VOLUME 118 | ISSUE 2

A look at Sophomores speak on UL’s dining in-person experience options for after year of virtual class students Lena Foster different circumstances than previous in sociology, planned on auditioning Morri Sampey NEWS EDITOR classes had. for the Infinity Dance Group, a hip-hop EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Many professors changed their dance team at UL Lafayette. According to Morri Sampey classroom styles to be either fully remote Norman, she wanted to join after seeing Lena Foster EDITOR-IN-CHIEF or hybrid, which made some incoming the group in her freshman year, but NEWS EDITOR students find it harder to academically she was unable to due to public health Sophomores at the University of excel. concerns and restrictions. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Louisiana at Lafayette returned to According to Jayvion Batiste, a However, the university’s push provides students with multiple places to campus for the fall 2021 semester with sophomore majoring in kinesiology, for an in-person semester allows for eat, as well as multiple ways of paying for more opportunities to experience in- the lack of a face-to-face learning student organizations to be active once it; however, between declining balance person classes and events; however, due environment put him at a disadvantage again, and some students are ready to and meal swipes, freshmen and parents to the experiences they missed out on because of his laziness and failure to get participate in organizations they couldn’t alike find themselves unsure of which due to COVID-19, many of them share up on time for the online classes. before. Madison Davis is a UL Lafayette option is best for them. the feeling of still being a freshman. Despite the spread of the new Delta sophomore that’s interested in joining the According to the UL Lafayette website, “I kind of feel like I’m a freshman variant, some professors plan to teach jiu jitsu on campus. “Declining Balance points are points that going into it,” said Kaylin Ambrose, a their class in-person for the fall 2021 “It would be my first time learning jiu can be used at any of UL Lafayette dining sophomore. “I feel like now that I’m a semester. Students like Batiste recognized jitsu, so I’m just excited overall to learn facilities, such as the Brew and Chick- sophomore I should know the ins and the university’s efforts to bring the it and be surrounded by people that fil-A, in place of actual dollars. Each outs.” campus back to a state of normalcy. practice that,” Davis said. point is representative of $1.00 and can During Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, “This is an attempt to give us a normal Kaylin Ambrose, a sophomore, shared be used at any time during the semester.” the university had to abide by restricted semester, and I appreciate them for that,” her thoughts on the upcoming school Once a student runs out of declining policies recommended by the CDC due Batiste stated. year. balance, they may go online and to the COVID-19 spread. Along with the With the previous event cancellations “I’m excited to start. I think we’ll have a purchase more declining balance in $25 anxieties of going to college and starting and modified organization structures, pretty good year,” Ambrose said. “I think increments. a new chapter, the high school graduating many students weren’t able to participate once we get back into the swing of things Rather than being associated with a class of 2020 had the added stress of in student organizations and teams. and start going, it’ll be easy.” set amount of money, meal swipes refer coming into college under completely A’Nhiya Norman, a sophomore majoring to the number of times you can use your Cajun Card to eat. For instance, students with 15 meal swipes can eat in the Cypress Lake Dining Hall 15 times, without having to pay out of pocket or spend their declining balance. Meal swipes reset every week. If a student only uses 10 out of 15 of their meal swipes, they will still start the next week with 15 meal swipes, rather than 20. The number of meal swipes and amount of declining balance a student gets is determined by the meal plan they choose when enrolling. There are a variety of meal plans to choose from and a detailed list can be found on the UL Lafayette housing website. Students are also given the opportunity to change their meal plan during the first week of school if they are unhappy with their decision. As for where students spend their declining balance and meal swipes, they have a choice between multiple locations scattered across campus. The Union houses a few of the options, but only the Cypress Lake Dining Hall is located on the second floor. “Basically, it’s all-you-can-eat buffet- style, with all different types of food options available from a regular meal to vegan and specialty meals,” said Dawn Miller, the interim director of housing. Graphic by Cole Broussard Downstairs, students can find the Brew, which serves Starbucks and accepts declining balance. Down the hall from the Brew is the Lagniappe cafe, which serves the main dish at the Cypress Lake Dining Hall in a to-go container in 9 new COVID-19 cases last exchange for meal swipes. McAlister’s Deli can be found even farther down the hall, and they accept declining balance. The Ragin’ Cajun Food Court is located week, bringing total to 1,082 on the corner of Rex Street and E Saint Mary Boulevard. It can be accessed by Morri Sampey walking up the wooden ramp next to the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF bus stop. Inside the Food Court, students There were nine new COVID-19 have a choice between Chick Fil’ A, Pizza cases among students, faculty and Hut, Simply To-Go and sushi. Students staff at the University of Louisiana can also purchase snacks and bottled at Lafayette during the week of Aug. drinks at this location. 22, according to the university’s Zeus is a Greek and Lebanese COVID-19 dashboard on Aug. 23. restaurant that serves its food to-go for According to the dashboard as of declining balance and is found next to Monday, the university has confirmed Oliver Hall. that 227 students and 217 faculty Inside of the Edith Garland Dupre and staff members contracted the Library is Jazzman’s, a coffee shop virus, and 638 students have told the frequented by students who are university they’ve tested positive. This attempting to study in relative peace. means there have been a total of 1,082 During a typical semester, students cases among students, faculty and staff can spend their declining balance Graphic by Cole Broussard at UL Lafayette. there; however, Jazzman’s closed at the Confirmed positive tests include Self-reported tests were taken by off- As of Monday, the dashboard beginning of the pandemic and has not tests taken by Student Health Services campus health care providers. Students displays total positive tests since Jan. yet reopened. and UL Lafayette Athletics, as well in this category sent their results to the 4, 2020. Finally, students can find Cafe Fleur as tests submitted to the university’s dean of students themselves, according This is an ongoing story. Stay with human resources department by to the dashboard. the Vermilion for more updates. EATING ON CAMPUS faculty, staff and student workers. continued on page 2

News Sports Sports Allons GET READY, GET SET, LEARN OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO CAJUNS TO BATTLE THE COWS UL REQUIRES SACRIFICE

Ready to be in person? UL Lafayette certainly UL Lafayette alum and former sports editor at The football team is ready to go in person Design Manager Cole Broussard explains the is with two weeks filled with fun. the Vermilion discusses her experience working again, this time, against the Texas Longhorns. new tuition concept in this satire piece. for ESPN. PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE VERMILION Police Reports Compiled by Amelia Jennings Aug. 21 l At 10:38 a.m., a minor crash occurred between a brown 2020 Chevy Equinox and a blue 2011 Chevy Cruze on 100 E Lewis St. Aug. 20 l At 1:23 p.m., someone reported a burglary of a shipping container that contained a combination lock, a waterpro sensor, a truncheon nutrient meter, and money from 337 Coliseum Rd. Aug. 19 l At 3:38 p.m., a crash occurred between an orange 2011 Chevy Camaro and a declining balance or meal swipes. Inside EATING ON CAMPUS grey 2019 Toyota Rav4 on 200 Blk E St. Mary Blvd. continued from page 1 of Cafe Fleur de Lis, there is a store where students can buy things to cook de Lis next to the Legacy apartments. themselves, such as macaroni and cheese Cafe Fleur de Lis boasts a number of Aug. 18 or canned goods. Declining balance is options to choose from, ranging from l accepted at the store as well. At 6:37 p.m., someone reported a suspicious person at the Heritage pizza, barbeque, the grill and some Asian options. Students can spend either Apartments.

University to host ‘Cajun Craze,’ welcome new students to campus Kaytlyn Williams NEWS WRITER

After an almost completely remote semester, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has planned two weeks worth of events to welcome students back. With a combination of online and in-person events, these events will give students the opportunity to interact with many different student organizations. To begin, New Student Convocation will be virtual, and it will allow students to meet advisors and officially begin their academic careers. University faculty and staff will come together and offer guidance to incoming students. “Ask Me” tents will be located in the Rose Garden and on Rex Street where staff and students will be available to help answer any questions and give directions.

Photo by Malik Jones / The Vermilion Starting on Monday, Aug. 23, students A sign advertising Cajun Crazy near the Student Union on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. can swing by Rex Street to receive free breakfast items to celebrate the first day staff and students will be available to help Events like First Day Flicks, The people. You will gain advice from others of school. After that, students can head to answer any questions and give directions. Welcome Event, and the Swamp Party, who are successful and you will also learn the Student Union, where Motivational Sunday, Aug. 29 is specifically for will all be held at the Student Union how to properly interact with others if Monday will happen, hosted by Black those interested in campus Greek life. Porch. While other events will be held at you’re slightly introverted. Student Union (BSU). There will be plenty of chances to inquire the Quad and Rose Garden. Other events The university will conclude Cajun Students with a packed schedule need about Panhellenic sororities and events. such as Front Porch Party and Young Life Craze with a viewing party to watch the not worry as events are spread out from The Panhellenic Sorority Convocation College Ice Cream Social will be held Ragin’ Cajuns take on the University of early morning to late night. For example, and Information Program is a chance at surrounding areas like Borden’s and Texas Longhorns at 3:30 p.m. Wild-n-Out Wednesday and the Rec for students to meet with recruitment Wesley United Campus Ministry. With that being said, around campus, Sports Complex grand opening party are counselors and learn more about Greek During Cajun Craze, it is important to there is a club or organization for both late night events. life in general. Many Greek organizations attend the events you feel that will best everyone. Keep in mind if you do not see “Ask Me” tents will be located in the will host recruitment events shortly fit you and your schedule. If you miss an an organization that is your passion, you Rose Garden and on Rex Street where thereafter. event, there will be plenty of other chances can always start your own. to network and communicate with new

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A weekly student publication of the University EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Morri Sampey SPORTS EDITOR Madelyn Myer All letters to the editor and guest editorials must of Louisiana at Lafayette. The paper is MANAGING EDITOR Amelia Jennings ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Zachary Nagy include the author’s full name and phone number and be no longer than 400 words in length. Submissions distributed on Wednesdays except on holidays NEWS EDITOR Lena Foster PHOTO COORDINATOR Malik Jones are edited for libel and vulgarity only. Editorial and and semester breaks.The Vermilion is supported DESIGN MANAGER Cole Broussard BUSINESS MANAGER Madelyn Myer columns reflect the author’s opinion and not those of in part by student-assessed fees. Views The Vermilion staff. expressed in The Vermilion do not necessarily All advertisements must be submitted by the Friday reflect those of UL Lafayette administrators, EMAIL [email protected] BUSINESS 482-6110 FAX 482-6959 MAIL P.O. Box 43721 before publication at [email protected]. faculty, staff or other students. Lafayette, LA 70504-4813 101 BOUCHER DRIVE LAFAYETTE, LA © 2021 Communications Committee of UL Lafayette. LOCATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED THE VERMILION | AUGUST 25, 2021 3 Sports Former Vermilion sports editor details experience as ESPN podcasting intern Lachelle Smith FORMER SPORTS EDITOR

The journalism world has taken me places I’ve always dreamed of and is still allowing me to unfold the beauty of the craft of communication. Being a sports enthusiast and having aspirations to be the greatest sports journalist in the world, ESPN was always on my list of places I wanted to be, just like other aspiring journalists — it was at the top of my goal list. If you ask any person who wants to talk about sports for a living, they will always tell you ESPN is the sports mecca — the place that is all sports all the time, every day. You hear the famous “DaDaDa, DaDaDa” 24/7 and wonder what it will take for me to be there. The gut-wrenching feeling is that you realize you are not the only one wanting to accomplish that dream and to get just a piece of the experience of being able to contribute to the greatness of ESPN is a challenging honor that millions apply for. An honor that came with three rejection letters for the same internship Graphic by Morri Sampey before I was able to see my headshot on create social posts to help the engagement about football every week and then the best publications and networks in the that blue ESPN badge. of the podcasts. watching him go live on TV hours later. It world is possible. Trust the skills that you While being a graduate student at Having that real-world experience at a makes you know that the dream of being have gained throughout the years and the University of Southern California company such as ESPN is priceless and where they are is attainable. know that you belong. majoring in specialized journalism I having the background education of a I worked closely with the First Take, There is a place for every storyteller was blessed with the opportunity to be journalism degree allowed me to use that Her Take Podcast with Elle Duncan, that wants to be in this industry. Those selected as a summer intern at ESPN in education in an applicable setting. Charly Arnolt, and Kimberely Martin. opportunities are waiting for the young their Audio Podcast department. To see my work actually on the ESPN Those ladies made me feel welcomed journalists of the world to make their It changed my life. website and to know I helped create that and allowed me to have a voice to help mark. Working at ESPN is what one would was a dream come true. the show improve. I say with a lot of I wouldn’t have imagined how much expect. It’s demanding and there’s a confidence that I had one of the best growth I would see in myself from the standard of professional that you must “I am here to tell journalists internship experiences because most start of my internship in June to late have every day you clock in. No task is interns don’t get to make appearances on August. They prepared me for the next too little or too big no matter the title of just like myself that your shows. level and no matter where you go you are your job. dream of working with the But, I was able to be on the podcast always a part of the ESPN family. Initially, the internship was located in best publications and with those talented ladies on multiple I hope that my journey from Bristol, CT but because of the pandemic, occasions because they believed in me graduating from the University of it would be pushed remotely. But, being networks in the world is and wanted me to use my voice. Those Louisiana at Lafayette in 2019 to remote did not take away from the possible.” moments are what made me a better graduating from USC in 2021 can be of internship at all. I felt just as part of the journalist and gained more mentors. some encouragement to others that are ESPN family virtually as a person would The one thing that is engraved in my That doesn’t mean everyday didn’t in journalism that want to be able to have physically walking onto the Bristol experience is that I was able to pick bring its own stresses and challenges. It those experiences and learning moments campus. the brains of some of the most talented can be intimidating at first knowing that that I had with ESPN. My summer was full of logging onto broadcasters in the world that I watch you are working at a company such as The time is now for our generation my company-issued computer waking up every day and have listened to for years. them and that you want to perform at of journalists to take the lead and make early for 7 a.m. recordings and working Their kindness and patience to be a high level. The best advice I received their names known with the incredible 40 hours a week on multiple podcasts like a guiding hand for a young journalist during my time there was to “remember work that they are capable of at the Adam Schefter and Mina Kimes. like myself is something that I never you are meant to be here.” highest level. The week would encompass multiple took for granted because they made ESPN boosted my confidence to know We belong in that space. meetings with colleagues in other the experience even more than what I that journalism is not a dying industry, Keep writing. Keep producing. Keep departments to network and learn expected. despite what others say. storytelling. about all the operations throughout the Imagine getting to talk to Schefter I am here to tell journalists just like company, producing shows, and helping myself that your dream of working with What to know before you go: A guide to attending Ragin’ Cajun football games Madelyn Myer SPORTS EDITOR

Attending football games is one of the best parts of the college experience. You get to tailgate, meet some new friends and enjoy the nation’s most popular sport. But if you’re not careful, an experience that is supposed to be fun, can turn into an annoyance super fast. The first thing to consider is how you want to get to the game. The university offers a shuttle service to Cajun Field that you can take. This way you won’t have to worry about parking. But if you know you won’t be partying too hard, you can drive and park at the Hilton by the Cajundome. Now another thing to keep in mind is bag size requirements. No purses, backpacks, mesh bags or fanny packs are allowed. You should only bring a small purse or clutch or a clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12” by 6” by 12”. If you bring a bag that’s too big they won’t let you enter and you’ll have to walk all the way back to your car or even Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion the shuttle. Another prohibited item is an Jeanne Smith cheers on the Ragin’ Cajuns as they face off against Texas Southern University on Sept. 14, 2019. umbrella, so if it looks like a rainy day, a poncho is your best option. right in the middle of the field and can don’t end up having a shiny forehead for want to make sure you stay hydrated in To save yourself from the heat, you see both endzones clear as day. You’ll also your picture, because yes you will sweat that heat. should do three things. First, wear still be in the student section, which is very early on in the game. That’s why Lastly, have a good time. Go to as sunscreen and I mean really apply it right perfect for keeping the energy hype all another tip I have is to have minimal many games as you can while you’re in before you leave so it can last the whole game. makeup or at least use a good primer or college. Football isn’t even my favorite game. Next, pack some water. Whether The 50 yard line seat is also great for setting spray. sport, but I always enjoy myself because you’re tailgating or not, drink some pictures because who doesn’t like to Another piece of advice is if you of the atmosphere the game has. If after before you enter the stadium. Lastly, to take pictures at football games. If you’re can, avoid the concessions. It’s super your first game, you realize you didn’t block the sun from your face, invest in a someone who likes to get cute and expensive and the food isn’t good for you. have that much fun, then maybe wait for pair of good shades or a nice cap. dressed up for a game, take your pictures If you’re just getting water or another basketball or baseball season. Once you’re inside the stadium, the as soon as you sit down. This way you drink though, I support it because you best seat is along the 50 yard line. You’re 4 AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE VERMILION Ragin’ Cajuns prepared for week one showdown against Longhorns Zachary Nagy SPORTS WRITER

As the Ragin’ Cajuns close out fall camp in preparation for Sept. 4th’s season opener against the University of Texas at Austin, head coach Billy Napier has this team fully prepared for one of the biggest games in program history. With the Associated Press releasing their first poll of the 2021 season, the Ragin’ Cajuns came out ranked 23rd in the country, being nationally ranked in the preseason poll for the first time in program history. Along with the Cajuns being ranked, they’ll be facing No. 21 Texas in their week one showdown. Louisiana returns 20 of their 22 starters for this season, bringing back their entire offensive load besides Elijah Mitchell and Trey Rags, who are both prepping for the NFL season. Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion Returning so much production from a Head Coach Billy Napier greets Offensive Lineman Landon Burton as the Ragin’ Cajuns take on Texas Southern University on Sept. 14, year ago is crucial given the Cajuns went 2019. 10-1 with such a competitive schedule. The sheer dominance on offense, led by Along with Lewis, this offensive unit The Cajuns will be returning virtually is one of the best offensive coaches in the quarterback Levi Lewis, put this team in will see an uptick in production from all 11 starters on that end of the field, country, where the Cajuns look to ruin position to win week in and week out. running back Chris Smith this season namely second-team All-Sun Belt his debut in Austin. Lewis is one of the best dual-threat after showcasing his talent as a kick selection Zi’Yon Hill, who was second on All in all, this matchup appears to be quarterbacks college football has to return specialist a season ago. Smith’s the team in sacks with four. one of the most anticipated week one offer and threw for nearly 2,300 yards a ability to catch the ball in the backfield In the secondary, all-conference games where Billy Napier and his Ragin’ season ago while rushing for 335 yards. and make plays with his legs gives this selection Bralen Trahan returns at safety, Cajuns look to make a statement against Throwing for 19 touchdown passes offense tremendous versatility. looking to capitalize after an incredible yet another nationally ranked opponent. with only seven interceptions shows In the receiving game, this Cajuns 2020 performance where he caught four After a productive offseason where the his efficiency in the passing game while roster is absolutely loaded, with weapons interceptions. Cajuns brought in numerous high caliber having the ability to create plays with his all over the field in Peter Leblanc, Bringing both the offense and defense transfers while maintaining their starting legs as well. Kyren Lacy, among many Power Five together, the Cajuns look poised to give units on both ends of the ball, the pride The leadership Lewis provides to this transfers as well. A loaded receiving the Texas Longhorns a run for their of Acadiana has the chance to make team goes without saying. Entering his corps provides Lewis with weapons all money in Sept. 4th’s season opener. history against the Longhorns. With Levi third season as the Cajuns starter, he’s over while expanding the chance for the Both squads will be nationally ranked, Lewis leading the charge, the Cajuns developed a father-son relationship with Cajuns to let their run game take over as giving fans one of the most sought-after have the chance to continue building off Coach Napier. The two perfectionists well. matchups of week one. of their success and put Lafayette on the work hand-in-hand to keep this Though the offense takes much of the The Longhorns will be led by newly map. Louisiana engine running. glory, this defensive unit is no pushover. named head coach Steve Sarkisian who Which Sun Belt teams seem to be contenders for the championship Caleb Williams SPORTS WRITER

There is no denying that Louisiana has become a top contender for not only the Sun Belt but for out of conference teams as well. With ranking in both the Associated Press Poll and the Coaches Poll, Louisiana continues to make big headlines as Coach Billy Napier and Levi Lewis lead the team. When discussing the Sun Belt Conference teams, Louisiana may be No. 1 with Coastal Carolina and Appalachian State following. Louisiana has won three consecutive west division titles in the Sun Belt and had an opportunity to take the Sun Belt championship title. Due to COVID-19 complications with Coastal Carolina, the program sits without a title, hurting that conversation. With that being said, the Sun Belt has only had three championship games that started in 2018. Louisiana has won the West division all three years. It Photo by James Mays / The Vermilion deserves mentioning that the only other Levi Lewis goes for the catch during the Ragin’ Cajuns game against Texas Southern University on Sept. 14, 2019. two teams that have been involved were (4th, 10.61)”. in the nation in passer rating (184.3), allowed 265 rushing yards per game- Appalachian State and Coastal Carolina. With this being said, the team still lacks according to Sports Illustrated. The sixth in the nation, according to College With Louisiana holding the west division offense with ball protection and defense offense also has elite receivers such as Football News. With a regular season on lock for three years in a row and as they allowed 37.2 points per game, Jaivon Heiligh (998-yard, 10 touchdowns). matchup occurring on Oct. 12, defense is having starters come back from last year’s according to Athlon Sports. With 10 of 11 starters returning to key. Appalachian State does have a new triumphant season, things are looking The East Division has contenders such defense, Louisiana and Coastal are looking quarterback to watch for as Chase Brice is good for the program. as Coastal Carolina and Appalachian good on defense as Louisiana’s defensive first up to replace Zac Thomas. The west division appears to be State. Coastal Carolina is the only other line returns all players from their 2020 Despite Louisiana and Coastal Carolina unmatched against Louisiana as they Sun Belt team that is ranked besides season. being ranked, a regular season matchup were the only team to have a positive Louisiana. Coming off of a historic season, With Appalachian State’s three losses is out of the picture this year. What could record. A possible team to watch for they achieved their first undefeated season coming from Marshal, Coastal Carolina, be the best Sun Belt conference game of would be Arkansas State as their starting last year. and Louisiana, too many games were the year must wait until the two teams Quarterback, Layne Hatcher, who, The Chanticleers remain a top lost for them to be a contender last year. meet up to officially duke it out for the according to the Arkansas State Football contender for the Sun Belt Championship. With that said, they were the third best championship. Roster, “Ranked among the top 44 players Their offense is impressive as their team in the Sun Belt last year. Their Follow The Vermilion on Twitter in the nation for yards per pass attempt quarterback, Grayson McCall, was fifth offense is one not to discard as their line @TheVermilion for more updates

ATTENTION! The following sections are looking for writers: News Sports Allons Apply online at thevermilion.com THE VERMILION | AUGUST 25, 2021 5 Allons Returning to an in-person university and the anxiety that comes with it Adhamn Safford decent person than when I was in high COLUMNIST school. That said, I’m pretty scared of my first The last time I went to school (I’m actual year of college. Being around so not counting last year because, well, many people and not knowing any of you know) was over four years ago. them? Having to be face-to-face with the I graduated high school with a fancy professor who told you your essay lacked diploma and a whole lot of emotional “purpose,” whatever that means? Walking baggage. I felt like it was all a waste. I between classes? Being perceived and didn’t feel any smarter after graduating, quietly judged by the people you pass by? or form any close, lifetime bonds with It sounds so awful just typing it out. It’s people, or get any taller. That last one how conscious I am of myself that freaks might’ve been what upset me the most me out. I haven’t actually interacted with back then if I’m being perfectly honest. I other students in so long. What if I’m still knew that I wasn’t in the right emotional as weird and unlikeable as I was in high or mental state to go through college. school? What if 22 is the new 50 and I fail I’d probably burn out, give up, and have to connect with the youth of today? What wasted a bunch of time and money. I if I spend the rest of college not able to just wanted to get away from everything make friends with anyone and I look back and everyone. So I did. I left the country on this article and think “well I’m wrong and flew across the ocean, back to my most of the time, why couldn’t I have been wrong that time?” hometown. I thought if I went there and Graphic by Allan Skinner took some time away, I might be able to I’m being a little dramatic obviously, come back as a better person. but I am pretty unnerved about coming tend to overthink everything and wonder home, trying to learn and talk to people The time I spent living overseas for into contact with people again after if I screwed up a social interaction so through a screen. I think it’d be pretty three years was exactly what I needed. I spending the last year hiding away in the bad that they’ll never speak to me again. cool if we could avoid that. You know, worked with and met the most amazing safety of my house, handling everyone So that’s a lot of fun. Having said that, by wearing a mask, social distancing, people. I managed to make those close at screen’s length. Even though I’m way I would still very much like to have a not going to school if you’re sick, getting friendships I wasn’t able to before, and better with people now than I was in high real college life instead of whatever that vaccinated if you can, all that good stuff. I finally learned a couple of basic social school, and even though I try to make virtual learning stuff was. I like people, And I mean, the vaccines are free. This skills. Can you believe I didn’t have even more of an effort to talk to people, I still even though they scare me a little bit, and might be the only time you’ll get free, the slightest idea of how to talk to people struggle with social anxiety. I’m always I’ve been trying to think of college as a easily accessible, life-saving medicine in until I was in my 20s? Actually, I’m still picking out everything I think is wrong chance to start over as a new, somewhat America. Maybe that’ll be a fun story to not that good at it, and being locked or off about me, and living with the better me. Really, my greatest anxiety is tell your grandkids someday. away during a pandemic sure didn’t help. constant worry that others will pick out the possibility of things going wrong and Nah, who am I kidding. Grandkids? In But I’m a much more well-adjusted and those same things and hate me for it. I us being back at square one, locked up at this economy? The power of budgeting spreadsheets Madelyn Myer I have to set aside an extra amount for SPORTS EDITOR that category. Thankfully it balances out because I don’t eat out that much thanks One of the biggest transitions for to the fact my grandma sends me home college students is getting used to paying with frozen food every time I visit her. for things on your own. You’re living But finding a balance takes some away from your parents, which means time. My first semester I was blowing you don’t have the crutches like the food through money because there were so in the fridge or your mom asking if you many events and new things to try. By need anything when she goes to Target. my second semester, I started with my So what is the best way to adjust to spreadsheet. all this? My best advice is to make a What helps the most is getting a part- spreadsheet. time job. Whether you actually need the Your spreadsheet is the holy bible of money or not, it’s great to always have budgeting to put it plainly. You should some extra spending cash or money to keep track of your monthly expenses by put in savings. allocating how much money on average For me, my tuition was taken care of, each thing you buy would cost. same for my housing, so I didn’t have Your spreadsheet should have much else to pay for. I didn’t start paying necessities like groceries, gas, rent if for my phone and car bill until 2019 you have to pay for it, and other similar when I had enough money from my jobs. Now for other tips besides keeping up items. If you know your rent is $700 a Graphic by Allan Skinner month, and your total monthly budget is with your spreadsheet. If you live close, $1,000, you know your gas and groceries make sure to stock up on food when you writing for the Vermilion like me. If an COVID-19 hit and I lost two of the three can only take up a little bit more of your go home. If that’s not an option, the food on-campus job doesn’t work out, try to jobs I had. I went from making about money if you still want to have room for may not be the best in the world, but find something close to campus so you’re $600 every two weeks to $250 and it was your wants. Wants should include things getting a meal plan may save you money. not wasting money you earn on gas. a hard blow. Thankfully I went home like entertainment, eating out and road Additionally, the campus cupboard has a With every paycheck, you get, set and didn’t have to worry about food and trips. stock load of food for those that need it. aside $20 for your savings. That way grocery expenses anymore. Personally, I know I spend a lot of my Next, try to find an on-campus job. when you’re really in a bind for money, Follow The Vermilion on Twitter money on entertainment. From sporting There’s a lot of opportunities like working you have some in your savings to use. @TheVermilion for more content events to the movies and concerts, I know at the rec center, being a tutor or even This was especially useful for me when In unprecedented move, university to unfortunately begin charging tuition Cole Broussard into Roblox money (we’ve all been there,) This statue has all the hot gossip, and if your savings account, that is.” DESIGN MANAGER the university has a plan. you provide something juicy enough to With the growing wealth of As stated on the new UL Lafayette please its rage, it’ll accept your blood oath information and TikToks we call the In an unprecedented move by the Money Portal website, there are two and give you infinite money. Needless to Internet, many students who may in University of Louisiana at Lafayette, options available for students who do that say, the university cares about its students fact be dumb and poor are wondering students will now be required to pay thing in movies where they turn their and will do anything for them as long as why exactly they even need to attend a “tuition” in exchange for knowledge. empty pockets inside out. there’s money, honey. university in the first place. In an official press release, UL Choosing option No. 1 will send However, it’s important to note that “Why can’t we, like, learn this stuff in a Lafayette’s Director of Predatory Finance students down into the dark, wet cavern this bold move by the university comes Twitter thread or something? I’m pretty Angela Graceffa explained further. “These where the professors sleep. There, they’ll at a time when many aspects of life are sure 90% of the beauty vloggers I watch are uncertain times for universities,” help the university cooks peel potatoes already monetized. Things such as eating, on YouTube didn’t get a four-year degree, Graceffa said. “People make so much and prepare our evening gruel with having a body or existing in a space all and they’re doing just fine. It’s just not money. Like, they make so much money nothing but their fingernails. And don’t cost a pretty penny these days, and this realistic,” Patrick Sullivan, a sophomore that UL Lafayette as an institution just worry, the cavern has a ham radio made is just the next step. It’s true that since we majoring in digital cringe culture, said. isn’t equipped to deal with the fallout.” from fishbones and metal sheeting that all make so much money, this additional In all likelihood, this new strategy the The Vermilion’s top-tier investigative will definitely be playing all the latest hits cost shouldn’t be that bad. university is attempting will improve reporting done via Google revealed that from BTS and Dua Lipa. When asked Graceffa further expressed the campus in ways that students can’t yet the word “tuition” comes from the Latin about this option, Graceffa expressed importance of reducing the overall imagine. Finally, we’ll have the indoor tar word “tueri,” which means to watch or enthusiasm. wealth of the student population and pits and AI-powered electric chairs that guard. We at The Vermilion are certain “This is my favorite option. We their dedication to enacting this policy. we’ve always wanted. Every student in the that the resemblance between the absolutely have to stan,” Graceffa said. “The university has this ongoing LGBT+ community will get a pair of ruby university “guarding” our money and If that didn’t sound exciting enough, partnership with the state of Louisiana slippers. We’ll be able to install LED light the dragon from “The Hobbit” is purely students will also be able to choose with the goal of making all knowledge as strips in the professors’ cavern and buy coincidental. option No. 2. With this choice, you’ll expensive as possible,” Graceffa said. the ancient statue a pretty sundress. With If some students are struggling to pay have the opportunity to commune with “Right now, schools like LSU and the students’ money, the university will after spending too much on a new air an ancient statue that local warlocks Tulane are blowing us out of the water. finally be the paradise we’ve all imagined. believe is hidden beneath Judice-Rickles As Ragin’ Cajuns, we should all strive fryer or converting all of their money Follow The Vermilion on Twitter hall but also in a dimension beyond time. for something higher. Everything except @TheVermilion for more updates 6 AUGUST 25, 2021 | THE VERMILION SOUNDING OFF What did you miss most about being on campus?

Macy Johnson CHILD & FAMILY STUDIES SOPHMORE “Seeing all of the smiling faces and energy of being around community.”

Jamiya Michell BIOLOGY JUNIOR “Seeing new people and everybody involved and going to class.”

Anna Perron SPEECH PATHOLOGY JUNIOR “Being able to interact with people and meet new people because you can’t do that over zoom.”

Tai Vo BIOLOGY SENIOR “Interacting with people and forming study groups.”

Sage Aucoin PUBLIC RELATIONS SENIOR “Seeing all of the smiling faces from orientation and making sure they know where they are going.”

Nick Russell PUBLIC RELATIONS SENIOR Follow us on “Seeing all of the smiling faces from social media! orientation and making sure they know where they are going.” @TheVermilion

@thevermilion Sounding Off is a section devoted to the voice of students.Views expressed in Sounding Off do not reflect those of UL Lafayette administrators, faculty, staff or other students. @vermilionul

Photos and interviews by Andre Broussard.