50 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(11/30/18 1:47am)
The season of giving is upon us and with less than 30 days until Christmas morning, it is also time to start buying gifts. This can be a stressful activity during the holidays. Especially when you want to get your friends and loved ones the absolute best gift possible. To help you find the best present possible, here are five tips for buying gifts.
1. Plan Ahead
Sometimes when buying a gift, it is easy to suddenly forget everything you know about a person and what they may like. Take some time before going shopping to think critically about the person you’re buying for and make a note on your phone of gift ideas when you think of them. This way when you go into the store to find the perfect item you have an action plan and know what has to be bought for everyone on your gift giving list.
2. Think Thoughtfully
We love our family and friends so much that it is easy to fall into the trap of buying the most expensive gift possible. While you can go all out this holiday season, remember that your loved ones will think so much more of a gift that shows you were thinking of them. Remind yourself this holiday season to think about your relationship with others and let that guide you to the perfect gift that is in your budget.
3. Ball on a Budget
Speaking of money, you should plan how much you are going to spend on each gift. Setting boundaries and sticking to them can be really helpful when planning out gifts for all the people in your life. Going into a store and seeing so many options can be overwhelming at times. Keeping a strict budget in mind will help to alleviate some of the holiday shopping stress.
4. Early Bird Catches the Worm
You don’t want to be one of those people stressfully shopping on Christmas Eve for a gift. Start now so that you can catch all those post-Thanksgiving sales. Also having your gift-buying done early allows you time to focus on wrapping and enjoying the holiday.
5. Be Calm
Gift buying can be stressful and cause anxiety. There is so much pressure to give the ones you love the perfect item. It is important to remember that people respect the effort put into getting a gift just as much as the gift itself. At the end of the day, your loved ones simply want to know that you care for them and that matters most of all.
Gift buying can be hard at any time of the year. When it’s the holidays the stress is amplified and can take over your enjoyment of the season. Take these tips with you when buying gifts this season. They will help your holiday be merry and stress-free.
(11/16/18 3:23am)
As Thanksgiving approaches, so will the holiday deals. A great day to take advantage of these deals is on Black Friday. However savvy one may try to be on Black Friday, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Here are five tips for surviving Black Friday shopping.
1. Location, location, location
There will be deals at many different stores. To make sure you are getting the best one, check out a few stores you’re interested in and investigate what stores really have the best deals. Some stores are already posting Black Friday deals, so going the day of may not be necessary anymore. Take a look around the area and decide what is a good move for your time and your wallet.
2. Know what you want
Let’s face it, the day of Black Friday can be an absolute mess. It will help you lessen the stress on yourself and other shoppers by knowing what you want before you get in line. Visit the stores you want to go to and check out the price points and availability of the items you want. This way you have a game plan going in, and you can get out of the store in no time.
3. Dress comfortably
Going shopping for Black Friday deals will most likely be a fast-paced and chaotic event. So, to be safe, make sure you are wearing proper clothing that will keep you safe and snug for waiting outside in the lines at the door and for racing through the aisles.
4. Bring a buddy
It is always fun to shop with someone by your side. On Black Friday, a friend or group of friends can help you find sales and make sure all your lists are taken care of. Also, having someone simply drive you to a location and pick you up when you’re ready can help alleviate parking as a potential Black Friday obstacle.
5. Wait Until Cyber Monday
The best way to avoid the mania of Black Friday can be to just not go at all. On the Monday after Black Friday, many online stores will have sales, and you can shop from the comfort of your couch. Additionally, some retailers may even have Black Friday sales online rather than in stores.
In the end, Black Friday can either be a complete mess or a safe haven from paying too much for items. Keep these tips in mind when you shop this holiday season, and you should survive Black Friday.
(11/15/18 12:46am)
The season of giving is officially here. As the holidays approach, it is good to remember that there are many amazing ways to give back to your community and your friends this season. Here are five ways to give back this Thanksgiving.
1.Food Donations
Many charities and organizations in Macon specifically work to help end hunger in the community. Daybreak, Loaves and Fishes, Middle Georgia Community Food Bank and others all work to end food insecurity in Macon and beyond. This season you can help out by giving a food donation or donating your time to these organizations as they help others.
2.Goodwill
As you transition into your winter wardrobe, there may be things that don’t fit or simply are not in style anymore. You can give those clothes you no longer want to a nearby Goodwill. Someone somewhere will find a use for your unwanted gloves, scarves, jackets or shoes. You’ll be cleaning up and giving back at the same time.
3. Tip a Little More
People who work in food service have to work even harder during the holidays. When you go out to eat this holiday season, please tip your servers a little bit more and brighten up their day with your kindness. Servers work so hard to give you a great experience in their restaurant, so give them a show of your appreciation.
4. Throw A Party
This may seem strange, but throwing a party can easily turn into a massive charity event. Party with a purpose and invite your friends over and have them bring a donation for a local charity. Your guests could bring uncommon items like menstrual hygiene products or winter clothes. They could also just give a small donation at the door. Whatever your charity, throwing a party can be a fun way to get down and give back.
5. Practice Kindness
So many people are lonely during the holidays or have bad memories with the season. You can brighten up their day by giving others a friendly smile or a warm hug. Practice paying it forward by taking care of someone’s meal behind you in line or even connect with a friend you haven’t talked with in a while. Try doing little things that can make this holiday season a bit brighter for someone near you.
This story has been updated to include a corrected cutline for the image. The photo was credited to Anna Melissa Morales and should have been credited to Marco Verch via Flickr.
(11/05/18 3:33am)
it’s finally fall and that means its pumpkin spice season. There are many different places in Macon where you can get your pumpkin spice fix. Here are a few places to get a pumpkin-flavored item this fall.
1.Taste and See Coffee Shop and Gallery
Taste and See is located on 546 Poplar St. and has a variety of different coffees and pastries. One of their seasonal items is a salted caramel pumpkin bar. If you are a pumpkin fan, you will surely enjoy this treat.
2. Einstein’s Bros. Bagels
If you want to get your pumpkin fix but can’t leave campus, Einstein’s Bros. Bagels in the Tarver Library has a few options for you. They offer both a pumpkin bagel that you can get with a meal swipe and a pumpkin muffin with icing that will cost dining dollars.
3. Starbucks
Starbucks has an infamous pumpkin spice latte that is currently available. The one nearest to campus is located on Forsyth Road. So take a sip and dive right into fall with this yummy tradition.
4. Macon Beer Company
The Macon Beer Company is located on 345 Oglethorpe St. They were Macon’s first brewery after Prohibition and they specialize in fine craft beers. They offer a spirited brew called Macon Bears. This is a seasonal pumpkin-flavored ale made in store with the freshest of pumpkins.
5. Cathedral Coffee
This coffee shop is located at Northway Church on Zebulon Road. They offer a pumpkin spice syrup to add to their coffee drinks and pumpkin muffins.
Pumpkin spice season is upon us, but it won’t be here forever. This fall, take advantage of pumpkin-flavored items at the many places in Macon that offer them. Get cozy and enjoy a fall classic all season long.
(11/03/18 4:38pm)
Sometimes as a student the dining options are just not enough. You may want to mix up your eating habits. However, many students don’t have access to a kitchen to test their culinary skills. There are options to fix this common issue. Here are five meals you can make in your dorm room.
1.Brownie in a Mug
Let’s start with dessert! This brownie is really good for treating that late night sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons water
1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 dash salt
2 tablespoons white sugar, depending on how sweet you like it
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
4 tablespoons flour
1. In a mug mix water, salt, melted butter and vanilla extract together
2. Then mix in cocoa powder, sugar and flour
3. Put in microwave for 60 seconds. The center should be a little soft but not gooey
4. Let sit and eat with a spoon!
2.Pizza Dip
This recipe is good for a late night snack or a party with friends.
Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 can (8 oz) pizza sauce
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
Breadsticks or tortilla chips
1.Dump all the cheeses and italian seasoning onto a plate or bowl. Make sure to stir them well together.
2. Then add pizza sauce and another layer of cheeses (can add peppers or onions on top)
3. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted
4. Let sit and enjoy!
3.Ramen and Meatballs
Every college student has access to ramen. Sometimes even that can get boring so here is an easy way to mix it up.
Ingredients:
1 packet of ramen noodles
1 jar of pasta sauce
1 package of frozen meatballs
1.Cook ramen as instructed on package
2. Add pasta sauce
3. Add cooked frozen meatballs
4.Stir together
5. Enjoy!
4. Overnight Oatmeal Bowl
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Here is how you can prepare a great breakfast in advance.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
1/2 cup milk + splash in the morning
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon flax seeds
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1. Make a bowl of oatmeal according to package
2.Mix in blueberries, flax seeds, maple syrup, cinnamon and milk
3. Cover and put in fridge overnight
4. In the morning uncover and splash in some milk and you are ready to go!
5. Mason Jar Salad
When you’re a student you are constantly on the go. Here is a healthy snack to take with you to class.
Ingredients:
1 Mason jar
A packet of lettuce
Favorite fruits and vegetables
1. In a Mason jar put lettuce and your favorite fruits and veggies
2.Shake well
3. Keep it in your fridge for later or pack in your backpack right then
Many times as a student you may forget how important feeding yourself is, or you may get bored with the campus food options. It is important to know that you do have options about what you eat and there are things you can cook in your dorm.
(10/20/18 3:17am)
October is a time for spooky stories and fun, mischievous nights. During this month you may want to take part in every terrifying attraction you can. Macon has a lot to offer in the scariest month of the year to keep those Halloween spirits high. Here are five spooky things to do in Macon.
1.Riverside Cemetery: Spirits in October
This event is a guided tour of the cemetery that includes several volunteers in costume who tell the stories of those buried there. The tours run from Oct. 18-21 and 25-28. The tours cost $15 per person and are held from 6-8 p.m.
2. Nevermore Haunted Hills Trail
This year’s Haunted Hills Trail will be the last one of the tour’s six years in the Macon community. The event is hosted by the Museum of Aviation. This event is a haunted house like attraction. The tour includes a haunted attic that guests can go through. The event takes place Oct. 19-31 from 8-11 p.m. A ticket to go through both the haunted trail and attic is $22. All proceeds go to operations and education at the Museum of Aviation.
3. The Haunted Montrose
The Haunted Montrose is a professional haunted house in east Macon. This house includes actors in scary costumes and a series of attractions meant to terrify guests. There is a scare-free zone for those who want to rest or are faint-hearted. Tickets range from $16 to $32 depending on the day you attend. The house is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11 p.m. and on Sundays from 7-10 p.m. They will also be open Halloween Night from 7-11 p.m.
4. Thriller Parade
The Thriller Parade is a free event on Oct. 26 on Cherry Street Plaza across from the Sports Hall of Fame downtown. This event will feature a series of dancers, musicians and vocalists as well as over 100 zombies dancing to Michael Jackson's “Thriller.” The dance performance will begin at 9 p.m. and there will be a block party afterward with a DJ.
5. Movie Night on the River
On Friday Oct. 13, Riverside Cemetery Conservancy will host a showing of “Hocus Pocus.” Guests to the event can dress up in their scariest costume and lay with the cemetery spirits during the showing. The event is free and the showing will begin at 8:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets and coolers.
There are many spooky things to do in October. Macon is home to many attractions that will satisfy any thrill seeker and general lover of all things scary.
(10/20/18 3:13am)
So midterms didn’t turn out how you planned. First things first, know that it is going to be okay and you will make it through. Second, midterms are not the end, and you still have time to get yourself together before the end of the semester. So, here are five ways to bounce back after midterms.
1. Relax
It is so easy to get caught up in the stress of midterms that you might not take time to breathe. Take some time to clear your head and step away from the issue at hand. Take a break to focus on something non-academic, so when you look back at your problem you have a steady head on your shoulders, and you can tackle it in the best way possible.
2. Talk with Your Professor
Many times your professor will have some insight into where you might have gone wrong with your midterm. There is nothing wrong with going to see them to have a chat about how to get yourself back on track. They are the experts after all. Go to their office hours and let them help you work your way through the issue.
3. Change It Up
Your midterm funk may be because your system of studying or time management is not working out. So change it up! Try some new habits and maybe even a new study location. Sometimes trying something new will give you the feeling of a fresh start after midterms. You will feel like new things are possible and like your life is getting back to normal.
4. Set Realistic Goals
All is not lost, but you should be thinking about what you can and can’t do grade-wise after midterms. Sit with yourself and calculate out what you need to do to come out of the semester with the grades you need. Make a realistic goal and stick to it. Write a list of all the things you need to do to make sure you reach your goals. If you see it, you can do it!
5. You are More Than A Number
Grades are so important, and they define so much of our college lives. However, it is good to remember that they don’t define who you are. After midterms, you may feel pretty bad about yourself, but you shouldn’t. There are so many good and wonderful things about you. If midterms didn’t turn out the way you wanted, remind yourself that it is just one test out of many. You will pull through!
Bouncing back from midterms can be difficult. There is a lot of self-doubt and stress in the air. But it is important to remember that you are capable and there is always a solution to your problem. Relax, believe in yourself and make the rest of your semester count.
(09/29/18 1:33am)
Loaves and Fishes is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services including bag lunches, shower facilities, clothes and a laundromat for the community they serve.
The program has been running for 50 years and serves 500 people every week.
“(Loaves and Fishes is) the best-kept secret in my Macon which we hate and we're really working so that we are known,” said Judy Sexton, director of Loaves and Fishes
Sexton said the operation is constantly looking for more volunteers to help them out.
Loaves and Fishes welcomes anyone who wants to spend a few hours helping them manage the many services they offer.
Those who are interested in volunteering can visit the Loaves and Fishes building at 651 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and speak with the volunteer coordinator Valerie Sewell.
Sexton said that they will then interview you and find the best placement for you within their organization.
“A lot of our people coming in can't alphabetize things. It’s things like that (students) are a big help for,” Sexton said.
On Oct. 11, Loaves and Fishes is having a Foodie Fundraiser where participating restaurants give 10 percent of their profits to Loaves and Fishes.
An easy way students can help out would be by simply grabbing a bite at a local restaurant.
Currently, 12 restaurants have agreed to participate.
To help out Loaves and Fishes, students can also hold “a party with a purpose” where you would throw a party and instead of gifts, guests could bring items to donate to the organization.
Sexton said that students would also be a large asset to have in helping with their office work as well as interacting with their clients.
(09/29/18 1:27am)
Fall is known for its warm colors, and the promise of pumpkin flavored everything. However, this chilly season can leave us all vulnerable to colds. So, to help you enjoy this season here are five preventative measures to fight the common cold
1. Hydrate Yourself!
This seems obvious, but as a busy college student running to and from class, it can be difficult to remember to stay hydrated. Drinking water is necessary to keep your body balanced and can help your immune system. There are plenty of apps that are specifically made to remind someone to drink water throughout the day, so download one of those if you’re forgetful. Stay hydrated, and your body will thank you.
2. Keep It Clean
Usually, we stress the importance of spring cleaning, but truly this is a tradition that needs to be kept up year round. Giving your space a wipe down can prevent germs and bacteria from making you sick. Make sure you’re cleaning items that go through multiple uses like makeup brushes, remotes and keyboards. So, make a fun playlist and whistle while you work.
To take it a step further always pack some hand sanitizer on you for when you come into contact with potentially germ filled situations.
3. Build Up Your Immuni-Tea
Drinking something hot can help to prevent congestion and teas specifically contain antioxidants that help to protect your body. Both green and chamomile teas are known for boosting the immune system. This cold season find some time to relax with a hot cup of tea on a chilly fall afternoon.
4. Stay Calm
Even if the weather outside gets chilly, tensions can get hot as you go through the semester. Stress is a factor that can lower your immune system so try and find some downtime away from your studies to center yourself. Mindfulness techniques like yoga and meditation are helpful as well as taking a nature walk or hanging with friends. Fall semester is full of challenges, but those issues are harder to face when you don’t take care of yourself. Be mindful this fall.
5. Count Those Sheep
Make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night to give your body rest so that it can fight germs throughout the day. You will feel refreshed and ready to take on the day with a good night's rest. Your body does a lot of work to keep you healthy. Pay it back by giving it an eight-hour break.
Cold season can be scary. Our lives are busy, and it can often feel like too much to make time to take care of ourselves. But your body is what carries you through your days and deserves some attention. So this fall be gentle with yourself. Take care and enjoy your fall.
(09/21/18 1:05am)
As the semester begins it is a good idea to think about how you can be more involved in the Macon community. There are so many good ways to help those in need and they are available to every person of many unique capacities. Mercer, in particular, has a culture of reaching out to better the community around it and now you can be a part of that tradition of service this semester. Here are six ways to volunteer this fall.
1. C.L.I.Q.U.E
Clique is a mentoring program for young girls between the ages of 8-18. The program is made to encourage young girls in their transitional stages of life. They are looking for young women who can give an hour a week to mentor younger people, teach them skills and offer advice. You can sign up to help with this program here.
2. Daybreak
Daybreak is a homeless shelter in Macon that provides social services as well as showers and meals. They need donations to continue their work but also volunteers are needed to assist in helping the community they serve. Volunteers can help in a number of areas including their cafe, laundry room and with technology services. They also look for administrative assistance. They hold a walk-in orientation on Thursdays at 11am. More information can be found on their website.
3. All About Animals
All About Animals in a local, no-kill animal shelter in Macon that is dedicated to finding new homes for dogs. A volunteer opportunity there would include caring for animals as well as assisting in the actual adoption process. To learn more about this organization visit their website.
4. Campus Clubs
This is a faith-based organization whose goal is to aid younger children who are in poverty by providing tutoring services and assistance in developing skills through education. They are looking for people who can assist the teachers who work for them and as well as tutor the community kids they serve. More information about them can be found here.
5. Loaves and Fishes
This is a faith-based organization that is focused on providing nutritionally balanced food to Macon families in short term crisis. Volunteer opportunities include an office assistant, working at the front counter, organizing and assisting with fundraisers. For more on their mission, you can go to their website.
6. MerServe
Throughout the semester MerServe, a student organization dedicated to planning and implementing service opportunities. MerServe hosts events to get students active in the Macon community. On September 7 they held a volunteer fair to show students different volunteer opportunities in Macon. They also hold Service Saturdays where students can interact with other outreach organizations in the community. MerServe posts about their upcoming events and opportunities on Facebook.
Macon is our home for the four years we are at Mercer. It is our duty to make the most of our time and give back to the community that has given us so much during these years of our lives.
So, take some time to find an organization that speaks to you and make a difference in someone’s life this semester.
(09/13/18 2:23am)
Football season is a great time to get together with friends and cheer for your favorite team. However, planning the perfect watch party can be stressful and can take a lot of work. So here are five things to remember when throwing a rocking football watch party.
1. Location
When thinking of a place to have a watch party, a good place is at any of the local sports bars in Macon. Wild Wings Cafe and the Barefoot Tavern are both good places with an exciting atmosphere for getting together with friends and friendly waiters to make your sports night the best it can be. If you would rather have people over to your place, make an effort to spice up your decor for the big game. Pull out the streamers and other decorations with your favorite team's mascot to get the party started.
2. Food is King
It’s not a party without snacks. If you are having a watch party at home, the food is just as important as the team you’re rooting for. Even if you are sure that it will be a small party, the heat of watching a competition is going to make your friends hungry. Have a variety of snacks available so that your guests will have options and your parties will be talked about even after the final touchdown. Try making the event a potluck so that there is less stress on you as a host and everyone can show off their foodie skills. Here are some cool recipes that can help with your snack selections.
3. The Guest List
When planning a great football party, you want a nice mix of guests. Obviously, you want to invite fans of your favorite team. But it will also be so much more fun if some fans of the opposing team are also partying with you. A friendly competition between buds can spice up any evening. So make sure everyone is included and bond over yelling at the TV screen.
4. Basic Etiquette
Now, tensions can get pretty high during a game. We all care so much about our teams and in the process can get carried away. It is good to remember that the game we are watching is one of many. There will be many winners and losers throughout this season. The important thing to remember is that we go to watch parties to bond with other fans and eat great food. After all, what is better than football and friends?
Also, make sure you dress the part. When at a watch party, show your team pride with jerseys, face paint and pom poms. It’s a party, go all out!
5. The Cleanup
No one likes to clean up after a party. But it must be done, and it all goes much faster with many hands at work. If you attend a watch party this football season, please offer to help the host in the cleanup. They worked so hard to give their guests a nice evening, and it is the least you can do to thank them for having the best party ever.
This football season, remember that the love of the game is what bonds all fans. Whether you go to a restaurant or stay in to get your football fix, at the end of the day, it is all about having fun with your buddies and eating great food while watching an amazing game. Enjoy the season!
(09/08/18 1:00pm)
Fall is coming up soon and that means it is time for pumpkin spice lattes and fall fashions. However, Macon weather can change from day to day and what may seem to be a chilly morning quickly turns into a sweltering afternoon. Here are some guidelines to follow when dressing for fall in Macon.
Layers
An easy way to prepare yourself for fall in the South is to layer. What is important here is that if it is cooler in the morning, you can simply remove layers until you are comfortable when it gets warmer in the afternoon. To do this try and start with something simple such as a nice top and light wash jeans then continue to layer with a silk scarf or light jacket. This can prevent you from walking out in a snug sweater when the weather calls for shorts and a tank top.
Light fabrics
Fall in Macon is very dewy, so heavy fabrics will not bode well on your walk to class. This fall try to wear light, airy fabrics that will keep you cool and are also easy to dress up with accessories or outer layers.
Colors and Patterns
We may not experience traditional fall weather, but that doesn’t mean we can’t wear fall colors. Get into the spirit of the season by wearing deep greens, warm oranges and natural browns. These colors are not necessarily too dark to wear on warmer days, so they will definitely be able to keep you cool on a warm day while still giving you a cozy look. This way you can look like you’re dressing for fall even if the weather doesn’t comply.
Accessorize
There are some key fall accessories that are needed to get that comfy fall look without feeling like you’re burning in the Macon sun. Silk scarves, black Panama hats and ankle boots are all good ways to suggest a warm look while keeping you feeling and looking cool.
Macon can be a tough terrain to navigate when the weather shifts so quickly, but you can make it through. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to express your fabulous fall fashions.
(09/07/18 1:09am)
Dorm rooms can be the ultimate canvas for a student’s creative outlet. However, these small spaces also need to be functional enough to handle everyday student life. The key to mixing style and purpose is utilizing proper organizational skills that will make your space feel like home.
1. Think Vertically
There is not going to be much floor space for you to work with so instead gather items that will allow you ample desk and storage space. Think about a vertical bookshelf for your books and binder. Perhaps even a cork board to hang reminders for the week or to pin pictures instead of using frames. You can also lift your bed to create more space underneath to store more items.
2. Command Hooks Everywhere
Command hooks are so useful in any dorm room. They can be used not only for hanging posters and other decorations in a room but also for organizing jewelry, scarves, headphones and a number of other things that need to be put away during move in. This allows you to save space as well as make the things that are special to you a big part of your decorating. It is both stylish and functional.
3. Files and Bins
If you moved in and brought some storage bins with you, it’s a good idea to keep those. They are great for storing unnecessary items that you don’t need to use immediately. Also if you require multifunctional bins, there are different kinds of collapsible ottomans that you can use to store other items. Also, invest in files and folders for your important papers and documents. This way all of your important items are easy to find and accessible.
4. Caddies and Side Carts
Shower caddies aren’t just for the bathroom. They are very useful when storing smaller personal items and can help sort a cluttered desk as well. A rolling cart can also be handy when handling smaller items that you would like to keep within reach. They are great space savers and are very easy to move throughout your dorm.
5. Calendars and Dry Erase Boards
It is always good to have big visual reminders for both you and your roommates. So a calendar or dry erase board of events in your lives will help you all to coordinate when things need to be done or make it easy to check in with each other throughout the college experience. Teamwork makes the dream work.
As the semester begins, it is so important to start on the right foot and be as organized as you can. Take these tips and use them to rock your school life.
(08/21/18 11:00pm)
As the semester begins it is easy to also begin to miss your homelife. Being away and out of your usual surroundings can be frightening and uncomfortable for many people. You are experiencing homesickness. What is important to remember about homesickness is that everyone has it at one point during college. Your feelings during this time are perfectly valid there is a cure. Here are five ways to fight homesickness this fall.
1. Bring Plenty of Momentos
When packing things for your dorm make sure that you bring some items that remind you of home. It can be framed photos, a stuffed animal or even a special quilted blanket. Bring something that makes you smile and think of fond memories when you look at it.
2. Go Out
Sometimes we can get so caught up in thinking of home that we don’t consider our current surroundings. A good way to fight homesickness is to get out of your dorm room and experience all you can about your new campus. Join some clubs or get to know your new roommates. Do something that will make you feel less lonely. Making friends and being with new people can take some of the homesickness away and make college more welcoming.
3. Stay Positive
Thinking on the bright side can improve your mood. You can often feel very sad as a result of homesickness but remembering the good things about your situation can greatly improve your mood. During your time in college, you will get to grow and experience new things. If you keep this in mind, you will feel better about being away from home.
4. Establish a Routine
When you were at home, you had a daily routine that got your day off to a good start. Getting yourself into a groove at school will help the transition run a lot smoother. It may take some time but eventually, you will get there and suddenly college will feel a bit more like home.
5. Keep in Touch
It seems like the obvious solution, and it is. There are so many different ways to communicate, and you should be taking advantage of them. Take some time out of your day and call the people you miss and let them know that you are thinking of them because they are definitely thinking of you too.
Homesickness happens to everyone. The important thing to remember is that it is possible to get over the feeling. All it takes is a little time, and suddenly home will not feel so far away.
(08/15/18 9:30pm)
One way to get involved with Mercer’s LGBTQ community is through Mercer’s gay/straight alliance Common Ground.
The club is an activism group for LGBTQ students on Mercer’s campus as well as a support group for members to discuss pressing issues in the LGBTQ community.
“You get really close to people because they become your chosen family,” Common Ground President Mcpherson Newell said.
He said that Mercer’s LGBTQ community is close-knit, but that does not necessarily mean its exclusive.
Newell said that the community is very open and welcoming to incoming members.
“The gays are great. It definitely is something that will bond you with people very quickly,” Newell said. “You understand a lot more about another person’s life when they are LGBTQ because a lot of us have had similar experiences or are dealing with similar experiences now.”
When he was a freshman, he said that he felt very encouraged by upperclassmen to get involved and there were many who gave him advice about everything from coming out to professors, to roommate issues, to finding LGBTQ affirming churches in Macon.
He said that his time at Mercer has also been filled with positive moments.
“There have definitely been some accepting and encouraging experiences, especially when we did the Founder’s Day protest and a lot of the faculty went out of their way to show their support or to make the rainbow ribbons that several people wore,” Newell said.
Common Ground host many events such as free AIDs testing on Worlds AIDs Day where they give out information about sexual health and encourage others to know their status, Newell said.
They also partner with the Mercer Medical School’s Gender and Sexuality to travel to Atlanta Pride and “interact with the broader LGBTQ community.”
The club has also participated in sexuality panels where they answer questions from students about being LGBTQ and what that is like on Mercer’s campus.
Junior Cefari Langford joined Common Ground when it was “very undercover,” and is still a member as the organization becomes more visible.
“(Mercer) is not as strict as it was a couple years ago but also not as open as it should be,” Langford said.
Langford acknowledges that Mercer has some ways to go when it comes to becoming an accepting environment for all students. They do, however, want incoming students to know that they always have a safe place to go to.
“You are not alone. We are here. There are so many of us if you ask. There is always somebody who can understand,” Langford said.
(04/27/18 5:38pm)
Traffick Jam, originally a requirement of the Community Service Learning class, is a program that advocates for the end of sex trafficking and educates others on the issue.
The organization was formed after several students from the course wanted to continue their efforts to end sex trafficking.
“Traffick Jam is important because sex trafficking is something that happens everywhere. Most students don’t realize sex trafficking is as big of an issue as it is, much less the fact that it’s very prominent here in Macon,” President Hannah Warren said.
[related title="Related Stories" stories="21312,20855,14943" align="right" background="off" border="none" shadow="off"]
This year Traffick Jam has had a series of fundraisers and events. They participated in the Walk For Freedom, a silent protest held across the world to raise awareness of those enslaved, and have educated their peers about sex trafficking and its prevalence in Macon, said Warren.
“Our main goal is for (students) to know what sex trafficking is, and our hope is that after being able to recognize it, they will want to become involved in our efforts to end it for good,” Warren said.
The organization has had a record breaking year as they have now educated over 2,000 Macon-Bibb students about the dangers of sex trafficking through their various programs, according to a press release from the organization.
They have roughly 16 members in the club, but they are hoping for more students to get involved next semester and to increase the amount of involvement existing Mercer students have with the organization. The organization is currently in the process of creating a meeting time for next semester said Warren.
“I say (join Traffick Jam) because it is a great experience, and you will learn a lot and want to help people going through sex trafficking,” sophomore member Makenzie Tramell said.
They hope to have a more prominent presence on campus next semester and partner with local organizations to raise more awareness in the Macon community, Warren said.
To learn more about them and specific questions, their email is traffickjamclub@gmail.com. They also have an Instagram @traffickjam.georgia or search Traffick Jam on Facebook.
(04/22/18 8:55pm)
[gallery ids="24188,24187,24185,24184,24183,24182,24181"]
(04/18/18 3:46pm)
On Bear Day, many students gave insightful and interesting presentations of research and projects they may have been working on all semester. There was a wide range of topics presented and plenty of hard work from students. Here is a list of five insightful Bear Day Presentations you might have missed and some motivation to make it out to next year’s event.
Marley Hayes and Ariana Gonsalves-Barreiro presented a project called "I Love Me, I Love Me Not: Factors Influencing Body Image.” They surveyed Mercer students to find out what were the factors that lead to either negative or positive body image in Mercer’s female population. They found that 79 percent of the people they surveyed were happy with their body image and that this statistic is slightly higher than the national average.
Twinkle Suthar presented a project titled "Illusion of Diversity?: Student Involvement in Multicultural Organizations on College Campus.” She investigated why people join multicultural organizations and what stops people who are not from that culture from joining them. She found that 40 percent of people in multicultural organizations are minorities and that diverse friend groups lead to more attendance in these organizations.
Jordan Strawberry’s presentation was called "Legal or Not? Marijuana Comes Out of the Closet.” His finding broke down the factors that led to more acceptance of marijuana use. He found that race and music choice, namely rap and hip-hop, were factors in students’ acceptance of marijuana use and legalization.
Morgan Prillaman and Diana Gomez did research on Mercer students attitude toward modern dating methods in a presentation called "Netflix and Chill: Mercer Students' Attitudes Towards Hookup Culture.” They found that the more use of dating applications led to a greater acceptance of hookup culture and that more religious affiliation led to a lack of acceptance of such ideas.
Emily Dokken did research on interracial relationships and their acceptance in a project called "Commended or Condemned: Student Views toward Interracial Romantic Relationships.” During her survey she found that Mercer is above the national average of acceptance of interracial couples. She found that students who live on campus, as well as those who have diverse interactions on campus, tend to be more accepting.
(04/11/18 2:24pm)
The Cruz Market, sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), will host a series of vendors on Friday, April 13 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Cruz Plaza.
Last semester SGA Senator Michael Smith introduced the idea to have a market on Mercer’s campus that is similar to the Mulberry Market.
This semester, the event organizers Daniela Acosta and Rebecca Braun have been developing the idea as well as working with Campus Life.
They also met with other local businesses such as NewTown Macon and Mulberry Market vendors, to tell them about the event and get the community of Macon involved in the market.
“I’ve enjoyed making connections with both student and local entrepreneurs, and giving them the opportunity to expose their product and increase customer base,” Acosta said.
[related title="Related Stories" stories="23916,23192,22775" align="right" background="off" border="none" shadow="off"]
The Cruz Market will be selling coffee, skin-care products, hand-made cards, paintings, crochet items, art, jewelry and handmade scarves, as well as other products from Mulberry Market vendors and other Macon sellers.
The goal of the market is to provide students and locals with the opportunity for an interactive market experience.
“We want their (products and services) to gain exposure, we want them to build new relationships and connections and, above all, we want to further expose these people’s gifts and talents,” Acosta said.
So far there are nine vendors who have signed up to be at the market but Acosta said they are expecting several others who are both students and Macon locals.
Shane Buerster, the founder of Z Beans Coffee and a former Mercer student, will be one of the vendors at the market. He said he plans on doing a lot of promotional offers and handing out as many samples of his coffee as possible.
He is “hoping for students to have time to chat more about the product” and to get more reviews of his coffee.
The Cruz Market was not intended to conflict with the Mulberry Market because it happens every Wednesday and the Cruz Market will be held only once a semester, and on a Friday or Thursday.
“We actually wanted to encourage Mercer students to see the value in getting involved with the local community.” Braun said. “Maybe by doing Cruz Market, we can get more students interested in Mulberry Market as a result.”
The organizers said they plan to have the Cruz Market be a recurring event every semester.
Students can still sign up for the market through the link that was released in Bear Blurbs and also here.
(04/04/18 2:41pm)
A new organization called Greener Mercer hopes to educate students about being good stewards of the earth by being greener and cleaner.
The club was created by Andrew Kelley from a former group called Students for Environmental Action, a group of passionate students working together on various projects to help Mercer students feel comfortable learning about a cleaner environment.
That group disbanded in 2006, and Kelley said Greener Mercer wanted to rebrand this organization and create a spotlight for environmental projects on campus.
“I am passionate about the environment because of my love for nature...I feel like this task of cleaning the environment has been passed to this generation, and I want to see it to its completion,” Kelley said.
Greener Mercer has six members and is looking for more students to be a part of their upcoming campus projects. The group holds meetings on the bottom floor of Knight Hall on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
“We want students to come with fresh ideas to find fun ways to make Mercer and the Macon community a greener place. Sustainability is...important if we want to keep our world going,” said Tianna Dani, president of Greener Mercer.
They are working on events to get the Mercer community involved in creating an environmentally friendly campus, said Dani.
Greener Mercer holding a reusable K-cup drive on Cruz Plaza during Green Week, where Greener Mercer and other student organizations will get together to spread the importance of sustainability on campus, Dani said.
The organization’s mission is to create a campus environment that is cleaner and also a body of students who are aware of ways to live a more sustainable life.
“It can be easier than you'd think to live a more sustainable lifestyle: buying bulk instead of individually packaged, using reusable Tupperware instead of disposable bags, and switching from K-cups to a reusable K-cup, and every small change matters,” senior member Dakota Booth said.
To keep up with Greener Mercer or to get involved check out their Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat (@greenermercer) or sign up for their mailing list by contacting them at greenermercer@gmail.com.