to compete against each other by playing intramural sports through the Recreational Sports and Wellness program. The university offers many ways for students to stay active and get involved on campus. The university’s recreational sports program on campus hosts intramural sports so that students can create their own teams, or join one, and compete against each other in a safe and fun environment. This fall, several intramural sports will be offered. “For this semester we do have about 10 different intramural events,” said Jason Templet, coordinator of competitive sports. “Some sports that the REC offers are racquetball, flag

Major: General Studies Ht./Wt.: 5’10” / 190 lbs. Hometown: Columbia, MD

football, volleyball, in-door soccer and much more.” The Pennington Student Activity Center provides sports that are accommodating for anyone who would rather play in a less-intense environment. “We also have smaller tournaments like ultimate frisbee, corn hole, basketball, trashketball and doubles tennis that many enjoy to participate in as well,” said Templet. The Penington tries to include sports that are fun and lighthearted, including trashketball. “Trashketball is where you start out by playing on the basketball courts with two volleyballs and trashcans,” said Templet. “The goal is to try to throw it in another team’s trash can. It’s actually really fun, especially if somebody isn’t that athletic but they still want to get involved.” Students can easily sign

up and get involved in these intramural sports. “We use a website called IMLeagues.com, where students can sign up on there and those eligible could be any current student, faulty or staff member who wants to participate or create a team,” explained Templet. For each intramural sport, the typical amount of people per team varies. “For some of our bigger sports, like volleyball, they can join as a free agent or have a whole team put together,” shared Templet. “For football parties, it’s usually 7-on-7, volleyball is 6-on-6 and indoor soccer is 7-on7.” Students can make suggestions as to which intramural sport they would like to see added. The addition for this year is ultimate frisbee. “We are trying out ultimate frisbee this year for the first

time,” said Templet. “I know I really loved it when I was in college, and I feel like a lot of students would enjoy it too.” Intramurals are held in different places, depending on the number of players and equipment needed. “Most of the intramurals are held in the REC center, which is nice because the weather isn’t much of a factor when it comes to tournaments,” explained Templet. “However, we do have events that require a field, so most of those tournaments are held in North Oak Park, here in Hammond.” Each year there is also a favorite intramural sport that many look forward to. “Our most popular intramural sport is definitely flag football,” said Templet. “We do have mainly a lot of Greeks, and just

TLR: Who was your biggest motivation growing up and why? Williams: Definitely my dad. He taught me how to be a man, and he went through a lot as a kid. He taught me how to play football. He always tried to provide the best for me and come out to all of my games. TLR: If you could go back and play in one time period which would it be and why? Williams: I would go back and play in the same time period as my dad. The legends played in that era like Sean Taylor, Ed Reed and other guys like that. I loved the physicality of the game back in the day. It was smashmouth football. TLR: Who was your favorite athlete growing up and why? Williams: I liked watching Tavon Austin play at West Virginia University. Another one I liked to watch was Reggie Bush. TLR: If you had the choice to be stranded on an island with Coach Scelfo, Coach Stevens or Coach Joseph who would you chose and why? Williams: It would have to be Coach Joseph. It’s nothing against the other coaches, but he’s the coach I spent the most time with. TLR: What is your favorite pregame tradition? Williams: It would have to be FaceTiming my family. They just get me ready and motivated for the games. TLR: What is your favorite pregame meal? Williams: I love chicken spaghetti. I try to eat that before every game. TLR: Who’s your favorite sports team? Williams: It is definitely the Carolina Panthers. I love Cam Newton. TLR: If you could play in the NFL for one team who would it be? Williams: It would be the Baltimore Ravens. It is close to home, and my family would get to see me play. TLR: What is your favorite aspect of football? Williams: I love the camaraderie that the game brings. Football is an awesome sport, and it has presented me with so many opportunities. It has taught me so much about life. TLR: Why did you choose to play football at Southeastern? Williams: I knew I wanted to come to Southeastern after my first visit. Coach Scelfo made it feel like a family atmosphere. Coach welcomed me with open arms, and I felt at home.

see INTRAMURALS, pg. 5

This week in Sports Volleyball

Volleyball

Football

Soccer

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vs California Baptist

vs Jackson State

at Ole Miss

@ Memphis

@ Little Rock

2-3

1-3

3-1

29-40

0-6

0-2

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | The Lionʼs Roar JACOB SUMMERVILLE

going to be me, six strings and a microphone.” Having an office space dedicated to music, Burns shared that he does not remember a time in his life without music being an influence. Burns shared a childhood memory of when he first started to learn guitar when he was 8 or 9 years old. “My mother decided to take guitar lessons,” explained Burns. “She would try, try, try, try – I’d pick it up, and I’d have it in five minutes. This happened for about a month and a half, this old, box Stella guitar, and I remember my father saying something like, ‘You know Delores, the kid’s getting it in 10 minutes. Maybe we should just let the kid have the guitar.’”

OPINIONS EDITOR

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 | PAGE 5 Throughout his life, Burns has enjoyed performing music and songwriting. “It’s difficult to explain to someone who doesn’t play an instrument the joy you get from doing it,” discussed Burns. “Why do I write songs? I have things to say, I truly, truly enjoy the idea of putting together words in an interesting way and such, and I’m sure as most composers will tell you: for every song you hear, they’ve written seven, eight.” Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Burns shared that the music scene in Louisiana is

very dense and competitive yet generous and encouraging. “Everybody plays, and if you expect someone to listen to you, you better be on point,” said Burns. “You better know what you’re doing, and I adore that, I really do. I love the camaraderie down here. The musicians are all wonderfully helpful. I have some of my best friends through

creating music – it’s fantastic.” Admission for “Playing the Staircase” is $5, and the funds go directly to the artist. For more information, visit the HRAC website.

HRAC

Dr. Joseph Burns, professor of communication, will be showcasing his musical prowess at the Hammond Regional Arts Center. Burns said that he will present a mixture of original and cover songs in the series “Playing the Staircase” on Friday, Sept. 27 from 6-8 p.m. at the HRAC. “I like to be very busy when I play,” said Burns. “So, I have lots and lots and lots of chord changes and big chords and such, so I always pick those. One of my favorites is ‘Help Me’ by Joni Mitchell.” He will play two songs that he performed at Hot August Night called “Hot August Night” and “Yankee in the South,” and he will also be performing a brandnew song called “The Top of the Stairs.” “I’ve got a bunch of other ones that I play all of the time that I’ll come out and play,” explained Burns. “A lot of them are meant to be humorous - I don’t get real, real serious.” Burns will be playing a solo act, explaining that his accompanying singer, Naomi Narcisse, is having a baby around the time of the performance. “The Steps, which is the 27th, I think is just about the due date of the child,” said Burns. “I asked her about it, and she said, ‘I think I may be a mother at that point in time.’ We played about a month and a half ago at Dr. Joseph Burns, professor of communication, sings and plays acoustic guitar at “Hot August Night.” Looking forward to “Playing the Staircase” on Sept. 27, Burns will perform songs, mostly original works, Gnarley Barley, but this one is including a new song named “The Top of the Stairs.” JACOB SUMMERVILLE/THE LION’S ROAR

Burns

RESUME

continued from pg. 1 letter is a document tailored to a specific company or organization. You never want to send a generic cover letter.” Students looking for further instruction on how to create a resume can look under the “Student & Alumni” tab on the career services page on the university website, and students

can also reach out to career services if they need their resume professionally proofread. “Your resume is the first impression you will make on an employer, so it is very important for you to develop a professional, error-free resume,” said Readlinger. “Career Services offers many online resources to assist you in composing a professional resume. We’re happy to help.”

other students around campus, that really love to play in this sport particularly.” Templet encouraged students to participate in the intramurals for this upcoming fall semester. “Definitely come check out the intramural website, talk to us in the

rec center, or attend any intramural event to see what it’s all about,” said Templet. “It’s really a great way to get involved on campus, and I would recommend the experience to anyone.” The university REC center has all intramural sports times and locations posted on their page on the university website under the intramurals sports tab.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Travel plans could be interrupted by the reemergence of a workplace problem that was never quite fully resolved. Deal with it at once, and then take off on that well-deserved trip. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Aspects favor cultural activities for sensuous Bovines. Attend a concert or an art show. Better yet, create something yourself (a poem, perhaps?), and dedicate it to someone special. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Respect any doubts you might now be feeling about a new situation. They could be reflecting your inner awareness that some essential information might be missing. Check it out. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) It’s important to start the new month with as clean a slate as possible. Either complete all those unfinished tasks or pass them on to others who would be more than happy to take them on. LEO (July 23 to August 22) This is a good time to cut down on expenses and tame that urge to splurge. Applying some financial discipline now could help the Big Cat ride out a possible monetary crunch later on. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Money matters are dominant this week. Recheck your accounts and make sure they’re up-to-date. Also, pay more attention to personal issues before they become major problems. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might be tempted to employ

the same tactics as your adversary, but that could backfire. Better to use the same balanced approach that has worked for you before and could again. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A changing workplace environment could stir up confusion as well as apprehension. Best to ignore the rumors and get the facts. You could find that the changes bring positive elements. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Communication is easier this week with people ready and eager to hear what you have to say. Also, check for possible technical problems before you start your new project. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Aspects favor change for the usually traditional Goat. Opening your mind to possibilities you had ignored could lead you to make decisions you once considered improbable. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Making personal as well as professional adjustments to changing conditions might be easier with more information explaining the “hows” and “whys” of the situations in question. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) With a growing tide of positive reactions to buoy your confidence, this could be the right time to put the finishing touches to your new project and get it well and truly launched. BORN THIS WEEK: You have a gift for setting an example of quiet, calm reasoning in the midst of chaotic conditions. (c) 2019 King Features Synd., Inc.

INTRAMURALS

continued from pg. 4

play