![]() SAM BRINKLEY North Carolina has been traditionally renowned as the place one goes to find Northern high-quality education in the South. Our own Duke University, known as the “Ivy League of the South,” Shaw University, one of the first Historically Black Universities in the South and first to provide education for African-American women, and UNC Chapel-Hill, the first public university in the nation, are prime examples of this truism. Yet the NC Community College System, which often goes underappreciated by a large number of tar heels, deserves to sit at the top of this list. Established in 1957 by the General Assembly, the community college system was a result of North Carolina’s post-agricultural economy following World War II. The state needed skilled people to man its factories and shape its modern future, and educating those people was the first step. In an era when it was not looked upon as necessary to attend a college or university for future success, community colleges were utilized by many North Carolinians as effective, low-cost modes of getting a quality education while also spending time at home where it was needed. They could also be used as stepping stones for transferring into larger public universities after a year or two, a convention continued to this day. And so, community colleges took on an individual role in our state. Instead of pretending to be the intellectual powerhouses of their neighbors in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, these institutions truly adopted their respective communities’ identities, and their hallways and auditoriums could become crossroads for the towns they served. It is probably an understatement to say that attending college in the United States is a significant financial undertaking for most families. Tuitions have risen sharply in recent years - but speaking just of tuition does not begin to take into account the numerous other expenses associated with leaving home after high school. If one happens to be an out-of-state student, traveling alone asks a substantial price. But there are 140 institutions of higher learning right here in our state, 58 of which comprise the nation’s 3rd largest state community college system, stretched as far east as Manteo and as far west as Murphy. It’s a wonder that more of North Carolina’s high-school graduating classes do not elect to spend their years of higher learning in such convenient locations close to home. Many students and their families feel that a more comprehensive education could be found elsewhere, and are willing to sacrifice their finances and local ties to attend either an out-of-state school or even one of NC’s more well-known public universities. NC State University and UNC Chapel-Hill picked up a significant portion of last year’s graduating class at Enloe alone. While not necessarily an untrue or unfounded sentiment, this mindset of many young North Carolinians is what drives our aversion to harnessing the power of community colleges in the first place. NCCCS's mission is “to open the door to high-quality, accessible educational opportunities that minimize barriers to postsecondary education, maximize student success, develop a globally and multiculturally competent workforce, and improve the lives and well-being of individuals.” If we don’t begin to appreciate the gift of the system to our state and its citizens, when will we expect it to entirely fulfill this noble aspiration? It takes a change in the hearts and minds of North Carolinians themselves to bring about the strengthening of these invaluable institutions. Reality tells us that many community colleges are already doing more with less, taking increased initiative with fewer resources on hand. But so many of our preconceived notions of community colleges blind our ability to see their important relationships with communities across North Carolina, as well as the steps they’re taking to make localized change. Whether it be in teaching practical workforce skills like furniture upholstery in Tarboro, or offering valuable public speaking skills at a free seminar in Roxboro, NCCCS is already providing more than 730,000 North Carolinians with the education they need to succeed. It comes as no surprise, then, that an astounding 40 percent of wage earners in our state took classes at a community college within the past 10 years. Granted, we cannot expect to equate an institution like Beaufort County Community College with Princeton or Cornell, mainly because such a comparison is a disservice to to the original purpose of a community college. But what we can do is provide these precious representations of the best of North Carolina with the resources and support they need to flourish. As with many educational institutions across the nation, NCCCS has been hit with decreased state funding and somewhat lessened admiration over the recent decade. While not in any dire position, any limiting of the system’s resources, as seen in the State Aid Budget Report of 2013-2014, is cause for concern. This is no doubt reflective of our tendency to put education second on the to-do list, despite it being the greatest investment we can make. A general trend of lacking trust in society means less trust in its institutions, especially those for which success cannot be captured in numbers and graphs. But when we give universities and community colleges alike the help they deserve, they are bound to deliver in unimaginable ways. It is essential to have confidence in their potential before we begin to judge their performance.
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By: Iman Dancy ft. Guest Writer Rohini Sharma In his highly-anticipated December 2016 album, “Awaken, My Love!,” artist Childish Gambino deviated from his typical hard-hitting rap lyrics and instead presented a conglomeration of varying musical styles. Gambino’s decision to stray from his witty rapper niche ignited a wave of disapproval and backlash from fans and frequent listeners. Though confusion regarding the drastic genre shift found in the album is understandable, “Awaken, My Love!” still stands as one of the greatest musical projects of 2016. Fusing ‘70s funk, psychedelic rhythm and blues, hard rock, and reggae influences, Gambino reveals yet another side to his complex persona, wowing listeners with vocals akin to musical powerhouses of the late twentieth century. Rather than narrowing in on a single concept, “Awaken, My Love!” guides listeners along a tempestuous journey, traveling from the age-old tale of unrequited love to a galvanizing call for insurrection, then adopting a softer, more paternal tone, and finally concluding with a nostalgic reflection on the ideas ingrained in Gambino during his early childhood years. Following a two-year hiatus since the release of his second EP, “Kauai,” “Awaken, My Love!” acts as the impeccable re-proclamation of Gambino’s musical genius, exhibiting him as a truly multidimensional and matured artist.
The album’s first track, “Me and Your Mama,” is certainly difficult to overlook. The piece begins with a haunting repetition of its introduction, a simple fourteen-syllable loop supplemented by high-pitch, traditionally hip-hop synths. Approximately two minutes in, however, the song abruptly transitions to grunge power chords on guitar, with bellowing, maniacal laughter reverberating in the background. Gambino then interjects, his Steven Tyler-esque shrieks of “let me into your heart” coupled with the powerful vocals of a choir. Reminiscent of the 1970s soul music produced by lyrical legends such as Marvin Gaye and Isaac Hayes, Gambino presents a funky slow jam in “Redbone,” the album’s sixth track, showcasing his higher octave vocal ability and teleporting listeners to a time far before the digitally altered songs that dominate today’s radio. “Redbone” narrates the complicated relationship between an overly-zealous Gambino and his significantly less eager love interest, his dejected cry of “I’m wishing I could make this mine” echoing in the ears of his audience. Gambino’s soulful vocals paired with the old-school feel of “Redbone” makes it, arguably, the best song on the album. “California,” the seventh song on “Awaken, My Love!,” takes a highly contrasting approach. Combining whimsical island percussion, upbeat reggae influences, and Gambino’s jerky and accented vocals, “California” takes the cake as the most unusual track on the album; however, the song’s peculiarity actually works in its favor, and many find themselves with its catchy tune stuck in their heads from to time. “Stand Tall,” the final song on the album, centers around the lessons Gambino was taught as a small child. “Keep all your dreams, keep standing tall. If you are strong, you cannot fall. There is a voice inside us all. So smile when you can, when you can,” he sings in the hook. “Stand Tall” is certainly the most traditionally “Gambino” of all of the songs featured in the album; its stripped-down, tranquil nature and absence of vocal editing in the first half allows listeners to simply bask in Gambino’s mellifluous vocals. Halfway through “Stand Tall,” the song re-adopts the funky sound that typifies “Awaken, My Love!,” introducing a jazzy flute accompaniment and digitally filtered vocals. “Awaken, My Love!” resembles no other project that Childish Gambino has created. Venturing outside of the confines of his rapper image, Gambino put forth an assemblage of several, eclectic musical influences, exploring varying styles and taking inspiration from both retro and modern artists alike. Unlike his rap-centric 2013 album “Because the Internet” and 2014 “Kauai,” Gambino doesn’t restrict himself to a single category of music on his most recent production, instead appealing to a widely-diverse audience as a result of his genre-jumping. While “Awaken, My Love!” has received numerous mixed reviews, its fearlessness and malleability is an eye-opening glimpse into the versatility of Gambino’s musical ability. By: Adam Sichel “Britney Spears shaves head in fit of rage;” “Michael Jackson homophobia, abuse, plastic surgery leads to suicide;” “Lindsay Lohan behind the scenes, what co-stars really thought about her?”
Rattle off any artist, actor, singer and they are bound to have been negatively affected in some way by the prison of fame. Famous artists such as Michael Jackson, Mozart, and hundreds of others have been performing their craft since the moment they could roll over on their stomachs. Mozart wrote his first concerto at four years old while Michael Jackson was performing on TV by the age of nine, traveling all over the country with his family. Both artists were forced to trade childhood for performing, developing differently from the average child. There were no play dates or socializing with other children. It was traveling in a bus all the time with family, agents, and royalty, in addition to having to act like an adult before they even knew what that entailed. An infamous group of artists known as The 27 Club signifies a group of artists who died way too young at the age of 27. Like Michael, Mozart and most every musician, at some point in their life they experience certain emotions that drive their brilliant melodies and lyrics, the ones that fans find so relatable. A song would not be good without the artist truly loving and breathing the meaning of the song, an art that can move you to tears. It is admittedly uncomfortable to conceptualize a celebrity, or one’s favorite artists having a flaw. An artist, especially one of celebrity status, should have no flaws and represent what perfection is both physically and mentally. When Kanye was admitted to the hospital in late November for psychiatric treatment there were rumors about physical abuse with the police, hospital staff, and overall negative media attention towards the acclaimed hip-hop artist known for sparking controversy. Kanye was not the only celebrity affected by rumors in his career. Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Demi Lovato, and Kid Cudi have all been viciously attacked by the media. The tabloids try to tarnish their whole careers by painting an image of the artist as a “sick person” or one of lesser value. The media eats off of people's shock when someone famous becomes less famous and more human. If the media cannot handle the effects of mental health, how does the public respond to millions of everyday people, criminals, and gun owners receiving mental health care? How does a kid feel if they are diagnosed with depression and their favorite singer is being ridiculed and humiliated for their depression--or their flaw. Mental health amongst artists is publicized falsely and used as a poking stick by the media to prod and play with. The country must come to a point where its artists are not looked down upon by having a mental illness or by struggling with internal conflicts. The media cannot begin to fathom the effect they have on people's dreams, thoughts, and opinions. An artist should no longer represent the ideal of perfection, but should represent an empty pallet, a ready-to-burn disc, an improv game, ready to show their flaws without shame. BY: Allayne Thomas If you have not read “salt.” by Nayyirah Waheed, it should be the first thing you do when winter break starts. It is a powerful collection with each poem carefully stitched together, crafted to both stand on its own and with all the others.
Often, while we enter school and are rushed through our education, reading for pleasure falls to the wayside. We can forget the enriching power it gives to our imagination and enjoyment. But mainly, we don’t have the time for it. However, “salt.” pairs succinctness with complex ideas. Whether you hate poetry, do not have the time, or don’t value reading, “salt.” will challenge your ideas on important topics ranging from race to self-care and love. As a Nigerian woman, Waheed draws on her own unique perspective to express a range of ideas. But mainly, it imbues a sense of self empowerment into the reader as they delve into introspection. That would be her ultimate aim, as one of her poems reads: “If I write what you may feel but cannot say. It does not make me a poet. It makes me a bridge. And I am humbled and I am grateful to assist your heart in speaking. --- grateful” Ironically, what is most powerful to note as one moves through the “salt.” collection is Waheed’s conviction to her perspective and values. Lines such as “I will crawl for white beauty” and “africa does not need your tears” are jarring in both the harshness of their language and the message they convey. A common theme is the ability of the collection to encompass a range of topics while relating it to very specific instances. This helps to make what may be an experience or opinion for her to personally connect with the different experiences of all people. I hope everyone will move to get their own copy of “salt.” and draw their own conclusion on its power. There is a poem for each person, despite race or gender. There will always be at least one that will speak to you. Every poem may not reach you, but if at least one opens you to a wider scope of the human experience, then you will be better for it. By: Marine Elia
Maybe it's a motivator to keep New Year's resolutions alive. Maybe it's to convince others of your athletic prowess. Or maybe it's a status symbol. Although the athleisure fashion trend was deemed worthy of a spot in the Webster’s dictionary, athleisure should be limited to gyms, sports, and any other time when there is actual sweating and physical activity involved. With a possible theory of its conception being seated in the early 2000’s velour tracksuits popularized by California “It girls,” athleisure has taken the the fashion world by storm. Proven by the current non-basketball player teen boy uniform of Nike shorts complete with Nike Roshes,this trend is here to stay. But why are people drawn to wearing clothes in a way that is contradictory to its intended use? The most popular reason for donning yoga pants outside of the yoga studio is the comfort; stretchy, soft fabrics mold to your individual shape. In addition, dressing in exercise wear saves the time and energy of packing another outfit and changing out for a fitness class. Yet this mentality is highly dangerous. If people are becoming too busy to spend five minutes of their time preparing an extra set of clothes, how far into the near future will individuals stop bothering to look professional for business meetings and instead reach for their flannel pj’s to be “comfortable?” If comfort is the main goal of fashion, tossing unique style and individuality down the trash faster than Donatella Versace throws away last season’s clothing, diversity could drown in a sea of uniform clothing. The most evident reason for following the trend is that everyone resembles their fittest self in athleisure. Tight but non-constricting fits with athletic cuts flatter every body type. Athleisure trends can even segue into different age demographics: a 13 year old middle schooler is just as likely to purchase a pair of simple black leggings as a 65 year old is. Its versatile and unisex approach only increases its accessibility and allure. Although trickle-down allows for affordable brands like Target and Old Navy to provide the public with the latest craze for a fraction of the price, athleisure began and continues with a lust for a brand name. At the peak of its popularity, the yoga clothing brand LuluLemon lured customers with its recognizable logo. The sheer number of consumers to the brand contributed to its cult-like reputation for focusing on a select demographic: the well-toned professional elite. Before long, middle school girls were begging their mothers to shell out $100 for a pair of simple, plain black leggings instead of an identical pair--sans logo--from another store with the same level of quality. Even if bougie exercise clothes merited their high prices, how much of a role does quality need to play for clothing items that will be perpetually dirty? The nation’s shift towards living healthy and fulfilling lifestyles packed with hot yoga and freshly pressed green juice has inspired others to join the movement. If fitness is the focus of someone’s lifestyle or even for the beginner fitness gurus, the quick run to the store after a workout is inevitable, but for those whose legging collection surpasses that of their jeans, it's a concerning threat towards individuality and self-expression. The hunger for assimilation into the current fashion climate masks the true styles of people who would be wearing vintage finds if not for their neon running shorts. In a world where renowned fashion houses are promoting couture sneakers, it's impossible to stop this already $97 billion industry. But if in a few years you ever become disillusioned with the constrictive nature of leisurely athletic wear, please don't allow yourself to be seduced by the snug and secure embrace of pajamas. Does Christmas Overshadow Other Holidays?
By Caden Speakman There are several religion-based holidays that people across America celebrate annually during the winter season, but being that Christmas is the most celebrated, does it overshadow the others? There are several reasons why it doesn’t. Although Christmas originated as a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ, it isn’t exclusively celebrated by Christians. This is due to the fact that Christmas has expanded beyond a religious holiday; it has become more of a cultural celebration, which is inclusive of anyone who’s part of American culture. According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, 92% of all Americans celebrate Christmas. As expected, nearly all American Christians celebrate the holiday with 96% participation rate. However, it would be invalid to say that Christmas “overshadows” other holidays based solely on the fact that the vast majority of Americans celebrate it. It only makes sense that Christmas has an overwhelming presence in American culture, considering that it is much more celebrated than any other religious holiday during the winter season. Christmas may be celebrated by the vast majority of Christians, but what about non-Christians? Surely they must be excluded from Christmas and go unrecognized. In reality, a vast majority of people who aren't Christians celebrate Christmas as well, with only 19% of them declaring that they had never celebrated it. The reason people who aren’t Christian can comfortably say they celebrate Christmas is because they celebrate its cultural side. This cultural side of Christmas is pervasive throughout the country during the winter season, so it's nearly impossible to avoid. Christmas movies and commercials on T.V., holiday decorations scattered throughout malls, and Christmas decorations strung up on houses are just a few of the familiar practices that contribute to its overwhelming presence. All the elements of Christmas culture culminate to form an inviting Christmas atmosphere, enriching American culture as a whole and allowing anyone to participate in it comfortably. For the 8% of Americans who choose not to celebrate Christmas, they are completely free to do so and nobody is forcing Christmas upon them. Many other holidays take place during the Christmas season, with two of the most recognized being Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Many different religions and peoples also celebrate the winter solstice. Any holiday or special event can be celebrated in America without any interference or judgement, and neither the cultural nor religious side of Christmas encourages shutting any of them out. Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in the United States during the winter season, but that doesn't mean that it overshadows or excludes other holidays and religious practices. In reality, it is an inclusive and inviting part of American culture that anyone can be a part of and enjoy if they choose to do so. It'd be a shame to see this positive and enriching part of our culture be perceived as diminishing to the appreciation of other religious celebrations when it does nothing of the sort. By Caden Speakman
If you ask someone who celebrates Christmas what it was like discovering Santa wasn’t real, you’ll likely get mixed answers. Some may give you a sappy story about how they cried to their parents after school one day when some kid on the playground told them they had been deceived, while others may claim to have known it was too good to be true all along. Often times this brings up a question of ethics when it comes to parenting, and it has long been debated whether it’s acceptable to deceive children about fantasy holiday figures. Although there are some reasons why this common practice in our society can be upsetting, lying to children during the holidays actually brings much more good than harm. Christmas is the most widely celebrated holiday in the United States, so you can imagine how many kids are exposed to the idea of the jolly man in a red suit. While it may sound disturbing when we tell children an obese old man can see them when they’re sleeping and that he forcibly enters their house one night a year, it’s safe to say that the majority of kids are filled with nothing but pure excitement while waiting for Santa’s arrival. Kids don’t analyze the idea of Santa or take the time to question his ethics. Children just know that he is giving them gifts and they can’t wait to see what they are. Santa gives children something to look forward to and fills their childhood with memories of anticipation and joy. The idea of Santa also teaches children good morals. The Christmas season is blanketed by a bustling, joyous atmosphere which strongly emphasizes the virtue of giving. It is no lie that the holiday can in fact spoil children and make them greedy if parents aren’t careful, but if done right it allows children to experience the satisfaction not only in receiving gifts, but also in giving them. It’s impossible to not experience that rewarding feeling when you see someone’s face light up after opening a gift you gave them, and it’s important that children experience this at a young age so that they understand the importance of charity. Another important part of Christmas is teaching that doing the right thing will lead to rewards. When children are reminded of the perks of good behavior and warned about the possibility of getting nothing but coal in their stocking if they are naughty, they tend to abruptly straighten up and start acting like an angel. If children believe that Santa could be checking up on them at any given time to ensure they are being good, they will also learn to do the right thing when nobody's watching. Providing an incentive for good behavior is by no means negative. The worst part about Santa is realizing it’s a sham. Often times this can be devastating to children, leaving them feeling confused and betrayed by their parents. Even though this short period of mixed feelings can be harmful to kids, it helps them mature by teaching them to be more realistic. Plus, it's not like all those great memories of Christmas or the good morals they were taught are soiled just because Santa isn't the one delivering the presents. While some may claim that telling children about nonexistent holiday figures, such as Santa Claus, does more harm than good, doing so actually provides many benefits for children who are learning and growing, preparing for the real world ahead of them. It allows kids to have something to look forward to as a reward for doing the right thing no matter who's watching. It also teaches them to find happiness in being charitable, and creates memories of a joyous and comfortable atmosphere. Even when the gig is up it gives children a stepping stone in development and maturity. The moral of the story is, don't board up your chimneys this holiday season. By Jacqueline Ashford-Lavy
With Donald Trump’s inauguration a month away, young Americans are struggling with handling the shift of power. Many teenagers grew up liking or disliking Obama because of their parents. This election is their first as adults, with their own opinions and political views. “I remember on election day, my mom made us dress up in Obama shirts and go to the polling places” says junior Helen Haddad, “I grew up with Obama being my parents’ favorite.” But now Haddad, like many Americans, is facing a dilemma. How should we respect the president? The choice of giving respect to Trump, or any person in power, is clear. Individuals are not obligated to respect Trump, as it is part of their inalienable rights to be able to voice their opinions. “If you feel like they aren’t going to represent or act in the best interest of the majority, I don’t think you owe them your respect,” says Haddad, “If they don’t respect what’s important to me, then why should I respect them?” But there is a thin line between the man and the office. “We should respect the office of president, despite the man currently elected for it” says junior Sara Dellenger. The office is the statue of our inalienable rights. Those inalienable rights give you the right to say what you want of the man, but the office needs respecting. “The office has been there for the past 200 years. Looking back on it, it’s something to think about.” says Haddad, “The office is a different thing than the person. I can always respect the office, but the person has to earn it, and Donald Trump has not in any way earned it.” “I don’t think they deserve our respect, they definitely have to earn it” says Sara Dellenger. “Someone has to earn your respect no matter who they are” says Haddad. Trump does not immediately gain the respect of the majority of the nation. He, as a person, is responsible for proving himself to the public. “If you act in a way that represents the interests that I feel are important, then you will earn my respect” says Haddad. The learning curve of Trump’s transition to presidency will be steep. American citizens have every right to disagree and protest his decisions. But the value of the office must be kept in the back of our thoughts. To respect the title, but struggle to respect the man holding it, is awkward and uncomfortable. But it’s necessary to separate the two. The office of democracy goes beyond a man who will be called president for four to eight years. “It’s this weird juxtaposition of ideas,” says Dellenger, “but you have to really find that balance within yourself, and the whole country has to do that for itself.” And you thought tuition was bad?By ALLAYNE THOMAS
$90. That is currently the highest price for a college application, belonging to Stanford University. The average was $41 in the spring of 2015. With acceptance rate decreases, the price usually increases. Schools such as UNC-CH, NC State, and Duke University, charge between $80 and $85. Deadlines and application fees are on the front of almost every seniors’ mind as we reach the final stages of the college application season. Applying to college will always be stressful, as it is a process that, despite the many hours of tips and preparation, is new and confusing. However, what prior senior classes never emphasized was the sheer cost of applying to college itself. Each student must take the ACT or the SAT, with certain selective schools even requiring or strongly recommending at least 2 SAT subject tests. The SAT costs $45, or $57 with the essay, and subject tests start at $46, depending on the amount you need to take. Not only are these tests stressful, but prior to Khan Academy the cost to prepare for them was also expensive. After you take all of your standardized tests, the process has only just begun. Each student is allowed four free score sends when you take the SAT, but after that it costs $12 to send scores to each university you apply to. Each application fee is suddenly expanded by $12 and it snowballs further. Certain schools require the CSS-profile, a profile of each student's financial situation to help schools determine their financial award, in addition to the FAFSA. This costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each school after that. At the end of it all, one of the local schools such as NC state or UNC-CH, the top choice for many at Enloe, can cost up to $230 to apply. Each school tends to cost over $100 without fee waivers or other supplementals. This limits the number of schools applicants consider applying to. Even with the significant amount of fee waivers that are offered to students in need, schools with the higher application fees still make at least over $1 million dollars on average. The question is always at the front of our minds: which school is the school? Unfortunately, throughout the process, the one you want might be that reach school--the one $100 over your college application budget. At the end of the day, we are paying for applications that might not woo the admissions officers. Completely overhauling all fees is impractical, but certain costs can be reduced. It should not take $12 to send scores to a university for a test that was already paid for. Universities shouldn’t charge above $50 for each fee, |
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January 2018
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