The Patriot- Fall 2023 Issue 3

University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

At this point in the year, many organizations have hosted various fun and engaging events. The most recent one, however, was the Homecoming Hoedown hosted by the Student Government Association on Monday, October 10. Although the main event was the hoedown, there were also many other activities to take part in if dancing did not seem appealing. Among the various other activities were music, square dancing, pumpkin painting, snacks, and fires.

Upon arriving at Patriot Park, tables were set up where students could register in a raffle to win Homecoming Hoedown t-shirts and grab a free bag of popcorn. After registering, more tables were set up to the side where students could get a fake, white, mini-pumpkin and choose from an assortment of colors to paint them. While it was nice to provide students with a creative and festive experience, such as pumpkin painting, many students were hoping to have real pumpkins to paint, as was the case in years

BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER

A good professor can be defined by their skills, but a great professor is defined by their respect for their students. Many argue that good university professors need to possess certain, essential qualities. This is true; effective teachers are skilled. However, what is more valuable to most students is whether they feel respected. Respect towards students looks like many things. It is not simply giving students the product (class hours) they are paying for.

An educator respects their students by knowing class content and communicating it well. Excellent professors put effort into presenting the class material in a way that can be understood. Their class exams match the material taught in class and through assignments. These

Hoco Hoedown

Fall Nights in the Burg

past. Nevertheless, students still enjoyed the pumpkins, with many students expressing their creativity through the painting of the pumpkins.

The dancing, however, was the highlight of the event for all students who attended. The DJ ensured everyone could participate by explaining specific dances, dance moves, and the pace at which each dancer should move. This allowed students who were not familiar with these dances to keep up with other students. While most of the songs were meant for Square Dancing, other songs, such as the “Cupid Shuffle” and the “Cha-Cha Slide,” were played to allow more students to join in. By mixing songs that students were familiar with and those that were less known, all students were able to enjoy the dancing aspect of the Hoco Hoedown. The dance floor was filled with students having fun the entire night.

During the event, there were two small fires where students could simultaneously warm up and make smores. There were also many cornhole stations where students who did not want to dance or paint pumpkins could go. This

Effective Educators What Makes A Good Professor?

educators are also humble enough to admit when they do not know the answer to a question and look for the answer or teach their students to find it for themselves. They are consistent in their policies and procedures but also understand the student’s needs and limitations. They show concern for those who need or want additional help by answering emails and meeting with them.

Again, a great professor can be defined by their respect for students and by the students’ respect for them. A professor’s enthusiasm is incredibly valued by students, making them more excited to learn. When students see that their professor enjoys the content they teach, they have more respect for them and may grow to love that area of study even more. Curiosity and enthusiasm in the classroom are also fostered by a professor who is dynamic and passionate about their field of study.

Respect is a mental orientation where a person values another’s point of view. As a rule, people are more likely to respect those who respect them. Not only will students honor respectful professors more, but they will also be better learners when taught with respect. American philosopher Nel Noddings formed some of the first comprehensive theories of care. Noddings saw that one of the most basic elements

event had activities for everyone who attended. Halfway through the hoedown, student volunteers who set up the event began drawing names for the raffle. Several names were called, so many students were lucky enough to win and receive these shirts to commemorate such a fun and exciting event.

Whether dancing is your forte or not, the Hoco Hoedown had something for all students. Although all of the activities were fun, witnessing the dancing was the most entertaining activity. The DJ was fantastic and helped make the night memorable, teaching the dancers what to do during specific dances. The fires were a great idea, not only for the smores but for the heat that all students desperately needed after spending so much time outside on such a chilly fall night. Having cornhole and a raffle set up was another great idea since it attracted many students who may not have attended. Throughout the night, students enjoyed themselves with many taking a much-needed break from studying.

of a relationship is displaying sympathy. The idea that showing consideration is essential to humans implies that where this care is lacking, humans may function at a lower level. Academically speaking, when educators show that they care about their students, students will learn at a higher level.

Professors who go beyond what is required and listen to their students are also incredibly valued by them. Students feel like their thoughts are impactful when a class discussion is encouraged and affirmed. When educators give informed feedback, students realize that their words matter. Professors prove that they care about their student’s well-being when they check in on them and actively listen to students’ responses. When professors listen to their students, they also gain a better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and worldviews. This more thorough understanding of where students are coming from can help educators create lessons that better challenge and encourage their students.

Overall, excellent professors are skilled, good communicators, enthusiastic about their class content, sympathetic toward their students; and show their students that they are valued by listening to them.

PHOTOS BY BRITTANY SMITH

PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. NANTZ

Letter From the Print Managing Editor

Hello Patriots,

I hope everyone had a restful and relaxing Fall break last week and is ready to begin the new biterm. With the leaves changing colors and the air getting colder, it is hard to believe that this semester is halfway over. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the Fall activies occuring both on-campus and in the community. Whether you like visiting pumpkin patches, going to a haunted house, or watching spooky movies, there is always something fun for everyone to do.

In this issue, you will see articles about the extraordinary wins by the women’s volleyball team as well as the men and women’s soccer teams. You will also see a helpful article on how to best manage your class schedule, extracurriculars, work, and any other obligations you may have. One of the most exciting articles in this week’s paper is on banned books, specifially on Banned Book Week and how to bring awareness to banned literature. As an English major, reading books is one of my favorite things to do, so bringing awareness to banned books is something I am passionate about. After reading the article, I hope you are too.

Remember, as new classes begin, please take care of yourself and take frequent study breaks. I hope you have a wondeful second biterm!

Sincerly, Cage Grubb

Staff

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

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

Halloween Word Scramble

Halloween Word Scramble

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ABTS

HOSGST ETCIHSW

MACIG

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PHOTO BY EMILIA MARTINEZ MORALES

A Stellar Effort

Dominant Performance Leads UC Volleyball Team to Victory

BY: EMILIA MARTINEZ MORALES DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR

Williamsburg, KY – The University of the Cumberlands’ Volleyball team roared back home, and the crowd was in for a treat as they secured a 3-0 victory against Freed-Hardeman at the UC Volleyball Gym. Fueled by stellar performances, the Patriots exhibited their prowess and determination on the court, delighting their fans. Their energy could be felt among the crowd, the sidelines, and on the court.

The game had its leaders’ players. The first one was Kendall Arnold. Arnold has been named Player of the Week multiple times so far this year. Arnold had a great game with 39 assists, six digs, and three kills. Allyson Grava also emerged as a standout player, leading the match with 14 kills, including eight crucial ones in the third set, and contributing seven digs. Anna Blumeier made a memorable impact with seven kills in the game. Juliet Banks showcased her defensive prowess, recording ten digs as well.

The Patriots wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the first set, Gipson and

Blumeier’s early kills set the tone, propelling Cumberlands up to a 4-1 lead. However, the Lions took the lead with a 6-4 lead over the Patriots. Yet, Gipson combined with Blumeier for a block, making it 13-9 with the Patriots back on top. Both teams kept scoring, but it was not until Arnold dished out five straight assists and added a kill to make it 21-12. Arnold finished the set with some kills to win the first set 25-14.

In the second set, the Lions were up 12-4 before UC started to attack. In this second set, Sara Zampedri, who has also been a key player this year, took a stand for UC to give them the win. The Lions kept the fight for the entire set, bringing it to an even score of 24-24. Nonetheless, Arnold, Zampedri, and Grave went for the kills to finish the set 26-24 and gave their team the advantage 2-0. The Patriots were performing well against the Lions.

Another patriot appeared Danielle Jackson, with a pair of kills, gave the Patriots the win in the last set to finish the game 3-0. The Patri-

ots had won against the Freed-Hardeman Lions. Cumberlands’ relentless offense resulted in 47 kills and an impressive .320 attacking percentage, underscoring their efficiency and skill on the court. The Cumberlands ended the game with both outstanding statistics and a spectacular outlook for the rest of the season.

Looking forward, the Patriots have another chance to secure an impressive win. With this victory fueling their spirits, the Patriots are geared up for their upcoming match against Freed-Harman again on Friday, October 7, but this time, the game will take place on the Lions’ court. UC’s remarkable performance showcased their talents and emphasized their strong teamwork and determination. As they continue their journey in the season, the Patriots are looking forward to the rest of the season. Be sure to check out the volleyball schedule to see the Patriot’s next home and away games and to cheer on UC’s Volleyball team.

Patriots Take on the Lions

Back-to- Back Action

BY: KAMRYN KEITH STAFF WRITER

The University of Cumberlands’ men’s and women’s soccer teams played Freed-Hardmen on October 4th. Both men’s and women’s teams took the win over the Panthers. The ladies played first because of their senior night ceremony. The women’s team had a great first quarter. They immediately started strong with Carola Fontan scoring a goal within the first five minutes of the game. During the first half, the Cumberlands scored eight goals. Carola Fontan, Nicole Araujo, Abigail Little, Judit Moya, and Jayden Boelter scored one or more of the eight goals in the first half. Many others assisted in those goals, including Anabel Luedecke, Carola Fontan, Olaya Blanco, Nicole Araujo, Jayden Boelter, Kallen Fuller, and Judit Moya. The Lady Patriots ended the first half of the match in an excellent position.

In the second half, the ladies came out just as strong and scored four more goals. Kallen Fuller was the first to score in

the second half. Following her were Madison Hudley, Samantha Sokolove, and Abigail Little, with Sokolove and Little scoring back-to-back goals for the Patriots. The remaining match showcased the aggressiveness of the Patriots as the other team was unable to take control of the ball for much of the match. Despite the challenging game, the Lady Patriots were able to pull out an extraordinary win. While the team’s season is not over yet, the team has a statistic of nine wins and two ties. These ladies still have a couple of games left this season, so check one of the games out before the season ends.

After the girls’ impressive win, the boys took the field. The men started out aggressive and determined. Within three minutes, the team scored their first goal of the night. Salvador Martinez was the one to score against the Panthers’ keeper while Skursch and Andersen gave Martinez an assist for the goal. As the quarter continued, the Patriots’ determination and drive never ceased. Halfway through the first quarter, the Patriots scored another goal.

The Panthers, however, were even more focused on getting a goal. The two points by the Patriots gave the Panthers the motivation to try to score. Five minutes after the Patriots scored their second point, the Panthers scored their first goal. Before the end of the first half, the Patriots scored yet another goal, ending the first half with a score of 3-1.

The Patriots began the second half with an excellent line of defense. The men were very aggressive and wanted to maintain

their lead over the Panthers. Over the course of the second half, the Patriots attempted many goals. Although many of the attempts

failed, the team never gave up on their desire to score. Towards the end of the game, the Patriots finally got the goal they were look ing for and, as a result, raised the score to 4-1. As the match came to an end, the score remained 4-1, making the men’s team the winner. This makes the Patriots’ season statistics 5-2-3; five wins, two losses, and three ties. Be sure to check out the men’s team before their season draws to a close.

Entertainment & Lifestyle

The Importance of Time Management

BY: SHAYRA CALDERON STAFF WRITER

One of the most important things college students must learn in college is time management. Time management involves learning how to properly manage your time wisely, and for college students, this should be a priority. Many students must juggle schoolwork, a job, a sport, and other extracurricular activities, making a 24hour day seem like hardly enough time to get everything done. Learning how to manage time can free students from stress, worry, and anxiety.

It is essential to plan out each day ahead of time. This is essential in noting the times students are available for plans with friends and family as well as when they are busy. To properly plan out the day, many individuals recommend buying a planner. This allows students to plan their schedules out days and even weeks ahead of time. Students should write down their class schedule, practice schedule, work schedule, and any other meetings they may have. This gives students a better idea of what their overall schedule looks like for a specific time.

Students should also fill in the times they plan on studying and working on assignments. Doing so will help with getting assignments turned in on time and studying for exams ahead of time. Planning out a schedule will ensure that none of your activities clash and that the schedule is not overbooked. However, it is important

A College Student’s Key to Success

to schedule time for self-care, relaxation, and breaks. Limiting the time spent on a cell phone is also an excellent way to free up time. Recent generations tend to get caught up on their phones that they do not realize how many hours are wasted scrolling through social media. Time is valuable and should not be wasted. Instead of scrolling for hours, students should try to fill those hours by doing something else, such as

studying, completing assignments, and eating.

A good way to ensure students are getting the most out of their day is by having a dayto-day schedule including the time planned for sleeping, waking, showering, and eating. These are all extremely essential to college success. By creating a detailed schedule, students improve their overall health, well-being, and academic performance. Without a properly planned schedule, some students may find it difficult to focus on schoolwork, attend class, and participate in their other responsibilities.

There are several advantages for students to properly manage their time. By setting a schedule every single day, students increase their desire to stay on a routine. However, students should map out time to socialize and be active outside of academics. By planning time to socialize, students will increase their well-being. It is a very rare occasion that a college student succeeds in college and life after college without their time being managed. If students start managing their time now it shows them ways that managing time will help them in the future. Learning how to manage time now will lead to students being successful in their careers and life in general.

The Fight Against Book Bans

Preserving the Right to Read

BY: CAGE GRUBB PRINT MANAGING EDITOR

Students, educators, politicians, and millions of other individuals have been fighting against the growing campaign to ban books for several decades. These individuals seek to preserve an individual’s freedom to read any material they choose. Yet, over the course of the last decade, book banning has increased throughout the United States. In 2022, for instance, the American Library Association (ALA) “documented 1,269 claims to censor library books and resources.” This was nearly double the amount of claims the association received in 2021. With an increase in the rise of book banning, many groups of people are actively seeking out ways to fight back against the seeming disappearance of the Freedom of Speech.

To help bring awareness to book banning, the ALA hosts “Banned Book Week” during the last week of September or the first week of October. This year “Banned Book Week” began on October 1 and ran until October 7, with this year’s theme being “Let Freedom Read.” The themes stress the importance of each American’s right to read and how banning books can be seen as an infringement of this right. “Banned Book

Week” not only brings awareness to the nationwide campaign to ban books, it actively fights back against this campaign. The ALA provides resources for school and public librarians, educators, and the public on how to effectively work against the banning of books. For many individuals, book banning seems to be a distant problem that does that affect them or any of the literature that they read. However, some of the most banned books of the past decade have been met with widespread public praise. Several of these books, such as “The Hunger Games,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “The Giver,” and “The Hate U Give,” have been adapted into popular films and have become essential in the popular culture of the United States. Yet, organizations seek to ban these books from schools and libraries.

In 2022, the state of Kentucky saw 22 attempts to restrict access to books and 70 specific titles challenged. This attempt to restrict children and young adults from reading material can be seen across all educational levels and in school districts across the state. While Kentucky has attempted to

restrict access to books several times, the state, in general, has far fewer attempts than other states like Texas and Florida. Texas, for example, saw 93 attempts to restrict access to books and 2349 specific titles challenged. Florida saw 35 attempts to restrict access to books and 991 specific titles challenged. Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” is the most challenged book in both Texas and Florida. With the rise in book bans across the United States, students and faculty at the University of the Cumberlands may wonder what they can do to fight against this campaign. Reading these challenged books is one of the best ways to fight against book bans. Reading what is presented in the literature allows students and faculty to better understand why an organization would want to ban the book and, therefore, allows them to better fight back against it. Talking to local libraries is another excellent way to fight back against book bans. This allows students and faculty to better understand the fight against book bans and shows one’s commitment to fight back against these bans.

PHOTO BY BRITTANY SMITH

PHOTO BY KHEBRION PUCHOON