Issue 2 | Sept. 24, 2015

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Editor-In-ChiefNatasha Jones

Assistant EditorsTrenton CanadaAshton Rector

Design EditorChristin Rottenberger

Faculty Adv isorJeremiah Massengale

Sta ff WritersDJ Hite

Lydia JayShyann NorrisLiz Guillermo

Sta ff PhotographerEric Ford Edwards

Jay Sanksakulchai

Editor ia l Rev iew BoardLisa Bartram

Marianne Worthington

- 7000 College Station Drive Williamsburg, Ky 40769

(606-539-4172

/patriotnewspaper @UCThePatriot

*thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu

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The Patriot is the biweekly student publication of the University of the Cumberlands. Our goal is to provide timelyand original content by highlighting campus news and views.

Award-winning member of the Kentucky Press Association.

CONTENTS

UCTHEPATRIOT

101214

You Spoke, She Listened

Under the lights

Echoes from the past

Commuter’s guide tosanity

Lauren Wombles, Alumni

New BeginningsFriday, September 25th

10:00 a.m.

Alumni Auction Items Preview &

Silent Bidding

Cumberland Inn Lobby.

12:00 p.m.

Creech-Boswell Club Luncheon &

1965 Class Reunion

Cumberland Inn.

7:00 p.m.

Music Department Concert

Mary McGraw Music.

7:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

Residence Halls Open House

9:00 p.m.

Friday Night Headliner featuring

Molodi Live Stepping Performance

Ensemble

Gatliff Chapel.

Saturday, September 26th

8:30 a.m.

Cornhole Tournament

Soccer Practice Field by HSB

8:30 a.m.

Red Boot Run Registration

Hutton School of Business.

9:30 a.m.

Red Boot Run Start

Hutton School of Business

10:00 a.m.

Alumni Baseball Reunion

Doyle Buhl Stadium

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Improvisational Theatre

Kohn Theatre

12:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Alumni Luncheon

Gatliff – Intramural Gym: Deli Buffet

& Program.

Speaker: Dr. James E. Croley, III,

‘72.

Special music by: Kenny Channels,

‘90.

Recognition of Honored

12:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Residence Halls Open House

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Cumberlands and Connections 101

Boswell Campus Center Grill.

Meet & Greet with students, alumni

and professors.

Tours of the new Health & Wellness

Center.

4:00 –6:30 p.m.

Patriot Pride Picnic

Boswell Campus Center Grill.

Music, Food, Face Painting, and

Balloon Artist. $5 per person

4:30 p.m.

Alumni Board Auction

All Spring Sports Reunions

Corresponding booths.

Boswell Campus Center

7:00 p.m.

PATRIOTS VS

BULLDOGS:

UNDER THE LIGHTS

James H. Taylor II Stadium

After game musical performance

Kenny Channels, ‘90

Fireworks Display

Sunday, September 27th

10:45 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICES

First Baptist Church

or

Main Street Baptist Church

12:30 –2:00 p.m.

Campus-Wide Brunch

T. J. Roberts Dining Hall.

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Music Department Alumni Jazz Per-

formance

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Residence Halls Open House

All Halls

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After waiting and watching for months, the newest addition to campus hasbeen completed. On Saturday, Sept. 26th 2015 during UC’s annual homecomingweekend, an open house of the new Health and Wellness Center will be availablefrom 1:00 to 6:30 p.m. to those on campus. This will be the first time the Centerwill be completed with exercise equipment installed and employees on site tolet the public come in and see what will be available once the Center opens thefollowing week.

“Filled from wall to wall with (workout) equipment, there won’t be anyempty spots around. Cardio equipment and weight equipment on one side, tread-mills toward the front where the windows are, the dumbbells section, and liftingequipment on one side,” says Josh Hatfield, director of intramural and campusrecreation, as he explains what homecoming attendees can expect when touringthe new center which will be housed on the lower level of the Boswell StudentCenter. “We think it’s real important, being it’s homecoming and that we justopened it up and I’m sure they want to see the latest features on campus,” saidHatfield.

The Health and Wellness Center will be open to UC students and commu-nity members for free, and only available to guests 18 or older, with exceptionof enrolled students who might be younger than 18. Upon opening on Monday,Sept. 28th, the hours will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday

10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to having a varietyof workout equipment available to guests, the Center will also offer a boot campfitness class, a Zumba class and Hatfield plans to bring in a CrossFit instructoras well as offer yoga as a class. Classes will be taught after five and are set tostart during the first full week of October.

The Center will also have workout towels available upon checking in, atthe surrender of a guest’s ID, once the guest returns the towel when leaving,they will receive their ID back. The Center will also have two vending machinesthat offer healthy selections such as energy bars and drinks. The newly reno-vated game room will also become available for student use again; it will be lo-cated on the back end of the lower level. “The rec room will have furniture withthe big screen TV for online gaming, maybe watching college football; thenthree pool tables and a brand new ping pong table,” said Hatfield.

“We are excited to showcase our new addition this Saturday to the campuscommunity. Going forward the facility will be a center of activity for the cam-pus with exercise equipment, fitness classes and game room facilities. We wantto encourage everyone to check it out,” says Dr. Emily Coleman, vice presidentof Student Services.

Open House of Health and Wellness Center during Homecoming Weekend

BY NATASHA JONES

Editor-in-Chief

Time to Enter the Center

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As students may have noticed on the updated school website, the phrase“You spoke. We listened.” is commonly displayed across banners with notesof some of the renovations that have taken place as a product of administrationstudent data to best tailor to their needs. University of the Cumberlands’ Dr.Emily Coleman may be freshly stepping into her new position as vice presidentof student services, but she is not afraid of change. During this interview, Cole-man speaks about using student responses and comments to employ changesaround campus.

Q: Where do you receive the feedback from student reports and things likethat?

Coleman: Well, part of it’s from the student opinion survey and so it’s that sur-vey that you all do as a convocation in the spring semester. So, for example,the open house hours and how those were expanded, that was a common com-ment we saw on the student opinion survey. So we took that to student gov-ernment and said “This is what we’re seeing. Is this something you all wouldlike to see expanded?” And it was a resounding “Yes!” so we worked with stu-dent government and our residence life staff and collaboration to come up withwhat the expanded hours are. But the student opinion survey is one of themand then I also conducted focus groups at the end of the semester. As I waspreparing to transition into this position, I really wanted to get at the pulse ofwhat were students concerns? What do they like? What do they not like? And

how can we try to stir up more school spirit and Patriot pride… So, I met withstudent government, campus ministries, campus activities, residence life, stu-dent athletes, and the ambassadors group. I don’t think I’m missing one of thegroups but there might have been one more in there. I tried to hit our key largegroups across campus and I had the same set of questions and I went aroundand met with each of them and I looked for common themes. What were thingsthat were common amongst all of those that we could do to help increase stu-dent satisfaction, is joy on campus and so that’s how we started to emerge withthe ‘You Spoke, We Listened.’ I want students to know that these changes thatare being made are because their voice and their input is being heard.

Q: What kind of feedback did you receive? Was there a common theme or wasit kind of all over the place?

Coleman: Definitely the idea of wanting to see more activities on campus.That’s one thing with the department of Student Services there’s a lot goingon but there were sometimes multiple things going on in one night. So weworked as a unit to spread stuff out so campus worship is on Monday, CampusActivities is on Tuesday, intramurals (which we’ve expanded) is now onWednesday and Thursday. Those are purposely on different nights so it ex-pands the opportunities for activities. We’re also working with our residencelife team so they have specific programming now and numbers of programs

An interview with Dr. Emily Coleman

BY ASHTON RECTOR

Assistant Editor

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Features

per semester and then they’re getting the same cal-endar so we can try to plan around those and alsolook major things like convocation last night… ac-tivities was one, some outdoor space to sit andstudy, so we’ve got the outdoor patio area here onthe Health and Wellness Center; there’s a picnictable on Gillespie’s porch now, there’s a picnic tableover by the Rob Cook sand volleyball area. Thoseare a few ways we’ve started to add to that and wehope to expand. Those are just a couple of exam-ples.

Q: Do you expect to see more changes in the yearsto come as a product of this?

Coleman: Definitely. Cumberlands has always beencommitted to helping students succeed, to listeningto students, and responding to their voice. This is agreat time for them to grow in their leadership skillsand their communication skills and so we definitelyplan to continue to work with student government,with the newspaper, with other student groups andwhen students are speaking about a concern we

want to listen and we want to respond. It’s a greatleadership opportunity and it’s helping to make surewe’re staying focused on what our students’ needsare and that we are responding to those. So defi-nitely. Q: What is the message you would like to send stu-dents when they make these requests?

Coleman: Use your student outlets. Student govern-ment is a great resource on campus. They are com-prised of representatives of the student body; do usethem as a resource to funnel those questions or con-cerns. Come and talk to us; we are very open in Stu-dent Services. We have an open door policy; Idefinitely personally have an open door policy. Sowhen there are questions and concerns, don’t let itfester. Don’t let it build up to where you’re at thispoint of frustration you want to scream. Come andlet us know because a lot of time we can take careof it pretty quickly.

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Pete Campbell is in his first season as the head men’s lacrosse coach atthe University of the Cumberlands. With that position comes new challenges,since lacrosse is one of the newest sports added at the University of the Cum-berlands.

In this interview, Campbell describes the beginning of a new era forlacrosse at the University of the Cumberlands. Also, he talks about his visionof the future for Patriot lacrosse and the impact he hopes to have on it evenduring its debut year.

Q: What are your thoughts about starting the first lacrosse program and beingthe first head coach at UC?

Campbell: I absolutely love it, I’m having a blast and I think the school isawesome. The sport that we have has been great!

Q: What are some expectations and goals you have for the team to accomplishthis first season?

Campbell: Some goals that we have, we are playing in the Appalachian Ath-letic Conference (AAC). They have an automatic bid in a tournament, and thetop four teams in the conference make it. One of our first goals is to be one ofthe top four teams in the conference.

Q: What inspired you to take the position as the head men’s lacrosse coachhere at the Cumberlands?

Campbell: I would just say that is was something that I always wanted to do,to be able to coach at the college level. Then when I got here at the school itfelt like it was the right school to be in and that I liked.

Q:What is your favorite thing thus far about being the head lacrosse coach?

Campbell: I think just the excitement that’s going around for the lacrosseteam, and nobody knows about it. I think that is something that I would liketo have and would like a lot.

Q:Where do you see the lacrosse program in five years?

Campbell: Hopefully competing for National Championships.

Q:What are some things that it takes to build a good lacrosse program?

Campbell: Some of the standards that we have is we hold the guys to highstandards both on and off the field. I think developing the right culture is thereally the most important thing to have a successful lacrosse program.

A Q&A with Pete Campbell, headcoach of the men’s lacrosse team

New beginnings at the starting lineup

BY DJ HITE

Sta ff Writer

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Photo by Er ic Ford Edwards

Lucas Hohnstein is the assistant men’s bowling coach at the University ofthe Cumberlands. This is Hohnstein’s first season at UC. He previously at-tended the University of Pikeville where he bowled for four years on the men’steam.

In this interview, Hohnstein recalls his past experiences at Pikeville anddiscusses how they contributed to some of the goals he has for the men’s bowl-ing team. He also gives some of his thoughts on what it is like to be the assistantcoach.

Q: How do you like your position here at the University of the Cumberlandsso far?

Hohnstein: It’s really good; I really enjoy it so far. The campus, the new drillpress we have in the bowling office, everything. I love it.

Q: What are some expectations and goals you have for the team to accomplishthis season?

Hohnstein: To win conference, and to have at least two people make all-con-ference team. I think we have the talent to accomplish these things.

Q: What inspired you to take the position as the assistant coach here at theCumberlands?

Hohnstein: I really just love being around college bowling and being aroundthe sport. You know it’s not really about the bowling as much as the social as-pect. Being around the kids, the people, that kind of thing. So, that’s really themain thing.

Q: So far what is your favorite thing about being the assistant coach at UC?

Hohnstein: Just hanging out with the team, just like back when I was bowling.The social environment and those kinds of things.

Q: Where do you see the bowling program in 10 years?

Hohnstein: I think in 10 years we can have multiple conference titles. Be aforce to be reckoned with in the Mid-South Conference.

Q: What are some good examples of what it takes to be a good coach? Hohnstein: You have to be patient and understanding. And you have to be ableto laugh and have fun.

BY DJ HITE

Sta ff Writer

Q&A with Lucas HohnsteinAssistant coach for the men’s bowling team

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Photos by Jay Sanksakulchai

On Saturday, September 19, the Patriot football teamstepped under the lights at the James H. Taylor, II Stadiumto face Cumberland University. In a thrilling battle to thefinish, the Patriots emerged victorious to win 49-41.

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BY TRENTON CANADA

Assistant Editor

1. Glow- Ella HendersonWhat better way to prepare for a night under thelights than with a power anthem titled “Glow?” EllaHenderson belts out a surge of inspiration sure tohave you shouting, “We are fire!”

Best lyric: “We are brighter, we are brighter. Let’sshow ‘em how we light up the night.”

2. The Phoenix- Fall Out BoyThe opening to this song is enough to spur thatfighting energy needed for football games. “Put onyour war paint!” We may have had a few stumbleson our way, but we will rise from those ashes.Watch out!

Best lyric: “I’m gonna change you like a remix.Then I’ll raise you like a phoenix.”

3. Go Hard or Go Home- Wiz Khalifa & IggyAzalea The title of this track says enough. This is footballcountry. Give it your all or get off the field. Thesame goes for the fans. Need I say more?

Best lyric: “Ain’t nobody here to play around. Pushit to the edge, I won’t back down. Cause it’s time togo hard or go home.”

4. Like Whoa- Aly & AJThis is a throwback to all Disney music lovers. Aly& AJ became famous due to their roles with DisneyChannel, but this song was heard in middle schoolsand high schools across the country because of thepumped-up rhythm and bass. Let this song take youback to those chilly, autumn nights.

Best lyric: “In the morning it begins again. Feelslike I'm falling; better strap me in. I think I'm run-ning out of oxygen, and it feels good, it feels good,it feels good.”

5. Glory Days- Betty WhoCollege is that period in our lives that changes usand grows us as people. These are the moments, thetriumphs and the people we will remember forever.We may not remember the score, but we will neverforget that feeling, that emotion when our favoriteteam rushes onto the field. These are indeed theglory days.

Best lyric: “These are the glory days; this is thegolden age.”

6. Awake O Sleeper- The Brothers BrightFilled with biblical allusions and calls to rise aboveopposition, this anthem is sure to send a chill downyour spine. It’s a call to wake up, to rise from those

stands and roar with power. Come alive in thosestands!

Best lyric: “Do you hear the lion roar? Awake OSleeper. Stand with me, we’ll fight the war. AwakeO Sleeper.”

7. Famous Last Words- My Chemical RomanceThis is the song for the underdog, for the rebel. Welove a good comeback story, and football seems tooffer many of those. Whether your team is on topor just fighting to make the ranks, this song willhave you chanting, “I am not afraid!”

Best lyric: “I am not afraid to keep on living. I amnot afraid to walk this world alone.”

8. This City- Patrick Stump ft. Lupe FiascoFootball is ultimately about the fans, the commu-nity, rallying behind a team, routing for the playersthat represent them. For a few moments, we forgetabout all of the problems that may plague an area,and we unite behind one cause: to show the otherteam that what we’re made of. We route for this cityand for this team!

Best lyric: “My city and I, our hearts beat, beat, beattogether. When I’m home, we both breathe, breathe,breathe together.”

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Commuters. The ones who sacrifice anywherefrom 20 minutes to two hours of their day on theroad. The ones who chose to get up earlier to driveto school instead of live on campus. If you are a res-ident, just think about it. What do you do during thetwo hours that the commuters are on the road?Would you study when you are at home around yourfamily and things you enjoy doing? Would you knowhow to budget your money well enough to afford gasand food? What would you do for lunch daily if youdidn’t have a meal plan? Even experienced com-muters struggle with these things. It is a big adjust-ment and takes much dedication and discipline. Afterbeing a resident and now a commuter, I feel as if Iknow some of the difficulties with each one of theseissues and have adjusted well to the new changes Ihave made in my life. The main goal for all com-muters is time management.

Stay "in the loop.”Being a commuter can sometimes make you feel

as if you are “out of the loop” and not always in theswing of things because you are off of campus morethan the average student; however, that is not thecase. You are on campus however much you letyourself be on campus. Hang out a while after class.Do most of your homework before you go home.Take time for your friends; and just be available andopen for options after classes end each day. My av-erage day is spent in class and then working in thenewspaper office. I try to get as much of my home-work done as possible (between working and class)before I go home so I do not have to worry about it.I spend on average about six to seven hours on cam-pus a day. That is more than enough time to get what

I need to done. When finally deciding that being acommuter would be best for me, I realized that I kepthearing negative things from some of my family andfriends such as “you won’t get the real college ex-perience.” That is when I realized that spending timeon campus after class still gives me the college ex-perience I need and want and also gives me time toutilize for homework without being completely tieddown on campus.

Be thrifty.The most trying part of being a commuter for me

was my budget. Being thrifty was a challenge. It wasa challenge when I was a resident so saying “beinga commuter is challenging” is almost an understate-ment, but it is certainly not impossible to stay finan-cially on top of things. My first goal was to see onaverage how much I would spend on gas a week andthen go from there. I fill up my car on Sunday nightsor Monday mornings and after that I am able to makethree to four trips to school and back home until Ineed gas again. So on average I spend around $40-$50 on gas a week. This may seem pricey but after Ilearned to budget my money, it became normal tome. Next in my budget is food. Being a commuteryou do not get a meal plan unless you buy one sep-arately. But who wants to do that if you don’t haveto? Certainly not me, so that is when I started to packmy lunch every other day. On days when my lunchbreak is short and I do not have time to go through adrive-thru somewhere that is when packing my lunchis handy and convenient. On other days that I haveplenty of extra time, I will eat out but that is abouttwice a week; no more. I try to only eat out twiceweek for time and money’s sake.

Stay grounded and disciplined with your time.An often asked question I have gotten also is,

“What do you do when you go home? Are you notbored?”. On an average day when I leave school Iwill head home to first finish any homework that Idid not get done before leaving class or the officethat day. I will eat supper and spend time with familyand friends. If I know I have a test coming up I willset an allotted amount of time out for studying thedays prior to the test. Balancing my time at homewas difficult at first. I just wanted to lay around andwatch television or be out and about doing otherthings that required money and most of my time.This is when I realized a very strict schedule andtime alone to focus was something I had to train my-self to get into the habit of. Don’t get me wrong,some days when I have nothing to study for and nohomework, I will do something to pamper myself orjust relax, but who doesn’t?

Being a commuter was challenging at first whileI was trying to train myself to the many differentchanges; however, I am thankful. It has taught memore self-discipline that what I previously had andI am able to stay on a strict routine and schedule thathelps me on every aspect. Although balancing col-lege life and home life is rough, money is sometimestight and time management sometimes takes a largeamount of discipline, being a commuter is better forme than living on campus. It has helped both myfamily and me. However, being a commuter is notfor everyone, but keeping your sanity is the mostvital part.

A Communter’s Guideto Sanity

BY SHYANN NORRIS

Guest WriterPhoto by Shyann Norris

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Photo by Eric Ford Edwards

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Be at peace. Has anyone ever told you that? Have you ever struggled daily at being at peace? I’m not just talking about on the outside buton the inside as well. Everybody can act like they’ve got it all together on the outside but be a mess on the inside. So what causes us to be amess? To not be at peace throughout our day? It could be our family, friends, work, school, relationships or life in general- you name it, it cansteal our peace right from us daily. In order for us to get our peace back and to keep it we have to be willing and determined to be at peace. Whenyou are willing and determined to be at peace, the more you are able to be at peace. Although, many of us wish we could snap our fingers and-Bam!- have peace, but unfortunately it doesn’t work like that. Having peace daily is a choice, and it takes time. But over time with much practiceyou can become someone who has peace daily. In order for us to be able to be at peace on the outside as well as the inside I have found two tipsto be helpful.

One: having the mind of Christ. Having a mind of Christ provides peace. The more you think like God, the more you are able to handlethings that occur and happen to you throughout your day. How you choose to think determines how your day will pan out. In scripture it says,“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable,and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5 KJV).

Two: Keeping your emotions at Bay. A lot of us allow our emotions to get the best of us at times based on what we are going through, whetherthat is outwardly or inwardly. Going by how we feel at the time and acting based on your emotions can be a momentary feel-good relief, but theend result is always costly in some shape or form. If you are not careful your emotions can sometimes lead into more distress and unsettledness.We have to choose to not let how we feel dictate how we think or act or how people may treat us. Instead, trust that God has us and that He iswith us, always willing to step in and help us. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evilday, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13 KJV). “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to themwho are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV). These are just a few scriptures that help me to strive to be at peace, regardlessof what takes place in my life. I hope these scriptures help you.

Be Blessed.

Keeping your peaceA devotional

BY LYDIA JAY

Sta ff Writer

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In January of 1921, University of the Cumberlands was just a fledgling college aiming to be a university. We were still called Cumberland College,the paper was still called “The Cumberland College Echo”, and spoon stealing, as I understand it, was an epidemic. At least that is how it appeared whenthe January 26, 1921 issue of The Echo released a list of Ten Commandments for Cumberland women. There was a time when men and women wereeven more strictly watched, a time when the women had a matron to watch over them and keep them all in line, a woman named McConnell. Here arethe ten commandments, as originally published in The Echo.

All those rules seem livable but may be outdated for our time. Remember, these were just the rules for women. I hope that seeing these gives you anew perspective on the world we are now living in and the amount of things that have changed over time. I also hope that you all go forth and shower atleast twice a week and leave the spoons where they lie.

BY LIZ GUILLERMO

Sta ff Writer

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Jordyne Carmack graduated from the University of the Cumberlands in2011 and was a double major in communication arts and theatre arts. Shenow is an assistant professor in UC’s communication, journalism and theatrearts departments, with a specialization in integrated digital communication.In this interview University of the Cumberlands alumni Jordyne Carmack (for-mally Gunthert) talks about what it was like to be a student at the universityand her unique transition back to Cumberlands as a professor.

Why did you originally choose University of the Cumberlands?

As a high school student in Texas, I wanted to move somewhere with a Chris-tian atmosphere, four seasons (in Texas you get two, hot and less hot), a di-verse liberal arts education, great financial aid and strong student-teachermentorship opportunities. At UC, I found all of those things.

What was your experience as a student here?

It's hard to put into words! I adored being a Patriot - and love being an alumni,too. Between internships during the summer (thanks to faculty support), run-ning the television station, performing in as many musicals and plays as Icould manage, Chamber Choir, CAB and managing all my classes, I was busyfrom start to finish. But I graduated in 3.5 years and wouldn't have had it anyother way. I will forever treasure the relationships I built with the faculty andother students at UC.

You came back to UC; what drew you back to the school you graduatedfrom?

A job opportunity I was hoping for was postponed, and I needed work. Thank-fully, a friend recommended me to the director of admissions for a job doing

social media - the rest was history. I fell in love with strategic and digital com-munications, started and finished my graduate degree, and then began teachingas an adjunct for the communication department. So in a way, I never reallyleft.

How is it different as a teacher than it was as a student?

There are some major differences - but in a lot of ways, it's quite similar. I runon the same schedule you do - class times, breaks, summer vacations, etc. Wealso have homework - grading those papers you finish last minute, preparinglectures, activities, writing prompts and advising students. The life of an ac-ademic, the life of a professor, is often the life of the forever student: alwayslearning, always challenging yourself, always looking forward to see how youcan better explain a concept or counsel a future industry professional. I some-times miss being on the meal plan, though.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment after graduation?

I'd say my greatest accomplishment actually has nothing to do with my aca-demic or professional career. I could say completing grad school or somethinglike that. But thanks to UC, I formed a few friendships that radically changedmy spiritual life and led me to a renewed passion for living for Christ andserving overseas. My experiences in Kenya and the lessons I learned aboutthe importance of community building, discipleship, leading and prayer haveled to a greater impact for others than any other accomplishment I have hadon my own.

BY LIZ GUILLERMO AND BRODY NOLAN

Guest Writers

The journey from UC Student toUC Professor :

An Interview with Jordyne Carmack

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Lauren Wombles, 24, was well known during her time at UC for her ac-complishments on the women’s basketball team: as a freshman she wasawarded the Mid-South Conference Freshman of the Year award, was on theAll-Conference team the entirety of her career, was awarded Academic All-Conference and Academic All-American, was the MSC player of the year hersenior year, and is an All-American athlete. She holds the records for mostpoints scored in her career for men and women, and the women’s record formost rebounds. Less well known are her accomplishments following her grad-uation. It is no secret that finding a job in the field of education has grown in-creasingly difficult over the years; however, after graduating from UC in 2013,Wombles has had no difficulty making her way in the world of teaching. Shebegan work as a third grade teacher at Hunter Hills Elementary in London,Kentucky, where she taught for two years. This past August she began workingas a first grade teacher at Sublimity, in London. From athlete to coach, andfrom student to teacher, in this interview Wombles gives insight into her suc-cess and how her experience at UC impacted her future.

Can you tell me a little about your time at the University of the Cumber-lands?

A: I spent five glorious years there. I played basketball four out of those fiveyears and stayed involved with FCA, so it was very demanding in that aspect.FCA and the basketball program along with all my classes took the majorityof my time.

What was your major?

A: I majored in elementary education.

Why did you choose to attend the University of the Cumberlands?

A: I had numerous offers from other school’s volleyball and basketball pro-grams and was not looking at the University of the Cumberlands at first. Then,my brother got really sick out of the blue. He had a pretty terrible seizure, andit scared me because we were really close. Then I started looking at UC. Ireally felt like that was where God was leading me, and I wanted to be closerto home so I could be closer to my brother. Actually, in the five years I spentat UC, there were only two weekends I did not spend at home.

How do you feel like UC impacted you?

A: When I went in, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, so UC did not point me inthat direction but it definitely affected how I go about teaching. I rememberas a freshman, Janie Carter was my Insights leader and she took our Insightsclass all out in front of the “business building” where we all got into a circleand shared our dreams for the future. I remember thinking that I was where Iwas supposed to be. I connected with the professors in my program, and I stillhave some strong connections today.

Lauren Wombles, Alumni:A Future in Education After UC

BY SYDNEY FREEM AN

Guest Writer

Features

15

Do you feel like being a student athlete positively impacted you?

A: Definitely. Basketball really helped me make some important and lastingconnections. Sports are something that will always be a part of my life. AfterI graduated, I spent two years as the assistant volleyball coach for the girls’team at South Laurel, and now I am the head coach of the North Laurel girls’volleyball team. Being a part of a team kept me busy, but I would not take itback.

Is there anything about your experience that you would change?

A: The only things I can think of are study more, focus more, and do betterin Dr. Sharp’s class my freshman year . . . and I would have gotten more sleep.

Why did you stay for a fifth year?

A: My scholarship for athletics was for five years, and it was difficult to getall of the student-teaching hours I needed while playing basketball. My fifthyear, since I was no longer eligible to play basketball, I joined the volleyballteam for the fall semester and to finish student teaching in the spring. Thesummer before I came back, though, I got very sick. I found out that I hadblood clots in both lungs. My fall semester was full of doctor’s visits, and Iwas on blood thinners. Thankfully, I have a clean bill of health now.

What advice would you give to incoming students aspiring to enter theeducation program?

A: Don’t procrastinate. I think if I would have grown out of that attitude, itwould help me out in my own classroom now. I still have a bad habit of wait-ing until the last minute to get things done and teaching is already so stressful,as it is.

What advice would you give to incoming athletes?

A: Step on to campus knowing you will only be here for a short amount oftime. It goes by so quickly and once it’s over there is no getting it back. Youraccomplishments are great, but people forget. All the practice, preseasons,and games are temporary. Your teammates graduate, you graduate, and youmove on. Cherish it.

What advice would you give to incoming freshman?

A: I would say, really pray about the path you are supposed to take, and getinvolved in those classes and clubs early. I knew what I wanted to do goingin but a lot of students don’t. It’s good to try and figure it out as soon as pos-sible. Many of my friends ended up spending extra time at UC or had to dealwith a bunch of unneeded stress because they had classes irrelevant to theirmajor before they figured out what they wanted to do.