The Patriot - September 21, 2022

Letter From the Managing Editor

Dear Patriots,Ihope

the past few weeks have treated you well. Getting back into the swing of things or even starting fresh can be difficult. This bi-term is halfway over, and we are almost ready to switch classes. Time is flying by, but we still have so much left to do. I know that this year is going to be a great one!

This is my first year with the paper, and I am beyond excited. I love reading and writing, so when I chose my majors, I knew that English and Communication Arts were the perfect ones for me. With a Journalism emphasis, you can showcase your ability to talk to others and display your flow of creativity. That is why I love the newspaper so much. I can come up with ideas and bring them to the public.

This year is going to be a great one. Lacie (the editor in chief) and I have many exciting ideas. We want to bring all of our concepts to life. Since the paper went on hiatus in the spring, we cannot wait to get back in the groove of things. We also want to get everyone on campus used to us printing again. We hope to go beyond the paper and dive further into the college community. Our goal is to grow our social media presence, print often, and stay up to date with online editions.

This issue will cover trends from the past, an art student’s work, and one of the most significant issues affecting not only our students but people globally: the death of Queen Elizabeth II. And that’s not all! We have several games, playlists, and fun additions along the way. We want to expand the topics we cover and would love to hear what you guys would like to read about! We want our newspaper to be appealing to everyone on campus, and by getting your opinions, we can do that.

Our first issue of The Patriot did very well, and we received great feedback from many people. We are beyond prepared to do more for the university and show you all our capabilities. I hope everyone enjoys their next few weeks. We cannot wait for the next issue. The best is yet to come! May God bless and show you all theBestway.of luck,

Editor-in-Chief Lacie DeGough

Managing Editor Mills

Faculty Advisor

Front cover by Elizabeth Spires

Back cover by Lacie DeGough

Email comments, concerns or tips to: TheWilliamsburg,7000orthepatriot@ucumberlands.educallusat606-539-4172CollegeStationDriveKentucky40769Patriotisthestudentpublication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timely and original content by highlighting campus news and views.

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Honoring Queen Elizabeth II

Britain’s Beacon of Inspiration

BY ANTHONY CAGE GRUBB Staff Writer

Photo by Ranald Mackechnie/courtesy of Buckingham Palace

The world mourns Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle on September 8. She was 96 years old. Her Majesty was queen of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms. At the time of her death, she was the head of state of fifteen countries. Upon her death, her son, Prince Charles, became King Charles III, and his wife, Camilla, became queen consort.

Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, as Princess Elizabeth of York. Her father, the Duke of York at the time, was the second son of King George V and was, therefore, not expected to be king. It was not until the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936 that Princess Elizabeth was expected to be queen and became the Heir Presumptive. Several years later, at 18, Princess Elizabeth joined Britain’s war effort during the Second World War. She trained as a mechanic. Three years later, the princess married Prince Phillip of Greece and Denmark in London on November 20, 1947. Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, after her father’s (King George VI’s) death. She was only 25 years old.

The 70 years of her reign were nothing short of historical. During her seven decades on the throne, she saw fifteen British Prime Ministers and met thirteen U.S. Presidents. Queen Elizabeth’s reign included the Falklands War, the appointment of Britain’s first female Prime Minister, the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, the independence of over forty British colonies, and several royal marriages and births. On September 9, 2015, she reached a substantial mark in her reign as she surpassed Queen Victoria to become Britain’s longestserving monarch.HerMajesty was a beacon of hope and an example of devotion and dedication to one’s country. On her 21st birthday, the then-Princess Elizabeth declared that her entire life “whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your

service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong” (April 21, 1947). This declaration was the foundation of her life and reign as queen. The example of lifelong servitude and devotion set forth by the queen has inspired and encouraged countless people around the globe. Ricardo Lopes de Matos, a senior at the University of the Cumberlands hailing from the United Kingdom, described the impact Her Majesty had on him, saying, “Queen Elizabeth II encouraged me to feel proud of where I’m from and who I am!”

In recent years, Queen Elizabeth has become quite a popular figure with the release of the Netflix series, The Crown. This television series details the life of Her Majesty and the obstacles she faced throughout her reign. The Crown has given the public a dramatized look into the personal and public life of the queen and members of her family. The Netflix series has sparked an interest in Her Majesty and the British monarchy in younger generations, many of whom have found inspiration from her difficulties. Queen Elizabeth II lived a life full of duty, dedication, and love to her family and country. Her inspiration, encouragement, and strength have left a valuable impact on countless people, which will last generations. Lopes de Matos also commented on the impact of The Crown, saying that “it allowed [him] to understand what she had done in her reign.” He also said seeing “her influence on the United Kingdom and other countries was very cool to watch.”

Her Majesty laid in state until Monday, September 19, when the funeral procession began. The funeral procession traveled from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral Service. After the funeral service, the procession traveled to St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. The queen now lays to rest next to her husband, Prince Phillip.

A Universal Studio

Encouraging Expression and Reflection Through Artistic Creativity

BY ELIZABETH SPIRES Staff Writer

The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things but their inward significance.

– Aristotle –

Art can be a difficult element to describe and define. Put rather simply, art is the act or result of an expression. Art may take the form of a painting, a drawing, a photograph, a piece of music, a theatrical performance—the list goes on and on.

Rachel Wade, a sophomore at the University of the Cumberlands, has a passion for art and expression. She is dedicating her time as a student here within the Art and Theater Departments, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Art and Theater Arts minor. Local art expositions have displayed some of her work. She also publicly shares her work on social media under her artist’s name, “Eclectica.” In due time, Wade hopes to combine her two areas of study to become a costume designer.

Wade says that she has always been very artistic, calling upon memories of her childhood when she would draw on the walls of her home as well as her neighbor’s car. “My parents couldn’t put a piece of paper in front of me without me drawing on it,” she says. Wade has only developed her passion more deeply as she grows as an artist, experimenting with digital and tangible mediums. When asked whether her art was created solely with an internalized purpose or if she created pieces with others in mind, Wade responded by explaining that her

work is the result of both concepts. “There is a lot of self-reflection, but I want my art to be universal, something that can speak to anybody,” she explained.

Wade finds most of her inspiration stemming from mental health issues. She strives to “turn emotions into a physical piece,” something relatable and tangible for others to relate to and find meaning in. University of the Cumberlands’ psychology professor, Mrs. Lyndsay Baker, expounds upon art’s benefits in mental health issues. Baker states, “Many benefits occur when using art to help improve our mental health. Artistic expression can aid in providing a safe outlet for emotions, in turn, allowing someone to experience a sense of control over their life.” There is something special and unique about a physical piece, bringing reflection, validation, and consolidation to an intangible feeling or emotion. Art, whether expressed through acrylics, theatrics, or music, is an extremely useful and beneficial way of coping.

Baker further explains, “Other benefits include boosting self-esteem and getting to know yourself better. Time spent in artistic activity all the way to merely crafting provides those struggling with a sense of accomplishment and self-expression which will aid in the healing process.”

What is the takeaway? Spending time in the studio is one avenue to addressing a major universal issue about mental health by encouraging expression, reflection, confidence, and an overall improved sense of self.

Photos by Rachel Wade, Elizabeth Spires, and Izabella Buck

Saved by the Bell Bottoms Past Trends That Are Back in 2022

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

It is safe to say that humanity loves nostalgia. We love nostalgia so much that we see trends from the past reemerge every year. Here are five past trends that made a reappearance in recent times.

MULLETS

Although there is heavy debate on whether or not this haircut is actually stylish or not, people have definitely brought these back into the 21st century. There has also been a rebranded version of this haircut called a “wolf cut.” This hairstyle is an edgy version of a mullet for people who don’t want to say they have a mullet.

BIKER SHORTS

You used to be able to spot these shorts in every aerobics class in the 1980s. Now, they are common again in everyday fashion. This style of shorts became popular in the past, trending for a brief period in the 90s due to Princess Diana’s influence. They are very comfortable shorts, which could explain why they are trending again.

VINYL RECORDS

Just when everyone thought these had died out, vinyl records started popping back up in stores. Not only can you find them at record stores, but they are also available in department stores such as Walmart and Target. They even sell vinyl records of current artists. It seems that many people fell back in love with the nostalgia of vinyl, proving that vinyl is timeless.

FLARED PANTS

This style of pants—once a fashion staple in the 1970s—has made its reappearance in the fashion world. If you walk into any clothing store like Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and even Walmart, you are guaranteed to find some flared pants for sale on the clothing rack. Some of the most popular styles of these pants are denim and graphic leggings. These pants help outfits achieve a retro vibe.

Y2K STYLE

Filled with crop tops, tracksuits, and hot pink and bedazzled everything, the Y2K style of the early 2000s has become popular again. Currently, some of the most popular trends reemerging are claw clips, crop tops, baguette purses, ribbed cardigans, and wide-legged jeans. Social media (especially TikTok) has helped the style regain popularity, with many creators posting their Y2K inspired outfits online. Even the hit HBO Max show Euphoria has helped the style become popular again due to some characters sporting Y2K inspired styles. It is also possible that we all just miss our childhood; this could explain why this style is trending again.

Whether or not you think these trends should have come back, all of them are already here. Some of them may be here to stay for a while, and some may turn out to be nothing more than a short fad. So, if you have not already partaken in one of these trends, you may find yourself doing so soon.

Photos by Elizabeth Spires

What’s Your

What Do Our Students Order on Campus? Take on the Fall Crossword

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

Photo by Elizabeth Spires Cozy Crossword

Have you ever wondered what other people order at campus dining locations?

Or do you simply want suggestions on what to order? Here are some of the things that students love to eat at UC!

HABANEROS

Rachel Wade: Salad with rice, chicken, queso, banana peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, corn, and chipotle sauce with sour cream.

Lacie DeGough: Quesadilla with chicken, shredded cheese, queso, black beans, and extra cilantro.

CHICK-FIL-A

Cammie Shuman: Breaded nuggets, waffle fries, and a Dr. Pepper.

Eunice Tapia: Spicy chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and water.

CUMBERLAND RIVER COFFEE

Rachel Wade: Blended cookies and cream with a shot of espresso.

Thomas Bemiss: Hot chai latte.

PETE’S EATS

Elizabeth Spires: Chicken quesadilla with fries, ranch, and Pete’s sauce.

Summer Mills: Veggie burger, kettle chips, and a Dr. Pepper.

We hope you enjoyed reading a few examples of what our students (including a few of our own staff members) order at the restaurants around campus. Are you going to try any of these orders?

BY CASSIDY HOWARD Staff Writer

Photo by

Meet the Staff

Introducing Two Members of the Patriot’s Staff

Elizabeth Spires Staff Writer/Photographer

1. What year are you in college?

I am a senior, set to graduate in December of this year.

2. What is your major/minor, and why did you choose this/ these program(s)?

I am majoring in English Literary Studies and minoring in French. I chose to pursue these two degrees because of my love of language, literature, and education. I plan to travel abroad to teach English as a foreign language while also holding a position as an online adjunct professor of English.

3. What do you do outside of school?

Outside school, I enjoy photography, hiking, reading, writing, and exercising.

4. What three words describe you?

Three words that describe me are determined, hardworking, and studious.

5. What would you do if you could be doing anything right now and money was not an issue?

If I could do anything right now, I would be living somewhere in Europe (preferably on a waterfront) with a job teaching English and running my own coffee shop.

Amber Simpkins Staff Writer

1. What year are you in college?

I am currently in my sophomore year.

2. What is your major/minor, and why did you choose this/ these program(s)?

I am a Communication Arts major and a Theatre Arts minor. I chose to major in Communication Arts because I hope to have a career in media one day, and I chose to minor in Theatre Arts because theatre is something that I really enjoy participating in.

3. What do you do outside of school?

Outside of school, I am probably binge-watching a show or watching a movie. I really enjoy film, especially anything of the horror or thriller genre.

I also like to write in my free time. I enjoy creative writing, and sometimes I journal.

4. What three words describe you?

I would say three words that describe me are creative, easy-going, and nice.

5. What would you do if you could be doing anything right now and money was not an issue?

I have always wanted to visit somewhere in the New England area (like Massachusetts or Connecticut) during the fall season, so that is probably what I would be doing right now. I think the area is so pretty during the fall and has a very cozy feel. I would really enjoy spending Halloween there.

TopLacie’sPicks

Lacie DeGough, the editor in chief of our newspaper, is giving you an exclusive look into her music tastes with this Spotify playlist!

Photos by Elizabeth Spires

Graphic by Lacie DeGough