The Patriot- Spring 2024 Issue 2

University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper

Singing Colors

Spotlight is Bringing Joy to Cumberlands Students

BY: KAMRYN KEITH STAFF WRITER

The spring 2024 season of Spotlight has begun. Spotlight’s 12th season is this year, and it has already had two shows. Shows happen every two weeks in the Gatliff Chapel. The first episode started with duos singing any song of their choice. In the second episode, the singers had to choose a song with a color in its name to sing. After every singer had finished performing, the judges gave the singers feedback on their performances by highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Spotlight is akin to American Idol, which encourages many students to attend the in-per

son show rather than watch online. Students enjoy voting, rooting for their favorite performers, and listening to great musicians perform.

The first episode consisted of seven duos, meaning 14 performers total took the stage that night. There were a variety of musical genres, from pop to country. All the singers put on an excellent show, but some performers had to go in the end. At the show’s end, all the contestants lined up on stage. While the judges were supposed to eliminate four individuals, the judges stunned the audience and performers alike by only eliminating two performers. This round left 12 contestants in the competition.

In the second episode, the singers had to sing a song with color in it. Some of the songs performed were “Something in the Orange” by Zach Bryan and “Two Black Cadillacs” by Carrie

Crisis at the Border

Texas Border Control

Underwood. The performances left both the audience and judges amazed. Some of the singers even brought their performance into the rows of the chapel where dozens of students were sitting.

One UC student commented on their experience watching the show: “I love watching every performance. It is cool to see their talents. I love watching each episode because it gives so much excitement and thrill.” The students love to attend every live episode because the show in volves the students in several ways throughou the night.

The Spotlight season is an excellent event for students to win prize money and for others to take a break from school and work. Judges are teachers who give their time to create this fun event for UC. CAB members throw students’ shirts with the Spotlight logo during the show. This spontaneity creates an atmosphere of chaos for a few seconds, but many students look forward to receiving a shirt. The event allows students to vote on their favorite performer and song of the night. Spotlight is a big event for contestants to win money, but it is also a great time for the audience to have a good time.

If you have yet to go to a live Spotlight episode, there is always another opportunity this year. The spotlight will continue through the rest of the spring semester. Shows occur every two weeks on Tuesday nights at eight. Do not miss out on a night of laughter, music, and fun.

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW PATRICK

As most Americans are aware, Mexico borders the United States. Until recently, there have been very few issues between the two countries. However, for the past couple of months, there have been severe issues, not only between the two countries but between Texas and the federal government, along with several other states. Illegal entry into the United States across the southern border has rapidly increased, causing many states and citizens to question the fortification of the border.

The United States has always welcomed immigrants, yet recently, illegal immigration to the country has taken a toll on several states and major cities. Texas, which shares the biggest border with Mexico, began to take measures to secure the border to limit the amount of illegal immigrants entering the United States. The state, however, was met with

resistance from the federal government, which stopped Texas’s attempt to secure the border. As such, the relationship between the federal government and Texas has become complicated. Many other states have even supported Texas, claiming that the state has the right to secure its borders.

For instance, in the town of Eagle Pass, citizens have dealt with immigrants coming into their land illegally for decades. This city near the Mexico-Texas border has become the epicenter of the fight to create a stronger southern border. Recently, Texas has put up razor wire along the border to prevent people from entering their state. The federal government, on the other hand, wants Texas to stand down and welcome the immigrants. This declaration has caused yet another issue. Texas does not want to take the wire down. They believe that their solution has helped keep the number of illegal immigrants out, claiming that it is their right as a state to protect themselves. Texas’ solution has led to problems between the states. Many states side with Texas, believing that if people are going to enter the United States, they must do it legally. These states feel that Texas is using its constitutional power to act in the best interest of the people of Texas and the United States. On the other hand, many states disagree with Texas. These states believe the country should allow everybody to enter, even without proper documentation. Many states claim that these immigrants are refugees who are seeking asylum in the United States, stating that they should be allowed to enter. As a nation, the states need to be united. It is also essential for America to allow immigrants in. There are, however, specific rules that need to be kept and protected. For this country to stay a great and safe place to live, America must be careful when allowing people in. While America should continue to be a place where people from all over the world can enter, the American government must protect the country by implementing proper and effective legal immigration means.

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

Letter From the Print Managing Editor

PHOTO BY LACIE DEGOUGH

Hello Patriots,

It’s hard to believe that the first biterm is nearly over. With the arrival of the second biterm, many of you surely have your mind on Spring break, Summer vacation, and, for some of you, graduation. The arrival of springtime introduces many new opportunities for students, staff, and faculty alike. So, I challenge each of you to make new goals for the remainder of the year. I am looking forward to spending time with my friends and family before I graduate and begin my Master’s degree.

One of my favorite activities during the Spring semester is watching the Superbowl which occurred this past Sunday. My friends and I prepared food and gathered at my friend’s apartment before the big game. Of course, we were rooting for the Chiefs. So, when the Chiefs went into overtime and the score was neck and neck, we were all very stressed. But, after scoring the final touchdown and winning the game, we were happy to see all of the celebrations. Seeing Taylor Swift also made the game even more exciting.

In this issue, you will find several interesting articles. Articles regarding the history of Valentine’s Day, detailing the Texas border crisis, and even an interview with the baseball coach make this one of this semester’s most engaging issues yet. Discover local and national news, learn about history, and gain some useful tips on how to succeed in difficult classes. This issue will keep you up to date on current events, allow you to gain historical knowledge, and give you the tools to become more successful in your academic pursuits.

I hope each of you has a wonderful Valentine’s Day and a great rest of your biterm. Remember to set goals and work to achieve them.

Have a great week,

Cage Grubb

How to Pass a Class

Tips on Succeeding in a Difficult Course

Staff

Editor- in- Chief

Summer Mills

Print Managing Editor

Cage Grubb

Digital Managing Editor

Emilia Martínez Morales

Staff Writers

Ally Kennedy

Kamryn Keith

Shayra Calderon

Sydney Schwenke

Staff Photographers

Brittany Smith

Khebrion Puchoon

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

College can be a challenging time for many students. There are times when college is fun and exciting, but there are also times when it can be the most stressful time of a student’s life. Choosing a degree path, taking classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and working a job make college even more stressful. For many students, however, taking a challenging class can cause panic and unwanted stress. While college is not always supposed to be easy, when a course gets complicated, it can cause a lot of anxiety and stress. However, just because a class is hard does not mean success is impossible. No student enjoys struggling in a class. Everyone hopes to excel in all their college endeavors, but that is not always the

case. Here at the University of the Cumberlands, students must take at least 120 credit hours to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. The probability of students taking that many classes and having no issues is slim. Everybody struggles with something. However, the way to get past the struggle is not to give up. There are many resources that students can take advantage of to help them succeed in difficult classes. Although it seems obvious, the first thing is to make a schedule. Students must make time in their busy schedules to do their assigned readings and study. Keeping up with assignments helps students stay caught up while also helping them learn more about the subject they are studying. Creating a detailed schedule allows students to divide their time between reading for class, studying for exams, taking lunch and dinner breaks, and relaxing before class.

However, there are times when reading the assigned chapters and studying still do not help students understand specific concepts. In this scenario, students have several options to strengthen their knowledge. The first option is to email The Learning Commons. The Learning Commons is in the library basement and has wonderful tutors willing and able to help students with coursework. There are various tutors, each specializing in a specific study area. When sending the email, students should mention what class or classes they need tutoring in, and a tutor should be available to set up an appointment to meet and review the material with the student. Alternatively, students can also meet with their professors during their office hours. Meeting with a professor allows students to ask questions about course content, homework assignments, readings, and future career opportunities. When emailing a professor, include the class name, concepts needing review, and potential questions. This communication will prepare the student and professor for the meeting. Students need to remember that everyone struggles at one point or another. College can be hard sometimes, and being hard on oneself is not the solution. Although a class or a semester may be challenging, resources are available for students to receive help. From tutors to professors, someone is always willing to help students understand and succeed.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER

An Interview With Coach Sheldon

University of the Cumberlands Baseball Season Aspirations

The 2024 spring season is Coach Sheldon’s 29th season as head baseball coach and 23rd here at the University of the Cumberlands. The 2023 MSC Coach of the Year reflects on the season’s expectations, relationships with the athletes, and what it means to play great competition.

When asked about his hopes and expectations for the baseball team’s spring season, Coach Brad Sheldon replied, “Well, our goal is to get back to Lewiston, Idaho, to play in the World Series, so obviously we have certain steps to get there. First, there are regular season conference games and midweek non-conference games against ranked opponents. And then, we play in our conference tournament because that is where the bid to the national tournament comes from. If we can get that bid, we are likely to host the opening round, the national tournament. Finally, if we can do that, we go to the World Series.”

When asked about the most satisfying thing to him about coaching, Sheldon stated, “Just the relationships with the players.” He added, “I enjoy getting to know them and seeing them develop as people and staying in touch

with them after they graduate. I really value the relationships with the players and the alumni. That’s probably the most satisfying thing about my job.”

The University of the Cumberlands baseball team’s vision statement is, “Our student-athletes will become invested not just on the playing fields, but in themselves, the campus, and local community.” Coach Sheldon said that he and the rest of his coaching team push their athletes to achieve this level of investment by “recruiting good guys with high character.”

Sheldon said they also give their athletes daily challenges to help them “understand that it is not just about them.” He said, “We have an acronym, I.N.A.M. [that stands for] It is not about me. and we talk a lot about being a part of something bigger than yourself.” Sheldon said He thinks the players on his team “do a good job of pouring into other people.”

In 2023, the Patriots came into the season ranked 15th and ended at the NAIA

World Series for the first time with 49 wins and nine losses. Coach Sheldon said that they “Do not care about the number of wins as much as [they] care about getting back to Lewiston [for the World Series.” To achieve this, the baseball coaching team has “made [their] schedule even tougher. So it will be really hard to win 49 games.” Sheldon said, “The number of wins is not indicative of how good our team can be. I think the experience that we have coming back is what is going to help us”. He added, “The record and the rankings are all great, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. So we are more focused on trying to play great competition and get better each week heading into May”.

After being asked what he thinks makes Cumberland’s baseball program unique from other schools, Coach Sheldon said, “We are not just a team; we are a program, and that includes our varsity, junior varsity, former players, alumni, community.” He added, “I feel like we’re we really have this close-knit family atmosphere. I think that is the best thing about it.”

When Coach Brad Sheldon was asked how his athletes challenge and encourage him, he chuckled warmly and replied, “They find new ways every day.” He said, “In this day and age, athletes understand the mechanics of playing the sport now probably more than ever before.” He commented on how his real challenge is finding better ways for the athletes to grow together as a team. He said, “I think coaching has become more of a leadership type thing where you try to find ways for them to use their individual talents together. I do not think you have to teach the skill stuff as much as you used to because they have had much better training as they come up.”

Women’s Swimming and Diving

The Iconic Team Secures their 12th Mid-South Conference Title

BY: EMILIA MARTINEZ MORALES DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR

“Winning an individual event is tough, but it is even tougher trying to win a team title. It is more than individual; it is everyone committing and working towards a common goal,” remarked Isabella Cooksey, captain of the Patriots. “This is something that will last forever, and it is up to us to define our legacy and carry on the tradition of excellence for the ones that come after us.”

The Patriots women’s swimming and diving team successfully defended their title this past weekend for the 2023-24 season.

The UC women’s swimming and diving team traveled to Kingsport, TN, to compete against seven teams in the Mid-South Conference. Dominating the conference for the past 11 years, the Patriots continued their streak of excellence this year.

The competition occurred from February 1-3, with three days dedicated to determining the championship.

Day one proved to be the Patriots’ strongest, as noted by their head coach, Eric Skelly, who was named women’s coach of the year last

season. Michelle Weiss secured the first victory for the team with a winning time of 5:07.98 in the 500 free. Led by Romina Itzkovich Sacco, the Patriots swept the podium in the 200 IM, with Valentina Zapata Ceballos and Ashley Schoenlein claiming second and third place, respectively. Divers Emma Lehmkuhl and Sage Winterbottom contributed significantly to the team’s success on Day one.

Day two saw freshman standout Alicja Sedlak clinch her first conference title in the 400 IM with a time of 4:33.60. Romina Itzkovich Sacco secured another victory in the 200 free, followed closely by teammate Michelle Weiss. Valentina Zapata Ceballos claimed the win in the 100 fly, boasting the fastest time in the NAIA heading into nationals. The women’s team ended the night with a triumph in the 800-free relay.

On the final day, they commenced with Sedlak winning her second title in the 200 breaststroke, while Isabella Cooksey secured third place in the event. Michelle Weiss and Aldara Gonzalez Riaño secured second and third place in the 1650 free. After placing second for

the past three years, Anastasiia Shatalova captured her first individual MSC title in the 100 free.

“Winning the 100 freestyle was an emotional moment for me. It feels terrific, especially when it was my last conference,” expressed Shatalova.

Nayeli Matos, Itzkovich Sacco, Zapata Ceballos, and Shatalova broke the meet record to secure victory in the 400 free relay, the championship’s final event, with a time of 3:30.91, the second-fastest in the NAIA this season.

The night culminated in the Patriots clinching their 12th consecutive Mid-South Conference Swimming and Diving Championship. Additionally, Sedlak was named freshman of the year, becoming the fifth Patriot to receive this honor in the program’s history.

“The atmosphere was amazing, and the whole team did a great job,” stated Sedlak. “I am excited to have received the title of freshman of the year, and it motivates me to continue working hard.”

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

PHOTOS BY EMILIA MARTINEZ MORALES

BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER

Why Valentine’s Day

The Intriguing Origins of Valentine’s Day

The February holiday Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian holiday to commemorate Saint Valentine. His religious work ended with a martyr. Over time, Valentine’s Day has become more cultural and commercial than before and is most known for celebrating romantic love. Saint Valentine is associated with being executed by the Roman Empire. There are accounts of his imprisonment on February 14 and later being beaten, stoned, and beheaded by Emperor Claudius II Gothicus in 270 A.D. According to tradition, Valentine was arrested for officiating weddings for Christian soldiers after the Emperor had forbidden their marriages. Later, an eighth-century Christian liturgy recorded the celebration of the Feast of Saint Valentine on Valentine’s Day. February 14 was not associated with romantic love until later in the 14th or 15th century.

Much of the original history of the holiday has been forgotten and replaced with commercialized, relationship-centered holiday known today. After asking Cumberlands students where they believed Valentine’s Day originated, many could not answer. A University of the Cumberlands Freshman, Sarah Garrison, stated, “I actu

ally have no idea. I just figured that it was another one of those random holidays that a president made, but it actually took off because everyone likes chocolate”. Cumberlands Junior West Stadel added, “I will just say it began in New York in the 1910s. Yeah, that is my final answer.” UC Sophomore Nathan Howard comically replied, “Alright, so there was a mommy valentine, and then there was a daddy valentine. They went to a nice little restaurant and met up. Then, you know, one thing led to another... and Valentine’s Day.”

A few students had a better idea of how the holiday originated. University of the Cumberlands Freshman John Saylor said: “Well, I know that there is some correlation to the Catholic Church with St. Valentine, and I used to know why that was, but it is kind of blurry.” UC Sophomore Lane Roberts said, “I think it started in Rome. I am not sure if it was or not, but it had to do with Saint Valentine. He secretly married people, or he was an emperor, I do not know.”

Brandon Green, a University of the Cumberlands Senior, also believed the holiday originated in Rome. He said, “I want to say it originated from somewhere in Europe, either Italy, Rome,

Love Stories

My boyfriend and I met online in January of 2022. We were really good friends for about five months when he drove 7 hours to see me as friends. All the rooms in the hotel were booked and ours only had one bed. We slept with about 6 feet between us. I told him I had feelings for him after he drove 7 hours home, and he promptly came down again two weeks later to take me on our first date.

There is a guy in one of my classes. I am pretty sure he thinks I am crazy. Maybe this is grade school level to admit attraction to him through a medium such as this. I know I am older than him and about to graduate so I am scared to mention anything to him because who knows if it would last since I will be moving in May.

or Paris. But I think it was Rome.” A University of the Cumberlands Freshman, Lexie Downard, remembered, “I grew up Catholic, so I think it originated from Saint Valentine, and it was actu ally kind of a bloody thing. I do not remember the rest of the story, but I just remember that is kind of where it started.”

A soulmate can be anything. To me my soulmates are my closest friends. We do everything together and I do not know what I would do without them.

I have always loved my best friend. I do not want to try for something because I would never want to ruin our friendship. We always joke around and they give me hints but I cannot tell how they really feel about me. They mention other people they might like. I don’t know I just want them to be happy.

PHOTO BY SUMMER MILLS

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA FOTIOS