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(11/14/19 6:52pm)
Ian Henshaw is senior media studies major at Mercer University pursuing a career in game design. He holds a certificate of game development and spearheaded the use of virtual reality as an early stage product design visualization technique at Formation Design Group in Atlanta. He also worked as a digital media intern for The Allman Brothers Band Museum at The Big House here in Macon.
(11/14/19 6:51pm)
(11/14/19 6:50pm)
Natalie Yaeger is a junior double-majoring in neuroscience and English with minors in chemistry and Spanish on the pre-medical track. Natalie has written for The Cluster since her freshman year, working as Lead News Writer for two years before transitioning to Lead Lifestyle & Opinion Writer. Natalie has been published for her research in both biology and English as well as the art and poetry she creates for The Dulcimer. Natalie also is an SGA Senator-at-Large, a Peer Advisor, MerServe Outreach Coordinator, and on the executive board of numerous other organizations. Natalie is also a member of the University Honors Program where she wants to put an emphasis on research and service. Natalie, in the future, hopes to create positive change while in the medical field through her writing, service, and science knowledge while also broadening her understanding of others, the world, and herself.
(11/08/19 5:00am)
The U.S. Men’s National Golf Team won the Walker’s Cup in England on Sept. 6, defending the title they won two years prior.
The men’s team completed the tournament in Hoylake, England, with a score of 15.5, edging out the British-Irish team’s score of 10.5.
The U.S team was captained by Nathaniel Crosby and featured the top amateur golfers from across the country. Crosby was pleased with the team’s play, especially following a dominant streak on Sunday afternoon.
“The singles (on Sunday) were amazing,” Crosby told Golf.com. “The guys played great.”
The GB-I team took the lead by two points on day one, but the U.S. team made up the deficit by dominating the remaining matches on Sunday. The U.S won all but two of the singles matches held on Sunday, according to Golf.com.
This is the first time the U.S Walker Cup team has won a matchup in an away contest in 12 years, according to Golf.com.
U.S team members Stewart Hagestad (5 and 3) and Cole Hammer (6 and 5) both had convincing wins. Though the crucial point came from John Augenstein that put him 4 and 3 over Thomas Plumb from England.
"I did not know that my match this afternoon was the clinching point," John Augenstein told Today’s Golfer. "I mean, it really doesn't matter who clinches it. The fact is that we're a team and we won the Walker Cup for each other and for the United States."
The victory brought the U.S record in the Walker Cup to a mark of 37-9-1.
(11/05/19 5:00am)
Scorpio season is upon us! This water sign is deep, intuitive and unafraid to self-reflect, to dive into the complexities associated with personal transformation. When we’re due for a rebirth, Scorpio energy is what will force us to see it through. Inner power, emotional honesty and regeneration: that’s what this season has to offer us.
Communication master Mercury is retrograde, though, and has been since Oct. 31, meaning that unresolved aspects of our past are likely to re-emerge. We could also face obstacles when it comes to speaking our minds.
The tarot cards I drew this time were intense and sometimes foreboding, which is absolutely in line with this heavy Scorpio and Mercury retrograde energy. The majority were Major Arcana cards, promising true, long-term change; the fall of old power and the rise of new power.
I used a new deck, Marble Moon Tarot, designed by Samantha West of Swamp Witch, LLC. These cards use gender-neutral language in their interpretation of the key figures in the traditional tarot. I’ll note what the correspondences are for the cards that have been updated.
Aries: Moon
What better tarot card to represent the shadowy nature of Scorpio season? Aries, while you are usually quick to act and share your thoughts, this card signifies a need for you to slow down over the next few weeks and look inwardly. There’s something you’re not being honest with yourself about, something with consequences. You need to resolve it before it overtakes you.
There may be something unresolved from your past that’s weighing you down. Don’t be caught off guard if you’re saddled with memories or urged to reconsider issues you’ve ignored; Mercury’s retrograde period is challenging like that. Either way, the Moon is also the card of mystery and of secrecy. Whatever you’re called to work on right now, it’ll be a solitary journey. Don’t share this with others.
Taurus: Hanged
Traditionally known as The Hanged Man, this is the card of self-sacrifice. The image is of an aerialist, hanging upside down. Hanged represents a need to find a new perspective or to become comfortable in your discomfort as you undergo an important, but perhaps painful, transition. Maybe you’re struggling to let something go that does not serve you. Take this as a sign that you really will be better off without it. Be sure, however, not to linger too long in this upside-down state as you contemplate. You risk losing sight of how the world truly is.
Gemini: Two of Wands
This card goes against all advice regarding Mercury’s retrograde period, Gemini, but that probably doesn’t scare you. The Two of Wands signifies the first tangible steps towards a new creative pursuit. In fact, you’re encouraged to think about establishing a new creative partnership. Notice I said “think about” — it’s not time to spring into action, it’s time to come up with a plan for progress that you can follow once you’re sure it’s foolproof. Because we’re dealing with the Twos, the plan on your mind likely concerns your long-term goals and a decision you have to make regarding the path you’ll take to get there.
Cancer: Two of Cups
If you didn’t find love during Libra season, don’t worry! Now’s the time. It’ll be an intense one, though; no easy Libran flings here. The Two of Cups refers directly to the flow of love between people, to deep connections based on shared values, compassion and unconditional support. It doesn’t necessarily signify a romantic partnership, but it’s definitely possible. Otherwise, think of a business partner or other union with an emotional element. Y’all will have mutual respect for one another and a similar vision for the future. However, as we are in the thick of Mercury’s retrograde period, be wary of rushing into any long-term engagements.
Leo: Judgement
What have you been up to, Leo? And who did it serve? Judgement can call for a piercing look into your own actions so you can clean up any wrongdoing before the Universe does it for you. It’s a warning card, through and through. Know this: whatever has transpired is not only putting the folks on the receiving end at a disadvantage, but you’re getting in your own way, too. Being petty or catty limits you from connections that could help you achieve your goals. Alternatively, maybe you’re feeling that someone has wronged you; if that’s the case, take this card as a sign that they will get what’s coming to them soon. However, it’s not you that will deliver it. Let it go.
In a more literal sense, this card could indicate that you feel judgmental towards others, and you need to review why you’re being that way. Then, consider how it affects your perceptions. Feeling as though the entire world is beneath you or crossing you will only cause you to isolate yourself. Where can you start to cut others some slack and open your mind?
Virgo: Divine
This card is Marble Moon’s answer to The High Priestess in a traditional deck. The veil between the physical and the spiritual is particularly thin during both Scorpio season and Mercury’s retrograde period, and you may feel a bit overwhelmed by it all. Try to stay grounded by utilizing your intuition, which Divine suggests is very sharp right now, to discern what truly needs your attention and what emotions are really indicative of something deeper, as opposed to what’s superficial or reactionary.
West, designer of Marble Moon Tarot, says that Divine is also “a call to wait and see. The divine is comfortable in their seat, is patient, and this is a time for us to do the same. Things will come to light. This is not a time for outward energy, but time to look inward.”
Libra: Five of Cups
This is, unfortunately, not a very happy card, but it does imply that you’re creating the sadness for yourself. That means you can reverse the situation whenever you’re ready!
The Five of Cups usually turns up when something hasn’t gone as you’ve hoped or expected, and you’re feeling disappointed or (in typical Libran fashion) as though the failure is all your fault. This card also suggests an influx of old, not-so-positive memories, prompting self-victimization and an inability to take those unfortunate circumstances for what they are: behind you. If memories are what you’re dealing with, realize that the reason they’re cropping back up is to teach you a lesson. You can evaluate them, learn from them and become stronger than before. Don’t let that opportunity go.
In the last Clusterscopes, the Leos got this card, so you may want to seek the counsel of any Leos you’re close with for their advice on getting through this rough patch.
Scorpio: Authoritarian
This draw couldn’t be more fitting for Scorpios during this spooky season! Known as The Emperor in most decks, the Authoritarian represents power: the power to build, the power to create structure and the power to manifest. Now is a time for leadership. You’re offering intuitive advice to those who need it and engaging fearlessly in conflicts that concern your personal well-being. You’re not going to let anyone step on you or your loved ones right now.
You also trust your ability to draw boundaries. You can provide for or help someone else without neglecting your own needs. In the gendered tarot, the Emperor fulfills a fatherly archetype, so this card could also refer to a changing dynamic with a literal father figure or the sense that you’re inhabiting this position for someone close to you.
Sagittarius: Strength
There’s a chance that you haven’t been at your best lately, or, on the other hand, that you’re feeling remarkably powerful. Either way, this Major Arcana card represents internal strength to control our emotional responses so they don’t get out of hand, to build up our resilience to adversity and to exert control over aspects of our lives that previously made us feel insignificant. You’re seeing beyond social structures and getting to the heart of what’s important, and you’re confident about your next move. If you don’t feel that energy yet, this card urges you to think through what you’re experiencing right now so that you can embody your Strength.
Capricorn: Magician
The Magician is the master of manifestation, someone who holds all the tools they need to create a reality that aligns with their Highest Good. You know what you want, as a Capricorn, but you may be hesitating to make it happen or doubting your ability to do so. This card is a reminder of the resources at your disposal and the inherent power you have to use them appropriately. Whatever the challenge is, it’s no match for you. You can do it!
Aquarius: Sun
The Sun is the most positive card in the tarot! It indicates not necessarily that everything in your life is peachy, but that you’re able to see the good in everything right now and move forward with a sense of optimism. According to West, “the sun brings everything to light — good and bad. This is a time of true, radiant clarity. This often comes as our ‘aha!’ moment, when everything suddenly becomes clear. Take a moment to absorb all of the truth you’re seeing, and celebrate the good things.”
Pisces: Nine of Wands
Since the Eight of Wands refers to a period of anxiety, stress or unhappiness, the Nine is a step forward. The struggle will pass, and you will be stronger because of it. The gloom marked by the Eight is over, and you’re working to rebuild what was lost or what you started to doubt during that time. The Nine is the next part: you’re starting to recognize what you need to do to get back in a positive headspace, though you may not be there yet. Have faith in yourself and the world around you to restore balance.
(10/27/19 6:31pm)
Mercer University’s controversial delayed recruitment policy for fraternities and sororities won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.
Vice President and Dean of Students Douglas Pearson said delayed recruitment was implemented in 2017 to address problems within Mercer’s Greek community. Since then, the administration has observed positive changes on campus.
“We moved to delayed recruitment almost three years ago after experiencing declining numbers, a series of safety issues — primarily related to recruitment violations during the first week of classes — and noted negative impacts on student grades, primarily with the men,” Pearson said. “During the two-year trial period, we experienced less safety issues, increased numbers and noted a slight positive impact on grades.”
Pearson said Mercer will “continue with delayed recruitment for the near future.”
By the numbers: Greek life membership and average GPAs
In 2016, the last year Mercer practiced traditional recruitment, 663 students were involved in Greek life according to the Greek Life Academic and Membership Reports available on the Fraternity and Sorority Programs website. That was 21.93% of the Macon undergraduate enrollment of 3,023.
The all-Greek grade point average at the end of the fall 2016 semester sat at 3.17.
In the first year of delayed recruitment, 2017, the total Greek population climbed to 925 while the Macon undergraduate enrollment increased to 3,192 — a 26% Greek campus.
The Greek Academic and Membership Report for the semester found that part of the increase in numbers was due to the establishment of the new Multicultural Greek Council. The MGC amassed 31 total members in the inaugural semester between Sigma Sigma Rho Sorority Inc. and Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity Inc.
The average Greek GPA rose to a 3.2 that semester.
GPAs continued to rise during the second year of delayed recruitment. The all-Greek average reached 3.26 in fall 2018.
However, the Greek community saw a decline in numbers. A total of 808 students were involved in a fraternity or sorority that semester of 3,326 total students: 24.29%.
The report for fall 2019 has not yet been released.
Three years later: Reactions to delayed recruitment
While some students support the policy change, Campus Life received formal requests to return to a more traditional rush week at the beginning of the 2019 academic year.
More than 140 women in the National Panhellenic Council — a network of sororities including Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Omega and Phi Mu — signed a petition prior to the 2019 rush week asking to hold recruitment during the first week of classes. They cited social anxiety, animosity between sorority chapters and rules that limit contact between Greek and non-Greek students.
Pearson said the Panhellenic Council appealed to him last year with the same request.
“After meeting with my staff and reflecting on the goals and results that we experienced from the trial period, I advised Panhellenic that we were going to continue with delayed recruitment for the near future,” he said.
Over the past three years, Pearson said he has worked with the sororities to navigate the delayed recruitment guidelines, since many of the rules the chapters must follow are imposed not by the school, but by their national organizations.
“They asked that they be permitted to move in early to prepare for recruitment, and that we move delayed recruitment up a week to accommodate academic obligations. I approved both requests,” he said.
Pearson acknowledged that the 2019 delayed recruitment period saw decreased numbers among sororities in particular.
“I understand that sororities may have experienced a dip in numbers this past fall,” he said. “I plan to look into that, but overall, I believe the numbers over the last three years have been positive.”
Academic stress, time management and Labor Day plans: Student surveys reveal concerns
The numbers may have been positive, but Panhellenic women’s experiences haven’t been.
The Panhellenic Council’s recruitment team administered surveys to new members and initiated sisters across all four chapters to gauge their opinions on the 2019 recruitment period. According to survey data released to The Cluster by Panhellenic President Kellie Wydrinksi, 92.6% of the 54 initiated respondents said they would prefer recruitment begin the first week of classes.
According to another survey given to new members, only 50% of new members said that they enjoyed the current delayed recruitment policy in general.
Of the half who did not prefer delayed recruitment, 40% said the first week of school would be a better choice, while the other 10% wanted to hold it later in the semester or in the spring.
While a major reason for delaying recruitment is so the period before rush week can be used to attract new members to the process, only 30% of new member respondents said they did not know that they wanted to participate in formal recruitment before starting classes at Mercer.
In the anonymous survey responses, one initiated sister said that while delayed recruitment may benefit Potential New Members in some ways, it puts upperclassmen members at a disadvantage.
“I understand having delayed recruitment allows students to get accustomed to college life, yet it severely hinders us rather than helps,” the student wrote. “During the first week, there is less going on with classes and people are actually energetic and able to attend recruitment rather than be exhausted when week three comes around.”
Another student, however, said that delayed recruitment still seemed “appropriate” because of the extra time it offers both PNMs and current sisters.
“It allows more freshmen to adjust to college and sign up when they’re ready,” she wrote. “If recruitment was the first week of classes, it would be a lot on the Panhellenic women to jump straight into recruitment after spirit week.”
Spirit Week refers to the week prior to the start of classes during which Panhellenic women return to campus early in order to prepare for recruitment.
In addition, the first day of recruitment this year fell on Labor Day, a choice that was unpopular among most respondents across both surveys. The new member survey found that 75% did not like recruitment beginning on Labor Day.
One Pi Chi — an upperclassman chosen by the Panhellenic Council to give up her letters from the end of the spring semester until Bid Day and guide PNMs through recruitment week from an objective standpoint — said that PNMs in her group had to choose whether to skip the first day of rush or miss out on seeing their families. For many freshmen PNMs, Labor Day weekend would be their first opportunity to visit home since starting college.
“It’s not fair to force upperclassmen to give this time up, and it’s definitely not fair to the freshmen who want to go home at that point in the semester,” another student said.
However, one respondent said that a Labor Day start is easier on the Greek community than the first week of classes would be.
“The freshmen need to (be) acclimated to the school, and initiated sisters don’t want to jump right into recruitment from summer break,” she wrote.
Holding recruitment events on Labor Day frustrated the majority of women who responded to the surveys, but academic performance was the most common reason students disliked delayed recruitment.
Initiated women said that recruitment events took up between six and eight hours per day, including set-up beforehand and meetings afterwards, neither of which PNMs may attend. Most initiated women reported failing tests or quizzes, skipping classes, losing time to study, suffering from sleep deprivation or a combination of these as a result of the time commitment.
“Recruitment heavily affects my academics,” one student wrote. “I would report around 4 p.m. and wouldn't be back to my room until midnight. I missed SI (Supplemental Instruction) sessions, could never speak to my professors during office hours or study for tests. I couldn't even finish my homework.”
Some said that working ahead or choosing a lighter fall semester schedule helped them avoid dips in their grades during this time, although this wasn’t effective for everyone.
“I stayed up until 2 a.m. or later every day to study for a very hard and important exam that week and still did poorly on it due to lack of sleep and preparation for it. I even started studying a week before recruitment, but the stress made it that much harder,” a student said. “I’m now at risk of having to withdraw from this class I need for graduation in May.”
New members, by comparison, were far less likely to say that delayed recruitment affected their academics.
Greek numbers are increasing nationwide
Although Mercer’s Greek community may have seen a small decline this fall, fraternity and sorority membership has increased nationally in the past several years.
In 2016 — the last year for which statistics are available — over 12% of students entering college for their first year reported interest in rushing, compared to 10% the year before, according to CNN.
In the 2015-2016 year, about 384,200 initiated members and 99,800 new members comprised the Inter-Fraternity Council, and total undergraduate sorority membership was more than 418,000 the next year.
(10/27/19 5:53pm)
Welcome to Clusterscopes, a biweekly tarotscopes column. I’ll pull a tarot card for each sign of the zodiac to help guide you through the next two weeks.
Remember, astrology goes deeper than your Sun sign — the one associated with your birthday. Each planet or major celestial body corresponds to a different aspect of life, and since certain areas of the sky are marked by each of the 12 zodiac signs, each planet sits “in” one sign, affecting how you relate to or act in that aspect.
For example, in my chart, Mercury — which guides communication — is in the sign of Leo. Generally speaking that means I talk a lot, I write a lot and I want folks to listen (go figure). So while I’m a Virgo, and the Virgo tarotscope speaks broadly to my general experience, I’d also read the Leo tarotscope to understand how my communication might be affected specifically.
To decipher your astrological birth chart, text your mom for your exact birth time and place, and head over to a website like CafeAstrology to get the scoop.
Aries: Nine of Coins
The Nine of Coins appears after a period of struggle to signify that the rough patch is nearing its end. Whatever has been wearing you down lately, Aries, it’s on its way out, and it’s all thanks to you — your own actions and your own mindset. You identified what wasn’t working for you in the material world and devised a plan to counter it. Whether you foresaw a slip in grades and hit the library until you fixed them, or took on more hours at work after you realized you weren’t managing your finances well, your own determination and will brought you out of that negative space. Take credit for it; you’ve earned this.
Taurus: The Magician
Big things are brewing, Taurus; you just have to take advantage of the resources and tools around you so you can bring them to fruition. The Magician is a healer, a medicine man, an alchemist — someone who is in touch with his own ability to manifest his true desires. That energy surrounds you currently: what are you hoping to bring forth in your life? Make sure that whatever it is serves you on a deeper level and brings you fulfillment in a spiritual or personal sense. Don’t allow yourself to be motivated by money or power; there is something much more important to focus on right now.
Gemini: Seven of Swords
Something’s not right in your relationships right now, Gemini. Whether it’s your significant other, friend group, parents or anyone else, there’s a layer of deception or betrayal in your interactions. You may be the one keeping a secret or hiding something major, or someone else may be trying to pull one over on you.
If you are withholding some of your truth, evaluate how much work you may have to put in to keep that secret. Is it worth it? If you sense something else has gone amiss in one of your interpersonal relationships, it’s time to hone in on your gut feeling. Listen to yourself! Don’t be afraid to confront someone who’s been shady. Geminis are very intuitive; don’t let someone get away with hurting you.
Cancer: Page of Wands
Pages represent a new energy or perspective on an ongoing situation, or a new way of trying to solve a problem you’ve been dealing with for a while. Pages in the suit of wands, then, refer to alternative paths to creative endeavors or spiritual growth through analyzing and using your abundant energy and potential. On a more negative side, there’s a chance that you’re in a rut right now, experiencing writers’ block or an inability to get motivated. If that resonates, Cancer, try looking for alternate ways of getting where you need to go; for example, asking someone you admire for their help or advice. What is meant for you will not pass you by, but only you can drive a dream to reality.
Leo: Five of Cups
Not to be too harsh on you, sweet Leo, but what’s holding you back right now is your own mental block. You’re dwelling on something, whether it’s a past or present situation, that you know you can’t change. It’s important to feel and process your emotions, yes, but Five of Cups represents a period of time when feeling is all you’re doing, and it’s taking the place of moving forward and focusing on where you want to go in the future. There’s an element of self-pity in this card, so if this resonates, consider how you can best let go of it. Understand that by wallowing, you’re only limiting yourself further.
Virgo: Ace of Swords
We love a good Ace card, and if you’re a Virgo, the swords suit probably speaks to areas of your life that are super important to you. The mental clarity that swords bring helps you focus on personal success and professional development.
You’ve got a goal, a new idea and all the power necessary to succeed. Now, your only challenge is to make sure you plan out how best to execute. Don’t lose your motivation in worrying about the details, though. As a Virgo myself, I know how easy it can be to fall into mental traps agonizing over each and every step in your path. Realize that all that you need to succeed is already within you, and envision your future once you’ve started this journey.
Libra: The Lovers
Your season just ended, Libra, so you’re likely feeling refreshed. The Lovers refers not just to romantic relationships and partnerships — although, as we’re in the thick of Libra season, you may be finding these easier and a lot more fun right now — but dualities in general unifying.
Some folks see The Lovers and automatically think it’s time to download Tinder, but keep in mind that the two figures depicted on the card can also refer to two parts within yourself. Self-love may come more naturally, and you may be figuring out who you are or beginning a period of greater self-acceptance. Alternately, maybe you’re feeling called to reconcile with someone you’ve had beef with in the past. Keep it light, keep it easy and remember that this Major Arcana card could signify something with a lasting impact.
Scorpio: The Sun
The Sun is the most positive card in the deck! Scorpio season has just begun -- Oct. 23 to Nov. 22 -- and your natural ability to see the good side of life is enhanced. The Sun doesn’t necessarily promise that something amazing will come your way, but it does suggest that you’re feeling optimistic, and you’re not having too much trouble focusing on what’s going well. You’re identifying any negative thoughts for what they are and moving past them. Keep it up! You’re in your power.
Sagittarius: The Empress
In the traditional tarot, the imagery associated with The Empress is that of a pregnant woman in nature, attuning with the world around her and preparing to contribute to it. She is in tune with her surroundings and spiritually set to “birth” — but of course, this card doesn’t usually refer to an actual pregnancy.
What it does mean, Sag, is that you find yourself in the perfect mental and physical space to “give birth to,” implement or share a creative project, personal accomplishment or new perspective you’ve unearthed with those around you. Often, this card refers to a personal rebranding or shift, and you understand that the people who are important to you will support and believe in you and your work.
Capricorn: Two of Swords
Decisions, decisions, decisions. What’s bothering you lately, Capricorn? You’re either struggling with two outcomes of a choice you could make, or you’re unsure how to proceed in a conflict between two folks you’re close with. This card often refers to someone trapped unwillingly in a mediator role. If it’s not your drama, Cap, you don’t need to force yourself to take part in it. You don’t owe anyone your wisdom, especially if they’re not receptive. And if it’s you that can’t decide what to do or who to side with, maybe the best action is inaction. You know who you are, what you need and where you’re going; don’t let anyone distract you from your vision.
Aquarius: Ten of Cups
This card symbolizes the blissful feeling of completion, luxury and pride in yourself after you’ve worked hard to bring something to fruition — and given that we’re dealing with Cups energy, it has to do with interpersonal relationships or your own mental state and self-image. Whether you changed something about your perspective or got back on good terms with someone you’d been distant from, you’ve taken the reins and resolved something that wasn’t serving you emotionally. In true Aquarius fashion, you saw a problem, you fixed it and you deserve to be proud of that. Take a break!
Pisces: Page of Cups
Intuition is one of your gifts, Pisces, but don’t let your inner knowing get blocked by unprocessed emotional responses to what you encounter. The Page is a well-meaning, excitable figure who often brings a positive or enjoyable surprise. Sometimes, this card really does foreshadow something tangible coming your way or someone giving you a gift! But this card is also known to appear when you’ve been offered a new opportunity, especially a creative one.
In a spiritual sense, you may be receiving more intuitive messages or feeling a strong drive to (re)connect with your spirituality in some way. No matter which it is, you need to stay open-minded. Go with the flow, see what happens and appreciate the good things. Don’t be afraid to let yourself feel and respond with feeling, but be sure to keep that in check, too. Don’t let it cloud your vision.
(10/26/19 5:58pm)
While some of us are still saving up for the $699 iPhone 11 (as well as the even pricier iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, all released Sept. 20), Apple also rolled out iOS 13 for most devices Sept. 19. If you’re more of a tablet person, the software update included a tablet-specific upgrade, iPadOS, finally creating two separate operating systems for the iPhone and iPad.
The iPhone 11: Improved battery life, camera upgrades and... "slofies?"
The iPhone 11 has an improved battery life, but to afford the space, Apple ditched the 3D Touch feature. Otherwise, the primary aspect setting the iPhone 11 apart from previous versions is the upgraded camera, so if you like the camera on your current phone, you might not want to spring for the iPhone 11. The device is otherwise visually similar to the iPhone XS, although there is a new matte finish on the back of the 11.
The iPhone 11 features a dual camera, one ultra-wide-angle lens and another that takes quality photos at night. They’re arranged in a square shape, which helps offer an 85-degree field of view compared to the 70 degrees provided by the iPhone XR, as well as a slow-motion effect to the front-facing camera. I like the idea of being able to add an additional person to a group selfie, but the slo-mo stuff takes it a bit too far: according to Apple, it’s for taking “slofies.” I tried to convince myself that slofies were some kind of joke, but Apple is actually trying to trademark the word, so I guess slofies are becoming a thing for some reason.
In terms of real benefits that people actually care about, the iPhone 11 Pro has an even better camera than the 11, but for a $300 price hike. However, the screen is smaller, at just 5.8 inches compared to 6.1 inches on the 11, so the three camera lenses take up a ton of space. They’re also each raised, and all three are housed in a carved-out section on the phone body. While the pictures it takes are as close to professional as you can get with a smartphone, I don’t think an ugly, bulky exterior is necessarily worth it.
Aside from the camera, Apple claims that the glass used for the iPhone 11 is the strongest ever included on a smartphone, which is an easy selling point for folks like me who can’t go a month without cracking a phone screen. It’s also got improved water resistance, which is a plus for me, too, as someone who once accidentally submerged an old iPhone in an entire cup of coffee. (It was a rough morning all around.)
iOS 13: Updates to classic apps, animated Memojis and Dark Mode
iPhone 11s come pre-installed with iOS 13, which means that another generation of older iPhones will no longer be able to take advantage of future software updates. The iPhones 6, 6 Plus and 5S were able to run iOS 12, but won’t support iOS 13.
iOS 13 is the biggest software update Apple has released to date, and some major changes affect the Maps, Reminders and Photos apps native to the iPhone. Generally, the three are more streamlined and user-friendly than before.
My favorite is the Reminders app. You can add locations, links, follow-up actions and even photos to your Reminders, which could be super helpful for a student. I can see myself attaching screenshots of important emails, links to Canvas assignments or pictures of items I want to remember to buy when I get my next paycheck.
Maps has also received an overhaul, which I’m excited about after being led astray one too many times by the previous app. Unfortunately, the Maps updates aren’t available in every state yet. Georgia is one that will have to wait until 2020 for the new details such as Look Around, which is Apple’s answer to Google Maps’ Street View.
Without a doubt, the best thing about iOS 13 is the introduction of Dark Mode. It inverts white and gray colors for black and dark grey in most apps, which not only extends battery life but also reduces eye strain. According to the Mayo Clinic, eye strain is most commonly caused by screen brightness and extended screen use.
I’ll admit, I’m not really sold on Dark Mode most of the time. That’s why I was surprised that I loved how much easier it is to read texts at night or check my phone when I wake up in the morning. For me, the difference is that iOS 13 makes it available on many apps that I use, while it was previously just an option on a few. For example, the switch from dark Twitter to bright iMessage was jarring, but now I don’t have to worry about it, so it’s overall a simpler and more positive experience.
One drawback to iOS 13 is the ubiquitous Memojis. Technically, Memojis were rolled out in iOS 12, but I didn’t know they existed until this month when I traded in my iPhone 6 for an iPhone XR, since Memojis aren’t available for devices earlier than the X. The most recent update animates and includes Memojis as stickers in your iMessage and Mail apps. They’re cute, but honestly, I think they’re weird and a bit of a waste of time. Why would anyone need to email a massive cartoon of themselves crying or an animated octopus emoji?
As far as drawbacks go, though, that’s pretty minimal, since I can just ignore it. And while the initial response to iOS 13 revealed that the update contained several bugs, Apple released the revised iOS 13.1 within a week, which resolved many of the issues. Overall, this season of Apple products is solid, but the iPhone 11 is probably not worth the investment if your current model will support iOS 13.
(10/24/19 12:55am)
Middle Georgia residents have already self-reported cases of influenza, or “the flu,” this fall, according to georgiaflu.com. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported that three people had already been hospitalized for confirmed cases of flu by Oct. 5. That’s why health officials say it’s time for every eligible American to get the influenza vaccine — no matter how effective it’s estimated to be.
Last year, the CDC FluView report found that Georgia was one of 11 states experiencing a “widespread” outbreak and one of nine to report rising flu activity compared to recent years.
That flu season was the deadliest in decades, with more than 60,000 deaths in the United States and 647,000 hospitalizations — nearly double the yearly averages. An estimated 145 Georgia residents died during the 2018-2019 flu season, while more than 3,000 other folks required hospitalizations in the metro Atlanta area alone.
Still, only about half of Americans get flu shots each year, according to the CDC. Flu rates and severity have increased, but vaccination rates have stagnated.
Part of the reason? Vaccine hesitancy — a growing distrust in pharmaceutical companies or vaccine ingredients prompting people to forgo their shots — is on the rise nationwide. The flu shot in particular gets a bad rap due to reports that it’s ineffective against some strains, but also due to myths surrounding who needs it as well as its function and side effects.
Let’s start with effectiveness. Georgia Public Broadcasting reported that the 2019-2020 shot is only 29% effective. New flu vaccines are developed each year, and the ingredients are chosen based on the medical community’s predictions as to which strains will surface that season. But according to GPB, an additional, unexpected strain “popped up halfway through the past flu season,” reducing the number of total viruses that the vaccine formula covers.
However, the CDC says some coverage is better than none, and last year’s vaccine prevented an estimated 40,000 to 90,000 hospitalizations despite being no more than 32% effective. Even if you do still get the flu after receiving the shot, your symptoms will likely be less severe and the duration will be shorter.
This means that low effectiveness isn’t a good reason to skip the vaccine, but what about side effects? Some folks worry that the shot causes a mild flu since it’s comprised of a killed version of the virus. But that’s just the thing — what’s injected into you is dead, and is therefore incapable of giving you the flu. The killed cells simply allow you to build up antibodies capable of tackling the virus should it enter your body again in the future, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The DPH reports that side effects of the shot include soreness, redness or swelling at the site of the injection, a low-grade fever or aches for a few days. Sure, that’s inconvenient, but influenza complications can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections or dehydration, and can worsen chronic medical conditions like congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Any of these can result in hospitalization or death — so which would you prefer?
This shot-shaming doesn’t apply to people who aren’t medically eligible to take vaccines, of course. Many vaccines aren’t recommended for infants, elderly folks or people with certain chronic illnesses or immunocompromisation. The flu vaccine is one of the safest, however — even pregnant folks and people with long-term heart conditions can usually receive it — but if you’re at all concerned, definitely talk to your doctor before you get that shot.
If you’re able, getting vaccinated helps protect those who aren’t. When enough people in a community are vaccinated against a disease, it can’t travel as easily from person to person, and the entire community is less likely to catch it. This phenomenon is called herd immunity, according to Vaccines.gov, and it helps keep everyone safe.
Flu shots are available at the Student Health Center here on campus, most doctors’ offices and pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid and Kroger. Local experts recommend that you get the vaccine before October ends, but if you miss that mark, don’t freak out: you can get the shot at any time, and it will be just as effective. You just want to maximize the amount of time that you, and the community at large, are protected.
For more information on how to access and pay for the flu vaccine, visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder online — and in the meantime, please wash your hands.
(10/11/19 1:07am)
As astrology has hit the mainstream, from horoscopes in Cosmopolitan to apps like Co-Star and Astro Guide, tarot card readings have also grown in popularity. Tarot readers looking for cards used to be limited to metaphysical shops and certain Etsy stores, but today, major retailers like Urban Outfitters and Barnes & Noble — even the one in Macon! — sell decks.
Like asking someone their zodiac sign, reaching for a tarot deck when life gets confusing isn’t considered as strange as it once was. But what is the tarot, and how is it really used?
A lot of folks think that the point of tarot is to tell your future. In my experience, though, they can only guide you in deciding how you want to shape your own future by helping you access your intuition.
At the risk of oversimplifying a complex system, consider this: have you ever flipped a coin to make a decision, been disappointed with the results and realized that the other option was the outcome you really wanted?
That’s the same way the tarot works.
However, they can apply to more complex issues than a yes or no, should I or shouldn’t I situation, and learning to intuit what the cards represent takes time, effort and dedication.
Let’s get down to the basics. A traditional tarot deck contains 78 cards, 22 of which comprise the Major Arcana. The rest fall into the Minor Arcana. You’re probably most familiar with Major cards, like The Fool, The Sun, The Moon, Death and The Lovers.
Major cards refer to important life events, transitions and transformations; for example, Death refers to a period of rebirth and is often represented by a phoenix rising from the ashes, while The Fool usually indicates the start of a new journey, experience or phase of life, characterized by childlike innocence, excitement and naïveté.
The majority of tarot cards consist of the Minor Arcana. These cards refer to day-to-day experiences, feelings and situations, and their meanings can be devised by considering their separate parts: suit, number and Court rank.
The four suits of the tarot are Cups, Wands, Swords and Coins, which are sometimes called Pentacles. Cups represent emotions, interpersonal relationships, intuition and the element of Water; Wands signify elemental Fire, personal will, energy, and creativity; Swords represent danger, power, intellect, cunning and the Air element; and Coins stand for Earth energy, grounding, physical sensation and worldly experiences such as accumulating wealth.
From there, the number on the card helps you understand to what extent the keywords of the Suit are being evoked:
Aces are the idea or potential behind the idea.
Twos are the very beginning of its application.
Threes are initial structure of a plan, project, or cycle.
Fours represent it starting to stabilize.
Fives indicate troubles or disorganization along the way.
Sixes imply difficulty with balance.
Sevens show the first sight of completion.
Eights suggest problem-solving.
Nines imply the ending of the cycle.
Tens appear upon completion.
After Tens come Princesses or Pages, Princes or Knights, Queens and Kings, known as Court Cards or Royal Arcana. Princess and Pages are youthful, embodying new perspectives on the traits associated with the suit. Princes and Knights represent a potential imbalance, moments of high energy mixed with bouts of procrastination. The Queen is the most mature embodiment of her suit and leads with intention, while the King leads with swiftness and setting boundaries.
If you want to start reading tarot, the first thing you’ll need is a deck. You can purchase a deck at plenty of retail stores, as I mentioned before, but if you’re willing to look a little harder you can find beautiful decks created by independent artists online.
Some indie decks I like are The Tarot, psychedelic-art-themed cards by Oliver Hibert, and Fifth Spirit Tarot, a queer re-imagining of the traditionally gendered tarot by non-binary artist Claire Burgess. You can also pick up a deck from a metaphysical store, like Modern Mystic Shop at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, or on Amazon or Etsy.
Artists create decks with any theme you can imagine: cats, intersectional feminists throughout history, space, African-American icons, Harry Potter, flowers, Judeo-Christian religious figures and even anime. If a tarot deck is too expensive (a produced deck retails for about $45), you can also draw your own cards based on the archetypes or download a free tarot app (I use Golden Thread and Mystic Mondays).
Then you need to figure out what to ask! For some people, this is easier said than done. It can be hard to ask a question that’s both specific enough and broad enough for a combination of 78 cards to clearly answer. That’s why many tarot readers use spreads.
A spread is essentially a way of organizing the cards you pull in a specific order where each card answers a specific question based on its placement in the spread. Some examples include the iconic Celtic Cross, which calls for 10 cards, or a simple Past/Present/Future spread, which only requires three.
There are also spreads for different areas of your life if you just need a full rundown in one area: career, love life, academics, mental health or anything else. Some social media influencers share spreads on their accounts; some of my favorites are Emerald Lotus Divination and Biddy Tarot.
If you do have a specific question, just make sure to keep it open-ended. When I’m asking the cards about a decision I have to make, I pull one card to answer, “what will my experience be if I choose option A?” and another for option B. Then, I select a third to describe what can help me make the choice between the two. Yes-or-no queries like, “should I go to this event?” or “should I drop this class?” are a bit too limiting. The cards can’t tell the future, so try not to ask things like, “will my ex come back?” either.
It might feel awkward the first time you perform a tarot reading, especially if you have to follow a spread you find on Instagram, Google every card or look up their meanings in a book. That’s okay, though; it’s part of the learning process, and I still like to research cards when I do my readings just to be sure I’m considering every perspective.
Remember, it’s totally fine if you only turn to the tarot when you’re facing a particularly confusing issue or challenging situation. And of course, some people just use them for fun.
If you’re into the idea of tarot but not sure you’re ready to read cards for yourself, just pick up the next issue of The Cluster and look for Clusterscopes in the Lifestyle section! I’ll start pulling a card for each zodiac sign, so make sure you know your Sun, Moon and Rising signs. You can use an online natal chart creator like the one at CafeAstrology to help you figure yours out.
(10/09/19 4:34am)
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This article contains discussions of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and suicide.
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Rates of mental health problems on college campuses continue to climb, according to a study from November 2018 analyzing trends in students accessing treatment for mental illness from 2007-2017.
This revelation probably isn’t surprising to anyone on Mercer’s campus. Have you ever seen someone cry in the library, skip class due to anxiety or spend a day in bed during a depressive episode? Or have you ever felt guilty for doing one of those things yourself? You’re not alone, and you’re not being dramatic; medical professionals recognize chronic stress in students as a public health issue.
Earlier this year, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine added students at “high-achieving schools” to their list of “at-risk” groups who were likely to experience poor mental health resulting from environmental factors. To put that into perspective, other at-risk groups include children living in poverty, youth in the foster care system, recent immigrants to the United States and kids with parents in prison.
Chronic stress, access to alcohol and drugs, “excessive pressure to succeed” and the stressors associated with a transitionary period of life can contribute to the development of mental illness. A 2015 study in the journal Academic Psychiatry found that substance abuse disorder is the most common problem college students face: 20% develop alcohol abuse disorder, and 22-40% of smokers become dependent on nicotine.
Otherwise, about 12% live with an anxiety disorder, 9.5% with anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder and 7% to 9% with a depressive or mood disorder. Almost 10% report struggling with suicidal ideation, up from less than 6% in 2007, according to the ten-year mental wellness analysis. The study also found that rates of depression in college students increase each year.
Rates of some mental illnesses soar in college because the average age of onset coincides with the age at which traditional students attend an undergraduate program — broadly, between 17-23 years old. However, the data also suggests that college students suffer mental health issues at a disproportionately high rate due to the abundance of additional pressures.
Still, less than half of college students who are suffering will seek treatment. But according to Emily Piassick, director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Mercer University, that number is increasing.
On Mercer’s campus, CAPS has experienced a 36% jump in the number of students seeking counseling since 2016, including undergraduates, graduate students, law students and medical students. That number is consistent with national rates of treatment and diagnosis, which rose from 19% in 2007 to 34% in 2017, Piassick said.
Last year, CAPS treated 534 individual clients with a staff of two professional therapists, one part-time intern and two part-time therapists. The 2019-2020 staff includes two professional therapists, two part-time interns and a new assistant director, who started Oct. 1.
CAPS will continue to search for an additional counselor. Piassick said a larger staff will help the office match the increasing demand for services.
Understaffing is nothing new for CAPS: some students in 2018 reported wait times so long that they gave up on going there. This year, Piassick said that the average wait time is seven days after a student calls to make an appointment. When 94 million Americans have had to wait longer than a week and the average wait time for a graduate student exceeds 10 weeks, a seven-day wait shouldn’t be too much of a deterrent.
Sometimes, though, making it through another week might not feel realistic.
“All students are asked if they are in an emergency situation when they call for an appointment at CAPS,” Piassick said. “If the student says they are in an emergency situation, they will speak directly with the therapist on call to assess the emergency and make decisions for next steps.”
Piassick said the most common concerns students have when coming to CAPS are anxiety, depression, family issues and stress.
C. is a senior at Mercer who suffers from depression and anxiety. He didn’t want to use his full name in this report due to the sensitive nature of his story, but he said he’s been going to CAPS off and on since his freshman year.
“I’ve had a mostly positive experience with CAPS personally. I think that has more to do with who I saw than necessarily the department as a whole,” he said.
His freshman year, C. was able to schedule weekly appointments at CAPS. When he was a sophomore, however, his counselor became overbooked.
“I began to run into times where I wouldn’t be able to see my therapist for two weeks instead of one. Sometimes I would have to wait if she had something come up. She had one time where she had to go back up to Atlanta, so I had an appointment canceled and moved,” C. said.
Eventually, he stopped trying to schedule appointments.
“It was hard getting an appointment, and between that and my increasing mental health issues, I didn’t have the motivation to keep fighting to go back,” he said.
C. didn’t return to CAPS his junior year. He started looking for outside help in Macon, but couldn’t find a practice that his insurance would cover, so he recently returned to CAPS.
“We’re running into the same kind of wait issues, but not as bad. I’m on pretty much a biweekly schedule,” C. said. “I would like to be seeing my therapist on a weekly basis, but I understand that with the influx of students trying to see them, especially since they’ve been trying to improve their reputation, I can’t necessarily expect to see her on a weekly basis.”
Students can make an appointment with CAPS by calling their office at 478-301-2862 or visiting their physical location behind Mary Erin Porter Hall.
For students interested in off-campus services, websites like Psychology Today and Find A Psychologist run databases for users to search by location and insurance provider for verified counselors.
Some local mental health practices include Georgia Behavioral Health Professionals of Macon, which is a branch of a statewide network, and Piedmont Counseling Center. Faith-based therapy options include New Dawn Counseling Center and Crossroads Christian Counseling Center. CAPS can also refer students to external practices, therapists and psychiatrists.
(10/02/19 5:41am)
(09/18/19 9:05pm)
Two years after Mercer’s Greek-letter organizations switched to a delayed recruitment policy, nearly 140 women in Panhellenic chapters have signed a petition to reverse the decision.
Savannah Lackey is a sister of Alpha Delta Pi, a global health studies major and a sophomore senator in the Student Government Association. She created the petition prior to the 2019 recruitment period.
“Mercer started delayed recruitment two years ago in hopes that it would bring a positive change,” Lackey wrote in the petition. “As women have been through this process, it has seemed to bring more stress, social anxiety and tension to these women's lives. We hope to move recruitment up to the beginning of the year to resolve many of the issues that Panhellenic women face at Mercer.”
With the help of her friend and sorority sister Logan Alford, Lackey said she started the petition to address a common concern among the Mercer Greek community.
“A lot of Panhellenic women have been speaking out about their opinions and issues with delayed recruitment,” Lackey told The Cluster. “Some women also enjoy and advocate for delayed recruitment, so I cannot speak for everyone.”
Charlee Coker, another sophomore sister of Alpha Delta Pi, said she prefers delayed recruitment.
Coker said the first few weeks of school give freshmen time to decide if Greek life is right for them.
“Many great girls are now in our chapter that wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for delayed recruitment,” she said. Personally, she “had no intentions” of going through recruitment when her freshman year began.
“But because I had those first few weeks to get used to Mercer, go to information meetings and talk to girls at Bear Fair, I decided I would, and my college experience wouldn’t be what it is without ADPi (Alpha Delta Pi),” she said.
Coker also said that while delayed recruitment might put more pressure on initiated members of Greek life, it’s more important to consider the benefits it offers Potential New Members (PNMs).
“I think many people want early because it would be easier for us, but recruitment isn’t about us,” she said. “It’s about all the PNMs, and I just think we’d be missing out on some great girls if we move it back.”
One of the issues that some initiated women have with delayed recruitment is the limited contact guidelines, which were designed with PNMs’ experience in mind.
“Fraternity or sorority students may not interact with first-year students under the following circumstances: off campus (The Lofts, other organization events, off campus houses, public venues and any other off-campus location not specified), in the chapter houses, at chapter events (or) in first-year residence halls and current fraternity or sorority member residence hall rooms,” according to the Delayed Recruitment Guidelines and Policies.
The policies also discourage Greek-affiliated students from working with PNMs on class projects when possible. However, the document maintains that “the point of limited PNM contact is not to discourage you from creating friendships with incoming first-year students in your classes, but to ensure each and every PNM can have a positive, fair and unbiased Panhellenic recruitment experience.”
Although the more specific policies only apply to first-years, the designation of Potential New Member applies to all Mercer students who are not affiliated with a fraternity or sorority — regardless of whether or not they intend to “go Greek.”
Per the guidelines, affiliated members must fill out a form at the start of each recruitment season indicating who their friends are outside of Greek life, or their chapter could face a fine if a member is found interacting with them.
Limited contact rules also apply to social media interactions, something Lackey said is hard to control.
“The rules cause for unnecessary fines for rules women may not even realize they may be breaking, such as following unaffiliated (women) going to Mercer, when they don’t even realize they’re following them on social media,” Lackey said.
Students, regardless of affiliation, are encouraged in the Guidelines and Policies to report any violations of limited contact rules to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Programs. Infractions could result in sanctions or fines, and chapters found to have committed serious violations — such as any contact with a freshman that involves alcohol — could be prohibited from extending bids to new members and face charges from the Office of Judicial Education.
Lackey said the watchdog nature of delayed recruitment can contribute to “tension” between sorority chapters.
“Some women become concerned with watching each other for breaking rules,” she said, which “does not encourage ‘Pan love.”
Delayed recruitment was originally instituted to “create a safe, positive environment for incoming first-year students to acclimate to campus prior to affiliating with a Greek-letter organization,” according to the Guidelines.
However, for Lackey, it has only caused undue stress. She advocates for moving recruitment to the first week of class, or even before school starts in the fall.
She said the change wouldn’t just benefit initiated members. Receiving a bid in the first week of class could help freshmen ease into life on campus and find a sense of place on campus as soon as they start college.
“PNMs would have a familiar face in their classes,” Lackey said. “They would most likely not feel as isolated as they currently do leading up to recruitment.”
On the other hand, Coker said the time before recruitment provides opportunities for making friendships that entering Greek life earlier in the year might not leave room for.
“Something that’s special about Mercer is that we have friends that are both Greek and non-Greek,” Coker said. “I feel most of those non-Greek friendships are made in those few weeks before recruitment happens.”
While any decisions to alter the delayed recruitment policies lie with the administration, Lackey said students in favor of changing it have the power to speak up.
“I want to take initiative in this issue because (it) affects me and the people I care about, affiliated and non-affiliated,” Lackey said. “Campus Life is aware of the issues with delayed recruitment and is currently trying to work towards whatever they find best for the students. They encourage students to voice their opinions, but (we) ultimately cannot decide the final outcome of recruitment. Essentially, it is up to students to use their voices and work with the administrators to make a change.”
(09/11/19 4:43am)
This is an opinion article. Any views expressed belong solely to the author and are not representative of The Cluster.
We’ve all been there: syllabus week went by smoothly, you’re feeling good and the year looks bright. But when the second or third week of school sets in, your workload dramatically increases. You start to realize that one of your courses might be too much to handle after all — and then it dawns on you that there’s nothing you can do about it.
Sure, you can withdraw from a class until just after midterm, but you'll get a nasty W on your transcript (I should know, I have four) and disrupt your credits attempted to credits earned ratio. While you may free yourself from a killer course or buy yourself more time for your other obligations, that W follows you to graduation and grad school, and you can even lose that semester’s financial aid or scholarships if you withdraw enough hours. Not to mention, you've wasted half a semester of your and your professor's time.
The specified period for dropping or adding a course at the start of the school year spans just four days, or two class meetings. How are we supposed to know whether we can manage our course load or handle a particularly challenging class when all we've done is read the syllabus?
During the first week of school this year, one of my professors didn’t even have a completed syllabus to distribute at the first meeting, and we didn’t have access to Canvas until the morning of the second day. Another teacher specifically told my class that the workload over the first weeks was nowhere near as heavy as we can expect it to get, and that’s not at all unusual. It’s just not enough time for us to know how much we will have to dedicate to each course.
The short add/drop period makes sense from a professor’s perspective. Anyone who’s missed a few days of school before knows how easy it is to fall behind in college if you’re not in class. Joining almost any class two or three weeks into the semester disadvantages a student for sure, and professors don’t have the time to individually catch you up on everything. Within the first three weeks, I already had papers, projects and an exam. If someone were to add one of those classes now, they'd also be behind in hundreds of pages of reading and tens of hours of lecture.
Additionally, The Chronicle reported that professors see a student who joins late as unprepared, disinterested in the course or just trying to meet a last-minute graduation requirement. I get that it’s probably annoying to have to teach your passion to someone who’s clearly bored out of their mind or who didn’t jump at the chance to sign up for your class the moment registration opened, but in the case of some courses like gen-eds, I think it’s fair to assume that about half the class doesn’t want to be there. Students shouldn’t be penalized for doing what’s required.
I did some digging, and I found that Mercer isn’t unique in offering such a short add/drop period. This year, our window fell between Aug. 19-23. Georgia Southern University in Statesboro has the shortest drop/add period of the eight schools I researched, from Aug. 19-22. In Atlanta, Oglethorpe University offers a full seven days to decide (Aug. 19-26). Most colleges had a similar timeframe to Mercer’s — within the first week of the semester.
Allowing students to add a course weeks late would set us up for a difficult semester and require a ton of catch-up that professors would have to oversee. However, limiting us from dropping a course before we know what we’re getting into does us a huge disservice.
So I propose something different: the first week of class to add new courses, but the first three to drop without penalty. It’s not an original idea, because at Georgia College and State University here in Middle Georgia, students have three days to add a course and five to drop. Why not try that on a larger scale?
Students could get a feel for their classes before being locked into them, but professors wouldn’t have to deal with students showing up late and scrambling to make up for weeks of instruction. We just need a little more time to make informed decisions about our schedules without irreparable academic or financial consequences.
(09/09/19 9:24pm)
This summer was one of the best of my entire life. I was interning full-time at a radio station, taking classes, living in Macon with all my closest friends and truly “adulting” for the first time. But in June, something changed: I found myself completely out of energy, my anxiety spiraled out of control and my hair started falling out. Worst of all, my periods — which have always been long, heavy and unbearably painful — would last two to three weeks at a time.
If you have a uterus, you can imagine how horrible this was.
At the end of July, I made an appointment at Women for Women’s Health in Macon. I suspected that I had endometriosis, a condition causing uterine tissue to grow on the outside of the uterus and on other organs, leading to pain and menstrual complications. A few women in my family have the disease, but I left my doctor’s appointment with a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) — a condition I’d never heard of.
The major symptoms definitely aligned with what I’d been experiencing: painful periods, extreme fatigue, increased anxiety, hair thinning and pain. The metabolic disease affects between 5 and 10 percent of women, half of whom don’t even know they have it — partially due to a lack of knowledge about the condition, according to the PCOS Awareness Association.
My doctor told me everything I needed to know, but she also told me that it’s common for people to misunderstand PCOS. I spoke to a surgeon who specializes in reproductive surgery, Dr. James Nodler, at the Center for Corrective Reproductive Medicine in Houston, Texas, about the ins and outs of PCOS.
How PCOS affects the body
Unfortunately, as is often the case with women’s health, Nodler said experts aren’t sure what causes PCOS.
“PCOS is kind of a mix of a few different things,” he said. “Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of androgens in their bodies, and androgens are those male hormones like testosterone, and so when they have those higher levels of testosterone, it can cause a couple issues. One is sometimes they have issues with hair growth and acne.”
That hair growth can localize to the face or chest and come along with male-pattern baldness on the scalp. Weight gain, primarily in the lower abdominal region, is also common.
In terms of mental health, PCOS can prompt or worsen anxiety and depression. Nodler said doctors are still trying to determine whether these emotional challenges arise due to hormone imbalances, as reactions to the symptoms or both.
Another major problem associated with elevated androgen levels is infertility. In fact, PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility in the United States. Clinical studies estimate that between 70 and 80 percent of patients struggle to conceive.
Nodler said the disease halts ovulation, the process by which a woman releases an egg every month for it to be fertilized by sperm.
That’s also why folks with PCOS have very infrequent or irregular periods. Sometimes, they have no periods at all for months or even years at a time. Missing periods that often can cause the endometrium, or tissue inside the uterus, to grow too thick. That prompts additional pelvic pain and raises patients’ risk of complications such as uterine cancer.
“When women have higher levels of androgens, it throws off some of the signals from the brain — those are signals we call (follicle-stimulating hormone) and (luteinizing hormone) — and those are two things that make women have cyclic menstrual cycles,” Nodler said.
A history of irregular menstruation is the main diagnostic for PCOS, along with ultrasounds revealing the presence of ovarian cysts and blood tests indicating hormonal imbalances, according to Nodler.
His research focuses on the nutritional elements of PCOS. He said that often, diet can contribute to changes in hormone levels.
“Sometimes, women have worse PCOS or get PCOS at all if they are overweight or obese, so there’s a big nutritional component,” he said. “The reason for that is the fat tissue — the adipose — releases its own androgens. And so when the androgens get released, like the testosterone from the fat tissue, what that does is it kind of throws off the hormones from the brain as well.”
Additionally, most people with PCOS develop resistance to the glucose-processing hormone insulin, causing what Nodler described as a “prediabetes picture.”
“Women with PCOS don’t process blood sugar correctly, so like carbohydrates, things you find in bread, pastas, things like that,” he said. “If they’re not processing carbohydrates correctly, they get more fat storage, and then the symptoms of PCOS get worse, so that’s why sometimes you’ll hear us tell women to work on weight loss and lose some of the fat tissue, because a lot of the times that makes them cycle or ovulate more normally.”
But insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances can make it difficult to lose or maintain weight, so that’s easier said than done. Plus, diet and exercise won’t help diminish symptoms for patients who are already at a healthy weight. Those women, with what’s called “lean PCOS,” may instead find relief thanks to a diabetes medication called metformin that helps process blood sugar. For those struggling with infertility, metformin can also help promote ovulation by helping regulate insulin.
For PCOS patients without insulin resistance — regardless of their weight — a fertility medicine called letrozole can help as well, according to one of Nodler’s own studies comparing fertility treatments in women with lean PCOS.
Fertility isn’t something I’m worried about right now, and I don’t think it ever will be, but the other symptoms PCOS presents have definitely caused me distress and discomfort for the past ten years. Since middle school, I’ve racked up class absences due to the pain I experience and -- TMI alert -- the fact that I can bleed through a super-size tampon in as little as an hour. That’s shorter than most of my classes.
Looking forward
In middle and high school, there were days when all I could do was lay on the floor and cry. (I know it sounds dramatic, but my mom can vouch for me, I swear.) I started taking a birth control pill when I was 15 to help regulate my period and reduce the pain, and switched to the Nexplanon implant two years later. Nodler said hormonal birth control is one of the first treatments doctors prescribe to PCOS patients, and for me, it’s been extremely helpful until this summer. It’s normal for birth control to lose its effectiveness over time when it comes to period management, so now, I’m taking a hormonal pill while I have my Nexplanon implant. I’ve seen some improvement from the combo already.
But, importantly, birth control is a treatment, not a cure. There is no cure for PCOS, which is one reason why Congress federally designated September 2019 as PCOS Awareness Month.
According to PCOS Challenge, a national organization raising awareness for and supporting research of the disease, “the aim of PCOS Awareness Month is to help improve the lives of those affected by PCOS and to help them to overcome their symptoms as well as prevent and reduce their risks for life-threatening related diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer.”
The latter part of their mission presented a sobering realization for me. It means that my condition could morph into something worse if I don’t take care of myself and manage my symptoms effectively. I’ve always been the kind of person who avoids going to the doctor unless I’ve got a sky-high fever or if I have something I can more easily identify, like the flu. I just want to walk into the doc’s office, get any medicine I might need and go home without causing a fuss. But getting diagnosed with a disease I never knew existed — and one so universally misunderstood — taught me just how important it is to trust my body when it’s telling me that something is wrong and to take my health seriously enough to talk about it, openly and unapologetically.
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Jules Tollett is a senior English and Theatre major at Mercer University. She has been writing for The Cluster since her freshman year, and has enjoyed working with so many people over the years. Jules is very grateful to be a lead writer this year, and would like to thank Nadia for this opportunity.
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Jen Jones is a junior and majors in sports marketing and analytics with a minor in journalism. She has worked on The Cluster staff for two years and was the Sports Editor for 2019-2020. Her favorite sport is baseball and hopes to work for a MLB team one day.
(08/14/19 8:58pm)
Serena Golden is a journalism and international affairs major in her senior year at Mercer. In addition to her work for The Cluster, Serena has published photo, video, audio and written work with GPB Macon and Cape Community Newspapers in Cape Town, South Africa. After graduating in 2021, Serena plans to pursue a career in internationally-focused multimedia journalism.
(08/14/19 8:56pm)
Nadia Pressley is a senior double-majoring in journalism and global development studies. This past summer, she was the Digital Marketing Intern for R3. She served as the Lifestyle & Opinion Editor of The Cluster this fall and will be its News Editor throughout the spring. She enjoys music, art and fashion. In the future, Nadia hopes to work in digital media marketing and communications.