A Year for Change: Obama’s Inauguration Expected to Jump Start 2009

 

Photo credit to Bryce Little

Noelle Clemente

 

After a campaign that was based on change, President Elect Barak Obama is preparing to address the country in 40 days, on January 20.

“I hope to hear what he believes to be important and where the focus will be early in his presidency. I am hopeful that he is consistent with his campaign focal points. I believe it is also important to be “real” with the nation on what efforts/sacrifices we all may need to engage so that adjustments are made to stabilize the country,” says Rex Waters, Associate Dean of Students at Elon University. He says he hopes for “more of a state of the union approach less of a celebration. The president alone did not get us to this point, and a president alone will not undue all that has been done.” 

A day full of traditions, the inaugural address is bookended by ceremonial events. Beginning with a Worship Ceremony in the morning, from there the 44^th President will join President Bush in a procession to the Capitol. Both Vice-President elect Joe Biden and President elect Obama will then be formally sworn in to their respective positions.

Tickets for this highly anticipated day are in high demand, though many interested parties will simply be watching from home. The luncheon, parade and ball to follow the address will be a time for those at home to digest Obama’s highly anticipated words.

Economy: On Everybody’s Mind

“Obviously he needs to address the economy,” Jen Burns, a junior from Eden, NC. “I can’t imagine he would, but it would be nice if he talked about the bailout. I think it would be a refreshing start if someone addressed an issue head on.  And he needs to make a speech that’s inspirational,” she added.

Kathleen Knoechel, homemaker from Burlington, NC hopes he will address, “the obvious: the economy, the environment and foreign affairs. I would be disappointed if he didn’t address those things.” As she browses the aisle of Target preparing for Christmas she pauses and says, “hopefully he will just be uplifting.”

Aside from the Holiday season, change is on every American’s mind. The economy and morale have been spiraling downward as Bush’s term draws to an end.

Trevor Kelly, who works in the Elon University IT department, agreed that the economy was the most pressing issue.

“I sure hope he touches on, in detail, how he’s going to help our economy because it’s certainly the biggest thing on everyone’s mind,” said Dale Hughes, a software writer from Burlington, N.C. “If he could reassure America about that, he’d be off to a good start.”

Providing Proof

In a radio address made on Saturday, Dec. 6 Obama began to detail his plans for the economy. He cited three key aspects of his plan. “First, we will launch a massive effort to make public buildings more energy-efficient…Second, we will create millions of jobs by making the single largest new investment in our national infrastructure since the creation of the federal highway system in the 1950s…Third, my economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen.

Some listeners and viewers, however, are still uncertain how Obama plans on implementing these changes.

“He needs to prove he’s more than an idealist,” said Kyle Fisher, a sophomore from Atlanta. Change was the theme of Obama’s campaign, but the some of the audience wants to learn how these promised changes are going to surface.

“I hope to hear exactly how Obama plans to implement change. He won so he can afford to let us in on some of those juicy details now,” Lindsay Gund of Washington, D.C., a junior at Denison University in Ohio, who plans to attend the actual ceremony.

“He needs to say something to get the people behind him. [He] needs to say something to get confidence in him,” according to Liz Payne, sophomore from Virginia Beach.

Looking to the Future

 “I want him to stick to what he promised during the campaign, but what I’m most concerned about is that he’s inspiring,” said Amy Reitnouer, a senior from Lebanon, Penn.  “That may sound trivial, but we all know the president will make changes and try to help the economy, What this country really needs now is some inspiration and hope, and I thoroughly believe that Barack Obama can provide that for America.”

The theme of this year’s Inauguration, “A New Birth of Freedom,” is taken from a line in the Gettysburg Address. Honoring President Lincoln’s birth and mirroring the notion of hope at troubled times, the Joint Congressional Committee found these to be fitting words, as Reitnouer hopes Obama will find equally fitting words with which to address an anxious nation. 

Sarah Hindle, junior of Lakeland, Fla. weighs in on the subject

Dale Burns, a software writer from Burlington, N.C. follows up

Planners, Plans and Procrastination

Elon University Balances Commitments and Curriculum

Noelle Clemente

College, the best four years of your life. University students attend classes, organize meetings, support events and even find time for a social life. Planners are a staple to any responsible Elon University student’s backpack.

At the start of every semester professors hand out syllabi outlining what students should expect over the course of the next 4 months. Organizations meet for the first time claiming a time slot in every week for meetings. West End opens its doors to the infamous “West End Wednesday” and Brown&Co. remains open until 4 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.

“Elon students often experience a conflict between their coursework and extra- and/or co-curricular activities,” according to the Academic Summit Steering Committee. “As an institution, we must communicate to our students—from recruitment to graduation—consistent messages about the need to balance activities, and the primacy of coursework and intellectual development.”

Junior, Ben Kaufman, is involved with Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows, Twisted Measure and Pi Kappa Phi. These three organizations are not only extremely time consuming, but they are also the backbone to Kaufman’s Elon experience. “My calendar on my computer is my lifeline,” says Kaufman. “Without it I would have no chance at success.”

Teeter Tottering Time Commitments

Balancing academia and other interests is the responsibility of students only. Jolanda Thompson joined the Elon community only a few months ago and has worked closely with student in the Multi-Cultural Center, the Center for Leadership and overall organizational development. “The Millennial Generation is a service generation. They are very confident and reward driven.”

The Committee noted that both faculty and students were responsible for “fostering Academic Challenge.” As students we are told that class is our job. Professor’s job is class. So how do the two parties balance the responsibility?

Students	Faculty
Develop a tolerance for ambiguity.	Encourage risk-taking.
Strive to create (produce) rather than simply consume knowledge.	Model inquiry (& behaviors of the profession).
Take initiative to learn on their own time.	Demonstrate a passion for what they do
Be willing to work hard.	Set appropriate goals for student achievement.

This information was taken from the Steering Committee’s attempt to define “Academic Challenge.”

Each year the leaders of campus organizations are asked to complete a survey. Though it is not a comprehensive assessment of all campus leaders, nor is the information verified, it provides an overview of the hours each leader averages committing to his or her respective organization.

From organizational clusters such as academic, government, Greek, honors, media, performing, sports and many others the hourly commitments vary distinctly. The majority of leaders for these clusters claim to spend one to five hours per week in leadership of their organization. This is not entirely consistent, with large numbers of Greek and Media organizational leaders claiming to spend to six to ten and eleven to fifteen hours per week respectively.

These numbers are not hard and fast, as this is a self-reported analysis; however, they provide an understanding that though organizational leadership is a major time commitment, it is individualized to the organization and the leadership style.

Nine to Five Grind Extended

Again, it is the responsibility of the student to achieve the balance of academics. An informal survey of Elon students showed that they initially admit to many more hours of schoolwork than they are actually completing. Most found that they spend four to six hours each week preparing for each class, unless a test or paper are involved.

On the same token, most students also lacked enthusiasm about the subject. Schedules get filled and the rhythm becomes monotonous. Though it is not the typical 9-5 job, it becomes a 9-midnight life. Upon graduating from high school, students leave the life run by bells every hour; however, it seems that the life that follows is equally planned.

“Elon attracts people with heart and passion,” according to Thompson. Students’ initiative reaches far beyond the classroom. With more than 140 student-run organizations there are opportunities for all interest areas. “Students need t shape their involvement and exploration; focus.”

Academics are balanced and complimented by organizational involvement. One strengthens the other if carefully orchestrated. Students and faculty agree that each is equally important; however, timing seems to be the key issue.

Bursting the Bubble

The Elon Experiential Learning Requirement encourages work outside the classroom. From internships to study abroad to field research this is an academic opportunity to exercise what students have learned in the classroom in the real world. The intention is that students are better prepared to enter the work world and not just another classroom.

With all of these opportunities available to students, when is the balance lost? Time Management is key to success with an involved student. The technological age provides opportunities for faster research, greater communication and countless distractions.          

Furthermore, what is the difference between what students are actually doing and what they initially consider to be their hourly commitments? Most students initially overestimated how much time they are spending on work, when in actuality, they could theoretically get schoolwork done in a much more efficient manner. Why is this?

Assorted Desktop Distractions

Wikipedia, YouTube and Facebook were the most frequently mentioned for distracting or degrading papers. These are some of the reasons students initially claimed more working hours than at second thought they were actually completing. Expectation versus execution.

Professors have certain expectations of students. They vary from class to class, student to student and assignment to assignment. Students agree to recognize these expectations as the main guideline for their academic organization. They almost unanimously also sited parents and themselves as motivation.

Regardless of where the motivation is coming form, students understand that they are subject to distractions from many directions on a daily basis. These distractions have made their way into daily habits that are often overlooked. From one site known to distract, collegehumor.com, there is an humorous list of how a college student goes about writing a paper.         

A list of 39 steps is given from sitting down to write the paper the night before to turning it in the next morning. Laced with checking e-mail, getting coffee, complaining with friends and watching the sunrise, the list is clearly a drama. Some of these steps can be interchanged for different websites, video games or habits, but when shown to the students being surveyed, they laughed with an undertone of embarrassment, knowing that they too were guilty of these follies.

Verifying the Vision           

The Elon University vision expects students to challenge themselves within a rich, nurturing environment. When comparing to comparable school’s mission statements, this expectation is what sets Elon apart. “At Washington and Lee University, a nurturing environment is also presented. However, also stressed is a level of expectation of students using such words as demands, requires and regimen.”

The Elon University Mission Statement overviews these beliefs and intentions:

Mission Statement	Meaning
“We nurture a rich intellectual community characterized by active student engagement with a faculty dedicated to excellent teaching and scholarly accomplishment”	Both students and faculty have the responsibility to be enthusiastic and dedicated to academia.
“We provide a dynamic and challenging undergraduate curriculum grounded in the traditional liberal arts and sciences and complimented by distinctive professional and graduate programs.”	Students can expect for their curriculum to transcend classroom lectures and have the opportunity for professional and graduate programs.
“We integrate learning across the disciplines and put knowledge into practice, thus preparing students to be global citizens and informed leaders motivated by concern for the common good.”	Students can expect to graduate as well rounded citizens with a real understanding of how their course work relates to real world experiences.
“We foster respect for human differences, passion for a life of learning, personal integrity, and an ethic of work and service.”	Community will be respectful and understanding. The population will share a common understanding of human life, its differences and the values of the University.

Comparable Curriculum

The Student Life Committee completed this research. They also found The University of Richmond, James Madison University and Stetson University to have similar values but they, “may emphasize academic challenge, and the role of the student in meeting that challenge, more directly and clearly than Elon does.”   

This committee reached beyond Universities to publications to study how Elon academics are seen beyond these 500 acres. The committee reviewed U.S. News and World Report, America’s Best Colleges 2005, 2005 Fiske Guide, 2005 Peterson’s Four-Year Colleges, 2004 Princeton Review and Harvard Schmarvard. “The portrayal of Elon in these publications indicates that academics are not as vital to the Elon experience as some peer institutions. Study abroad, internships and service are emphasized to a much greater degree than at other institutions.” 

The standards for admission have increased significantly over the past decade. The University has grown in popularity and increased its standards. “I believe that the level of expectation has risen as Elon has attracted stronger students,” says Nancy Midgette, Associate Provost.

While the students agreed with this message, there seems to still be a disconnect in Elon’s outward image and the inner understanding of expectations.

Bottom Line

So does Elon not value academics? Could a student go to a professor claiming his or her Greek organization has an event or Service group is organizing a trip and could they please give them an extension? Most professors have a strict attendance policy lowering the overall grade by one letter for missing more than the allotted classes.

Less reputable sources for defining Universities include Urban Dictionary and Wikipedia. Wikipedia notes school statistics, successful graduates and campus opportunities. “Probably one of the biggest joke schools in the country,” says one contributor to Urban Dictionary.

What responsibility do students have to refute this definition? Kristen Renn’s and William Edwards’ Transforming a College: The Story of a Little-Known College’s Strategic Climb to National Distinction begins to tackle that challenge. Chronicling the journey of the university it clarifies what students should now expect from the university.

Yes, Elon students have busy schedules. They are subject to rigorous coursework and are dedicated to multiple, time consuming organizations. No, the university does not have unfair expectations of students. If anything, Elon works tirelessly to assist students in planning and organizing to graduate in four years, succeed academically and participate fully in campus life.

Academics are the backbone of any reputable university, and Elon is no different. “Just as two examples, over the past decade the institution has lowered the class sizes and has funded the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning,” says Dr. Midgette.

These efforts to improve the academic environment and increase academic success indicate the direction of the university. Furthermore, the hourly data and success of campus leaders confirms the understanding and well-rounded environment of the university.

Students have expectations of the university. The university has expectations of the students. Each does their part. It is a balancing act. 

The Cost of Study Abroad: Is it Worth it?

Noelle Clemente

Recent economic turbulence has had some students cutting back expenses, and for some, this means foregoing a study abroad experience.

With the Euro trading for $1.48 and the pound for $1.85, a semester abroad seems like an increasingly costly endeavor. Dr. Larry Basirico, dean of international programs, said it may be too early to say if the economic crisis will significantly affect Elon’s study abroad programs.

 “Most students come to Elon knowing that they are going to study abroad,” Basirico said. “A difference of $500 or $1,000 is not enough of a deterrent for most families.”

This fall 174 students are studying abroad. Although this is comparable to previous years, total enrollment in Winter Term programs is 40 students short of what it was last year.

Ben Kaufman is a junior preparing to spend Winter Term in India, and says that expenses haven’t lessened his excitement.

“It’s worth a lot more than money can give,” Kaufman said. “It’s the experience, and an opportunity to submerge myself in a culture completely different than what we have available to us here.”

But some students who are currently abroad are more vigilant about expenses than their peers have been in previous years.

Tess Kukovich is a junior studying in Seville, Spain this fall.

“I planned a budget with my parents, and so far so good,” said Kukovich. “I am just having to be more careful than I would at home about buying little things, because those add up.”

Living with a host family has decreased some of her expenses, but she still finds herself spending a lot of money on nightlife and dining.

“The experience isn’t something that a poor exchange rate could take away from me,” she said.

Elon offers some scholarships and financial aid for study abroad, most of which are need-based.

The study abroad office, located in Carlton, offers information about different forms of federal loans and grants.  

Ten Years of Top Tens

Noelle Clemente

What constitutes an era? Is it ten songs five days a week for ten years? Or is it the innumerable stars that graced the Times Square studio? Or perhaps the hoards of teenagers who stood on Broadway Ave. every afternoon to maybe get the chance to see a star 4 stories up through a window?

Total Request Live has come to an end after ten years on MTV. The show has lost steam since it first aired in 1998, but it still remains to be nearly the only music left on Music Television.

TRL was not only a music countdown it was an outlet. Musicians debuted songs, promoted albums, and could be themselves. Teens from all around could have a voice in what is going on television. The Times Square studio became a place of comfort and expression.

“I used to go home and turn the television on immediately so I did not miss a minute of Carson Daly counting down that day’s top ten,” says junior Kristen Clements. TRL defined a generation, but the producers have decided that the next generation will have to find another forum.

The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, NSYNC, Nelly, Eminem, and countless others made TRL what it is. They came to Times Square with Carson Daly and were kids again. With only the constraints of what can air in the afternoons on cable television (and sometimes that fell by the wayside) artists felt they could do anything.

The fans made TRL possible. It was our votes and our viewership that kept it going for ten years. TRL was the first of its kind. Not a replacement, FNMTV, has returned after a short stint over the summer.

There is no replacing ten years of top tens, but music will still play through the speakers of Music Television. It is hard to consider that any show could possibly reach the level of TRL, however. It has reached it’s number, ten years, and will bid audiences farewell in a two hour special in November.  

Defining Business

Noelle Clemente

Quarterly Financials and Annual Reports are some of the resources used to obtain information for articles in the Business section. These articles contain a world of jargon that must be dissected to begin to understand the meaning and intention of these very important articles. Just as researching the history of the basketball coach is important to a good profile, understanding the meaning of these business reports is crucial to a comprehensive  business article.

Financial Statements: quantitative statements about a company’s business transactions; generally include a profit and loss report and a balance sheet.

Profit and Loss Sheet (P&L): tells you if the company is making or losing money; calculated by subtracting expenses from income.

            Cost of goods sold: costs for a company that makes its own product

            Wholesale: costs for a company that buys and resells other products

            Overhead: expenses not related to the product being sold

Gross Margin: difference between the cost of goods sold and the selling price

Net profit/earnings/income: the final number once you subtract ALL expenses from ALL earnings

EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization): operational cash flow; measures how much cash the business has to work with

Balance Sheet: shows a company’s assets, liabilities, and equity

**Assets = liabilities + equities**

Reading a balance sheet is similar to reading a P&L. There is extensive vocabulary involved in the total comprehension of the material. Understanding what those terms mean will help you understand what the sheet is saying. For a complete list of these terms, Math Tools for Journalists is a great resource. Briefly stated, each term is a more specified version of an asset, liability or equity; careful consideration can lead you to a definition without having to thumb through a book!

Ratio Analysis: examine the trend’s in a company’s life; often used to compare a company against other companies in the same field. This is not a detailed account like the P&L or Balance Sheet; rather, it is brief, only recognizing major strengths and weaknesses.

            Current Ratio = current assets/current liabilities

            Quick Ratio = cash/current liabilities

            Debt to Asset Ratio = total debt/total assets

            Debt to Equity = total debt/equity

            Return on Assets = net income/total assets

            Return on Equity = net income/equity

            Price earnings = market price/earnings

While that reads as a list of formulas, it is lingual formulas. These concepts seem like another language and reading these sheets is similar to reading an essay in another language; however, if patiently observed and considered, with the right dictionary by your side they can be dissected in no time. 

The Pros and Cons of Micro blogging: What messages are you putting out there?

Noelle Clemente

140 characters. Micro blogging has decided that 140 characters are considered enough to convey a message.

Internet communicators have developed their own language abbreviating to squeeze big messages into small spaces. Blog, the abbreviated version of Web log, has developed into a popular means of communication for the fast paced society.

Twitter boasts “you can stay hyper-connected to your friends and always know what they’re doing. Or, you can stop following them any time. You can even set quiet times on Twitter so you’re not interrupted.”

More recently, “tweets” have been used to share information surrounding the attacks in Mumbai. Bringing together all the characteristics: instant, personal, valid and community drive information this was a breakthrough for micro blogging. Though there are still flaws, this instance argued another side of the online scene.

Instant!

America Online released its Instant Messenger service in May of 1997, arguably the start of brief, fast online communication. From here came emoticons and abbreviations making messages faster to send and read. Away messages allowed users to be online but appear away. More recently, the invisibility feature allows users to be online, but have no one else aware.

“Instant” has almost lost its allure since 1997, however, as most everything on the Internet is instant. Micro bloggers have taken the web by storm, one character at a time, sending “instant messages” at all hours.

But what is lost in condensing messages down to 140 characters sent at any time? How many messages are meaningful, substantive or beneficial to society?

The beauty of the Internet, and sites like Twitter, is that anyone can use, contribute or participate. The negative side is that to find meaningful messages amidst the excess is nearly impossible.

Furthermore, why is it important to know where your friends are and what they are doing at all times? Society has developed at such a fast rate we are almost unaware of the changes and advancements that have been made.

Getting Personal

A major aspect of communication is non-verbal. Body language and tone are lost in online characters. Italics, exclamation points and other features can attempt to imply tone; however, they do not always succeed.

While implications are hardly concrete research or formally debatable, they do hold credibility throughout online conversations. Some messages are easier to convey online and more effectively managed, but personal communications should remain just that, personal.

Could it be true?

Research is one of the positive side effects of technology. The Internet has made it extremely easy to find information about anything at the click of a few buttons. Many of these micro bloggers, however, have posted information with no credibility. Readers are not always aware of this fact, and take whatever they find to be true.

Constant updates allow news to be instant. It has also increased the level of expectations for news information. While anyone with slight knowledge of the Internet can post news with ease, it is not always received or clear at the rate people want to receive it.

Internet expectations are responsible for an increased reader base, positively increasing knowledge and curiosity in the online community. However, what is often forgotten is the responsibility to verify.

Community

Bringing people together is the most beneficial aspect of the Internet. The World Wide Web allows us to connect to people around the globe. Sites like Twitter allow family and friends to maintain a blog while traveling hundreds of miles away from one another.

The danger of these sites is using them for the wrong reasons. Keeping in touch with those far away is positive. Posting online updates and avoiding personal life is negative.

The balance of good and bad is vital to the success of Internet communication sites and brief micro blogging. Not everything can be said in 140 characters, but sometimes it can be enough. 

What is Reporting?

Noelle Clemente 

“Reporting is a constant process of making choices,” according to Janna Anderson, Reporting professor at Elon University. The intention of good reporting is to help people make the right choices in times of distress. A “storyteller who uses the details to help people find meaning, justice, education, illumination, emotion, entertainment, equality and the way to survive and work well together,” adds Anderson.

“Our job is only to hold up the mirror – to tell and show the public what has happened,” according to a report of Walter Cronkite, known once as the most trusted man in America. That title credits Cronkite with arguably the most important quality in a journalist.

If reporters are considered a helping hand in decision-making, those receiving that advice had better trust their source. For the latter half of the twentieth century television was the main source of news and information for most Americans.

The Vietnam War was the first television war and thus had no set precedent for how it should be covered. Reporters went wherever they wanted whenever they wanted and the evening news aired all footage they received.

Today, when technology has progressed to the point where everything is available at the click of a button, footage of the Iraq War seems to be missing.

When newspapers first began they were monitored and controlled by the government. They have since progressed and bask in the glory of free press. Television news seems to have moved in the opposite direction.

The first televised war aired and printed images of anything, despite how graphic it was. Today Americans do not even see the coffins of soldiers as they return from Iraq.

So where does the trust fall? Do Americans trust anchors that will report the facts while omitting the more graphic truths? Or do they trust the news that reports everything, unplugged? What was it about Cronkite’s reporting that gained him the title as the most trusted man in America?

“Reporting is about social consciousness and awareness. It’s about knowing people, cultures, systems and how they work or how they don’t work,” said Anderson. If this is the case, then it seems broadcasters have determined that Americans no longer want to see the direct effects of war on the nightly news.

In fact, it is a ban put in place by the Clinton administration and reinforced by the Bush administration to ban showing the coffins returning from war.

Viewers have developed trust in networks and anchors, but does this mean they also must trust the government? Reporters must make choices. Ultimately, reporters answer to their audience.

Reporters in Vietnam and Iraq were and are involved in the harsh realities of war. The difference is in how the reporters have chosen to evaluate and distribute their experiences to their audiences.

ABC reporter Bob Woodruff and a cameraman were seriously injured while reporting in Iraq in early 2006. An article about these injuries quotes ABC senior producer Kate Felsen saying, “He wanted to get out and report the story and not be locked in and taking information from someone else who was experiencing it.”

“Reporting is about persistence and determination,” Anderson said. Viewers trust the most dedicated and determined reporters because they are receiving their information from someone else. Limiting the degrees of separation makes for more accurate and trustworthy news coverage.

Equally important is lack of bias in reporting. “Objective journalism and an opinion column are about as similar as the Bible and Playboy magazine,” according to Cronkite. 

Finding the balance of these characteristics is the beginning of good reporting.

Trust. Social awareness. Lack of bias. 

A Cure in Our Lifetime: Susan Patton Profile

Noelle Clemente

Many students know Susan Patton as the associate registrar, the faculty member with whom all graduating seniors must meet. But Patton is also a breast cancer survivor.

On Sept. 19, 2006, Patton’s journey with breast cancer began. After a routine mammogram, she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, meaning that although the tumor was still small, it required immediate treatment. The news was shocking to Patton.

“Even though you do everything right, you can still get cancer,” she said.

Patton underwent invasive surgery to remove the tumor and a round of radiation to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. The treatment was not aggressive enough, and she was informed that the cancer had become more serious and was not classified as stage two.

She underwent two more operations that removed more of her breast tissue and nearby lymph nodes. Doctors also installed a Port-a-Cath beneath Patton’s skin. The rubber tube gave doctors easy access to administer chemotherapy medicine, but chemo was still difficult for Patton. Her life rotated around doctor’s appointments.

“The cancer center’s routine became my routine,” she said of chemotherapy at Wesley Long Community Hospital in Greensboro. Even today, she can rattle off the process: sign in, get a beeper, get blood work done, wait for the beeper, meet with a doctor, wait for the beeper, go to the chemo room.

After Patton completed chemotherapy, she underwent radiation. She received radiation. She received treatment five days a week for six weeks, always following the rigorous schedule despite how tired it made her. She still attempted to live a normal life, spending time with friends and family.

“I’ve been blessed,” she said. “I had cancer, but it never had me.”

Like many cancer patients, Patton dealt with losing her hair. “It is not just the hair on your head, it is all over your body,” she said, “You’re bald as a baby.”

Her first wig was something of a fashion faux pas. Patton remembers her cousin comparing her to Thelma Harper from Mama’s Family, a TV sitcom from the early 1980s. “You have to have a sense of humor no matter what,” she said.

Her husband, Steve, was her biggest supporter throughout the process. He convinced her to wear caps instead of wigs and even used a lint brush to remove the remaining pieces of hair from her head.

“I really did not want to tell him about it,” Patton admitted. Steve’s love and support helped her survive the difficult treatment process.

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, Patton returned to Wesley Long Hospital for bone, chest and CT scans to see if the cancer had returned or spread elsewhere in her body. She admits that she was fearful in the days leading up to the appointment, but was thankful for the good news she received.

“As far as I know I am cancer free,” she said proudly. Despite this, she will continue to receive treatment for the rest of her life.

Patton said that she could not have been a survivor had it not been for the support of others. Her oncologist, Gustov Magrinat, told Patton that there would probably be a cure in her lifetime. “That was one of the most encouraging things to hear,” she said.

She gained courage from the survivors who went through treatment before her, from the doctors working tirelessly to find a cure and from the nurses at her hospital.

“You have to be born with that special gift they have working with cancer patients,” she said of her caregivers at the hospital. She said that they were always positive and compassionate throughout her treatment.

In October, Patton was one of the noted speakers for Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority’s Pink Pearls commemorative gala, dedicated to breast cancer survivors. After telling her story, Patton left guests with a few words of wisdom. “Check yourselves regularly, have mammograms and do not be afraid to take immediate action,” she said.

The ordeal has left her with a new outlook on life. “Cancer happens. You have to be prepared for surprises. You have to appreciate and accept help offered. Be positive. Have a sense of humor. Count your blessings everyday. Look to the future. Give thanks to people raising money.”

Election for Change: Voters and Candidates define the direction for the American Future

Noelle Clemente

At the onset of the depression, American’s elected a Democrat into a Republican White House. After Bill Clinton questioned the trust of Americans with a questionable relationship, Republicans regained control. When the state of the country or the world is unpredictable at best, American’s have been known to elect into office the other major party.

Change has been one of the most important words in this 2008 election. The democratic ticket has played on the notion that Americans want change, and to them, that means a change in party. The Republican ticket has worked to convince the American people that change in leadership is enough; there is no need to change parties.

This election, party change won once again. 

“That’s the true genius of America, that America can change,” said Senator Obama in his acceptance speech tonight. Change is the opportunity that the democratic process provides for America. 

The first year Leadership Fellows responded to this notion of change on Tuesday morning, with an historical election on the horizon tonight.

“Change in today’s election is as much about a different perspective as it is a different approach,” said Sarah Clancy, 18.

Voting for the first time, these first year Elon University students entered the classroom wearing shirts and pins supporting both parties. “Americans turn to “change” in hard times because we want to feel like we are being proactive about fixing our problems,” said Stephanie Giunta, 18.

John Stossel recently released a story begging that only those who are truly educated vote. College students are often criticized for being liberal institutions, but this class proved educated and diverse in their thinking.

“Americans have always looked to be a progressive nation that can be a leader,” said Allison Parker, 19. On the other hand, Aeriel Hall thinks that, ” the change needed may be in the citizens themselves and not always the leaders of our countries.” 

“Reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many we are one,” said Senator Obama, affirming the democratic process that elected him into office. 

“Obama’s better organization, calm manner, mellifluous speaking style and unthreatening message of “change” all served him well,” according to Tom Friedman, New York Times Columnist. 

Change won the election, but if it is enough to beat the troubled time is a question yet to be answered. 

Push the Music Rocks Whitley

Noelle Clemente 

Rip_Chord, Sweet Signatures, and Twisted Measure return for a second annual Push the Music. Whitley Auditorium filled up last Thursday night to support the philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi and listen to Elon’s a cappella best.

Push America was created by the men of Pi Kappa Phi; philanthropy to raise money for people with disabilities. The men of the Epsilon Alpha chapter at Elon began Push the Music last spring.

Ben Kaufman, junior, is hugely responsible for the event. “I always wanted the a cappella groups to perform together at Elon because all three groups seldom had the chance to do a show together. Being a member of Twisted Measure and becoming the philanthropy chair for Pi Kappa Phi last year, I saw an immediate connection.”

Last spring the three groups took to the stage for the first annual Push the Music. Kaufman said, “this time around, we had over 250 people in the audience from a much broader background.” Not just Greek life, but alumni, staff, and members of national Push America came out to support.

Jay Kahn, chapter president, and Bobby Hoppey, chapter treasurer, hosted the evening, welcoming the gentlemen of Rip_Chord to the stage first.

The all male a cappella group impressed the crowd singing three songs and filling the crowd with laughter. They proved yet again to have presence and personality.

Sweet Signatures followed with another impressive performance. Never ladies to disappoint, the crowd continued excitement for the evening with their four performances, including the ever-popular “Disturbia.”

Dave Knavel and Andrew Matznick from Push America headquarters in Charlotte thanked the audience for supporting the cause. Matznick spoke informing the audience of exactly what they were supporting by paying $5 for Push the Music. Kaufman said, “our national office is always a huge help to us and it was a real honor to have them pay us a visit to see the show and take part in it.”  

Finally, Twisted Measure took the stage. The co-eds have entertained Elon for ten years. They did not disappoint with a great finale to the show. When Pi Kappa Phi brother Justin Hinote took the stage, it was heard loud and clear what the event was for.

All the proceeds from the evening went to PUSH America. The brothers, with the help of Elon’s a cappella groups raised $1,000 for Push America just from the show. “That $1000 is enough to fund an AccessAbility, where we design and construct a wheelchair ramp for a local resident who can’t afford one,” Kaufman said. “A one-hour a cappella show, then, could have just given a local resident a new shot at freedom. That’s the definition of success for me.”