Issue 4 | Volume 105

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University bobcatmultimedia.com

March 5, 2025

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Health & happiness Molly Goff

Opinion Editor

OPINION

In recent memory, Courtesy of GC Athletics

Junior Miracle Parker

Homecoming game recaps Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer The GCSU men’s and women’s basketball teams celebrated Homecoming on Saturday, Feb. 22 inside the Centennial Center. They both faced Georgia Southwestern State University in Peach Belt Conference matchups.

The Bobcats played in front of their biggest crowds of the year, with over 3,000 people in attendance.

The women’s basketball team faced off against the Hurricanes at 3:30 p.m. Both teams started hot, as they traded leads three times throughout the first quarter.

Graduate student guard Evie DePetro gave GCSU its first lead of the day, as a three-pointer fell through the hoop early. Nevertheless, the Hurricanes sparked momentum, dropping six points in response via two jump shots and a layup.

The Bobcats rallied back in the final few minutes, as junior guard/ forward Miracle Parker collected a three-pointer and sophomore guard Hannah Cail accumulated a pair of jump shots to give the Bobcats a 1513 lead after the first 10 minutes.

Georgia Southwestern stormed back for a lead at the opening of the

second quarter, but a shift in momentum caused by a three-pointer from Cail rallied the Bobcats. Senior guard Ashyaa Willis and senior center Camryn James added a jumper and layup, respectively, and junior guard Deshona Gaither capped it off with a fastbreak three-pointer to increase the lead to seven.

Neither team let up in the third quarter, as the Hurricanes attempted their comeback and would not let GCSU add to the lead to put things out of reach.

Sophomore guard Nylah Nuri sent through a three-pointer at the 2:49 mark to increase the lead to five, the first time it was over three the entire quarter, but Georgia Southwestern responded with a three-pointer of their own to keep the deficit at two heading into the final quarter.

“I think that we all played well,” Nuri said. “How everyone played allowed me to get the shots that I could get.”

Consecutive three-pointers from Nuri and Parker led off the fourth quarter, increasing the lead to eight, but a three-pointer and a tip-in from the Hurricanes answered back against the GCSU lead.

See GAME | Page 5

What is Ash Wednesday?

Kate Walker

Contributing Writer Ash Wednesday will be observed by Christians across the world on Wednesday, March 5, a dedicated holy day that marks the beginning of Lent. Many Christian denominations celebrate Ash Wednesday, including Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists and Catholics. They spend the day praying and fasting, as well as attending a special church service where the congregation receives ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads.

According to Ellie Livingston, a senior English major and Vice President of GCSU’s Campus Catholics student ministry, Ash Wednesday is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the season of Lent and examine their lives to

see if anything is keeping them from fully walking with Jesus Christ.

“We have mass where the priest will put ashes on our heads, and he will quote from Genesis, ‘remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return,’’ Livingston said. “It’s just a reminder that this world is temporal and that ultimately, we are striving towards heaven and eternal life.”

Because receiving ashes is not one of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, anyone can receive ashes regardless of their religion, age or standing in the church. Although Ash Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, mass services are traditionally well-attended, as well as worship services in Anglican, Lutheran and some other Protestant churches.

NEWS | PG. 2

MULTIPLE ACCOUNTS OF PLANE CRASHES IN 2025 People are alarmed as cases of plane crashes begin to rise so far this year.

“It depends on the country, but here in the United States people will keep the ashes on their heads after they’ve received them as a reminder that it’s the beginning of Lent and what we’re doing this season,” Livingston said.

According to “Britannica”, the practice of marking foreheads with ashes dates back to early Christian traditions.

During this time, in Rome it was common for sinners and penitents to spend the season of Lent dressed in sackcloth and sprinkled in ashes. They would remain apart from the Christian community until Holy Thursday, when they were publicly reconciled with God and man through their participation in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

See ASH | Page 3

One of my favorite hobbies on campus is to work out at the West Campus Wellness and Recreation Center. It’s one way I can stay active and clear my mind every day!

Staying active on campus is essential for both physical health and emotional well-being. As we juggle academics, social life and often part-time jobs, incorporating consistent exercise into our routines can be challenging. However, prioritizing movement can lead to improved happiness and productivity, making it vital for us students to discover effec-

tive ways to stay active.

The best ways I stay active include using the campus facilities. We already pay for them in tuition and being on campus for long hours, why not make use of the free time and explore all of the places designed on campus to get our bodies moving?

I personally love the West Campus gym.

Gym, rec center or whatever you want to call it; the building has multiple facilities that I use on the regular.

The first is the gym itself. Each day I go solo or with a friend to keep accountability and go through something I call a “mini full body” routine. Do I look a little insane doing a little bit of every muscle group each day? Yes. Do I feel the burn, enjoy the process and continue to keep my

body moving? Also yes.

I also have heard great things from my friends about the workout classes taught in the mornings and at night in the studio! From pilates to spin to hot yoga, the possibilities are endless to try something new and create new memories with friends by taking a class.

Forming exercise groups with friends can significantly boost motivation. Whether it’s a morning run, a weekend hike, or an intramural sports team, engaging in physical activities as a group fosters accountability and camaraderie. Sharing fitness goals and celebrating achievements together enhances the enjoyment of exercise, making it less of a chore and more of a shared experience.

See HEALTH | Page 9

Parking lot panic

The issues students find with parking at GCSU Hope Martin Staff Writer Parking has been one of the most common complaints at GCSU for decades. Parking has been the source of many surveys and council talks, but while most students agree that parking is a problem people have varying opinions on how to handle it.

The latest edition to the parking debate took place on YikYak, an anonymous college-centered app where you can make posts. An image saying “Can we have enough parking spots? Best I can do is camels on front campus” went viral on the GCSU YikYak board, with 1.3k likes.

The school has steadily expanded for decades, but many feel that parking has not expanded at the same rate. With only a couple of lots designated for student parking and two-hour street spots, students have the hardest time finding parking.

Students have complained that even though they work for GCSU, they are not allowed into faculty parking and are forced to park in the student and commuter lots.

“Students that are working for the school should get faculty parking,” said Sarah Jones, a sophomore majoring in nursing.

Jones detailed that she has to find parking an hour before she is required to be on campus.

Despite having a designated teacher and faculty lot, even teachers are not free from parking issues, with some teachers saying it can take them an hour to find parking during busy hours.

Jack Bunson, a senior management major, expressed his understanding of both sides.

“The school is growing at an alarming rate, it’s hard to keep up with,” Bunson said.

With the college growing every year, and how small Milledgeville is, Bunson describes the situation as a double-edged sword. Bunson elab-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

orated that he thinks most schools have this issue, and that he thinks it is an overarching transportation issue not just a parking issue.

“There’s a lot more students now, and not any more parking. If anything, there’s even less parking,” said Talia Dobkin, a sophomore chemistry major.

Dobkin feels that the parking situation is unfair as students may be unable to find parking and be forced to illegally park or park over the two hour limit, leading to tickets.

Jones also felt that fines were too high or an unfair burden on students considering the parking crisis.

“Sometimes it’s not a choice, it’s not about convenience,” Dobkin said.

Over time, while GCSU has continued to build and renovate more buildings, parking has remained static on the main campus. The Integrated Science Complex built in 2021, the recent construction of the new music hall, and the preservation of once public parking spots located

by Herty Hall, now for the police use only, have contributed to the decrease of parking opportunities for students and the local Milledgeville public.

See PARKING | Page 3

SPORTS | PG. 6

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

U.S. & CANADA FACEOFF IN AN INTENSE NHL

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

“SIX: THE MUSICAL. LIVE!”

With recent economic changes, US and Canadian hockey players turn a match into an intense battle field.

Students and staff talk about their dreams and asperations when they were kids.

What our opinion editor thinks of the broadway hit “SIX” and the new musical adaptation.

2 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

03.05.2025

NEWS

Are plane crashes on the rise?

Brianna Heard Staff Writer

American Airlines commercial plane

Taking a flight in an airplane,

Hawk helicopter during takeoff in

collided with a U.S. Army Black

something frightening for many, has recently become even more unsettling for travelers. Headlines flash across screens sharing news of another plane crash, another near-miss and another moment of terror in the sky. With each report, many are questioning if plane crashes are happening more frequently or if there are suddenly more of them in the media.

David Enrich, with The New York Times, reported that airlines have struggled with understaffing, poor working

conditions

and

outdat-

ed technology in recent years, all of which help prevent plane crashes.

“In 2023, close calls involving commercial airlines occurred, on average, multiple times each week,” Enrich said. “The vast majority of air traffic

Texas, leading to multiple fatalities.

Then, on Jan. 31, a medical jet carrying five people burst into flames upon landing at Philadelphia International Airport, leaving no survivors.

Next, on Feb. 6, a passenger plane traveling over Alaska mysteriously

makes me question who is in charge

that planes are crashing more regu-

disappeared from radar, sparking a

of air traffic and why this keeps hap-

larly, when there has been an overall

search-and-rescue mission in harsh

pening. I heard that Spirit Airlines is

decrease over the years. The spike in

the only major airline without a crash.”

plane crashes in the media is likely

Students are divided in their thoughts

due to the first couple of crashes be-

between whether there are more crash-

ing significant in deaths, sending a

winter conditions. The next day the plane was found with no survivors.

Finally, on Feb. 17, A Delta Air Lines flight crashed, flipped and caught fire at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, causing minor injuries and significant flight disruptions.

Hannah Beth Chapman, a GCSU sophomore studying history, feels shaken by the news recently. Al-

control towers in the United States — as many as 99 percent, by one measure — were understaffed in 2023.”

Controllers work long hours, dealing with bees and biting fleas while

Courtesy of Patricia Dubie / U.S. Army

es than recent years or if there are just more reports. Overall, most students are worried about flying right now.

“Seeing all the plane crashes has made me nervous because I feel like there is a higher possibility that I could be involved in a crash,” said Mason Pope, a sophomore at GCSU. According to the National Trans-

The vast majority of air traffic control towers in the United States were understaffed in 2023.

portation Safety Board, 63 plane crash-

-David Enrich

The National Transportation Safe-

directing traffic. Air-conditioners go

es were reported in the U.S. during January 2025. So far, 37 Crashes have been reported for February 2025.

shock wave and fear through the U.S. The reality is that flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation.

The overall rate of plane crashes has decreased over the past few decades.

But with more stories dominating the headlines, many travelers are left with the impression that the risks of flying are greater than they actually are.

Although crashes have not risen significantly, the alarming frequency of near-misses in recent years shows struggles within the air traffic control system. It has shown people the

out, leaving the control rooms in ex-

ty Board provides details of plane

treme temperatures. These challenging

crashes reported, dating back to 1982.

unmet needs of the air traffic control

working conditions add extra stress,

though she has never flown be-

January 2025 is reported to have the

employees and the potential threat

which impacts their performance

fore, she would rather drive or take

lowest amount of reported crashes

of a crash happening due to that.

Four major crashes have triggered

a train than an airplane right now.

ever. 80 crashes were reported in Jan-

These issues show how important

the concern of American travelers.

“It has definitely made me more

uary 2024, showing a 21% decrease.

it is to improve working conditions

First, on the night of Jan. 29, an

nervous to fly,” Chapman said. “It

The media has created the illusion

and resources to keep air travel safe.

VOLUME 105 | NO. 4

Editorial Board

Delaney Derry................. Editor in Chief Paige Blakemore............ Managing Editor Julia Jensen...................... Art Director Shadimon Smith............ News Editor Rylee Holland................. Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Sports Editor Benjamin Clark............... Asst. Sports Editor Mary Ciucevich............... Arts & Life Editor Kennedy Welker.............. Asst. Arts & Life Editor Molly Goff......................... Opinion Editor Isabella McComis.......... Digital Media Editor Matthew Malkowski..... Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo.......... PR Manager Kassie Arps....................... Ad Sales Manager Scott Dillard..................... Faculty Adviser

*All Opinion columns are the opinion of the columnist, not of The Colonnade.

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3 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

03.05.2025

NEWS ASH Continued from page However, during the eighth to 10th centuries

death and repentance,

of Catholic Bishops. “It’s

sus Christ while he was

lives that we might want

community members to

are collected from burn-

a period of preparation

in the desert. During

to give up or take away

attend at Sacred Heart

ing the previous year’s

to celebrate the Lord’s

the season, participants

from, to focus more on

palm

branches

used

Resurrection at Easter.”

observe what’s known

our spiritual lives,” said

Catholic

during

Palm

Sunday.

While the early Chris-

as the three pillars of

Livingston.

Lent: prayer, fasting and

ing is giving your time,

“Almsgiv-

this practice was replaced

“Lent is a 40-day sea-

by Ash Wednesday, with

son of prayer, fasting,

Lent over six weeks, in

charity

known

talent and resources to

the beginning of Lent

and almsgiving that be-

the seventh century the

in the Catholic Church

the services of others.”

being marked with ash-

gins on Ash Wednesday

practice was extended

as the giving of alms.

For this year’s Ash

es placed on the heads of

and ends at sundown on

to 42 days, including

“Fasting is if there’s

the whole congregation.

Holy Thursday,” said the

40 days of fasting that

The ashes, a symbol of

United States Conference

imitated the fast of Je-

tian

church

observed

work,

Church,

lo-

cated on the corner of Hancock and Jefferson Street. The services will be at 8 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 7 p.m., with piz-

Campus

za served in the Parish

something that we’re su-

Catholics will have three

hall following the noon

per attached to in our

masses for students and

and

Wednesday,

evening

masses.

Professor Spotlight: accounting with Victor Burns Shadimon Smith News Editor Victor Scott Burns started at GCSU as an adjunct professor in the 1990s, and then he started working with J.P. Morgan.

“I’d always wanted to come back and teach accounting, and so I’ve been looking for about 10 years at an opportunity, and an opportunity came up at Kennesaw State,” Burns said. “I taught there for a year, and then this opportunity came up three years ago, and Dr. Snyder was kind enough to let me come enjoy the Georgia College teaching world.”

Burns earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from West Georgia College, and he went on to earn his Master of Taxation from Georgia State University.

“I got into accounting because when I was in my first accounting course that all business majors take at West Georgia College,” Burns said. “The very first day of class, the accounting instructors pointed to one of the students in the back. She was older, well older at the time, about 28. And asked this lady to stand up and tell the class why she’s taking accounting.”

This woman in his accounting class had a plumbing business with her husband, and she wanted to understand where the money was going after they had

quadrupled their business. After hearing her story, Burns switched his major to accounting because he knew that if people do not understand accounting, they can not make the big decisions in a business.

Burns teaches classes such as Principles of Accounting I, II and Taxation here at GCSU. “So for the last 10 years, I was thinking to myself, well I want to go back and remind these people that what you’re learning is not theory,” Burns said. “What you’re learning are going to be the tools that one day allow you to excel in business, make hard business decisions, and if you so choose, take on more and greater responsibilities, and so I kind of feel like my job, my passion, my hobby, are all that.”

On the first week of school, Burns displays the principles his students are going to learn in his Principles of Accounting class that they will be covering for the semester.

“It is simply assets, liability and equity, which that is the building blocks of how accounting information is derived, and understanding how it’s derived gives you the ability to understand how to use the information, and that’s the beauty,” Burns said.

Students learning these building blocks helps Burns when they get to Accounting II. In this class, he brings in real-world examples

to get the students to work through them. He helps them to see that if the fundamentals are not understood, that can lead to a bad decision being made or to a great opportunity because it was understood.

so I know no two students learn the same, so I kind of think of a four-pronged approach.”

Burns knows a handful of students will learn accounting by listening to a lecture.

Burns lays the ground

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

Burns wants his students to be able to recognize an issue and be able to solve it by equipping them with the tools for when they get out into the business world.

For students that do not understand the lessons Burns is teaching, he works to help them anyway he can.

“So, I kind of look at a multi-pronged approach, because I know students learn differently,” Burns said. “I learned differently, I had two kids, they learned differently,

work in the classroom and then provides students with homework assignments to work through after they do class activities to help them get as much practice as they can. He spends three hours each day in his office for students to spend one-onone time with him to walk through problems posted during lectures.

Once his students can go through his PowerPoints and solve those problems, they can apply that knowl-

edge to any business situation they may be in.

“After you teach something for a few years, you understand the material,” Burns said. “So, that is not the challenge anymore.

The challenge is how do you spark the interest in about two minutes of an 18, 19, or 20-year-old, so that for the next 40 or 50 minutes, they’re mostly tuned in. So, that is what I spend a ridiculous amount, proportionally speaking, most of my time is spent on, okay, here’s the material.”

Burns tries to do this by starting classes with an open-ended question and letting his students work through their tools to answer the question.

Burns tries to reach all of his students and help them build confidence in their knowledge to look at any problem and solve it.

“I used to think I teach 150 students a semester, and then I was talking to my dad, actually, I said, I teach 150 students,” Burns said.

“I said, what I should think is, I teach three classes, and those classes are all different. And my dad, he’s a philosopher at heart, ‘he said, “you don’t teach three classes, you teach one student.”’ ‘He said, “you teach one student when you go in there, and you don’t know which student it is, and it’s going to change day to day.”’

Burns did not understand this at first, but he realized that not all students will be focused during class, but for that

one person that is, he needs to provide them with the energy and excitement that comes from teaching accounting.

“I started off thinking my job was to show students the material and give a lecture,” Burns said. “And now I think my job is to energize students, help them understand the importance of the material, and they will do the learning pretty much, not without me, but a lot of learning is on their own.”

Describing himself as a kid in a candy store when talking about accounting or tax, he hopes to spark that interest in at least one to two students each semester.

Burns also helps to run the Vita Tax Help group on campus, which helps the people of Milledgeville file their taxes with the help of the accounting students from GCSU. The help sessions are on Mondays and Wednesdays in Atkinson Hall.

Burns hopes to be able to speak with the high schoolers of Milledgeville to inform them of the great career options that will open to them as accounting majors.

“The important thing is not covering the material,” Burns said. “It is reaching the students.

And so I’m much more flexible now to move kind of inside that lecture concept if I see something that’s really interesting to students.”

Russia and the United States Relations Allie Smith Staff Writer Current developments have brought the relationship between Russia and the United States into light, especially since President Donald Trump seeks to improve ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Putin has affirmed that the diplomatic relations between the two countries have been restored, leaving many to wonder what this means, specifically for America.

Before they met in person, they had a telephone conversation about the war in Ukraine, energy issues and artificial intelligence.

Following the end of the call, Trump announced the negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump and French President Emmanuel

Macron met on the third anniversary of Russia’s large-scale invasion to talk about the war with Ukraine and Russia. According to NPR, Emmanuel Macron asked Trump not to abandon Ukraine as he discusses a Peace Agreement with Putin.

Many students from GCSU are worried about what this would mean for our country in the future and how it would affect them.

“The amount of money transferred to war efforts in Ukraine has been exorbitant, despite the influence on human rights advocacy it has had for the U.S.,” said Kate Jenkins, a senior Economics and Political Science Major. “I think President Trump owes the American people an explanation of what the goal of entering the war in Ukraine was for the U.S.”

Trump and Putin met on Feb. 16, 2025 in Saudi Arabia where they discussed key issues including: military security, trade relations and cyber threats. Although some of the specifics within the discussion between the two remain confidential to the public, the implications of this could have long-lasting effects on global politics.

Trump has expressed his ideas that improving relations with Russia could lead to a reduction in global tensions, which have been there in the years past. The tension has increased with the talk of nuclear arms control and international diplomacy.

“Putin expressed interest in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump said that any such talks must be carefully planned to ensure

a productive outcome,” said Barney Henderson from NewsWeek.

During their meeting, Trump and Putin discussed the potential for new arms control agreements and agreed to work together to avoid conflicts in the future, therefore this could lead to great global stability on nuclear power.

GCSU students have shared their thoughts on Trump and the nuclear arms control and how he’s planning on moving forward with that.

“We should be reenforcing our own country before another right now,” said CG Renner, a senior nursing major.

“Economic forces between Russia and the U.S. have been declining so it’s good to be focused on the news arms control agreement.”

New arms control

Julia Jensen | Art Director

would be an international agreement between Russia and the United States that limits the production and usage of weapons, which will limit the risk of war and its destructiveness.

With this in discussion, Russia and the United States have already made the New START Treaty, a treaty that limits their arsenals of long-

range nuclear weapons.

The New START Treaty is in place until February of next year, though Russian officials are saying they are not going to extend the treaty. In response, U.S. Democratic lawmakers have urged Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to collaborate with Congress to renew the New START nuclear weapons pact.

4 SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR RYLEE HOLLAND, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

03.05.2025

NEWS

Southern gothic lecture Madison Hummel Staff Writer The Southern Gothic Literature Series held a speaking event hosted by Teresa A. Goddu, an English professor at Vanderbilt University, on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room located in Russell Library.

Goddu spoke about the Ecogothic literature of Jesmyn Ward and analyzed the author’s 2017 novel, “Sing, Unburied, Sing”.

Ward is a contemporary American gothic author who utilized themes of nature and the environment in her stories to create unique narratives.

The book “Sing, Unburied, Sing” follows the story of an interracial family whose life is fractured by the ecological disaster of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. The book follows the family through their struggles in a world that does not fully accept interracial relationships and the constant mistreatment of African-American people.

The oil spill and the rig explosion set the backdrop for the book and caused the characters’ lives to unravel.

The mother, son and young daughter journey through Mississippi to pick up the father after he is released from prison.

Michael, the husband in the story, turns to drugs as a means of income after losing his job on the oil rig and is incarcerated for three years.

The environment, as seen in the Gulf of Mexico and the pine forests of Mississippi, acts as the foundation for the introduction and building of other themes discussed in the book, including drug use, incarceration and race.

Goddu highlighted the meaning of American Gothic literature and the importance of grief and the haunting of the past as the main subject matters.

In comparison to the Gothic literature of Europe, American gothic mixes historical and cultural contexts with the horror genre.

Goddu spoke about

how she interprets ecogothic literature as the merging of the environment and dark elements of the past and history.

A main theme from the gothic narrative of “Sing, Unburied, Sing” is the interrelation of slavery in the south to the modern day, whether through the advancements in technology contributed largely to the use of slave labor, or the everlasting social implications.

During her analysis, Goddu references how a car can be tied back to the efforts of slaves, through the cotton in the seats, the plastic and the rubber.

“Sing, Unburied, Sing” also focuses on the modern lens of racial disparity, especially in the south where the story takes place.

The overarching theme of ecology throughout the narrative ties into the importance of understanding the history of the south.

Goddu drew the point of understanding these two points to fulfill the message within the book.

In order to heal the earth’s landscape, people must heal and understand American history and black history.

The speaking event highlighted an intriguing take on American Gothic literature and showed its importance not only within the south but for the whole country.

After the analysis of the book, Goddu held a question and answer session and elaborated more on specific topics.

Jacob Gonzalez-Labra, a sophomore English, Spanish and Liberal Studies major, attended the event and thought the analysis of the text was compelling.

“Black violence and black trauma is at the root of much of American history,” Gonzalez-Labra said. “Their suffering is ultimately something that contributes to a lot of things that we take for granted.”

Khiya Williams, a sophomore English major, appreciated the speaker’s in-depth answers following the analysis.

“I really enjoyed the

Q&A portion,” Williams said. “I thought that Goddu was really responsive.”

Regardless of major, all GCSU students and faculty are welcome to attend.jesmyn ward “I think it’s a really good chance to see how the English degree mobilizes itself,” Williams said.

Engaging with different genres of literature is an important way of learning and understanding more about the past, present and future. “(The topics) are

really relevant today,” Gonzalez-Labra said.“I think people could learn some really cool things that they may have not known.”

Students interested in related topics can attend the Flannery O’Connor Institute for the Humanities speaking event on March 14 where author Carol Leob Shloss will speak about her book regarding Flannery O’Connor’s relationship with her mother.

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

Trump signs executive order to rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America Ava Cartes Contributing Writer

lor

Earlier this year, Pres-

dominance,”

on Jan. 23, confirming

unacceptable and that

the international com-

ately ordered her staff

Sumpter said. “He is pur-

that it would continue

they

cannot

decide

munity will refer to it

to

draft

legislation

suing some older strate-

using “Gulf of Mexico.”

how

news

organiza-

as the Gulf of America.”

that

would

formally

gies that we saw during

Other

outlets,

tions report the news.

International respons-

push the name change

the colonial times and

including “The Wash-

Following the deci-

es have been largely dis-

through

Congress.

the early twentieth cen-

ington Post, The Wall

sion, the AP filed a law-

missive. Mexican Presi-

recting that the Gulf of

“It’s our gulf,” Greene

tury where things were

Street Journal and The

suit against four Trump

Mexico be renamed the

said. “The rightful name is

named for people who

New York Times,” have

dent Claudia Sheinbaum

administration officers,

Gulf of America. Trump,

the Gulf of America, and

discovered them or who

maintained similar pol-

initially responded to

using freedom of speech

who announced on Jan.

it’s what the entire world

owned them. It’s just

icies. However, Trump’s

as the main issue factor.

20, stated that the Gulf

should refer to it as.”

ident

Donald

Trump

signed

Executive

Or-

der 14172, officially di-

plays a “pivotal role” in

To

Greene

immedi-

American

major

The Constitution’s First

commemorate

Amendment guarantees

U.S. security and eco-

the

nomic prosperity. This

later declared Feb. 9 as

speech

measure has caused ma-

“Gulf of America Day,”

which is raising questions

jor international discon-

describing the renam-

of whether or not the

tent and clashing opin-

ing effort as part of

White House’s barring

ions between American

his mission to “restore

of AP is constitutional.

politicians and citizens.

American pride” early

“I believe that the re-

The name, The Gulf

in his administration.

cent news of the name

of Mexico, has been the

Some see the renam-

name since the Spanish

ing effort as a symbolic

arrived to the Americas.

decision,

Trump

freedom of the press,

The Gulf of America

and

religion,

change of the Gulf of

the renaming suggestion with sarcasm, proposing that the U.S. be renamed “Mexican

America.”

“For us and for the entire world, it will continue to be called the Gulf of Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.

With media outlets refusing to adopt the new name and international leaders rejecting it, the

the President’s way of

frustration over the AP’s

flexing his muscles and

decision led him to ban

act rather than a practi-

showing the power of

its reporters from the

past the Trump admin-

Its current name first

cal one. Amy Sumpter,

the executive branch.”

Oval Office, where the

istration,” said Madelyn

appeared on a world

professor of geography

Despite Trump’s di-

agency had long been

Agostini, a junior mass

order has directed U.S.

map in 1550, over 220

at GCSU, views the de-

rective, major media or-

a part of the press pool.

communication

major.

government agencies to

years before the Unit-

cision as the adminis-

ganizations have resisted

After the measure-

“After

the

Associated

implement the change,

ed States of America

tration’s attempt to reas-

adopting the new name.

ment, Eugene Daniels,

Press

published

their

it is unclear whether the

changed its name from

sert American influence.

After Trump signed the

president of the White

press release announcing

broader public — includ-

the “United Colonies.”

“Trump’s priority is

executive order, the “As-

House

Correspondents

how journalistic com-

ing international com-

really to kind of rees-

sociated Press”, or AP,

Association, called the

munities will refer to the

munities — will acknowl-

tablish what he sees as

updated its style guide

White House decision

gulf, I do not believe that

edge

Georgia tative

Represen-

Marjorie

Tay-

America will not stand

future of the Gulf ’s renaming remains uncertain. While the executive

the

rebranding.

5 BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

03.05.2025

SPORTS GAME

en. The Bobcats climbed

lead as the remainder of

a

min-

ern started the overtime

Continued from page 1 to a record of 16-10 following the game.

However, another The men’s basketball three-pointer from Cail game followed shortly shifted the momentum after, beginning at 5:30. just enough, and a tipBoth teams started in from senior forward at a deadlock, as sophJada Warren and free omore forward James throws from Willis were Nichols III and sophothe nail in the coffin for more guard Aidan KudGeorgia Southwestern, las led off the nightcap as the women’s basketwith a pair of layups. ball team finished the Still, the Hurricanes job, winning 65-58. battled back and scored

the first half marched on.

utes later, and the Bob-

period sharp, leading

Greene put up consec-

cats attempted to take

off with free throws and

led the Bobcats, fol-

utive three-pointers with

a stab at returning the

a three-pointer to take

lowed by Lynch with

4:09 remaining in the

momentum.

GCSU

a quick five-point lead.

half, but GCSU entered

used a couple of sets of

The Hurricanes added

the locker room with a

free throws to keep the

on to increase the lead

nine-point deficit, 35-26.

deficit

and

to eight, but Lynch and

Green knocked down

Greene cut it back down

ern started the second

another

three-point-

to four. A late-minute

half with a jumper and

er to cut it even more.

three-pointer from fresh-

respec-

Kudlas scored a layup

man forward Mason Et-

cumulated six assists.

tively. However, Greene

to tie the game at 68,

ter put the game at 90-

The Bobcats fell to

and

for-

and Greene threw up a

87 with 0:17 remaining.

9-17 following the game.

ward Oscar Lynch an-

three-pointer to com-

swered

plete

“It started on the de-

eight

consecutive.

Georgia

Southwest-

three-pointer,

sophomore

three-pointer

stagnant,

28

points

18, and Kudlas and Dallas Clayton with 11.

Lynch also collected a double-double, leading the Bobcats with 13 rebounds.

Kudlas

ac-

“I feel like I played

comeback.

gained control of the

okay,” Greene said. “I got

jumper and three-point-

However, the Bobcats

ball, and with one sec-

to figure out a way to be

er

own.

could not pad their lead

ond remaining, Green

enough, and an old-fash-

threw up a prayer, but

three-pointer

it was not answered.

with

a

the

Bobcats

Greene’s

re-

back

The

them in the right spots.”

fense and rebounding,”

Junior guard Zyair

said head coach Ross

Greene knocked down

Jolly. “We only had eight

his first three-pointer of

The Hurricanes kept

turnovers for the game.

the night and followed

the lead around the dou-

ioned

I thought we were pret-

up with a free throw to tie

ble-digit mark for most

from

Hurricanes

“Proud of the guys for

ty locked in. It was just

things at eight. A pair of

of the second half, un-

tied the game at 73

coming back,” said Ryan

a really good team win.”

three-pointers from the

til three three-pointers

with

remaining.

Aquino, head coach of

Cail and Parker led

Hurricanes at the half-

from Lynch, all on con-

Neither team could

GCSU men’s basketball.

the Bobcats in points

way mark of the first half

secutive trips, brought

finish it in regulation, and

“Just a slow start of-

the season. The men’s

with 14, Warren in re-

changed the momentum,

down the deficit to six.

Bobcat fans had free bas-

fensively. That’s always

team must win against

bounds with 16, and

and Georgia Southwest-

ketball on Homecoming.

on the coach to not get

the No. 1 Cougars for

Willis in assists with sev-

ern continued to pad its

the guys ready and put

a spot in the playoffs.

of

their

Freshman Khalil

Green

guard added

the 1:27

Georgia

Southwest-

better. We came out with the loss and we continue to lose these close games.”

Both teams battle Columbus State University for the final game of

NFL coaching carousel Brennan Schmitz

Super Bowl contender, took the

Sports Editor

Chicago Bears head coaching job.

With the conclusion of the 2025 college football season on Monday, Jan. 20 and the NFL season on Sunday, Feb. 9, teams across both leagues will be competing for the best chance at success for the coming season.

When gauging a football team’s success, most eyes will turn to coaching, and if a certain coach is producing good results, other teams will attempt to replicate those results by

The Bears have a young team with lots of potential, headlined by former No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams, and are looking for the kind of offensive success that the Lions have had over the past few years.

In a more shocking hire, the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill hired former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to lead their program. Belichick was

Urban Meyer

took a chance on legendary col-

same role with the Buffalo Bills, where he

lege football coach Urban Meyer.

eventually found his way into the head

In his time as a college coach, Mey-

coaching job for the New York Giants.

six Super Bowls as head coach of the

er won three national championships,

In his first year with the Giants

offseason in a process common-

Patriots and two as a defensive co-

two of which he won with the Uni-

in 2022, he led the team, which had

ly referred to as the coaching car-

ordinator for the New York Giants.

versity of Florida in 2006 and 2008

struggled in previous years, to a 9-7-

results.

The reason for coaches leaving one

and one with Ohio State in 2014.

1 record, earning a playoff berth. The

Since the end of the college football

level of football another can largely be

season, both teams that made it to the

traced back to the major changes col-

NFL

national championship lost their de-

lege football has seen in recent years.

tive

fensive coordinators, with The Ohio

acquiring that coach onto their staff.

notorious for his winning mentali-

There have been many such cas-

ty in his time in the NFL, bringing in

es in recent years and even just this

ousel,

producing

varying

However, tenure

his

Giants upset the Minnesota Vikings

not

reflec-

in the Wild Card round for the orga-

college-level

success.

nization’s first playoff win since 2012.

As the NCAA becomes less strict

As the head coach of the Jag-

“I’d say that hiring Daboll helped

State University’s Jim Knowles taking

on name, image and likeness, or NIL,

uars, Meyer posted a 3-14 record

the team overall,” said Justin Bugli-

the same position at in-conference rival

freedoms for college athletes, the sport

and was fired less than a year after

on, a GCSU alumnus and Giants fan.

Penn State University and the Universi-

arguably becomes more like the NFL.

being announced as the new coach.

“He hasn’t been as consistent as he

ty of Notre Dame’s Al Golden heading to

This can cause college coaches to be-

coach the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense.

Similarly, former Detroit Lions

of

his

was

short-lived

transi-

was in that first year, but it was a good

come less enthused about the sport

tions between college football and

hire for what we needed at the time.”

and seek other opportunities, and it

the NFL are not always failures.

As the offseason progresses, fans will

John-

can make coaching vacancies in col-

In 2018, former University of Al-

have to wait and see if their favorite pro-

son, who is largely credited with re-

lege more enticing to NFL coaches.

abama offensive coordinator Brian

grams and organizations will be able to

vamping the team into a legitimate

In 2021, the Jacksonville Jaguars

Daboll left the Crimson Tide for the

hold on to their most valued coaches.

offensive

coordinator

Ben

However,

coaching

6

BRENNAN SCHMITZ, SPORTS EDITOR BENJAMIN CLARK, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

03.05.2025

SPORTS

USA & Canada hockey face-off Amelia McEwen Staff Writer

Canada defeated the U.S.A. in their second match-up during the 4 Nations FaceOff tournament, a series of games between NHL players from Finland, Sweden, the United States and Canada.

Recent political hostilities between Canada and the United States were reflected in the tournament, with both sides defending their national pride. Canadians are weary of Trump’s threat to annex their country, as well as the recent talk of tariffs being implemented.

Players on the U.S. team reacted with aggression after Canadian fans booed their national anthem.

The face-off took place on Feb. 20, with 9.3 million viewers on ESPN watching during overtime to witness one of the most notable and politically unique NHL games.

This is the largest viewership on ESPN for an NHL game in hockey history.

“The Canadians are very invested in their

nationalism right now and they wanted America to lose more than ever,” said Gabe Bergh, a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major.

“But what they did was extremely disrespectful and they should be ashamed of themselves.”

Bergh’s statement reflects the emotions many American fans experienced during Game 1. The Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem added a layer of intensity and resentment that was noticeably present in this game. For instance, three fights took place in the first nine seconds of the match, ending with a 3-1 victory for the US. Ironically, Canada emerged victorious in the second game after the U.S. fans booed “O Canada” at the start of the match. Tensions were higher than ever.

Canada’s tournament MVP, Nathan MacKinnon, center, scored the opening goal, with Conner McDavid, center, ending the tournament by striking a game-winning goal during over-

time in Game 2. Jordan Binnington, their goalie, had 31 saves which ultimately highlights his strong composure under pressure. All three of these players were crucial in Canada’s victory over Team USA in the tournament.

On the American side, Brady Tkachuck, leftwing, utilized his inten-

the tournament did not lead them to victory, they still gave the Canadians a tough game to win. The game was pushed into overtime with the two teams fighting hard to defend their nationality.

As a contributing factor to the intensity of the game, both teams were a part of countries currently locked in political

NHL

sity and compassion for the sport to score the US’s first goal of the game, tying the score. Jake Sanderson, on defense, scored the second goal which put the U.S. ahead for a small portion of time. Lastly, Conner Hellebuyck, the goalie, made 27 contributing saves.

Though the intensity the U.S. team brought to

turmoil. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated that Canada would be better off if it were to become the 51st state.

“I think Canada would be much better off being the 51st state because we lose $200 billion a year with Canada. And I’m not going to let that happen,” said Donald Trump, according to Fox.

Additionally, Trump has placed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum from exporting countries. Canada has not yet received the implications of the tariff, but it is likely to happen in the upcoming weeks.

An extra layer of intensity was added to the games because of the strong patriotism of the U.S. and the defensiveness of Canada.

The fights from Game 1 and the constant aggression between the players in Game 2 showcase this national pride.

“I think bringing politics into hockey heightens the tensions and distracts from the game itself, which I don’t think is good for hockey,” said Dean Wisenbaker, a sophomore history major. “The focus should be specifically on hockey, not who’s playing it.”

The desire to keep politics and sports separate is a common sentiment among fans.

Lots of individuals find themselves wanting to stray away from politics and use hobbies, such as watching sports, to reset

and de-stress from the hot political atmosphere.

Other fans find themselves enjoying the aggressive nature of the games due to recent events.

“When I watch hockey, my favorite part is watching the fights,” said Madi Morton-Leach, a junior psychology major. “It makes it more exciting and the fans have more team pride.”

Fans like Morton-Leach believe that this combination of politics in Game 2 connected the teams to their respective fans and heightened the excitement of the game.

Naturally, sports and politics have been and will continue to be present, especially in the 4 Nations Face-Off. The tournament was more than just a few games, it was a reflection of the passion and emotions behind the current global events.

The record-breaking viewership also adds to the reason why this match might be remembered in hockey history.

MLB spring training & the new ABS system Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor

recognize

whether

a

“With the digital age,

crucial skill, and baseball

pitch is within the strike

pitch framing shouldn’t

clubs increasingly value

MLB spring training is

zone, sparking an argu-

be something you look

catchers who can earn

an annual event in Major

ment amongst MLB fans.

at,” said Joeseph Rich-

extra strikes for pitch-

League Baseball where

MLB Fans at Georgia

mond, a senior political

ers. This means teams

teams prepare for the

College explored their

science major. “If you

might prioritize catch-

regular season by holding

opinions on the inclu-

get bad calls, fans will

ers who are excellent at

practice sessions, exhibi-

sion of the ABS system

start to cause riots in the

framing, even if their

tion games, and work-

into

season

stands, they throw stuff

offense isn’t as strong.

outs. It takes place every

games, and if the hu-

at the umpires, hitters

“There are guys in

year in February and

man umpires should be

will get thrown out of the

baseball who get paid

March, typically either

eventually phased out in

game for arguing with

for pitch framing,” Brew-

in Florida or Arizona.

favor of the ABS system.

the Umpire over deci-

er said. “For example,

During spring train-

“It should not,” said

sions, so if the ABS sys-

Alejandro Kirk on the

ing, teams use this time

Ryan Brewer, a senior

tem were implemented

Blue Jays, Patrick Bai-

to evaluate their players,

criminal justice major.

that might happen less.”

ley on the Giants - these

to give rookies and un-

“So when I played, I was

As Baseball evolves

guys are the best pitch

derplayed players oppor-

a catcher and one of the

pitch framing has be-

framers in baseball and

tunities to showcase their

biggest things the catch-

come a more crucial part

they get paid for such.

skills and get in shape for

er can do right is pitch

of a catcher’s overall skill

So if you take away that

the season. The games are

framing.

fram-

set. Much like catching

human/mental

often a bit more relaxed

ing is when you make

signals, pitch framing

you take away from the

than

regular-season

a pitch look like a ball

is a skill that fans may

entirety of the game.”

games, but they still pro-

when it was actually a

not always notice, but it

Moving away from

vide a glimpse of what’s

strike, and if you use ro-

is a key part of modern

the new technology in-

Non-roster invites are

to come in the Summer.

botic umpires you take

baseball strategy, espe-

troduced in 2025 spring

players who are not on

The MLB as an organi-

away one of the biggest

cially in the complicated

training,

and

the team’s current 40-

zation also uses this time

skills a catcher can have.”

dynamic between the

new players are often the

man roster but are invited

spring training has also

to test out new functions

Other GCSU students

pitcher and the catcher.

spotlight of the event,

to play in spring training

proven to add contro-

or features for the game,

argued against Brewer’s

In the past, catchers

with clubs keeping a

regardless. These players

versy, as the decisions

with this year adding a

perspective, arguing that

were mostly judged based

close eye on who can per-

will compete for an open

made

“Robot Umpire” known

baseball should change

on their ability to throw

form well with the team.

spot on the team’s roster

training can dictate a

as the ABS system. The

with the times, and wel-

runners out. Now, pitch

In MLB spring train-

and are typically in the

team’s

ABS system uses AI to

come new innovations.

framing has become a

ing, there are two main

limelight during train-

in the regular season.

regular

Pitch

aspect,

rookies

Yankees Outfielder Aaron Judge

types of players: roster

ing. One of the main

invites and non-roster in-

goals for spring training

vites. Both types of play-

is to have an opportunity

ers attend spring training,

to evaluate these play-

but they have different

ers, as well as give estab-

statuses and roles with-

lished players a proper

in

the

organization.

Roster invites are players who are currently on the team’s 40-man roster, which includes already established major league players as well as some prospects who are expected to be on the team’s roster in the summer.

place to condition themselves for next season.

Spring training is a crucial part of the MLB’s longevity and success in future seasons and works to captivate audiences during the off-season.

While it is mainly for the conditioning of pro league players and the scouting of new talent,

within

spring

performance

7 MARY CIUCEVICH, A&L EDITOR KENNEDY WELKER, ASST. A&L EDITOR

03.05.2025

ARTS & LIFE

THE DEATH & RESURRECTION OF DUO THE DUOLINGO OWL Kennedy Welker

don’t seem to be work-

Duo. The largest plat-

Asst. A&L Editor

ing. We’ll stop send-

form this scheme affect-

ing

now.”

ed was TikTok, having

Once, the Duolingo

taken over most users’

team changed the icon

for-you pages and dom-

On Feb. 11, Duolingo took social media by storm by announcing that their beloved mascot, Duo the Duolingo Owl, had died. So began the most highly entertained social media marketing campaign that Duolingo had ever introduced.

Duolingo is a free language-learning app used to build vocabulary and grammar skills. The app often does promotions through weekly competition-style events but has also been known to guilttrip Duolingo users into spending time on the app every day with various marketing tactics.

Duolingo constantly sends out urgent messages to users who have not completed daily their language lessons.

If a user ignores Duolingo’s alerts for very long, the app will ultimately turn off notifications on its own, with this passive-aggressive message: “These reminders

them

for

Mary Ciucevich | A&L Editor

of their app to depict a

inating online discourse.

sick Duolingo owl. This

“It affected me quite

change tricked many us-

a lot,” said Ciara O’Ri-

ers into opening the app,

ordan, a junior nurs-

whether out of curiosity

ing major. “It took over

or fear that their bird was

my for-you page. I lost

suffering from neglect.

sleep over that bird.”

The

biggest

stunt

While some students

Duolingo would pull,

took the death of Duo

however, was faking the

very seriously, others im-

death of their mascot

mediately recognized it

as the internet-oriented marketing scheme it was.

Olivia Ullengren, a sophomore marketing major, spent zero time talking or worrying about the death of Duo until she was asked about it.

“It just doesn’t affect my everyday life,” Ullengren said. “I think it’s genius, but it’s also dumb that so many people made a big deal about it because it was clearly a marketing strategy to get people to post about it.”

On the day of Duo’s ‘death,’ Duolingo posted two videos to their social media platforms: one a message informing the public of his death and speculating the cause, and the other a depiction of Duo’s funeral, accompanied by an audio that can only be described as highly inappropriate.

Part of what made the event of Duo’s death so compelling was its appeal to Generation Z humor sensibilities. Not only was the death of Duo a bizarre, seemingly random event, but the way

the death was revealed was equally as strange.

“It was kind of just random,” said Olivia Gentry, a junior mass communication major. “I have no idea why they decided to do that.”

The reason Duolingo themselves hinted as to why Duo might have died, was once again due to neglect. On their first official post revealing Duo’s death, Duolingo speculated the cause of his death was due to the mass amount of users putting off their language lessons, further clarifying this stunt as a marketing tactic.

Duolingo officially resurrected Duo from the dead on Feb. 24, when the company revealed Duo had faked his death to bring attention to the app and get people to do their language lessons.

“We’re talking about it, so it must have worked,” said Kaitlyn Taylor, a sophomore management information systems major.

The true genius of

Duolingo’s

marketing

tactic to kill and resurrect its mascot was its ability to hold the attention of social media for long enough that

everyone

knew

about it. Some, however, had forgotten about the death of Duo long before he was revived.

“Honestly I cared a lot about it in the beginning,” Gentry said. “I thought it was pretty funny. I didn’t keep up with it though.

I had no idea the owl had been resurrected.”

Whether or not the majority of those on social media realize that the Duo bird has been resurrected, or still believe he is dead due to the neglect of Duolingo’s users, Duolingo managed to capture everyone’s attention with their latest marketing stunt.

The death and resurrection of the Duobird has become a masterclass in what kind of marketing works for a social media-oriented generation.

Are celebrity brands passion projects or cash grabs?

Sarah Barnhart

ty brand is Fenty Beauty

is funding or sponsor-

but for the people who

they are unnecessari-

Another brand that

Staff Writer

by Rihanna. Launched in

ing smaller beauty and

make the brands, make-

ly expensive, which of-

makes sense is Broth-

2017 by Robyn Rihanna

cosmetic companies to

up is not their priority.

ten happens with big-

er’s

Fenty, this line has be-

help them out rather

“I get why people love

name

created

a whisky brand cre-

come an extremely pop-

than just making more

Rare Beauty, and while

by singers or actresses.

ated by Ian Somerh-

ular celebrity brand. Her

money for themselves.”

some of the products

goal was to design make-

Mario Dedivanovic, a

are decent, I feel like it’s

and her family have all

who

up that was meant to be

well-known makeup art-

very obvious that a lot

started varying brands,

on the hit TV show,

played with and experi-

producing

“The Vampire Diaries.”

mented with and have the

skincare,

customer feel beautiful.

even

Recently, actress Blake

“I

In recent years, multiple celebrities have started various brands, most of which dominate the hair and skincare industries. A lot of these celebrity brands have become successful, but others have failed to achieve the same recognition.

People

speculate

that some of these celebrities only endorse brands to make a quick buck.

Others

believe

they are truly passionate about these products and enjoy the process, not just the money.

One famous example is Rare Beauty by Sele-

brands

Kim

Kardashian

clothes, makeup

Bond

Bourbon,

alder and Paul Wesley, played

brothers

or

They both play into

baby

products.

their gruff and rug-

think

celebri-

ged characters on the

Lively used the press of

ty makeup brands as a

show,

her movie, “It Ends With

whole are overpriced,

this company a perfect

Us,” based on the book of

and some are good quali-

fit for their brand and

the same title, to promote

ty while most can be sim-

aesthetic.

her new hair care line,

ilar to cheaper alterna-

filming, they loved to

Blake Brown. She caused

tives,” said Imani Cooper,

drink together, which

quite a bit of controversy

a sophomore graphic de-

made it their passion

in the overpromotion,

sign major. “I think that

to create this company.

due to the heaviness of

Kim Kardashian’s SKKN

the movie’s plot dealing

is just in for the money.”

by Millie Bobby Brown

with rough topics, such as domestic abuse. Peo-

which

makes

During

“Florence

by

the

Mills

One major problem

feels overhyped to me,

Julia Jenson | Arts Director

with celebrities starting

I really don’t get the ap-

na Gomez. Founded in

ple realized the prod-

of the hype comes from

brands is the lack of as-

peal,” Rogers said. “It

2020, Gomez created the

ist, created Makeup By

uct’s ingredients made

Selena’s reputation rather

sociation or connection

feels childish and gim-

brand along with Rare

Mario, which has become

one’s hair rough, garner-

a brand used by many ce-

than the formulas being

with their brand. Brands,

micky, and the quality is

Impact, which focuses

ing additional backlash.

lebrities and influencers.

groundbreaking. It just

like that of Amy Poehler,

just not there. The brand

on supporting mental

“I think they’re a bit

His expertise and pas-

doesn’t stand out that

showcase a promotion-

seems to target Gen Z

health and self-accep-

silly,” said Sydney Au-

sion for his craft draw

much in terms of perfor-

al aspect to her film but

and younger teens, but

tance. This is reflected in

riemma, a senior mass

consumers

unlike

mance,” said Caleb Rog-

connect her audience

the products don’t seem

her makeup, which has

communications

ma-

other celebrity brands

ers, a junior biology and

with her brand. Poehler

effective or well-formu-

multiple shade ranges

jor. “I feel like these ce-

where customers would

Spanish double major.

was the star and director

lated. It comes across as

to match any skin tone.

lebrities probably have

prefer to have the same

makeup

of Netflix’s “Wine Coun-

a trendy cash grab rath-

Another example of a

enough money and what

thought, time and effort

brands are a hot topic

try,” and now she co-

er than a well-thought-

popular celebrity beau-

they should be doing

put into the products,

since most think that

owns a wine company.

out

in,

Celebrity

beauty

brand.”

8 MARY CIUCEVICH, A&L EDITOR KENNEDY WELKER, ASST. A&L EDITOR

03.05.2025

ARTS & LIFE

Dream jobs at GCSU

How childhood dreams inspire adult aspirations Emma Jow

and fell in love with Ro-

“I wanted to be a

cation, whether that’s as

supervising and men-

detailed his experiences.

Contributing Writer

manticism in Literature

fashion designer when

a professor or something

toring college students

“Like many kids in

during these pursuits.

I was little,” said Scar-

a little more creative like

and

realized

the eighties, I first want-

His love of literature

lett Cueto, a sopho-

a program curator for

how much I enjoyed it,”

ed to be an astronaut,

more

a library,” Mikell said.

Brantley

“From

then a fighter pilot, then

thrilled

that moment on, I knew

a coach,” Evans said.

His sporting dreams

Oftentimes, there is a stark difference between what people wanted to be when they were younger and the career path they follow as adults. It is important to analyze the discrepancy between the two to get insight into

made Knox realize that

English

major.

Mikell

is

As an English major,

entire life in the field,

Cueto may not appear to

with her current ca-

I wanted to work with

sharing the gift with

be pursuing her once-ide-

reer

students—whether

others and giving back

alized path. However,

believes

to the higher-education

now, she wants to write

goals are an extension

community. At the same

for fashion magazines.

of her juvenile ones.

trajectory her

and

modern

the state of the modern job market and the effects of higher education.

From firefighters to princesses, every child has a dream of what they want to be when they are older. However, as nap time turns to latenight library sessions, and kids grow up, their and

years in a village in Germany…

so I very much wanted to be a tractor driver,” said Dr. Julian Knox, associate professor of the Kennedy Welker | Asst. A&L Editor-

Department of English. ing to the United States and feeling pressured to conform to American culture, Knox’s ideas of the future began to shift.

“My career as a professor is not in line with being a tractor driver; however, I do keep a garden,” Knox said.

“I still have hopes of owning a tractor, or at least a sit-down mower.”

The shift from wanting to be a tractor driver to an educator is no

were short-lived, how-

high school or college.”

ever, when he discov-

After

considering

ered

poetry

around

whether she believes her

the

eighth

grade.

current job is at all similar

“I’ve had the most

to her childhood dreams,

amazing English teachers

Brantley stated that she

throughout my life, and

was able to see the sim-

as I grew up, I realized

ilarity between being a

that all I’ve been given

librarian and her current

wasn’t only for me, but so

career. Both involve pro-

that I might pass on even

viding people with edu-

a little of what was shared

cation and information

with me,” Evans said. “So,

and the constant pursuit

I didn’t always know that

of knowledge and critical

I wanted to be a profes-

analysis of many sources.

sor, but looking back, it

elaborated

seems my life was build-

that she has also surprised

ing toward it all the time.”

herself with her current

“I spent my first five

However, after mov-

in

Brantley

aspirations

tend to grow with them.

southern

said.

he wanted to spend his

the pressures of society,

goals

quickly

time, giving tours at his

Knox,

Not all people, how-

local art museum solid-

managed to expand in

ever, have such a clear

ified Knox’s love of dis-

some way upon a varia-

development of career

cussing creative media.

tion of her younger self ’s

aspirations. Assistant Di-

While it may seem like

dreams. She added that

rector of Leadership Pro-

his previous career goals

she changed her specific

grams, Chelsey Brant-

and his current path are

goals when she realized

ley, has a different story.

completely antithetical,

she could not draw, but

Knox’s insights highlight

that she’d be happy to

that while she initially

the common thread be-

write for fashion instead.

wanted to be a librarian,

tween the two: connec-

“I wanted to be a

she decided to go into

tion to his home culture.

Cueto,

cowgirl

like

or

a

Brantley

explained

teach-

the medical field due to

Knox’s insights pro-

er,” said Kate Mikell, a

pressure to impress her

vide a glimpse into the

freshman English major

parents. She studied biol-

idea that although indi-

and equestrian athlete.

ogy and pre-med, but felt

viduals may not exact-

As a GCSU student,

unfulfilled, switching her

also

concluded

career, as being a natu-

that although his current

rally introverted child

career is slightly different

does not often trans-

from what his childhood

late well into teaching.

self imagined, it may not

“While it’s different

be a complete diversion.

from what I once envi-

“In many ways, be-

sioned, I love working

ing a poet and profes-

with students and the

sor shares similarities

impact I get to have,”

with coaching—working

Brantley

with

said.

“Ulti-

talented

human

mately, I pursued this

beings who are incredi-

path because I believe

bly skilled at their trade.”

deeply in the work we

In

regards

to

his

do: preparing students

younger self, he hap-

to be citizen leaders

pily declared: “I think

in their communities.”

he’d

She concluded that while

her

be

thrilled.”

It is easy to become

childhood

caught up in the pres-

self may be surprised by

sures of five-year plans,

her seemingly complex

job

job title, she would be

general

elated. Despite a com-

sure to be entirely cer-

plex,

ca-

tain about the future.

reer path, she believes

However, despite all de-

that she has ended up

viating from their orig-

in the perfect position.

inal career path plans,

Kerry James Evans,

each GCSU student and

assistant professor of En-

professor is on a career

glish and Poetry Editor,

journey that they love. are significantly more

non-linear

applications, societal

and pres-

ly pursue their child-

Mikell

ecolo-

major many times before

hood

gy field trips for el-

she finally re-discovered

ementary

schools.

her passion for English.

still be a driving force

“I’ll hopefully use my

“Eventually, I land-

during his college career,

in their mature ones.

degree for further edu-

ed a job that involved

PARKING

er designated student

with unfair fines on stu-

Diana Cazacu, a ju-

ing issues, but with de-

Continued from page 1 parking space with a

dents who already may

nior art and philosophy

creased shuttle shopping

shuttle route to get to

struggle to find park-

double major, raised the

shuttles and shuttles not

main

ing and pay for college.

point that part of the

running late at night, stu-

un-

problem may be wors-

dents may not feel they

For those who strug-

sally favorably. This is

certain if the two hour

ened by students them-

have any other choice but

gle with parking, West

to be one of the easiest

parking limit should be

selves, citing that many

to keep their car nearby.

ways to improve parking.

increased, as it could

students park in com-

Not all students strug-

lead

being

muter spots when they

gle with parking as many

more parking available,

rumors of possible ex-

hogged and only mak-

are not commuters. They

undergraduate students

though there is a lon-

tensions to the two-hour

ing it even harder to

said that they wished

do not drive, and some

parking limit in city

find parking on time.

parking fines were more

who do have stated they

enjoying the camels, but

parking spots on roads,

Some also would be

harsh on students who

have

struggled

ute shuttle ride to get to

still feeling like parking

with possibly the parking

fine with metered or

are

commuters.

to find parking. Park-

main campus. Planning

is still a problem that

being metered. Some felt

paid parking, but only

Students who live in

ing is heavily influenced

needs to be addressed.

that this helped fund-

if the money went di-

dorms permanently tak-

by weather and time,

There have been some

raise, but others felt it

rectly

fund-

ing up parking spots can

so students looking for

talks of creating anoth-

only worsened the issue

ing a new parking lot.

lead to increased park-

parking in the afternoon

small jump, and so Knox elaborated that he became an English and German double major

While students felt the Integrated Science Complex was needed and worth it, many still felt GCSU could have addressed both issues at the same time. Homecoming week brought up similar feelings with students

dreams,

their

youthful ambitions may

campus,

which

students viewed univer-

There have also been

leads

He

Dobkins

to

was

spots

towards

not

never

likely to struggle than those with 8 a.m. classes.

Campus

often

has

ger walk and a 15-min-

to have 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. classes can also help deal with parking congestion.

9

MOLLY GOFF, OPINION EDITOR

03.05.2025

OPINION HEALTH

happen, and it shouldn’t happen. For me, balContinued from page 1 ance means knowing An added benefit to that you are devoting staying active is keeping the right amount of time a balance in your life as to your priorities. The well as maintaining good main thing is to identify health and well-being. your priorities and invest “For me, well-being your time accordingly.”

My main accountabilmeans to have a sense of self-awareness of who ity partner is my friend you are and where you Karsyn Jewell. She truly embodies taking care of are at the moment, and yourself and being truto be able to know what ly happy and healthy. your limits are, to identify We discussed what othwhat you’re willing to do er ways some students and then what you need may not think of when to do to move toward wanting to be more acyour goals,” said Maria tive, but she came up Klawe, a writer for Forbes with some great ideas.

Magazine. “So first “I love going on runs of all, it’s self-aware- and walks in nature beness. The second way I cause being in the sun would define well-being and around nature brings is a sense of balance. But me peace,” said Jewell, a balance does not mean senior mass communiequal. People often talk cation. major. “A much about work/life balance needed mental break as if they’re both equal. helps me not be stressed.

But that is never going to Prioritize time and have

time management too.

Do what works for your schedule and don’t compare yourself to others! I can’t go to the gym every day but I can always make time to do something small. Start with that!”

With Jewell’s ideas in mind, my second way to stay active is drawing inspiration from her favorite way to stay active - going for a run or walking outside!

We are so lucky to go to school on a campus that is so picturesque.

My not-so-hidden gem of a place to walk or run has to be also on West Campus at the intramural fields, especially the circular loop!

This increase in exercise reminds me of a study I read a little while back that happened at Emory University. They wanted to implement a program

called “Flourish Emory” to promote well-being among students.

“Last year marked the soft launch of Flourish Emory — an outgrowth of Emory’s Healthy Campus Initiative — with pilot events that included…. Happiness Bootcamp: A six-week program that strives to change campus culture by introducing positive psychology concepts grounded in research,” said Kimber Williams, a reporter for Emory.

Campus events focusing on health and wellness also play a crucial role in promoting an active lifestyle.

GCSU throughout my time being on campus normally hosts a ton of health fairs, fun runs, or outdoor yoga sessions, encouraging students to participate while fostering a sense of school

spirit. These events not only raise awareness about the importance of staying active but also offer students opportunities to try new sports or exercises they may not have considered before.

If you are fortunate to have time for a drive, the Milledgeville Greenway is gorgeous for walking, running or a little bit of both when debriefing with friends. Even taking the time to jog a path around campus can be a little joy throughout the days of the week.

The third and final way I stay active and what I hope can be taken away from my love of staying active and being outdoors, is my study method when I can be stuck on campus for multiple hours or locked in inside the library!

The best way I can take a study break from

hours

of

“academic

weaponing” as I like to call it is taking a full lap around the building I am in. You get to stretch your legs, take in some (somewhat) fresh air and take the much-needed break after cramming for a last minute test.

Staying campus

active is

on

achievable

through a combination of

utilizing

facilities,

available integrating

movement into daily life, forming exercise groups, participating in campus events, and exploring outdoor activities. By prioritizing exercise, students not only improve their physical fitness but also enhance their mental well-being, leading to a happier and healthier college experience.

Six wives, six lives

“SIX” on broadway makes way for new film adapatation coming soon to Paramount + Molly Goff

are increasingly recog-

Opinion Editor bled upon an exciting while

browsing my YouTube recommendations: “SIX!” is releasing a film adaptation

titled

“Six

The Musical! Live!” on Paramount+.

As

one

of my favorite historical musicals, this news made my heart leap with joy, reminiscent of the thrill I felt when Hamilton debuted on Disney+ a few years ago.

The prospect of a film adaptation brings a new dimension to this remarkable

production,

allowing

broader

to establish the Church

verse musical influences,

As the film adapta-

celebrated.

Among the wives, my

of England. These moti-

the film adaptation could

tion approaches, it will

In addition, the up-

personal favorite is Anna

vations form the back-

introduce younger audi-

coming film adaptation

of Cleves, known as the

bone of the story and

ences to the power of his-

undoubtedly spark con-

promises to enhance that

“Flanders

Her

illuminate the dynamics

torical storytelling, en-

representation

further.

story is both humorous

between him and his six

couraging them to delve

Each of Henry’s wives

and poignant; she mar-

wives, ultimately shaping

deeper into the lives

exhibits unique looks,

ried Henry for political

their individual tales. We

and struggles of women

backgrounds,

styles,

reasons but was quickly

typically see throughout

throughout history. Such

and personalities, add-

divorced after he deemed

history his perspective as

an effect has the poten-

Having a revamped

ing depth and nuance to

her

Her

Lily suggested, but now

tial to inspire a new gen-

version in a time where

the original stage pro-

character stands out due

the wives get a chance

eration to appreciate the

girl power is a univer-

duction.

diverse

to her self-assuredness

to

story.

complexities of histor-

sal message for wom-

portrayal is particularly

and the modern spin

In addition, the visual

ical narratives through

en and girls alike will

important in our current

on her narrative: she

potential of the film ad-

this engaging format.

cultural landscape, where

embraces her individ-

aptation cannot be un-

While we anticipate

only be beneficial for

representation—both fe-

uality

celebrates

derstated. With advance-

what the film will look

male and racial—is vital.

herself,

contrasting

ments in film technology

like, some other friends

sharply with the trag-

and production quality,

are

six wives unfolds like a

ic

by

“Six The Musical! Live!”

“Six! The Musical is a

tapestry woven with am-

some of the other wives.

promises to create a viv-

no-go in my mind.” said

bition, betrayal and resil-

I am so happy to have

id and immersive depic-

Callie Paulk, a fresh-

with history, portraying

ience. Catherine of Ara-

friends who share my love

tion of the Tudor era.

man psychology major.

these women as powerful

gon, his first wife, faced

for this news, as they are

The elaborate costumes,

“While I love the history

figures rather than mere

a tumultuous marriage

anticipating a great ver-

dynamic choreography,

of King Henry VIII and

footnotes in a story dom-

that ended in divorce

sion of a musical classic.

and engaging cinema-

his 6 wives, I have a deep

after she failed to pro-

“I love SIX!” said Lily

tography will likely bring

despise for Six The Musi-

inated by their husbands.

a fresh perspective to the

cal. It is 30 minutes long

nized

Last week, I stumannouncement

leader in her own right.

au-

diences to experience the electrifying performances and catchy tunes.

However, it also made

and

This

The history of Henry’s

Mare.”

unattractive.

and

endings

not

pleased….

the

lives of these historical figures and their legacies, offering them the recognition they deserve.

the media continuing throughout

the

year.

Ultimately, “Six The Musical! Live!” could redefine how we engage

This adaptation, like

Harris,

Boleyn, his second wife,

English major. “It tells a

well-known

narratives.

and barely a concert. The

is often remembered for

story that everyone has

Filmmakers can take ad-

entire plot of Six The

her dramatic downfall,

heard from Henry’s per-

vantage of today’s digi-

Musical is them play-

with friends and peers.

accused of treason and

spective and this way

tal platforms to enhance

ing the victim card and

Thus, I’ve decided to

executed. Jane Seymour,

we get to see it from the

the storytelling experi-

having

competition

leaving women’s stories

share a brief musical

who finally bore Henry

women who died be-

ence, drawing viewers

over who had the worst

unheard. By amplifying

synopsis of “SIX!” along

a son, died shortly after

cause of him. I am very

deeper into the world

trauma. It’s just a pity

their voices—voices that

with my favorite wife.

childbirth, highlighting

excited for the “SIX the

of Henry VIII’s court.

party with a few songs.”

were once silenced—the

The show tells the ex-

the brutal realities of

Musical Live!” adapta-

Furthermore, the mu-

Despite mixed opin-

of

film will provide an op-

life in the Tudor court.

tion! It will be so fun

sic itself serves as a signif-

ions, the anticipation for

King Henry VIII’s six

While Anne of Cleves

to see a cast perform it

icant attraction. The con-

“Six The Musical! Live!”

portunity for reflection

wives, who step out from

enjoyed a more fortunate

that I did not get to see

temporary pop-infused

highlights the enduring

the shadows of their

fate, Catherine Howard

when I saw it on Broad-

score crafted by Toby

interest in this histori-

infamous

to

met a tragic end, echoing

way in July of 2022!”

Marlow and Lucy Moss

cal narrative. The blend

reclaim their own nar-

the dangers of living in

Central to “SIX!” is the

mixes catchy hooks with

of

ratives. This theme reso-

Henry’s shadow. Finally,

character of King Henry

powerful lyrics, making

ment, and entertainment

nates strongly in today’s

Catherine Parr, the last

VIII himself, who is driv-

it relatable to even those

makes for a compel-

day, Apr. 6, 2025, first

society,

wife,

Henry

en by two main desires:

unfamiliar with Tudor

ling story that resonates

in theatres, then soon

and emerged as a wise

to have a male heir and

history. By blending di-

with modern audiences.

after

press

my

without

excitement oversharing

traordinary

stories

husband

where

wom-

en’s voices and histories

survived

sophomore

their

about

vide a male heir. Anne

me ponder how to ex-

a

faced

share

versations

a

history,

empower-

the

original

musical,

can serve as a reminder that history is often told through the lens of men,

on both past injustices and present-day progress towards equality.

“Six

The

Musical!

Live!” Premieres Sun-

to

Paramount+.