Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers,
This is my final letter as your editor-in-chief of The Patriot newspaper. I’ve had the privilege of working at the campus newspaper since my very first day of my freshmen year here at UC. Ever since the first day I walked into GCR 107, and the upperclassmen knew my name already upon arrival, I knew I had walked into a place I would be able to belong to.
It was the same warming feeling when I walked onto UC’s campus, I knew it was where I was supposed to be, even though I had somehow anticipated going into nursing at Eastern Kentucky University a few months prior. I had my doubts; it was an abrupt change in the plans I had set for my last two years of high school.
I couldn’t dim this interest I had in UC, or in journalism. With much anxiety, and even more timid confidence, I followed that curiosity in August 2012 and began my enrollment at UC.
My start here at UC was anything but smooth. My first semester of college was not only incredibly hard transitioning to a college student, but December of 2012 proved to be the hardest season of my life. Despite unfortunate tragedy and the most unpredictable of circumstances, I found my way through those personal losses, and those academic challenges and at the end of my freshman year, it was hard to say goodbye for the summer, as it has been the past three summers.
One of the first things I had heard when being introduced to UC was that it was more a family than just a university. That sounds like a common tagline for private schools, but sure enough I found a family here and realized that God wanted me here, to grow through those tough times, to learn, to make a mark in the lives of others and to grow into who He needed me to be.
There are so many lessons have learned on this campus, both inside and outside the classrooms that will forever stay with me, but the most important one is that it’s never too late or unrealistic to follow your dreams. If you’re unhappy, change it. Do whatever it takes.
Convincing yourself to take the leap is often the hardest part and it’s never too late to make that change. This is something my professors have instilled in me.
I wasn’t the most confident student when I came to college, but the most calming thing I heard, at the beginning of each semester, was that no matter what the semester before that one held, it was a new slate, and a new chance to succeed.
So as my time on UC’s campus comes to an end, that’s what I hope to leave our readers with: encouragement to take the roads that may seem rocky and challenges that seem out of reach. We’re a university that’s blessed with professors that not are only willing to teach us our course work but also teach us about life and encourage us on any path we chose.
Thank you so much for your readership. I wish you nothing but the best!
Sincerely,
Natasha Jones
By Ash TOn Re CTOR
Assistant e ditor
SOS: Cumberlands runs snap our services campaign during dead week
As University of the Cumberlands students endure “Dead Week,” a common phrase used to describe the last week of classes, and prepare for finals week, they have had some of their wishes granted by university administration.
This event termed “Dead Week SOS,” was intended to help keep student stress levels low. This phrase uses the acronym SOS to stand for “Snap our Services” in which UC officials asked students to send requests such as free iced coffee, doughnuts, or pizza to the official university social media accounts via Snapchat and Twitter.
UC’s social media coordinator, Abbey Cherry, commented, “CAB was a huge asset in helping deliver a lot of the requests and Dr. Coleman was eager to serve as well.”
Cherry explained university administration was fully dedicated to the campaign and its purpose: to serve the students and show how the university cares for them.
“I asked myself ‘as a student what would I have wanted around this time of the year’ and the answer was simple I just wanted someone to say ‘Hey, I know this week is tough for you all, but keep going strong; you’re almost there!’” said Cherry.
Students answered the call by asking for items ranging from various food items, to a hug from Linda Carter, and pizza from UC president Dr. Larry Cockrum. These requests, among many others, were granted and also documented via UC’s official Snapchat account. For example, Ms. Carter and the student posed for a hugging picture and Dr. Cockrum delivered pizzas to students on campus.
“I don’t know what was better, seeing students excited that Dr. Cockrum took time out of his day for them, or seeing the joy that Dr. Cockrum got out of serving the student body,” said Cherry.
Several students have taken to Twitter to voice their gratitude and thanks to the university for helping them survive this dead week.
UC student Caitlyn Howell tweeted, “Shout out to @UCumberlands for bringing me an Oreo blizzard! Y’all are awesome #DeadWeekSOS”
Another student, Lauren Hammons, tweeted, “Gosh I love this place,” after UC gave her five dollars to get her car washed.
UC student Kellie Ball also tweeted, “@UCumberlands made #DeadWeek a little easier and brought me an iced coffee! #MyCollegeRocks.”
UC’s Snapchat announced on April 28 that they had served over 150 people on campus during the “Dead Week SOS” content.
Photo from University of the Cumberlands snapchat.
A future to better the future generations: Senior profile on Nahtae Thompson
By sydney F R eem A n Guest Writer
Nahtae Thompson, 21, found her way to the University of the Cumberlands after being recruited from her high school in Georgia to run track. Thompson, originally from Linden, New Jersey, is known as around campus as a successful four-year athlete. Less known, however, is her love of working with children.
“I got to work in a pre-k center when I was in high school and I loved being around the kids,” Thompson said, “That is why I chose to be a teacher. I plan to teach in Atlanta after graduating.” She majored in early elementary education during her four years as a student at UC and will graduate in May. “Attending UC furthered my education by allowing me to get a degree that not only helps me, but helps me further the futures of young minds.” said Thompson.
“Nahtae was my work study when I taught pre-school at Williamsburg. The kids loved her. This was about four years ago, her freshman year, and she was amazing with them. If there was a day she wasn’t working, they would all be asking where she was.” said Tonya Freeman, former pre-school teacher.
“Kids that age are impressionable. If you do good or bad by them, they always remember it. Tae leaves a positive impression on every kid she has a chance to impact. She will be a good teacher because she loves it, and she loves children.” Hunter Lewis, a fellow senior at UC, said.
“The messages teachers leave shape every kid in some way for their entire lives, and it is the responsibility and duty of those who choose to take on this task to better entire generations. That shouldn’t be taken lightly, and Nahtae Thompson was made for it, there isn’t a doubt in my mind.” Freeman said. It is evident that those who know her best believe she is more than cut out for a life-long career of teaching young children.
Nahtae Thompson, when asked what advice she would give to oncoming freshman, had this to say: “If I had to do it all over again I would take it more seriously in the beginning and work harder. Make the best of your college years because it only happens once. Work hard and don’t procrastinate because before you know it, you’ll be graduating and moving on to the real world.”
Photos by sydney Freeman
Faith, family and Farmer: A senior profile on Olivia Farmer
L ATeesh A deL OACh Guest Writer
She walks into the interview with a smile on her face that brings out the color of her sparkling green eyes. She stylishly sits in a soft chair in the Harth Hall lobby, eager to start her interview. Although her New York Knicks jersey hurts me (because I’m all about the Lakers) she looks up and says, “I’m ready T. Let’s get started!”
Olivia Farmer, a senior elementary education major and exercise and sports science minor, has an undeniably unique sense of humor and a personality that makes you delighted to be in her presence.
“She is just a funny person,” said Cheyenne Madden, Farmer’s roommate this year. “Our friendship has grown so much this year. She was always pushing me to do better in my life. Whether it is on the court playing ball or other things, she just loves to make people happy.”
Olivia Farmer is from Hyden, Kentucky, and speaks highly of her family to the point I can relate to her excitement.
“I’m a mommy’s girl!” she says. “I mean she is so special to me because she raised me to fear God and not man and to remember that my support system will always be here at home.”
Farmer has an older brother whom she speaks of in high regard. “He’s my superhero, you know,” she says. “I can get mushy when it comes to him because of the way he has always looked out for me and the way he takes care of my nephew and niece. I never really had to pick a favorite superhero because I’ve had one since I was born. God has blessed me with a great family
and without them or God I don’t know where I would be.”
Farmer’s faith is not the only thing that people notice about her but also her willingness to help and to be a part of something. At the University of the Cumberlands she played for the junior varsity women’s basketball team and worked as a student assistant for the UC women’s basketball team for three years.
“She makes the job so easy,” says Naketa Harmon, another student assistant for the women’s basketball team. “I can definitely say she is my friend because of her kind and gentle spirit. Everywhere she goes people gravitate to her and it shows how special of a person she is. She loves to make people smile and that in itself is what makes her so special.”
When discussing her future plans and what she plans on doing after graduation, she stated, “I want to be a PE teacher. I love kids, and after I do that I really want to be a basketball coach. That is where my heart is.”
Farmer begins to laugh as her roommate Cheyenne walks in. She scrunches up her face and then proceeds to say something funny but instead she says, “Cheyenne, I will not have you making me look bad for the school after all this will be in the paper.” Cheyenne laughs hysterically and says, “See I told you, T. She is too funny for me.”
Farmer not only is a hidden comedian, but she shows that her love for people and laughter will never change or stray away.
That one redhead kid: A senior profile on Brody Nolan – A friend’s perspective
By Liz GU i LL eR mO Guest Writer
The Patriot’s editor-in-chief, Natasha Jones, once described UC senior Brody Nolan as someone “who lights up every room that he is in. mostly because of how pale he is.” There is no lie here. He is graced with ginger features and a personality that is just as present. Brody brings with him a sense of ease, a sass that cannot be contained, and a laugh that resonates through your soul and makes you wonder how you were ever sad in a world where such a light exists. Brody is a creative force that brings out the best in people. Professor John Varley describes him by saying, “Brody is really passionate about the things he is into and draws other people into them as well. His enthusiasm is contagious.” “Contagious” is in the running for the best word to describe Brody. He may not be able to fix things for his friends but he manages to bring up the mood and deter from what seemed unbearable only moments before.
Former student Christin Rottenberger says, “He’s definitely helped me out when I was going through a few rough patches. Even though he couldn’t actually ‘fix’ the problem, he was by my side with words of encouragement or jokes to help cheer me up.”
It’s not just the people around him that benefit from his personality of making the best of things and changing situations into opportunities. He claims that this attitude was integral to pursuing communication arts, a pursuit that will end in a degree in just a matter of weeks, but a pursuit that was, in reality, a side road to the main path he had originally taken. He says, “My major kind of chose me. I started out with a biology major but I took some film review courses with Dr. Semmel as an elective because I love film and working in that industry is the dream job.” That choice to take film electives led to the release of a very talented director.
I met Brody in one of those film classes and was amazed by his ease behind the camera and the creations he brought to life on the screen. He has a creative mind that does not stop all while looking like it is the simplest thing in the world for him to be doing at that moment. I believe that’s the mark of a true craftsman, is the peace of mind they seem to emit to those around them when they are in their element.
Another UC senior, Sydney Freeman, says about Brody, “He’s the kind of person who will shock you with his potential. He manages to do so much with his time without spreading himself too thin and that’s a feat in itself.” Brody’s ability to draw people and continually astound them is something that he is just now warming up to, or at least people in general. When asked what he wished he had done more during his time at UC, he said, “I think the thing I wish I had done more, is stay on campus. My first couple of semesters, I went home. A lot. So I’m sure I missed out on some fun times. I also wish I had gotten involved in CAB sooner. I found some great friends and immensely fun times with these people this year. I wish I had joined sooner.”
Brody and I have grown extremely close in the past couple of years, even sharing a power couple name of #Briz, and in these couple of years I can verify that he does have a creative spirit that belonged on campus even before he found the voice to showcase it.
Everyone that is graced with his friendship is also versed in his joking
nature, whenever I asked people where they thought he would be next, I received almost a joke of some sort in each reply, such as Rottenberger who said, “I can see him being happy and living his best life while Taylor Swift blasts in the background and he’s working on a Buzzfeed article titled ‘14 Gifs for When Your Tinder Date Isn’t Going as Planned.” An answer that rings both funny and true.
Brody himself will joke about his future by saying that after graduation the only thing he wants is to just find a job. It’s intimidating to go into the film industry, but with the talent that Brody has I have no doubt that he is going to be a creative force to be reckoned with.
Varley added, “I am really happy that he took video production classes and enjoyed them and is looking to pursue a career in film, it’s why you teach. I think he is going to be successful in whatever aspect of film he pursues and I am excited to follow his career. I just hope he remembers us when he is famous.”
I do too, because when it comes down to it, Brody Nolan is creative, passionate, and driven. He is all of the things necessary to do something great in the world and once he walks across that stage on May 7, he is walking into a bright and unknown future.
Walk strongly and confidently, Brody, and don’t forget all of us little people when you make it big some day. Roll credits.
Photos by shanda Cunningham
By Lydi A hUGGins Guest Writer
Adventures of Anna Clayton: A senior profile
A conversation with Anna Clayton is sure to be filled with laughter and jokes. She is lovingly described by her friends as crazy, fun, and adventurous. Like the song from the “Lion King” “Hakuna Matata,” it seems like she has no worries in the world because she is very optimistic and encouraging to others who are dealing with the difficulties of life. Her strong convictions in her faith help her when life is really rough. “My relationship with God is a huge part of my college experience,” said Clayton. “I trust him and His plan.”
According to Clayton, part of God’s plan included attending University of the Cumberlands. As a member of UC’s women’s swim team, she has been a national qualifier, a four-time all-American, and has broken a couple of school records with her team. At the 2016 nationals, she was a part of the team that broke the 200 freestyle relay and the 800 freestyle relay. Last year, she wasn’t able to swim for six months because she had torn tendons in her wrist and thumb area. She had to adjust and keep herself busy because after 14 years of swimming, she missed it a lot.
Clayton has learned to juggle the challenges that come with being a student and athlete. Not only was she a dedicated student and athlete, but she was also a resident assistant, a member of UC’s Student Government Association and taught swim lessons.
“I saw a fighter because she had homework with psychology and criminal justice, swimming, and demands of being an RA,” said Cierra Gamble, friend, fellow RA and Harry Potter enthusiast. “It can get to a person and through it all she kept who she was.”
Her relationship with God has helped her through college. According to Clayton, He gave her opportunities to sing in the praise and worship band at her church and invest more time in her friends and job when she got her injury. This year, Clayton and her friend, Stefan Johnson, led the swimmer’s life group together.
“Anna’s gotten them to read their Bibles, helped them to grow, and has been their mentor,” said Johnson. “I’ve seen her grow a lot. She’s great for support and a good friend. She’s an amazing young woman who can accomplish anything that she puts her mind to.”
When Clayton came to college, her parents encouraged her to make her faith her own. According to Clayton, her mom showed her what unconditional love from Jesus looks like. She has always wanted to love people like her mom loves them. Her close friend, Grace Van Ryckeghem, described her character in such a way that she does.
“She has a great strength and a heart that really cares for people,” said Van Ryckeghem, captain of the women’s swim team at UC. “It’s a friendship that is so rare to find. Someone who is willing to walk with you in life through everything. She’s going to be there for you any way that she can.”
Van Ryckeghem and Clayton have walked, swam, and danced alongside of each other ever since they were freshman. As swimmers, they spend a lot of time with each other in the pool, weight room, traveling, and on dry land. When they were freshman, they entered a Gillespie house council pageant. They had fun getting dressed up and dancing to “Peanut Butter and Jelly Time” as their talent.
“She’s really crazy and fun to be around,” said Van Ryckeghem. “You’re never going to be bored. That’s life with Anna, you never know what new adventure you’re going on. Even going to Wal-mart is an adventure.”
Along with playing “Wal-mart tag” as an adventure with friends, Clayton likes to go hiking, driving late at night with the windows rolled down and music playing loud, and sitting around a bonfire with friends and s’mores. “It’s all about the people,” said Clayton. “Find some friends, invest in them, and be vulnerable and open with them. Go adventure with them all over the place.”
Clayton also loves to read and write adventurous, fiction stories as well as live them. Whenever she’s stressed out, she reads her favorite book, “Peter Pan.” Since she can’t be a kid forever like Peter Pan, Clayton plans to use her major in psychology and minor in criminal justice to be a probation or parole officer before becoming a profiler. She is heartbroken by the things she learns in class and wants help improve the justice system. She would also like to join the Coast Guard to serve her country because as she says, “The water is kind of like my domain, my home.”
Although, as of right now, her plans aren’t quite solid. “I keep telling people that it’s a surprise for everyone including myself,” said Clayton. After going home for the summer, she hopes to move to Nashville, Tennessee.
She looks forward to living in a big city with lots of opportunities and family nearby.
Clayton has learned to embrace the differences of others. This perspective has helped her make friends with people from a variety of backgrounds. In the case with her friend Cierra Gamble, they went from unlikely friends to close friends sharing in many adventures together. Clayton had the opportunity to take Gamble to the beach for the first time where they enjoyed long boarding together as well as saving two starfish instead of keeping them.
“We realized that on the outside we looked different like our social circles and everything were different, but a lot of the things we believed in, loved, and were passionate about were exactly the same,” said Gamble.
Along with the advice of investing in friends, Clayton also has perspective to share with incoming freshman.
“Take some more time to study a little bit because that math grade is going to last a lot longer than that cute boy. All freshman need to hear that,” said Clayton with a laugh.
She added, “Cumberlands is a great place to grow in your faith. There are a lot of people standing around, waiting to nurture you, and invest in you and it’s awesome.”
Photo submitted
Freedom for a Freeman A senior profile on Sydney Freeman – A friend’s perspective
By Liz GU i LL eR mO Guest Writer
When UC senior Sydney Freeman was a young girl she truly believed that if she were to travel to Sydney, Australia they would have to make her their queen because she shared a name with their city. This belief faded with wisdom as she grew older, but her passion to take the world by storm has not dwindled.
Born and raised in Corbin, Kentucky, Sydney Freeman admits going to the University of the Cumberlands was the last thing that she wanted to do. She says, “I promised I’d never attend this school because I had dreams of going off somewhere far away, but coming here ended up paying off. I will not be in debt after I graduate and I was able to run for all four years of college on the cross-country and track teams…and I don’t know where I would be without the friendships I’ve built.”
Friendship comes easy to her, according to those closest to her.
I’ve been graced with knowing Sydney closely enough to be given access to her family, who clearly showcases the love and support that she passes on to everyone around her. When I asked a few of them what her best quality was, they all had similar answers. Both of her brothers describe her as “super personable” and someone who “likes to help folks a lot,” a trait that is agreed on by her mother and boyfriend, who both say that her best quality is her willingness to help others.
This passion also translates into a passion for creativity and writing. What people may not know about Sydney is that she is an incredibly gifted artist whose hand-drawn doodles never cease to blow me away.
Creativity and “her passion for life” which her father, Brad, cites as her best quality are the driving forces behind her major in English with a minor in journalism.
Photo by s cott Powell. Used with permission.
Sydney says, “I have a passion for writing and both are great subjects to prepare me for law school.”
Yes, you read that right, law school. Undergrad was only the beginning for Sydney, as she plans on following in her father’s footsteps and becoming a lawyer. She plans on taking a year off and her hope is to enroll at University of Kentucky’s law school so that she will not be too far from home and those that she loves.
Her future calls her and she is more than ready to answer, whether she herself can believe that it’s happening or not, it is clear that she has worked hard.
Her boyfriend, Kyle Dickhaus, sums it up nicely by saying, “I feel very happy for her. I know she’s not so excited about it because she thinks she may have a few regrets, but I can be nothing but proud of her. She’s worked hard.”
I am beyond grateful to consider Sydney one of my very best friends, she is dedicated, hilarious, kind, beautiful, intelligent, weird, awkward, and perfect to work out with or “veg out” with, depending on the day. I have watched her conquer so much in just the short time that I’ve known her and I believe her to be capable of just about anything.
Regardless of what is next for Sydney, you can be sure that she will conquer it and make a change wherever she goes next.
She leaves us with this piece of advice for those who will continue on at UC in the years to come, “Don’t dwell on your ‘what-if’ moments. Be present, make friends, and fight to keep them. Don’t just think about making the most of your time here, actually do it, so that, when you’re sitting where I am, you can look back with pride.”
Photo by s cott Powell. Used with permission.
By Ash TOn Re CTOR Assitant e ditor
Sincerely, Tasha A senior profile on Natasha Jones
As I walk to the doors, they open and I feel the vastness of the foyer, there is beauty and intimidation all in one place. My first couple of visits to this place I would not have known what to expect, but now I have acclimated to the environment.
I climb the curving staircase and proceed toward to a room full of what used to be the unfamiliar, but before I enter I hear conversation from recognizable voices. The tone is sort of muffled by the barrier of the wall, but there are tones I can distinguish.
I hear a specifically familiar laughter and I can just picture the bright smile and red hair that accompanies it. She’s my peer, my boss, and my friend: Natasha Jones.
When she began her academic career at the University of the Cumberlands, she did not envision herself in the role she is in now. Jones began wanting to pursue human services, but was eventually drawn to journalism and communication, where she found her permanent home.
While beginning this area of study Jones was a little unsure, but now she will be concluding her time at UC holding the title of editor-in-chief at the campus newspaper, The Patriot, and as a contributor to USA Today College.
Jones explained the path laid before her was not one that she was ex-
tremely confident in, at the beginning, but this shifted as she learned valuable lessons not only in the classroom, but about herself.
“I don’t really know how it happened but I just rose to the occasion somehow and that wasn’t anybody’s work but God’s,” commented Jones. Like any new venture in life, there was much for Jones to gain, but also there were many internal and external factors to conquer.
“Having confidence and believing in yourself is the first step, honestly,” advised Jones. “I just kind of had to learn [to have] confidence in myself and the teachers and people I have met here have really instilled that in me.”
Jones’ former boss, as she was a freshmen blogger for admissions, and professor Jordyne Carmack said, “Natasha is one of those rare individuals with an knack for perseverance. She tackles academic, emotional and leadership challenges with strength and zeal developed not by luck, but by experience and hard work.”
While Jones has learned greatly about the art and skill of journalism, she says the subject itself has also shown her a few lessons.
“Not to fear the unknown is what journalism’s taught me and that everybody has a story, even if it’s not apparent, there’s one there,” said Jones.
Behind the text, there is a process that follows any journalism piece. From emails to interviews and then finally deciding on an approach to a story, there is a strategy involved that readers do not always see. However, Jones explained that by learning not to fear the unknown, it helped her realize what she initially had planned may positively change.
“I was interviewing Dean Whitaker for the campus play that he was in and I just got to know him as a person and I don’t think I really wrote about it, but he was just so passionate about this campus and that was amazing,” said Jones.
Jones has not only found a home in journalism itself, but at UC, as well, where she will be leaving cherished memories and friendships.
She recounted her favorite memory as one from the Media, Technology, and Society course taught by Jeremiah Massengale, where he challenged the students that if they could get their tweet to go viral then they would not have to take their traditional final exam, but rather write a paper explaining how they managed to “trend” nationwide Twitter and also reflecting on the experience.
The picture displayed the entire class of students holding a piece of paper that stated, “If we get 10,000 retweets, we don’t have to take our final!”
“I didn’t expect it to work out, at all,” said Jones. “We asked students on campus to tweet it, low-grade celebrities to tweet it, and eventually it took on a life of its own and made 10,000 in like four hours,” Jones recounted. The tweet concluded with over 11,000 retweets and 923 likes.
Jones also told of the family she has found not only in the Department of Communication, Journalism and Theatre Arts, but also in the university as a whole.
Jeremiah Massengale, professor of journalism and faculty adviser to The Patriot, said, “It’s hard to imagine the newspaper office without her. I’m proud to call her my pal. At The Patriot, it has often felt like it was just a few of us against the world, but Tasha has always been there as an exemplary leader with her tenacity and talent. I’m certain she’ll go on to do amazing things.”
“Honestly, a piece of my heart will stay here forever. I’ve done so much growing up here, but I will leave knowing that I have their support and that they believe in me and I can call on them for anything,” said Jones. As she is optimistic about what the future holds after crossing the graduation stage, Jones knows she will always cherish this stage of her life. Carmack reiterated, “I have no doubt she will be an asset to any company that has the good fortune to have her creative thinking and work ethic on their team.”
“There will be another chapter out there like UC where I will have so many great memories,” explained Jones, “I will grow as a person, and I will continue to do what God has called me to do.”
Jones will close her college years with much gratitude and thanks. While her time may be near completed, she promised, “I will never be able to give back to UC what UC has given to me.”
Photo by maggie moore
Photos by Ashton Rector
Page 14 Features
By BROdy nOLA n Guest Writer
The first time I met Paige Edwards, all I could think was, “Dang, she is tall.” That feeling never quite goes away, even though I know that fact, probably because she is about two inches taller than me. But she is more than just tall; she is a dedicated, honest, and funny. She’s also a person that especially loves music, chicken nuggets and naps.
When I asked her to sit down with me for an interview, she responded with “Can we go get food? Because I slept through dinner…” I told you she loved her naps. After a quick stop at Wendy’s to get some nuggets, she and I started our talk.
Edwards, from Berea, Kentucky, majored in fitness and sports management with a minor in business and was one of the University of the Cumberlands’ cheerleading captains this year. Her cheerleading career started back when she was four years old, but really progressed in high school under the coaching of her best friend’s mom.
“I have been hooked since then. Cheerleading, I think, had a lot to do with how well I adjusted and got along here, because it is how I made most of my friends. That is kind of my identifier, being on the cheerleading team. I
Not your average Paige Edwards cheerleader: A senior profile on
have always been known as ‘the tall cheerleader’. While it is kind of inconvenient for being a cheerleader, I kind of enjoy being different that way. It was a huge part of my life, and it was great, so it’s a little bittersweet to see it end,” she says.
The dedication that Edwards has shown throughout her time at UC is evident. By her senior year, she made captain of the cheerleading team. She also received accolades such as First Team All Mid-South Conference and Academic All Mid-South Conference for all years that she was eligible. Outside of cheerleading, she was also an Academic Resource tutor, devoted to helping other students in their classes.
“I think Paige’s best quality is that she is strong willed. She knows what she wants and she does not let anyone get in her way or change her mind,” says Beth Tackett, who has been friends with Edwards since her sophomore year.
Edwards attributes this characteristic to her parents. Sadly, her birth mother passed away at an early age, but she says that, “Everything I do, I do to make her proud.”
“My stepmom is what made me so strong willed and independent. I don’t know, it’s hard to describe. I guess her personality rubbed off on me because she was in my life from an early stage,” Edwards says.
“Once Paige decides what she wants, she goes for it full force, and I know that whatever she plans to do in life, she will achieve,” says Alyssa Parrott, a longtime friend of Edwards.
Edwards’ dedication in friendship lends itself over into her honesty. She is one of the easiest people to talk to, because you know that she means everything that she says.
“I think that that is the most important thing I have learned while being in college. No matter what I say, I always stick to my word and I value myself on being reliable and honest. Honesty just makes everything easier. It helps you build and keep relationships.”
These relationships have taken her to many places, from Harry Potter World to seeing Warped Tour over and over again to a plethora of other concerts. Music is one of Edwards’ defining qualities that she says has influenced her over the years.
“Music has definitely affected me because it helped me find myself,
for lack of better words. Rock music finally made me feel something and it reassured me. I adore the vibe, the carelessness of it, and the outsider, rebellious tone. It just speaks to me. Some of my best memories are through music because of going to concerts and meeting artists,” she explains.
“I remember this time where we went and saw Cassadee Pope from ‘The Voice.’ We got to meet her, and she will probably kill me for saying this, but she basically cried after meeting her. I knew at that moment we would be great friends. We have done Warped Tour, too, and it was such a blast rocking out with her,” says Parrott.
Having gone to a concert with her, I can attest to the screaming and crying. I thought that I lost my hearing after she got to brush the shoulder of Joe Jonas at the DNCE concert. (Thankfully I did not.)
And thankfully I have gotten to know her. The saying goes that our friends are the family that we get to choose. Paige Edwards has been a great friend and has even helped me realize something about myself. Her carefree attitude and confidence have bolstered my own sense of confidence, which I think is something we all could use.
By CheL s A BOW m A n Guest Writer
Page 16 Features
High-Fives and KitKats: A senior profile on Aryn Bowling
She walks into her dorm room, greeting me with a high-five and a smile as she walks over to her desk. I begin to take a look around her room, and my attention is automatically drawn to the lights hanging up on the walls. The lighting of the room is kind of dark, yet soothing. With further inspection, I look around at the various pieces of art cover her walls. One particular painting catches my eye. The painting is colorful, and the words on it are from a well-known Beatles song entitled “Let It Be.”
Aryn Bowling, a 23-year-old senior at the University of the Cumberlands, takes a look at the painting as she smiles.
“A few years ago, my friend Taylor Mayes painted that for me. I am a fan of the Beatles. My favorite song by the Beatles is ‘Let it Be.’ It has become a motto of mine over the years,” said Bowling, as she sat down on the edge of her bed.
Bowling, who is originally from London, Kentucky, came to the University of the Cumberlands to pursue a double major in human services and criminal justice. As soon as she graduates, she intends on finding a job to start her new life as a college graduate. Bowling is the type of person that everyone wants to be friends with. She has a great sense of humor, a caring personality and the perfect amount of sarcasm. Bowling defines what a true friend really is.
“Aryn is one of the first friends that I met when I transferred to Cumberlands. When we met, never in a million years would I have thought that we would be as close as we are today. Not only that, but I never thought that I’d meet someone as crazy and weird as myself. She is truly just that, maybe more. Aryn has accepted me for me since day one and I know that regardless of where life takes us after we graduate, I am positive I will always have her in my life. I am so lucky to have a lifelong friend like Aryn,” said Alex Schaich, one of Bowling’s close friends that she met in her time here at UC.
In Bowling’s spare time, she likes to play the guitar. She also likes to write music. You can usually find Bowling sitting in the CAB office, playing her guitar as she hangs out and chats with her friends. When Bowling
chats with her friends, any type of conversation is bound to happen.
“We were talking about stuff that we would and I remember saying that I’d do anything for a high-five and a KitKat bar,” said Bowling, as she laughed. The joke has stuck with Bowling since that day. During the CAB Christmas party back in 2015, Bowling opened her gift from UC senior Cameron Smoak to find that Smoak had gotten her a KitKat bar and a fake dollar that had his face on it, granting Bowling a lifetime supply of high-fives.
“Aryn and I have been friends since our freshmen year. We both came in together in 2010. We met in the lobby of Gillespie while playing a game of Taboo,” stated UC graduate student and close friend of Bowling, Sara Donahue.
“Since then, we’ve been partners in crime. She is more like a sister to me. We’ve reached a level in our friendship where we can make each other mad and then talk it out and it is as if nothing ever happened. We can be a 100 percent honest with each other, and have each other’s backs and we’re always in each other’s corners. She’s been there for me through a lot. We’re not just friends, we are family. I am super proud of all of her hard work and can’t wait to see where God takes her after graduation. I couldn’t imagine my experience here at UC without Aryn. She has played a big role in my time here and has helped me grow into the person I am today,” said Donahue.
“It’s really a bittersweet feeling. I’m ready to be done, but at the same time, I really don’t want to leave the place I called home for the past few years. I’m not ready to leave all of my friends that have become my family, although I’m excited to see what they accomplish,” said Bowling as she looks back to the Beatles painting.
As I leave Bowling’s room, I begin to laugh at some of the memories we have made over the last few years. Bowling has truly touched our lives. Whether it’s from her giving advice or giving us a good laugh, we know that Bowling is a true friend. As she graduates, I know that great things are to come for Bowling. I am grateful to have a great friend like her. Graduation isn’t going to end our friendship; it will only bring us closer.
Lacey Reliford: More than a label
By Am A ndA KeLLy Guest Writer
Lacey Reliford, a senior University of the Cumberlands student, archer and human service major, is more than just a label. She’s a woman with aspirations, hopes, talents and fears, yet she’s known to her teammates as a recurve bow archer. She’s recognized as a three-time All-American in the competitive collegiate archery realm. She’s a human service major with a minor in early elementary education. By May 7, she’ll be labeled a graduate of UC. But labels aren’t something she wants to be known for.
Reliford is an archer, but that’s something she loves to do rather than be identified by. She is a member of the first graduating class of archers since the school added the sport four years ago. She’s a member of the 3-D archery national championship team, claiming second, third, and fourth place finishes individually. The sport does not label her; it’s her talent that encompasses part of her being.
“I got myself into it,” Reliford says. “I wasn’t really good at any other sport. I knew I was good my sophomore and junior year of high school when the highest score is 300 and my average was 280 to 285. When I came to college, I started shooting a completely different bow.”
Despite the four years of experience since switching bows and 10 years of total experience, Reliford continues to learn her bow and grow as an archer. She describes how she has to tune new arrows to her bow, make small adjustments and how there’s always room for improvement.
“When I first started, I didn’t know what I was doing.” Reliford says. “Like yesterday, I finally learned how to replace my own tips [on the arrows.]”
One of Reliford’s best friends and teammates, Jamie Bell, competed in archery since middle school. Although there competed against one another before college, they’ve become close teammates and friends at UC. Bell says they’re closer because they come from the same town, and their brothers played little league together.
“She’s good at being very supportive because she picks you up when you’re down,” Bell says about Reliford as an archer and as a friend.
Even though college recruitment brought Reliford to UC, her passion
for helping people, especially children, kept her involved in her majors, and it drives her towards graduate school. She’s going to attend Campbellsville University to obtain a master’s degree in social work. Although she started her undergraduate degree as an elementary education major, her passion pushed her towards a different path.
“I was in elementary education, but in the back of my mind I was always thinking about social work and child protective services,” Reliford says. “When I went to the schools for observation hours, I would gravitate towards the troubled kids, so I dropped my major to a minor and picked up human services. I’m glad I did it because it’s so right for me.”
Reliford had a rough childhood, so she wants to help children get the help they need; she wants to help children despite not getting help she needed as a child. She says her job is going to be gruesome and heartbreaking, but she can’t think of anything else she’d rather be doing. She’ll get a taste of real world social service work in the fall as an intern. Her classes equipped her work, but the lessons can only prepare Reliford so much.
“Lacey wants to be a professional helper,” Dr. Steven Halstead, Reliford’s human services professor says. “That’s about being a servant, and that’s hard to teach. I’m excited for her to do well because she has passion [for her work].”
If there is any label Reliford is, it’s that she’s a good, kind and caring person. Only those close to her understand her forgiving nature, but they also know she doesn’t tolerate nonsense. Bell says she’s like Miranda Lambert in the sense that she’s crazy, hilarious and has a caring, nurturing side. “Once you get to know Lacey, you see she has this southern sass, and it’s natural to her,” Bell says. “She’s not trying to be anything else; she’s always just herself.”
Everyone lives with being labeled by what they study, what sport they play, where they grew up or where they go to school or church. But Reliford doesn’t live by those labels or the standards others hold her up to. She’s certainly her own person, not just a label or two.
Finding Alexandra
A senior profile on Alexandra Schaich
By CheL s A BOW m A n Guest Writer
Two knocks upon the door, anticipating and waiting for an answer. The sound of the knocking echoes loudly, and finally the door opens. Greeted with a smile that could light up anyone’s world, Alexandra Schaich invites me into her dorm room, which is decorated elaborately with various inspirational quotes and paintings.
“It’s about time you showed up,” Schaich said as she laughed softly, sitting down on her bed. Her medium brown hair, put up in a bun, and her clothing was a sign that the room itself was a little chilly, bundling up in a blanket that is covered with little sugar skulls.
Schaich, a 22-year-old senior from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, came to the University of the Cumberlands to pursue a double degree in criminal justice and human service and has full intentions on putting her degree to use
after graduation.
With a lot of hard work and dedication, Schaich has accomplished many things during her time here at UC. Aside from obtaining her degrees in human service and criminal justice, Schaich was also the vice president of the UC Chi Mu Chapter of the National Human Services Honors Society in the 2014-2015 school year. In the 2015-2016 school year, Schaich was named president.
It takes a lot of hard work, patience and dedication in obtaining a degree of any kind. Schaich is one to never let anything get in her way of being successful. Of course there are times that she may feel discouraged, but she keeps in mind that her family back home is there to support her every move.
“When I get down or discouraged, I look to my family and my boyfriend. They are my biggest cheerleaders, and they have never let me give up. They have believed in me at times when I’ve not believed in myself or doubted I was able to do something. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them,” said Schaich. Schaich’s personality is one thing that stands out. Just by sitting down and talking to her will show anyone that Schaich has a humorous yet caring personality, and you can’t help but to love everything about her. Schaich’s friends will tell you that she is a very kind person, and that she isn’t afraid to tell anyone how it is. She is also one of the most caring people I have gotten to know during my time here at UC. I was blessed with the opportunity to have Schaich as a roommate my freshman year. There was never a dull moment when she walked into the room. Even though she has an admirable humor about her, she is also one of the most kind-hearted individuals I have ever met. She taught me how to become a better person and to be a little more outgoing. I really appreciated her and the things she taught me.
“When Alex came to campus, I was introduced to her by her cousin Kam, who I served with on the Acts 1:8 mission team. I had no idea how close we would become,” said UC graduate assistant Sara Donahue as she reflected on the friendship between her and Schaich. “I ended up being her roommate for the first semester of being a grad assistant. Alex has a big heart and is a great friend. She is an encourager, and is always there when I need her. She can make me laugh when I need to laugh, and she’s always willing to pray with me or for me. I’m really proud of her and all of her accomplishments, but telling her goodbye after graduation is going to be really hard. I know with Alex, I have a forever friend, and I am very thankful for her.” As I leave the room of Schaich, the door closes behind me. All of our memories together play like movie through my mind, and I can’t help but to smile because I know how lucky and blessed I am to have encountered such a great friendship with Schaich. I know that graduation isn’t a goodbye but is only the beginning.
Photos by Abbey Cherry
Page 20 Features
Off the court and across the stage: A senior profile on Daniel Fraser
By is ABeLLA dAL e Guest Writer
Daniel Fraser walks the halls of Cumberlands a victor in his own right. Only four short years ago, graduating from college was far beyond what he had planned for himself. Now, he is a double major in psychology and fitness & sports Management, with an endless future ahead.
“I didn’t think university was an option for me” said Fraser, “but my mother eventually convinced me to come.” Her advice would soon prove to be wisdom. Because as of May 7th, Daniel soon gets to call himself a college graduate.
The oldest son of Patrick and Mary Ann Fraser, Fraser comes from Cooma, a small town of 8,000 in New South Wales, Australia. He has four siblings: Josh, Lachlan, Kevin and Jennifer; all of whom reside back in Australia. Fraser says having to return home soon will make him miss the ready-made meals in the cafeteria, as well as the carefree lifestyle that comes with being at university.
“I’m also going to miss all of the great people I have met here,” he said, “and I’m going to miss learning.”
Admirably, attending classes and striving to learn was something Fraser says he never took for granted during his time here at UC. He comments that the field of psychology particularly sparked his interest, and has truly become a passion. “Though, I won’t miss writing those long research papers” he jokes. Fraser has also been a strong and enduring asset of the UC Men’s tennis team, having played in positions of #1 doubles and #2 and #4 singles, he has made a lasting impression on his teammates and peers. “Dan’s a great guy, with great hands at the net, I’ve truly enjoyed playing with him,” said Fraser’s
doubles partner and follow senior Ariez Deen Heshaam. “He has always been a great friend who has a massive heart, and I can say it will be hard to see him go.”
With an abundance of options after graduation, Fraser hopes to continue playing tennis, expressing that he may try entering the field of tennis coaching, as not to let his visible talents of the game go to waste. “I might also try to play some doubles tournaments,” he says, “but I have no intention of going professional.” In terms of his major, pursuing a master’s degree in psychology is also a hopeful option for Fraser, particularly in the areas of sport psychology or industrial and organizational psychology. “Strength and conditioning may also be a career path that I choose to pursue, I have yet to decide,” he says. As a typical lad, Fraser enjoys playing the guitar and kicking the soccer ball around with friends in his free time. He is known to his peers as fun-loving person, someone who enjoys cracking jokes and having a good time. “He is definitely a very kind and supportive person,” says his close friend and roommate Deveshwar Sivam. “I’ll miss having him to wake me up for my morning classes.”
When asked what his most memorable moment was here at UC, Fraser laughs and says, “When my teammate Franco tried out for Spotlight one year, the crowd absolutely erupted when he began dancing.” He then goes on to reminisce about mealtime with his fellow teammates and how he appreciates being able to get to know them better. He says those small, insignificant moments will ultimately end up standing out the most in his memory of this place.
Photo by isabella dale
Physics, physiology, and psychology: A profile on Frank England
By L A ndR y WOOds Guest Writer
In life, most people want to do their best in what they do. Exerting the effort to do so is another story, but wanting their best is generally there nonetheless. Sometimes, wanting to do their best means exactly what it sounds like. Again, they want their best, their very own, with minimal amount of help from others. Does this make them prideful? Absolutely not. Sometimes individuals want to just prove to themselves that they can do it. It’s not a vendetta against the world; they just want to prove to themselves that they can do something, purely to know that they can. This way of thinking drives many to pursue their goals and hopefully one day, reach them.
So what becomes of the dream when one day you wake up and realize, at least for the time being you are no longer self-reliant? You no longer can go and do as you please, and for a time, you must allow others to help you with tasks you once conquered easily. On top of that, dreams you once had may be gone forever, and abilities you once possessed all but a memory of the past. But more than any of that you lose a part of who you are, your independence. This is exactly what happened to UC’s Frank England in the fall of 2014.
In 2013 England enrolled at the University of the Cumberlands as graduate of Clinton County High School in Albany, Kentucky. England quickly began on the tough journey of majoring in applied physics. Only increasing his load, England decided upon pursuing a double minor in both mathematics and physics. If all of this wasn’t enough, England joined the JV basketball team all while carrying 18 hours the first four semesters. “Competitive,” is what UC junior Hunter Cleary, and close friend to England used to describe who he was. Cleary added, “You don’t get into an engineering program without that type of drive.”
While England is in his last year at UC, he is not graduating, but transferring to the University of Kentucky and will enroll in their engineering school. He will attend UK for two years and then will graduate with a bachelor of science in civil engineering from UK and also effectively graduate from UC. Upon graduating from UC he will receive a bachelor of science in applied
physics. While this is an unorthodox way to receive college degrees, England sites scholarship money at UC as the reason for coming to UC first. So while this picture perfect ending seems to have all come together, there was a time when it seemed to be falling apart. In the fall of 2014 England was playing pick-up basketball games and injured leg. In fact he broke it. And the rest of the year at UC was completely different. While it should be noted that there were physical pain that obviously accompanied this injury, maybe the psychological pain hurt the most. England known by almost all his friends for his quick wit and humor could see a difference in his demeanor. “It was killing him inside that he had to sit around and be lazy,” said Joey Baldasano, a UC sophomore and friend of England’s, “It killed his humor a little bit.” While the physical pain is so often evident, sometimes, the emotional pain is just as deep. The desperation that surrounded the early weeks of the injury really got England down. “I just view that as just a dark time,” England said. Not only did he have to receive help to get his food and open doors, but his life was impacted in others ways as well. England missed a lot of class during that time and got behind on his work. While he was able to catch up, he still did not benefit from being at the lecture. Not only that, but England was in the prime of his basketball career here at UC. In a year he was expected to be one of the best players on the team; he ended up red-shirting instead. While all of this seemed tough at the time, England was able to bounce back and continue on the path to engineering school. Often times in life individuals point to obstacles they have overcome as a reason to their success. When asked if this situation had helped England in any way, he replied in a way that only he could, “No, I don’t really see how it helped me.” While their was humor in his tone, he was still sincere in that, the fall of 2014 really set him back and that he doesn’t see the good in it. Yet, at the same time it makes overcoming the challenge that much more admirable. In summary, Baldasano, England’s friend and former suitemate summed him up in one word, saying he is, “Relentless.”
Photo submitted
Grace Van Ryckeghem: The person that always smiles
By iGOR dOz ORT sev Guest Writer
She comes to the interview with her usual smile and sits down at the table next to me.
“Harth lobby is pretty busy today for the Sunday night,” are the first words that she says to me. She wears her colorful swimming national shirt; she is proud to be a swimmer. Her curly hair is hanging a little bit below her shoulders. Her smile is the widest you can imagine.
Grace Van Ryckeghem is a 22-year-old senior exercise and sport science major at the University of the Cumberlands. She is from Franklin, Tennessee, which is right outside of Nashville.
When asked who inspires her in life, she, without hesitation, says “My parents. They help me to get through everything.”
And this is true, Van Ryckeghem has been involved in everything you can possibly imagine in her four years at UC. She has been a captain of the swim team, vice president of house council at Moss, treasurer and the vice president of Beta Beta Beta Biology Honor Society, vice president and the president of Student Government Association, and a part of various committees that helped with reaccreditation of our school this past year.
Van Ryckeghem’s friends know her as a smiling person; “There is never a moment when she does not smile,” says Anna Clayton, a senior at University of the Cumberlands. And this describes Grace Van Ryckeghem perfectly. Her smile is absolutely sincere and kind. Every second you talk to her there is always a smile on her face that will shine on your day even if it is a thunderstorm outside. This was a big distraction during the interview.
She is a people person. This is something she enjoys in her life the most – simply talking and getting to know them, whether they are from other countries or speak another language. “It is amazing how we all can connect together because there is always something in a common background,” says Van Ryckeghem.
Helping people is another great quality of Van Ryckeghem. She is going to Ecuador in the coming fall to teach children, whose second language is English.
“I want to help kids in South America to learn and be able to speak English,” says Van Ryckeghem, and this is the first moment in the past twenty minutes when she stopped smiling. “They really do not have a big of an opportunity to learn other languages,” says Van Ryckeghem with a sad tone of voice.
“She has been helping me a lot to improve my English skills in the past two years by talking with me a lot,” says Victoria Tornelli, a sophomore from Brazil at University of the Cumberlands. “She has a huge desire to help people and this something she wants to dedicate her life to,” added Tornelli.
It is an important quality that everyone needs to have in their lives – wanting to help other people no matter what and put everything it takes to succeed at it. This is something Van Ryckeghem is made of. Her desire is not be a physical therapist, but just help people by consulting them in different situations. To be able to put everything aside and help people that need that help. Help them to realize that people with disorders are as equal as we are and we do not need to run away from them. To teach them how to make a step closer to those people and bring some joy in their lives. “Everyone deserves to be happy no matter who they are and what obstacles they have in their lives,” says Van Ryckeghem.
It is hard to believe but sometimes she takes a break from people by reading or watching Netflix. “I have not had a lot of time to read recently, but I love reading!” admitted Van Ryckeghem. Her favorite books are “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings.” She says she likes it because characters are going through the same struggles in their lives, just like we are.
“I will definitely miss her and her smile a lot next year,” says Tornelli. It is integral part of college years – students are coming in and leaving every year, but the ones like Grace Van Ryckeghem will be remembered and missed forever because of their contributions to the university’s development, her candid smile, and open heart that is always welcome to immediately help anyone at any circumstances.
Photo courtesy of UC sports i nformation
By sh A nnOn COL em A n Guest Writer
Aiming for the target: A senior profile on Nicole Nivison
Nicole Nivison, referred to as Nikki by her closest friends and teammates, is racing toward graduation like no other. Nikki has been actively pursing a major in biology and minor in criminal justice during her four years in Williamsburg. While her studies were a huge part of her collegiate experience, books weren’t the only things keeping Nikki busy in the ‘burg. August of 2012 she traveled away from home to become a member of the first ever University of the Cumberlands Patriot archery team. Nivison spent the next four years leaping over numerous obstacles to become the best athlete, student and coach that she can be.
During her first year at UC Nikki was faced with one of the toughest obstacles any collegiate athlete can imagine: surgery. After months of therapy and rehabilitation Nikki returned to the range stronger than ever.
“My surgery was probably the toughest thing I’ve had to overcome during my time in college. Not only did it prevent me from competing in a sport I love, but I also struggled with my schoolwork because of it,” says Nivison.
Being injured was a setback for Nivison, but definitely not the end. During the 2013-14 season Nivison began competing again and started to work her way back to success. All of her hard work paid off big time in the spring of 2015 when Nivison was crowned champion of the women’s bowhunter division at the USCA Regional Indoor Archery Tournament.
Archery has been an influential part of Nivison’s life in another way as well. Nikki has worked with a program called Center Shot at First Baptist Church in Williamsburg during her time at UC. Center Shot is an archery program for young kids, which combines archery lessons with Bible studies and fellowship. Hannah Blevins, a fellow UC archer and friend of Nikki, says that Nivison is an “awesome role model” for the kids she works with.
“She loves helping kids shoot and teaching them about the sport. It’s a sport anyone can do and she loves to teach the kids that,” says Blevins.
Nivison has a passion not only for the sport that has brought her so far, but also for our environment. This passion for the outdoors and the world around us is what encouraged her to choose to study biology and criminal justice. After graduation she plans to pursue a career in wildlife either as a biologist or conservation officer.
Nivison says, “I want to protect our natural world and I want to make sure that future generations get to enjoy the natural world we have left.”
Assistant archery coach, Mackenzie Kieborz says, “Nikki is a very determined person, both on and off the field of play. She works very hard to be good at what she does and it pays off. Nikki has had a successful academic and athletic career and she will undoubtedly be successful in her future endeavors as well.”
Photo submitted
