Moody Monthly November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

COMMUNICATION COUNCIL

CONTENTS

03 04 05

01

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WRITING CENTER

ORG/OF/THE/MONTH

07 11 12 13

NOVEMBER 2017

MOODY IN MUSIC

MENTAL HEALTH

BEST STUDY SPOTS

ROOVIEWS OSCAR WATCH

STAFF LIST

15 17 19 21 23

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT

THANKSGIVING FOOD

STAFF EDITORS MAYA HAWS-SHADDOCK

HOROSCOPES WRITERS ELIZABETH ROSSIO EMMA HUGHES HOLLAND SMITH KENNEDY WILLIAMS ROOPA NAGARAJAN RYAN STANLEY VICTORIA STRANCZEK

DIABETES MONTH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DESIGNERS ALEXANDRIA CHUNG EMILY WARD JOSEPH WALLACE

MOODY MONTHLY

02

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEAR MOODY MONTHLY, I’m due to graduate in the May and I’m not quite sure where to start with the job search process. Many of my friends are already getting jobs and I’m starting to feel a bit panicked, like I’m running out of time. I know what I want to do, but I’m still not sure where to look or who to talk to. Any advice?

Sincerely, Salary Seeker

Dear Salary Seeker, First off, thank you for sharing your dilemma. Finding a job right out of college can certainly be a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips I’d recommend you to implement: 1. Find connections to companies you are interested in on LinkedIn. Send a connect message.

2. Get coffee with professionals in industries you are seeking to join-- create connections, pick their brains and get more information to help decide on an area.

3. Use job search websites (i.e. indeed, LinkedIn) and our very own communication career services portal!

4. Don’t see a job opening that fits your skills and interests?

Email your resume anyways and always respond with enthusiasm and professionalism Sincerely, Maya Haws-Shaddock Editor

03

NOVEMBER 2017

WRITING CENTER

NOVEMBER SUBMISSION With the holidays upon us, prepare for the onslaught of relatives who’ll pinch your cheeks, eye you up and down and squeal, “Tell me, dear, how ARE you?”

It’s a trick. Your answer will say more about you than you think.

“Good, auntie. I’m doing good,” you say.

Nix. You may be a good person, but you are doing WELL. Good is an adjective. You eat a good burger with a good friend and give the leftovers to a good dog. Well, however, is an adverb. Life is going well. I am doing well. He dances well. Sometimes the verb is assumed: “I am well.” Ah ha. You hid “doing” but we know that’s what you mean.

Got it?

May your pie be good and may all those aunties treat you well.

MOODY MONTHLY

04

DELTA KAPPA ALPHA This month, we had the pleasure of interviewing Sarah May, president of Delta Kappa Alpha, to learn more about the co-ed professional cinema fraternity here in Moody.

ORG/OF/THE/MONTH

Delta Kappa Alpha (DKA) started in 1936 at the University of Southern California (USC) as a men’s cinema fraternity. It was started with the emphasis of creating cinematic artists of character, fostering a network of ethical filmmakers, not just people wanting to get ahead in the competitive industry. The organization spread to places such as New York University (NYU) and Boston University (BU), eventually letting girls join. The co-ed professional fraternity died out in the 70s but picked back up in 2009. After two women rebuilt the organization at USC, the professional fraternity began to expand and UT picked up a branch in 2013.

DKA stands for networking and outreach – their organization focuses on adding to a vast network of filmmakers and those interested in film in order to foster professional relationships. The different departments in DKA serve a multitude of student interests. They have a team that focuses on community service as well as an internal production company. They are also a very social organization, holding mixers, retreats and a number of other events. Their internal production company produces 5-7 short films and music videos each semester. The process is funded and staffed by DKA members, meaning lots of hands on experience.

The organization also competes in film festivals.

Despite a heavy focus on film, anyone can get involved in DKA. The organization has recently decided to rebrand themselves as a society rather than a fraternity.

They believe that this title is consistent with what they are and what they do, emphasizing the all-inclusive

mindset they value. They want DKA to be a gender inclusive society, open to all people, majors, and students. They believe that this will allow them to best be a resource for any student. They hope to create a positive environment for those looking for more experience in the film industry while focusing on being cinematic artists of character above all else. If you would like to join DKA, recruitment events happen during the first two weeks of every semester. Make sure to check www. texasDKA.org to find out more specific details about recruitment.

In the near future, DKA will be hosting the first annual, all DKA constructed, 512 Film Festival. There are many different categories and all submissions receive IMDB credit. Submissions are open to students all across the country and all submission fees go to their service partner, Serious Fun, an organization that provides funds and a camp for children with terminal illnesses. So far, they have already raised $400 just from film submissions. They also hope to get high schools involved by donating a portion of the funds to high school Fine Arts programs. The event will take place on December 2nd all day and is come-and-go with free admission.

Through their work, DKA hopes to remain an open resource and a comfortable place for anyone to be creative. Their work as ethical filmmakers puts character above all else, making a positive impact on the industry and all those who hope to get involved with it.

By VICTORIA STRANCZEK

MOODY MONTHLY

06

CATERINA NASR

LIFESTYLE

MUSIC IN MOODY We wanted to highlight students in Moody that are outside of the classroom. This month we’re passing the mic to students that have radio shows and podcasts that discuss music.

By KENNEDY WILLIAMS

Meet RTF major Caterina Nasr. She’s one half of “Sunflower Sounds”—a morning show on KVRX. Caterina and her co host Lainey Gonzales use their one hour time slot to play the music that means the most to them, expectations to the wind. Listen to “Sunflower Sounds” every Wednesday from 8am-9am on 91.7FM or KVRX.org.

What’s the inspiration behind the name “Sunflower Sounds?”

That’s Lainey’s thing. Since she was a kid she’s been really into sunflowers. She’s literally a human sunflower. She radiates peace and joy. Sunflowers are really important to me because I had a friend that passed away in April of 2014 and her favorite flower was sunflowers. They were something she always talked about.

My family and family friends have sunflowers all over our houses. When Lainey said she wanted to call the podcast “Sunflower Sounds” I was so onboard!

Does the name reflect the music that’s played?

We’re all over the place! KVRX is all about “none of the hits, all the time” and playing a diverse set of music. It’s funny because we listen to “sad girl music” but the songs have a happy tinge to them. We want to bring some joy to people. The name is a cool juxtaposition with the music we play.

What’s your taste in music? Any specific artists or bands?

I like to call my taste “an angst that you can groove to.” It’s gotta have passion. There has to be something behind it. You have to be able to dance! I like upbeat music. My friends always say “you can tell a Caterina song from the first note” because it’s just very upbeat.

I’d also say alternative rock is my taste. I’m very much into pop-

07

punk and post emo stuff right now...The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Blink 182, Modern Baseball, Brand New, Foo Fighters, Green Day. I grew up on a lot of that kind of music because of my brother. My sister is into pop music and my family is into latin music and music from the 80s.

How do you source the music? Is it all just what you’re listening to at the moment?

Lainey and I each play 7 songs per hour. It’s all artists we’re finding. I use NPR a lot. I’m always on All Songs Considered looking at people. I’m really into Reddit. I think that’s a really underrated way of finding music. Spotify is also a great way of finding people. I’m not a huge fan of Discover Weekly but I do use it when I’m looking for songs. I keep a back deck of songs to play.

The rule of thumb for playing music on KVRX is if an artist has 200,000 monthly Spotify listens and under 500,000 plays. If they have less monthly listeners but a more popular song you can probably play that song. Also, you also can’t play anything with explicit content, which has been a really interesting struggle. You don’t realize how many of the songs you play have profanity! The FCC will fine you. A lot of indie songs don’t have lyrics online so you have to listen to song attentively. Sometimes I just don’t take the risk because odds are I will miss a profanity.

Are you pro-streaming? I know you collect records.

I do! I collect records. I buy all of my favorite bands CDs and I buy vinyl. I always go to shows. But I’m pro streaming! It’s the changing landscape [of music]. I have Spotify. There’s so much good to streaming. Lainey and I find a lot of the music

NOVEMBER 2017

LIFESTYLE

“It’s so ridiculous how people view these giant groups of women as tasteless and not of value. But who’s curating modern culture? Young women.” we play on KVRX by one band leading to another band and then you’re on this artist’s page that has 2,000 followers. We never would have found them if it wasn’t for that streaming platform.

It’s about bringing people together. Music is kind of the only way people make sense of the world. And I think it’s mind blowing that someone you don’t even know is also singing a lyric that you relate to. It’s so special.

Now there’s more than one way of supporting an artist: merch, concert tickets, CDs, vinyl. It’s about being conscious and when you like an artist you need to support them.

Do you feel like listening to music is ever work?

Yes. I think the generation above us still constitutes work as something you can’t enjoy and I think we’re going to change that.

This summer I worked at a big company and I realized that there are things that are going to be put on my desk that I don’t necessarily care about. It’s just the industry. I obviously enjoy music, but you have to view it as work. It’s your responsibility to keep up with the times. You never know who you’re going to run into or what kind of conversations you’re going to have.

It’s important to still be a fan but to separate your fan mentality from your work.

How do you think the RTF program has prepared you for the radio show?

I started off as a journalism major when I came to UT but I’ve always been interested in film and television. The closest entertainment-related major you can get is RTF. There’s not a lot of radio-based classes because radio is “on it’s way down.” But I think the major prepared me in that it taught me how to gear towards an audience and think about how people consume different kinds of media whether it’s TV, film, or music. The RTF program is filled with different kinds of people, so the diversity of students has helped me.

Are young girls your audience?

Yes! I’m so passionate about young women in music. And I think female audiences are really important. It’s so ridiculous how people view these giant groups of women as tasteless and not of value. But who’s curating modern culture? Young women.

There’s this rule of you either love One Direction or you’re an Urban Outfitters girl. And you don’t have to be either! What Lainey and I are trying to do is boost the artists we feel passionate about and break the stigma about how young girls are supposed to listen to music.

Where do you and Lainey want to take Sunflower Sounds?

We’re going to start a podcast. We like the show to be focused on music. We have a commuter time so we want to play music for people. Most of the show is about the music we play. But we feel like we talk a lot and we want to talk more. We’re going to do a podcast with half mainstream, half indie music to keep breaking the stigma about girls not liking a variety of music. We’ll see where it takes us.

What are some must listens?

The newest Arcade Fire album [Everything Now] is insanely good. A favorite is “Creature Comfort.” The Smith Street Band is a really great band from Australia. It’s in the pop-punk realm.

They have a song called “Passiona” that’s incredible.

MOODY MONTHLY

08

GARRETT MIRELESS & NICK GONZALES

LIFESTYLE

MUSIC IN MOODY (continued)

Third year Advertising major Garrett Mireles and third year Finance and Advertising major Nick Gonzales host “The Bop Boys podcast,” a podcast that discusses all things pop music, from problematic faves to representation. Check their official Twitter @thebopboys to stay up to date on the episodes.

“...[S]ongs tell stories— even if they’re just about young love, heartbreak, or going out with friends— there’s a poignancy to the lyric that makes you feel something.”

- Garrett Mireless

07

How would you define a bop? In your opinion, what are some timeless bops?

NG: It’s hard to define! You just know a bop when you hear it.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be upbeat, it just has to be unique, enjoyable, and memorable.

GM: To me, a bop is a song that is undeniably catchy, exciting, or memorable. For better or worse they are expressions of youth or carefree emotion that resonate with so many people. It’s the kind of song that you can tell your friends you hate but still gasp when it comes on in a club.

How did The Bop Boys come together? What’s the inspiration?

GM: Nick and I have been friends since our freshman year and would always discuss and debate the merits of different pop stars or songs. After two years of those spirited debates I thought we should share them with the masses. The masses being 54 Twitter followers and a few hundred streams on SoundCloud per episode.

I also took a class at UT called The Rhetoric of Female Pop Stars where we dissected the pop music landscape, patriarchy and power structures in the entertainment industry, and how the current slate of pop stars fit into the broader archetypes laid out throughout the genre’s history. I think listeners can see that those are frameworks I rely on throughout the podcast.

What influenced your musical tastes? Is there a specific artist or album that made you fall in love with music?

NG: With a few exceptions, I pretty much exclusively listen to female artists. That’s always been the case. I remember in first or

NOVEMBER 2017

LIFESTYLE

second grade I asked Santa for an Alicia Keys CD. My favorite song when I was little was “No Scrubs” by TLC. I grew up listening to a wide array of female artists; my mom played a lot of Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Faith Hill and my dad played a lot of No Doubt. I’ve always enjoyed pop music, but I didn’t get really into it until high school.

GM: I grew up in Southeast Texas, driving around in the back of my mom’s minivan listening to country. One of the things I still love to this day about classic and early 2000s country is that those songs tell stories—even if they’re just about young love, heartbreak, or going out with friends—there’s a poignancy to the lyric that makes you feel something. I like music that creates that situational feeling, and I see a lot of the same in pop. I would say one of the first artists I really fell in love with as a kid and who laid the groundwork for my understanding of poignant emotion and energy in pop was none other than my fellow Virgo and Grand Matriarch of The Known Universe Mrs. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter.

Why do you think audio is the best format for the stories, experiences, and opinions you share?

GM: It’s the easiest to produce! We’re busy college kids, and the access of simply getting together, recording a thing, doing some quick edits in GarageBand and throwing it on SoundCloud makes the barrier to entry for young, broke people so low. I’d encourage anyone who shares a passion with a great friend to make something.

#1 songs this year have been Taylor Swift and Cardi B. As far as inclusivity goes, I think female artists have to work so much harder to get the level of recognition and success that male artists have, which is really unfortunate. With pop stars in particular, I feel like so much more is expected of women than of men. At a live show, women are expected to have elaborate costumes, choreography, set design… meanwhile Justin Bieber can just stand there in a t-shirt and jeans, forget the words to “Despacito,” and people go crazy.

That being said, I think there are a lot of female artists like Ke$ha, Ariana Grande, and Beyoncé that have been very vocal recently about double empowerment and female empowerment. I think that’s fantastic!

Plans for podcast?

NG: We had our first guest on our most recent episode! I think that’s something we really want to keep doing moving forward, because I know so many people who are passionate about music, either about pop in general or a specific artist, and it’s always great to hear other opinions.

Pop music is a gendered space. How do you see pop evolving and becoming more inclusive?

NG: If you look at the Billboard charts for 2017 so far, they’ve been dominated by male artists. I think the only women who have had

MOODY MONTHLY

08

MENTAL HEALTH

USE CAMPUS RESOURCES

When it feels like you’re drowning in textbooks and papers, remember that you’re not alone; there are resources on campus to help you. If you haven’t done so already, visit your professors and TAs in their office hours to review material you’re unfamiliar with. Stop by the University Writing Center or Sanger Learning Center if you need one-on-one tutoring or extra help with an assignment.

Have the CMHC crisis number handy. Don’t be embarrassed to reach out for help. We’ve all been there.

PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Mediation and yoga have been shown to improve your mental as well as physical health, and what’s even better is that they don’t have to consume all of your time! Apps for the iPhone and Android can make taking a quick breather as easy as pie. Even a two-minute meditation can help you clear your mind and regain focus, and starting your day with sun salutations can ensure you wake up on the right side of the bed. If you’re in a sticky situation and can’t get away, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

STAY HEALTHY

Coffee and junk food can look pretty appealing if you’re spending a late night at the PCL or Epoch, but you’re better off putting the books down, grabbing some water, and then heading to bed. According to the University’s Counseling and Mental Health Services (UCMHS), “healthy eating and adequate sleep fuel your mind as well as your body.” Getting a good night’s rest and starting the day with a healthy breakfast makes you better prepared to handle whatever challenges come your way. In addition to that, exercise! It’ll help you relax and release the tension that comes from sitting and studying.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK

It’s important that you take a break every now and then to do something you enjoy. Jam out to your favorite playlist, read a chapter of your favorite novel, grab a bite to eat with your friends. Laughter is good for the soul, and making time to have fun during finals is more productive than you might think. As long as you’re not procrastinating or abandoning your responsibilities entirely, you’re doing yourself a favor by taking some chill time.

STAY HEALTHY Stress levels can often feel off the charts, and it can be easy to put your health in the backseat to school. But with finals season right around the corner, it’s important to rememberto take care of yourself!

By HOLLAND SMITH

11

NOVEMBER 2017

STUDY SPOTS

STUDY HARD With finals season quickly approaching, it’s time to switch up your usual homework spots and get on the studying grind! Check out our favorite Austin locations for all of your finals needs.

By EMMA HUGHES

24/7 EPOCH COFFEE 221 W NORTH LOOP BLVD

Indoor and outdoor spaces with great drinks and pastries. Try their empanadas!

MONKEY NEST COFFEE 5353 BURNET RD

During finals, they turn off all music in the cafe to allow for serious studying. Lots of tables available for one to two people.

BENNU COFFEE 2001 E MARTIN LUTHER KING BLVD

You may have to share a table with a stranger but there are many outlets hanging from the ceiling and a wide variety of food and drink options. Try their vegan food items as well!

FUEL LA TAZZA FRESCA 519 W 37TH ST 8AM - 12AM

Conveniently located just north of campus on Guadalupe. Home to incredible chai tea lattes, sandwiches and desserts.

CENOTE 1010 E CESAR CHAVEZ M-F 7AM - 10PM Sa 8AM - 10PM Su 8AM - 4PM

An ideal place to study on a Sunday morning with incredible brunch options and daily happy hour food specials in the evenings.

CHERRYWOOD COFFEEHOUSE 1400 E 38TH 1/2 ST 7AM - 12AM

Perfect combination of food, drink and study environment. Try their delectable entrees (El Sol Taco in particular), shakes (Chocolate City) and even order a glass of wine after a long study session and before your busride home!

MOODY MONTHLY

12

ROOVIEWS

ROOVIEWS

THOR RAGNAROK NOVEMBER 2017

DIRECTED BY TAIKA WAITITI WRITTEN BY ERIK PEARSON, CRAIG KYLE STARRING CHRIS HEMSWORTH, CATE BLANCHETT, JEFF GOLDBLUM, TOM HIDDLESTON, TESSA THOMPSON

Thor Ragnarok is HOT. Capital H-O-T HOT. From the hands of indie director Taika Waititi comes a fresh, spontaneous, and charismatic Marvel film with the ability to revitalize MCU’s often formulaic take on ensemble casts. While Deadpool and Spiderman: Homecoming set the precedent for a comedic and lighthearted superhero film, Thor Ragnarok strikes a fine balance between the two. While not as crass or explicit as Deadpool, meta jokes award the audience’s knowledge of the franchise. And while Spiderman: Homecoming introduced its titular lead through character interactions, Thor Ragnarok re-introduces its lead by scrapping the bad and fineturing the good.

As the third movie in the Thor franchise and Chris Hemsworth’s fifth appearance as Thor in the MCU, Thor Ragnarok had the potential to be yet another look at the character as he dealt with what seemed like a petty squabble—albeit among gods.

Thor Ragnarok, despite all its comedic flair, raises the stakes of the plot astronomically while keeping the familial foundation that struck true among audiences. Loki and Thor’s relationship, the relationship of each to their father, Odin, and mother, Frigga, play inextricably important roles in Thor’s life and development. Fortunately, Waititi does not do the franchise the disservice of forgetting this fact. He uses the foundation set by the previous appearances of Thor as almost a preface to the movie, then effortlessly taking leaps and strides forward with his character.

13

NOVEMBER 2017

Every character interaction, every character, and every bit of humor and action and drama in Thor Ragnarok is perfectly balanced and timed. This intricately planned (and yet constantly improvised) pace and larger-than-life tone make the movie not only immersive, but also exponentially more epic. It’s daring and absurd and well-grounded all at once. Thor Ragnarok is funny, and it knows it. And that confidence? Unbelievably sexy.

Thor Ragnarok is what Guardians of the Galaxy could have been with a more mature sense of humor. The humor is less reliant on gags (although there are many) and more on witty quips and unexpected actions. Waititi’s approach to Thor Ragnarok has finally allowed the acting, the humor, the sarcasm that were once just small bits in the previous films turn into the very foundation.

But Thor Ragnarok isn’t all laughs. It deals carefully and subtly with death, loss, and sacrifice.

Betrayal and lies, the consequences of both, and even imperialism. This film is a transformative turning point in MCU that proves the success found in invigorating, fantastic, and seductive self-indulgence.

By ROOPA NAGARAJAN

9/10

OSCAR WATCH

It’s that time of the year again, when studios slate their most dramatic, most touching and inspirational stories for release. And while we should always be cognizant of how Hollywood takes advantage of these holiday months, it’s difficult to dismiss that the Autumn season provides some of the best films each year.

Timothy Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name Colin Farrell, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Denzel Washington, Roman J. Israel, Esq.

BEST PICTURE The Shape of Water, for the Academy’s love of Guillermo del Toro’s timeless fantasy Darkest Hour, because well-acted biographical films about historically important leaders are always nominated Lady Bird, because it’s a coming-of-age stories that resonates widely with audiences Dunkirk, because Christopher Nolan attempted a historical war piece and (according to critics) succeeded Call Me By Your Name, a idyllic coming-of-age story about sexuality remiscient of Carol Phantom Thread, which reunites veteran Academy nominee Paul Thomas Anderson and winner Daniel Day-Lewis The Post, a film about the Pentagon Papers within the same vein of BP winner Spotlight Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, which might get a nomination here but will probably be awarded elsewhere The Disaster Artist, the dark horse of the year that celebrates Hollywood, the filmmaking process, and audience cult classics all at once

SUPPORTING ACTING (GENERAL) Armie Hammer, Call Me By Your Name Nicole Kidman, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Laurie Metcalf, Lady Bird Lucas Hedges, Lady Bird Octavia Spencer, The Shape of Water

BEST ACTRESS Emma Stone, Battle of the Sexes Kate Winslet, Wonder Wheel Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside 2017 as a whole has been an incredibly disap- Ebbing, Missouri pointing year for movies. By this time last year, Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird we’d already been given Best Picture nominees Jennifer Lawrence, The Shape of Water like Moonlight, Hell or High Water, and Arrival, as well as the winning performances of Casey BEST DIRECTOR Affleck in Manchester by the Sea and Maher- Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk—he is due for a shala Ali in Moonlight. The year before that, win and critics love Dunkirk awards dark horse Mad Max: Fury Road came Kathryn Bigelow, Detroit—she’s an awards darout in May and maintained its momentum all ling all on her own the way through competitors like The Reve- Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird—it’s her directorial nant, Spotlight, and The Big Short. Despite my debut, but Lady Bird is incredibly well-received reservations, however, there are plenty of mov- and this is the year of Bad Hollywood Men ies on the horizon I can see potentially snag- Jordan Peele, Get Out ging a nomination, and these are the ones you Paul Thomas, Phantom Thread—for obvious should put on your Holiday Watch List: reasons

By ROOPA NAGARAJAN

MOODY MONTHLY

GRAMMY WATCH

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE Your Name Coco Loving Vincent The Breadwinner Mary and the Witch’s Flower

POTENTIAL NOMINATIONS (BIG CATEGORIES)

BEST ACTOR James Franco, The Disaster Artist Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread Harry Dean Stanton, Lucky Gary Oldman, The Darkest Hour

SCREENPLAY (IT’S TRULY THE YEAR OF WRITER DIRECTORS) Jordan Peele, Get Out Yorgos Lanthimos and Efthymis Filippou, The Killing of a Sacred Deer Christopher Nolan, Dunkirk Greta Gerwig, Lady Bird Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor, The Shape of Water David Lowry, A Ghost Story

14

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT Transferring colleges can be a really scary process. Balancing your academic and social lives is sometimes hard to manage. While some students transfer internally from other colleges within UT, others transfer externally from other universities. Anxiety is common regardless. But no transfer student is alone. Here, three transfer students share their stories and shed light on their experience as transfers to The Moody College of Communication.

By KENNEDY WILLIAMS

AUSTIN VEACH, EXTERNAL TRANSFER FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

What was the most difficult part of your transition to Moody as a transfer student?

The most difficult part of transitioning is understanding your status, specifically in regards to clubs and organizations. I think specifically there is an unspoken stigma regarding the entry into organizations, and the stigma is completely centered around the pressure of transfers starting late. In other words, transfers feel strange and out of place for joining an organization one, two, or more years later than most who started as freshman. I definitely felt this stigma and was super afraid I was going to be rejected from certain organizations...There is an aspect of feeling like it is not worth applying to a club as a transfer, and I think that is the most difficult part of the transition.

Have you felt supported by the Moody Community?

In regards to staff and faculty, I feel as though my resources for aid have been well highlighted, and I know that I can contact all sorts of advisors for any and every problem. With students it is your typical grab bag.

Most students are very friendly and accommodating; others are to preoccupied with more pressing matters to be of assistance. But I definitely don’t feel like being a transfer makes any noticeable impact in the support and help I get from the Moody Community. In fact, most staff, faculty, and advisors have never even asked my grade which is how it should be.

Advice for incoming transfer students?

Find the time for a fun club! College is a triangle of three options of which a student can only pick two. You can either have a social life and grades with no sleep. Sleep and a social life with no grades. Or grades and sleep with no social life. I feel life unfortunately most transfer students subscribe to the latter combination.

I’m not saying transfer students should lose sleep in favor of a fun club to join, but I am saying that far too many transfer students are only grade and resume focused. Moody is a wonderful place with thousands of opportunities to utilize. If transfer students continue to only utilize the self-improvement organizations versus the entertainment organizations they are not fully utilizing their college experience.

15

NOVEMBER 2017

TRANSFER SPOTLIGHT

KAYLA PETERMAN, EXTERNAL TRANSFER STUDENT FROM NAVARRO COLLEGE

What has been the most positive experience you’ve had as a transfer so far?

Meeting new people from all walks of life every single day! I’m also volunteering at Texas Student Television on the morning show, Good Morning Texas, and I’m already learning more than what I thought I would during my first semester at UT. Have you seen a difference in how transfer students engage with the UT community versus students who have not internally or externally transferred?

100% yes. With transfer students, I feel as though there’s this constant rush of excitement coursing through us because we achieved such a great feat-- we got to UT! And so, now that we’re here at UT, we’re using our past knowledge of how to build a supportive community of friends and colleagues that I swear, I see transfers more than I see my traditional friends here! There’s almost no fear in putting yourself out there because you’ve already been through the “first year” phase of college once.

What does your group of friends look like?

My social network generally consists of transfer students with a handful of non-transfer (or, traditional) students. Before I attended orientation last summer, I created a group chat for those attending that orientation just to have some familiar faces when we all arrived. I still talk to several of them every day! I luckily also transferred with someone from my community college, so I also hang out with her on a regular basis.

Do you have any advice for incoming transfer students?

Please join a TRIG (Transfer-Year Interest Group) or an organization, because it helps you get familiar with your campus. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, though-- it doesn’t matter when you finish, what matters is finishing strong. Keep checking on your mental health and enjoy yourself, too. Personally, I am a self-described “over achiever,” in which I tend to try to do everything in order to be “the best.” This has lead to me putting immense pressure on myself which just isn’t healthy in the long run. Slowly but surely I’m learning to let go and have a little fun in between my assignments. After all, we’re in Austin now. We may as well enjoy ourselves while we’re here!

ZACHARY KORNBLAU, INTERNAL TRANSFER STUDENT FROM THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

What was the most challenging part of transitioning to Moody?

The most difficult part was getting information. I almost felt like the process a couple of years ago was intentionally confusing and staff was trying to make the process difficult for some reason. This was the case a couple of years ago at least and I’ve heard now that students have felt more supported as of late.

What programs or organizations did you join in order to make your experience smoother?

I immediately took advantage of joining Communication Council when I transferred. This was a great introduction into understanding all of what Moody has to offer and the different opportunities available.

Have you seen a difference in how transfer students engage with the UT community versus students who have not internally or externally transferred?

As an internal transfer student, I think that changing your major is such a common thing that it is not as hard of a transition for the student or as foreign of a concept for their surrounding peers. Externally however, I think it can be much more difficult to find a place on a brand new campus, especially as a sophomore or upperclassman.

Advice for future transfer students?

Moody is the best college on this campus, with the best students and faculty. There are so many opportunities, you just need to take advantage of them. Hook ‘em!

MOODY MONTHLY

16

FRESHEN UP YOUR LEFTOVERS

By HAYDEN PIGOTT Thanksgiving is any foodies’ favorite holiday. It gives you the excuse to eat incredible food excessively for an entire day. Not to mention it is socially acceptable to then nap after eating for as long as you like. There is everything for everyone, those warm, buttery yeast rolls your grandma makes, the soupy, bright red cranberry sauce you’ve loved since you were a kid and the green bean casserole you only get once a year. But what do you do with the leftovers after you are sick of eating turkey sandwiches and pumpkin pie? There are tons of innovative ways to make your leftovers into the greatest food items since sliced bread.

THANKSGIVING FOOD

MASHED POTATO PANCAKES

Combine mashed potatoes and whatever else you like (maybe shredded cheese, chives, meat, etc) in a bowl then roll them out into pancakes. Fry them in vegetable oil until brown. Then top them with sour cream and cheese. These are good for basically any meal and they are hearty. Hopefully your Thanksgiving leftovers won’t be a downer this year and you’ll be enjoying them for many days after. But always remember, there is nothing wrong with just heating up whatever you like and donating the rest to a food pantry.

CRANBERRY SAUCE MUFFINS

One thing that isn’t really a thing during Thanksgiving is breakfast…you wait all day to eat the big meal but what do you snack on before then? Well, after the big meal convert your leftover cranberry sauce into muffins for breakfast the following days. You’ll need something to fuel you through Black Friday and Cyber Monday, right? You’ll need 2 cups of flour, ½ a cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ¼ a cup of sugar, ½ a teaspoon of salt, ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 cup of cranberry sauce, ¾ a cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and one egg. Mix the dry ingredients first, then the wet ones, combine them and put them in muffin trays.

Bake for about 20 minutes.

OPEN-FACED TURKEY SANDWICHES

Take the normal turkey sandwich and throw it out the window. For this one you’ll want thick slices of turkey, a hoagie roll and plenty of gravy. Feel free to add any veggies but the real star of this is the gravy. On the side maybe make some sweet potato fries or heat up some mashed potatoes with warm butter settled on top.

Monkey Bread Dinner Rolls – Not that you will have any dinner rolls left, because bread is the best, but if you do, make monkey bread. You’ll need 3-4 dinner rolls torn, an egg, ½ a cup of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, a stick of melted butter, and ¾ a cup of sugar. Put the eggs and rolls in a bowl to coat them then add the cinnamon and sugar and toss the bread until covered. Bake them for about 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Viola, you have a little after dinner dessert that gets you away from pie.

PIE MILKSHAKE

You’re finally through snacking on that delicious pumpkin pie your aunt made but half a pie still remains. You’ve tried everything – eating it a la mode, smothering it in whipped cream, etc. But have you made a pie milkshake yet? All you need to do is take one slice of pie, two scoops of ice cream, a cup of milk, stick it all in a blender and bam you have a delicious new way of eating pie.

GREEN BEAN MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

If you are spending Thanksgiving somewhere cold this is a great option because it will keep you warm and cozy for the entire long weekend. Combine leftover green beans (roughly two cups), a can of tomato soup, ½ lb of turkey, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and one cup of mashed potatoes. Combine them all in a casserole dish and cook for 350 degrees until it is bubbly. Serve it up piping hot and everyone will crowd around.

MOODY MONTHLY

18

HOROSCOPES

HOROSCOPES

By MAYA HAWS-SHADDOCK

RADIO, TELEVISION, FILM

Creativity flourishes in times of relaxation, and diminishes when limited and forced. It may have seemed that your hectic schedule has suppressed your desire to create in the past months, but winter break promises a resurgence of your creative energy. Take that wave of freedom and follow it to wherever it leads: now’s the best chance to ride it out.

JOURNALISM

Interaction is your forté, but don’t push yourself to stray far from your roots. Take this holiday season as an opportunity to truly learn and connect with your loved ones; make meaningful connections, find deeper truths about them. There’s a story to be uncovered even in those we know so well.

ADVERTISING

You can’t spell advertising without teamwork (bear with me), and this time of year shows us just how tough balancing team meetings, school work, and the various other commitments we all have. Whether it’s your next media test, creative project, or critique that’s bumming you out, December promises exciting new directions and focus for you. Stay persistent and in two weeks you’ll be set for a long overdue break.

19

NOVEMBER 2017

HOROSCOPES

PUBLIC RELATIONS

The blur of projects and essays and exams that has made up this semester is almost over, so take a step back from your agenda and make time to spend with those close to you and enjoy the upcoming holiday season. Once next semester gears up again, you will have plenty on your plate.

COMMUNICATION DISORDERS Your warmth and kindness is sure to thrive during this festive season, whether you celebrate or not. Keep that friendly spirit and take some time to make meaningful connections with others this December – get out there and volunteer at your favorite local charity, or just spend some time with family you’ve been meaning to reconnect with.

COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP This month has been rough for you CLD majors, and we aren’t quite yet out of the woods.

Don’t despair – your determined nature is sure to bring you an array of appealing opportunities to pursue this December once all that hard work finally pays off.

COMMUNICATION STUDIES You’re typically pretty on top of your stuff, but these coming weeks put even the best of us into a panic. Don’t let that stress get you down – take every day at a time and you’re sure to succeed.

December promises well needed alone time for you to take a step back and digest.

MOODY MONTHLY

20

BEATING DIABETES For Texas and for Kayce, I will

By STEVEN SANTOYO

DIABETES MONTH

To love others, you must first be able to love yourself.

Loving yourself, your body, your medical supplies, and your highs and lows is hard to do when you are a person with diabetes. Finding a way to truly love yourself, however, is the key to living a happy and healthy life with diabetes. It took, what has felt like a lifetime of diabetes management, the death of a friend, and a network of supportive friends to turn my life around and allow for me to truly be in love with the life I am leading. I have been proud to be a part of many communities as a student at the University of Texas at Austin.

I am a first-generation college student, a communication major and honors student, a resident-assistant, a campus tour guide, and a friend to all. But today I am happy to share that being a person with diabetes is my life’s greatest honor – a role that I love living. I hope that sharing my story about having diabetes in college will empower others, because for once in my life I am not ashamed or embarrassed to share it.

I was diagnosed at the young age of 13 during the spring “break” of my eighth-grade year. At the time, high school was around the corner, and all of my fears, worries, and uncertainties only intensified because of my diabetes. I knew no one with diabetes and feeling alone in the fight was the worst way to start a diagnosis. I spent much of my time as a young adult denying the fact that I even had it. In my eyes, the less people that knew, the better. I wanted so badly to look and feel, “normal.” Little did I know, however, that diabetes was normal, and there were even others out there who knew exactly what I was going through.

The first two individuals to enter my life with diabetes were and are incredible individuals from my years in high school. Ford was a grade below me and a teammate of mine on our varsity baseball team. Like me, he came from a loving and supportive family, loved baseball, and even had the same birthday as my mom… friends forever! Kayce and I were both in the same grade, but unlike Ford and I, she was new to the world of diabetes having only had it for a few years upon us all meeting. She was co-captain of the cheer squad and was involved in the journalism department. She helped make the yearbook, and I helped make the newspaper.

I am not sure if I can recall an instance between the two of us where we were not laughing or smiling. She was simply one of those friends you could always count on to turn your bad days into good ones, even when you both had diabetes. Friends forever.

“In my six years as a person with diabetes, I have learned that everything in life happens for a reason.”

Kayce passed away unexpectedly due to complications with diabetes the spring of our freshman year in college. I cried. I felt guilty. I felt angry. I felt shaken. I felt like I had been diagnosed with diabetes all over again.

A few months after her passing, The College Diabetes Network (CDN) entered my life. I knew no one on campus who had diabetes, but now with the help of CDN, I decided to make the first affiliated chapter and registered student organization on campus for other persons with diabetes. For myself, for every person with type-one I had yet to meet, and for Kayce, Type Texas: The CDN Chapter at UT Austin was born.

At Type Texas: The CDN Chapter at UT Austin our goal is to connect, inspire, and empower individuals living with diabetes. We are a community of friends, there for each other throughout the many highs and lows of college life. The Type Texas chapter has 30 members with diabetes and counting. In my six years as a person with diabetes, I have learned that everything in life happens for a reason. The College Diabetes Network, Type Texas, and diabetes means the world to me, because it is the world to me. As long as I am living and as long as blood pumps through my heart and onto a test strip, I will do everything I can to connect, inspire, and empower everyone that enters my life. For myself, for Kayce, and for every person with diabetes that I have met since starting Type Texas, making a difference is the least that I can do.

MOODY MONTHLY

22

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SIAC Student Issue and Advisory Committee Communication Council

SIAC, Student Issue and Advisory Committee, works throughout the fall to research, plan, and prepare for a presentation called Town Hall in the spring. They conduct a college climate survey and then present the results to the Deans, faculty and students of the Moody College of Communication. SIAC plays a vital role in the success and improvement of students’ college experience in the Moody College.

NOVEMBER 2017

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE TAKE OUR SURVEY

MOODY MONTHLY

20