EST. 1934 VOL 76, ED. 3 THEWESTGEORGIAN.COM @THEWESTGEORGIAN FEB. 10 -17 , 2020 Swiss-Army Knife Mindset: WHAT’S INSIDE ART & WOLF Legend Conquering Atlanta ENTERTAINMENT PAGES 2-3

Lil Wayne’s ‘Funeral’ Digs Its Own Grave By Joey Walraven

“Rare” Illness Won’t Stop Sele- na Gomez By Haleigh Stone

Review: ‘A Fall From Grace’ By Kennae Hunter

SPORTS PAGES 3 - 5

Patrick Mahomes Will Be the G.O.A.T. By Mason Ayers

UWG Baseball Sweeps Photo Courtesy of Premier Events Savannah State By Amber Bell By Justin Hodges be cool to study, and by in a top-ten market, and Editor-in-Chief the time he finished core bring that programming Interview with Rising NASCAR classes he stepped in as back here for us to do the Star Blake Lothian By Damani Smith The magic of the Remote Coordinator same things at this lit- studying Mass Commu- for The WOLF Internet tle college radio station,” nications is the embel- Radio. Adamson eventu- said Yates. “That’s the LIVING WEST PAGES 6-8 lishment of a creative iden- ally served as The WOLF’s cool thing about what tity and the fulfillment Program Director from we offer here, we do it at Carrollton’s Very Own Farmer’s of creating art fueled by 2011 to his graduation in the newspaper and the Market By Haleigh Stone the soul of that identity. 2013, and in that frame TV station, that was the A journalist changes count- he and the Mass Com- whole goal when we put Are General Education less lives through an addic- munications Department together the radio station, Requirements Really tion for untold stories, Required? Chair, Dr. Bradford Yates, it’s gonna run like the sta- a television personality By Akachukwu Nwosu collaborated on a mas- tions that people work at.” inspires masses with their sive radio breakthrough. Many Wolves alumni can Taking a Step Up platform, a cameraman By Kennae Hunter “I was proud to attest to that notion. Sev- captures the world’s majes- be able to take that expe- eral graduates that have tic secrets and moments, rience and learn the ins- spoken at Media Day over NEWS and those in public rela- PAGE 8 and-outs of how the radio the years assure that the tions progress the realm station worked,” said media resources UWG One of Seven: Making History of business by thriving in Adamson. “It was right up offers teach students in the South rabbit holes. Whichever By Cynthia Harris at the last year when Yates advanced aspects of the one pursues, it is inscribed approached me and was industry that make them to their personality. like ‘Hey I really wanna instructors even when they and events, helping the However, the get an organization going first walk into legitimate Atlanta market grow into wacky stables of cul- for broadcasting students media outlets as interns. the media empire that tural media spare little to be able to connect to “When I went to it is on pace to become. room for one-trick ponies. other people. We started iHeart and started on their “Our company calendar Chris Adamson, the for- NBS, not only as a way street team, they had one has been involved in over mer founding President of for West Georgia to get 300 events this year.. And UWG’s National Broad- other person that knew cast Society (NBS)-AERho awards and get the name how to do a live broad- it’s early February,” said Chapter, shows that out there but to connect cast,” said Adamson. “I Adamson. “For exam- real work in this indus- students with people in walked in fresh, 21 years ple we’re playing for the try demands a swiss- the broadcasting industry.” old like ‘I got this’ and Taste of Alpharetta, I hired army knife approach. UWG’s NBS-AERho holds that turned me into their on a graphic designer and “Learn as many skills as legacy as the first college go-to person for broadcast. I’m facilitating her in the you can in this ever-chang- honor society for elec- “You have to have a certain right direction, we gotta ing media madhouse,” tronic media students demographic you wanna get a press release out said Adamson. “You’re and accumulated tre- hit, and that wasn’t some- there and I gotta start put- gonna wear a lot of differ- mendous success during thing that we had nar- ting it out on all these dif- ent hats out there in the and after Adamson’s rowed and tuned into,” ferent calendar listings real world, you might as reign, spray-painting the continued Adamson. “We (which is essentially writ- well have a bunch of differ- Humanities halls with a were running like a radio ing a blog post for every ent facets to do the work.” mass of awards. The spry station but we didn’t single one of them), then Adamson is Atlanta to seeds of the society’s foun- know who we were going there’s audio pieces with his core, lavishing in dation were fertilized by after. So we sat down and it and there’s ads that go music festivals, suffering Adamson’s experiences figured out ‘Who is the in the newspapers and through the city’s sports interning for iHeart Media person for the Wolf?’” we have to make sure all curses, lollygagging at in Atlanta, where he’d That would officially be of that comes together.” Lake Lanier, and he just eventually spend the first crafted into the iconic Adamson will be one of the so happens to lead the #1 seven years of his career figure known as Jessica guest panel speakers for event producer in the city as a Promotions Coordi- Brooks-Smith. Adam- this year’s Media Day. Just as the Marketing Man- nator overseeing six dif- son has been settled at like every other profes- ager for Premier Events. ferent radio stations. Premier Events since sional that will be in atten- He arrived at UWG in 2008 “He was able to go to Feb. 2019 operating all dance, he’ll be there for the thinking chemistry would the internship at iHeart, the festivals, concerts benefit of us: the students. ART & ENTERTAINMENT appointing album, one 24 songs on it, which is thing was obvious; Wayne entirely too many, espe- Lil Wayne’s can still rap at a very cially with hip-hop today. high level. For nearly In an interview on two decades, we have Undisputed with Skip and ‘Funeral’ Digs seen Wayne rap at a level Shannon on Fox Sports that very few rappers One, Wayne admitted that can achieve. On Funeral, he turned in 52 songs to be Its Own Grave he displayed his word- reviewed by his associate, play, unique flow, and Mack Maine. The massive most famously, his simi- number of songs suggests les and metaphors. Some that Wayne may have not of the standout tracks been in a space to make are “Mahogany,” “Mama an album that had replay Mia,” and “Harden.” The value, which he has done tracks listed contain lyrics several times before, espe- that are certainly jaw-drop- cially on his albums Tha ping. Being the standouts, Carter II and Tha Carter III. they all had one aspect in The album overall had sev- common, none of them had eral qualities that made it any hooks, just elite verses difficult to listen to. Most composed by Wayne. notably, songs throughout Another high point the album were very repet- from the album was the itive and not catchy. They ode to the late Kobe Bry- sounded out of touch with ant, who passed only five today’s sound in hip-hop. days before the album’s The album also had a poor release. The 8th song of the beat selection, which is album was “Bing James,” one of the most critical ele- which is a play on Lebron ments of a hip-hop song. Image Courtesy of Spotify James’ nickname, “King This combination made it By Joey Walraven Funeral. While not many James.” The placement very difficult to enjoy lis- of the track was a tribute tening to the album. Both Contributing Writer expected an album from the multi-platinum rapper, to Kobe, being number were also not characteris- It seems like 2020 fans were ecstatic when eight on the album. The tics that we have seen from will be a big year for hip- he announced his upcom- song ended with a 24 sec- Wayne in the past, which hop. There have been a lot ing album and release date. ond moment of silence, made it a disappointment. of great albums and sin- Coming off “The Car- which is a reference to his While the album may have gles dropped, on top of art- ter V,” which was sub- second jersey number, 24. not been near the level ists confirming they will ject to mediocre reviews, While the album fea- Wayne has gotten us accus- have albums dropping fans were ready to see the tured high-level lyricism tomed to, it still features this year. One of the earli- rap legend prove all of the and a touching tribute, very good songs that hip- est drops occurred on Jan. doubters wrong. How- those were the only true hop fans will enjoy. But 31 from one of hip-hop’s ever, he may have fed highlights of the album. if you are looking for a biggest icons, Lil Wayne. more fuel to the fire for The album’s most nota- full-length album that has Wayne released his 14th those that doubted him. ble downfall is the lack replay value, Funeral is not studio album, entitled Despite an overall dis- of focus. The album had one that you want to select. “Rare” Illness Won’t Stop Selena Gomez By Haleigh Stone ple awards since it’s debut. hear how liberated Gomez her battle with Lupus. Contributing Writer “Rare” differs from Gomez’s is now that she is healthy This album could be sug- past albums in the sense enough to dance again which gested to anyone who enjoys After three years that the tracks are recounts has lifted weight off of her. the pop genre. “Rare” com- of recovery and self-ex- of her recovery and per- Overall, the album scores a bines both pop and per- ploration, Selena Gomez sonal growth during her nine out of ten. Gomez does sonal experiences to create released her new album time away from music. This a fantastic job in giving her both a joyful and liberating “Rare” on Jan. 20. Gomez album allows fans and lis- listeners a variety of songs album for listeners. Gomez’s put a halt to music and teners to see the growth that range from ballads, fandom the “Selenators” touring after 2015 due to that Gomez has undergone dance tracks, and soul music. are sure to enjoy the heart- her life threatening battle especially in songs such Gomez makes wise choices felt tracks until she releases with Lupus. After receiv- as “Lose You to Love Me” in collaborations with art- her next project. It is safe ing a kidney transplant, which recounts how Gomez ists of different genres to say that Selena Gomez Gomez was able to begin separates herself from her such as Kid Cudi. Cudi has is back to contribute and her musical career again. love life which has allowed not released a collabora- conquer the Pop industry. “Rare”is composed of 13 her to love herself more. tion since 2018. “A Sweeter tracks spanning 42 min- Other songs such as Place” which features Cudi, utes with collaborations “Cut You Off” allow listeners is a highlight of the album. from notable artists such as a peek inside of Gomez’s love It is evident that Gomez has Kid Cudi and 6LACK. The life as well. In both songs, not lost her touch but has most successful chart-top- Gomez expresses how cut- evolved as an artist and a ping songs of the album are ting off and changing her person. It is safe to say she “Lose You to Love Me” fol- love life has allowed her to can contribute a great deal lowed by “Look at Her Now” regain her mental health of her album’s success to and “Rare”. The album has and happiness. In the song the trials and tribulations been nominated for multi- “Dance Again”, listeners can that she has endured during

PAGE 2 THEWESTGEORGIAN.COM @THEWESTGEORGIAN FEB. 10 -17 , 2020 movie only took five days to makes it worth the watch. film. With a two hour dura- Also, there are too many tion, one would expect small focuses within the movie. Review: ‘A Fall details that would enhance The scatteredness takes away the audience’s understand- from the point of the movie ing of how some events causing the first half to be From Grace’ occurred. A lot of things uninteresting. It is easy to By Kennae Hunter all women, even if they were left unclear and could get lost with the drawn out are not in the same age be interpreted differently issues that could have been Contributing Writer range as Grace. When by viewers. If it was going avoided or had less focus. A Fall From Grace, is a meeting someone new it to be displayed this way, it It is a film worth recom- thriller film written and is easy for potential neg- could have been shorter. mending, but the viewer directed by Tyler Perry, atives to slip one’s mind. The dialogue between the would have to have their released Jan. 17 on Netflix. So initially, one may main characters is very own desire to finish. Some- Grace, played by actress think they would not allow harsh. The conversations one who is not particularly Crystal Fox, is an older themselves to be in a situ- between Grace and Shan- into this genre may not be woman recovering from a ation like her. After seeing non are so disrespectful to willing to follow for so long divorce due to her ex-hus- how she was tricked and lied the point where one would because the message could band having an affair. to in the film, women should wonder where Perry even have been delivered faster. Her best friend Sarah, be reminded to protect them- got these ideas. Why would The most important thing played by actress Phylicia selves against others who he write in for a man to about A Fall From Grace Rashad, encouraged her will use sensitive situations say such evil things to a is that what Grace went to attend an event where and feelings to manipulate woman? But, that is a part through can actually hap- she met Shannon, played them for their own benefit. of the lesson and the mes- pen to someone in the by actor Mechad Brooks. This is the first film Perry sage. That is what holds real world and everyone The plot conveys a mes- has released with the com- the audience’s attention should be cautious of peo- sage that is beneficial to pany and he announced the throughout the film and ple like Shannon and Sarah. SPORTS Patrick Mahomes Will Be the G.O.A.T. By Mason Ayers quarterback of the Kansas never been seen before. than most of his competi- City Chiefs, Mahomes has Mike Vick ran, and tion. The scary part is that Contributing Writer already become the young- had a canon for an arm, but he’s only getting better. The Tom Brady era is est player ever to win NFL couldn’t throw with con- Mahomes comes over. With nine Super Bowl MVP and Super Bowl MVP. sistent accuracy. Peyton from an athletic pedigree. appearances, six Super Bowl He is also the only black Manning threw with con- His father, Patrick Mahomes rings and three MVP awards, quarterback to win both NFL sistent accuracy, and had Sr., was a professional base- it was Brady’s world. During MVP and the Super Bowl a stellar football IQ, but ball player for 11 years. He the mighty Patriot empire, in the history of the league. couldn’t run. Brett Favre played for the Minnesota everyone else existed as mere Some players are was the “gunslinger,” but Twins, New York Mets, Bos- mortals. The New England good, some players are great, threw to the opposing team ton Red Sox and Chicago Patriots were the Romans, and others are transcen- as much as he threw to his Cubs. With an MLB playing and Brady was Augustus dental. Mahomes has not own. Throughout history, dad, baseball was Mahomes’ himself. Wait, does that just become the face of the the NFL has seen many first love. He played base- mean Drew Bledsoe is Julius league, but he has changed great quarterbacks. Brady, ball for many years before Caesar? Anyway, hyperbole the way the quarterback Manning, Favre, Montana, he decided he wanted to be and cheesy Roman empire position is played. Brady Elway, Marino, Rodgers, a football player full-time. jokes aside, Brady truly was was undoubtedly the great- etc. were all hall of famers. Everyone should be thank- the NFL’s gold standard. est pocket-passer the game However, none of them ful he chose football. His He may not have had ever seen, but there’s possessed the amount of historic first season as a a supermodel wife with nothing transcendental tools that Mahomes does. starter made him the third a net worth of $400 mil- about being a pocket-passer. Mahomes’ blend of athleti- quarterback ever to throw lion, but Patrick Mahomes Mahomes affects the game cism, accuracy, arm strength, for 50 touchdowns, and the has something that Brady in a multitude of ways. football IQ, pocket aware- seventh to throw for more doesn’t. Mahomes has time. Whether he is contorting his ness and big play ability has than 5000 yards. He fol- While Brady is in an Ali-Fra- arm in an odd way, throw- never been seen before. He lowed that performance by zier level fight with father ing no-look passes, scram- can make any throw, at any winning the Super Bowl in time, Mahomes has snuck bling around in the pocket, time, and can break a long his second year as a starter. out the backdoor with the or using his legs to get down run if he needs to. At just Yes, the Brady era is over, championship belt. In just the field, Mahomes has an 24 years old, Mahomes is but the Patrick Mahomes two seasons as the starting array of weapons that has already more accomplished era is just beginning.

Photo Courtesy of Charlie Neibergall Photo Courtesy of UWG Athletics UWG Baseball Sweeps Savannah State on to score three in the again in the bottom of with momentum lead- By Amber Bell fifth, and another in the the third inning to push ing up to the third game. Contributing Writer sixth, taking the lead (6-4). three runs across the plate. Ryan Parker took the UWG’s Base- The rally began for the Oberst singled to pick up mound for the start of ball swept the Savannah Wolves during the seventh a pair of RBIs, and Hill game three to close out the State Tigers last week- inning. Relief pitcher Cory followed up with another. series. The senior threw end, winning all three Bartholomew came in to Griffith scored in the fourth a seven inning complete games of their series. The retire the first three bat- after a Brody Wortham game allowing two earned games were shifted to ters he faced. Offensively, double. Barnes picked up runs. Parker improved his a single game on Satur- his teammates backed another run with a ground- record by picking up his day with a delayed start, him with RBI singles from ball RBI which allowed second win of the season and a double header Jermond Williams, Lane Wortham to score, with The Wolves got off to Sunday due to weather. Griffith, and Dan Oberst. UWG taking back the lead.. another early start scor- Fointno would later score Savannah State tied the ing three in the first and Savannah State recently on a wild pitch, giving game back up in fifth with second innings. An RBI dropped down to NCAA the Wolves a comfort- a single run. UWG took double by Oberst, fol- Division II after a stint at able lead. Sawyer Steele the lead back with another lowed by a hit driving in the Division I level. This closed out the game only run scored by Wortham, two contributed in the posed a competitive week- allowing one batter to driven in by a Barnes RBI first. McCrae then doubled end for the Wolves, against reach base, securing a 9-6 double. C.J. Fehriback took in Wortham, and Oberst a strong program. The victory for the Wolves. the mound in the sixth brought him in with a Tigers scored in the first Robert Coleman for three innings of work, big homerun in the third. inning of game one against got the start for UWG in not allowing any earned Savannah state scored two starter Taylor Bosclair. game two. The junior out runs. The Wolves scored in the third shortening the UWG’s Joseph Hill would of Mobile, AL battled for one more time in eighth, gap to 6-2. The Wolves quickly respond with an five innings, shutting out making the score 9-6. fired back with a big five RBI double after a lead-off the Tigers in the first two The Wolves came together run fourth inning with hits single from John Michael innings completely. Cole- for a big double play by Ethan Brant, McCrae, McCrae and a sacrifice man ended his work for in the eighth to stop a Moore, Hill, and Wortham bunt from Jason Fointno. the day by allowing six late rally by Savannah making the score 11-2. A pitching duel proceeded runs, accumulating three State with two on base While Parker continued to in the second and third strikeouts, and recording and one out. Hill con- throw shutdown innings innings with no runs being his first win of the season. nected with Wortham against Savannah State allowed by either team. Offensively, the Wolves and Oberst, resulting hitters, the Wolves contin- The Tigers broke that in got off to an early start in the inning ending. ued to lengthen their lead. the fourth with a cou- scoring in the second Sawyer Steele came in In the fifth, Joe Hill picked ple of hits pushing a run inning. Griffith singled, again to close the game up two more RBIs by driv- over. However, the Wolves pushing Joseph Hill over out, facing four bat- ing in Oberst and Dylan answered with three runs the plate. Savannah State ters, allowing no runs, Johnson. No runs were in the bottom of the fourth. fired back in the third while picking up his scored by either team Fointno had a two run sin- scoring four runs, includ- first save of the season. after the fifth. Parker gle and Barnes had an RBI ing a three run home run. The Wolves took the first picked up the win with as well. The Tigers went The Wolves rallied once two games of the series, a final score of 13-2.

Photo Courtesy of Colton Lublink

PAGE 4 THEWESTGEORGIAN.COM @THEWESTGEORGIAN FEB. 10 -17 , 2020 Interview with Rising NASCAR Star

BlakeBy Damani Smith parents were okay withLothian it.” had a bounty on my head me a good reason to look Contributing Writer Like many pro- since I had won 8 races in a up to him,” said Lothian. fessional NASCAR driv- row and me and him were “He’s so friendly and Blake Lothian is a ers, Lothian started duking it out for the win. always speaks to me rising star from Welles- at a young, ripe age. I ended up dive-bomb- in a respectful manner ley, MA. He is a part of “I started locally ing him in the process whenever I meet him.” the 2019 NASCAR Drive karting when I was about and that was a crazy day.” Lothian’s endeavor for Diversity Youth Devel- 11, and I got spotted by the Blake wants to be to get into Rev Racing opment Class, and one owner of an indoor kart- in one of the top three can be admired by many. of many African-Ameri- ing league. He helped me NASCAR divisions within “When I was selected by cans trying to break out up to the next level, which the next few years, which Rev Racing for Drive for onto the NASCAR scene. was outdoor professional is a fairly high expectation Diversity, the feeling was He spent the vast major- karting,” Lothian says. for many aspiring drivers. just surreal,” said Lothian. ity of 2019 driving Leg- “From there, I applied for “I see myself at ends Cars for Rev Racing, “When you get the call Rev Racing, and luckily least being in the NASCAR from NASCAR being told competing in Charlotte enough I was selected for Xfinity Series by the time Motor Speedway’s Sum- you’ve been selected for the Summer Shootout rac- I’m 22-years-old. There is the combine, it is such a mer Shootout and also ing season and made the no particular team I want crazy feeling. I had always races in multiple exhi- entire season, coming out to drive for, but I want wanted to go to Charlotte bition races throughout relatively unscaved, and to be competitive in any- and had never been until the year in Charlotte. yeah, we’re here today.” thing I drive, no matter that time. It truly was a Lothian has been into rac- He has many who I’m driving for, but dream come true to visit ing since he was a kid and great memories behind I’ll take anything I can get Hendrick Motorsports has always had a strong, the wheel from running in NASCAR, I just want burning desire to go fast. karts to Legends Cars. to race on that level,” and see the cars being “I saw NASCAR on “If I had to pick my great- Lothian says confidently. repaired and worked on.” TV at a really young age, est memory I’d go with Lothian’s favorite Lothian expects I was about 5 or 6 years this kart race or this race in professional racecar driver to be racing in the fore- old. Saw it on TV, and I Wade County. I’ll go with is NASCAR Cup Series seeable future and hopes think it was a race at Tal- the Kart race because I was star, Michael McDowell. to get to the top level of ladega [Superspeedway],” racing against my men- He looks up to McDow- NASCAR within the next Lothian recalls. “Me being tor who helped me build ell for good reasons. five years, breaking bar- a kid with ADHD, it just my kart, and I was able to “He is an outstanding riers and winning more kept me busy for 3 hours beat him. That was a huge road racer and a devout races on his journey to the out of the week and my accomplishment because I Christian, and that gives top of the NASCAR ranks.

Photo Courtesy of Adam Clear Photography LIVING WEST Carrollton’s Very Own Farmer’s Market

Photo Courtesy of Carrollton Alive By Haleigh Stone “I was the first vendor 19 Married couple Greg burger, which is whole years ago,” said Wendy and Janie Dennis of Den- cow ground beef, hot and Contributing Writer Crager of Crager-Hager nis Farms have been ven- mild breakfast sausage, The Cotton Mill Farms. “The Farmers dors for nine years at the bratwurst, Italian sausage, Farmers Market is celebrat- Market has not changed market and specialize in bacon, and ground lamb. ing its 19th anniversary in a lot over the years. It is grass-fed beef and lamb. “We do an array of herbal 2020. The market is open like a breathing entity. “We raise our cows, botanicals, so about 95% of There were three vendors every Saturday from 9-11 sheep, and pigs in a natu- all ingredients are grown that first day and then it a.m. during the winter ral pastoral environment, by us or wildcrafted,” and 8 a.m.-12 p.m. during grew to 10-15 vendors. It never giving growth-pro- Sam Martin of Cradle- the summer in Carrollton, is always smaller in the moting antibiotics, hor- board Creations says. “We GA. The market is com- winter. “We always seem mones, or steroids. We to have a cheese vendor, do everything from tea prised of approximately 17 believe that contented ani- a meat vendor, a vegeta- blends, bath soaks, tinc- vendors, although many mals produce a superior ble vendor, and a bread tures, stuff for colds, face vendors fluctuate through- product, so we strive for vendor. It has changed masks, oils, and more. out the seasons depend- a low-stress environment ing on their products. over the years, but it We also have essential oil emphasizing the humane One thing that makes is pretty remarkable.” still in North Georgia, so treatment of our live- the market stand out Crager-Hager we do hydrosols as well.” stock,” Greg Dennis says. from other farmers mar- Farms is one of the few All the products featured “We follow a strict grass- kets is the variety of ven- farms at the market whose at the market are locally fed protocol with our cows dors and all products are products are certifiably grown or sourced within and sheep never feeding locally grown. There are organic. Becoming certi- 50 miles of Carrollton. grain, animal byproducts many types of meat and fied organic is a difficult The market is a great way and expensive process. or feed supplements. Our produce vendors such as for the Carrollton com- “We grow over 100 vari- pigs graze the pasture Dennis Farms, C & L Farm munity to come together Grows, and Four Bellies eties of fruits and veg- along with the cows and and support a local busi- Farm. Many vendors here etables, as well as eggs sheep receiving supple- ness that contributes to offer unique products such on their 120-year-old mental grain as needed.” as tinctures, soaps, jams, farm in northern Carroll Dennis Farms’ most popu- the abundance of talent local art and tote bags. County,” Crager says. lar products include Prime- that Carrollton has to offer.

Photo Courtesy of Carrollton Alive

PAGE 6 THEWESTGEORGIAN.COM @THEWESTGEORGIAN FEB. 10 -17 , 2020 Image Courtesy of AZTransfer Are General Education Requirements Really Required? By Akachukwu Nwosu general education require- tions, philosophy, and nel their time towards Contributing Writer ments as an opportunity theatre appreciation even courses that will pre- to expand a student’s if these courses do not pare them for a future The American skill set and gain a basic necessarily correlate with in their chosen fields. Higher Educational Sys- understanding of mod- my major, I believe I may There is also the narra- tem has, for a long time, ern society. While it is not end up using those skills tive that general educa- been ranked amongst the necessary for an engineer- sometime in the future,” tion requirements pose best in the world. From ing major to take courses Chimela continues. as a financial burden for rigorous degree programs in theatre or music, for But not everyone shares low-income students and to flexible and innovative example, there are bene- the same viewpoint. their families. The average learning environments, fits to doing so that most Another student argues graduate of a four-year colleges across the United people don’t consider. that Gen Ed. courses are college spends the equiva- States are taking strides to In an interview with simply a rehash of every- lent of an extra year taking maximize students’ college one of UWG’s highly-re- thing he has already courses that are unrelated experiences and produce vered Academic Advisors, learned in high school. to their major, if not more. highly qualified workers. Mrs. Tamija Tucker, she “I shouldn’t have This results in them pay- Nonetheless, even in all its describes general educa- to take math in elemen- ing thousands of extra dol- glory, there still remains tion courses as a build- tary school, middle school, lars on tuition, and possi- some facets of our under- ing base for which stu- high school and now col- bly incurring debt while graduate system that crit- dents can, “Develop their lege” one UWG student, they’re at it. The burden ics are starting to question creativity, critical think- who pleaded anonymity, is far more amplified for more, one of them being ing, enhance their skills complains. “My passion community college stu- the relevance of General and discover their true lies in film. I’ve known dents, who typically have Education requirements. passion. These qualities this since I was a kid, so to take a whopping 22 “Gen Ed,”as they’re often allow students to adapt I don’t see the point in extra credits, according to called, make up about 25% quickly in a fast paced set- taking courses that don’t a July 2017 report by Com- of a college student’s aca- ting, and work effectively align with my interests.” plete College America. demic career. This means in today’s job market.” Indeed, college should be So, is there any hope in that people studying in For many people, a place where students making general educa- American universities general education courses choose their niche and tion courses voluntary? could spend up to one also allow for a healthy specialize in it. Besides, The chances are very slim. school year taking courses and less strenuous work- since it is amongst the last While removing manda- that may be completely load balance throughout means of formal education tory GenEd requirements unrelated to their major. college. When interviewed some people receive before would be one tangible English composition, asic about her stance on general entering into the work- way for college students algebra., U.S history and education requirements, force, it is imperative that to save time and money, foreign languages are Chimela Irokanulo, a biol- college students obtain as professors and faculty examples of courses that ogy major and certified much relevant training as members whose jobs rely make up the foundation nursing assistant, revealed they can before graduating. on the GenEd system of most undergraduate that Gen Ed. courses are The growing need for job will be heavily affected. degrees. But is offering a “far from irrelevant.” specialization in various Ultimately, time will diverse course load really “Throughout my time at industries has also called tell which method is worth it in the long run? UWG, I’ve thoroughly for university students most effective for the On one side of the argu- enjoyed taking classes to avoid being general- future of undergradu- ment, many people see in human communica- ists, and instead, chan- ate education in America

Image Courtesy of Plexuss is responsible for host- quitting old habits com- ing meetings, planning pletely and participating Taking a Step Up events and carrying them in religious challenges out, motivating her group such as fasting to prove By Kennae Hunter church and being a mem- members and influencing to the younger people she ber of the youth group Contributing Writer them to have a consistent leads that it can be done. which she now leads. Growing up in a relationship with God. When some people are not “I would describe Kamari religious family, UWG This responsibil- motivated to keep partic- as an outgoing and junior Kamari Kennedy ity requires Kamari to be ipating, Kamari still fol- mature person for her was heavily involved in age. Kamari is one of the present in the church on lows her goals to be suc- church throughout her Fridays for meetings, and cessful with Nu Vision. childhood and learned most understanding peo- ple that I know,” Elder Sundays for service. Some “Leading a small minis- at a young age that she Saturdays are also nec- try can cause a person, would be committed to Evelyn Roberts said. “She is always laughing and essary for any additional such as Kamari to become practicing her Christianity. meetings and rehearsals. unmotivated, frustrated, She has been a member of tends to make me laugh.” “As a college student and a loss of zeal. How- First Missionary Baptist Roberts is a mem- there are things that you ever, Kamari is such a Church (FMBC) in Col- ber of FMBC and has want to do. Stuff that’s strong leader that she lege Park, GA, since she known Kamari for almost fun or go out and maybe seeks God and then she was nine months old and her entire life. Since she in October 2019, Kamari lives in the Arbor View have drinks and some- will also ask for guidance was appointed to be the Apartments on cam- times it conflicts with my from other leaders in the adviser of the Nu Vision pus, she has to commute religious goals because church,” Minster Tammi young adult ministry. home every week. She I know these are things Moore said. “In this micro- She has always been an also has to maintain her that I shouldn’t be doing,” wave society and world active member of the religious goals while Kennedy said. “You have of social media, I mar- church by singing in being away from home. to make a conscious deci- vel at how Kamari lever- the choir, being apart of In FMBC there is a youth sion that you want better ages her desire to be more the Sunday program, group for the younger for yourself. You just have like Christ to resist the and just giving a help- kids and the main church to be responsible and put temptation of this world. ing hand to the min- congregation that is the other things aside.” Especially being a mil- istries throughout the mostly older adults. She Kamari committed to lennial! It’s inspiring.” Photo Courtesy of Kamari Kennedy

NEWS One of Seven: Making History in the South in Portsmouth, Virginia. tion forbade segregation “We caught the Douglas Even though his name is in schools, it never made bus downtown to catch not in books, he did make anything equal for black the Cradock bus. When we history. In September of students or their families. walked up to the podium 1966, on his first day of In the 50s and 60s, the act on the stage…the things high school, Harris became of keeping the two races being slurred…it made one of just seven young apart was so normalized me remember where I African-American chil- that it was ignored schools was. I had several peo- dren selected for a mis- were learning institu- ple call me and the oth- sion: to be the first blacks tions meant for everyone. ers n****** and things, but admitted to one of Ports- “We were kids,” said Har- we learned to deal with it Photo Courtesy of Rootsweb mouth’s all-white schools. ris. “I went to Keto School, and not be hateful back.” Before that fateful day which was an all-black Keeping that attitude, By Cynthia Harris Harris had no direct sense school, and I couldn’t Harris made sure he was Contributing Writer of segregation. It was play with the white going to make the best of Growing up as an when he reached third kids as much anymore his experience at school, African-American, there grade that he began to because we got split up.” and he made history once are always stories told see less and less of his Cradock High School, again by becoming the about how hard peo- white counterparts. Spoke in the summer of 1966, first black person on Cra- ple had to fight for equal fondly of the days when he was an all-white school. dock’s wrestling team, rights. There was always could play games openly African-American par- finishing second over- emphasis on how much with his white neigh- ents who lived in Vir- all in the local division. some suffered and lost. bors with no penalties. ginia had not really done He also went on to serve On the brighter side of “There used to be no ten- much to fight the rac- in the U.S Military and the spectrum, there was sion between the races,” ism in their communities graduate with his Associ- also rejoice in learning Harris mentioned more at that time. However, ate’s Degree from Tidewa- most of those painful situ- of his upbringing in the when letters were sent to ter Community College. ations led to many break- racist south. “But when their houses to ask if they “At that point it barely throughs and changed his- we hit high school, wanted their child to be mattered about race,” Har- tory. What makes it more some of us junior high, selected to integrate the ris said proudly. “Before real is when those stories things just changed.” high school, Harris’ par- I never gave it much hit really close to home. It was not that ents, wanting the best edu- thought. I just feel that it Although now he is known much different throughout cation for their children, was something I was sup- as Erskin Ulysses Harris, many places in the South. quickly signed the letter. posed to do. Maybe as he was born and grew up Although in 1954 when “There were five boys and I get older, it will begin as Ulysses Erskin Harris Brown vs Board of Educa- two girls,” Harris recalled. to dawn on me more.”

PAGE 8 THEWESTGEORGIAN.COM @THEWESTGEORGIAN FEB. 10 -17 , 2020