The Auburn Plainsman 02.12.15

The Auburn Plainsman

A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID

Thursday, February 12, 2015 Vol. 122, Issue 28 12 Pages

First copy is free. Additional copies 50 cents per issue.

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ONLINE

‘You may now kiss your spouse’

ThePlainsman.com VIDEO: Auburn Dance Marathon

Same-sex couple married in front of courthouse Jim Little

COMMUNITY EDITOR

INSIDE CAMPUS

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SGA execs reflect on time in office OPINION

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Get vaccinated or risk harm COMMUNITY

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Behind the scenes at 911 call center

Justin and Shawn Williams of Salem decided they would be trailblazers as they walked up to Lee County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 9, planning to receive their marriage license after being together for seven years.

At the courthouse, they found Lee County Probate Judge Bill English was refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore issued an order Sunday night, Feb. 8, banning probate judges from issuing same-sex marriage licenses, even though the order contradicted a Jan. 23 ruling by U.S. District Judge Callie V.S. Granade.

“I am complying with the directive from the chief justice,” English said. “I received an order last night. It’s the only direct order I’ve received in this situation.”

English said to the couple he would modify his position as soon as he gets clarification, but he was not going to contradict the chief justice. “(Moore) is the chief of the Alabama unified judicial system of which we’re a part,” English said. “While I may have been critical of judge Moore’s defiance of a federal judge, I’m not going to do the same thing and defy his order.”

Moore was removed as Alabama Supreme Court chief justice in 2003 when he defied a federal court ordering him to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama Supreme Court building. Moore was re-elected as chief justice in 2012.

Darcy Corbitt, senior in psychology and LGBT right’s activist, said she wasn’t surprised by Moore’s order. “(Moore is) interested in pushing his own agenda,” Corbitt said. “If that’s what he wants to do, he needs to be a politician because that’s what politicians do.”

English met Justin and Shawn personally when they showed up at the probate office.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” English said. “It’s not fair.”

Supporters of same-sex marriage showed up at the courthouse as well.

Angela Farmer, who is an ordained pagan minister, didn’t know Justin and Shawn when she arrived at the courthouse, but offered to marry them.

“I figured they’ve waited long enough, and they shouldn’t wait any longer to kiss their spouse,” Farmer said.

Erin Crozier, graduate student in counseling psychology, and Ashley Hudson, graduate student in public administration, held up signs reading “War Damn =” and “U.S. Supreme Court > Roy Moore.”

The Williamses went to Montgomery where Steven Reed, Montgomery County probate judge, was issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

They returned to the Lee County Courthouse to have Farmer preside over their marriage ceremony.

“

SPORTS

ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER

Shawn (left) and Justin (right) Williams from Salem were married outside of the Lee County Courthouse on Monday, Feb. 9, by Angela Farmer.

» See SPOUSE A2

I believe that the Catholic church’s teachings on homosexuality are very clear.”

—Christopher Schiller

MEMBER OF CATHOLIC STUDENT ORGANIZATION

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Athlete overcomes homlessness INTRIGUE

RAYE MAY / CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Marriage licenses were denied and given throughout Alabama on Monday, Feb. 9. Updated Wednesday, Feb. 11.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Top three executives and Miss Auburn elected Staff Report

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Student finishes time on “American Idol” INDEX Campus Opinion Community Sports Intrigue

A1 A5 A6 A8 A11

The winners of the SGA and Miss Auburn elections were announced Tuesday, Feb. 10 on Cater Lawn at approximately 10:40 p.m. after a delay.

According to Sloane Bell, executive director of elections, the delay was caused by violations to SGA Code of Laws.

“We had a couple violations that were turned in late,” Bell said. “They were turned in a little bit before 9 p.m. We had violation hearings, and the results of those will be posted on the SGA website.”

According to SGA’s website, Caroline Beauchaine, candi-

KENNY MOSS / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Lauren Jones reacts to being elected 2015 Miss Auburn on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

date for Miss Auburn, received two violations regarding Section 708.6.2 of the SGA Code

of Laws.

“Students are not permitted to use computers, cell phones

or any other electronic device as a means of directly garnering votes from other students

on Voting Day within the area outlined on the campus map,” according to the SGA Code of Laws.

For the first violation, the elections board ruled unanimously that Caroline Beauchaine’s campaign was guilty of breaking Section 708.6.2 of the Code of Laws. Beauchaine was docked 50 votes.

For the second violation, the elections board again ruled unanimously that Caroline Beauchaine’s campaign was guilty of breaking Section 708.6.2 of the Code of Laws.

» See ELECTED A2

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Campus A2

The Auburn Plainsman

Thursday, February 12, 2015

ELECTED

DUI REPORTS

» From A1

The following were arrested and charged with driving under the influence by the Auburn Police Division from Feb. 6-8: Feb. 6 -Jae Weon Park, 39 E. University Drive at 5:40 p.m.

Feb. 7 -John Andrew Hancock, 30 E. Magnolia at Maple Street at 3:51 a.m.

-Robert Tyler Mann, 21 400 block of W. Glenn Avenue at 8:02 p.m.

Feb. 8 -Anthony Wayne Worley, 27 100 block of N. College Street at 3 a.m.

A full crime report provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety is available online at ThePlainsman.com.

–Reports provided by the Auburn Department of Public Safety

Beauchaine was docked another 10 votes.

Walker Byrd is the new SGA president, Justin Mathews is vice president, Brett Walton is treasurer and Lauren Jones is the new Miss Auburn.

Walker Byrd, junior in political science, ran unopposed.

“I am relieved, but excited,” Byrd said.

“I’m very humbled by this whole process.

I’m very thankful in general. I am very excited for what’s to come.”

Byrd said he thinks the elections council handled the delay well.

“I’m glad we got to do it tonight,” Byrd said. “I wish it would have gone on time, but that’s OK. I’m glad the (elections council) got everything handled. I’m glad to have a Miss Auburn. We’ve had five very incredible girls and they all are going to be very successful.”

Byrd said he was going to spend time with loved ones after callouts.

“I’m going to celebrate with my friends and family,” Byrd said. “They are all here to enjoy the night.”

Byrd said he will begin working on his platform after some rest.

“We are going to sit down and really brainstorm and vision-cast for this next year with our team and hopefully appoint some other people,” Byrd said. “We are just going to work from there.”

Justin Mathews, junior in building science, ran unopposed.

“It’s so exciting because we’ve been looking forward to this for months now,” Mathews said. “It’s cool that it’s official, we’re stepping into this position, and I know Brett and Walker feel the same way.”

Mathews said he was not completely surprised about the delay of callouts Tuesday night.

“The delay was a surprise and it wasn’t,” Mathews said. “I kind of had a

GRAPHICS BY BECKY HARDY / EDITOR-IN-CHEIF

Total number of votes in elections increased from last year. In 2014, the total number of votes was 6,972.

hint it might happen, but I wasn’t sure.”

According to Mathews, Byrd’s mother made plans for after callouts.

“Walker’s mom rented out the back of Amsterdam’s, so we’re going to celebrate there,” Mathews said.

Mathews said he will get started on his platform right away.

“We get installed March 1, but we don’t have to start doing it then,” Mathews said.

“We can start on it now. Since I didn’t have to campaign this week, I could go ahead and push my platform. I feel like we’re going to have a fun year ahead of us.”

Brett Walton, junior in accounting, ran unopposed.

“It feels great,” Walton said. “I’m so excited. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

Walton said the delay didn’t bother him.

“The delays were more time for me to get to spend out here talking to people and enjoying this time with my friends and relishing the special moment,” Walton said.

“It really didn’t bother me at all.”

Walton said he will spend time with his family and the new SGA president and vice president.

Walton said he is already working on the student memorial.

“I’ll officially take off as of March 1, but already be working with senate through the use of student and reserve and request and some resolutions to advance the student memorial project and some of our other platform initiatives,” Walton said.

Lauren Jones is a junior in public relations.

“It hasn’t even really sunk it yet, to be honest,” Jones said. “I think it’s just kind of in a blur, but I’m really excited.”

Jones’ platform was “Branch Out With Lauren Jones.”

Jones will advocate for people with special needs.

According to Jones, she will start on her platform as soon as possible.

“I guess we’ll start transitioning here soon,” Jones said. “I wanted to get started right away. I’m really excited.”

These graphs above and below represent the Auburn student voter turnout.

KENNY MOSS / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

The War Eagle Girls and Plainsmen circle around Lauren Jones, Miss Auburn 2015, and sing the Alma Mater.

ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER

Erin Crozier, Ashley Hudson of Equality Alabama and Angela Farmer encourage same-sex couples in the Lee County area who wish to get married to do so.

SPOUSE » From A1

“This is real,” Farmer said during the ceremony. “This is happening.”

After the ceremony, Shawn told reporters how it felt to be married.

“Honestly, equal is the best word,” Shawn said. “Just being able to do what everyone else can do is something special.”

Justin said he was nervous to come to the courthouse.

“I love Shawn so much, just to be able to finally marry him is worth it,” Justin said, fighting back tears.

Shawn said being denied a license in Lee County was frustrating, but the support from those who turned out made it an easier process.

“The same people who are against same-sex marriage are the same people who were

against interracial marriage 50-60 years ago and even longer than that,” Shawn said.

Students reacted to the same-sex marriage licenses being issued in counties across Alabama.

“I think it’s a day that’s been a long time coming,” said Will Youngblood, sophomore in social studies.

Christopher Schiller, member of the Catholic Student Organization and junior in vocal performance, said he stands by what the Catholic church teaches about marriage.

“I believe that the Catholic church’s teachings on homosexuality are very clear and expresses what the best good is for the person,” Schiller said.

Ariel Barasch, director of Spectrum Gay-Straight Alliance of Auburn and senior in English and natural resource management, said, in her view, the student body has had posi-

tive reactions.

“At the same time, there’s this disappointment for my home state, and some people’s reactions, especially Roy Moore,” Barasch said.

Abby King, member of the Catholic Student Organization and senior in English language arts education, said she thought it was great same-sex couples could marry in Alabama even though she does not necessarily think it is the right thing to do.

“I believe in a separation of church and state,” King said.

“I think that if these people want to love each other, and it’s not hurting anyone else, then it’s fine by me.”

Barasch said she was said to see some people’s reaction across the state.

“Hopefully it will be a nonissue soon,” Barasch said.

Kris Martins contributed to this report.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

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1.5 Miles West of the University next to Acapulco’s Mexican Grille File photo

How far they’ve come Logan Powell, far right, celebrates being elected SGA president with some of his supporters at last year’s callouts.

Outgoing officers reflect on time in office Corey Williams Campus Editor

As the new SGA executive officers prepare to take office, their predecessors are winding down their terms.

One year ago, Logan Powell, Olabode Anise and Richmond Gunter campaigned on separate platforms.

In his platform, Logan Powell, SGA president and senior in political science, said he wanted to improve campus transportation.

“We tried to improve the structure of that system, and I feel like we did that,” Powell said. “It was hard for people to get adjusted to it right away. Participation is up, and we feel like that is reflective that people are using the system like they are supposed to.”

Powell said he also wanted to improve on-campus dining by doing away with some of the less popular dining options.

That part of his platform took care of itself, according to Powell.

“We actually don’t have to replace any restaurant because there’s a new facility coming to campus that will be right outside the library on Mell Street,” Powell said.

When he began his presidency, Powell said he hoped to make teacher evaluations available for students to see.

Powell said he wishes he had been able to accomplish that, but being SGA president is about prioritizing.

“That’s one of those things that kind of fell to the wayside,” Powell said. “When you come into office, you kind of have to evaluate what your top priorities are. One of the difficulties was making those records public, and we didn’t really know about that when we came into office. We kind of pushed that one down and never really got around to accomplishing that, so there’s a little bit of regret there.”

Powell also said he wanted to charter a bus to and from an away football game during his presidency.

Transportation to a game will likely be available next football season, according to Powell.

“We were trying to shoot for the Georgia game,” Powell said. “Once we got into it, we really started to realize how understandably difficult it is to work with other schools’ athletic departments. We hope this will be accomplished next year because a lot of groundwork has been laid.”

Powell also said he is proud of Auburn Answers, SGA’s student feedback system.

“I think having that student voice will be really beneficial to SGA officers in the future,” Powell said.

Powell said he has some words of advice for his successor, Walker Byrd.

“It’s a hard year, but it’s also a really fun and memorable year,” Powell said. “You grow in so many ways you never would’ve thought. Be passionate about it and put students first.”

Olabode Anise, SGA vice president and senior in computer science, said he wanted to ensure senators are working to their full potential.

“One of my biggest points was in-college office hours,” Anise said. “That’s really the senators’ time to communicate with their constituents. The way it’s set up is they serve two hours a week.”

Anise said he is proud of the outcome.

“They’re doing a great job,” Anise said.

“I can definitely see from some of the legislation that’s been passed, people are actually engaging.”

Anise said he also wanted to make exam week less stressful for students.

“That has definitely been a hot topic,” Anise said. “We all know how it can be toward the end of the semester and having

tests that Thursday and Friday and not having a lot of time to prepare.”

Anise said this topic will be discussed at a future meeting and will not take effect until at least 2017.

“I’m excited to have our next meeting so we can see what will come of this,” Anise said. “Even though it won’t get implemented for another few years, those students will be really appreciative.”

According to Anise, he owes part of his success to his SGA team members.

“We had these goals, but we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish them without a great team,” Anise said.

When he campaigned, Richmond Gunter, SGA treasurer and senior in finance, said he wanted to raise Miss Auburn’s budget.

Gunter said he was able to increase Miss Auburn’s budget of $1,000 to $2,000.

“By giving Miss Auburn that $2,000, we are able to make sure Miss Auburn is able to continue impacting this community and campus in the tremendous way she always has,” Gunter said.

Gunter said although Miss Auburn’s budget was increased, the overall SGA budget has been cut by 3 percent since he took office.

According to Gunter, the SGA budget was the only student activity portfolio budget reduced this year.

“A general theme of my platform was spending money in a way that empowers the student body,” Gunter said. “We really looked for ways we could eliminate wasteful spending.”

Gunter said future SGA officers should hold themselves accountable to students.

“The most important group you can advocate for is the student body,” Gunter said. “I think we have the greatest student body in the country.”

sustainability

University awarded for going green Rebecca Oliver Campus Writer

Auburn University has been selected as one of Alabama’s 2015 Green Ribbon Schools in recognition of the University’s progress in environmental education and sustainability.

This is the first year the state education department and the Alabama Commission for Higher Education have collectively nominated a university for the national Green Ribbon Award, according to Mike Kensler, director of the Office of Sustainability.

Leonard Lock, director of instruction and special projects for the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, said Auburn integrated sustainability efforts into its overall strategic plan.

“The extent of the initiatives and the documentation is extremely impressive,” Lock said.

Office of Sustainability program manager Amy Strickland said Auburn’s sustainability programs affect all students.

“What really stood out was that we have accomplished more than we could fit on the

“

What really stood out was that we have accomplished more than we could fit on the nomination application in ways that affect everyone on campus.”

—amy strickland

office of sustainability program manager

nomination application in ways that affect everyone on campus,” Strickland said.

Strickland said as a part of the application process, Auburn presented evidence of how they reduced their environmental impact and costs.

Programs such as Tiger Transit and the newly introduced Bike Share program lower emissions, according to Strickland.

Strickland said the second requirement was for Auburn to show how it improves the health and wellness of students, faculty and staff.

Wellness initiatives including TigerFit, the Recreation and Wellness Center and the Med Clinic contribute to the well-being of the campus community by encouraging wellbeing of the mind, body and

soul, according to Strickland.

The final step was for Auburn to demonstrate how they have instituted effective environmental and sustainability education programs.

The University has integrated sustainability into its educational programs, offering sustainability as a minor.

In 2011, Auburn adopted a sustainability policy stating a commitment to environmental sustainability.

This outlined a “campus master plan” for Auburn to utilize sustainability in all facets of the University, including operations, instruction, research and outreach activities.

This policy details the sustainability goals of the University and assesses the progress on the goals with a commit-

ment to continuous improvement.

Auburn is a member of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Through this association, Auburn was awarded a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System Silver rating by the association for their contributions.

Office of Sustainability communications and outreach manager Jennifer Morse said she sees a movement emerging that will raise awareness about sustainability on campuses across the nation.

“The more frequently we highlight the programs and awards of sustainability, the more people realize that they should get on board,” Morse said.

Morse said the University has signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, committing to be involved in finding the answer to address global climate change.

The award winners will be announced April 22 in honor of Earth Day.

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student government

Memorial suggested

at senate meeting N icole F ulkerson Campus reporter

An on-campus memorial may be the newest building project for SGA, according to Jackson Pruett, executive vice president of initiatives and senior in political science.

At the next meeting, Monday, Feb. 16, the senate will vote on a proposal to begin working on a student memorial to honor the students, staff and alumni who have passed away.

If passed, the memorial will be built across from the president’s mansion, which is located at the corner of Mell Street and Samford Avenue.

According to Jack Wagster, assistant vice president of facilities and sophomore in business, the area would be 4.25 acres and replace the existing Garden of Memory.

“It is going to serve students both past and present to honor members of the Auburn Family that have passed, in a way that people can share their memories and thoughts in a tranquil place,” Wagster said.

A pathway would run through the memorial lined with seven pillars, each representing a different part of the Auburn Creed.

According to Wagster, the memorial would not contain plaques with names of those who have passed so all members of the Auburn family can appreciate the space.

“We want to avoid this being an individual memo-

“

It’s going to serve students both past and present to honor members of the Auburn Family that have passed, in a way that people can share their memories in a tranquil place.”

—Jack Wagster

assistant vice president of facilities

rial,” Wagster said. “We want it to be an Auburn Family community space, so we don’t want to honor one person more than another.”

According to Pruett, if the resolution is passed, the project will be taken on by the 2015-16 executive staff and will be brought to the April meeting of the Auburn University Board of Trustees.

“The good thing about this bill is that it’s the next three executive officers’ [project],” Pruett said. “It is a perfect passing-of-thetorch project, and they can carry this as an important effort in their term.”

In other senate news: • Passed a resolution of a ratification of The Graduate Student Council constitution.

• Introduced a proposal to be voted on next week regarding the ratification of the School of Nursing’s constitution.

Campus A4

The Auburn Plainsman

Rural Studios builds outreach

Thursday, February 12, 2015

ORGANIZATIONS

hope for the needy Rebecca Oliver Campus Writer

The College of Architecture’s Rural Studios program is giving impoverished residents of Hale County something to be proud of.

Director of Rural Studios Andrew Freear and his team of architecture students have designed and donated $20,000 homes that fit the needs of impoverished people who would otherwise be living in substandard conditions.

Rural Studios has donated one house per year since the program started in 1993 for third-year architecture students who move to the rural Alabama town of Newbern for one semester to study under Freear and other faculty.

But after 10 years of learning more about designing affordable housing and helping the poor, Freear said the Rural Studios team took action.

“We wanted to give people a plan they could take to a contractor,” Freear said. “We established the amount of $20,000 because we thought that was a mortgage payment that even the poorest of the poor could afford. Over a 30year fixed-interest rate, the monthly payment would be $100.”

According to Freear, the challenge of the project has been to build something that won’t deteriorate physically or lose value.

Freear said he and his team focused on making the homes sustainable, affordable, heated and cooled while still retaining beauty on a limited budget.

“We tried to learn a lot from antebellum homes in the area,” Freear said. “They’re all mostly made of wood and still standing many

years later. They’re sensible. They have high ceilings that allow hot air to rise and porches.

So we utilized both of those things in the 20k houses to increase energy efficiency and create a welcoming effect.”

Conner Bailey, professor of agricultural economics and rural sociology, said many of the poorer residents of the Hale County area are forced to live in houses and mobile homes that do not provide adequate shelter because of their financial situation.

Bailey said the psychological effects of having to worry about the fundamental aspects of living can make a person less productive in their pursuit of the American dream.

“Owning a home gives people a sense of selfpride,” Bailey said.

According to Bailey, the level of substandard living in Hale County and surrounding areas in west Alabama is greater than in other areas of the state because of the area’s transition from row crop farming to forestry over the course of decades. As farmers gradually left the area, a decrease in population resulted in economic decline that has yet to rebound.

Audrey Hodges, Rural Studios student and senior in interior architecture, said leaving the “life of luxury” in Auburn to live in Newbern for a semester made her a better observer of how the people in the area live and affected how she interacted with the residents.

“We were taught to value community there,” Hodges said. “The people were so grateful to have place to take care of their families. It made me grateful for what I have.”

Contributed by danny wicke

Students involved with Rural Studios build one $20,000 home, such as the home shown above, per year.

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‘Once Upon a Mattress’ to debut later this month Tracy Awino

Campus Reporter

The department of theatre will be showing “Once Upon a Mattress,” a play based on “The Princess and the Pea,” at the Telfair Peet Theatre.

In the story, the prince wants to get married, but his mother won’t let him and no one else in the kingdom can get married until the prince does according to Matthew Scott Phillips, director of the play and department chair of the department of theater.

According to Phillips, these performances are a learning experience for theater students.

“A lot of what we do here is based on providing a depth of experience for our students,” Phillips said.

The process of choosing a play to perform is often matched with a passion of a faculty director, according to Phillips.

Phillips said they have a subscription audience who attend the plays during the season, and they have to balance shows that probe deeper thought about particular issues with light-hearted shows.

For example, they performed “Vinegar Tom,” a feminist piece based on the witch trials in the 16th century.

Phillips said the theatre department does not censor what they perform.

“We choose things because we think those things either serve the students, or the plays that we choose have a message that need to be told and that we feel strongly about,” Phillips said.

Phillips also said the University doesn’t censor the theatre department.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Jared Haley, Hannah Rae Falk and Dylan Renfrow rehearse for “Once Upon a Mattress.”

“We haven’t had any problems with the audience, and the University doesn’t tell us what we can and can’t produce,” Phillips said.

Katherine McDonald, stage manager of “Once Upon A Mattress” and senior in psychology, said working on the play has helped her be better prepared for rehearsals and sharpen her skills as a stage manager.

Paula Bagley, senior in theatre and one of the lead characters, Winifred, said being a part of the play has been a dream come true for her since she dreamed of playing the role since high school.

“Winifred is kind of a mess in a good way,” Bagley said. “She’s basically the complete opposite of what you would think of a princess, except her sincerity. She’s a princess from the swamps, she’s rough around the edges, clumsy, not sure how to act properly, but she’s kind and has everyone’s best interests in heart.”

Anna Caudle, senior in theatre and one of the lead characters, Queen Agravane, said being a part of the play has broadened her horizons because it is her first musical performance.

Caudle said her character is complex.

“She is the antagonist of the show,” Caudle said. “She’s very snooty, conceited and snippy and controlling and a total diva. She’s a villain in a way that you hate her and love her.”

Caudle said being able to play an antagonist has given her a new perspective because she has been accustomed to playing sweet and innocent characters in the past.

The play premiers Feb. 19 and will run until March 1.

Print Deadline Noon three business days prior to publication

Opinion

a5

Thursday, February 12, 2015

ThePlainsman.com

Opinion

Our view

WARNING:Vaccine may prevent disease Topic:

SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PLAINS

vaccinations have become controversial as people believe they cause health problems

Viewpoint:

Responses to “Changes to Alpha Psi Rodeo announced”

health risks cannot necessarily be proven — get vaccinated

Vaccinations have become a hot topic after the measles outbreak linked to a California Disneyland theme park.

This outbreak should remind Auburn citizens they should be getting vaccinated and should vaccinate their children.

Anyone who doesn’t vaccinate puts the lives of others at risk.

The AU Med Clinic was not able to comment on Auburn University’s vaccination policies in time for publication.

According to a recent Time magazine article, 121 cases of measles were reported.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has tracked the virus to 17 states and Washington, D.C. Doctors said they believe the outbreak is linked to people refusing to get vaccinated and not vaccinating their children, believing vaccines may lead to health risks or cause autism.

In 1998, The Lancet published a study, led by Andrew Wakefield, a former surgeon in Great Britain, suggesting autism could be caused by vaccinations, but according to a New York Times article from 2010, the journal has retracted the findings after a British medical panel found that Wakefield violated research ethics rules and did not show enough compassion or care for the children involved in his study.

Aside from believing vaccines may cause health issues, some people refuse to have anything to do with vaccinations because of their belief systems, such as Sci-

Mike Cohen “Let’s all bow our heads in a moment of silence for our fallen comrade...”

Susan Harrison Laing “It’s too big now and too many non-Auburn folks come in from out of town. The new location and rules will kill it.”

Responses to “Board of Trustees approves installation of the largest video board in college football” Kelsey Gainer / graphic designer

entology, which has become known for its stance against many modern medicine practices.

According to an interview conducted by BeliefNet, reverend John Carmichael of the Church of Scientology said there is nothing in the Scientology scriptures that discusses vaccinations.

It is important for students to get vaccinated because students interact with those at higher risk of infection, children, pregnant women and the elderly, on a daily basis.

Families tour Auburn University, people send their children to the day care on campus and some professors students go home to their partners and children.

Vaccinations have helped nearly eradicate measles, mumps and rubella in the United States.

According to the CDC, the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella, has a 95 percent effectiveness with the first dose and a second dose gives immunity to nearly all of those who did not respond effectively to the first dose.

question of the week: Do you believe you need to be vaccinated?

Yes, it helps control disease No, the risks are too great I’m indifferent

Even as a student, you could expose others to diseases if you are not vaccinated.

Professors go home to their children; students spend weekends with their families.

Be responsible. Get vaccinated.

Student media is not your public relations firm intrigue@ theplainsman.com

Sometimes an interviewee says something that leaves me speechless.

I was interviewing two members of an organization at Auburn. The organization was putting on an event involving a lot of people, and I was previewing it.

After asking basic questions about the event, Person A mentioned safety concerns.

I asked two questions about what they had done to ensure guests’ safety. Person A gave two vague answers. I finished the interview because they wouldn’t say anything.

After I turned off my recording equipment, Person A stopped me.

“Don’t ask those kinds of questions,” they said. “If you do, this interview is over.”

I had no idea what to say. After several awkward seconds of staring at each other, I stammered something resembling an apology. Person B watched us and said nothing.

The next day, Person A emailed my boss

and alleged that I hadn’t prepared for the interview and had not gathered enough information — both of which are false. Neither Person A nor B told me they did this.

The whole incident baffled me because the questions I asked weren’t even that difficult. Asking, “Why did you add these rules?” and “Were people getting hurt?” is hardly a cutthroat interrogation. This was an event preview story, not Watergate.

I can’t help but think the organization’s real problem with that interview was that I did not ask the questions they wanted. Instead of running a safe, boring story that advertised their event, I wanted to find an actual story about the event’s safety. From a journalistic view, this was the right choice.

Investigating safety issues is journalism.

Unquestioning event coverage is advertising.

Advertising is public relations, and that is not our job. If you are an Auburn resident who wants to send a public message, student media organizations, such as The Plainsman and Eagle Eye are not your PR firm.

Eagle Eye and The Plainsman staffers work incredibly hard every week to pro-

duce good journalism about Auburn. Giving someone — anyone — space to talk without challenging them is not good journalism.

Good journalism checks facts, doublechecks assertions and finds the truth, even when it’s not what someone wants to talk about. Student journalists don’t always live up to that standard. As intrigue editor, I’ve seen pieces run that were more advertising than journalism, and I regret that.

However, failing to meet our own standards does not mean we should abandon them and let anyone use student media as their own personal megaphone. It means we in student media need to work harder to live up to those standards.

Those standards mean that when Eagle Eye airs a package or The Plainsman publishes a story, viewers and readers know the content isn’t dictated by outside parties.

Student media organizations are not your PR firms. If you want advertising, buy an ad. We’d be happy to sell you one.

Kyle Nazario is the intrigue editor at The Plainsman. He can be reached at intrigue@theplainsman.com

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community

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Managing Editor

Eric Wallace

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Sports

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Opinion

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Policy

The Auburn Plainsman welcomes letters from students, as well as faculty, administrators, alumni and those not affiliated with the University.

The opinions of The Auburn Plainsman staff are restricted to these pages.

Letters must be submitted before 4:30 p.m. on Monday for publication.

Letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number for verification, though the name of the author may be withheld upon request. Submission may be edited for grammar and/or length. Please submit no more than 400 words.

This editorial is the majority opinion of the Editorial Board and is the official opinion of the newspaper.

The opinions expressed in columns and letters represent the views and opinions of their individual authors.

These opinions do not necessarily reflect the Auburn University student body, faculty, administration or Board of Trustees.

@johnkeith_gardner “They shouldn’t let the law pass forget gay ppl” @cmwaters12 “Me, I don’t believe in gay marriage at all but if they want to get married then let them. It’s not like it affects you. That’s just me and WDE!!”

Responses to the picture “Dr. Angela Farmer marries Justin and Shawn Williams in front of the Opelika Courthouse after they got their marriage license from Montgomery County.” @daniel_swann “That’s absolutely disgusting” @tiaramichellebond “Congrats!! It’s about time Alabama recognized gay rights” @cpayne_2112 “Disgrace... @theauburnplainsman” @willingham13 “@werdna13 crap that’s nasty”

Responses to “Dr. Angela Farmer marries Justin and Shawn Williams in front of the Opelika Courthouse” @Trainwreck650 “@TheAUPlainsman @JimWLittle This is beautiful no matter what anyone says. It’s been said before but love is love.” @conlonfarmer18 “@TheAUPlainsman @JimWLittle This shouldn’t be allowed.

They can’t naturally create a child. this is #disturbing” @Hen_Bedden “@TheAUPlainsman @JimWLittle well planned wedding I’d say”

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Community Thursday, February 12, 2015

A6 ThePlainsman.com

Community

Behind the scenes of a 911 emergency call center City

Rachel King

Community Writer

Five computer screens provide a backdrop as Auburn communications dispatchers take calls from the public and police. Responding to an officer on a traffic stop, the dispatcher types in the driver’s license information and says there are no warrants or criminal history.

The officer replies with a 10-8, meaning he will go back to patrolling, and the dispatcher continues to monitor police activity through radio communications and GPS tracking.

The communications division is responsible for running the 911 center, which includes dispatching all police and fire rescue.

All full-time personnel work 12-hour shifts over a period of three and a half days, the final day being six hours.

“This job is very demanding with my family,” said Doug Glover, communications supervisor. “My days just happened to fall on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, so we all got together early. They understand the importance of my job.”

The division receives approximately 400 calls per day. Of those calls, 75 percent come from cell phones. The decrease in landline use has made it both easier and more difficult for 911 dispatchers,

according to Adam Brown, emergency communications administrator.

“GPS tracking is a great thing,” Brown said.

“However, (GPS tracking) is not to the point that people think it is, and sometimes tracking can be hard. The single most important thing we need to know in order to help someone is their location.”

Some people abuse the 911 system by calling for non-emergency reasons, according to Glover, who said he has received some strange calls during his time in the division.

“One time in particular, a guy called me and said that he ran out of beer and needed someone to get him some more,” Glover said. “When I explained to him this was an emergency line, he said, ‘This is an emergency.’”

Glover said he is not the first to receive a non-emergency case. Some people call just to have someone to talk to. There are occasional pranks, and every now and then, someone might try to sing, but each call is handled on a case-bycase basis, according to Brown.

While some calls may be tedious, he said the division has dealt with robberies in progress and assaults with deadly weapons.

“Someone who is no longer employed with us spoke with a murder victim,” Brown said.

“He ended up passing while he was on the phone. Stuff like that is hard to deal with.”

Keeping a Raye May / caller calm is contributing designer another part of being an The Auburn Communications Divisions handles ap- e m e rg e n c y dispatcher. proximatley 400 calls per Though it is day. not always easy to do, Glover said one thing he learned from his trainer was that he is talking to people on the worst day of their life, and sometimes there is no calming the individual down.

“You can sit down in a classroom and learn all you want to, but nothing will substitute actually taking the calls and learning how to read people over the phone,” Glover said. “We’ve had people go upward into 400 hours of training.”

The division has 16 employees and a dispatcher will handle multiple calls at any time. It’s all about prioritizing, according to Brown.

“You call 911 and you’re never going to get a busy signal,” Brown said.

Each dispatcher follows a line of questioning distinct to each call to become as well informed as possible.

“When you talk to people, sometimes they want to know why you are asking so many questions, and they can get frustrated,” Glover said.

“But our concern is the caller’s safety and the safety of any emergency personnel arriving on the scene.”

After business hours, the division serves as the main contact for all other city services, such as public works, water, sewer and traffic light division.

Non-emergencies should call 334-501-3100.

In the case of an emergency, however, call 911.

“The communications division is vital to what we do,” said Capt. Cedric Anderson of the Auburn Police Division.

Citizens

Auburn relationships prove they can stand the test of time Ashtyne Cole

Community Writer

It only takes a second.

A stolen look in a crowded room, holding a door open for a stranger, accidentally taking someone’s coffee at Starbucks.

It only takes a simple moment to meet that one special someone who changes everything.

For Charlotte and David Sutton, Bonnie Macewan and Tom Manig, it has been decades since that one special moment.

The Suttons have been married for 39 years in March and met at a Navy party in Virginia where David was stationed. Charlotte is an associate professor of management and David is an associate professor of communication and journalism.

“I had a job in Virginia and went to the party with some high school friends, one of which was in the Navy and was on the same ship as David,” Charlotte said. “I saw David walk in, and I peeked around someone and thought, ‘Oh wow, he looks kind of cute.’ I remember the song ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ was playing.”

The two started dating Sept. 5, 1975, were engaged Nov. 5 and married March 22, 1976.

David spent time away at sea after they were first married and said he remembers hard times.

“Charlotte always says that the quality that attracts us most to a person aggravates us the most; for me, that’s her independence,” David said.

“While I was away, I kept hearing one of my shipmates complain that the washing machine had broken at his house and was worried about his wife

“

We always had the mentality of when you get married, you stay together.”

—Charlotte Sutton

associate professor of management

handling it. I just thought, ‘Well, Charlotte would just pick up the phone and call somebody.’”

Charlotte recalled the Christmas David returned home from sea and not being able to afford much.

“It’s not how much you have that determines your happines,” Charlotte said. “The happiest times were when we didn’t have anything.”

They had a daughter and son and are now expecting two grandchildren in the spring. Their daughter lives in Auburn and their son lives in Atlanta, where he is expecting his second child.

“We’re a little worried about the babies coming the week of finals,” David said. “For Valentine’s Day this year, we’re going to my son’s house and babysitting our grandson, Thomas, so that his mom and dad can spend special time together.”

According to the Suttons, balancing their relationship is easier now that it is just the two of them. A perfect night for them is a TV dinner date with their favorite shows. As for how their marriage has withstood the test of time, Charlotte credits luck.

“We always had the mentality of when you get married, you stay together,” Charlotte said. “We knew

each other for six months before we got married and it just worked. Some people change and become incompatible. In that sense, we were lucky and changed toward one another.”

To make a marriage last, David and Charlotte said understanding each person is different.

David has more of a witty, dry sense of humor and enjoys following the rules, whereas Charlotte is more social with an outgoing personality and strong aspirations.

“We accept those differences, and I’m glad I have her going into these years,” David said. “We still make each other laugh.”

Bonnie and Tom met at a party hosted by a faculty member who was a friend of Tom’s. They had been philosophy students together at the University of Wyoming and the University of Nebraska.

The two have been married since June 1985; their wedding ceremony was on top of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado. The two do not have any children, but have lived their lives traveling and exploring.

“I remember a time we were exploring northern Scotland, and two memories stand out,” Bonnie said. “We visited remote standing stones in Orkney during a sleet storm, then spent another day tracking down graves of all the philosophers who ever lived in Edinburgh.”

Tom is a philosophy instructor and Bonnie is the dean of Ralph Brown Draughon Library at Auburn. Both said they work too much, but credit their commitment to the work done at Auburn. They also credit each other to their lasting relationship.

Contributed by Charlotte sutton

Charlotte and David Sutton are celebrating 39 years of marriage after meeting at a party in Virginia. Charlotte said she remembers the song “Some Enchanted Evening” playing.

“I’m always glad to spend time with Bonnie,” Tom said. “We don’t have to be doing anything fancy or cinematic.

It just makes my day when she’s nearby.”

Bonnie said Tom is “the smartest and nicest person I have ever known.”

Tom advises couples to think of the

Golden Rule when in a relationship and giving thought before speaking or acting.

As for Valentine’s Day this year, the couple is taking it easy.

“We haven’t decided yet,” Tom said. “Or perhaps it’s a predictable surprise.”

Events

Taste of Mardi Gras comes to Opelika Performing Arts Center Kendyl Hollingsworth Community Writer

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra brought a taste of Mardi Gras and New Orleans to Opelika on Sunday, Feb. 8, as part of The Arts Association of East Alabama’s Jubilee weekend event.

The Jubilee, which took place at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts from Feb. 7-8, celebrated 50 years of The Arts Association of East Alabama.

The jazz performance concluded the weekend celebration, which also featured a performance from The Knights and award-winning banjoist Béla Fleck on Saturday, Feb. 7.

“I thought it was totally fun,” said Mayfield, trumpeter and director of NOJO. “It was a blast. I think the band had even more fun than the audience.”

In addition to directing the jazz orchestra, Mayfield

is a Grammy- and Billboard Award-winning artist, director of the New Orleans Jazz Institute, professor at the University of New Orleans and creator of Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse.

The band played several jazz pieces throughout the night, with a majority of the members performing solos. When he wasn’t directing the band or bringing his humor and energy to the stage, Mayfield had a few solos of his own.

Some members sang in addition to playing their instruments.

Trumpeter Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown sang Frank Sinatra’s “I’ve Got the World on a String,” trombonist Michael Watson sang Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed” and sousaphone player James Williams sang Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The day of the performance

ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER

Grammy award-winning artist Irvin Mayfield plays a trumpet solo at the Opelika Center for the Ferforming Arts.

was also Victor “Red” Atkins’ birthday, the band’s piano player. The crowd joined the band in singing him “Happy Birthday.”

Atkins is from Selma and is one of the few Alabama natives in the band.

Mayfield and NOJO closed the night with Mayfield’s original “May His Soul Rest In Peace.” Mayfield dedicated the song to his father, and said he wanted the audience to feel the souls and spirits of lost ones with them as they listened to

the song.

Following the last song of the performance, the band made their grand exit playing the classic “When the Saints Go Marching In,” as they marched in single-file out of the music hall with the crowd clap-

ping along.

A few of the band’s members came out after the performance to greet family members and attendees.

“All of our performances are really fun, but every crowd brings a different environment for us to respond to,” said Emily Fredrickson, trombone player for the jazz orchestra and the band’s first female member.

Fredrickson said the crowd in Opelika was great and the venue was at a nice place.

“It was amazing because we got to play so much for the band’s family, so it was really emotional to see all the guys play for their family,” Fredrickson said. “It made it a really unique night.”

Mayfield and NOJO’s performance was the third stop on their 12-city 2015 Spring East Coast Tour. More information on NOJO can be found on TheNOJO.com.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Community A7

The Auburn Plainsman

City

Glimpse into a night in the life of Auburn police officers Rachel King

Community Writer

Flashing red lights illuminated the night as Auburn Police Division officer Greg Miller approached a car from the rear.

Miller knocked on the window and asked the driver, who was going 15 miles over the speed limit, if he understanded why he was pulled over.

With license and registration in hand, Miller maked his way back to the vehicle, glancing carefully over his shoulder because “you never know.”

Miller slid the license into the new computer system, and found the driver had a low warning level. This means they have no criminal history.

“I’m going to let him off with a warning,” Miller said.

“People think we have a certain number of tickets to write in a day, but no, that’s not how this works.”

While some head home from the typical 9-to-5, the workday is just beginning for officers such as Miller.

Each shift lasts 12 hours, with the night shift beginning at 5 p.m. Officers spend four days on and four days off for a period of three months, after which day and night shifts exchange.

While the hours might be enough to discourage some, Miller said he is honored to work for the APD. The hiring process took approximately six months and included a psychological test, agility test and an appearance before a city board.

What followed was 13 weeks at the state Police Academy, which is some of the most intense training to go through short of military service, according to Miller, who has been part of the APD for two years.

“I love my job, and I don’t take it for granted,” Miller said.

“It might sound cliché, but the

reason I wanted to be a police officer is because I wanted to help people.”

At 1:32 a.m., a call for assistance on Auburn’s west side came over the radio. A victim was bleeding from an unknown location, and the alleged weapon, a knife, was missing.

Miller made a quick U-turn, turning on his lights. Within minutes, eight units were on the scene with a secured weapon and a suspect in custody.

Apart from a brief encounter during a traffic stop or a more serious crime resulting in a backseat ride, the public has very limited interaction with law enforcement.

“I don’t think people realize what we do because it’s not something they see,” Miller said.

APD Corporal Gregory Kloepper was on day shift, which begins at 5 a.m. He has spent seven years on full-time patrol and shares the same sentiment as Miller.

“I tell people I’m a cop, and they think they have my job figured out, but they don’t,” Kloepper said.

Kloepper gained insight into the APD as a student volunteering as a public safety specialist. He held duties such as traffic direction, minor accident reports and handling lost and found property.

“I was able to learn what it really means to be a cop,” Kloepper said. “It’s not all Friday night football.”

At 2:20 p.m., a call came in.

Officers were in pursuit of a vehicle off College Street. A few moments later, the vehicle was corned in a neighborhood and officers were pursuing a suspect on foot.

With lights and sirens blaring, Kloepper made his way to the scene with two patrol units

trailing behind.

Upon arriving, officers were already canvassing the area.

Kloepper exited the vehicle and joined the officers who began to disappear into the woods after the suspect.Kloepper emerged followed by several fellow officers. He glanced back at the car with a wide smile and thumbs up, suspect in custody.

“Moments like this are great, after they are over,” Kloepper said. “After everyone is safe.

But even with something like this, beyond a doubt my favorite part of the job is being able to save a life, and that might sound cheesy, but there is nothing like looking in the mirror and realizing you did something to save someone.”

The APD is focused on community-style policing, meaning the goal is to promote a positive relationship with the citizens.

“Auburn is a great community to work in, and I think that’s largely because of the University,” Kloepper said.

Having a relationship with Auburn University and the public is vital to daily police operations, because the APD calls on citizens on a daily basis, according to Kloepper.

“If there was one thing I could say to the public, it would be never be afraid to come forward,” Miller said. “If something looks strange, call us.

That’s what we are here for.”

The APD is made up of former Marines, bodyguards of former presidents and those with experience in agencies, such as the NYPD. However, they all have one thing in common — an intense desire to serve.

“As cops, we do get a lot of stereotypes, but some of them are true: coffee and doughnuts — we love them,” Kloepper said.

SAMFORD

Earn your graduate degree in health sciences For more than 90 years, Samford University has been preparing compassionate health-care professionals who pursue innovative opportunities locally, nationally and globally. Samford is located in Birmingham, one of the largest health-care centers in the U.S. Schools and Degrees Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing • Family Nurse Practitioner (online) • Health Systems Management and Leadership (online) • Nurse Anesthesia • Nurse Educator (online) • R.N. to M.S.N. (online) Doctor of Nursing Practice (online)

School of Public Health Master of Public Health (online) Master of Social Work Dietetic Internship School of Health Professions Master of Athletic Training+ Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology* Doctor of Physical Therapy**

McWhorter School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy

*The Master of Science program in Speech Language Pathology has filed application to become a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA). Candidacy approval from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is pending. Students are encouraged to apply now but will not be accepted until after Samford has received appropriate notifications and approvals from CAA. **Graduation from a physical therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone 703-706-3245; accreditation@ apta.org is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Samford University is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist education program from CAPTE. The program has submitted an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the professional phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in professional courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved.

Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation. +Samford University is seeking accreditation of a new master of athletic training program from the CAATE. The program will submit an Application for Accreditation including a Self-Study and on-site visit. Submission of this document and completing the site visit does not assure that the program will be granted Accreditation. Students who graduate prior to the program’s achievement of accreditation will not be eligible to sit for the BOC examination.

samford.edu/go/healthsciences-AU

Kenny Moss / Assistant photo editor

Police officers work 12-hour shifts, four days on and four days off, and change day/night shift every three months.

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Sports Thursday, February 12, 2015

SCOREBOARD M. BASKETBALL (11-12, 3-7)

A8 ThePlainsman.com

Sports

MEN’S BASKETBALL

‘Home wasn’t a home’ Athlete rebounds despite childhood in crack house Derek Thompson SPORTS REPORTER

LAST WEEK Loss vs. Arkansas, 101-87 Loss vs. Ole Miss, 86-79 Win at LSU, 81-77 UPCOMING Feb. 14 at Georgia Feb. 17 vs. Alabama

W. BASKETBALL (9-15, 0-11)

LAST WEEK Loss at Missouri, 59-49 Loss vs. LSU, 60-49 UPCOMING Feb. 15 vs. Arkansas Feb. 19 vs. Ole Miss

Malcolm Canada looked down the barrel of a shotgun as police raided his house in Austin, Texas, for illegal drugs when he was 12 years old.

Before he played college basketball, Canada grew up in a crack house, where his parents were involved in the use and distribution of illegal drugs.

Canada said he remembers the day the drug activity ended like it was yesterday.

Before he realized what was happening, the senior point guard said police officers kicked down his front door while another team rushed though the back door to the laundry room, where crack cocaine was usually dealt.

His father and another man not related to Canada were arrested that day for the drugs, according to Canada.

“Home wasn’t a home,” Canada said.

“It was rough at home. I would try and stay away from home.”

Canada said he couldn’t help but remember the toxic smell of crack cocaine being cooked and smoked by strangers in his house while his parents roamed the streets.

Canada saw drug deals so often as a child, he said he could have sold drugs himself.

Before Canada’s childhood home was revealed to be a crack house, he said he saw something unusual that could have led to the police raiding his home that day.

The man who was later arrested in

“

It was just scary. I thought somebody was going to jump out at me or something.”

—Malcolm Canada SENIOR MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYER

the raid with Canada’s father sold some crack to a regular customer.

Canada said he saw something different this time about the drug deal.

The “crack head” who bought the drugs usually stayed at his house and smoked there, but that day, he got the drugs and left immediately.

Less than three minutes after the “crack head” left with the drugs, police raided the house, Canada said.

But growing up in a rough environment didn’t keep Canada from finding happiness as a child.

Canada said his friends were there for him when life at home wasn’t good.

Playing basketball at the recreation center with his friends or simply hanging out and laughing helped Canada forget about the rancid life cooking in his home.

The youngest of his group of friends was Anthony Doyle, who Canada said they called “Pudgy.”

» See CANADA A10

ZACH BLAND / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior Malcolm Canada, who has played in 24 games this season, was homeless for two weeks of his childhood before landing on the Plains.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Sports A9

The Auburn Plainsman

Adam Sparks / photographer & Kenny moss / assistant photo editor

Tiffany Howard (1) dances during pre-game introductions. (Inset) Emily Carosone (5) collides with a baserunner during a game between the Tigers and Tennessee-Chattanooga on Saturday, Feb. 8.

This Week in Auburn Sports Gymnastics

Auburn gymnastics jumped two spots to No. 9 in this week’s national rankings following a road loss to Alabama on Feb. 6.

Despite recording the second-highest away score in program history, the Tigers fell to the Crimson Tide 197.325-196.825, but Auburn raised its team scoring average to 196.065.

The No. 9 ranking is the highest for the Auburn program since 2010, and the highest under head coach Jeff Graba.

Auburn is the fifth-highest ranked team in the SEC, behind No. 2 LSU, No. 4 Florida, No. 6 Alabama and No. 8 Georgia.

The Tigers return to Auburn Arena on Friday, Feb. 13, against No. 2 LSU at 7 p.m., and will be broadcasted on the SEC Network. The meet will be the first matchup of Top-10 teams in any sport in Auburn Arena.

Softball

Auburn softball took on Appalachian State and Chattanooga in a doubleheader Sunday, Feb. 8, to conclude the 2015 Plainsman Invite.

Auburn defeated Appalachian State in a blowout, 9-0 and Chattanooga 12-1.

Marcy Harper stayed consistent in her pitching ability, totaling six strikeouts in game 1, which did not exceed her record of 11 last year.

On offense, the Tigers scored two runs in the first inning off of four hits.

The second inning brought five additional runs, including help from Kasey Cooper’s tworun home run, bringing the Tigers’ run total to seven.

Both the third and fourth innings brought in one runner each, making the Tigers more than eight points up and eligible for a run-rule in the bottom of the fifth.

Pitcher Jenna Abbot took a hit to the hand in the bottom of the fourth inning, bringing in Marcy Harper for a substitution.

Because of the injury, Abbot did not return the rest of the game.

Head coach Clint Myers said she’s recovering well and should be able to pitch Feb. 12.

“She seems to be moving all of the appendages well, and I think that she wants to get right back in the circle,” Myers said.

Abbot recently gained attention for her unusual windup approach. Pitching coach Corey Myers helped to bring Abbot to a pitching technique

she would be comfortable with and use to get the job done.

“We [needed] to come up with something that would give [Abbot] an opportunity to have a little bit more success against left-handed hitters and, hopefully, in turn, get [her] some more playing time,” Myers said.

Game 2 started with the Tigers bringing in two runs off four hits, but the Tigers didn’t gain momentum until the bottom of the fourth inning, bringing in five additional runs.

Haley Fagan hit a grand slam to wrap up the game 12-1 in the bottom of the fifth, allowing the Tigers to call the run-rule for the sixth time in the Plainsman Invite.

“We said all along that Haley was going to be a good offensive force for us,” Myers said. “She’s a competitor.”

Myers said this weekend was a good indication of how the season will go.

“The pitching got better, the defense got better and the hitting was good, so it was a good weekend for us,” Myers said.

The Tigers remain undefeated with a 6-0 record. The team faces Mercer on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Jane B. Moore Field.

Women’s Tennis

Auburn women’s tennis team concluded their weekend trip to Houston with a win against the 42nd-ranked Washington Huskies.

The Tigers beat the Huskies by a score of 5-2.

Junior Pleun Burgmans lost the first court singles match by a score of 6-3, 6-3, but she and senior Emily Flickenger were able to win the first court doubles match by a score of 6-2.

In addition to Flickenger’s doubles victory, she won her third court singles 1-6, 7-6, 6-4.

Auburn freshman Andie Dikosavljevic secured a singles point winning 6-7, 6-3, 6-3.

Sophomore Reka Muller gave up the last point to the Huskies by losing 6-2, 7-6 in singles.

Auburn’s Paula de Man and Jen Pfeifler won their fifth and sixth court matches by scores of 6-1, 6-3 and 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 respectively.

The Tigers are currently riding a four-match win streak and have matchups against Samford and UAB in Birmingham on Saturday, Feb. 14 before returning home to play Troy on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Compiled by Eric Wallace, C.J. Holmes, Andrew Monson and Patrick Lucas

softball

Upgrades ‘enhance’ Jane B. Moore field

Lauren Christopher Sports Writer

kenny moss / assistant photo editor

Softball head coach Clint Myers said he hopes Auburn’s new scoreboard and sound system will help people take notice of the school’s facilities.

Last month, Auburn partnered with Daktronics to provide an enhanced experience while watching the softball team dominate at Jane B. Moore Field.

A new scoreboard has been installed to change the way fans keep up with the game, including a spilt-screen feature to provide quick stats on each player, sponsor information and other graphics.

Jeff Steele, associate athletic director in facility and operations, said he is excited about the new board.

“We are thrilled to enhance our softball experience for our student-athletes and fans,”

Steele said.

The new addition stands 29 by 23 feet tall with a 15 HD pixel layout for a clear, concise image of game play.

According to Glen Marts, Daktronics sales representative, the new screen is fully video, replacing the digit scoring display of the previous scoreboard installed in 2008.

“This upgrade, including the new audio system, will certainly enhance the game day experience for players and fans alike,” Marts said.

In addition to the video upgrades, a surround sound audio system was installed to enhance sound production and reach all areas of the stadium.

Clint Myers, head softball

coach, said he is excited to welcome the new board to Moore Field.

“It is phenomenal,” Myers said. “The size, the color, it is something that Auburn has never had; in fact, most women’s sports never have.”

Myers said he has many plans for the board, including more fan interaction by using a handheld camera that travels between innings.

“You never know,” Myers said. “You could be on the video-tron.”

Although the board has a strong brightness setting and multiple features, Myers said he does not think it will distract his players.

“We’ve had night practices

and that was one of the things we were concerned with,” Myers said. “If we have a crazy board operator, it could (be distracting), but right now the catchers throwing to the outfield haven’t had problems.”

Outside of softball games, Myers said he plans on putting the video board to use, including movie nights in the summer.

Myers said he believes this new scoreboard will bring positive attention to Auburn and set an example of how advanced college team facilities should be.

“We want people across the country to say, ‘Hey, listen. I wanna do it like Auburn,’” Myers said.

Sophomore slump not Cooper’s concern Lauren Christopher Sports Writer

Infielder Kasey Cooper is known around the country for her impressive freshman year.

In her first season, Cooper was named SEC Freshman of the Week twice, National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar Athlete and NFCA National CoFreshman of the Year.

Cooper participated in the SEC AllFreshman Team, All-SEC Second-Team, NFCA First-Team All-Southeast Region and Second-Team All-American.

She finished her season with 77 RBIs and 18 home runs, setting the single-season record for Auburn freshmen.

“It was a learning experience,” Cooper said. “Whenever there was any pressure or any doubt or anything on my mind, I could go to the coaches or any of my teammates and they would help talk me through.”

After their first year on a college-level sports team, nearly a third of athletes in the NCAA quit, according to NCAA compliance records, because they are unable to efficiently manage time, they suffer an injury or have personal issues outside athletics.

“Coming through fall your freshman year, you had to grow up quick,” Cooper said. “We had workouts six days a week and practice and school.”

Head coach Clint Myers said he doesn’t believe in the sophomore slump.

“I think the sophomore slump is a fallacy,” Myers said. “Kasey Cooper is a better hitter now than she was last year. The sophomore slump is only something if you buy into it. None of us here do.”

Junior Emily Carosone said a large part of avoiding the slump is time management.

“You just gotta be mature about it, you gotta know what you gotta do, you gotta get it done, can’t procrastinate,” Carosone said.

Carosone also said Myers emphasizes a school-first mentality.

“Anytime I had a free time, I was doing homework and trying to get ahead because we had practice every day,” Myers said.

“Whether you’re going to your English class … or coming out here to the softball field, the mentality’s gotta stay the same.”

As far as Cooper is concerned, this season will only help her improve.

“Defensively, I want to have a better first step,” Cooper said. “Offensively, stay more consistent, stick with quality at bats and just get the job done.”

Myers said he believes Cooper will come out strong this season and has no worries about her falling into a slump.

“We anticipate Kasey having another great year because of who she is and what she represents,” Myers said. “It’s not about numbers, it’s about us winning, and Kasey is going to be a big contributor to all of us.”

File photo

Kasey Cooper swings during the 2014 season. After a record-breaking freshman season, Cooper said she doesn’t believe in sophomore slumps.

Sports A10

Thursday, February 12, 2015

The Auburn Plainsman

baseball

Omaha, Take 2 file photo

Auburn head coach Sunny Golloway (left) argues a call with an umpire during the 2014 season.

Tiger infield overhauled while outfield returns familiar faces Lauren Christopher Sports Writer

Coming back from a 28-28 record last season, Auburn baseball is projected to return to Plainsman Park a stronger team, starting with their opener Friday, Feb. 13 against Binghamton.

Head coach Sunny Galloway said things are different this season for his players.

“Our attitude and our effort have been outstanding,” Golloway said. “This is a special group. They’re a close-knit bunch, and they’ll do what you ask.”

Through practices, Golloway said he believes the team has worked hard to fill the gaps in pitching as well as infield positioning.

As far as starting pitchers go, Golloway said he has a strong group lined up that should be able to get the job done.

“We’ve identified Keegan (Thompson) as our No. 1,” Golloway said. “There’s four of five guys that can win the other starting roles... Our pitching has been pretty special.”

In addition to his pitching squad, Golloway introduced a way to save time when switching pitchers off the mound.

“When you inner squad and you’ve got somebody like Keegan pitching, you do what we call in practice,” Golloway said. “You just turn it over.”

Additionally, Golloway said he has decided to count Thompson’s pitches during game time to

baseball

Canada » From A8

contributed by auburn athletics

LEFT TO RIGHT: Sam Gillikin, Anfernee Grier and Jordan Ebert make up baseball’s “Alabama Trio,” according to head coach Sunny Golloway.

‘Alabama Trio’ to lead Tigers

Derek Thompson Sports reporter

A strong bullpen led by sophomore Keegan Thompson and new pitching coach Tom Holliday could provide some cushion for the offense, but a cohesive outfield is what the Tigers might find themselves leaning on in 2015.

Junior right fielder Jordan Ebert, junior left fielder Sam Gillikin and sophomore center fielder Anfernee Grier could be as valuable for keeping runners from crossing home plate as they will be for driving runners in this season.

Head coach Sunny Golloway calls the Foley, Hoover and Phenix City natives the “Alabama Trio.”

“I’ve said going in that the Alabama Trio will be the starting outfield,” Golloway said.

“It’s a pretty neat thing, pretty special.”

The Trio has shifted positions this year to upgrade Auburn’s defense.

Ebert moved from left to right field to take advantage of his strong throwing arm. Gillikin moved from right to left field and Grier, who played on both sides last year, will learn the walls at center field.

“We feel like they settled in to where they are at now,” Golloway said. “They feel more comfortable in those positions.”

The team is looking for another great year from Ebert, who led the team with a .351 batting average last season.

The SEC’s top returning hitter could have tried his hand in professional baseball, being draft eligible, but decided to take another

swing at Auburn after going 28-28 last season and missing the SEC Tournament. “(Ebert) had a really good year last year,” Gillikin said. “He’s going to have to be a guy that steps up and wins games for us, and he knows he is that guy.”

Gillikin, who hit .214 with five doubles, four RBIs and was perfect in 30 outfield chances through 24 games as a sophomore, may have as much potential as anyone on the team, according to Golloway. “(Gillikin) is someone that professional baseball has talked a lot about,” Golloway said. “He’s got no ceiling. The sky is the limit for him.”

Grier missed 16 games last season after injuring his hand in the Missouri series. Sitting on the bench with his hand wrapped dealt a huge blow to Auburn’s offense, but he returned strong and hit .255 with one home run and 11 RBIs to finish the season.

Golloway has preached “Omaha” since he was named Auburn’s 17th head baseball coach June 14, 2013.

The Tigers did not even reach the doorstep of a championship last year, but the “Alabama Trio” has the potential on offense and defense for a turnaround season.

“Our expectations are try to get to 40 wins and get to postseason,” Golloway said. “That is what it is going to take to get to Omaha. We got an Alabama trio out there and they all need to step up and play well, and potentially they can.”

Canada would stay the night at his house nearly every weekend. Doyle would even pay for Canada’s lunch when he didn’t have money to eat.

Doyle said Canada always comes to mind when he thinks about overcoming the adversity they faced as children in the projects.

Doyle said he remembers going with his mother to pick up Canada at his house to keep Child Protective Services from taking him.

While his parents were nowhere to be found, Doyle said Canada walked out of the house with everything he had, a grocery bag full of clothes and the shoes on his feet.

After the raid, Canada was left homeless for two weeks.

The house was evicted, his father was in jail, he couldn’t find his mother and his aunt could only afford to take in his 2-year-old brother.

Canada went where he always did to escape his home life, the neighborhood recreation center.

But instead of playing basketball and running around as usual, he sat on a bench think-

make sure he gets full rest and can perform to his best ability.

“That [pitch counting] would keep him in a pre-season type form before we really turn him loose,” Golloway said.

Coming back from an injury last season, Thompson said he believes this new system will benefit his performance.

“Getting hurt was probably one of the better things that happened,” Thompson said. “It gave me time to rest and recover.”

In regard to the rest of the team’s starting lineup, Golloway said he has worked in the infield with Kyler Deese at first base, Melvin Gray at second base and Alex Polston at third. A new addition to the team, Cody Nulph, will take the shortstop position. Coming from Orange Coast College, Nulph has Division I experience to bring to the team.

“I think it helps me out a lot,” Nulph said.

“You really know what to expect just because I’ve been there, and I think that’s really gonna help me this year.”

Returning starters will play outfield this season, including Jordan Ebert in right field, Anfernee Grier at center field, and either Sam Gillikin or Bo Decker in left field.

Although Golloway said he is hopeful for the opening series, the team still has work to do.

“We’re not where we want to be, but we’re not where we used to be,” Golloway said.

ing about where he could go when the center closed.

That day sucked the life out of Canada. He ended up sleeping on a backseat that was stripped from a car and placed under a stairwell in an apartment complex.

Canada slept on the faded blue seat every night, ate food out of Dumpsters when he couldn’t find money to eat and wore the same clothes every day for two weeks until Doyle realized his friend had lost everything and took him in once again.

After living with Doyle for a few months, people who knew Canada from playing basketball at the recreation center realized the situation with his parents wasn’t getting better and wanted to help.

Canada made quite the impression on Amateur Athletic Union basketball coach Kevin Robertson when he played in the youth league.

Robertson and his friend Ray Jackson, who was part of the famed University of Michigan Wolverines Fab Five, would go to Canada’s games because they liked to watch his unselfish style on the court.

Robertson became a mentor for Canada over the years, and

when the situation with his parents didn’t seem to be improving, he told the young AAU star he could stay with him temporarily.

Days turned into months before Robertson became Canada’s guardian.

“I told him he could stay with me as long as he needed to stay with me,” Robertson said.

Canada said Robertson brought out a different element in him.

“He brought out integrity in me,” Canada said. “He taught me how men are supposed to be. Without Kevin, and without God putting Kevin in my life, I would be nothing.”

The day after the raid, Canada went back to his old house.

He said the memories of living there made his heart pound faster as approached.

“It was just scary,” Canada said. “I thought somebody was going to jump out at me or something.”

Staring down at his basketball medals and clothes scattered acoss the yard reminded him of a life that was behind him, but made him who he is today.

“We all had dreams, he’s just one of the ones that made it,” Doyle said.

zach bland / Contributing photographer

Senior guard Malcolm Canada spins a basketball on his finger in the Auburn Arena. Canada said he relied upon friends and family to help him after his father’s arrest.

Intrigue Thursday, February 12, 2015

A11 ThePlainsman.com

Intrigue

student spotlight

Road to Hollywood: an Auburn idol’s story

Andria Moore Intrigue Writer

As Steffi Ledbetter, junior in music theatre, waited in the crowded room with 30 other finalists on “American Idol,” all she could think of was how she had possibly just given the worst audition of her life. But when the producers walked back in and said, “You’ve made it to the celeb round,” she couldn’t believe her ears.

“I remember the boy next to me,” Ledbetter said. “He said, ‘Wait, you mean, like, in front of J. Lo?’ and when they said yes, we both just stood there.”

Although Ledbetter’s time on Idol ended after the Hollywood round, she said she is not too fazed by the rejection. She said she knows every experience helps further her career.

Ledbetter said she has been singing for as long as she can remember and has known it was what she wanted to do for just as long.

“I’ve known I wanted to be a singer, probably since I was 7 or 8,” Ledbetter said. “How I felt on stage … it just felt right.”

When Ledbetter was 11, she was recommended by a friend to April MacDonald, a voice teacher in Auburn.

“I normally don’t take children, but since she was referred to me by a musician, I thought I would go ahead and listen to her,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald said she knew Ledbetter was talented the second she heard her voice.

“I was afraid that with an impressive voice like that at 11, if I didn’t take her as a student, some-

one would ruin her voice,” MacDonald said.

According to MacDonald, Ledbetter is able to sing in the highest classical register while also having the ability to belt with the best of them.

“She was trained by me in head voice because she could go very, very high, the highest soprano, called a coloratura soprano,” MacDonald said.

Since then, MacDonald has been training Ledbetter steadily for the past nine years, watching her go through countless National Anthem performances, a performance for former President George W. Bush, leading roles in plays and “American Idol.”

“I was really proud of her because, no matter what, it’s great exposure,” MacDonald said.

According to Ledbetter, the confidentiality contract she was under while on the show was the hardest part. After being discovered on YouTube, she was flown to Nashville, Tennessee, to audition for the first round. Even then, she wasn’t allowed to report her successes, and when she found out she would be on the show in July, she couldn’t tell anyone until December.

Taylor Thomas, sophomore in media studies, said he couldn’t believe one of his closest friends would be performing on “American Idol.”

“We were just driving in the car when she told me, and I was like, ‘Wait, really?’ and then I texted her constantly while she was away on the show, asking for updates,” Thomas said.

For the celebrity audition, Ledbetter said she wanted to do something different to impress the judges.

Ledbetter practiced “Radioactive” by Imagine

Dragons and added her own jazzy twist. But after performing her planned song, American Idol judge Harry Connick Jr. wanted her to do something more modern in jazz.

“He asked me to sing something by Amy Winehouse,” Ledbetter said. “So I picked the first song I could think of on the spot which was ‘Back to Black,’ and I guess that’s what he was looking for.”

Although Ledbetter said the entire experience was exhausting, it was also rewarding.

“Getting to go home and work on the things the judges told you and improve before Hollywood week was a great experience,” Ledbetter said.

Throughout her singing career, Ledbetter said she has acquired many fans and supporters who hope to see her succeed and admire her character through all of the publicity.

“It would be crazy to be able to buy her own songs on iTunes,” Thomas said. “She’s crazy talented, so she deserves it.”

MacDonald said she is most impressed by Ledbetter’s nonchalant attitude.

“Through all of that, she’s still very humble,” MacDonald said. “I’m kind of like her second mother, and I know I brag more about her accomplishments than she does.”

Ledbetter said she looks forward to the future.

“I remember once when I was 10 or 11 and opening for a Trace Adkins concert,” Ledbetter said. “In the middle of the concert, Trace Adkins turned to me and said, ‘One day, I’ll be buying tickets to her show.’ I’ll never forget that.”

photos contributed by steffi ledbetter

Steffi Ledbetter made it to the Hollywood round of “American Idol” before being cut.

LEFT: Ledbetter sings in her own band, The Steffi Ledbetter Band. RIGHT: Steffi performs with guitarist Corbin Hoats, pictured above.

art

emily enfinger / photo editor

Cynthia Farnell (pictured right) said the inspiration for her exhibit in Biggin Hall was inspired by a statue of a Roman man.

Artist speaks language of photography

Anne Dawson Intrigue writer

Digging into family history and exploring how it relates to a person is important in discovering oneself, according to artist Cynthia Farnell.

Farnell, originally from Birmingham, graduated from Auburn in 1992 and attended the Rhode Island School of Design from 1999-2001.

Farnell is now an artist and director of the Welch Galleries at Georgia State University in Atlanta.

Farnell said she has always been interested in art. She said her parents were very encouraging, providing her with private lessons and museum trips.

According to Farnell, her teachers at Auburn also impacted her love of art.

“One of my first teachers at Auburn, Allyson Comstock, was my mentor when I was younger, and she made me think that it was possible for me to become an artist,” Farnell said.

Comstock said Farnell is a talented artist whose work deals with important topics such as memory and transcultural identities.

Farnell said she figured out she wanted to consider art as a profession in high school, when she started to recognize other artists. “(Art) keeps me engaged with the world and what’s going on in it,” Farnell said.

The best part about being an artist, Farnell said, is there is always a new project to work on, never leaving her bored.

Farnell said another high point for her is engaging with students and people who come to see her exhibits.

According to Farnell, having a job in education and being an artist at the same time can be difficult. Farnell said she is fortunate because her job supports and encourages her art.

However, Farnell said being an artist can be frustrating because of the financial considerations. She said her projects cost money, and she is not always compensated.

Another challenging aspect according to Farnell is the strains on relationships. She said art is time consuming, and not everyone understands the work put into each project.

For her projects, Farnell said she doesn’t use one specific style.

“I don’t think of myself as having a style or trying to have one,” Farnell said.

However, Farnell said she has gravitated toward photography.

“Art can be intimidating, but most people have a relationship with photography,” Farnell said.

According to Farnell, everyone speaks the language of photography.

“I use that medium because it’s more of a bridge with the audience,” Farnell said. “I want to make them comfortable.”

Farnell has placed her art in exhibits in non-traditional places, such as houses and a state park.

Lately, Farnell said older photographs and their stories inspired her.

Her most recent exhibit “Ancestors,” which was featured in Biggin Gallery, came about when Farnell saw a statue of a Roman man with masks with his ancestor’s faces in his hands.

Farnell said the statue made her think about her collection of family photographs.

Contributed by cynthia farnell

“I wanted to think abut how the stories of my ancestors impacted who I am,” Farnell said.

The exhibit featured pictures and symbols of her ancestors and their stories.

“It was a powerful show that dealt with its subject matter through the objects and projections,” Comstock said.

Audience member Mary Wetzel, senior in art, said the exhibit was easy to relate to, and had a sense of story to the art.

Farnell said each project requires a lot of research, but she keeps a timeline to help make sure she doesn’t spend too much time on one project.

“It’s not always easy,” Farnell said.

“Sometimes it brings up uncomfortable feelings if you’re exploring things that are troubling and meaningful at all.”

Farnell said she does not consider herself a Southern artist, but being raised in the South definitely influenced her art and made her who she is.

Intrigue A12

FAB FINDS at

Thursday, February 12, 2015

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African-American students with immigrant parents

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Auburn University is filled with students from many different backgrounds, each with their own story to tell.

Some attend because their parents went here, while others may be the first in their families to be born in the United States.

For Nwando Anwah, junior in journalism, going to school in America meant she was given three choices by her Nigerian parents as to what she could do with her career: lawyer, doctor or engineer.

Anwah said her father told her he would not pay for her to study for any other career.

After two years of intense science curriculums, Anwah said she couldn’t take it any longer and decided to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist.

“At first, I tried to water down biomedical sciences by majoring in nursing, but it was still affecting my grades, so I switched to journalism,” Anwah said.

According to Anwah, her father is learning to accept her new career and is still paying for her to attend Auburn University.

Jade Ologunja, sophomore in nursing, said for her parents, school was a priority.

“There was no choice,” Ologunja said.

“Education is a huge thing for them.”

Although her parents would have “been really happy” had she gone to medical school, Ologunja said they told her as long as she became successful, she could follow her dreams.

Ologunja said her parents moved from Nigeria to America before she was born.

“Their main goal for my sister and me is to do better than they did when they were growing up,” Ologunja said. “They are so glad we have all of these opportunities, and they just want us to take advantage of (them).”

Although both Ologunja and Anwah were born in the United States, they said they are still subjected to the stereotypical questions people with immigrant parents are asked.

Associate professor of sociology John Cottier said Americans have come a long way, but stereotyping other cultures still exists.

“We create stereotypes in a lot of situations, something we have a difficult time getting away from,” Cottier said.

Ologunja said besides the occasional ignorant question, people everywhere she has lived in the South, including Auburn, have been accepting of her family’s culture.

Ologunja said the most common questions are about her parents’ language skills.

“A lot of times people ask me if my parents speak English and if both my parents live here,” Ologunja said.

Anwah was raised bilingual, speaking both English and Igbo, a Nigerian language, with her parents.

“I’ve grown up speaking Igbo with

ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER

Jade Ologunja, above, says her parents always made education a major priority for her.

“

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS

The percentage of African-American students at Auburn was below 10 percent in last three years.

my dad, and English was my second language,” Anwah said.

Both Ologunja and Anwah said the stereotype that Nigerian parents are strict is completely true.

“They question everything,” Ologunja said. “Even little things, like curfew is a really huge deal for them, and I always used to have to tell them who I was hanging out with and where.”

Although this level of strictness could dampen any teenager’s attitude, Ologunja said she is happy her parents are the way they are and has come to have a newfound appreciation for them.

“I love being immersed in two different cultures,” Ologunja said. “Plus Nigerian food is so good.”

Anwah said her father came to America hoping to make a better life for himself and his future family, and the advantages he was able to provide his daughter with help motivate her every day.

Their main goal is for my sister and me to do better than they did when they were growing up.They are so glad we have all of these opportunities, and they just want us to take advantage of it.”

—Jade Ologunja

SOPHOMORE IN NURSING

“My dad came here knowing no one, and in order to put himself through college, he had to work two jobs, a morning job, class and then a janitor at night,” Anwah said. “I know where I came from, and a lot of people can’t really say that.”

FOODIE CORNER

Travel the culinary world while staying on the Plains Anne Dawson INTRIGUE@

THEPLAINSMAN. COM

Cooking exotic meals does not take as much work and time as one may think.

I made sticky sesame chicken in approximatly 30 minutes with ingredients I bought from Wal-Mart.

The prices listed beside the ingredients are the prices of the whole package, not just what was needed for the meal, so you will have some leftover ingredients.

I bought one pack of six chicken breasts for $6.98 and used four pieces of the sesame chicken.

To begin, cut the chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces for easier cooking.

Beat an egg in a bowl, and dip the chicken in the egg one piece at a time.

Coat the chicken with flour and cornstarch to make sure it does not burn.

Heat up oil in a pan and add the chicken.

While the chicken is cooking, mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.

When the chicken is fully cooked, place the pieces on a plate to cool for a few minutes.

Pour the sauce onto the chicken slowly and evenly.

After the sauce is on the chicken, sprinkle sesame seeds on the chicken.

You can use as many pieces of chicken as you want.

This meal feeds up to four people, so if you make it for yourself like I did, you’ll have something sweet and crunchy for dinner for the next couple of days.

Chicken Ingredients 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts $6.98 1 tbsp. oil $2.50 6 tbsp. flour $1.56 1 egg $2.28 (carton) 3 tbsp. cornstarch $1 Sesame seeds $3.98

sesame chicken $34.16

Chicken Breast

Honey

Water

Ketchup

Garlic powder

Soy Sauce

Sauce Ingredients 6 tbsp. honey $2.12 4 tbsp. ketchup $2.82 3 tbsp. sugar $3.72 1 tbsp. brown sugar $1.14 2 tbsp. white vinegar 82 cents 3 tbsp. soy sauce $1.52 ½ tsp. salt $1.98 1 tsp. garlic powder $1.64 1 tbsp. water 2 tbsp. cornstarch (price listed above) Anne Dawson is an intrigue writer for The Plainsman. She can be reached at intrigue@ theplainsman.com.

ELLEN JACKSON / PHOTOGRAPHER

Sticky sesame chicken ingredients cost $34.16 from Wal-Mart and takes 30 minutes to cook.