XU
Welcomes
Al Jarreau
pg. 6
?
NBA
Lockout
2011
WOYM: Midsemester
plans?
Sports pg. 10
pg. 3
The Xavier Herald
October 25, 2011- November 7, 2011
xavierherald.com
Xavier University Of Louisiana
Established in 1925
Family values, strong friendships steer SGA President Kaitie Gaddis
By Randi Lemons
Staff Writer
When Kaitie Gaddis was
elected president of the
Student
Government
Association, she knew
she’d be busy overseeing
the SGA’s many activities,
including
official
representation of students
in
administrative
and
university policy actions.
What she didn’t realize is
how busy she’d really be—
at countless on-campus and
off-campus activities—and
how valuable her family’s
guidance is proving to be
on the job.
Gaddis is a senior speech
pathology major and a
native of New Orleans.
Gaddis said her family’s
support and morals have
molded her into the
creative and effective
leader she is today. She
is one of five children,
including her identical
twin Alexis, who attends
Loyola University. Her
family heavily emphasized
service to others, and
Gaddis said she learned
the importance of working
together
and
getting
tasks done efficiently and
effectively. She learned
early on that “the smallest
of my actions affected [the]
family in several ways,”
which she also practices as
the student body president.
Her values are God, family,
and friends.
Although her parents are
educators,
surprisingly
they tried to turn her away
from education toward a
more lucrative profession.
However, Gaddis says
she was “petrified of
medicine, turned off from
law” and while searching
career possibilities on
the Princeton Review
website, she landed on
speech pathology. As a
strong believer of the
power of education, she
was immediately intrigued.
Since then, she has enjoyed
studying the profession
SGA President Kaitie Gaddis
and can’t refrain from her
undying urge to be in the
classroom. As a result,
Gaddis is currently applying
for Teach for America
and teachNOLA. After
she has taught for awhile,
she hopes to continue to
graduate school.
Immersed in campus life
Like most student
leaders, Gaddis is heavily
involved in a variety of
Photo by Randi Lemons
areas. She worked with
Mobilization at Xavier,
where she served as
secretary her sophomore
year and organization
chair her junior year. She
served on the Class of
2012 executive board as
2nd Lady to Miss Junior.
Before her present position
as president, Gaddis could
always be seen “serving
in different capacities and
always willing to lend a
helping hand,” a peer says.
The SGA Office of
President position requires
many
responsibilities
and time demands, which
Gaddis was well aware of
before elections. However,
she was caught off guard
See GADDIS pg. 4
Xavier gOLD Nuggets vs. LSU Lady Tigers
November 2, 2011 Let’s support
our team!
7 p.m.
Go Nuggets!
Pete Maravich Assembly Center
xavierherald.com
Page 2
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Campus nEws
Searching for ‘free money’?
It’s there—if you look
By Ireon Weaver
Staff Writer
No one wants to miss out on
free money, including students.
Many students don’t know
about the wide variety of
scholarships they can receive at
Xavier. They don’t know where
to search for scholarships or
don’t complete the process,
according to Xavier’s go-toperson, Pearl “Miss Pearl”
Algere-Lonian.
There are many resources
students can use to search for
scholarships, beginning with
Miss Pearl, the university’s vice
president for scholarships and
special programs.
“The key to eligibility lies
within the student,” she said.
For students to be successful
in the scholarship process,
they have to take control and
be responsible—and finish the
entire process.
“For instance, 100 students
may start a scholarship
application, but by the end the
number drops to 50 students
who complete the process,”
Miss Pearl said. “Students
don’t realize how much Xavier
invests in education. We take a
limited amount of money and
stretch it.”
Xavier offers scholarships
based on academics, athletics,
talents and achievements. The
talent scholarship is based on
the level of talent a student has.
For instance, the art department
Pearl Algere-Lonian
requires students to display
their portfolios for eligibility
for a scholarship. The music
department requires an audition
to be eligible for a scholarship.
The newest scholarships
available
this
year
are
departmental
scholarships,
in which students receive
scholarships
from
their
departments, she added.
“All
scholarships
require
criteria and some effort of
work,” Miss Pearl said.
There are a number of
ways students can research
scholarships: checking with
their
parents’
employers;
using the university website;
checking references in the
library and their academic
departments; scanning bulletin
boards; and checking email.
It’s also important to establish
a relationship with Miss
Pearl, whose office is in the
Administration Building, Office
of Academics Affairs, room
206A.
The “free money” is out there.
It’s up to the students to find it,
Miss Pearl advises.
College day of service set for Oct. 29
From the Office of
Campus Ministry
Father Giles Conwill
The Office of Campus Ministry
would like to keep the Xavier
University community wellinformed about its offerings
for students, faculty and staff.
Upcoming events include:
Oct. 29: College Students’
Day of Service. Xavier students
will join students from Tulane,
Loyola,
UNO, and Holy Cross to clean
up Holt Cemetery. This is to
honor the dead for All Souls Day.
Holt Cemetery is a historical
cemetery where many people
of color are buried, especially
families and individuals who
did not—and still cannot—
afford burial plots in more
established cemeteries. Many
graves are considered works of
art because they may be homemade, eccentric, or touchingly
decorated with toys or other
mementos. Holt Cemetery
is located in a field behind
Delgado Community College’s
administration building, just
off City Park Avenue.
Nov. 5: A Morning of Prayer,
9 a.m.-1 p.m. We want to
encourage all our Xavier
students to share in this in our
XU Chapel. Our presenter will
be Daniel Green, a graduate
student at Notre Dame
Seminary. The Theme: “Find
Your Balance: School and
God.” Refreshments will be
provided.
Nov. 19: A Day of Prayer
and Reflection for Faculty and
Staff, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. As part
of the university’s homecoming
celebrations, the OCM extends
a special invitation to all faculty
and staff to participate in a
wonderful “Day of Prayer and
Reflection” in XU’s Chapel. Yes,
we know that it’s difficult to get
faculty and staff to come back
to the work place on weekends,
but this is special. Our presenters
will be XU Senior Vice President
for Administration Calvin Tregre
and Dr. Michelle Boissiere of
the biology department. The
Theme: “In Our Roles at Xavier
University, Are We Listening to
Jesus?” Refreshments will be
provided. Please come.
Nov. 20: Alumni “Home
Coming” Mass, 9:30 a.m.
(replaces usual 12:30 p.m.
Mass). To accommodate larger
numbers, the Mass will be
celebrated in the Administration
Building Auditorium.
Remember, we are here to serve
you, and we are looking forward
to seeing you at our sponsored
events.
Words of Inspiration
“You are the instruments fashioned by God…. Jesus is the Band Master.”
-From “Writings of St. Katharine Drexel,” archives of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
xavierherald.com
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Page 3
What’s on Your Mind?
What kind of goals did you have at the beginning of the semester? Did you stick to the
plan? Is it helping? Is your stress level up or down? What are you planning or planned
to do to reduce that stress level?
By Stephanie D. Stanford
Staff Writer
“The beginning of the semester was to find balance from
high school to college and to get use to the environment;
starting on the right track with my grades. Another goal was
to adapt to this school, because it is such a unique school. It
is not my expectation of a regular school. Yes! I am sticking
to my plans and goals for this semester, but I have come
to the realization that it will take effort and time to see my
goals through. I think the steps I am taking to accomplish my
goals will benefit me in the long run by attending reviews and
tutoring will show my dedication to my goals. My stress level
did go up due to the amount of work and time to complete
it and my grades are not where I want them to be to be. To
reduce my stress, I hang out with my friends, play spades,
talk to my best friend, and paint whenever I have a chance.”
Ayo Osibanjo,Freshman,
Biology Pre- Med
Jusiah Prowell, Freshman,
Psychology
“ I planned to give each class at least 30 minutes
of my time to study and keep my memory fresh on
them and as well as having a social life during the
weekend. My plan is not working, because I did
not give account for outside resources like finances
and family issues. Also, every test I have is on the
same day, so it gets kind of stressful. My stress
level is not up, but to remain stress free I have an
alternative, which is dancing to keep me calm.”
Charles Waller, Sophomore,
Psychology
“To make straight A’s; that was
a big plan of mine. For the most
part I am sticking to that plan, by
staying on top of homework and
readings and not allowing myself
to get overwhelmed by any one
class. Honestly, I think my stress
level went down, because I am
comfortable now in the Xavier
environment; I made friends and
I have gotten use to my classes.”
“Team 4.0! Trying to get straight
A’s. My plan is and is not helping,
because I am getting towards my
goal, but I have unnecessary stress
both academic and personal. My
stress level is up. I pray, play music,
write poetry, and play piano when
I have a chance to reduce stress.”
Courtney Evans,
Sophomore,
Biology Pre- Med
“I wanted to get involved with the student government,
be more active on campus, and get straight A’s. I knew
what I wanted to so I just started to talk to people on
campus and knew how to get involved. That is how I
found out I needed to get into the Emergent Program on
Campus for Student Leaders. I had to go to the tutoring
center and make time to study. I believe this plan is
helping me, because it is helping me to focus more and
it is paving the way for me to become a student leader on
campus. Classes have gotten harder, but I do not stress
about it. I know I have to get it done. If I get stressd out
Tymire Jenkins, Sophomore,
I would work out in the gym, talk to friends, and if it has
Biology Pre- Med
something to do with a class, I will talk to a teacher.”
“The goals that I had were to devote equivalent time to
each of my subjects and to take each subject serious. I
do stick to the plan, by not studying too long for one
class. If I know that I have spent too much time on
one subject I will move on to the next. I put myself on
a time limit so I can get the majority of my subjects
done in one night. I think my stress level has increased,
because it is hard to like focus on each subject with
equal amount of time to put in when your major is
very demanding. I take breaks a lot of breaks, but
there are short breaks and I blast music on my stereo.”
“At the beginning of the semester, I wanted
to be involved in student leadership,
because I have been for the last 4 years
in high school. I wanted to maintain a 3.5
grade point average. I wanted to maintain
my spiritual relationship with God and to
deepen my relationship with Him by being
involved in campus ministry; this school
has a very spiritual atmosphere. My stress
level is up, because I was always the person
in high school sitting in class who can
understand and ace the test, but now I am
Imani Steven, Freshman, taking courses that I know nothing about so
Chemistry Pre-Med
I have to adjust my study habits to a feel of
the subjects. I sing to reduce my stress and
I also have to have fun with my friends.”
“The ultimate goal I had at the beginning
of the semester was to make the dean’s
list and to have my best semester ever.
So far I have stuck to the plan and it
is helping, because my grades reflect
to what the grades should be to be
on the dean’s list. My stress level
is down, because I meditate more.”
Chigozie Mbamalu, Junior,
Chemistry Pre- Med
Lester Bell Jr., Senior,
Psychology
xavierherald.com
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Page 4
Gaddis makes difference, presents new programs to the university
GADDIS from pg. 1
by the social commitments
to the university. Often,
when a student is needed
to represent the school,
the administration calls on
Gaddis or Mia Holmes,
Miss Xavier. In addition,
Gaddis keeps regular office
hours, which she spends
creating projects, meeting
with faculty and students,
and checking e-mails.
Gaddis has much work on
her hands but leans on her
support system of friends
and family. Also, she is
inspired by the successes of
her late grandmother Katie
Mae, and Uncle Johnny to
always strive for greatness.
As a result, Gaddis has
created new programs to
involve students politically
and socially on campus.
• Politically: “Walk in My
Shoes” gives students the
opportunity to shadow
an SGA member of their
choice so they are aware
of the responsibilities that
each office holds—before
they run for the office.
Students can sign up for the
positions they’re interested
in during late-October and
early November.
• Socially: “Move your
Body Mondays” gives
students the opportunity to
dance and workout while
having fun and interacting
with other students. The
students who attend half
or more than half of the
class for the fall semester
will receive a free t-shirt
at the end of the semester.
Classes are every Monday
at 6:30 p.m. in the UC 2nd
floor lounge or in Xavier
South fitness center. So far,
the turn-out rate has been
high and students really
enjoy the classes, Gaddis
said.
• Dressing professionally:
“Professional
Swag
Tuesday” is an idea
Gaddis revamped this year.
Students are encouraged to
wear business attire every
Tuesday. There are different
themes and competitions
each week between classes
and/or organizations.
• Heed call to service
Gaddis believes every
student should be involved
because each person needs
“something in their life that
they are passionate about,
can work towards, and
have an impact on.”
If a student wants to make
a difference, the first step
is to get involved and
be one of the voices on
campus. For students who
are interested and want
further information about
organizations or events on
campus, they can e-mail
Gaddis at sgapres@xula.
edu or contact her at
(504)520-7367.
M.A.X. Homework Clinic continues operation after 23 years
By Meagan Walker
Staff Writer
Xavier University has had
many programs to come and
go, but one of its programs that
has stood the test of time is the
Center for Student Leadership
and Service’s Homework Clinic.
The homework clinic is back in
its 23rd year helping students
around
the
neighborhood
to expand their educational
horizons by tutoring and helping
them with their after school
work. This homework clinic is
designed to help students get the
attention that they need in order
to progress in school.
The homework clinic started in
1988 and is a student organized
program. This program is one
out of 11 programs hosted by the
Mobilization at Xavier program.
The project coordinators for
the homework clinic are Amber
Robinzine, junior, Biomedical
Engineering and Marisa Gray,
sophomore, Spanish pre-med.
The homework clinic is held
throughout the academic year.
The meeting days are Mondays,
Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from
3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. in room 204
located on the first floor of the
music building.
The clinic is offered to students
in kindergarten- eighth grade
from around the New Orleans
area. Schools that have been
associated with the program
are St. Rita Elementary, Ben
Franklin Elementary, St. Peter
Claver
Elementary,
Dibert
Elementary, and a few others.
The tutors for the clinic are all
Xavier students from different
majors. They help the students
complete
their
homework
Homework Clinic
they will be able to help the
students also a variety of games.
“Our volunteers are really
passionate about what they
do for the children and they
strive to enhance the academic
development,” said Christy
Lagarde, Assisstant Director of
M.A.X.
There are two applications that
need to be filled out in order
to be considered for a M.A.X.
volunteer position.
To sign
up, contact Christy Lagarde at
cmlargarde@xula.edu or one of
the project coordinators in the
Center for Student Leadership
and Service office room 316
located on the third floor of the
University Center. You can also
reach them by telephone at (504)
520-5133.
and also tutor them in certain
subjects. Volunteers are needed
and there has also been a special
request for tutors in chemistry
and math. They also have extra
materials from schools so that
Photo by Meagan Walker
THE XAVIER HERALD
STAFF
editor-in-chief: MAYA A. JONES
managing editor: ARIEL C. JOHNSON
A&E editor: CASSIE SMITH
graphic design: DUDLEY C. GRADY, JR.
A&E graphic designer: JULIANNE BROWN
faculty adviser: MELINDA SHELTON
business manager: DANIELLE KENNEBREW
assistant business manager: RICHUNDA ROBINSON
staff writers: APIFFANIE OVIDE, STEPHANIE STANFORD,
ROSALYN KENT, MEAGAN WALKER, BRIANA WILDER,
ANTHONY LOTTEN, LATASHA SMITH, TAYLOR DUPREE
MYLINH HOANG, DAMON CONERLY
photographers: ALYSSA MERCADEL, JERRY STEWART
CONTACT INFORMATION
herald office (504) 520-7474
melinda shelton: director of student publications
(504) 520-5096
communications department (504) 520-5092
fax (504) 520-7919
email: herald@xula.edu
ads: Daniell Kennebrew-dkennebr@xula.edu
submit news: herald@xula.edu
The Herald Office is located in the Communications
Department, Xavier South, Room 112 Please stop by
during regular weekly office hours for information.
xavierherald.com
STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
The Herald is a student newspaper created by and for
the students. We encourage all students to write stories,
short columns, submit your professional, academic, Greek
organization news, but most importantly keep us informed.
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Submit PDF
Nov. 2 Nov. 16
Publication date
Nov. 8
Nov. 22
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Opinions and editorials
Occupy Wall Street has resurrected grassroots politics
everyday that we take for
granted? It is because someone
stood up and fought for justice
for all people. It is critical to
have young activists who will
strive for change for the next
generation. Students must unite
and take action against all things
By Era Gay
Staff Writer
If you haven’t heard about
Occupy Wall Street, you have
to be living underneath a rock.
This is an enormous grassroots
movement that started on Sept. 17
in Liberty Square, Manhattan’s
financial district. Today, the
movement is in 100 cities in the
United States and 1,500 cities
globally. This protest is not about
race, gender, or religious beliefs.
It is about equality.
A grassroots movement is driven
by the politics of a community.
Actions are usually spontaneous
and take place locally, before
moving to larger arenas like
Manhattan in New York City or
even New Orleans City Hall.
Occupy Wall Street is fighting
against the corruption of
multinational
corporations,
banks and the richest 1 percent
of our population who are
creating and manipulating an
unfair economy. Wall Street is
the reason behind the collapse
of the economic system, which
caused the recession, not only
for America but people around
the world.
I watched in awe like everyone
Courtsey of yahoo.com
else when I realized what was
going on. I knew I have to get
involved—and this would not be
the first time I joined a protest.
Earlier this year, I was in Atlanta,
Ga., on the state capital steps
fighting against education cuts
and the rights of undocumented
immigrant students. Holding
a local community panel
discussion about the curse of
Willie Lynch is normal for a girl
who was named Era after the
Equal Rights Amendment. I do
not think I had a choice but to be
engaged.
Many people say any protest
or community events would
be pointless, that nothing will
transpire out of them. But
it will take those everyday
people—the other 99 percent
of our population—to come
together and form grassroots
organizations,
which
are
willing to be a voice for our
generation. Exercising your First
Amendment rights is not only a
choice—it is your duty.
With the grassroots movement
evolving
into
something
powerful, the government will
have to listen. Even after a month
of protesting, Occupy Wall Street
is still standing strong. Locally,
protesters remain camped out
downtown. This wasn’t a onetime media opportunity.
Think about it. How are you
able to do the things you do
xavierherald.com
Courtsey of yahoo.com
Page 5
that are negatively affecting our
communities.
For information on how you
can become involved in this
grassroots movement, Occupy
Wall Street, contact general@
occupywallst.org.
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Page 6
XU WELCOMES A LEGEND: AL JARREAU
By Cassie Smith
A&E Editor
Legendary
and
groundbreaking
performer
Al Jarreau is headlining
Xavier
University’s
4th
Annual Dr. Norman C.
Francis Endowed Scholarship
Benefit Concert on Nov.18.
The
renowned
jazz
vocalist is known for
merging different genres
of music through records
such as “Moonlighting,”
“Boogie
Down”
and
“Breakin Away.”
Jarreau
has compiled 20 albums
throughout his career that
have displayed his music versatility.
The audience can expect a evening
of entertainment from one of the best
performers alive. Music listeners who
appreciate R&B, Pop, and Jazz are
sure to enjoy this concert, said Dr.
Kenneth St. Charles, vice president
of
Institutional
Advancement.
After earning his Master’s at
the University of Iowa in 1965, Jarreau
relocated to San Francisco where he began
performing at local night clubs. In 1975,
he signed to Warner Brother Records and
released his debut album “We Got By.”
The Milwaukee native began establishing
himself among the world’s leading singers.
The concert will start at 8 p.m. at the
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Theatre. New Orleans Native and Xavier
Alum, John Boutte will open for Jarreau.
“We chose Al Jarreau to
headline the concert because we
wanted somebody who can appeal to all
generations. He is an engaging performer
whose music continues to carry on
through generations,” St. Charles said.
In 1977, Jarreau released his much
acclaimed album “Look to the Rainbow,”
which earned him his first Grammy award
for best Jazz Vocal Performance. He would
later go on to win six more Grammy’s.
“This concert is not just for
adults, I think it will be a great opportunity
for students to be exposed to a performer
like Al Jarreau. The audience will be able
to leave the show feeling like he [Jarreau]
gave it his all,” St. Charles said. F o r contact the Institutional Advancement
more information or to purchase tickets office at 504-520-7575. Tickets can
also be purchased at Ticketmaster.
Reviews
Demi
Lovato
By Taylor Dupre
Staff Writer
By Taylor Dupree
Staff Writer
Demi Lovato is back on
the scene, with a new R&B
sound. The former Disney star
is trading in her pop princess
image for a more soulful
sound on her new album
“Unbroken.” The album
focuses on the ups and downs
of new relationships and
features tracks produced by
Missy Elliot and Timbaland.
Lovato’s song “Skyscraper”
has made it to the number one
spot on iTunes and is sure to
be the girl power anthem for
this year. Although Lovato’s
hit “Skyscraper” is filled
with so much emotion the
album over all is more upbeat
and
incorporates
different
sounds like the modern doo wop
feel in her song “Lightweight.”
The album does not include
any songs that promote loving
one’s self. This can be seen as
strange counting on Lovato’s
recent announcement, a month
before the release of her album
that she had struggled with an
eating disorder. Small, medium,
or large fans love Lovato and
her new album “Unbroken,”
is leaving listeners wondering
what is next for this bright star.
With styles of music constantly
changing there is no doubt that if
Lovato keeps up the good work,
she will be here to stay.
GOOD
“Dream House”
By Ireon Weaver
Staff Writer
“Dream House” is a twisting
story of a family’s struggle to
cope with reality. The movie
opens with publisher Will
Atenton (Daniel Craig) moving
from New York City to a small,
suburban town with his wife,
Libby (Rachel Weisz), and their
daughters. After moving into
their new home, Will learns a
woman named Elizabeth and
her daughters, Beatrice and
Katherine, were murdered five
years earlier, and her husband,
Peter Ward, is the main suspect.
Will soon discovers Peter is
back and targeting his family.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
xavierherald.com
He goes to the edge to do
whatever he has to do to protect
his family. When Will visits
the psychiatric hospital where
Peter was treated, his world is
flipped upside down. He must
come to terms with his new
reality. However, Will doesn’t
let reality get the best of him.
He fights to live a peaceful life
with his family in their new
home. “Dream House” is full
of unsuspected twists and turns
that leave audiences shocked.
The film is in local theatres
now.
OK
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
xavierherald.com
Page 7
Page 8
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Office of Academic Affairs gives advice about financial aid
I have a part time job and
my parents do not assist
with my tuition. Can I apply
for Financial Aid as an
independent student?
The question of status is
based upon your responses to
the questions in Step 3 of the
FAFSA. If you can answer “No
“to all of the following questions,
then you qualify as a dependent
student for the 1112 academic
year, and you must report both
your income and your parents
income on the FAFSA.
•Were you born before January
1, 1987?
•As of today, are you married?
•At the beginning of the 20102011 school year, will you
be working on a master's or
doctorate program (such as an
MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD,
or graduate certificate, etc.)?
•Are you currently serving on
active duty in the U.S. Armed
Forces for purposes other than
training?
•Are you a veteran of the U.S.
Armed Forces?
•Do you have children who will
receive more than half of their
support from you between July
1, 2010, and June 30, 2011?
•Do you have dependents (other
than your children or spouse)
who live with you and who
receive more than half of their
support from you, now and
through June 30, 2011?
•At any time since you turned
age 13, were both your parents
deceased, were you in foster care
or were you a dependent or ward
of the court?
•Are you, or were you
anemancipated
minor
as
determined by a court in your
state of legal residence?
•Are you, or were you in legal
guardianship as determined by
a court in your state of legal
residence?
•At any time on or after July 1,
2009, did your high school or
school district homeless liaison
determine that you were an
unaccompanied youth who was
homeless?
•At any time on or after July
1, 2009, did the director of an
emergency shelter or transitional
housing program funded by the
U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development determine
that you were an unaccompanied
youth who was homeless?
•At any time on or after July
1, 2009, did the director of a
runaway or homeless youth
basic center or transitional living
program determine that you were
an unaccompanied youth who
was homeless or were selfsupporting and at risk of being
homeless?
The federal government
considers the student and their
parents to be the primary source
of support for postsecondary
education.
Where can I obtain a 2011-12
Degree Application?
The 2012 Degree Applications
are available for downloading
on the Registrar’s Office home
page.
Office of Career Services
“I believe” are words to live by
Sweaty palms. Dry mouth. Butterflies in your stomach. Job interview. For most of
us, one or all of the first three situations are connected to the fourth. Without a doubt
an interview can be a stressful situation that affects even those who normally are cool,
collected and laid back. Since most jobs require an interview, how do you calm your
nerves and deal with the stress?
First of all, if you are prepared for the interview in terms of company knowledge as
well as self-knowledge you will have an edge. However, if you’re still nervous, just think
positive. Sounds too simple to be effective? Yes, it is easier said than done. Yet one of the
reasons many people strike out on interviews is that they lack confidence in their abilities
and can’t sell themselves effectively to an employer. If you don’t believe in yourself, how
can you convince someone else to?
Before you take an interview, repeat to yourself, “I can handle this job. I can do it well.
I believe in myself.” Think about this: if you didn’t have the necessary qualifications you
wouldn’t even be taking the interview. When you want something badly the tendency is
to focus on how much you want it rather than why you should get it. Channel your energy
into thinking why you would be good for that position. It will help you relax too if you see
an employer as a person who is simply doing his/her job, rather than as “the company.”
It may take time and practice at psyching yourself up for an interview, but you have
the power to make any situation less stressful by approaching it with a positive attitude.
Believe in yourself!
Business student finds growth, strength through Tulane research program
By Javon Mead
Contributing Writer
Last summer, while I was
thinking about what classes to
take I received an email from
my advisor about an internship
conducting research at Tulane
University concerning applied
microeconomics. I was hesitant
about applying because it required
that applicants be a junior and
have some sort of experience
in economics and statistics. I
was a freshman and lacked the
academic experience specified.
Fortunately, the application
also said they would consider
“promising” underclassmen, so I
proceeded. I only had three days
to complete the application so I
had to act fast. There was a twostep process: completing a basic
online application followed by an
interview. After completing the
online portion, I received an email
from the director of the program
within minutes, wanting to set a
date for my interview.
The
interview
took
approximately 10 minutes—
but felt extremely longer. One
question was “Why do you
feel like you should be a part
of our program?” Knowing I
didn’t have any experience, I
responded: “I am a very hard
worker and am great at picking
up on tasks.” I was informed
that I’d be contacted within
in a week. Other than my
inexperience, I felt as though
the interview went really well. A
week later, I received an email
saying I had been selected to the
16-member research team.
For the 10-week program,
research
assistants
were
assigned mentors and projects.
My mentor’s expertise dealt
with economic history, along
the lines of the slave history in
New Orleans. My partner and
I collected data from 18551860 on immigrants from New
Orleans Charity Hospital, which
would be used to compare with
the mortality rates of slaves
from
New Orleans Touro
Infirmary. Our main source of
data came from hospital records
on file with the New Orleans
Public Library.
By the end of the program, I
felt as though I grew a lot.
We were required to give
weekly presentations on the
progress we were making
on our projects, which gave
me a chance to work on my
xavierherald.com
public speaking skills. Also,
I learned about different data
programming systems such as
STATA, SAS, and even some
tricks to further my knowledge
of the Microsoft Excel program.
I can honestly say that being part
of the program really prepared
me for the classes I would be
taking this school year.
Javon is a sophomore accounting
major from Baton Rouge, La.
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Page 9
‘Men on the Move’ uses service, leadership to help community
By Gabriel Bracy
Staff Writer
When one thinks of leadership,
service,
mentoring,
and
scholarship, the first thing that
comes to mind may be clubs
and organizations. Here at
Xavier University, there are
many organizations that stand
out, including MAX’s Men on
the Move, which is a program
that helps with the personal
development of young students
through sporting activities, oneon-one mentoring, and exciting
rap sessions.
“The history of Men on the
Move goes back to fall 1999. It
was one of the latest programs
MAX developed and is currently
receiving much recognition by
Xavier,” said Christy Largarde,
assistant director for the Center
of Student leadership and
Service. Last year, Men on
the Move recorded the most
community service hours in the
MAX program with over 1,000
hours overall. The club has 22
members from freshmen to
seniors.
This organization is important
because young males in
today’s society need positive
role models. Men on the Move
provides a supervised mentoring
environment for the boys ages
10-14 and teaches them how
to be successful and how to
change the world. The oneon-one interaction between
mentors and the students is
remarkable. They feed off of
our enthusiasm and want to now
any and everything possible
about the road to college. After
developing a relationship with
the students, you find yourself
becoming attached to them.
Once, I missed a session with my
student and he literally grilled
me about my whereabouts. His
name is Myles Hargrove and he
has been my mentee since my
freshman year back in 2009. So,
not only did I watch him grow
up into a young man, but he
watched me do the exact same
thing. This organization will
take you to new heights in your
development into adulthood.
Men on the Move meets every
Monday through Wednesday
at the back of the University
Center at 4:45 and goes to
Kipp Believe College Prep on
Carrollton to tutor young male
students. Once a semester, the
students from Kipp come to XU
to shadow their mentors. This is
very exciting as the young males
receive a taste of the college
class
rooms,
dormitories,
student center, and even other
Xavier students.
Although a male supervised
organization, females are not
turned away from being a
mentor. In fact, the organization
has been asked to provide
mentors for Kipp’s female
students. “Men on the Move is
not only an great organization
to be a part of, but it also gives
students a warm heart knowing
that their leadership qualities
will spread to the youth of
today,” said Jordan Collins, a
second year Men on the Move
mentor majoring in Business
Finance at Xavier University
where he is a junior.
Ms. Christy Largarde, the
Assistant Director for the Center
of Student Leadership and
Service, says, “The guys show
a positive type of attitude as a
college professional and as a
role model to these young males.
The purpose of this organization
is leadership and service, two
qualities that are important to our
future leaders.”
Many students wear their Men
on the Move wristbands around
campus as “proud members” so
that the tradition of excellence
may continue. “Men on the
Move is the best organization
on campus,” says Christian
Cambell. “I wouldn’t have it any
other way!” Wise words from a
new project coordinator leading
this service program in his
second year as a mentor.
For further information about
Men on the Move or any other
organization affiliated with
MAX, contact the Center for
Student Leadership and Service
in the University Center room
316 or call Lagarde at (504)5205133.
TULANE SOCIAL WORK
PROGRAM INFO SESSION
Saturday, Nov. 12
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tulane faculty, staff, current students and alumni
will be on hand to answer questions.
Informational items include:
• MastersinSocialWorkProgram
• Part-timeEveningProgram
• CertificateinDisasterMentalHealth
• CertificateinGlobalSocialWork
• DualDegreewithSchoolofPublicHealth
• FinancialAidandScholarships
Fordirectionsormoreinformation
http://tulane.edu/socialwork•msw@tulane.edu•504-865-5314
xavierherald.com
Sports/health
Page 10
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
Basketball teams revved up, ready to open 2011-2012 season
By Jeremy Pierre
Staff Writer
The Gold Nuggets basketball
team looks confident in picking
up where they left off last season:
as repeat champions of the Gulf
Coast Athletic Conference. The
Nuggets will get their first test
on the road on Nov. 2, when they
travel to Baton Rouge to compete
against a revamped LSU Lady
Tiger program. This exhibition
game takes place at 7 p.m. in the
Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Last year, the Nuggets won 27
games while only losing 6 games.
The Nuggets recaptured their
crown for the second consecutive
year as GCAC champions and
were ranked 12th in the nation
among NAIA Division I schools.
The Nuggets were invited to
the NAIA national tournament,
but were eliminated in the
second round by Oklahoma City
University.
Don't take the Nuggets for a
fly-by-night team. Coach Bo
Browder is entering his 13th
season as head coach and is
ranked among the state’s elite
when it comes to winning games.
“The Gold Nuggets standard
is to put ourselves in position to
win,” Browder said. The Gold
Nugget standard had a more than
amazing effect two seasons ago
when they went a perfect 18-0.
This year the Nuggets are
returning key players who
suffered major knee injuries
last season. Jasmine Grant, their
leading scorer from the first half
of the season, was lost due to an
ACL injury.
“Four of our top players are
returning from knee injuries,
so I’m expecting an awesome
outcome,” Browder said.
Browder has coached past
teams to 11, 20-win seasons,
five GCAC regular season and
tournament championships, and
10 NAIA national appearances.
Yet, Browder shows no shadow
of a doubt that this could be
the best team he has coached at
Xavier.
“If we can stay healthy and get
good breaks, this can be one of
the better teams I have coached
since I’ve been here,” Browder
said. “I’m having a great time
coaching these young ladies.”
One player Browder is excited
about is last year’s GCAC
newcomer of the year, second
year forward Keldra Hall.
“Last year was a really good
year. We are ready to win
conference, go to the national
tournament and win the national
championship game,” Hall said.
The Gold Nuggets play their first
home game Friday, Nov. 4, at 7
p.m., when they take on Florida
Memorial. This game will be
featured on PSB live.
dreams. After an offseason filled
with rigorous training, the team
is ready to take it all the way
during the 2011-2012 season.
Members of the Rush know
the ins and outs of the game,
but stress the importance of
practicing hard to achieve the
desired results of another GCAC
Tournament appearance. Junior
guard Wanto Joseph described
some of the changes that the
team and coach Dannton Jackson
have been making in hopes of
improving play this season.
“(Coach
Jackson)
really
emphasizes running more,”
Joseph said. We did real great
last year but it wasn’t enough.
We didn’t come out with the
championship. We came in
second, so coach has really been
working us to be more detailed
in everything we do. We’ve been
working real hard defensively.”
The team has been working
harder than ever to exceed
expectations, s o m e t h i n g
that junior forward Anthony
Simmons said they were unable
to achieve last year.
“We had a good record, but
this year we have to do better
than ever,” Simmons said. “The
ultimate (goal) is to win it all.”
Although season’s schedule
remains the same for the most
part, Simmons feels that the Rush
should never get too comfortable
or brush opponents off.
“We can’ t underestimate
any team,” Simmons said.
“Everybody’s just like us. They
put their shoes on, their jerseys
on and go out and practice just
like we do every day.”
The Gold Rush will kick
off the season against Carver on
Nov. 2 in The Barn at 7 p.m.
2011-2012 Gold Nuggets
Gold Rush dreams of GCAC championship
By Maya Jones
Editor-in-chief
The Gold Rush entered the
2010-2011 season with high
hopes. The team completed
a successful season with a
27-6 (4-2 GCAC) record, but
finished second in the Gulf
Coast Athletic C o n f e r e n c e
Tournament, falling short of
reaching their championship
2011-2012 Rush
Players, students feel the wrath of 2011 NBA Lockout
By Damon Conerly
Staff Writer
The National Basketball
Association is hot right now with
the Dallas Mavericks winning
their first NBA championship,
Lebron James taking his talents to
South Beach, and the Big Diesel
(Shaquille O'Neal) retiring after
18 years in the league. After such
an exciting year for the league
and its fans, the NBA delivered
crushing news to fans that all
of preseason, and the first two
weeks of the 2011-2012 regular
season will be cancelled.
A fight for money between
players and owners has caused
the NBA to shorten the regular
season for the second time in
the past 13 years. During the
lockout, players do not receive
their salaries, teams cannot
negotiate, sign or trade player
contracts, players will not be
able to use team facilities for
any purpose. In addition to these
rules, teams cannot conduct or
facilitate any camps, exhibitions,
practices, workouts, coaching
sessions, or team meetings.
The owners want a 50-50 split
of revenue a, $4 billion revenue
and the players want to continue
getting the usual 57-43 split of
revenue. Both sides have met
up and negotiated but still have
not seen eye-to-eye. Games
scheduled from Nov. 1 through
Nov. 14 have been cancelled,
which means over 100 games
will not be played.
During a recent phone interview
with Orlando Magic’s 6-foot8 forward Brandon Bass, he
stressed what the lockout means
to him.
“Playing professional basketball
was a dream I had as a kid,”
Bass said. “Basketball is not
just about the money it’s about
the love of the game. Many
players left to play overseas
because they felt the lockout
would last long but I had high
hopes. Everyday I still train
and workout as if the season is
starting tomorrow.”
The lockout does not only
affect the players and owners but
also the devoted fans whowait
earnestly every year for the NBA
season to come. According to
NBC sports, the average ticket
costs $48. This is no problem
for the fans who attend multiple
games every year.
Some Xavier students stressed
that all they want is for the
NBA to put the games back on
schedule.
“(The lockout) kind of makes
me disappointed because it’s
my favorite sport and I enjoy
watching it,” Xavier sophomore
Herbert Smith said. “It’s
important for the players to
come together and fight for what
they want. If they really want a
season like I do, then they will
do something about it.”
The NBA is not only a game,
but also a time to come together
with friends and family for many
students. It’s also one of the
main sources of entertainment
on television.
“The lockout is aggravating,”
sophomore Olisa Adigwe said.
“I’ve been watching NBA since I
was in the 5th grade. I remember
xavierherald.com
Brandon Bass
being at home with my family
watching the Celtics win the
2008 NBA championship. I
hope they don’t cancel any more
games.”
The current NBA lockout is one
of the most talked about topics
not only at Xavier, but in a nation
full of NBA fans. Both the players
and the owners hold the key to
the door that leads to a promising
Courtsey of cbssports.com
NBA season. Until they have
reached an agreement, players
such as Bass and many others
are not allowed to participate
in any of their usual preseason
workouts or play in any regular
season games this year. Also,
fans such as Smith and Adigwe
are forced to anxiously wait for
the first game of the 2011- 2012
regular season.
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011 Sports/health
Page 11
Health 101: How social media affects the mental health of students
By Mylinh A. Hoang
Staff Writer
Facebook and Twitter are the
dominant gods of social media.
Without these social applications,
what would keep students
company in class when their
teachers give “boring lectures”,
when parents are waiting at the
doctors’ office, when the public
is waiting for transportation,
when people are waiting in line
to buy lunch? Students, parents,
teachers, professionals, bluecollar workers, and many more
account for the millions that tune
into social media on an hourly
basis.
According to “Thoughtpick”,
an online social media campaign
website, “…in such a fast
moving environment that we
live in, we are becoming like [a]
goldfish; with a rather limited
attention span… I think that the
use of social media and the many
distractions [of] the various
channels, tools and sites actually
help promote ADHD (Attention
Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
for all of us!”
The U.S. National Library of
Medicine says that the three most
common symptoms of ADHD are
lack of attention, hyperactivity,
and impulsive behavior.
Social media impact its users in
an inattentive state of mind. The
inattentive symptoms in further
details
include:
“difficulty
keeping attention during tasks,
difficulty organizing tasks and
activities, avoid or dislike tasks
that require sustained mental
effort (such as schoolwork),
easily distracted, and often
forgetful in daily activities”
among other symptoms.
Social Media has a great impact
on the way we think. Twitter
requires we explain ourselves in
140 characters or less. Facebook
allows us to share stories and
comment on our friends’ walls.
Our mind is on the move because
we are continually receiving and
sending information.
There is a possibility this could
lead to short term memory span
because we are persistent when it
comes to information exchange.
The thought of having shortterm memory span is also related
to the concept of multitasking.
Many of us think we are great
when it comes to multitasking,
but are we really efficient?
Let’s say you are in a study
session and while studying, do
you ever think about how often
you pick up your cell phone? Or
if you are on your computer or
laptop, how often do you stray
away from your homework and
hop on Facebook “for a little
bit”? There is a website, www.
minutesplease.com, you type
in a website and a time limit.
For example, you type in www.
twitter.com and in the next box
you type 10 minutes. A separate
window for Twitter pops up
and one minute before your 10
minutes is up, it warns you and
then the website closes. From
that point, you can no longer go
to the website. This is a way to
control your online usage if you
don’t have self-control. It can
also help with time management.
Midnight Madness
Congrats, athletes!
What a delight to receive a recent press release noting that, for the second year in
a row, our Xavier athletes are in the top 10 of the NAIA Champions of Character
Scorecard compiled by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The
NAIA has 220 member institutions and determines rankings based on five core values
-- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
Congratulations to our athletes, their coaches, and their families! Throughout its
history, Xavier has emphasized character development and academic excellence. At
a time when collegiate athletes only get to the front page of local papers if they are
involved in some disciplinary action, we celebrate your outstanding achievement and
worthy character. You make the Xavier Community and your families very proud as
you receive this affirmation of your efforts. We are grateful to you and pray you will
continue to be outstanding role models for your fellow students and beyond.
Sincerely,
Sr. Monica
xavierherald.com
Photos by Rosalyn Kent and Alyssa Mercadel
Page 12
October 25, 2011-November 7, 2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Daughters of Domestic
Wellness Week
xavierherald.com