Letter from the Editor
Dear Patriots,
I welcome you all back for what I am hoping will be another great year full of ever-changing growth on our campus! For some of you this is your first semester at UC. I hope that it is one of academic success, social flourishing and personal growth whether that success is planned or completely up to the roll of the dice.
It always takes time to get a proper foothold on the new semester and this can be especially true for the new freshman class. I think that trying to figure out where I’m fitting lunch, study time, hanging out with friends and sleep into my schedule is always the most difficult part of it all. The Patriot is a lot like that because as an entity we must juggle time for our staff to meet, layout the issue and plan what comes for the next issue. As a new school year starts and we welcome new staff members it becomes apparent that each year we face similar issues as our new students do: finding balance and figuring out what will work for us this time around.
We have a great staff of fresh writers, photographers, graphic designers and fantastic volunteers who are ready to cover stories, give advice and document the 2018-19 academic year. As our staff changes, the paper itself changes in its look, its content and its tone which is a lot like how each of you change year to year as you set new goals for yourself.
Although everyone is figuring out what they want out of this semester, how they plan to achieve what they want and what to do after they accomplish their goal, let me just say that we will be here to help you out along the way. The Patriot is intended to be the voice of the students, your voice, and we completely encourage you to share your thoughts with us so that we can grow.
As some of you might be about to do, I will be finishing out my stint as an undergrad relatively soon. When I first arrived here in 2014 I never imagined that I would someday be the editor-in-chief of The Patriot. While photographing the first week of welcome events it set into perspective who I had been when I started my journey at UC and what experiences changed the vision of who I thought I would become. I was a freshman who didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going, but now I find myself staring down these final months with graduation just beyond that. Life can be a wild ride and things aren’t always the way we envision them to be, but I’ve learned in the last four years that they usually turn out for the better.
Sincerely,
Zane Ross
Editor-In-Chief
Zane Ross
Managing Editor
Emilee Agee
Faculty Adviser
Jeremiah Massengale
Staff
Leanne Gregory Mike Krzyston Nichole Sharp
Hunter West
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.
Friends, coffee, naps and class
Essential advice for freshman
BY HUNTER WEST Staff Writer
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go.” -Dr. Seuss
The transition from high school to college is a difficult one. So, here is some advice for getting through your freshman year.
First off, getting involved on campus is one of the easiest ways to have a smooth transition. The University of the Cumberlands offers a variety of different activities throughout the school year, anything from bingo nights, to sporting events, guest speakers and Spotlight. There is something for everyone. By going to these events, you put yourself out there, meeting new people and starting friendships. Life-long friendships are made while you are in college and it does not have to be at any of these events. It can be something as simple as a “Hey, what’s your name?” in the line at Chick-Fil-A to get that relationship started.
One of the many benefits in coming to a small college is that the classes are smaller, allowing for more interaction with your professors in addition to your classmates. Build relationships with them as well. Professors are a valuable resource. They have real-world experience in their chosen field; they can get you plugged into jobs and internships and give you a helping hand if you need it for their class. These are just a few of the ways your professors are also your friends.
Don’t know what you want to study? That is ok. College is a time for exploration and your professors can help. Try as many different activities and classes that you can. Find courses that pique your interest. If you find classes or topics that you enjoy, studying will seem less like work. Plus, it is a lot easier and cheaper to change majors during college than it is to graduate with a degree in something that you do not enjoy and want to do something different later. Even if you already enjoy your choice of major, broaden your horizons by taking classes you would not normally take.
Ultimately, the key to this whole college thing is to have fun. Sure, everything is new, exciting and maybe a little scary, but these next four years will be the best of your life. So, get out there, make friends, build relationships, drink more coffee than any person should, take multiple naps, and, you know, go to class and study every once in a while. Do not stress the transition, you will get in the routine in no time at all.
Good luck with your first year, UC Class of 2022!
UC students play 9 Square during Welcome Week 2018.
Photo by Zane Ross
The Grind Never Stops
Left: Ann Russell performs at the coffeehouse event during Welcome Week.
Top: Campus Activity Board serves coffee to students.
Middle: Free mugs were available courtesy of CAB.
Right: Nikki Marietta sings at the coffeehouse event on Monday, August 20, 2018.
Photo By Zane Ross
Photo By Mike Kryzston
Photo By Mike Kryzston
Photo By Zane Ross
Painted Patriots
Over 150 students tudents dance at Paint Fest on August 21, 2018.
Two students covered in paint after using the slip and slide.
Students throw their colors in the air to kick off Paint Fest.
Photo By Mike Krzyston
Photo By Mike Kryzston
Photo by Mike Kryzston
BY NICHOLE SHARP Staff Writer
How to make a dorm room a home
University of the Cumberlands is known for its gorgeous location and home-like feeling for all residents and staff. However, that doesn’t always fill that void of homesickness in your heart. Sometimes you just really need a reminder of home; it happens for first-time freshmen and even seniors. Homesickness does not discriminate but here to help are a few quick tips to keep that sad feeling of missing home in control to be able to fully experience the campus life and be happy about it too.
1. There is nothing like a warm blanket or throw you kept in your room or couch that you would snuggle under while at home.
It seems like something small but the relaxation of a cozy blanket, that you have had at home, can be extremely comforting and warms you in the process. It could be one your mom kept on the couch for movie nights or one you kept in your room that you and your friends would cuddle around during a sleepover. It’s the small things we remember and can mean the most as well. When you’re a little kid you probably carried around a teddy bear or doll or blankie and sometimes we can still resort to these kinds of solutions because they’ve worked our whole lives when staying over at a friends’ the first time or when you have a nightmare. It’s what gets you through.
2. Believe it or not, scents.
There is nothing like the smell of home. Use air fresheners or detergent that you used at home for smells that remind you of home. That could be linen-scented laundry soap, woodsy air fresheners for reminiscing being outside instead of classrooms. And food scents are always good to help make it feel more like home. Nothing like the smell of apple pie or cinnamon, if that’s what you’re used to. My thing is the cucumber melon fragrances. (You can use dryer sheets hung from your air conditioners to help spread scents and keep it going.)
3. Of course, decorations.
This can be absolutely anything. You can use your favorite plants to decorate with. Maybe you miss your mom and her favorite flowers are daisies; pick some up and leave them on your desk. You’ll smile thinking about her. Pictures with motivational verses or quotes, and photos to spread out over the walls to help you push through. Pin some photos of family, friends, and pets on your wall or even ceiling. How you choose to surround yourself will say a lot about how you react to it. Choose to surround yourself
feel in your dorm; your home away from home.
4. Most importantly, your Bible.
There is nothing more comforting than the Lord’s words and His promises. At the end of my worst days when even my mother can’t comfort me, I can read some of my favorite verses that keep me going, and they help the most out of anything to keep my thoughts of home, good and happy, not sad because I’m homesick. My favorite going to college gift from a high school sweetheart was a new Bible that I could use and read and rely on at my saddest moments. I still use it today and the Lord’s Word is the ultimate feeling of Home in my heart.
5. Good friends and good vibes.
The nicest thing to have around when you’re feeling like you need a taste of home is to just surround yourself with good friends and people who want to see you through and support you. A good laugh with a friend who makes you feel at home, can be just as good as being home sometimes. Often home isn’t a room, it’s a person. On campus, find you a person you can feel like home with. A friend you can find comfort in.
6. Don’t forget, food.
Yes, we can all come to an agreement at the very least, this one tip. Comfort foods are what we live for in stressful situations or just when missing home and needing a pick-me-up. Yeah, a lot of folks can’t just drive on home anytime they like but there are some ways to overstep that obstacle. The dorms have kitchens and if you can rely on a few friends you can whip up your own meal that your mom used to make you. If nothing less, you could run to the store and get your favorite ice cream, if that’s your thing. There are ways to get that craving under control. There’s nothing yet that my mom’s fried chicken and some apple pie can’t fix for me.
All in all, making a dorm feel like home and getting yourself comfortable with it is up to you. Reach out, use these tips or create your own. Don’t let yourself sit in a stuffy, dull room. Redecorate as needed. Call your mom or grandpa or sister or someone who can help ease your homesickness. Don’t let it get the best of you; you can make the best of campus!
Photo by Zane Ross
with positive momentums that remind you of home and sit keepsakes out that bring back good memories. These small things can make the biggest difference in just how at home you
The fall semester has officially begun which means it’s time for a playlist that gets you ready for the semester. These feel-good tracks are sure to brighten up your first week back in class.
SONG
Happier
Ball For Me
Wala Cam
1997 DIANA
You Don’t Know
Solo (feat. Demi Lovato)
Gold Rush
Falling Into Me
Do My Own Thing
Glory
Made For Now
Don’t Matter To Me
Born To Be Yours
Ancient Names (Part II)
ARTIST
Marshmello, Bastille
Post Malone, Nicki Minaj
Chance the Rapper, Supa Bwe, Forever Band
BROCKHAMPTON
Leon Bridges
Clean Bandit, Demi Lovato
Death Cab for Cutie
Let’s Eat Grandma
American Authors
The Score
Janet Jackson, Daddy Yankee
Drake, Michael Jackson
Kygo, Imagine Dragons
Lord Huron
Comics with Caitlyn ,
By Mike Kryzston
