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Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Volume 100

Issue 18

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By Parastoo NikraveshEditor-in-chief

SFA student Yessenia Ramirez, 20, of Pasadena, Texas died in an automobile accident in Panola

County on Saturday. Ramirez, a hospitality major and

member of the Lumberjack Marching band and SFA Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, was in the vehicle with two other SFA students, Dominique Yon and Jackie Xu, according to The Panola Watchman.

According to a Facebook post by Dr. Adam Peck, dean of student affairs, Yon is in critical condition and Xu received minor injuries.

“Our hearts are heavy today with the news that three of our Chi Alpha family were involved in a terrible car accident on Saturday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the many, many friends and family that have been affected by this tragedy,” the SFA Chi Alpha Facebook page posted on Saturday.

LMB members planning a trip to Ireland next month held a moment of silence for Ramirez at their rehearsal on Monday.

“She [Ramirez] was a great band kid, always happy and always smiling, and you could just tell that she loved what she was doing,” Dr. David Campo, director of the LMB, said.

Campo said Ramirez died the day before her birthday. He also explained until this year he had never dealt with the loss of a student before, and this academic year the band has lost three members.

“I just don’t know what to say; it’s such a shock as I’m sure it is to all of us,” Campo said.

The SFA flag on Vista Drive was flown at half-staff Tuesday to honor Ramirez’s memory, and Tuesday night Chi Alpha hosted a memorial for Ramirez, open to any students or faculty, in the McKibben Building.

SFA Counseling Services will hold walk-in hours from 4 to 5 p.m. every day this

week for any students, faculty and staff who need support. Students who would like to make an individual appointment

may call (936) 468-2401. A 24-hour crisis line may be reached at (800) 392-8343.

Staff writer Nella Kopp contributed to this story.

Courtesy Photo

From left: SFA students Yessenia Ramirez, Dominique Yon and Jackie Xu were involved in an automobile accident in Panola County that left Ramirez dead and Yon in critical condition.

Students involved in automobile accident

Shop provides vintage styles

By Hannah WheelerContributing Writer

Located on North Street directly across from campus, Vagabond Vintage is a quaint store that sells vintage clothing at reasonable prices.

The store first opened in the early ’90s when store owner Keith Marrs would go as far as Guatemala to collect things for the shop.

According to Marrs, the store closed in the late ’90s for about five years, during which Marrs’ brother opened a shop in San Marcos and Marrs opened one in Austin where he lived at the time.

Marrs has made many connections over the years and continues to use them to find vintage clothing to sell here in his store in Nacogdoches.

According to Marrs, vintage clothing has a reputation for being a bit pricey, but he keeps costs down by buying in bulk.

Most shirts are priced around $15, and the leather jackets, expensive even when they aren’t vintage, stay around $50.

“Vintage clothing is better and retains the color longer,” Cindy Edwards, a manager at Vagabond Vintage, said. “Like the sign says—clothes from the past are made to last.”

For students Lexi Mitchell and Callie Hadley, who were visiting from Woodville High School for a theater festival, shopping at Vagabond Vintage is a must.

“There have been five generations of theatre people coming here,” Hadley said. “It’s a tradition to come here. I love vintage everything. I wasn’t born in the ’90s, but I love the ’90s—and ruffles. I really like the atmosphere; it’s a unique store.”

True to her love of ruffles, Hadley bought a ruffled blue dress from the early ’60s, while her friend, Mitchell, was content with just browsing and not making a purchase.

“I just really like looking at it. It’s very cool, though I don’t really buy anything. It’s just different. You cannot really go to other clothing stores and see stuff like this,” Mitchell said.

“It’s just really cool and really old. Every year, we come for the theatre festival, and we come here to look at the new stuff.”

There’s no shortage of pieces to find in the store. From locally made jewelry to leather vests to ugly sweaters, there’s something for everyone who walks in the door.

There’s clothing from the ’60s through the early 2000s, with the most recent items being concert shirts, as well as many throwback

Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday

Photo by Bailey Haecker / The Pine Log

A cardinal perches on a tree branch on the SFA campus earlier this week. The Great Backyard Bird Count, sponsored by SFA Gardens and the National Association for Interpretation, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.

By Danielle SanchezStaff Writer

SFA Gardens and the National Association for Interpretation are sponsoring the Great Backyard Bird Count from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St

The event is hosted every year in the month of February at the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, a 42-acre natural area on the north end of the SFA campus. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a free outdoor event that will have activities designed to

increase knowledge and appreciation of birds for children and adults.

“Activities will include learning how to use binoculars, learning bird identification skills and learning the different ecosystems birds prefer for their habitat,” said Jessica Pruneda, president of the National Association for Interpretation.

In addition, there will be opportunities to participate in the national Great Backyard Bird Count as participants count birds for science with assistance from the Pineywoods Audubon Society and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department non-game

ornithologist, Cliff Shackleford. According to a University press release,

Shackleford will lead guided hikes along the trails of Tucker Woods and the Pineywoods Native Plant Center.

“Bird Day was started with funding from a Texas Parks and Wildlife COOP grant,” said Elyce Rodewald, education coordinator of SFA Gardens.

“It was one event in a series of outdoor family adventure days aimed at encouraging people to develop a lifelong interest in outdoor activities and land

Photo illustration by Danielle Sanchez / The Pine Log

Students have chance to customize ringsBy Lauren Owens

Contributing Writer

Upperclassmen can build and purchase their own SFA ring from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 26 to March 1 in the Tracie Pearman Alumni Center.

According to the SFA Alumni Association’s website, students with more than 60 hours are eligible to order a ring. They can do so by visiting the alumni office or Balfour’s SFA ring website.

The rings are customizable in several

ways, including different tops, colors, finishes and unique symbols.

According to assistant director of the SFA Alumni Association, Heat her Hawk ins, students can come to the alumni office for ring sizing or to look at samples. Pictures of the rings and their options are also located on the SFA ring website.

Students need a ring to participate in the Big Dip, a tradition where upperclassmen dip their hand in purple dye while wearing their ring.

According to Hawkins, the Big Dip started in 2002 as a unique way for students to receive and represent their rings.

“We wanted to make it part of a tradition, so we worked with Balfour and made the official SFA rings, and then came up with the ceremony to go with it,” Hawkins said. “It’s a rite of passage toward graduation.”

The Big Dip is not only well-known on the SFA campus.

Hawkins said it is one of the top ring ceremonies in the United

States, and they have one of the largest number of students who participate in it compared to the ceremonies at other schools. It is also used as an example to other universities by Balfour because of its uniqueness and large attendance.

This semester the Big Dip will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 4 in the Grand Ballroom in the Baker Pattillo Student Center.

According to Hawkins, the ring represents an

BIRD, PAGE 3 THRIFT, PAGE 3

RINGS, PAGE 3

CMYK

Page 2 The Pine Log 2018

News @thepinelog

By Chris LucasContributing Writer

An SFA senior is hosting a 28-day fitness challenge for students and anyone interested in embracing healthier habits.

Hunter Boyd, a senior kinesiology major from Dallas, hosts The Grind Life February Fitness Challenge. The challenge is 28 days of an in-depth workout routine with a food and dietary graph, a posting schedule, to share accomplishments with others via social media, and a chance to win shoes or apparel from his personal training brand, Grind Life Fitness.

“This will help students get their body back for spring break and even grow a liking or passion for it,” Boyd said. “I take this fitness stuff serious. A lot of people do it like it’s just ‘the wave’ right now and I call people out on it year-round.”

Since 2013, Boyd has transformed a simple hashtag for twitter, #grindlife, into a sports performance and personal training service. He has worked with over 50 clients since first creating this challenge last year.

“After getting kicked out of school, I went home and lost 120 pounds training for football,” Boyd said. “With my mentor, I started training high school athletes and college athletes into NFL athletes. I realized I enjoyed this. I enjoy helping others save their lives and reach their goals.”

Boyd, now in his final semester, spends his time working on 19 hours of class, working out, training others and visiting his father weekly in Dallas to train him back to peak physical health.

“It’s a great way to get started working out,” said senior Brandon Taylor. “It is challenging, but I’m getting the abs from it.”

Over 120 students have accepted the challenge, posting their recent accomplishments on twitter with the hashtag #GLFFebruaryFitnessChallenge.

“It is not hard at all,” said Keenen Banks, SFA alumna from Tyler. “As long as you are ready to strengthen yourself physically and mentally, the challenge will help you as far as you can go.”

Boyd includes a full meal and dietary list to help participants eat healthier while committing to the challenge.

“I always recommend a multivitamin, an official probiotic and at times, a protein,” Boyd said. “I don’t care if you’re a vegan, a pescatarian…We don’t get all the nutrition we want from food. Multivitamins and a probiotic will help you get the nutrition you need. It’ll help you digest your food better and strengthen your immune system.”

Students can send an email to grindlife247@yahoo.com to officially accept the challenge and gain additional information on what the full workout entails.

Once the participant is ready to commit, a posting list is included to show others that you have also accepted the challenge, finished the workouts, and are eating and not eating the listed foods.

“If it is something you really want, you’ll find time,” Boyd said. “You can work out anywhere. People make excuses. But, if you really want it, you’ll do it.”

Student finds calling in personal training

Photo by Illysia Tartan / The Pine Log

Pictured is Hunter Boyd of Dallas, senior kinesiology major and creator of The Grind Life February Fitness Challenge. The challenge consists of intense workout sessions, taking multivitamins and following a listing of what to eat and what not to eat for the entire month.

By Evelyn SaraviaContributing Writer

The Interior Design program will showcase the work of 10 students in the “Essence of Design” exhibit from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday through April 5 on the second floor of the Steen Library.

According to the SFA website, along with the regular interior design curriculum, seniors are given a 64-square-foot area to build a display that shows their style and personality as an interior designer.

“I would say that my style is more California,” said Nakyra Williams, a senior interior design major from Los Angeles, California. “Everything at home [in California] is basically what my style is based on. Texas is more rustic-chic looking, but I usually do more of a modern and clean style.”

Williams, a transfer from Texas Southern University in Houston, was originally a journalism major.

“Even though all my teachers told me I was a great writer, I didn’t want to do it anymore,” Williams said. “It was too much writing and wasn’t creative

enough for me. I took one interior design class, and I just loved it.”

According to Williams, interior design takes up a lot of time, money and

dedication. “It’s nerve-wracking

because you have so much to do,” Williams said. “I’ve spent about $500 on this, but the money isn’t so important.

“I’d spend the money somewhere else anyway, but it’s time that you can’t get back. Especially when

you take so much time doing something then have to start over because it’s not what it was supposed to be.”

Along with the issues of time and expenses, there

are other trials that interior design students face.

“I wouldn’t say that classes are that hard, but it can be very frustrating when t he software doesn’t work,” Williams said. “But I do like that there’s smaller classes so everyone helps each other. We are like a little family, even like a family that argues sometimes.”

SFA has offered many

resources to the program, and that has not gone unnoticed for these seniors.

“I have met a lot of cool people and have learned a lot from all the guest speakers that have come,” Williams said.

EXHIBIT, PAGE 3

Senior interior design majors unveil their work for exhibit

Photo by Lashauna Bell / The Pine Log

Nakyra Williams, a senior interior design major from Los Angeles, California, hangs a clock as part of her display for the “Essence of Design” exhibit in Steen Library.

SFA wind ensemble, orchestra perform in music conference

By Nella KoppStaff Writer

Band members from all over Texas are attending this year’s Texas Music Educators Association convention Wednesday through Saturday in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

According to a university press release, SFA Wind Ensemble director Fred J. Allen said the Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the convention following a competitive round of adjudicated recording last April.

According to the TMEA website, “TMEA is an organization of over 11,000 school music educators dedicated to promoting

excellence in music education.” The association comprises five

divisions: band, orchestra, vocal, elementary and college.

According to a university press release, TMEA asked Dr. Gene Moon, conductor of the SFA Orchestra of the Pines, to participate last May, and he accepted on behalf of the University.

“It is a great honor and wonderful opportunity for our students,” Moon said.

Throughout the four-day convention, registered members and guests can visit the exhibit hall or numerous clinics provided by professionals that

CONFERENCE, PAGE 3

CorrectionOn the News Page of the Feb. 7 issue of The Pine Log, the article titled “Student turns fear into her passion” incorrectly said the student director, Cecily Maucieri, was working on the play “Lynette at 3:00 A.M.” Maucieri is the student director for “Antigone in New York,” which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Downstage Theatre. Additionally, Maucieri was misidentified in the accompanying photo. The Pine Log regrets these errors.

CMYK

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“In Texas, being in the interior design program at SFA alone you have a leg up on everyone else. Most everyone that I’ve known in the interior design program that has graduated from here have jobs immediately afterwards.”

The program requires long hours and dedication, but students who are willing to put in the work will reap the benefits.

“It’s not as easy as it looks on TV,” Williams said. “It’s a lot more work than what Chip and Joanna Gaines show you because there is math, and there are codes that you have to follow. It’s not just putting colors together.”

For Calli Blankenship, a senior interior design major from Livingston, the hope for this showcase is she is able to enjoy it with the family and friends who have supported her.

“It’s been an adventure,” Blankenship said. “I’ve learned a lot about who I am in the last few years. It’s been a good experience.”

The majority of the students’ projects have been online, but the showcase allows them to make their designs into a reality.

“My favorite part is when you put everything together and see what you have been conceptualizing come to life,” Blankenship said.

“Usually in school you see your design on the computer, but now you can physically see it so it’s been cool.”

Blankenship’s style is simplistic with a hint of color, which she brought to her display by adding a few plants.

“I like very minimal and natural things,” Blankenship said. “I really like to be outside, so I tried to bring in the elements of outside and morphe them into the interior space.”

For Blankenship, although seeing the project come to life is rewarding, the greatest benefit of interior design comes from the people.

“I think that interior design means making people feel at home and comfortable in a space while being efficient,” Blankenship said. “My favorite part of it is the interaction that you have with the people that you design for.”

Since the exhibit is on the second floor of the library, transporting the displays has proven to be almost as difficult as creating them.

“There’s a freight elevator in the back, and you have to fit everything in that small space,” Blankenship said. “It’s very frustrating to build a wall and to try to match everything in your head. It took a lot of time, but it is very cool seeing it physically. The end result is so worth it all.”

Exhibit: Students display personalities in projects

Photo by Lashauna Bell / The Pine Log

A set of white letter blocks spells out an SFA interior designer’s first name. This is just one part of a display by Remy Follmar, a senior from Colmesneil. Her display, and many others’, can be seen on the second floor of Steen Library until April 5.

From Page 1

stewardship.” The event was very popular, and the partners voted to continue the event after the grant

funding ended. “We appreciate the continued support of Audubon Society, National Association of

Interpretation, Stephen F. Austin biology professor Dr. Brent Burt and Texas Parks and Wildlife non-game ornithologist, Cliff Shackelford,” Rodewald said.

According to its website, SFA Gardens’ mission is to create an environment where people can expand their knowledge, explore the natural world, develop curiosity, nurture a sense of wonder, create community connections, discover inter-relationships, observe stewardship, question what is and imagine what could be.

Bird: SFA offers community opportunity to gain experience

From Page 1

jerseys. Vagabond Vintage is a clothing store with a personality all its own. If one is willing to dig

through the racks of vintage shirts, skirts, dresses, jackets, pants, and dresses, they’re likely to find the perfect piece to take home.

Thrift: Local store offers affordable vintage clothes

From Page 1

upperclassman’s last mot ivat ion towa rd graduation.

“It stands for opening doors,” Hawkins said. “It opens some amazing doors for people to realize they’re both graduates or to help people get jobs and all kinds of great opportunities.”

Many students who have purchased their ring see them as milestones in their time spent at SFA. Junior Tarah Duncan, creative writing major and literature minor from Henderson, sees her ring as a sign that she’s accomplished something that will lead her toward a better future.

“I knew I’d wear it all

the time for the next few years, and it’s been worth it,” Duncan said. “I’d recommend getting a ring because it’s something you

can hold onto for the rest of your life even though you might not wear it every day.”

Since the ring is customizable and designed primarily by the student who purchases it, every ring has a specific, personal meaning to its wearer. Senior Hayley

Foster, English major and linguistics minor from Lufkin, purchased an SFA ring because of the sentimental value.

“For me, this ring represents the years of love and support that I have garnered from my friends and family,” Foster said. “It reflects not only my hard work but theirs as well because without them, completing my undergraduate journey would have been nearly

impossible.”The SFA ring can also

serve as an award for accomplishing goals and a way to show that a student went to SFA even after he or she has graduated. This is what it represents for Lindsey Moore, senior history major and political science minor from Lufkin.

“It serves as a reminder that 2018 will be a really good year because of my graduation,” Moore said.

“It also shows that when I do walk across the stage and go out into the world, I can tell people where I come from. I proudly went to SFA in Nacogdoches, Texas, and received an excellent education, as well as some of the best memories.”

Rings: Ceremony represents tradition at SFA

Photo by Yared Jasso / The Pine Log

Makayla Grothe, a junior social work major from Mont Belvuie, shops at Vagabond Vintage. The store offers a variety of vintage clothing, from jerseys to jackets and even sweatshirts. Vagabond Vintage is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

From Page 2

are provided to help current and up-in-coming band, vocal or orchestral directors, according to the TMEA website.

High school students placed in an All-State group can participate in “College Night,” when spokespersons from colleges in Texas, including SFA, are able to talk with them about recruitment possibilities.

Some of the clinics: help with beginner instruments or vocal practices, curriculum enhancement, teaching workshops and interactive performances.

Moon will present “Bridging the Gap Between High School and College” at TMEA. The SFA Wind Ensemble and Orchestra of the Pines will perform along with the East Texas Chamber Winds, according to Tyler Thormahlen, a senior music performance major from Austin.

“It’ll be fun, I have performed there a couple of times in high school and it’ll be nice to be up on that stage,” Thormahlen said. “It’s nice to be performing for so many people that actually want to hear you instead of having to get the recital credit.”

The band has prepared since the beginning of the semester for the Wind Ensemble. They performed Jan. 30 and will be performing at UT Austin on Wednesday on their way to the TMEA

convention. There, the ensemble will perform at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the Lila Cockrell Theater in the convention center.

The Orchestra is playing for all the high school All-State bands that need orchestral accompaniment.

For more information about the TMEA convention, exhibits and performances, visit their website at https://www.tmea.org/.

Conference: Performers, directors can attend clinics

“ It’s nice to be performing for so many people that actually want to hear you instead of having to get the

recital credit.”

—Tyler Thormahlen, senior music performance major from Austin

“I’d recommend getting a ring because it’s something you can hold onto for the rest of your life even though you might not wear it

every day.”

-Tarah Duncan, junior creative writing major from Henderson

CMYK

Page 4 The Pine Log 2018

Life & Arts@thepinelog

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By Alyssa FaykusSocial Media Editor

A passion for graphic design that focuses on art inspired by

Nacogdoches and nature is what continuously drives one SFA alumna to prepare to work on her next piece.

Emily Kubisch-Sabrsula of Simonton works as a freelance artist in her spare time, mostly selling stickers on Etsy.

“I originally was going a lot through Facebook and stuff like that, asking friends to share [my] posts, so I would get a lot of business through word of mouth,” Kubisch-Sabrsula said. “[Now] I do a lot of Etsy orders, which is where the bulk of my work comes

from.”Her work reflects her love

of nature, especially the Piney Woods of East Texas, and many of her stickers are based off her life as a college student. Her stickers include band-related artwork inspired by her time in the Lumberjack Marching Band and woodland creatures dressed as the lumberjack, to name a few.

Her logo for her Etsy shop reflects her love for the Piney Woods.

“It’s part of my pine bark series. I really love pine trees [and] pine cones; I’m oddly obsessed with them. I have a tattoo of a pine cone on me,” Kubisch-Sabrsula said. “So, I developed this series and I really liked this motif, so I ran with it. And there

was this one in particular shape that I just really l iked the shape of it, and the [freckles on my arm] fit really well around it. It’s more of an aesthetic thing honestly.”

When she first came to college, she did not plan on m a j o r i n g in graphic design.

“I was a forestry major when I came to

SFA because I really love being outside and love the outdoors, but I’m not much of a math or science

person, and so I’ve always been kind of

creative. So I thought maybe I could make that work,” Kubisch-Sabrsula said.

Life as a college graduate is very different from life at college for Kubisch-Sabrsula.

“ D o n ’ t g r a d u a t e ,

i t ’ s terrible,” she said, jok i ng ly.

“It’s okay, honestly. I

really miss college

because I felt like I had a day-to-day purpose, and now I’m just kind of off in the world and operating. It’s really just me trying to get by at this point.”

The lack of studying and homework has given Kubisch-Sabrsula more freedom to focus on her own projects and small business.

“I have a full-time job, but I try to keep up with freelance for something to do in my spare time,” Kubisch-Sabrsula said.

“It’s nice because I don’t have to worry about making stuff for classes, but at the same time, I really liked having the direction and stability.”

Kubisch-Sabrsula also is the artist behind two of the SFA Snapchat filters.

“Someone had just come out with the first little Axe ’em, Jacks one. That was okay. [I thought] I could do something better. I went in and sketched up a couple of things, drew up a design and sent it in to Snapchat and a couple of weeks later, it [was] active,” Kubisch-Sabrsula said. “It’s a pretty simple process. I think it’s cool seeing people on Snapchat still use my filter. It’s nice to leave a little mark.”

She advises other artists to push themselves.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is to really present yourself in a way that you’re like a business, but you want to be relatable still, Kubisch-Sabrsula said.

“You’re selling yourself.”

A ‘Nac’ for Snapchat

Artist alumna creates Snapchat filter, Nacogdoches related stickersEtsy artist Emily Kubisch-Sabrsula of Simonton graduated from SFA with a degree in graphic design.

By Parastoo NikraveshEditor-in-chief

n “Black Panther” 2/16/18: Does this movie need an explanation as to why it’s so heavily anticipated? This star-studded movie showcases black excellence and is already admired online from the previews alone. “Black Panther” is the Marvel Comic story surrounding the return of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman), after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returning home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed the throne and take his rightful place as king, according to IMDB.

n “A Wrinkle in Time” 3/9/18: Reese, Oprah and Mindy? Oh my! Although I’ve never read the ’60s novel of the same title by Madeleine L’Engle, it’s easy to see why the cast of “A Wrinkle in Time” has definitely piqued the interests of many a potential movie goer. Or

is that just me? The story focuses on Meg Murry’s (Storm Reid) journey to save her scientist father after he travels through space and time. Strong female lead? Sign me up.

n “Ready Player One” 3/29/18: Based on the novel by Ernest Cline and soon to be directed by Steven Spielberg is a fantasy, thriller movie set in 2045. It’s a world where people escape their grim realities by escaping to the virtual reality OASIS where they can be heroes alongside their heroes of comics and movies—which sounds like a creepy glimpse into our futures, but hopefully just a creative story idea.

n “Untitled Deadpool Sequel” 5/18/18: Ryan Reynolds is back again as our favorite vulgar, abrasive, witty, hilarious, awkward and all around fun-to-watch Deadpool in this yet-to-be named sequel. (Although some fans expect it to remain untitled as a joke).

n “Solo: A Star Wars Story” 5/25/18: I think this was the obvious next step in the “Star Wars” franchise. A stand-alone movie about the devil-may-care leader himself, Han Solo, before he met Luke and Leia. Because we don’t have the technology to just make Harrison Ford 20 again (really? We don’t have that yet?), actor Alden Ehrenreich takes over the role.

Khaleesi from “Game of Thrones” (Emilia Clarke) and rapper Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) are in it, too.

n “Ocean’s 8” 6/8/18: We all know the Ocean’s franchise... I mean, I don’t. I’ve never really been interested to be up front

with my fellow movie lovers. However, when Sandra Bullock teams up with some of my favorite fellow females (Rihanna, Cate Blanchet, Mindy Kaling, Helena Bonham Carter and more) to pull a heist against Anne Hathaway (another female favorite) then it’s my turn to be interested.

n “The Incredibles 2” 6/15/18: It’s finally returning. The children of the ’90s have waited a long, long time to see our favorite super family return to the big screen. I just hope Frozone remembers where he left his super suit.

n “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” 6/22/18: Okay, so Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt couldn’t make

the island full of dinosaurs work. Truly, it’s shocking. But now you’re telling me they’re going back? To stop a volcano from killing all the dinosaurs? Okay, actually that does sound pretty interesting. But if I see one sauropod die, I’m out.

n “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” 7/20/18: It took a long time to get this sequel, but the show continues as Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) learns about her mother’s past while handling her own pregnancy. With new songs, old characters and even Cher, this movie is sure to be a blast.

n “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” 11/16/18: The wizarding world returns as we delve

deeper into the American wizarding life in the 1920s.Follow Newt Scamander’s ( Edd ie Red may ne) journey with young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) as they battle against Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp).

n “Aquaman” 12/21/18: Jason Momoa. Need I say more? The glimpse into this hero’s life in Justice League was just enough to leave fans wanting to know more on this darker, intriguing adaptation of a generally unnoticed superhero. Hopefully, the movie brings a new fan base to this long forgotten aquatic hero. Truly though, Momoa could just talk about stopping ocean pollution for two hours, and I would give it five stars.

Highly anticipated movies of the season

COMMENTARY

Brave Space Series: African Hair DiasporaThis session will begin at 4 p.m. Thursday in Regents

Suite A. According to the Office of Multicultural Affairs, it will educate the audience on how European colonization impacted the historical biases toward Afro-type hair, which still exists today. It will also explore the politics, controversies and obsessions surrounding Afro textured hair.

CMYK

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Opinions@thepinelog

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FEEDBACKOpinions expressed in columns on this page of The Pine Log are those of the individual writer. Unsigned editorials, as well as editorial cartoons, are the opinion of The Pine Log editors and do not necessarily reflect those of the University, its administrative officers or its Board of Regents.

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OPINIONS EDITORJUWAN LEE

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Spring 2018 Editorial BoardEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PARASTOO NIKRAVESH

Illustration by Olivia Boan / The Pine Log

Black History Month often sparks an annual debate about the continued fairness and effectiveness of the designated month to celebrate black achievement. Black History Month is observed in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and, most recently, the Netherlands.

What was once a thought in the doctoral thesis of Carter G. Woodson in 1926 grew into Negro History Week and then blossomed into what we now recognize in the month of February.

During this time of the year we have to ensure we are spreading both the achievements and barriers black leaders had to break down in order for us to even be at the point we currently are.

As profound as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Harriet Tubman were, they were not the only contributors to the achievements of black people throughout history.

This is not meant to downplay the importance of one black leader compared to another, but instead we should use this time to soak up as much information about African American culture as we can.

When Woodson first attempted to implement an observance of black history, he did so in hopes we

would take time to recognize both the accomplishments and hardships black history embodied.

He wanted the American public to truly be cognizant of the resistance and accomplishments of black people. Not just the same representation of black excellence every February: Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Thurgood Marshall and Rosa Parks.

Although February should be a time of celebration in black culture, it should also feature the injustices both past and present blacks underwent such as victims of alleged police brutality: Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Rekia Boyd, Eric Garner, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and other victims.

As the days continue to roll in the month of February, it is vital we understand what this month signifies in today’s society. Challenge yourself to be understanding of the history of African Americans.

The month is not meant to divide us or create inequality by forcing outside races to learn about various black leaders, but to ref lect and educate about where this country was and how we need to improve.

The history of the black experience in America, for one month, is placed

at the forefront of people’s minds. Those who can no longer tell their stories have a voice through the current generations that are able to vocalize this theme of black history.

Some stories of black history have not remained overlooked and are cast in a spotlight during this time. But what makes this month special is the opportunity to delve deeper into history—ot just to remember the triumphs of a select few or the country’s progress in civil rights over the last 60 years, but to acknowledge a historical narrative that is uniquely black and undoubtedly American. We indeed need this time to fill in the blank and incomplete pages of our nation’s history as black people continue to attempt picking up the pieces of their history that at times went undocumented and unreported.

The stories of all black experiences deserve recognition and celebration. Black history is American history. It’s not a time of division.

The month of February symbolizes one of few times black people can collectively feel as if they not only have a seat at the table of American history, but are given the voice to verbalize their side of the story.

You’re studying in the library for your upcoming test, and you hear people from the table over complain about how easy your work looks compared to theirs. Your work includes creating a poster board of teaching methods while their work is writing a statistical analysis of an equation. You continue making your poster, but feel offended because that poster contains research and surveys that took you a semester to gather.

You carry on, but later tell your friends about how arrogant students f rom sa id major are. The judging and c o m p a r i s o n continues with each person.

T h i s s c e n a r i o happens more than you may think, and it’s because s t u d e n t s are always c o m p a r i n g how difficult d i f f e r e n t majors are. Students will brag about how their major is better than someone else’s or that the said major shouldn’t even be a major because of how easy it is.

What they don’t see is the work that goes into each major. There is no way for every student in every major to understand the complexity of the different assignments or tests when they are not in that major. It would be like comparing bread and jelly.

Ever since I started my upper level courses I hear more and more of this, but I don’t understand why. Why compare a major to yours when the two are drastically different? Also, what good does it do for anyone? If anything, it just raises stress levels.

I get it. Some majors like math and science are hard, but everything comes differently to different people. While math majors can figure

out an equation that takes up an entire page, they probably wouldn’t understand how to write a lesson plan. The same goes for an education major knowing how to solve an equation like a math major. Each major is taught differently, and every student processes that information in his or her own way.

Sure, there are a lot of students who really don’t care what other majors are doing and how much homework they have, but that doesn’t mean every student thinks like that.

Just last semester, there was a post on Twitter where a STEM major was making fun of education majors. No matter what happens, there will always be people who compare; it’s human nature.

Why is this all such a big deal? Well, it’s not the biggest deal in the world right

now, but it’s something to be aware of. It’s good to understand how different each college student is from one another. It’s also amazing that we are all taking time out of our lives to learn and grow as people.

At the end of the day, we’re all still stressed college students. We shouldn’t tear down how others learn, but instead cheer each other on. We are all in college for a reason, whether it be for following a passion or getting paid more in the long run. We are the future bosses, teachers, mathematicians and writers. We will work together in the world when college is over, so there’s no need to compare now.

As long as you are following your passion and doing what you love, there’s no reason to resent other people just because their homework looks easier than yours.

Students shouldn’t compare studies

Shannon Poe Webmaster

“At the end of the day, we’re all stressed college

students. We shouldn’t tear

down how others learn, but

instead cheer each other on.“

Over the past few months, we have seen sexual assault allegations flood headlines and mainstream media. Movie moguls such as Harvey Weinstein have been blasted in the public for recent allegations. The music industry has also been impacted as hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons recently stepped down from a slew of his businesses due to recent sexual assault allegations made toward him.

This is an important time in society as many victims of sexual assault are finding the courage to come forth and tell the stories. They no longer feel afraid to live in the shadows of those who offered sexual favors in order to enhance someone’s career. But not everything can be taken at face value.

As controversial as this may be, we can’t simply begin to convict people based on allegations without due process. There are professionals losing their jobs and having their reputations destroyed due to

someone simply alleging they did something to them. We have to be careful in convicting people in the court of public opinion without knowing all the facts.

Let’s not act like people do not have ulterior motives for wanting to see someone’s career go up in flames.

Take the situation of American music producer Charlie Walk. Walk was featured as a judge on the new Fox show “The Four.” After allegations surfaced, Walk was removed from the show.

Walk became another statistic in the group of men in Hollywood who are using their power and influence to persuade or force women to sleep with them.

But Walk held these allegations were not true and even went as far to say he was being extorted. He said he was innocent, so it must be true, right? No. He released voicemails that proved what he believed to be extortion.

The voicemails detailed what they wanted Walk to do. Step down from “The Four” and also his record label or face the wrath of the MeToo movement. Literally, the guy, known as Tom Gilligan, attempted to weaponize the MeToo movement in order to destroy someone else’s career. That is what I hope not to see. We are arriving at a point where victims are coming out, and I would hate for their stories to get lost in the shuffle or for them to no longer feel the need to come out because people won’t believe them.

There is no doubt our judicial system has its flaws, and we are outraged when those flaws show themselves when we need the legal system the most. So, there should be no issue with someone showing outrage with the public who chooses to make their rulings strictly from headlines and biases.

An innocent man stands no chance versus a court who can ruin his reputation without ever setting

foot in a courtroom. This column is not meant to

defend many of those who are being accused of sexual assault. Nor is it meant to belittle those who have come out or who are still trying to find the strength to expose their story to the public. But it is to simply state let’s make sure we have all of the facts before we decide to convict someone.

And many people will say, well, the most important thing is it is settled in a real court by those who are paid to make these types of decisions. But the fact of the matter is since everything is so instant in today’s society, we are simply incapable of waiting for an actual verdict or many times accepting that verdict.

By having sexual assault attached to your name, even for a moment, it will affect you for the rest of your life. And if you are found to be innocent, it won’t matter; the judges in the court of public opinion have already ruled against you.

Factual evidence irrelevant in court of public opinion

Juwan LeeOpinions Editor

“An innocent man stands no chance

versus a court who can ruin his

reputation without ever setting foot in a

courtroom.“

Consciousness needed for black history month

CMYK

SportsSFA Athletics | Intramural Sports | Sport Clubs

@TPLSports

Page 6 The Pine Log 2018

SportsSFA Athletics | Intramural Sports | Sport Clubs

We

SFA ScoreboardWOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Ladyjacks demolish Demons 83-48

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Jacks blow out NWSU Demons 97-50

TENNIS: Ladyjacks set to host NSU Saturday

MEN’S TRACK: Lumberjacks perform well at NM classic

Adriana Salazar / The Pine Log

By Devin BrooksSports Editor

The Lumberjack Football team

participated in the National Signing Day Feb. 7 at the SFA Fieldhouse by signing 23 student athletes.

Twelve of the signees are graduating high school or transferring from another educational facility; the 11 others signed their National Letter of Intent in December during the early signing period.

“Today we can finally talk about the players and our recruiting cycles,” Clint Conque, head football coach, said.

“During the recruiting process, we were looking for high-character guys and tough-minded football players who can come in and fill an immediate need or a future need within the program, and we’re certainly excited about the guys that we’ve added.”

The coaches wanted to recruit players they believed could fit with the 23 returning starters. There are 11 returning starters on offense, nine on defense and three on special teams. Forty-five letter winners from the 2017 season will return in the 2018 season.

“I am extremely excited about each and every one of these guys,” Conque said.

“This class really addresses immediate needs for our team, while also bringing in quality young men to add depth of the

program. Character, athletic ability and academics were all major parts of what we were looking for in this class. I really feel like we’ve addressed the areas we needed to address. This is a very talented group.”

SFA lost players in some major positions after the 2017 season: Five defensive linemen and two offensive linemen. However, they secured nine offensive players, including three offensive linemen and 11 defensive players comprising defensive ends, linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties. SFA added more depth to each of its offensive groups after players at the tight end and running back positions departed last season.

The quarterback position had it’s share of controversy. Foster Sawyer, a TCU transfer quarterback, battled injuries all through the early part of the season before he was eventually benched for medical purposes. Backup quarterback Jake Blumrick replaced Sawyer for the remainder of the season and kept the Jacks afloat. Despite Blumrick not having the arm strength or accuracy of Sawyer, he was more nimble on his feet and showed the ability to extend plays. The SFA coaching staff hopes that Sawyer will be 100 percent for the 2018 season and won’t face any injuries that could sideline him again.

The wide receiver group for the Lumberjacks is the group that will benefit most from this new class.

They retained Tamrick Pace, All-SLC wide receiver. Pace joined other SFA wideout greats when he surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark earlier this season. The sure-handed sophomore was one of the lone bright spots for the SFA receiving core last season, but he’ll be paired with young talent that will give SFA more consistency and predictability for the upcoming season.

Conque credited the SFA coaching staff for adding diversity to the team by bringing in players from all around the nation.

“I thought our coaching staff did a tremendous job throughout the recruiting process,” Conque said. “They were tireless in their hours of evaluation and recruitment of these young men.

“A lot of miles, a lot of hours away from home, but they were very consistent and did an incredible job to help us bring a tremendous class. You can see from the class the reach the Lumberjack program has, which is a credit to our players, coaches and staff for representing this program at the highest level.”

SFA will continue to undergo its off season strength and conditioning program before spring workouts begin March 22.

The Lumberjacks will open the 2018 season against SEC powerhouse Mississippi State. The game will be played on Sept. 1 at Davis Wade Stadium in Starksville, Mississippi.

New signees look to make immediate impact

By Trevor BullardStaff Writer

The Ladyjacks have been on a hot streak for the past two games and look to continue against the streaking Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders.

The Ladyjacks have dominated their previous two opponents after falling to Lamar in their first conference loss of the season. In their most recent game, the Ladyjacks crushed rival Northwestern State 83-49, hitting a season high of 13 3-pointers. Despite being in second place in the conference, the Ladyjacks still look to be the class of the Southland conference. The Ladyjacks have looked strong in conference play and dominated almost every opponent they have gone up against in the Southland. That especially holds true at home in William R. Johnson Coliseum where SFA currently holds a 13-0 record with the home crowd fueling their dominating play.

The Islanders, on the other hand, have had an up-and-down season so far. They started their conference record slow, especially after a 70-31 pounding by Lamar before the start of the new year. However, recently the Islanders have been playing much better by reeling off the five-straight victories against Southland opponents. Most recently the Islanders defeated the New Orleans Privateers for their homecoming game. The islanders will have their work cut out for them playing on the road as they only have a 3-5 record away from their campus. That should give a distinct

advantage to the LadyjacksThe Ladyjacks have been balanced on offense this year

with no one player being the single offensive force. Three players on the team have averaged double-digit points for the season, with Taylor Jackson averaging 11, Chanell Hayes 11.9 and Stevi Parker leading the team with 12.5 points per game. On defense the Ladyjacks have been one of the best in the conference with 272 total steals and 68 total blocks for the year. They currently have the second best defense in the conference, allowing 59.2 points per game.

The Islanders average 60.2 points per game and give up 56.2. Their offense is represented by senior guard Brittany Mbamalu who averages 11.8 points per game while also ranking second in the league in assists and fifth in rebounds. Defense for the Islanders has been decent but can be exposed on the road especially against better competition in conference.

The Ladyjacks should cruise for a 14th-straight home win and look to stay near the top of the conference rankings. SFA has been unstoppable at home this season, and, except for a loss at Lamar, they have been almost impossible to stop anywhere else.

The islanders are a decent team but does not have the firepower or defensive ability to hold the Ladyjacks to a low-scoring affair. It is unlikely the Islanders will be able to pull off the upset.

Tip off will be 7 p.m. Wednesday in William R. Johnson Coliseum.

Women look to extend Southland win streakLadyjacks host TAMU-CC; hope to remain unbeaten at home

Photo by Adriana Salazar / The Pine Log

Members of the Ladyjack basketball team discuss strategy during a home SLC matchup against Northwestern State.

New SFA Football signees:

Quarterbacks (2): Cam Arnold (Cy-Fair HS),

Josh Covey (Texas)

Running Backs (2): Tycen Thompson (Ennis HS),

Jae’lon Oglesby (Memphis)

Wide Receivers (3): QuenTyvian “Q” Borders (San

Augustine HS), Braison Rudd (New Braunfels Christian

Academy), Remi Simmons (Garden Community College)

Tight Ends (2): Barclay Ford (North Forney HS),

Bryce Wempa (Tyler Junior College)

Offensive Lineman (3): Jeffrey Rose (Cypress Ranch

HS), John Wilkowski (Cypress Ranch HS),

Tanner Elliott (Tyler Junior College)

Defensive Lineman (2): Tyrell Buard (Waltrip HS),

Amad Murray (Huntsville HS)

Linebackers (2): DaRyan Williams (Nacogdoches HS),

Quin Jones (East Mississippi Community College)

Cornerbacks (3): Jadarious Byrd (Butler Community

College), Aretavious Hendrix (Mississippi Gulf Coast

Community College), Donald Mensah Jr. (New Mexico

Military Institute)

Safeties (4): Brody Anderson (Katy HS), Jeremiah Davis

(Lufkin HS), JaTerious Evans (Center HS), Nazier Wright

(Dodge City Community College)