The Patriot - February 15, 2018

The TheUniversity Universityofofthe theCumberlands CumberlandsStudent StudentNewspaper Newspaper

Spring Issue 3 February 15,8,2018 Spring Issue 2 February 2018

We’re All Choked Up

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Letter From the Editor Dear readers,

If you haven’t all been washed away by torrential downpour, here’s a lifeline in the form of a new issue of The Patriot. The following articles cover some of the most recent events on campus, as well as a playlist for those who abstained from Valentine’s Day this year. Hopefully this issue will brighten, and inform your day.

As we paddle our way through this semester it’s important to try and keep your head above water. This means getting the right amount of sleep, not skipping meals, and exercising. Keeping a weathered eye on your health is key. With the whirlwind of midterms quickly approaching, it’s easy to shirk studies because of increased stress.

Set small goals to finishing assignment, and portion larger assignments into smaller parts.

This will not only promote a sense of accomplishment, but it will also prevent last minute procrastination.

The raging sea of assignments and tests are stressful, and sometimes it’s a struggle not to just take a minute and wait it out. Your college education is meant to stretch you and work you into an adjusted individual, and employee, who can sustain a higher workload. The following section of this semester is crucial to your final grade, and it’s important to not get lost in the hectic life of being a student.

This is my final semester at UC. I just picked up my cap and gown, finished my senior thesis, and now all I have to finish are this semester of general courses.

Senioritis has set in without a doubt! In retrospect the time I’ve had at UC has been invaluable. I’ve grown; as a student, as a person, and as a friend, and I’m excited to transition into the next phase of my life.

I made it through; you will too!

Best regards, Eric Ford Edwards

Editor-In-Chief Eric Ford Edwards Managing Editor Megan Willoughby Faculty Adviser Jeremiah Massengale Staff Emilee Agee Taylor Duke Leanne Gregory Tyler Kohn Megan Muggridge Nichole Sharp Zane Ross Editorial Review Board Lisa Bartram Marianne Worthington

Email comments, concerns or tips to: thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu or call us at 606-539-4172 7000 College Station Drive Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769 The Patriot is the weekly student publication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timely and original content by highlighting campus news and views.

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

Page 3 Features

Across The Devise UC improv troupe attends the KCACTF showcase

BY T YLER KOHN Staff Writer

Photo by Dr. Kim Miller The Patprov troupe takes a bow after their performance.

On February 7, 10 members of the Patprovs, the campus improv troupe, and UC theatre professor Dr. Kim Miller set off in a 15-passengervan. Our destination: Americus, Georgia and the Region IV Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. The KCACTF hosted schools from all over the region to practice, perform, and showcase the different skills and styles of theatre, including the devised theatre piece that we prepared. Devised theatre is a type of theatre created by a group for that group to perform. It can be anything from a dramatic thought piece on the injustices of the times to a witty commentary on the hilarity of pop culture. It can also take many forms.

Our piece was a dialogue-heavy short play. Others produced interpretive dances or more abstract pieces involving less realistic elements. Our piece, titled “Eye of the Beholder,” focused on the stories of several people inside an art gallery. It was based on the national prompt, “He/she/they never met a stranger.”

We were tasked with turning this prompt into a fully-formed 20-minute show. We, along with several other groups, performed our finished show in a showcase on Friday afternoon where we received feedback on our concept and performance from industry professionals.

Apart from the devised theatre showcase, we were able to participate in several workshops and classes and see several shows that were invited to perform at the festival.

Sophomore Ashley Hulgan says, “It was fun and educational.

The invited productions were amazing and really inspired me. I’m really excited about what I saw and learned. I can’t wait to use the knowledge I picked up and can’t wait for next year.”

Hulgan is referring to the many workshops we were invited to

attend. These classes covered everything from what a stage manager should know about lighting boards, to Russian movement and dance.

These classes were highly specialized and offered the opportunity for all members of the theatre community to better their craft somehow.

Nick Kidd, a UC junior, says, “I think KCACTF really opened up my eyes to the different opportunities out there. Not only did I see opportunities, I saw passion that helped me as a person involved with theatre to go on and follow my dream.”

Kidd knows what’s up. While the festival is meant to be a fun experience, more than anything it is an opportunity for aspiring professionals in the theatre community. Its workshops and scholarship opportunities gave many students a foothold to better themselves in their chosen field. It was more than just a learning experience though. The KCACTF is a chance for students to meet and befriend others who are passionate about theatre.

Sophomore River Phillipe says, “My time at KCACTF was wonderful and I would love to do it again. The week started out as a bunch of schools at a theatre festival, but by the end it was a unified group of thespians. The lessons I learned there will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Phillipe, like many of us who attended, aspires to greatness in the field of theatre and has taken to heart the lessons he learned and connections he made. Many students representing many skill and experience levels attended, and by the end, we had formed close bonds.

We emerged a better-connected web of young artists prepared to take on the field and leave our marks. It is true that we all arrived as strangers, but in the world of theatre, no one has truly met a stranger.

Page 4 Features

CHOKERS

BY T YLER KOHN Sta ff Wrtier

Hello there fellow throwback enthusiasts! In this issue, our focus is not on an outfit at all, but rather, the accessories. The voices in my head would all agree that tasteful accessories can elevate an outfit from something dull and plain, to something completely fresh and new. This power is exemplified in a very trendy and versatile throwback piece: the choker necklace. Whether you are going for something classy and sophisticated or something with a little more spice, you can find what you need in a choker.

The choker has its beginnings in ancient times, when women wore jewelry to protect important body parts as well as give them “powers” through special amulets or charms. After many of these empires fell, the choker fell out of fashion too. It resurfaced on and off again until Alexandra of Denmark, Princess of Wales popularized them again in the late 19th century. Her lavish and fashionable chokers lead the way for their popularity to soar through the 1920s, only to fall out of fashion yet again in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the 1970s that chokers became popular again, although not on the same scale as before. That brings us to now: chokers are making another comeback and some students have some very interesting opinions on that.

Freshman Keithan Harris has given some thought to the popular accessory, although he does not find many occasions to wear them himself.

Photo by Leanne Gregor y Taylor Duke poses in her choker.

Harris says, “They are a good thing for a girl to wear to tie her outfit together, because if its a neutral color it can tie it together and add flair.” That is an excellent point if I do say so myself. The right accessories can completely bind a look together and chokers are a perfect on-trend accessory to do the job.

Other students aren’t fans. Freshman Katelyn Lewis feels that chokers aren’t as great as they are made out to be. Lewis says, “I just don’t like things squeezing my neck, plus it gives me flashbacks to 2004.” Well, Miss Lewis, that is an excellent point. It is important to note, though, that the year 2004 wasn’t all bad. We had newsboy caps and those fun belts that didn’t actually hold anyone’s pants up, and honestly what epitomizes classic fashion more than that? I mean honestly bring back the Juicy Couture tracksuits! Those were the best!

I think the real takeaway here is that trends cycle, but what really matters is how you feel. Society likes to pressure us toward certain styles based on beauty standards that don’t actually matter, but everyone should feel free to accessorize as they see fit. So, to all of my little fashion-lovers out there: wear your chokers or don’t, but don’t let anyone choke your style!

Page 5 News

SOFTBALL OPENER

The UC softball team opens the season with a double-header

Hayley Kilburn prepares for the pitch.

Photos by UC Sports

A r yanna Cannoy pitches the ball.

BY MEGAN MUGGRIDGE Staff Writer

On February 9, the University of the Cumberlands softball team started their season with a doubleheader against the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan University at the UC Softball Complex. The Patriots fell short in both games with a loss of 4-1 in the first game and 3-0 in the second. After both games the Patriots drop to 0-2 for the year so far.

In the first game, UC scored early on with a single hit by Tara Comer. Her single sent teammate, Kailin Yantz, from second base to home plate, giving the Cumberlands a 1-0 lead to start the game. The Patriots held their lead until the top of the fourth when the Bulldogs tied the game at 1-1. Later in the game, Tennessee Wesleyan put a runner on second and a few batters later a single to center scored another run, leaving the Bulldogs with a 2-1 lead over UC. Tennessee Wesleyan seized another opportunity to add points to the board when they scored on a lone hit and a Patriot error at the top of the seventh. After a hardfought first game against the Bulldogs, UC fell to their opponents 4-1.

UC sophomore Aryanna Cannoy said, “I think that even though it was a loss, it was a good start. It gave our coaches more of a chance to see us play against another team instead of just each other or seeing us in practice.”

Leading the Patriots offensively, UC junior Tara Comer, had two hits and an RBI for the Patriots while teammate Hannah Stephenson had two hits of her own. Kailin Yantz also had a hit and a run as Elisa Mauldin earned a double in the game. Sidney Maynard pitched 5.1 innings for the Patriots and allowed seven hits and two runs (one earned)

with two strikeouts. Aryanna Cannoy pitched an inning for UC, allowing a hit and two runs (one earned) while Megan Meyers pitched 0.2 innings for the Patriots.

The second game began with the Bulldogs of Tennessee Wesleyan taking an early 2-0 lead against the Patriots with back-to-back singles followed by one more single to gain the lead. UC was successful at getting runners on but could not push the runners across the plates in order to score. After loading the bases in the sixth inning, the Bulldogs brought in another run that increased their score to 3-0. The Patriots continued to fight hard as the game came to an end, but they were unable to overcome their opponents and fell to the Bulldogs 3-0.

Hayley Kilburn, Tara Comer, and Elisa Mauldin had two hits apiece in the second game. Comer also recorded a double in the game and pitched 1.1 innings for the Patriots. She pitched without allowing a hit or a run and recorded two strikeouts for UC. In her collegiate debut, Sidney Pennycuff pitched 5.2 innings for the Patriots and allowed seven hits and three runs (all earned) with two strikeouts.

Cannoy added, “I think overall we just needed that first game to get used to playing together and playing as a team. After practicing since the first two games I can already tell a difference in the chemistry and our playing level.”

The Patriots take the field again at 1 p.m. on February 17. They are set to host the tenth-ranked Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan University in a non-conference doubleheader.

Page 6 Entertainment

Hiding in Plain Sight Midday

by Beck AReview: review of ‘Among‘Colors’ the Hidden’ Mixtape HHHII

Page 7 Features

BY LEANNE GREGORY Staff Writer

Recently, due to the influence of my Adolescent Literature class, I was introduced to a novel that acquainted me to a new and intriguing genre.

Because of the eclectic nature of both of Wikipedia the novelPhoto and courtesy the genre it encapsulates I was inspired to share whatreleased I found On Friday, Oct. 13, Beck with the rest of the student body his new album titled “Colors” which with a review of Margaret PetersonPhase” Haddix’s follows his last album “Morning “Among the Hidden.” from 2014, which won him a Grammy of Isolation for album the year. Theand album loneliness as a are emotions every college whole relies heavily on catchy hooksstudent and has come to face with atwould, some repetitive lyricsface like any pop album point over the course of their college but with fresh melodies and obscure lyrics career. negative can are still true These to Beck’s quirky emotions style, while be debilitating to experience and can “Morning Phase” is more orchestral, cause individual to songs feel carry like an acoustic andanheartfelt.

These outcast even among people they very different feelings compared to have known all is their This complex “Colors” which justlives. as sensitive but issue is one that ultimately went on not as heavy. Beck echoes an cheerful to become the mainand conflict of the message of independence hope. When dystopian novel. he sings of going through hard times, he the novel a terrible disaster never fails toIncircle back to living free and has rendered the country unable to to use life as a way to grow. sustain its burgeoning population, The album starts strong with prompting the passage of a law “Colors”, an upbeat and infectious trackthat outlaws families from having more that is an instant hit. Despite it not being than two children at a time.

Of course, lyrically complex, it is energetic and fun. such a song restriction is Heaven” impractical The second “Seventh is to keep.

Thus, it is that the story begins more mellow but serves up off-the-wall of an third linesfollowing such as “I the wantlife to see youillegal with the child Luke as he struggles to come pharaoh’s curse the apple flower doggerel” terms with ahis existence in a world whiletomaintaining dreamy melody. that he feels he never should been Songs like “Dreams”, “Dreams - have Colors a part of in the first place.

Along Mix”, “Wow”, “Dear Life” and “Up all the way, discovers the world Night” areLuke all featured on that the album afterhe thought he knew is not so black already being released as singles monthsand as would he hasknow beenthe told to believe prior,white so fans lyrics and and he finds that he must make a choice have a glimpse into his different sound between within was the boundaries before the reststaying of the album released. of the life he has always The only downside to this is thatknown these and taking that life and turning it upside songs make up almost half of the album, down in a radical decision that may leaving audiences with just six truly new lead him to change the world he lives tunes, and as singles are typically the best forever. frominthe album, it had the potential to fall

The novel instantly captures flat.

The themes of optimism and freedom are a strong main focus

the attention of its readers and keeps it with its distinct, succinct prose and vivid insight into the mind of a young adolescent. TheBYchapters are BY THE PATRIOT STAFF EMILEE AGEE kept short and to the point, allowing Staff Writer the reader to quickly finish the book Photo by Taylor Duke while remaining invested in every new throughout the album as “Dear Life” conflict that arises. features lyrics that say “I’m holding on,”

Likewise, theFree” issues it and the track “I’m So has that a harddeals with are treated with a beautiful hitting electric guitar riff accompanied by double joy edgeatphilosophy that Beck’s breaking out of will a rut.have “No the reader questioning everything theythat Distraction” is a classic inner conflict believefrom as they follow the story arcs comes deciding whether to investing of each of the main characters as they in relationships when it comes with an try to of find remedies a situation that array negatives as to well as positives.

BY TAYLOR DUKE AND MEGAN MUGGRIDGE has no clear cut answers or solutions.

Although this song has deeper lyrics, it Staff Writers Each character that is introduced feels remains high tempo as all the other songs like a real person.

With dialogue that you hear about being From the land have. Beck underlines the classic idea that flows as it accept naturally in real from a different country.”

“Down Under,” Nick we should thewould good and badlife, in life and character descriptions give Boys continued Boys is University of the because everything is going tothat be alright the reader just enough information to say, “Charlie Cumberlands’ newest and we might as well have fun. The best to understand the mannerisms Blackmon is my all time outfielder. Originally example is in “Square One” where and he personality of the character described from Brisbane, Australia, favorite player. He plays sings, “Cause this is life and it’s alright”. without inundating the toreader with for the Colorado Rockies Boys got involved in a There is room for critics disapprove blatant connects the dot outlines that and is left-handed like lot of sports.

Growing up of the lack of profundity in the album, takethe away fromisthe reader’s immersion he played soccer, cricket, me.” but artistry not compromised in the into the novel’s world.

Boys has many and baseball, but stuck instrumental composition, and Beck still

There are some issues unique. with memories of playing with baseball because it finds ways to tap into something the novel readers was something he and his baseball but his favorite “Fixthat Me”may is theprevent one song that is from fully enjoying it.

These memory is a walk off dad bonded over. slower and refers to “dark skies”.issues He says, lie in the novel’s writing base hit last spring in the Boys transferred “Nothing’s going pacing, to do you harm style, except and stringent first-person to UC from Iowa Central conference tournament at yourself” meaning we haveperspective. the power Throughout thewords first “I’m half of book his previous school. Boys Community College. of choice. The setthe free” also the reader is confined to reading about said, “One of my most Boys says he appreciates circles back to the song “I’m so Free” events thatthat feelit iseerily similar every memorable times at bat the winning culture and in the way inspirational.

This is chapter, and whileitthe concept serves helped my teammate who great facilities that UC important because creates a bittersweet as a perfect metaphorical illusion was on base score the has to offer.

His goal for sound that allows listeners to feel sad for the before struggles the character is last winning run.” this season is to help the aabout moment transitioning into the going“Dreams” through throughout course “Baseball is Patriots make it to the song and bringingthe them back to of the book, it can become tedious NAIA World Series and definitely more laid life. and repetitive to read after a while compete for a national back in Australia,” Boys “Colors” proves that Beck due is still to the novel’s penchant for championship. continued. “It is far more unpredictable and does not shyutilizing away from straightforward that don’t When asked cutthroat because of the transforming his sentences sound. As some might leave lot of wiggle room forinevitable dynamic which MLB team was his large amount of players say hisa transition to pop was bursts of actionheorhas storytelling. favorite Boys said, “The here. Teams in the U.S. or selling-out, not yet lost his New York Yankees have practice more often and rebellious charm and the essence of his always been my team. the schedule is a lot more cool.

They are the first team hectic here.”

Patriot Highlight

Get to know UC athlete Nick Boys

Page 7 Faith & Ministry

Finding Forgiveness a Devotional

PHOTO BY UNSPLASH’S A ARON BURDEN

BY EMILEE AGEE Staff Writer

If God is in control of everything, why does He not stop so much of the pain innocent people experience? Maybe He’s demonstrating His power, or maybe He wants Christians to reach out to those who are broken.

That’s another reason we forgive. We trust that what we go through is according to His plan, or that He is sovereign. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph speaks to his brothers who sold him into slavery and how God used the situation for his good.

We forgive because there’s so much we can’t control. In verse 21 he speaks kindly to his brothers and ultimately doesn’t hold their actions against them. We forgive because we live in a flawed world. When we forgive one another, who know they don’t deserve it, it confuses them because we know the love God shows us every day is also undeserved, yet it allowed us to grow. That’s mind-blowing to us because we think we should treat others good or bad depending on the way they treat us. This is partly why it’s so hard to forgive when we are far from God, because not only the forgiveness He gives but the grace He shows defies our flawed and limited logic.

My freshman year I made two incredible friends. These girls were special because not only did our thought processes align really well but also I felt comfortable around them in such a short time. After growing closer to them over the course of the school year, they both decided to transfer. I was confused for a while, wondering why God would give me friends and then take them away, leading me to believe that God didn’t have a hand in the situation at all, and I could not have been more wrong.

Eventually, I realized that God just wanted to bless me, even though I had done nothing to deserve it. God wants to love us and when we understand this, we want to love people in return. Asking Him to forgive me for doubting Him was humbling, but He always will, and that’s the way we should be with others, immediately willing to give more chances.

No matter how long it’s been or how far you’ve drifted from your faith, or if you’ve never been close to God to begin with simply doesn’t matter; there’s a way to be close to God. God will always forgive you, but often, we can’t bear to forgive ourselves and we believe the lie that this must mean God can’t either. But God is perfect, and He can do whatever He wants (Psalm 115:3), and what’s incredible about Him is He wants to forgive us and be close with us. If we are supposed to reflect God, we should try to show forgiveness for what they’ve done to us (Colossians 3:13). We all sin and when we don’t pardon those who hurt us, we are saying that we are the only ones allowed to mess up. It’s crazy how highly we can think of ourselves sometimes, especially fellow Christians because we don’t think our sins are nearly as bad as those of unbelievers.

We see unspeakable acts of evil in our world on a daily basis by people that still deserve love—a far cry from a secular view that says those people are “bad” and we are “good.” James 2:9-11 says if we’ve committed one sin, we’ve committed them all. The truth is that we are all capable of the same capacity of sinfulness, and until we know that, it’s very difficult to forgive others. The good news is we can be “cleansed of all unrighteousness” if we just confess (1 John 1:9).