The Patriot - Spring 2023 Issue 6

Letter From the Editor in Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Lacie DeGough

Managing Editor

Summer Mills

Faculty Advisor

Jeremiah Massengale

Staff

Maddie Furtick

Amanda Gault

Anthony Cage Grubb

Cassidy Howard

Alyssa King

Ashlyn Liddle

Amber Simpkins

Hannah Mae Sizemore

Greetings, Patriots!

It truly feels like spring on campus! The sun has come out, and flowers are beginning to bloom. I was so excited when the fountain in front of the library was back on; it looks beautiful in photos, surrounded by the flowering trees! This season is such a beautiful time of year.

The newspaper has grown so much this semester. We have so many eager volunteers, which is such a blessing. Summer and I, the current editors of the newspaper, have attended two National College Media conventions so far, and both times were exciting learning opportunities for us. We have grown in many ways since joining the newspaper, and so has the rest of our staff!

The newspaper staff is especially thrilled because we received the newspaper’s first Apple Award in the mail last week! If you did not hear, we won an Apple Award for our multimedia ad campaign, which we released last semester. Summer and I put so much work into the newspaper promo that won the award. We made history for The Patriot and could not be more excited! Thank you to everyone who has congratulated us since our win! We appreciate all of your kind words.

Before I finish this letter, I want to say thank you. Thank you for picking up this paper (or for finding this on issuu.com). Thank you for reading this letter. Thank you for supporting us! I speak for everyone on the newspaper staff when we genuinely appreciate you taking time out of your day to enjoy our paper. We pour so much time and effort into each issue and are so thankful for everyone who has encouraged us.

I want to end by sharing one of my favorite blessings with you:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV).

Love, Lacie DeGough

Emily Sloan

Rachel Wade

Front cover photo by Summer Mills

Back cover graphic by Lacie DeGough

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

Photo by Summer Mills

Hardships Through a Ginger’s Life

He Is Never Leaving Our Hearts

BY SUMMER MILLS AND HANNAH MAE SIZEMORE Managing Editor and Staff Writer

One big thing that helps other struggling Christians or people who want to find faith is hearing testimonies. Testimonies help encourage people to continue going in their faith despite the hardships they may go through. Hearing about the conditions that others face is a true eye-opener because it shows there is nobody that does not struggle amidst the issues of everyday life. Jackson Osborne is a second-semester freshman who sat down with us to fill us in on his journey seeking Christ.

At University of the Cumberlands, Osborne majors in Exercise Sports Science with a minor in Missions and Ministries. When staff asked him about his goal with these two specializations, Osborne mentioned that he would like to work in Physical Therapy and bring Christ into his work environment. However, this student faced many trials and tribulations to get to where he is today and discover his dream job. As we sat down and talked to him, everything clicked into place about why this would be so special to him.

Osborne feels it is important to share his testimony with everything happening in the world. He reveals that a testimony is “not only like a story, but it is like what a person has been through and has overcome—and not just overcome it, but it is the realization that we all go through hard times, and we need to be open about it.” Being open is important, for it helps people become closer to their loved ones and cultivate growth with Christ. After asking Osborne what he believes a testimony is, we wanted to see if he would be comfortable sharing his testimony. That is how we came to hear “Hardships Through a Gingers Life,” the incredibly titled story of Osborne’s life featuring everything he persevered that led to his better relationship with God.

As a ginger in school, Osborne received a lot of attention. He was not necessarily bullied, but many singled him out solely for his red-haired genetics. He also had many personal problems surrounding his home life, so he had a lot of added pressure. Osborne states that to cope with everything he was going through at the time, he turned to “worldly things like pornography, vaping, marijuana.” Most people tend to turn to worldly things when something goes wrong. All Osborne wanted was to have a fatherly figure to coach him through the issues, but unfortunately, his father had also fallen victim to the possessions of this world. Osborne’s father was an addict who eventually faced jail time for his choices. This issue is the reason Osborne gave for falling into vaping. Vaping is tangible, and he could hold onto that and knew it would always be there for him, whereas he never knew if his dad would be there from one moment to the next. This period in Osborne’s life may have been difficult, but as he said, people “overcome it and through adversity, we grow,” which is something that he “had to realize when [he] graduated from high school.”

Osborne recognizes that “God places people in different scenarios to test them not just by their faith but by how long will that person be there for you to grow and then he just pulls them out of your life, and you just gotta keep going.” He is referring to the fact that, through different stages in our lives, we meet new people; sometimes these people are for the best, and other times the opposite. However, God always knows who and what each person needs in every part of their life. Once a person has played their role in your life, it is time for them to be a key individual in someone else’s growth. Our staff wanted to know how someone who had faced so many setbacks could lean on God. He contemplated the question for a while as if he had never really thought about it but knew the answer in his heart.

When Osborne explained his reasoning for leaning on God, I felt inspiration sweep over me. The student said, “[I]t is a faith thing. It is more of we don’t just go day by day trusting that he will come through; it is that we go day by day and when we feel like he is the farthest away is when he is actually closest to us.” Many worry about what is to come and let their anxieties get them down while trying to push the Creator away. Trying to alienate oneself does not help because God will stick with you like no other. He is like a burr when you are upset that you want to get off so bad and to get away from, but it continues to cling on. This description proved true when Osborne shared his financial problems with us. He did not believe he would be able to pay for college and began doubting if he would be able to go. God had his back, though, and when Osborne received his financial aid back for college, he realized something amazing had occurred. He could attend college because everything would be paid, plus an additional $100. Osborne’s girlfriend pushed him to continue praying and remain positive because “God’s going to do something crazy, and you are not going to expect it.” Osborne had his girlfriend by his side during this trying time and continues to claim that she encourages him to be ceaseless in his faith. As he said, “[s]he is a big light” to him. The interviewee has the big, physical light on Earth guiding him to the light in Heaven. Having that is truly remarkable and a blessing, as people should create relationships that grow their connection with God. Osborne reflects on his favorite Bible verse, Romans 3:23, because it shows how much God loves despite what people go through and the situations they put themselves in. Osborne added that “God is amazing, God is great, God is good and all-merciful, and he is righteous and just.” Everyone faces troubles on a daily basis, but your relationship with God is something you can always turn to. Sometimes you may turn to worldly things, but it is never too late to be accepted by Christ. He is always walking by your side, holding you up, and if you stumble and fall, he will pick you up and carry you to where you need to go.

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

Fight, Flight, or Freeze?

The Autonomic Nervous System

BY ALYSSA KING Staff Writer

Fight, flight, or freeze? Which reaction does the human body resort to in a crisis? The part of the body that controls this response is called the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The Autonomic Nervous System has two main features: the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) and the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). A distress signal usually activates the SNS, but the SNS can also trigger in instances of chronic pain. Once the SNS receives the signal, it transfers to the adrenal glands, which pump epinephrine (adrenaline) into the bloodstream. This hormone creates several physiological changes in the body, all in a split second. In a perfect world, the “fight or flight” response deactivates relatively quickly when the perceived danger is absent, but sometimes the nervous system can be stuck on the gas pedal. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is the opposite of the Sympathetic Nervous System; it can slow things down and cancel out distress signals.

According to Sara Williams, a pain psychologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the nervous system “can either go too fast, so our body can get stuck in fight or flight response, or it can kind of shut down on us and get stuck in rest and digest response. Both of those situations can bring about a lot of health challenges, and they can bring emotional challenges because our health and our emotions are both impacted.” Dr. Williams clarifies that emotional stress can directly affect the Autonomic Nervous System by sending signals of danger or perceived danger. A danger signal can cause an increase in heart rate, blood

pressure, and alertness. In most cases, this is not a problem and might be found very helpful, but in stressful instances such as a college setting, it can cause more problems than solutions.

College students can implement exercise (specifically cardio workouts), healthy food habits, consistent sleep patterns, and hydration to balance the nervous system. These are some preventative methods, but when there is a need to calm down quickly, it helps to practice breathing techniques and coping strategies such as distraction and relaxation. No need to free the schedule for these habits; doing little things at a time helps tremendously! Taking snacks and bottled water to class can help one have a healthier nervous system. A healthy Autonomic Nervous System can result in fewer chronic pain signals, less burnout, healthy emotional regulation, and lessened anxiety.

Dr. Williams concludes her discussion by saying, “[s]tress is part of life, right? It is normal to feel stressed. You’re not doing it wrong if you get your Autonomic Nervous System activated. So, don’t ever beat yourself up for having stress. Just have some good strategies to manage it when it shows up.” So, go for a walk instead of a drive, drink more water, and get much-needed vitamin D.

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

Mental Health Matters

Prioritizing Mental Health as a College Student

BY AMBER SIMPKINS Staff Writer

The stress of being a college student can sometimes have a negative impact on a student’s mental health. This influence is why finding ways to prioritize mental health in a college setting is crucial. This article contains a guide to prioritizing mental health.

The first way to prioritize mental health is to visit the counseling center on campus. The counseling center provides free services to all students and staff. It is a judgment-free place where students can talk freely about what is bothering them and how to take care of their mental health. The counselors can also provide advice on how to improve a student’s mental state based on their needs. The counseling center also has group sessions and a therapy dog.

The second way that students can prioritize their mental health is by engaging in self-care. There are many ways of practicing self-care. One way students can practice self-care is by physically caring for themselves. Sleeping, drinking enough water, exercising, and practicing good hygiene are all part of taking care of oneself. The most important aspect of physical self-care is ensuring one meets basic human needs. Students can also take physical selfcare a step further by implementing skincare and haircare routines, spending more time in the sun, etc. Sometimes it can be challenging for students to bring themselves to do these things; it is valid if a student is struggling and needs help. That is why the counseling center is here for students.

Another way that students can practice self-care is by taking care of themselves emotionally and mentally. One way they can do this is by practicing

mindfulness. Some of the most popular ways to do this include meditating, practicing yoga, or implementing a religious practice such as attending a religious event. Students can also get into the habit of journaling. Through journaling, it is helpful to make a gratitude list, plan out the day, write down emotions and thoughts, or purchase a prompt journal to write in. Finding things that give students enjoyment can help them practice mental and emotional self-care. Finding hobbies, activities, and events give students a boost of serotonin. Students can explore an array of hobbies, such as art, music, photography, sports, cooking, etcetera, to find one that brings them joy. They can also participate in activities that they find enjoyable. These activities can include practicing their hobby, eating, walking outside, seeing a movie, and visiting a park.

Finally, students must always remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a break and relax if needed. Humans live in a society where it may seem like they must constantly be productive to be successful. It is essential to take breaks; otherwise, the brain can easily become overwhelmed. Making sure to have moments of rest is very crucial to mental health. Human beings are not machines; they require breaks. Incorporating any of these tips can help to improve a college student’s mental health.

Photo by Rachel Wade

Hobbies Word Search Hobbies Word Search

Words to find: Words to find:

A Great Deal

Five Entertaining Card Games to Play With Friends

ASHLYNN LIDDLE Staff Writer

Staff Top Picks

Movies are great, crafts are challenging, and cooking is rewarding, but there is nothing quite like hanging out and socializing with friends over a good game of cards. Not sure what to play? Here are five popular card games that boost energy levels in any group of friends or peers.

Like the game Uno, Crazy Eights is typically played with two to four people; however, the number of potential players is unlimited, just as long as you add another deck once the number reaches more than five. The game is simple enough for the old and young, making it an all-around classic filled with excitement.

If you’re looking for a more quiet, controlled game, Par (also known as Golf) fulfills that requirement but remains entertaining. The game requires good memory and strategy but is full of excitement and mystery. Here’s a tip: expand the rules and add two to four Joker cards. These will count as -1, which makes them the absolute best card to acquire.

this game can be played with an unlimited number, and the only skill required is the ability to deceive your opponents stealthily. It is a fun-filled game sure to spawn some laughs, and just like solitaire, the object is to be the first to get rid of all your cards.

4. Spoons

This game is known for building tension and uncertainty before bursting into an explosive fight for the last spoon! The number of players is unlimited, making it the perfect game for a large group of friends. It is a classic that tests your speed and agility, requiring grit and a multitasking ability.

Perhaps a forgotten or underestimated classic, King’s Corners is a game that involves a lot of cards on the table; however, it is a fun and relatively simple game to play. It is typically played with two to four people, and the object is to be the first to get rid of all your cards.

Graphic by Summer Mills

Shuffle this playlist for an even mix of our staff’s favorite songs!

Graphic by Lacie DeGough

1. Crazy Eights

2. Par

3. Liar

Also known as Bull, BS, I Doubt It, or Cheat,

5. King’s Corners