B Y: N IC O L E BA S K IN
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MESSAGE 1 Getting on Track for Finals: Work & Organization
Don’t Drown!
Alright Cats. Some of you may still be trying to get into the swing of college. Trust me, I
understand. But if you’re still struggling to keep up in class or you’re part of the group that just
bombed the Midterms, don’t worry. You still have a few more assignments and Finals that may
keep your grades a float. But it’s time to buckle down! Take the time to do the tasks below to help
you get on the right track!
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Meet with your Counselor or Advisor and let them know that you need help
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Try forming a study group.
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Set a study and daily routine for yourself
Go to the Writing and Learning Commons and schedule a meeting with an Academic Skills
Consultant to help you get organized.
Meet with your Professor
Find out if there are tutors for your courses in the Writing and Learning Commons, if not,
try asking your professor is they would be willing to either hold tutoring sessions or if you
could meet in their office for extra help. You may also want to ask if they offer any extra
credit or assignments that could potentially boost your grade
Get to know Hunter Library
If you find that you’re always being asked to go somewhere or do something when you
know you’ve got to get work done, try escaping to the library. It’s perfect place to get work
done without any distractions.
MESSAGE 2 Cubs Corner!
Your Journey – Your Goals!
Who’s Getting involved?
Submissions By Ashley Aamodt
Kaitlyn James (left) & Ashley Aamodt (right)
“Our USI 140 the University Experience class
taught by Denise Drury went to the Cullowhee
“Kaitlyn James and I are completing some bucket
community garden today. We learned a lot about
list items. Take a picture with the catamount
our ecosystem, how and when to volunteer, and all
statue...check!”
about the process of growing organic foods in and
giving half the produce back to the community!”
HEY CUBS!
This year we have some amazing students out making a difference! A
group of caring cubs are on a mission to making a positive impact on
campus! It is their belief that by uplifting one person that person will
in turn uplift someone else, hence the “ripple” effect. By doing good
deeds you could be awarded by one of the members of Ripple On and
also have your story recognized here on Cubs Corner! But remember
it’s not always about recognition; sometimes the smallest things can
make a difference in someone’s day.
So get up, Get out, and Ripple On!
Want to be in an issue of the Message Board?
“CUB’s Corner” IS NOW OPEN! This section is all about YOU!
Show off your creativity! We need new cubs to submit their own works such as an
original poem, video, drawing/ comic strip, short story, almost anything!
There will also be a lucky cub featured in one week’s issue for getting involved on campus.
Whether it’s through volunteer work, club/organization, or an event on campus! Simply
send in a picture or short video and a short description of yourself and what you’re doing
to stay involved on campus! Need advice? Cub’s Corner will also feature an Ask
Mitten’s column!
All submission types are to be sent to cubsaskmittens@yahoo.com!
MESSAGE 3 Weekly Reviews!
Explore—Discover—Make Memories
Backpacking in Panthertown
By: Nate Price
Panthertown, which is 6, 700 acres, resides in the Nantahala
National Forest in Transylvania County and Jackson County.
Panthertown is home to waterfalls, multipurpose trails, and
campsites. The multipurpose trails are used for mountain biking,
horseback riding, and hiking. The many trails of Panthertown can
be used by first time hikers and experienced hikers as well. The
main trails are marked and maintained well. Panthertown explorers
also can find many streams to fish in and many rocks to climb.
While I have been at Western Carolina University, I have had a
first hand experience with Panthertown.
The week before classes began at WCU, August 12-16, I
participated in a backpacking trip through Base Camp Cullowhee
called First Ascent. First Ascent was a five-day backpacking trip
through Panthertown. We began backpacking at the Salt Rock
trailhead, which is one of the two places to park and begin your
adventure; both entrances are accessible and easy to find. There is
Figure 1: A boardwalk on the trail
parking alongside the road. We backpacked approximately 1.5 miles
on the first day, and we camped at the only shelter in Panthertown.
The shelter was very clean and had many places to set up tents and hammocks. Water is a short hike away from
the campsite; as a backpacker, you will need to have a way to treat the
water to ensure it is safe to drink.
Granny Burrell Falls is a short hike from the shelter. The water at Granny
Burrell is cold but you have to slide down the rock at least once! There are
nice rocks to lie out on after you jump in to dry off and absorb the warm
sunlight.
Our second night in Panthertown, we stayed at Chimney Rock, which was
also a very clean campsite. Like the shelter, Chimney Rock has many
places to set up tents and hammocks. Be aware that the trees here do
produce sap, which could get on your equipment as well as yourself. There
is a very nice fire pit, which is why hikers refer it to as Chimney Rock.
There is an easy access to water. The next day we hiked and rock climbed
with ropes. I do not know the name of the place we rock climbed, but it
Figure 2: Map of Panthertown
was a blast! The climbs ranged from easy to moderate, and climbers had a
fantastic view of the surrounding mountains.
Our third night in Panthertown, we stayed at a place one of our guides
referred to as “Rhodo Camp” because it is surrounded by rhododendron
bushes. This campsite is the most used in all of Panthertown. It is located
near two waterfalls, so there is an easy access to water. While camping in
all of Panthertown, a bear hang, which is a technique backpackers invented
to prevent bears from eating their food, is essential. Dogs got into our bear
hang while we camped at Rhodo Camp.
Our last night was spent on top of Little Green Mountain. This was my
favorite campsite! We slept under the stars on Tranquility Point (picture
above), a short walk from the actual campsite, and was the best location to
Figure 3: Schoolhouse Falls
star gaze. The only negative aspect of Little Green was the hike up. It is
definitely the hardest hike throughout Panthertown, especially with a 45lb
pack on your back. It is totally worth the hike! Also, hikers need to stock up on
water before the accent up the mountain, because there is no water access once you
reach the top. The next day, as we hiked out, we stopped at Schoolhouse Falls
(picture left). This is my favorite waterfall I saw in all of Panthertown. Although the
water is very cold, it is worth a dip in. You can stand under the waterfall and let the
water fall onto you. There is a campsite very close to the waterfall as well. When I
return to Panthertown to camp, I will make sure to camp at this location.
Overall, Panthertown is a great place for hikers who enjoy waterfalls and wildlife.
Although Panthertown is popular, hikers do not come into contact with other hikers
often because Panthertown covers a large area. The wide variety of vegetation
requires hikers to take extra caution in preserving the unique plant life. I will
definitely return to Panthertown to explore everything that I have not and many
things I have. Also, it is important to
practice Leave No Trace.
Figure 4: Steps to Tranquility
Point
To read the rest of this review or if you are curious to read
more reviews, visit the wiki:
http://roma.wcu.edu/groups/getlocal/
Figure 5: Tranquility Point
MESSAGE 4 Announcements!
SPECIAL EVENTS THIS WEEK!
DJSVET the HIP HOP VIOLINIST
Monday, October 14, 5:00pm
UC Central Plaza
For More Information about DJSVET Click Here
BIRTH OF THE LIVING DEAD
Southern Circuit Independent Film
Tuesday, October 22, 7:30:pm-9:30pm
FREE!!
In 1968 a young college drop-out named George A. Romero directed a low budget horror film that shocked the world
and became an icon of the counterculture - Night of the Living Dead. It spawned a billion dollar zombie industry that
continues to this day.
Website: & Trailer:
STOMPFEST
Saturday October 26 8:00pm-11:00pm
Presented & Performed by the NPHC Fraternities and Sororities
Tickets are on sale through the Bardo Arts Center Box Office. Advanced Student Tickets are $8 and Advance NonStudent Tickets are $10 until October 23rd. General Admission Tickets are $12. Box office opens at 7:00pm, doors
open at 7:30pm.
SPORTS
Football
Cats vs. Wofford Saturday October 19, 3:30PM
Cats vs. Elon Saturday October 26, 3:30PM
*** For More Events this week visit, http://www.wcu.edu/11570.asp ***
Discover College
Adapt to new environments and responsibilities - discover and use the resources available to you!
Be Involved
Identify and act upon your role and responsibility as an engaged citizen - be an active participant in your learning
experiences!
Connect the Dots
Connect your personal interests and abilities, academics, and co-curricular activities as you make sense of the
world.
Think First
Identify complex issues or problems – evaluate your options to make an informed decision - reflect on the
implications of your choice.
Exchange Ideas
Communicate appropriately and respectfully in a variety of formats and contexts.
Calibrate Your Compass
Examine your values and goals - take responsibility for your own learning and development - act with integrit