by Taylor McKnight | Oct 12, 2020 | News, News Slider
Convicted killer Cyntoia Brown-Long, who became a Lipscomb alum by studying in the LIFE program while in prison, told students that God is ready to help them. “He is still there even when you can’t see him and he is working in your favor,” said Brown-Long in an interview with Dr. Kate Watkins at The Gathering. Brown-Long, who graduated from the LIFE program (she also got her GED) while incarcerated for the murder, shared her story during the interview October 13. Brown-Long — who said she was a victim of sex-trafficking — was given a life sentence at the age of 16, for the murder of a man who had picked her up for sex. She was charged as a prostitute and claimed self-defense during her trial. She served 15 years of her life sentence in prison, where she would earn her degree and reclaim her faith, she said. Celebrities like Rihanna and Kim Kardashian were drawn to her case and campaigned for her release. Through correspondence she met Christian rapper Jamie Long (aka J. Long), who she married while she was in prison. TV appearances drew the two together. Working with Lipscomb’s LIFE program — the Lipscomb Initiative for Education holds classes for inmates and with students who come to the women’s prison to study — she developed many skills that have helped her in the year since she was given clemency by Governor Bill Lee and released from prison. She also has frequently praised her husband for helping her recapture her faith. Brown-Long spoke about her way back to her faith during The Gathering. She said she...
by Rachel Pavelich | Oct 6, 2020 | Fashion, News Slider
As we continue to wear our masks everywhere we go, there is a problem that plenty of girls are running into: how do you wear earrings without getting them caught in the elastic of your mask? This is a struggle I’ve dealt with as well and even lost one of my favorite hoops to the tangled mess of mask + earrings. So I’m here to share ideas on how we can accessorize while still staying safe with our masks. Avoid hoop earrings. These are my favorite, and I hate to take a break from wearing them, but with the way that they get oh so easily caught in the elastic of masks, it might be better to take a break from them. If you’re going to wear them, just be careful and make sure you don’t lose one when removing your mask. Instead, try a fun pair of dangling earrings, or a cute pair of studs. Loft has tons of cute earrings, as well as Francesca’s and Etsy. Try a hued hairpiece. I haven’t always been big into headbands, but with our masks, they’re a great new way to accessorize and add a pop of color. If you’re not a headband fan, a cute ribbon or a bow scrunchie is a nice touch! Amazon, Anthropologie, and Forever 21 are all great spots to find these items, and there is a wide variety depending on your price range. Draw the attention to your hands by decorating your fingers with rings. This is something I’ve recently fallen in love with. Each ring I purchase has a meaning behind it, which makes...
by Schyler Jones | Oct 5, 2020 | News, News Slider, Opinion
With the presidential election less than a month away, those who have the opportunity to vote need to understand the power they hold. We were all taught about voting to some extent in school, but with everything else going on, why does it really matter? Heleena Kabtimer, a junior International Business Management major, said, “As a person of color and a woman, there’s so many times when voting in our history has not been provided to someone like me. Now that I can use my voice to vote in elections, all those people didn’t fight for me to not use it.” Suffrage is a privilege, a time when people get to use their voice to stand up for what they believe in. Concerning people who choose not to vote, Jessica Heffington, a senior Accounting major, claims she understands people choose not to vote for various reasons, but said, “If you choose not to, then you can’t be mad at the outcome.” Both Kabtimer and Heffington admit they did not vote when they first turned eighteen. The main reason was that it wasn’t a presidential election year. Local elections don’t garner nearly as much attention as federal elections, but looking back Kabtimer wishes she understood that local elections are actually just as important as federal elections. “Every town, city, and state is different and those who live there should have a say in what affects them every day,” Heffington said. A common obstacle to first-time voters is not knowing how the voting process works. Kiana Rafiei, a junior Psychology major, thinks schools need to better prepare students to go out...
by Hannah Cron | Oct 5, 2020 | COVID-19, News Slider
Lipscomb’s University Counseling Center has seen an increase in the demand for mental health services this semester, due in part to the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The University Counseling Center, located on the second floor of the Student Activities Center, offers free, confidential services to all Lipscomb students. “In the past, the Counseling Center has seen faculty and staff, but something that is new this year is that we are limiting it to just students so we can be more available because there is the expectation that we are going to have an increased number (of students). I think there has already been an increase in demand for services,” said Ashley Dumas, assistant director of the Counseling Center. Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression have been on the rise nationwide this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Among Lipscomb students, it is no different. While mental health conditions are typically more prevalent in 18-25-year-olds than other age groups, the events of this year have caused an increase in the demand for mental health counseling among young adults. “We certainly are seeing an increase in appointment requests,” said Dumas. “Generally, for college students, mental health issues are on the rise and that was the case before Covid-19 happened. What we are seeing in those appointment requests is (that) a high number are anxiety-related, stress and depression.” Despite an increase in appointment requests, the University Counseling Center has been able to keep up with the demand for their services thus far. “Right now, we are managing the demand. We have a lot...
by Camryn Given | Oct 4, 2020 | COVID-19, News Slider
For universities across the country, 2020 has been quite the educational roller coaster. From being uprooted from campuses in March to some finally returning in August equipped with masks and hand sanitizer, college life is looking different for everyone. Many have seen first hand how this has impacted students, but that introduces the question: What has this been like for teachers? Or in other words, what does the new normal look like for those in charge of educating? Dr. Paul Prill, the former Honors College director and current professor of Communication, Technology and Society, said, “The new normal for me is very simple—I will never be in a closed space with my class for 50 minutes.” Prill based his decision on recent studies that showed reduced COVID transmission rates when outdoors versus inside. Though new guidelines are in place, a lot was still left up to the teachers. “[Lipscomb has] allowed [students] to decide if you want to be in person or virtual”, said Prill. “They’ve allowed [teachers] to decide if we want to be in person or virtual or some hybrid of the two.” Prill opted for a hybrid of both Zoom and outside in-person classes; his class has been divided into 3 “cohorts” that alternate weeks to meet in person for lectures. Even so, all the students would be giving speeches over Zoom. If his class was inside, the students would all be required to wear masks at all times. “Then I can’t see your facial expressions,” said Prill. “I could barely notice any difference in your eye contact.” Many other teachers are opting for the hybrid...
by Mckenzi Harris | Oct 3, 2020 | COVID-19, News Slider
President Donald Trump announced from his social media that himself and first lady Melania Trump have tested positive for COVID-19. This happened shortly after white house advisor Hope Hicks tested positive, which is the reason that the President and First Lady were tested for coronavirus. The White House chief of staff confirmed that the President has mild symptoms. Joe and Jill Biden had themselves tested and both tested negative. The President has also stated that he will not continue campaigning at this moment. Tonight, @FLOTUS and I tested positive for COVID-19. We will begin our quarantine and recovery process immediately. We will get through this TOGETHER! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020 pic.twitter.com/B4H105KVSs — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2020 This could mean a lot of things for the election trail as it is getting closer to November. Lipscomb Professor and Chair of History, Politics, and Philosophy Marc Schwerdt said that this could “potentially have a very negative impact on his re-election.” “If President Trump becomes incapacitated, it could be devastating for his election,” said Schwerdt. “The campaign would try to compensate with Vice President Pence. I suspect he will make as many virtual appearances as possible.” These appearances would most likely be done through various rallies, news conferences, speeches, or interviews. The current line of succession in the white house could also be affected by the President’s absence with the 25th amendment coming into play — which states who would fill in for the President if they are unable to perform their duties. This would be the first time the amendment is used since the Nixon...
