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.
“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.
Health & happiness
Molly Goff Opinion Editor
OPINION
In recent memory,
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
Parking lot panic
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
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-
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.
Courtesy of GC Athletics
Junior Miracle Parker
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Are plane crashes on the rise?
Brianna Heard Staff Writer
Taking a flight in an airplane, 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 outdated 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 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 directing traffic. Air-conditioners go out, leaving the control rooms in extreme temperatures. These challenging working conditions add extra stress, which impacts their performance
Four major crashes have triggered the concern of American travelers.
First, on the night of Jan. 29, an
American Airlines commercial plane collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter during takeoff in 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 disappeared from radar, sparking a search-and-rescue mission in harsh 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-
The vast majority of air traffic control towers in the United States were understaffed in 2023.
-David Enrich
though she has never flown before, she would rather drive or take a train than an airplane right now.
“It has definitely made me more nervous to fly,” Chapman said. “It
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makes me question who is in charge of air traffic and why this keeps happening. I heard that Spirit Airlines is the only major airline without a crash.”
Students are divided in their thoughts between whether there are more crashes 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 Transportation Safety Board, 63 plane crashes were reported in the U.S. during January 2025. So far, 37 Crashes have been reported for February 2025.
The National Transportation Safety Board provides details of plane crashes reported, dating back to 1982. January 2025 is reported to have the lowest amount of reported crashes ever. 80 crashes were reported in January 2024, showing a 21% decrease.
The media has created the illusion
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that planes are crashing more regularly, when there has been an overall decrease over the years. The spike in plane crashes in the media is likely due to the first couple of crashes being significant in deaths, sending a 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 unmet needs of the air traffic control employees and the potential threat of a crash happening due to that. These issues show how important it is to improve working conditions and resources to keep air travel safe.
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ASH
Continued from page
However, during the eighth to 10th centuries this practice was replaced by Ash Wednesday, with the beginning of Lent being marked with ashes placed on the heads of the whole congregation. The ashes, a symbol of
death and repentance, are collected from burning the previous year’s palm branches used during Palm Sunday.
“Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday,” said the United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops. “It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter.”
While the early Christian church observed Lent over six weeks, in the seventh century the practice was extended to 42 days, including 40 days of fasting that imitated the fast of Je-
sus Christ while he was in the desert. During the season, participants observe what’s known as the three pillars of Lent: prayer, fasting and charity work, known in the Catholic Church as the giving of alms.
“Fasting is if there’s something that we’re super attached to in our
lives that we might want to give up or take away from, to focus more on our spiritual lives,” said Livingston. “Almsgiving is giving your time, talent and resources to the services of others.”
For this year’s Ash Wednesday, Campus Catholics will have three masses for students and
community members to attend at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located 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 pizza served in the Parish hall following the noon and 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
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
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
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.”
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.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
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.
Trump signs executive order to rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Ava Cartes
Contributing Writer
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14172, officially directing that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the Gulf of America. Trump, who announced on Jan. 20, stated that the Gulf plays a “pivotal role” in U.S. security and economic prosperity. This measure has caused major international discontent and clashing opinions between American politicians and citizens.
The name, The Gulf of Mexico, has been the name since the Spanish arrived to the Americas. Its current name first appeared on a world map in 1550, over 220 years before the United States of America changed its name from the “United Colonies.”
Georgia Representative Marjorie Tay-
lor Greene immediately ordered her staff to draft legislation that would formally push the name change through Congress.
“It’s our gulf,” Greene said. “The rightful name is the Gulf of America, and it’s what the entire world should refer to it as.”
To commemorate the decision, Trump later declared Feb. 9 as “Gulf of America Day,” describing the renaming effort as part of his mission to “restore American pride” early in his administration.
Some see the renaming effort as a symbolic act rather than a practical one. Amy Sumpter, professor of geography at GCSU, views the decision as the administration’s attempt to reassert American influence.
“Trump’s priority is really to kind of reestablish what he sees as
American dominance,”
Sumpter said. “He is pursuing some older strategies that we saw during the colonial times and the early twentieth century where things were named for people who discovered them or who owned them. It’s just
on Jan. 23, confirming that it would continue using “Gulf of Mexico.”
Other major outlets, including “The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times,” have maintained similar policies. However, Trump’s
the President’s way of flexing his muscles and showing the power of the executive branch.”
Despite Trump’s directive, major media organizations have resisted adopting the new name. After Trump signed the executive order, the “Associated Press”, or AP, updated its style guide
frustration over the AP’s decision led him to ban its reporters from the Oval Office, where the agency had long been a part of the press pool.
After the measurement, Eugene Daniels, president of the White House Correspondents Association, called the White House decision
unacceptable and that they cannot decide how news organizations report the news.
Following the decision, the AP filed a lawsuit against four Trump administration officers, using freedom of speech as the main issue factor.
The Constitution’s First Amendment guarantees freedom of the press, speech and religion, which is raising questions of whether or not the White House’s barring of AP is constitutional.
“I believe that the recent news of the name change of the Gulf of America will not stand past the Trump administration,” said Madelyn Agostini, a junior mass communication major.
“After the Associated Press published their press release announcing how journalistic communities will refer to the gulf, I do not believe that
the international community will refer to it as the Gulf of America.” International responses have been largely dismissive. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum initially responded to 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 future of the Gulf’s renaming remains uncertain. While the executive order has directed U.S. government agencies to implement the change, it is unclear whether the broader public — including international communities — will acknowledge the rebranding.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
The Gulf of America
Continued from page 1
However, another three-pointer from Cail shifted the momentum just enough, and a tipin from senior forward Jada Warren and free throws from Willis were the nail in the coffin for Georgia Southwestern, as the women’s basketball team finished the job, winning 65-58.
“It started on the defense and rebounding,” said head coach Ross Jolly. “We only had eight turnovers for the game. I thought we were pretty locked in. It was just a really good team win.”
Cail and Parker led the Bobcats in points with 14, Warren in rebounds with 16, and Willis in assists with sev-
en. The Bobcats climbed to a record of 16-10 following the game.
The men’s basketball game followed shortly after, beginning at 5:30.
Both teams started at a deadlock, as sophomore forward James Nichols III and sophomore guard Aidan Kudlas led off the nightcap with a pair of layups.
Still, the Hurricanes battled back and scored eight consecutive.
Junior guard Zyair Greene knocked down his first three-pointer of the night and followed up with a free throw to tie things at eight. A pair of three-pointers from the Hurricanes at the halfway mark of the first half changed the momentum, and Georgia Southwestern continued to pad its
lead as the remainder of the first half marched on.
Greene put up consecutive three-pointers with 4:09 remaining in the half, but GCSU entered the locker room with a nine-point deficit, 35-26.
Georgia Southwestern started the second half with a jumper and three-pointer, respectively. However, Greene and sophomore forward Oscar Lynch answered back with a jumper and three-pointer of their own.
The Hurricanes kept the lead around the double-digit mark for most of the second half, until three three-pointers from Lynch, all on consecutive trips, brought down the deficit to six.
Freshman guard Khalil Green added
NFL coaching carousel
Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor
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 acquiring that coach onto their staff.
There have been many such cases in recent years and even just this offseason in a process commonly referred to as the coaching carousel, producing varying results.
Since the end of the college football season, both teams that made it to the national championship lost their defensive coordinators, with The Ohio State University’s Jim Knowles taking the same position at in-conference rival Penn State University and the University of Notre Dame’s Al Golden heading to coach the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense. Similarly, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is largely credited with revamping the team into a legitimate
a three-pointer minutes later, and the Bobcats attempted to take a stab at returning the momentum. GCSU used a couple of sets of free throws to keep the deficit stagnant, and Green knocked down another three-pointer to cut it even more.
Kudlas scored a layup to tie the game at 68, and Greene threw up a three-pointer to complete the comeback. However, the Bobcats could not pad their lead enough, and an old-fashioned three-pointer from the Hurricanes tied the game at 73 with 1:27 remaining.
Neither team could finish it in regulation, and Bobcat fans had free basketball on Homecoming.
Georgia Southwest-
Super Bowl contender, took the Chicago Bears head coaching job.
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 notorious for his winning mentality in his time in the NFL, bringing in six Super Bowls as head coach of the Patriots and two as a defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
The reason for coaches leaving one level of football another can largely be traced back to the major changes college football has seen in recent years.
As the NCAA becomes less strict on name, image and likeness, or NIL, freedoms for college athletes, the sport arguably becomes more like the NFL. This can cause college coaches to become less enthused about the sport and seek other opportunities, and it can make coaching vacancies in college more enticing to NFL coaches.
In 2021, the Jacksonville Jaguars
ern started the overtime period sharp, leading off with free throws and a three-pointer to take a quick five-point lead.
The Hurricanes added on to increase the lead to eight, but Lynch and Greene cut it back down to four. A late-minute three-pointer from freshman forward Mason Etter put the game at 9087 with 0:17 remaining.
The Bobcats regained control of the ball, and with one second remaining, Green threw up a prayer, but it was not answered.
“Proud of the guys for coming back,” said Ryan Aquino, head coach of GCSU men’s basketball.
“Just a slow start offensively. That’s always on the coach to not get the guys ready and put
them in the right spots.”
Greene’s 28 points led the Bobcats, followed by Lynch with 18, and Kudlas and Dallas Clayton with 11. Lynch also collected a double-double, leading the Bobcats with 13 rebounds. Kudlas accumulated six assists. The Bobcats fell to 9-17 following the game.
“I feel like I played okay,” Greene said. “I got to figure out a way to be 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 the season. The men’s team must win against the No. 1 Cougars for a spot in the playoffs.
took a chance on legendary college football coach Urban Meyer.
In his time as a college coach, Meyer won three national championships, two of which he won with the University of Florida in 2006 and 2008 and one with Ohio State in 2014.
However, his short-lived NFL tenure was not reflective of his college-level success.
As the head coach of the Jaguars, Meyer posted a 3-14 record and was fired less than a year after being announced as the new coach. However, coaching transitions between college football and the NFL are not always failures.
In 2018, former University of Alabama offensive coordinator Brian Daboll left the Crimson Tide for the
same role with the Buffalo Bills, where he eventually found his way into the head coaching job for the New York Giants.
In his first year with the Giants in 2022, he led the team, which had struggled in previous years, to a 9-71 record, earning a playoff berth. The Giants upset the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round for the organization’s first playoff win since 2012.
“I’d say that hiring Daboll helped the team overall,” said Justin Buglion, a GCSU alumnus and Giants fan.
“He hasn’t been as consistent as he was in that first year, but it was a good hire for what we needed at the time.”
As the offseason progresses, fans will have to wait and see if their favorite programs and organizations will be able to hold on to their most valued coaches.
Urban Meyer
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
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
MLB spring training & the new ABS system
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
MLB spring training is an annual event in Major League Baseball where teams prepare for the regular season by holding practice sessions, exhibition games, and workouts. It takes place every year in February and March, typically either in Florida or Arizona.
During spring training, teams use this time to evaluate their players, to give rookies and underplayed players opportunities to showcase their skills and get in shape for the season. The games are often a bit more relaxed than regular-season games, but they still provide a glimpse of what’s to come in the Summer.
The MLB as an organization also uses this time to test out new functions or features for the game, with this year adding a “Robot Umpire” known as the ABS system. The ABS system uses AI to
recognize whether a pitch is within the strike zone, sparking an argument amongst MLB fans.
MLB Fans at Georgia College explored their opinions on the inclusion of the ABS system into regular season games, and if the human umpires should be eventually phased out in favor of the ABS system.
“It should not,” said Ryan Brewer, a senior criminal justice major.
“So when I played, I was a catcher and one of the biggest things the catcher can do right is pitch framing. Pitch framing is when you make a pitch look like a ball when it was actually a strike, and if you use robotic umpires you take away one of the biggest skills a catcher can have.”
Other GCSU students argued against Brewer’s perspective, arguing that baseball should change with the times, and welcome new innovations.
“With the digital age, pitch framing shouldn’t be something you look at,” said Joeseph Richmond, a senior political science major. “If you get bad calls, fans will start to cause riots in the stands, they throw stuff at the umpires, hitters will get thrown out of the game for arguing with the Umpire over decisions, so if the ABS system were implemented that might happen less.”
As Baseball evolves pitch framing has become a more crucial part of a catcher’s overall skill set. Much like catching signals, pitch framing is a skill that fans may not always notice, but it is a key part of modern baseball strategy, especially in the complicated dynamic between the pitcher and the catcher.
In the past, catchers were mostly judged based on their ability to throw runners out. Now, pitch framing has become a
crucial skill, and baseball clubs increasingly value catchers who can earn extra strikes for pitchers. This means teams might prioritize catchers who are excellent at framing, even if their offense isn’t as strong.
“There are guys in baseball who get paid for pitch framing,” Brewer said. “For example, Alejandro Kirk on the Blue Jays, Patrick Bailey on the Giants - these guys are the best pitch framers in baseball and they get paid for such. So if you take away that human/mental aspect, you take away from the entirety of the game.”
Moving away from the new technology introduced in 2025 spring training, rookies and new players are often the spotlight of the event, with clubs keeping a close eye on who can perform well with the team.
In MLB spring training, there are two main
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.
types of players: roster invites and non-roster invites. Both types of players attend spring training, but they have different statuses and roles within 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.
Non-roster invites are players who are not on the team’s current 40man roster but are invited to play in spring training regardless. These players will compete for an open spot on the team’s roster and are typically in the limelight during train-
ing. One of the main goals for spring training is to have an opportunity to evaluate these players, as well as give established players a proper 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, spring training has also proven to add controversy, as the decisions made within spring training can dictate a team’s performance in the regular season.
Yankees Outfielder Aaron Judge
NHL
THE DEATH & RESURRECTION OF DUO THE DUOLINGO OWL
Kennedy Welker Asst. A&L Editor
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:
Once, the Duolingo team changed the icon
Duo. The largest platform this scheme affected was TikTok, having taken over most users’ for-you pages and dom-
of their app to depict a sick Duolingo owl. This change tricked many users into opening the app, whether out of curiosity or fear that their bird was suffering from neglect.
The biggest stunt Duolingo would pull, however, was faking the death of their mascot
“These reminders don’t seem to be working. We’ll stop sending them for now.”
inating online discourse.
“It affected me quite a lot,” said Ciara O’Riordan, a junior nursing major. “It took over my for-you page. I lost sleep over that bird.”
While some students took the death of Duo very seriously, others immediately 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.
“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.
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.
Are celebrity brands passion projects or cash grabs?
Sarah Barnhart Staff Writer
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 Selena Gomez. Founded in 2020, Gomez created the brand along with Rare Impact, which focuses on supporting mental health and self-acceptance. This is reflected in her makeup, which has multiple shade ranges to match any skin tone.
Another example of a popular celebrity beau-
ty brand is Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. Launched in 2017 by Robyn Rihanna Fenty, this line has become an extremely popular celebrity brand. Her goal was to design makeup that was meant to be played with and experimented with and have the customer feel beautiful.
Recently, actress Blake Lively used the press of her movie, “It Ends With Us,” based on the book of the same title, to promote her new hair care line, Blake Brown. She caused quite a bit of controversy in the overpromotion, due to the heaviness of the movie’s plot dealing with rough topics, such as domestic abuse. People realized the product’s ingredients made one’s hair rough, garnering additional backlash.
“I think they’re a bit silly,” said Sydney Auriemma, a senior mass communications major. “I feel like these celebrities probably have enough money and what they should be doing
is funding or sponsoring smaller beauty and cosmetic companies to help them out rather than just making more money for themselves.”
Mario Dedivanovic, a well-known makeup art-
but for the people who make the brands, makeup is not their priority.
“I get why people love Rare Beauty, and while some of the products are decent, I feel like it’s very obvious that a lot
ist, created Makeup By Mario, which has become a brand used by many celebrities and influencers. His expertise and passion for his craft draw consumers in, unlike other celebrity brands where customers would prefer to have the same thought, time and effort put into the products,
of the hype comes from Selena’s reputation rather than the formulas being groundbreaking. It just doesn’t stand out that much in terms of performance,” said Caleb Rogers, a junior biology and Spanish double major.
Celebrity makeup brands are a hot topic since most think that
they are unnecessarily expensive, which often happens with bigname brands created by singers or actresses.
Kim Kardashian and her family have all started varying brands, producing clothes, skincare, makeup or even baby products.
“I think celebrity makeup brands as a whole are overpriced, and some are good quality while most can be similar to cheaper alternatives,” said Imani Cooper, a sophomore graphic design major. “I think that Kim Kardashian’s SKKN is just in for the money.”
One major problem with celebrities starting brands is the lack of association or connection with their brand. Brands, like that of Amy Poehler, showcase a promotional aspect to her film but connect her audience with her brand. Poehler was the star and director of Netflix’s “Wine Country,” and now she coowns a wine company.
Another brand that makes sense is Brother’s Bond Bourbon, a whisky brand created by Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who played brothers on the hit TV show, “The Vampire Diaries.” They both play into their gruff and rugged characters on the show, which makes this company a perfect fit for their brand and aesthetic. During the filming, they loved to drink together, which made it their passion to create this company.
“Florence by Mills by Millie Bobby Brown feels overhyped to me, I really don’t get the appeal,” Rogers said. “It feels childish and gimmicky, and the quality is just not there. The brand seems to target Gen Z and younger teens, but the products don’t seem effective or well-formulated. It comes across as a trendy cash grab rather than a well-thoughtout beauty brand.”
Julia Jenson | Arts Director
Mary Ciucevich | A&L Editor
Dream jobs at GCSU
How childhood dreams inspire adult aspirations
Emma Jow Contributing Writer
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 the pressures of society, 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 goals and aspirations tend to grow with them.
“I spent my first five years in a village in southern Germany… so I very much wanted to be a tractor driver,” said Dr. Julian Knox, associate professor of the Department of English.
However, after moving 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 small jump, and so Knox elaborated that he became an English and German double major during his college career,
PARKING
Continued from page 1
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 enjoying the camels, but still feeling like parking is still a problem that needs to be addressed.
There have been some talks of creating anoth-
and fell in love with Romanticism in Literature during these pursuits. His love of literature made Knox realize that he wanted to spend his entire life in the field, sharing the gift with others and giving back to the higher-education community. At the same
“I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was little,” said Scarlett Cueto, a sophomore English major.
As an English major, Cueto may not appear to be pursuing her once-idealized path. However, now, she wants to write for fashion magazines.
cation, whether that’s as a professor or something a little more creative like a program curator for a library,” Mikell said. Mikell is thrilled with her current career trajectory and believes her modern goals are an extension of her juvenile ones.
time, giving tours at his local art museum solidified Knox’s love of discussing creative media.
While it may seem like his previous career goals and his current path are completely antithetical, Knox’s insights highlight the common thread between the two: connection to his home culture.
Knox’s insights provide a glimpse into the idea that although individuals may not exactly pursue their childhood dreams, their youthful ambitions may still be a driving force in their mature ones.
er designated student parking space with a shuttle route to get to main campus, which students viewed universally favorably. This is to be one of the easiest ways to improve parking.
There have also been rumors of possible extensions to the two-hour parking limit in city parking spots on roads, with possibly the parking being metered. Some felt that this helped fundraise, but others felt it only worsened the issue
Cueto, like Knox, managed to expand in some way upon a variation of her younger self’s dreams. She added that she changed her specific goals when she realized she could not draw, but that she’d be happy to write for fashion instead.
“I wanted to be a cowgirl or a teacher,” said Kate Mikell, a freshman English major and equestrian athlete.
As a GCSU student, Mikell leads ecology field trips for elementary schools.
“I’ll hopefully use my degree for further edu-
with unfair fines on students who already may struggle to find parking and pay for college.
Dobkins was uncertain if the two hour parking limit should be increased, as it could lead to spots being hogged and only making it even harder to find parking on time.
Some also would be fine with metered or paid parking, but only if the money went directly towards funding a new parking lot.
supervising and mentoring college students and quickly realized how much I enjoyed it,” Brantley said. “From that moment on, I knew I wanted to work with students—whether in high school or college.”
After considering whether she believes her current job is at all similar to her childhood dreams, Brantley stated that she was able to see the similarity between being a librarian and her current career. Both involve providing people with education and information and the constant pursuit of knowledge and critical analysis of many sources.
Brantley elaborated that she has also surprised herself with her current career, as being a naturally introverted child does not often translate well into teaching.
Not all people, however, have such a clear development of career aspirations. Assistant Director of Leadership Programs, Chelsey Brantley, has a different story.
Brantley explained that while she initially wanted to be a librarian, she decided to go into the medical field due to pressure to impress her parents. She studied biology and pre-med, but felt unfulfilled, switching her major many times before she finally re-discovered her passion for English.
“Eventually, I landed a job that involved
Diana Cazacu, a junior art and philosophy double major, raised the point that part of the problem may be worsened by students themselves, citing that many students park in commuter spots when they are not commuters. They said that they wished parking fines were more harsh on students who are not commuters.
Students who live in dorms permanently taking up parking spots can lead to increased park-
detailed his experiences.
“Like many kids in the eighties, I first wanted to be an astronaut, then a fighter pilot, then a coach,” Evans said. His sporting dreams were short-lived, however, when he discovered poetry around the eighth grade.
“I’ve had the most amazing English teachers throughout my life, and as I grew up, I realized that all I’ve been given wasn’t only for me, but so that I might pass on even a little of what was shared with me,” Evans said. “So, I didn’t always know that I wanted to be a professor, but looking back, it seems my life was building toward it all the time.”
“While it’s different from what I once envisioned, I love working with students and the impact I get to have,” Brantley said. “Ultimately, I pursued this path because I believe deeply in the work we do: preparing students to be citizen leaders in their communities.”
She concluded that while her childhood self may be surprised by her seemingly complex job title, she would be elated. Despite a complex, non-linear career path, she believes that she has ended up in the perfect position.
Kerry James Evans, assistant professor of English and Poetry Editor,
ing issues, but with decreased shuttle shopping shuttles and shuttles not running late at night, students may not feel they have any other choice but to keep their car nearby.
He also concluded that although his current career is slightly different from what his childhood self imagined, it may not be a complete diversion.
“In many ways, being a poet and professor shares similarities with coaching—working with talented human beings who are incredibly skilled at their trade.”
In regards to his younger self, he happily declared: “I think he’d be thrilled.”
It is easy to become caught up in the pressures of five-year plans, job applications, and general societal pressure to be entirely certain about the future. However, despite all deviating from their original career path plans, each GCSU student and professor is on a career journey that they love.
Not all students struggle with parking as many undergraduate students do not drive, and some who do have stated they have never struggled to find parking. Parking is heavily influenced by weather and time, so students looking for parking in the afternoon are significantly more likely to struggle than those with 8 a.m. classes.
For those who struggle with parking, West Campus often has more parking available, though there is a longer walk and a 15-minute shuttle ride to get to main campus. Planning to have 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. classes can also help deal with parking congestion.
Kennedy Welker | Asst. A&L Editor-
HEALTH
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An added benefit to staying active is keeping a balance in your life as well as maintaining good health and well-being.
“For me, well-being means to have a sense of self-awareness of who you are and where you are at the moment, and to be able to know what your limits are, to identify what you’re willing to do and then what you need to do to move toward your goals,” said Maria Klawe, a writer for Forbes Magazine. “So first of all, it’s self-awareness. The second way I would define well-being is a sense of balance. But balance does not mean equal. People often talk about work/life balance as if they’re both equal. But that is never going to
happen, and it shouldn’t happen. For me, balance means knowing that you are devoting the right amount of time to your priorities. The main thing is to identify your priorities and invest your time accordingly.”
My main accountability partner is my friend Karsyn Jewell. She truly embodies taking care of yourself and being truly happy and healthy. We discussed what other ways some students may not think of when wanting to be more active, but she came up with some great ideas.
“I love going on runs and walks in nature because being in the sun and around nature brings me peace,” said Jewell, a senior mass communication. major. “A much needed mental break helps me not be stressed. 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
Six wives, six lives
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 active on campus is achievable through a combination of utilizing available facilities, 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” on broadway makes way for new film adapatation coming soon to Paramount +
Molly Goff Opinion Editor
Last week, I stumbled upon an exciting announcement 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 audiences to experience the electrifying performances and catchy tunes.
However, it also made me ponder how to express my excitement without oversharing with friends and peers. Thus, I’ve decided to share a brief musical synopsis of “SIX!” along with my favorite wife.
The show tells the extraordinary stories of King Henry VIII’s six wives, who step out from the shadows of their infamous husband to reclaim their own narratives. This theme resonates strongly in today’s society, where women’s voices and histories
are increasingly recognized and celebrated.
In addition, the upcoming film adaptation promises to enhance that representation further. Each of Henry’s wives exhibits unique looks, backgrounds, styles, and personalities, adding depth and nuance to the original stage production. This diverse portrayal is particularly important in our current cultural landscape, where representation—both female and racial—is vital.
The history of Henry’s six wives unfolds like a tapestry woven with ambition, betrayal and resilience. Catherine of Aragon, his first wife, faced a tumultuous marriage that ended in divorce after she failed to provide a male heir. Anne Boleyn, his second wife, is often remembered for her dramatic downfall, accused of treason and executed. Jane Seymour, who finally bore Henry a son, died shortly after childbirth, highlighting the brutal realities of life in the Tudor court. While Anne of Cleves enjoyed a more fortunate fate, Catherine Howard met a tragic end, echoing the dangers of living in Henry’s shadow. Finally, Catherine Parr, the last wife, survived Henry and emerged as a wise
leader in her own right. Among the wives, my personal favorite is Anna of Cleves, known as the “Flanders Mare.” Her story is both humorous and poignant; she married Henry for political reasons but was quickly divorced after he deemed her unattractive. Her character stands out due to her self-assuredness and the modern spin on her narrative: she embraces her individuality and celebrates herself, contrasting sharply with the tragic endings faced by some of the other wives.
I am so happy to have friends who share my love for this news, as they are anticipating a great version of a musical classic.
“I love SIX!” said Lily Harris, a sophomore English major. “It tells a story that everyone has heard from Henry’s perspective and this way we get to see it from the women who died because of him. I am very excited for the “SIX the Musical Live!” adaptation! It will be so fun to see a cast perform it that I did not get to see when I saw it on Broadway in July of 2022!”
Central to “SIX!” is the character of King Henry VIII himself, who is driven by two main desires: to have a male heir and
to establish the Church of England. These motivations form the backbone of the story and illuminate the dynamics between him and his six wives, ultimately shaping their individual tales. We typically see throughout history his perspective as Lily suggested, but now the wives get a chance to share their story.
In addition, the visual potential of the film adaptation cannot be understated. With advancements in film technology and production quality, “Six The Musical! Live!” promises to create a vivid and immersive depiction of the Tudor era. The elaborate costumes, dynamic choreography, and engaging cinematography will likely bring a fresh perspective to the well-known narratives. Filmmakers can take advantage of today’s digital platforms to enhance the storytelling experience, drawing viewers deeper into the world of Henry VIII’s court. Furthermore, the music itself serves as a significant attraction. The contemporary pop-infused score crafted by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss mixes catchy hooks with powerful lyrics, making it relatable to even those unfamiliar with Tudor history. By blending di-
verse musical influences, the film adaptation could introduce younger audiences to the power of historical storytelling, encouraging them to delve deeper into the lives and struggles of women throughout history. Such an effect has the potential to inspire a new generation to appreciate the complexities of historical narratives through this engaging format.
While we anticipate what the film will look like, some other friends are not pleased….
“Six! The Musical is a no-go in my mind.” said Callie Paulk, a freshman psychology major.
“While I love the history of King Henry VIII and his 6 wives, I have a deep despise for Six The Musical. It is 30 minutes long and barely a concert. The entire plot of Six The Musical is them playing the victim card and having a competition over who had the worst trauma. It’s just a pity party with a few songs.”
Despite mixed opinions, the anticipation for “Six The Musical! Live!” highlights the enduring interest in this historical narrative. The blend of history, empowerment, and entertainment makes for a compelling story that resonates with modern audiences.
As the film adaptation approaches, it will undoubtedly spark conversations about the lives of these historical figures and their legacies, offering them the recognition they deserve. Having a revamped version in a time where girl power is a universal message for women and girls alike will only be beneficial for the media continuing throughout the year. Ultimately, “Six The Musical! Live!” could redefine how we engage with history, portraying these women as powerful figures rather than mere footnotes in a story dominated by their husbands. This adaptation, like the original musical, can serve as a reminder that history is often told through the lens of men, leaving women’s stories unheard. By amplifying their voices—voices that were once silenced—the film will provide an opportunity for reflection on both past injustices and present-day progress towards equality.
“Six The Musical! Live!” Premieres Sunday, Apr. 6, 2025, first in theatres, then soon after to Paramount+.
