KSU Geauga Student Newsletter 2019

Issue 1 Spring 2019

News at a FLASH

Meet Dean Angela Spalsbury

By : Mary Brady

KSU Geauga Dean Angela Spalsbury andVice President for Kent State System IntegrationNathan P. Ritchey at the Association forRegional Campuses of Ohio annual meeting heldat the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburgon April 6.Abby Clarke/Photo

Editors note: The following interview has been edited for the newsletter.

Dean Angela Spalsbury assumed leadership of the Kent State University Geauga Campus on January 1, 2018. She completes her first full academic year with the campus this June. Using a written questionnaire, Geauga Student Media Club President Mary Brady corresponded with Dean Spalsbury, asking the personal, profes- sional, and peculiar questions she hopes will help students get to know Geauga’s leader.

MB: I noticed as I drove around one day searching for a parking space that would allow the quickest dash to class that there was a reserved spot for the dean. How did you get such an awesome parking space?

AS: The parking space was there before I came to Kent State Geauga. From what I’ve heard, the parking space was selected by Dean David Mohan, who retired in 2014.

MB: Where can students find you?

AS: I have an office at both of our loca- tions [Geauga and Twinsburg], which is located in the Administrative Office Suites. [Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; however, Dean Spalsbury attends frequent meetings, so appointments should be made through her assistant, Amy Murfello.] MB: What is a good reason to meet with you?

AS: I have an open door policy; I do love to meet and talk with our students! Each student has her or his unique story and reasons for choosing to attend Kent State Geauga and Regional Academic Center. [Dean Spalsbury is a mathematician; she said she has no problem tutoring students if they are in need of help.]

MB: You indicated you enjoy watching foreign films and are also an avid reader of fiction. What are you reading now?

AS: This year is the 50th anniver- sary of the Man Booker Prize, and I have challenged myself with reading at least 50 books (not all this year!) that have been considered for the prize in the past.

Although she has resided locally for more than 20 years, Dean Spalsbury has also lived in Massachusetts, Nebraska, and South Africa. She earned her B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics from Kent State University, along with an M.S. from the University of Pretoria. Dean Spals- bury is a wife, mother, and pet owner of a Weimaraner named Trixie. She says, “The Geauga community is my home and I love it here! I really enjoy working at Kent State University at Geauga, getting to know our students and working toward our campus having a brighter future!”

Climate Change

Did you know?

By: Morgan Lee and Abby Clarke

Global warming has increased at a very alarming rate and will only worsen in the next decade. Some may feel that because they aren’t potentially being harmed, then the issue isn’t that big of a deal. However, the effects of global warming are far more harmful than one can imagine. Not only has the climate change affected me habitats of many of our favorite animals, but it also has affected the foods we eat. According to an article written by C.T Kadzere, entitled “Environmentally Smart Animal Agriculture and Integrated Advisory Services,” scien- tists are now using genetic mutations as well as different experiments in hopes of helping animals adapt to climate change over the course of the next decade.

This is a very interesting method because with global warming being an ongoing issue and the effects are not easy to erase, scientists are using the cliche “if you can’t beat them join them” approach.

In a New York Times article written by Somini Sengupta, a story is told of a woman in Italy who has an olive growing business. Due to a very hot, droughted summer, Irene Guidobaldi found her trees on the brink of death. As she hurried back with water, she realized that would be the only way for her to save her trees. When asked about the olive business now and how she is main- taining it, Irene responded, “It’s like playing the lottery.”

As an eighth-generation olive grower, Irene re- calls never seeing anything quite like this. Olive oil is pri- marily used in a majority of households around the world. It is a key component in a home for many reasons. With climate change affecting such a business that many take for granted, it is terrifying to think of what else could be on the brink of dying next.

How Can We Help?

As college students, we tend to think that these matters are out of our control; however, there are numerous actions we can take that will help in the long run. Here are ten ways we can help fight climate change that are so easy, a college student can do it! Source : Makaila Frisina, “Why College Students Should Care about Climate,” greenforall.org

1.) Unplug chargers that aren’t being used to reduce waste by electricity.

2.) Turn off computers when they aren’t being used. This conserves 83% of their carbon emissions.

3.) Turn off water when brushing teeth/washing your face/ shorter showers.

4.) Carpool to events to save fuel and prevent pollution.

5.) Use E-textbooks instead of paper books to save the trees.

6.) Bring recycled bags to grocery stores.

7.) Walk to class (if you can).

8.) Instead of using the air conditioner, roll down/ open windows.

9.) Wash clothes in cold water; it could save up to 6.5 pounds of carbon emissions.

10.)Use energy saving bulbs.

Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Landscapes like these will be altered over time due to climate change. Abby Clarke/Photo

Student Spotlight

Daniel Simmons leads by example

By: Matthew Watford

Here at KSU Geauga we are fortunate to have young men and women from near and far be a part of the Golden Flashes family. In this issue, we would like to recognize freshman Daniel Simmons.

Daniel is a resident of Mayfield, Ohio and an alum of the local high school. While in high school he was part of the Culinary Arts Program, numerous art classes, as well as other activities offered at his alma mater.

Next year Daniel intends to transition to the Kent Campus to further his education. Daniel is still exploring when it comes to his major and has interests in psychology as well as in the arts such as poetry, drawing and painting.

When describing himself, Daniel says he is “enthusiastic, energetic, and a helping hand.” Daniel enjoys interacting with his classmates in and outside of the classroom. In his classes, Daniel is an active participant in conversations. He can also be seen in the hallway engaging his classmates, encouraging them and leaving them with a smile or a laugh after a long day.

On top of this, Daniel also balances two part-time jobs to help pay for his education. Although challenging, Daniel does not view this as an inconvenience but is grateful for the skills and drive it has helped him develop.

This hardworking and passionate attitude comes from Daniel’s desire to help others and get the most out of life that he can. At the conclusion of his time in high school, Daniel helped found a LGBTQ IA+ support group and has been an active advocate for the equal rights of those associated in his community. When Daniel was asked about this group, he said that when he and his friends “started this group we wanted to give a voice to those who felt they were not heard.”

Although Simmons is now an alum of Mayfield Heights High School, Daniel continues to be involved by staying in contact with many current students. He encourages these students during their time in high school to make the most out of their opportunities and strive to do their best.

This year he has helped students in the city determine what they plan to do after high school, some with aspirations for the armed services and others with interests in higher education. Whatever the occasion, Daniel has been there for these individuals whether it be to discuss scholarship opportunities or offer advice from his experience as a first-year college student.

When asked about his reasoning for this, he went on to say, “I remember being scared about what was next, so I try to pass on what I’ve learned so far in an attempt to help make the transition easier for them.” Daniel’s story is one of great encouragement and we here at the newsletter look forward to seeing what he does in the future.

Film Reviews

: Jordan Peele strikes again

By : Chris Wilder

Us (2019) was written and directed by Jordan Peele, and stars Luptia Nyong’o and Winston Duke. It is the story of a family’s vacation to Santa Cruz being cut short when the doppelgänger version of them shows up to wreak havoc.

Us is Peele’s second film since his debut in 2017 with the critical and box office success Get Out. Peele has once again delivered an intriguing physiological horror film with Us.

There is a cold opening that sets up the idea that horror will be a more predominant feature in this installment than in Peele’s first film. The writing is both comfortable and suspenseful. The film contains multiple lines of subtext that generate a socially conscious discussion that will be amongst American society for the foreseeable future.

Nyong’o leads the movie with a great supporting cast. The chemistry between the family brought a sense of realism. The awful dad jokes that Duke’s character, Gabe, hit home and offered great laughs with the help of the daughter Zora played by Shahadi Wright Joseph. Nyong’o shines as she plays two conflicting roles with deep symbolism for classism today.

The pacing of the film is quick, as each event or experience in the film is the result of a previous encounter and pushes the story forward. The musical score is refreshing, due to the use of a popular hip-hop song from the mid-nineties.

The cinematography shows off Peele’s mastery of detail. Each frame is filled with strong imagery, Easter eggs, and fun suspenseful sequences. The ending of the movie has seemed to divide audiences or confused them.

Us (2019) is different from Get Out (2017), as they are two different films tackling two different social issues in the United States. Us has an ending that is strong and powerful in its message, but it also has many different interpretations based on the viewer.

Us is a great watch that will reward multiple viewings with a deeper understanding of the film and overall enjoyment.

Shazam

Not your average superhero

By: Chris Wilder

Shazam (2019) was directed by David Sandberg and stars Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, and Asher Angel. It follows a young fostered Billy Batson, played by Asher Angel, who turns into an all-powerful God played by Zachary Levi when Billy utters the name Shazam. The film is based off DC’s New 52 comic book series of the same name and follows Billy’s struggle to manage being a kid and a superhero.

This hardworking and passionate attitude comes from Daniel’s desire to help others and get the most out of life that he can. At the conclusion of his time in high school, Daniel helped found a LGBTQ IA+ support group and has been an active advocate for the equal rights of those associated in his community. When Daniel was asked about this group, he said that when he and his friends “started this group we wanted to give a voice to those who felt they were not heard.”

Although Simmons is now an alum of Mayfield Heights High School, Daniel continues to be involved by staying in contact with many current students. He encourages these students during their time in high school to make the most out of their opportunities and strive to do their best.

This year he has helped students in the city determine what they plan to do after high school, some with aspirations for the armed services and others with interests in higher education. Whatever the occasion, Daniel has been there for these individuals whether it be to discuss scholarship opportunities or offer advice from his experience as a first-year college student.

When asked about his reasoning for this, he went on to say, “I remember being scared about what was next, so I try to pass on what I’ve learned so far in an attempt to help make the transition easier for them.” Daniel’s story is one of great encouragement and we here at the newsletter look forward to seeing what he does in the future.

Comic

By: Maya Culley

KSU Geauga Student Newsletter Staff

President: Mary Brady mbrady26@kent.edu

Vice President: Abby Clarke aclark98@kent.edu

Treasurer: Jerod Clary jclary3@kent.edu

Advisor: Dr. Bonnie Shaker bshaker@kent.edu

KSU Writers: Mary Brady, Morgan Lee, Abby Clarke, Mathew Watford, Chris Wilder

Illustrator: Maya Culley

Web Designer: Dani Zilka dzilka@kent.edu