ELECTION: Milledgeville’s House Race
Experienced candidates face off for redrawn District 149
Shadimon Smith News Editor
Floyd Griffin Jr. and Kenneth Vance are on the ballot for Georgia’s House of Representatives District 149 seat. Griffin is running as a democrat and Vance is running as a republican.
District 149 is made up of the majority of Baldwin Coun-
ty, including Milledgeville, eastern Bibb County and Jones County south of Highway 49.
This is a new district after the United States District Judge Steve
Jones ruled that the Georgia legislature had redrawn districts in a way that diluted the votes of Black Americans in Georgia.
Jones instructed the lawmakers to redraw the districts so there is a
Student hobbies
Molly Goff Staff Writer
GCSU students can make the most of their college experience through a thriving culture of extracurricular involvement, with a variety of clubs, organizations and intramural sports to choose from. From Greek Life to niche hobby clubs, students find ample opportunities to connect, learn and grow outside the classroom.
The most popular extracurriculars on campus include Greek Life, club sports and intramural activities. Greek Life, in particular, draws significant interest among students, with approximately 25% of the student body participating in one of the campus’s fraternities or sororities. These organizations promote camaraderie, community service and leadership skills, with many students viewing their participation as a valuable addition to their college experience.
“I gained so much leadership experience and grew so much as a person, and I wouldn’t have gotten that if it weren’t for Greek Life,” said Abby Pollock, senior mass communication major and member of Kappa Delta.
Whether through joining a sorority, playing intramural sports or exploring a new hobby, GCSU offers students numerous opportunities to get involved and make the most of their college experience.
fair distribution of voters among all districts. The new districts had to be drawn by Dec. 8, 2023.
Though not all districts needed redrawing in this process, Milledgeville’s District 149 was adjusted. There were two state senate districts created and five house districts created and one congressional district.
Shopping can be an addiction
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
OPINION
In recent memory, I see, therefore I need…my motto as I browse the aisles of every shop or store I enter. Whether it’s a boutique downtown, a vintage shop, a retail store or even Amazon— if I see something glitter out of the corner of my eye, my brain says that I have to have it.
Impulsive buying and shopping addiction is on the rise among today’s young adults, especially college students. Stress is a big contributing factor to this addiction, so it’s no mystery as to why students are the ones having problems.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a 2022 study done on university students
in China about shopping addiction and stress found that students with high levels of stress often have an online shopping addiction tendency, otherwise known as OSAT.
“We demonstrated for the first time that the greater the pressure college students experienced, the greater the markers for additive OSAT and the lower their social support,” said Huimin Li et al. “Secondly, student stress (academic hassle, personal hassle, and negative life events) is positively correlated with the OSAT and negatively correlated with social support. Student stress is an indicator of online shopping addiction.”
BOBCAT ATHLETICS
Fall sports update
Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer
The fall sports at GCSU have all completed a large portion of their seasons, and the athletes on these teams have put up some impressive performances.
The GCSU’s men’s and women’s cross country teams have had a phenomenal year, with both teams placing in the top three in four separate meets.
“So far, it’s been great,” said Nour Nazim, a freshman cross country runner. “And I know the ups and downs are what we all do in sports.
It’s part of the journey.”
In 2023, the cross country teams struggled compared to how they performed in the 2024 season.
“We came in knowing that we had potential,” Nazim said.
“They’ve kind of awoken a sleeping giant, and [we] showed everyone.”
Nazim continued by mentioning some freshmen teammates
who have stood out this season, such as Jaycob Wagner, Shipley Smith and Reed Glaser. He also mentioned transfer Noah Boyd in his explanation for the men’s team’s performance this year.
“We’re coming after Augusta and Flagler,” Nazim said.
The team is eager to prove their ability, as they have shown in many meets this season, against some of their tougher conference opponents.
Both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams have one final competition on Nov. 9 at the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional in Spartanburg, S.C. With one final opportunity to show off for the season, it will be interesting to see if they can keep their confident spark lit.
“I think we still have time to show them our potential,” said Brooke Roberts, a senior middle blocker. “Camryn Carlton has stood out. She’s had a lot of kills this year and has played well.”
Floyd Griffin Jr. | campaign website
Kenneth Vance | General Assembly portrait
Courtesy of GC Athletics
ELECTION
Continued from page 1
This has resulted in some incumbent lawmakers running for re-election in the same or similar geographic regions but under a different district number than in their previous election.
Griffin is a retired U.S. Army colonel. He spent 23 years serving in the military and started his career as
a helicopter pilot before turning to politics.
Griffin was elected as a state senator in 1994 for a two year term and reelected in 1996 for another two year term. He went on to run for lieutenant governor of Georgia in 1998 but lost, and in 2001 he ran for mayor of Milledgeville and won. He has served on the Board of Trustees at GCSU and Georgia Military College, or GMC.
Griffin has based his
campaign on supporting women’s reproductive rights and helping the veteran community.
“The first issue is women’s rights to choose, that’s my number one issue,” Griffin said. “And then civil rights, voter’s rights, education, military and elderly individuals.”
Griffin is a funeral director at Slater Funeral Home and works alongside his family members.
“I’ve served on na-
GCSU Mobile Health Unit
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
In October, GCSU unveiled its new “Mobile Healthcare Unit,” intending to combat the lack of easy access to health care in rural communities in middle Georgia.
The Mobile Healthcare Unit (or MHU) is a 40-foot-long bus that has been transformed into a mobile doctor’s office. Features include three retractable awnings, two medical exam rooms, refrigeration for vaccines and on-site bathrooms. Students and Medical supervisors will be manning the MHU and will provide basic medical care, examination, blood tests, vaccinations and screenings.
Currently, the MHU is scheduled to be at the Putnam County Health Fair and will be shown off to the Georgia health community, allowing for tours and questions with leading administrators.
In a press release on Oct. 22, GCSU President Cathy Cox spoke volumes about the need for the MHU and the impact it will have on nearby communities.
“Our new, state-of-the-art Mobile Health Unit will address a critical need for residents in rural communities,” Cox said “Many of these communities are losing access to healthcare, while simultaneously providing nursing and public health students with the vital
training they need to become future healthcare leaders and frontline workers. It is truly a win-win for all involved.”
Cox emphasized the vital use of the MHU and how it will act as a training platform for the university’s nursing and public health students. After find-
tional boards like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children,” Griffin said.
His opponent Vance is a former law enforcement officer at the Baldwin County Sheriff`s Office and a teacher at Baldwin High School. He was also a public safety officer at GCSU in 1982.
Though both candidates have served before, Vance is running for active reelection as the current incumbent.
Due to the redistricting, he is currently representing District 133. Some of his key campaign issues are fiscal responsibility, public safety and quality education.
“The priorities I have for my district are one, help them out economically,” Vance said. “If I can be of service in helping bring a business to the district, either of the three counties, I want to do that. If I can help with public safety in any way
invest into local communities, arguing that these funds would be better allocated for student needs on campus.
“It’s an amazing idea,” said Cade Steel, a junior history major. “But It also looks pretty expensive I think.”
Several students and faculty be-
ing out about the MHU, GCSU nursing students explore their opinions, and if they would want to work in it.
“I think it’s a good idea and great for the community,” said Lauren McDonald, a sophomore nursing major. “And I would love to have the opportunity to work on it. I think it would be really cool.”
Some students seem to be concerned with how much funds the school should
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lieve that this is a great investment of school funds and a very beneficial addition to the College of Health Sciences’ public health program.
“I don’t think it should be one over the other,” McDonald said. “I do think it’s a good thing to invest in the community, maybe more so than the school.”
The MHU fills many different roles, acting as a training center and a mobile
and help out local law enforcement and state law enforcement in keeping communities safe, that’s what I want to do.”
Griffin and Vance are working towards gaining the people’s vote and representing the citizens of Baldwin County Though many GCSU students are not locals, results will still impact students’ years spent in Milledgeville.
examination and vaccination station. With primarily students manning the unit, some are concerned about the inexperience of students. However, the bus will be operated by both supervising faculty, public health and exercise science majors. Though students are heavily responsible for running the MHU, they are not left to their own devices and have instructional personnel on hand to assist and supervise. Additionally, students will help train locals in CPR, exercise, nutritional information and drug testing. GCSU students have the opportunity to gain unique, hands-on experience while providing local communities with urgent medical care.
The MHU will likely become a hallmark of the nursing program and, depending on its effectiveness, could see greater expansion in the future, as there is a continuous need for increased access to healthcare in many communities. Mobile healthcare units are extremely integral to those who live within healthcare deserts.
These healthcare deserts are places where it is difficult or impossible to find reliable and low-cost healthcare, making the Georgia College MHU extremely important for local communities, especially those within the greater Milledgeville community.
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Courtesy of GCSU
MAJOR SPOTLIGHT: ART Ellen Patton
Jaylen Mahayag Staff Writer
Ellen Patton, a senior art major with a concentration in museum studies, has not had a straightforward path in her life. As a high school student, she explored a range of art-related fields, including interior design, photography and graphic design. However, it was her senior year of high school in her Advanced Placement Art History class when she solidified her interest in the arts.
“I knew this was something I had to pursue,” Patton said.
This realization led her to explore the possibilities within GCSU’s Art Department and her concentration in museum studies, where she ultimately discovered a field that combines her love of art, community engagement and research.
At GCSU, the museum studies concentration equips students with practical skills in curatorial, archival and preparatory work. Patton explains that the program is structured to offer students foundational knowledge of how museums function before progressing to hands-on experiences.
“In our early classes, we learn about the origins of museums and how each department operates,” Patton said. “By upper-level courses, we’re curating our own exhibits, learning to accession collections and working
directly with local artists.”
This comprehensive approach to museum studies has allowed Patton to engage in the multifaceted work required to bring art into the public eye.
Patton’s commitment to this field is rooted in her passion for art and academia. Though she has always been an artist at heart, she admits that creating art for a living was not her ultimate goal.
Finding a field that balances creative and academic interests has allowed Patton to flourish in her studies. The prospect of working in a field where she can continually engage with diverse forms of art keeps her excited about the future.
Art classes at GCSU also play a significant role in shaping Patton’s career aspirations. Through a diverse selection of art history classes covering topics like Baroque Rome and Latin American Art, she developed an affinity for contemporary performance art and ceramics.
“I am a ceramics minor and have learned so much through working in the studio,” Patton said. “To me, it is really important to understand how art is made because the process informs so much of the final result of a piece.”
In her museum studies courses, she gained handson experience in exhibit research and installation and
I knew this was something I had to pursue.
worked collaboratively with departments to coordinate gallery space. Each experience has deepened her passion for the field.
“Getting to apply what I have learned from textbooks in real-world settings has solidified that this is a viable career path for me,” Patton said.
While she is not deeply involved in on-campus organizations, Patton is a familiar face at GCSU’s student artists and farmers markets. Participating in these events each semester since her freshman year has allowed her to build connections with other student artists, forming a community where creative ideas are freely exchanged.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Patton also runs a small earring business, which has been a valuable source of connections within the art community across Georgia and the Southeast. This venture, she says, helped her meet artists and gain insights into the supportive network she hopes to work in after graduation.
“Everyone is willing to talk and wants to be friends, connect with you, and help you in any way they can,” Patton said. “I’ve been told about
different job openings, galleries and museums I should look into, and given other contacts to get in touch with just by walking around and meeting my booth neighbors.”
Looking to the future, Patton is exploring career paths in museum education and curation. Both fields offer unique opportunities to shape how art is interpreted and understood by the public.
“In education, I could share the history behind art pieces and invite discussions that open people’s eyes to new perspectives,” Patton said. “In curation, I could craft exhibitions with a theme that connects various artists’ works to create a larger narrative.”
This chance to facilitate dialogues about art is something she finds deeply fulfilling, particularly because she believes everyone brings a unique perspective to their interpretation.
Throughout her college journey, Patton has been supported by mentors, like Sandra Trujillo, her ceramics professor, and Megan McNaught,
a museum studies professor. From curating a Valentine’s Day ceramics show to receiving guidance in accessioning and preparing artwork for exhibits, her professors have provided practical experiences and personalized feedback that have shaped her professional goals.
These opportunities have helped her realize how impactful museum and gallery spaces can be, not just for the artists featured, but for the individuals who connect with art on a personal level.
Patton encourages underclassmen who are interested in museum studies to pursue internships and take advantage of any handson opportunities available.
“Each experience, even if it’s not perfect, will teach you something valuable and help clarify your career path,” Patton said. By fully immersing herself in her studies, volunteer work and personal projects, Patton has laid a strong foundation for a promising career in the world of art and museums.
Stacey Abrams rallies support for Harris in Milly
Kylie Rowe A&L Editor
When Election Day was approaching, politicians in Georgia were doing their best to encourage voters to cast their ballots. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, Stacey Abrams, former Georgia State Representative, came to Milledgeville for a rally thrown by the GCSU Young Democrats to campaign for Democratic Presidential Nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Young Democrats of GCSU asked Abrams to come to Milledgeville to speak, but Axel Hawkins, a senior history major and president of Student Government Association, said in her opening speech that organizers did not have to beg Abrams to come, but that she jumped at the chance to speak to Middle Georgia voters before election day.
“I think it is really important to energize voters,” said Hadley Quigg, president of Young Democrats of GCSU.
When Abrams took to the platform, she spoke about how the people of Milledgeville’s voices matter. She discussed voter suppression and encouraged people who may not think their vote matters to rethink going to the polls.
Abortion policy in Georgia was a subject of the rally as well.
Abrams spoke about Amber Thurman and Candi Miller, two Georgia women who recently passed away due to delayed and unsafe abortions, and Abrams called for the crowd to say their names and remember them when voting.
Abrams also addressed the voters asking why Harris has not implemented the ideas being used in her campaign, rejecting that it is because she is stagnant.
“It took four years to fix the stuff he [Donald Trump] broke,” said Abrams, defending Harris to dubious voters who say the vice president has not had a proactive role throughout the Biden administration.
Emily Wright, a junior political science and philosophy double major, introduced Abrams, speaking fondly about how both Abrams and Harris represent women in an unprecedented way.
“Everything she [Abrams] has done to fight voter suppression is really important to me, and I love being here to support her and to support Kamala Harris and get out to vote,” Wright said.
In Wright’s speech,
she spoke about some of the issues that Democrats like Abrams and Harris have been most passionate about in the past months of campaigning, such as women’s healthcare and voter suppression.
Floyd Griffin Jr., the former Georgia senator currently running for the District 149 (Milledgeville) House of Representatives seat, also spoke at the rally. In his speech, Griffin reached out to the locals of Baldwin Coun-
ty, encouraging them to vote for their families.
Griffin spoke about his support of Harris, mentioning those who paved the way for her candidacy this year, such as Shirley Chislom, a 1972 presidential candidate, and former President Barack Obama. But Griffin is also aware of the limited days remaining for citizens to vote, lamenting that campaigning has shifted from convincing Americans for whom to vote into emphasizing the importance of actually casting a ballot.
“The persuasion campaign is pretty much over, now it’s about getting out to vote,” Griffin said.
This sentiment was reflected by students speaking at the rally.
“I’m so glad we got all of you to show up, but more importantly, we all need to show up and vote,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins’ speech was aimed toward student voters, and she was adamant that young voters are going to impact this election heavily. She shared information
about the GCSU guidelines for an excused absence to vote — absence will be excused by professors if the student can prove that they were at the polls.
Milledgeville Mayor Mary Parham-Copelan spoke extensively about young voters doing the research for this election, thanking Stacey Abrams for coming to Milledgeville and reminding the people that every vote matters.
“This is your democracy; please get out and vote,” Parham-Copelan said.
“Milledgeville, like so much of rural Georgia, is essential to not only how we win but how we move forward,” Abrams said.
While Abrams lost her race for governor in 2022, she still remains a Democratic leader in Georgia.
“She has been a true leader and a true friend to the city of Milledgeville, Baldwin County, Middle Georgia and to me personally,” said Quentin T. Howell, chairman of the Democratic Committee in Baldwin County.
Courtesy of Ellen Patton
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
-Ellen Patton
2024 Hurricane Season pummels southeast
How does climate change factor in? And is there more to come?
Kate Verity Editor in Chief
The 2024 Hurricane Season has decidedly wreaked havoc across much of the southeastern United States. The late September wreckage caused by Hurricane Helene was truly catastrophic for the Carolinas, but Georgia and Florida were nowhere near unscathed. Milton pummeled Tampa Bay just days later but mercifully limited its destruction to the peninsula. August’s Hurricane Beryl is not to be forgotten, as it too was a major storm that drenched Texas.
In May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, released its predictions for the upcoming storm season. NOAA forecasted an “above-normal” Atlantic season, estimating anywhere from 17 to 25 named storms, of which between eight and 13 were predicted to strengthen into hurricanes. Between four and seven of those hurricanes were expected to be major, which means they were classified as a category three or higher with winds of at least 111 miles per hour.
As of Nov. 4, records indicate that there have been 17 named storms this season. Seven have been tropical storms, including Tropical Storm Raphael, though current projections expected it to strengthen into a hurricane. There have been a total of ten hurricanes, four of which are classified as major hurricanes — Beryl, Helene, Kirk and Milton. The lesser-known Hurricane Kirk was a Category 5, but it did not make landfall in the U.S.
“Tropical cyclone activity this October was above average in terms of the number of named storms and hurricanes that formed in the basin,” said NOAA’s Monthly Atlantic Tropical Weather Summary for October. “Four named storms formed in October with three of them becoming hurricanes, and one of those becoming a major hurricane (Milton). Based on a 30year climatology (1991-2020), two to three named storms typically develop in October, with one of them becoming a hurricane and a major hurricane.”
As global warming has increased ocean temperatures across the globe, scientists have paid close attention to the relationship between warmer waters and hurricane intensity. Most agree that there has not been a noticeable uptick in the total number of storms developing each season, but the storms that develop are more powerful and, therefore, can be more destructive than storms born in cooler oceans.
“Due to climate change, the oceans are absorbing a lot of heat because that’s what water does,” said Dr. Doug Oetter, professor of geography. “And when it holds on to that heat, it has to be released. It can be released
through currents, but the Gulf is kind of isolated, so the currents have a hard time getting into that gulf loop. So the heat tends to remain there.”
Rapid intensification is when a hurricane jumps from a lower categorization, such as one or two, into a three, four or even five in a relatively short time frame. Specifically, when a storm increases speed by at least 35 miles per hour in a 24-hour window, the
many of Savannah’s iconic oak trees. Matthew was a powerful Category 5 storm in 2016, and it too intensified quickly. Though it had weakened to a Category 1 when it made landfall in South Carolina, the system lingered just off the coast, sending flooding and torrential rain into Georgia.
Though attacking the state in a different fashion, Helene, too, did not spare Rincon when she blew through.
jump is deemed rapid intensification.
Hurricanes categorizations are determined by wind speed. A Category 1 storm is between 74 and 95 mph, according to NOAA. If a 95 mph storm increased by 35 mph, it would be a Category 4 storm, which has winds from 130 to 156 mph. And a storm
“We had a tree fall on our house,” Sowers said. “It was kind of just sitting on our roof. And I know people who went for two weeks without power. My school system was out for a week, so it was pretty bad.”
Helene was originally predicted to follow the Georgia-Alabama border on
having a four-category increase in 24 hours is definitely attention-grabbing.
Last month, Milton increased speed by 95 mph in 24 hours, making the jump from Category 1 to 5 in a day.
Hanna Sowers is a senior double majoring in history and geography. She is from Rincon, a coastal town near Savannah, giving her more experience than most Georgians when it comes to bracing for hurricanes and tropical storms. She recalls Hurricane Matthew being particularly damaging to the region, leaving her family without power for several days and uprooting
the forward motion of the storm.”
Helene’s shift east may have appeared to put Milledgeville on a more direct path, but to a trained eye, this actually may have saved the city from more devastating damages. Had Helene continued on the original projected path northward through west Georgia, Milledgeville would have been subject to that eastern leading edge, where winds are stronger. But because the city found itself west of Helene’s eye, it suffered less harm than eastern cities like Augusta and Statesboro.
2024 sent mighty storms inland, but hurricane season does not end until Nov. 30. As of Nov. 4, Tropical Storm Raphael is developing and is predicted to intensify into the seventh Atlantic hurricane of this season.
“Gulf hurricanes in November are relatively uncommon — there have only been five in the last 25 years,” Oetter said. “Rafael is set to strengthen through the week and could impact the Gulf Coast by Thursday or Friday. The current prediction is for the storm to lose some strength before landfall, but conditions should be monitored carefully as it interacts with the Loop Current in the gulf.” As far as advice goes, senior geography major Nick Wheeler recommends that people listen to experts and make an effort to be informed.
“If [officials] say you should leave, you should probably listen to them because they’ve done research, and they know that there’s a very strong likelihood of you not surviving, you getting injured or you losing property and belongings,” Wheeler said.
Wheeler also recommends taking courses in the Geography Department to learn more about climate science surrounding hurricanes. He recommends Intro to Weather and Climate, which Oetter teaches, and Natural Hazards.
From a big-picture standpoint, Oetter is optimistic that climate change can be addressed through collective action and finds that the biggest hurdle nowadays is not so much “climate deniers” but those who feel that they alone cannot make significant enough of a difference so they do not bother to try.
its journey inland, but it switched directions, with Milledgeville lying directly in its path. Though many students expected this to mean devastation to the city, it was truly east Georgia that ended up taking the brunt of Helene’s assault.
“[The east side] is the leading edge of the hurricane,” Oetter said. “So as the hurricane is moving very quickly, I believe it was like 30 miles an hour, that adds to the winds, which were over 100 [mph]. So now we have 130 [mph] on the east side of the hurricane, but 70 [mph] on the west side because there, the winds are moving against
“We are a commuter college, and we don’t deserve to be a commuter college because we really should have more people walking, biking and taking shuttle buses to campus,” Oetter said as an example of how students can make small lifestyle changes that make real differences. “Instead, we have over a thousand people driving every day.”
Warming waters are leading to real, detrimental effects for those who live in the paths of hurricanes. The 2024 season has shown Georgia and its neighboring states what kind of damage powerful storms can wreak, and it may not be over yet.
Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Milton
UPDATES
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Roberts made sure to mention her teammate, who has been a large part of the team’s success this year, scoring 235.5 points so far this season, and also leading the team in kills with 209.
The volleyball team has had its struggles this season. Beginning the year with a 3-1 start at the Bobcat Classic, it seemed everything would keep on rolling; however, they’ve had their struggles ever since the Lee University Showcase.
The volleyball team is 8-14 this season without a win in their four conference games.
With four Peach Belt
Conference games remaining this season against the University of South Carolina Aiken, Lander University and Augusta University, it will be interesting to see if the team can unlock
their potential before the end of their season.
No matter what, the team can play against the fourth seed, so there will be Peach Belt Conference playoff volleyball this season. Only
time will tell if the team can start heating up.
The 2024 women’s soccer team’s season has had its ups and downs. They’ve had a somewhat streaky season, although they have outscored their
opponents 29-21 in the games they’ve played. When they have won, they have outscored their opponents 25-5.
“It was a rocky start with our challenging schedule, but in the four
years I have been here, it’s the best soccer I have seen from the group,” said Morgan Amrozowicz, a senior forward/midfielder. “I think everyone on the team has added to our success this year.”
Amrozowicz also mentioned a few players who have also stood out to her on the soccer pitch this year, including her sister Ali Amrozowicz, Ava Martin, Taylor Salvaggio and Adriana Duque.
The soccer team is currently 7-6-3 with a conference record of 3-32. They have one final game on Nov. 2 against Georgia Southwestern State, a PBC opponent, before their appearance in the PBC Tournament.
The NFL hits the midway point of the 2024 season
Hudson Taylor Staff Writer
After week eight of the 2024 NFL season, there is only one team that is still undefeated. As most would have guessed, based on the results of the last two seasons, it is the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Through seven games, Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes’s statistics have been underwhelming. He has thrown for eight touchdowns and nine interceptions so far.
These numbers are unusual for Mahomes who is a two-time NFL MVP. Regardless of his numbers, he has come through when his team needs it and still has an undefeated record.
Their most impressive wins are arguably against the Atlanta Falcons, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens. Two of these games were in primetime, with the game against the Ravens being the first game of the season.
The Chiefs’ ability to find ways to win, even in tough and high-pressure situations, has caused many fans to wonder if
anybody can beat them.
“I honestly think the Chiefs may go undefeated,” said Griffin Taylor, a sophomore marketing major. “Even when they play bad, they still find ways to win.”
This season has seen teams make some unconventional moves.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a change at QB with a winning record, benching Justin Fields in favor of veteran and Super Bowl winner Russell Wilson. Since making the move, the Steelers are 2-0 and scoring significantly more.
Lions star wide receiver Jameson Williams was suspended last week due to a performance-enhancing drug, or PED, charge but is now facing further trouble with a potential felony weapons charge. Williams was off to the best start of his young NFL career with 17 catches, 361 yards and three touchdowns.
The third-year receiver out of the University of Alabama seems to have a knack for getting into trouble, as he was suspended in 2023 for a similar PED charge. It
will be interesting to see how the young speedster bounces back from these off-the-field charges.
MVP-talk is starting to heat up, with Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen leading the charge. Allen is keeping the ball safe with only one interception, which is rare for the seventh-year signalcaller.
He has led his team to a 6-2 record and helped put them on top of the AFC East once again.
For the first time in a long time, there is a rookie who is getting some MVP looks. Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has been on an unbelievable tear, leading his team to a 6-2 record.
This year was supposed to be a rebuilding year to let Daniels get a feel for the NFL. Daniels clearly had a different plan, as he has the fifth-highest quarterback rating, or QBR, in the NFL with seven touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Commanders have been the surprise of the NFL and are now favorites to win the NFC East.
“The Commanders
will slip up eventually,” said Jackson Goatee, a sophomore business major. “There’s no way they are beating the Eagles, or even the Cowboys, down the road.”
Many would argue that Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is the current favorite to win the MVP. He is playing very good football with minimal mistakes, throwing 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
He is second in touchdowns and QBR among all active QBs and has led his team to a 5-3 record. Last week against the Browns, he had a shaky performance, but Jackson wins games and puts up great numbers when he wins.
The Falcons will look to win their divi-
sion for the first time since 2016, as they have started their season 5-3, remaining undefeated in the NFC South.
The NFC North looks like it is going to come down to the wire, as all four teams have winning records. The Lions look to win the division for a second straight year, as they are beating teams badly with a 6-1 record.
To wrap up the NFC, the west is led by the Arizona Cardinals with a 4-4 record. The San Francisco 49ers have looked mediocre at best, which is surprising considering their consistent season over the last few years and their appearance in last year’s Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
The AFC North is shaping up to be a
two-team battle with the Steelers leading by a game in the division over the Ravens.
The Bills seem to have the AFC East locked up, as the three other teams have not performed well by any measure.
The AFC South was looking like the Houston Texans were going to run away with it, but they have faltered recently. The Indianapolis Colts have made a QB change, benching former first-round pick Anthony Richardson for his odd “tap-out” play during a game last week against the Texans.
Although the Broncos are playing good football lately in the AFC West, the Chiefs will win that division by at least two games.
Courtesy of GCSU Athletics
Sophomore right side hitter Rosa Fisher winds up to hit the ball
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson
Injuries in Athletics
Brennen Schmitz Sports Editor
Any athlete that participates in a sport knows that injuries are a part of the game. The choice to engage in athletic activity is an acknowledgment of the possibility of getting hurt, especially in professional and collegiate athletics.
However, there seems to be a rise over the last few years of season-ending and even career-ending injuries.
One of the injuries that keeps athletes sidelined for long amounts of time most commonly is anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, tears. This injury can occur from sudden cutting, pivoting or change in direction.
Taking hits to the knee or overextension can also tear an ACL, and they mostly happen in contact and collision sports like basketball, soccer and football.
Leagues like the NFL
have taken precautions over the past few years to prevent internal injuries like ACL tears. These precautions include the banning of chop blocks, where an offensive player will dive at a defender’s knees to take them out of the play and slow them down, and hipdrop tackles, where a defender wraps up a ball carrier and rotates his hips, unweighting himself and dropping onto the ball carrier’s legs.
Prior to its banning in the NFL, the hipdrop tackle caused 20-25 times as many injuries as other types of tackles.
Not all internal injuries are caused by heavy contact, as baseball pitchers, especially recently, have been dealing with the risk of ulnar collateral ligament, or UCL, tears. The UCL is a ligament on the inner side of the elbow, and it typically tears as a result of repeated stress and overuse.
MLB superstar pitcher Shohei Ohtani tore his UCL in 2023, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. In his 2024 championship season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he only saw the field as a designated hitter in order to let his elbow rest and heal.
“I feel like guys like Ohtani have kind of gotten too good at what they do,” said Owen Faulk, a senior accounting major. “They can throw so hard that their bodies can’t really keep up.”
According to the American Medical Association, 35.3% of major-league pitchers in 2023 had undergone Tommy John surgery, the procedure that repairs a torn UCL, at some point in their career.
Non-contact injuries like the UCL tear can often be the most frustrating for both players and fans because the blame for the injury cannot be
placed on any person or moment, but typically the environment surrounding the activity.
One of the most recent and devastating non-contact, season-ending injuries came from New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2023. In his first game in New York, Rodgers tore his Achilles tendon on his first drive of the game, leaving his teammates and Jets fans, who eagerly awaited the fourtime MVP’s first start with the team, understandably shellshocked.
The upcoming Women’s World Cup
Staff Writer
The Women’s World Cup is approaching quickly as it begins in the summer of 2027. All of the teams are beginning to practice.
ESPN expects the most dominant teams to be Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands. GCSU soccer players and fans are looking forward to 2027 as the games will be held in Brazil.
Soccer players and fans at GCSU are looking forward to seeing the once-dominant team USA. However, spectators are also interested in many of the other teams playing in the World Cup, with students rooting for teams all across the global diaspora.
“I will be rooting for teams USA, France and England in the upcoming World Cup.” Said Bridget Johnson, a junior GCSU women’s soccer player. “I think it will be interesting to see Spain, Argentina, France, and England make it to the quarterfinals depending on the brackets.”
Among these teams, many star
players have entered the spotlight.
Within student spotlights, many players from Team USA are being closely watched by soccer en-
Rodgers’s injury reignited the conversation about turf fields and their role in non-contact, internal injuries.
The NFL Player’s Association, or NFLPA, has taken a hard anti-turf stance, arguing that artificial turf is significantly harder on the body than grass, and citing that players have an alarming 69% higher rate of non-contact foot and ankle injuries on turf compared to grass.
“I really don’t understand how the league still uses turf,” said Dylan Lewis, a senior market-
and Naomi Girma are some of the top players who are worth keeping an eye out for the upcoming World Cup. Their skills will be put to the test against some
thusiasts throughout the college.
“I am excited to see Mal Pugh, Lindsey Horan, and Naomi Girma all play due to their incredible skills.” Said Johnson. “The World Cup overall is a great event that I enjoy watching because it is the best of the best playing against each other on the world stage. It also brings people together which is amazing to see in a world that has so much division.”
ESPN claims that Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith
of the world’s best teams and players.
“The World Cup is a cool way to see the growth of soccer around the world and see the other girls my age play for their countries.” Said Taylor Salvaggio, a senior soccer player and exercise science major. “I root for Team USA and I think USA will win it all!”
ing major. “I don’t think anybody prefers it at this point, and it’s probably just a money thing.”
Regardless of the type of field an athlete competes on or how they may collide with another athlete, the rate at which they are sustaining such serious injuries is enough to recognize that there is a problem. As it currently stands, these athletes can only hope and trust that the leagues and institutions that they are a part of take necessary and effective action to protect them and their futures.
“England and Spain are my predictions for the final two teams.” Said Ava Martin, a junior soccer player and nursing major. “I am excited to watch USA players: Mal Pugh, Sophie Smith, Jenna Nighswonger, and Naomi Girma. I am rooting for Team USA. I think the World Cup is just a great experience overall for viewers and of course the players. It is exciting to see the different styles of play all across the world.”
There are many mentionable players in the Women’s National Soccer League. Debora Oliveria, Sophia Smith, Rose Lavelle, Amandine Henry and Mallory Swanson are some honorable players of the league. Each of the previously mentioned players are nationally ranked, according to EA Sports.
Fans of the league all over the world are excited for the World Cup in 2027. Additionally, fans are anxious to see if their predictions will continue. Teams train years in advance for the most important games of their careers as they represent their countries.
The previous FIFA Women’s World Cup happened in 2023 when Spain beat England for the title. Spain and England are continuing their domination and should be top competitors in 2027.
ankle injury
Megan Rapinoe
Kate Briesmeister
Dodgers take World Series
Bryan Cohan Contributing Writer
The East and West rivalry from the most iconic American cities has taken over the Major League Baseball postseason for the 12th time in the championship series, as the New York Yankees take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-ofseven game for the title.
This is the Yankees’ first appearance in the World Series since 2009. After missing the postseason the previous year, the Yanks made a lot of moves during the offseason to acquire Juan Soto from San Diego, a player who holds a lot of potential to make the Hall-of-Fame. They later brought utility player Jazz Chisholm Jr. from Miami to fill the hole at third base.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles spent over $1 billion on players. The Dodgers signed highly sought-after Nippon Professional League pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and arguably the greatest player the game has ever seen—Shohei Ohtani.
These acquisitions made both teams No.1 in their respective leagues. They battled to the World Series, New York going through an American League Central gauntlet with Kansas City and Cleveland. Los Angeles fought their rival San Diego and the Grimmace-lead New York Mets, leading to a match-up that has not happened since 1981.
“I always look at sports betting, you look at the money line and the negative.” said Dr. Cullen Wallace, an economics
professor. “That’s the one usually favored to win,”
Looking at the odds before game one, the Los Angeles Dodgers were slightly favored over the Yankees.
Game one began at Dodger Stadium, starting with a pitching duel between Gerrit Cole and Jack Flaherty. The Dodgers led off the scoring in
versus Ohtani on a play by left fielder Alex Verdugo, New York elected to walk Betts to load the bases for first baseman Freddie Freeman. 36 years and 10 days prior, Kirk Gibson hit a walk-off home run in game one of the 1988 World Series; Freeman duplicated that alltime moment and even stepped it up with the
the Yankees looked to grab their first win of the series. However, Freddie Freeman had other plans, hitting a first-inning home run, silencing the New York crowd and hitting his third World Series home run in as many games.
The Yankees were again shut down by the Dodgers starting pitcher,
in the third inning, the 23-year-old shortstop
Anthony Volpe would go on to hit a grand slam to give New York their first lead since game one.
The game became much closer, with the Dodgers coming within one run of tying it in the fifth; however, the Yankees bats started to heat up against
the fifth with a Will Smith sacrifice fly, scoring Kike Hernandez, in which the Yankees responded in the following inning with a Giancarlo Stanton two-run home run.
The Dodgers tied it back up in the eighth with a second sac fly, pushing the game to extras. The Yankees scraped up a run in the top half. Still, the Dodgers could put together a rally to have runners on first and second with one out, forcing Yankee manager Aaron Boone’s hand, to which he gave the ball to Nestor Cortes Jr., who had not pitched in over a month.
After grabbing an out
first-ever walk-off grand slam in World Series history. The final score was 6-3, Dodgers win.
In game two, starting pitcher Yamamoto shut down the Yankees’ offense, limiting them to one run in his six and a third innings of work. At the same time, Carlos Rodon struggled, pitching on three and third innings, giving up three home runs, one to NLCS MVP Tommy Edman, one to Teoscar Hernández, and one to Freddie Freeman. The final score was 4-2, with the Dodgers winning.
The series headed to the Bronx, and
this time Walker Buehler, who threw 5 scoreless innings against the Yankees. The final score was 4-2, Dodgers win.
With the 3-0 lead for the Dodgers and only in the pennant series, the Yankees had a lot of work to do. Luis Gil started the game for New York, with Los Angeles going for a bullpen game.
Once again, the game did not start on the right foot for the Yankees, with Freddie Freeman hitting his fourth home run of the series. However, things quickly turned around for the Yankees, with bases loaded and down one run
ing for five unearned runs for Los Angeles.
Each team scored a run via a fly ball caught in the outfield, and then, Mookie Betts hit a sac fly with the game tied 6-6, scoring the go-ahead run. The final score was 7-6, and the Dodgers won the World Series.
Dodger first baseman Freddie Freeman, who slashed an impressive .300/.364/1.000 with four home runs and 12 runs batted in
“I thought the Yankees were going to win,” said Gabe Weurth, a junior infielder for the GCSU Bobcats baseball team. “But I might be a little biased since I’m a Yankee fan,” Weurth explained what key players he believed would influence the World Series outcome; however, he made sure to specify one player’s skill set he wished to add to his own.
the Dodgers bullpen, marking the scoreboard with double digits in the eighth. The final score was 11-4, Yankees win
After New York’s performance in game four, a comeback was possible. The Dodgers sent out Jack Flaherty, and the Yankees went with Gerrit Cole.
The Bronx crowd was roaring as the Yankees scored five unanswered runs through the first four innings off of home runs from Jazz Chisholm Jr., Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge. It all went downhill in the top of the fifth with the Yankees making error after error allow-
“Soto’s approach of the plate is just great,” Weurth said. “He sees a lot of pitches, and he really only swings out pictures in the zone.”
Soto is arguably the best player in the sport in walking—getting on base without a hit—with a walk percentage over double the average hitter.
With Major League Baseball coming and going, the offseason has just begun meaning many new chances for other teams to make the next step toward the playoffs. The countdown has now officially begun, and it lasts until opening day, with the first series being held in Tokyo Japan Mar. 18-19, and for the rest of baseball on Mar. 27.
Freddie Freeman, World Series MVP
ARTS & LIFE
HOBBIES
Continued from page 1
Every semester, GCSU’s Wellness and Recreation Center offers rotating intramurals. There are four regular reasons — early fall, late fall, early spring and late spring — and the games change each time. Warmer months boast more outdoor activities such as pickleball, beach volleyball and kickball, while the cooler months usually offer basketball, inner tube water polo, ping pong and more. The competition has even expanded into e-sports, with the current late fall season offering competitive Rocket League and Call of Duty.
“Intramurals are super fun,” said Iliana Martin, a senior psychology
major. “They are a great way to try new sports and meet new people.”
One of the more niche interest organizations students could get involved in on campus is the Fright Society. This is a new club started by Tanner Harris, junior English major, to give horror film lovers a way to connect to watch and discuss their favorite films.
“We seek to be a space of perpetual Halloween where everyone is included no matter their interests,” Harris said.
For those sensitive to horror, the club also watches family friendly movies like “It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown,” but for those more dedicated to the genre they love to put on classics like “Friday the 13th.”
With so many ways to get in-
volved, GCSU students can tailor their college experiences to suit their personal interests and goals.
“I have met the most amazing people since being a part of Greek Life,” said Pollock. “Not just within my own chapter, but the entire Panhellenic Community across campus.”
For those wanting a specialized sorority or fraternity experience, a non-panhellenic organization is also an option. One of the most popular groups is Gamma Sigma Sigma, a service based sorority.
Engaging in extracurricular activities is not only essential for personal growth but also for enhancing well-being and social connections.
From art and photography to out-
There’s nothing wrong with being basic
Paige Blakemore Managing Editor
OPINION
In recent memory,
What constitutes a “basic girl” changes with viral social media, fashion, beauty and music trends. The term is often used to belittle women for being “unoriginal” or “following the crowd.”
Some even view the “basic” idea as one that is unappealing to the male gaze, therefore, it should be avoided, of course. But is it actually that serious?
According to Urban Dictionary, a popular definition website used by younger generations, “basic” can be defined as “someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary or just simply worth devoting time or attention to.”
I am a 21-year-old woman, and I am passionate about the things that bring me joy. I unapologetically scream-sing Taylor Swift at an unnecessary volume every time I am alone in my car. I look forward to pumpkin spice and peppermint mocha lattes as the seasons change. Merrily strolling through the aisles of home decor and beauty products at Target is my idea of a perfect Friday night. There has always been public ridicule of people who enjoy more “mainstream” topics or hobbies. My mom
has shared stories with me from the 90s of her rejecting Britney Spears and the Spice Girls during her high school years and instead opting for edgier, underground artists in an attempt to be seen as nonconformist. Now, we happily sing Billboard Top 100 hits together. However, her experiences have given me insight into the perspective behind avoiding being “basic.”
In middle school, I vividly remember avoiding the musical “Hamilton” and the iconic TV show “Friends” because I did not want to be categorized as someone with common taste. Eventually, I came to understand that the reason these things were so popular was not because they were universally basic but because they resonated with so many people on a deeper level.
Social media has only exasperated
the concept of being “basic” as negative.
This general contempt can be attributed to an American individualistic mindset, meaning Americans inherently believe they must be different or original from the rest of their peers or surrounding community, which can often lead to egocentrism.
Throughout my adolescence and young adulthood, I have found that sharing common interests in wellknown media or art has been one of the most unifying factors of my friendships. The very first friend I made in college was a result of our mutual love for “The Twilight Saga.” I felt a little less alone in my new life and befriended someone I still hold close to this day.
Superstar Swift, for instance, has created a community of friendship-bracelet-wearing “Swifties” that
door adventures and gaming, GCSU’s clubs cater to diverse interests. With a campus culture rich in opportunities for involvement, GCSU students can dive into a wide range of activities that truly enhance their college experience.
Whether through Greek Life, intramural sports, campus ministries or service organizations like Gamma Sigma Sigma, students are able to create lasting friendships, develop leadership skills and make a positive impact on their community.
In finding the right fit within GCSU’s diverse club offerings, students don’t just attend college — they build a community, enrich their lives and prepare for a future of success and meaningful connections beyond graduation.
are now interconnected across the globe. She has chosen to promote positivity and self-empowerment on her massively influential platform through songwriting, and these messages have matriculated into her fanbase. Why would loving a successful artist with an admirable reputation warrant such unnecessary backlash?
This may be a hard pill for some to swallow, but embracing certain hobbies, artists and mediums that connect with vast audiences does not mean that one is submitting to societal conformity — it means appreciating the universal power of shared human connection.
At the end of the day, people should feel unashamed in loving the things that bring them joy, no matter how popular or standard something is. This mindset of diminishing someone to the title of “basic” based on their interests is entirely toxic. No matter one’s interests, they are still an individual with lived, personal experiences that deserve to be recognized.
Take a million selfies, post all over social media, shop at name-brand stores, be in a sorority, show off your body, wear Uggs and Lululemon, enjoy iced coffee and listen to trending music because, at the end of the day, you are not the opinion of someone else who truly does not know you, and you are certainly more than just a one-word title.
My Grammy’s Slider Recipe
the butter, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and poppyseeds together Then Split the rolls and spread the mixture on both sides. Layer the ham and cheeses and put on the top of the rolls Then cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees (or you can just microwave a few
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
ARTS & LIFE
WHAT ARE STUDENTS WATCHING? GCSU’S FALL FAVORITES
Mary Ciucevich
Asst. A&L Editor
Whether it is a deemed classic like “The Goonies” or a fan favorite like “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” there is no denying that the fall season is the focal point of many people’s favorite movies and TV shows.
Fall can be associated with the months of September, October and November. The season initiates a period associated with the browning and falling of leaves, burnt oranges and reds, the crisp smell of apples and cinnamon and the coveted pumpkin spice.
When it comes to movies and TV shows, any sign of fall memorabilia or visuals can ignite association with the fall season. Movies and TV shows can transport the viewer to that story through aesthetics, themes and feelings.
The movies and TV shows of the autumn or fall season consist of all types of genres, including comedy, drama, romance, etc.
According to Harper’s Bazaar, some of the best fall movies for the fall season include “Good
Will Hunting,” “Brown Sugar,” “Far From Heaven,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Hocus Pocus”, “Little Women” (2019), “Knives Out,” “Mona Lisa Smile” (2003), “October Sky,” “Practical Magic” (1993), “School of Rock,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve Got Mail,” etc.
For many students at GCSU, the fall season provides comfort and coziness that can be projected in TV shows and movies. Comfort can be taken in the soundtracks of movies and TV shows, like that of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” or the “Harry Potter” series.
Sarah Loncon, a junior computer science major, notes that for the fall season, some of her go-to movies and TV shows include “Over The Garden Wall,” “Dead Poets Society,” “Good Will Hunting,” “Gilmore Girls” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox”. She concludes that color scheme plays a big role in movies and TV shows she associates with fall.
“‘Over the Garden Wall’ is set over Halloween and it’s set in a forest, where all the leaves are orange and the filter on
the show is orange-yellow and there are pumpkins and turkeys, so it reminds me of fall because that’s what it looks like in real life,” Loncon said.
For film theory and analysis, color can play a big role in how an audi-
TikTok has become the leading contender of all social media when it comes to recommendations and promotion for shows and movies.
role in the movies and TV shows that people associate with the fall season. Applications like Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram have led to the most perpetuation of the achievement of the ‘perfect’ fall aesthetic.
ence relates or interprets a scene. Color schemes can add to or disparage the overall aesthetic of a film or TV show.
Color as well as the mise-en-scene of a movie or show can contribute to the portrayal of a season. Mise-en-scene is the arrangement of scenery which includes the setting, props, music, camera work, costumes, etc.
Social media plays a
“I feel like I see TikToks where people will be like ‘Gilmore Girls’ inspired clothes’ and then they do like outfits that correlate with ‘Gilmore Girls,’” said Kylie Totten, a junior education major. “People will be like ‘It’s fall time, so that means it’s ‘Twilight’ time, so we’re gonna get out our flannels or boots and whatnot’”. Out of all of them,
WHY CHANGING YOUR MAJOR IS OKAY
Ryan Grant Staff Writer
Some argue that changing a college major is a mistake. It can seem stressful, like most changes, but change can also be worth the initial anxiety.
Many students change their majors and benefit from the results. Consulting friends, teachers, and family members can help ease the anxiety of a major change. However, if students constantly switch majors, possibly every semester, it may be worth taking a break to figure out their future.
Family members and advisors sometimes frown upon changing a major and may be challenging due to financial constraints. Instead of switching majors as soon as there is a loss of inter-
est, taking a break can address insecurities about judgment and money.
Others might say college is a place to explore all possibilities. Learning from subjects that suit your skills before graduation could be critical.
While having a student learn as much as possible about their desired field is important, a degree does not always
Rim, founder and CEO of Command Education, an education and admissions consulting company, to USNews.
“I think people put too much pressure and too much weight on that.”
Taking classes at a liberal arts college offers students opportunities to explore concentrations unrelated to their majors, thanks to core-req-
Your major is not necessarily the one and only thing you can do.
define a career path.
“Your major is not necessarily the one and only thing you can do,” said Christopher
-Christopher Rim
uisites, social science requirements and other requirements. Changing majors isn’t uncommon at GCSU, and some
“Gilmore Girls” has become the fall TV show classic, igniting fall trends, aesthetic videos and overall displaying the pinnacle of fall comfort. Despite the show’s premiere in 2000, the show is the center of or number one on the list of recommended fall shows.
TikTok and other social media apps have also promoted the revival of older shows and movies, introducing them to younger generations. This revival of shows and movies
“Through TikTok, yes, now we have access to see more,” Loncon said. “I get more recommendations, like on Letterboxd, you can find more movies I haven’t heard of before and now I can see them.”
For some, the fall season is mainly encapsulated by the Halloween holiday, displaying fall spirit through the more spooky movies like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” “Death Becomes Her,” “Halloweentown,” “The Craft,” “Beetlejuice,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “Coraline” or “The Addams Family”.
Keelie Mincey, a freshman mass commu-
students offer insight into why it’s not necessarily a bad decision.
“Originally, I didn’t know much about my first major, and the range of jobs felt slimmer than in marketing,” said Dorie McKown, a freshman who switched from management to marketing.
After researching a marketing major during her first year of college, she found it a better fit and has no regrets. She feels a marketing degree will expand her job opportunities.
“I want to be a music producer at a studio,” said Kevin Jessup, a junior computer science major who has switched majors twice. “When I first started college, my parents tried to convince me to be a pharmacist.”
Jessup’s original plan
nication major, associates the fall season with horror movies as well as a mix of the classical deemed fall shows, like “Gilmore Girls.”
“‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ is one because it’s both Halloween and a little Christmas, and the music and I just love Tim Burton,” Mincey said.
The phrase “Season of the Witch” has become an aesthetic associated with the fall season. The mythological figure of a witch is often paired with the Halloween holiday, but depictions in social media and film and TV shows have produced a playful fall folklore.
The production of stories involving witches includes various shows and movies of all genres including comedy, romance, horror, drama, etc. Some of the more well-known movies and TV shows include “Practical Magic,” “Harry Potter and Sorcerer’s Stone,” “The Craft,” “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and most recently Marvel’s “Agatha All Along”. The fall season continues to produce aesthetics paired with the influence of pop culture that shapes the movies and TV shows that have become classics and fan favorites.
was to major in biology and pursue a career his parents wanted, one he thought he also wanted. Later, he switched to management, thinking it would be adaptable, but after poor grades, he took a year off. Returning to GCSU, he chose computer science but found his true passion through a music appreciation class.
Both students agree that having college experience before making a major decision helped them find the right fit.
Even after Jessup’s six semesters, he found that the most important thing was studying for a job he would enjoy.
The key takeaway for students considering a major change is that they’re not alone—many students have done it before and made it work.
“Nothing I picked was what I was passionate about,” Jessup said. “A degree or certificate in music production is going to complement my interest best.”
Kylie Rowe | A&L Editor
Julia Jensen | Art Director
OPINION
SHOPPING
Continued from page 1
Whether it is carefully browsing in stores or mindlessly scrolling online, shopping is an activity that takes your mind away from reality, even just for a moment.
I know I have a hard time going into a store or looking on social media and not feeling an impulse to make a purchase. I see something I like, and I just have to have it — as if this thing will somehow fill a void in my life. However, it fills nothing, only emptying my pockets.
“I find it extremely hard to resist the urge
to not buy things, even if it’s small like a sweet treat,” said Gigi Mcauley, a junior criminal justice major. “I don’t need it, but I buy. It’s like a coping mechanism. I have a good day; I’ll buy something. I have a bad day; I’ll buy something.”
It doesn’t matter the circumstances. There is just this compulsive feeling to buy something. It’s a way for people to cope with the trials and inconveniences of life and a way for people to even reward successes. Shopping is a way for us to get out of our heads for a minute and distract us from reality.
I am in no way say-
ing that shopping is a bad thing. I personally love shopping. It is one of my favorite activities,
shopaholic, and I cannot see that line. That line is a dot to me because I have crossed the line so far into
and it always has been and always will be. However, there is a fine line between shopping as a hobby and becoming a
“Woman of the Hour”
A must-see Netflix movie
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
It’s no secret that people love true crime and jump at the chance to see documentaries, listen to a podcast or watch movies that are based on true stories. If that is you, then, oh, do I have a movie for you.
Netflix recently released a movie on Oct. 18 called “Woman of the Hour.” The film is based on a true story that focuses on the women who were tormented and murdered by Rodney Alcala, a heinous serial killer in the 1970s played by Daniel Zovatto in the film.
The film primarily follows Cheryl Bradshaw, a 28-year-old woman who met Alcala on a popular TV show called “The Dating Game” in 1978. Bradshaw is played by Anna Kendrick who is not just the film’s star but
also the director. Seeing as this is her directorial debut, I’d have to say she did an excellent job. Kendrick delivered the intelligent, quirky and lovable performance you would expect from her, but that ends up being just a small part of what makes her project so exceptional. This movie was thrilling, entertaining and more importantly, really grasped the problems women face in our society even today. What Kendrick has created here is an incredibly important film on the nature of the male gaze and the cultural conditions of being a woman. It’s unnerving and terrifying, and it was beautifully done.
In this film, we see men watching women and grooming them to be what they want. We watch men take ad-
vantage of the kindness of women, men failing to believe female victims who talk about their experiences with violence and we see what violent men can do using all those tools to hurt and even kill.
As a first-time director, Kendrick should not be able to be this effective in building a story like this, but she did it. I would say this film was not just about Alcala’s killing spree and the horrendous violent acts he committed, but it is a true social commentary on the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. We see this through the lens of Kendrick’s character, Bradshaw, and her real experiences in the acting industry paralleled by the disturbing and terrifying world of Alcala. He lured women to their
sues that cause it. Like I said before, shopping addiction has to do with stress. The issues behind this addiction affect one’s mental health and the addiction itself does not help them. It only makes things worse and spirals you deeper into feeling overwhelmed.
the shopaholic range. This shopping addiction is causing a lot more than economic strain. It also exacerbates the is-
There is no amount of material things that can fill the holes that stress leaves in our lives. When you buy something, there is this rush of feeling that makes you happy and content. Then, it goes away, and the shopping high vanishes. But when you buy something else to have the same feeling as before but are left feel-
ing worse from the guilt of buying something you may have not really needed or was way more than you could afford. The vicious cycle continues, and your wallet and mental state suffer. It is true when they say that you shop ‘til you drop because instead of feeling good after a shopping spree, you’re left feeling exhausted. So, I will encourage you. The next time you feel an impulse to buy something, think about it. Consider if it benefits you or if you’re just getting it because your mind says you “deserve” it. Your bank account might thank me later.
deaths with flattery and charm. As a photographer, he makes promises of making these women models, but instead, he makes them his victims of abuse and violence.
The setting that Kendrick created of ‘70s America with beautiful sets and landscapes just spellbinds viewers, using excellent cinematography to make it really feel like you are in the movie. The combination of this setting with Zovatto’s chilling performance and the horrific events that take place are enough to give
you goosebumps, and it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
If you weren’t convinced enough that this is an excellent film and aren’t in love with Kendrick by now, you will be when I tell you that Kendrick donated all the profits she made from the film.
“Anna Kendrick revealed during an interview on the “Crime Junkie AF” podcast that she made no money from directing “Woman of the Hour” because she donated her pay to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Center for Victims of Violent Crime,” according to Zack Sharf, a writer for Variety. Kendrick is a truly remarkable woman who made this film to empathize with other truly remarkable women who have suffered and survived the assault, and it is effective how the women portrayed in this film were not seen as weak or feeble but as strong and vulnerable to the abuse around them.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Anna Kendrick
