University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper Fall 2024
Issue 1
September 26, 2024 Inside A1 A2-A3 A4
Getting Started Local News Sports News
Local News
Sports
Letter From the Editor In Chief Eyes and Ears of Campus Worry Not PAGES A2-A3
Hopes and Highlights Behind the Teams PAGE A4
Welcome to Adulting Advice for Freshmen
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
BY: Sydney Schwenke STAFF WRITER
With the 2024-25 school year in full swing, first-year students at the Cumberlands are experiencing common fears about college. “My biggest fear is being away from home and not seeing my mom every day,” Kaylee Caitlin said. Moving away from home is an adjustment that comes with challenges. One of the most common feelings is being homesick. Some students at UC live close to home, while others live across the Atlantic from their parents. However, many have the fact that they miss their parents in common. Freshman Elena Distleber expressed her fear of not getting good enough grades. Coming out of high school is different compared to college classes and expectations. There is a higher level of education and dedication toward classes in college that might intimidate first-year college students. When asked, “What scares you most about being a freshman?” Alana Shiery replied,”
I think just not knowing everything. Like all the things that all the upperclassmen know from experience that we don’t know.” UC junior Michael Watson discussed that the key to succeeding in academic pursuits is focusing on hard work and early preparation. Many college students tend to get overwhelmed by balancing classes, sports, and social life. Therefore, Watson advised that once you have a clear understanding of your major or even just the core general education requirements, the most important strategy is to fully apply yourself and complete your coursework ahead of time. Cumberlands sophomores Naomi Duenas Lamarcus Presley, answered the question: What advice would you give to freshmen? By stating the importance of going to class everyday. Presley, advises freshmen to “Sit in the front of the classroom and say ‘good morning’ to your teachers because It’s gonna help you.” Drew Minton, a UC junior, said to freshmen, “One piece of advice I’d give is to make sure you are having fun while you’re here, but also you are here to learn. So, make sure you’re balancing your life. Ari, a Cumberlands sophomore, adds to this by saying
that freshmen should “Invest in a planner and don’t forget to make time for [themselves].” UC sophomore, Michael Banks Mason advised freshmen, “Don’t be scared to venture outside your box. Don’t be scared to get into events. Don’t be scared to join clubs. Try to bring out that little extravert in you, and don’t be so secluded to your dorm.” Many Cumberlands students form lifelong relationships during their time at college. Elizabeth, who is a senior at Cumberlands, encourages freshmen to “Get out there and socialize and meet some really good people because you’re going to meet some of your best friends here.” Trell Smith, a UC junior, and reiterated the importance of finding good quality friends who will foster success by saying, “My advice to freshmen is to find your friend group before they find you because you are who you surround yourself around.”. University of the Cumberlands junior, Jakobie Hughes, encouraged freshmen by adding, “Stay the course and come out more. Don’t stay in that dorm like I did my freshmen year. Get to know a lot more people”. The university provides plenty of opportunities for students to get involved on campus and grow socially. UC junior, Jamal Hudson stated that some advice he would give college freshmen “Is to enjoy their freshman year. Don’t let it go past you because you never get it back again”. Taking advantage of campus offered events and clubs is beneficial even if students do not think they will know someone. Like Cumberlands sophomore Alexis states, “Don’t be afraid to go to things by yourself!”
Engage for Change UC Engage Opening Event
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
BY: Shayra Cauldron SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
The season of service is now upon the University of the Cumberlands students. At the UC Opening Engage, Jeremy Taylor gave a motivational speech to the students for the upcom-
ing season. Taylor was previously a social studies teacher and basketball coach. He now devotes his life to leadership training and life coaching and is working to help people recognize their value and potential. At the event, Taylor explained how society shapes the value of one’s life. The sad but true belief for most is that money equates to value, and that equates to happiness. Money can only give you temporary happiness.
Throughout Taylor’s speech he shares several anecdotes from his life. Toward the middle of his speech, he shared a story about an old student. This 14-year-old girl had already made up her mind about what her worth was. She had told him she saw no point in taking classes just to get a piece of paper after four years, just to go into a dead-end job. Even at 14, she had already believed that her job determined her worth. Taylor stated that temporary happiness isn’t as fulfilling as a lifetime of memories and genuinely feeling good about oneself. Taylor advises to “go out there and do things for others, and that will, in turn, give you the happiness you’ve longed for.” Taylor told the audience that he has not seen a college do so much community service, and he wishes he had received the opportunities that students at UC have. Cumberlands senior Elisabeth Stepp, will receive the 2024-2025 Hutton Scholarship after serving 256 community service hours. Most of these, Stepp earned most of these hours helping with flood relief in Knott County after SEE ENGAGE, PAGE 2
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