Issue 2 | Volume 106

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

The Official Student Newspaper of Georgia College & State University September 23, 2025

Single Copies Free

bobcatmultimedia.com

Bag charms & accessories THE ART OF BOREDOM Sydney Williams

even saying anything.

actually say any words to

Asst. A&L Editor

“I think my pins help

convey messages, some-

show who I am just a

times these decorations

In recent memory,

little. I try to find cute

have sparked connec-

ones that would make

Opinion Editor

tions too. Whether it

sense for me personal-

is a certain pop culture

Across

the

campus,

GCSU

students

are

turning one of the most mundane items, a backpack, into a personal statement.

Bookbags

no longer need to be strictly

for

carrying

textbooks and laptops; they have become a way

ly. I think they also give my bag something different. It helps it stand out a little,” said Madelyn Murphy, a junior criminal justice major.

for students to express

The appeal lies in

themselves with vari-

turning something plain

ous pins, fun charms

into

and

hanging

feels personal. Even two

plush Labubu figures.

identical bags can look

Accessorizing a back-

entirely different once

pack is more than a fun

charms, pins or plush

add-on. For many, it has

figures are added. It

become a way to convey

helps prevent a backpack

personalities,

interests

from

and

without

even

hobbies

something

feeling

that

Julia Jensen | Art Director

reference, a favorite animal or a hobby, these little details that students add to their bags can create instant bonds.

generic.

See BAGS | Page 6

While not having to

THE RISE OF RUGBY AT GCSU

OPINION Molly Groff

Recently, I watched a video by the Harvard Business Review titled “You Need to Be Bored. Here’s Why.” The professor, Arthur C. Brooks explains why boredom unlocks creativity, activates a powerful brain network and might even protect you from depression.

Not only did I learn that we should be bored more often, but that we need to not have our brains as occupied in order to use our default mode network in our brains. The default mode network is where brain regions are most active when the mind is at wakeful rest involving self-reflection, daydreaming, memory and imagining the future.

These functions lead us to thrive when used properly. In self-reflection, we learn to

take accountability and grow as humans; when we think deeply we find deeper meanings within ourselves, our goals and our wants.

“Boredom is “idle minds and idle hands,” said Evan Leavitt, GCSU archivist and assistant

Julia Jensen | Art Director

professor of Library Science. “It’s a lack of engagement with something. You are not getting that stimulation with something and that’s how you’re bored. Your brain isn’t on fire and there is no interest there.”

Something that limits this default mode network is screentime. Yes, we are addicted to our phones, but I am not promoting no phones at all,

just more time to experience our boredom and not always use the phone as a distraction from that.

“I believe that phones are quick to turn to,” said Holly Croft, GCSU associate director for Special Collections. “When I say ‘brain break’, I check social media and then go back to work. It’s not a natural thought process.

We’ve lived through this change. We know this is happening, but we move along with it. I don’t hang out with myself as much as I used to because I have my phone to keep me occupied.

There is a place and a need to allow boredom.”

If you learn to be bored, you may end up happier. Some ways to use boredom in times where we use distractions can be to eat without devices, stop using our phones right before bed and take a periodic cleanse from being on ultra-device mode.

See BOREDOM | Page 10

Veteran’s facility opening Bryan Cade | Asst. Sports Editor

Bryan Cade Asst. Sports Editor

very own characteristics.

“I

think

rugby

is

shaped ball. The objective of the sport is to

Lucy Nunez

Georgia veterans, res-

psychotropic meditation

Staff Writer

idents and families give

management and Eye

On Sept. 2, 2025,

thanks to the U.S. De-

Movement Desensitiza-

Governor Kemp an-

partment

Affairs and the Geor-

of

Veterans

tion and Reprocessing.

Georgia College &

such a growing sport,

score points by carrying

nounced the opening

State University offers

especially after the past

or kicking the ball into

of a 24-hour veteran’s

gia General Assembly

a diverse range of club

Summer

Olympics,”

the opponent’s “in-goal

mental health facility,

for their contribution

sports, and rugby stands

said Emma Laparde, a

area” to score a try (five

located at the Georgia

out as one of the most

senior women’s rugby

of $19 million toward

points) and kicking it

War Veteran’s Home in

popular

campus.

club athlete. “Especial-

the

Both men and women

ly women’s rugby, we’ve

through ‘H’-shaped goal

Milledgeville, Georgia.

The Mental Health

seen a massive increase

posts for a conversion

have their own teams.

Many families in the

Support Unit, located in

However, many stu-

in numbers. So we’re

area have pushed the

the Richard B. Russell

dents are unfamiliar with

becoming more popu-

need for a residential fa-

building,

treat-

Veteran’s Home also in-

the sport, which can de-

lar. When I first joined,

cility that treats veterans

ments for Post Traumatic

corporates leisure ac-

ter them from partici-

I want to say I made the

for severe psychological

Stress Disorder (PTSD),

pating in the club sport.

7th person on the team,

trauma. Since opening

Traumatic Brain Injury

When many think of

and now we have 24

the facility, Georgia has

rugby, they believe it’s

registered players just

(TBI) and other corre-

a comparable mix be-

on the women’s team.”

now become the first

sponding issues. Staff

state

incorporate

are attentive and guide

on

(two points) or penalty kick (three points).

“I do believe Rugby is

underrepresented,”

said Matthew Kuipers, a

sophomore

club

rugby

men’s athlete.

“Many people would

to

establishment.

offers

The

Georgia

War

I think establishing the home was a crucial need and benefit for the veteran population -Caroline Williams

tivities into daily routines.

These

include

enjoying the recreation center, pool tables, flat

tween football and soc-

In basic terms, rugby

be interested in play-

cer; however, to GCSU’s

is a contact sport, typi-

ing rugby if they knew

skilled nursing, mental

veterans to recovery with

club athletes and fans

cally played with fifteen

what the game was and

and behavioral health

specific treatments in-

bles, a miniature golf

of the sport, rugby is its

players on each team at

that we had a team.”

care in a state oper-

cluding individual and

course and the library.

very own game with its

a time, using an oval-

See RUGBY | Page 4

ated

group therapy sessions,

See VETERANS | Page 3

veteran’s

home.

screen TVs, picnic ta-

NEWS | PG. 3

SPORTS | PG. 4

ARTS & LIFE | PG. 6

OPINION & MISC. | PG. 8

I.C.E. raid at the new Hyundai Plant in Georgia.

GCSU volleyball team player wins Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week.

The famous popstar makes waves with her 2025 VMAs performance.

Current popular shows have a love triangle plot involving brothers.

U.S. IMMIGRATION ENCFORCEMENT RAID

CAMRYN CARLTON

SABRINA CAPENTER

TV SHOW FAMILY LOVE TRIANGLES

2

AMELIA MCEWAN, NEWS EDITOR EMMA TYLER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.23.2025

NEWS

Local violence at the Baldwin State Prison Amelia McEwen News Editor Three former prison inmates at Baldwin State Prison were recently found not guilty for the stabbing and murder of a fellow inmate in June of 2021.

Tyquerion Steed, Kevonta Daniels and Tarez Gordon were sent to trial this year to determine if they were guilty of the malice murder of Jose Garcia Ibarra. Despite surveillance footage hinting that the three inmates were involved, a lack of conclusive ev-

from campus. Students

a broader uncertainty re-

proximity [to Baldwin

though

safety

Prison or any surround-

at GCSU have been

garding safety in the area.

State Prison],” said Pro-

has created a safe hav-

ing detention facilities.

seemingly unaware of

According to a report

fessor Cook, a profes-

en on campus for them.

Public safety has made

this circumstance that

by the Southern Center

sor of criminal justice.

“I do feel safe here

has happened just down

for Human Rights, “In-

“I would say any sort of

at GCSU with all of the

create a space for stu-

the street from campus.

sufficient

escapee is going to run.

safety patrol and lots

dents to go about their

supervision

necessarily

of police. I don’t ever

everyday lives at ease.

pens here [Milledgeville]

serious problem at Bald-

see any escapees trying

feel unsafe,” said Madi

Even this week, Cam-

that students don’t even

win for years. Groups of

to find someone to hold

Morton-Leach,

ju-

pus Safety Week is tak-

know about. I didn’t

prisoner-assailants have

hostage, for example.”

nior psychology major.

ing place at GCSU, and

even know about this,”

regularly seized, tied up,

Professor Cook ex-

said Rory McInnis, a

beaten and tortured oth-

senior political science

a

feels

students can join one of

plains that student safe-

that public safety has

the seven live webinars

er men, holding them for

ty on campus is not a

made

efforts

to ask questions that

major. “I saw an article

extended periods, with-

concern in relation to

for her to feel secure in

they have. These events

the other day about a

out being discovered by

this circumstance. She

her college town, de-

are available so students

man who shot at some-

correctional

reasons

spite the 4.3 miles be-

can stay up to date on

prisoners, for example,

tween

Baldwin

State

their

are not interested in

Prison

and

GCSU.

officers.”

body and then himself.

Baldwin State Prison

My roommates didn’t

is recognized as one of

even know about it.”

Georgia’s most violent

ognized as one of the

this trial until now. She

most dangerous facilities

left unresolved as the

attributed this lack of

in the state of Georgia.

court does not have

awareness in students to

Though there is a signif-

enough

to

a high-profile case that is

icant amount of violence,

charge any one person.

also not well-informed.

this does not automati-

Questions about safe-

GCSU students are

cally mean the vicinity

McInnis

ty at GCSU have been

uninformed,

causing

of the prison is a threat

prevalent as the Bald-

a disconnect between

to the surrounding areas.

win State Prison, where

their community and the

“I don’t think the

the stabbing occurred,

surrounding area. With

college is necessarily in

is just seven miles away

that being said, there is

danger of being in close

VOLUME 106 | NO. 2

Editorial Board

Mary Ciucevich.............. Editor in Chief Rylee Holland.................. Managing Editor Julia Jensen....................... Art Director Amelia McEwan..............News Editor Emma Tyler....................... Asst. News Editor Benjamin Clark............... Sports Editor Bryan Cade....................... Asst. Sports Editor Kate Walker.......................Arts & Life Editor Sydney Williams.............Asst. Arts & Life Editor Molly Goff...........................Opinion Editor Isabella McComis..........Digital Media Editor Reaghan Sehee.............. Digital Media Editor Reagan Robinson.......... PR Manager Haley Quimby.................. Ad Sales Manager Kerry Neville.....................Faculty Adviser

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

to

You

that she was unaware of

evidence

efforts

of prisoners has been a

prisons. It is even rec-

The case has been

significant

“A lot of stuff hap-

expressed

idence was the verdict.

don’t

public

that

escaped

Morton-Leach

harming students; their

enough

and stay far from harm.

If you have any ques-

incentive is to run away.

campus is not immedi-

tions on how to use

Some students gave

ately compromised by

your safety resources,

second

circumstances

taking

call GCSU Public Safe-

feel

place at Baldwin State

ty at (478) 445-4054.

trial

thought

no and

as

safety

resources

on

the

Student

safety

Reaghan Sheehee | Digital Media Editor

@TheColonnade

@TheColonnade

Contributing writers are always welcome at The Colonnade. Contact thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com for more information.

If you have a tip or wish to contact The Colonnade, email thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com or message our Instagram @thecolonnade.

The Colonnade is now primarily published online. Read at issuu.com/thecolonnade or on bobcatmultimedia.com.

Ad Disclaimer The Colonnade is not responsible for any false advertising. We are not liable for any error in advertising to a greater extent than the cost of the space in which the item occurs. The Colonnade reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy submitted for publication. There is no guaranteed placement of ads. The Colonnade does not accept advertising concerning firearms nor guarantee ads concerning alcoholic beverages.

Corrections

If you feel anything we’ve printed or posted online has been reported in error, please send an email to thegcsucolonnade@ gmail.com.

Copyrights

All stories and photographs appearing in this issue and previous issues, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted by The Colonnade.

Contact Us Office: Terrell 301 thegcsucolonnade@gmail. com bobcatmultimedia.com

3

AMELIA MCEWAN, NEWS EDITOR EMMA TYLER, ASST. NEWS EDITOR

09.23.2025

NEWS VETERANS Governor Kemp opened

The Georgia War Vet-

in the Vietnam war. I

Georgia War Veteran’s

Veteran’s

Home

is

Continued from page 1

the Georgia War Vet-

eran’s Home is believed to

heard that the Georgia

Home is projected to

quickly

gaining

ac-

Many families and

eran’s Home in Milled-

be a great addition to the

War Veteran’s Home re-

foster a greater impact

knowledgement

from

GCSU students believe

geville. I think our vet-

Milledgeville community

cently opened and think

on Georgia residents.

GCSU

and

there will be a positive

eran population is in

because veteran families

that it will do wonders

“I have not heard of

impact from the Geor-

dire need of a mental

have waited an extensive

for the many veterans

the opening of the Geor-

gia War Veterans Home

health home. My grand-

period for quality care

who have fought for

gia War Veteran’s Home

and its large array of

pa fought in the Vietnam

over their loved ones.

our country but are ad-

and do not have any fam-

assistance for veterans.

war,” said Meghan Kay, a

“Similar to Meghan,

justing to normal life”

ily members who were

said Olivia Wind, a se-

previously veterans, but

nior education major.

I think establishing the

The Georgia War Vet-

home was a crucial need

eran’s Home is gradual-

and benefit for the veter-

ly making itself known

an population,” said Car-

erans who live in Geor-

on the GCSU campus.

oline Williams, a senior

gia, providing them with

With time and famil-

political science major.

the proper care needed

“I did not know that

senior psychology major.

my grandpa also fought

Reaghan Sheehee | Digital Media Editor

ial

connection,

the

The

Georgia

War

students

their

community.

The facility is established for veterans to receive professional care and adjust back to a normal life. Many believe this will continue to make a difference for vet-

for mental health issues.

U.S.’s largest immigration enforcement raid Jane Carr Staff Writer

This has led to calls

thousands of more jobs

auto industry expert at

responsible for ensur-

their lives every day,

Earlier this month,

from South Korean offi-

to maintain an environ-

Daeduk University, in

ing that foreign workers

whether they came here

U.S. Immigration and

cials for a review of the

ment that focuses on

the Los Angeles Times.

have the correct visas

legally or not. We hear

Customs

Enforcement

incident and assurances

the economy of the U.S.

“Companies cannot af-

and work authorization.

stories about people be-

(ICE) carried out what

that the rights of their cit-

On the other hand,

ford to not be more cau-

At the same time, ad-

ing detained when they

officials say was the larg-

izens are being respected.

the South Korean gov-

tious about investing in

est single-site immigra-

Hyundai officials have

ernment has expressed

the U.S. in the future.”

tion enforcement action

stated that the raid will

in the country’s history.

delay the plant’s sched-

uled opening by two to The raid took place Drive atMGN_1280x960_50813P00-DGWWL.jpg Search in Drive the Hyundai electric veNew

Home

hicle and battery plant

My Drive

concern over the scale and handling of the raid. President Lee Jae

South

Korea

has

been one of the largest Open with

sources of foreign di-

ISSUE 2 three months.News The $4.3

ministration

officials

did come here legally

have acknowledged that

every day,” said Chloe

foreign investment is a

Melton, a junior history

critical part of U.S. efforts

major and Black studies

to strengthen domestic

minor. “They just made

manufacturing and sup-

it legal to racially profile

ply chains, particularly

people they think might

Share

1 selected

billion facility is a key Name

Computers IMG_1288.JPG

IMG_1292.JPG

part of the company’s

IMG_1314.JPG

IMG_1315.JPG

IMG_1317.JPG

in clean energy sectors.

Shared with me

site in Ellabell, Geor-

Recent Starred

gia,

where

hundreds

Spam

plans to expand electric

The

CITY-HALL

incident

has

IMG_1319.JPG

be illegal immigrants. It is racism and tyranny.”

Trash

vehicle production in the

drawn attention to the

Storage (96% full)

of workers were taken

Melton’s

comments

14.44 GB of 15 GB used MGN_1280x960_50813P…

into custody. According

United States and was

companies

point to a larger contro-

to ICE, more than 300

expected to create thou-

POLICE

face in navigating U.S.

versy surrounding im-

of those detained were

sands of jobs in Georgia.

visa requirements. These

migration authority in

requirements relate to

the U.S., a subject that

short-term technical and

has long been debated.

Get more storage

South Korean nationals,

challenges

ICEAN

Though,

Hyund-

technicians

ai is currently work-

and contractors who had

ing to minimize dis-

been brought in to help

ruptions

with construction and

reaffirmed its commit-

equipment installation.

ment to U.S. investment.

ICE officials said the

According to a release

operation targeted work-

by Hyundai Motor Com-

ers suspected of over-

pany, “Phase 2 HMGMA

staying visas or working

expansion adds produc-

outside the limits of their

tion capacity of 200,000

authorized status. How-

units by 2028, with $2.7

ever, reports indicate that

billion investment cre-

disconcerting

message

some of the individuals

ating 3,000 new jobs.”

legally

working in the country.

including

detained

were

and

has

ICE agent detains a person (not pictured at Hyundai raid)

Myung has said the sit-

rect investment in U.S.

uation could make Ko-

manufacturing

construction

workers.

Diplomatic

discus-

Industry groups have

sions between Washing-

said that these workers

ton and Seoul continue,

are often essential for

and both governments

installing

specialized

have indicated that they

equipment and train-

will work together to

ing

employees,

prevent similar disrup-

and they have called for

tions in the future. For

clearer rules and fast-

now, the focus remains

er

times.

on resolving the status

ried out in accordance

The raid has also

of the detained workers

to companies in South

with federal immigration

sparked reactions among

and getting construc-

The company is ac-

Korea and elsewhere,”

law. They have empha-

students

GCSU.

tion at the Georgia fa-

tively planning to create

said Lee Ho-guen, an

sized that companies are

“Immigrants fear for

cility back on schedule.

in

re-

rean companies hesitant

cent years, with multi-

about future U.S. invest-

ple electric vehicle and

ments if visa and labor

battery facilities planned

issues are not clarified.

across

This concern is shared by

industry

several

states.

U.S. officials have de-

experts.

fended the enforcement

“The raid has sent a

action, saying it was car-

local

processing

at

4

BENJAMIN CLARK, SPORTS EDITOR BRYAN CADE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

09.23.2025

SPORTS RUGBY

“I think people’s ini-

me, I showed up and

wanted to find my group,

got passed to me, and I

constantly growing, and

tial impression of rugby

they really made me

and I was able to do that

just fell over and scored.

from the looks of it, join-

is football without any

feel like I was a part of

by joining the people

It was my first try. And

protective padding,” said

something. I felt like a

playing women’s rugby.”

the whole team erupted

Ethan Mattace, a sopho-

brother to these people

Newer athletes can

and I kind of blacked out.”

more on the men’s club

immediately, and that

quickly create new mem-

While the sport is all

rugby team. “When in

was what really made me

ories, either in their first

about

reality there’s a lot more

fall in love with the club.”

year or sometimes in their

and on the field you are

at any time in the semes-

nuance to it, and the

Both team presidents

first

altogether.

opponents, the people

ter, either fall or spring,”

more you play, the more

show how much they

“My favorite memory

you meet on other teams

Laparde said. “We’ve had

you find the communal

care about the sports

was definitely our first

can quickly become a

respect we have for each

they lead; however, in

game that we played,”

part of your circle as well.

other and our safety.”

their favorite memories,

said Ellie Hopkins, a

“My favorite memo-

Rugby has brought

they show how much

sophomore women’s club

ries are when the game

many memories to each

of a family each of their

rugby athlete. “It was my

against another team is

next because they like

of its players, especially

respective teams pro-

first game ever stepping

over,” said Ethan Yancey,

it so much. It’s really no

to its team presidents.

vides for each of them.

on the pitch. I had only

a sophomore men’s club

commitment. If you do

“What I think back

“I never played a team

had about four practices

rugby athlete. “There’s

player then drops the ball

come out to a couple of

to the most was my first

sport before rugby,” said

under my belt. I had no

the guy you have been

into the scrum, and each

practice,”

Blake

Sidney Joubert, a senior

idea what was going on.

battling against for 90

team attempts to use

Dickey, a junior men’s

women’s rugby club ath-

It was towards the very

minutes, the next mo-

their feet to advance the

club rugby athlete and

lete and the women’s

end, we were all over at

ment you are hanging out

ball to their own team’s

the men’s club’s team

club’s team president.

the scoreline. We called

and having a good time.”

’cause then we just get

position behind them.

president. “It stuck with

“When I got to college, I

the try line, and the ball

Rugby at GCSU is

new fans on the sidelines.”

Continued from page 1 Rugby

emphasizes

physical contact, as tackles attempt to restrict forward movement. However, one of the well-known parts of rugby is the “scrums,” which occur as a way to restart the movement of the game after a minor infringement, such as a forward pass.

When a scrum is necessary, forwards from either team lock arms together. An opposing

said

game

competitiveness,

ing the sport can provide a sense of belonging to a second family.

“We take new players

people join towards the end of one semester and then come back for the

practices just to see if you like it or not, and if you don’t, that’s okay too,

Camryn Carlton - PBC Player of the Week Bryan Cade

Asst. Sports Editor

end, when she contrib-

that other players can

graduate student mid-

In the Bobcats’ next

Senior right-side hit-

uted 16 kills in the 3-1

come to and other players

dle blocker on the team.

six contests, they would

ter Camryn Carlton be-

loss to Rollins College.

can look up to,” Carlton

“She can give us momen-

split their four games at Valdosta State in the

per set (2.57) and tenth in total points (133).

Georgia College &

gan her season with an

The Peach Belt Con-

said. “Not only to lead by

tum and her intensity

impressive start, winning

ference names one Play-

example, but also a good

creates that shift that we

Valdosta State Tourna-

State University’s wom-

the Peach Belt Confer-

er of the Week and one

friend and a good team-

need to win the game.”

ment and split their two

en’s

ence Player of the Week

Specialist of the Week

mate to all the younger

Shepherd and Carl-

games in Alabama. In

award as the Georgia

every week, so achiev-

girls, and I think this year

College & State Univer-

ing the award this sea-

taking that on has really

sity women’s volleyball

son, so early, definite-

pushed me to be better

team opened its sea-

ly

on and off the court.”

son, winning three of its

the pressure to do so.

first four games in the

The help of Carlton

Belt Conference Play-

annual Bobcat Classic.

has also most definitely

er of the Week award

Carlton opened her

helped GCSU volleyball

is based directly on the

season with 51 kills, 13

open on the right foot, as

digs and 12 blocks. Not only was Carlton honored as the Peach Belt

removes

some

of

It means a lot.

It can only go up from here.

- Camryn Carlton

Conference Player of the Week, but she also earned

While

the

statistics sheet to decide the current week’s win-

Courtesy of GCSU Athletics

ton have been team-

those six contests, Carl-

mates for the entirety of

ton tallied 48 more kills

their careers, being with

to her season ledger, as

each other for all the

well as 21 digs and 14

for her previous four

ups and downs the pro-

blocks. Carlton tallied

years, looks to step up

gram has been through

double-digit kills in two

into a leadership posi-

in the previous years.

of those contests, in-

ner, Carlton, a Bobcat

the current 6-4 record of

tion for the GCSU vol-

I’ve watched our team

cluding a 14-kill perfor-

by’s Player of the Week

the Bobcats sits just two

leyball team this season.

grow and change, and

mance against the Uni-

for

her

performance

wins away from tying

about

it’s been so rewarding to

versity of West Alabama.

in

the

tournament.

their win record from

Camryn is that she can

work through challeng-

Carlton currently sits

as

the

previous

thing

season.

change the energy on

es and celebrate wins

at ninth in the confer-

came in the Bobcats’

“I always want to be

the court in a second,”

with the same group of

ence for hitting percent-

lone loss of the week-

somebody on the team

said Hayley Shepherd, a

girls,”

age (.238), tenth in kills

Her best performance

the

“One

season

Peach

Zax-

honors

volleyball

said

Shepherd.

continues

Tuesday,

Sept. 23, with a contest against Forrest Valley State University at 6 p.m. in Fort Valley, Georgia, before returning to Milledgeville on Friday, Sept. 26, for their first conference competition against Lander University at 6 p.m.

5

BENJAMIN CLARK, SPORTS EDITOR BRYAN CADE, ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

09.23.2025

SPORTS

The Falcons fumble Benjamin Clark Sports Editor

son contributed over 100

Kirk Cousins, for the

In the NFL’s first offi-

receiving yards, includ-

aforementioned

ing a long-pass touch-

ie Michael Penix Jr. The

down,

his

transition was evident

role as one of Atlanta’s

in Sunday’s game. While

offensive

centerpieces.

Penix lacked some of the

The Falcons also had

polish and consisten-

their own rookie stand-

cy that Cousins might

out in quarterback Mi-

have brought, he showed

chael Penix Jr. In his first

resilience

professional game, Penix

dence beyond his youth.

cial week of season play, the Atlanta Falcons faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what was a disappointing loss for Falcons fans. The Buc-

cementing

Rook-

caneers clinched the win with a 3-point field goal and

confi-

to close out the game.

The significance of this led a 91-yard drive late

“I think it’s great,”

field goal is compounded when taking into account missed kicks from Atlanta Kicker Yunghoe Koo. This week 1 game displayed standout players,

in the game, capping it with a 4-yard touchdown with just over two minutes remaining.

said

Cooper Tread-

away, a senior business administration

major

at GCSU.“I mean, I was

Kirk Cousins , Back-Up Quartback for the Atlanta Falcons

drive, the game came

neck and neck, but one

ers like Darnell Mooney,

down to the leg of Young-

guy can end it all with a

who was limited in his

hoe Koo, Atlanta’s nor-

good kick. I understand

practice play. Tampa Bay

mally dependable kicker.

that it’s been a part of the

likewise

game for so long, but it

question marks at tight

feels ridiculous know-

end Cade Otton and

ing that your team can

cornerback

hold its own and then

Morrison. Nevertheless,

be squashed because a

this past week’s game

kick went too far right.”

brought the competitive-

Koo lined up a kick for a 44-yard attempt in the final seconds of the game,

“That run and drive

really starting to hate a distance well within

team deficiencies and a

by Penix was incred-

Kirk, he used to be exhis career range. But the

competitive

matchup;

ible,” said Cade Steel,

tremely consistent, but kick veered right, sealing

however, many fans had the Falcons’ 23-20 defeat. their eyes on the new reThe

prevalence

Koo’s

missed

entered

with

Benjamin

kick

ness and intrigue that

was a bitter pill to swal-

NFL fans tend to love.

low for many Atlanta

Through the game,

of

cruits and draftees gained kickers deciding games over

the

off-season.

Kirk Cousins , Back-Up Quartback for the Atlanta Falcons

the lead with less than a

minute

remaining.

senior history major at

with

questioning GCSU. “You could see

some

the

ef-

late last season - he really fectiveness of kickers.

the confidence building

started slowing down.”

“You trust Koo in

with every play, and it

While the Falcons and those

really felt like the Falcons

situations

nine

Buccaneers had great times out of ten,” said

were about to steal it.”

offensive and defensive

without their showing eiThe Falcons entered

play, the game ultimately

ther, with running back the 2025-2026 season

came down to the decid-

Bijan Robinson acting as with a dramatic roster

ing factor of the kick-

one of the Falcons’ new

match vs Tampa, Robin-

munity,

last season - especially

The Falcons weren’t

youthful players. In the

rookie

promising performances

breakthroughs, last-min-

of Penix and Robinson.

ute upsets and a game

This

moment,

ultimately decided by

for many fans, captured

one play. Emaka Ebuka

the essence of what it

announced his presence,

means to be a Falcons

Baker Mayfield showed

fan; tantalizing glimpses

his veteran consisten-

of victory ultimately un-

cy and Michel Penix

dermined by last-min-

emanated with poten-

ute

tial, even after a loss.

in the Football com-

show in his NFL debut,

that gave the Buccaneers

enjoyed

gins has upset many

Emeka Egbuka stole the

passes, including the one

fans

by mere 1-3 point mar-

Rookie wide receiver

catching two touchdown

Fans, overshadowing the

change, switching out

er. For all the highs of

the

Penix’s late touchdown

old

Quarterback,

Elija Brush, a senior data science major at GCSU.

single

disappointment.

Injuries

sustained

For Atlanta, it’s a lesson

“But when he missed, it

during this game will

in execution under pres-

just felt humiliating. It’s

also play a role as both

sure; for Tampa Bay, it’s a

insane that games can

teams

forward.

confident start with big

go on and on and be so

The Falcons had receiv-

wins never coming easy.

move

6

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.23.2025

ARTS & LIFE

The Sabrina Carpenter impact Jane Carr Staff Writer Sabrina 2025

Carpenter’s

VMAs

perfor-

mance marked a big moment in her career and confirmed just how far

ed, creating a striking vi-

for championing trans

reaction posts flooded

representation of queer

sual that carried through

rights, which I think is

social media, making

relationships, a theme

the

number.

amazing and so import-

the

one

Carpenter has leaned

A diverse group of

ant in the current polit-

of the most viral mo-

into more in recent years.

dancers joined her, add-

ical and social climate,”

ments of the evening.

“I love how she has im-

ing even more energy to

said Sydney Bryant, a

Fans praised the chore-

pacted LGBTQ+ viewers

ography, the staging and

and supporters! I think

Carpenter’s live vocals.

she is the next icon,” said

The music video for

Emma Mitchell, a junior

entire

she has come as a pop artist. The night doubled as the perfect launch for

“Tears”

her latest album, “Man’s Best Friend”, which debuted near the top of major streaming charts within its first week.

For fans who have followed journey

Carpenter’s from

performance

Disney

Channel star to ris-

Julia Jensen| Art Director

was

investing in her music.

Her

live

audiences

are additionally growing

noticeably.

Com-

paring footage from her “Emails I Can’t Send” tour to her latest festival performances shows larger

crowds,

louder

released

special education major.

on Aug. 29 setting the

For many, this new

stage for the song’s mo-

era of Carpenter’s music,

mentum. In the vid-

with its bold visuals, in-

suggests she’s entering

eo,

moves

clusive casting and strong

a new tier of stardom.

through a series of sur-

messages of self-expres-

Fans who have been with

real scenes and meets

sion, feels like a natural

her since the early days

a variety of characters,

extension of her relation-

have commented online

including

ship with LGBTQ+ fans.

about how proud they

Carpenter

actor

Col-

man Domingo in drag,

Since

the

VMAs,

sing-alongs and a level of excitement that

are to see her headline

Cutline

ing music powerhouse,

the routine. Behind them,

senior public health ma-

a playful nod to the 70s

streams of “Man’s Best

this felt like the mo-

massive screens lit up

jor and English minor.

cult classic “The Rocky

Friend”

ment she truly stepped

with messages promot-

The single “Tears” was

Horror Picture Show.”

across all major plat-

into the pop spotlight.

ing love and acceptance,

already gaining traction

“I am a huge ‘Rocky

forms, pushing several

Her set quickly be-

a detail that online view-

before the VMAs, but

Horror Picture Show’

songs higher on Bill-

came one of the most

ers were quick to con-

this performance pushed

fan, so I loved seeing all

board’s Hot 100. Merch

talked-about

perfor-

nect to LGBTQ+ themes.

it even further. By the

of the references!” said

and physical album sales

mances of the night. The

“I saw that she per-

end of the night, clips

Grayson Riggott, a se-

have also seen a spike,

stage burst into rain-

formed at the VMAs

of Carpenter’s set were

nior education major.

suggesting that Carpen-

going to keep growing as

bow-colored lights as

with

trans

dancers

everywhere: TikTok ed-

Viewers also point-

ter’s fanbase is not just

she steps fully into this

soon as the music start-

and

raised

visibility

its, Instagram reels and

ed out the music video’s

streaming but actively

new era of her career.

have

surged

bigger stages and gain mainstream recognition.

The reaction to “Man’s Best Friend” is an indication that her influence, especially among young listeners, is only

BAGS

on social media and became must-

“My charms have even started a con-

have items almost overnight. Labu-

versation with someone new. I recall

bus are not only collectibles, but also

someone in my class mentioning that

known to be bag accessories. The

ite trip, a shared hobby with a friend

they had always liked my charms. I also

dolls are clipped to backpacks, purs-

or a simple charm that makes some-

made conversation with someone who

es and keychains, transforming ev-

I thought had cool bag charms,” said

ery bag into a mini statement piece.

brought Labubus because they said so.”

gle charm that holds special meaning.

Continued from page 1

Naomi Alvis, a junior psychology major.

“I

don’t

normally

accessorize,

Labubus only

stars

aren’t of

the

the

Every backpack can tell a story,

show.

whether it is a reminder of a favor-

The most meaningful bag charm I got is a little Miffy.

My family went on a trip to Amsterdam, and we had to run to a store because we were by the shore and seagulls were attacking us for our fries - Naomi Alvis

one smile during a long day of classes. In a sea of identical bags, these little details allow students to stand

And then there is the internet’s

but a couple of times I did put one

role in making accessories a full-on

of my lafufus [a fake Labubu doll]

craze. On TikTok and Instagram,

on my purse, mainly so my Labu-

bags are being styled, customized

bu wouldn’t get stolen,” said Hailey

and turned into viral statements.

Paige, a freshman psychology major.”

crocheted animals, patches, lanyards

necessity into something that feels like

dramat-

“I think people we consider influenc-

and trinkets picked up from concerts

them. It is a small act of self-expres-

this:

Labubus.

ers were collecting them and making

or thrift shops. Some bags are covered

sion, but one of the easiest ways to wear

figures

exploded

it seem cool, so everyone went out and

in color, while others feature just a sin-

their personality on their shoulder.

The ic

most

example These

of

plush

out and use accessories to mark experiences that are meaningful to them.

Walk across campus and spot backpacks decorated with sorority pins,

What ties them all together is creativity. Students are turning a boring school

7

KATE WALKER, A&L EDITOR SYDNEY WILLIAMS, ASST. A&L EDITOR

09.23.2025

ARTS & LIFE

FALSE ALARMS, REAL RISKS?

Fire alarms in GCSU dorms Kate Walker

chel Black, a community

ety of factors, and this

versity System of Geor-

A&L Editor

advisor at Parkhurst Hall.

fall semester has seen a

gia design standards and

While fire alarms are

Black explained that

typical volume of acti-

National Fire Protection

simply a part of life in

the triggers for these

vations,” said Michael

Association’s Life Safety

the residence halls, one

alarms

Hejazi, the Director of

Code. These protocols

Some were caused by

Environmental

Health

cover everything from

residents’ activities, as

and Safety & Fire Safety.

corridor and room smoke

dorm has already had at least six fire alarms this semester, most of which occurred in the middle of the night. Community advisors frequently remind students to be careful with electrical appliances and avoid prohibited items, yet accidents are inevitable, and sometimes the alarms are triggered for reasons unrelated to student activity.

“Normally we have

have

varied.

something as simple as

that

detectors to emergen-

spraying an air freshener

common culprits include

cy lighting, exit signage,

or using a hair straight-

burnt food, such as pop-

sprinkler systems and

ener can set off the sensi-

corn or macaroni and

accessible extinguishers.

tive detectors. But other

cheese cooked in a mi-

“In addition to alarm

incidents had nothing

crowave without water,

systems, we provide fire

to do with the students.

as well as accidental door

extinguisher

openings by students,

for all housing com-

staff

contractors.

munity directors, con-

weren’t even related to

“Importantly, we have

duct monthly fire ex-

the students, it was just

not experienced any ac-

tinguisher

that there was an elec-

tual fires in any of our

and hold fire drills each

trical problem with the

residential facilities on

semester,” said Hejazi.

fire alarms,” said Black.

either the Main or West

“This

semester

we

had some [alarms] that

one test drill per month,

Although

Parkhurst

Hejazi

noted

or

training

inspections

University

Housing

campuses. Some alarms

also enforces GCSU-spe-

ex-

were also caused by con-

cific policies, such as

Julia Jensen | Art Director

the

“I had students ask

Georgia College Univer-

me if they should actu-

sity Housing and Resi-

ally come down or not

According

to

dence Life Policy Handbook, “Because of the danger presented by open flames, candles (with or without wicks) and such

after the fourth or fifth one, if they had to continue to keep coming down. I had to tell them,

items are not permit-

yes, if there’s a fire alarm

ted in student rooms/

you still have to exit the

apartments and, if pres-

building,”

said

Black.

ent, will be confiscated.”

Now that the detec-

While there haven’t

tor issue has been fixed,

and that’s only in the

Hall

experienced

middle of the day, and

cessive

fire

alarms,

densation due to sea-

bans on tampering with

been any actual fires in

that’s only once a month,

GCSU Facilities Man-

sonal temperature shifts,

smoke detectors or fire

the residence halls this

Black and other community advisors have

and we are in the second

agement reported that

which have since been

equipment.

Applianc-

semester, frequent false

month of school. So that’s

the campus overall has

addressed,” said Hejazi.

es like refrigerators and

alarms pose their own

definitely not common

not

unusu-

GCSU follows strict

microwaves

be

risk in that students

to have six or more, and

al increase in alarms.

fire alarm and safety

regulated,

many

may become desensi-

ways be taken serious-

standards,

flammable

materials

tized and ignore the

ly – because next time,

are strictly prohibited.

alarms in an emergency.

the threat could be real.

especially not in the middle of the night,” said Ra-

seen

“Fire

an

alarms

can

be triggered by a vari-

including

statewide fire codes, Uni-

must and

had to remind students that alarms must al-

Constitution Week concert festivity Amelia McEwen News Editor

them into a harmonious celebration.

Students at the concert felt drawn

feeling patriotic,” said Serah Blair, a

“Politics can be messy, divisive and

to the songs. The impact the Trail

sophomore music therapy major. “I

inscrutable. Music, on the other hand,

Tunes concert had on students went

hope they feel pride for their coun-

can be welcoming and familiar,” said Dr.

so far as to influence non-music ma-

try, especially in light of recent events.

Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, a GCSU mu-

jor students to return to future events.

Things are dark at times and these

performance of historic campaign songs.

sic professor and co-host of the event. “I

“I really enjoyed the concert,” said

things are discouraging. There’s al-

This concert, hosted by the GCSU De-

think we all need to have a basic under-

Jordan Hyman, a freshman business

ways hope and we’re not the only gen-

partment of Music on Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.,

standing of how politicians and other

major. “I definitely will attend an event

eration to feel that there is no hope.”

As part of GCSU’s annual Constitution Week, “Trail Tunes: A Delightful Program of Songs from Presidential Campaigns, 1840–1964,” featured a live

like this again. Also, the ‘Hello Lyn-

mentioned

the

desperate

don’ song stuck out to me the most

need for patriotism in the United

because of how well the performers

States today. Her main point was that

did. I feel like I learned something.”

though there are discouraging events

Hyman expresses how outstanding

taking place, there is always hope.

the performers were and the impact

This music not only references his-

the concert had on him. He plans to re-

tory, it enhances the audience’s percep-

turn to a future GCSU Department of

tion of the current state of the world.

Music event even as a business major.

Per Trail Tunes being a part of

By attracting students from a mul-

Constitution Week, students were

titude Courtesy of Kassie Arps

Blair

of

academic

backgrounds,

encouraged to attend events in the

Trail Tunes proved that music can be

hopes of gaining additional insight

a gateway to understanding politi-

on the foundation of their country.

gave the audience a new perspective on

parties use sound to persuade voters.”

today’s political atmosphere. The blend

Dr. Gorzelany-Mostak emphasizes

cal history. It wasn’t only a concert;

The point of this week that is dedicat-

of history and music reflects the envi-

the need for a general understanding

Trail Tunes is a way to educate an au-

ed to the Constitution is to expand

ronment of past presidential elections.

of how music has historically shaped

dience in an engaging and inspiring

younger

In a world where political ten-

political messaging. She reiterates the

way. Therefore, students were able to

For ​​

sions can be high, the GCSU Mu-

point of the show, which is to edu-

walk away with a new perspective.

by the GCSU Department of Mu-

sic

cate the audience on historical events.

“I hope the audience walks away

sic, visit the university calendar.

Department

has

transformed

generations’ upcoming

perceptions.

events

hosted

8

MOLLY GOFF, OPINION EDITOR

09.23.2025

OPINION

Familial love triangles Molly Groff

ed and tried over a love

tween

interest is not a good

and reality. People love

I

message to be sending.

a train wreck. It’s hard

Turned Pretty,” “My Life

There’s girl code and bro

to watch at first, but

With The Walter Boys”

code and that shouldn’t

you just can’t look away.

and “The Vampire Dia-

be

Opinion Editor “The

Summer

with.”

“This concept is un-

ries”. What’s up with the

On one hand, this

ethical because there’s

familial love triangles?

plot line makes for a

a lot of drama and it

All three of these

great watch. You nev-

keeps things interest-

shows havea love tri-

er see the ending com-

ing as opposed to just

angle plot with the ad-

ing, and normally we

two people,” said Darci

dition of both love in-

get some sort of last-

Simmons, a sophomore

terests as brothers. The

ditch effort resolution.

biology major . “I feel

charac-

“It’s probably got a lot

like the familiar compo-

ter is torn between the

to do with not know-

nents add to the drama

two brothers through-

ing how it’s going to

and depth of characters,

out the entire show.

end because there are

making you get more

Legally, if you date

two people clearly set

invested in picking one

someone, and then their

up, but adding a third

side or another, maybe

sibling it is okay. Eth-

person makes an un-

having other conflicts

ically,

that

known for an ending. It

between family mem-

is when it gets more

makes the show more

bers, jobs, life experienc-

and more complex on

engaging,” Dickey said.

es, etc. It’s a weird con-

female

if

main

however,

it’s

morally

right.

messed

entertainment

of shock value. Because

love triangle between

questionable in real life.

the ethical boundaries

brothers, we can focus

Ultimately, the fasci-

are pushed, the ideas

on the character devel-

nation with these “train

portrayed in the me-

opment and growth that

wreck” narratives reveals

dia are more shocking.

comes from the plot.

a key aspect of pop cul-

“Morally familial love

This growth can then in-

ture: the power of shock

this

cept in a real life sense

“I think in real life

does enforce situations

but for movies I think

it would be unethical if

that would not slide

it’s very entertaining.”

my brother wanted my

or be popularized in

It’s the spectacle of a

triangles can be wrong,

spire viewers to develop

value to captivate an au-

girlfriend, I would be

real life. Ethical stance

moral dilemma playing

but it can also lead char-

in unexpected ways, too.

dience. Though ethically

pretty pissed at that,” said

aside, this plot defi-

out on screen, allowing

acters to better paths be-

This plot device, while

complex, these narra-

Blake Dickey, a junior

nitely ups the stakes

us to debate the right

cause it is based on peo-

providing

high-stakes

tives prove to be an un-

music major. “Essentially

and makes the whole

and wrong of the situa-

ple’s feelings,” said Emma

drama and showcasing

deniably effective way to

these shows are glorify-

show more interesting.

tion from a safe distance.

McCormick, a sopho-

character development,

hook viewers, prompting

ing having brothers in a

The central tension

Part of the appeal of

more biology major .

may also normalize sit-

them to choose a side

love triangle and having

of these stories lies in

pop culture, especially in

To get past the con-

uations that are wide-

and become deeply in-

their relationship be test-

the ethical divide be-

movies and TV, is its use

troversial aspect of the

ly considered morally

vested in the outcome.

BOREDOM phone was on 24 hours. with just ourselves is key. out the distraction of a

Ultimately the mes-

Continued from page 1

Alternatively,

Julia Jensen |Art Director

eliminating

technolo-

The idea of happiness

screen. This social con-

sage is simple,give your-

gy, the goal is to create

as a shared resource un-

nection is a powerful

self permission to be

a healthier relationship

miss

derscores the importance

antidote to the loneliness

bored. By stepping away

with it. This allows for

import-

of human connection

that many people use

from the constant noise

moments of quiet, re-

ant that is problemat-

over

connec-

their phones to avoid.

ic, even though I am

tion. While our phones

“Happiness means to

semi

de-programmed

keep us occupied, they

me being happy when

from

it,”

Croft.

often keep us isolated.

I do something I like,”

I believe the distrac-

True joy is found in

said Jordyn Street, GCSU

Now working here, it

tion is for us to mini-

being present with oth-

galleries and archives as-

of notifications and end-

might discover that the

is uncommon to be on

mize

Fear Of Missing

ers,

through

sistant. “I’m most happy

less scrolling, you cre-

key to a happier, more

my phone but it is less

Out (FOMO), and for

deep

conversation,

when I am hanging out

ate the necessary space

creative, and less stress-

stressful to also put it

us not to feel so alone.

shared experiences or

with friends, when we

for your brain to engage

ful life was always there

down. The phone was

Being present in the mo-

simply

gossip, and just spend-

in meaningful thought.

in the stillness we’ve

part of my work, and the

ment and being happy

other’s company with-

Instead of completely

been trying to avoid.

Croft

highlighted

the struggle to break this

habit,

especially

when a phone is linked to a professional role.

“In

Not having the phone

my

previous

job, I used to be on my phone all the time to keep up with the news.

was

also

because

if

stressful you

something

said

digital

whether

enjoying

each

ing

time

together.”

Happiness means to me being happy when I do something I like-

OPINION

-Jordyn Street

flection,

and

genuine

connection with yourself and with the people who matter most.

By doing this, you