OnTap Spring 2018 by vsuenglish

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ISSUE 18 - SPRING 2018

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CONTENTS 3

EDITOR'S LETTER

STAFF BIOS

BEAU JUSTICE : THE SHOOTING STAR Prince Robinson Jr.

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NOAH SILLS: THE MUSIC THAT MAKES US Ben Elliott

BLACK PANTHER CONQUERS VSU Erin Turner

RA CONFIDENTIAL Ben Elliott

THE AMAZING RAMEN NOODLE Erin Turner

VSU MODEL UN TRAVELS THE WORLD AND TEACHES STUDENTS Kelsey Dickerson

STUDY ABROAD Rachel Scott and Bobbie Ticknor

GABE BURNS: FROM SIDELINES TO PRESS BOX Veronica You

NETFLIX: BINGING BENEFITS Kaelyn Robertson

SCIENCE SATURDAYS AT VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY Tiffany Wright

RUMSTAY SHOOTS FOR THE STARS Veronica You

AZALEA HEALTH LEADS TO INNOVATIONS Darla Dunning

VSU HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL HACKATHON Hunter Terrell

CONTRIBUTERS

5 SICK TIPS TO AVOID ILLNESS Kennedi Etheridge

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EDITOR'S LETTER I'm so excited to act as the editor for OnTap for the summer and fall issues. I am grateful that Dr. Pat Miller gave me the opportunity to work with an incredible staff and enhance my leadership skills. This issue marks a transition into a new era of OnTap; the designs and overall look of the magazine have been altered to produce a different feel. We have an all new editorial board fully equipped with hardworking individuals ready to lead OnTap into the next chapter. We also have a brand new adviser who's excited to work with up and coming writers to generate amazing content. We look forward to working with Dr. Fike to create content that'll make people's socks roll up and down, as Dr. Miller would say. I would like to thank each member of the editorial staff for working tirelessly to make this magazine the best it could possibly be. I am so proud to be a part of this team and to have produced such a great publication. -Jada Dukes

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STAFF KENNEDI ETHERIDGE

STAFF WRITER

Kennedi Etheridge is a freshman nursing major. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and is an outgoing person. She has interests in public speaking and communication and wanted to broaden the spectrum of her skills. She is new to OnTap, and it has been a very challenging and rewarding experience. She hopes to be a nurse in the Air Force after she graduates. Her article is about the seasonal illness in college and how to handle and prevent you from missing out on everyday life due to being sick.

STAFF WRITER

BEN ELLIOTT

Ben Elliott, the author of "RA Confidential" and "Noah Sills: The Music that Makes Us" is a sophomore English major who is also, tentatively, pursuing a Spanish minor. While he is an OnTap student journalist, he also finds time to serve on the Honors Student Association Executive Board, to edit for VSU's undergraduate research journal Omnino and, sometimes, to go to class. As someone with a passion for writing, he has felt right at home working with OnTap, and he sincerely hopes that his audience enjoys reading his articles as much as he enjoyed writing them. Specifically, he had an excellent time playing "investigative reporter" for "RA Confidential," which is his favorite of the two because of the work's nature.

KAELYN ROBERTSON

STAFF WRITER

Kaelyn Robertson is a freshman English major. She grew up in Pennsylvania and Georgia (both of which taught her how vastly different the north and south are), and currently lives with her family in Thomasville, Georgia. Her free time is usually spent watching Netflix, reading or writing. Her goals for the future is to graduate with a bachelor's degree, travel often and go on to be a writer. The topic for her bingewatching article captured her interest because of how much she enjoys immersing herself into TV shows. From this article, she learned that many people, including VSU students, enjoy watching many of the same series she does.

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PRINCE ROBINSON

STAFF WRITER

Prince Robinson Jr. is a freshman English major. He is 18 years old and was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, Prince loved putting pen to paper, where he would spend his free time writing stories. Prince is an active staff member for The VSU Spectator, where he serves as the beat writer for both Men's and Women's basketball teams. Also, Prince was recently nominated as a board member for the Georgia College Press Association. He has a huge interest in sports writing as everyday he watches ESPN and other sports broadcasting shows. Upon graduation, Prince plans to become a beat writer at any major media outlet for a professional NBA or NFL team.

STAFF WRITER

ERIN TURNER

Erin Turner is a junior English major and journalism minor. She enjoys writing articles, reading and spending time with her family. Erin would like to pursue a career in education while also writing on the side. She is originally from Los Angeles, California but spent much of her life in Atlanta, GA. Erin has recently become very interested in teaching students in under privileged areas, and she hopes to be apart of the Teach 4 America program when she graduates. Her current article is about the film "Black Panther" and how the diverse students of VSU accepted it.

JULIE JERNIGAN

COPY EDITOR

Julie Jernigan is the copy editor for this issue and is an English major with a minor in journalism. She is also the new managing editor for The Spectator. She plans to graduate in December of 2018 and hopes to find a job in the newspaper or magazine industry. Her dream is to become a fiction editor or copyeditor for a major publishing company such as Penguin, HarperCollins or Random House. In her free time, she enjoys strolling antique stores, binging shows and taking trips to the beach. If you have the recipe for the perfect grilled cheese, please let her know.

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BETHANY DAVIS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bethany Davis is a junior at Valdosta State University studying art with a focus in graphic design and illustration. This is her first time working with OnTap as Creative Director, and she is excited to branch out and explore differnt types and methods of design, layout and publication as well as appying them to future endeavors. Apart from OnTap, Bethany works with The Spectator as the Graphic Designer. In her spare time she likes to draw, read, listen to music, spend time with friends and watch TV.

MANAGING EDITOR

JACOREY MOON

Jacorey Moon is the managing editor for OnTap Magazine. He is a senior marketing major with a minor in journalism. Starting in the fall of 2018, he’ll be the new special projects manager for The Spectator. After graduation, he plans on going to graduate school and majoring in fashion journalism. After graduate school, he dreams of working for a prestigious fashion publication like Vogue, Elle or GQ. In his free time, he likes to binge watch shows like “Will and Grace” and read fashion magazines.

VERONICA YOU

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Veronica You is a senior English-Journalism major born in Chicago, Illinois. Veronica’s interests include: reading, writing and exploring nature. Veronica wrote for OnTap when she first came to VSU, which gave her the realization that writing was what she wanted to do as a career. Following graduation, Veronica aspires to write for a publication that focuses on conservation and healthy ways to live your life (stress management, dietary decisions, etc…) Veronica enjoys writing about people's personal stories which are featured in this issue of OnTap.

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BEAU JUSTICE: The Shooting Star By Prince Robinson Jr. When it comes to the game of basketball, Beau Justice and the hoop have a very special bond. Justice, a sharpshooting junior guard for the scorching 2017-2018 Blazers basketball team, shattered nearly every scoring record during his high school career and has continued to perform here at VSU. He solidified his place as a soon-to-be VSU great. “Valdosta is home now,” Justice said. In Peebles, Ohio, a small town just 64 miles east of Cincinnati, Justice grew up in the shadows of his oldest brother, Blake. Blake finished his high school career with 314 made three-pointers, the second-most in the history of high school basketball in the state of Ohio. Beau, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall, committed to play for the West Liberty Hilltoppers in West Virginia after a stellar high school career. “I think I did that just because I wanted to have space away from Blake,” Justice said of his brother Blake, who had left Ohio to come to Valdosta and play for the Blazers. “I wanted to create my own path a little bit, and it was closer to home.” At West Liberty, Justice played in 31 games and didn’t perform to the level he is truly capable of. Fans of him today couldn’t imagine Justice averaging six points per game. With the Hilltoppers, that was the case. Those numbers were not his true being, forcing him to change area codes. Justice then had to plan for his future. “I had a great experience there, as far as winning, but I never felt like it was home to me,” Justice said. Justice decided to head south to Valdosta and join the VSU Blazers, where Blake is currently an assistant coach. Beau had a great sophomore season, starting all 32 games for the Blazers. His sharpshooting ability did not waver when he averaged 14.3 points per game and drilled 87 three-pointers for the season. Justice’s shooting prowess did not go unnoticed as he placed No. 4 in three-point shooting percentage in the Gulf South Conference. Fans salivate on the scoring ability of Beau, but his teammates gravitate towards his ability to lead.

“Beau is a great leader,” Jimmy Kodet, the Blazers junior forward, said. “He’s out here all the time working really hard. He knows how to get on to everybody and to make sure we are playing to the best of our ability.” Although shooting has been a huge identity for Justice, Men’s Head Coach Mike Helfer taught him another dimension of being a true basketball player. “Pretty much just how to win and what it takes to win,” Justice said.

Courtesy of VSU Athletics

Those winning ideologies translated to a collection of accolades. During his junior year, Justice led the Blazers to a 26-5 record and the top-seed in the GSC. He was named NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) AllAmerican, one of the top awards an athlete can receive in college sports. Justice also brought home the GSC Player of the Year award which was won the previous year by his former teammate, Jeremiah Hill. Although the season ended with a heartbreaking loss to Eckerd College in the first round of the NCAA Division II tourney, Justice and his returning teammates will be poised for another shot at the title. For Justice, his senior campaign should be a ‘flip of the switch’ into a more dominant modmolupic team.

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Illustration by Lauren Nichols 8

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Noah Sills A Major Key: The Music that Makes Us By Ben Elliott Whether you’re 16 or 60 a power-chord praising punk rocker, or a classical concerto connoisseur, you probably have a favorite song, artist, album or even instrument. In some way at some point, everyone is touched by music, and, for some, this is enough. But some people are talented enough to touch it back. One such individual is Noah Sills, a local pianist and saxophonist. Whether alone or with his band, the Ads, Sills is lucky enough to share his passion and his music from, in his words, “ballrooms to outdoor gigs to the American Legion to church.” Sills said he plays,W “anywhere or everywhere” as often as he plausibly can. “This semester I’ve gigged once a week,” Sills said. “I’m in like 20 other bands, but since I’m a hybrid between sax and keys, it’s very easy to get booked each week.” This is made all the more impressive since he balances his frequent “gigging” with his studies at VSU, where he majors in business and, unsurprisingly, minors in music. To utilize his own words: “The hardest thing has been this particular semester since I’m currently taking 19 credit hours on top of things like church band, BCM and other random gigs. It’s definitely not the easiest schedule.” He went on to speak about the two biggest moments that define any musician: the inspiration to start and the first moment when it all pays off. Particularly, he spoke at length about the music that drew him in. “Growing up, my dad always played hip hop music on the way back from anywhere from summer camp to day care,” Sills said. 99

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“I know the album that I grew up with and remember most clearly is “Graduation” by Kanye West. Hearing jazz influences in those songs, was a big inspiration to me.” Of course, the sweeter of the two has to be the latter. “My freshman year in high school was when I first started playing jazz and the blues which is the number one thing that they teach you on everything,” Sills said. “Basic stuff. That and Count Basie and Duke Ellington. We played this blues song, “the B flat Blues,” which is the easiest blues key. Anyways, I remember being so nervous to solo, but I got out there and did it anyways. I just remember the crowd erupting.” The lucky few who experience such admiration never forget that feeling, and, for Noah, he was hooked immediately. “I wasn’t even one of the better saxophone players at my school, but I couldn’t get enough of that feeling,” Sills said. “That ‘this is what it’s like’ feeling. Like I’d never had a solo in anything. To have my first solo be improvisational really told me that this is what I want to do. I really fell in love with improvisation, and, as I got deeper and deeper into it, jazz creeped more and more into my life.” As one might expect, nervousness isn’t an unfamiliar specter to the blossoming musician. However, for Sills, it soon subsided into a familiar, unintimidating part of playing publically. “Playing a lot definitely helps with nerves,” Sills said. “I mean it’s none of our first rodeos. When it comes to my experience,

Noah Sills on saxophone (second to far right)

, you’ll always be at least a little nervous

when you play, but it’s not so bad.” But when one buries one problem, another soon sprouts. While Sills is no longer afraid of a roaring crowd, there comes a different set of emotions with debuting his original compositions. “What really gets at me is playing my own music,” he said. “There’s this reality check that your music is about to hit ears, maybe for the first time. The performance never really gets to me. It’s more like the anxiety of being pumped up, and, like, ‘oh gosh, someone’s going to listen to what we have.’ It’s not really an issue of if we’re ready but whether or not the piece is.” While the Ads play mostly covers now, as aforementioned, there was a time when they wrote a fair portion of their own music. Sills detailed their writing process during this period. “There were two main ways that we wrote our music,” he said. “Sometimes, we would just jam. There’s that kind of thing, and

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then, there’s our other method: just being alone and emotionally driven, or ‘in your feels’ as we like to say. You’re either mad about the little things or wishing some girl would talk to you or something. All the stuff that goes on with everybody. It’s all inspiration to write. You’re at a piano, and you hear something. Then, before you know it, maybe 10 minutes later, you’ll have a song. I know I’m not always that lucky, though. It’s evident that music selection and skill play an important role in any musical performance, but Sills believes that there’s an equally important aspect that is sometimes overlooked: attitude. “People like to have a good time, and they can’t have a good time until you do,” he said. “Showing out and dancing around, you know, hyping people up. It’s a very human instinct to yell back at someone yelling at you. It’s a human instinct to dance when someone’s dancing. “ With his passion for music and performing, Noah Sills is sure to keep audiences and listeners dancing for years to come.

5 Sick Tips to Avoid Illness By Kennedi Etheridge Imagine you are sitting in class, and suddenly, you hear somebody sneeze. You say “bless you” like you normally do, but when you look over, you see some random guy wiping his nose with his hand and nothing else. He sneezes again, and you notice this time he doesn’t even cover his nose or mouth. You can practically see the physical manifestation of the germs going into the air and drifting around the room. That, my friend, is the start to many epidemics of the cold or flu going around your school.

They can inform you of what is going on this cold season and the best options past what you can do. They can recommend medications, different remedies or foods to boost your immune system.

Many health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) release yearly information on diseases as well as giving preventative measures to combat them. Most of the information is released and distributed through local hospitals and health centers like the one here at VSU.

5. Use proper technique when sneezing or coughing. This is pretty self-explanatory. You should always sneeze into the corner of your sleeve and not out in the open. Sneezing in the open can spread germs up to six to eight feet. Covering or sneezing into the corner of your arm, can minimize the outward spread of bacteria and germs.

4. When at work use personal protective equipment. Personal protective equipment includes: gloves, masks, clothes protectors or suits. These items prevent pathogens from coming in contact with the body. These are available at health centers and hospitals everywhere.

Here are some preventative ways to keep you healthy during cold and flu season:

These simple and small steps can prevent you from getting sick, so you don’t miss out on classes and daily life. Just remember: get smart and stay well.

1. Disinfect your space. Many spaces and areas hold bacteria and other pathogens that can cause a cold. Disinfecting your area with disenfectant wipes can eliminate more than half of your spaces’ bacteria.

CONTACT VSU HEALTH CENTER

2. Wash or sanitize your hands regularly. Our hands touch almost everything we come in contact with. You must wash or sanitize them before and after leaving an area where bacteria tend to reside. Examples include bathrooms, classrooms and eating establishments.

229-333-5886 HOURS: M-TR

8 AM - 5PM

8 AM - 2:30PM

3. Go to the doctor for regular checkups. Going to the doctor can help tremendously.

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Illustration by Bethany Davis 12 8

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Black Panther Conquers VSU By Erin Turner

Black Panther has long been anticipated by not only the Marvel community, but also the African American community for its groundbreaking culturally aware cinema and intense action. However, the anticipation was especially high here at VSU.

opinions on the film are discussed and argued, but all coming to the same conclusion: this film is groundbreaking.

While strolling the campus, you can catch numerous individuals with “Wakanda Forever” t-shirts and Black Panther pins pierced through jackets and backpacks. Though many people wondered why the film was so acclaimed, how and why exactly did this technologically advanced fictional world become so accepted amongst all walks of life?

“I think the movie was really popular not just because it was good, but because it was well deserved,” Tutt said. “African Americans have not really had many films to showcase what it would’ve been like without colonization and genocide. It was refreshing.”

Glorius Tutt, a junior pre-dentistry major, shared her thoughts on the film.

Muhammad Freeman, a sophomore business major, discussed what he loved about the film.

To many, this movie perfectly depicted one of the many dreams African Americans have today: a world of strong women who are warriors, an impressive homeland ruled by African kings and queens and a true depiction of traditional African culture but modernized. The movie also gave women a refreshingly equal opportunity to be a key character in the film even acting as counsel to the men.

"The women were dope,” Freeman said. “They were fighting the men and building technology for them. I thought it was pretty cool. Black Panther has definitely set the tone for all superheroes to come. I don’t think even the Hulk could take him out." Many students on campus thought the film was definitely different from anything that's come out.

As much as the film was appreciated by the minority, Marvel fans around the world were just as pleased to see the character come alive. In the Marvel film universe, King T'Challa (Black Panther) makes his appearance during the event that kills his father. With the line, "I will kill him myself” after his father is killed supposedly at the hands of the winter soldier, his firm threat marks his role as a head player among the Marvel superheroes.

"I haven't really seen anything like Black Panther” Madisyn Spralls, a junior marketing major, said. “It was so diverse and refreshing and just an all-around great film. The dialogue between the characters and conversations that have never really been discussed on the screen were talked about. It was amazing." With a sequel not doubt in the works, the characters and themes of Black Panther will keep fans coming back for more in years to come and inspire new generations of Blazers. characters and themes of Black Panther will keep fans coming back for more in years to come and inspire new generations of Blazers.

Though the film came with its controversial dialogue, the movie was appreciated by the world. The film, having only been released in February, has broken records and set the bar for superhero movies to come. Among VSU, talk of the action-packed film is still going around campus. Many different 913

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Illustration by Lauren Nichols

RA Confidential: The Trials and Tribulations of Resident Advisers By Ben Elliott

Resident advisers (RA's) are just like us. They go to class, dine at palms, dread the same professors and sometimes, hate going to work. However, unlike you and I, they can’t show it. With their position of power and perceived “goody-two-shoes” attitude, it can be easy for students to forget that their RAs are not much different from themselves. However, when the alarm rings or trouble comes calling, they can’t roll their eyes, phone their boss and stay in bed. Instead, they have to swallow their bitter pill, fake a smile and attempt to juggle their responsibilities as a peer and a mentor. To find out more about this mysterious in-between world, On Tap chose to interview three VSU RAs, who will remain anonymous, to get the inside story.

were quite similar. They all hate paperwork, late evenings and juggling their academic and non-academic responsibilities. They’ve all had to tolerate what one RA succinctly labeled as “asshole residents” and swallow their disdain for them on a daily basis. While their woes were similar, their different personalities and how they interact with the problems before them paint a clear, if not always positive, picture of what it’s like to perform one of the most underappreciated jobs on campus. The first RA was quite frank with his biggest concerns. “My worst fear, in reference to my job, is that something—a bad situation—happens to one of my residents, and I could’ve stopped something. But, I didn’t because I was preoccupied.”

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For him, his concerns for his community are so great that it can be hard to make time for himself.

anybody, that’s fine. Usually, it’s as simple as they don’t really need anything.”

“What really hurts is when you’re giving 110 percent to your residents, but there’s no time left for yourself,” he said. “You either have to risk your community or yourself, and that’s a choice that every RA makes.”

But, for this RA, everything isn’t always so easy to brush off. In reference to the strangest thing that she’s seen, her disgust was palpable, and she wasted no time answering.

However, he doesn’t regret the times he has spent trying to make a difference in his community.

“A used condom,” she said. “In the stairwell, you see them all the time. If I’m on duty, I know I need to wear shoes because I’m going to have to check the stairwell.”

“Even if I only make a big difference with just one person, it’s all worth it to me,” he said.

Frightfully, this was a shared story amongst all the interviewees across campus.

He carries this same care of his residents over into how he handles tough situations.

The third RA chose to begin his interview with a short and sugar-free expression of his role in relation to his residents.

“There have been times where I’ve had to make the decision about whether or not a resident should serve jail time, or whether I should try to talk to them,” he said. “But, for me, knowing this resident as a person tells me that calling the police wouldn’t fix this issue. They would come back and be worse, angrier or violent.” While this may be a breach of protocol, his concern for his residents is more than apparent. His goal is to be a caretaker first and an enforcer second. “I feel like they respect me in their own special way,” he said. “I feel like a lot of my residents come from a place where they haven’t gotten respect from an elder or supervisor.”

“You may not like me,” he said. “I may not like you, either. But, I do have to watch out for you.” While it could be read as bitter, his to-the-point statement rings true with his style. “I’m the ‘dad’ of my hall,” he said. “I try to be nice, but I can be stern in certain situations.” In dealing with resistance or negativity from residents, he takes a practical approach. “You just have to be like, ‘Yo, I’ve got to get this done. We’ll be done sooner if you work with me here,’” he said.

The second RA strives to establish a community within her dorm, and this starts with her effort.

Negotiating difficult situations and dealing with difficult personalities can be frustrating, but this RA takes it all in stride.

“I’m very chill and try to connect with everyone,” she said.

“You just need to remember that it’s your job,” he said.

But not all the residents share this interest, and this is an attitude she understands.

Whether the job is frustrating, disgusting or rewarding, there is no “off time” for our RAs. While they may not always be clocked in, they don’t have the privilege of checking their responsibilities at their door.

“You always have those residents who you have less of a connection with than others,” she said. She doesn’t hold a grudge over this social gap, though. “As a resident who had a similar mindset, thinking I was an adult and that I didn’t need

As one RA said, “There are days I just feel like a regular student, but when something happens, it’s like a sleeper cell agent kind of thing. In the blink of an eye, you have to be an RA.” 159

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The Amazing Ramen Noodle By Erin Turner

Ramen noodles have long been used for instantaneously providing a tasty meal for people around the world. But, they are mostly popular with college students for their convenience, affordability and filling factor. Though Instant Ramen has been a consistent meal for years, its salty seasoning packet can only take your taste buds so far. Why not mix it up a bit and add your own twist to the recipe? There are hundreds of ways to upgrade your noodles into a gourmet meal right in your dorm room. Before we modernize ramen, the history behind its creation has long been debated. Though some claim ramen originally came from Japan, it was created in China, according to First We Feast. Years later, Japan took over more of China and adopted aspects of its culture, including ramen noodles. In 1910, the first ramen restaurant opened, Shina Soba, which introduced a dish with salty broth and noodles. Ramen is characterized by its use of kansui, which is a mixture of baking soda and water. This mixture creates a chewy texture and yellow color that we're so accustomed to. Soon the noodle craze exceeded Asia and traveled around the world. In 1958, entrepreneur Momofuku Ando introduced the packaged instant version of ramen noodles, according to First We Feast. Ando deep-fried, chicken flavored, dehydrated and pressed the noodles into what they are today, calling it Chikin Ramen. The best thing about ramen noodle is the affordability of each pack. Just a few dollars can take your taste buds to new heights while staying on a budget. Adding vegetables is a quick and affordable option for your ramen noodle dish. 16 8

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For a quick vegan option, add a boiled egg, garlic cloves, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, green onions, sesame oil and of course, your noodles. Combine all ingredients and voila—a hearty, semi-healthy meal that didn't completely break the bank. Kierra West, a sociology major, shared how she spices up her noodles. "I like to eat ramen without meat,” West said. “So, I opt for vegetables like baby spinach, bean sprouts or even scallions. You can add any vegetable you want, and it’s a healthy and filling meal." While you can take the vegetarian route, some students decided to double up on the meat. Sierra Verges, a communication disorders major, discusses how she introduces meat to her ramen noodles. "I love meat, so I incorporate it into a lot of my meals,” Verges said. “With ramen, you can add flank steak, chicken breasts or even pork." Next time you're crunched on time and have a packet of ramen in the cabinet, don't forget to check your fridge to add a new spin to your noodles. RECIPE: SPICE IT UP For those of us who like a slight kick to your meal, try adding siracha sauce to your noodles. This 20-minute siracha shrimp is full of robust flavors and spicy flavor.

IINGREDIENTS * 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined * 1 teaspoon dried basil * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper * 2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce * 1 small yellow onion, diced

3. Add in the sriracha sauce, yellow onion and red bell pepper; sautĂŠ for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the onion and pepper have softened. Add in the ginger and garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant. 4. Add the chicken stock and water to the soup pot, stir well to combine. Turn the heat up to high and allow the soup to come to a rapid boil, this should take only a minute or so. Add in tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, celery salt, soy sauce and rice vinegar; stir well to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer broth for 8 minutes.

* 1 small red bell pepper, diced * 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

5. While the soup is simmering, chop the cooked shrimp into bite sized pieces; set aside. Roughly chop the baby spinach; set aside.

* 6 cloves garlic, minced * 4 cups chicken stock * 2 cups water * 2 tablespoons tomato paste

6. Add the dry ramen noodles to the broth and cook for 2 minutes, stirring as needed. Stir in chopped shrimp, spinach and lemon juice, mixing well to combine before removing the pan from heat. Taste the broth and adjust spices as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve at once.

* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder * 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce * 1 teaspoon rice vinegar * 3 packages ramen noodles * 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped * 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large soup pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is sizzling, add shrimp in a single layer; sprinkle the shrimp with dried basil, salt and black pepper. Cook shrimp for about one minute on each side, or until firm and pink. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a cutting board. 2. In the same soup pan add the remaining sesame oil. Bring oil to a low sizzle over medium heat.

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Graphic by Bethany Davis

VSU MODEL UN TRAVELS THE WORLD AND TEACHES STUDENTS By Kelsey Dickerson Valdosta State University’s Model United Nations (MUN) has such a long, rich history that no one is quite sure when it began. The MUN has jumped from department to department in its many years at VSU, but faculty adviser Dr. Carol M Glen estimates it began more than 30 years ago. “When I came here in 1995, I approached the faculty adviser who was dealing with model UN at that time, and I said I would be interested in getting involved,” Dr. Glen said. “So, pretty quickly he dropped out, and I took over. Before that, however, I believe it was in the history department, so it’s been a long time. Thirty years or more.” Since its inception, the MUN has grown, becoming a two-semester class focused on preparing students for conferences and learning about the inter-workings of the United Nations. Grant Carter, the 2016-2017 president of MUN, said he had no idea VSU had a MUN club until he took the class with his friend in fall 2015. “I took it and found out about the club, and she (Dr. Glen) invited people to come to the con

ference and participate,” Carter said. “I decided to go, and I went, and I loved it.” Carter loved it so much he recruited the current president, Mitchell Surface, to the class as well. “Grant is actually who encouraged me to take model UN,” Surface said. “We went on a study abroad trip together last summer, and we got to talking about model UN. He had been involved and asked me to come and be a part of it.” However, students in MUN do much more than learn about diplomacy and the United Nations in a class setting. Once a semester, VSU’s MUN sends a delegation of students to conference to compete with students from all over the world. In the fall, VSU MUN delegates attend the Southern Regional Model UN in Atlanta, Georgia. In the spring, delegates attend the National Model United Nations Conference in New York. “When I went in 2016 to New York City, I met some of my friends from London who I still talk to all the time,” Carter said. “They were in our committee, and we spent a lot of time with them…we had some memories I will never 18 8

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forget.” Some years, students find themselves learning in even more unconventional places. According to Dr. Glen, the MUN tries to take trips to foreign conferences every two or three years. On Nov. 19, the MUN delegation flew out to Banff, Canada to attend a conference at one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites. There, students learned about environmental problems and the rights of indigenous peoples by visiting a glacier in the national park and meeting with native groups. Then, students went in to conference to discuss issues dealing with these themes—environmental negotiations and the rights of native people—under the magnifying glass of current world politics. This trip is just one of many that MUN has attended, having attended conferences all over the world and gotten their hands a little dirty with true international problems along the way. “The most spectacular trip was to the Galapagos in Ecuador because that was a large environmental conference,” Dr. Glen said. “So students actually went out in to the field with machetes and tried to cut down plants that weren’t indigenous to the island.” Another UNESCO trip led to a lasting relationship and the study abroad program that brought Surface and Carter together. Facilitated by a grant in the early 2000’s, VSU’s political science department has built a relationship with Palacký University in the Czech Republic that has allowed for years of study abroad and a lasting collaboration with VSU’s MUN. A joint delegation between VSU and Palacký students even won three position paper awards and the Honorable Delegation award last year at the New York conference.

Still, for Dr. Glen and her students, MUN isn’t just about awards, conferences and study abroad. MUN is a chance for students to gain confidence in themselves, expand their horizons and teach others.

"I've seen students really grow from day one model UN to the day they leave in terms of their sort of personal and professional growth," Dr. Glen said. “Students may be coming in to the program really shy, and they just don’t know. They may be really nervous about public speaking, even in front of the class. Then they get to the national model UN, and some of those committees are giant, 400 people. They get up and give a fantastic speech not nervous at all in front of 400 people.” Every March, when the MUN students have had almost a year to learn the ropes, they come together to put on a small-scale conference of their own for local high schoolers. The conference is run almost entirely by the students, according to Dr. Glen, and gives the students a chance to come full circle. “What I love is the fact that I’ve had several students who’ve attended our high school conference and then come to VSU and join MUN here,” Dr. Glen said. “It’s a terrific retention tool…the thing I commonly hear is ‘I just wish I started this earlier.’ Frequently, students say ‘I wish I had started this freshman year or sophomore year’ that’s how enthusiastic some of them can be.”

“I got to know the faculty over there and suggested to one of them that they start a model UN program over there,” Dr. Glen said. “So, we helped them start the program, and every year they bring two, three or four—depending on how much money they have—students to New York, and we form a joint delegation with Palacký.” 199

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GELATO, PRETZELS AND THE WORLD CUP WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR? By Rachel Scott Ever since I was little, I wanted to travel the world. I dreamt of the day that I would board my first international flight, see the Eiffel tower and the love lock bridge, to make a wish into the Trevi Fountain and bask in the ruins of the Roman Colosseum. Thanks to VSU’s Study Abroad Program to Germany, I was able to live out my dreams and so much more. It has been almost three years since my study abroad to Germany and even after all this time, I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I still remember going through security and walking to my gate. My nerves were everywhere! I had no idea what to expect and, to make it better, I really didn’t know anyone that was going other than the hellos that were exchanged at meetings before the trip. I was the first one to arrive to the gate. I sat there wondering if I had made the right choice going on a study abroad trip not knowing a soul, wondering if I would like the food, and most importantly, would I be safe? Other students and the professors slowly arrived. I made small talk with a few of the other students and came to the conclusion that everyone was just as nervous as I was. We were about to board a 9-hour flight, and none of us really knew one another. I was lucky enough to get a seat next to another student, Hank. Hank and I became quick friends on our flight to Germany.

history books such as Dachau, the first Nazi concentration camp of the Holocaust; the documentation Center Nazi Party Rally grounds in Nuremberg; the fifth largest Siemens Industrial Estate Park in Karlsruhe; the European Parliament in Strasbourg and the 1972 Olympic Stadium in Munich. While abroad, we had class in a classroom three days a week taught by both VSU professors and a professor from Germany. Thursdays were our field trip days, and Friday through Sunday we were in a different part of Germany going on tours and to business meetings. If I could give any advice to students wanting to study abroad, it would be to take the risk and go. You will not regret it! Going on a study abroad allows you to travel the world at a low cost, expand your view of the world, develop valuable career skills, make lifelong friends and grow your professional network as you grow as an individual. There are many ways you can pay for trips now, not all of the cost has to come from your pocket. Apply for scholarships and grants and plan ahead. Know where you are going

When we arrived in Frankfurt, the nerves came back. It hit me! I was no longer in the United States. I was in Germany, a whole ocean away from my family and friends, but I knew this trip was a once in a life time experience, and I was going to make the best of it. While abroad, you are immersed in another culture. You have the opportunity to learn the history of another country from the locals while living there. These are things that I would have never experienced if it weren’t for VSU Study Abroad. I learned so much about other cultures and religions. I was able to see some of the most historic sites that I have only read about in 20 8

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and what the weather is like. Learn about the local culture and, most importantly, take advantage of every opportunity you get while abroad. As for packing, pack light. You will want to buy souvenirs and you will need room in your suitcase to bring it back. I also recommend bringing a backpack. It is so much easier to carry a backpack rather than dragging luggage around over cobble stone. My study abroad experience opened my eyes to the world. It made me see life through a different lens. When abroad, you learn so much about yourself as a person. You learn your strengths and weaknesses. You learn how much you can do on your own and are pushed outside of your comfort zone. You become a different person. Studying abroad was a life changing experience that I think everyone should experience. It was the highlight of my college life. It changed my outlook on life and how I view my everyday life here in the states. Life has a different meaning now. It is amazing how one month can change you. I used to want the world, and now all I want is to see the world. If there is one thing that keeps me smiling, it is the memories I made and knowing that I will be back one day. Rachel Scott is the Graduate Assistant for the College of Arts and Sciences Social Media Committee. She can be reached at rascott@ valdosta.edu for any questions.

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Cádiz, Spain By Rachel Scott and Bobbie Ticknor LaDaezjah Warrens is a VSU junior. She is 20 years old and an English major with a Spanish minor. Warrens explained that this trip was an amazing opportunity. She knew she wanted to study abroad, but she was not sure if she had the finances to go. She explained that Dr. Russell encouraged her to go on the trip and apply for different scholarships to afford the fees. Dr. Russell helped her apply for the Gilman Scholarship Award and was with her every step of the way.

Sera Gard is a VSU graduate student. She had the opportunity to study abroad in Cádiz, Spain in 2017. She feels that all students should experience a study abroad because it opens you up to other cultures. Gard believes it makes a difference when you see how other people live. She explains that the standard of living is different globally, but strongly feels that you can’t understand another culture until you are immersed there in daily life.

Part of the scholarship is a project that helps students from underrepresented groups learn about the scholarship program so they can obtain finances to study abroad. Those who are awarded the scholarship visit classes and talk about their study abroad experiences. Students share their story and encourage other students to study abroad at all grade levels, including those in high school. Students can be awarded up to $5,000 in scholarship awards. The Gilman is only for students on the Pell Grant.

Gard believes that studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity. She loved her time abroad. She has made friends that she will never forget and still talks to many of them daily. She also maintains a relationship with her host family. “Spain feels like another home,” Gard said. “It’s very welcoming and an open culture.”

Without that support and encouragement of Dr. Russell, Warrens believes she wouldn’t have had this amazing experience. She feels blessed to have been able to experience Spain.

Gard also commented about how studying abroad was a great way to learn and practice another language. She got to experience the “real” Spanish culture and met many people. During this study abroad opportunity, students also had the opportunity to teach English to local students - another great experience to meet new people! Gard said she felt very safe and comfortable in her host home. This was partially due to the efforts of Dr. Victoria Russell. She was in constant contact with the student and her host family. Before the trip, Dr. Russell meets with each student to better understand what they want to get out of the experience. She then pairs each student with a family that is perfect for them. If you are looking for an exciting study abroad experience, consider a trip to Cádiz, Spain.

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The Czech Republic By Rachel Scott and Bobbie Ticknor Sage Horne attended the 2016 Maymester trip to the Czech Republic. She learned so much from her time abroad, but the most important thing was what she learned about herself. Horne explained that she gained so much self-confidence during her experience. She had to learn many new things on her own. Hearing all the different languages was a challenge, but one Horne appreciated because it broadened her horizons in a way different from any other experience she has had. Her favorite thing was learning about the culture from locals. While in Town of Olomouc, students stayed in dorms. Horne states she always felt very safe to wander around and explore the town. She also loved being able to walk to class in the mornings. Horne’s favorite trip was when the class went to Auschwitz. They received a guided tour of the camp and got to experience it in person. She explained how different it is learning about the Holocaust in a book. “It was an amazing experience,” she said. She commented about how the people that live there have been touched by these horrible tragedies and how it’s engrained into their local culture. Locals don’t want anyone to forget what happened, so they talk to you and show you around. If there was one thing she would say to her fellow VSU students, it would be to sign up while you can. “It’s a great experience,” she said. “If you can do more than one, you should.” She commented how this experience continued to have an effect on her even after she returned home. Horne feels like she’s grown tremendously from this experience.

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Gabe Burns: From Sidelines to Press Box By Veronica You

The stadium seats at Suntrust Park are empty when Gabe Burns, 24, sports reporter at the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) steps into the press box. The Atlanta Braves will be playing on the field soon, the 41,149 seats of the stadium will soon be filled with fans, opposing team supporters as well as many others from around the country to watch the Braves play. The game ends, the people are leaving. Some happy, others angry, everyone waiting to escape the parking lot traffic that is inevitable at sports events. Burns will be one of the last people to leave Suntrust Park after the stadium clears out. Burns may spend hours waiting in the locker room to get the interview with a player before leaving the stadium to go home, transcribe the interview(s) and write a story before the quickly approaching deadline. Burns graduated from VSU in May 2017 with a degree in English with a concentration in print journalism. Prior to being an English-journalism major, Burns was a music performance major and then a psychology major. Burns said that neither really resonated with him. Burns discovered journalism when he was presented with an interview with the New York Mets for a daily operations internship. Finishing as runner-up and not partaking in the internship, Burns said that it didn’t discourage him but in fact motivated him. “It made me realize what everyone who’s ever met me already knew: I needed to work in sports.” Burns said. Burns used this motivation and applied to write at Draft Breakdown, a site that is dedicated to evaluating NFL draft prospects. Burns enjoyed writing for Draft Breakdown so much he decided that journalism was his calling. Burns contacted Dr. Pat Miller, journalism adviser and said that she said what he needed to hear. Burns 248

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said this meeting was life-changing for him. “I had someone who was bright, someone who was articulate, someone who was passionate and someone without direction,” Miller said. “So as I always do I offer up journalism as a direction because I believe that it is one of the most important professions in the world and journalism needs bright and articulate people.” Burns became interested in sports when he was 11-years-old. Burns teams of choice are The Tampa Bay Buccaneers for football, Orlando Magic for basketball, and while Burns doesn’t have a specific team for baseball he says that he grew up a Braves fan. In another life Burns says that maybe he would be a sports or talent agent but that other careers in sports like athletic training or sports medicine were not in his interests. After graduation Burns worked as a sports intern at the AJC. At the end of his internship period was offered a full-time position with the company. During Burns internship at the AJC he worked with David O’ Brien, the Atlanta Braves beat writer for the AJC. O’ Brien has been writing for the AJC since 2002. O’ Brien recommended to his boss that the AJC hire Burns. Burns is one of the few select interns at the AJC to be offered a position after the internship period ended. O’ Brien says that Burns ‘just gets it’ when it comes to sports reporting and journalism. Burns

approaches sports events as a professional journalist and not a fan according to O’ Brien. Their boss at the AJC went out of the way to give Burns a position at the AJC due to his talent and skills as a journalist. Despite tough times in the industry (journalism) Burns has proven that he can play with the big ‘dawgs’ as a sports journalist covering the Braves, UGA football and other sports in the surrounding Atlanta area. O’ Brien describes Burns as a good guy with a bright future. “He isn’t afraid to approach the players and ask them questions,” O’ Brien said. “He’s confident, writes clean and has his own style.” Burns says that working with O’Brien has been the most valuable experience of his career. Before ever discovering journalism Burns says that O’Brien was his favorite writer while growing up. “I was a big Braves fan as a kid,” Burns said. “It’s an honor to learn from him, as someone who’s had a highly successful career in not just sports writing, but baseball specifically. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor, and I’m proud to call David my friend.” Burns is proof that one can be successful in a risky field of study. While everyone gets caught up in ‘fake news’ and ‘dying newspapers,’ media is evolving. “I think the great demise is greatly exaggerated,” Burns said. “Journalism will always exist."

Burns (right) interviewing Luiz Gohara (left), the 5th Brazilian to play in the MLB (Photo courtesy from Gabe Burns)

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NETFLIX

BING ING BENEFITS By Kaelyn Robertson

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The world of vampires, a small town with a murderer on the loose or a paper company office with hilarious employees—all of these are the perfect escape from the daily stresses in life. For many VSU students, binge watching these shows rather than studying, can be both a blessing and a curse.

Even so, it’s important to remember that too much of anything isn’t good. Although it hasn’t been proven to be definite, many researchers believe there is a strong correlation between depression or anxiety and binge-watching. According to an article in The Guardian, which spoke of a Texas A&M study, binge-watching is tied to feelings of

Binge-watching can be a great form of

loneliness and depression. In addition, it

relaxation and the perfect way to de-stress.

found that binge-watching is “an addictive

Choosing which show to settle in and watch

behavior” because binge-watchers “lack the

is only the first step in the relaxing process

self-regulation to stop.”

of binge-watching. Next, any experienced binge-watcher knows that “bingeing essentials” are needed. Depending on the person, these essentials can vary.

It may be not only mental, but also physical health that is affected by binge-watching. An article in Time said, “Researchers say that every hour spent sitting can increase the risk

Loose clothing and pajamas offer maxi-

of developing the metabolic disorder [diabe-

mum comfort for some, while others prefer

tes] by 3.4 percent. For a day-long binge, that

to wrap their bodies so tightly in blankets that

could be as much as a 30 percent higher risk.”

they become unrecognizable. Electronically heated blankets are the best for when there’s a harsh chill in the air. For people with a dog or cat, it’s always relaxing to cuddle closely to furry friends. These days, most people also have their phones in their hands as they watch TV. Arguably most important are the snacks: pretzels, popcorn, chips, chocolate and cookies. Anything sweet or salty works best. With the essentials covered, it is time to let yourself get lost in several hours of streaming and dreaming.

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Even some students at VSU believe binge-watching to be unhealthy. Sam Filer, a freshman who enjoys binge-watching “Sherlock” and “Star Trek,” said watching these shows can be unhealthy when done excessively. She spoke of a time that binge-watching almost caused a disaster for her. “I was tired and fell asleep, and I forgot to set my alarm,” Filer said. “Luckily, I still woke up in time, but it could have been very bad.”

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Here are some recommendations for anyone looking to escape into another world for a few hours: “Vampire Diaries” is eight seasons of nonstop supernatural drama and romance. The show revolves mainly around a girl, Elena Gilbert, and two vampire brothers, Damon and Stefan. The show is an emotional rollercoaster of friendship, love, heartbreak, death and endless conflict; prepare to laugh and cry alongside Elena and her friends. No show combines murder and teenage romance better than “Riverdale.” This show follows the story of four best friends: Veronica Lodge, a rich girl with a fierce loyalty; Betty Cooper, the girl who’s nice to everyone; Jughead Jones, a loner/aspiring writer; Archie Andrews, a former football player with a passion for music. Their lives are turned upside-down by the murder of Jason Blossom. They are forced to deal with both the struggles of high school and tracking down Jason’s murderer. The show “Friends” may be from the 90’s, but the characters and their hilarious antics are timeless. A group of five unlikely friends, two of which are siblings, endure the ups and downs of life together. It will make you tear up, both from how heartwarming it is but also from laughing too hard. “The Office” is the perfect show for a pickme-up; it’s guaranteed to put a smile on a person’s face. It’s about a typical office job, but the people who work for Dunder Mifflin Paper Company are anything but ordinary. Despite how boring their jobs should be, they make every day more interesting than the last with their strong friendships.

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Science Science Saturdays Saturdays at atValdosta Valdosta State State University University By Tiffany Wright

Valdosta State University’s Science department is stepping up and reaching out to students in the community with events that will hopefully encourage them to fall in love with science. The VSU Science Department has been holding Science Saturdays for 15 years. Dr. Bob Gannon, head of the Biology Department, is the front-runner of the event, but insists it requires the work of several professors and students to pull off the event. The event requires an ample amount of work that has to be done in advance, including the creation and delivering of over 4000 flyers advertising the event. These are printed and taken to public and private schools to go home with students inviting them to attend. Amazingly, all of the money used for the flyers, the supplies for experiments and to pull off the event, are all raised through fundraising. No state funds are used.

On Oct. 21, the chemistry department hosted their Science Saturday: Chemistry Rocks and approximately 100 students attended and over 150 VSU faculty and students assisted at the event. It was held at the university in the Bailey Science Building and centers were set up for kids to learn about properties of chemical compounds, rocks and minerals: types and compositions, and the states of matter. There were around 25 activities available to students who came to participate. Some of the activities included looking inside geodes, doing different things to test the properties of materials, learning about chemical elements and compounds and discovering chemistry in the everyday environment. Although it’s hard to tell what kind of impact Science Saturday events have had statistically, Dr. Gannon stated, “These are the type of events that someone may refer to anecdotally later in life as they have been a big influence on them. Public outreach of science is always a good thing for students, and it helps VSU at developing out of town-gown relationships with surrounding municipalities. Our goal is not just to recruit students to science and math, but also for VSU to be a valued resource for our community.”

There are usually about four events a year headed up by different departments. There have been Science Saturdays in various subjects such as: biology, chemistry, physical science, astronomy, geoscience and computer science. VSU students and professors setup different “centers” for the students to attend. The mission for Science Saturday, according to their Facebook page, is to “Increase interest of young people in chemistry, increase the public appreciation of chemistry on meeting world needs and generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry.” At each center, they’re able to learn and perform a science experiment. 29 9

Science Saturdays make learning about science fun and relatable for students which could tremendously assist in growing the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). If you have a child, teach or are around anyone in the education field at all, chances are, STEM comes up in conversation quite often. Engaging children in science while they are young, is the best way to assure the program will continue to grow for generations to come. VSU is doing an awesome job of this with Science Saturdays, and hopefully, the program will continue to advance and grow.

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Rumstay Shoots for the Stars

By Veronica You 30 8

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Dr. Kenneth Rumstay, professor of physics and astronomy, received the VSU Presidential Excellence award for teaching on Aug. 7. The Presidential Excellence award for teaching recognizes a faculty member who employs innovative teaching strategies and demonstrates a strong commitment to student success. Rumstay was chosen for consistently creating an active learning environment and conveying to students his passion for the subject matter. He has been teaching at the university level for 42 years. Rumstay earned his bachelor of science in earth and planetary sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975, a master of arts in astronomy from Wesleyan University in 1977 and a doctorate of Philosophy in astronomy from Ohio State University. Rumstay started teaching at VSU in the fall 1984. During his 33 years at VSU, Rumstay has taught an array of courses in astronomy physics and physical science. Rumstay began teaching in 1975 as a graduate student at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He taught the evening laboratory component of an astronomy course at nearby Central Connecticut State College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I devoted a lot of time and effort towards preparing materials for the course, but I loved every minute of it,â&#x20AC;? Rumstay said. Dr. Rumstay is a member of the American Astronomical Society, The Council on Undergraduate Research, the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy, the Georgia Academy of Science, The Planetary Society, The International Dark Sky Association, the International Planetarium Society, the American Association of University Professors, the Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society, the Society of Physics Students and the Southeastern Planetarium Association. He has published eight peer-reviewed articles in scholarly journals as well.

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In his 33 years of teaching at VSU, Rumstay said his most memorable moment at VSU was in January 1987 when the Challenger space shuttle exploded.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD

“That was a real shock,” Rumstay said. ”That really sticks in my memory.” Rumstay’s advice for VSU students who may be struggling in a course is to talk to your professor and meet them during their office hours. “Students should come see us during office hours,” Rumstay said. “That’s why we have them, and that’s why we get paid to do that. We really can help. I had a student once who just barely failed an exam, and she did come to see me for help. She got a low B on the next exam.” Rumstay remained humble after receiving the award. “I still feel undeserving of the award,” he said. “I’m sure there are better teachers at this place than I am. There are even some that have been here longer.”

“Dr. Rumstay embodies the ideal example of an exceptional professor at Valdosta State University — a tireless student of the discipline; an enthusiastic ambassador of his trade; a patient, willing educator; and a dedicated public servant to the community and its curious patrons of all ages,” said Edward Chatelain, head of the Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences. Rumstay has been interested in astronomy since childhood. The first book Rumstay read was when he was in kindergarten called, “You Will Go To The Moon” by Mae and Ira Freeman. Illustrations in “You Will Go To The Moon” show a lunar mission concept based on the Von Braun and let space exploration concepts of 1952. He also said that he would read the magazines about space and space exploration at his aunt’s house, which was only about a mile away from his childhood home 32 8

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Rumstay’s research interests include star formation, the interstellar medium and active galaxies. Rumstay currently serves as the VSU Observatory Director and serves in the Physics and Astronomy Division of the Council on Undergraduate Research. Currently Rumstay is studying black holes in galaxies and the masses of these black holes. The department of physics, astronomy and geosciences host public planetarium shows each semester. The shows lasts between 40 and 50 minutes and occurs at 7, 8 and 9 p.m. There is no cost to attend. However, seating is on a first come first serve basis, and there are 47 seats in the planetarium. As the Director of the Planetarium and Observatory, Rumstay gives astronomy presentations to thousands of school children and community members each year. “I like teaching,” Rumstay said. “I like getting people excited about astronomy. It’s quite a privilege to make a living by teaching the subject matter that I love.”

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VSU GRADUATES OPEN HEALTH CARE BUSINESS IN VALDOSTA LEADS TO INNOVATIONS

By Darla Dunning

Baha Zeidan is one of three co-founders of Azalea Health Innovations, Inc. (AHI). Zeidan is a 2002 VSU graduate with a bachelor’s of science with a focus on computer science.

gramming projects. The projects included a website for a car dealership and a database for a jewelry shop that needed to create certificates for diamonds.

Originally from Jerusalem, Zeidan applied to multiple universities in the United States. When he applied to VSU, he noticed a scholarship for international students. He won the scholarship which started his career toward business success.

He interned with Doctor’s Laboratory, a medical lab, in Valdosta while attending VSU. He interned with the laboratory’s IT department for a year. After graduating, he worked full-time with the laboratory for six years. Zeidan met Douglas Swords, a co-founder of AHI, while working here.

While attending VSU, Zeidan was involved with the international student program. He volunteered in the yearly International Dinner which is a dinner hosted by VSU’s international students to share part of their culture with the Valdosta community. He also tutored disabled students in math.

In 2007, Zeidan, Dan Henry and Swords worked together to develop their own business. With Zeidan and Henry’s computer science degrees and Swords’ finance degree, they combined their entrepreneurial and computer programming skills, financials plan and marketing strategies toward a business foundation.

“I enjoyed VSU,” Zeidan said. “It was fun, great friends and atmosphere. The computer science department, at the time, was part of the math department, so it’s great to see that its now independent from the math department.”

They frequently went to the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at VSU, which is a public service outreach unit that provides business and economic development assistance. They worked with VSU’s business school to create their business plan, attended entrepreneur classes and went to VSU on the weekends to create a foundation for their business.

Zeidan’s experience in entrepreneurship started when he worked on computer pro 34 8

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AHI was established in 2008 when Zeidan, Henry and Swords noticed that physicians had a hard time understanding how to use electronic health records, which is a digital version of a patient’s paper chart. They decided to build a healthcare IT solution, which is cloud-based electronic health records software, practice management software and a revenue cycle management service that connect the clinical with the financial side of practice and integrates easily existing systems. “We focus on the role market by providing physicians and hospitals with billing software and health records,” Zeidan said. Since 2008, AHI has grown to 135 employees, raised two capitals, bought three companies, serves customers nationwide and established Azalea Health offices in the cities of Valdosta, Macon, Atlanta and Houston. “Many of our interns, programmers and employees come from VSU, and many of them start working in Valdosta’s office and come to the Atlanta office after graduation,” Zeidan said.

The first AHI office was established in Valdosta. Zeidan, Swords and Henry decided to call their company Azalea Health Innovations, Inc. because Valdosta is known as the azalea city. “We looked at different names and spent a lot of time looking for a name,” Zeidan said. “Valdosta is azalea city, so that bubbled up to the top.” In 2008, Zeidan, Swords and Henry were the recipients of the Graduate of the Last Decade award, which is given to recent graduates who have demonstrated professional achievement and exceptional community service. They also won the 2008 Guardian Bank Business Plan Competition hosted by Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. AHI is greatly involved with the VSU computer science department by providing internships to students and hosting the yearly Hackathon which is a competition for students to develop innovative software applications. “VSU has been incredibly great for me and Azalea Health even after graduation,” he said.

Zeidan also has a partnership with VSU, where he encourages students to be involved with internships at AHI. Currently, Azalea has ten interns from VSU.

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VSU HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL HACKATHON By Hunter Terrell

Valdosta State University’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and alumni founded healthcare company Azalea Health partnered once again for the 5th Hackathon in of Spring 2018. Dr. Krishnendu Roy, an associate professor in VSU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer Science explained what exactly the Hackathon is. “Hackathon is an annual event, dating back to 2014, hosted here in Nevins Hall that is open to students in the Valdosta area to come and showcase their problem solving abilities, programming abilities as well as the benefit of demonstrating their passion beyond their required studies,” Roy said. The event was open to any and all students currently enrolled in high school, college or at a university who had a general interest in computer science, engineering or computer design.

JULIE “The JERNIGAN fourth annual hackathon asked students to design any kind of software that first responders can use when a natural disaster happens,” Roy said. “Azalea Health assigns a topic or rather gives a scenario, but makes sure to not to be too specific so that students can use their creativity.” “Students get to pick their own teams, usually groups of two to five people, but there have been instances of individuals as well,” Roy said. “Students also bring their own computers, some

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even use their own big desktops, but they can also use the computer we have here in the lab.” VSU junior Matt Boyum, a participant of last years’ Hackathon, said Azalea Health provided him with a great opportunity. “This is really a neat event, and I am glad I could attend,” Boyum said. “Having this extra-curricular activity on my resume could make me an inch taller than my competitors in the job market.” Roy said this event really shows that the individual is dedicated to this subject. “It shows employers something other than their GPA, and it shows the dedication students have as well as their passion,” Roy said. “When your resume is being compared against another applicant and both of the students have the same degree and similar GPA’s, at that point people who are looking to interview candidates will of course look into things like this that shows you are interested in more than the mundane areas of exercising that degree.” This event not only helps students, but it also boosts VSU’s identity. “Hackathon is a win for everyone, and it is one of those things that directly helps all three stake holders: Azalea Health, VSU and the students in many different ways,” Roy said. “Students get to compete, maybe earn some money, Azalea can maybe find some potential employees and

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it helps us as because we can use this event to recruit students to VSU because it differentiates us from other universities’ programs.” Dr. Dave Gibson and Dr. Roy are the two faculty members who work with Azalea Health to plan this event. After working all day, students demoed their creations after the 7 p.m. deadline. Azalea Health and VSU professors provided students with a rubric and judged based off that. It was followed by an awards ceremony, with the first, second and third place teams receiving prize money of $1,000, $500 and $250. “I hope that students continue to try things out of their comfort zones and things that challenge them to work harder because it’s only going to make them better prepared for their careers,” Roy said. VSU alumni Dan Henry and Baha Zeidan are the founders of Azalea Health, a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare service in South Georgia.

“Azalea Health specializes in rural health and telemedicine, a cloud based service,” Roy said. “Azalea has been really successful, and they even raised over $10 million in 2016. Azalea started out with only four employees, three of which are VSU alums, so yes, they have done very good.” Both alums received the VSU Alumni GOLD Award as well as Excellence in Art and Sciences Award. “The Hackathon is a technological trend that will help attract programmers and software engineers to our industry,” Henry said. “The last few years have been successful. We are excited by the opportunity to engage our local talent.” Roy also explained that many students can acquire an internship out of this competition, too. “Many students have ended up interning with Azalea Health or worked there beyond that on a full time basis,” he said.

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CONTRIBUTERS KELSEY DICKERSON VSU Graduate - English and Journalsim Copy editor and page designer at Marietta Daily Journal

DARLA DUNNING VSU Graduate - English and Journalism National Desk Intern at Washington Times

HUNTER TERRELL VSU Graduate - English and Journalism Education Reporter at The Rockdale Citizen

LAUREN NICHOLS Sophomore Business Major

TIFFANY WRIGHT VSU Graduate

RACHEL SCOTT VSU Graduate Student - Business Administration and Marketing M.A. Communication Arts

BOBBIE TICKNOR Assistant Professor in Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

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To contribute an article email us at: ontap@valdosta.edu Visit us on the web at: www.ontapvsu.com Issue 18 - Spring 2018 Valdosta State University

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