As I walk around campus now I wonder where the time went. I wonder why it feels like just yesterday that I was itching to escape, and now I actually heard myself think, I see why people go to graduate school. The fear hit from the realization that no longer will I be rapidly excelling and changing for the better thanks to school. Let’s just admit that whether we enjoy school or not, school does put you through many tests academically and mentally. The way we go about tackling these assignments and the outcomes of each one shows us a little more about ourselves, be it positive or negative. What other time in life will you have someone there to constantly tell you what you are doing correctly or incorrectly? What other times in life will the person that is giving you criticism stick around long enough to judge your improvements and help you further? What other time in life will you be able to sit in a room with a group of people without any competition, only camaraderie? What other time in your life will you have multiple adults that are all willing to speak with you OBJECTIVLY at great lengths about your future? I mean, I honestly don’t know the answers to those questions because they will differ for us all. What I do know is that no time like now will those answers be more abundant and in your favor.

I recently received a terrible grade from a professor I admire at Maryville. When I went to discuss my concerns with her I’ll never forget what she said. She told me it is better to receive an F than to be told you’re fired. Reflecting on that statement showed me the big difference between soul-searching and finding yourself in college and finding yourself outside of college all on your own. We have an advantage as college students that we must appreciate. We have the ability to try and possibly mess up over and over and over again, and everyone here still has to like you and teach you because that is their passion as a teacher. Life is not so nice. She is right– it is better an F than a you’re fired. As long as you don’t make it a habit, there is nothing wrong with failure if you make sure to learn from it every time. If someone says they have never failed then they have never tried.

This is our time, now no longer mine but still yours, to try everything you ever thought you might like to do. Strive for every dream fueled by even the tiniest amount of curiosity because you just never know what you might find in yourself. Talk to your teachers about every assignment and any questions, concerns, ideas or problems you encounter. I can vouch that they ALL want to help you. Even the ones that seem to be hard on you are possibly trying to make you reach deep down to the potential they know you have. Be free, be happy, be outspoken, be curious, be adventurous and be on time in this academic world. All will pay off greatly in teaching you necessary skills for achieving success.

The post Stuck in College and Itching to Leave? appeared first on Maryville Pawprint.

Who uses Facebook anymore? Photo courtesy of Facebook.

I joined Facebook when I was about 21 or 22, after my younger sister who was currently attending Mizzou told me about it. Since that time, Facebook has gone through numerous changes, including privacy alterations, enabling “status” updates, and their new timeline format. One thing that we’ve all recognized is the expansion of Facebook users. Now, everyone from the kids we used to babysit to our grandparents are on the social networking site.

However, I found out recently through a classmate that her younger sibling claimed,  “no one uses Facebook anymore.” Our professor then pointed out that Facebook has become “passé” to the younger generations. My classmate then responded, “Yeah, they only use Twitter. They say Facebook is for older people.” I was genuinely surprised to hear this, but I then took a moment to process. Off the top of my head, I believe I’m Facebook-friends with one high school aged kid, and I rarely have conversations with any. To someone like myself, Facebook has only been around since I was in college, but to them, Facebook has always been around. And lastly, ever since the age that most of them have been allowed to use it (13 and older), many of their parents have already been active on the site, making it even less appealing.

My point is this: while we age, Facebook is aging with us, and with that Facebook loses its appeal to the younger generations. While Facebook does its best to remain current with constant new updates and features, it has more so turned itself into a social playground and online yearbook for adults. Also, Facebook is notorious for others documenting the things that you may not want documented (i.e. not so flattering pictures, check-ins, etc.), while Twitter is simply a 140-character format to communicate with your friends, while also being able to communicate with celebrities you follow.

While I personally still enjoy having Facebook in order to keep tabs on my friends in other cities, I do understand the lack of privacy, lack of control and overall lack of interest (particularly in the mundane posts about what someone’s child ate for breakfast). So, does this mean Facebook could be irrelevant sooner rather than later? Do you still use Facebook as much as you did when you were younger?

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Musical artists perform at the SPSC benefit concert. Photo courtesy of Dustin York.

The Donius University Center blared with beautiful acoustics from local artists like Mariah Broeker who recently won an award for her musical talents and wowed the Maryville crowed with her angelic voice and upbeat lyrics. Concert for Kids was definitely an event that brought a sense of community and camaraderie among students.

“First a foremost, SPSC would like to thank everyone who came out to support us,” said Vice President Matthew Wigley. “It’s very rewarding to know that we are able to help be a part of something bigger than ourselves by giving back.”

SPSC went into the event with an objective to raise $100 for the “Gift of Reading Program” and raise awareness about early reading within school-age children in the St. Louis area. However, with the help of faculty, students and family members, the organization accomplished a great milestone leaving with a grand total of $184.25, nearly doubling their goal price.

The organization has worked over a month on the creation of this event and described the process as a whirlwind. From contacting media outlets and performers to formulating press releases, strategic plans and fact sheets, the event showcased just how talented this strategic communications group really is.

“Being able to use what we’ve learned in previous communication courses and apply them to real life situations at an early point in our college careers is an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up,” commented Secretary Amanda Van De Riet. “I highly recommend communication students getting involved next semester to showcase their skills while supporting a cause!”

The mission of the student group is “to help students become involved with using strategic communication skills to plan and host on campus events for the purpose of promoting a local nonprofit organization. In doing so, SPSC allows members to gain experience in the fields of strategic communication, event planning and advertising.

“When we first chose what kind of organizations we wanted to work with there was a unanimous decision for nonprofits,” said President Emily Blackshear. “Everyone in SPSC has such a great passion for people that there was no way we could pass by an opportunity to directly work with groups that work with all types of people.”

After a successful benefit concert, the group celebrated their efforts by taking a trip to Fuse Advertising Agency, one of the most prestigious advertising agencies in the Midwest, for a tour of their company and to also catch a glimpse of what professional communications looks like at the next level.

If you would like to be a part of this organization next semester contact SPSC advisor Dustin York at dyork1@maryville.edu and showcase your professional skills!

Follow SPSC on Twitter @MUSPSC and keep your eyes open for their new blog coming soon!

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Jeff Hancock before and after the Color Run. Photo courtesy of Jeff Hancock

Each participant received a white T-shirt and runner headband. All runners approached the starting line fresh, white and clean, but but by the end of the race they were covered in multi-colored body powder. Runners stopped at color stations throughout the race to coat themselves in the powder. Volunteers stood at each station shooting the colored powder at the participants as they walked by. By the end of the race, they were not only covered in powered but they were in a state of pure bliss.

The Color run is not timed. The purpose is simple: runners are supposed to have fun! Participants could run, walk or skip– whatever made them happy. The Color Run was created to support health and to show that you can have fun while doing something great for your body.

The Color Run is the most recent 5K phenomenon. The organization has plans to embark on an international tour over the summer. With the rising success of the Color Run, each run teams up with a local charity. Autism Speaks was the choice for the April 27 event, and it was a huge success. Autism Awareness Month was established to educate society about autism and to gain support. The Color Run gave Autism Speaks great exposure and raised a substantial amount of money for the organization.

Although some participants opted out of attending due to the unfortunate weather conditions, a majority of those registered still came out for the party. It may have been cold and wet, but it will still be a day to remember.

“It was miserably fun,” said Maryville senior Jeff Hancock. “I was freezing, but it it was an experience I will never forget, and I am so glad that I didn’t back out.”

If you missed out, don’t worry. The Color Run is coming back to St. Louis this fall. Mark your calendar for September 15, 2013 and go to the Color Run’s website to register.

The weather didn’t reflect “the Happiest 5K on the Planet,” but the main goal of the Color Run was achieved: participants were healthy and had fun. Who wouldn’t love being covered head to toe in colorful goodness?

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Maryville Talks Books welcomes author Michael Pollan. Photo courtesy of Ken Light.

For twenty five years, Pollan has been writing about where cultures intersect—on our plates, farms and gardens. In Cooked, for the first time ever, he explores how the four classical elements— fire, air, water and earth— can create our favorite foods and drinks. Pollan writes about grilling with fire, cooking with liquid, and fermenting everything from cheese to beer. Therefore the cook occupies a special role, standing between nature and culture, and transforming our world with the art of cooking.In 2010, Pollan was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people. He has four previous New York Times bestsellers, including Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (2010); In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (2008); The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (2006) and The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World (2001).

The lecture series is sponsored in cooperation with Left Bank Books, St. Louis Public Radio and HEC-TV. The last author scheduled to visit this spring is Khaled Hosseini for And the Mountains Echoed. Past authors this year included: David Von Drehle, Rise to Greatness: Abraham Lincoln and America’s Most Perilous Year; Lisa Gardner, Touch & Go; Daniel H. Pink, To Sell Is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others; and Elizabeth Strout, The Burgess Boys.

Ticket packages are available at http://cooked.brownpapertickets.com. For more information on Maryville Talks Books, contact Chris Hollenbeck at 314.529.6854.

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The number one overall pick of the draft was Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher from Central Michigan. Fisher was the highest player from the MAC ever drafted, dating back to the first NFL draft.  Before Fisher, Byron Leftwich was the highest drafted player from the MAC at seventh overall in the 2003 NFL draft.

Tyrann Mathieu will look to silence his critics with his actions on and off the playing field. Photo courtesy of Tyrann Mathieu’s Twitter account.

On a side note, the Southeastern Conference showed its dominance with the amount of players they had drafted this year. Out of the first 100 players, 33 of them were from the SEC. Also, out the total 254 players drafted this year, the SEC was represented by 63 of them.

Geno Smith as drafted 39th overall by the New York Jets, which gave the Jets six quarterbacks on their roster. The Jets have released Tim Tebow from their roster, which gives Smith a better opportunity to help contribute to the their offense. Matt Barkley, who was projected to be a top ten pick, if not the overall number one last year, fell to the 98th pick in this year’s draft as the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him.

Tyrann Mathieu was considered a questionable pick due to his off field issues and size (5’9″, 186 pounds), but with the right guidance and understanding of his past, I could see him making a huge impact immediately with the Arizona Cardinals. Many of his critics called him undersized, but this could give him another advantage, as he will be harder to tackle by the bigger players.

The Cardinals drafted Mathieu with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the draft. He will be reunited with former LSU players Patrick Peterson and Kevin Minter, which will allow Mathieu to have an easier transition with the rest of his teammates. Not many players get an opportunity like this after being dismissed from their college team when the situations are drug related, but the upside is good to pass up for Mathieu.

Mathieu took to Twitter to express his gratefulness for being given a chance to prove himself in the NFL. He tweeted: “A blessing delayed is not a blessing denied!!” His message shows he has grown as a person overall and has taken steps in the right direction to bettering himself on and off the playing field.

He was known as the Honey Badger for his nose for the ball and physical style of play; he recorded four total touchdowns between fumble recoveries and punt returns along with being named a Heisman Trophy Finalist in his sophomore season. Mathieu could have a great career if his off-the-field issues are kept to a minimum.

The Rams had a successful draft after a few head-scratching draft classes in recent years. They targeted just

Fans will get to know the Rams recently drafted players and see who they are as people through social media. Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Rams’ Twitter account.

about all of the positions that were depleted on the roster on both offense and defense. General manager Les Snead knew before the draft exactly what positions the Rams needed to fill and drafted what look like the right players for the offensive and defensive schemes.

After the draft ended, Snead said, “It’s good that we came away from every pick with a player we really wanted,” showing the Rams didn’t just draft players to use the pick for that round or draft a player that will take a few years to develop in an NFL-caliber player.

In the first round they drafted wide receivers Tavon Austin (5’8”, 174 pounds) and Stedman Bailey in the third round. Austin could be considered undersized, but has proven to be durable, having not missed a game his whole college career. Austin and Bailey were teammates at West Virginia, which will allow them to play better off each other due to their previous chemistry.

The Rams knew they needed to draft a running back after the departure of Steven Jackson. This led to them drafting running back Zac Stacy from Vanderbilt in the fifth round.

The pick that stood out to me was fourth round pick offensive Lineman Barrett Jones. He is coming from the University of Alabama and powerhouse conference SEC. He has played just about every position on the offensive line, which is just what the Rams need with their history of injured players. Jones was a very decorated player in college, winning multiple awards as the top offensive lineman in the country.

On defense, the Rams drafted linebacker Alec Ogletree from Georgia in the first round, safety T.J. McDonald from the University of Southern California in the third round, and cornerback Brandon McGee from the University of Miami in the fifth round.

All of the players drafted by the Rams could help them become more competitive in the NFC West as the NFC as a whole. While the draft doesn’t always represent how a players’ NFL careers will play out, it definitely gives new light to the players drafted as well as the teams that drafted them. Which players drafted in the 2013 NFL draft do you think will have successful careers or be labeled as busts?

The post Evaluating the 2013 NFL Draft appeared first on Maryville Pawprint.

Tweet from ESPN’s Darren Rovell

It was announced earlier this morning that NFL team, the New York Jets, have released the polarizing backup quarterback, Tim Tebow. Now, the keyword in that last sentence is “backup.” Never before in football has there ever been a more talked about backup quarterback than Tim Tebow. You may know him as the overly religious quarterback from Florida, or as one of the worst quarterbacks you have ever seen throw a football, but no matter what the reason is: Tim Tebow always draws a crowd.  After acquiring Tebow last year, the Jets tried to use Tebow in almost every position BUT quarterback.  From lining him up in the wildcat formation, to putting him on punt return coverage, you have to question what the real reason for the Tebow addition was.

On the release of Tebow, Jets coach, Rex Ryan said, “We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow…  Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped.”

Maybe the Jets got caught up in the Tebow-mania from his brief stint in Denver when he led them to the playoffs and actually managed to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first division game. After this year’s draft however, the Jets selected Geno Smith as the seventh pick in the second round. While the Jets attempt to solve their quarterback issues this off-season, Tebow will be looking for another job. While he possesses all the talent to be a great NFL player, a job as a quarterback in this league does not seem like one he should pursue. This could be the end of Tebow-Time or this could be the beginning of something new for the Heisman winner quarterback from Florida.

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This piece was made on an electric potter’s wheel. Photo courtesy of Emily Blackshear.

Introduction to Ceramics is a studio art class that is taught by both Michelle Hamilton and Rene D. Michel-Trapaga in the Art and 3-D Design Building. If you’re not an art major, you’ve probably never heard of this building. Don’t worry the Art and 3-D Design Building is only nearly impossible to find.

If you leave the Library and walk towards the road you are headed in the right direction. Then when you see the sign for the Annex, you want to go down that road. Once you find McNally House you’re almost there, it is just a little bit farther down that hill. Though the building looks small from the outside, inside is the studio that is the perfect place to work with clay. Make sure to wear both old clothes and shoes and be ready to work.

Introduction to Ceramics is a fun and interactive studio art class that allows you to be expressive while also learning many techniques of throwing on the potter’s wheel, hand building and glazing. Don’t worry about having experience working with clay. Many of the students in my class hadn’t touched clay since grade school. No matter who your instructor is they make sure to start right at the beginning so you can fully enjoy Intro to Ceramics, and also come out with valuable ceramics knowledge.

Some of the techniques you will learn in Introduction to Ceramics have to do with hand-building. By rolling out slabs and carving designs into the pieces with a small loop tool called a sgraffito tool you can make an envelope pot. This is a piece that is only connected on two sides. You can also learn how to press shapes of clay into a plaster casting to make a vessel called a press-mold pot. Some other techniques have more to do with sculpture and can be utilized in the building of an animal shaped teapot.

This piece has been glazed and fired in a Raku kiln. Photo courtesy of Emily Blackshear.

You will also learn how to operate an electric or kick-operated potter’s wheel. With this tool you can make centered pieces, and as you practice they can become better and better. On the wheel you can make the bodies of coffee mugs, vases, bowls and pitchers. By measuring your pieces as you work, you can also throw matching pieces.

The other major skill you will garner from this class is glazing. Glazing is the final step in making a beautiful piece of ceramic artwork, or making a functional piece, such as a coffee mug.

Glazing can be done using opaque candy colors that turn shiny after they have gone through the process of firing in the kiln. Or you can use earthy tones to give your works a rustic feel. Another way to glaze ceramic pieces is to put them in a Raku kiln. This special type of firing technique also comes with special glazes. This is a little bit risky as the glazes turn out different every time, so glaze carefully.

All in all, Introduction to Ceramics allows the freedom to be creative and can act as an escape from an otherwise strenuous college work load. It is a great class to take to learn about something new, and maybe even gain a new hobby. Introduction to Ceramics is the perfect class to take in the Fall of 2013 for anyone wishing to think outside the box and try something just a little bit artistic.

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overstock.com – This website has anything you are looking for on it. Literally from tool sets, make-up brushes, home décor, small kitchen appliances, bedding, car accessories and so much more. You are sure to feel just like you’re in Wal-Mart with the wallet friendly prices and the distraction of 20 items that you didn’t intend to look for that day on your visit.

hautelook.com – Okay, this is my favorite fashion website. Haute Look is a fashion close-out website with a auction-like twist. You don’t bid on the items in real time, but certain items are released on sale only during certain days and hours. Every day Haute Look has about 20 sales going on. The sales are grouped by brands, items or styles. Sometimes maybe just Burberry is having a sale at the same time as a summer sunglasses sale that features multiple designers. The sales are endless. When I saw the commercial where the girl changes her outfit and apartment five times I had to check it out. My first night on I stayed up for hours browsing through stuff. I couldn’t believe the prices or the brand names on all the items.

shopstyle.com – Another fashion website. Shop Style is different because they act as a online Google for apparel shopping. The prices aren’t close-out deals but rather the same price listed on the store’s website. Once you find your desired item and click, you are taken to the website where the item is from. It has a Pinterest format so finding things is very easy. You simple scroll through the ‘board’ of pictures and you will definitely find something eye catching.

everbuying.com – I saved the best for last. Item prices range from $8 – $90 but the only items found for $90 are expensive winter coats. The prices are incredible. Even when Macy’s has their friends and family sale offering 20% off AND you use your Macy’s credit card for an extra 15% off, you still couldn’t find fashionable trendy items this cheap anywhere but here. I am unable to even find a retail store that compares thanks to the raising prices of even the most inexpensive mall stores.

Happy shopping! – and you don’t even have to leave the couch.

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Don’t get me wrong– that’s fine, but at some point when do you get off the normal path, do something for others because it’s what’s right. We are humans. We have emotions. At some point shouldn’t we care about helping others who don’t have the blessings we do? I’m not talking about mission work from a Judeo-Christian ethics standpoint, either. I’m talking about really looking at your life and saying, “Am I okay with normal?Am I okay with what’s expected? Am I okay with a wife, a few kids, a two car garage and a little white picket fence that wraps around the yard with a dog sitting on the front porch?” I have been told forever that’s the American dream.

A child receives a new pair of shoes thanks to the Peace Corps volunteers. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hancock.

In the end, what does money really buy you? Yes, it brings peace of mind; security and success are two big words that come to mind, too. There are better things out there to life than working your whole life for a house and a dream car. You’re in college now– don’t settle for ordinary! Settle for a life that leaves you happy and fulfilled. Don’t settle for what you’ve been told is fulfillment; decide for yourself.

Silla Murabito, junior at Maryville, had this to say when asked about what how our generation views working a ‘normal’ job: “I think we are a generation that focuses on fulfillment and satisfaction. The best way we know how to do that is what we’ve always been told, through furthering our education and obtaining a job.”

If you’re like me and you’re kind of teetering on the edge of not knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life (most people I know don’t what they want to do for the rest of their life, either, just for the record), maybe you should look into the Peace Corps. Much to my mother’s dismay, I have been doing a little bit of research and looking into what the Peace Corps offers and what it allows you to do.

Let’s start with some history first, though. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps to promote world peace and friendship.

The Peace Corps’ mission has three goals:
• Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
• Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
• Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

How does being a volunteer work?

Volunteers go on a 27 month assignment abroad. They spend several months immersed in language training if it’s needed. You actually don’t need a college degree to volunteer. You kind of get paid. You get a living allowance that enables you to live in a manner similar to the local people in their community. The Peace Corps also provides complete medical and dental care and covers the cost of transportation to and from your country of service. To assist with the transition back home, volunteers are paid $7,425 (before taxes) at the close of 27 months of service. The money is your’s to use as you wish: for travel, a vacation, making a move or securing housing. For more information, click here.

What type of work do volunteers do?

The type of work a volunteer does is ultimately determined by the needs of a host country and the potential of a volunteer to contribute to those needs and to the Peace Corps’ mission. There are a wide variety of volunteer positions to fill throughout the world; however, nearly all volunteers fall under one of the following general categories. (From: http://www.peacecorps.gov/learn/whatvol/)

• Education
• Youth & Community Development
• Health
• Business and Information & Communication Technology
• Agriculture
• Environment
• HIV/AIDS
• Food Security
• Earth Day

Other benefits of joining the Peace Corps include: assistance with student loans; language, cross-cultural and technical training; travel; monthly stipen; medical and dental coverage; 48 paid vacation days; unique graduate school opportunities; leave for family emergencies; transition and job support; advantages in federal employment; and allowance upon completion of service.

Maybe the Peace Corps is not for you, but I think it’s important to remember not to get caught up in what others expect you to do. At some point you have to do what you want to do. Remember, you’re the one who has to look back on your life and be happy with the decisions you made, not your parents or your family.

Maybe this article was written for myself more than it was for you; but as I graduate, I feel like volunteer work is an important thing to discuss with all those college students who don’t know what they want to do with their lives. There are always other options, and they’re certainly not better or worse options than any normal American dream– they’re just different. It’s okay to do something different with your life. After all, it’s your life and you only get to do it once.

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