The Patriot - November 16 2022

Letter From the Managing Editor

Hello,

I cannot believe how fast this bi-term is going by. Only two weeks left until we get to stuff our faces with all sorts of lovely, homemade Thanksgiving food. And after that, only about a week or so until we are off for winter break. I do not know if I am more excited about Thanksgiving or Christmas. They both bring promises of some amazing home-cooked meals. As a girl who grew up in Kentucky, I know there is nothing better than going to your grandma’s house for some fried food and every casserole possible. Grandmas go all out on holidays and leave us questioning why there is so much food (we still eat it, though). I know we are all excited to open up presents too. Even as adults, we get happy over the smallest things we receive. Why do our parents start acting like they should stop giving us gifts now? This age is when we need it the most. The end of the year is the best because all the holidays are near one another.

Here at The Patriot, we discussed growing our social media. We created a TikTok account, and it is up and running! Our team cannot wait to start posting news and clips you all want to see! Please let us know what kind of content you are interested in, whether that be via Instagram DM to @ucthepatriot, an email to thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu, or you send a video of a trend to our TikTok @ uc_thepatriot. Lacie, our editor in chief, and I also have a special video project in the works. We have put so much time and effort into this project. I anticipate that it will be many more hours and long days, but we will not have it any other way. The project will release near the end of the bi-term, so be on the lookout! We plan to do many behind-the-scenes looks so that you can follow along with us.

This issue will include an article about our new TikTok, as well as a piece on how to learn something new. Continuing with the autumnal theme, one of our staff members has written about fall foods that residents can make in your dorm— this piece will have us all wishing that Thanksgiving break would come sooner. If you make any of our staff members recipes tag us on social media for a chance to be featured! We are very excited to highlight the marching band with a semester recap. They had a great season and are a tremendous asset to our campus. Everyone here at The Patriot hopes that you thoroughly enjoy this issue!

Love, Summer Mills

Editor-in-Chief Lacie DeGough

Managing Editor

Summer Mills

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Staff

Izabella Buck

Erica Dick

Nathan Evans

Maddie Furtick

Anthony Cage Grubb

Tony Hensley

Cassidy Howard

Alyssa King

Ashlyn Liddle

Amber Simpkins

Hannah Mae Sizemore Elizabeth Spires

Front cover photo by Elizabeth Spires Back cover graphic by Lacie DeGough

Email comments, concerns or tips to: thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu or call us at 606-539-4172

7000 College Station Drive Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769

The Patriot is the student publication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timely and original content by highlighting campus news and views.

Award-winning member of the Associated Collegiate Press and Kentucky Press Association.

Photo by Elizabeth Spires

Falling for These Recipes

Fall Recipes That are Dorm Room Friendly

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

It is fall, and you most likely crave fall treats such as apple pie and pumpkin-flavored desserts! If you are unsure how to make these things inside your dorm room, do not worry! Here are three fall recipes you can make inside your dorm room: apple crumble mug cake, pumpkin mug cake, and caramel apples. Some recipes require more ingredients than others, but all three are easy to follow and, most importantly, are dorm friendly.

1. Apple Crumble Mug Cake

This meal is a little like apple pie, but you can make this inside your microwave instead of in an oven. You will need a microwave-safe mug to place all of your ingredients. First, mix 3 tbsp of flour, 1 tbsp of brown sugar, 1⁄2 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/8 tsp of baking powder. Then mix in 1 tbsp of applesauce, ½ tbsp of oil, ½ tbsp of milk, and 1/8 tsp of vanilla essence. For the topping, mix 1 tbsp of butter, 2 tbsp of flour, and 1 tbsp of brown sugar and sprinkle it all over the top. Lastly, microwave for a minute and then enjoy.

2. Pumpkin Mug Cake

It is fall, so it is the season of everything pumpkin flavored. This list would not be complete without having a pumpkin-flavored recipe! To start, you will need a microwave-safe mug for this recipe too. First, mix 4 tbsp of allpurpose flour, 2 tbsp of white granulated sugar, 1 tsp of baking powder, ½ tsp of cinnamon, ¼ tsp of nutmeg, a pinch of ground clove, ¼ tsp of ground ginger, and

a pinch of salt in the mug. Then stir in 3 tbsp of milk, 2 tbsp of pumpkin purée, and ½ tsp of vanilla extract; make sure to mix well. Then microwave on high for 2 minutes. You can add toppings such as whipped cream or icing if you like.

3. Caramel Apples

If you want an easier snack that does not involve a lot of ingredients, then this recipe is for you. Caramel apples are a classic fall treat that is easy to make. First, you will need an apple and a skewer. You can get any apple, but the recommended type is a Granny Smith apple, as they are said to be the best apple for caramel apples because the sourness balances out the sweetness of the toppings you put on the apple. You can use premade caramel dip that heats in the microwave or make your own with just two ingredients. You need to microwave unwrapped caramels and 4 tbsps of heavy whipping cream for 30-second intervals to stir it together. It will take 2-3 minutes to get it fully microwaved. Then, dip the apples in the caramel and whatever toppings you choose. You can dip your apple in sprinkles, nuts, M&Ms, etc. Get creative with this recipe if you like! After dipping, you must let your apple sit in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. Then you can enjoy it!

All three recipes are delicious fall treats you can enjoy inside your dorm. We hope you try at least one of these recipes and find it tasty too. Are you going to try any of these recipes?

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

Keep Marching On

The Patriot Marching Band Season Recap

BY HANNAH MAE SIZEMORE Staff Writer

Pushing off with their right feet to start marching with their left, stepping on the correct counts, making it to their correct spots in the proper amount of time, and fitting into the shape, all while performing, is something all marching band students can proudly say is tough but fun. From band camp to band day, the members work many hours weekly to bring a high-quality show to the University of the Cumberlands. Whoever said multitasking is impossible was clearly never a marching band member. Their hard work throughout the season deserves praise and recognition.

Band camp for our Patriots went as follows: all-day practices, stretching, high temperatures, sunshine, saying hi to the clouds when they provided shade, bugs (an excessive number of bugs), exercise, sore muscles, making new friends, reuniting with old friends, and creating great memories. Many people felt accomplished after a hard day’s work. Heading home after those twelvehour practices felt rewarding. It was tiring but fun. After band camp was over, the members of the Patriot Marching Band still dedicated a lot of their time to the band, with practices Monday through Thursday preparing them for their upcoming performances.

This season was all about superheroes. The band performed familiar theme songs, including hits from The Incredibles, Spider-Man, and more. The marching band’s fun at football games started the second they entered the arena. They marched in, performed the pregame show, and headed to the stands! The fun did not stop there. Performing not only took place on the field but also in the stands. Based on how the game was going, the band would react accordingly.

Win or lose; the group made great memories. Kaylee Burke, a sophomore at UC, states, “In the stands is one of the best feelings in the world. I am very much an introvert, so when I am in the stands, I get to shout and scream and get out of my comfort zone. It is a feeling that is indescribable. It makes me feel at home when I am in the stands knowing I am at work but also doing my forever career.” She is an Activities Director for the band. At halftime, the band took the field, performed their show, then went back to the stands until the game was over. Performing for these students may have appeared easy, but the effortless display resulted from the effort put into every set they played. The marching band is not easy, despite what you may hear from an outsider. And while a new member can join, it is not expected to be picked up overnight. Spinning a flag for the Color Guard and playing these songs takes practice. According to senior and drum major Drew Shannon, “People think because they can access music any time and they can sing along to stuff, that musicians can just make music on the spot, but there is a lot that goes into making music and being able to improvise like that; it requires years of training and skill.”

At the end of the season, the band got together to celebrate each other’s accomplishments. The leadership crew served a dinner called “The Suddz Crew.” Every band member got recognition, awards went out, and we remembered the season with a collage video. After everything was said and done, one of the drum majors called the group to attention one final time, and everyone left. Marching band means a lot to many people. The music department, in general, is essential and should not go unnoticed.

Photos courtesy of Shawn Sudduth

Take the First Step

The UC Counseling Center Offers Help for Students

BY ALYSSA KING Staff Writer

The Counseling Center is a safe place for faculty and students alike. The building housing mental health services is behind the Correll Science Center, beside the greenhouse. The Counseling Center offers help for students dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental illnesses. College is a challenging time filled with young adults dealing with higher stress levels than they may at home. For many, this is their first real experience with “adulting”—living independently and managing their schedule. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed; in fact, it is a common experience while growing up in today’s world. However, reaching out and getting help to manage stress is crucial. The Counseling Center has a therapy dog in training named Oaklee, which is very close to leveling up in training. Oaklee helps people with anxiety and stress and relaxes students who miss their pets.

One thing that helps to overcome anxiety is a support group or a group of friends that can help when you are feeling down. Behavioral Health Therapist, Amy Hatcher, leads a group program for new and existing clients with anxiety. The group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m, and to participate, students must first make an appointment with the Counseling Center, as it is for clients only. To schedule an appointment with the center, students can call (606) 5393566 or email counselingcenter@ucumberlands.edu. The group provides relaxing activities like painting and hiking to help ease anxiety. Director of Behavioral Health, Jodi Carroll, assures students that the Counseling Center’s

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

services are free and do not require insurance. The Counseling Center also provides the program QPR—which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. QPR is a one-and-a-half-hour suicide prevention program that allows students to receive certification in suicide prevention. The certification is good for two years.

For those who are experiencing trouble making connections with people on or off campus, here are a few ideas to help you make friends. Always be open to new opportunities and invitations, and extend those invitations to others. Doing something together makes getting to know a person easier and makes situations less awkward. Like it is important to maintain bonds with friends it is essential to connect with your therapist so that you feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. This relationship is called “therapeutic alliance.”

Director Jodi Carroll says, “don’t over-worry about fitting in. Instead, focus on putting yourself out there and see what fits for you.” Worrying about fitting in on campus is harmful to yourself because it erodes your self-confidence and can evolve into imposter syndrome. Too often, students feel homesick, but making these connections and even just getting out of your dorm helps you to find your home here on campus. Finding a friend to push you to get out and do something outside of your comfort zone is highly beneficial in more ways than one. And remember that it is always helpful to be kind to others because you don’t know what they have to deal with or are going through.

Learning Something New

Take the Time To Cultivate a New Skill

BY HANNAH MAE SIZEMORE Staff Writer

Learning new crafts and skills is a regular part of life for people. It can happen by accident, or it can happen on purpose. Why not make it a point to purposefully learn something new every day? Broaden your knowledge and create the chance to have more (hopefully positive) experiences. People should see every day as a new opportunity to expand their minds. Some things are more challenging to learn than others; they take more time and dedication. These skills include things like learning a new language, learning to play an instrument, or learning to draw in a new style. Even though these things are harder to learn, it pays off in the end and opens up opportunities that would not be without knowing how to do them.

Cailynn Floyd, a third-year student at the University of the Cumberlands, majoring in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math, has been studying Spanish for seven years. She dedicates a lot of time to learning this language. She states, “[i]t requires a lot of studying outside of a classroom setting on your own, which is not something I have had to do a whole lot before.” Floyd wants to use this skill in her future classroom; she hopes it will help her communicate more easily with people who speak the language. When asked if she would learn it all

over again if need be, she said, “If I had to go through the process of learning Spanish again, I would. I would because it connects me to another culture and provides an in-depth understanding of the Spanish language.”

While learning hard things is rewarding, so is learning something simple. Simple skills can still be fun and valuable to know. Something less timeconsuming than learning a new language, such as knitting, can still come in handy. Keeping it simple and learning something for pure entertainment, like learning a new board game or how to play pool, can also be great and still be time well-spent because there will be great memories and moments created by participating in these activities. Some people may feel like learning games like pool are a waste of time, but that is not true. If learning these things makes someone happy, then that time is not wasted because a person’s happiness is important.

It is essential to find things that spark joy in life, and you can find them by learning new skills and what you like to do. Without trying out new things, life would be pretty dull. Why not pick up a new talent?

Photo by Elizabeth Spires

TikTok on the Clock

And the Party’s Just Getting Started for The Patriot’s Media Outreach

BY ELIZABETH SPIRES Staff Writer

Hannah Mae’s Top Picks

Graphic by Eiabeth Spires

Hannah Mae Sizemore a member of our staff, is giving you an exclusive look into her music taste with this playlist! Shuffle this playlist for an even mix of her top favorites.

Let’s just be honest. Let’s just be real. It’s about time that The Patriot expanded its reach into the digital realm. Editor-in-chief Lacie DeGough and managing editor Summer Mills have worked hard since the beginning of this academic year to improve the University of the Cumberlands’ campus newspaper. Some of the most noticeable changes they have recently initiated include news posts on the newspaper’s Instagram and a brand new TikTok account. The newspaper staff hopes that by expanding news availability to trending digital outlets, more students and faculty will be able to get involved with The Patriot and the work they do to contribute to the overall campus environment and awareness.

Since the TikTok account is so new, we decided to ask a handful of Patriots what they might like to see on the new TikTok account!

UC Junior Derrick Bannister suggests that staff should try to “interview people in the library about their favorite parts around campus or new

things that should be added.”

Freshman Ginevra Capo suggests student features, stating that “someone who wants to come to the University of the Cumberlands might look on social media to see more about the campus and its environment. For example, me, an international student, I really wanted to know where I was going, and I wanted to make the right choice.”

Junior Victor Zamora has his mind more on the comedic aspect of TikTok. When asked what he would like to see on The Patriot’s TikTok account, he advised that staff shouldn’t “post anything boring. Give us stuff that is funny.” Senior Linda Chen has an idea that combines both Zamora and Capo’s ideas: “one of those Full House videos to introduce your staff members!”

So, if you see any of The Patriot’s staff members out and about on campus with our cameras, relax. We’re just trying to take some pictures.

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

Check out our TikTok! @uc_thepatriot