The Patriot- September 24, 2015

Issue 2 | Sept. 24, 2015

Sept. 24, 2015

/patriotnewspaper

@UCThePatriot

UCTHEPATRIOT

(606-539-4172 *thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu - 7000 College Station Drive Williamsburg, Ky 40769

Friday, September 25th

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

4:30 p.m.

Silent Bidding

Doyle Buhl Stadium

All Spring Sports Reunions

12:00 p.m.

Improvisational Theatre

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Boswell Campus Center

Alumni Auction Items Preview & Cumberland Inn Lobby.

Creech-Boswell Club Luncheon & 1965 Class Reunion

Cumberland Inn. 7:00 p.m.

Music Department Concert

Mary McGraw Music.

7:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Residence Halls Open House 9:00 p.m.

Friday Night Headliner featuring

Molodi Live Stepping Performance

Ensemble

Gatliff Chapel.

Saturday, September 26th

8:30 a.m.

Cornhole Tournament

Soccer Practice Field by HSB 8:30 a.m.

Red Boot Run Registration

Hutton School of Business.

9:30 a.m.

Red Boot Run Start

Hutton School of Business

Alumni Baseball Reunion

Alumni Board Auction

Corresponding booths.

Kohn Theatre

7:00 p.m.

12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

BULLDOGS:

Alumni Luncheon

Gatliff – Intramural Gym: Deli Buffet

& Program.

Speaker: Dr. James E. Croley, III, ‘72.

Special music by: Kenny Channels,

‘90.

Recognition of Honored 12:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Residence Halls Open House 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cumberlands and Connections 101

Boswell Campus Center Grill.

Meet & Greet with students, alumni

and professors.

Tours of the new Health & Wellness

Center.

4:00 –6:30 p.m.

PATRIOTS VS UNDER THE LIGHTS

James H. Taylor II Stadium After game musical performance

Kenny Channels, ‘90

Fireworks Display

Sunday, September 27th 10:45 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICES First Baptist Church or

Main Street Baptist Church

The Patriot is the biweekly 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 Kentucky Press Association.

Editor-In-Chief

Natasha Jones

T. J. Roberts Dining Hall.

Assistant Editors

Campus-Wide Brunch

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Music Department Alumni Jazz Per-

formance

Music, Food, Face Painting, and

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Balloon Artist. $5 per person

4 You Spoke, She Listened 6 New Beginnings 8 Under the lights Commuter’s guide to 10 sanity 12 Echoes from the past 14 Lauren Wombles, Alumni

12:30 –2:00 p.m.

Patriot Pride Picnic

Boswell Campus Center Grill.

C O N T E N T S

Residence Halls Open House

All Halls

Trenton Canada Ashton Rector

Staff Writers

DJ Hite Lydia Jay Shyann Norris Liz Guillermo Staff Photographer

Design Editor

Christin Rottenberger

Eric Ford Edwards Jay Sanksa kulchai

Faculty Advisor

Editorial Review Board

Jeremiah Massengale

Lisa Bartram Marianne Worthington

Time to Enter the Center Open House of Health and Wellness Center during Homecoming Weekend

BY NATASHA JONES Editor-in-Chief

10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to having a variety of workout equipment available to guests, the Center will also offer a boot camp fitness class, a Zumba class and Hatfield plans to bring in a CrossFit instructor as well as offer yoga as a class. Classes will be taught after five and are set to start during the first full week of October.

The Center will also have workout towels available upon checking in, at the surrender of a guest’s ID, once the guest returns the towel when leaving, they will receive their ID back. The Center will also have two vending machines that offer healthy selections such as energy bars and drinks. The newly renovated game room will also become available for student use again; it will be located on the back end of the lower level. “The rec room will have furniture with the big screen TV for online gaming, maybe watching college football; then three pool tables and a brand new ping pong table,” said Hatfield.

“We are excited to showcase our new addition this Saturday to the campus community. Going forward the facility will be a center of activity for the campus with exercise equipment, fitness classes and game room facilities. We want to encourage everyone to check it out,” says Dr. Emily Coleman, vice president of Student Services.

News

After waiting and watching for months, the newest addition to campus has been completed. On Saturday, Sept. 26th 2015 during UC’s annual homecoming weekend, an open house of the new Health and Wellness Center will be available from 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. to those on campus. This will be the first time the Center will be completed with exercise equipment installed and employees on site to let the public come in and see what will be available once the Center opens the following week.

“Filled from wall to wall with (workout) equipment, there won’t be any empty spots around. Cardio equipment and weight equipment on one side, treadmills toward the front where the windows are, the dumbbells section, and lifting equipment on one side,” says Josh Hatfield, director of intramural and campus recreation, as he explains what homecoming attendees can expect when touring the new center which will be housed on the lower level of the Boswell Student Center. “We think it’s real important, being it’s homecoming and that we just opened it up and I’m sure they want to see the latest features on campus,” said Hatfield.

The Health and Wellness Center will be open to UC students and community members for free, and only available to guests 18 or older, with exception of enrolled students who might be younger than 18. Upon opening on Monday, Sept. 28th, the hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday

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An interview with Dr. Emily Coleman

BY ASHTON R ECTOR Assistant Editor

As students may have noticed on the updated school website, the phrase “You spoke. We listened.” is commonly displayed across banners with notes of some of the renovations that have taken place as a product of administration student data to best tailor to their needs. University of the Cumberlands’ Dr. Emily Coleman may be freshly stepping into her new position as vice president of student services, but she is not afraid of change. During this interview, Coleman speaks about using student responses and comments to employ changes around campus.

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Q: Where do you receive the feedback from student reports and things like that?

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Coleman: Well, part of it’s from the student opinion survey and so it’s that survey that you all do as a convocation in the spring semester. So, for example, the open house hours and how those were expanded, that was a common comment we saw on the student opinion survey. So we took that to student government and said “This is what we’re seeing. Is this something you all would like to see expanded?” And it was a resounding “Yes!” so we worked with student government and our residence life staff and collaboration to come up with what the expanded hours are. But the student opinion survey is one of them and then I also conducted focus groups at the end of the semester. As I was preparing to transition into this position, I really wanted to get at the pulse of what were students concerns? What do they like? What do they not like? And

how can we try to stir up more school spirit and Patriot pride… So, I met with student government, campus ministries, campus activities, residence life, stuPhoto submitted

by Tedarrius dent athletes, and the ambassadors group.

I don’tTeasey think I’m missing one of the groups but there might have been one more in there. I tried to hit our key large groups across campus and I had the same set of questions and I went around and met with each of them and I looked for common themes. What were things that were common amongst all of those that we could do to help increase student satisfaction, is joy on campus and so that’s how we started to emerge with the ‘You Spoke, We Listened.’ I want students to know that these changes that are being made are because their voice and their input is being heard.

Q: What kind of feedback did you receive? Was there a common theme or was it kind of all over the place?

Coleman: Definitely the idea of wanting to see more activities on campus.

That’s one thing with the department of Student Services there’s a lot going on but there were sometimes multiple things going on in one night. So we worked as a unit to spread stuff out so campus worship is on Monday, Campus Activities is on Tuesday, intramurals (which we’ve expanded) is now on Wednesday and Thursday. Those are purposely on different nights so it expands the opportunities for activities. We’re also working with our residence life team so they have specific programming now and numbers of programs

per semester and then they’re getting the same calendar so we can try to plan around those and also look major things like convocation last night… activities was one, some outdoor space to sit and study, so we’ve got the outdoor patio area here on the Health and Wellness Center; there’s a picnic table on Gillespie’s porch now, there’s a picnic table over by the Rob Cook sand volleyball area. Those are a few ways we’ve started to add to that and we hope to expand. Those are just a couple of examples.

Q: Do you expect to see more changes in the years to come as a product of this?

Coleman: Use your student outlets. Student government is a great resource on campus. They are comprised of representatives of the student body; do use them as a resource to funnel those questions or concerns. Come and talk to us; we are very open in Student Services. We have an open door policy; I definitely personally have an open door policy. So when there are questions and concerns, don’t let it fester. Don’t let it build up to where you’re at this point of frustration you want to scream. Come and let us know because a lot of time we can take care of it pretty quickly.

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Coleman: Definitely. Cumberlands has always been committed to helping students succeed, to listening to students, and responding to their voice. This is a great time for them to grow in their leadership skills and their communication skills and so we definitely plan to continue to work with student government, with the newspaper, with other student groups and when students are speaking about a concern we

want to listen and we want to respond. It’s a great leadership opportunity and it’s helping to make sure we’re staying focused on what our students’ needs are and that we are responding to those. So definitely.

Q: What is the message you would like to send students when they make these requests?

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Photo by Ramona Rosales

New beginnings at the starting lineup A Q&A with Pete Campbell, head coach of the men’s lacrosse team

BY DJ HITE Staff Writer

Pete Campbell is in his first season as the head men’s lacrosse coach at the University of the Cumberlands. With that position comes new challenges, since lacrosse is one of the newest sports added at the University of the Cumberlands.

In this interview, Campbell describes the beginning of a new era for lacrosse at the University of the Cumberlands. Also, he talks about his vision of the future for Patriot lacrosse and the impact he hopes to have on it even during its debut year.

Q: What are your thoughts about starting the first lacrosse program and being the first head coach at UC?

Campbell: I absolutely love it, I’m having a blast and I think the school is awesome. The sport that we have has been great!

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Q: What are some expectations and goals you have for the team to accomplish this first season?

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Campbell: Some goals that we have, we are playing in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC). They have an automatic bid in a tournament, and the top four teams in the conference make it. One of our first goals is to be one of the top four teams in the conference.

Q: What inspired you to take the position as the head men’s lacrosse coach here at the Cumberlands?

Campbell: I would just say that is was something that I always wanted to do, to be able to coach at the college level. Then when I got here at the school it felt like it was the right school to be in and that I liked.

Q: What is your favorite thing thus far about being the head lacrosse coach?

Campbell: I think just the excitement that’s going around for the lacrosse team, and nobody knows about it. I think that is something that I would like to have and would like a lot.

Q: Where do you see the lacrosse program in five years?

Campbell: Hopefully competing for National Championships.

Q: What are some things that it takes to build a good lacrosse program?

Campbell: Some of the standards that we have is we hold the guys to high standards both on and off the field. I think developing the right culture is the really the most important thing to have a successful lacrosse program.

Photo by Er ic Ford Edwards

Q&A with Lucas Hohnstein Assistant coach for the men’s bowling team

BY DJ HITE Staff Writer

Lucas Hohnstein is the assistant men’s bowling coach at the University of the Cumberlands. This is Hohnstein’s first season at UC. He previously attended the University of Pikeville where he bowled for four years on the men’s team.

In this interview, Hohnstein recalls his past experiences at Pikeville and discusses how they contributed to some of the goals he has for the men’s bowling team. He also gives some of his thoughts on what it is like to be the assistant coach.

Q: How do you like your position here at the University of the Cumberlands so far?

Hohnstein: It’s really good; I really enjoy it so far. The campus, the new drill press we have in the bowling office, everything. I love it.

Q: What are some expectations and goals you have for the team to accomplish this season?

Hohnstein: I really just love being around college bowling and being around the sport. You know it’s not really about the bowling as much as the social aspect. Being around the kids, the people, that kind of thing. So, that’s really the main thing.

Q: So far what is your favorite thing about being the assistant coach at UC?

Hohnstein: Just hanging out with the team, just like back when I was bowling.

The social environment and those kinds of things.

Q: Where do you see the bowling program in 10 years?

Hohnstein: I think in 10 years we can have multiple conference titles. Be a force to be reckoned with in the Mid-South Conference.

Q: What are some good examples of what it takes to be a good coach?

Hohnstein: You have to be patient and understanding. And you have to be able to laugh and have fun.

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Hohnstein: To win conference, and to have at least two people make all-conference team. I think we have the talent to accomplish these things.

Q: What inspired you to take the position as the assistant coach here at the Cumberlands?

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Sports

On Saturday, September 19, the Patriot football team stepped under the lights at the James H. Taylor, II Stadium to face Cumberland University. In a thrilling battle to the finish, the Patriots emerged victorious to win 49-41.

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Photos by Jay Sanksakulchai

BY TR ENTON CA NA DA Assistant Editor

1. Glow- Ella Henderson What better way to prepare for a night under the lights than with a power anthem titled “Glow?” Ella Henderson belts out a surge of inspiration sure to have you shouting, “We are fire!”

Best lyric: “We are brighter, we are brighter. Let’s show ‘em how we light up the night.”

2. The Phoenix- Fall Out Boy The opening to this song is enough to spur that fighting energy needed for football games. “Put on your war paint!” We may have had a few stumbles on our way, but we will rise from those ashes.

Watch out!

Best lyric: “I’m gonna change you like a remix.

Then I’ll raise you like a phoenix.”

Best lyric: “Ain’t nobody here to play around. Push it to the edge, I won’t back down. Cause it’s time to go hard or go home.”

Best lyric: “In the morning it begins again. Feels like I'm falling; better strap me in. I think I'm running out of oxygen, and it feels good, it feels good, it feels good.”

5. Glory Days- Betty Who College is that period in our lives that changes us and grows us as people. These are the moments, the triumphs and the people we will remember forever.

We may not remember the score, but we will never forget that feeling, that emotion when our favorite team rushes onto the field. These are indeed the glory days.

Best lyric: “These are the glory days; this is the golden age.”

6. Awake O Sleeper- The Brothers Bright Filled with biblical allusions and calls to rise above opposition, this anthem is sure to send a chill down your spine. It’s a call to wake up, to rise from those

stands and roar with power. Come alive in those stands!

Best lyric: “Do you hear the lion roar? Awake O Sleeper. Stand with me, we’ll fight the war. Awake O Sleeper.”

7. Famous Last Words- My Chemical Romance This is the song for the underdog, for the rebel. We love a good comeback story, and football seems to offer many of those. Whether your team is on top or just fighting to make the ranks, this song will have you chanting, “I am not afraid!”

Best lyric: “I am not afraid to keep on living. I am not afraid to walk this world alone.”

8. This City- Patrick Stump ft. Lupe Fiasco Football is ultimately about the fans, the community, rallying behind a team, routing for the players that represent them. For a few moments, we forget about all of the problems that may plague an area, and we unite behind one cause: to show the other team that what we’re made of. We route for this city and for this team!

Best lyric: “My city and I, our hearts beat, beat, beat together. When I’m home, we both breathe, breathe, breathe together.”

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3. Go Hard or Go Home- Wiz Khalifa & Iggy Azalea The title of this track says enough. This is football country. Give it your all or get off the field. The same goes for the fans. Need I say more?

4. Like Whoa- Aly & AJ This is a throwback to all Disney music lovers. Aly & AJ became famous due to their roles with Disney Channel, but this song was heard in middle schools and high schools across the country because of the pumped-up rhythm and bass. Let this song take you back to those chilly, autumn nights.

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A Communter’s Guide to Sanity

BY SHYANN NOR R IS Guest Writer

Commuters. The ones who sacrifice anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours of their day on the road. The ones who chose to get up earlier to drive to school instead of live on campus. If you are a resident, just think about it. What do you do during the two hours that the commuters are on the road?

Would you study when you are at home around your family and things you enjoy doing? Would you know how to budget your money well enough to afford gas and food? What would you do for lunch daily if you didn’t have a meal plan? Even experienced commuters struggle with these things. It is a big adjustment and takes much dedication and discipline. After being a resident and now a commuter, I feel as if I know some of the difficulties with each one of these issues and have adjusted well to the new changes I have made in my life. The main goal for all commuters is time management.

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Stay "in the loop.”

Being a commuter can sometimes make you feel as if you are “out of the loop” and not always in the swing of things because you are off of campus more than the average student; however, that is not the case. You are on campus however much you let yourself be on campus. Hang out a while after class.

Do most of your homework before you go home.

Take time for your friends; and just be available and open for options after classes end each day. My average day is spent in class and then working in the newspaper office. I try to get as much of my homework done as possible (between working and class) before I go home so I do not have to worry about it.

I spend on average about six to seven hours on cam10 pus a day. That is more than enough time to get what

Photo by Shyann Norris

I need to done. When finally deciding that being a commuter would be best for me, I realized that I kept hearing negative things from some of my family and friends such as “you won’t get the real college experience.” That is when I realized that spending time on campus after class still gives me the college experience I need and want and also gives me time to utilize for homework without being completely tied down on campus.

Be thrifty.

The most trying part of being a commuter for me was my budget. Being thrifty was a challenge. It was a challenge when I was a resident so saying “being a commuter is challenging” is almost an understatement, but it is certainly not impossible to stay financially on top of things. My first goal was to see on average how much I would spend on gas a week and then go from there. I fill up my car on Sunday nights or Monday mornings and after that I am able to make three to four trips to school and back home until I need gas again. So on average I spend around $40$50 on gas a week. This may seem pricey but after I learned to budget my money, it became normal to me. Next in my budget is food. Being a commuter you do not get a meal plan unless you buy one separately. But who wants to do that if you don’t have to? Certainly not me, so that is when I started to pack my lunch every other day. On days when my lunch break is short and I do not have time to go through a drive-thru somewhere that is when packing my lunch is handy and convenient. On other days that I have plenty of extra time, I will eat out but that is about twice a week; no more. I try to only eat out twice week for time and money’s sake.

Stay grounded and disciplined with your time.

An often asked question I have gotten also is, “What do you do when you go home? Are you not bored?”. On an average day when I leave school I will head home to first finish any homework that I did not get done before leaving class or the office that day. I will eat supper and spend time with family and friends. If I know I have a test coming up I will set an allotted amount of time out for studying the days prior to the test. Balancing my time at home was difficult at first. I just wanted to lay around and watch television or be out and about doing other things that required money and most of my time.

This is when I realized a very strict schedule and time alone to focus was something I had to train myself to get into the habit of. Don’t get me wrong, some days when I have nothing to study for and no homework, I will do something to pamper myself or just relax, but who doesn’t?

Being a commuter was challenging at first while I was trying to train myself to the many different changes; however, I am thankful. It has taught me more self-discipline that what I previously had and I am able to stay on a strict routine and schedule that helps me on every aspect. Although balancing college life and home life is rough, money is sometimes tight and time management sometimes takes a large amount of discipline, being a commuter is better for me than living on campus. It has helped both my family and me. However, being a commuter is not for everyone, but keeping your sanity is the most vital part.

Keeping your peace

Photo by Eric Ford Edwards

A devotional

BY LYDI A JAY Staff Writer

Feature

Be at peace. Has anyone ever told you that? Have you ever struggled daily at being at peace? I’m not just talking about on the outside but on the inside as well. Everybody can act like they’ve got it all together on the outside but be a mess on the inside. So what causes us to be a mess? To not be at peace throughout our day? It could be our family, friends, work, school, relationships or life in general- you name it, it can steal our peace right from us daily. In order for us to get our peace back and to keep it we have to be willing and determined to be at peace. When you are willing and determined to be at peace, the more you are able to be at peace. Although, many of us wish we could snap our fingers andBam!- have peace, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that. Having peace daily is a choice, and it takes time. But over time with much practice you can become someone who has peace daily. In order for us to be able to be at peace on the outside as well as the inside I have found two tips to be helpful.

One: having the mind of Christ. Having a mind of Christ provides peace. The more you think like God, the more you are able to handle things that occur and happen to you throughout your day. How you choose to think determines how your day will pan out. In scripture it says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV).

Two: Keeping your emotions at Bay. A lot of us allow our emotions to get the best of us at times based on what we are going through, whether that is outwardly or inwardly. Going by how we feel at the time and acting based on your emotions can be a momentary feel-good relief, but the end result is always costly in some shape or form. If you are not careful your emotions can sometimes lead into more distress and unsettledness.

We have to choose to not let how we feel dictate how we think or act or how people may treat us. Instead, trust that God has us and that He is with us, always willing to step in and help us. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13 KJV). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). These are just a few scriptures that help me to strive to be at peace, regardless of what takes place in my life. I hope these scriptures help you.

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Be Blessed.

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BY LIZ GUILLER MO Staff Writer

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In January of 1921, University of the Cumberlands was just a fledgling college aiming to be a university. We were still called Cumberland College, the paper was still called “The Cumberland College Echo”, and spoon stealing, as I understand it, was an epidemic. At least that is how it appeared when the January 26, 1921 issue of The Echo released a list of Ten Commandments for Cumberland women. There was a time when men and women were even more strictly watched, a time when the women had a matron to watch over them and keep them all in line, a woman named McConnell. Here are the ten commandments, as originally published in The Echo.

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All those rules seem livable but may be outdated for our time. Remember, these were just the rules for women. I hope that seeing these gives you a new perspective on the world we are now living in and the amount of things that have changed over time. I also hope that you all go forth and shower at least twice a week and leave the spoons where they lie.

The journey from UC Student to UC Professor : An Interview with Jordyne Carmack

BY LIZ GUILLER MO A ND BRODY NOLA N Guest Writers

Jordyne Carmack graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in 2011 and was a double major in communication arts and theatre arts. She now is an assistant professor in UC’s communication, journalism and theatre arts departments, with a specialization in integrated digital communication.

In this interview University of the Cumberlands alumni Jordyne Carmack (formally Gunthert) talks about what it was like to be a student at the university and her unique transition back to Cumberlands as a professor.

Why did you originally choose University of the Cumberlands?

As a high school student in Texas, I wanted to move somewhere with a Christian atmosphere, four seasons (in Texas you get two, hot and less hot), a diverse liberal arts education, great financial aid and strong student-teacher mentorship opportunities. At UC, I found all of those things.

What was your experience as a student here?

You came back to UC; what drew you back to the school you graduated from?

A job opportunity I was hoping for was postponed, and I needed work. Thankfully, a friend recommended me to the director of admissions for a job doing

How is it different as a teacher than it was as a student?

There are some major differences - but in a lot of ways, it's quite similar. I run on the same schedule you do - class times, breaks, summer vacations, etc. We also have homework - grading those papers you finish last minute, preparing lectures, activities, writing prompts and advising students. The life of an academic, the life of a professor, is often the life of the forever student: always learning, always challenging yourself, always looking forward to see how you can better explain a concept or counsel a future industry professional. I sometimes miss being on the meal plan, though.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment after graduation?

I'd say my greatest accomplishment actually has nothing to do with my academic or professional career. I could say completing grad school or something like that. But thanks to UC, I formed a few friendships that radically changed my spiritual life and led me to a renewed passion for living for Christ and serving overseas. My experiences in Kenya and the lessons I learned about the importance of community building, discipleship, leading and prayer have led to a greater impact for others than any other accomplishment I have had on my own.

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It's hard to put into words! I adored being a Patriot - and love being an alumni, too. Between internships during the summer (thanks to faculty support), running the television station, performing in as many musicals and plays as I could manage, Chamber Choir, CAB and managing all my classes, I was busy from start to finish. But I graduated in 3.5 years and wouldn't have had it any other way. I will forever treasure the relationships I built with the faculty and other students at UC.

social media - the rest was history. I fell in love with strategic and digital communications, started and finished my graduate degree, and then began teaching as an adjunct for the communication department. So in a way, I never really left.

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Lauren Wombles, Alumni:

A Future in Education After UC

BY SYDNEY FR EEM A N Guest Writer

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Lauren Wombles, 24, was well known during her time at UC for her accomplishments on the women’s basketball team: as a freshman she was awarded the Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year award, was on the All-Conference team the entirety of her career, was awarded Academic AllConference and Academic All-American, was the MSC player of the year her senior year, and is an All-American athlete. She holds the records for most points scored in her career for men and women, and the women’s record for most rebounds. Less well known are her accomplishments following her graduation. It is no secret that finding a job in the field of education has grown increasingly difficult over the years; however, after graduating from UC in 2013, Wombles has had no difficulty making her way in the world of teaching. She began work as a third grade teacher at Hunter Hills Elementary in London, Kentucky, where she taught for two years. This past August she began working as a first grade teacher at Sublimity, in London. From athlete to coach, and from student to teacher, in this interview Wombles gives insight into her success and how her experience at UC impacted her future.

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Can you tell me a little about your time at the University of the Cumberlands?

A: I spent five glorious years there. I played basketball four out of those five years and stayed involved with FCA, so it was very demanding in that aspect.

FCA and the basketball program along with all my classes took the majority of my time.

What was your major?

A: I majored in elementary education.

Why did you choose to attend the University of the Cumberlands?

A: I had numerous offers from other school’s volleyball and basketball programs and was not looking at the University of the Cumberlands at first. Then, my brother got really sick out of the blue. He had a pretty terrible seizure, and it scared me because we were really close. Then I started looking at UC. I really felt like that was where God was leading me, and I wanted to be closer to home so I could be closer to my brother. Actually, in the five years I spent at UC, there were only two weekends I did not spend at home.

How do you feel like UC impacted you?

A: When I went in, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, so UC did not point me in that direction but it definitely affected how I go about teaching. I remember as a freshman, Janie Carter was my Insights leader and she took our Insights class all out in front of the “business building” where we all got into a circle and shared our dreams for the future. I remember thinking that I was where I was supposed to be. I connected with the professors in my program, and I still have some strong connections today.

Do you feel like being a student athlete positively impacted you?

A: Definitely. Basketball really helped me make some important and lasting connections. Sports are something that will always be a part of my life. After I graduated, I spent two years as the assistant volleyball coach for the girls’ team at South Laurel, and now I am the head coach of the North Laurel girls’ volleyball team. Being a part of a team kept me busy, but I would not take it back.

Is there anything about your experience that you would change?

A: The only things I can think of are study more, focus more, and do better in Dr. Sharp’s class my freshman year . . . and I would have gotten more sleep.

Why did you stay for a fifth year?

A: Don’t procrastinate. I think if I would have grown out of that attitude, it would help me out in my own classroom now. I still have a bad habit of waiting until the last minute to get things done and teaching is already so stressful, as it is.

What advice would you give to incoming athletes?

A: Step on to campus knowing you will only be here for a short amount of time. It goes by so quickly and once it’s over there is no getting it back. Your accomplishments are great, but people forget. All the practice, preseasons, and games are temporary. Your teammates graduate, you graduate, and you move on. Cherish it.

What advice would you give to incoming freshman?

A: I would say, really pray about the path you are supposed to take, and get involved in those classes and clubs early. I knew what I wanted to do going in but a lot of students don’t. It’s good to try and figure it out as soon as possible. Many of my friends ended up spending extra time at UC or had to deal with a bunch of unneeded stress because they had classes irrelevant to their major before they figured out what they wanted to do.

Features

A: My scholarship for athletics was for five years, and it was difficult to get all of the student-teaching hours I needed while playing basketball. My fifth year, since I was no longer eligible to play basketball, I joined the volleyball team for the fall semester and to finish student teaching in the spring. The summer before I came back, though, I got very sick. I found out that I had blood clots in both lungs. My fall semester was full of doctor’s visits, and I was on blood thinners. Thankfully, I have a clean bill of health now.

What advice would you give to incoming students aspiring to enter the education program?

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