A Brigham Young University study found that college students are more stressed than ever in the midst of their fight to be the greatest they can be in their academics.

At times, the stress students put on themselves to perform well during finals week can only lead to more and more stress.

According to a New York University study, stress is the No. 1 reported impediment to academic performance, and 6 in 10 college students reported having felt so stressed they couldn’t get their school work done.

Cassie Thomas, Shorter’s director of student life and recent Shorter graduate, found that setting goals for herself as a student during studying was beneficial to getting through finals.

“I would read over two chapters worth of notes, and then I would give myself a five or 10-minute break,” Thomas said. “You have to take time to rest your brain.”

Much like Thomas, Anthony Chatmon, Shorter’s director of residence life and student conduct, believes taking study breaks during finals week is crucial.

“When I was a student, we would make it a point during the week to take a few hours to enjoy doing something fun and give our minds a rest for a few hours,” Chatmon said, “and after our activity, we would go back to work on studying for our next final or continue to work on our paper.”

Chatmon added that it’s important to exercise time management during finals week, which leads to the next bit of advice: sleep.

Despite the urge college students may have to pull all-nighters, Thomas believes sleep is important for finals week.

“The extra couple of hours studying seems like it will be beneficial, but in reality if you do not get enough sleep, you will have a hard time recalling all of the information you were studying,” Thomas said.

Junior sports management major Kelsi Jones has first-hand knowledge of how vital sleep can be during finals week.

“As a natural crammer, I know it gets tough because you want to study the whole night, but you must spread your studying out, manage your time well and give yourself plenty of time for good rest.”

But even beyond incorporating natural habits like stress breaks and sleeping, there are other steps students should take to prepare for finals.

Psychology professor Andrea Stiles pointed out the importance of making studying a habit from the start of the semester to combat the possibility of cramming studies during the week of finals.

“Don’t get behind. Read and study as assigned in syllabus from the beginning of the semester,” Stiles said. “Make and keep notes. Read back through notes weekly and condense them as you more fully grasp them from week to week.”

The key to success for any student to get the grades he or she wants depends somewhat on the teacher. From the professor’s perspective, preparing students with the information they need is just as important as students reviewing the material.

“I review with students and typically give a study guide, either in written form or through a class lecture so that there are no surprises at test time,” Stiles said. “I also offer to have them come visit me during office hours to discuss anything they are unsure about.”

Finals week can cause sheer panic in freshmen students, and more and more freshmen are finding themselves struggling to stay on top of their personal health when finals week comes.

The UCLA Higher Education Research Institute found that nationwide first-year-college students’ sense of emotional well-being is at its lowest since 1985.

Freshman biology major Alli Bell, having just completed her first finals week, has learned that its crucial to take care of yourself at finals.

“It’s so easy to get stressed out, so make sure to stay away from distractions.”

Bell also suggests doing one non-academic related activity each day.

“Take 30 minutes or an hour out of the day to do something fun,” Bell said. “Plus, that gives you a study break to look forward to, and it keeps you calm.”

Jones said her reliever during finals week is the community of people in which she surrounds herself.

The Shorter University Office of Student Life offers students a break through its finals week events at the end of each semester.

Shorter’s “Late Night Breakfast” is always held the first day of finals and is an activity to go to for a study break and an abundance of breakfast food. It is also a chance for faculty and staff to “serve” students in ways they don’t normally do … with a ladle in hand or an offer to pour their beverage of choice.

Organization administrators further the initial connection between mentor and mentee along with the relationship between fellow members of each learning community (LC).

The LC members are placed together in learning communities based on their majors and classes they share. This decision allows freshmen to automatically have one more thing in common with those around them: at least two classes at the beginning of the semester in which they are surrounded by people they know.

As a peer mentor, the goal is to be involved in the area of academics that you are assigned in your LC. While there are not community groups for every major, the science, education, communication, music and theatre majors along with a few others, have designated LCs.

The groups are organized by major because students within the same classes can push each other to reach similar goals.

Developing relationships is vital for peer mentors to be successful. Junior Cecil Robinson knows firsthand the importance of building friendships with those in his LC.

“I got to establish meaningful relationships and share personal testimonies with students who were facing similar struggles,” Robinson said.

Mentors use different techniques to connect with their LC, and more experience at the position allows for greater comfort.

Junior Madalene Brackett, a former peer mentor, believes the job begins when peer mentors first meet the incoming class of freshman students.

“As a peer mentor, you are one of the first people the freshman meet, and you help make their first year a year to remember,” Brackett said.

As a recent first year mentor, I struggled with being only one year older than the freshmen in my LC and being expected to have my life together enough to show them the right path. My intention was to never act like I was better than them or that I hadn’t had the same questions, fears and excitement they were experiencing.

I may never know if I succeeded in my goal as a peer mentor, but the freshmen in my LC still talk to me. Throughout the week of training, move-in day, weekly classes and a service day, I learned more about myself than I ever imagined.

Looking back, I can’t pinpoint a favorite moment or event, but I’ll always treasure the joy of seeing those individuals grow from inexperienced teenagers fresh out of high school to the mature college students they have become.

Stella Parker
Staff Writer
stella.parker.@hawks.shorter.edu

As a senior, I have been to Chapel numerous times, whether it was to attend with my soccer team or just to hear an interesting speaker. But I wish there was more variety in the type of speakers invited to come.

Many of the speakers who minister at Chapel seem to have a difficult time connecting with college students. Though the theology may be spot-on, old-fashioned style messages and dry, uninspired preaching leaves a disconnect between the speakers’ messages and the students.

I remember two Chapel speakers who inspired me with their messages.

Nicole Bromley came to speak at Chapel about human trafficking and her organization One Voice. I remember feeling overwhelmed by her message of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. Her experiences with human trafficking in foreign countries kept the students engaged through the entire message.

I left that service inspired to help those who have been affected by human trafficking and to bring positivity to every encounter I have with others because you never know what people are going through.

In my junior year, Trudy Cathy White, Truett Cathy’s daughter, also came to speak at Chapel. Her message was genuine and related to things college students were going through – entering the work force, managing school and the importance of relying on God’s plan.

“I liked her message. She talked about her dad and how the business started. It was interesting and different,” junior economics major Fiorella Gamarra said.

Having a variety of speakers, including a variety in gender, would help bring students to the service regularly.

The Jason Lovins Band, a Christian band, came to perform this year at Chapel, which is exactly the service college students are looking for – something that connects to them and breeds excitement in them to worship. I wish we had more services like the ones mentioned, with variety, excitement and a spiritually challenging message.

Maggie Pruitt
Sports Editor
maggie.pruitt@hawks.shorter.edu

Unfortunately, the majority of Shorter’s student population doesn’t see it that way. If you haven’t noticed, parking lots on campus are normally barren on the weekends. Most students would rather go home and see their family (what’s at home, anyway?) than enjoy the complete college experience.

Yet, the idea of going home every weekend in college baffles me because one of the main reasons why students leave home is exactly for that purpose – to get out on their own, meet new people and engage in new experiences apart from their family.

Being on your own is an essential part of growing up, and the weekend life in college can be filled with wonderful memories.

Take, for example, the opportunities afforded to a student on the weekend. The chance to see a baseball game, a game of two-hand touch football in the front circle or a night on the town with friends are all fun activities that can help students balance their social life with their hectic academic schedule.

Some may think there is nothing fun to do in Rome, but I beg to differ. Broad Street in Rome is lined with plenty of restaurants that have good food and occasionally decent music. Here’s a few of them: Mellow Mushroom, Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, El Zarape, Jefferson’s, Honeymoon Bakery and Swift and Finch.

The Rome Braves are just 10 minutes down the road (for the late spring and early fall months); there’s even a movie theater at Mount Berry Square. Plus, you can always play a harmless prank on one of your friends in the dorms (notice I included the word, “harmless”).

So, next time the weekend rolls around, stick around and smell the roses (Nope, it’s not a figure of speech. Get out of the house or wherever you live on campus and become one with nature.)

Daniel Farias
Editor-in-Chief
daniel.farias@hawks.shorter.edu

Residence Life on Shorter’s campus is unlike any other organization that the university has to offer. Many people want to be a part of the family that keeps Shorter’s student accountable and the campus safe. Resident Assistant/Director applications are available now for students who desire to be a part of the Res Life Staff.

The Residence Life staff at Shorter works to make sure that residents follow all university-established rules and regulations.

The Res Life Staff is a crucial asset to dorm life on campus. Oftentimes RAs and RDs are put in tough situations that challenge them and help them further their skills as a Res Life Staff member.

As many students are beginning to apply for the RA positions available on campus, those applying are beginning to think about why they want the job.

Freshman Mackenzie Staples is one of those students applying to be an RA.

“I want to be on Res Life Staff to make a difference in incoming freshmen’s lives. I love the idea of community and growing together in Christ,” Staples said.

So, why do we have RAs and RDs on campus?

Well, the RAs and RDs bring students from all walks of life together. They are there to be support systems for their residences and help those in need. Many students are far from home and may not have someone close to them who can be there to assist them in their needs.

Students who are going through tough times are offered Christian guidance to help them through their struggles.

The RAs and RDs are more than willing to be servants to their residents and others who attend the university. They give up their time and efforts to serve by being leaders, attending events on campus, helping students in need and setting up their own events for students.

The SU community wouldn’t be the same without the Residence Life Staff. They give a strong effort to make sure our residence halls, campus and students are safe and following all university rules. Their willingness to lead speaks volumes about each student and his or her character. RAs and RDs are students who believe in this campus and are willing to put forth the effort to keep our campus safe.

Laura Beth Dawson
Staff Writer
laurabeth.dawson@hawks.shorter.edu

Transferring schools is not uncommon. Many times, the decision occurs because of money, family, jobs, change of major or, in my case, to come home.

A student may be completely happy at one school, not wanting to leave. Yet, circumstances may arise where you must transfer.

I know what’s its like to transfer. I have attended three universities. I started at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, then Reinhardt University, and now Shorter.

I’ve learned a lot about myself at all three places. Reinhardt helped me start my college career, but the benefits of being at Shorter are so much greater. Shorter offers improved equipment and technology. Not to mention the professors are also much more helpful. Because of that, I feel more at home.

But there are some pros and cons that someone considering transferring should consider. Transferring can often set a student back, especially if you do not foresee yourself transferring in the first place. Transfer students need to be prepared to attend school longer because of extra classes that may be needed at their new school. Sometimes students get lucky and have already taken many of the classes needed and they graduate early.

When you find that you are behind, there are grueling steps that must be taken each time you transfer. The registrar will become your best friend. Go ahead and purchase several transcripts because schools will most likely not receive it the first time or they may need copies.

However, if you are a student who knows transferring is in your future, it’s vital to take the classes that will count at both institutions. If this is not done, you will look back and be angry you took three classes for no reason.

On the other hand, there are pros to being a transfer. You have a wide variety of experiences with different classes, labs and professors. Your skills have started to develop, and the new school will help polish them. Your resume is also most likely longer.

Additionally, there are new social opportunities, and there may be clubs or activities to join that were not offered at the previous school. Another pro is that professors and classes may offer more academic growth than your last school.

Transferring is not always easy but entering it with a positive attitude makes the transition much easier and fun.

Erica Ray
Staff Writer
erica.ray@hawks.shorter.edu

According to the Washington Post, Trump claimed that he would create 25 million jobs, pull out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (Obama’s trade deal linking countries around the Pacific Rim) and completely repeal the Affordable Care Act and replace it with something better.

Trump also promised to deport undocumented immigrants who have committed a crime, have an expired visa or have benefited from government assistance programs. In addition, the president emphasized that he wanted to fully fund the construction of a wall along the southern border of the United States with Mexico.

Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, the president has made numerous executive orders, many of which he promised to execute before he was elected. Trump provided relief from the Affordable Care Act, withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and increased border security measures, according to politico.com.

Lastly, he empowered state and local law officials to act as immigration officers as well as to re-evaluate visa and refugee programs, which involved enacting a temporary travel ban on certain foreign countries.

Trump’s executive orders are heavy and do not come without reaction from United States’ citizens. It seems that Trump is doing what he said he would do. He made promises to dismantle Obamacare and strengthen the borders. He did just that, and people are now frustrated that it’s actually happening.

Evident from the many political FaceBook posts, blogs and riots happening, people have strong opinions on both sides about Trump and his actions.

Trump is not doing anything unexpected. He is implementing the policies that he promised during his campaign.

Whether or not Trump’s actions to “better the country” are right in Christian eyes does not lead to a black and white answer, and only time will reveal how the country adjusts to his decision-making.

Rachael Minard
Staff Writer
rachael.minard@hawks.shorter.edu

With all this year’s Super Bowl had to offer, the halftime antics left much to be desired.

Let’s start with Lady Gaga’s performance. The pop sensation of our era opened the spectacle with “God Bless America” followed by “This Land Is Your Land,” according to cnn.com. Then, she transitioned into her signature song “Poker Face” and delivered performances of “Born this Way,” “Telephone” and “A Million Reasons.”

It was clear in her performance that Lady Gaga was trying to send a political message to those watching. The message was one of unity and inclusion for all people. It’s exactly what’s wrong with American pop culture.

Celebrities make political statements all the time and supporters applaud them. It seems that every famous person in Hollywood leans to the liberal left. If Lady Gaga disapproved of LGBTQ rights, I wonder how much support she would have actually received.

Not only does the political discourse continue to rise from Hollywood, but the halftime show itself has become a spectacle of America’s infatuation with bad costumes and superficial performances lacking any musical substance.

Lady Gaga’s performance was not legendary. It was the same-old, same-old from the music industry that is turning talented people like Lady Gaga into mere products of our substandard tastes in music.

When I tell people my own age that I am already married and have been for over a year, they look at me like I’m crazy.

It is not uncommon when I encounter people to hear – “Oh, you’re the married guy?” I’m accustomed to it now, but it still strikes me as a little strange when it happens.

I feel like there is a stigma around marriage among college students, and mostly it is because of affordability, which I completely understand.

But in terms of people who have been with their partners for a long time, and don’t see marriage at all in the future… you’re doing something wrong.

My life has gotten infinitely better since I became a married man. The way that you and your spouse share every detail of your life is a really beautiful thing. My wife Tayler knows more about me than I feel like I even know about myself. I think that spending all of my downtime with her has shown me just how much I do appreciate her and our marriage.

Sometimes I will wake up on a Saturday morning, and we will be watching TV with our dog Walter, and I just think to myself – this is the life.

It is an awesome feeling to be committed to the person you love and know that you have taken that step to be with her forever.

Being from Scotland, I can tell you that marriage is more foreign among young people there than it is here. In America, people get married much younger than they do in Scotland, and I still meet people who are in disbelief that I’m married.

When I told my mother (who is still in Scotland) that I was going to propose, she couldn’t believe it and begged me to reconsider.

“You’re so young!” she kept repeating.

Of course she loves my wife now, and she loved her when we were dating too, but she just couldn’t fathom us getting married. (To be fair to her, we had only been dating three months).

I believe that this stigma is dumbfounding. Marriage is a beautiful thing and it deserves more credit among college-age students, who see it as something for the distant, distant future.

Some college students often go to school with a motive other than receiving an education. That motive is to find “true love”.

Some are often under the illusion that you are meant to find your husband or wife while in college…that this is the time to search for the perfect match and your lifelong partner.

People must realize that this is not the case.

When did college become the time where you searched for your “soulmate” instead of searching the library? When did college become the time to go on dates instead of go on adventures with your best friends? College is the time to focus on books, not your future marriage.

Granted, there are successful relationships that began in college, such as Rome natives Susan and Troy Fitzpatrick. They met at Berry College and were married three years later in 1989 before Susan graduated there. Although they are married to this day, she says, “I do not know how on earth my parents let me do that or how we survived marrying so young.” But these people are the exception.

An even crazier notion is the idea of getting married before you graduate. How can you expect to fully devote yourself to schooling and a spouse at the same time?

College is not the time to be engaged, let alone be married. College is the time to focus on school and make yourself into the person who is ready to be married.

The benefits to waiting are exponentially great. You will be settled as far as schooling goes and have already earned your degree.

According to a CNN article of college marriages, money is one of the biggest challenges in college marriages. “It’s financially more difficult for married students today than just five years ago,” the article stated.

It’s just better to wait. You will know what you want to do with your life, or at least a solid direction you want to go in. You will not need to try to balance your love life with your school life.

You can truly focus on your significant other after you get your degree.

While you are in school, you should focus on school. When you get out, you will have given your schooling the attention that it deserves.

So don’t take the bait of married life in college, and just wait.