PUBLISHED ARTICLES
All of Martina's published articles have been placed into categories based on their subject matter. The categories are hard news, entertainment, economy/finance, health and fashion/decorating.
*HARD NEWS CATEGORY*
Addicted to Attention
Increasing student abuse of drugs like Adderall has unhealthy side effects
Forget bottle popping, several college students are now all about snorting or popping pills - Adderall that is.
Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but it is widely abused by students to stay up later to study, party harder and even to lose weight. With so many students abusing to the drug, it is now being referred to as the Ivy League version of crack.
One U of M student admits that she has struggled with addiction for six years now. The 23-year-old senior spoke in depth about her experiences with Adderall, but wanted to remain anonymous. Read more
Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, but it is widely abused by students to stay up later to study, party harder and even to lose weight. With so many students abusing to the drug, it is now being referred to as the Ivy League version of crack.
One U of M student admits that she has struggled with addiction for six years now. The 23-year-old senior spoke in depth about her experiences with Adderall, but wanted to remain anonymous. Read more
Energy drinks and alcohol can be dangerous
Energy drinks are no longer used just to help students stay awake to get through schoolwork. Students are now using them for energy to get drunk, which could prove fatal.
By mixing alcohol with energy drinks to create the ultimate party cocktail, many students are unaware of just how dangerous the potentially fatal concoctions can be.
Morgan Parks, junior fashion merchandising major, said she had not heard about the danger.
"I'm aware of the risks I take when I drink alcohol," she said, "but I was not aware of the risks pertaining to this cocktail."
Students who drink alcohol mixed with energy drinks, such as Red Bull, are at dramatically higher risk for injury and other alcohol-related consequences, compared to students who drink alcohol without mixing in energy drinks, according to a study done by Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Read more
By mixing alcohol with energy drinks to create the ultimate party cocktail, many students are unaware of just how dangerous the potentially fatal concoctions can be.
Morgan Parks, junior fashion merchandising major, said she had not heard about the danger.
"I'm aware of the risks I take when I drink alcohol," she said, "but I was not aware of the risks pertaining to this cocktail."
Students who drink alcohol mixed with energy drinks, such as Red Bull, are at dramatically higher risk for injury and other alcohol-related consequences, compared to students who drink alcohol without mixing in energy drinks, according to a study done by Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Read more
Chained to the Facebook wall
When most people hear the word addiction, they probably think of drugs or alcohol - maybe even sex.
However, some people are finding themselves struggling to kick a different habit - Facebook.
The social networking Web site Facebook has sparked concern as many students find themselves becoming so engulfed in the site that each poke, picture and party invitation brings them one step closer to exhibiting unhealthy behavior.
In April 2007, there were only 20 million active users on Facebook. According to statistics found on the Facebook website, the number of active memberships has increased by 44 million members in less than one year.
It is now the sixth-most trafficked site in the United States. Nearly 16,000 of those members are in The University of Memphis network.
For some people, the thought of having a Facebook addiction might seem laughable. According to statistics on the Facebook Web site, the average person spends at least 20 minutes on Facebook each day, but there are some members who spend more time on the site than what some people would consider normal.
Mary Kate Allen, senior organizational leadership major, said she is addicted to Facebook.
"I check Facebook faithfully, probably 20 times a day," Allen said. "It is ridiculous. The amount of time I am on each time varies. Sometimes, I am on it for hours at a time." Read more
However, some people are finding themselves struggling to kick a different habit - Facebook.
The social networking Web site Facebook has sparked concern as many students find themselves becoming so engulfed in the site that each poke, picture and party invitation brings them one step closer to exhibiting unhealthy behavior.
In April 2007, there were only 20 million active users on Facebook. According to statistics found on the Facebook website, the number of active memberships has increased by 44 million members in less than one year.
It is now the sixth-most trafficked site in the United States. Nearly 16,000 of those members are in The University of Memphis network.
For some people, the thought of having a Facebook addiction might seem laughable. According to statistics on the Facebook Web site, the average person spends at least 20 minutes on Facebook each day, but there are some members who spend more time on the site than what some people would consider normal.
Mary Kate Allen, senior organizational leadership major, said she is addicted to Facebook.
"I check Facebook faithfully, probably 20 times a day," Allen said. "It is ridiculous. The amount of time I am on each time varies. Sometimes, I am on it for hours at a time." Read more
Memphians join in on prop 8 debate
The passing of proposition 8 in California has left many people concerned about the future of same-sex nuptials. In recent weeks, there have been protests for and against proposition 8 and Memphians have even gotten in on the action.
An American flag is displayed just outside the doors of Memphis City Hall, but on Saturday, Nov. 15, it was not the only flag on display. With multicolored pride flags in hand, supporters and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community came together to protest the passing of California's proposition 8. Although there have been several protests in recent weeks, this one was unlike any other. Read more
An American flag is displayed just outside the doors of Memphis City Hall, but on Saturday, Nov. 15, it was not the only flag on display. With multicolored pride flags in hand, supporters and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community came together to protest the passing of California's proposition 8. Although there have been several protests in recent weeks, this one was unlike any other. Read more
Does America really need a Black History Month?
The nation has evolved from slavery to the civil rights movement and all the way up to the recent election of President Barack Obama. The recent strides in race relations have made some people question whether there is still a need for Black History Month.
Stephanie Whiteside, senior criminal justice major, said Black History Month is still relevant, although some people consider it less important now.
"I think maybe we have gotten to a place where people might not necessarily think that it is important, so I don't know if they pay the month much attention," Whiteside said. "And I'll be perfectly honest - while I think it is important to learn history, obviously I have a different experience, so it might not have an inherent value to me like it would have to an African-American person."
Bryant Williamson, freshman finance major, is one University of Memphis student who said there is no longer a need for Black History Month. He said his views are not motivated by racism, but by the fact that America has reached a place where it is ready to move forward racially.
"I really don't think there is a need for Black History Month," Williamson said. "We have come so far in terms of racial equality with the recent presidential election and all that, and I pretty much feel that we are on an equal stance racially."
He said keeping Black History Month only promotes separation, and if he were black, he would not want the month because it would make him feel unequal. Read more
Stephanie Whiteside, senior criminal justice major, said Black History Month is still relevant, although some people consider it less important now.
"I think maybe we have gotten to a place where people might not necessarily think that it is important, so I don't know if they pay the month much attention," Whiteside said. "And I'll be perfectly honest - while I think it is important to learn history, obviously I have a different experience, so it might not have an inherent value to me like it would have to an African-American person."
Bryant Williamson, freshman finance major, is one University of Memphis student who said there is no longer a need for Black History Month. He said his views are not motivated by racism, but by the fact that America has reached a place where it is ready to move forward racially.
"I really don't think there is a need for Black History Month," Williamson said. "We have come so far in terms of racial equality with the recent presidential election and all that, and I pretty much feel that we are on an equal stance racially."
He said keeping Black History Month only promotes separation, and if he were black, he would not want the month because it would make him feel unequal. Read more
Great on the court, but are they above the law?
Some Tiger athletes may get special treatment when it comes to parking on-campus.
Parking services could be giving a new meaning to "supporting our tigers."
Students and former U of M parking assistants said they have witnessed several Tiger athletes parking illegally and getting let off the hook.
Several people have said it is common to see athletes parked illegally on Desoto Avenue, which is just outside of the Tiger Den. Taylor Clay, senior finance major, is one student who said he has noticed the athletes parking illegally.
Some have been seen parking there to get a bite to eat, while others have been seen standing around socializing with other illegally parked athletes. Clay said it was the norm to see former U of M basketball star Chris Douglas-Roberts, also known as CDR, parking illegally.
"I noticed CDR's car was always parked by the dumpster at Smith Hall," Clay said.
The U of M student said he never saw a ticket on the basketball player's car.
Danny Weaver, who graduated from The University this past spring, worked for parking services almost three years. As a parking assistant, he would write tickets daily.
Weaver said he saw athletes illegally parked on Desoto Avenue almost everyday.
He said he ticketed anyone in violation, but other parking services employees would just give athletes a "get out of jail free" card, Weaver said.
He said name-dropping was a familiar tactic used by athletes to try to coax him out of writing a ticket. But, he was not picking up what they were putting down. Read more
Students and former U of M parking assistants said they have witnessed several Tiger athletes parking illegally and getting let off the hook.
Several people have said it is common to see athletes parked illegally on Desoto Avenue, which is just outside of the Tiger Den. Taylor Clay, senior finance major, is one student who said he has noticed the athletes parking illegally.
Some have been seen parking there to get a bite to eat, while others have been seen standing around socializing with other illegally parked athletes. Clay said it was the norm to see former U of M basketball star Chris Douglas-Roberts, also known as CDR, parking illegally.
"I noticed CDR's car was always parked by the dumpster at Smith Hall," Clay said.
The U of M student said he never saw a ticket on the basketball player's car.
Danny Weaver, who graduated from The University this past spring, worked for parking services almost three years. As a parking assistant, he would write tickets daily.
Weaver said he saw athletes illegally parked on Desoto Avenue almost everyday.
He said he ticketed anyone in violation, but other parking services employees would just give athletes a "get out of jail free" card, Weaver said.
He said name-dropping was a familiar tactic used by athletes to try to coax him out of writing a ticket. But, he was not picking up what they were putting down. Read more
*ENTERTAINMENT NEWS CATEGORY*
Dizzy D hits number one
Former tiger lands the # 1 spot on Billboard's music chart
Some people might look at the color of Dizzy D's skin and question whether or not he has what it takes to make it in the hip-hop music industry. But the white rapper is making his mark in the world of hip-hop with his new hit single, "What It Be Like."
Dusty "Dizzy D" Warren, who graduated from The U of M in the fall of 2007, made No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Hot Singles Sales chart. The former Tiger beat out popular artists like Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, M.I.A. and Madonna.
Warren was also ranked No. 68 that week on the Top 100 Airplay Chart for R&B and Hip-Hop songs on the radio. His song ranked higher than hits by Ciara, Soulja Boy and one of Memphis' other rap sensations, Yo Gotti.
Warren, a 24-year-old from Jackson, Tenn., was introduced to music at an early age. His brother and father play musical instruments and sing. But he said his family's musical style is more rock influenced. Read more
Dusty "Dizzy D" Warren, who graduated from The U of M in the fall of 2007, made No. 1 on Billboard magazine's Hot Singles Sales chart. The former Tiger beat out popular artists like Lady GaGa, Katy Perry, M.I.A. and Madonna.
Warren was also ranked No. 68 that week on the Top 100 Airplay Chart for R&B and Hip-Hop songs on the radio. His song ranked higher than hits by Ciara, Soulja Boy and one of Memphis' other rap sensations, Yo Gotti.
Warren, a 24-year-old from Jackson, Tenn., was introduced to music at an early age. His brother and father play musical instruments and sing. But he said his family's musical style is more rock influenced. Read more
I'm with the band
The story of those who are forgotten...
The Final Four has created a media buzz surrounding the Tiger basketball players. Local stations have covered everything from Joey Dorsey's lack of tattoos to Willie Kemp being a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. However, one group of key Final Four goers has been left unmentioned - the entourage. These are the students who are members of the band, spirit squad and cheerleading team.
Members of the basketball team and the entourage boarded a private plane Wednesday and headed out to the Final Four in San Antonio.
Since arriving in San Antonio, students said Tiger fans have gone out of their way to make members of the entourage feel like celebrities. Some students said fans are buying them dinners, asking them to pose for pictures and even giving them handshakes and hugs.
David Jackson, business management major and member of The U of M spirit squad, said he loves the extra attention complete strangers are giving them.
"I feel like a celebrity almost. Going downtown and other places, there are people screaming for us," Jackson said.
Sara Williams, exercise science major and spirit squad member, said the San Antonio experience has been a blast.
"I almost feel like a celebrity being with the team because in Memphis they are treated like celebrities by fans, and that's how people are treating them here," Williams said. "Our fans have been absolutely phenomenal."
Members of the band and spirit squad might not be in the limelight all of the time, but when it comes to receiving special treatment on campus, some students said they are living the good life.
University rules allow "entourage" members to miss classes, travel on private flights, mingle with the team - and get paid for doing it. Students are offered free goodies, but they also get $35 to $45 each day they are out of town. All transportation expenses are also covered. Read more
Members of the basketball team and the entourage boarded a private plane Wednesday and headed out to the Final Four in San Antonio.
Since arriving in San Antonio, students said Tiger fans have gone out of their way to make members of the entourage feel like celebrities. Some students said fans are buying them dinners, asking them to pose for pictures and even giving them handshakes and hugs.
David Jackson, business management major and member of The U of M spirit squad, said he loves the extra attention complete strangers are giving them.
"I feel like a celebrity almost. Going downtown and other places, there are people screaming for us," Jackson said.
Sara Williams, exercise science major and spirit squad member, said the San Antonio experience has been a blast.
"I almost feel like a celebrity being with the team because in Memphis they are treated like celebrities by fans, and that's how people are treating them here," Williams said. "Our fans have been absolutely phenomenal."
Members of the band and spirit squad might not be in the limelight all of the time, but when it comes to receiving special treatment on campus, some students said they are living the good life.
University rules allow "entourage" members to miss classes, travel on private flights, mingle with the team - and get paid for doing it. Students are offered free goodies, but they also get $35 to $45 each day they are out of town. All transportation expenses are also covered. Read more
*ECONOMY/FINANCE CATEGORY*
Low on funds? There's plenty of fun stuff right in your own backyard
Economic woes are growing, but many are finding ways to get around them
A withering economy has left some unable to afford vacationing out of town. The price of fuel has made air travel and road trips impossible for some. But those in search of a summer getaway could get the "out-of-town experience" by instead exploring what Memphis has to offer.
"People complain so much that there is not much to do in Memphis, but people don't really take the time to research information on what there is out there for them to do," said Timothy Smith, a program counselor for Shelby County Alternative Schools. "There is plenty to do."
Kimberly Lester, an assistant principal in the Shelby County School System, is one Memphian whose summer plans were put off. The wife and mother of two wanted to go on two trips this summer, but she said she was unable to do so due to the weak economy.
"We planned on going to California to visit my dad and to take the kids to Disneyland," Lester said.
Smith said he used to take a lot of road trips but cannot afford to anymore because the price of gas has gone up too much. He said he thinks it is an issue mostly dealt with by those in his financial demographic.
"I think anybody middle class and below is probably having a hard time," Smith said. "Young people like me and anyone else considered middle class are the ones left unable to travel, not someone who can afford a BMW."
The June 2008 Travel Price Index was 8.6 percent higher than it was in June of 2007, according to the Travel Industry Association. Within the TPA, they have found that gas prices increased 33 percent since June 2007. With the cost of fuel on the rise, airplane tickets have also become more expensive, with airfare increasing 18.7 percent since June of 2007. Read more
"People complain so much that there is not much to do in Memphis, but people don't really take the time to research information on what there is out there for them to do," said Timothy Smith, a program counselor for Shelby County Alternative Schools. "There is plenty to do."
Kimberly Lester, an assistant principal in the Shelby County School System, is one Memphian whose summer plans were put off. The wife and mother of two wanted to go on two trips this summer, but she said she was unable to do so due to the weak economy.
"We planned on going to California to visit my dad and to take the kids to Disneyland," Lester said.
Smith said he used to take a lot of road trips but cannot afford to anymore because the price of gas has gone up too much. He said he thinks it is an issue mostly dealt with by those in his financial demographic.
"I think anybody middle class and below is probably having a hard time," Smith said. "Young people like me and anyone else considered middle class are the ones left unable to travel, not someone who can afford a BMW."
The June 2008 Travel Price Index was 8.6 percent higher than it was in June of 2007, according to the Travel Industry Association. Within the TPA, they have found that gas prices increased 33 percent since June 2007. With the cost of fuel on the rise, airplane tickets have also become more expensive, with airfare increasing 18.7 percent since June of 2007. Read more
Low "marks" on your credit report could leave you struggling to get a job
Many students spend their time worrying about passing classes, but having an impressive transcript might not be enough to get them hired. A growing number of companies are opting to review an applicant's credit as a part of the hiring process. This growing trend might make students want to focus more on their "financial report card."
Most people are unaware that companies are performing credit checks.
A survey by Visa USA showed that 80 percent of Americans were unaware that credit reports could be used in the job pre-screening process. When asked if they thought it was illegal for employers to use credit as a basis for employment, over half of them said yes. But, they were wrong. It is legal for companies to pull a credit report if they have permission from the job applicant. Applicants have to sign a document stating that they agree to let the employer view their credit report, and once they sign on the "dotted line," there is no going back. A few years ago it was the norm to experience a background check or mandatory drug test during the hiring process, but for some employers checking credit has become a major priority.
More companies are jumping on board with the practice.
Between 2000 and 2005 companies increased the use of credit checks by 55 percent. In 2005 alone nearly 33 percent of those companies were performing credit checks on applicants according to a study done by one of the worlds leading staffing and recruiting companies, Spherion Corporation.
The Emerging Workforce Study in 2005 surveyed a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. employers to get a better understanding of how most companies handle the interviewing process.
Doing a credit check provides employers with more detailed personal information on each applicant.
According to Marcus Howard, chief financial advisor for The Financial Antermology Institute in Washington D.C., employers are able to run a full investigative report where they can find out personal information. Read more
Most people are unaware that companies are performing credit checks.
A survey by Visa USA showed that 80 percent of Americans were unaware that credit reports could be used in the job pre-screening process. When asked if they thought it was illegal for employers to use credit as a basis for employment, over half of them said yes. But, they were wrong. It is legal for companies to pull a credit report if they have permission from the job applicant. Applicants have to sign a document stating that they agree to let the employer view their credit report, and once they sign on the "dotted line," there is no going back. A few years ago it was the norm to experience a background check or mandatory drug test during the hiring process, but for some employers checking credit has become a major priority.
More companies are jumping on board with the practice.
Between 2000 and 2005 companies increased the use of credit checks by 55 percent. In 2005 alone nearly 33 percent of those companies were performing credit checks on applicants according to a study done by one of the worlds leading staffing and recruiting companies, Spherion Corporation.
The Emerging Workforce Study in 2005 surveyed a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. employers to get a better understanding of how most companies handle the interviewing process.
Doing a credit check provides employers with more detailed personal information on each applicant.
According to Marcus Howard, chief financial advisor for The Financial Antermology Institute in Washington D.C., employers are able to run a full investigative report where they can find out personal information. Read more
We're going to the chapel and we're going to save money
College is becoming more expensive every year. Some students said they have been able to beat the economic crunch by heading to the altar.
In the current economy, more people living under one roof seems like a financial hardship to some people. But married students have a greater chance at receiving more financial aid and can save money by combining expenses like food and rent.
However, some caution students not to have finances as the main reason for marriage.
Douglas Campbell, economics instructor at The University of Memphis, said he thinks it is acceptable for students to get married as long as they are doing it for the right reasons.
"As long as they can do so without regret and without changing their future career plans, then I don't see it as necessarily being a bad thing. But if they are doing it for the wrong reasons then it could cause problems in the relationship," Campbell said.
University of Memphis students Kiara and Evan Burton tied the knot six months ago. The two did not marry to save money, but said marriage has made college life easier, especially when it comes to finances.
"Stability was a key issue when we decided to get married, but it also helped us with the finances because we were able to combine things together and that made it more affordable," said Kiara Burton, junior journalism major, said.
Evan Burton, electrical engineering major, said marriage forces a couple to consider each other when it comes to spending money. As a married couple, the two were able to hold each other accountable and monitor each other's spending, he said. Read more
However, some caution students not to have finances as the main reason for marriage.
Douglas Campbell, economics instructor at The University of Memphis, said he thinks it is acceptable for students to get married as long as they are doing it for the right reasons.
"As long as they can do so without regret and without changing their future career plans, then I don't see it as necessarily being a bad thing. But if they are doing it for the wrong reasons then it could cause problems in the relationship," Campbell said.
University of Memphis students Kiara and Evan Burton tied the knot six months ago. The two did not marry to save money, but said marriage has made college life easier, especially when it comes to finances.
"Stability was a key issue when we decided to get married, but it also helped us with the finances because we were able to combine things together and that made it more affordable," said Kiara Burton, junior journalism major, said.
Evan Burton, electrical engineering major, said marriage forces a couple to consider each other when it comes to spending money. As a married couple, the two were able to hold each other accountable and monitor each other's spending, he said. Read more
*HEALTH NEWS CATEGORY*
Professors help Army develop new 'Fast Pellets'
Dissolving medicine could save limbs, lives
Two University of Memphis professors have been working with the U.S Army to develop what they call the "Fast Pellet." It is somewhat similar to Alka Seltzer, but instead of healing aches and pains, it could save your limb - and maybe even your life.
The Fast Pellet is considered to be similar to Alka Seltzer because when it is dropped on a wound, it dissolves. Dissolving for roughly eight hours, the pellet delivers a steady flow of antibiotics to the severely injured area.
Warren Haggard and Joel Bumgardner, biomedical professors at The U of M's Herff College of Engineering have been hard at work developing the Fast Pellet, but the process goes back a few years.
Before working at The U of M, Haggard worked at Wright Medical Technology Inc, who makes Osteoset T, which is also used to treat chronic infections. Although the Osteoset T pellet can treat chronic infections, it takes nearly 30 days to dissolve after being placed on a wound.
Haggard's plan was to come up with a new pellet that would dissolve in less than 24 hours for complex contaminated wounds. Read more
The Fast Pellet is considered to be similar to Alka Seltzer because when it is dropped on a wound, it dissolves. Dissolving for roughly eight hours, the pellet delivers a steady flow of antibiotics to the severely injured area.
Warren Haggard and Joel Bumgardner, biomedical professors at The U of M's Herff College of Engineering have been hard at work developing the Fast Pellet, but the process goes back a few years.
Before working at The U of M, Haggard worked at Wright Medical Technology Inc, who makes Osteoset T, which is also used to treat chronic infections. Although the Osteoset T pellet can treat chronic infections, it takes nearly 30 days to dissolve after being placed on a wound.
Haggard's plan was to come up with a new pellet that would dissolve in less than 24 hours for complex contaminated wounds. Read more
Freshmen plagued by 'Freshman 15' look for alternatives
Baby got back, belly and thunder thighs - no, these are not the lyrics to the latest rap song, but it could be how some freshmen might be described after attending their first year of college. During the first semester, many students experience a weight gain known as the dreaded "Freshman 15."
There are several reasons why incoming freshmen are faced with fighting the battle of the bulge. One main reason is the temptation that comes with living away from parents. Students adapt to the college lifestyle, which can include unhealthy habits such as an increase in alcohol consumption, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet.
"In high school you are still at home with your parents and you eat better, but your freshman year you are out on your own eating McDonalds and pizza everyday. You are out on your own trying to get used to the college lifestyle," said Preston Williams, freshman computer science major. Read more
There are several reasons why incoming freshmen are faced with fighting the battle of the bulge. One main reason is the temptation that comes with living away from parents. Students adapt to the college lifestyle, which can include unhealthy habits such as an increase in alcohol consumption, lack of sleep and an unhealthy diet.
"In high school you are still at home with your parents and you eat better, but your freshman year you are out on your own eating McDonalds and pizza everyday. You are out on your own trying to get used to the college lifestyle," said Preston Williams, freshman computer science major. Read more
Suicide help on the rise
Three weeks ago, a University of Memphis journalism student took her own life, and research shows that many students want to do the same.
Tiffany Harris, senior journalism major, is in the process of healing her life after turbulent times led her to attempt suicide twice.
"I didn't wanna see anything else, I just felt like I couldn't. My future, people who love me, everything, my grades - all that did not matter at the moment," Harris said.
Harris is not alone because more than fifty percent of college students have had suicidal thoughts at some point during their lifetime. Twenty six thousand students from twenty colleges and universities completed a survey on their suicidal experiences. Although more than half of the students reported having suicidal thoughts, only 5 percent reported actually attempting to commit suicide at least once in the past.
The survey was done in 2006, by the National Research Consortium of Counseling Centers in Higher Education. The Web-based survey was completed by 26,000 students from 70 colleges, and universities. And they took a closer look at the suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students. The American Psychological Association, analyzed data from the survey, and reported their findings a few weeks ago.
The researchers estimate that an average college/university with 18,000 undergraduate students will have about 1,080 undergraduates who seriously think about ending their own life at least one time within a year. And out of those students who think about committing suicide, two-thirds will have those thoughts several times within one year.
People may wonder what it is about college life that has so many students thinking about ending it all.
Carl Gilleylen, director of the Center for Counseling, Learning and Testing at The U of M, said there are many reasons why students might reach their breaking point. Read more
Tiffany Harris, senior journalism major, is in the process of healing her life after turbulent times led her to attempt suicide twice.
"I didn't wanna see anything else, I just felt like I couldn't. My future, people who love me, everything, my grades - all that did not matter at the moment," Harris said.
Harris is not alone because more than fifty percent of college students have had suicidal thoughts at some point during their lifetime. Twenty six thousand students from twenty colleges and universities completed a survey on their suicidal experiences. Although more than half of the students reported having suicidal thoughts, only 5 percent reported actually attempting to commit suicide at least once in the past.
The survey was done in 2006, by the National Research Consortium of Counseling Centers in Higher Education. The Web-based survey was completed by 26,000 students from 70 colleges, and universities. And they took a closer look at the suicidal thoughts and behaviors among college students. The American Psychological Association, analyzed data from the survey, and reported their findings a few weeks ago.
The researchers estimate that an average college/university with 18,000 undergraduate students will have about 1,080 undergraduates who seriously think about ending their own life at least one time within a year. And out of those students who think about committing suicide, two-thirds will have those thoughts several times within one year.
People may wonder what it is about college life that has so many students thinking about ending it all.
Carl Gilleylen, director of the Center for Counseling, Learning and Testing at The U of M, said there are many reasons why students might reach their breaking point. Read more
*FASHION & DECORATING*
U of M Campus: Your personal runway
If the only thing missing from your walk to class is a runway and Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" playing in the background, this could be a sign that you are overdressed for class.
While first impressions are important, some students pay more attention to how they look than to getting to class on time, and some students do not make it to class at all.
Jody Yarbrough, junior biology major, said he has noticed a trend with students placing too much emphasis on appearance.
"You can see the same overdressed person walking around campus 30 times a day. I never see those people going to class. They are not concerned with school," he said. Read more
While first impressions are important, some students pay more attention to how they look than to getting to class on time, and some students do not make it to class at all.
Jody Yarbrough, junior biology major, said he has noticed a trend with students placing too much emphasis on appearance.
"You can see the same overdressed person walking around campus 30 times a day. I never see those people going to class. They are not concerned with school," he said. Read more
All about color
When it comes to men's dressy and dressy casual spring fashion trends, there will be a unique variety this year. Some trends are so unique that some men might find themselves raiding their girlfriends closet instead of hitting the mall.
One look for this season will be clothing that has a feminine touch.
Women will not be the only ones showing a little leg. Men's shorts will be shorter - we are talking basketball in the 1980s short. These shorts stop well above the knee, and they have been shown in several spring fashion shows.
These short-shorts are mostly khaki, black or white. They are worn with a nicely tucked in preppy shirt. The full "ken doll" look can be achieved by wrapping a sweater around your neck and wearing white tennis shoes.
The short-shorts trend is also seen in business suits this spring. Instead of the traditional suit, designers are now selling suits that have a traditional long sleeve blazer and the ever-so-breezy thigh-length short-shorts.
These suits have many variations, so guys who do not want to reveal too much can opt for shorts that stop below the knee instead.
Pants are also shrinking in size this season. The new cropped pants seem to be the way to go this spring. The pants are cropped either just above the ankle, or just below the knee.
These cropped pants are tapered down through the leg, so they are made to fit snugly. They look like women's "pedal pushers" or capri pants, and are being sold in a variety of colors and patterns. Read more
One look for this season will be clothing that has a feminine touch.
Women will not be the only ones showing a little leg. Men's shorts will be shorter - we are talking basketball in the 1980s short. These shorts stop well above the knee, and they have been shown in several spring fashion shows.
These short-shorts are mostly khaki, black or white. They are worn with a nicely tucked in preppy shirt. The full "ken doll" look can be achieved by wrapping a sweater around your neck and wearing white tennis shoes.
The short-shorts trend is also seen in business suits this spring. Instead of the traditional suit, designers are now selling suits that have a traditional long sleeve blazer and the ever-so-breezy thigh-length short-shorts.
These suits have many variations, so guys who do not want to reveal too much can opt for shorts that stop below the knee instead.
Pants are also shrinking in size this season. The new cropped pants seem to be the way to go this spring. The pants are cropped either just above the ankle, or just below the knee.
These cropped pants are tapered down through the leg, so they are made to fit snugly. They look like women's "pedal pushers" or capri pants, and are being sold in a variety of colors and patterns. Read more
Make it your own
Tips on decorating without spending major bucks
Decorating a dorm or apartment could be a bit confusing and stressful for some students, not to mention expensive. Whether you are going for a picture-perfect catalogue look or something more eclectic, there are ways to meet every student's décor needs.
The first key to designing your dorm or apartment is to organize before going out to buy anything. Becky Rivalto, owner and interior designer for Memphis based interior design company Rebecca Rivalto Interiors, said knowing your space is key.
"They need to make sure they measure the rooms they are going to decorate so they know how much space they have when it comes to knowing how much stuff they can put in there," Rivalto said.
Rivalto suggests that students not only measure all walls and rooms, but measure the windows as well. Also if you know you will need a lot of closet space, you should measure the closet as well to see if you will likely need any space savers or other organizational tools to help you better utilize the space.
Also, if you live in a dorm or apartment, you will likely have some rules you need to refer to before actually decorating. Students need to look into what kind of things you are allowed to decorate with. For example, if you live in a dorm you need to know if you can have candles, drill/nail holes in the walls, etc.
Living in a shared on-campus dorm room with those boring white brick walls, can make it tempting to slap a coat of paint up or plaster the walls with some sort of covering. Unfortunately paint is not allowed, and if you are looking to hang something on the walls or ceiling one should definitely make sure those things are allowed before doing so. Read more
The first key to designing your dorm or apartment is to organize before going out to buy anything. Becky Rivalto, owner and interior designer for Memphis based interior design company Rebecca Rivalto Interiors, said knowing your space is key.
"They need to make sure they measure the rooms they are going to decorate so they know how much space they have when it comes to knowing how much stuff they can put in there," Rivalto said.
Rivalto suggests that students not only measure all walls and rooms, but measure the windows as well. Also if you know you will need a lot of closet space, you should measure the closet as well to see if you will likely need any space savers or other organizational tools to help you better utilize the space.
Also, if you live in a dorm or apartment, you will likely have some rules you need to refer to before actually decorating. Students need to look into what kind of things you are allowed to decorate with. For example, if you live in a dorm you need to know if you can have candles, drill/nail holes in the walls, etc.
Living in a shared on-campus dorm room with those boring white brick walls, can make it tempting to slap a coat of paint up or plaster the walls with some sort of covering. Unfortunately paint is not allowed, and if you are looking to hang something on the walls or ceiling one should definitely make sure those things are allowed before doing so. Read more