KSU Talon | Feb. 2014

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1 | Talon Magazine February 2014 | 2

ContentI s s u e 3 : F e b ruary 2014

03: Two Separate Worlds

Before every new beginning, there is a moment where you’re left in the dark. Your eyes are

shut tight and there’s nothing surrounding you but a mere black cover. For a while it may feel like the darkness goes on forever, like you can’t escape the bleak space that you’re floating in. Then a wonderful thing happens. Somewhere

in that dark space, you see a light. It starts off as a small shimmer of glitter then grows into a flicker of a flame. Before you know it, that light is shining as bright as the sun. In

that moment nothing can bring you down. In that glimmer, you can see a chance for a new beginning. You can finally see the end of the

BLACKOUT.

05: Free Bird07: Will Write For Food09: Academic Success11: 2nd & Charles

13: Will Write For Food15: Studying Abroad17: Making Amends17: Terminus Wake20: Talon Staff

-Rachel Burel

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Once the tip of his pen hit the paper, there was no going back. Cecil Otieno had decided to that he was going to become a Marine. He was 22, signing page

after page enlisting himself into the hands of the United States Marine Corps. After traveling far from his home in Kenya, Cecil was excited about the future that he was creating for himself. The next few months would start a path that would not only be stressful, but also strengthening, intimidating, and leave Cecil proud to consider himself a United States Marine.

First, he had to overcome basic training; a thirteen-week program where men and woman are broken down and shaped into Marines. They face both mental and physical challenges and are pushed beyond their maximum level of capacity. Cecil was sent to Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina and was placed in First Battalion, Delta Company. I asked Cecil about what makes you survive basic training. He paused for a moment and stared at the floor before he responded, “Whatever made you go into the military is what keeps you going. Coming from Kenya and not having any family here in the United States, I couldn’t fail because I would have nothing to go back to. I didn’t want to be one of those guys in the streets doing nothing with their life. I couldn’t fail, I had to keep going.”

When I asked him what the hardest part of basic training was for him, he looked up at me and said, “Not getting any mail. Every Sunday mail would come in and I was always that one guy sitting in the back of the squad bay with my arms crossed watching all the others receive their letters. Some of them would be crying, some would be laughing, but I knew that there wasn’t going to be any mail for me because my family was so far away.”

After Cecil graduated basic training, he was sent to Camp Lejeune for four weeks

of Marine Combat Training. From there he was sent to his Military Occupational School where he trained for his job in supply.

Now, three years after enlisting into the Marine Corps, Cecil is an active duty reservist and has gained the rank of Corporal. He has already accomplished his first six weeks of Juniors Platoon Leaders Class, which is a program within Officer Candidate School. After he completes his spring semester, Cecil will be attending his Senior PLC, which is the last six weeks of OCS.

When I started asking Cecil if OCS was harder than basic, he paused before he responded, “it’s a different kind of stress. When you’re in basic training, you are told what to do; you follow orders. The challenge at OCS is making decisions on behalf of your platoon and accomplishing required tasks under fatigued conditions.” Cecil also explained how the physical tests were much more strenuous. When he had started training for OCS, he was working two part-time jobs, taking six classes here at Kennesaw State University and running three to five miles, four times a week. Now, Cecil has a full time job, is taking seven classes at Kennesaw State University, running daily and goes home to take care of his wife and three-year-old son.

“I’m doing this for my son now,” said Cecil. “I want him to have someone to look up to when he’s growing up. I want to be his role model.”

When we were ending our interview, I asked Cecil how he felt about graduating OCS. His face lit up and a large smile spread from cheek to cheek. “I’m excited,” he said. “For the first time I’ll have my family at my graduation. My wife and my son will be there and I’ll be able to experience that special graduation moment.”

As I stood up to shake Cecil’s hand before we parted ways I couldn’t help but admire his determination. After speaking to him I felt empowered. If he could survive all of these challenges and accomplish his dream, then so could I.

Two Separate WorldsBy: Rachel Burel


natural ly to these people; they didn’t have to ask their boyfriend if

it was ‘okay’ if they could go somewhere. They played it safe and stayed responsible, but fun followed them wherever they went. I was so intrigued by this relaxed attitude and desperately wanted to know the secret.

Before I knew it, December had struck, a month of heavy nostalgia and dark pondering. Barely finding time for final exams, I started working over fifty hours a week. My nightly phone calls lost their habitual nature and became much more sporadic, consisting mostly of petty bickering. Considering he had no job and didn’t drive, my boyfriend had much more free time than I did. He wanted me to talk to him for hours like we had in high school. He wanted to see me every day like he did in high school. He begged and pleaded for things to go back to the way they were in high school, but that wasn’t an option anymore.

We just need to get through the holidays, I thought. I tried my best to hold everything together, but I had become a different person. He wanted the old me, who wanted to ride the bus home with him and watch TV for hours. The problem was that I didn’t want that

anymore. I wanted to go out, see places and do things. I enjoyed being around friends and these groups of people. Marriage and living together were nowhere in sight for me anymore. I didn’t have the time to do the things he wanted from me; I couldn’t always call at a specific time, and I was often home after midnight and too tired for long conversations. When I told him all of these things at last, tears rolling down my face, I realized that I was giving him, in earnest, every cheesy line I had mocked for years. Everything I had condemned those people for back in high school was now so clear to me. “It’s not you...it’s really me.” I seriously said that, and the sad thing is that I meant it. He hadn’t done anything; I had just changed. I was a different person who suddenly wanted different things. I wanted to focus on school first and work second. In between work and school, I just wanted to hang out and have fun. I didn’t need any other unnecessary stress. I had changed into someone with new friends, new jobs, and new classes. Before I realized it, I had ended my relationship of two years.

I wasn’t as upset as I had thought I would be, but that’s because I understood that we could never go back to the way things were. We were now completely different people who were going in two different directions, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If I knew in high school what I know now, I never would have judged all the people I knew who broke up with their younger boyfriends and girlfriends. Being on the other side of it now, I completely understand. I always thought I would be different, that I would be the one to overcome the age gap. As it turns out, I’m just another statistic, and there’s not a thing wrong with that.

Everyone remembers at least one friend in high school who got dumped by someone older. Maybe the boyfriend went off to college and suddenly ended it a month later with hardly a good reason. Perhaps it was a buddy of yours and his girlfriend graduated and blindsided him once she started working more. Whoever it was to you,

you probably did the same thing we all did: you called the awful person a string of four-letter words in honor of your heartbroken friend. You mocked all of the clichés they tried to pass: “It’s not you, it’s me.” Or, “I just need to find myself.” You probably scoffed at the cheesy lines just like I did and hated everyone who ever hurt someone like this.

By the time I graduated, I had convinced myself that I was going to be different. The older half of a long-term relationship, I was headed into the vast new world of independence, adulthood, and responsibility that is college while my boyfriend was entering his senior year of high school. Despite the fact that I had seen dozens of failed attempts at this very enterprise, I had no doubts in my mind as the fall semester began. Emotionally attached by a series of life-altering events, I felt that he and I shared the special connection that seemed to favor Nicholas Sparks’ protagonists and the celebrities of romantic comedies. That’s us, I would think to myself. We are going to be the ones who made it through the age gap.

I enrolled at Kennesaw State University in August of 2013, still very confident. Around the same time, I had quit my job of two years and started working two new part-time jobs. Excitement kept me busy and talkative, and I felt I now had plenty to share with my boyfriend. We talked on the phone each night and saw each other

on the weekends, just as I had planned. “See?” I thought, “This isn’t so difficult.”

The winds of winter blew our way and pushed more people into local retailers; the increased hours were nice for my wallet but a nuisance to my calendar. I had to set aside time to see my boyfriend in between everything else, and sometimes I would get called into work and had to postpone a date. It became stressful and sparked a few arguments, but I still wasn’t too worried.

As I waded through coursework and double-shifts, however, a social life sprouted up around me that I had never before experienced. My coworkers, who understood a hectic work schedule, arranged to hang out after everyone closed. Sometimes we would meet at a restaurant, and other nights we would play cards at someone’s house and just relax. I went to my first party in November and I suddenly was part of a scene that was completely new to me. Everyone here was in their twenties, and I began to notice how at ease they all were. No one was ever upset if someone had to cancel or postpone because everyone understood that the job came first.

Spontaneity was a trait that seemed to come so

F r e eBy: Sierra Hubbard

B i r d

February 2014 | 87 | Talon Magazine

“I was terrified of getting on a plane for the first time in 10 years and going to a place unknown to spend my time with people from a homeless shelter,” Marbry said. “But I will be forever eternally grateful that I did.”

The COSAC Foundation, originally established in May 1997 to partner with other social service agencies that provide help to the homeless population in the Hollywood, Fla. area, hosts student journalists every Labor Day break. The current regional director for SPJ, Michael Koretzky, acts as an adviser to 18 to25 or so student journalists from all over the country—and possibly the world—in a program known as Will Write For Food.

In addition to independently feeding the homeless population, the COSAC quarters opened in 1999 as a shelter funded by collecting spare change. The nonprofit organization has grown from a grassroots operation into a multifaceted agency that feeds, shelters and arranges for each homeless person to receive the necessary access to social and noncompulsory religious services to enable a return to a self-reliant lifestyle. COSAC publishes a local newspaper, The Homeless Voice, and it is this newspaper that student journalists take over in the Will Write For Food program.

Describing the smells that cling to clothes and the stronger emotions that flood forth from the journalists as they feature the people who pass through the shelter doors is just part of the experience these students get. Marbry still glows when she discuses her experiences from 2010. She interviewed a prostitute from the streets, measuring the sadness in the eyes of all those in the shelter.

“I met so many great people both in my group and at the shelter,” Marbry said. “The event is one that you will undoubtedly be grateful you attended.”

The Society of Professional Journalists is more than just a student organization; it is a professional organization dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press. The oldest organization representing journalists provides an opportunity for students and professionals to get involved in protecting the field as well as encouraging its innovation. Will Write For Food is an outstanding opportunity to give back to the community and make a difference in people’s lives.

Through taking the newsroom to the streets, students build communities and reporting experience. According to Marbry, no other experience fulfilled her quite as much as Will Write For Food.

”This is your moment to shine, to give, learn and grow,” Marbry said. “I cannot put into words the magnificent and life-changing opportunity it was for me.”

Any student interested in applying for the 2014 Will Write For Food program should join the Kennesaw State University chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. Contact adviser Carolyn Carlson or email [email protected].

The college years are especially tumultuous for a traditional student trying to find a direction, plan a career and build a portfolio. But for Jinna Marbry, going back to school as an older, nontraditional student meant understanding the importance of networking and making the most of the college years. Marbry attended Kennesaw State University as

a communication major, graduating in 2011. She worked her way up to president in the student chapter of Society of Professional Journalists and used every opportunity to build herself as well as her portfolio of clips. Before graduating, Marbry spent her Labor Day break in 2010 in a homeless shelter in Hollywood, Fla., as part of SPJ’s Will Write for Food program.

will writefor food

By Ellen Eldridge


Going to college can be scary because it is the first time most people have to learn to live on their own. Up until then, they have always had someone beside them to hold their hand through

life. Leaving that comfort made me extremely nervous but the scariest thing for me was the curriculum.

When I graduated from high school, I didn’t have the best GPA and I just barely passed some classes. By no means was I a star student, so coming to college, I was unsure of how I was going to survive more difficult classes. I remember being so terrified on my first day when I saw the size of the classrooms and the number of students in each one.

If you’re anything like me, you may need some extra help when it comes to academics. For the more confusing subjects, it is crucial that I get extra assistance from the teacher in order to understand the material. However, due to the large number of students in college, I assumed I wouldn’t be getting any special attention in this type of classroom setting.

Although I had these feelings prior to the beginning of college, I decided to take all the fear I had toward school and use it to my advantage. I channeled that fear into motivation to do the best I could. This may sound odd, but it helped me to do a complete 180-degree transformation when it came to my focus, determination and all-around success in school.

I worked extremely hard my first semester of college and ended the year with two B’s and two A’s. I began believing I could really excel in school if I put the work into it, so the following semester I did even better: straight A’s! I couldn’t believe it. My hard work was paying off, yet I had a feeling I couldn’t keep that going. Oh, but was I wrong. Ever since that semester, I have received straight A’s. I am now a junior with a 3.91 GPA.

I believe after I began getting good grades, I started believing in myself more. I stopped worrying about the difficulty of college and if I was smart enough to succeed. It really just goes to show you that nothing is impossible and you don’t need to be a genius to get good grades. What it comes down to is just a little determination.

Journey toAcademicSuccessHow one student didn’t let the fear of failure keep her from accomplishing her college goals.

By Sally Griffith


February 2014 | 14

Being college students, we have numerous ways to offset our stress: reading novels, browsing through magazines, living vicariously through comic books, playing and listening to music, and reliving moments in music through vinyl records. The positive aspect of these activities is that technology now allows us to do them online. In doing so, however, we lose the historical

value. There’s no history in holding a tablet and reading decade-old comic books or listening to 1950s music in digital format. And new-age vinyl records may sound wonderful, but there is no “warmth” to the sound. There’s no age. The difficulty nowadays is finding a place to buy hard-copy items on a college student budget. However, not all of these recreational items are expensive, but for students sticking to what they need, the following will be useful. A newly opened retailer t offers all of these things at an affordable price and at higher-than-expected quality.

Within the last few months, I have found myself traveling to this relatively new store known as 2nd& Charles. It is within a 10-minute drive of the KSU campus, directly across from the Chuck E. Cheese and next to the Steak and Shake on Barrett Parkway.

The store itself is a cut above Barnes & Noble and very similar to Best Buy. I know what you’re thinking: “Why not just go to Best Buy or Barnes & Noble?” After all, both are less than five minutes from here. Well, you would be right, but if you’re looking for something new and cheaper, then I would suggest giving this store a chance. 2nd& Charles has countless books (educational and recreational), comic books, video games and accessories, musical instruments (low to high quality), CDs, DVDs and my personal favorite, vinyl records. The price of each item depends on the quality of the product as well as the relative age of the item. For example, when I walk in to purchase a few records, I also browse the rest of the selection, which, I believe is one of the largest in the area. I notice the newly wrapped records and the fact that a majority of them have a “180-Gram” (deeper grooves for enhanced listening) sticker on them. This simply means that they have been freshly pressed within the last year or so, which is great for up-and-coming vinyl enthusiasts. The store’s selection is sectioned into genres: rock, pop, blues, country, R&B, gospel, classical, comedy, soundtrack and new age.

The “trick” behind the low prices is that 2nd& Charles has a buy-back program, meaning that a majority of the items are used. This may not sound reassuring, but the overall quality of the products is better than those at many thrift stores. 2nd& Charles does have a return policy. If the item you purchased is warped, scratched or damaged, or you simply changed your mind, you have 14 days to return it.

In addition to being a vinyl collector, I also am a musician, so the guitar selection along the left wall of the store caught my eye. The guitars are of mid to high range from recognizable name brands such as Fender, Epiphone, Recording King and Taylor. I hope you will realize the potential in this store as I have: the location, the merchandise, the convenience and the staff all contribute to make this store such a cut above the rest.

By Zachary Mathis


Being over half way finished with my third year of college, I felt it was about that time to take my studies to another level. Don’t get me wrong college is all it’s cracked out to be, but

studying in traditional classrooms day after day becomes a little old. So, the idea of taking classes I enjoy while being able to explore and learn in another country seems extremely ideal in my opinion.

A few months back a teacher of mine briefly spoke to our class about how she will be teaching a course in Montepulciano, Italy this coming summer of 2014. She described the program and only had wonderful things to say about it as well as the country it takes place in. While she went over all the basics of the trip, I found myself completely hooked on the idea. I grabbed a flyer and left that day with a million ideas running through my head of how to make it happen.

I called my best friend who has just as much drive for adventure as I do because she is always down for new experiences and making memories. I knew if I brought up the idea of going to Italy she would be ready to make it happen, no questions asked. So, from that moment we began discussing aspects of the trip to make sure it was realistic and immediately started planning. We applied, we were accepted and we committed to the trip. Ever since it has been a constant saving of money because naturally that is a huge part of this wild idea, but it has been so worth it holding on to every penny because of the experience we will receive in return.

I believe college students should take full advantage of the opportunities that are placed right in front of them. We as students always hear about studying abroad, but for most people they brush it off like it is just expensive, unrealistic and not going to happen. I know because that is how I always looked at it, but when I actually began thinking on it I quickly

decided that this was an opportunity that I would not have for much longer. After college graduation, life seems to get just a little more complicated and a lot busier so taking a month or so off life in order to travel won’t be as easy then as it is now. Not only that, but one of the many perks of studying abroad as a student is the expense of doing so will be much less than taking the trip on your own after college.

Studying abroad not only allows you to explore and learn the culture of another country with a group of your fellow classmates, but traveling in general is extremely eye opening and such a positive growing experience. Because I have chosen to take this chance and run with it, I will now be living in Europe for a month with my best friend this summer and taking classes that I thoroughly enjoy. I encourage anyone and everyone to look into a trip of this sort, start saving up and allow yourself to have an experience that will be forever cherished.

StudyingAbroad

The Perks of

By Kayla Rowe


The day after my Twenty-Second birthday, I received heart-breaking news that my 88-year-old grandmother passed away. The wrenching news came abruptly; I was

unprepared mentally and emotionally. Since my best friend and I were waging war against each other, I wallowed in my solitude. This was happening. Happening all the while I was about to take my last final of the semester.

I sat in class trembling attempting not to fall prey to my emotions.

It has been a few months since I last saw my Bigmamma (a name we called her) when my family and I were all reunited at a family gathering in Colorado. She traveled a great distance from her small town in Texas. Even though she could not say much due to her epic strokes, we all knew she was overjoyed to be with her love ones resting in her wheelchair.

No one ever became use to my Bigmama’s immobility; she was always active. She played the piano, she played the guitar, she was a Sunday school teacher, a superintendent, a deaconess, mowed the church lawn, she wrote songs and poems and even had a poem published. She worked earnestly for her family and church. She was a comedian in her own right who cooked delicious recipes that still no one is able to imitate. Even in her old age, she kept and maintained her ten-acre yard with the help from no one but herself. She managed to

get along fine without her husband for 28 years; she did it by herself ! Furthermore, she was a cancer survivor, and survived two massive strokes. She is the epitome of a phenomenal woman.

Profound as she was it has been a few months since I even spoken with her. The last words I uttered to my phenomenal grandmother were, “I love you.” At least my last words were nothing drastically tragic; nonetheless, they were not exactly impressive either. I desired to rest my eyes upon her gracious smile, hear her joyous laughter, and express my deep gratitude and love for her. The opportunity would never present itself again.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I exhaled slowly. There were unresolved emotions that could not be resolved at that present moment. I was presented with black letters scattered about on a white piece of paper that many call a final.

The dreadful final was behind me now and I could devote myself to my suffering. I sat alone for the rest of the evening and tried to comfort myself, as well as some family members. The next morning I went to work a little uneasy, but I managed. Surprisingly, I was greeted with some flowers, a card, and some chocolates at my desk. My smiling manger gave me a warm and hardy “Happy birthday!” Ironically, being at work provided me with a sense of delight that I needed.

I left work in hopes of using my last swipe

for the semester, but I decided to quickly stop by my apartment to grab my bags before heading to my parents.

As I slowly back out of my parking space, I passed by my best friend. We acknowledged each other and went our separate ways. It was not long before I turned around and called her. I said, “Stay in your car I will be right there!” She sounded a bit confused, but she did not refuse my demand.

Ten seconds later, I pulled beside her car, exited my vehicle, and jumped in hers. I could no longer tread pass my friend and act as if we were strangers. Losing my beloved Bigmamma helped me swallow my pride and make amends to a broken friendship. It is the classic Carpe Diem story. The timeless story to always say kinds works to the people who hold value in your life. So I confessed my faults and apologized for my behavior. I could tell you that our relationship was instantly restored and we became best friends once again, but the truth is it took awhile to rekindle our bond. She did not say much to me on that evening, but at least I stated my peace.

December proved to be a miserable month, but I took it in my stride and learned that the sun should never set on my wrath. It should not take death for someone to appreciate a person. Let the ones you love the most know how special and important they are while they are here. There are no mistakes or mishaps that love cannot amend.

17 | The Georgia Guardsman

mendsAMAKING

O what a legacy you have paved. Now resting with your maker.

You will live in our hearts with your gracious smile and meddling ways. O

strong woman that you were holding on as long as you did. Sad but no dismayed.

We will see you again one of these days. In loving memory of Hazel Lee Hughes.

By Alecia Brown


After the snowpocalypse in metro Atlanta, warm weather would be refreshing. Although the groundhog didn’t see his shadow, spring is still on the way. It’s time to dust off those bikinis and soak up some rays at Terminus Wake Park,

a new wakeboarding park in Emerson, Ga.Wakeboarding is an extreme water sport that fuses snowboarding,

surfing and water skiing. It is a fun, physical activity, but preparation can be a headache. If you don’t own a boat (or know someone who does), you’re pretty screwed. Not to mention that you have to buy gas for the boat, and gas isn’t cheap.

“You only get 20-30 minutes of ride time and it is not really worth it with the price of gas,” said Adam Silcio, owner of Terminus Wake Park.

Terminus Wake Park has some of the most unique features in the world. These features are unique because they are cable operated, so you don’t have to worry about a boat or gas. All features are produced by a German manufacturer and are designed specifically for Terminus Wake Park.

The park has a lake for groms, which are wakeboarding novices, and a lake for advanced wakeboarders. Some of the features were even used during the Red Bull Wake opening.

“This is the largest facility of its kind in the nation,” Silcio said. “The park is easily accessible, safer than boat riding and you are pulled

higher at slower speed.” Awesome wakeboarding is not the only opportunity offered to

customers, especially for students at Kennesaw State. Silcio is planning a KSU kick off, which will offer generous discounts to KSU students, faculty and staff. Students who show their student ID during regular operation hours receive a discount. An internship program with the company is being developed.

The facility offers seven different passes, including a two-hour pass for limited riding and a VIP pass for those who will be frequent visitors at the park. Equipment can be rented for two or four hours or for all day.

“As our staff increases, private lessons, summer camp, birthday parties and wakeboarding contest will be offered,” Silcio said.

For safety reasons, all participants must fill out a waiver. An online shop is available on the Terminus Wake website and includes a variety of apparel, wakeboards and safety equipment. The facility even offers a buy two-get-one-free deal! Anyone who purchases a VIP 150 pass will receive a lifetime 10 percent discount on all Terminus Wake merchandise, two- hour passes for family and friends, free merchandise and free access to special events.

Great discounts, affordable prices and unique features are a few of the many reasons to attend Terminus Wake Park. It is the first and only cable park in Georgia. For more details visit terminuswakepark.com.

Terminus Wakes Up Cobb

By Roderic Graham


Rachel BurelEditor In Chief

Steven WelchCreative Director

Ellen EldridgePhoto Editor

Brea Boutwell Kayla RoweChief Copy EditorHead Photographer

Staff WritersRoderic Graham

Alecia BrownZachary Mathis

Sally GriffithSierra Hubbard

Marketing ManagerAmie Mowrey

Advertising ManagerAlek Searcy

Advertising RepresentativeRuth Lauture

Disclaimer

All comments and opinions expressed are those of the author and not necessarily of Talon Magazine Staff, its advisers or KSU and do not reflect the views of the faculty, staff, student body, KSU Student Media or the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.

Meet T

alon

Copy EditorTricia Grindel

Advertising Staff

Cover ModelMolly Caplan

KSU Talon | Feb. 2014

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