Mortuary Science Undergrad Assists in Grandmother's Embalming

When a loved one dies, every person has their own special way of grieving: most cry, some paint or busy themselves with menial house work, or even buy expensive sports cars. For 22-year-old Alice Whitaker, upon the death of her grandmother in June 2010, there was only one way to relieve the pain: to assist in the embalming and preparation of her grandmother for the funeral.

“She could be the most aggravating person, but there was just something about her that you loved,” says the redheaded from across her kitchen table, nodding slowly as she recounts her late namesake, Alice May Adams Latham. “I don’t have many childhood memories that don’t involve her.”

A student at Holmes Community College in Jackson, MS, Alice Whitaker is pursuing her Associates Degree in Mortuary Science. Under the supervision of Trey Sebrell of Sebrell Funeral Home, Alice has helped successfully embalm and dress dozens of cadavers in the last two years of her internship.

Alice fights to find the right words to explain what it is that fascinates her about her chosen profession, when the thought of dead bodies and formaldehyde typically repulses most people. “Being able to let people see their loves ones look good—peaceful—especially when they’ve been sick, it warms your heart.”

When most children were out riding bikes and playing in sprinklers, Alice Whitaker was busy studying human anatomy. With every funeral she went to—starting at age nine, with the death of a grandfather—Alice insisted on being toured around the hosting funeral homes and embalming rooms. Embalming eventually became not only a set career goal, but a positive outlet for the grief she still struggles with.

Alice Latham, her last remaining grandparent, struggled with pancreatic cancer for many years—the last six months of her life spend in a hospital under heavy sedation, attached to feeding tubes and unable to speak.

“It was more disturbing seeing her in the hospital bed than it ever was to assist in her embalming,” she admits with a shrug.

At the beginning of her internship with Sebrell Funeral Home in the fall of 2009, Alice was the sole employee to a blossoming business. Even two years—and several more employees—later, Alice assists Trey Sebrell in every embalming and dressing of a body, carrying the massive oak caskets up and down flights of stairs, managing funerals, and picking up cadavers at any hour of the night.

Her eyes alight with mischief, Alice coos, “I’ll never be out of a job; there are always dead people!”

Video here.

The Stress of Finals

Over the next few weeks students at Ole Miss will be taking finals in addition to many projects and papers that are the most critical portion of their grades, and students are well aware. The stress that goes along with these important grades can be very uncomfortable and in some situations dangerous.

Students do many things to try to combat these stresses through prescription medicines such as ADHD medications, drinking as much coffee as possible, or just buckling down and working as hard as they can. However, it is often impossible to get through these weeks without getting too stressed out.

Madison Mcguire, a Sophomore business major at Ole Miss is no different, "The work just adds up and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. I try to just take it one day at a time and get as much work as possible done. The main thing I try to do is just keep telling myself that all I can do is the best I can."

Stress can add up and become a dangerous situation and according to the University Counseling Center here at Ole Miss, "Too much stress can seriously affect your physical and mental well-being. When you are feeling to stressed out you should take a deep breath, manage your time, and connect with others."

Along with stress, anxiety can become an issue as well, "The anxiety I feel leading up to the test is often worse than the actual final itself, and I try to remind myself, but its hard. I really just cant wait for these next two weeks to be over and I can finally give my mind a rest," says Taylor Young, a senior accounting major.

According to the University Counseling Center it is important to know you particular stress signals which are separated into four categories feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and physical symptoms.

To help relieve stress many students try to find a quiet and calm setting to get their work and studying done, like the Ole Miss library or just the peace and quiet of their own homes.

Stress is one of the biggest problems for all students this time of year and to make an appointment at the counseling center call 662-915-3784.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeoUYrQJVJo&feature=feedu

The Making of the Grove in Oxford, MS

              On the campus of Ole Miss, in Oxford, Mississippi, the grove is well known to be the number one tailgating spot in the nation. With its great southern tradition of many tents and the best food, one can see how the grove is so popular. The grove is also surrounded by the beautiful campus of Ole Miss. Have you ever wondered how the grove is made? What goes on before that makes the groves how it looks on game day?

               A student at Ole Miss, named John Jordan Proctor, is the head of his tent service for the grove. Proctor took over the business this year after working in the business for two years. He is one of many people who own tent services for the grove. Most tent services do not only provide tents, but also provide tables, chairs, coolers, and more. Some tailgaters pay to have their tent set up for every home game, and some people may just rent a tent for one game. Some people will pay a good amount to the service to have a certain spot in the grove for every game, which is not easy to provide by the service.
              
               For Proctor, the tent service starts well before the season even begins. The whole process starts by sending out cards, making phone calls, and meeting people to try and get his business known to as many people as possible so that he can have a lot of costumers when the season begins. Then Proctor rents out a storage shed for the season, where he keeps all of the tents, tables, and chairs.He is always calls each costumer before they go out to double check with everything so nothing will get messed up. "Getting organized each game is the key to getting in and out as quickly as possible, because there are so many other people and businesses trying to get a spot in the grove as well," says Proctor. 

               Each Friday before they get ready to set up the tents, Proctor calls and makes sure that his crew will be ready to go that night. He assigns different people to different spots in the grove so they will get the spot before anyone else does. No one is allowed with a tent until 9:00 p.m. Friday night. Proctor and his crew get prepared to go in the Gertrude parking lot and head to campus tent minutes before nine, so they can get a little head start with the tents on the trailer. Some of the people are assigned to run tents and some ride with the trailer. Proctor's gets guys on his crew that are in some kind of shape and they need to be pretty strong. Some guys have to carry two tents on big games, when there is more costumers. "It feels pretty cool to be a part of something so popular," says Phillip Olivy, one of Proctor's crew members.

               This is how the grove is created over night to make it the number one tailgating spot in the nation. If you ever get the chance to go the grove, you will enjoy it and appreciate the people who make it all happen like Proctor and his crew. It is a great place to have fun and hang out with all your friends and family. The atmosphere is unbelievable and no matter if we win or lose it is a place to look forward to after the game. "It feels good to be able to provide people with fun and entertainment each Saturday in the grove. There is just nothing else like it," Proctors says.

      
To watch video click here.
  

Bob Harrison and The Rebel Tent Company

For Bob Harrison, tailgating at the Grove is more than just a tradition, it's a business. What started as a simple favor for friends has turned into an easy money-maker for Harrison, a Jackson, Mississippi resident and Ole Miss alum.

"For me, it's not about the money. It helps, but at Ole Miss, everyone's friends, and when I'm out here setting up, I feel like I'm setting up for my own friends. It's a great feeling."

Harrison's business, the Rebel Tent Company, started about twelve years ago when he and some friends from college decided to set up a tent to tailgate together in the Grove. After a few games, Harrison and his friends were setting up a few more tailgates. "Some friends of ours asked us if we would set up their tents for them, and it all sprung from there. Just by word of mouth we got a lot more people asking us to set up tents for them, and what was first just a free favor slowly became a steady business. I figured if I was already here putting up a tent already, setting up a few more wouldn't be bad at all, especially if I'm getting paid to do it."

The Rebel Tent Company's process is simple. By Wednesday of a home gameday week, Bob confirms how many customers want tailgates set up and taken down for them and calls his extra help to deal with saving spots and setting up tailgates. His main source of help comes from current Ole Miss students looking for a way to make some extra spending money. These students arrive at the Grove early Friday afternoon in order to save the spots requested by Harrison's customers. They sit and save these spots until 9 p.m. when the University Police Department (UPD) allows tailgates to be set up. At this time, other students run tents from cars parked near the Grove to the saved spots to help set up. Once the tents are set up, the tables and chairs are brought to each tent and the tailgate is officially set up minus only what the customers bring with them the next day.

Students who work with Bob Harrison rave about working for him. "Working with Bob has been a great experience, and he is a pleasure to get to know," says Reed Kerwin, a sophomore from Charleston, SC who has worked for Harrison all season long. "He always makes sure we get done working at a decent hour so we don't lose our entire Friday night, and always makes sure we work only as long as we work. Plus he pays us well for a pretty easy job, you just can't beat working for him."

The Rebel Tent Company has stayed quite busy for the last twelve football seasons, even through the toughest years, most notably this season. Bob Harrison has helped create an enjoyable Grove experience for many fans over the years, as well as creating easy money-making jobs that get students involved in Ole Miss' #1 ranked tailgating tradition. "To be a part of this rich tailgating tradition every home weekend like this, it's an awesome feeling. I love being a part of it, and when everyone else here shares the same passion, it's undescribable. It's unlike any tailgating experience I've ever had and I believe no one can compare," said Harrison.

For more on this story click here.

Black Friday: Ready, Set, Shop

Thanksgiving is not just for eating and spending time with family anymore. It is now a major shopping holiday that draws people out from their homes in the search of major discounts.

Black Friday, which is the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of the holiday shopping season. Many products are marked down from their original price in the range of 20 to 50% off. Bargain shoppers take this day seriously. Websites have been dedicated to Black Friday and have all the information on every sale, including store hours and product lists. Some of these Black Friday websites even offer online sales on Black Friday.

People line up outside of stores for hours Thanksgiving night awaiting the sales. Traditionally, stores would open their doors at 4 am to crowds of people waiting to snatch up deals. However, 2011 marks the first time that many stores opened their doors at midnight.

Shoppers were drawn to Target for various reasons. Ole Miss graduate Mike Lawson took full advantage of the discounts. “I’m here because I recently got married and my wife told me I’m too old to get a video game system. So, I came out to get one for $150 and justify it by saying that it is a Blue Ray player.”

Target is one of the many stores that decided to open their doors to the public at midnight. People were lined outside the Dunwoody store as early as 10 pm to ensure they got full advantage of the discounts. The patient customers were lined up in front of the store by the hundreds. Many brought lawn chairs and blankets to be comfortable as they waited. The crowd continued to grow as midnight drew closer.

Target manager, Ross Baker, passed out store maps to customers and explained the procession into the store. “We plan to let groups of 20 in at a time. They will be required to be in single file and there will be a minute gap in between each group. We are trying to avoid a stampede into the store.”

Police were patrolling the crowd to make sure no violence took place. In the past, many injuries have occurred on Black Friday due to the mass of people and the rush into the stores. The police chief shared, “We are taking every measure to ensure the safety of all the shoppers and to maintain the order.”

As the doors opened, the crowd became much more alert. The procession into the store was orderly, but once inside the store it was chaos. The aisles were flooded with customers scavenging around for discounts.

Baker shared, “We do all we can to keep the order outside the store but once the customers are inside it is a free for all.”

click here to watch the video

Daddy's Little Girl

Kentrell Lockettt is the Senior Defensive End for the University of Mississippi. Kentrell’s final year of playing for the University was a season of defeat and struggle, but through the turmoil, He must focus on moving larger mountains. Kentrell has hopes of getting drafted or pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, but whichever his decision might be; Kentrell must keep his baby girl in mind.

Kentrell Lockett, a beast on the field but a loving father at home, is the father of two years old, Kinsley. Being daddy’s girl, she harbors the techniques of pulling the beauty out of the beast. The 6’2” and 255 pound football player claims he would not have it any other way. “You get the best of both worlds,” He says, “Get to be one way and leave all the frustration on the field, and then you get to come home and be mushy.”

With his wife Leighanne, they work to raise and love Kinsley in an environment any two year old child with love. From life- size Barbie cars to colorful pink and blue blocks, Kinsley has the world at her little feet. Her time with her father is the most valuable. She loves to sing, dance and occasionally play a game of Call of Duty with her daddy. “They’re great together, “says his wife Leighanne.

The excitement of Kinsley’s love for her father makes parenting worthwhile for Kentrell. “Coming home is the best part,” he states. After a long day of practice, Kentrell melts when Kinsley lights up and runs to the door and screams, “Daddy, Daddy ,Daddy.” Kentrell laughs because his wife gets jealous because she does not receive the same treatment. Mocking his wife he says, “I was the only one home all day and I don’t get this type of treatment.” Kentrell then chuckles and states, “What can I say she’s daddy little girl.” To hear more click here

New Twist on Homecoming Tradition a Hit Among UM Students

For decades, homecoming weekend at Ole Miss has been characterized by football, families, and a student favorite...the homecoming parade. This event has always included a competition among student organizations to build and "pomp" the most extravagant float. This year, homecoming officials decided to take a more cost-efficient approach to this long-standing tradition.

Instead of creating large homecoming floats to display in the parade, organizations on campus were challenged to create smaller 8-foot by 8-foot signs to be displayed around campus. Participants ranged from the ever-present Greek organizations to smaller, lesser-known societies.

One of these, the Ole Miss Residence Hall Association, went with a Monopoly theme, transforming the board game we all know and love into a residence hall-filled "Rebelopoly".

"It's all about unifying our campus." said freshman RHA representative, Josh Moore. RHA members, as well as RA's and residents from each dorm came together to work on the RHA sign. "Each dorm is its own little community, but RHA brings us all together. This competition is doing the same for all Ole Miss students: bringing us together."

The group worked over 15 hours on their giant game board, staying motivated by a little friendly competition. "We want to make our presence known on campus. We want to win!" continued Moore.

As for changing yet another Ole Miss tradition, RHA sign workers had nothing negative to say. "I think it's great. We're still getting in the homecoming spirit, that's all that matters. Smaller signs are more feasible to smaller groups. This lets everyone participate and have fun." said sophomore Alisha Seals.

Martin Hall RA Karen Davis echoed the sentiment, "Change is good. We're supporting our Rebels, and that's what it's all about."

RHA took third place in the competition.

Find more on the story here.

Message boards explode due to coaching search at Ole Miss

Saturday night's 31-3 loss to Mississippi State not only ended a dismal season for the Ole Miss football program, but it also turned the attention towards the search for a new head football coach for the Rebels.

Ole Miss decided head coach Houston Nutt would not be retained following the season after an embarrassing 30-13 loss at Kentucky, and Saturday's loss in the Egg Bowl officially put an end on the Houston Nutt era in Oxford.

Despite a lackluster season, there is a buzz around the Rebel fan base as differing opinions and rumors are surfacing all over the Internet, especially on fan message boards.

“Obviously, anytime there’s change there’s going to be excitement – some good, some bad," owner of the Ole Miss Spirit Chuck Rounsaville said. "Everybody wants to rehash what went wrong. A lot of people want to just look forward. The traffic on the site is way up.”

The Ole Miss Spirit is a Scout.com affiliated fan message board that does everything they can to give the fans updated news on the coaching search. Rounsaville started the business in 1982, which first released a paper every two weeks before switching to the magazines they now publish, and it now has thousands of subscribers. 

As the Internet became more popular, Rounsaville created the message boards for fans to have open discussions about anything relating to Ole Miss sports. His goal is to let the fans know exactly what is going on as much as possible.

“There are plusses and minuses to it," Rounsaville said. "It’s a heck of responsibility, but for (editor) Jeff Roberson, (recruiting specialist) Yancy Porter, (writer) Ben Garrett and myself, it’s a labor of love. It’s not like it’s a burden.”

Roberson said all the guys at the Ole Miss Spirit spend around 16 hours a day on the boards to monitor what is being said and answer any questions fans may have. And with a coaching search going on, the traffic on the site picks up daily.

“Since the announcement (of Nutt being let go), it’s picked up a lot of steam," Roberson said. "A lot of people are on there. Everybody’s got their opinions now that the decisions have been made to bring new people on board for athletic director and a football coach. People throw around a lot of names, especially for football coach because that’s what more people are familiar with. There’s a long list, and everybody’s got their guy. We’ve heard a lot and seen a lot. (The message boards) are very active.”

While it is an exciting time for Ole Miss football, it is also a stressful one for everyone involved. Avid fans want to know everything that is going on, but sometimes there is nothing else to report, but Rounsaville loves that attitude and does everything he can to give the fans what they want.

“You keep digging," he said. "You keep trying to find things and giving every tidbit you can uncover. Just feed the beast. The Internet is a beast. It’s 24/7. We’re kind of used to that pace. We can’t always give the exact answers we want to because we don’t know, but it’s not because we’re not in there digging trying to find out.”

Veteran's Day On Campus at UM

On November 10, 2011 the University of Mississippi held its annual Veteran's Day ceremony at the Paris Yates Chapel on campus to pay respect for millions of soldiers nation wide. This event on campus made it possible for every to come and support the cause. Hundreds of students and members of the Armed Forces came out.

"I love that Veteran's Day, [formerly known as Armistice Day] gets celebrated here on campus, says Ashley Liggins, a freshman. "I really gain insight of the Armed Forces and the ceremony helps me understand our current situation with the war.

Major Rhea Tannehill, a 17 year member of the National Guard gave a speech which encouraged voting and recognizing veterans from all over. Singing from the UM's Male Glee choir also made the night patriotic.

"This whole ceremony is important because it lets me know that Ole Miss as a campus is recognizing Veteran's Day and the soldiers who have served before us and now. It also shows what we give up for our country," ROTC student Chrisitian Runyon says.

"I'm really proud of Ole Miss for what it's been doing with Veteran's Day and it makes me proud of being an alumni here," Major Tannehill says with a smile.

For video, click here.

Bridgets Final Project

A heated debate over the past few weeks whether or not to make Ole Miss a smoking free campus is finally coming to an end soon, leaving students anxious to hear the outcome.

The campus has a Tobacco Use Policy and the Designated Tobacco-Use Areas law in which you can only smoke cigarettes in specific areas on campus. If you are not smoking in the designated areas a fine must be payed. The Board of Students are arguing these policies are not enforced and Ole Miss needs to be a smoking free campus.

“I think smoking should not be allowed on campus because when I am walking to my classes I don't want to be forced to inhale second hand smoke and inhale those chemicals into my body”, says sophmore Nicole Boyd.

Sophmore Jordan Wulforst states “If smoking is banned our campus will look so much cleaner and we will get more fresh air to breathe in."

Many students argue against the thought of becoming a smoking free campus and are furious with the idea. Sophmore Brooke Busse states, “smoking should be allowed on campus. If it is taken away then the school is taking away our rights to enjoy a cigarette after or before class. The school should make a compromising decision and make the smoking policy enforced because a lot of people do not know they existed.”

The decision to make Ole Miss a smoke free campus is still up for decision. Before anything changes there is a vote on ASB facebook page to see what majority of students think.

For more here on this story click here

The Clay Lady

What makes something fascinating? A tale of how some things may be in your own backyard that could sell up to $3,000 dollars tells just that. "Making something useful with your bare hands is fascinating to me," says potter Rachel Ballentine.

Ballentine is a potter who goes by the name, "The Clay Lady" and is also a member of The Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi, a non-profit organization of craftsmen interested in preserving the traditional crafts of MS. She had her workshop built next to her home to be near her handicapped daughter.

She said that being near her daughter was a gift from God because she always wanted a career that allowed her to be near.

Making pottery is a hobby for some and a career for Ms. Ballentine, where she enjoys spending most of her time looking for new ideas, mainly from nature. She finds things such as cow manure, horsehair, and scrap metal that she incorporates in her work. When finished, her work is displayed at several exhibitions and sold at prices ranging from $25-3,000 dollars.

Barrels of clay covered her backyard and all the shelves in her home were filled with bowls and vases she had made. These bowls look like ordinary pottery but the uniqueness of this pottery is the substance that is put into it. Ms. Ballentine hunts in the woods, not for animals, but for clay and different items she can mix with her clay.

Although, there is no clear-cut way to becoming a professional potter, but a person that is interested in doing so can work towards a degree in ceramics or take some classes and workshops offered by a private master potter in their studio.

"I never dreamed of becoming a potter, but I needed 3 more hours of an elective to apply to my degree and I chose art and that's when I fell in love with the clay," Ballentine said.

One of her obligations of making pottery is staying as close to nature as possible and refraining from the use of harsh chemicals.

This upcoming weekend at the 35th Chimneyville Crafts Festival, Ms. Rachel Ballentine will be making an appearance along with more than 190 exhibitors showcasing and selling their one-of-a-kind crafts. People will be able to see the exhibitors demonstrate their skills on-site and maybe do some holiday shopping.

Ballentine said being a member of the The Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi has been helpful in advertising her work of art and has given her a great deal of encouragement.

"Making all these bowls has paid off and I will continue to make them as long God allows me to," said Ballentine.

Click here for more.

Ole Miss Calling Center

The Ole Miss Calling Center continues to raise funds despite the economic recession as well as the controversies Ole Miss has faced this year.

With the football season ending less than satisfactory and the recent release of head football coach Houston Nutt, followed by the retirement of athletic director Pete Boone, Ole Miss has found itsself caught up in quite the controversies.  However, Student employees at the calling center do not feel that the controversies have affected donations this year.

Junior caller Rigby Porter says, "At the begining of the semester a few people we called would say you know i'll donate as soon as Ole Miss does something about that coach and that athletic director.  Now they just find other excuses.  For the most part the people that give, give no matter what, its the people that don't give that make up excuses."

The Calling Center employes 40-45 students who call parents, alumni, and various other friends of the University in search of donations.  These donations benefit scholarships, student affairs, and also individual colleges. 

"Because of their efforts, many students who may not otherwise be able to can attend the University," says David Warner, Manager of the calling center.  "It's important that we attain private funding, because public funding only accounts for 24 % of the University's budget."

Elizabeth Schmitz, a sophomore says, "I really enjoy working here. I've had some people answer the phone and be so horrible, but mostly people are very sweet and willing to help. I find it rewarding to know that I personally help to raise money for the school I love."

The Ole Miss Calling Center not only continues to do well this year, the center has even set records for itsself. The most money raised in one night for instance is $26000. Currently this semester the calling center has raised $413000, with hopes of raising $1 million by the end of the year, which would top last year's amount of $843000.

"We take great pride in this profit and individual development of each of our callers," Warner said.

"With the poor economy and the coaching drama that has been around this semester, I feel that it is very important that we each do our part to help Ole Miss and the students here rise above.  I feel that the calling center really helps accomplish this.  So many parents I talk to are just so happy that someone at the universtiy cares and gets in touch with them. They want to help," says Porter.

For more on this story, you can click here.

Operation Christmas Child in Oxford, Mississippi

With the holidays quickly approaching many will participate in charity events for those less fortunate. The Oxford community is currently participating in one of the largest Christmas projects globally called Operation Christmas Child (OCC).

The mission of OCC is to show God’s love through a tangible thing such as a shoebox to needy children around the world. Operation Christmas Child is an effort that was started by the Samaritan’s Purse- a Christian relief organization that was created by Franklin Graham. This is the 11^th year for Samaritan’s Purse to use their efforts to collect millions of shoeboxes for children in need.

Each shoebox is filled with hygiene products such as toothbrushes or a hairbrush, school supplies such as crayons or markers, fun toys for the children to play with and also hard candy or gum. These boxes are shipped around the world to different locations each year including different parts of Africa, South America and parts of China.

Erika Tolson, a sophomore business major, had to opportunity to help with a mission trip this past year in the Philippines. Tolson had participated in making shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child before with her church at home but actually got the chance to see just how much those boxes impacted the children’s life.

Tolson says, “I can’t always give a large amount of money but it is just amazing how far a few dollars can go to those who really don’t have much. I have been blessed with so many wonderful things and it just feels so rewarding to give something as simple as a shoebox filled with a toy and to see the kids so excited about it.”

for more click here

Video is on DVD

McEwens Restaurant

The theme of this story is McEwens Restaurant and how they prepare their food in order to bring in the customers in a small, competitive town like Oxford. The video is personalized because it shows the cooks in the process of preparing food for customers as shown through this link.

Ole Miss Parking Troubles

The theme of this story is the parking situation on the University of Mississippi campus, and how students struggle to find spots on a daily basis. The sequence shows full parking lots, and students driving to try to find spots. It is personalized by showing the individual students driving around. The interview is with commuter, Cooper Sandusky, and he discusses what he does on a daily basis to ensure that he has a spot to park.

link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDjKsJujweM

Example

Ole Miss will announce the firing of football coach Houston Nutt today.

Blah blah blah ...

Nutt got in a real pickle after Saturday's loss to Kentucky.

Example

Ole Miss will announce the firing of football coach Houston Nutt today.

imagineer

The theme of this story is about a junior mechanical engineering major aspiring to work at Disney World. This is personal because it shows her studying. I chose the sound byte because it explains what goal she is working towards. Here is the link

Thomas Corso on Staying in Shape

http://youtu.be/cfPxmb7P-Cg

      The theme of this story is how Thomas Corso stays in shape by his routine work out. This sequence shows Thomas working out and he also tells us how he keeps his body in shape. The story is personalized because you get to see and hear how Thomas stays in shape with his daily routine work out. In the interview he discusses the right foods to eat and what he does every day to stay in shape.

UM Students Use Pilates to Relieve Stress

The theme of the story is how UM students are attending Pilates class in the LRC to alleviate stress during finals season. The sequences personalize the story by showing the students in action doing the Pilates exercises. The VOSOT is relevant because the student tells why she comes to Pilates class and how it benefits her.

Theme:Beyond Movement is the only African American dance group at the University of Mississippi who has actually suceeded in staying together. This sequence shows the hard work they put into practice each day and how they encourage one another to keep working. Link

AFROTC

The theme of the story is how students can prosper in the Air Force ROTC.  The sequence includes a demonstration of what a Vice Wing Commander would do on a daily basis.  The story is personalized because we see the Vice Wing Commander in person speaking to a cadet.  The SOT is important because the VWC explains that the position is highly attainable to everyone who is willing to go for it.

Scuba Diving

The theme of this story is how some Ole Miss students take advantage of the scuba diving training course offered here on campus to become certified divers. The sequence includes the training squad putting on their gear and diving in the pool. The story is personalized because we see the divers getting prepared and in action. The SOT is important because the instructor is talking about a technique used for training purposes and a few words of wisdom for the squad.

http://

"Pomping"

The theme of the story is how an Ole Miss Sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, constructs their homecoming float by building the float and "pomping." The sequences demonstrate what the art of "pomping" entail.They show the sisters taking the pieces of tissue paper and crafting them into little tiny balls that are for the details of the homecoming float. The second sequence demonstrates Theta members building the float where the the masterpiece will be displayed in the chicken wire. The SOT is appropriate because it really demonstrates to the viewer what " pomping" is.

Tri Delt "DHOP"

The theme of this story is Tri Deltas having a philanthropy event called "DHOP" to raise money benefiting St. Jude hospital. The sequence includes people lining up outside of the door and the amount of people that showed up to eat pancakes. This story is personalized because it shows all of the Tri Delts helping out. The SOT I chose was important because it was a Tri Delt that talks about the annual philanthropy event and how awarding it is to benefit St. Jude.

http://www.youtube.com/user/bequinn22?feature=mhee&fb_source=message

Dining at the RC

The theme of this video is the uniquely convenient dining facilities of the Residential Colleges. Both sequences support this theme by showing video of the dining hall, how it works, and how one student feels it is beneficial. The interview with Kristen further personalizes the story with examples of just how convenient it is. This sound bite was chosen because she gave the best attributes of this facility in the most concise manner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=b0bzZJ5D-mQ

Chi Omega Cooking Staff

The theme of this video is the Chi Omega cooking staff and what they do to prepare meals. Both sequences show different members of the staff preparing food or cleaning up the kitchen. The main focus of the sequence is Mr. Buddy. The sound bite was chosen because it was the best available and the speech was the clearest.

(Video on DVD)

Boobies Rock! Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign

The theme of this video is how "Boobies Rock!, Inc." is a campaign located outside of the Student Union that promotes breast cancer awareness in a humorous and disarming way. Both sequences show students and college-aged people putting money in the pink donation bucket, and buying breast cancer awareness merchandise to help spread the message. The sequences are personalized with Campus Representative Carrie Boone's commentary about how different age ranges interpret the Boobies Rock! campaign.

Lunch Hours at the Union

The Theme of the story is how packed the Student union can be at lunchtime. The sequences include the packed dining tables, students waiting in lines and the cashiers busily working. The story is personalized because we see the daily hassle most students endure for lunch. The SOT is fitting because we hear from one of the cashiers and his perspective on how surprisingly packed the union can be during lunch hours.

An Outsider's Perspective

The theme of the story is a visitor's perspective of the Grove. Both sequences show two Arkansas fans enjoying themselves in the Grove after the football game between Ole Miss and Arkansas. It personalizes the story because you see opposing fans having the same fun Ole Miss fans do. It puts a face on the story. The SOT is appropriate because it is a sophomore student at Arkansas talking about his overall experience in the Grove.

Kandance Webley

Dancing is an art form that uses the body to create and express emotion. The movements, footwork, and facial expression work together to create an untold story. In this video two members of Beyond Movement, a dance crew at Ole Miss, demonstrate how a story can be told through the art of dance. Link

Cobra Security Directs Ole Miss Campus

The theme of the story is with the higher population of students attending Ole Miss, there is now Cobra security on campus directing traffic. They are here during the week day from 8am to 2pm.These sequences show officers doing their job and letting cars go by. This sequence shows emotion due to the officers making sure people are safe crossing the street and cars go when they are supposed to.



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Game Day at Vaught-Hemingway

The theme of this story is the game day experience for Ole Miss fans. Both sequences support this theme by showing different aspects of the Alabama game, from football game itself to the Pride of the South halftime show. These sequences personalize the story by taking the view of one fan in a skybox suite.

Students Rally Protests of Amendment 26 at the Court House

The theme of this story is students voicing their opposition to Amendment 26 at the court house. Both sequences support this theme be showing the crowd rallying at the court house to those passing by. These sequences personalize the story by showing the diverse crowd with their signs banding together to rally their cause.

UM Students Use Group Studying for Finals

The theme of this story is that UM students are studying together to improve their final grades. The first sequence shows the two girls putting their heads together to tackle a difficult assignment. The second sequence shows them using visual learning skills by practicing on the board. These sequences personalize this theme because they show students studying together and teaching each other for finals.

Grove Preparation

The theme of this story is the preparation that goes into getting the grove ready for a game day weekend. The first sequence shows the trailer full of garbage cans, and the men that dispense them throughout the grove. The second sequence is what the workers do to get the sidewalk ready and clean. It shows a man blowing the sidewalk clean and another putting in signs along it. The sequences personalize the story by showing what people do to get the grove ready every football game weekend.

The Theme of the story is how to properly train a dog.  The sequence is of Ziggy, a 6 month old Morkie.  This personalizes the story by adding a real life situation.  The sequence can be seen by clicking on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSMcgOiIQbA

Ole Miss Campus Traffic/Parking Woes

The theme of the story here is observing the everyday pain and struggle Ole Miss students must endure just to drive around on campus and/or find a parking spot without being ticketed. The first sequence shows the surprising amount of cars at the main four-way stop on University Ave. at the edge of campus late in the afternoon. In this sequence cars are always moving by and traffic is consistent. The second sequence shows the mad rush for a parking spot at the Student Union during common dinner hours. The video shows one car park, while two more cars go by without any spots, as well as a few who decide to pull up in front of the Union and leave their car parked while they go inside. The sequences make the story personal because these are things that all Ole Miss students can connect upon because they all encounter these pains daily.

Daily Routine To Stay In Shape

                                                                             

        The theme of this story is how Patrick Reid prepares himself for his routine bike ride to stay in shape. This first sequence is of Reid airing his tires, for a safety preparation, before he starts his ride. The second sequence is of Reid starting his bike riding. It communicates the theme because it shows his exercise routine of riding his bike. They are personalized, because is shows how his daily routine is an easy way to stay in good shape.  

Parking Struggles

The theme of the story is the struggles students at Ole Miss are having parking every day due to increased enrollment and overselling parking decals. The first sequence is of a line of cars waiting for someone to leave. You see the student get into his car and leave, and another car takes his spot in a matter of seconds. The second sequence is a student trying to find a spot. Eventually, he decides to just park in faculty parking and take the risk of getting a ticket. The sequences personalize the story because they show the struggles students at Ole Miss go through on a daily basis to get to class on time.

The Typical Journalist in the New Journalism World

Leslie Smith is a serious Journalism student who has been a special correspondent for News watch. Smith has a special talent in editing videos and she loves making documentaries in her spare time. She spends a lot of her time in the Journalism School editing in the video room throughout the semester.

So Many Lines and So Little Time

The theme of this video is how the employees at Wal-Mart need to open more lines to customers to diminish the wait. The sequences tell the story because they show a real customer walking past empty lines and waiting. They also show the Wal-Mart employees standing around in a group while lines are extremely long and many items are being purchased. The sequence of the girl adds personalization to my story.

(link to come)

Breast Cancer Awareness Gets Men Attention

The theme of the story is how breast cancer knows no boundaries, it affects men, as well as, women. The first sequence is a response from a male stating why this event got his attention. The second sequence shows the different methods the organizers used to raise awareness. They are personalized because we have a close-up and other students partaking of the event.




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Feature Story

As Jessica Haynes quickly weaves yarn into the loops of braided hair, she thoroughly explains the process and steps of completing a sew-in. Jessica is a full-time student of the University of Mississippi, and a part time beautician from Arkansas. “I learned how to do hair when I moved in with my aunt, “Jessica says. Since the beginning of fall semester, Jessica has built a small cliental of a few close friends and has been promoting her business in hopes of a rapid expansion of her cliental. “I do hair on the side to make money and to try to support myself,” she states. “I’m a very independent person.”

Since the age of 15, Jessica has been self sufficient. To the best of her abilities, she has financially supported herself and even purchased her own car; but Jessica did not become this GI Jane over night or by choice. This burden fell on her by fate.

It was one week and day after her 15th birthday. Jessica, her mom, and her siblings had just gone dress shopping for her first prom. Jessica pauses to recall this day, “I shouldn’t be doing this. I’ve told this story a thousand times. ” She sighs and then begins to speak again, “On the way back she smoked a cigarette and ate her food. Me and her were sort of into it about a prom dress, so I wasn’t really talking.” The day had seemed as any other until a blink of an eye, Jessica found herself in the hospital in hopes for the survival of her mom. “Thirty minutes before she fell back”, Jessica says, “she said 'You know I love you.' After that, I knew it was over. Her mom had died from a stroke.”

As soon as the funeral was over, Jessica was whisked away to first live with her aunt in Biloxi, Mississippi. Her dad was murdered at young age, so living with her aunt was the best option. “Now that I think back, I wouldn’t have made that choice,” she says. Jessica and her aunt were not compatible. They constantly argued and on many occasions that left Jessica to fend for herself. Jessica’s love hate relationship, with her aunt, drove her to move back to Arkansas to stay with her brother. Jessica hoped for better living conditions, but quickly she realized this may not be the right decision. Her brother was not the best caregiver because he was also young. Finding a meal, some money, and attending school became her biggest issues.

Shortly thereafter, Jessica moved back in with her aunt. She realized in order to better her lifestyle she would have to be more independent. At the age of 17, Jessica put a $6,000 dollar down payment on her a hybrid Toyota Camry, so she could have her own means of transportation. She learned how to do hair from her aunt, so she could make money; and she has paved her way to come to college. “What keeps me going is my family; my brothers are the only two things I have left. I want them to see stuff they haven’t seen. ”

Feature Story

Peru is always close to the heart of Alise Darnell, literally. “I wear my necklace of Peru every day, I always want to keep it close to me.”

Alise Darnell is a senior Chi Omega from Jackson, MS. Alise has always had a passion for helping others and spreading the word of God. Alise’s passion for service emerged at a very young age. She grew up as an only child, so she immersed herself into her church’s community.

“It was lonely at times growing up, and I found a lot of comfort in my church and youth groups.” She volunteered frequently, but always wanted to directly help other communities. It was through her church that Alise first heard of the poverty in Peru.

“I remember going to my high school youth group and listening to members talk about the mission work and trip, and I knew it was something I had to participate in.”

For the past seven years, Alise and a group of missionaries have traveled to Peru in order to spread hope and help lives. Alise mainly works in the slums of Pachacutec, which is right outside of Lima. The mission trip is faith based, but the volunteers also help enhance the town. They construct churches and build structures for the natives to use as schools or meeting places. The missionaries also teach the citizens about Christianity. “We have morning prayer walks where we go around to all the houses and knock on the doors. We pray with the families and it is a great way to connect with the community.”

While sharing about her time in Peru, Alise became visibly emotional. “The culture of poverty has widened my perspective on life and shown me what things I take for granted. I have realized all the daily distractions that I think are so important are in fact trivial compared to the situation in Peru. My mission work has strengthened my faith and taught me to realize what is most important in life.”

This coming summer, Alise is going to be one of the mission leaders in Pachacutec. “It is a place where I have grown and find the Lord and I want to make sure this program continues into the future.”

Emily Lovejoy

Hailing from Lexington, KY, Emily Lovejoy, a junior at the University of Mississippi, has made a significant impact on greek sorority Tri Delta's national philanthropy. Lovejoy was an active member of several clubs in high school, and now being the Tri Delta Philanthropy Chairman is just another to addition to the list. Tri Delta's philanthropy is working together with St. Jude Hospital, and Lovejoy recently received the Tri Delta Philanthropy Chairman of the Year.
“I really wanted to get involved in Tri Delt and to have a leadership title. I love St. Jude, so I figured what a perfect way to get upclose and do more to try and help the families and raise more money for them,” Lovejoy said.
Members of Tri Delt are confident Lovejoy is dedicated to St. Jude and that she has made a significant impact.
“I was in shock when I got the phone call from Helen, our chapter advisor when she told me I won the award, but so happy. I don't necessarily think I deserve this award. I just wanted to do more to help St. Jude and remind our chapter what Tri Delta is all about,” Lovejoy said.
Lovejoy took the time and planned a chapter retreat to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis last spring. This being the first visit for any Tri Delta chapter.
“I have never heard more rave reviews about a Tri Delta function. I have had girls coming to me begging for another visit and asking what more they can do to help. It has truly been a blessing to see how inspiring this trip has been to so many people. It was a stressful trip to plan but it was so worth it,” Lovejoy said.
Natalie Vermillion, a sophmore Tri Delta, also commented on Lovejoy's positive impact. “Emily is seriously the best Philanthropy Chairman. She is so sweet and does anything she can to help people. I am so proud of her she got the award. All of her hard work paid off and got noticed.”
"It's an honor for me to work for St. Jude and meet all the wonderful people I have met. As much as we have changed their lives, they've changed ours. We are so fortunate to live as close to Memphis as we do so now we can plan more trips to St. Jude," Lovejoy said.

Chi chapter was nominated for Most Improved Chapter and Rookie of the Year. Helen Baker, Chapter Advisor for Tri Delta at Ole Miss commented, “Emily Lovejoy has turned this program around completely. There is nobody better to give this award to than her. She is organizing so many more events to raise money for St. Jude. She is the best for the job.”

The Big Event

We probably all have volunteered in some aspect at least once in our community, but when it is an event with over one thousand people volunteering for one service project, it’s a different story. That is exactly what the Big Event this past spring was – a unique event.

The Big Event is the biggest service event in Oxford’s history benefitting Oxford and Lafayette County.

Virginia Burke, former ASB President, led the way for the Big Event to be brought to the Ole Miss campus. Burke said “The focus of the Big Event was geared towards areas of the Oxford community that do not typically receive much attention.” Event volunteers got a chance to help the community by assisting with numerous tasks like cleaning yards and basements, painting houses, and other chores that needed to be done. Rainy weather did not keep over twelve hundred students from Ole Miss from participating in the local event, which exceeded all of the goals and expectations of the organizers of this community-wide service project. The large number of participants really speaks volumes for the commitment of the Ole Miss students to serving the Oxford community which they temporarily call home.

Sarah Rogers, former ASB Director of Community Service, heard of the idea of such an event from students that attend Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. This similar event has been going on for at least 30 years in College Station. Following the successful event in Oxford, Rogers said “The event gave students the opportunity to show gratitude and appreciation to the Oxford community for all they do to support our campus.”

The event was more than one geared to helping the community. It also gave students the opportunity to show their appreciation to the Oxford citizens. Residents must endure increased traffic, crime, noise, and overcrowding due to the University’s location in their town. This event was just one way for students to give back to the residents who help to make Oxford a special place. Burke says “I was so excited for these student’s as well as myself to go out and give a little back to the Oxford community to show our gratitude and to also thank them for all of their support.”