The Peace TimesVolume 16, Issue 4 The Student Newspaper of William Peace University, Raleigh, N.C. Thursday, December 8, 2011

It’s shopping time! Freshman 15?How to shop right this holiday season

– Page 5A new study debunks an old myth– Page 4

A tribute to December’s Peace graduates page 8

Photo by Njima Murphy

Peace’s campus is decked out for the holidays. This month, 33 students are graduating. Peace does not hold a December commencement. Graduates are invited to walk in the May ceremony.

Peace announces tuition cut for next school year

Going green on campus

By Taylor ShawTimes Staff Writer

Students at Peace will see their tu-ition bills drop next year.

Late last month, the Board of Trust-ees approved a 7.73 percent tuition drop for the 2012-2013 school year, bringing the cost to $23,700.

“This adjustment will make William Peace University one of the most afford-able, private schools for tuition in the country,” said President Debra Townsley in a letter to students. “We recognize that students and families are struggling

to pay higher education costs, and our primary motive is to do what we can to help students in this down economy afford tuition at a private university and obtain the best education possible despite economic conditions.”

Students had a lot to say about the announcement.

“It’s a great decision that Peace has made,” said Jadia Hooper, Peace junior.

Junior Miranda Streeter agrees.“I’m really happy about it,” she said.

“The only reason I would leave Peace is if I could not afford it.”

Antoinette Daniel, Peace junior, said, “I’m excited. I think it will help enroll-ment percentages increase.”

Sidney Edwards, Peace junior, said “Everyone knows saving money is a good thing.”

But some students say they feel there are reasons besides generosity behind the decision.

Sophomore Caroline Jackson said, “I think it’s a good thing, but I feel it’s to attract more people.”

For students living on campus, there will be no reduction in room costs, but a

$120 increase in board, due to increasing food prices.

The University will continue to offer qualified students scholarship opportuni-ties.

Students may apply for federal and state assistance if desired by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov between January 1, 2012 and our priority date of March 15, 2012.

Students with questions about the tuition change can contact the Office of Financial Aid.

By Anna ThompsonTimes Staff Writer

There has been all this talk about giving back to the environment and “going green.”

What does it really mean to “go green,” and how can college students like ourselves help the environment that we live in today?

Dr. Joe Wolf, Biology professor at William Peace University said, “There are many ways that an individual stu-dent can make a difference on campus. She can turn down the heat and unplug electrical devices in her residence hall room over breaks. Turn off lights in rooms that aren’t occupied. She can vote in state and national elections for candidates who understand the science behind environmental issues.”

Students at Peace can help the environment not only by doing those things suggested by Wolf, but also by becoming a part of the Science Club.

“When I was the Faculty Sponsor of the Science Club, we used to tend to

See “Green” pg. 2See “Grads” pg. 2

December grads may have advantage

By Lindsey JohnsonTimes Staff Writer

Though the Pomp and Circumstance Marches will not be heard again until May, many Peace students will earn their long awaited degree this month.

December graduates do not receive

much recognition on campus, but do they fare better in the job market?

More than one million students across the nation are slated to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in May 2012. Though the economy has seen a slight up-turn, job openings are still hard to

come by – hundreds of students will be competing for one position.

While finding a fulfilling job is still a challenge for students that graduate in the winter months, the odds are greater

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 4

News

15 East Peace Street

Raleigh, NC 27604-1194

The student newspaper of William Peace University

Taylor Shaw-AdamsEditor-in-Chief

Lindsey JohnsonAssistant Editor

Olivia HallCopy Editor/Web Editor

Tiffany TaylorGraphic Design Editor

Erika KleesLayout Editor

Staff

Viper Allan, Savannah Allen, Katie Barrett, Jeanna Buck, Haylee Damato, Kaitlyn Davis, Faith Inman, KaAnn Murray, Alexandria Player-O’Brien, Hannah Owens, Nedda Parangi, Molly Renegar, Brittany Richardson, Asia Sanchez, Anna Thompson, Clarissa Thompson, Samantha Todd,

Jami Upchurch, Anna Wingo, Maggie Wright, Patty Young

THE PEACE TIMES

Samantha Pendergraft Copy Editor

Felicia HiltonAdvertising Manager

2

Njima Murphy Chief Photographer

“Green”the NC Office of Environmental Edu-cation’s Garden outside the Archdale Building across the street from WPU and we helped maintain the green space by planting and weeding and picking up trash,” said Wolf.

By not recycling, “we condemn those who come after us to unclean wa-ter (from chemical leakage in landfills and mining for new metals), unclean air (from additional manufacturing and energy needed to make new products instead of recycling) and altered weather patterns (from greenhouse warming).”

Faith Inman, a student at Peace, says

that she likes having the recycling bins outside of buildings which make it easier for her to recycle.

Inman also believes that recycling will help us to have more resources that were made from previous recyclables as well as control the landfills.

“I think that it is important for students to know the impact that we

have on the earth by not recycling and I would be more than glad to clean up parks or even highways in order to help the environment,” she said.

If you are interested in helping the environment by joining the Science Club please contact Dr. Patricia Weigant at pweigant@peace.edu.

Continued from page 1

by sheer probability. Less students means less competition.

Sherry Revels, soon-to-be graduate of Peace, said, “I do think I have the up-per hand, because I’m not fighting with everyone that graduated in the spring.”

Even though she feels that the job market can be intimidating, she does have hope.

“I have been sending out resumes everyday, religiously,” Revels said. “At least I know that I’m trying, and if I do get an interview somewhere, it’s going to give me practice and help me get my foot in the door.”

In addition to feeling as if they might not find a job, December gradu-ates feel left out of traditional rights of passage – no cap and gown and no

“Grads”Continued from page 1

ceremony. Though they are invited to come back and walk in May, many choose not to.

Sarah Peele, Business Administra-tion major and December graduate, said, “It kind of takes away from the feeling that you have accomplished this huge milestone in your life because of the lack of acknowledgement from Peace.”

Peele has also begun the search for a job and said that she hasn’t had much luck. However, she is still optimistic.

“I have recently been in contact with an agency whose sole purpose is to help new graduates and companies connect,” Peele said. “So fingers are crossed that things will work out soon.”

Revels and Peele will officially fin-ish their undergraduate college career on December 16. Peace soccer player Sherry Revels will be graduating from Peace this month. She

feels she’s one step ahead as a December graduate, because she does not have to compete with a slew of traditional May graduates searching for jobs.

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 4

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‘Tis the season to get your finances in order By Jeanna BuckTimes Staff Writer

These days it can be tough to save money, especially as a college student.

The angst around campus is all about having no money to buy and no money to save.

How do we fix this problem? How can college students get ahead in their savings, and life?

Gary Jones, WPU’s Student Ac-counts Manager, has the answers.

“It’s never too early to start paying yourself,” Jones explained when asked about savings.

He says it’s important to start saving early and always pay yourself first. “If you pay yourself first, you will always be gaining money. Paying everyone else is great, but you never get anything for

yourself,” said Jones. Giving up one thing a month will

quickly help build your savings ac-count.

Instead of ordering pizza, eat in the dining hall and put that 10 dollars in your savings account.

Over time, those little things will add up.

Another great way to save money is to shop around.

When making big purchases, check out all possible retailers that may carry that item and buy where the item is cheap-est. Over time, your savings will add up and can be put towards other things such as tuition or an apartment.

A lot of college students these days are hassled by credit card companies as well. Are they really as dangerous as

they seem? Jones says that credit cards are

“good, but dangerous. Only students who can handle that spending temptation should have them.”

However, credit cards are a great way to build your credit. Spending a few dollars on them a month and then paying them off regularly is the right thing to do.

Recent 2011 graduate Elaina Bright says, “Credit cards are not the devil. You need credit history when it comes time to rent an apartment, buy a new car; anything really.”

Bright says that students currently in college should ask questions about credit cards and saving money. It’s important to learn these things early.

Building credit is important for many

aspects in life. Jones says, “It’s like my mother used

to tell me: If you have good credit, you can have anything you want.”

It’s important to pay regularly on any student loans you may have, pay rent on time, and don’t write bad checks. The smallest things can destroy your credit score.

It’s also a good idea to consolidate those student loans into one smaller payment.

Jones provides simple tips for col-lege students: never borrow more money than you need, save your student refund checks and think about retirement early.

If you put 10 dollars in a savings ac-count every month until you retire, just think of how much you will have.

By Faith InmanTimes Staff Writer

Whether you’re an aspiring businesswoman or business owner, to be successful you must know how to prepare the right business plan.

One of Peace College’s 2001 graduates, Alli Leggett, has proven her success with the business she has co-owned and operated since September of 2007 with her mother, Pat.

The Pink Alli, named after her dog Pink, is a unique gift shop located in Cary, NC at the intersec-tion of High House Road and Davis Drive.

When asked about why she opened her business, Leggett ex-plained, “I love shopping and spending time with my family. My mom and I really work well together.”

She went on to say that her father was actively involved with work inside the store. Family time is important to Leggett, therefore, she felt the right career choice would be to run a business with her mother.

Leggett did a lot of research in retail sales and local demographics before starting her business. Her passion for shopping came with the planning of the store.

She highlighted that she had to love what they were going to be selling in order to have popular sale items.

According to Leggett, their cus-tomers are the ones responsible for making The Pink Alli a successful business.

“Mom and I are there everyday,” she said. “We have really become close with our customers, and they are loyal to us.”

By having the passion to start her own business, Leggett was able to paint a picture of what she wanted to do as a businesswoman.

If you walk inside the store this time of the year, then you will see many bright-colored Christmas ornaments, stockings, and unique gifts such as, jewelry, purses, and monogrammed scarves.

“With a business, you will make it work if you have enough passion,” said Leggett.

Hard work comes with any career, especially having your own business.

Leggett gave some helpful hints about opening a business, “Be pre-pared to work hard. No one will love your business as much as you. Ultimately, you have to take pride and be passionate about what you do in order to be successful.”

The Pink Alli’s address is 406 Ledgestone Way in Cary.

Peace College alumna shares her business savvy

ABOVE: Alli Leggett (right) poses with student Leigh Wallace-Hines at an alumnae event.BELOW: Items from The Pink Alli on display at a Peace Holiday Wine Tasting event.

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 44

Shopping local for those unique holiday giftsBy Viper AllanTimes Staff Writer

Put down your car keys and shop independent, downtown.

Christmas is nearly upon us, and many of us won’t start to get into the Christmas spirit until after exams. How-ever, now’s the time to plow through your Christmas shopping for your friends and loved ones (and perhaps yourself as well!).

There’s no need to get in your car and drive all the way to North Hills or take the long CAT bus route from Moore Square to Crabtree.

Here on campus, we’re situated be-tween two hubs of independent shopping: Cameron Village and City Market, both within walking distance and offering a myriad of shops to choose from.

Each offers its own flavor on the city; one is nestled in the heart of downtown, the other stands as an independent entity, complete with apartment buildings.

Cameron Village holds a number of stores that are gearing up for the holidays. Tin Roof Teas manager Ryan

Hinson has “a lot of new flavors coming in for the holidays” and predicts good sales. Among them are a spiced apple cinnamon and the ambiguous “Christmas black tea.”

Accipiter is a “quirky” store that sells eccentric books, inside-out clocks, histor-ical figure finger puppets, and underpants

beanie hats alongside designer figurines, high-end art and wood pieces.

Pier 1 Imports, while not an indepen-dent store, has a lot of the more traditional Christmas items, such as mercury glass ornaments and fir-scented candles.

City Market, located downtown next to Moore Square, is more limited in its

selection of shopping, but no less rich in culture or experience.

Epona and Oak stock products from local designers all over the Triangle: printed clothing and bags by Uzura, plush creatures by Knockabout, printed cloth goods by Flytrap and a Guinness beer shampoo bar for the man in your life (whether he be your father, significant other, or best friend!).

Dechen Collections seems festive all year round: this small Tibetan store is packed full of traditional Tibetan and “zen” products, from Tibetan coats to tiny gongs to colorful rugs.

Amplified Art is a music-themed art gallery, featuring pop and modern art-work by artists like Ryan Miller and Ben Harris. Amplified Art also carries apparel by Creative Liberty Studios.

This is just a sneak peek into what lies in store both at Cameron Village and City Market. There is so much more, and visiting each place in person is a venture into old and new Raleigh culture.

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 4 5

This year’s Christmas gift shopping done rightBy Clarissa Thompson

Times Staff Writer

Christmas shopping can be exhausting, not just physically but financially as well. With the economic downfall and lack of money being a common excuse by many for not being able to get the right present for all the people on their list, it is important to budget how much you spend and what you spend it on. It is quite possible to give a gift to everyone on your list and be satisfied that it is a gift they would love, while saving money in the process.

1. PlanMake sure you only spend however much you plan on spending. Bring a certain amount of money with you and leave the rest at home, so that it will not be tempting to overspend.

2. Make a ListList out who you want to give a gift to and some potential ideas of gifts, making it easier to know who you are shopping for and what to look for.

3. Be RealisticDo not go overboard. Your gift list should represent how much you have to spend at the time.

4. Get CreativeSave money by creating gifts or gift accessories, like homemade gift wrap, gift bags, gift tags, and etcetera. There are many gifts out there that can be easier and cheaper to do-it-yourself than actually purchasing it.

5. Shop EarlyGet out early and do not wait until the last minute to get gifts. The earlier you shop, usually the better the prices.

HOLIDAY FUN FACTS85% of students would spend $25 or more for their mother

68% of students would spend $25 or more for their father

44% of students would spend $25 or more for their siblings

43% of students would spend $25 or more for their grandparents

60% of students would spend $10 to $15 for their cousins

66% of students would spend $25 or more for their children

44% of students would spend $5 to $10 for their pet

68% of students would spend $25 or more for their boyfriend

38% of students would spend $15 to $25 for their best friend

56% of students would spend $25 or more for themselves

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 4

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By Rachel HouseTimes Staff Writer

Staying healthy over the holidays can be a challenge, especially when traveling and maintaining a gym membership are concerned.

Students are finding fun and innova-tive ways to get off the couch and out of the gym to stay fit over the holidays while also enjoying the spirit of family togetherness.

Senior Sherry Revels played soc-cer all four years of college and knows something about staying fit.

Revels said she plans on continuing her volunteer work that she has been do-ing on the hiking trails at Umstead Park in Raleigh to get some extra exercise. “The holidays are perfect for hiking,” she said. “The trails are empty and serene.”

Although hiking is enjoyable to do alone, Revels said the holidays are “more about enjoying spending time together.” She says she looks forward to the holidays and being around family

and friends more than worrying about what she eats.

Revels said she doesn’t really con-centrate too much on what she eats. “Hik-ing helps,” she said. “ Then I can focus on what matters more--enjoying the ones

you’re with.” Molly McKinley, a sophomore, also

played soccer at Peace last year and en-joys running and biking to get active.

McKinley has found a way to incor-porate both family and staying fit while

also avoiding a treadmill. “My brother, Max, and I ride bikes

to the local park and play soccer together over the holidays” said McKinley. “I like running, but I like being outside more than in a gym.”

Senior Alexius Farris says she isn’t very weight conscious and sees the holi-days as a time to eat food she normally doesn’t eat.

“I love my body the way it is,” said Farris. “I tend to eat healthy, but when it comes to the Thanksgiving and Christ-mas, it is time to chow down.”

All the extra eating comes at a price, and Farris said she can trust her track-running sister to get her out the door.

“The day after Thanksgiving and Christmas, my sister drags me outside to go running around the neighborhood,” she said. “It’s a good way to exercise and catch up.”

Staying fit during the holiday eating season

Staying trim over the holidays can be a challenge. Some students have found new ways to cut the fat this season.

The dreaded “Freshman 15.” Fact or fiction?By Patty YoungTimes Staff Writer

Soon to be college students can finally relax because the Freshman 15 is a myth, this according to Dr. Jay Zagorsky from Ohio State Uni-versity.

But will this mean that students should just disregard their health choices, or should they still make an effort not to experience such drastic weight gain?

I sent Dr. Zagorsky an email ask-ing him a few questions about his re-search, and lucky for me, he was nice enough to take the time and answer me back.

I asked him how many years his research covered, and Dr. Zagorsky said, “it was a 14-year study and many different colleges participated all over the United States, four year and two year colleges as well.”

Now that the once dreaded hoax of gaining 15 pounds within the first year of college is not true, students can have one less thing to stress about, right?

You think this would no longer be an issue for students, but when Peace and NC State students were asked there were mixed emotions.

“I go to the gym and work out at least four times a week,” said Molly Renegar, a Peace College Junior. “I feel the need to work out like this because I don’t want unnecessary weight and

I want to keep my body healthy, even if the freshman 15 is a myth students shouldn’t just forget about the gym all together.”

NCSU Freshman Chris Wolfe said, “I was not worried about gaining weight at all coming to college because there is a great gym open to students and getting fruit and healthy food is easy. I think I actually lost weight because at home I would just eat all the time and now in college I am on a set schedule.”

Dr. Zagorsky says he does not think

his research should affect first-year stu-dents one way or the other.

“There are lots of things that enter-ing college students should worry about like flunking a semester, and living with strangers, but not myths about weight gain,” he said.

The choice always comes down to the individual, and what you think your body needs in order to be healthy.

We all know the right choices but sometimes we choose not to take them.

“I feel that people can’t use this

as an excuse anymore as to why they are as healthy as they should be,” said Wolfe. “People are going to gain some weight while in college but it is up to the individual if they want to keep it or get rid of it.”

On average, women who attend college for four years gain anywhere from five to eight pounds during the total duration of college, and men gain from 10 to 13 pounds.

And the same goes for individuals who do not go off to college as stated in the December 2011 issue of Social Science Quarterly.

College students or not, getting older and growing up means your body will change. Some gain weight, and others may lose it.

The upcoming freshman class may not have to worry about the dreaded 15 pounds they were expecting to gain their first year, but that doesn’t mean the myth is going to go away completely.

It all comes down to yourself and the will power it takes to change some-thing about yourself that you do or do not like.

In the end, the only one you have to blame for the bad health choices you make is yourself.

A new study shows that the “Freshman 15” is just a myth. However, may college stu-dents say it’s real, as they find ways to stay fit.

The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 4

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Peace Times is heading to its new online homeBy Dr. Lynn OwensPeace Times Advisor

The Peace Times is launching a new website next semester.

Peacetimesonline.com will be the home for the school newspaper.

The site will provide unlimited space for the newspaper staff to publish articles, and also provide a forum for contribu-tions and feedback from our readers.

Since beginning my role as faculty advisor for The Peace Times in 2008, I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderfully talented women on the newspaper staff.

My approach has always been, and well remain, one that is hands-off in terms of content and editorial decisions. This is the students’ newspaper. They choose what’s important to write about.

As a former television reporter, I’ve learned that audience feedback, albeit positive or negative, is part of the learn-ing process.

As we make the move to our new website, the students will continue to have to make content decisions, but on

a much more frequent basis. The site will be continually updated with new stories.

Although unfortunate in many ways, the era of the paper newspaper is coming to a close.

Readers today, particularly young readers, hit the web to get their news. Peacetimesonline.com will give our stu-dent writers the invaluable experience of writing for and maintaining a news website.

For many jobs in the journalism field right now, these skills are a necessity.

The advantage to the online medium is the opportunity for readers to get in-volved.

We plan to devote a section of the website to guest columns and reader opinion, which was previously difficult to accommodate with only a few issues each semester.

Bottom line, we’re excited about this new opportunity and hope that all members of the Peace community will make the website one of their daily on-line stops.

I would like to thank Professor Roger Christman and Director of Com-munications Nabeel Jaitkaptur for their assistance in getting this project off the ground.

See you online in January!

A screen shot of the preliminary layout for peacetimesonline.com. Peace’s school newspaper will be website-based starting in the Spring semester.

Dear avid readers of “The Peace Times,”

We are pleased to announce that The Peace Times will be making a grand leap from the tried and true print and PDF versions, to our brand spanking new website. This website will feature sections that were found in our print issue, but now we have revamped the periodical to include a more interactive approach: Twitter and RSS news feeds as well as improving our Facebook page. The Peace Times will be continually updated to pro-vide the student body with campus events, state and local events, editorials and a “Rants and Rave” section where you can sound off your opinions on various issues. The most significant … students who sign up to take Newspaper or Media Writing will be responsible for writing the material that goes on the website. Each student will be in charge of reporting on a spe-cific beat: athletics, student government, campus activities, and political events, just to name a few. Different communi-cation courses will contribute material as well. I am really excited about the move to the net. It will give students a way to become more involved in journalism on campus. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Taylor Shaw-AdamsEditor-in-Chief

PAY OFF YOUR EDUCATIONTuition costs shouldn’t stop you from reaching your goals in life. By joining the Army National Guard, you’ll receive the money you need to help pay for college as well as the skills and training you need to get the career you want. If you’re looking to get through college, with the Army National Guard, you can!

State Font Standard

Font: Gill Sans Regular

Outline: .25

Size: 17pt

Tracking: 25

Horizontal Scale: 110%

Vertical Scale: 105%

NORTH CAROLINA

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The Peace Times, Volume 16, Issue 48

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