Aquila 2009

Aquila

Summer 2009

The Magazine of The Student Printz

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Table of Contents Choosing a major

p. 2

Alcohol test

p. 13

Electives can be fun, too

p. 3

Safe sex

p. 14

Finding a niche; make it yours

p. 5

Study abroad

p. 15

Meet people and get involved

p. 5

Real world training

p. 16

The 411 on tipping

p. 6

A campus melting pot

p. 16

Streching those dollars

p. 7

Parking garage

p. 17

On-campus vs off-campus living

p. 8

Fighting the “Freshman 15�

p. 19

Study now, party later

p. 12 College more than an education

p. 20

A MAJOR DECISION

Photo by David N. Jackson/Printz Photographer

Picking career path harder than you think Story by: Jonah S. Taylor When Erin Smith, 21, came to Southern Miss, she thought she would major in public relations, based on her favorite television show.

“In high school, I started watching ‘Sex and the City,’ and I fell in love with that glamorous lifestyle, without the promiscuity,” she said, “On the show, PR looks more like party-planning, and I thought Samantha Jones was just cool.”

But after classes and some hands-on experience, Smith decided PR was not for her and changed her major to broadcast journalism.

“In public relations, you have to make people look good, and I would rather be able to say it like it is,” said 2

Summer 2009

Smith.

After a semester in broadcast journalism, Smith changed her mind a second time. Now, she’s in elementary education with plans to teach choir at the K-8 level.

“I originally wanted to do that, but my mother convinced me I could do something else that made better money. She is a teacher and knows it’s low income,” Smith said.

She said her mom “finally realized that my heart belongs there with music and with kids because that is my passion.”

Smith is one of many students here and elsewhere who have trouble deciding on a major course of study.

“I’m told there are about 800 or so undecided students in a given semester,” said John Meyer, a speech communica-

tion professor at USM. Meyer often advises students undecided about a major.

He usually advises them to take both general requirements and electives to discover potential interests.

“Majoring in something family or friends expect or pressure you into is generally not a good idea. Even if this is done by default the first couple of semesters, be looking for something that really interests you,” said Meyer.

USM Career Services Director Rusty Anderson said most undecided students fall into one of three categories: those with no idea of a potential major; those leaning in a direction but still not convinced; and those in a major who won’t stay.

Anderson suggests look-

ing for a major that: •Includes enjoyment. He said a student should be motivated to study the topic and interested in the subject matter.

Passion helps, too, he said.

•Provides excellence.

Students should evaluate skills required in the major and compare them to their own skills set. Math is not the major for those without analytical skills, he said. English majors need critical thinking, writing and reading comprehension.

•Has appeal. Talk to a junior, senior or faculty in the major of interest. Review textbooks to make sure the materials are appealing. Take a course in that area to get a feel for the subject.

Career Services personnel offer several options for students from career counseling

to online resources that can aid in the search for a major.

Anderson also said jobs currently in high demand include those in health care, construction, accounting, math education, special education and technologicaly Not all college students struggle with choosing a major.

Darren Scoggin, knew exactly what he wanted to do from the time he came to USM. “When I was in ninth grade, I fell in love with biology. After that, I knew I wanted to study it,” said Scoggin.

Scoggin, 21, majored in molecular biology major and minored in chemistry and piano music. He graduated from Southern Miss degree in May and plans to pursue a career in medicine.

“I felt like this would make me competitive for medical school and allow me to have the music background I wanted,” Scoggin said, “I enjoy the critical thinking and conceptual learning in biology, and this helps prepare me for a field in medicine.”

Scoggin said incoming freshman or undecided students should look around at what’s available but do so quickly.

“Don’t waste time. Yes, you have time to decide, but don’t waste it. Find out what you’re passionate about. Find a calling that will make you happy, not wealthy or popular,” he said.

Electives can be fun, too Story by: Corey Taylor Elective courses provide time for students to pick and choose classes on their own.

Keri Hall, a sophomore religion major, said, “When I search for elective classes, I want something simple and light. Lately, I’ve been searching for classes that keep me active, like step aerobics and yoga.”

USM students are required to take a certain number of elective courses. An important attribute of elective classes is that they represent something each individual student enjoys or finds less stressful.

LeeAnna Callon, a senior majoring in journalism and English, has already completed her electives.

“The most important thing I learned when it came to elective choices was finding a perfect balance between my hobbies and requirements,” she said. “My favorites were classes like film and religion. They weren’t too difficult, but they also were somewhat related to my majors.”

Anna-Colby Tanner, a freshman who hasn’t yet picked her major, hopes electives provide her with some direction. “I want electives that will help me decide what exactly I want to do,” she said.

Danielle Hamilton, a political science major, prefers a challenge. “I love elective classes that will keep me busy and are academically challenging,” she said.

Some students, like freshman Whitney Spiehler, do not have much choice. “Being a nursing major, my elective choices are very

limited,” she said.

“Nearly all of the electives I need in order to graduate are required to be within the School of Nursing, but that’s ok with me,” Spiehler said. “First aid and human sexuality classes were a lot of fun.”

Sherita Johnson, an academic adviser in the department of English, encourages students to take classes that give a balanced amount of enjoyment and learning.

“As an adviser, I try to suggest that students take electives that relate to their major,” she said. “However, it is also important that students receive down time.

“Recently, I advised a student who was searching for either a drama or poetry class elective. When I discovered she enjoyed writing poetry as a hobby, it was a perfect match,” she said.

Johnson also recognizes some students need other things from their classes.

“I see some students who are stressed with the heavy work loads involved in being an English major, so I will suggest recreational exercise classes, such as yoga or karate,” she said.

Stanley Hauer, an adviser in the College of Arts and Letters and Honors College, has a different view of the electives students choose.

“The point of the academic minor and electives is to give college students the opportunity to broaden their educational horizons outside of their intended degree,” he said. “For instance, I had to take a music appreciation class, and fell in love with the class. Now, I teach musical history.”

Aquila

The Magazine of The Student Printz Volume II Summer 2009 Managing Editor: Robin Ray Printed by Signature Offset, Design: Christopher Bostick Hattiesburg, MS Staff: Amanda Collins, Brandi Cook, Brittney Special thanks to Alycia Williams and KrisConrad Cooley, Melanie Holliday, Taneshia Johnson, Jonah Taylor, Cory Taylor, Sherlene Toney, Jeff Ward, Reaching us: Newsroom: 601-266-4266 Melissa Weinberger. printz@usm.edu Photos: Danny Rawls/Photo Services; Jesse Bass/ Advertising: 601-266-5188 The Student Printz; Jody Hicks/Photo Services; The printzad@usm.edu Student Printz archives; The Southerner archives Ad manager: Zach Holifield www.studentprintz.com Publications manager: Maggie Williams Summer 2009

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Find a niche; make it yours Story by: Melissa Weinberger Life on campus does not have to be all books and classrooms.

Campus organizations provide opportunities for students to demonstrate skills outside the classroom.

Newly elected Student Government Association President J.R. Robinson said when he came to college, Joe Paul, vice president for student affairs, told him to leave Southern Miss better than he found it.

“And that’s what has driven me since I’ve been here,” Robinson said.

Helping people is where he found his true passion.

“When I leave Southern Miss, I want people to remember me as a servant leader. That’s how I’ll leave my mark,” said Robinson.

Robinson encourages all students to try to get ivolved

outside the classroom because it is another opportunity to grow as a person.

“It will give you a chance to meet new friends, learn leadership skills, learn a new culture or activity and help you learn to balance a schedule,” he said.

Robinson said being involved outside the classroom is an excellent way to adjust to college life.

Leroy Stamps, a junior business major, said, “Being a minority on campus, I felt joining an organization like the Afro-American Student Organization would be a great way to still feel connected.”

Stamps said through AASO membership, he made connections with students had he would not normally have the chance to meet.

Stamps feels these connections are important to

a student’s college success because they can teach students how to easily work with diverse groups of people.

“This opportunity is not always presented in a classroom situation,” said Stamps.

He said there are more than 200 opportunities outside of the Southern Miss classroom to find a connection.

“It’s almost too easy to find your place,” said Stamps.

Stamps said getting involved in one organization can be a gateway to other opportunities.

Ashley Cangelosi, a recent graduate of Southern Miss said, “Being a member of a student organization that focuses on integrity and morals is a big plus to potential employers.”

She said research studies show students who get

involved are more likely to graduate, receive better grades and increase their career marketability.

Cangelosi is currently employed with her college sorority, which she joined her freshmen year of college.

Lisa Moore, USM director of Greek Life, said there is a grade point average requirement for greek members to be considered in good standing.

“Depending on if a student makes their GPA or not will depend on what they can do in the organization,” she said.

Moore said that it could provide a sense of accountability for a student to achieve their best without their parents or even their teachers’ help.

Meet people and get involved Story by: Melanie Holliday

Freshman and transfer students entering the University of Southern Mississippi have many opportunities to meet new people and get involved on campus.

Students who live on campus say life in the residence hall gives an opportunity to meet people easily.

“On my hall we have an open door policy,” said freshman Shenique Russ.

“We keep our doors open to make it easier to meet others.”

Once a student feels comfortable with their floor mates, they should try to hang out in common areas like lobbies, the kitchen or laundry rooms.

When in classes, talk to other students; ask their name, major and what interests them.

Jessica Richmond, 19, a freshman,

said, “I find it hard to meet new people because I’m so shy, but in class I feel more comfortable and find it easier to talk to people one on one.”

Joining an organization is a sure way to get involved and meet new people. USM has more than 280 organizations.

Audrey Charoglu, assistant director for student activities union and programs, said, “We have hour-long organization fairs for every Preview session and during Gold Eagle Welcome Week, so that incoming students are informed of what USM has to offer.”

Preview is a day where incoming students spend time exploring the campus and what it has to offer.

GEWW is held in the days just prior to the start of school and provides incoming students time to meet people

by participating in activities.

Organizations available for new student involvement range from business, science and technology, health, sorority/fraternity and religious groups.

Intramural sports are also offered.

To find more information on campus involvement visit Student Activities located on the second floor of the Union.

A job on campus also helps with meeting new people. Campus jobs provide the chance to know co-workers and the customers who come to that work place.

Meeting new people in a more relaxed fun environment could include a night out at some of the places Hattiesburg has to offer. Local bars such as the Hunt Club or Mugshots are always full of USM students.

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The 411 on tipping Story by: Cory Taylor Dustin Godard, a student at Southern Miss and long-time server at Logan’s Roadhouse in Hattiesburg, said some individuals who dine at the steakhouse do not know the basics of tipping.

“Everyone should wait tables for at least three months simply to get an idea of the nature of the job,” he said. “Most importantly, if you don’t have enough money for a tip, eat somewhere cheaper.”

When dining out in restaurants where someone serves the food, it is traditional to leave a certain percentage of money on how much the bill was as a tip for service. Not all restaurants have set gratuity rates.

“With each table I go to, I hope to make 15 percent of the bill,” Godard said. “However, I understand the repercussions of the economic situation may prevent some customers from doing this.”

Dallas Wilson, a server at Chili’s, agreed.

“I have had customers come up to me before and explain they had tipped as much as they could afford,” she said.

“Especially now, I try really hard to remain understanding.”

Ashley Prine, another server at Logan’s, said she is not completely concerned with money when it comes to serving the public.

“The best quality a customer can have is to be understanding,” she said.

“Usually, then, they are friendly, smile and are responsive. Sometimes, these simple things outweigh any tip they could leave.”

Ellen Manning, a general manager at the fine dining restaurant 206 Front, said quality service is sometimes hard to find.

“These days, dependable employees are becoming rare. Ideally, though, the best server would be one who knows how to leave their personal situations at the door and do their job,” she said.

Keri Hall, a religion major at USM, frequently eats at local restaurants such 6

Summer 2009

as Mugshots and Sake Café.

“I briefly worked in the food industry during high school and understand the stressfulness of serving,” she said.

“For this reason alone I try to leave at least 15 percent at every restaurant, even if the service was not great.”

Education major Mark Magee does not base any tip on the bottom line of the bill.

“Having never worked in food service, I don’t know a great deal about tipping,” he said. “Usually, $2 or $3

seems sufficient, though sometimes I’ll leave $5.”

Kalin Ford, a regular patron at such establishments as Logan’s and TGI Friday’s, said the quality of both food and service determine his tip.

“More often than not, the way my food tastes is more important than the service I get,” he said. “Still, the tip I give someone also reflects their service.

“I feel like a pretty generous guy, though, and try to leave around $10,” he said.

Students looking to stretch the dollar Story by: Jeff Ward The current economic downturn in American has college students looking for more consumer friendly shopping choices.

Senior Bridget Zewe, a theater major at Southern Miss who used to be a regular in Turtle Creek Mall’s expensive outfitters, has now turned to cheaper clothing options for her everyday wardrobe.

“Target is where I have purchased everything from lately,” said Zewe.

“It’s so much cheaper for a product of basically equal quality. I also shop on the internet a lot for clothes because it’s not only more convenient but easier to find the cheapest prices.”

Zewe is not alone. A recent study by the International Council of Shopping Centers reveals that mall visits have fallen 15 percent in the past four years.

Zewe said she still sees a need to splurge on pricier clothes every now and then.

“I still go to the mall when I need new clothes for going out and things, but I keep it simple when it comes to clothes I wear from day to day,” Zewe said. “I like to have cute dresses and such to wear on the weekends.”

Some students would rather take cuts out of other areas of their budget.

Sophomore Sam Salloum, a biology major, has decided that instead of cutting corners on clothing funds, he would rather improve his grades and his savings by not going out as much

Photo by Jesse Bass/Printz Photographer

and devoting more time to his studies.

“Buying clothes isn’t really a problem for me because I don’t really do it much, and when I do, I usually shop with my parents. Most of my funds are spent at the club, and there is only one way to fix that,” said Salloum.

Others claim that a different monster has been eating all of their money: food.

“Food is something we all have to spend money on. There is no exception to that,” said sophomore journalism major Chase Green. Green said that food spending takes the largest hunk out of his pocketbook. He takes advantage of one of USM’s many meal plans available through Student Dining

Services. His plan allows him unlimited passes to eat in the Fresh Food Company, also referred to as the commons, and many “dining dollars” to eat at other places on campus.

“The commons is where it’s at,” Green said. “Just one swipe of the student ID and you can feast till you pop.

If times are really tough you can even take a to-go box home as well.”

Students say there are always options to ease the strain of harsh economic times.

“If people thought more economically, then these times would be easier for everyone,” Salloum said. “You know what they say, ‘a penny saved is a penny earned’.”

We Want YOU!

Like what you see in this magazine?

Join us this fall on The Student Printz staff.

We have openings for reporters, photographers, designers, ad sales representatives and videographers.

Interested? Send an email to printz@usm.edu with your contact info.

Or stop by The Student Printz office in Southern Hall, room 013.

Summer 2009

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On-campus vs. off-campus: Where is the best place to live?

Story by: Sherlane Toney Choosing to live on or off campus is one of the biggest decisions college students have to make because it affects the transition to college life.

The three main issues that help college students decide where to live are privacy, money and responsibility.

Stephen Bolivar, a senior at USM, rents a house off campus.

“The good thing about living off campus is there are no strange roommates and lots of personal space,” said Bolivar.

If you choose to live on campus, there is a system that allows you to find a roommate who matches you. On USM’s Residence Life homepage there is an online roommate matching service to help residents to find a good roommate.

Taylor Booth, a freshman at USM, is originally from Hattiesburg. Although his parents’ home is five minutes from campus, he chose to live on campus.

“It gives you the opportunity to be more involved in things going on at school,” said Booth.

Jennifer Rigney, manager of marketing services at USM’s Residence Life, said it is important for freshman to live on campus.

“I would definitely recommend that all entering freshmen live on campus to help get adjusted to college life and to get the support they need,” said Rigney.

Money can be a deciding factor in many college students’ choice to live on campus. A student living off campus has monthly bills including the cost of rent, utilities and gas. Renting an apartment in Hattiesburg can cost from $397 to $1000 a month according to www.apartmentguide.com.

If money is an issue, then it is cheaper to live on campus, Rigney said. “You don’t have to worry about monthly bills.

Everything is included,” Rigney said.

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Summer 2009

Photo by Stuart Lovinggood/Southerner Photographer

Photo by Jesse Bass.Printz Photographer

Good advice: Study now, party later Story by: Jonah S. Taylor Jonathan Carroll, a Southern Miss. graduate, knows all too well about the importance of learning to prioritize.

“When I was a freshman straight out of high school, I went to class each day, got out, then went out partying,” he said.

Carroll realized his partying was taking a toll on his grades. He decided it was time to make a change.

“I joined the USM Golden Eagle football team in 2005 and started taking my grades more seriously and I pretty much started doing better and better each semester,” Carroll said.

Carroll, 23, graduated in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice and is currently awaiting acceptance into law school.

“Life is choice-driven. You make your own choices. My advice is do your school work first, study, then go partying if you have time,” Carroll said.

According to an article published by MSNBC, only 54 percent of students who entered four-year colleges in 1997 had a degree six years later.

Sidne Buelow, a supervising psychologist at USM’s Counseling Center, said people are cheating themselves when they procrastinate because it usually causes anxiety.

“When students procrastinate they are putting off something they are uncertain about or required to do. Balance is important. Study two hours for every hour of class, and schedule down time,” she said.

Buelow said breaking projects into smaller, simpler tasks is also effective.

“Get help if you’re overwhelmed.

Don’t wait; some people feel self-con12

Summer 2009

Photo by Jody Hicks/Photo Services

scious about coming to the Counseling Center, but feel comfortable when they get here,” she said.

The University Counseling Center is located in Kennard-Washington Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether it is the party scene taking away from the grades or procrastination adding to the stress, there are ways to balance both. For emergency counseling, call 601-606-HELP. Don’t allow too much fun or too much stress to get in the way of a successful future.

Students get tested on alcohol Story by: Brandi Cook USM is reaching out to freshmen students to help educate and protect them from the negative effects of alcohol with a new program called AlcoholEdu. Jodi Tate, the university clinic’s health educator, said AlcoholEdu is an online program with questions and information for incoming freshmen about alcohol use and abuse. The program has different sections that identify each student’s knowledge of alcohol before they begin college and again midway and at the end of the first semester.

“The test if very personalized to get through to each student individually,” said Tate.

Tate said the answers students give on the tests put them into one of the three categories: abstainers, moderate users and abusers. After this, information is given to the individual based on their level of alcohol usage.

Students are asked questions again eight weeks into the semester to see if their knowledge and outlook on drinking has changed.

“It was very effective this semester. In the second round of answers, there was a change in attitude and behavior,” Tate said.

Virginia Crawford, director of USM Student Health Services, said students scored higher on the second section, too.

Crawford said this program isn’t about

abstaining from alcohol, but instead is meant to educate students about drinking.

Most freshmen come to college not knowing what alcohol can do. This program is making the university a safer place, she said.

“I don’t think (students) like it, but they learn something from it,” said Crawford about the test.

Some poor sexual decisions come from drinking too much, said Crawford.

Women college students are most likely to be raped from their first day of school to Thanksgiving break of their first semester, Crawford said.

This program isn’t only for students who drink. It teaches students about alcohol poisoning and how to react in different situations involving other people, Tate said.

“I learned a lot of negative things about alcohol that I didn’t know before,” said Molly Egloff, a general studies freshman.

Some students saw room for improvement with the program. “There are too many survey type questions,” said biological science major Emily Evans. “But the part that was done by students our age was a good way to catch people’s attention.”

Still, students appreciated the information that AlcoholEdu provided. Bryan Anthony Vollmuth, a freshman baseball player and sports management major, said the test was repetitive, but did have vital

information.

“Freshmen are peer pressured all the time especially with drinking, and this reminds them not to give in,” Vollmuth said.

Along with other freshmen, kinesiotherapy major Holly Sanchez thought the segment on drinking and driving was the most valuable.

Fall 2008 was the first time USM used AlcoholEdu. The program is used across the country, Tate said.

Tate said AlcoholEdu received information from freshman about other activities they could participate in that didn’t include alcohol. This information helps the university provide students alternatives to drinking.

Tate said this fall, students will be required to score a 70 or higher to pass the test, or they will retake it until they pass it.

Crawford said other schools, such as Ole Miss, also require AlcoholEdu for freshmen.

“I’d like to see all colleges in Mississippi require it, even junior colleges,” Crawford said.

Tate said the goal of AlcoholEdu is within four years, all USM students will have taken the course and be aware of alcohol abuse. “Let’s be realistic. Students are going to drink,” said Tate. “We’re trying to inform them on the responsibility that should come with (alcohol).”

Photo by Jesse Bass/The Student Printz

Summer 2009

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Safe Sex Knowledge helps protect, encourage better choices Story by: Brandi Cook USM’s health educator sees a lot of students on a monthly basis who do not practice safe sex.

Jodi Tate, the health educator at the Southern Miss Health Services Clinic, said part of her job at the university is to help students protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.

Safe sex in college is very important and easy to do if you know who to talk to and where to go, she said.

According to a brochure available in the clinic, safe sex is defined as being smart and staying healthy by showing concern and respect for you and your partner.

“You have to protect yourself,” said Roderick Dixon, a junior. “You need 14

Summer 2009

to always be sure you have protection, whether you’re male or female.”

Available at the clinic on campus is information, free condoms, birth control pills and Plan B. Clinic personnel can perform tests for students to help them maintain their health like an annual Pap tests for testing for AIDS or other STIs and administration of the Gardicil series which prevents women contracting the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

People can contract STIs by oral sex, hand-to-genital contact and genitalto genital contact. Tate said Mississippi is the leading state for Gonorrhea and the second leading state for Chlamydia.

Tate said HPV is the most common STI on the USM campus. It can cause cervical cancer and genital warts.

There are some cases where there are

not any symptoms, but even in those cases it can still be transmitted, Tate said. And while there is treatment for HPV, it cannot be cured, she said.

The USM Clinic joins with Hattiesburg-area clinics for an annual health fair each March, where students can get free AIDS and STI tests. The fair includes a program called “Sexperts,” where students can get embarrassing questions answered.

Clinic personnel do not promote sex, but they do provide information in a confidential setting with special rates for students on tests, treatment and drugs. Tate said knowledge and willingness to protect a partner help students make good decisions about sex.

“If you aren’t ready to talk to your partner about sex, then you’re not ready to have sex,” Tate said.

Study Abroad

Story by: Melanie Holliday Studying abroad is an experience students should not miss out on.

“My mother was a public school teacher and a single parent from New Orleans. If I was able to go and study abroad, then anyone can,” said Alex Kenner, a coordinator for the International Programs and former student form the Jamaica and Madrid programs.

Kenner financed her abroad with loans.

Loans for students wishing to study abroad are the same as those offered during a regular school year. Most of the loans are based on the student’s FASFA information, said David Williamson, interim director of USM’s financial aid office.

The problem most students run into is using most of their loan money in the

fall and spring semesters. Once a student has used all their loan money for the year, financial aid is unable to provide extra money which means students will have to take out an alternative loan. Alternative loans are private loans which require a co-signer, Williamson said.

Williamson said receiving a loan to study abroad is as easy as receiving one for any other semester. The loans cover the basic tuition cost, room and board, travel expenses and some personal expenses, he said.

Most of the study abroad loans leave students with refund checks which are sent at least a week before the student departs for his or her trip.

Three different types of study-abroad programs are available: short-term programs, which last from three to five weeks, inter-

national exchange and semester programs.

Each of the program types differ in the length of time a student stays, price and number of credits, said Jessica Lamb, coordinator of international programs.

“I’m going to Mexico this summer for five weeks,” said Avrell Stokes a junior, “It will be my first time out of the country and I can’t wait to learn all about a new culture.”

International exchange programs are more competitive programs and can last a semester or a year of study. Students must have a 2.0 grade point average minimum and complete an application and interview process.

The International Programs office is located in the International Center in room 401.

Photo by Sebe Dale IV/The Studnt Printz

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College campus provides training in real world living Story by: Melissa Weinberger Students at Southern Miss discover ways to deal with their schools diversity, from differences in race, religion and lifestyle.

Angela McGuire, a clinical therapist at the University of Southern Mississippi counseling center, said, “It’s important for students to be aware that diversity is very apparent in college.”

McGuire said students can sometimes experience a culture shock if they have not stepped outside their comfort zone before.

“You have to constantly put yourself in situations that force you to step outside your box and always keep an open mind,” she said.

Jarred Patterson, a sophomore marketing major from Mobile, said the most significant difference he found at USM was finding that people were atheist and didn’t believe in God. “It was tough because they were in essence just like me in that they were pretty unwavering in their beliefs,” said Patterson.

Patterson grew up in a strong Southern Baptist family and he said meeting atheists was not something he expected to happen.

“It’s important for me to stay strong in what I believe in because it’s what I consider my foundation,” said Patterson.

He found being forced to accept the extreme difference between his beliefs and those of atheisit students both challenging and helpful.

“I find as long as I don’t force my beliefs on people and they do the same to me no problems arise,” said Patterson.

For students who find themselves uncomfortable, McGuire said it is important to submerge themselves into different cultures as much as possible.

“Hopefully through common exposure to difference, they can begin to see a common ground between all people,” said McGuire.

Heather West, a broadcast journalism major from Navarre, FL found a different kind of change when she came into college.

For her, the biggest difference was the distinct change in environment from Florida to Southern Mississippi.

“It was hard at first to find my place amongst a bunch of what seemed like very different people,” said West.

West became involved in a sorority on campus, where she said she made connections with people she normally wouldn’t have met.

“I found one girl who shared the same music interest as me and she is from Hattiesburg,” said West.

West said she never thought a girl from South Mississippi would have something in common with a girl from South Florida.

“My friends back home laugh when I tell them I have some of my best friends in Mississippi, but they haven’t given it a chance like I have,” said West.

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Summer 2009

Parking garage closer to reality Story by: Cory Taylor Work may soon begin for a longawaited parking garage on the university campus, though plans are still being debated.

USM President Martha Saunders announced in April, the bid for the garage could be a very soon. The garage is expected to be located behind Vann Hall, west of the football practice field and West Fourth Street.

Saunders said the garage would accommodate about 400 extra spaces when finished. The main interference would be the construction of the new residence halls across West Fourth Street, she said.

Stanley Hauer, professor of English, said the garage is a great idea.

“I completely support the building

of this garage,” he said. “Parking for everyone, faculty and students, is sometimes a nightmare.”

Funding for the parking garage is expected to come from the $4.7 million bond to fund construction and repair at Southern Miss.

Lisa Palchak, a freshman math major, is not crazy about the potential garage.

“Traffic around campus is crazy enough without a new parking garage to add to it,” she said. “It’s a nice idea in theory, but just thinking about going through the process of getting the garage installed and finished makes me cringe.”

In anticipation of such concerns, Saunders announced parking would be more controlled during construction and certain areas, such as the gravel lot

next to The Village, would need to be completely available.

One of the most prevalent issues surrounding the proposed parking garage would be the safety of students.

Brittany Purvis, a sophomore English major, would feel safer knowing the garage is well-equipped.

“I love the idea of this garage, but my first hope is that the garage is safe,” she said. “Women today cannot take any chances with an increase of violence, and it is the university’s responsibility to ensure my safety while on campus.”

During the April Faculty Senate meeting where plans for the garage were discussed. Saunders made no mention of full-time security in the garage.

For further questions or concerns, the University Police department can be reached at 601-266-4986.

Summer 2009

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Fighting the “Freshman 15” Story by: Amanda Collins Being away from home, partying and the variety of food choices make, the “freshman 15” a growing problem on college campuses.

Christopher Schwartz M.D., is part of the USM Student Health Services. Smith says he has seen many cases of obesity in college students since his joining the USM Health Services staff in 2003.

“Exercise and healthy eating choices are important to all people’s well-being, but most college students tend to steer clear of gyms and grilled vegetables,” Schwartz said.

“Students don’t realize the transition from high school to college affects their bodies. They were active in high school and are not used to the eating habits and social night life that comes with college.”

According to a survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in 2006, four out of ten college students are considered overweight or obese.

The survey also says nine out of ten students do not eat the recommended servings of fruits or vegetables, and six out of ten students participate in three or fewer days of physical activity per week.

Stephen Ryder, a graduate assistant at the USM Payne Center, believes many students get intimidated when asking for

Photo by Eli Baylis/Printz Photographer

help.

“The Payne Center offers weight assessment as well as personal fitness trainers,” he said.

Some students are just embarrassed or afraid to approach someone for help,” said Ryder.

The Payne Center also offers information on nutrition wellness as well as a variety of classes targeted to specific work out programs, says Ryder.

“I have no desire to gain weight,” said Southern Miss freshman Stephanie Vinz-

Photo by Eli Baylis/Printz Photographer

ant. “I am the same now as I was in high school. It hasn’t been easy to keep my weight, but I have an opportunity to work out so I like to take advantage of that.”

Vinzant says weekly work outs help her to relax and de-stress. She says going to the gym is a nice break from the stress of everyday college life.

Although Vinzant has maintained a healthy lifestyle in college, it hasn’t been easy.

“If I miss just one day at the gym it is hard for me to get back on track,” said Vinzant. “I also love sweets. I just have to use self control and moderate my calories.”

Getting fast results without doing a lot of work is another thing students strive for. The busy time schedule that comes with college makes it harder for students to devote the correct amount of time to physical activity, Ryder said.

“Another reason students continue to gain weight is the fact that it takes time to get results,” said Ryder. “Most people don’t know it takes, on average, 48 workouts before seeing effects.”

The most important tips Ryder gives for staying healthy is not skipping meals, choosing a salad or chicken over cheeseburgers and fries and drinking a lot of water.

Summer 2009

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College life includes more than just an education Story by: Jeff Ward A great education and lifelong memories may not be the only benefits of attending the University of Southern Mississippi.

“I get my college tuition back from not having to pay for an expensive gym membership,” said freshmen Britt Penny, a nursing major from Biloxi, “A gym membership at another gym could be as much as $75 a month.”

Penny, who is a regular at the USM Payne Center, can usually be found lifting weights in the center’s Work Out Zone.

When he is not getting in a good day’s exercise, however, he is most likely taking advantage of another one of USM’s many conveniences.

“Eating right and eating a lot is a big

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Summer 2009

part of weight lifting and body building,” Penny said while consuming a plate of grilled chicken. “The Fresh Food Company has everything I need and I can eat as much as I want.”

Southern Miss offers many different perks and benefits of enrollment, including but not limited to access to the Payne Center fitness complex, free admission to sporting events and countless opportunities students can use to excel in their studies.

Sophomore Ryan Gibbons, a business major from Long Beach, is a huge sports fan. When it’s time to look beyond the education he gets at Southern Miss, nothing is more valuable to him than free admission to all USM athletic events.

“I love all Golden Eagle sports,” Gibbons said. “Football is my favorite.

The energy in The District on game day is unreal.”

When Gibbons isn’t watching a sport he is usually playing one in USM’s wellorganized intramural program. The program, based in USM’s Recreational Sports Office, offers a variety of sports for all competitors during the school year ranging from air hockey to flag football.

Sam Salloum, a Hattiesburg native majoring in biology, said the best perk of attending Southern Miss is the easily accessible health care clinic.

“With allergies like mine, something is always making me sick. The clinic is so quick and easy, I can go in between classes,” said Salloum. “The best part is that I can just charge it to my student account.”