University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper
Fall 2024
September 26, 2024
Welcome to Adulting Advice for Freshmen
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
Engage for Change
UC Engage Opening Event
BY: Shayra Cauldron
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.
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!”
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
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
SOCIAL
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
Letter From the Editor-in-Chief
Hello Patriots!
I hope you are all settled in well for this busy Fall semester. My name is Morgan Roberts. I am majoring in English Literary Studies and Christian Ministries. This is my junior year as a University of the Cumberlands student. I am a resident assistant in Asher Hall and had the pleasure of checking several lovely girls into campus housing in August.
Summer Mills (former Editor-in-Chief) and Cage Grub (former Managing Editor) have left me with an exciting project this year, and I am beyond grateful to them for thinking of me when they were looking for someone to fill their shoes. This is my first year working with The Patriot staff and for a newspaper, I look forward to diligently fulfilling my position as the new Editor in Chief. As a devout Christian and scholar, my goal is to bring news to UC’s campus in a truthful manner to allow readers to formulate their opinions based on facts. Jesus told the truth no matter what and never apologized for doing so. I plan to apply myself faithfully in imitating the example Christ has set before me.
My love for writing and editing began late in middle school. I was homeschooled with my six siblings, so we often would administer our spelling tests to each other and then grade them. I enjoyed “teaching” the vocabulary portion of our tests, but I especially loved correcting my siblings when they made spelling errors. I think that must have been the bossy eldest sister in me. High School is where I began editing other’s essays and where I found my odd little passion! I am not very creative on my own, but I have found that when I am trusted with someone else’s creative literature, I am skilled at brightening the colors between the lines. Guiding readers through a well-structured argument, a vivid recounting of an event, and painting colorful images with words are a few of the small details of writing I enjoy.
To kick off the first issue of Fall 2024, we at The Patriot wish to welcome our freshmen and provide a recap of the Opening ENGAGE event. We spoke to some athletes as they prepare for Winter sports, and others commented on their current season. We also explored the first Worry-Free-Wednesday event and interviewed campus’ security.
We hope you enjoy a few hand-selected Dad jokes, and the Bible verse selected to encourage your diligence in the academic year ahead.
The Patriot invites you to join our writing team or send us your ideas by email or direct message to Instagram @ucthepatriot.
Engage for Change
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1
the catastrophic flood in 2022.
“I love to help others because it makes me happy to know that I can serve others,” Stepp said.
UC juniors Uhaz Disney and Madison Fields received the T.E. Mahan Memorial Service Award and the A.T. Siler Memorial Service Award during UC Engage opening night. These honors go to one Cumberlands male and female student who are currently contributing to the community through serving and are planning on continuing to serve the community after graduation.
Chaz Disney has served 250 community service hours, working many of the hours with
Staff
Editor- in- Chief
Morgan Roberts
Managing Editor
Filippa Malmstrom
Social Media Coordinator
Shayra Calderon
Staff Writers
Alexander Legg
Hannah Philips
Sydney Schwenke
Staff Photographers
Nicholas Jackson
Lilly Mckeehan
Brittany Smith
Faculty Advisor
Jeremiah Massengale
middle and high schoolers at Immanuel Baptist Church. Disney said that the most significant reason he spends his time serving the community is because he wants to imitate Jesus Christ.
“Jesus and his ministry reflected how [Christians are] supposed to love those around us. He showed that it’s through serving, humbling ourselves, and putting others first,” Disney said.
A fulfilling part about ministry to Disney is when he gets to see students “have that light bulb moment where they understand something for the first time.”
Jeremy Taylor shared advice to Cumberlands students, saying, “The surest way to
Verse to Live By
happiness is to lose yourself in a cause greater than yourself.” Here at UC, that is what students do by participating in community service projects.
PHOTO BY UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
The Eyes and Ears of Campus An Interview About Campus Security
BY: ALEXANDER LEGG STAFF WRITER
In light of the recent events involving the I-75 shooting near London, we interviewed Travis Wilson, Executive Vice President of Operations, Buildings, and Grounds of the campus. Wilson was able to give insight on the use of Omni-Alert, the current safety measures that are in place, as well as his professional input on what student and faculty members can do to keep themselves safe.
Wilson gave his reassurance that our campus is safe and there is no threat to our community. Wilson said, “We have twenty-four hour contact with both Whitley County dispatch and the Williamsburg Police Department not only by phone contact but also by radio.” Should there ever be an issue on campus or near campus, there is always a swift and readily response with roving patrols,
BY: HANNAH PHILIPS STAFF WRITER
In the bustling environment of university life, students often find themselves juggling various responsibilities, from academic pressures to social commitments. The University of the Cumberlands, recognizing the need for a balanced lifestyle, offers a unique gathering called Worry-Free Wednesday. These weekly events offer students a much-needed break from their hectic schedules. In the third week of the fall semester, UC’s Counseling Center organized and provided a creative outlet for students to express themselves and unwind. Painting allows students to explore their creativity and find peace in artistic expression.
The event, set up in the Mid-BCC, includes all necessary materials provided. Students can paint individually or collaborate on group projects, allowing for social inter-
24/7 surveillance, an estimated 800 cameras, and a logged key card access to residential buildings. Wilson provided that a total of four officers responded within moments of Whitley County Dispatch being informed of an active shooter in the area on Saturday, September 7, 2024, and confirmed that the increased police presence would be here to stay for the time being.
When asked about the empty police cruisers with their lights flashing stationed in various locations on campus Wilson said, “Yes, those cruisers may be empty now, and I can give some instances of an empty cruiser.” He proceeded to detail that a foot patrol may be in action, an officer may be monitoring a situation somewhere else, or that the officer may simply be out of uniform and in normal clothes. With these measures in place as the primary line of defense, Wilson pointed out the second line
Worry Not Worry Free Wednesday
action and the chance to make new friends. Alicen Turpin, a junior at the University of the Cumberlands, attended the event Wednesday. “I struggle with anxiety, and I think Worry-Free Wednesday helps get my mind off of the stress,” Turpin said. In the future, Alicen would like to see more art-related events for Worry-Free Wednesdays. “It would be really cool to have different forms of art, maybe drawing, pottery, or clay. Art is very stress relieving,” Alicen said.
Chronic stress can take a toll on physical health, leading to issues such as headaches, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems. Stress-relieving activities, whether fun, light-hearted activities, or creative expression, can help reduce these physical effects. For instance, painting can lower heart rate and reduce muscle tension, contributing to overall physical well-being. Events like Worry Free Wednesday allow students to interact with their peers and make new friends in a safe and relaxing environment. Building strong social connections can help students feel more integrated into the university community and reduce feeling isolated.
“Worry-Free Wednesday lets me get out of my dorm and meet new people,” stated Paige Sharp, a freshman on campus. “I’ve liked the last couple of events they’ve held. It’s given me something to look forward to doing between classes. I like that you can come and go- you aren’t expected to stay the whole time. You don’t have to commit to anything to come to these events.”
Socialization offers numerous benefits to college students. It is an excellent way for firstyear students to connect with others, as it
of defense, the student body, and what they can do to keep the campus out of harm’s way. Omni-alert is an alert system that has been used by the University of the Cumberlands for “a couple of years, now.” Wilson took time during this interview to encourage the students and faculty of the university to download the app as it acts as an instant warning system. It offers surveillance where there may not be cameras or members of the security team. As it was explained in the interview, Wilson explains that the app is a “simple to use, one-button alert system that acts as a 911 call” that allows users to tell police as well as campus security where you are as well when the problem was reported, getting a swift response should the user be in a situation where they can not talk to law enforcement or have the time to make a detailed description of the problem. However, if you can do either or both of those previous actions, Wilson highly encourages the use of the ‘Tips’ feature within the app which allows the user to communicate in a 2-way conversation with local police force, with campus security listening in and monitoring the situation and using their resources. The ‘Tips’ feature also allows pictures and location to be sent out to Whitley County Dispatch when alerted to a possible crisis event. With all of these measures in place, Wilson only had one thing left to say about what the people of the community can do to keep themselves safe, and that is to plan. He stated that “The safety of the students, faculty and staff is the most important thing that I do.” No matter what your situation might look like, have a plan.
helps them adjust to a new environment and build a support network. Attending events like Worry Free Wednesday can ease the transition from high school to college by providing emotional support and community. Chris O’Dell, an employee at the Counseling Center on campus, offered insight into this week’s Worry-Free Wednesday. “The counseling center organizes a couple of these events each semester. We see students getting out on campus, and in return, we get to meet some of the new and returning students.” O’Dell said. When asked about the benefit they notice in Worry-Free Wednesday, O’Dell responded, “We get to tell them about free services that the Counseling Center offers. We don’t charge insurance. It’s also all confidential, and many students don’t know that. Since students don’t know they have that service available, we enjoy telling them about it.” Worry-Free Wednesday is open to all students, making it an inclusive and accessible option for residents and commuters. Events held in the past have included watching sports games together, potting plants, beach volleyball, decorating cookies, and hiking at Cumberland Falls. Different clubs or services on campus organize each event, which allows each week to be thoroughly planned and unique for the students. Join us next week for Worry-Free Wednesday, where FCA will host a watch party for the Women’s Soccer Team.
PHOTO BY NICHOLAS JACKSON
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
BY: SHAYRA CALDERON SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hopes and Highlights Athletes’ Goals for this Season
year in a row and hosting the opening round for the national tournament.
“I think our team chemistry will continue to grow as the season goes on, and I’m really excited to see how the season plays out,” Grava says.
This season, she is trying to enjoy the moment game by game. Grava is most excited to see how far the team can go, hoping to create an even more remarkable legacy than last season. Winter sports are in preseason.
BY BRITTANY SMITH
The fall semester started strong with many winning streaks from UC sports teams. These athletes keeps school spirit high.
UC’s football team opened their season with a 31-9 victory over the Bluefield Rams. Malik Thornton’s (cornerback No. 11) main goal is to win a championship and earn an All-American defensive back. Although Thornton loves everyone supporting the games. He is most excited for the Reinhardt game in Georgia, where his family will attend to show their support.
In addition to football, the volleyball team has also begun competing. The volleyball team is currently up 16-0 in NAIA competition, continuing a respected legacy from last season.
The outsider hitter Allyson Grava, No.13, has earned Mid-South Conference “Attacker of the Week” four weeks in a row. Grava’s goals include winning Conference for the second
The beginning of a new school year means college sports are back in season. The Fall sports have already begun competing and are crushing it so far.
The women’s soccer team has returned strong after winning last year’s NAIA National Championship. Coach Sagi Hirsch expresses how the team concentrates on the upcoming games rather than looking ahead to the season. They want to keep themselves healthy and prepared, managing their training, nutrition, and recovery to display peak performance in each game.
“This year’s team is unique because of its strong sense of togetherness and a relentless winning mentality. The players are deeply committed to supporting one another, working cohesively on and off the field, and constantly pushing each other to improve. This unity and a shared drive to win create a powerful dynamic that sets this team apart,” Hirsch says.
Football Coach Shan Housekeeper is enthusiastic about the upcoming season, saying the players are starting to understand what it takes to build a remarkable program. The coaching staff have implemented several activities to prepare their athletes mentally, incorporating training to maintain composure and clarity under pressure. Each player receives a cultural
Women’s basketball is back to practice for another season after a successful last year. Kassie Monday (point guard No.0) hopes they will have a national championship as she feels energetic about preseason. The team mentally and physically prepares to make their dreams of earning a national championship title come true. Monday’s goals during the preseason are to develop and increase her strength and endurance while focusing on her individual skills.
She is most excited about “Having the best senior season with [her ] teammates. Last year was a great year and will be hard to beat. However, I’m excited to see where God leads us this upcoming season. I’m excited to take in every opportunity this year brings and enjoy every little moment. The past three years have been the best years of my life and I am looking forward to making my final season the best season.”
Two others teams working in preseason is women’s and men’s wrestling. Both teams had remarkable seasons last year. The women’s wrestling team ended their season with three All-Americans and a 10th-place finish out of 32 teams in the NAIA. The men’s wrestling team concluded their season with two All-Americans. Elijah Payton expresses his excitement for the
Behind the Teams
Key Insights from UC Coaches
playbook to understand expectations on and off the field better. The staff keeps pushing the players individually to grow in their personal lives, such as obtaining a personal planner to better manage their time for monetization.
“I think this is probably the group of guys that are the tightest group. We spent a lot of time through camp mixing them up, you know, in a football team, you got a lot of people from different areas, and so you gotta get those guys to learn how to cross over together and find common ground,” Housekeeper says.
Coach Housekeeper believes the team and coaches’ connection is one of the best yet. The team values every meeting, practice, and game. They look at every event as a way to grow physically and mentally continually.
The volleyball team started their season strong with a 17-0 streak, making the longest winning streak the program has ever accomplished. The team aims to win a regular season Conference title and become tournament champions. The team aspires to pass the first round to the final site in Iowa at the NAIA National Championships. Coach Kathryn Park says the team spent the 2.5 weeks of preseason making each rep intentional, both before and during practice. The team spent preseason focusing on nutrition to ensure each player is properly fueled.
“This is a team with a lot of experience and confidence. They are not fazed when games are tight, or we drop a set. We talk a lot with the team about how it is going to take all 21 of us to be successful, and that has proven true several times already with non-starters coming in and making a huge impact in games...We are so thankful for the support this university has shown in our program over the years. We are proud to be a Patriot,” Park says.
The winter season is rapidly approaching, and winter sports are beginning preseason. Men’s basketball coach Mathew Daniel is excited for the upcoming season. He is confident in this year’s roster and aiming to build on last season’s success finishing as the NAIA’s first and second-round champions.
upcoming season as the team is back with motivation to win a national title. His goal for preseason is to give his all and lead through the example he sets.
Payton is most excited to compete. “I have always been sort of motion-oriented toward the end of the season but, I’ve already been here for two years and I haven’t accomplished my goals and that’s not okay with me. Every day that passes, the rainy cloud above my head grows larger with the end of my career. I wish more than anything that I could pause time and live here in this moment forever. So, I want to embrace it for all that it is.”
Payton feels that the most enjoyable part of his journey is forming bonds and connections with the guys pursuing the same goals
He enjoys cheering on his teammates as they reach their individual definition of success. The friendships he’s formed and the bond with his team mean everything to him.
Women’s wrestler Cierra Abrego is enthusiastic about the upcoming season. “This sport isn’t for everybody, so the opportunity to wrestle, grind with my best friend, and train with my team is a huge blessing,” Abrego says.
Abrego discussed the increase of players in the team, bringing more opportunities for them to get better and push each other to success. They are preparing both mentally and physically for a more intense training style for the cold winter season.
Don’t forget to go out and support the University of the Cumberlands athletics this season and the winter season.
Player Jonathan Brown earned the NAIA First Team All-American title. That is the first time in 15 years that a men’s basketball player has earned this honor. The team’s goals are to be the best they can be and continue to be better each day. This year, the team will have different lineup variations. Coach Daniel says, “We are grateful for all of the fan support that we’ve had. We hope to continue to build our following not only on campus but also within our community”.
The men’s wrestling coach, Corey Ruff, hired a mental toughness coach to prepare his athletes mentally for the upcoming season. The leadership of this team is currently firing up the coaches. Ruff cannot wait to see the impact this will have on the program. The goals for the team this year are to win the conference championships, as well as place in the top 4 at nationals. This year, the coaches have implemented vital performance indicators, which will rate each athlete and help them identify where their strong and weak points are.
“We are getting much more organized as a whole and paying attention to every detail that comes with a college wrestling season,” Ruff Says.
The women’s wrestling finished the season with three All-Americans and an 8th-place finish at national duals. They are starting the season with returners and newcomers building off their success from last year.
“Something new that we have implemented is a new weightlifting system. We are fortunate that the UC athletic department has purchased this for our sports teams, and we feel it will make a big difference in our girls’ performance,” Assistant Coach Jesse Kirby says.
In conclusion, Kirby comments that the underdogs that come out and surprise people are what makes a team unique.
PHOTO
PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH
BY: SHAYRA CALDERON
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR