The Decree - December 2023

TheDecree NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY, ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA 27804 since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” December 15, 2023 Survey: Many Wesleyan Students Not Worried about Global Warming By Jordyn Matlock Decree Staff Writer In a recent survey, NC Wesleyan University students expressed mild concern over the issue of global warming. One hundred and fifty tradi- tional students responded to the unscientific survey, which was conducted in Wesleyan general education classes in October. If you’re reading this, you just survived one of the hottest summers ever recorded in the U.S. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ministration, we just endured the warmest September in the last 174 years with a global surface temperature of 61.59 degrees F, or 2.59 above the average of 59.0° F. As the planet continues to heat up, the World Health Organization predicts that between 2030 and 2050, there will be 250,000 yearly deaths from poor health because of climate change. Following is a summary of the Decree survey results: Question 1: On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about global warming? (0 = not concerned at all, 10 = extremely concerned) The survey revealed an aver- age score of 5.3 and a median score of 6 (meaning half of sur- veys gave an answer higher than 6 and half gave one below 6). Wesleyan’s environmental science and biology faculty shared mixed responses on hearing the results. Dr. Daniel Elias said he was surprised that the number was that high. Based on his interactions with Wesleyan students in a range of environmental science courses, he had expected a lower figure. He would like to see Wesleyan students more in line with oth- ers from their generation. “I believe older generations don’t see it as a critical global challenge,” he said. “However, younger generations have grown up hearing about global climate change and global warming. And they’re now living with the consequences of it. They see the more extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires.” Dr. Emily Weber, an assistant professor of biology, expressed disappointment but acknowl- edged the results as understand- able. “With the college demo- graphic at that age, back then, I wasn’t that concerned about it either,” she said. “They’re more than likely concerned with homework, exams, and their social lives.” Biology Professor Heather Louch said the results were to be expected. “College students aren’t very plugged into current events surround- ing climate change,” she said. “Many are in bubbles and don’t know many news sourc- es outside of social media.” In fact, when it comes to their concerns about global warming, Wesleyan students appear to be outliers among their interna- tional peers. In a study spanning 19 countries, the Pew Research Center found that 75 percent of respondents deemed global climate change as an outstanding mat- ter, followed by 19 percent who identified it as a minor threat, and 5 percent who did not view the mat- ter as a threat at all. Question 2: In terms of politics, where does global warming rank as far as your concerns: top third, middle third, or bottom third. The results showed that 22 students, 14.67 percent, catego- rized it as top-third concern, while 77 students (51.3 percent) voted it middle-third, and 51 students (34 percent) ranked it as bottom-third. “Not surprising because humans are short-sighted,” Dr. Louch said. “One-hundredand-ten-degree weather in July and August and now we’re ex- periencing 80-degree weather one day and 55 degrees the next in November. Will people that expect a change vote for proactive politicians or take on the responsibilities themselves? Probably not.” The Pew Research Center reports that 37 percent of Americans believe that the president and U.S. Congress should prioritize tackling cli- mate change, followed by the 34 percent who acknowledge its importance but not as a prime concern. Question 3: Have you witnessed the consequences of global warming in your daily life? The results were split down the middle. Seventy-three students (48.67 percent) agreed that they have seen the effects firsthand, while 77 students (51.33 percent) said they have not witnessed any effects. In detailing their observations, many students noted last sum- mer’s record-breaking tempera- tures, not to mention the milder winters of recent years. Following is a sampling of other responses: “Sea levels have risen sig- nificantly,” one student wrote. “I live on the edge of England right by the sea, so this has not only impacted myself, but other residents as well.” An Australian student con- nected global warming with ir- regular weather patterns that have lasted for months and brought extreme weather events like El Niño and La Niña. Water-related disasters don’t just stop there. “Extreme flood- ing has caused major destruction of forests,” said a student from Vietnam, who expressed pes- simism about the future in light of such “devastating effects.” A Ugandan student described the insufferable effects of the hu- midity and consistent atmospheric fogging that have made it difficult for their countrymen to breathe. A North Carolina native noted that his favorite fishing pond had begun to dry up. Question 4: On a scale of 1-10, how concerned are you about the effects of global warming on fish and wildlife? (0 = not concerned at all, 10 = extremely concerned) The survey showed that the average level of concern about the effects of global warming on fish and wildlife landed on a 6. Wesleyan faculty noted that many do not realize that what may seem trivial on a surface level has a wider impact outside the human race. “Global climate change affects migration patterns, the availability of resources (food, space, mates, etc.), changes in diseases (warmer temperatures increase the range of tropical diseases),” Dr. Elias explained. “It will most affect ani- mals that have evolved to narrow changes of temperature.” Dr. Weber reminds students that species are a daily part of our ecosystem, adding that “this enlightening survey propelled me to do a better job of educat- ing and emphasizing in my 101 classes the overall significance of global warming.” Question 5: What’s one step your government should take to combat global warming? While global warming is rooted in human activity, we also have the power to change it. Among the most common responses, students want their leaders to: • encourage alternative forms of energy to eliminate carbon emissions • provide more funding to researchers to promote awareness and develop healthier habits among Americans • invest in safer, cleaner public transportation • administer fines for regional violations • implement stricter laws on energy production and conservation that all nations should be required to sign. Question 6: What’s one step NC Wesleyan can take as an or- ganization to help address global warming? Actions do not solely fall on the government. Students shared a wide range of opinions regard- ing reaching out and educating students and faculty members. “Get together and come up with some solutions and bring it to the attention of the adminis- tration,” said one student. A second student recommended starting a club for members of the Wesleyan community “who are enthusiastic on the topic” of protecting the environment. A third urged that the college take a leading role in informing students about the hazards of glob- al warming: “Send out emails,” one respondent wrote, “letting us know more about recent detrimen- tal effects to get us thinking.” Another student urged the univer- sity to make better decisions. “Stop cutting down trees around campus,” the student wrote, adding, “Every day, I see these outdoor classrooms, and no one is using them.” Some suggestions were more extreme. One student wanted to ban cars from campus. Others showed less optimism as they accepted what could be Earth’s irreversible fate, and oth- ers remained perplexed by the issue. “There’s not much we can do since we’re so small in the world,” said one student who had ranked global warming as the least of their concerns. Question 7: What’s one change you can make in your daily life to help address global warming? Climate change experts believe that it’s not too late for Americans to combat the crisis. Climate change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be acceler- ated. An individual’s actions may seem miniscule in a world population of eight billion, but collectively, we can make a sig- nificant difference for genera- tions to come. Climate experts have predict- ed catastrophic effects if global temperatures rise 1.5 degrees C (2.7 F) in coming years. But in a recent journal article, Jeff Tollefson suggested that it’s still possible to cut carbon emissions and limit global warming with a surge in wind and solar power. He has called for such alterna- tives to make up 70 percent of energy sources. See WARMING pg 4 NC Wesleyan Student-Athletes Describe Their Ideal Coach Wesleyan students took a guided tour of Costa Rica over summer break. See story page 4. Photo courtesy of A. Modlin By Mary Alice Butler Senior Staff Writer Colin Scoggins, a third base- man on the baseball team, shared insights into his preferences and experiences with coaches. The junior said he likes a coaching style that allows for self-discovery, particularly in fixing aspects like hitting. Scoggins values passionate coaches who care about their play- ers, believing that this commitment translates into success on the field. Scoggins was one of the several accomplished Wesleyan athletes interviewed about their personal preference on coach- ing styles and behaviors. Players were asked what types of coach- ing they respond to best, and how different coaching types play into their individual success. When it comes to feedback, Scoggins acknowledges the useful- ness of both constructive criti- cism and positive reinforcement, understanding the importance of timing and context. High repetition, such as taking ground balls daily, stands out as a crucial method for improvement, helping him to grasp different situations. “This helps me understand how to recover from mistakes and helps me build off of it every day,” he said. Scoggins responds positively to challenging coaches who foster a competitive mindset. He prefers to handle setbacks independently or with teammates rather than relying too heavily on support or pressure from coaches. Scoggins states that he looks up to humble athletes as an inspiration. While staying humble, he identifies his short-term goal as winning the conference championship and the Division III World Series, with long-term as- pirations centered around learning life lessons from the sport. He values progress measurement in the form of statistics but refrains from looking at them until the end of the season, preferring to focus on consistent execution during play. For maintaining motivation throughout the season, Scoggins emphasizes the importance of mea- surable progress outside of in-game stats, such as gains in the weight room, to improve confidence and fuel his drive for continuous growth. Amber Pierce, a sophomore defensive specialist on the volley- ball team, expressed a preference for a hands-on coaching style that is direct in pointing out areas for improvement, as long as the com- munication is not overly harsh. “I like a coach who is direct and tells me what I’m doing wrong,” Pierce said. “I like knowing what I need to work on and how to do it.” She highlights her 16-year ex- perience in club volleyball as par- ticularly impactful. She stated the coach’s belief in her and emphasis on her importance to the team as key factors in her growth. When it comes to feedback, Pierce finds a balance between positive reinforcement and constructive criticism most effective, stressing the importance of maintaining a supportive tone. Pierce responds best to nurturing and supportive coaches, acknowledging her own tendency to be hard on herself. In handling setbacks and failures, she prefers a coach who provides support and empathy, helps her recover mentally, and of- fers reassurance. Pierce sets shortterm goals to contribute to her team as well as her long-term goals to become an all-conference player, relying on coaches to remind her of these goals and instill confidence. For tracking progress, personal milestones and achievements resonate more with her than statisti- cal data, as this allows her to focus on enjoying the sport without too much pressure. To stay motivated and focused, she values positive affirmations and belief from her coach, recognizing the impact of confidence on her performance. Gustavo Rivas, a junior tennis player from Venezuela, favors a more hands-on and directive coaching style, emphasizing the importance of trusting the coach’s guidance to build a solid coach-athlete relationship. Rivas highlights the impact of his for- mer coach, who served as a men- tor and second father during his time on the Junior Tennis Tour. He noted that their close relation- ship was cultivated both on and off the court, providing valuable life lessons as it contributed to his personal and athletic growth. Rivas prefers receiving feedback in the form of constructive criticism. “Going straight to the point makes it easier for me to understand what I have to focus on more,” he said. His old coach’s organized training program, paired with the freedom for self-directed practice, was a crucial coaching technique that benefitted him. While he values supportive coaches, Rivas acknowledges that more challeng- ing and demanding coaches tend to yield better outcomes. When facing setbacks, he adopts a mindset of indifference to main- tain focus and confidence. Patrick Mouratoglou’s philosophy, rooted in individual effort and discipline, See COACH pg 4 The Bishops men’s basketball team opened the season with a win over Randolph College. Kyron Kelly led the way with 14 rebounds and 13 points. Turn to pages 5-6 for sports, including a profile of Wesleyan assistant coach Cornelius Snow (pictured). Photo courtesy of Jackson Thompson

Senior Staff Writer Mary Alice Butler Staff Writers Rafael Farina Jordyn Matlock Amanda Modlin Valentina Rabino Albert Sitwell Deonna Starks Jackson Thompson Faculty Advisor Dr. William Grattan 179 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336 Email: [email protected] staff The Decree since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” 2 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 December 15, 2023 AMERICAN DREAMS Valentina Rabino (R) and her mother. Photo courtesy of V. Rabino. Argentine Student Pursues Dream of American Education By Valentina Rabino Decree Staff Writer It was my first time on the road to Ezeiza Airport in my home country of Argentina. In the car we all tried to make small talk as if nothing was happening. But we all knew where we were headed. My mother and I tried to keep our tears inside while a Bruno Mars song, “Uptown Funk,” was playing. “It is now! No backdowns, out of Buenos Aires for a year!” I said, trying to break the tension of the moment. “You’re going to have the best time and amazing experiences, Valen,” my father, an ear-nose-and-throat special- ist, said with a smile but sad eyes. He exchanged looks with my mother, who nodded her agreement. We arrived at the airport, and I was glad that we needed to take care of the luggage and paperwork because that helped me distract my- self from the fact that I was about to leave my family, whose presence enveloped me, confronted me, as we traversed through the hallways. Before I knew it, I would be getting on the plane that would take me to fulfill one of my big- gest dreams, a college education in America. I had put 21 years in two suitcases and a backpack. Unstop- pable tears ran down my face as my mother, standing at my side, held my hand and kept me steady. Ever since I can remember, my mother has been my best friend, which was rare among motherdaughter relationships that I had seen. We even look alike. She had been by my side in every impor- tant moment in my life, such as this one. Whether it was choosing outfits for each other, sharing a meal (just the two of us), or trad- ing bits of gossip, our moments together were filled with heartfelt conversations and shared laughter. She didn’t just offer guidance to me; she trusted my opinions and often sought my input regarding my younger siblings and other family matters. We had nurtured a friendship that we both cherished. At the departure gate, I said good- bye to my sibling and father and tried to relish our last moments together— my younger brother Santiago, now a head taller than me; my younger sis- ter Eugenia, not much of a hugger, giving me a warm, lasting embrace; my dad’s fragrance, a mixture of coffee and something sweet like va- nilla. I tried to take in their smells, the sound of their laugh, the warmth of their bodies around me, the way they spoke and moved. I wanted to take a bit of them with me. Having my mother by my side on this journey was a safety pin that made me secure about my next steps. As we got through immigra- tion, my last image was my father, sister and brother waving goodbye. Before we boarded the flight to New York, my mother and I decided to get a bite to eat and re- lieve some stress. We both ordered a cheeseburger and a soda. We passed an hour and a half in the restaurant, remembering family moments and anecdotes and shar- ing our feelings about this change in my life. Then our gate number could be heard on the megaphones and passengers began forming a line. We left the restaurant and without a word, we gave each other a look that said, “We got this.” We boarded the plane. It was around 9 p.m. and by the window on my left I saw Buenos Aires light up, magnificent as always. To my right my mother was watching a comedy on video. I don’t recall the title, but I do remember her laugh throughout that movie. We had a flight of 10 hours, and I was ex- hausted, so I decided to try to sleep, since the second leg of our flight— from New York to Raleigh—was only about two hours long. After an hour, I woke up to the stewardess asking my mother what she wanted to eat. “What do you want, Valen? Chicken or pasta?,” my mother asked me, and for a single moment it had seemed like we were at my house and that it was an everyday ques- tion before dinner. “Chicken, ma, with a Coca-Cola please.” We ate and exchanged our des- serts. At the end I got a vanilla muf- fin, and my mother got a chocolate cookie. I’m not going to lie; it was pretty good for airplane food. After that, we both went back to sleep until the end of the flight. Arriving in New York, my mother and I went straight to the bathroom to clean ourselves up a little bit. We agreed that we smelled like travel and confinement. “Look how my curls are all over the place! Why didn’t you say something!” my mother said to me while laughing. “They are not that bad,” I said. “Look at mine. We’re on the same page; don’t worry.” Another hour passed, and then we were on the second plane. With only a two-hour flight, I read letters that my friends had written to me. They had told me not to read them until I was on the plane, so I had waited until the last minute. While I read them, tears dropped from my eyes, and my mother noticed it. She hugged me and asked, “Why do you torture yourself this way?” “It’s not torture,” I replied. “It’s joy from reading how much my friends love and care about me.” One friend wrote: “It’s a very brave decision to go study outside your country. You have tremendous courage to make that decision. It’s to be admired. I would like you not to be gone for so long, but since I can't stop you, I’ve decided to support you,” one of my best friends wrote in his letter. “You’re a great person and friend, you have incredible energy, and we’re all going to miss you.” Finally, after 12 hours in the sky, we arrived in North Carolina. Now, the excitement started to boil my blood, and you could see the relief on my mother’s face. We headed straight to get our luggage and the keys for our rental car. I believe that finding out how the car worked was the biggest chal- lenge on our trip. While the rain poured, my mother shouted, “Why doesn’t this trunk open?!” Then after a struggle and much uncontrollable laughter, we managed to open it and put our stuff inside. I thought our hour on the road from Raleigh to Rocky Mount was fantastic. Trees filled each window of the car; there was rain hitting the windows as if we were in a movie. We passed and drank a cup of mate and listened to Argentine rock blasting on the speakers. I remem- ber singing a song called “Guapa” from Diego Torres, a song which represents the relationship of my mother and me, and a tattoo that I had on my arm because of it. It seemed unreal as we arrived at North Carolina Wesleyan. Neither my mother nor I could believe that we were finally here. Impressed by every little detail, we parked in front of Roberson Hall, where Andy Rizzo, a Worldwide Wel- come Leader, was waiting for me. Before taking my belongings from the car to my room, Andy showed me around the campus. While we were walking around and talking, I looked to my mother to check if she was seeing the same things as me, if it was real. Everything looked like the movies. Everything was a lot to absorb. I was overwhelmed, and my mother noticed it. When we were done unloading, she took me to Burger King, knowing that I would feel comfortable there since it was a restaurant that my family could find in Argentina. This time it would be just the two of us. For the next two days, my mother and I drove around the area. We went to Walmart to get some things for my room. We visited a place which had a river, so we sat there for a while just talking. The air was cold, and the leaves of the trees varied--or- ange, brown and yellow. There were two more couples nearby but most of the time it was just the two of us. On the second day, we traveled to Greenville and did some shop- ping there, spending all day on it. I got some clothes and my mother bought presents for my siblings. And then the third, and last day, came. It was the moment we had to say goodbye, the day I would have to leave my mother. We spent the day doing administrative tasks, creating a bank account for me, getting an American phone line and picking up school materials. On the way back to the campus, we both acted like nothing had hap- pened, like in minutes we would not be destroyed. We kept talking about how I was going to decorate my room, and what we thought about the campus--mundane conversation. My mother parked in the same spot as the first day. We stayed in our seats for a couple of minutes. Neither of us wanted to open the door, because that meant that we would have to leave the car, hug, and say goodbye. But we needed to do it, whether we liked it or not. We got out of the car at the same time, and I ran to her side and hugged her; not letting her go for at least 10 minutes. I felt how she started crying and, even though I wanted to play it tough, hearing her cry triggered my own tears. So now both of us were crying while still embracing. Again, I found myself trying to take everything with me: How she always smelled sweet but soft, like jasmine; how her curls were dark as the night, and she complained about them all the time; how the warmth of her hug enveloped me, and her how height was perfect be- cause my head stayed on her chest so I could hear her heart pumping. Finally, I decided to pull away, even though it hurt. I knew that if I didn’t do it, she couldn’t either. It felt like a weight crushing my chest. “Enjoy every single moment and make your dream, your new reality. We will always have your back, no matter what,” my mother said to complete the crashing feeling in me. “This will be the same as a vaca- tion, just a couple of months,” I said. I couldn’t say anything more, as the tears wouldn’t let me. The night was as cold as it could be, but there were no clouds to be seen, the sky was as clear as possible. And with an endless “I love you,” I entered my building as I saw the car blur in the night. Many International Students See OPT as First Key Step By Rafael Farina Decree Staff Writer Luca Lucidi, a 21-year-old Wes- leyan student from Rome, intends to begin his professional life in the United States. “I like the different culture and the different way of thinking here,” he said. A business and marketing major, Lucindi plans to stay in the United States to work under the OPT program. While involved in OPT, he hopes to learn as much as possible. And he said he may add a master’s degree along the way. OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is a job opportunity afforded international students in the United States. It provides all international students with the ability to obtain a oneyear visa to work freely in the US. Lucindi believes that staying in America gives him a chance to mature. He feels that the U.S. will provide many more job op- portunities than in his country. Briyith Garcia Briyith García is a 20-year-old Wesleyan student who does not want to return to her native Colombia due to the lack of job opportunities there. According to the World Bank, the national unemployment rate exceeded 10 percent in 2022, while the current U.S. rate has fallen below 4 percent in recent months. A Computer Information Sys- tems major, Garcia sees OPT as an opportunity to gain experience and expand her professional knowl- edge. She said she’s also interested in pursuing a master’s degree. “In my case, I have several con- tacts that can provide me with job opportunities,” she said, noting that she’s already got a head-start on finding a position. Given the possibility of living in the U.S., she said that coming to start her studies at Wesleyan was an easy decision. She noted that in her country companies do not give opportunities to young people who are just finishing their degrees; Colombian em- ployers insist on new employees with work experience. Garcia chose to live in the United States because the qual- ity of life is much better than in Colombia. There is a much more stable economy with more job possibilities, she said. She added that if she cannot make the U.S. her permanent home, she would elect to try Europe rather than return to South America. Francisco Cobo Francisco Cobo, a 21-year-old Venezuelan, hopes to build on a recent internship with a Major League Baseball team. Last summer Cobo worked for the Milwaukee Brewers, focusing on the team’s hospitality depart- ment. At Wesleyan he is majoring in business administration and sports management. “I want to get a work visa to stay in the U.S.,” he said. Cobo believes he’s built a strong resume and solid presentation skills that will allow him to shine in a job interview. And he’s developed professional contacts, he said. He considers OPT the best possibility to obtain a stable work visa. He would like to complete OPT with a sports company that will help him achieve his goal of developing his life in the United States. He pointed out that the U.S. represents the largest market in the sports industry, providing him with plenty of opportunities for employment. He acknowledged the difficul- ty of leaving his home country, his “comfort zone,” and living on his own. He said he sees the U.S. “as the country of possibilities.” Catalina Ramella Buenos Aires native Catalina Ramella believes an OPT job will add prestige to her resume. “Around the world,” she said, “America is one of the most recog- nized countries to work and study.” She noted that an unstable econ- omy and other political uncertain- ty have motivated many young Argentines to seek employment in other countries. According to the BBC, Argentina has seen the price of most consumer goods double in the past year. The 19-year-old Ramella plans to work in America for a few years and save enough money to pay for graduate school. A communication and marketing major, she said her ultimate goal is to live in Europe. “I think it will be easier to de- velop my life positively outside my country,” she said. Harjot Singh-Dharni Harjot Singh-Dharni, a 19-year-old sophomore from New Zealand, wants to use OPT as a first step to earning a permanent work visa in the U.S. An aspiring entrepreneur, Singh-Dharni believes the U.S. of- fers the most dynamic market. He is already involved in an initiative called Ghiner Performance, which he said is based on "Find the Hero in Yourself" philosophy that allows students to become the “best version of themselves.” Singh-Dharmi, a business major and a member of the soccer team, said he’s enthusiastic about his future. He believes that working in the U.S. would not just help refine his skills and put his knowledge into practice. His experience here will allow him to learn the most innovative business practices and, long-term, provide a larger market for the business he hopes to start. “Starting your own business in the U.S. is much more viable” than in his home country, he said. He acknowledged the chal- lenges of making his own decisions and taking on more adult responsibilities, but called working the U.S. a once-in-alifetime opportunity. “Living and working here helps me open up to a much bigger world with many more possibilities to access more important people,” he said. Finaly Evans For Finaly Evans, a 21-yearold from Wales, OPT represents not just a way to begin his career but as a “fantastic oppor- tunity” to travel throughout the U.S. and experience life here. The Wesleyan business major be- lieves OPT will enable him to identity more jobs and at a rate of pay that’s higher than in his native country. If Evans fails to land job offer, it would not cause him discom- fort, he noted, because he would return home and be close to loved ones. Wales has always been his ultimate destination. “I want to go back to my country,” he said.

December 15, 2023 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 3 ARTS & CAMPUS CULTURE First-Person: My Moment with Kendrick Lamar By Tom Ashworth-Bradford (Editor’s Note: A freshman, Tom Ashworth-Bradford is a CIS major, a member of the men’s soccer team, and a resident of the United Kingdom.) The month was July, the year was 2021, and I was going through a transformative period in my life. My long-term girlfriend and I had recently called it quits, and I had to watch her move on with someone else right away as we were both still in the same friend group, making things for me extremely diffi cult but also speeding up the healing process signifi - cantly. Not to brag, but I took it like a champ. Anyway, because of this blessing in disguise (and it really was well disguised at the time), I had found myself with a lot more time to work on myself. I was studying harder, going to the gym more than ever, and in mid-June, I even shaved my head. But I believe one of the most signifi cant things to come from this phase of my life was my new-found love of music, particularly Kendrick Lamar. Now don’t get me wrong, music has always had an important part in my life. I’ve played the drums since age 9 and in secondary school, you would often fi nd me with one earbud in. Despite this, although I was hearing a lot of music, I was frequently not listening to it. I would hardly ever just sit with headphones and listen to a whole album; at the time the process was to look up a genre I was into, click on the fi rst playlist that came up, and spend one minute or even less skipping through each song, fi nding any that caught my attention, and then shove them in an overly bloated playlist where I’d skip every other song. But due to my mind needing a cleaning, I thought I would try and listen to some albums the whole way through. It started with a simple Google search, and quickly I stumbled upon a YouTuber called “theneedledrop,” created by a guy named Anthony Fantano, the self-proclaimed busiest music nerd on the internet. His content was 5-to-10-minute-long album reviews along with some lists thrown in for good measure. I quickly started enjoying his incredibly critical reviewing style (so critical that a 6/10 rating from him is considered by many artists to be an amazing achievement). At this point I still wasn't sure which album to start with until I looked up and saw he had a “Top 50 albums of the last decade” (2010-2020) video and at the number-1 spot with a perfect 10/10 score was “To Pimp a Butterfl y” by Kendrick Lamar. I was aware of who Kendrick was at the time as I'd found a couple of his tracks before, but, as I had a habit of doing, never delved deeper than a couple of songs. After watching the video, I knew this had to change. At the time I was working as a housekeeper at a local Premier Inn (a cheap British hotel chain), so I decided to give the album a listen. From start to fi nish. No stopping. Over the next hour my mind was blown time and time again as my ears experienced what can only be described as a complete euphoria. I had never heard anything like it. There was a jazz canvas with some of the greatest instrumentation imaginable. This was paired with Kendrick’s unique rap style, which blends a number of deliveries and fl ows with some of the most genius lyrics that are perfectly mind-altering without coming off as obnoxious. It was like watching one of the best fi lms ever but I was watching it through my ears and not my eyes. Fast forward to about a year later and I had listened to Kendrick’s entire discography at least three times and had become a regular whole-album listener. That summer I vividly remember one ordinary day. I was casually scrolling through Instagram when I saw that Kendrick Lamar was touring the UK. I couldn't believe my luck. I messaged all my friends to see if they wanted to come but the closest venue, Birmingham, was three hours away and the only prices I could fi nd were steep. Predictably, my friends all said no. This left me disheartened and before I knew it, it was three weeks until the gig and I still had no ticket. I immediately went into panic mode, but still the only tickets I could fi nd were way too expensive, especially on top of the cost of traveling to Birmingham and staying there for a night. Despite this large setback, two weeks before the concert I had a huge impulse to check the ticket prices one fi nal time. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. To my surprise, there was a standing ticket for around a third of the price I had previously seen, and without hesitation I bought it. Soon after I started having doubts. Had I been brash and gotten scammed? Why were the tickets so much cheaper? My fears were put to rest shortly afterward, though, as I received my E-ticket confi rmation email, and the buzz I felt at that moment was something I can't even begin to describe. The day of the concert soon came around and due to a happy coincidence, my mum offered to drive me to Birmingham and stay in a hotel with me. This made everything so much easier as it meant I wouldn't have to mess about with train tickets, and staying in a cheap single room for the night was now offi cially off the cards. I could fi nally relax. During the drive up I listened to Kendrick, the anticipation inside of me building until I felt as though I was going to explode. Over the past year this rapper had changed my life and I was about to see him perform live. Even writing this now, I feel the sense of excitement coming back to me. When we arrived at the stadium--two hours early might, I add--the queue was already gigantic, and after fi ve minutes of walking I eventually made it to the back, as more and more people followed. I queued for around an hour and a half, which gave me plenty of time to refl ect on how I got here, but I can't state enough how high my anticipation level was, my mind focused on the upcoming performance. Upon chatting to some people in front of me, I found that everybody in the queue was feeling the same. “I wonder if he’ll perform this” or “If he does this, I'm going to scream” were a few of the common phrases I heard while we waited. As I entered the stadium, the sheer size and scale of the place shook me. Since I had bought a fl oor ticket and arrived early, there was plenty of space, surrounded by never-ending rows of seats that in about an hour would all be full. Turning my attention to the stage, I saw that it was set up like a catwalk with a large performance square in the centre. After much deliberation I fi gured that standing on the side of the square was the optimum position, as it offered a view of the whole stage from the square, down the catwalk, all the way down to the traditional “stage.” I started out about four rows from the front and for the next hour I remained there as the empty spaces soon fi lled. Finally, it was time for the warmup act, Baby Keem (who is also Kendrick Lamar's cousin), to perform. Keem was the perfect taster to what was about to follow, as he played banger after banger for 30 minutes straight, not overstaying his welcome, so by the time he was done everyone was pumped and ready for Kendrick to make his entrance. Suddenly, the stadium went black. Everyone cheered. A spotlight then appeared out of nowhere at the base of the “stage” on which a standup puppet, resembling Kendrick, sat on a chair. At this point the crowd were losing their mind and would only continue to do so, as, after a brief intro, Kendrick fi nally came out to the most thunderous pop I’ve ever heard. Even I was screaming my lungs out as he came out wearing a sleek, slightly oversized, all-black suit. On his left hand was a single black leather glove, and on his right some dazzling jewelry. His beard was neat, his dreads roughly tied, and he wore a pair of black shades. He was the epitome of cool, leaving me along with 15,000 other crowd members utterly in awe. At long last he began his performance. Unfortunately, I can’t go over every song, but each performance had been meticulously planned out with unique lighting, backup dancers, and props. It was almost like going to the theatre, but in my opinion, much better. About a third of the way through the concert the square part of the stage (that, in the beautiful carnage of the crowd, I had now found myself right next to) lit up into a white glow as Kendrick strutted his way over. At this point he was now only a few feet away from me as he performed some of my personal favorites. I did not miss a single lyric. Then, as if the heavens were smiling down on me, he performed “Money Trees,” arguably one of his best songs, and I had what I can only call an out-of-body experience, as the whole stadium was bouncing and singing their hearts out. But it was then about to get even more surreal, as during one of the faster rap sections of a later song, I, the complete superfan, managed to keep pace with Kendrick himself as he looked me dead in the eye and pointed at me in approval. I was gobsmacked, and I still to this day can't believe it happened. The rest of the performance I recall as some of my happiest moments: more incredible staging, Kendrick interacting with the audience, some unbelievable rapping, and towards the end he even brought Baby Keem back out so they could perform together. And then it did end, leaving my body and soul with a high that to this day, I still don't think has halted. And I pray it never does. Wesleyan Introduces 301 North Records Label By Deonna Starks Decree Staff Writer North Carolina Wesleyan has some exciting news to deliver as the music program has established a record label available to students, faculty, and staff with a musical background. Wesleyan’s music label, 301 North Records, has been in the works since 2022, but was fi nalized this year. The label has just released the music of two recent graduates, Will Plyler and Josh Strausser. Plyer had written and released many singles from his own platform. When he learned that music production professor Tony Sawyer was working on establishing a record label, Plyer took the opportunity to create his very fi rst album. Plyer’s album is called “Who I Am,” which was released on September 22. It consists of 10 original songs that are still being streamed today. Songs include “You Are My Joy,” “Royal Savior,” and “Haunted.” In composing his songs, Plyer said he gets inspiration from everyday life. “Some songs start with an idea that I hum into my phone and forget about, only to pull it back out and make it into something several months later,” he said. Plyler declined to locate his music in a particular genre. “I try to make each album a mix of different styles because I think the best singer/songwriters are those who can write in a variety of styles,” Plyer said. “I like to think of myself as not having a ‘genre.’” Strausser worked on songs through the label to release an Extended Play (EP) called “Rose.” This EP consists of fi ve songs and was released on October 1. Song titles include “Colorado,” “Love Song,” and “Remember.” Strausser has been writing music since middle school. “Usually, it starts with a simple demo of a song idea: just myself singing and playing guitar or piano,” he said. After that, he builds the song around the demo, making up synthesizer or electric guitar parts. Strausser does not have any other original projects in development, “but when I do,” he said, “I would certainly like to release with 301 North again.” Since 2013, when the music program was established, Sawyer sought out ideas to help Wesleyan students who were majoring in music production. “I thought about opening up a record label for the students instead of them going out and fi nding one on their own,” he said. Sawyer gathered a group of interested parties--Elic Gurganus, Dr. Jason Buel, Nadine L'Heureux, Chantoni Grant, Plyler ('21), Strausser ('20), Justin Long ('21) --and created an advisory council to assist him. They sat down and tried to fi gure out, “What can we afford to do?” and “How we can go about constructing the label?” After monthly meetings, the group decided on a fi ve-year plan for a starting point. Gaining that confi rmation, Sawyer sought out advice on marketing, artist agreements, and other fi nancial responsibilities needed to launch the music label through the college. Established this year, 301 North Records is a permanent label for the music program. “There are no plans for that to change at this time,” Sawyer said. The record label is only digital at the moment, meaning it can only release an artist's music on a large number of streaming platforms such as Spotify and Pandora. “It’s my hope that in the near future, we may be able to not only release music on streaming services, but also through physical formats like CDs, vinyl, and tapes,” Sawyer said. There is a rigorous process in place in order for music to be released through the label. The music must be of a certain quality, the vocals have to sound pleasant, and the content must not include profanity. The songs must be original, according to Sawyer, so as to avoid copyright issues and expenses. Even if music meets all of those requirements, it still has to be approved by the advisory council and Sawyer, as the director of the music production program. “Ultimately, my goal will be for all students that major in music production to release some of their original work through the label for a music portfolio,” Sawyer said. He said the music program is always striving to fi nd ways to help students, faculty, and staff present and promote their music beyond the university community. “We also want to continue to fi nd new ways to provide exposure for our artists through advertising campaigns on social media and other methods,” Sawyer said, adding that there are plans to include live concerts by NC Wesleyan artists on campus. NC Wesleyan has launched a record label, with original music by recent grads Will Plyer and Josh Strausser. Artwork courtesy of T. Sawyer.

4 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 CAMPUS LIFE December 15, 2023 COACH from pg 1 has influenced Rivas’ approach to sports. His long-term goal revolves around injury preven- tion, recognizing the importance of keeping his body healthy for sustained tennis performance. Rivas prefers measuring success through match performance and positive outcomes from practice, rather than relying on statistical data. During the season he stays motivated through regular checks on his feelings about his performance and construc- tive suggestions from coaches. Molly Alejandrino, a third baseman on the Bishops soft- ball team, says she appreciates a coaching style that combines hands-on guidance with room for self-evaluation, believing this approach promotes internal mo- tivation while providing valuable feedback. Her most impactful coaching experience came from her uncle, who coached her in travel softball for four years dur- ing high school. He pushed her to her limits, instilling both physical and mental toughness, which she has carried into her college career. Alejandrino values construc- tive criticism from coaches, pointing out the importance of delivering and tailoring feedback to individual players. She said setting individual goals has been key to her success over the years. She responds well to a challeng- ing and demanding coach, seeing it as a source of motivation and a sign of the coach’s dedication to the team’s success. In handling setbacks, she de- scribed her experience with shoul- der surgery and the supportive yet pushing approach of her current coach, John Brackett. “He was with me every step of the way and when I returned in the spring, it made me even stronger knowing that he believed in me,” she said. “He also pushed me and knew that I was going to overcome it.” Coach Brackett’s support helped make Alejandrino mentally and physically stronger, she said. For Alejandrino a role model is Jocelyn Alo, a former soft- ball player for the University of Oklahoma, an athlete with a stated preference for tough coaches, who push players to reach the next level. Alejandrino’s short-term goals include returning to school healthy and ready to win next spring, while long-term goals focus on team suc- cess and the growth of the softball program for future generations. She emphasized the coach’s role in supporting these goals by pushing the team to its limits, holding them accountable, and providing both on and off-field support. Alejandrino is motivated by statistics as a form of tracking progress and success, recogniz- ing the importance of individual and team improvement. To stay motivated and focused through- out the season, she suggests coaches track progress, concen- trate on mechanics, and engage in various activities like drills, live hitting, and team bonding. Overall, Alejandrino’s coach- ing preferences and experiences underscore the significance of a balanced and supportive ap- proach that considers individual needs and team dynamics. Caitlyn Butler, a forward for women’s soccer, leans toward a coaching style that is more hands-on with direct guidance. Butler identifies positive coach- ing experiences as the most impactful, appreciating coaches who maintain a positive attitude and strive to improve their play- ers even after challenging losses. When it comes to feedback, she favors a combination of styles. “I like both constructive criticism and positive rein- forcement,” Butler said. “I feel they’re both just as effective.” In terms of her individual improvement, Butler values set drills and well-planned practices that balance seriousness with an element of fun. She responds bet- ter to a nurturing and supportive coach, stressing the importance of building a close bond between players and their coach. When fac- ing setbacks and failures, it’s criti- cal for a coach to push the team to bounce back quickly, showing resilience and determination. Butler’s short-term goal is to be named Player of the Week, while her long-term goal is to earn a spot on the first-team all-conference. She believes her coach can best support her by striving to sharpen her skills in every practice and maintaining a positive teaching approach. To chart progress and success, Butler prefers using data from trackers. To stay motivated and focused throughout the season, she suggests coaches add enjoyable elements to training and maintain a positive outlook. Butler said the coach’s role is critical in lifting the team’s spirits and encouraging a forwardlooking mindset. Wesleyan Student Recounts ‘Unforgettable Trip’ to Costa Rica By Amanda Modlin Decree Staff Writer In May North Carolina Wesleyan took a group of students to Costa Rica to learn about the environment and green energy. Going into our expedition, I felt nervous and excited. Waking up at 5 a.m. was not easy, but we were all alert and excited to be going on the trip. Riding on a plane was a new experience for some of us but those with previous experience were helpful and encouraging. It felt like the ride to Costa Rica took forever because we could not wait to get there. Upon arriving we met our tour guide and driver, both of whose names were José. Boarding the bus, we headed from the capital of San José to La Fortuna, the town where we were staying. On the bus ride fluorescent greens, oranges, blues, and pinks stood out every- where. Wildlife was abundant and many distinct species could be seen as we drove over the landscape. For lunch we stopped at a small restaurant where they had fish, chicken, rice, beans, many different vegetables, and plantains. Behind the restaurant, there was even a petting zoo which we visited after we ate. We got to see horses, cows, chickens, and sheep and we walked through a butterfly farm. When we reached the resort, we were greeted by the staff, given our room keys, and invited to a welcome dinner. There were many meal options--fish, pasta, chicken, mixed vegetables, bread, and many kinds of cakes for dessert. On the first day we explored Arenal National Park with a tour provided by José. We saw many different plants, a lot of them bigger than we were. There were a lot of green plants and brightly colored flowers, mostly pink and orange. When touched, some plants moved to catch bugs, similar to a Venus fly trap. But the most impressive was the ceiba tree, a tall, wide tree that is over 400 years old. It is also called the “Avatar Tree” as it can be seen in the “Avatar” movies. For the last part of the tour, we climbed up a manmade stairway for a better view of the Arenal Volcano, which has been dormant since 2010. The next day we visited a hydroelectric and geothermal plant. We met with a speaker who told us all about the plant and how it provided energy to the nearby towns. He took us to Lake Are- nal, a man-made body of water that the plant uses to supply energy. The lake was beautiful with crystal blue water and various wildlife species surrounding it. Kayaking in the lake was a memorable experience. Some of us were not particularly good at it but we had fun regardless. We also swam in the lake and could see the Arenal Volcano in the distance. We had watermelon and pineapple to snack on while we swam. On the third day we went on a coffee and chocolate tour. It was extremely hot and humid that day, but we still enjoyed ourselves. We tried coffee and cocoa beans and even got to make our own chocolate from scratch. Ziplining through the Costa Rican wilderness was a new experience. There were seven ziplines and the feeling of the wind on your face as you rode was unforgettable. While going down we were enveloped by lush green plants and the sounds of different animals. From that height, everything looked so small. The Ecotermales was a nice restaurant that had natural hot springs for guests to enjoy after eating. For dinner there were plantains, fish, chicken, pasta, rice, beans, vegetables of all sorts, and an impressive dessert display. Everything was amazing and the hot springs helped guests relax. On the final day in Costa Rica, we toured the Tenorio Volcano National Park. One of the highlights of the tour was the Río Celeste Waterfall and the blue lagoon. The water was so clear you could see straight to the bottom. During the tour we got to watch many different animals including the capuchin monkey. Just like during the volcano tour, there were many large green plants everywhere. After each day’s activities we headed into town for some lunch and then we all spent the rest of the night at the resort’s pool. It was fun learning about Costa Rica as well as getting to know everyone who went on the trip. Costa Rica was a memorable experience that was a lot of fun but also educational. Going in I had expected the Central American country to be like Mexico, with deserts, spicy food, and a bit of a language barrier. But it was more like a rainforest. The foods were sweeter and more savory, and almost everyone there spoke English. I learned a lot about Costa Rica just by observing the people and things around me. This trip was a wonderful opportunity to expand my global knowledge as well as meet new people. It’s an experience I will never forget. Wesleyan students, guided by Dr. Dan Elias, traveled to Costa Rica at the end of the last academic year. Photo courtesy A. Modlin. NC Wesleyan Welcomes Dr. Troy Hunt to Faculty Troy Hunt has joined NC Wesleyan’s full-time faculty, becoming the third new professor hired by the School of Business in the past two years. Dr. Hunt submitted the following profile information to the Decree: JOB TITLE: Assistant Professor of Business Administration. OFFICE LOCATION: 171 Braswell. Q: What’s your hometown? A: Lumberton, North Carolina. Q: Provide your college and graduate degrees: A: BA, Communicative Arts-UNC Pembroke; MBA, Strayer University; PhD, Business, Capella University. Q: Describe your previous job history: A: I served in the U.S. Army within Aviation for four years, leaving as a sergeant. I was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Camp Page, South Korea. I’ve been employed in corporate security; at IDG as a purchasing agent; and then in the mental health field, helping individuals with severe and persistent mental illness maintain housing. Q: List your previous teaching experience: A: I taught at Belmont Abbey College for four years; Forsyth Tech, three years, and York Tech, three years. Q: How has your varied work experience influenced your teaching? A: In terms of my work experiences, they do impact my teaching. Since I’ve done so many things and met so many different people, I feel as though my teaching is meant to reach the diversity of the students. So, I teach in terms of how individuals learn and incorporate the work experiences into my instruction. Q: What attracted you to Wesleyan? A: Wesleyan seemed genuine and embracing and the campus is beautiful in terms of the trees. Finally, I’ve found that Wesleyan is inclusive and broad in terms of its worldview. Q: What are your areas of specialization and research? A: Entrepreneurship, business strategy, and social capital. Q: What courses do you expect to teach at Wesleyan? A: Business 206: Principles of Management, Business 481: Business Strategy and Policy, and Business 482: Capstone. Q: Talk about your teaching philosophy? A: My teaching philosophy involves care and compassion toward my students via effective communication and modeling. I always try to describe what something looks like in actual practice. Q: What are you hobbies/interests? A: I like watching sports, reading, and—unfortunately--following politics. Q: List your favorites among the following categories: TV SHOWS: “Lupin,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” MOVIES: “The Shawshank Redemption.” MUSICAL ARTISTS: Alice in Chains. MEAL: Steak and a good salad. Dr. Troy Hunt WARMING from pg 1 Identifying ways to make their own contributions, some Wesleyan students expressed a willingness to reduce unneces- sary use of their vehicles, which produce copious amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monox- ide, and particulate matter. “I’ve considered trading in my car for an electric vehicle,” one student said. “It takes me eight hours to get home from school. Thinking about how much I contribute to air pollution makes me disappointed.” Referring to the amount of driving he does, a second student added, “I’m one of the many culprits.” Besides driving less and walk- ing more, students encouraged their peers to stop littering, re- duce excessive electricity usage, and stay connected with updates about climate news. “It takes a country to realize an issue and to be proactive,” one student wrote. “We know the solutions. We grew up learn- ing about climate change and we were introduced to ways to halt its harmful progression.” (The Decree appreciates the cooperation of the following faculty members who administered the survey in their classes: Brett Dozier, mathematics; Bruce Harvey, geology; John Temple, biology; Kaitlin Pericak, sociology; Chad Ross, history; Bill Grattan, journalism; Andrew Stern, religious studies; and Doreen Thierauf, English.)

North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 SPORTS PROFILES December 15, 2023 5 Bishop Profile: Assistant Basketball Coach Cornelius Snow By Jackson Thompson Decree Staff Writer As I walked into his office for our scheduled interview, Assis- tant Basketball Coach Cornelius Snow IV was on FaceTime with his wife, watching his 2-year-old son get dressed for school. Snow asked his son, “Are you wear- ing a polo today?” There was a look of pure joy on the coach’s face. Hardly ever does his face ever light up that way. I did not want to intrude, so I took my seat beside his sizable mahogany desk in a black leather, Wesley- an-branded chair. “I was just watching my son get dressed for school,” Snow said, smiling. Behind his chair was a painting of the stars of the 1992 Dream Team as babies. That painting is more tenured at Wesleyan than Snow is. “I’m ready whenever you are,” he said, as he kicked back in his chair, giving me his undivided attention. Without fur- ther ado, we began the interview. Snow was born in Southern California. “Bellflower Memo- rial Hospital, actually,” he said. As if I did not already know, he exclaimed, “Raised in Comp- ton.” If Compton needed a spokesperson, Snow would be the man for the job. Taking a while to think, Snow finally spoke of his fondest child- hood memory. His oldest brother, a half-brother, asked his mother if he could move in with Snow and his other brothers? Snow seeming- ly paused the interview, appearing to reminisce on that day. Snow, appreciative of his oldest brother, said, “He wanted to be that big brother,” adding, “He wanted to walk us to school, and meet us as we got off the bus.” This is very characteristic of someone who values family like Snow. Growing up in Compton was not all sunshine and rainbows, though. “It was tough,” he said, “To this day, I’ve never been to Hollywood or Rodeo Drive, don’t know what it looks like.” Snow admitted, laughing, “We weren’t shopping down there, so there was just no need to be there.” Snow’s father, Cornelius Snow III, was stationed in Germany while the rest of the family was in the Golden State. When Snow’s father came back stateside, he was stationed at Fort Bragg. The Comptoners moved to Fayette- ville during the summer going into Snow’s sixth-grade year. “I’ve bounced around,” he said, “I’ve got some miles. I’ve been around the world a little bit.” A marital separation meant Snow and a brother lived with their mother. They “were only supposed to be out here for a year,” Snow said, referring to their time in Fayetteville. When describing the move cross-country, “It was a big jump,” he said, and, as if he were a foreigner, he added, “just the way the day-to-day things worked out here in the East.” The first couple of things he noticed about the East Coast, specifically the Southeast, was the slow pace of life, the “yes sirs, and no ma’ams,” and, of course, the Southern hospitality. Making friends in Fayetteville “was standard” according to Snow. “I was an athlete, so I made friends,” he said, “but it was dif- ferent because of how people were raised and what they liked to do.” Snow attested to the beautiful SoCal weather, “being outside all day was a thing.” But, “on the East Coast,” activities involved more planning. He described the two coasts’ family dynamics by say- ing, “Parents are definitely more involved,” referencing the East Coast. In contrast, the West Coast was about, “the hustle and bustle, the shaking and moving, and always having to go somewhere, be somewhere; fighting traffic.” Snow has always been a calm person. He admits that he would rather listen and observe than speak. That could be why he is so relaxed. But, “maybe the change enhanced it more,” he said. “I was not familiar with a lot of people, you know, it was just me, my mom, and my brother.” Snow was serious about basketball. “I always wanted to play college basketball,” he said. So, when he moved to North Carolina and began sixth grade, it was to his dismay that sixth graders could not play sports. But, you could in California. He adjusted to this and found a silver lining. “I got to wait and see how good it was here,” he said. “It let me know where I was, and what I needed to do.” Snow and CJ Williams, former NC State basketball standout and current professional player, hit it off. The two admired each other’s games and quickly became friends. The best friends did everything togeth- er, “in terms of summer ball, in terms of working out.” Snow and Williams went to Jack Britt High School, and played for legendary coach Ike Walker. Snow’s mother found the stability she was seeking in Fay- etteville. She held a job at AT&T throughout Snow’s high school years and she married again. “I’ve got a good relationship with my stepfather,” Snow said. “He’s treated my mom well.” Snow’s stepfather is a working man. “He works the third shift, and he likes it,” Snow said, add- ing, “he’s persistent about it, he’s disciplined”—Snow grinned— "and he does the yard, too.” Snow III and his namesake still have a close bond. “My father’s a good man, military man,” Snow said. Snow’s father is a retired Master Sergeant, and “has done everything you can think of,” he said. “Bin Laden, Sadam Hussein, you know, those types of names were out there during his time.” Snow con- fessed that he and his father had missed time because of that, but “we’ve made up time, for sure.” Snow’s father lives in Ra- eford now, and he “has him a nice little crib, where he can chill out.” Snow is most thankful that his father is “100 percent.” Snow III finds things to do on the weekends to keep himself busy. “He’s calm, cool, and collected,” Snow said. Snow was faced with a deci- sion during his senior year of high school. He had to pick a college. “I was getting recruited by multiple Division II schools, multiple Division III schools,” he said. In Snow’s senior year at Jack Britt, the team had a shot at winning the state championship. “We got put out in the first round every year,” he added, “so I really focused on my senior year because we were talented enough to go win a state championship.” Putting everything into his last dance, Snow postponed his college visits until the season was over. But the season ended earlier than expected. “We lost in the semifinal at the buzzer,” he said. During the season, Snow was not “listening much to what college coaches were saying.” But one program was persistent. That program was North Carolina Wesleyan College. “Coach Thompson recruited me; he was at multiple games,” Snow said, adding, “Coach Doino, the assistant at the time, was at multiple practices and games.” North Carolina Wesleyan recruited Snow the hardest. However, that was not the school he chose. His older brother was already at the University of Mount Olive, and Snow did not want their moth- er to pay extraordinary amounts of money on college tuition. So, he chose Division II Francis Marion University. “Because of my academics, I went for free,” Snow said. Eventually, Snow deemed Francis Marion “not a good fit.” Snow called Coach Doino around Christmas, and told him, “I want to play.” Snow talked to Coach Thompson, and vividly remembers hearing him say, “As long as you’re not gonna be a cancer your first year, we have a spot for you.” When Snow arrived at Wesleyan, he knew he would not play. Humbly, Snow said, “There was just so much talent ahead of me.” Snow had game, though. The plan was for Snow to sit--in part this was to test him, to see if he would com- plain, or make excuses. But he was patient. He proved himself loyal to his teammates and coaches. The Bishops ended the 2009-2010 season, Snow’s first, as regular season champions. Six players finished their Wesleyan careers at the con- clusion of that year, so the opportunity for playing time would open up for Snow in the ensuing season. “I ended up being a starter after not playing much at all,” he said. Snow helped the Bishops win another championship in the 2010-2011 season, but he said, “That doesn’t happen without the previous year.” He believes that “if my mind was worrying about playing when I wasn’t, I was missing out on what I could’ve learned.” Fortunately, for him and the team, his focus was in the right place. Now, as a coach at his alma mater, Snow’s focus is on his players. Originally, Snow had “zero intentions of becoming a coach.” His assistant coach in college, Coach Doino, later became the head coach at Averett University and pitched Snow an offer. Snow would become a graduate assistant while earning his master’s degree for free. “That was the big selling point,” he said. Snow knew he would have to go back to school eventually because he was planning on becoming a certified public accountant. He ac- cepted the offer, thinking, “Even if I didn’t like coaching, I would still get something out of it.” It went better than expected. “Boy, was I fooled. I mean the rest is history.” At 32 years old, Snow has a lot more to go. In 50 years, he sees himself being any number of places. “Basketball can take me anywhere,” he said, “in terms of a place that I don’t even think I would ever be.” Ultimately, Snow wants to be in a place where his “family can grow and develop.” His chil- dren can “aspire to be whatever they want,” he said. “They can be a doctor or lawyer, and defi- nitely a basketball player.” Snow hopes to be a head coach one day. But, for now, he is back where it all started. And he is loving it. Bishop Profile: Freshman Soccer Player Santiago Castilla By Tom Ashworth-Bradford Soccer can represent many things depending on the person: escapism, passion, drive, and a way to clear your mind from the tougher aspects of life. After all, in soccer, nothing else matters. As I watch Santiago “Santi” Castilla hit the ball against the wall, it’s as if a permanent grin has been plastered on his face. He loves the beautiful game, and when the ball is at his feet, he's at home. Away from all the outside noise, away from all the distractions, here it’s just him and a soccer; what more could you ever need? Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Castilla is a true countryman. He tells me how friendly everyone is back home. In general, he said, relationships are more intimate than in the U.S., as Argentines say goodbye with a kiss on the cheek. But he acknowl- edges that “different cultures have different ways of saying hi or goodbye” and this is the first example of how Castilla’s positive attitude is infectious, and how his loyalty to his friends is admirable. Some of Castilla’s fondest child- hood memories include a vacation to Disney with his family when he was 13 years old. This was so memo- rable to him because it involved his extended family on his mother's side- - grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, along with both his parents and his brothers. As he described the trip, it was clear that family plays an important role in his life. He also spoke of annual camping trips around Argentina with his old school. He was particularly fond of a trip to Cordoba, a province in Argentina. There he spent time traveling with friends and complet- ing a variety of activities such as rappelling, ziplining, and rafting. He called the experience “special,” and the memories associated with it will be cherished forever. Castilla was an active child, par- ticipating in soccer, rugby, tennis, and even mountain bike racing. Since age 15, he’s been cycling at a high level, and for the past year, he's taken up boxing, though the main focus for now is soccer. On the topic of soccer, Cas- tilla said the best game he ever played occurred last year while he was a midfielder for a local team, Club Athletico Ferrocarril Oeste. It was midway through the season against a club called “All Boys.” Castilla quickly established himself as a presence in the center of the pitch, and in the first half, he scored a “beau- tiful” goal from outside the box. “I was carrying the ball when two opponents blocked my way,” he recalled. “I passed them through the middle, and about six meters outside the box from the middle of the field, I shot the ball into the top left corner of the goal.” This goal gave him a huge confidence boost, and for the rest of the game, he dictated the play, resulting in him winning “Man of the Match” award at the end. In soccer Castilla is well re- spected as a player by those who have played beside and against him, a fact he treats with charac- teristic humility. But in general, he said, he does not spend much time worrying about whether others like him or not. Some people are going to like you, and others are not, regardless of what you do. He recognizes that “people who waste time disliking others are the same people who dislike themselves.” Despite this attitude, among his friends and teammates, Castilla wants to be remembered as a good person and someone who always tries to help others. If Castilla could change one thing about the world, it would be the mindset of politicians. He noted that most people would say, “Of course I would stop all the wars and every- thing related to them,” he said. For him, the problem is the politicians, who he believes only want to gain as much power as possible. “In general, they don’t care about their people, only themselves,” he said, pointing out that poverty, famine, and climate change are all issues linked to the failures of politicians. Castilla believes if they changed their mindset, these issues could be resolved. Freedom is an important belief of Castilla; if he could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly. “Just imagine,” he said. “I would never have to pay for a plane ticket again, and I’d be able to go wherever I wanted.” His second choice would be super strength, as it would make life easier and aid him in near-death situations. As for his decision to come to Wesleyan, it started five years ago when Castilla overheard his mother talking about a guy from Argentina who was studying while playing soccer in the States. At the time, Castilla thought it was a cool thing to be doing but didn't believe it would be viable for him. But that all changed last year when he was introduced to a recruitment agency, providing him with an opportunity to gain a soccer scholarship to play and study at a university in America. Castilla received an impres- sive 13 offers from all over the U.S., but he ultimately decided on Wesleyan as it provided his desired major, a good soccer program, and a campus that was near fam- ily who live in Washington D.C. When comparing the U.S. to Argentina, it’s clear that Castilla is still a homebody at heart. Besides the people of Argentina, he said he misses the food from his home- land, particularly a dish called Asados, which is a type of BBQ but with higher quality and a wider variety of meat. It’s far superior, he said, to much of the fast-food and ultra-processed food in America. Looking ahead, in ten years Castilla would like be a profes- sional sports psychologist working at an elite level club. He hopes to be married, with three children. Despite having a seemingly near-perfect life, Castilla has ex- perienced significant hardship in the form of loss, and his one piece of advice reflects that. This advice came to him a year ago after his aunt died from cancer at the age of 30. “In that moment, I realized that it doesn't matter what happens in your life, as it could be taken at any moment,” he said. “Enjoy it and live every day as if it were the last one. You never know when your last day is going to be. So, live it and never let someone else make decisions on your life.” And with that, it becomes clear that the smile on his face as he kicks the ball against the wall goes deeper than just a love for the game. Santiago Castilla. Photo courtesy of S. Castilla

6 North Carolina Wesleyan University, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 SPORTS December 15, 2023 Bishop Briefs: A Recap of Wesleyan Fall Sports Action Part I by Jackson Thompson Decree Staff Writer Football NC Wesleyan finished the season 4-6 (4-3 USA South). After dropping the first four games, the Bishops registered four consecutive wins. Junior running back Anthony Byrd was the go-to-man for the offense this season. After a tough couple of games on the ground, Byrd was finally able to break free. During the win streak, Byrd amassed multiple 200-yard rushing games. Cliché yet true, Byrd credits the offensive line for his success. “I give all my props to them because what I did was because of them,” he said. Byrd attributes teamwork for turning the season around. “If we didn’t play for each other,” he said, “I don’t think we would’ve had that long of a stretch.” Freshman wide receiver Chris- tian Drumgoole led the Bishops this year with 552 receiving yards. He tied freshmen Jay Smith and Desmond Lee for the team lead with two receiving touchdowns apiece. There is a bright future ahead for this very promising trio. On the defensive side of the ball, fifth-year defensive back RJ Carter led the team in tackles with 77, 44 of them solo. He added an interception, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Soph- omore linebacker Andrew Brown also enjoyed a good season, fin- ishing the year second on the team in sacks (2), and first in tackles for loss (5 for 26 yards). Senior defensive tackle Sevion Smith led the Bishops with 2.5 sacks for a combined loss of 18 yards, while compiling two pass break-ups. Braxtyn Green, a freshman kicker, had a tremendous start to his college career. He concluded the season with a punt average of 36.3 yards, and was 7-9 on field goals, which included a 51-yard bomb in a home win against Greensboro. The Bishops had eight players garner All-USA South acco- lades. Kicker Green was the Special Teams Player of the Year, 1st team All-Conference Kicker and 2nd team AllConference Punter. Byrd was 2nd team All-Conference. Drumgoole was a 2nd team All-Conference selection at wide receiver while Desmond Barnes made first team on offensive line. Carter was a 1st team AllConference selection at safety, while defensive lineman Charles Sias was selected as a 2nd team All-Conference performer and linebacker Eric Cooper was an honorable mention choice. Quar- terback Zachary Marquis made the All-Sportsmanship team. Volleyball Wesleyan’s volleyball team finished this season 8-23 (5-13 USA South). After falling to 1-11 to start the season, the Bishops clawed their way into the USA South Conference tournament by going 7-12 in the second half. The season came to an early end after a first-round exit at the hands of Meredith College. Senior Setter Sloan Martin led the Bishops on the court. Martin finished the season leading NCAA DIII in triple-doubles (9) and compiled a team-high 581 assists. Martin also recorded a team-high 269 kills, followed by freshman Grace Bestler (220). Freshman Aajah Vazquez also played a key role in the Bish- ops’ success, leading the team in hitting percentage (.238) and finishing fourth in kills (159). Vazquez pointed out the Bishops enjoyed most of their success after the team spent time bonding. “It helped us play as a team,” she said. Vazquez paid tribute to the team’s senior leaders, Martin and McKenzie Norris. “They helped cultivate that energy,” she said. “We played our best games when the energy was good.” Norris, a setter, was the sparkplug for the Bishops. She finished second on the team in assists while coming off the bench. Martin was recognized for her individual performance throughout the season with an honorable mention All-Con- ference selection. Sophomore utility player Amber Pierce was bestowed All-Sportsman- ship honors. Cross-Country The Bishops kicked off the cross-country season at the NCWU Classic with the men and women finishing 2nd and 3rd. Star runner Philly Barungi placed 1st overall with a time of 22: 37 in the 6-kilometer race. Following the NCWU Clas- sic, the cross-country teams took to Wilmington to run in the UNCW Beach Blast. Against stiffer competition, the Bishops still managed a top-10 finish with both the men and women placing seventh. In October, the men’s and women’s teams took a bite out of the Big Apple, as they trav- eled to New York city to race in the Queensborough Invitational. It was a tough showing, with the men placing 14th and the women 20th. The Livingstone Invitational saw a resilient group of runners determined to bounce back from the tough race in Bayside, Queens. Ayden Harper set his personal best in the 8K with a time of 29:54:04, resulting in a 14th place finish. Mariah Brooks and Kamiyah Wooten were the only runners on the women’s side and they placed 39th and 40th in their 5K race. The cross-country teams concluded the season by the hosting of the USA South Championship meet. Although the Bishops did not qualify as a team, Barungi finished the 8K with a time of 31:19:08, securing the 33rd position, the highest placing Bishop. On the women’s side, Wooten finished 37th with a time of 33:53:03, followed by Brooks (36:24:03). Basketball Previews The women’s basketball team was selected to finish atop the USA South in a pre-season coaches’ poll. In 2023-24, the team is led by double-double machine Kay- risma Harrison. Harrison became NCWU’s all-time leader in rebounds (842), and blocks (103) last season, records she can look to build on this season. Guard Areina Harris and for- ward Corynthian Williams will be key to the team’s success this season. Point Guard Deonna Ad- ams will look to share the sugar this year with the many scoring threats surrounding her. In conference action, the Bishops will face tough compe- tition from Greensboro College, which will be looking to prove doubters wrong this season. After a championship-winning season last year, GC is keen to show why they still deserve to be considered the best. The men’s basketball team is looking to repeat as USA South Conference champs. The team graduated three key players from last season, including conference Player of the Year Isaiah Lewis. The preseason poll, voted on by confer- ence coaches, had the Bishops selected to finish first once again. Finishing second in the poll was William Peace, which lost last year’s conference champi- onship game to Wesleyan by 19 points. Peace, returning its core group of players, is sure to be ready for the conference season. The Bishops are returning key players from last year’s championship season. Guards Marquis Eskew and Austin Manley, as well as forward Kyron Kelly will play pivotal roles in the Bishops’ success this season. Omari Bolden is looking to make an impact after his previous year was cut short due to an achilles tear. Part II by Albert Sitwell Decree Staff Writer Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team lost on penalty kicks in the USA South championship game after fighting underdog Brevard to a 1-1 draw in regulation. Wesleyan (5-1-1) finished in second during the regular season, a half-game behind first-place Methodist, which administered the Bishops’ only conference loss, 3-1 on the road October 18. In the conference tourney, Wesleyan beat William Peace, 3-1, in the semi-finals to secure a place in the finals against Brevard, which the Bishops had defeated at home, 6-0, on Octo- ber 15, with goalkeeper Rafael Farina posting the shutout. Wesleyan enjoyed a territorial advantage throughout the title game as it tried to break through the Tornados’ stout defense. The teams traded first-half goals, with Wesleyan’s Bastien Dechamps tallying his 9th of the season on an assist from Lucas Marangos. Three minutes later, at the 16:02 mark, Brevard’s Adan Miller scored on a coun- terattack to tie the score. Following a scoreless second half and three overtimes, the game went to penalty kicks. “I knew it was up to me,” Farina said. The teams were tied through the first seven rounds, with Farina coming close to a save on fifth kick as it brushed past his fingertips. Shooting eighth, Dechamps, the Bishops leading scorer, missed his shot and Jerick Moreno ended it for Brevard. Farina said he remembered, “watching their final kick and see- ing the net bulge. I just sat in the goal, depressed, as my friends on the sidelines went quiet and my teammates were all on the ground.” The Bishops opened the seasons with ties against Johns Hopkins and RPI and a 3-1 vic- tory over of former Head Coach Frankie Taal and the Bethany Bisons. After losing to Guilford, 1-0, it then won only one of four in series of matches against Virginia schools. Despite the lack of success, the matches provided strong competition as the Bishops prepared for their conference games starting at the end of September. They began by winning four straight matches, beating Pfei- ffer, William Peace, Southern Virginia, and then Brevard. It ended the regular season by beating Mary Baldwin, 4-1, on Senior Day. Against the Flying Squirrels, two goals came from Justo Esponda-Neuss, with De- champs chipping in four assists. Facing Peace in the semifinal round of the conference tourney, the Bishops got goals from Leho Le Lourn, Osei Darko and Esponda-Neuss. In the other semi-final, Brevard upset Methodist to setup a rematch with Wesleyan. The USA South announced its 2023 Men’s Soccer AllConference awards and there were plenty of Battling Bishops on the list. The men’s soccer program had six allconference selections. Captain Carson Evans and Dechamps made the first team honor roll following their outstanding seasons. Three Wesleyan play- ers made the second team: Le Louran, Daan Post and Tiago Feler. Silas Hartakemper earned the 2023 USA South Sportsmanship award. Women’s Soccer Posting an overall record of 3-13, the women’s soccer team had a difficult time both inside and outside the conference. Leading scorer was Samantha Dell, who tallied eight goals and three assists in just 16 ap- pearances, one year after scor- ing one goal for the season. In terms of the defense, goal- keeper Anna Yeakey racked up 79 saves in 16 appearances. She posted a shutout in what was the highlight of the Bishops’ season, a 3-0 win at home over conference rival Pfeiffer Octo- ber 7. Recording 30 shots on goal, the Bishops scored three times in the second half, with goals by Dell, Mia Scherber, and Nicole Yagi. Wesleyan earned its first victory of the season, 3-1, in a non-league match with East- ern Mennonite September 7. Makaela Stokes led the way with two goals. Men’s Tennis Coming off a strong spring season, ending in such brutal style (losing 5-4 to Emory at the NCAA regional tournament), the men’s tennis team was ready to fire back with tournaments in preparation for the fall regional tournament. Newcomers Shori Nishizoe, Logan Stoltz and Martin Cardestig all wanted to show their promise. The Bishops started their fall schedule with the Cru- sader Tour Kick-off event held at Belmont Abbey. A notable performance was turned in by Diego Segovia who took down Vince of Belmont Ab- bey in thrilling style, winning 11-9 in the match-tiebreak. Segovia went 3-1 over the weekend while playing strong doubles. Albert Sitwell and Luca Knese also picked up wins in doubles, facing some tricky Belmont Abbey pairs as well as a strong Mount Olive side. Overall, the Bishops had a strong first tournament finishing with very few losses at the end of the two days. Next up would be the Con- ference Carolina Roundup, held in Columbia, South Caro- lina. In the A-draw Bhodan Zhylchuk won in singles ac- tion and in the B-draw, Sego- via continued his success as he took down Belmont Abbey’s No. 1 man, Van Wijk, again in superb style with a 10-6 victory in the third set breaker. He later beat two other oppo- nents, Otin and Keane. On September 20th the ITA tournament began in Se- wanee, Tennessee. This was a real chance for Wesleyan to show its might, and so they did. Five Bishops made it to the round of 16, with John Falke and Segovia advanc- ing to the quarterfinal stage where they would eventually pull up just short. Meanwhile in doubles ac- tion, Andy Fanzaga and Sean Keane would make it to the semi-finals, losing to the eventual winners. Despite not having outright winners in the tournament, the Bishops felt that progress was made as the team looks to conference and NCAA action in 2024. “We’re hungry for more,” said Coach Albie Brice. Women’s Tennis On the women’s side, four new players joined the team, with similar goals for the ITA regional competition. The women had just one tournament before they traveled to Tennes- see, the CC Invitational played in South Carolina. Freshman Ajla Selimovic made the singles final of the C draw in her first tournament as a Bishop, while junior Elisa Mariotti quali- fied for the semi-finals of the B draw but was forced to withdraw due to injury. The Bishops’ injury struggles continued in the lead up to ITA regionals as Mariotti was unable to compete due to injury. Despite the setbacks, the women fought hard. Teaming with senior Julie Schoormans, freshman Ivanna Torres won two doubles matches as well as one in singles action. The team is determined to qualify for the NCAA regional tournament, as it did last year. Golf Wesleyan’s Myles Patterson capped his fall season with a third-place finish at the Pfeiffer Invitational in mid-October. The junior posted scores of 74 and 76, in leading his team to third place in an eight-team field on a challenging Tillery Tradi- tion course. “If a couple more putts dropped in it could’ve been a win,’’ he said afterward. Sandhills Community College placed first with a team score of 596 strokes, followed by host Pfeiffer (627) and Wesleyan (634). On the Bishop team, Pat- terson was followed by Arnau Ferrer Margall (83-76), Lucas Perez (81-80), Juan Pielach (80- 84) and Matt Coltren (84-84). Wesleyan began the fall season in September by placing third at its annual Don Scalf Memorial Invitational. It posted a cumulative score of +36. Brycen Swain was the low scorer over the two days, shooting even par on the first day and two under on the second, pushing him into a top-five finish. Margall, a freshman, shot +6 over the weekend in his impressive maiden collegiate tour- nament, placing him in the top 11. On October 2, the Bishops made a trip to Guilford County to participate in the Gilford College-hosted O’Briant Jensen Memorial. The team placed 17th as Patterson was the top individual finisher for Wes- leyan, with scores of 77 and 76, good for 36th. (NC Wesleyan Sports Information contributed to this Bishop Briefs report.)