DEEP ROOTS
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
OPINION
In recent memory, Fall festivals filled with food and fun are what I am all about. I personally love going to festivals. They are so lively with the crowds and people passing from booth to booth in search of little treasures. Not to mention all the music, games and yummy treats from various food trucks.
Milledgeville’s favorite fall festival has returned once more! Deep Roots was this past Saturday, Oct. 19, and it had a wonderful turnout. This was my third Deep Roots, and every year it just gets better and better.
I love how invested GCSU students get into Deep Roots. It is such a big event for
ATL PRIDE RETURNS
Kylie Rowe A&L Editor
This year, the Atlanta Pride 2024 Festival was thrown by the Atlanta Pride Committee on Oct. 12 and 13. This year, the annual festival saw an attendance of approximately 300,000 people including some GCSU students and alumni.
Unlike other Pride festivals, Atlanta Pride is held in October in-
stead of June, during pride month. According to WSB-TV, the change was made in 2008 to coincide with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11, providing more meaning to the celebration. Another reason for moving the festival is due to the numerous events that Atlanta hosts during the summer, such as the Peachtree Road Race and the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, and some
even speculate that the change is due to how extreme the June heat is for festivalgoers to endure.
During Pride weekend in Atlanta, there are lots of different activities to take part in including the parade that is held on Sunday, and the main concert is held on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Coca-Cola Roxy Stage.
our little town. The Milledgeville locals love it, but the college students go all out. There are parties and events all weekend. I had brunch at my friend’s house before we all headed to the festival together, and the night before, we all had a bonfire together.
If the lead-up to Deep Roots isn’t hype enough, the outfits will get you. People get all dressed up like it’s New York Fashion Week or something. I love wandering around downtown looking at everyone’s outfits they’ve had planned out for weeks.
I don’t just love the attire surrounding this event, but one of my favorite things about going to festivals is that talking with the vendors is just so interesting. They each have such unique and fascinating stories. I just love hearing them, and they love sharing them
CPR training available to faculty
Oct. 10 from 10 until 11
MLB PLAYOFFS
GCSU has partnered with the American Red Cross to bring cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, training to the faculty at GCSU.
The course is taught by Marie Puckett, administrative manager for the wellness and recreation center at GCSU. She has been certified since 2015 in CPR and has taught many the proper ways to give aid to people during an emergency.
“Well, I started doing CPR training when I worked in a safety role for a manufacturing company,” Puckett said.
“And so when I started here, I didn’t want to lose
my instructor certification. So I asked if I could teach a couple of classes a year to keep my certification. And then it’s just
a.m. in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room in Russell Library.
“So if somebody’s
kind of blossomed into providing it for campus.”
The first in-person session was on Thursday,
heart isn’t beating or isn’t beating effectively, you can do a series of chest compressions
and rescue breaths to help circulate oxygen in the blood to help keep them alive until EMS show up,” Puckett said.
Shadimon Smith News Editor Hudson Taylor Staff Writer
Before taking the hour-long in-person session, faculty had to take an online course through the American Red Cross. This course consists of different modules to teach the student about CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillator, or AED. Then after the teaching module, it provides an interactive module for the student to practice it in a virtual setting. Participants are then required to take a test on each section.
Teams are getting closer and closer to clinching a spot in the World Series with only four teams left in the MLB Playoffs. In the American League, the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Guardians are currently facing off for the first time in the playoffs since 1997.
For most of the year, the Guardians had the best record in baseball of 92-69 with great seasons from third baseman José Ramírez, center fielder Steven Kwan and pitcher Emmanuel Clase.
Kwan had the breakout year that was ex-
pected earlier in his career, batting .292. His teammate, Ramírez, put up MVP-caliber numbers with 39 home runs and 118 RBIs. Arguably, their best player was Clase, who put up impressive numbers with an ERA of 0.61 and 47 saves. The Yankees spent most of the regular season overpowering their opponents. Right fielder Aaron Judge had another amazing season and has a good chance at winning his second MVP trophy. As a new addition to the roster, former Padres star Juan Soto had a great first year with the Yankees, hitting .288 with 41 HR and 109 RBIs.
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
Grace Phenicie, Milledgeville oil painter stationed with Allied Arts
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Major spotlight: Exercise Science Addison LaCotti
Emma Eslinger Asst. News Editor
Exercise Science is a popular major at GCSU. Students of this major are prepared with skills that will help them excel in a career of their choice, such as strength and conditioning, athletic training, nutrition and physical therapy. In their classes, students will learn an understanding of science and the human body, as well as receive lab experience with stateof-the-art equipment.
Addison LaCotti is a senior exercise science major and has been dedicated to the major for a long time. She believes that GCSU is the best place for her to strive towards her future.
“I’ve known since about my sophomore year of high school that I wanted to do something within the field of sports medicine,” LaCotti said. “I took a sports medicine class in high school and fell in love with the field. When looking for
colleges, I specifically looked for those with degrees in exercise science or kinesiology.”
Within the major, GCSU gives LaCotti many experiences and opportunities to grow her career and serve the community. These opportunities include The Georgia College Athletic Training Student Organization (GCATSO), The Public Health Student Organization (PHSO) and The Exercise Science Club.
“I am president of the Exercise Science Club,” LaCotti said. “I really enjoy my role and everything that comes with it, even if it keeps me busy. I am also shadowing some at Putnam County High School.”
Exercise science students learn the basics of resistance training, exercise and sports nutrition and human movement. Students will receive hands-on experience in their classes that will prepare them for the future.
VOLUME 104 | NO. 5
Editorial Board
Kate Verity.........................
Paige Blakemore............
Julia Jensen.......................
Shadimon Smith.............
Editor in Chief
“I love the hands-on aspect of exercise science,” LaCotti said. “A lot of our classes place emphasis on us doing things, not just reading about them and taking tests. Being able to tape ankles, run exercise tests and get experience with medical equipment has helped me understand the content better and I feel like it will help me be a better professional.”
Exercise science offers students two concentration opportunities that pair with their major— fitness and performance and pre-professional and sports medicine. These concentrations localize students’ learning and point them toward a certain career path they want to take after graduation.
Exercise science also allows students to continue their education at graduate school, where they can learn to be physical or occupational therapists.
“Most exercise science majors will go into
Managing Editor
Art Director News Editor
Emma Eslinger................
Asst. News Editor
Brennan Schmitz...........
Sports Editor
Benjamin Clark...............
Asst. Sports Editor
Kylie Rowe.........................
Mary Ciucevich...............
Delaney Derry..................
Isabella McComis..........
Arts & Life Editor
Asst. Arts & Life Editor
Opinion Editor
Digital Media Editor
Matthew Malkowski.....
Rebecca Ocampo..........
Kassie Arps.......................
Eva Galova........................
Digital Media Editor
PR Manager
Ad Sales Manager
Faculty Adviser
a graduate school program,” LaCotti said. “My plan is to go to school for athletic training and that is something I am very excited about.”
Faculty is an important part of any major at GCSU. They provide students with connections and insight into future career opportunities and want their students to succeed.
“Our faculty is outstanding,” LaCotti said. “I have made so many personal connections with my professors and
advisors, as they have guided me through my education here at Georgia College, and I am immensely grateful for them pouring into me and answering my millions of questions.”
Exercise science is a difficult major, but LaCotti doesn’t want underclassmen to shy away from completing the major, despite its difficulty.
“I would tell underclassmen that this major is hard and it is a lot of work,” LaCotti said. “It is so rewarding
and sets you up to succeed in graduate school and the workforce.”
GCSU has provided LaCotti with immense opportunities to further her career in the exercise major. She has gained life-long experiences and connections, as well as been involved in leadership roles. All attributes of the exercise science major will set her apart from others in a job setting when she graduates and goes to graduate school.
@TheColonnade @TheColonnade
Contributing writers are always welcome at The Colonnade. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com for more information.
If you have a tip or wish to contact The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com or message our Instagram @thecolonnade.
The Colonnade is now primarily published online. Read at issuu.com/thecolonnade or on bobcatmultimedia.com.
Courtesy of Addison LaCotti
CPR
Continued from page 1
After going through all the modules, people receive a certification of completion.
Faculty who signed up for the online training have to attend an in-person class to do the hands-on training. This hands-on training at GCSU consisted of people being taught how to do CPR, how to use an AED and how to admin-
ister naloxone (Narcan) in case of an overdose.
“We get out the mannequins, and we practice doing chest compressions and CPR,” Puckett said. “We go through the steps for both adults and children.”
Puckett also ensured that everyone understood the online course and allowed them to ask questions about the first aid section.
“I make sure that they know that you have to
get consent from the person before you can help them,” Puckett said. “We talk about preventing disease transmission. If I’m doing a training for like a specific department or a specific area, the supervisor might ask me to go through a couple of the things that are specific directly to what they may come in contact with in their work on campus.”
At the end of the in-person session, faculty get a two-year certifi-
cation. They can renew their certification at the end of the two years.
The school pays 50 dollars for the training certificates.
“And I think if you look on the website, like the Red Cross website, what other people are charging outside of Georgia College, it can range from like $80 up to $120 for that same thing,” Puckett said “And then some of them don’t include
the in-person event. So we’re trying to keep it very reasonable for students to be able to do it.”
CPR is a life-saving measure that with proper application can save a life.
“The more people who know how to perform it [CPR], the more people who can act when they see someone who would require that [CPR],” said Christine Johary, a sophomore psychology major. “Like with Narcan, you might
need to know how to administer that, but you could save a life that way.”
The next session is on Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room in Russell Library. It already has a waitlist, but Puckett plans on hosting a few sessions in the spring of 2025. Before you attend the in-person session you have to complete the online training.
Is change on the horizon for Georgia’s prisons?
Jaylen Mahayag Staff Writer
An eight-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ, has uncovered crisis-level conditions in Georgia’s state prisons. The findings revealed shocking levels of understaffing, inhumane treatment and rampant violence. From 2018 to 2023 alone, 142 homicides were reported in facilities run by the Georgia Department of Corrections. In response, the DOJ recommended 82 systemic changes to reform the prisons’ management, safety, and treatment protocols. However, questions remain about the feasibility and enforcement of these changes.
Carrie Cook, a criminal justice professor and former prison employ-
ee, noted that the DOJ’s report aligned with her experiences working within the system.
“The report was not surprising to me,” Cook said. “Correctional employees are some of the lowest-paid workers in the criminal justice system, making it difficult to recruit and retain staff. This creates turnover, leading to frequent cancellations of essential services for the incarcerated.”
According to Cook, even fully staffed facilities face challenges in preventing violence due to prison culture, which fosters aggression rather than rehabilitation.
The DOJ’s findings reflect Cook’s observations, highlighting physical and sexual violence within Georgia’s prisons.
“Even if staffing levels are at 100% the prison
culture presents obstacles to protecting the incarcerated,” Cook said.
In the current state, correctional officers must balance enforcing rules while managing large populations with minimal resources, often leading to high stress and burnout among staff.
Despite the DOJ’s recommended reforms, Adam Lamparello, an assistant professor of criminal justice, expressed skepticism about meaningful change. He emphasized the limitations of federal oversight.
“The Department of Justice can ask for these reforms, but Georgia prison officials are likely to implement them in name only,” Lamparello said.
He explained that the long litigation process would allow state officials to stall reform efforts for
years, resulting in superficial compliance rather than substantial improvement in conditions. He pointed out that prison systems often comply with federal mandates on paper, but make little changes in practice.
Lamparello also noted the challenges of addressing violence within prisons, citing the recent deaths of inmates Brandon Mincey and Travon Walthour. Both deaths resulted from stab wounds in Georgia prisons and are tragic examples of violence that the DOJ report aims to curb.
According to Lamparello, years-long court battles for prisoner safety are likely, but meaningful change remains elusive.
The harsh conditions inside Georgia’s prisons not only endanger inmates but also take a toll on the staff.
“Correctional officers are often tasked with overseeing more than 100 inmates for 12 hours at a time, sometimes without assistance,” Cook said.
These stressful working conditions, coupled with low pay, contribute to high turnover and burnout rates among staff. The inmates, meanwhile, face daily threats of violence, inadequate medical care and, for many, mental deterioration.
Lamparello shared a personal story to illustrate the toll prison conditions take on vulnerable populations, recounting how his brother, a mentally ill inmate at Rikers Island, was both physically and sexually assaulted during his incarceration. Lamparello stressed that many inmates experience trauma that worsens their mental health, further increasing their risk of reoffending upon release.
Both Cook and Lamparello agree that reform is desperately needed, but their outlooks differ on the likelihood of success. Cook highlighted the need for a cultural shift within prisons, moving away from punitive measures and toward more humane treatment of inmates.
“We need to humanize people who have been convicted of felonies and consider restorative justice practices,” Cook said. Cook also warned
that certain public attitudes toward crime and punishment may hinder these efforts, as some see incarceration as a form of retribution rather than rehabilitation.
Lamparello expressed doubts about whether the DOJ’s recommendation would lead to substantive reform, citing the privatization of prisons as a barrier to change.
“Private prisons create a marketplace for crime,” Lamparello said. “The system is incentivized to keep prisons full, which prioritizes profit over reform.”
Lamparello stressed the need for preventive measures, such as addressing the root causes of the crime, including poverty and mental illness, rather than relying solely on incarceration as a solution.
While the road ahead for Georgia’s prison system may seem complex, the DOJ’s investigation has sparked a renewed focus on the need for reform. From improving staff conditions to ensuring inmate safety, the proposed changes aim to create a safer and more humane environment for everyone involved.
Although the challenges are significant, the push for reform offers a critical opportunity to improve conditions and address systemic issues that have long plagued the state’s prisons.
Incarcerated Inmates
Presidential Election Preview
Shadimon Smith News Editor
The presidential election is three weeks away, with Election Day on Nov. 5, and each candidate has worked hard in recent months to gain Americans’ votes.
The Republican Former President Donald Trump and current Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are the front runners in the 2024 election.
“I would, as a political science professor, encourage people to look at what it is that the president can actually do, and those things the president can’t,” said Benjamin Clark, a senior lecturer of political science at GCSU.
Trump began his career working in real estate and business in New York with a loan from his father. He eventually took over his father’s company and renamed it “Trump Organization” in 1971. Building the company up, he started going into Manhattan property and spreading outside of New York, Las Vegas, India and Chicago. He built casinos, hotels and condominiums.
Trump worked his way into television and worked on the show “The Apprentice,” where he offered a management contract with his business to the winning contestant of the show. The award consisted of a $250,000 dollar contract to manage one of the hosts’ projects and become their apprentice for a year. Trump participated in 14 seasons and has tried multiple business ventures, such as starting Trump University. At one point, Trump even owned the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Trump University is a company founded in 2005 where people can learn the ins and outs of real estate. It offered seminars online and transitioned to in-person classes later on. After being hit with multiple lawsuits, it ended in 2010.
In 2015, Trump announced his run for president, running on the slogan “Make America Great Again” in hopes of securing a seat in the White House. He ran against the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and won the 45th presidency. He remained president until 2020, when he ran for a second term and lost to current President Joseph Biden. He claimed that the election was rigged and that he actually won, inciting extreme reactions among his supporters.
Trump has worked in preparation to run again for the 2024 elec-
tion in hopes of a second term and is the presidential candidate for the Republican party.
“I’m voting for Donald Trump because he aligns with several personal values I have about the economy, immigration and human rights,” said
agencies are exercising a delegated power by Congress,” Clark said.“I would imagine you would see all sorts of issues like that, where the Trump administration would take some very bold position to try and shape policy on their
Lincoln Jepson, a junior finance major. “I think he is fit for the job more than his opponent and that is why I am casting my vote for Trump this election.”
CBS News stated Trump wants to end income tax on social security, add tariffs to all imported goods and have the federal government cover the costs of In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF.
He has promised to work on ensuring all Hispanics remain in Mexico while their asylum cases are reviewed and work towards ending birthright citizenship for the children of immigrants living in the country illegally.
“I think that under Trump, this economy is the path of division and unrest in Americans, I think that would definitely continue just because we’ve seen, even since 2016,” said Anna Hunger, a senior political science major.“How he’s handled himself and the things that he’s been saying and how they have been increasingly polarized.”
Trump has stated he wants to break up the Education Department, and something similar can be found in Project 2025. In Project 2025, it mentions putting all federal organizations directly under the president. Trump has worked to separate himself from Project 2025 by saying he has not read it and does not plan to.
“So it’s very difficult to imagine constitutionally that they would be able to because these
Alongside Biden, she became Vice President of the United States in 2020. Biden came into the 2024 campaign trail seeking re-election, but after wide concerns over his mental and physical fitness following a June debate performance that left even
up to $25,000 in down payment assistance.
To enact these policy proposals, Congress would have to approve them as they hold the power of the purse. The power of the purse means that they have the right to raise and spend
own, and it would get overturned by the courts or Congress wouldn’t go along with it. And they would be perpetually stymied by the fact that they weren’t able to accomplish all the things that they wanted to.”
Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained the reputation of being tough as she worked on cases involving gang violence and sexual abuse. This led to her election as the District Attorney of the City and County of San Francisco in 2003. She held this position until 2010, when she won the election for Attorney General of California.
This win made her the first woman and first African-American to hold this position. She spent her time working to overturn California Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage. Through her work, it was overturned in 2013. In 2015, Harris declared her candidacy for the U.S. Senate. On the campaign trail, she called for immigration and criminal justice reform and protection of women’s reproductive rights. She won the election in 2016, making her the first Indian American and second Black American woman in the Senate. She later launched her campaign to become President of the United States in 2019, and President-Elect Biden picked her as his running mate.
longtime Biden supporters uncertain, Harris replaced him as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party.
“I think under Harris’s presidency, we would see an energetic America and one that is slowly working towards rebuilding all classes of the country, as well as a healthy balance of powers coming from all branches of government,” Hunger said.
According to CBS News, Harris wants to provide bigger tax cuts for families, a $6,000 child tax credit for parents of newborns in the first year and a $3,600 child tax credit for young children.
She plans to enact the first federal law against price gouging by food suppliers and grocery stores. She also mentioned that industry competition can help lower the costs of groceries for American citizens.
“I think that this will definitely help our perspectives in what we think the inflation crisis is right now,” Hunger said. “I think that a lot of it is just price gouging, and so I think that by her doing this, I think that it will definitely help us out more, and the big companies that are doing this can level out their prices and stop being greedy.”
Harris is vowing that during her first term, the Harris-Walz administration will provide working families who have paid rent on time for two years and are buying a home for the first time
it is federally protected. I think that Harris would push to move that to be federally protected, as it was under Roe versus Wade. But I think, at least for Trump himself, I think that it would remain in the states, which as we’ve seen has become very dangerous.”
Harris picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate and Trump chose Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate.
A few of Trump’s former military leaders have shown reproach to him winning a second term, one even going so far as to call Trump a fascist in an interview with MSNBC.
“He is the most dangerous person ever,” said Mark Mille, military general and former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. “I had suspicions when I talked to you about his mental decline and so forth, but now I realize he’s a total fascist. He is the most dangerous person to this country…A fascist to the core!”
government money as they see fit. This ensures that the executive branch does not make decisions that could endanger democracy.
“A lot of the time, presidential candidates will promise things that only Congress really is going to have to do,” Clark said. “Those are all things that Congress is going to have to do. A good chunk of the rhetoric they use, the campaign promises they make are things that actually the president alone really doesn’t have the ability to do.”
The president can use executive orders to enact these policies if they so wish. An executive order is an official document that helps manage the government. It can enact the policies a president wants to use. Congress can pass legislation that stops the executive order or another president can come and undo each order with his or her own orders.
Abortion is also a major point that each candidate has spoken on. Harris has been known for her support of people’s right to choose and Trump has stated he wishes to leave it to the states to decide the laws around abortion.
“I think that as much as Trump claims to be pro-life and his campaign rides on being prolife, I think that he would still keep abortion to the states,” Hunger said. “I don’t think that he would impose federal regulations or make sure that
Trump has held many rallies to garner support from the people of America. One that stood out was the assassination attempt on his life on July 13 in Butler, Pa. where his ear was skimmed by the fired bullet. Two other people were injured, James Copenhaver and David Dutch and one was killed, Corey Comperatore. The shooter was 20 year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks and he was killed by secret service.
Each candidate is working to secure votes across America. Walz and former President Obama will be attending a rally in Wisconsin and Doug Emhoff will go to North Carolina to help with hurricane relief efforts. Vice President Harris participated in moderated talks with the U.S. Representative Liz Cheney in Chester County on Monday, Oct. 21. She also plans on stopping in Wisconsin and Michigan. Then, she will head to Pennsylvania for a CNN town hall event, where she will speak to the people of Delaware County in a public forum to address any concerns they may have.
Trump has even decided to work a few hours at McDonald’s in alignment with his argument that Harris has never worked there, though she claims she did. Trump plans on being in North Carolina, while his running mate will head to Arizona. This comes after he visited Pennsylvania for a rally. The presidential candidates are working hard to secure votes as early voting opens up across the U.S. and many are unsure who will win.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Former President Donald Trump
MLB
Continued from page 1
With both teams having great seasons, predicting who could win the pennant and go to the World Series has been difficult.
“The Yankees have been the best team in baseball this year,” said Tyler Gardner, a senior finance major. “When you have a guy on your team like Aaron Judge, it makes things much easier.”
On the other side of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the unexpected New York Mets in a seven-game series.
At the beginning of the year, the Mets were off to a slow start, going 0-5 and getting booed at home games. Their fans felt that the season was over before it even started, and it was a bad look for the team.
Their best player, shortstop Francisco Lindor, who signed a $363 million deal in 2021, struggled throughout much of the first half of the season. In the second half, however, the Mets started batting like they expected to.
Other players like third baseman Mark Vientos and center fielder Starling Marte were also hitting the cover off the ball. Their most unexpected contributor was their sec-
ond baseman, Jose Iglesias, who they brought up from Triple-A early on in the second half of the season.
Iglesias answered the call, batting upwards of .300. Even then, it took the Mets through the last day of the season to clinch their playoff spot.
The Dodgers did what they were expected to and barreled through their regular season, winning their division for the third straight year. “Honestly, this is the Dodgers’ year,” said Luke Parris, a senior exercise science major. “The fact that they have [Shohei] Ohtani now makes them even better than they were before.”
The Yankees were off to a scorching hot start in their series, winning games one and two at home.
Game three was back-and-forth, going all the way into the 10th inning. The Guardians were down five to three going into the ninth inning. With two outs in the ninth, right fielder Jhonkensy Noel hit a game-tying tworun HR, igniting the Cleveland crowd.
Catcher David Fry would later hit a walk-off two-run homer, leading the Guardians to victory.
Unfortunately for the Guardians, that was their only bright moment of the series, as they would lose the next two games at
home, ultimately losing the series.
The Yankees did what most expected and flexed their offensive muscles. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton won the ALCS MVP, boasting four home runs in five games.
The series between the Dodgers and the Mets has been much more balanced, as the Dodgers lead the series 3-2.
Going into this series, the Dodgers’ pitching staff had not allowed a run in 24 straight innings, which is especially impressive for the playoffs. They continued to dominate, shutting out the Mets 9-0.
The Mets would answer back, winning game two thanks to a five-run
second inning. Game three would end in another pitching masterpiece for the Dodgers, as they would shut out the Mets once more, with a score of 8-0. This is the first time in franchise history that the Mets have been shut out twice in a single playoff series.
In game four, the Dodgers’ bats exploded again, scoring ten runs. The Mets answered in a big way, scoring 12 runs in game five, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
However, the Dodgers’ were ultimately able to fend off the Mets’ efforts, clinching the series with a 10-5 win on Sunday, Oct. 20.
A look into the long-awaited 2024 NBA season
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
The NBA 2024-2025 season is expected to kick off next week, and with both conferences looking very strong, the playoffs are expected to be extremely competitive.
Among the top concerns going into the new seasons are the team dynamics, the impact of trades and the fans’ engagement. Many teams have made significant roster changes during the offseason, which drastically impacts the competitiveness of the teams.
Cade Steel, a junior history and philosophy major, has opinions about the roster changes and which teams had the most significant trades during the offseason.
“The biggest trade was the Knicks and the Timberwolves trading Julius Randal and
Dante Devenchenzo for Carl Anthony,” Steel said. “I think the Timberwolves lose a lot of 3-point shooting but they gain depth. I think the Knicks will be the best they have ever been since Patrick Ewing.” Steel also gives his opinions on the player most likely to break out this season. A breakout player is an already very tempered professional player who is likely to perform well and enter the spotlight amongst
other great players.
“I mean, the first one is pretty easy, Victor Wembanyama on the Spurs,” Steel said. “All he needs to succeed is for his teammates to give him the - ball, no one wants to give him the ball, and all his teammates are shot chuckers.”
Opinions on the trades in the Eastern Conference seem to be circulating the most among the NBA fanbase, with many fans like Steel having differing opinions on who came
out on top in this trade.
Cooper Treadaway, a junior business administration major, also explores his opinions on the recent roster changes, and which team he believed had the most significant trade.
“I think the Orlando Magic will definitely be a dark horse this year,” Treadaway said. “I think the trading of Jonathan Issac for Boston’s Robert Williams III was a great move for the team’s overall defensive game.”
Additionally, Treadaway gave his opinions on the Hawks’ trade this season, which players he thought might excel in their roles and how they would do that.
“Oh definitely Jaylen Johnson for the Hawks, I mean he was a rookie last year and scored a ton of points,” Treadaway said.
“The only thing he needs to excel is for Trae Young not to be traded, I think.”
The Eastern Conference is expected to be much stronger this year due to these trades, with the West also expected to have a great season.
Steel explores his opinion on how fan engagement has evolved throughout the season.
“I’d say right before the season started people expected a really weak eastern conference, although the Celtics totally dominated last season,”
Steel said. “Now the east is much more healthy heading into the season, with the Celtics, Knicks and Sixers. The Sixers signed Paul George so they’re looking very competitive this season.”
Even though the East is looking especially strong this season, the West is also dominating as usual, with Treadaway offering his opinion on the state of the West’s game.
“The West is definitely at its strongest point ever this century,” Treadaway said. “I mean it’s going to be an extremely competitive season for them, pretty much every team has a shot at making the playoffs.”
With a lot of emerging talent, interesting trades and new trends in team strategies, this season of the NBA is shaping up to be very competitive and engaging.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani
San Antonio Spurs power forward/center Victor Wembanyama
Women’s tennis takes on Macon
Ryan Grant Staff Writer
GCSU Women’s Tennis concluded its fall season over the first weekend of October. At the Mercer Gridiron Classic, the Bobcats battled teams from across the southeast, including Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Middle Georgia State University, Mercer University, Florida Southern College, Georgia Southern University, The University of South Alabama and Alabama State University.
During the tournament, 10 of GCSU’s players competed in multiple singles and doubles matches. The team completed 26 wins with at least one win against every school except Kennesaw State and South Alabama.
Chiaro Santoro, a se-
nior exercise science major, played eight singles matches and a tiebreaker match at the tournament and pulled two wins against Mercer University and one win against Georgia State. Santoro lost against Georgia State and Middle Georgia overall.
Santoro played four doubles matches versus Middle Georgia, Alabama State, South Alabama, and Florida Southern, with her partner Jada Young, a senior nursing major. The pair played against Middle Georgia, Alabama State, South Alabama, and Florida Southern, pulling a win against Middle Georgia.
Young, played eight matches against KSU, Mercer, Florida Southern, and Middle Georgia. Out of the 8 Games, Young won about half.
Young also played
two tie-breaker rounds against Mercer and Florida Southern, with both rounds coming out as huge wins for GCSU.
Ashley Bentz, a sophomore biology major, won against two schools out of four overall. After losing her first tie-breaker round, Bentz pulled two wins for GCSU against Georgia Southern and Georgia State.
Bentz also played four doubles matches against Florida Southern, Georgia Southern and Alabama State. Alongside teammate Shrada Chhabra, the pair won two doubles matches against Florida Southern.
Chhabra, a senior criminal justice major, and Victoria Conde Vendrell, a junior psychology major, were both victorious in at least one of their singles matches. Conde Vendrell pulled
NBA Viewership Declines
Is the NBA facing a crisis?
Kate Brisemeister Staff Writer
NBA viewership has been in significant decline over the past few years. In the past few years, the number of fans who loyal y follow the season has declined for a multitude of reasons.
In 2009, the number of people watching the NBA was at an all-time high, but it has now reached some of its lowest numbers. Some people blame the drop in viewership on COVID-19 and others say it is due to new streaming services causing people to not buy the channels the games are provided on because of the price of the streaming services.
“I believe viewership has declined for the NBA because
a good bit of the games are on NBA TV or exclusive streaming platforms, where people have to pay extra to watch the games compared to when people could just be able to hop on regular TV to watch the games,” said Elijah Gaddy, a junior management information systems major. “I still watch the league but it sometimes turns into an impossible feeling task to find the games that I want to watch. It is disappointing that views are going down but hopefully, with all of the sports betting happening, it will boost its views back up to what they used to be.”
Common streaming services where people go to watch sporting events include Hulu, YouTube TV and ESPN+.
through a tie-breaker against Mercer and Chhabra won a match against Florida Southern.
Rachel Black, a freshman business administration major, won two of the four of her rounds along with four matches. Black won against her opponents from Georgia State and Florida Southern.
“We played some really good teams,” said Black. “We played some division one and division two teams. It was a higher level than what we’re used to, but that prepares us for the spring season.”
Natalie Kirka, a freshman mathematics major, won against three of her four competitors. Two of them were from Middle Georgia and Florida Southern, and the other was from GCSU, Alisa Chiang. Chiang, a sopho-
Typically, if someone is watching it on a platform like this, they would have to pay an additional cost to their subscription to watch live sports.
“The views have gone down due to how political it has gotten and how many foul calls have been made,” said Luke Strickland, a sophomore finance major. “I also think it has gone down due to the coronavirus because the league had to stop playing. The newer streaming services seem to be a factor in the views as well.”
The upcoming 2024 presidential election seems to have a big impact on all platforms and channels. Reasonably, many viewers want to watch the games without any political commercials
more mass communication major, won two of the three matches she played against opposing schools. She also beat Middle Georgia and Florida Southern players.
During four doubles matches, two GCSU pairs faced off. Laura Almagro, a junior exercise science major, and Conde Vendrell beat Lucy Kim, a sophomore elementary education major who was paired with Chiang. Later on in the tournament, Kim’s pair pulled another doubles win against Florida Southern.
Though tennis consists of doubles and singles matches, team morale is still very important. With bigger and stronger teams, the players who are not in a match are always cheering on their teammates.
“If I’m playing and my teammate is not, she needs to be cheering on for me,” Almagro said. Almagro and her coach Emma Flemming both agree that with solid team support during someone’s match, a player’s performance can be significantly better.
or influences. Many people, like Strickland, believe the two should remain separate.
“There are so many games packed into one season, I feel like people cannot keep up with them and just stop watching the league,” said Laney Foust, a junior exercise science major. “I also believe people have become more interested in football and started to care less about the NBA. I think there could be a whole lot
Ali Amrozowicz earns player of the week after stellar performance
Chloe Sanders Staff Writer
Ali Amrozowicz, a junior forward for the GCSU women’s soccer team, was honored as the Peach Belt Conference’s Player of the Week for women’s soccer the week of Oct. 6. Originally from Dacula, Ga., Amrozowicz’s standout performance came during a match against Christian Brothers University, where she scored three goals in just 21 minutes, leading her
team to a 4-1 victory.
Amrozowicz’s hat trick marked the first for the Bobcat Soccer team since October 2019 and is one of only nine recorded in the PBC this season. Currently, Amrozowicz ranks second in the PBC for shots on goal per match, and she is tied for seventh in assists, solidifying her status as one of the conference’s top players.
“My performance against Christian Brothers was one I will re-
member forever,” Amrozowicz said. “No player ever really goes into a game thinking they will get a hat trick. It’s just one of those things where everything just seemed to click and go the right way. We work so hard towards creating opportunities to go to goal, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my teammates doing their jobs also.”
In addition to her PBC recognition, Amrozowicz was also named Zaxby’s Player
of the Week, reflecting her impact on the field.
Morgan Amrozowicz, her sister, is also on the team.
“I attribute a lot of my success to my sister,” Ali Amrozowicz said. “She is one of the main reasons I decided to come back and play again, and the fact I get to play alongside her as we both finish our soccer careers is one of the most wholesome parts of this season.”
Ali Amrozowicz’s journey began at home,
more factors that play into it but those seem to be the most prominent factors in my eyes. I would hope that the league would find some way of getting more people into it or finding a way to get all the games on the same streaming platform.”
The league is now having to brainstorm ideas on how to get back viewers or at least maintain the views that they have now.
where she developed her skills through years of practice in competitive leagues. At GCSU, she has refined her game with the support of her coaches and teammates, leading to her impressive performances this season.
“Ali’s soccer journey is different from most people’s,” Morgan Amrozowicz said. “She played club up until college and committed to play soccer at Mercer. She then tore her ACL in a scrimmage while in high school which set her back, especially with COVID hitting [...] I was beyond excited to play with her again but also so proud of her for
deciding to play because she has been a great addition to our team.” Morgan Amrozowicz was glad to see her sister make a comeback in such an explosive way
“As soon as she scored that first goal, I saw the old Ali that I knew from day one of playing soccer with her,” Morgan Amrozowicz said. “Then after her first goal came a second and after that came a third. It was amazing seeing her produce goals just like she did back then.”
Ali Amrozowicz and the GCSU women’s soccer team will be back in action on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Albany State University.
Courtesy of GCSU Athletics
Ashley Bentz
Jason Tatum at the 2023 NBA Finals
USG Walktober Challenge
A well-being challenge for students in the month of October.
Kate Walker Contributing Writer
As the heat of summer gives way to the cool of fall, October is the perfect time to go for a walk and enjoy the beauty of the changing seasons. This year, the University System of Georgia (USG)’s Walktober Well-Being Challenge invites students across the state to fall into fitness.
The program is designed to be appealing to students, with tracking tools, social features and the opportunity to participate on a team.
“Walking is especially helpful after long stressful days of classes–you can kind of just calm down, wind down, and get in a different mindset,” said Rebecca Whitten, a freshman elementary education major. “It’s peaceful, and it helps you focus.”
Participating students fill their virtual Walktober Tree with different colored leaves depending on the number of steps they reach each day. 6,000 steps are rewarded with a red leaf, recommended for beginners, 8,000 steps earn an orange leaf, ideal for those already active and 10,000 steps result in a gold leaf, for those who seek a real challenge. When students reach milestones, their accounts will reveal beautiful autumn
landscapes from around the world.
Students have the opportunity to compete on teams of four to five people, with a goal of consistency over athleticism. Data from USG suggests that students competing in teams are twice as likely to achieve their step goals compared to students acting alone.
“Walking is a good way to relieve stress and just get your mind off of school sometimes,” said Alexis Walker, a sophomore exercise science major. “Being outside is going to give you vitamin D and get those endorphins moving, and you’re going to have a bunch of serotonins so you can be happier overall.”
Homeward bound:
When and why students visit home.
Molly Goff Staff Writer
For some GCSU students, the weekend means packing up and heading home. As they are eager to reunite with family, pets or just in need of a change of pace. For others, however, home is a distant thought, as they choose to stay in Milledgeville, driven by work
obligations or a desire to embrace campus life.
The frequency with which students make the trip home reflects personal reasons that range from seeking comfort to prioritizing independence.
“Being home is nice because I get to spend quality time with people I miss,” said Emily Benyak, sophomore nurs-
ATL PRIDE
Continued from page 1
“ATL Pride was one of the first Pride events I had ever gone to,” said Ellen Patton, a senior museum studies major. “Walking into a space that was so diverse and welcoming was an experience that I’ll never forget.” At Atlanta Pride, many are able to find a community of people who have shared similar experiences and end up making friends who last long after the event.
“I remember my first ATL Pride when I was 16, and I felt so welcomed
ing major. “I go home every few weekends to spend time with family and friends. It’s also a mental break/reset point that I enjoy at times.”
For many students, visiting home provides both emotional comfort and a chance to recharge. For others, going home is simply part of a routine on their college journey.
“I live at home and commute for school,” said Juliana Simmons, sophomore mass communication major. “I honestly decided to live at home because it was way less stressful for me. I get to sleep in my own bed, I get to be with my cat and my boyfriend and friends are all just down the road.”
In contrast to how students use going home as a reset point or time to unwind from the
by the older girls that I met there, and I hope I did that for someone this year,” said GCSU alumni Chloe Hooper.
During the parade, viewers can see the plethora of companies that support the LGBTQIA+ community. Companies that are integral to Atlanta, such as Coca-Cola and Delta, had representatives marching and on floats in the parade wearing shirts with their company’s Pride logo.
Other floats in the parade were made by those hoping to encourage those present at the parade to vote. While the parade was very diverse, most of the signs were in sup-
Walker thought that the Walktober Challenge was a great opportunity for students to exercise and spend time outdoors.
“It’s good to have small goals for yourself and not say ‘I’m going to walk every single day for the rest of the year’ because you can’t expect yourself to do that, but if you take little steps and say just this month I’m going to do it, then it’s a small goal for you to keep yourself,” said Mary Smith, a sophomore psychology major.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one of the most important things you can do for your
bustling college life full of activities, some students find that staying in Milledgeville’s charming atmosphere gives them time to unwind.
“The best part of being here on campus is that I feel pretty much like I’m home here,” said Celia Hastings, freshman political science major. “I have created a routine and made some great friends who have made being homesick not so frequent.”
“I like having a routine and being independent when staying in Milledgeville, it gives me a sense of freedom,” said Emma Gregory, junior art major.
The decision to stay on campus is often influenced by internships, research opportunities or part-time jobs that require students’ attention. For some, traveling home is a luxury they simply cannot af-
health is regular physical activity.
The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week for healthy adults and notes that activities such as brisk walking, dancing, swimming, jogging or biking are ideal for exercise. There are numerous benefits to regular activity including improved sleep, reduced stress and a lowered risk of heart disease, stroke, some cancer and type two diabetes.
“There are a lot of different benefits to walking, mentally it releases stress–if you’re ever stressed about an exam just even going to touch grass or take a walk outside reduces stress so much, and physically if you just take a couple thousand steps a day it will benefit you so much,” Smith said.
GCSU’s Wellness and Recreation Center has a wealth of opportunities for student fitness and health, including counseling services and options for group fitness, aquatics, organized and free-play sports and outdoor activities.
The center offers group fitness classes for cardio, Pilates, dance cardio, spinning, yoga and aquatics, as well as adventure programs with opportunities such as kayaking and obstacle courses in addition to the center’s climbing wall. There are also a variety of club sports including pickleball, bass fishing, golf, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s lacrosse, plus intramural league opportunities for a wide variety of sports including badminton, basketball, volleyball and softball.
ford, while for others, it’s a choice to maintain a steady routine.
“The best part [about living at home] for me is that I’m so close to my boyfriend/best friend,” said Simmons. “I get so easily stressed out, and he’s one of the only people who can help with that. So it makes my life easier for him to be right there with me.”
In addition to balancing work and academics, students often find that staying on campus helps them stay connected to the social and extracurricular aspects of college life. Milledgeville offers a close-knit community where students can engage in campus activities, participate in clubs or simply enjoy the local atmosphere without the pull of home disrupting their college experience.
“I haven’t even been here a full semester and I’ve gone home twice, so I’ll say on average 5-6 times a year,” says Audrey Sercer, freshman marketing major. “The best thing about being home is sleeping in my bed and eating home-cooked meals. The best thing about being at school is having things to do and seeing my friends. I try to stay as much as I can because I feel left out from college social life when I go home, and I get bored when I’m home.” As students navigate their college years, the decision to go home or stay on campus remains deeply personal, shaped by their individual needs, circumstances and preferences. Whether home is a place of comfort or an occasional retreat, each student’s approach reflects a different facet of the college experience—one that balances independence, support and the pursuit of personal growth.
port of the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Kamala Harris.
While some parade participants took the opportunity to support their candidate of choice, others simply had fun with cutouts of pets, memes and celebrities such as drag queen Trixie Mattel. Many floats played music or threw candy, and the Atlanta Pride Committee had approximately 20 people carrying a giant Pride flag during the march.
The environment of Pride was energetic and supportive, and the goal of everyone in attendance was to celebrate themselves and their loved ones for living the way they were made to.
“The energy that radiated from everyone, the smiles, the outfits, couldn’t be replicated if you tried,” said Patton. “Seeing a city come together to show support for a community I love so dearly was heartwarming and a huge reminder that we are not alone in our experiences.” Pride is meant to be a time of support and love, and that is exactly what was perpetuated at the 2024 Atlanta Pride. The hope of most in attendance is that legislation supports the LGBTQIA+ community and does not endanger them.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Mary Ciucevich | Asst. A&L Editor
October: A Month of Awareness
Mary Ciucevich
Asst. A&L Editor
The month of October is dedicated to the awareness of Breast Cancer and Domestic and Interpersonal Violence.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign that spreads awareness of the disease and promotes its education and preventative methods. The month is best represented by the pink ribbon, which is seen throughout the month at events and organizational gatherings that aim to support awareness of the disease.
The Breast Cancer Awareness campaign also raises awareness for specific groups of breast cancer, with specifically dedicated days. For instance, Oct. 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Oct. 17 to 23 is Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week.
“One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime. It is predicted that in 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer,” said the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
It is important for people to understand that breast cancer can affect both men and women, but it is more likely to occur in women. With this likely occurrence, women receive annual screenings for breast cancer through the form of mammograms.
“It’s usually something that older people and women struggle with, but I think it’s important to be able to catch it and take preventative actions before because there’s a lot of stuff you can do and be knowledgeable about before it happens to you,” said Bridget Mainor, a sophomore English
and philosophy double major.
The campaign works to raise money, support and awareness of the disease throughout the month, as well as the year, and is open to different events. In Georgia specifically, Atlanta hosts events like The Pink Ribbon 5K Run/Walk and the Georgia 2-Day Walk For Breast Cancer to raise money for clinics and grants that will benefit breast cancer services.
At GCSU, the Center for Health and Social Issues is hosting its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Oct. 23 from 12 to 2 p.m. by the Arts and Sciences Fountain. The walk will take place at 1 p.m., and the event will include games, snacks and t-shirts.
The HUB at GCSU has also posted fliers regarding Breast Cancer Awareness, which include a QR code that takes students to an informational website regarding the signs of breast cancer. In the past, the HUB has hosted informational sessions about women’s health regarding both breast cancer as well as women-related topics like menstrual cycles and going to your first gynecologist appointment.
“I think it is really important to the community because it’s important to be aware of these things and to know how to deal with them in the best ways possible, and these gatherings seem like a good step to learning about more,” said Isabella Guidera, a junior mass communication major.
Although it is considered rare for women and men in their 20s to get diagnosed with breast cancer, it is still possible. Women who are diagnosed younger can suffer from more invasive types of breast cancer, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
“A lot of people in their 20s
have loved ones who might experience it or go through it, so I think it’s a good time for individuals because it’s preventative but there to help them with family members who might be at the age where they’re going through it too,” Mainor said.
Other than Breast Cancer Awareness, October is also Domestic and Interpersonal Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or DVAM, is a national campaign that specializes in raising awareness about domestic violence and the support of people affected by it.
The DVAM campaign is dedicated to voicing the survivors of domestic violence, both past and present. The purple ribbon represents the campaign’s awareness, and similarly to the breast cancer awareness ribbon, it can be seen in the events and gatherings for domestic violence awareness, like the Domestic Violence Awareness 5K Walk/Run hosted by the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
In 2023, the DVAM campaign launched the Domestic Violence Awareness Project with the themes of “Heal, Hold, and Center.” The project aims to provide ways to heal from oppression and violence, commit to holding space for survivors and center those marginalized in efforts to end domestic violence.
Domestic violence is an issue that impacts relationships, both young and old. According to the Break the Cycle website, every minute, 32 people experience intimate partner violence in the U.S. Domestic violence, while mostly physical, can include verbal abuse, like coercion, yelling, humiliation, manipulation, stalking, threats and isolation. Although domestic
‘Tis the Season for Midterms
Molly Groff Staff Writer
As GCSU reaches its midpoint in the semester, the college core memories of study sessions, late-night cramming and coffee-fueled marathons begin to fill the air. For many students, the midterms are a high-stakes checkpoint, a defining moment that can shape the rest of their academic journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned senior or a wideeyed freshman, navigating midterms can feel like running a marathon with hurdles at every turn.
“Since I only have one midterm, I am feeling good about it because I’ve been able to focus all my attention on studying for that one class,” said Madison Heyman, sophomore marketing major. “Although it feels like midterms have crept up on us, I feel prepared and ready to take them.”
Some students breeze through midterms with only a few exams on which they focus all their energy. As for others, there is a heavy workload filled with
studying and sometimes stress with their studies.
A common occurrence is that one midterm ends up being the hardest compared to others in a student’s course load. While midterms at GCSU are often composed of multiple-choice questions, there are times when it is writing or project-based. The medium of a midterm can vary by class, as some classes are not cohesive with the typical pencil-and-paper exam format.
“I mainly was nervous for my anatomy and physiology midterm,” said Allie-Rose Caro, a sophomore exercise science major. “It was 50 questions, and I had to look at something and write what it was. No word bank or multiple choice, our spelling counts, which was scary for me.”
Students of all years are tackling midterms with a mix of preparation and nerves, though their preparation strategies differ depending on the subject.
“I’m feeling pretty good about midterms so far,” said Macy Collins, a
and interpersonal violence mostly affects women in a relationship, it is important to note that men can also experience domestic violence.
“There can be red flags on both sides, so although we have traditionally worked with women and with women’s gender identity spaces, those activities can still happen on the other side,” said Micheal Snowden, Executive Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Office of Inclusion and Belonging at GCSU.
“There should be some coping mechanisms on the other side in terms of how to spot those red flags so that they can if, it’s a male, can get out of a relationship that’s not conducive to positive aspects of dating.”
At GCSU, there are opportunities that lend to support and awareness of domestic and interpersonal violence. In the past, the Women’s Center hosted its Clothesline Project, which raised awareness for those who experienced any power-based interpersonal violence through the display of decorated t-shirts. This year, the Clothesline Project has been pushed to the spring semester rather than the fall.
The HUB at GCSU continues to be a resource for those who wish to learn the signs of domestic violence. Posters have been displayed that show the red flags that can occur within a relationship relating to domestic violence.
“For our office, and in particular for this area, what it [the HUB] stood for and continues to stand for, in terms of women empowerment, it’s also a safety issue, you want to be aware of your surroundings, this is a place where you can learn those skills,” Snowden said.
Mae Daniels, a student intern at the Office of Inclusion and Belonging, gave insight into the resources offered outside of the GCSU for students or locals affected by domestic violence. These resources include The Middle Georgia Crisis Center, located in both Macon and Warner Robins, Victim advocacy networks and counseling services/outreaches.
Breast Cancer and Domestic and Interpersonal Violence Awareness Month at GCSU is important because it helps college students gain knowledge about topics and experiences that can occur to them or people they know.
me when I was free.”
sophomore psychology major. “I have made Quizlets and studied them religiously. I’m really nervous about my psych stats midterm. I think it is multiple choice.”
With the right strategies, a balance of study
anticipate grades with the hope that all the hard work has paid off.
“Overall, I feel good about my midterms,” said Riley Diaz, a sophomore nursing major.
“To prepare for my midterms, I studied at least a
and self-care and the support of peers and professors, GCSU students are well-equipped to tackle midterms and
week in advance for each of them. I utilized study tools such as flashcards and Quizlet and even had my roommate quiz
The access to campus resources throughout the semester is key to success. Some of GCSU’s best campus resources to help with preparation include the Learning Center, Writing Center and class SI sessions.
“No matter how tough things get during a semester, we always remind ourselves we are a student resource; we are here to help the student with their writing needs,” said Benjamin Circle, a Writing Center graduate assistant. “We want to support the system of Georgia College and State University and its Bobcats, whatever that might be.”
Campus support centers are stepping up to help students navigate midterms, emphasizing the importance of early preparation and seeking assistance.
“The Learning Center experiences student anxiety during test periods all year long and midterm exams are not much different,” said Kensie Poor, assistant director of the Learning Center.
“What we teach is the
importance of asking for assistance, coming to the center early and often, visiting professors during hours, and staying organized to best combat test anxiety. We also offer generalized Practice Tests for most STEM and economic core classes.”
Another resource that an influx of students use is professors’ office hours to better understand how the class operates and what each instructor is looking for personally.
“My midterm that is going to be the hardest is for Intro to Shakespeare, as we have to write 1000 words of our paper and turn that in for class comments, so I am very nervous for that,” said Lily Harris, a sophomore English major. “I am preparing for midterms by working on my outlines and going over them with professors.”
The experience of midterms can be a test of resilience and adaptation. With the semester’s second half ahead, students are poised to carry the lessons learned from midterms forward and be prepared for what lies ahead.
Julia Jensen | Digital Art Director
Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor
OPINION
ROOTS
Continued from page 1
“I enjoy making stuff with my hands, and it was a stress-relieving hobby for me because of work,” said Carmen Dabey, a vendor at Deep Roots. “I like to play around with food-grade ingredients and create things that are all natural.”
Dabey started her brand, A Girl and A Goat, ten years ago. She was a nurse, and with the stress from her job, she needed something creative to decompress and release tension and anxiety. Dabey makes soaps from the milk of her own
goats and various other all-natural ingredients. It was important to her to make sure there was nothing harmful in her soaps and scrubs since she works in the medical field and understands the importance of taking care of your body. She told me in our conversation she does festivals like this very often, and that this was her third Deep Roots. Like Dabey, many other vendors have similar stories. I went from booth to booth just gushing at all the handmade and intricate creations and listening to
everyone share their own journeys. I saw jewelry, art, food, and personally my favorite -homemade and all-natural lemonade. The two men running the tent were so kind and fun, and I tried their all-natural strawberry lemonade. It was just amazing and so refreshing. It is so charming how people care so much about making things unique or straying away from the artificial.
Though I did not stay for the live music, that is also one of my favorite things about festivals. I am sure that it was spectacular, but I did
see when they brought out a huge screen to watch the football game everyone gathered in the street cheering and laughing together.
There is nothing better than spending an entire Saturday in a cute outfit, walking around an enchanting little downtown area with friends, and no worries in the world oth-
Liam Payne: a voice to be remembered
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
Students, do you remember when we were just kids and we danced to every song like it was the best song ever? Where did all that time go? Doesn’t it just drive you crazy with how fast the night changes?
Many things continue to change as we grow up, and in recent news, a very memorable person from our childhood passed. Fans worldwide have come together to mourn the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne. His death was extremely sudden and immensely tragic.
I don’t know about other fans, but I was in utter shock when I heard the news of his passing this past week. On Oct. 16, his body was found outside a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina after he fell out of a third-story balcony. Many reports claim that the potential use of hallucinogenic drugs may have caused this horrible accident. Whatever the case, this 31-year-old star will be greatly missed by so many.
In the story of his life, Payne was a member of the monumental boy band One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson. Everyone born in the early 2000s remembers
them very distinctly and knows what I mean when I say that this band was a huge part of our childhood.
I remember very distinctly when I first heard about One Direction. I was a little late to the fan club because I actually did not know who they were until one of my good friends told me about them. I remember asking her why she had posters on her wall of these five guys, and she said, “You don’t know One
into their personal careers. Payne was an honored member of the band, and I know that each of his former bandmates will long miss their good friend.
“After five chart-topping studio albums and four world tours, One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo projects in 2016,” said Lauryn Overhultz, a writer for Fox News. “Payne had embarked on his own journey, releasing one solo
Direction?” Long story short, I felt very silly. However, I did know who they were because “What Makes You Beautiful” was one of my favorite songs at the time, and honestly, it probably still is…
I think we all very vividly remember when One Direction broke up too. It was quite a shock, but each member went on to work on their own solo careers without any bitterness. It was just time for them to move on from their boy band era and
studio album, two extended plays and 14 singles before his death.”
Those who knew Payne only had nice things to say after learning of his passing. It truly shows the impact one can make on people and the positive impression that Payne has left. Each member of the former band has said something in grievance and compassion for Payne and his family and fans.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy
er than how I am going to carry all the trinkets I’ve bought back to my car and where we’re going to get dinner together to end out our fun, fall festival-filled day.
for life that was infectious,” said Styles on his Instagram. “He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.”
The other members have left similar sweet messages as well that can bring tears to anyone’s eyes. The incredible support after losing a beloved friend is overwhelming, and anyone can see just how Payne meant to these four guys.
All I can think of is Payne’s son, Bear, and how sad I am for him without his dad, but Bear will have lots of support from many loved ones over his life. What we can learn about Payne from all of this is just how important he was to his friends. We learn who he was as a person and what this band meant to each other. They were not just bandmates or even just friends, they were brothers. They created a family that would hold each other up and take care of each other.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was,” said Tomlinson via Instagram.
I don’t know about you, but I am going to be listening to “Live While We’re Young” on repeat for a while as we celebrate the life of one of our adored childhood heroes and a voice to be remembered.
Delaney Derry | Opinion Editor
Payne and his One Direction bandmates
