Issue 2 | Volume 104

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@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University September 24, 2024

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Opinion: Ranking Milledgeville’s GCSU hosts state Mexican Cuisine Scene Court of Appeals ion. It may have a lot of thought

Paige Blakemore

live and in person,” Cox

Opinion Editor

Managing Editor

and consideration put into it, but

said. “We are grateful

Why is it that after any event

it has nothing to do with me try-

or for any birthday, when peo-

ing to actually convince anyone

ple deliberate on a place to eat,

where to eat. Although Mexican is

Vice Chief Judge Tren-

it always ends up being some-

my favorite food, I am not a true

ton Brown and Judge J.

where that serves Mexican food?

food critic, so take my ranking

Wade Padgett facilitat-

I guess nothing hits better than

simply as it is, which is just the

ed the panel. The cases,

eating tacos with your friends.

humble opinion of a broke college

So, where in Milledgeville are

student who loves a good taco.

the best places to get some Mex-

Ranking in at number one on

science major. “It’s good, but also,

judges and discussed in

ican cuisine? The standards are

my list is the illustrious El Ami-

I like the servers there. Actually,

front of an audience of

based on price, aesthetics, service

go. With its warm and homey at-

a lot of my friends work there, so

students and the public.

and, of course, taste. This rank-

mosphere, El Amigo is definitely

it’s really fun to go and see them.”

The appellants pres-

ing is based solely on my opin-

the place to be if you want some

See MEXICAN | Page 9

the

for this opportunity.”

Georgia Court of Appeals

Presiding Judge Ste-

GCSU

hosted

on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in Magnolia Ballroom as the star piece of its Constitution Week celebration in coordination with the 237th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.

The Georgia Court of Appeals is responsible for determining and correcting legal errors in trial courts. Every three months, the court will hear cases offsite from the Nathan Deal Judicial Center in Atlanta, where they are usually based.

These hearings are usually held at law schools or bigger institutions in the state; this was the first time the Court of Appeals has convened at GCSU in recent memory.

Before the start of

phen Louis A. Dillard,

each varying and independent of one other, were presented to the

ent three cases to the judges. The first case dealt with legal fees awarded to Appellee

hindra, and whether or not they were made in good or bad faith. The second appealed the legitimate or illegitimate guardianship of Dorothy Wilson. For the final hearing, the judges listened to arguments

good food and to just hang out with friends. The service is always top-tier, with the servers’ smiling faces and great attitudes.

“El Amigo is my favorite,” said Lexi Mimbs, a sophomore exercise

MLB PLAYOFFS: WHAT TEAMS ARE IN? Hudson Taylor

Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc., or Tech Ma-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

Staff Writer With the MLB season ending, not a single

team

has

clinched

a

playoff

spot.

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Milwaukee Brewers seem to have locked up their divisions, with both teams being up at least eight games in their respective divisions. In the American League, it is up for grabs in every division, with the biggest lead being the Guardians only up by five games.

The Wild Card race for the National League,

Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.

end, with Philadelphia having a nine-game lead over Atlanta. Being one game back in the wild-card race, Atlanta will try to sneak their way into that last spot.

arguments,

on behalf of a woman

one of the two leagues that make up the MLB, has

President

accusing Tanner Med-

become one for the ages, with the San Diego Pa-

Cox

delivered

ical Center of failing

dres, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets

welcome

address.

to

informed

trying to hold off one team; the Atlanta Braves.

last year’s MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cy Young fa-

consent in her breast

The Braves are not guaranteed to make the play-

vorite Spencer Strider going down early in the season,

offs for the first time since 2017. It also looks like

the odds were already stacked up against the Braves.

their streak of six straight division titles is going to

See MLB | Page 4

the

oral

GCSU Cathy a

Delaney Derry

“This is an extra treat for our students to get the chance to see our court

provide

reduction

surgery.

See COURT | Page

“Jazz at the Magnolia”

nolia Ballroom and brought a crowd

at many university music programs

of jazz enthusiasts, students of dif-

over the years, including Valley City

ferent majors and locals interested in

State University, Augustana College

jazz music. Along with music and re-

and the University of Sioux Falls.

freshments, the night featured a raf-

The four jazz combos included

fle of original artwork by visual artist

performances by two different GCSU

Chad Wilson that he created through-

student combos, the McComb Stu-

out the performances that evening.

dent Combo and the Porter Student

“I think jazz is something that

Combo. The two other group per-

can be shared with everybody be-

Bill Gibson is a professional trom-

formances consisted of the GCSU

cause it is that kind of unpre-

bonist who has worked all over the

Faculty Jazz Group and the GDC

dictable,”

country writing and releasing his

Group with guest artist Gibson.

sophomore

own jazz albums. Gibson is an advo-

The event took place in the Mag-

Mary Ciucevich Asst. A&L Editor GCSU, partnered with Allied Arts of Milledgeville, hosted their sixth annual “Jazz at the Magnolia” community event on Saturday, Sept. 14. The event showcased four jazz combos, including a special guest artist, Bill Gibson.

NEWS | PG. 3

MUSIC THERAPY SPOTLIGHT

GCSU is one of two schools in the state to offer the major. How are we preparing future music therapists?

highly favored to win the World Series in 2024. With

cate for jazz education and has taught

GCSU and Allied Arts put on a show

Courtesy of Jennifer Flory, director of choral activities

Coming off of a historic year, the Braves were

said

Addy

music

Wheeler,

therapy

major.

See JAZZ | Page 8

SPORTS | PG. 5

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 8

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 9

Sophomore Rosa Fisher propels GCSU volleyball during the first four games.

Local farmers and artisans gather together at the Milledgeville Pavilion twice a month.

It’s about more than just pumpkin spice.

ZAXBY’S PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MILLEDGEVILLE FARMER’S MARKET

FALL IS IN THE AIR (KINDA)

a

2

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.24.2024

NEWS COURT

can do your case prep. You’re in control of that.”

Many students were curious about the judges’

Continued from page 1 “Allowing students to have firsthand experience of watching oral arguments creates an opportunity to enhance our appreciation of the Georgia Court of Appeals’ role in our state’s justice system,” said Katie Cooper, a junior political science and philosophy double major. “Although I had a general understanding of the appellate process prior to the event, I gained a new level of respect for the judges’ role

career paths and how they could separate their personal morals and ethics from making legal decisions.

In light of the Constitution Week celebration, all of the judges encouraged students to read and research the Constitution at both the state and federal levels.

“As a law student, I was incredibly honored to meet such incredible judges who do amazing work for our great state,” said Maddie Marcinkowski, a junior political science major. “It also made me realize

in maintaining the integrity of our legal system.”

just how accessible the field of law truly is, as there

After the cases were heard, students from GC-

are diverse fields and areas of specialty within it.”

SU’s

Student

Government

Association,

Mock

Cox

says

she

is

events

similar

more

than

willing

to

Trial, Leadership Programs and other prospec-

host

tive law students were given the opportunity to

of Appeals hearings at GCSU in the future.

ask the judges questions about the justice system.

“I think this was a good opportunity for our stu-

“I tell people all the time I am never ever go-

dents to think about their own career trajectories

ing to be the smartest guy in the room,” Padgett

and what they might do down the road,” Cox said.

said. “But you can work really hard, and you can

“Many of our students are interested in law, in one

be dedicated to what you do, and you can be on

way or the other. They might have heard some-

time, and you can do your homework and you

thing that gave them a nugget of encouragement.”

to

the

Georgia

Court

Isabella McComis | Digital Media Editor

GCSU’s annual Constitution Week events Chloe Sanders

discus-

the ability to deliver an

gia Court of Appeals, a

“On Thursday, I was

Staff Writer

sions and informative

argument under pres-

lunchtime talk centered

able to listen to three

Constitution Week at

luncheons

highlighted

sure while being timed

around gender and the

guest

specific topics concern-

is an ability one needs

2024 election facilitated

the Supreme Court Re-

ing key topics set forth

to solidly present and

by Jan Hoffman, pro-

view,”

in

Constitution.

prove their claim,” said

fessor of speech com-

Hally, a junior man-

how the two parties pre-

Tuesday also included

Logan Coetzer, a fresh-

munication, as well as

agement major. “Judge

sented their cases and

two student-led debates

man accounting major.

a panel discussion on

Wade Padget, Professor

spoke up about their be-

regarding whether or not

“After attending my

checks

Ivy White and Professor

the United States should

first Constitution Week

“Attending

the

Matt Roessing were all

liefs on current topics.

ban TikTok to support

event ever, it made me

Court of Appeals for

really insightful and in-

privacy

securi-

realize the importance

Constitution week was

formative. It was really

ty and another debate

of freedom of speech this

very eye-opening,” said

interesting to hear more

left empowered and in-

centered around school

country was built upon,”

Tori Totman, a sopho-

about the duties of the

formed. This week not

shootings and gun regu-

said Anna Cruickshank,

more psychology major.

supreme court and what

lation measures. GCSU

a sophomore marketing

“Being able to witness a

the system looks like.”

only deepened students’

students

attend-

major. “And the gratitude

state court case on cam-

Constitution Week is

ed the events learned

we as citizens should have

pus allowed me to see

open to both students

and affect current events.

about democratic val-

for being able to express

one of many ways the

and the general pub-

but also allowed them to

Beginning on Tues-

ues and how to debate.

our opinions even just as

judicial

func-

lic to attend. At these

interpret and apply it in

day, Sept. 17, Constitu-

“By watching the de-

college students to wide

tions at our state level.”

events, they are able

tion Week opened with

their own ways. The dis-

bates that took place

groups with justice and

Similarly, Thursday’s

to not only learn, but

a warm welcome by

during the first con-

understanding no mat-

events included a lunch

speak up about import-

cussions sparked conver-

GCSU President Cathy

vocation day event, I

ter what side of a prob-

discussion on the sep-

ant events and topics.

Cox, followed by a pub-

learned that a solid ar-

lem we are fighting for.”

aration of church and

A predominant top-

lic forum debate. In the

gument rests on reliable

On Wednesday,

state and a Supreme

ic

during

to exercise their rights

days to follow, lectures,

sources and that having

events included Geor-

Court

this year’s Constitution

and duties as citizens.

GCSU is an annual series of events that celebrates the writing of the final draft of the Constitution and highlights the importance of having knowledge of current events and how the Constitution has an impact on them. This week fosters a deeper understanding of the rights and responsibilities that shape American

democracy

enlightening

the

and

who

VOLUME 104 | NO. 2

Editorial Board

Kate Verity......................... Editor in Chief Paige Blakemore............Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Shadimon Smith.............News Editor Emma Eslinger................ Asst. News Editor Brennan Schmitz........... Sports Editor Benjamin Clark............... Asst. Sports Editor Kylie Rowe.........................Arts & Life Editor Mary Ciucevich...............Asst. Arts & Life Editor Delaney Derry..................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Matthew Malkowski..... Digital Media Editor Rebecca Ocampo..........PR Manager Kassie Arps.......................Ad Sales Manager Eva Galova........................ Faculty Adviser

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

and

balances.

branch

review

panel.

@TheColonnade

speakers

about

said Charlotte

discussed

week was the upcoming

presidential

elec-

tion. Here, students and locals were able to see

As Constitution Week came to a close, students

and locals’ understanding of the Constitution,

sations and curiosity that left everyone encouraged

@TheColonnade

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3

SHADIMON SMITH, NEWS EDITOR EMMA ESLINGER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.24.2024

NEWS

Major Spotlight: Music Therapy Jaylen Mahayag Staff Writer Selecting a college major can be one of the most important decisions a student makes, but it often comes with limited insight into what a program truly offers. GCSU aims to give students a clearer understanding of their academic options, and the music therapy major is one of the more unique offerings available. As one of only two institutions in Georgia that offer a music therapy degree, GCSU provides an in-depth, hands-on program that blends musical expertise with therapeutic techniques.

Campbell Ransom is a senior music therapy major, and she has known since her junior year of high school that this was her calling.

“I came across an article about music therapy while writing an essay, and it immediately interested me and felt like exactly what I was looking for,” Ransom said. “I was already looking into attending Georgia College, and I was so excited to find out they were only one of two schools in Georgia to offer this major, in addition to UGA.” The music therapy major merges music training with therapy-related coursework. Students must become proficient in a range of instruments, while also learning therapeutic techniques that enable them to work with diverse populations.

“There is a lot of training that goes into being a music therapist,” Ransom said. “You have to be proficient in voice, guitar, piano and percussion and know many therapeutic techniques in order to provide quality therapy to your clients.”

This hands-on approach pre-

pares students for the demands of internships and their eventual careers as certified music therapists.

The coursework is comprehensive and multidisciplinary, focusing on a wide range of musical, psychological and therapeutic subjects. The program requires students to complete practicums and internships, allowing them to work directly with clients and refine their skills in real-world settings.

“I’m currently completing my internship at a private music therapy practice,” Ransom said. “I work with children and adolescents who have developmental disabilities, neurodiversity and trauma experiences. It has given me incredible insight into how to tailor therapy to meet the needs of different individuals.”

She went on to explain that music therapists work with a wide range of populations, from hospital patients to residents in memory care and assisted living facilities.

“After certification, you have the flexibility to specialize in a population of your choice, or you can work with a variety of groups,” Ransom said.

This flexibility is one of the program’s strengths, as it allows students to tailor their career paths based on personal interests and experiences.

The major is demanding, often requiring students to take between nine and 12 classes per semester.

Managing this workload, while also participating in campus organizations and extracurricular activities, can be a challenge. However, students in the program find ways to stay engaged outside of the classroom.

“Time management is key,” Ransom said. “Despite the heavy course load,

Putting in the hard work now will allow you to enjoy your career later.

-Campbell Ransom

I’ve participated in choirs, music clubs and even performed some of my original songs at a songwriting concert.”

These activities allowed her to explore her love for songwriting, which she discovered during her time at GCSU. One transformative experience during her time at GCSU was a songwriting retreat where she worked closely with a veteran.

“We collaborated to write a song about his experience in the military, and it completely changed my life,” Ransom said. “It reignited my passion for songwriting and inspired me to incorporate those skills into my current music therapy sessions.”

“I’ve completely fallen in love with songwriting over the last few years,” Ransom said. “I spend my free time practicing guitar, writing lyrics, and creating melodies.”

Ransom is learning American Sign Language to support clients with specific needs, demonstrating her dedication to making music therapy as inclusive as possible.

As graduation approaches, Ransom reflected on how her time at GCSU has shaped both her career goals and personal growth. The supportive faculty and numerous practi-

Courtesy of Campbell Ransom

cum opportunities helped refine her understanding of which clients she wants to focus on after graduation.

“Before my internship, I completed over 200 hours of music therapy practicum experience, working with different groups of people,” Ransom said.

“It helped me identify the groups I’m most interested in and showed me the wide variety of career paths available.”

Ransom shares some advice for those considering a music therapy major.

“Music therapy is amazing, but it’s also very challenging,” Ransom said. “You have to be fully committed to mastering both music and therapeutic skills.”

She emphasized the importance of starting early with the instruments required for the program and doing thorough research before committing.

“You’ll need to make sacrifices in college to meet the demands of the coursework, but it’s worth it in the long run,” Ransom said. “Putting in the hard work now will allow you to enjoy your career later.”

Ransom’s time at GCSU has prepared her well for the next steps in her career, giving her the tools and experience needed to succeed in the field.

“Tube tying” surgeries increase in recent years Cali Snodgrass

Contributing Writer It has been over two years since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and some of the effects of the ruling are presenting themselves. A recent study by the Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, showed that the number of women undergoing tubal ligation has risen 3% each month especially in states that adopted strict abortion bans. Georgia bans abortions after the six week mark and they must wait 24 hours after receiving counseling.

“This procedure is intended to be permanent and not reversible,” said Denise Cochran, a nursing lecturer at GCSU. “Many people call this “tying your tubes” because of a certain surgical method sometimes used in the past. Current recommendations are to remove as much of the fallopian tubes as possible because this was found to decrease a woman’s chance of developing ovarian cancer in her future. Because of this, the possibility of “reversing” a tubal in the future is virtually eliminated when the tubes are completely removed.”

With the permanent nature of this procedure,

doctors want patients to consider the risks of bleeding from an incision or inside the abdomen, infection, damage to other organs inside the abdomen, Side effects from anesthesia, ectopic pregnancy (an egg that becomes fertilized outside the uterus) and incomplete closing of a fallopian tube that results in pregnancy.

“I think that tubal ligation is a very effective form of contraception, but it is a bit extreme and should not be a goto option,” said Elizabeth Crump, a junior art major. “I don’t think we should take surgical decisions, especially ones that change the balance of our bodies, lightly.”

Other forms of contraception, such as condoms or birth control, are widely available to most women in America. Tubal ligation is seen as a more extreme form of contraception, and some GCSU students see its increased prevalence as a direct result of the lessened availability of abortions due to Roe v. Wade’s overturning.

“I wouldn’t want to say out of fear, but out of fear,” said Brittany Turner, a junior marketing major. “They don’t really have any other ways of contraception, and it’s kind of a fear that like

‘Oh well if I were to accidentally get pregnant with my husband.’ They don’t want to go through the burden of having to abort a child. It’s not like we’re given that option either nowadays. It’s scary. As a woman, it’s

on what they learned.

First, JAMA conducted several rounds of testing women’s knowledge surrounding the procedure and its lasting effects. JAMA then educated another group of women using “Me-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

scary to know all the burden would fall on me.”

The purpose of the JAMA study was to see if a web-based aid could improve sterilization decision quality among pregnant individuals. This aid is called “MeDecisions/ MiDecisions” and provides video and written information on tubal sterilization. It also has a table about the different contraception methods and provides feedback

Decisions/MiDecisions”, and proceeded to test them as well. The women gained more knowledge on the procedure and it helped the women further understand their options when it comes to contraception.

Providing a proper education on these types of procedures is imperative to ensure these individuals have all the information they need before making that choice.

“I will say that I am very in favor of people being fully educated on their options for contraception and the true nature of those methods,” Cochran said. “I do not agree with people possibly getting this procedure if they intend to use it as a temporary method.”

Pregnancy also can have complications, such as, anemia, diabetes, pre-eclampsia and preterm labor. Some women’s choice to go through with this procedure has nothing to do with the political atmosphere and entirely with their own opinions of pregnancy.

“Honestly, the idea of being pregnant scares me at this point in my life, so I can see that [tubal ligation] being in the cards for me at some point after I get married and we figure out the kids situation,” Crump said.

Doctors aim to ensure patient autonomy while guaranteeing they act in the patient’s best interest, considering the permanence of the procedure. As a result, Cochran says they consider several different factors.

“To have a tubal ligation, that includes signing a consent form stating that they understand the permanence and possible lack of ability to reverse the procedure, a 30-

day waiting period and a requirement that they be at least 21 years old,” Cochran said. “Included on the consent form is that they are aware of effective and reversible forms of contraception that are available to them.”

There are a variety of reasons people opt for tubal ligation, including being done having children and fear of passing down genetic conditions and possible health conditions that could come with the pregnancy.

“The most important item to consider is if a woman fully understands the nature of the procedure and is having the procedure done by her choice,” Cochran said. “Is she making the decision without coercion or influence by another person, including the healthcare provider?”

Without Roe v. Wade ensuring abortion as an avenue in reproductive healthcare, many women are considering how to move forward managing their sexual wellness.

Tubal ligation is on the rise, but women choose to undergo this procedure for a variety of reasons.

Healthcare professionals urge women to remain knowledgeable about all explorable options in order to make the best choice for themselves.

4

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

09.24.2024

SPORTS MLB

be

with

didn’t expect Chris Sale

Sale posting a 2.35 ERA,

to have one of the best

go

along with 219 strike-

seasons of his career,”

from bad to worse for

outs and 17 Wins. It is

said Patrick Kryszczak, a

the Braves as Austin Ri-

not every day you get a

junior business manage-

ley, Reynaldo López and

35-year-old pitcher lead-

ment major. “It has been

Ozzie Albies have battled

ing the MLB in all three

very exciting to watch.”

injuries all year. Albies

major pitching catego-

The Mets are bat-

and Lopez are expected

ries, but that is exactly

tling injuries to an ex-

to return soon, but Riley

what Sale has done. Ozu-

tent, as MVP candidate

is not supposed to return

na has posted a .302 AVG

Francisco

has

the Arizona Diamond-

derson, has had an unbe-

The story of the year

until October. With all

with 37 HR and 98 RBIs.

been battling back sore-

backs, having an easy

lievable season, slashing

has been the turn-around

would

ness. An MRI revealed

next couple games, play-

.282 with a .910 OPS.

that the Kansas City Roy-

have had to rely on Chris

arguably have a los-

minor injuries, and he

ing the 58-93 Colorado

Yankees star outfielder

als have made. Last year,

Sale, Matt Olson and

ing record without the

should be back with-

Rockies. The American

Aaron Judge has been su-

the Royals were histor-

Marcell Ozuna to car-

performance that these

in the next few games.

League division lead-

perhuman this year, bat-

ically bad with a record

ry the load for the team.

two players have had.

The Padres hope to

ers are the New York

ting .321 with 53 HR and

of 56-106, finishing dead

“To say this season

They continue to closely

hold the top wild-card

Yankees,

Cleveland

132 RBIs. On Sept. 24,

last in their division.

has been a disappoint-

monitor the availability

spot, as they have a

Guardians and Astros.

the Yankees will square

This year, they hold the

ment would be an un-

of Albies and López, as

pivotal series with last

The AL East has been

off against the Orioles at

second wild-card sport

derstatement,”

said

they have a pivotal three-

year’s American League

a slugfest all year be-

home in what could be

in the American league

Griffin Taylor, a sopho-

game series with the Mets

champions, the Houston

tween the Yankees and

a series for the decades.

with a record of 82-69. A

more mass communica-

next Tuesday, Wednes-

Astros. They will look

the Orioles. The Ori-

After firing their head

lot of praise can be given

tion major and Braves

day and Thursday. If

to continue to ride on

oles have had one of the

coach mid-season, the

to their young shortstop

fan. “At this point, even

that series concludes in

Fernando Tatis’s recent

most talented farm sys-

Seattle Mariners have

Bobby Witt Jr, who is

reaching

playoffs

two or three wins for the

power streak, as he has

tems in recent memory,

won seven of their last

batting .332 with 32 HR.

might be unattainable.”

Braves, they could lock

hit home runs in three

and it is all starting to

10 games and are look-

With pivotal games for

up a Wild Card spot.

of his last four games.

come together for them.

ing for that last playoff

all these teams coming

the

“At 35-years-old and

The current second

Last year’s Rookie of

push, being two games

up, it is a matter of who

Braves’ season cannot

coming off an injury, I

place wild-card team is

the Year, Gunnar Hen-

back behind the Twins.

gets hot at the right time.

recognizes the Pac-12

more manageable. How-

as a power conference.

ever, some sports cannot

Sports Editor

This added obstacle to

afford to fly to their op-

the postseason is one that

ponents, meaning they

It was recently an-

could cost these schools

likely have to take long

nounced that the deplet-

a considerable amount

bus drives that could af-

ed Pac-12 conference will

of money, as the reve-

fect their performance.

add Boise State, Colora-

nue brought in from a

On top of that, the

do State, San Diego State

playoff selection reaches

schedule

and Fresno State starting

hundreds of thousands

teams is much more fa-

in 2026. The addition

to millions of dollars.

of these four schools is

“I think the Pac-12

Continued from page 1 Things

would

this going on, the Braves

Sale’s

the

and

contributions

Ozuna’s to

understated,

The

Braves

Lindor

Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna

The Pac-12 fights to stay alive Brennan Schmitz

should die out. All of the

massive for a conference

big West Coast schools

struggling to stay afloat.

have now either joined

For most of the history of college athletics, the Pac-12 conference was a part of the “Power Five,” a group of conferences that held the most competitive schools and their sports teams. However, following the end of the 2023-2024 season for athletics, 10 of its 12 teams sought greener pastures, joining either

The Pac-12 logo

University and Wash-

bring with them a very

ington State Universi-

the Big 10 or Big 12,”

as the runner-up in the

said Owen Faulk, a se-

recognizable brand. They

National

Champion-

nior accounting major.

ty as its only members.

have made some sparse

ship Game just eight

“All of the money and

Some would argue

appearances in the na-

months ago in the Uni-

big schools have left, and

that these two schools

tional AP poll for football

versity of Washington.

now it’s not even consid-

should ditch the Pac-

over the past few years,

12 altogether, and they

and some of them boast

should join another ma-

very recognizable college

jor conference instead.

sports venues, like Boise

“The Pac-12 should

State’s iconic blue field.

dissolve,

and

Oregon

Joining

the

Pac-12

The addition of these teams was likely done with football at the forefront of the decision.

For the new 12-team College Football Play-

ered a Power Five school.”

Other sports for all of these schools, whether they are already in the conference or will be joining soon, could

for

football

vorable for making long trips. With most college football games taking place once a week over the weekend, that leaves plenty of time for travel and recovery before having to compete again.

However, other sports may have multiple games a week on top of classes during that time, causing not only their athletic

performance

to be potentially affected but their academic performance

as

well.

State should move to

only helps build the

the Big 10 with Oregon,”

brands of these schools

depar-

said Dylan Lewis, a se-

as well. Although it ul-

ture of arguably all of

nior marketing major.

timately lost most of its

the conference’s mar-

Although the teams

teams, the conference

ineligible for the high-

schools,

football

to the national spot-

quee teams, the Pac-12

the conference is add-

produced

Heisman

ly-coveted automatic bid

team seems to receive a

light as a power confer-

continues through the

ing are “Group of Five”

winner and no. 1 overall

that goes out to confer-

large portion of the ath-

ence, but the addition of

2025-2026 season as a

teams, a name given to

NFL draft pick in Ca-

ence champions, insin-

letics budget, making

these four teams marks

two-team

the non-Power Five FBS

leb Williams over the

uating that the college

long trips, some being

a step in the right direc-

conferences,

past two years, as well

football world no longer

cross-country,

tion toward that goal.

the Big 10, Big 12 or ACC. Despite

the

conference,

featuring Oregon State

they

all

a

off that takes effect this year, Oregon State and Washington

State

are

potentially

see

nega-

tive effects as a result of

The Pac-12 will likely

realignment.

still need to add a few

For most Power Five

more teams to return

the

the

much

5

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

09.24.2024

SPORTS

College football is back: student predictions & opinions Kate Briesemeister Staff Writer

College football sea-

man accounting major.

Alabama and Ole Miss.

UGA Head Football Coach Kirby Smart

title. I also think Ala-

unexpected team com-

and one of those teams

bama is overhyped, and I

peting so that there will

will be Alabama,” Ca-

am selfishly hoping they

be some excitement to

den Tillman, a junior

will have a bad season.”

watch during the game.”

marketing major. “Tex-

“I am a Michigan fan,

A lot of SEC fans seem

as and Georgia seem to

so it is off to an awful

to hold loyalty to their

be the only teams that I

start,” said Brady De-

school of choice, how-

am worried about, espe-

I root for, but I do not

Can, a senior marketing

ever, this loyalty remains

cially Georgia because

think they will be mak-

major. “I think the Na-

consistent among the

they have a great coach,

ing it to the playoffs,”

tional

Championship

conference as a whole.

Kirby Smart. Roll Tide!”

said Laney Foust, a ju-

will be Georgia vs. Tex-

“I am personally an

Loyalty among SEC

nior exercise science ma-

as and that Texas will

Alabama fan, and I as-

fans demonstrates how

jor. “I believe that Geor-

win. I hope Missouri

sume that the National

fans

gia will take home the

will make the playoffs

Championship will be

national

but if not I hope it is an

between two SEC teams

“Auburn is the team

championship

conferences.

Grace Phillips, a fresh-

Texas, Georgia, Ohio,

among the student body.

other

playing Kentucky,” said

five teams, in order, are

many different fan bases

“I am a fan of LSU and

bad performance when

Sept. 23, the current top

legefootball. There are

the SEC when compared

even though we had a

the 2024 season. As of

strong opinions on col-

terback for the NCAA.

be ranked as number one

into the third week of

own, students still have

the overall skill level of

“Georgia should still

the teams are headed

a football team of its

ber-one ranked quar-

to

son is in full force as

Though GCSU lacks

the disparity between

predominantly

“I am a huge Georgia fan and believe we will win it all. Carson Beck is a great leader for Georgia. Alabama seems to be playing sloppy this year, so I am not too worried about playing them, especially knowing Nick Saban is gone. Ohio State seems to be playing well so that is my biggest concern. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Tennessee,” said Alexi Quisito, a sophomore nursing major. “I still have hope in Tennessee’s season but I have already lost hope in LSU. I believe that Georgia will win the National Championship and should be ranked back to the number one spot after they play Alabama. Although I think Georgia will win, I hope that a different team will.”

Since the college football season does not end until January, there are many exciting months left. The remaining season

holds

unknown

events that could change

the

the state of the game,

worry about other con-

QB for Georgia, re-

with much anticipation

ference teams, showing

mains

surrounding every team.

Carson

Beck, the

num-

GCSU men’s golf faces off in Bearcat Invitational Ryan Grant Staff Writer

The men’s golf team at GCSU began their season on Monday, Sept. 9 at the Bearcat Fall Invitational hosted by Lander University. After a two-day campaign with two 18-hole rounds on Monday and one 18-hole round on Tuesday morning, the team ranked 18 out of 19 schools with 34 points over par.

GCSU had five golfers from the 14-player roster at the golf course in South Carolina last week. To play a match, the golfers must compete in a 36-hole game a few days before the actual

tournament.

Browning Benton, a junior geography major,

was GCSU’s top scorer placing and tied number 64 out of 104 competitors. He scored the lowest with his scorecard totalling 79 points.

Billy Goddard, a fifthyear GCSU golf player and junior information data analytics major, placed and tied for number 70 and scored a total of 80 points.

A fifth GCSU golfer, Chase Blanton, is a sophomore exercise science major, and he placed and tied number 84 with a total of 86 points on the scorecard After the first 18 holes, the men’s team tied for 11th among South Eastern teams with below 300 in both rounds.

The team achieved par (288) in the second

round for the team score.

“We’ve been trying to put ourselves into more competitive situations so we’re a little bit more comfortable when that third round comes,” Goddard said.

Goddard and many others were very happy about their placements after GCSU’s first day.

The next day, morale was low, as the team struggled to meet their results from the previous round.

Tyler Darsey, a junior majoring in management information systems, placed 89 with a total of 88 points. Jackson Ellerbee, a third-year finance major, tied for number 97 on the tournament score with 94 points.

“That’s probably the

Courtesy of GCSU Athletics

biggest problem,” Darsey said. “If you don’t do good the first round, for me, it’s like really hard to get shot back into it and play good that second round.”

Darsey went on to say that consistency throughout a game and keeping mental stability is what determines a good D2 college golfer. If that mental game improves, he believes that some of the golf-

ers and himself would greatly benefit from that.

“Even though the result isn’t what we wanted, part of the progress in that result was there,” said Head Coach Wendell Staton.

The coach had said that part of the reason for the downhill trend Monday evening was because of the pressure stemming from the golf team’s great position

after the first round.

The lead that the team made on Monday was lost, but the momentum was definitely there. If they can keep their morale consistent and spirits high throughout the upcoming tournament at The Chattahoochee Golf Club on Sept.

23, the team has a very good chance to excel and learn from their previous shortcomings.

Fisher earns Player of the Week Bryan Cohen

her performance to another

best for you,” Fisher said.

Contributing Writer

level, boasting an impressive

Fisher credits her jump-

Sophomore right-side hit-

.733 hitting percentage off

start success mainly to the

ter Rosa Fisher has had a suc-

of 11 kills out of 15 attempts

team around her and their

cessful start to the 2024-2025

without a single attack error.

work ethic. She was on the

campaign, helping propel the

During the week, she regis-

court every set during the

GCSU Bobcat volleyball team

tered three top-10 marks in the

four games she played to

to a 3-1 record to begin the

Peach Belt Conference: seventh

start the season, showing

year and earning the title of

in hitting percentage (.281),

how much she contributed to

Zaxby’s Player of the Week.

fourth in kills (49) and sev-

the team and her teammates.

incredi-

enth in points (52.5). She does

“We work hard in practice,”

ble prowess in the season’s

not seem to be slowing down

Fisher said. “There’s a lot of

first

playing

her pace of play this season.

competition between the po-

in every set. In her 17 sets,

“I think that I have a re-

sitions that I’m in, and so it

invaluable and will help Fisher

she accumulated 49 kills in

ally good team around me,

makes me want to work harder.”

hone in on her skills even more.

Yet, the offense is where Fish-

121 attempts, amounting to

and it’s super helpful to

a .209 hitting percentage.

have

Fisher four

showed games,

In her latest game, she took

people

that

support

you and always want what’s

Courtesy of GCSU athletics

to work hard every day and try

senior middle blocker. “She’s

and work on the little things

coachable and very positive.”

that I still need to improve on,

On the other side of the

and then hopefully, I’ll be able to continue that,”Fisher said.

Coachability is a standout characteristic,, as being open-minded to criticism is

ball, defensively, Fisher has also performed at star levels, ranking third on her team in blocks (7) at the time of receiving her award.

is

cru-

“Rosa is very energetic, and

er truly shines, and her impor-

any

spot.

she’s just a great person to play

tance to the offense was evident

“I’m going just to continue

with,” said Brooke Roberts, a

at the beginning of the season.

Consistency cial

in

6

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.24.2024

ARTS & LIFE

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

You are worth the extra work. or delay talking through appointment, but it of- someone you care about.

Kylie Rowe A&L Editor

ed help, which is noth-

OPINION

by the way. From those

ing to be ashamed of,

In

recent

memory,

“Every year in the

United States, approximately

1,100

college

students

between

the

ages of 18 and 24 commit suicide, and nearly 24,000 attempt it,” ac-

counseling sessions, I was referred to a psychiatrist. Through this whole process, I was able to discover more about myself and learn how to

al Library of Medicine.

is stopping you, whether

al

Suicide

Prevention

Month. This month, it is important to let everyone know that they are not alone. In the brain

fers you a lot of control

For me, it is a place to

diagnosed with a mental

If you are unsure

and choice, which for

relieve

stressors

illness is hard and just

how to start going to

me was very relieving.

without feeling indebt-

learning how to navigate

Counseling Services, I

I will tell you though,

ed or guilty for doing so.

life with it is really, really

would recommend go-

going to therapy is hard.

I never want anyone to

ing on the GCSU Coun-

Talking

what

hard. But nothing is as

feel as helpless as I have,

seling Services website

bothers you, upsets you

hard as going through it

and know that everyone

and reading about all of

and makes you tick can

without help. “Toughing

around you would rath-

the counselors that you

be very draining. After

it out” is just not worth

er find out that you are

it guys, so please get the

about

my

going to therapy than to have to wonder what

But I get it, asking for help is hard. Whatever

September is Nation-

my worries and stressors.

take better care of myself.

cording to the Nation-

Therapy is hard, being

could have been saved happened if you did.

I have never tried to

it is pride, fear or leth-

end my own life, and I

argy, please do not let

have never even harmed

that prevent you from

myself, but there have

getting the help that

been times in my life

you need. I know it can

when I did feel hope-

sound cliche, but it real-

less, and I wanted to just

help you need, and if you see a friend struggling, let them know that they are not alone.

Sometimes a message from a friend that says they love me or something funny they saw that reminded them of me keeps me going. Those

of someone battling de-

ly is okay to not be okay.

pression or another men-

I think the hardest

stop. I used to hope that

tal illness, suicide can

part for me is sticking

I would go to sleep and

sometimes feel like the

with regular appoint-

only option, but it’s not.

ments, especially when

could meet with. They

sessions, I either need

GCSU has so many

other things come up

all

descriptions

a nap or a sweet treat

did not end when I was

resources to help when

or I just get really busy.

about what they special-

to pick me back up, but

16. Going to therapy now

you feel helpless. Attend-

Counseling Services will

ize in, and you can take

I also leave knowing

helps me when I have

ing the free counseling

work with you on that;

that information and de-

this work is so worth it.

flare-ups of hopelessness.

sessions that the school

the therapist that I meet

cide who might be the

As hard as it can be,

Life is so worth liv-

and please call or text

offers is a great way

with is very amenable

best counselor for you.

therapy can also be a

ing, and even with the

the suicide hotline at

to get started on your

and lets me schedule ap-

Then, you could email

safe space. You can talk

stress of young adult-

988. They are avail-

mental health journey.

pointments more than

the one you chose or call

about anything you need

hood,

and

able 24 hours a day if

I started going to

two weeks in advance

the counseling center to

to and feel no guilt about

our impending careers,

you need to speak with

Counseling Services my

so that when the time

make an appointment.

burdening your friends

there is so much time

someone

freshman year when I

comes I have no excuse

This is not the only way

or feeling as though

left for you. There is so

just really felt like I need-

to push off the meeting

to go about setting up an

you are gossiping about

much hope left for you.

Julia Jensen | Art Director

have

maybe that could be it, but I am so glad that life

hormones

little things remind me why I am trying so hard to be okay, and why it is fine that I am not okay all of the time. So be that person for your friend.

Take a look at GCSU Counseling

Services,

immediately.

Your life is worth the

extra

work.

The Duolingo Challenge is back!

Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor

most of the people on the challenge focus on,” said

GCSU’s Department of World Languages and Cul-

ever, from last spring there were people learn-

tures kicked off its semesterly Duolingo challenge

ing Korean, Mandarin, Yiddish and Swahili.”

this month, piquing student interest in language ed-

The popularity of the Duolingo Challenge is in-

ucation through competitive challenges and rewards.

dicated by the amount of time a student or fac-

Duolingo is a well-known free language app that

ulty spends participating. The competitive na-

helps people around the world learn languages. With

ture of the challenge keeps students engaged with

over forty languages available to learn, the app offers

languages. According to Towner, faculty and

help with pronunciation and grammar through les-

staff at GCSU logged over 700 hours of engage-

sons presented in the form of challenges that can put

ment during the Duolingo challenge last spring.

the user on a leaderboard, reminiscent of a video game.

“I think the proof is in the numbers,” Towner

“I think it’s extremely beneficial,” said Lily Cox,

said. “Duolingo makes you cap classes at 50 [peo-

junior biology and French double major. “It makes

ple]. The challenge is advertised with limited spots,

tutoring and my own learning fun and competitive.”

and within a day/a day and a half, spots were full

ing around the language every day. It’s important

The Duolingo challenge is open to all students

with many students asking to get in. I think any-

to really manage your expectations — you will not

and offers every language taught at GCSU, as well

time you offer college students prizes they be-

become conversational or fluent from Duolingo.”

as some that are not in the school’s major-specif-

come motivated to pursue friendly competition.”

The Department of World Languages and Cul-

ic curriculum. Major specific languages at GCSU

To many, Duolingo proves to be a very use-

tures’ goal from this challenge is to help stu-

include French, Spanish, German and Italian.

ful and engaging learning tool. However, critics

dents engage with language and to introduce stu-

The GCSU Language Department extends op-

of the platform argue that it is not good for actual

dents to tools like Duolingo that can assist in the

tions to students in regards to the languages that

learning and only good for fun. These sentiments

process of learning their prospective language.

pique their own interest. They support students

are opposed by those who believe that Duolin-

“When challenges like this and extra opportunities

in educational language endeavors that reach be-

go can be used to supplement the more tradition-

like Teletandum are offered, it gives students a way

yond the courses that are offered at the university.

al learning of language in a classroom setting.

to work on language skills without the pressure of

“GCSU offers the more popular languages which

“It’s very useful, but not going to do miracles

a class environment or a grade attached,” Cox said.

Gina Towner, lecturer of French at GCSU. “How-

Julia Jensen | Art Director

when it comes to learning a language,” Towner said “It’s meant to be a fun way to enforce the habit of learning a second language, and get you used to be-

7

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.24.2024

ARTS & LIFE

Celebrity political endorsements

Do they actually make a difference?

Claire Peterson Contributing Writer Just hours after the Trump-Harris debate, Taylor Swift posted on Instagram addressing her 280 million followers about rumors of her political affiliation, encouraging people to do their own research and announcing that she will be voting for Kamala Harris this November.

Since young voters are an important factor in this year’s neck-and-neck presidential election, Swift’s endorsement may influence the outcome.

“She [Swift] represents a voting block that is a little bit less engaged,”

said Kevin Spann, a lecturer of political science.

“A lot of people don’t become politically active until they’re in their 30s.”

The New York Times reported that 27,000 people registered to vote through a link that Swift provided within 24 hours of the post. This number shocked professionals, as it is over triple the ordinary daily average.

“People are either going to vote or they’re not,” Spann said. “If you’re a hardcore Donald Trump voter, I don’t know who could possibly endorse Harris to make you flip, and vice versa. But there are people in the middle, and this is where endorsements matter.”

This year’s presidential election is incredibly close. Ever since Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the democratic candidate this summer, the partisan votes have been nearly evenly matched.

“We think anything from a clear Trump victory to a clear Harris win is possible,” stated election website 270toWin. “A lot of people feel stuck this year,” said Lucy Gumbel, a sophomore political science major. “Many citizens dislike both presidential candidates and claim they do not plan to vote this fall or are still unsure of who to vote for. So, it might take something

HATERS GONNA HATE

like an endorsement to get people to vote.”

“If I was on the fence about who to vote for, a celebrity endorsement wouldn’t necessarily change my mind,” said Kendall Wiley, a sophomore art major.

“But I would take their opinion into consideration, research their arguments and make a decision for myself.”

Celebrity endorsements are not a new concept or a new factor in elections. Some of the most famous examples are Oprah Winfrey’s endorsement of former President Barack Obama in 2008 and Kid Rock’s endorsement of former President Donald Trump “I think when trends become more popular, I tend to start and get an-

Are microtrends the worst?

Molly Goff Staff Writer Among young adults and teenagers, the rise of fleeting “microtrends” can spark dialogue and conversation, both on social media and in real life. But these shortlived crazes, whether in music, fashion or social media, can spark a sense of possessiveness as people rush to claim credit for discovering the latest trend first.

The rapid rise and fall of these trends often generate frustration, feeding into the growing resentment many feel toward their temporary nature.

Is hating on the rise?

“Something I hate is when people gatekeep small artists such as Treaty Oak Revival and they are like, ‘I knew him first!’ No you didn’t,” said Skylar Jordan, a sophomore nursing major.

Music can be a huge component of what qualifies as a microtrend due

to the rapidly changing content on TikTok, Instagram and so many more platforms. As trends gain momentum and become omnipresent, they can quickly shift from exciting to exhausting. There is a general range among peers that can be hated on a broader scale.

One example of a more recent trend that many find quickly went from awesome to annoying is the use of the word “demure.” Calling certain actions demure was a microtrend popularized

by TikTok creator Jools LeBron, but its popularity was short-lived. The use of the word rose quickly and fell off just as fast.

“The trend was funny at first, but it quickly became extremely overused and I got tired of hearing it,” said Kate Moore, a senior biology major.

“But by that point there was already a new thing everyone was saying.”

This quick burnout fuels a cycle of frustration, especially among

Julia Jensen | Art Director

those who feel inundated by the constantly overturning waves of viral content. As certain songs or artists dominate social media feeds, they become targets of widespread disdain, often labeled as “overhyped.”

The pace at which these trends rise and fall creates a sense of cultural fatigue, driving some to openly express their disdain for the fleeting nature of these musical fads.

noyed by them because you are seeing them or even doing them so often it gets tiring,” said Emily Mallett, a junior elementary education major.

But it’s not just the repetition that wears people down; the pressure to constantly keep up with or reject these trends can create a sense of frustration, especially among students. Whether it’s feeling overwhelmed by

Julia Jensen | Art Director

in both the 2016 and 2024 elections. Following Swift’s endorsement, other public figures joined her in voicing their political opinions, including Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Stevie Nicks, Aubrey Plaza and Jaime Lee Curtis.

However, Swift has one of the largest fan bases in the world. Her recent tour, The Eras Tour, had 152 shows that sold nearly 70,000 tickets

each. The tour became

what’s popular or wanting to distance oneself from overdone crazes, the reasons behind this growing dislike for microtrends are as varied as the trends themselves.

Microtrends can include music and language, but they often extend into fashion as well. In the past year, “coquette” notably rose and fell, and this quick turnaround can lead to overconsumption and pressure to overhaul one’s closet every few months.

“I don’t like a ton of trends since they mainly just cost a lot of money,” said Halle Bergstrom, a junior management and rhetoric double major. “Trends only tend to annoy me when people think they look better since they’re participating.”

Monetarily, it can be hard to keep up with microtrends as they happen because people do not have unlimited funds to partake in everything, leading to fear of missing out, or FOMO. One thing that does not lead to FOMO, though, is the most niche trends that only appeal to one certain audience.

“I am also not a fan

of barrel jeans; they just don’t tend to look good on me so I am not a huge fan of them,” said Mallett.

“One microtrend I hate is the leggings that cinch around the butt,” said Bergstrom.

“I guess the goal is to make your butt look bigger, but it looks like more of a wedgie to me.”

Pants were not the only fashion miss — bold clothing trends across the spectrum can spark campus disapproval.

“I really hate animal print,” said Kaity Newman, lecturer of philosophy. “Most fashion trends are cringey to me because all of them are things I wore in middle school, and it’s a constant reminder of my middle school early 2000’s aesthetic.”

From frustration over financial pressure to the annoyance of seeing the same trends repeated endlessly, students and faculty alike are growing tired of microtrends.

Either way, the voices at GCSU reflect a broader cultural tension.

Microtrends may come and go, but the frustration they leave behind is something that lingers.

the

highest

grossing

tour ever, reaching over $1 billion in revenue.

Merchandise sales alone profited $240 million. In 2023, Swift was named Forbes’ “Biggest Musical Artist in the World.”

Swift carries influence that few other public figures have ever carried and could have the power to sway an election.

What do students think about academic advisors?

Kate Walker

Contributing Writer In just a month, students across campus will be waking up at the crack of dawn to register for classes.

In preparation for registration, students will meet with their advisors not only at pre-registration meetings but also at workshops, freshman seminar classes and other campus events.

With all the duties an advisor holds, it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly an advisor is supposed to do.

“To help all undergraduate Georgia College students, from the first year through graduation, in planning their class schedules and courses of study,” said GCSU’s Academic Advising Center website. “The professional staff of the AAC also teach first-year seminars for incoming students.”

Though the academic advisement process may seem straightforward enough, much goes into getting a student from their freshman orientation

to the graduation stage. Advisors’ duties range from administrative details, to registration meetings to teaching, as each advisor teaches between one and four sections of freshmen seminar.

“The end goal is to help you graduate, make sure you do that one time and you’re meeting your requirements, but also just to make sure that we’re helping enrich your experience and time here,” an anonymous advisor said.

According to one anonymous academic advisor, each of GCSU’s advisors ideally have between 100 and 350 students, but this advisor currently has around 370 students spanning across several different majors.

“There are a lot of peak times, and it gets to be a lot,” the anonymous advisor said. “We’re a jack-of-all-trades sometimes.”

Many students have found their advisors to be encouraging and supportive during stressful registration times.

“They have been very helpful and very supportive; they’ve helped

me rearrange my schedule whenever I’ve needed it,” said Camryn Williams, a senior education major.

However, Williams also noted that during her freshman and sophomore years she was assigned to three different advisors, which was stressful as she tried to register for classes and work on her education cohort application.

“There was a lot of change and uncertainty,” Williams said.

After COVID-19, there were a lot of adjustments made across campus, including in the advising center. Suddenly all meetings had to be virtual, and getting an appointment was not as simple as it had been before. Throughout these adjustments, staff changes and new students also had an impact on the effectiveness of the advising center.

“The role of an academic advisor is basically to have someone who’s knowledgeable in the career or realm of career that you want to go into,” said Kaitlyn Hall, a junior exercise science major. “Just to help you go to

There are a lot of peak times, and it gets to be a lot, we’re a jack-of-alltrades sometimes.

-Anonymous Advisor

that next step especially if you’re going to grad school of anything like that, building that road and foundation for you to be successful in the future.”

Hall encouraged advisors to take time to understand the major they are advising, especially if their students are trying to go into graduate or professional programs.

“This is a major hopefully that we’re passionate in and want to excel in, so just having a foundation of what the major is that you’re advising and giving the students the best outcome that they can get,” Hall said.

8

KYLIE ROWE, A&L EDITOR MARY CIUCEVICH, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.24.2024

ARTS & LIFE JAZZ

“La La Land” contributes to a piqued interest

Continued from page 1

in jazz and the depart-

The night kicked off

ment further increas-

with the two GCSU stu-

es the exposure of jazz,

dent combos, beginning

especially

with the McComb com-

within

the

GCSU and Milledgeville

bo who performed “Get

community with “Jazz

Your Kicks on Route

at the Magnolia.” The

66” by The King Cole

events both expose the

Trio. The performance

community to new mu-

showcased both the vo-

sic and support current

cals and each instru-

and aspiring musicians.

ment play, which includ-

“For me, the jazz ones

ed bass, drums, piano,

[events] tend to be more

tenor

trombone.

popular; they bring out a

The second student

different audience then

and

performance, by the Por-

Courtesy of Jennifer Flory, director of choral activities

ter combo, continued

songs. The instruments

the night with a selec-

included bass, drums,

tion of “Little Sunflow-

piano, guitar, trumpet,

er” by Freddie Hubbard.

for the invitation and the

partment exposes the

audience’s

attendance.

university and the broad-

Support of events like

Gibson, along with sev-

“I think jazz is Amer-

er Milledgeville commu-

the “Jazz at the Magno-

tenor sax and vibes.

eral of the music fac-

ica’s music, so I think it’s

nity to the musical arts

lia” helps pave the way

combo

Before Gibson was

ulty group performers,

important to keep alive

with events like jazz night

for the future showcases

highlighted every mu-

introduced, an intermis-

performed a variety of

by teaching it down to

and chorus ensembles

of students, but also rais-

sician on the stage and

sion was taken during

different songs, most of

the next generation to

throughout the semester.

es awareness of the im-

consisted of the vo-

which

attendees

which were written by

keep it going,” said Cliff

“It is an opportunity

portance of these events.

cals, bass, drums, pia-

and musicians mingled,

Gibson himself. This in-

Towner,

of

for people in the com-

There are over 45 events

no, flute and trombone.

helped themselves to re-

cluded his song “Don’t

music and director of

munity to come and see

scheduled for the Music

The event segwayed

freshments and interact-

Get Around Much Any-

band activities at GCSU.

it, especially guest art-

Department this school

to GCSU’s own faculty

ed with the Allied Arts

more.” The event ended

Aside from the event,

ists who are super good

year,

jazz group which con-

and the GCSU Music

with a round of applause

the GCSU Music De-

at

said.

and Milledgeville locals

sists of music profes-

Department tables that

from the audience, fol-

partment advocates for

The popularization of

plenty of opportunities

sors who played a few

were set up to commu-

lowed by statements of

student education in all

jazz music in pop cul-

to enjoy and support

different selections of

nicate any information

gratitude from Gibson

types of music. The de-

ture with hit movies like

the local music scene.

Similarly,

this

the

or answer any questions.

we would get at other

After

intermission,

professor

it,”

Wheeler

events,”

Towner

giving

said.

students

Milly Farmer’s Market Cali Snodgrass

ple who are here and have been regulars

Contributing Writer

for this last year are new in the area.”

The Milledgeville Farmer’s Mar-

Another issue with reestablishing the

ket is a fun and interactive event that

Farmer’s Market was finding vendors to

occurs the first and third Friday of

apply and take the time to come out to it.

each month and has lots of fresh or-

Debbie Waugh, another organizer

crafts

for the Farmer’s Market, takes great

and live music for anyone to enjoy.

pride in being able to provide fresh

There are many different vendors

produce to the people of Milled-

there selling a variety of goods, rang-

geville and is working hard to en-

ing from jams and jellies to goat milk

sure all the vendors are able to come

soap and even fresh fruit popsicles.

together. She said that there are no

There is something for everyone and

vendor fees, and that they provide

all the vendors are more than happy to

bathrooms,

ganic

produce,

handmade

electricity

and

water.

talk about their work and their farms.

“Appreciate Debbie so much, for

“We collaborate, help each other,”

knocking on doors and finding peo-

Andrea Perkins from Unity Grove

ple who are willing to come out on

Farm. “Not just in selling products

good days and rainy days,” said Op-

but in doing the things that farmers

perman. “It takes some digging.”

need to do. There is a lot of back and

Many of the vendors they have

forth in help, which is really what a

been farming and crafting as a side

wonderful community is all about.”

hustle and enjoy now being able

“It’s a good place,” said Alan

to get out with the community.

Carr from Bone Creek Farms. “Lots

“We bought our farm in 2016, and

of friendly people. The college is

we’ve been doing these things [making

very supportive of the market and

jam and honey] since then,” said Per-

the locals also. So, it’s really good.”

kins. “We did it in our retirement. We

Establishing a strong community is

work now harder than we did before-

something very important to feel con-

hand. We named our farm Unity Grove

nected and be able to help each other.

Farm because that’s what we’re striving

Unfortunately, the Milledgeville Farm-

to build in our community is unity.”

er’s Market has had its troubles in the

Some of the vendors will be hosting

past, where they were unable to host it.

their own events, such as Unity Grove

“It took a minute to come back with

Farm hosting hayrides every weekend

Allied Arts, for a candlemaking class.

to be. They will continue to host on

COVID,” said Luke Opperman, one of

for October, or the Caruso Candle

To get fresh produce or just en-

22 East Hancock Street until the first

the organizers and vendors of the mar-

Company, which is partnering with

joy an afternoon out, the Milled-

Friday in November, then plan to

ket. “I’m really happy that several peo-

the local nonprofit arts organization,

geville Farmer’s Market is the place

be back again the following spring.

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

9

DELANEY DERRY, OPINION EDITOR

09.24.2024

OPINION MEXICAN

someone who is a vege-

good — it is actually very

tarian and who is always

good — but because the

looking for something

service is not always the

good that does not con-

quickest. At least every

tain meat, I love this

time I have been there,

place. They have the best

I have waited quite a

vegetables. I do not know

while for my food. Now,

what they do to them,

that is fine if you are in

but I do not care because

no rush, but I am not

it is always so good. El

the most patient person

Tequila also has a great

When it comes to

great vibe for just hang-

atmosphere, and their

ing out and enjoying a

Continued from page 1 El Amigo is definitely the place when it comes to GCSU students. When I am craving a good queso and long chit-chat with friends, that is the place my friends and I always gravitate to-

Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor

I am only going to in-

ielle Cliburn, a junior

cos on this list? Well, I

waiting for my meal,

corporate Surcheros to

exercise science major.

service is pretty quick

especially if I am re-

hate to break it to you,

this list of the best Mex-

If you do not have

ally hungry and have

but Bollywood is just

meal, but the food is ac-

too. I never spend a mil-

ican in Milly because

time to take a seat at a

been

craving

some

not a Mexican restau-

tually really good. They

lion dollars there and

it is easily superior to

restaurant and wait for

good

Mexican

food.

rant. It is Tex-Mex. I

definitely have the best

am always left satisfied.

Chipotle and Barberitos.

your order, then Surche-

in

I will say we have

Surcheros is coming

ros is your place. The

just simply top-notch.

third place is Jalisco

some really great options

in at number four for

people are always nice,

“Of all places, I would

Mexican Grill. This place

when it comes to restau-

places to get good Mex-

and the food never disap-

go to El Amigo,” said

is great. It is very unas-

rants, but what about

ican

Milledgeville,

points. It is great to come

Cat Wall, a junior En-

suming on the outside,

quick service? There are

and I will stand by that. I

and go or to sit and talk

glish major. “It’s exact-

but it is actually very cool

three spots that are reg-

did not put it over any of

with friends. I am not

ly what I expect from

on the inside. The decor’s

ulars for GCSU students

the previous places sim-

even going to add any

a Mexican restaurant.

interior design makes the

when they want a quick

ply because it is a chain

other fast-food place to

It’s pretty cheap. I real-

aura feel really cool. It is

bite to eat and are crav-

and not a restaurant.

this ranking because it is

ly love their salsa, and

such a vibe and evokes

ing a yummy Mexican

“If I am craving Mex-

just not necessary when

ferent category. It is a fu-

I am really picky about

a really calming and

treat. The options are

ican but want some-

Surcheros is right there.

sion restaurant and has a

that, so it’s really good.”

chill atmosphere. I have

Chipotle, Surcheros and

thing a little cheaper

I know a lot of people

whole different vibe from

Coming in at second

it at number three not

Barberitos. I am not go-

and faster, I really like

are probably wondering:

what an actual Mexi-

place is El Tequila. As

because the food is not

ing to lie. Of these three,

Surcheros,” said Dan-

where is Bollywood Ta-

can restaurant is like.

wards. It not only has a

Finally,

meals, and their rice is

coming

You may just FALL in love

in

love Bollywood. It is actually my favorite place to eat in Milledgeville, and it definitely has the best tacos, hands down.

But, like I said, it is not Mexican, so I exempted it from this list because it belongs in a whole dif-

kin patch and pick out a pumpkin then

rustling through leaves are all the

carve it together for our front porch.

natural aesthetic that fall brings, and

That was a favorite activity of mine, and

it has a way of making people for-

it only came in the fall. This season just

get their problems and focus on what

brings a sentimentality that just makes

is right in front of them. It is a time

all of us feel comfortable and secure.

of change and to recenter oneself.

Fall is jumping in piles of leaves,

“In the fall, it’s like a new begin-

campfires and taking long walks with

ning because the leaves are changing

Delaney Derry

people just know that better days are

Opinion Editor

ahead with the fall season because it

Students, the best part about

brings about a comfort that no oth-

school being in session is one thing

er season brings. I may be campaign-

and one thing only: fall is not so far

ing to be fall’s number one advocate,

away. It is music to my ears hearing

but fall is beloved all across the GCSU

someone say, “I feel fall in the air.”

campus and that is far from a hot take.

Autumn is just around the corner,

“I love the colder weather,” said Evan

friends while the leaves fall all around

and we are feeling it here at GCSU.

Raffield, a senior accounting major. “I

you. It is beautiful. There is a calmness

The air has begun to feel cooler, and

think the clothing options are better,

that it brings that just makes everything

the leaves are beginning to change.

and I just can’t stand the heat. I don’t

feel alright. The colors are warm and

It is a slow transition, but it is hap-

like sweating. I hate the summer.”

vibrant and just make me feel so alive.

colors, and it’s almost like you’re in a new place,” said Rachel Myers, a junior mass communications major.

“The air is chilly, so it’s a cozy feeling because you can wear sweaters. Every fall vibe is just superior, the movies,

pening if you look hard enough.

clothes, music, snacks, everything is

Now, I am aware that it has been just about 90 degrees every afternoon

just better. It evokes a spirit of warmth.”

since school started. I may be living in

Everything about fall just makes

a daydream, but you cannot deny that

you feel all warm and fuzzy on the in-

the mornings these past few weeks

side. But I think it is safe to mention

have been excellent with the crisp air

how warm and fuzzy it also feels on

and the aura of autumn in the dis-

the outside. The wardrobe that comes

tance. I can just feel it, so let me live

with fall is simply unparalleled by

in my world of delusion where it is

any other style of clothes. Fall opens Julia Jensen | Art Director

fall and all is right in the world, okay?

If you are not a fall lover, let me give you some reasons why autumn is the best season, and you may just fall in love. (See what I did there?) Whip out the pumpkin spice and everything will be nice— Side note, contrary to popular opinion, I actually do not like pumpkin spice. I like pumpkin flavor. Those who get it, get it. But all things considered,

After a long hot summer, the fall

According

to

Today,

autumn

Psycholo-

up a whole closet of endless possibilities. Fall fashion is the best fashion,

season is perfect for people to cool off.

gy

pro-

and I will stand by that statement.

There is a chill in the air and every-

mote a happier frame of mind.

Then, do not even get me started on

thing is cold and crisp, yet there is still a

“Research suggests that it may be

all the fall food and movies and music.

warmth about it. With fall comes a sort

easier to tap into mindfulness amid

Everything about fall just reigns su-

of nostalgia that brings you back to fond

natural surroundings,” the article said.

preme over any other season. So, take

The warm palette of rich colors,

a step back, open up a book, cozy up in

the comfortable and cool tempera-

your favorite sweater and turn on some

ture and the sound of little critters

Fleetwood Mac because fall is on its way.

childhood memories that just warm the heart. I remember every year as a kid my family and I would go to a pump-

can