Alcohol Induced Confidence? Where do you stand?

There has long been a debate about rather or not alcohol will make a person more outgoing and confident, but is this true? To find out what people really think the question, “Does alcohol instill confidence in social situations?” was asked to random Frostburg State University students.

According to sophomores Angela Callahan and Candice McDonald drinking “instills a false sense of confidence.” Candice adds that, “Oh, the confidence is there, but it is definitely false.”

Brad Miller, a freshman on FSU’s campus, said that alcohol “makes people put themselves out there like that [confident].” He later states that, “I’ve seen friends fall all over themselves, they look like an idiot really.” “I’d say it’s a false sense of confidence.”

Sophomore Amber Haning feels the reason that many people believe alcohol instills confidence is because of the drinking age. “People are not brought up around it [alcohol] so when they are exposed to it they believe in those misconceptions.” She goes on to say, “I think if the drinking age was not so high people would not be so quick to believe these misconceptions.” She later states that, “People think they are confident at the time, but the next day they are generally embarrassed.”

It seems that this age old debate would not hold much ground for argument on the Frostburg campus.Where do you stand?

Cold Weather, No Heat

Gray skies, unpredictable weather, and freezing temperatures seem to be the highlight of Frostburg’s autumn climate. October weather in the area can easily be mistaken for December weather in nearly every other part of the state of Maryland by newer students. It is not uncommon to hear forecasts for snow and freezing weather by the middle of the month, a feature many students who live on campus may find frustrating as the heat had not been turned on until yesterday. The Facebook statuses of many dorm residents reflected the irritation the low temperatures seem to bring with them.

Thousands live in the 11 dormitories at Frostburg State University so the lack of heat in the residences affects a large portion of the student body. Asked how she was affected, Ana Perez-Schofield seemed at first confused commenting that, “It’s on now.” Ana, a fourth international student from Santiago de Compostela studying Translation (Foreign Languages and Literature at FSU), did mention that the cold here put her in a bad mood and made her sick. More importantly, she noted, “I don’t feel like going out.” Ana would hardly describe herself as a shut-in, especially on the weekends in Frostburg, and says it takes a lot for her to not want to go out.

Mahogany Persip beamed as she suggested a creative solution for the cold weather: “Sleep with someone, the body heat makes you feel better.”  Her answer belied the tranquil atmosphere of the 2^nd floor of the library and her studious nature as she appeared to be completing an assignment for a political science course. The senior International Studies student from Hyattsville went on to say that it “makes me not want to get out of bed, it makes me lazier.” Cold dorms may have some effect on the study habits of some students, though it doesn’t seem to bother Mahogany.

A former Resident Assistant and Head Resident, Andrea Lynch shared that she knew why the heat may not have been turned on just yet, contradicting Ana’s statement that the heat was operating. “It hasn’t been turned on because there needs to be five consecutive days of low temperatures.” While it may have been below 50° for the last two or three days, it is 60° and the forecast calls for a possibly 70° day tomorrow. The English senior from Baltimore went on to say that by now “I’m used to it. I have a space heater, but it’s not plugged in.” For some, mainly newer attendees, the unseasonable cold has had adverse consequences while others have grown used to it or found solutions to the problem. But at the end of the day, it’s Frostburg and it’s going to be cold sooner than later.

(According to many students in the campus dorms, the heat has not yet been turned on. How does this affect you?)

Go Greek?

When asked, “What are the advantages (or disadvantages) of joining a Greek society in college?,” the students of Frostburg State University delivered a variety of different responses. The most common response was how good Greek societies look on a resume. According to the responses of the questioned students, Greeks on FSU’s campus have done their duty by enforcing the thought that Greek organizations make for a more reputable resume. Michael Hellenthal, sophomore geography major from Walkersville, MD said, “The only advantage I see in rushing is the resume advantages.”
Certainly the students of Frostburg have more of a reason for committing themselves to the time and monetary constraints that come with a being a member of Fraternity/Sorority. Kevin Matthews, sophomore law and society major from Oxon Hill, MD and current member of the campus recognized organization Omega Psi Phi Fraternity says, “Joining a fraternity helps you meet the faculty of the school and become more that just a number in their computer.” Other advantages presented by the students were: meeting new people and forming close life long bonds.
When asked the disadvantages for joining a Greek society, one answer stood above the rest. Terryl Monroe, senior business administration major from Oxon Hill, MD said, “You have to limit your social life, because wherever you go on campus, you are a representation of your fraternity…..” Terryl went on to say that he respected members of Fraternities and Sororities, acknowledging the work that Greeks do for the campus as, “admirable.” This answer stood out because all other interviewees spoke about the partying and tomfoolery that Greek organizations are usually stereotyped as being a part of. The Greeks on this campus must be making an impact on students that is recognized when they become upperclassmen. Either way, the Greeks of Frostburg’s campus seem to have the respect of the students when it comes to job security after graduating and in today's economy, that is an admirable trait.

On-Campus Interview

After adventuring around campus interviewing faculty members and students they shared their thoughts about calorie counts being required to be posted on their menus.
Wandering around Tawes Hall there was junior, Sheldon Jackson who is a “law and society” major with a focus on criminal justice. I shared with him the assignment about “interviewing random people” assignment for journalism and he was comfortable with the interview. Following with the question, “do you believe that all restaurants should be required to post calorie counts on their menus, and if so why?” Sheldon replied, “Yes, because individuals who are eating there could possibly be trying to be healthy.” I also asked if there were any other reason that he felt it should be required and he said, “It might affect your body and may affect their image.”
After walking down the hall stopping at the information center, Judie Abbatt was my next questionnaire person. Asking the same question she chuckled answering, “no, because people are too stupid and should know they are eating.” Judie also explained that it is that person’s fault that they want to overeat and stuff their faces.
Junior, Kenny Pratt known by “Wizard” is a mass communication major. He started the conversation saying” let me guess this is for your journalism class”, and I laughed replying, “Yes you could say that.” After asking the question on the note card his reply was that people complain and blame others too much. Kenny then shares with me, “yes there should be calorie counts on the menu, just for the simple fact that everyone complains about their fat and wants to sue the restaurants”. He also shared another opinion saying, “These companies need to avoid all the damn lawsuits and the people’s stupidity across the nation”. Then he began interviewing another student.
Walking over to the student support services, administrator assistant Roxanne Weighley was the final interviewee. She replies to my question while laughing, “you’re looking at me you can’t tell.” Grabbing her stomach. I didn’t know whether to laugh or not even though it was quite hilarious. Then Roxanne continued on, “people may assume that there are less calories than they may think and they may decide to not order it. She talked for some length about a recent news report on the Ihop’s new breakfast. They said that its 1300 calories and Roxanne responded, “you eat, get tired, and go right back to bed; then you wake up thinking where’d all this access weight come from.” Her final answer was “but yes just for health reasons.”

Do you feel on campus housing is safe? Why or why not?

Today on the Frostburg campus students were asked about how they feel about on campus housing. Tony Mancuso, Josh Volpe, and Joel James gave some insight on how they feel about living on campus. Mancuso, a senior who is an International Business major, from Annapolis Maryland says he feels, “it is safe as long as you have a good attitude.”

When asked about whether on campus housing is safe from senior, Volpe , an Education Major, from Annapolis, Maryland, he says, “Yes, I feel on campus housing is pretty safe.” Volpe and his friend were standing outside enjoying the peaceful environment of Frostburg.

As he was sitting in a lounge laughing with his friends , James, a junior, and mass communications major, from the D.C. area says, “Yes, I do feel on campus housing is safe because there are no threats.” Everyone agrees that on campus housing is safe.

FSU Computer Availability?

When asking FSU students how they feel about the availability of computers on campus, opinions are pretty much the same. Shaun Rohde, from Leesburg, Va, is a third year education major here at Frostburg. He states "there are plenty". Mr. Rohde suggests that the majority of students that attend already own a personal computer so there is no race to catch one. Between Pullen labs and the library he believes there are enough. Shaun says the only reason he uses a campus computer is strictly for printing documents. "Ink isn't cheap" he states.
Mike Thoen, a fourth year sociology major from Mt. Airy, Maryland, also agrees. He said the only time he has ever had a problem accessing a computer is during finals week but he believes that it was just bad timing. What Mr. Thoen does have a problem with is the availability of Microsoft Office in the library. There is a fairly large number of computers that are strictly for internet access and no Microsoft Office capabilities. "I don't get it" he says. He suggests it is probably to keep students from sitting on computers for long periods at a time typing documents but "Facebook keeps students on a computer longer than typing a twenty page paper."
My biggest issue for this question was finding a student who does not own a computer and is dependent on the universities computers. Computers are just as common as cell phones.

Time for Marijuana Reform?

Do you think it is time for a change as far as marijuana is concerned? Why or why not? I set out to the middle of Frostburg State University campus to find out how my fellow students felt about the idea of legalization and Proposition 19 that will appear on California ballots.

Louis Mozzano, a junior international business major and homecoming king hopeful from Middletown MD. said "It is already happening." Louis believes that the government is ignorant to believe that they can actually stop or control the underground business. He believes that the government should go with the flow of fully legalizing the substance for recreational use as well as medicinal and reap the benefits as far as taxes are concerned. No one person or group can stop the circulation and because studies are showing its medicinal benefits, it is time to let the people have what they want without the worry of prosecution.

Shortly after interviewing Louis Mozzano, history major, super senior (5.5 years) Jen Gover from Carrel County said, "It would get out of hand." When asked "How would marijuana get more out of control than alcohol is today?," her response was " Alcohol isn't out of control." My follow-up question for her was "What does it matter if marijuana does get 'out of control' when studies show its medicinal properties?" Jen responded with "It's not dangerous, it will just make people stupid." Before I had time to write down her response in full the Louis Mazzono, who was still standing near by, interjected with "Not going to provide names but, I know quite a few people who got here on academic scholarships who smoke marijuana daily."

Katherine Neubauer, a business major set to graduate in 2012, from Waldorf, MD. said, "Marijuana should definitely be legalized for recreational use!" Because of America's huge/growing debt. Katie feels that marijuana legalization can help with the debt issue. Instead of throwing people in jail for buying from drug dealers, why not tax it like alcohol and make a profit, instead of continuing to overcrowd our prisons.

In-school Counseling Graduate student, Ashley Ford, from Severna Park MD believes times are changing and the only way to stay ahead is to change with the times. The public view on the vegetation is changing and the medicinal qualities are becoming clearer. "I saw on the news about an ice cream shop in California where one bite of the desert is equivalent to four to five puffs of a cannabis cigarette." said Ashley.

"People are getting into too much trouble over something that isn't harmful, violent, or dangerous." These are the words of Randy Ogu, a Freshman biology major from Prince George's County,MD. Ogu didn't have much to say because he was already late for class but, he wanted to add that "Yes, it is time for a change."

Minimum Wage Outrage

Do you believe minimum wage is too low? This is what was asked of three Frostburg students and faculty who voiced their very opinionated views on this controversial topic. Currently the wage in Maryland is $7.25, which has struck problems in today's current economic downturn where high wage jobs are scarce and minimum wage job seems to be all that's available.

Cindy Zirlott, the Campus Ministry Chaplain, expressed how she has had so many different perspectives on this topic. Laughing, she voiced that this was her opinion on it for today. “I would like to see it raised, but this isn’t the right time.” Zirlott was very optimistic about minimum wage being increased, one day, but had a deep concern on how this could affect young people who are currently jobless. Cindy expressed, “When the wage is raised, young people who need income would have a difficult time finding a job because the higher the wage the more skilled the employer wants you to be.” In this current economic situation Cindy Zirlott does not think minimum wage should be raised.

Matt Geiger, a Baltimore native and a sophomore majoring in Computer Science knows what it’s like to be paid minimum wage worker. Being a Cultural Event Series employee, he has no problem with it all and thinks the amount is completely fair. “I’m a minimum wage worker, doing unskilled labor,” Matt stated. “If I felt I deserve more money, I would ask for it.” Kenny Phillips, a sophomore majoring in Philosophy from Seattle, WA, strongly believes minimum wage should be increased. He based his opinion on the current economic situation, totally opposite of Zirlott’s view. “If the cost of living increases, then wages should increase.“ Currently in today’s economy, going green has become a big deal. “People want you to eat better, but you have to spend more money to buy healthy food.” You would think that since going green is so much better, it would cost less.

This is a topic that carries plenty of opinions, but at the end of the day, this is something we are going to have to live with for awhile.

To Dine or Not to Dine.

Here at Frostburg State University, students have a couple different options to choose from when dining. They can eat at the Chesapeake Dining Hall, where one swipe for meal plan holders can offer a buffet of different foods for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Students can eat at the widely popular Appalachian Station, which offers breakfast sandwiches and pancakes during breakfast, and burgers, sandwiches, and freshly made flat bread pizza with special toppings of one's choice for lunch and dinner. If none of those strikes the fancy of a student during lunchtime, they can always take a little walk up hill to the Sub Zero for subs and chicken tenders. Last but not least, there's Late Night for the those with the late night munchies, that serves the Freshman 15 advocates: hot dogs, nachos, and occasional Wing Nights.

Several students were asked to comment on the dining options on campus. Sophmore and Athletic Training major, Brian Biscoe, of Washington, DC said that the dining options had, "very few selections, it isn't very healthy, and it's just plain old NASTY!"

Junior, Kenny Pratt of Atlanta, GA, feels that the dining services are too costly for low quality food. "Yeah, the Cafe is like a buffet, but as a non- meal plan holder, to pay $9 for food that isn't that great is a bit much."

While standing on top of a table trying to raise money for a food bank, International Business major, Louis Mozzano of Middletown, MD, gave a minute to express that he was "perfectly satisfied" with the on campus dining services. His only wishes were that there was another time opening between dinner, which ends at 7:30 pm, and Late Night which begins at 10 pm.

There are mixed feelings when it comes to dining services on campus. Some can't stand it, while others wouldn't want it any other way. If the on campus dining services aren't the choice of the night, there are multiple pizza shops, Chinese restaurants, and even Sheetz, which is just a few minutes off campus.