GCSU hosts state Court of Appeals
Paige Blakemore Managing Editor
GCSU hosted the Georgia Court of Appeals 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 the oral arguments, GCSU President Cathy Cox delivered a welcome address.
“This is an extra treat for our students to get the chance to see our court
live and in person,” Cox said. “We are grateful for this opportunity.”
Presiding Judge Stephen Louis A. Dillard, Vice Chief Judge Trenton Brown and Judge J. Wade Padgett facilitated the panel. The cases, each varying and independent of one other, were presented to the judges and discussed in front of an audience of students and the public.
The appellants present three cases to the judges. The first case dealt with legal fees awarded to Appellee Tech Mahindra (Americas), Inc., or Tech Mahindra, 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 on behalf of a woman accusing Tanner Medical Center of failing to provide informed consent in her breast reduction surgery.
Opinion: Ranking Milledgeville’s Mexican Cuisine Scene
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
Why is it that after any event or for any birthday, when people deliberate on a place to eat, it always ends up being somewhere that serves Mexican food?
I guess nothing hits better than eating tacos with your friends.
So, where in Milledgeville are the best places to get some Mexican cuisine? The standards are based on price, aesthetics, service and, of course, taste. This ranking is based solely on my opin-
ion. It may have a lot of thought and consideration put into it, but it has nothing to do with me trying to actually convince anyone where to eat. Although Mexican is my favorite food, I am not a true food critic, so take my ranking simply as it is, which is just the humble opinion of a broke college student who loves a good taco. Ranking in at number one on my list is the illustrious El Amigo. With its warm and homey atmosphere, El Amigo is definitely the place to be if you want some
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 science major. “It’s good, but also, I like the servers there. Actually, a lot of my friends work there, so it’s really fun to go and see them.”
MLB PLAYOFFS: WHAT TEAMS ARE IN?
Hudson Taylor 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, one of the two leagues that make up the MLB, has become one for the ages, with the San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets trying to hold off one team; the Atlanta Braves.
The Braves are not guaranteed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017. It also looks like their streak of six straight division titles is going to
“Jazz at the Magnolia” GCSU and Allied Arts put on a show
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. Bill Gibson is a professional trombonist who has worked all over the country writing and releasing his own jazz albums. Gibson is an advo-
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. Coming off of a historic year, the Braves were highly favored to win the World Series in 2024. With last year’s MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cy Young favorite Spencer Strider going down early in the season, the odds were already stacked up against the Braves.
cate for jazz education and has taught at many university music programs over the years, including Valley City State University, Augustana College and the University of Sioux Falls.
The four jazz combos included performances by two different GCSU student combos, the McComb Student Combo and the Porter Student Combo. The two other group performances consisted of the GCSU Faculty Jazz Group and the GDC Group with guest artist Gibson.
The event took place in the Mag-
nolia Ballroom and brought a crowd of jazz enthusiasts, students of different majors and locals interested in jazz music. Along with music and refreshments, the night featured a raffle of original artwork by visual artist Chad Wilson that he created throughout the performances that evening.
“I think jazz is something that can be shared with everybody because it is that kind of unpredictable,” said Addy Wheeler, a sophomore music therapy major.
Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Sophomore Rosa Fisher propels GCSU volleyball during the first four games.
artisans gather together at the Milledgeville Pavilion twice a month.
Courtesy of Jennifer Flory, director of choral activities
COURT
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“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 in maintaining the integrity of our legal system.”
After the cases were heard, students from GCSU’s Student Government Association, Mock Trial, Leadership Programs and other prospective law students were given the opportunity to ask the judges questions about the justice system.
“I tell people all the time I am never ever going to be the smartest guy in the room,” Padgett said. “But you can work really hard, and you can be dedicated to what you do, and you can be on time, and you can do your homework and you
can do your case prep. You’re in control of that.”
Many students were curious about the judges’ 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 just how accessible the field of law truly is, as there are diverse fields and areas of specialty within it.”
Cox says she is more than willing to host events similar to the Georgia Court of Appeals hearings at GCSU in the future.
“I think this was a good opportunity for our students to think about their own career trajectories and what they might do down the road,” Cox said. “Many of our students are interested in law, in one way or the other. They might have heard something that gave them a nugget of encouragement.”
GCSU’s annual Constitution Week events
Chloe Sanders Staff Writer
Constitution Week at 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 and affect current events.
Beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 17, Constitution Week opened with a warm welcome by GCSU President Cathy Cox, followed by a public forum debate. In the days to follow, lectures,
enlightening discussions and informative luncheons highlighted specific topics concerning key topics set forth in the Constitution.
Tuesday also included two student-led debates regarding whether or not the United States should ban TikTok to support privacy and security and another debate centered around school shootings and gun regulation measures. GCSU students who attended the events learned about democratic values and how to debate.
“By watching the debates that took place during the first convocation day event, I learned that a solid argument rests on reliable sources and that having
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the ability to deliver an argument under pressure while being timed is an ability one needs to solidly present and prove their claim,” said Logan Coetzer, a freshman accounting major.
“After attending my first Constitution Week event ever, it made me realize the importance of freedom of speech this country was built upon,” said Anna Cruickshank, a sophomore marketing major. “And the gratitude we as citizens should have for being able to express our opinions even just as college students to wide groups with justice and understanding no matter what side of a problem we are fighting for.”
On Wednesday, events included Geor-
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gia Court of Appeals, a lunchtime talk centered around gender and the 2024 election facilitated by Jan Hoffman, professor of speech communication, as well as a panel discussion on checks and balances.
“Attending the Court of Appeals for Constitution week was very eye-opening,” said Tori Totman, a sophomore psychology major. “Being able to witness a state court case on campus allowed me to see one of many ways the judicial branch functions at our state level.”
Similarly, Thursday’s events included a lunch discussion on the separation of church and state and a Supreme Court review panel.
“On Thursday, I was able to listen to three guest speakers about the Supreme Court Review,” said Charlotte Hally, a junior management major. “Judge Wade Padget, Professor Ivy White and Professor Matt Roessing were all really insightful and informative. It was really interesting to hear more about the duties of the supreme court and what the system looks like.”
Constitution Week is open to both students and the general public to attend. At these events, they are able to not only learn, but speak up about important events and topics.
A predominant topic discussed during this year’s Constitution week was the upcoming presidential election. Here, students and locals were able to see how the two parties presented their cases and spoke up about their beliefs on current topics.
As Constitution Week came to a close, students left empowered and informed. This week not only deepened students’ and locals’ understanding of the Constitution, but also allowed them to interpret and apply it in their own ways. The discussions sparked conversations and curiosity that left everyone encouraged to exercise their rights and duties as citizens.
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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-
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-
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.
Courtesy of Campbell Ransom
Julia Jensen | Art Director
MLB
Continued from page 1
Things would go from bad to worse for the Braves as Austin Riley, Reynaldo López and Ozzie Albies have battled injuries all year. Albies and Lopez are expected to return soon, but Riley is not supposed to return until October. With all this going on, the Braves have had to rely on Chris Sale, Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna to carry the load for the team.
“To say this season has been a disappointment would be an understatement,” said Griffin Taylor, a sophomore mass communication major and Braves fan. “At this point, even reaching the playoffs might be unattainable.”
Sale’s and Ozuna’s contributions to the Braves’ season cannot
be understated, with Sale posting a 2.35 ERA, along with 219 strikeouts and 17 Wins. It is not every day you get a 35-year-old pitcher leading the MLB in all three major pitching categories, but that is exactly what Sale has done. Ozuna has posted a .302 AVG with 37 HR and 98 RBIs.
The Braves would arguably have a losing record without the performance that these two players have had. They continue to closely monitor the availability of Albies and López, as they have a pivotal threegame series with the Mets next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. If that series concludes in two or three wins for the Braves, they could lock up a Wild Card spot.
“At 35-years-old and coming off an injury, I
didn’t expect Chris Sale to have one of the best seasons of his career,” said Patrick Kryszczak, a junior business management major. “It has been very exciting to watch.”
The Mets are battling injuries to an extent, as MVP candidate Francisco Lindor has been battling back soreness. An MRI revealed minor injuries, and he should be back within the next few games.
The Padres hope to hold the top wild-card spot, as they have a pivotal series with last year’s American League champions, the Houston Astros. They will look to continue to ride on Fernando Tatis’s recent power streak, as he has hit home runs in three of his last four games.
The current second place wild-card team is
the Arizona Diamondbacks, having an easy next couple games, playing the 58-93 Colorado Rockies. The American League division leaders are the New York Yankees, Cleveland Guardians and Astros.
The AL East has been a slugfest all year between the Yankees and the Orioles. The Orioles have had one of the most talented farm systems in recent memory, and it is all starting to come together for them.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Gunnar Hen-
The Pac-12 fights to stay alive
Brennan Schmitz Sports Editor
It was recently announced that the depleted Pac-12 conference will add Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Fresno State starting in 2026. The addition of these four schools is massive for a conference struggling to stay afloat.
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 Big 10, Big 12 or ACC.
Despite the departure of arguably all of the conference’s marquee teams, the Pac-12 continues through the 2025-2026 season as a two-team conference, featuring Oregon State
University and Washington State University as its only members.
Some would argue that these two schools should ditch the Pac12 altogether, and they should join another major conference instead.
“The Pac-12 should dissolve, and Oregon State should move to the Big 10 with Oregon,” said Dylan Lewis, a senior marketing major.
Although the teams the conference is adding are “Group of Five” teams, a name given to the non-Power Five FBS conferences, they all
bring with them a very recognizable brand. They have made some sparse appearances in the national AP poll for football over the past few years, and some of them boast very recognizable college sports venues, like Boise State’s iconic blue field.
Joining the Pac-12 only helps build the brands of these schools as well. Although it ultimately lost most of its teams, the conference produced a Heisman winner and no. 1 overall NFL draft pick in Caleb Williams over the past two years, as well
as the runner-up in the National Championship Game just eight months ago in the University of Washington.
The addition of these teams was likely done with football at the forefront of the decision. For the new 12-team College Football Playoff that takes effect this year, Oregon State and Washington State are ineligible for the highly-coveted automatic bid that goes out to conference champions, insinuating that the college football world no longer
derson, has had an unbelievable season, slashing .282 with a .910 OPS.
Yankees star outfielder
Aaron Judge has been superhuman this year, batting .321 with 53 HR and 132 RBIs. On Sept. 24, the Yankees will square off against the Orioles at home in what could be a series for the decades.
After firing their head coach mid-season, the Seattle Mariners have won seven of their last 10 games and are looking for that last playoff push, being two games back behind the Twins.
recognizes the Pac-12 as a power conference.
This added obstacle to the postseason is one that could cost these schools a considerable amount of money, as the revenue brought in from a playoff selection reaches hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
“I think the Pac-12 should die out. All of the big West Coast schools have now either joined the Big 10 or Big 12,” said Owen Faulk, a senior accounting major.
“All of the money and big schools have left, and now it’s not even considered a Power Five school.”
Other sports for all of these schools, whether they are already in the conference or will be joining soon, could potentially see negative effects as a result of the realignment.
For most Power Five schools, the football team seems to receive a large portion of the athletics budget, making long trips, some being cross-country, much
The story of the year has been the turn-around that the Kansas City Royals have made. Last year, the Royals were historically bad with a record of 56-106, finishing dead last in their division.
This year, they hold the second wild-card sport in the American league with a record of 82-69. A lot of praise can be given to their young shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, who is batting .332 with 32 HR. With pivotal games for all these teams coming up, it is a matter of who gets hot at the right time.
more manageable. However, some sports cannot afford to fly to their opponents, meaning they likely have to take long bus drives that could affect their performance.
On top of that, the schedule for football teams is much more favorable 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.
The Pac-12 will likely still need to add a few more teams to return to the national spotlight as a power conference, but the addition of these four teams marks a step in the right direction toward that goal.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna
The Pac-12 logo
College football is back: student predictions & opinions
Kate Briesemeister Staff Writer
College football season is in full force as the teams are headed into the third week of the 2024 season. As of Sept. 23, the current top five teams, in order, are Texas, Georgia, Ohio, Alabama and Ole Miss.
Though GCSU lacks a football team of its own, students still have strong opinions on collegefootball. There are many different fan bases among the student body.
“Auburn is the team I root for, but I do not think they will be making it to the playoffs,” said Laney Foust, a junior exercise science major. “I believe that Georgia will take home the national championship
title. I also think Alabama is overhyped, and I am selfishly hoping they will have a bad season.”
“I am a Michigan fan, so it is off to an awful start,” said Brady DeCan, a senior marketing major. “I think the National Championship will be Georgia vs. Texas and that Texas will win. I hope Missouri will make the playoffs but if not I hope it is an
unexpected team competing so that there will be some excitement to watch during the game.”
A lot of SEC fans seem to hold loyalty to their school of choice, however, this loyalty remains consistent among the conference as a whole.
“I am personally an Alabama fan, and I assume that the National Championship will be between two SEC teams
and one of those teams will be Alabama,” Caden Tillman, a junior marketing major. “Texas and Georgia seem to be the only teams that I am worried about, especially Georgia because they have a great coach, Kirby Smart. Roll Tide!”
Loyalty among SEC fans demonstrates how fans predominantly worry about other conference teams, showing
the disparity between the overall skill level of the SEC when compared to other conferences.
“Georgia should still be ranked as number one even though we had a bad performance when playing Kentucky,” said Grace Phillips, a freshman accounting major.
“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.”
Carson Beck, the QB for Georgia, remains the num-
ber-one ranked quarterback for the NCAA.
“I am a fan of LSU and 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 state of the game, with much anticipation surrounding every team.
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
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-
Fisher earns Player of the Week
Bryan Cohen Contributing Writer
Sophomore right-side hitter Rosa Fisher has had a successful start to the 2024-2025 campaign, helping propel the GCSU Bobcat volleyball team to a 3-1 record to begin the year and earning the title of Zaxby’s Player of the Week.
Fisher showed incredible prowess in the season’s first four games, playing in every set. In her 17 sets, she accumulated 49 kills in 121 attempts, amounting to a .209 hitting percentage. In her latest game, she took
her performance to another level, boasting an impressive .733 hitting percentage off of 11 kills out of 15 attempts without a single attack error.
During the week, she registered three top-10 marks in the Peach Belt Conference: seventh in hitting percentage (.281), fourth in kills (49) and seventh in points (52.5). She does not seem to be slowing down her pace of play this season.
“I think that I have a really good team around me, and it’s super helpful to have people that support you and always want what’s
best for you,” Fisher said.
Fisher credits her jumpstart success mainly to the team around her and their work ethic. She was on the court every set during the four games she played to start the season, showing how much she contributed to the team and her teammates.
“We work hard in practice,” Fisher said. “There’s a lot of competition between the positions that I’m in, and so it makes me want to work harder.”
Consistency is crucial in any spot.
“I’m going just to continue
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.
to work hard every day and try and work on the little things that I still need to improve on, and then hopefully, I’ll be able to continue that,”Fisher said.
Coachability is a standout characteristic,, as being open-minded to criticism is invaluable and will help Fisher hone in on her skills even more.
“Rosa is very energetic, and she’s just a great person to play with,” said Brooke Roberts, a
senior middle blocker. “She’s coachable and very positive.”
On the other side of the ball, defensively, Fisher has also performed at star levels, ranking third on her team in blocks (7) at the time of receiving her award.
Yet, the offense is where Fisher truly shines, and her importance to the offense was evident at the beginning of the season.
Courtesy of GCSU Athletics
UGA Head Football Coach Kirby Smart
Courtesy of GCSU athletics
ARTS & LIFE
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
You are worth the extra work.
Kylie Rowe A&L Editor
OPINION
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,” according to the National Library of Medicine.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This month, it is important to let everyone know that they are not alone. In the brain of someone battling depression or another mental illness, suicide can sometimes feel like the only option, but it’s not.
GCSU has so many resources to help when you feel helpless. Attending the free counseling sessions that the school offers is a great way to get started on your mental health journey.
I started going to Counseling Services my freshman year when I just really felt like I need-
ed help, which is nothing to be ashamed of, by the way. From those counseling sessions, I was referred to a psychiatrist. Through this whole process, I was able to discover more about myself and learn how to take better care of myself.
But I get it, asking for help is hard. Whatever is stopping you, whether it is pride, fear or lethargy, please do not let that prevent you from getting the help that you need. I know it can sound cliche, but it really is okay to not be okay. I think the hardest part for me is sticking with regular appointments, especially when other things come up or I just get really busy. Counseling Services will work with you on that; the therapist that I meet with is very amenable and lets me schedule appointments more than two weeks in advance so that when the time comes I have no excuse to push off the meeting
or delay talking through my worries and stressors. If you are unsure how to start going to Counseling Services, I would recommend going on the GCSU Counseling Services website and reading about all of the counselors that you
appointment, but it offers you a lot of control and choice, which for me was very relieving. I will tell you though, going to therapy is hard. Talking about what bothers you, upsets you and makes you tick can be very draining. After
could meet with. They all have descriptions about what they specialize in, and you can take that information and decide who might be the best counselor for you. Then, you could email the one you chose or call the counseling center to make an appointment. This is not the only way to go about setting up an
sessions, I either need a nap or a sweet treat to pick me back up, but I also leave knowing this work is so worth it. As hard as it can be, therapy can also be a safe space. You can talk about anything you need to and feel no guilt about burdening your friends or feeling as though you are gossiping about
The Duolingo Challenge is back!
Benjamin Clark Asst. Sports Editor
GCSU’s Department of World Languages and Cultures kicked off its semesterly Duolingo challenge this month, piquing student interest in language education through competitive challenges and rewards.
Duolingo is a well-known free language app that helps people around the world learn languages. With over forty languages available to learn, the app offers help with pronunciation and grammar through lessons presented in the form of challenges that can put the user on a leaderboard, reminiscent of a video game.
“I think it’s extremely beneficial,” said Lily Cox, junior biology and French double major. “It makes tutoring and my own learning fun and competitive.”
The Duolingo challenge is open to all students and offers every language taught at GCSU, as well as some that are not in the school’s major-specific curriculum. Major specific languages at GCSU include French, Spanish, German and Italian.
The GCSU Language Department extends options to students in regards to the languages that pique their own interest. They support students in educational language endeavors that reach beyond the courses that are offered at the university.
“GCSU offers the more popular languages which
most of the people on the challenge focus on,” said Gina Towner, lecturer of French at GCSU. “However, from last spring there were people learning Korean, Mandarin, Yiddish and Swahili.”
The popularity of the Duolingo Challenge is indicated by the amount of time a student or faculty spends participating. The competitive nature of the challenge keeps students engaged with languages. According to Towner, faculty and staff at GCSU logged over 700 hours of engagement during the Duolingo challenge last spring.
“I think the proof is in the numbers,” Towner said. “Duolingo makes you cap classes at 50 [people]. The challenge is advertised with limited spots, and within a day/a day and a half, spots were full with many students asking to get in. I think anytime you offer college students prizes they become motivated to pursue friendly competition.”
To many, Duolingo proves to be a very useful and engaging learning tool. However, critics of the platform argue that it is not good for actual learning and only good for fun. These sentiments are opposed by those who believe that Duolingo can be used to supplement the more traditional learning of language in a classroom setting.
“It’s very useful, but not going to do miracles
someone you care about. For me, it is a place to relieve my stressors without feeling indebted or guilty for doing so.
I never want anyone to feel as helpless as I have, and know that everyone around you would rather find out that you are going to therapy than to have to wonder what could have been saved happened if you did.
I have never tried to end my own life, and I have never even harmed myself, but there have been times in my life when I did feel hopeless, and I wanted to just stop. I used to hope that I would go to sleep and maybe that could be it, but I am so glad that life did not end when I was 16. Going to therapy now helps me when I have flare-ups of hopelessness.
Life is so worth living, and even with the stress of young adulthood, hormones and our impending careers, there is so much time left for you. There is so much hope left for you.
Therapy is hard, being diagnosed with a mental illness is hard and just learning how to navigate life with it is really, really hard. But nothing is as hard as going through it without help. “Toughing it out” is just not worth it guys, so please get the 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 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, and please call or text the suicide hotline at 988. They are available 24 hours a day if you need to speak with someone immediately. Your life is worth the extra work.
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 being around the language every day. It’s important to really manage your expectations — you will not become conversational or fluent from Duolingo.”
The Department of World Languages and Cultures’ goal from this challenge is to help students engage with language and to introduce students to tools like Duolingo that can assist in the process of learning their prospective language.
“When challenges like this and extra opportunities like Teletandum are offered, it gives students a way to work on language skills without the pressure of a class environment or a grade attached,” Cox said.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Julia Jensen | Art Director
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
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
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-
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
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
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
each. The tour became 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.
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.
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.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Julia Jensen | Art Director
ARTS & LIFE
JAZZ
Continued from page 1
The night kicked off with the two GCSU student combos, beginning with the McComb combo who performed “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” by The King Cole Trio. The performance showcased both the vocals and each instrument play, which included bass, drums, piano, tenor and trombone.
The second student performance, by the Porter combo, continued the night with a selection of “Little Sunflower” by Freddie Hubbard. Similarly, this combo highlighted every musician on the stage and consisted of the vocals, bass, drums, piano, flute and trombone.
The event segwayed to GCSU’s own faculty jazz group which consists of music professors who played a few different selections of
songs. The instruments included bass, drums, piano, guitar, trumpet, tenor sax and vibes.
Before Gibson was introduced, an intermission was taken during which the attendees and musicians mingled, helped themselves to refreshments and interacted with the Allied Arts and the GCSU Music Department tables that were set up to communicate any information
or answer any questions.
After intermission, Gibson, along with several of the music faculty group performers, performed a variety of different songs, most of which were written by Gibson himself. This included his song “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” The event ended with a round of applause from the audience, followed by statements of gratitude from Gibson
Milly Farmer’s Market
Cali Snodgrass Contributing Writer
The Milledgeville Farmer’s Market is a fun and interactive event that occurs the first and third Friday of each month and has lots of fresh organic produce, handmade crafts and live music for anyone to enjoy.
There are many different vendors there selling a variety of goods, ranging from jams and jellies to goat milk soap and even fresh fruit popsicles. There is something for everyone and all the vendors are more than happy to talk about their work and their farms.
“We collaborate, help each other,” Andrea Perkins from Unity Grove Farm. “Not just in selling products but in doing the things that farmers need to do. There is a lot of back and forth in help, which is really what a wonderful community is all about.”
“It’s a good place,” said Alan Carr from Bone Creek Farms. “Lots of friendly people. The college is very supportive of the market and the locals also. So, it’s really good.”
Establishing a strong community is something very important to feel connected and be able to help each other. Unfortunately, the Milledgeville Farmer’s Market has had its troubles in the past, where they were unable to host it.
“It took a minute to come back with COVID,” said Luke Opperman, one of the organizers and vendors of the market. “I’m really happy that several peo-
ple who are here and have been regulars for this last year are new in the area.”
Another issue with reestablishing the Farmer’s Market was finding vendors to apply and take the time to come out to it.
Debbie Waugh, another organizer for the Farmer’s Market, takes great pride in being able to provide fresh produce to the people of Milledgeville and is working hard to ensure all the vendors are able to come together. She said that there are no vendor fees, and that they provide bathrooms, electricity and water.
“Appreciate Debbie so much, for knocking on doors and finding people who are willing to come out on good days and rainy days,” said Opperman. “It takes some digging.”
Many of the vendors they have been farming and crafting as a side hustle and enjoy now being able to get out with the community.
“We bought our farm in 2016, and we’ve been doing these things [making jam and honey] since then,” said Perkins. “We did it in our retirement. We work now harder than we did beforehand. We named our farm Unity Grove Farm because that’s what we’re striving to build in our community is unity.”
Some of the vendors will be hosting their own events, such as Unity Grove Farm hosting hayrides every weekend for October, or the Caruso Candle Company, which is partnering with the local nonprofit arts organization,
for the invitation and the audience’s attendance.
“I think jazz is America’s music, so I think it’s important to keep alive by teaching it down to the next generation to keep it going,” said Cliff Towner, professor of music and director of band activities at GCSU.
Aside from the event, the GCSU Music Department advocates for student education in all types of music. The de-
partment exposes the university and the broader Milledgeville community to the musical arts with events like jazz night and chorus ensembles throughout the semester.
“It is an opportunity for people in the community to come and see it, especially guest artists who are super good at it,” Wheeler said.
The popularization of jazz music in pop culture with hit movies like
“La La Land” contributes to a piqued interest in jazz and the department further increases the exposure of jazz, especially within the GCSU and Milledgeville community with “Jazz at the Magnolia.” The events both expose the community to new music and support current and aspiring musicians.
“For me, the jazz ones [events] tend to be more popular; they bring out a different audience then we would get at other events,” Towner said.
Support of events like the “Jazz at the Magnolia” helps pave the way for the future showcases of students, but also raises awareness of the importance of these events. There are over 45 events scheduled for the Music Department this school year, giving students and Milledgeville locals plenty of opportunities to enjoy and support the local music scene.
Allied Arts, for a candlemaking class.
To get fresh produce or just enjoy an afternoon out, the Milledgeville Farmer’s Market is the place
to be. They will continue to host on 22 East Hancock Street until the first Friday in November, then plan to be back again the following spring.
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
Courtesy of Jennifer Flory, director of choral activities
OPINION
MEXICAN
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 towards. It not only has a great vibe for just hanging out and enjoying a meal, but the food is actually really good. They definitely have the best meals, and their rice is just simply top-notch.
“Of all places, I would go to El Amigo,” said Cat Wall, a junior English major. “It’s exactly what I expect from a Mexican restaurant. It’s pretty cheap. I really love their salsa, and I am really picky about that, so it’s really good.”
Coming in at second place is El Tequila. As
someone who is a vegetarian and who is always looking for something good that does not contain meat, I love this place. They have the best vegetables. I do not know what they do to them, but I do not care because it is always so good. El Tequila also has a great atmosphere, and their service is pretty quick too. I never spend a million dollars there and am always left satisfied. Finally, coming in third place is Jalisco Mexican Grill. This place is great. It is very unassuming on the outside, but it is actually very cool on the inside. The decor’s interior design makes the aura feel really cool. It is such a vibe and evokes a really calming and chill atmosphere. I have it at number three not because the food is not
good — it is actually very good — but because the service is not always the quickest. At least every time I have been there, I have waited quite a while for my food. Now, that is fine if you are in no rush, but I am not the most patient person
When it comes to waiting for my meal, especially if I am really hungry and have been craving some good Mexican food.
I will say we have some really great options when it comes to restaurants, but what about quick service? There are three spots that are regulars for GCSU students when they want a quick bite to eat and are craving a yummy Mexican treat. The options are Chipotle, Surcheros and Barberitos. I am not going to lie. Of these three,
You may just FALL in love
Delaney Derry Opinion Editor
Students, the best part about school being in session is one thing and one thing only: fall is not so far away. It is music to my ears hearing someone say, “I feel fall in the air.” Autumn is just around the corner, and we are feeling it here at GCSU. The air has begun to feel cooler, and the leaves are beginning to change. It is a slow transition, but it is happening if you look hard enough. Now, I am aware that it has been just about 90 degrees every afternoon since school started. I may be living in a daydream, but you cannot deny that the mornings these past few weeks have been excellent with the crisp air and the aura of autumn in the distance. I can just feel it, so let me live in my world of delusion where it is 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,
I am only going to incorporate Surcheros to this list of the best Mexican in Milly because it is easily superior to Chipotle and Barberitos.
Surcheros is coming in at number four for places to get good Mexican in Milledgeville, and I will stand by that. I did not put it over any of the previous places simply because it is a chain and not a restaurant.
“If I am craving Mexican but want something a little cheaper and faster, I really like Surcheros,” said Dan-
people just know that better days are ahead with the fall season because it brings about a comfort that no other season brings. I may be campaigning to be fall’s number one advocate, but fall is beloved all across the GCSU campus and that is far from a hot take.
“I love the colder weather,” said Evan Raffield, a senior accounting major. “I think the clothing options are better, and I just can’t stand the heat. I don’t like sweating. I hate the summer.”
ielle Cliburn, a junior exercise science major.
If you do not have time to take a seat at a restaurant and wait for your order, then Surcheros is your place. The people are always nice, and the food never disappoints. It is great to come and go or to sit and talk with friends. I am not even going to add any other fast-food place to this ranking because it is just not necessary when Surcheros is right there.
I know a lot of people are probably wondering: where is Bollywood Ta-
kin patch and pick out a pumpkin then carve it together for our front porch. That was a favorite activity of mine, and it only came in the fall. This season just brings a sentimentality that just makes all of us feel comfortable and secure.
Fall is jumping in piles of leaves, campfires and taking long walks with friends while the leaves fall all around you. It is beautiful. There is a calmness that it brings that just makes everything feel alright. The colors are warm and vibrant and just make me feel so alive.
After a long hot summer, the fall season is perfect for people to cool off. There is a chill in the air and everything is cold and crisp, yet there is still a warmth about it. With fall comes a sort of nostalgia that brings you back to fond childhood memories that just warm the heart. I remember every year as a kid my family and I would go to a pump-
According to Psychology Today, autumn can promote a happier frame of mind.
“Research suggests that it may be easier to tap into mindfulness amid natural surroundings,” the article said.
The warm palette of rich colors, the comfortable and cool temperature and the sound of little critters
cos on this list? Well, I hate to break it to you, but Bollywood is just not a Mexican restaurant. It is Tex-Mex. I 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 different category. It is a fusion restaurant and has a whole different vibe from what an actual Mexican restaurant is like.
rustling through leaves are all the natural aesthetic that fall brings, and it has a way of making people forget their problems and focus on what is right in front of them. It is a time of change and to recenter oneself.
“In the fall, it’s like a new beginning because the leaves are changing 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, clothes, music, snacks, everything is just better. It evokes a spirit of warmth.”
Everything about fall just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. But I think it is safe to mention how warm and fuzzy it also feels on the outside. The wardrobe that comes with fall is simply unparalleled by any other style of clothes. Fall opens up a whole closet of endless possibilities. Fall fashion is the best fashion, and I will stand by that statement.
Then, do not even get me started on all the fall food and movies and music. Everything about fall just reigns supreme over any other season. So, take a step back, open up a book, cozy up in your favorite sweater and turn on some Fleetwood Mac because fall is on its way.
Julia Jensen | Art Director
Matthew Malkowski | Digital Media Editor
