The Patriot- Spring 2024- Issue 5

University of the Cumberlands Student Newspaper

University Art Gallery Student Art in Leuker

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

The University of the Cumberlands is a school that cares about its students. This is because the university provides students with free books, four-day work weeks, and the opportunity to have a job on campus. One thing that the school has to help encourage students is an art gallery. This gallery allows students to showcase their artwork and lets others admire the pieces. The exhibit is smaller than most galleries, but there is no talent shortage. This gallery has many works of art by wonderful students.

When entering the gallery, a book and pen sit near the door for visitors to sign in. While it is not mandatory to sign, it is a nice way for the administration to see how many students and staff interact with the students’ unique

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pieces. To ensure that each student’s art is noticed and appreciated, the walls are completely white, and each piece has a light shining on it. Each student has an equal amount of space to show off their work. The university does a good job of allowing students to have their spotlight.

Although this gallery has little space, the school made sure to create a space to showcase many different students’ art. The gallery is only one room wide, but a wall is in the middle to ensure the department can display more pieces. Each piece has a few tidbits of information next to it. This information includes the student artist, the title, and the type of artwork. For example, if a student made a landscape drawing and hung it up in the art gallery, it would

Beach Reach

have their name, the title, and the landscape. This gallery is beautiful and an excellent way to learn more about art. Students can see differences in art styles when viewing the various pieces.

While this art gallery is a fantastic opportunity for students, many are unaware of its magnificent existence. With it being in such a hidden place, there needs to be more emphasis on the gallery. With Cumberlands stu dents being so supportive of each other, more people would visit the gallery if they knew about it. Art is an essential part of life, and it is a shame that more people do not know about this school’s creative outlet. Go check it out on the second floor of the Leuker building.

Cumberlands Students See Lives Changed in Panama City

Over Spring break, many University of the Cumberlands’ students sacrificed their time to serve others. Some of these service opportunities include UC’s nonprofit program Mountain Outreach, Immanuel Baptist Church’s mission trip to New Orleans, and Campus Ministries’ Beach Reach trip. Beach Reach is a ministry to spring breakers on the beaches of Panama City, Florida. Every year, the Gulf Coast hosts thousands of college students from across the nation. Beach Reach was initiated in 1980 by Buddy Young, a seminary student and part-time college minister from Dallas, Texas. Young, and a small group of students, went to South Padre Island, Texas, during spring break. They camped in tents and shared the gospel with spring breakers year after

year. Later, the group realized that they could minister to spring breakers in a more practical way by offering free rides. This shuttle ministry provided more time for the Christian students to share how Christ had impacted their lives and to listen to the stories of spring breakers. Eventually, the teams also started offering free pancakes as another way to meet the needs of spring breakers. In 1995 the South Padre mission expanded to reach Panama City Beach, Florida.

Since the 1990s, hundreds of Christian college students volunteer their spring breaks to offer free shuttles and pancakes to Panama City Beach tourists. UC students have recently been participating since 2022. This year, UC’s Campus Ministries attended with their biggest group yet. Forty-two people including students, Campus Ministries staff, and Cumberlands faculty joined with other campuses for the third week of Beach Reach 2024.

While in Panama City, students attended trainings on safety and presenting the Gospel in addition to the training Cumberlands CM required to prepare for Beach Reach. Cumberland’s CM staff encouraged the UC students to share how God has transformed their lives with their group. This led to sweet times of testimony and let the students and staff get to know each other better. During the day students enjoyed free time on the beach, group games, and sermons and worship hosted by Beach Reach. At

night, students were divided into prayer, pancake, street, and shuttle teams to share God’s love from nine p.m. until two a.m. The campuses assigned to prayer teams would stay in the worship room and pray over the teams who were out. The prayer team also prayed over the requests sent to the PCB live prayer feed by the other teams. The groups assigned to make pancakes provided free late-night breakfast to spring breakers at a local church. Street teams were made up of three to five students who walked the PCB strip handing out cards advertising free shuttles and pancakes and sharing the Gospel with spring breakers who were waiting in line at different bars, restaurants, and clubs. Shuttle teams provided free rides to spring breakers who called for them and intentionally listened to their beliefs, shared the Gospel, and prayed for them.

UC junior, Claire Hunter, said that her experience at Panama City Beach “was a life-changing trip.” She added that “It was a great opportunity to share the love of God with spring breakers and present the Gospel to them in conversations.”

Kristen Jones, a Cumberlands senior, described her experience at Beach Reach while serving on the street teams as “a wild ride, but easy to get into the groove.” She said that “through it all God shows his power and dominion over the evil in this world and always opens up people’s hearts for good Gospel conversations.” The experience was powerful for all students and staff involved.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLY KENNEDY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SYDNEY SCHWENKE

SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER

Hey everyone!

I am so grateful that you all have been with our staff up to this point. We appreciate everyone who reads our paper. You encourage us to continue this work! We have made some significant progress this year. Without the paper and our audience, we would not have been able to reach our community. Writing, editing, and photographing for the paper is one of the best things I have ever done.

This issue has articles about our views on classes ranging in topic. One piece specifically focuses on students and their amazing work, which is on display in the art gallery on campus. We want to highlight this amazing place from one art medium to another! We focus on spring and events that took place earlier this season. So far, this spring looks like it will be a great one.

There is only a month left of school. It is hard for me to fathom that I will graduate soon. The Patriot will be releasing one issue after this one. I hope it will end the year off and my time as editor properly. By the end of the year, you can find all of our issues from this year online. Our staff hopes to get everything we can backed up on the website before next semester. Doing this will make the newspaper available in various forms and, therefore, more accessible. I hope this encourages more people to read The Patriot and get involved with the paper.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a great couple of weeks! Study hard and do the best you can. Always remember you are doing a lot just by being here, so take the time necessary to get to your future.

Love, Summer Mills

BY: KAMRYN KEITH

Catch N’ Dealz opened about a year ago in Corbin, Kentucky. People are just now learning about this amazing business. The store is only open on Tuesday and Thursday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. It is in the old flea market. The building is to the right of Corbin Walmart. They also have a Facebook page called Catch N’ Dealz, which has their location and number. This store is not like others, though. It is a pallet store. They buy pallets of a bunch of different kinds of things. They then go and sell it for around 50% off. It is a great place to shop if you love getting items for a discounted price.

One customer said, “It is an amazing place to get some really good deals.” He told

Amber Simpkins

Emily Sloan

Kamryn Keith

Shayra Calderon

Sydney Schwenke

Staff Photographers

Brittany Smith

Khebrion Puchoon

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Catch N’ Dealz

Corbin’s Intriguing Store

us about the best deal he got: “a really awesome monitor that is typically $500 for only $200!” This place has some pretty great deals. Another customer said they got a Polaroid camera for $30 when it is usually $100. That same customer also got some used items, like new Beats, for $40 when they are usually $100. They sell things that are either brand new or barely used.

Not only do they have electronics, but they have a bunch of other necessities. These items range from detergents for clothes, dish soaps, scented beads, and so much more. They also have shampoos and many products the typical person uses daily. The products are also much cheaper than they would be in any other store. They have many great deals on supplies that would be more expensive in other stores.

Another thing they have for sale is food. Customers do have to be somewhat wary of these products. Workers get them out of pallets and do not always notice that some food is outdated. Most food is in good condition. It is also cheaper than in grocery stores. They have good water, pop, and energy drinks. They are all marked down and are more affordable. The pallet store has many goodies. The next item they have is clothes and toys. They sell fun toys for kids and many brands of clothes. One store they typically receive items from is Target. Of course, it is also sold cheap-

er than you would find at the stores. They also sell many things in bulk. Many people will buy these boxes and resell the item for more than the worth of the entire box. The resale profit is always so much better than what you bought it for. The best thing they sell is pallets. They have big pallets outside with great stuff. They can go from $100-$1,000. Products range from robot vacuums, vinyl record players, dog food, cat litter, air purifiers, and so much more. They have a lot of variety as well. This store is like no other store. Every person should visit to see the variety it holds. The best thing about it is you never know what you will find. The store has new items every day they are open. They constantly restock, even throughout the day. Make sure to check it out and find some good deals.

PHOTO BY AMANDA GAULT

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIGER LILY

STAFF WRITER

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

Interview With an Online Student Do Online Students Get The Same College Experience?

As many students are aware, the University of the Cumberlands, along with many other colleges, offers an online option. While some students find the choice between an in-person experience or an online one difficult, others find it exceptionally easy. Some people love being on campus, enjoy their course load, and find joy in all the possibilities. Other students, however, prefer the university’s online option. While there are plenty of reasons for a student to choose to go online, it is important to remember that online schooling is just as important as on campus. One could argue that the experience might even be better.

Abby Perkins is an online student here at UC. She started this school year as a commuter but ultimately decided that on-campus schooling was not for her. When asked why she decided to make the switch to online school she was very open and said, “I chose to switch online so I didn’t have to make the drive every day and so that I could work more.” Perkins did not live on campus, which can be hard for many students. Managing time for class and homework, having a job, and even buying gas as a commuter can be stressful for students. Many individuals do not realize how draining it can feel to commute dai

ly, especially with the evening and nightly events taking place on campus.

By making this decision, Perkins was able to get a job, which allows her to save for her future, while also thriving academically: “I do enjoy being able to make money while I’m working towards my degree. I like that I’m getting the opportunity to start saving now instead of waiting.” While students can attend both on-campus school and work, doing so many be easier for students who take classes online. When asked about the difficulty of her online classes, Perkins responded, “I feel like my classes are a lot easier to handle online since I can have a more flexible work schedule.”

That is not to say that taking classes online is a simple task. Participating in school while also working requires serious time management. On top of keeping up with school, students must also be good workers. It can be easy for anyone to get behind in a class or on an assignment, but when a student has other responsibilities, it can be even harder to catch up.

However, while there are a lot of positives that come with being an online student, there are also several negative aspects. Online students do not get the same “college expe

rience” as on-campus students. When asked about this, Perkins said, “I do not feel like I have the typical college experience since I’m not in an in-person class with other students.” She goes on to express, “I do feel like it’s different for on-campus students since they get to be more social and have classes at a specific time.” That can be difficult, but for some, going online is worth it.

Whether a student attends college online or on campus, their education is vital. Although their experiences differ vastly, the student is still pursuing an education. To some, it is easier or more convenient. To others, they could not imagine going online. Regardless, students need to choose the correct learning method for themselves.

STEM and The Humanities

The Importance of Both

BY: ALLY KENNEDY STAFF WRITER

There seems to always be a debate about which type of major is better: STEM or humanities. There are oppositions from both sides about which is better but both are important to the value of everyday life. Most people know that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Careers in fields like these rely on intelligent people who are curious and hardworking. Just like STEM has various majors, the humanities are the same. Humanities involves art, music, history, language, religious studies, and many more. Humanities students study humans and specific aspects of their society. Where STEM majors want to understand logical aspects of life, Humanities majors wish to understand the human experience. It is es

sential to realize that although these majors are different, they are both critical to the world.

People tend to look down upon Humanities majors, but why should they? People are different and have varying interests. The world tries to judge people on everything, from what they look like to what they enjoy, and it is time for it to end. Some people like math, and some people like English. Why should society value one but discourage the other? While STEM majors are critical to society, that does not mean that Humanities majors are not. Art and music are as essential to modern-day life as science, math, engineering, and technology.

Understanding the importance of people studying and working in careers revolving around science, math, technology, and math is essential. Without them, society would not be able to advance in the ways it does. From medical breakthroughs to technological advancements, society would be lost without them. However, that is not to say that people in the humanities field do not change the world.

When asked about the situation, University of the Cumberlands art major Kylie Monhollen voiced her thoughts. “While STEM careers are plenty important, humanities are just as important because they require us to think when observing- whether it be looking at an art piece, reading a novel, or listening to a song. We can

connect with the music and the art and immerse ourselves in those novels. Both STEM and humanities work to provide a better future for human civilization. In the past, the humanities inspired people to stand up for their beliefs and voice their opinions. It gives us a voice, whether under a pen name, stage name, or alias. Humanities make us human.” She says, “Art, music, and literature, to name a few, explain the human experience perfectly. Humans use these tools to express their feelings, bring awareness to problems, and voice their ideas and opinions. They help us describe who we are, what we believe in, and wish to do.”

While it is important to value STEM majors, it is essential to value humanities majors like Kylie. Science, technology, engineering, and math advance society, but so do literature and art. While both fields are important, they are important in different ways. Regardless, valuing each field and its contributions to the world is essential.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VLADA KARPOVICH

PHOTO COURTESY ALEXANDER GREY

Lifestyle

Could Mexico Have A Female President? Women’s History Month Aftermath

BY: KAMRYN KEITH STAFF WRITER

March is the month that celebrates women around the globe. In honor of Women’s History Month, all eyes are on the woman who could be the first female president of Mexico. Claudia Sheibaum is running for the position of President of Mexico. She has a lead of 59 percent of the vote according to the February poll. She is ahead of Senator Xóchitl Gálvez, who is trailing her with 36 percent of votes. She could very well be the first woman to be President of Mexico.

Sheibaum is 61 years old and is a mystery to the people of Mexico, she remains popular throughout the country. She is a physicist and protege of the current president. She maintains a similar appearance to the current president, while also adopting many of his policies. Sheibaum promises to continue with the current president’s policies while also incorpo rating her own ideas into her political mission. Currently, Sheibaum is the mayor of Mexico City. She is also a member of Morena which is a governing party. Her position as mayor

and her closeness with the current president keeps Sheibaum a popular figure. Sheibaum’s policies also keep her popular among the citizens of Mexico as well. One of her prominent policies is an antipoverty program that has saved 25 million people. It has also helped lower gas prices and electricity bills. Although she has not been a part of those programs directly, she does plan to keep them running if she becomes the next pres ident. Sheibaum wants to focus on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. She has had different opinions than the current president before. During the pandemic, she followed scientific reporting while he downplayed the virus and its effects. These two figures have different views on subjects, but she does plan to follow many ideas he has done before. Sheibaum is not the first woman to run for president, but she has the potential to overcome the odds and become the first female President of Mexico. She is eager to help the people of Mexico and continue many of the useful agencies and programs. Among these programs and policies include improvement to the police force and eliminating the crime rate throughout the country. She wants to improve their police force by giving more training and increasing their salaries. Sheibaum also wants to change the military’s power by increasing the presence of private police investigators. There has been a rise in crimes since the previous elections, so she has prioritized fixing that problem where it is so current. While Sheibaum has concrete ideas and policies that she wishes to introduce into the country, she also plans to tackle any problems the country encounters.

The upcoming election will be held in June. Sheibaum’s potential road to the presidency shows that women can do anything they put their minds to. Her goal to be president shows the world that women, at any age, have the potential to do anything they set their minds too.

Spring Renewal

BY: SYDNEY SCHWENKE STAFF WRITER

Spring Renewal provided games, food, sermons, and worship times to encourage Cumberlands students to grow closer to God. UC’s Campus Ministries hosted the March 11-13 event. Students enjoyed yard games, pancakes, s’mores, and ice cream outside of Gatliff Chapel before the services.

The speaker, Nate Hilgencamp, graduated from Baylor University and Truett Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He is currently serving in Waco, Texas, as the college minister for Harris Creek Baptist Church. The speaker is also a cohost for the “Becoming Something” podcast with Jonathan Pokluda and Kathy Davidson. Hilgencamp intentionally connected with the UC community by hiking with students and Campus Ministries staff. He also saw some aspects of Appalachian Ministry when he attended a Williamsburg neighborhood with Campus Minister Jacob Ratliff and Appalachian Ministry Graduate Assistant Ashley Tucker. Hilgencamp presented three sermons with the titles: “Who Am I?”, “What Have We Done?” and “Who Can You Trust?”. These

messages are based on the scriptures of 1 Peter 1, Genesis 3, and Numbers 13. Nate Hilgencamp said that as he prepared for Spring Renewal’s topic, he took content from “three sermons that I have given somewhat recently at our church that seemed like they resonated with the themes and with students.” He added that the sermons practically had “a trial run” because of this. Hilgencamp said that his aim with his sermons is to “help people learn something and help people follow God.”

University of the Cumberlands student AJ Reynolds said his biggest takeaway from Spring Renewal is “That God will protect us and care for us even after we sin from the beginning until the end.”

Karleigh Prater, a UC student, said, “My big takeaway was just seeing the contrast between Adam and the way he introduced sin and shame in the beginning, and then Jesus is on the other end of the story with the removal of shame and sin. So, I feel like that was just so cool to see God in the place of us and removing and undoing the wrong we did.”

Brianna Gilcreast, a Cumberlands student, re-emphasized Prater’s statement: “My biggest takeaway was about how Jesus makes ev-

erything new, and he takes all the broken parts of us and puts them back together and makes us whole again. Everything that we see in Genesis (with Adam doing wrong) Jesus makes it right through his sacrifice and resurrection from the dead.”

On night three, Cumberlands student Alex Doty stated, “One of the key takeaways from Spring Renewal this week is that we need to have the radical expectancy that God’s going to work. We have to completely surrender to him and trust in what he is going to do. So that we can see what he’s going to do in our lives.”

Campus Ministries invited the ice cream truck business A Little Something Extra to the last night of Spring Renewal. Michelle Norwood runs the company with her son Hunter, the CEO. The organization A Little Something Extra brings awareness to people with Down Syndrome. They gave UC students sweet treats before worship on Wednesday night.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICKY ESQUIZEL

Campus Ministries Hosts Spring Worship Services

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS