The Southwest Source The Student Newspaper of SWTCC December 2017 Edition

Sleep, Sleep, Lil Peep… By Celeste Riley

Lil Peep was a part of a new type of music called Goth bo lique which is a combination of rap and rock. He was homeschooled and helped raise little chicks during that time which is where his name came from. Lil Peep was born Gustav Åhr on November 1st and got his first tattoo at fourteen with his mom’s birthday and initials. He had a mickey tattooed with the word mood written referencing his melancholy as he struggled with depression. He also got a tattoo that says Cry Baby since (according to one interview) he found himself being ungrateful for all he had. Unfortunately, success and a following couldn’t meet his deepest need and wouldn’t cure the depression that hung over Lil Peep. Earlier this month while on tour Lil maybe I won’t die young and I’ll be happy? because after all relationships are a whole lot Peep spoke to some friends then went into to What is happy I always have happiness for of work. his tour bus and never came out alive, police like 10 seconds and then it’s gone. I’m getting Depression is a real crisis that found Xanax on the scene. Xanax is used to so tired of this”. rears it’s ugly head in highly stressful treat depression and anxiety and Lil Peep He foretells his death in this cryptic situations so please seek help from our mixed it with Percocet an (Opioid). In 2015 message trying to find peace through pills. SWTCC counselor Ms.Rhea, talk to a trusted according to CNN politics there were “52,400 Tennessee is one of the top ten friend about your feelings of depression or overdose deaths in the United States and that states reporting major depression at 10% and suicide and know that you’re not alone. Demi includes 33,000 involving an opioid”. if you fight obesity, hypertension or diabetes Lovato, Gwyneth Paltrow and Johnny Depp Hip-hip is famous for rapping about drugs that then that statistic goes up to 70%. This are famous actors who fight depression every refer to it as “purple drank” or “syrup”. Lil coupled with Christmas makes for a very day and use it for their creative energy. Avoid Peep sang about it saying… difficult and suicidal perfect storm. Christmas alcohol that is a depressant itself, sleep and “Runnin’ away from you takes time time is overwhelming with so much festive take care of yourself by eating well, and and pain and I don’t even want cheer that depressed people choke on. volunteer. Lil Peep found his depression Whether it be the relentless music, the dreaded difficult to manage and his life was too short to/So I’m getting’ high all week family get-togethers’ or having to spend to have ended at twenty one, instead give of without you/Poppin’ pills thinkin’ money you don’t have, the cloud of yourself to others this holiday season. The about you” depression gets heavier during this best Christmas gift is to accept yourself, your in “U Said”. Ironically right before his death time. Maybe like Lil Peep you’re helping limitations and turn to God as some do. Find he posted in Instagram “I just wana be people but don’t feel you want or deserve your support system at school, home and with everybody’s everything I want too much from help. You pop pills to self-medicate family so that you can blaze a trail that’s people but then I don’t want anything from granted Opioids do bind areas of the brain that unique to your persona. them at the same time u feel me I don’t let control pain and emotions driving up levels of people help me but I need help but not when I dopamine (good feelings) and euphoria. Let’s Your family, school, community needs your have my pills but that’s temporary one day face it in many ways it’s an easier solution presence and you need your future.

Page 1 Pictured: Students participating in commit to complete

Commit To Complete By Brittany Woods

Southwest Tennessee Community Students can either take action online, “The Commit to Complete Campaign College’s honors society, Phi Theta Kappa, or, they can find a table set up for the is truly a positive testament to Southwest’s has partnered with Student Development, campaign. If done in person, upon filling out redesign of the College and our collective Career Services, and the Advising and the campaign’s necessary paperwork, the commitment to promote higher retention and Academic support departments, to bring forth student receives a special Commit to holistic student success. So many students the highly anticipated Commit to Complete Complete certificate and a completion sticker. have made the commitment to complete their Campaign. The student is also then able to sign the Saluqi education this fall, and we look The Commit to Complete Campaign is Commit to Complete banner, which in the forward to every student making it across the Phi Theta Kappa’s college honors project, and future, will be hung at its designated campus. stage on their graduation day to receive their its purpose is to encourage students at Excited by the campaign’s success, PTK Southwest certificate and/or degree”. Again, Southwest to finish their education. Sweeping advisors, Dr. McGrory and Dr. Waters state taking heed from the statements of Dr. the four major campuses in full effect, the that, “We know that all Southwest Students McGrory, Dr. Waters, and Dr. Taylor, the campaign has not only garnered hundreds of enjoy sharing success. They want to graduate commitment to complete is not only taking a participants, but, it has also spurred a wildfire with their class mates and friends. huge step towards one’s education, but, it is of inspiration in many. At the forefront of this The Commit to Complete Campaign also a great step towards self-improvement charge, Kappans (in partnership with the underscores our mindset of setting goals and and determination as well. Offices of Advising & Academic Support, achieving those goals through our relationship A college education is one of the many Student Development, and Career Services) with one another. As we say in our chapter of great keys to success, and it can afford a join each other in fellowship to foster and Phi Theta Kappa: “Join us at the top!” And it person many opportunities in life, both in the promote an example of their commitment to all starts by making a commitment to short and long run. The Commit to Complete their education to display to their fellow complete”. Also excited about its great campaign capitalizes on this notion and aims student body. success, Dr. Jacqueline Taylor, Executive to motivate the students to finish what they Stationed at the Macon, Union, Whitehaven, Director of Retention and Student Success, started. In doing so, both the students, our and Maxine A. Smith campuses and centers, and also a key contributor to the project, states College, and society will benefit in a great the campaign is open to any and all students that way willing to participate.

Page 2 Student Spotlight: Menen Asfaw By Sophia Hahn

Menen Asfaw is 21 years old and a sophomore at Southwest TN Community College. Originally from Ethiopia, she grew up in Memphis. Her family decided to move because her father wanted better opportunities for them, and America fit their criteria. She is bilingual in English and Amharic. Like many of our students, Menen decided to go Southwest and then transfer to a four-year university. Upon graduation from college, Menen wants to use her degree in Business Administration and Political Science to find a career that is geared towards helping people, preferably in public service and politics. Helping people is her passion. Even in her free time, she volunteers her time and talents to those who need it. She is a perfectionist, which is wonderful for her path of choice. Her favorite holiday is Christmas because of it’s contagious giving spirit and her favorite place to eat is the Blue Nile. If she could travel anywhere is the world, she said she would choose Greece,

“Greece holds the origin of modern-day thinking”.

Meet an SGA member: George Langford By Sabrina Washington

George Langford is a Criminal Justice major and Representative for the Macon Cove Campus in the Student Government Association (SGA). In addition to serving on the SGA, Mr. Langford is a brother of project M.O.S.T, a Sigma Kappa Deltan, and a member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon. Mr. Langford’s view on his affiliations with these assorted organizations:

“These organizations mean so much to me because they taught me that no matter what you’re doing if you work hard and put your all into it, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals”.

Page 3 “Just Stop the National Anthem” By Celeste Riley

The Southwest Source recently asked and as an outcry of evils of the Vietnam War. song was first performed in 1918 where Babe students about taking a knee while the national At Woodstock Jimmie Hendrix played the Ruth played for the Boston Red anthem is being played. After all national anthem in a purposefully grotesque Sox. In 1954 the Baltimore Orioles tried to who cares when there are so many pressing pitch to create a musical parody of the substitute the national anthem with God Bless issues facing students as well as our national anthem. America and met with violent protests nation? In 2016 Colin Kaepernick an NFL Jessica replied "Yeah but everyone as being unpatriotic to war veterans. In 1968 player took a knee to protest police brutality has military in their family so the national Summer Olympics in Mexico two American because he couldn’t “show pride in a flag for a anthem is foundational" to which Black sprinters turned their backs to the flag country that oppresses black people and Kerry retorted -"They need to just stop the and raised gloved fists, they were ordered to people of color, this is bigger than football and national anthem at every game and only have leave the stadium and were suspended. it would be selfish on my part to look the it at the playoffs and the Super Bowl. You I asked two more students what they other way. There are bodies in the street and don't use the national anthem at baseball think about NFL players taking the people getting paid leave and getting away games, the NFL does the national anthem all knee during the national anthem, with murder”. Colin’s stance has been met the time". Jessica counters-"Some people will Darian Pleasure stated “Taking the knee with criticism from the President and other still get mad and take the knee even if the is shedding light leaders but has also garnered a new front of national anthem is played less times". Should on the racial courageous players and the like who are we stop playing the national anthem during social injustices exercising their first amendment rights of games or do we continue of our country. speech. Jessica Shackelford student at tradition? Mr. Rice contributed "The NFL is Some SWTCC says "I so big if you drop the national anthem then are equaling think it's you start to lose a majority of the audience taking the knee disrespectful to our such as the red necks, you lose commercial to disrespect flag and nation advertisements like Bud light, Monster and which is hurting because our nation Red bull. You got to go back to the roots of the premise of should be unified the national anthem, it was written while what they’re right now and watching a battle". Mr. Rice correctly doing and taking the knee is reminded us that the Star- demonizes the just dividing our Spangled Banner song was written by Francis act”. Alexanderea Simelton’s opinion was that nation and Scott Key while watching the American “the NFL players should stand because it insulting our Flag wave in the battle for this nation. shows appreciation like when you see a military”. Jessica concludes-"Beliefs can be soldier saluting, they’re not taking a knee. The SWTCC student and veteran Kerry disputed but everybody needs to grow up. soldiers stand to fight for our country so NFL Williams counters "The knee wasn't originally Take entertainment for instance like players should stand to show respect” Many what he intended to celebrities who champion diversity. Meryl students differ in their views on taking the do. He took it because Streep is one example who shouldn't be a role knee and we should consider the words to the of the injustice done model because they live a certain type of life Star Spangled Banner… to races and decided that is different from ordinary people. Meryl to take it to another Streep hates that President Trump talks about level…he spoke a wall when she most likely doesn't live or "O'er the land of the free and the to military friends and interact with immigrants, therefore she can't home of the brave” was told that taking speak on our behalf”. Her point is well made …are we free to take the knee and a knee wasn’t since many in the political arena are far offensive...after all he removed from the common experiences should we? wasn't burning any of immigrants, blue or white collar folks. flags". Protestors in When did the tradition of saluting the 1960’s burnt the American flag as a way to during the national anthem start and incite against the public’s segregation laws where? The Star-Spangled

Page 4 Baby, it’s Cold Outside… By Sabrina Washington

Icy winds laced with prickles gently whip show that gives Betty Lou Woo a run for How? Memphis on Ice! Memphis’ only across the bustling streets of Memphis, her money is located at Shelby Farms. outdoor tented skating rink. This stop is accompanied with a firewood fragrance this Starry Nights begins November 24th classic fun that will not break the bank, can only mean one thing, the holiday season and ends December 29th.For more each ticket for admission to the rink is has arrived. information about Starry Nights visit only $6. A low price for an opportunity to Below are a couple of things that you, family, http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/starry- create priceless memories. Memphis on and friends can participate in to enhance your nights. Ice! begins on November 17th, and will holiday. conclude on December 30th. It is If you are a light show buff, Starry Nights is a 2. Memphis Zoo on Ice! – . With recommended that you arrive early and must stop for the holiday break. Memphis’s typical warm climate, we do dress in warm clothing. not have the luxury of using the 1. Starry Nights is one of the neighborhood lake as I hope you all have a relaxing holiday break largest light shows in the mid-south, a skating rink. Though it is fact that we are filled with cheer, love, and fun, Happy displaying holiday lights that celebrate in a warmer climate, we can still have a Holidays! multiple holidays all in one. The light classic holiday movie scene.

Page 5 Student Poll By Brittany Woods This month’s student poll features a simple question... “What do you want for Christmas?” Starting things off, Hend Khadiera, gave a very elaborate answer by stating, “I wish that the people who are in hunger or poverty may have a blessed Christmas and get everything it is they desire”.

Here’s how some of the other students answered the question…

Adrian Porterfield Josue Flores Hassan Ibrahim Hanad Mohamed Mary Ellen Awtrey

"For Christmas I "This Christmas I "If I celebrated "If I celebrated "For Christmas I would love to have would like to have Christmas, I would Christmas, I would would like a new $600 to give to my some Yeezy 700s". probably want a want a Bentley Galaxy phone". mother". new car". Truck".

Fun and Games

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Building Your Resume By Sabrina Washington Would you like to draft a bill the opportunity to draft, lobby, pass, or fail Tamera Hines, [email protected], bills. TISL is not limited to Political Science or Dr. Charles that can benefit the state or Law students, all students are welcome to Baker, [email protected]. and possibly the country? experience TISL despite the student’s Opportunities like these deserve a place on major. In fact, TISL has a media branch that your resume, if you need help with formatting

gives students interested in media (Print, a resume, be sure to use our online resume Now you can with the program TISL. Social Media, Broadcasting, and Web builder. However, if you prefer face-to-face TISL is an acronym for the Tennessee production) an opportunity to experience TISL interactions and need hands-on help or would Intercollegiate State Legislature, the purpose as well. TISL assembles annually in the like to have your current resume of TISL is to give college students from all state’s Capitol building in Nashville reviewed to stop by or schedule an over the state the opportunity to see Tennessee. If you are interested in the TISL appointment at the Career Services office how parliamentary procedures are carried out. program contact: for further assistance. In addition to gaining knowledge on how the government works, the participants will have

Page 7 But Wait! Before You Go… By Brittany Woods

Date Time Where Event 7:00 Macon Cove Campus Saluqi Celebration p.m. Dec 5 6:30- Macon Cove Campus (Bert Bornblum Room 122 (Auditorium/Theater) Career Transition Group the 7:50 Networking Roundtable Topic: p.m. How to interview for a job

Dec 6 3:00 Union Avenue Campus (Verties Sails Building, Room 112) Honors Academy Fellows p.m. Presentations Dec 7 3:00 Macon Cove Campus Honors Academy Fellows p.m. Presentations (Bert Bornblum Library, Room 122) Dec 7 10:00 Maxine A. Smith Center Massage on the Go a.m. Whitehaven Center

Dec 8 All Day All Campuses Study Day

Dec 9- All Day All Campuses, Centers and Site Free Scantrons and Pencil for Final 15 Examinations Dec 10 3:00 Macon Cove Campus Phi Theta Kappa Induction p.m. Ceremony (Farris Auditorium) Dec 11 10:00 Macon Cove Campus and Union Avenue Campus Massage on the Go a.m.

Meet The Southwest Source…

Sophia Hahn Brittany Woods Hailey Hanson Celeste Riley Sabrina Washington Editor-in-Chief Reporter Creative Director/ Reporter Photographer Reporter

shahn@southwest bwoods14@south hhanson@southw criley8@southwe swashington17@s .tn.edu west.tn.edu est.tn.edu st.tn.edu outhwest.tn.edu

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