The Decree - May 2018

THE DECREE
since 1960 “of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” May 25, 2018

N O R T H C A R O L I N A W E S L E YA N C O L L E G E , R O C K Y M O U N T, N O R T H C A R O L I N A 2 7 8 0 4

Children Often Lead Parents Back to School, Degree
cy. Since then she’s taken a permanent right after high school in 1992. “I also Now more so than in the past, she said she Force, while still in
position at the firm, with the new title of tell him that it’s important to finish what enjoyed debating her professors in class. Germany with her
Finance Associate Level 1. She intends you started,” she said. family, she began
to enroll in a master’s program next fall Recognized as an “Adult Studies Out- to substitute teach
and then sit for the CPA exam. Right after high school, Banks enrolled standing Student,” Banks is now employed at her children’s
at UNC-Pembroke, in part because friends as a marketing executive at Curtis Media, school. Along with
Letisha Banks went there. She took classes for three a position she secured with the help of the classes she had
Letisha Banks graduated from the semesters, but left after she recognized ASPIRE administrator Laura Estes. taught to service
Goldsboro ASPIRE program at age 43, that the class sizes and the diversity of members at Travis,
on her second attempt at college. the student body were not right for her. Mylene Potter that experience con- Potter
Like Atwell, she was led back to school “Because of feeling somewhat lost and ill After high school, Mylene Potter en-
by her child. She hoped to inspire her son prepared, I dropped out,” she related. rolled in her local community college to vinced her that she
through her pursuit of a college degree. become a paralegal, her mother’s field. would make a career of teaching.
Banks’ son is Along with hearing positive feed- But she found the course unfulfilling. “I fell in love with the education
a student at UNC- back about the college from friends, “It was what I thought I wanted, profession,” she said.
Charlotte. “I’ve she was attracted to Wesleyan by the but a few months into the program, I Back in North Carolina, Potter
always stressed to smaller class sizes. became disinterested in the profession,” worked for a time as an insurance agent,
him the impor- she recalled. “I tried to continue with but she soon decided to return to higher
tance of educa- During her second college experi- my courses, but like a lot of my peers, education. With encouragement from
tion,” she said. “I ence, Banks, a double major in psychology I wasn’t interested in school and wasn’t her husband, and an endorsement from
wanted to lead by and organizational administration, was able quite sure what my calling was.” her father, Paul Thompson, a Wesleyan
example.” to strike a better balance among school, So, Potter joined the United States graduate, she registered for classes at
Again, with work, and the raising of her son. “He was in Air Force, hoping for “a fresh start.” The the ASPIRE program’s Goldsboro site.
her son in mind, Banks high school,” Banks said, “and there were 39-year-old Goldsboro resident served “Going back to college is hard enough
she also wanted many parental challenges,” among them in administrative positions before she as a working adult, but starting with a
to finish a degree that she had begun the financing of his college education. became a records specialist at Travis blank slate was daunting,” she said. “But
AFB in California. After leaving the Air I knew the support I needed was there.”
At Wesleyan, she said that one highlight
for her was “the awesome instructors.”

Ariana Atwell with son, Noah NCWC Greenville Student Finishes As with many ASPIRE students,
32 Years after First Try at College there were plenty of challenges. There
Photos for graduation stories provided by the subjects were rusty writing skills that required
improvement. There were the late nights
Ariana Atwell needed to complete homework after a
When she was younger, Ariana At 52, Steven Lassiter is proud that I wasn’t the greatest student, graduating full day at the office. There were week-
Atwell was not so committed to school. he persevered, overcame his own self- in the lower 25 percent of my high school end chores that had been left undone
As a result, her grades were mediocre doubts, and earned a college degree 32 class. In college I was in classes with some during a busy week. There was a period
and she began her collegiate career at a years after his high school graduation. students who weren’t even born when I of unemployment (necessitated by her
two-year college, Wake Tech in Raleigh. went to high school. Besides the age gap, student-teaching). “It was somewhat of a
The 24-year-old, a native of Grand A New Haven, Connecticut native, I was a working adult with a full-time job hardship on my family,” Potter said.
Forks, North Dakota, took four years to Lassiter earned a degree in criminal and I was a single father of two children. It When she was handed her diploma
earn an associate’s degree. Even then she justice through Wesleyan’s ASPIRE helped that there were some older adults in by President Clark, Potter became the
was still uncertain of her career path. program, which he began in 2011. He my classes and that the younger students first Goldsboro student to graduate with a
Then her son was born. works in the Greenville area. looked forward to connecting with older degree in elementary education. While still
“After having my son,” she said. “I adults for that life experience that can’t working in insurance, Potter is now seeking
made more of an effort to pick a career.” Lassiter was interviewed by the Decree be learned from a textbook. My family a full-time teaching position for the fall.
Influenced in part by her mother, a after the April 28 graduation ceremony. and friends encouraged me to strive for “I never doubted that I wanted to be
bookkeeper and tax preparer, as well success. I’d always taught my children to a teacher,” she said. “I love to teach and
as her own desire to leave her job at Q. Describe your first attempt at earn- work hard and not give up on their dreams make a difference in the lives of the chil-
the U.S. Postal Service, Atwell chose ing a degree. and I used this to ignite my own desire. dren. Nothing is better than seeing a stu-
accounting and enrolled at Wesleyan’s dent have that ah-ha moment after learning
ASPIRE program. The evening and on- A. I first enrolled in college beginning Q. Why did you select criminal justice Lassiter to spell or get their multiplication right.”
line classes would allow her to continue in the fall of 1986 after completing high as your major? January 28th, I was promoted to supervis-
working full-time as a letter carrier. school. I never thought that I was good ing sergeant in one of the housing areas. I Seniors Celebrate
Like many ASPIRE students, Atwell enough to attend college, but some friends A. I was working in this field and I en- supervise four detention officers of vari- On Sun-Splashed
balanced a full-time job, family obligations, and I decided to attend the local community joyed what I did for a living. Every day I ous skills and experience. Together we Graduation Day
her social life and school. “It was hard to college. I chose to study accounting since I wanted to elevate my level of knowledge monitor a large housing unit divided into The commencement ceremony re-
be in school full-time and work my 50-60- liked math and numbers. I had planned to to do more in the field. four separate dormitories. I have no plans turned to the outdoors April 28, as Wes-
hour week at the post office,” she related. complete college and become an accoun- of changing my career at this time, except leyan honored its 2018 graduates from
“Most evenings I came home exhausted tant. After a few weeks, the dream failed, Q. Describe your current job and talk that I’d like to get promoted. I plan to use the traditional and ASPIRE programs.
and didn't get to spend much time with my and I left school and returned to the work about possible job or career changes you the information and skills learned while
son. I sacrificed a majority of my social life force. I just didn’t have the motivation and expect to make with your degree. On a warm sunny day, the graduates
because I simply didn't have the time.” support needed to keep going. See GREENVILLE pg 2 andtheirfamilies listened to a commence-
At Wake Tech and Wesleyan, Atwell A. I work for the Pitt County Sheriff’s ment address from Tarboro native Janice
began to apply herself more. Guided Q. Then you moved to the area from Office stationed in the detention center. Bryant Howroyd, who connected with the
by her professors, she honed both her your home state of Connecticut. I’ve been there for the last ten years. On crowd while she shared stories from her
study skills and her writing style. “I was childhood and related advice and high-
pretty good in math, but my writing A. Work and family life led me to North Plyler Elected SGA President lights from a career as the first African-
skills weren't the best,” she said. “I Carolina in 1994. While working in manu- By Quinn Tobias create an atmosphere that makes upper- American woman to lead a billion-dollar
would write the way I talked and some- facturing, I looked into Pitt Community Col- Editor-at-Large classmen want to stay,” he said. He identi- corporation, The ActOne Group.
times my teachers couldn't understand lege, but after taking a beginner typing course
what I was trying to say.” I once again returned to the work force. I After three attempts at electing the new fied the current housing crisis as an area Following the address, several awards
She credited the assistance she received didn’t have the desire to find other courses, SGApresident, the students chose fresh- that can be improved. “Students are being were given during the ceremony. Senior
from her family for helping her to finish and family considerations outweighed the man Will Plyler over junior Ariel Wilson by shipped to Wesleyan Inn or forced to pay Carolynn Davern was presented the Alger-
her Wesleyan degree. “My family was need to spend time chasing a college degree. three votes. for a single dorm,” Plyler explained. “This non Sydney Sullivan Award for academic
my biggest support system and helped me could push students away. I’m on board excellence and service to the Wesleyan
with my son,” she said. “No matter how Q. Talk about your third attempt. Wesleyan held its first election in two with growing the school as long as it’s not community, while Lucas Koons earned the
stressful it got to balance school with other A. Many years later while working in years after Emanuel Williams, the former done at the expense of the upperclassmen.” President’s Cup for attaining a high overall
parts of my life, they always encouraged criminal justice, I wanted to advance to a SGA President, graduated. The election grade point average. Both Davern and Koons
me to keep going. You have to be really higher position. It became clear that I would process proved to be strenuous for first-year Having chosen Wesleyan due to the graduated summa cum laude.
organized, determined, and disciplined to need to get a college degree. The only Director of StudentActivities Elliot Smith. spirituality on campus, Plyler would like
work full time and go to school full time obstacle was me. I kept telling myself that I to increase Christian leadership at the Dr. Jay Quinan, an associate professor of
and still make good grades.” was too old to attend college and that I had During the first attempt, it was deter- school. “I don’t want to get into office and psychology and the chair of the Education
Atwell recalled that she came close to missed so much learning that I wouldn’t be mined that the voters were improperly convert everyone,” Plyler said. “But this is and Social Sciences Division, was named
stopping her education. A stressful period able to keep up with the changes that had influenced at a balloting location. “I was a Christian school and faith is important to “Exemplary Teacher,” after receiving
almost derailed her progress when she occurred over the years. I sought input from made aware of an issue at the voting me.” He said he had developed a previous nominations from students. Dr. Steve
was still at Wake Tech. “I had a break- professionals. One day I went to Pitt and booth,” Smith said. “A student running relationship with President Dewey Clark; Ferebee and former Library Director Kathy
down in 2015, right before graduation, found Phillip Baggett in the criminal justice the voting booth influenced the voters.” the two attend the same church. Winslow were granted emeritus status.
because I was so stressed with taking sev- department. Mr. Baggett informed me that
en classes a semester and working long the obstacles I had envisioned were only in While Smith declined to comment In addition to the school’s religious (Staff writer Johnathan Pickler interviewed
hours on top of my regular life,” she said. my head. If I really wanted to get a degree, on whom the influence favored, Wilson affiliation, the new music program attracted
“I cried and let out all my frustrations and he assured me that it was possible. I then revealed that she was the beneficiary. Plyler to stay in his hometown of Rocky five traditional-day students in the run-up to
then I buckled down and kept pushing. went home and talked to my children and More than 200 students took part in the Mount. He said he was encouraged to run
My goal was to graduate and that's what I family. They were excited and supported initial voting, but participation dwindled for SGApresident by friends and faculty the ceremony.)
focused on. It wasn’t easy and there were me. So I went back to Pitt and signed up. in the second attempt and the two candi- and he feels he can make a positive impact As the 2017-2018 school year approaches
many nights I wanted to give up, but my Q. What led you to NCWC? dates tied with 70 votes apiece. on campus. He attributes his successful run
son was a big part of my inspiration and A. When I was completing my last to his campaign manager, Blaise Gourley, a an end, it only means one thing…. There
he helped me to stay grounded.” semester at Pitt, my advisor asked me if Smith commented on the election freshman marketing major who helped by will be a new graduating class in a couple
Atwell’s already taken the next step I planned to further my education. I was process: “We followed the SGA con- hanging posters and canvasing students. of days. There are many seniors who will
in her career. Last January, in anticipa- excited about completing something I stitution,” he said. “Whenever there’s be walking across the stage on April 28th.
tion of her April 28 graduation, she never thought I would ever do. She gave a re-vote, you lose participants.” After running unopposed, Jo- I was lucky enough to gain info on some of
accepted a job as a finance coordinator me a pamphlet for Wesleyan and put me in seph Lloyd returns as the SGA Vice our successful graduating seniors.
through an accounting temporary agen- touch with a representative from ASPIRE. Both candidates acknowledged the stress President and Aayushma Shrestha
Q. What was the biggest adjustment of the multiple rounds of voting. “Three bal- returns for her second term as the SGA Adrian Moore had some words of
or challenge for you in terms of academ- lots have been a real exercise in faith,” Plyler Secretary. Runner-up Wilson will work advice for incoming freshmen. “Don’t
ics? How did you address the issue? said. “I prayed a lot about the outcomes.” on the cabinet as SGA’s Treasurer. be afraid to step outside the box and get
A. Besides being one of the oldest involved,” said Moore. “Meet different
students in class, the biggest challenge Wilson also expressed frustration. Despite winning the election his fresh- people and don’t settle for anything.
was that I had last attended school in “This has not been fun at all,” she said. man year, Plyler is unsure of his future.
1986 (25 years earlier). During that time, “It’s frustrating not for myself but for “I’m not sure I want to hold the position See Seniors pg 2
the inconvenience of the students.” for three years,” he said.

As SGA President, Plyler hopes to
increase retention at Wesleyan. “I want to

2 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 May 25, 2018

WESLEYAN PROFILES

IISnvCeosotirndginaintoSr tDuadwenntTLurinveers: Tara Greco: Her Own Sports
Injuries Led to Interest in Training
By Sarah Grossman
By Bijaya Lamichhane her alma mater. Including her current Decree Staff Writer take it seriously until she attended King’s
Decree Staff Writer position, she’s now been in education Park High School in New York. “Looking
“Are you ready?” asked Tara Greco, the back now, I realize I still didn’t try that
“I try to be organized,” Dawn Turner for 23 years. “I love relationships with new athletic trainer on Wesleyan’s campus. hard in track,” she said. “Track came easy
said, sorting through a planner with pink, people and investing in their lives to from being in gymnastics my whole life.”
blue and yellow post-its, each one detailing help them become better,” she said. We started our run from the fieldhouse to-
ward the nearest campus exit on a cool March As a track athlete, she competed in sprints,
events scheduled with students. I was to Turner enjoys interacting with Wes- morning. She wore grey and pinkAsics long jump, triple jump, and pole vault. “They
have lunch with her at Chick-fil-A. Her office leyan’s internationals. “Rather than go gave me a paper test in high school and if I
was decorated with pictures of international across the world, the world has come shoes, dark grey capris running leggings, and passed then I could pole vault,” she recalled.
a black and white long-sleeveArkansas State “They handed me a pole and said go jump.”
students at Global WesFest, the freshman to me,” she said. “I get to experience University shirt that she wrapped around her
dinner and other campus events. In a corner, the world through you. This is more Once in college at Salisbury Univer-
pinned to a bulletin board, were passport- than I could ever experience in my hands to stay warm.We turned right out of sity on the eastern shore of Maryland, she
campus and then left onto two-mile road as became burnt out on gymnastics. She con-
sized photographs of new freshmen. lifetime if I were to travel.” She added she told me about her history. tinued track for two more years, but stopped
Turner, Wesleyan’s International Students that her relationships with students running to focus more on her schooling.
Coordinator, wore a light-weight cream- were important to her. “I want you to Greco started gymnastics when she She majored in athletic training because, she
was just 18 months old and continued to said, “I was constantly injured as a gymnast,
colored sweater and a dainty two-toned gold have a family here,” she said. participate through high school. In middle and I always was interested in my injuries,
pendant to go with it. “I just love Chick-fil- When I offered Turner my order of Tara Greco SI Photo school, she started running track, but didn’t my rehabilitation process, and sports.”

A,” she exclaimed as we walked toward her fries, she only took a piece. “I’m try- About half way down two-mile road
Toyota Camry. In the car, I noticed she had a ing to cut carbs,” she revealed. I then we turned right into the neighborhood.
box containing props from Global WesFest, proceeded to compliment her well- Dr. Jarrod Kelly: Challenging Greco had taken her hands out of her
the biggest international student event at maintained figure to which she humbly shirt by now and we continued at a ten-
Wesleyan. “I haven't taken them out yet,” responded that she tries to be fit. Minds One Day at a Time minute-mile pace. She relaxed into her
she explained. “I plan on it, but I always Turner has been married for 23 form and kept a consistent stride.
years to her husband, Bruce Turner, By Joshua Campbell
got something in my hands.” Decree Staff Writer After college, Greco earned a master’s
who teaches Bible at Faith Christian the department because of a friendship he degree and served as a graduate assistant
School. “My husband is my best It was a warm sunny day on campus developed there. trainer at Arkansas State University. There
when I met with Dr. Jarrod Kelly in his she worked with the cross country and
friend,” she gushed. At first Dr. Kelly had wanted to attend track and field teams. “Athletic training
They are parents of twin sons, now Braswell office and then walked with him to a doctoral program in educational psy- gives me a chance to stay around sports,
aged 21. “It’s so great being a mother of the cafeteria.As always, he wore a plaid long- chology, but he was persuaded to apply help athletes better themselves, and create
twins. Even though they’re a lot alike, sleeved shirt with blue jeans and his signature to a few political science programs. After
they’re very different in many ways,” she Clarks, a huge smile on his red-bearded face. applying, he contemplated pursuing a ca- See GRECO pg 3
said. “I can celebrate their differences.” While we walked, we shared laughs reer in political science, and the deal was
about his carpet-chewing dog and the latest sealed after he heard from the University GREENVILLE from pg 1
Turner loves singing, reading inspira- presidential scandal. We soon went up the of Pittsburgh. “I got accepted to Pitt and
tional books, writing, and serving in the studying at Wesleyan to enhance my
community and her church. In fact, she steps and into the cafeteria where the smell decided to be a political scientist instead skillsets and make me a better supervisor.
has written a children's book titled “Little of cooked vegetables and old bay-spiced of a school psychologist,” he said.
flounder filled the air.After going through Q. What other obstacles did you over-
Dawn Turner Racers: Running Towards the Prize” and At Pitt, Dr. Kelly wrote a dissertation come along the way to earning your degree?
Photo by B. Lamichhane. had it published for a children's ministry the line, we found a table and began to talk titled “The ‘Ideological’ Electorate: A
program at Englewood Baptist Church. about his recent wedding (his wife just Self Categorization Theory of Ideologi- A. There were many obstacles. Some
graduated from medical school), but con- were obligations while others sprung up
At Chick-fil-A, she ordered an eight- She’s also an avid journal keeper. “I’ve cal Identification.” In it, he argues that out of the blue. There was less time with
count chicken nuggets meal and asked for kept 25 journals since my boys were versation soon took a nosedive into politics. voters identify as ideological, but do family and friends, going to church, etc.
Polynesian sauce. She insisted on paying born,” she said. “When I’m not around, I Dr. Kelly was raised in the rural town of not know enough about politics to label As a single father of two, I was taking
for my lunch as well. “Have you tried the want them to have it so they can see how Chillicothe, Ohio, located an hour south of themselves. At Wesleyan, Dr. Kelly care of sick children and missing lots
God got me from one place to another.” Columbus. I asked him what was signifi- teaches all American political science of milestones––my nephew’s wedding,
Polynesian sauce? Oh, it's great, it's my Turner kept glancing at her phone. cant about Chillicothe and he said, “First courses––from the American presidency a family reunion, children’s birthday
favorite,” Turner said, as her blue eyes celebrations. At work there were missed
glistened with excitement. “I’ve never When I asked her if she had to be some- and third capital of Ohio. We lost it twice.” to American political thought. promotions, missed overtime opportuni-
tried the grilled ones,” she said, glancing where, she looked at me and revealed This humor sums up the kind of person Dr. Despite his ultimate choice for a doctoral ties and missed special duty assignments.
Kelly is––laid back, relaxed and always
at my order of grilled chicken nuggets. that she soon had to meet with a student. ready to crack jokes and talk. degree, Dr. Kelly still views himself as a With the accelerated classes, there
Throughout our lunch, as we took bites psychologist. “I consider myself a political isn’t any time that you can miss. So, when
Turner grew up in Rocky Mount. As He began his college education at Ohio psychologist rather than a scientist,” he said. there’s no time to spend with family or
the youngest of four siblings, she said of our nuggets, she stressed the importance friends, on birthdays, church, the reunion or
that her childhood was wonderful. “I of maintaining strong relationships with her State University, but after two years, he This identity has influenced his style of a wedding, you just rely on the support of
settled at Miami University of Ohio. While teaching and enabled him to care more for family and hope they understand that you’ll
was the peacemaker in the family,” she students. “I try to see and treat people they there, Dr. Kelly found a love for psychology. students. Dr. Kelly believes that developing be done soon and that there’ll be time in
said, giggling. “With four siblings, I way I want to be treated,” she declared. the future. Many times, in dealing with all
“When a student comes to me, I drop every- He majored in that discipline, but was soon strong relationships is important, because it the challenges, I debated over whether to
had to be a peacemaker.” thing and focus all my attention on them.” intrigued by political science. “I worked in encourages students to talk politics outside continue or quit. I had a job already and I
She attended Barton College. After could just STOP and go on working till I
graduation, she moved to Seattle to teach She believes the biggest challenge in a psychology lab, and it overlapped with the the classroom. “Political science is unique retired. I confronted this feeling more than
and then moved back to Rocky Mount. her job is juggling the different needs political science department,” he explained, because it has so much connection to once. A friend reminded me that God never
A second-grade teacher, she twice won of students. Her strategy is to try to adding that he became more involved in See MINDS pg 4 puts more on me than I can bear.

“Teacher of the Year” awards, the first understand their diverse backgrounds. SENIORS from pg 1 Q. What did you most like about the
Listening is an important skill, she said. leaving a great group of people,” he said. ASPIRE program?
at Benvenue Elementary in 2006, the “I try to empathize and listen to what It’ll get hard, but when you want to He plans on starting a master’s degree
second at GW Bulluck in 2014. give up, you have to fight harder.” A. The instructors. They designed their
Before joining the Wesleyan com- ya'll have to say, so I can know your before training for the highway patrol in classes and assignments to fit the course
viewpoint,” she said. “I try to make Moore, majoring in organizational ad- February. Judd stated he most enjoyed and the adult student. They were very
munity, Turner worked with both ministration and minoring in leadership, meeting people as well as the time he spent knowledgeable and willing to provide as-
domestic and international students at students feel as important as they are.” is from Plymouth, North Carolina. After as a Bishops hooper. “I made endless con- sistance. This was helpful due to the accel-
On our way back to campus, Turner graduating, he plans to attend graduate nections with people as well as memories I erated pace of the curriculum and the fact I
reminded me, in a rather reassuring school at North Carolina A&T University can keep with me forever,” he said. was working full time. I liked the advisors,
DeTchreee way, that for her it was all about others. to get his master’s in physical education on who assigned classes and kept students
“It’s never about me. I want to help his way to a career as a basketball coach. Asked to share advice to next fall’s informed of upcoming events and classes.
ya’ll,” she said. “I want to help ya’ll and He stated that he most enjoyed Wesleyan’s freshmen, he encouraged them “to get Advisors were very helpful and excellent
help enrich your lives so one day ya'll family atmosphere as well as the time he your GPA up early.” Asked to name a communicators. Mrs. Joy Smallwood was
since 1960 can be successful.” spent on the basketball court here. change he would make at NCWC, he very supportive. In fact, near the end, when
urged the college to establish 24-hour I needed to vent, Mrs. Smallwood invited
“of, by, and for the Wesleyan community.” Moore believes that the diversity of visitation in the residence halls. me to her office where she talked with me
NC Wesleyan will help him in the long and calmed my fears. I enjoyed the differ-
s ta f f run by making him able to connect with Desiree Strong majored in business ent types of classes that were offered. Each
any type of person, no matter the race, administration while at Wesleyan. After term, I tended to take one face-to-face class
Editor-at-Large religion, or gender. Asked to change one graduation, the Siler City resident plans on and one online, which helps relieve the
thing about the college, Moore believes working for a bank in Charlotte and then strain on a working adult.
Quinn Tobias Wesleyan should focus on improving the hopes to work her way up through the ranks.
quality of the cafeteria food. Q. What would you change about the
Senior Staff Writers About graduation, she said she feels “a program?
Greensboro native Raelin Davis described little bit of nervousness, excitement, and
Johnathan Pickler, graduation as a “remarkable feeling that you joy.” Strong said she most enjoyed the A. There’s not much that I would
Santanlia Scoggins, Toni Tutt can’t really explain.” She added, “It’s been a “family-like bond between the students change. But I would like to have had more
long four years, but I made it.” and the staff.” She’s grateful for the way interaction between the ASPIRE students
Staff Writers Joshua Campbell, a Decree staff writer Wesleyan has prepared her for a career. “It and the students and faculty on the main
and new grad, said that a Wesleyan Davis plans on taking a year off from helped me search for jobs within my major campus. At graduation I felt a little lost
Brooke Bayse, Joshua Campbell, scholarship allowed him to leave his school. However, after majoring in both and provided me with faculty members and disconnected from the other students.
Landon Clark, Sarah Grossman, home state of Tennessee and enroll in psychology and sociology, she is con- who checked over my resume,” she said. I would also like to see the ASPIRE
Darius Jackson, Mamadou Jallow, a private school. After a short time on templating a position in social work. In students be involved in more activities on
Bijaya Lamichhane, Justin Long, the football team, Campbell committed 2019 Davis plans to pursue her masters She advises incoming freshmen to “get campus. I had looked into the different
Maggie Rankin, Qa’lexus Taylor, himself to his education and other and Ph.D. in clinical psychology so she your work out of the way so you can have fun clubs and organizations. When I called
extra-curricular activities. He majored can become a therapist for adolescents. later.” As with Moore and Davis, Strong’s the main campus to inquire about joining
Gianni Teal, Alijuah West in history and political science and biggest complaint was the cafeteria food. one, I was informed that it was only for
won academic awards along the She stated that she most values the students in the day program. This hap-
Special Contributors way. He will attend graduate school in friendships that she made at Wesleyan. Trey Jones said that for him, graduating pened with more than one organization.
history at East Tennessee State in the She advises all incoming freshmen to take “doesn’t feel real.” A resident of Chesapeake, As ASPIRE students, we can benefit from
David Robinson, Andrew Stern, fall. He said he’ll miss friends, staff, and at least 15 or more credit hours to stay Virginia, Jones plans to work at home for membership in organizations that can last
Grace Wallace faculty. on track toward graduation. Similar to six months and then intends to come back to well beyond our time in college.
Photo by B. Bayse. Moore, she also believes that the incoming North Carolina for graduate school.
Faculty Advisor freshmen should get involved to make
connections that could be beneficial in the “The friends I’ve made here are friends
Dr. William Grattan long run. Like Moore, Davis believes that I will have forever,” Jones said, adding that
Wesleyan should improve the cafeteria. he relished the diversity at Wesleyan.
179 Braswell • Phone: 985-5336
Email: [email protected] Malique Judd, a Jacksonville native, He warned freshmen not to procrasti-
said that for him graduating is bittersweet. nate. While at Wesleyan, Jones majored
“’I’m happy, but I’m not so happy about in psychology and criminal justice.
Asked what changes he would make
at Wesleyan, he said it would be….any
guesses?….the food in the cafeteria.

May 25, 2018 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 3

SPORTS

Golf Team Upsets Methodist to Claim Conference Title
(Update: NC Wesleyan placed 24th A. One thing that has helped us is
in the NCAA Division III golf tourna- having played with them in the past. That The Bishops golf team rallied in the final round to win the 2018 USA South Conference title, its first championship in 45 years. SI photo
ment in Greensboro May 15-18. experience showed us that they’re human
and do make mistakes out there on the
The Bishops had advanced to the course. Having played with them in the
national tournament after capturing the second round at LaGrange, watching
conference title, but failed to make the top them make bogeys or worse, we saw they
18 that continued to play on days three had holes in their armor and we were
and four at Grandover’s East Course. ready to capitalize on their mistakes. I
think yes, in the past they have been a
Grady Anderson led the Bishops with little intimidating for our guys because of
a two-round total of 148 (73-75), four the accolades they had earned as a team. 
over par. Mariano Silvestri was second
among NCWC’s golfers with a 156. Q.What parts of their game were going well
for your players, in particular Grady and Juan?
Perennial powerhouse Methodist––
the team the Bishops upset to win the A. They both played very well that
USA South Conference tournament in last day. Juan almost made it look easy.
April––won its 12th national title with a A Methodist player told his coach that
four-round team score of 7 over par, 11 Juan’s round was the most effortless-
strokes ahead of Washington and Lee.)

Propelled by a strong final round, the looking 69 he’d ever seen. Grady played was clutch for us when the tournament I’m very proud of the way our guys kept round with the wind blowing steady,
Bishops golf team vanquished reigning solid as well and, if he made a mistake, was neck and neck between us and it together that final day.  forcing the guys to stay on their toes
champ Methodistto win the USASouth golf battled back. His short game was very Methodist. They both hit smart shots the with their shot selections. The greens
tournamentApril 12-14 in LaGrange, Georgia. good that final round; on the back nine last three holes to finish strong, while the Q. What were course conditions like were rolling pure, which was great for
he made some long putts for par, which Methodist players were making mistakes. during the three days? the players to pick out their line, trust it,
It’s the first golf championship at and let the ball pour in the hole. Overall
A. The course played tough the final the course conditions were good and a
lot better than the previous year when the
Wesleyan in 45 years. Wesleyan Dominates USA South Tennis Championships fairways were really dry and not as full. 
Trailing both Methodist and Huntingdon After winning their respective conference did. As soon as I finished my match, I asked Q. How do you think this year's team com-
tournaments, Wesleyan’s women’s and my coach the overall score and I ran to the pares to the previous ones during your time here? Q. Talk about the poise shown by
after two rounds, the Bishops rallied in round men’s tennis teams were eliminated in the court with my teammates to cheer for Talitha your young team––one freshman (de
three, paced by medalist GradyAnderson (2 NCAASoutheast Regional Tournaments. (Rowan), who was playing the fifth point. We A. I feel like each year has been a step to im- Giacomi) and two sophomores (Mariano
under par for the tournament) and freshman were very excited, and we couldn't wait for her prove little by little with the help of the coaches. Silvestri and Luke Thornton). How well
Juan de Giacomi, who shot a final-round 69 Women’s Team to finish, so we could run over and hug her. I Every year you gain more knowledge and build did they handle the pressure?
to finish in a tie for second place. Fredericksburg, Va. - The Bishop felt so happy because we made it.As a captain, something that you need to help your teammates
women’s tennis team saw its 2018 season I felt so proud of my team and how each of my to succeed. Being the captain helped me to A. I thought Juan handled it very well
The win was foreshadowed 10 days ear- come to an end May 12 with a 5-0 loss to teammates put forth the effort and worked hard improve my leadership skills and motivate the especially since he had never been in that
lier as the Bishops clipped the Monarchs by Amherst College in the second round of the to win the conference championship. other players to work hard and achieve our goals. position. The sophomores handled it nicely
eight strokes at the Lynchburg Invitational in NCAA Division III Tournament. We had great players in past seasons, and I feel as well with Luke shooting his best round
Virginia. Wesleyan’s Dustin Wood (2 over Wesleyan (13-4 overall) had ad- Q. What did it mean to you to win the like every year the team gets more talented. We of the tournament the final day. Pressure
par) was the medalist in that tourney. vanced to the second round by posting title in your last year here? always try to keep up the spirit of teamwork and was palpable, but, knowing what was on
an opening round sweep of Lebanon competitiveness. We cheer for each other from the line, these guys finished strong. 
After the USA South tournament, Valley College on May 11. A. I was very happy. It means a lot for the warmups until the last point of the final match.
the Decree interviewed Coach Gregg Versus Lebanon Valley, the Bishops me to win the title in my last season. Last year GRECO from pg 2
Ripke about the championship and the opened up a 3-0 lead in doubles play as the we were so close, and we lost, 5-4, in the semi- Q. Three of your top players—Louise
season overall. duos of Stephany Barbera/Talitha Rowan, finals against Covenant. But since the first day I Hovhammer, Giulia Zanetti, and Rowan–– a safer environment to allow them to
Nicole Halabi/Giulia Zanetti, and Florencia believed in my team and I knew that by work- are freshmen. Comment on their performance do what they love as well,” she said.
Q. What did you tell your guys prior Sorrentino/Ana Aguilar all dominated ing hard, we would have the chance to win the both in the tournament and during the season.
to the third and final round? in 8-0 shutouts. Rowan brought NCWC conference title. Our huge rival was Methodist, Once she graduated, she job searched
to within a point of the team win with a and we played them three times this season (a A.This year we had a great team, and I’m so and applied around until she discovered
A. I told them that we can do it. Our 6-1, 6-0 win at #4 singles, while Aguilar 5-4 win, a 5-4 loss, and a 5-3 tournament win). proud of each of them.We always motivate one Wesleyan. She was hired here to support
motto has been “We can do it if we finish clinched the match with a 6-2, 6-0 victory another, and I feel that as an upperclassman, my the football and lacrosse teams. She worked
the job,” so if we stayed patient and kept at #6. Sorrentino, Zanetti, Halabi, and In my first year we won the conference job is to encourage them to work hard, enjoy with the lacrosse team at Salisbury, and her
grinding, we could finish the job and Barbera were all up a set in their respective and we played in the regionals. I was the every single match and leave everything on the brother played the game––“Growing up, I
win the tournament. Everyone had had matches when play was halted at 5-0. number 7 on the team and I didn’t feel part court. They have so much talent. They’re great watched all his games.”––so she’s familiar
positives the first two rounds as well as The next day the Bishops fell to 8th-ranked of winning the championship since I only players and great people, and I’m that thankful with Wesleyan’s newest sport. She’s enjoyed
earlier in the year; we talked about draw- Amherst.After taking all three doubles played two matches in the entire season. But to have them as teammates in my last semester her first job so far. “It’s great to be a part of
ing from those positives and executing matches, the Mammoths clinched the overall this year, playing at # 1, everything changed. of college. I can say that this season was the the sports medicine staff as well as the entire
them in the final round and, at the end, one that I enjoyed most. I love my team, and athletic staff at Wesleyan,” she said.
hope our best is better than the fields’ I’ll keep all my memories of them in my heart
best. It was––by two shots! forever.We learn things every day from one an- We followed the winding road and then
match with victories at #1 and #4 singles. other. Each of us comes from different countries took another right to the more populated
All year long I knew that I had a special Sorrentino, a senior from Argentina, and we have a wonderful unity between us.We area of the neighborhood. Greco pushed
group of guys; their team chemistry has up her sleeves and asked how I was
been amazing to watch and experience. was interviewed after the conference doing. As we continued, the sun beamed
We also talked just before leaving for the down, taking the chill out of the air.
conference tournament about how this tournament, which the women won 5-3, motivate one another, and we help each other.
team could be part of history because it’s over Methodist in Atlanta. The victory Q. Past Wesleyan coaches have always Greco said she had started running
been 45 years since the school’s last title. avenged the team’s only conference loss. again because she and Kelly Bly, another
I believe they embraced the challenge and stressed that doubles play is the key to athletic trainer, had signed up for a half
the Lord blessed us in this endeavor. We’re Q. What was going through your mind success in NCAAs. What's going to be the marathon in Nashville and the Tar Heel
not finished yet; our goal is to get through the when your teammate clinched that fifth key for you and your doubles partner? 10-miler in Chapel Hill. Her first half-
first two rounds of the NCAAs and then see match to win the USA South championship? marathon was two years ago. I asked her
how well we can play the last two rounds. A. Doubles are so important because those how she stayed motivated to run and she
A. I cannot express my happiness in words, are the first three points that we play. This laughed. “I don’t,” she explained “Kelly’s
Q. Methodist has been a dominant and I had a lot on my mind in that moment. I semester I’m playing with Louise, who is been a big motivator to keep me running!”
team in the conference (and the nation) was nervous and felt a lot of pressure. I felt like from Sweden. I love playing doubles with her.
for some time. How did you get your I said to her many times how proud I am of Greco’s usual week consists of runs
guys believing that they could be beat? I didn’t give my best performance (she lost her her. Since the beginning of the season, she’s on Tuesday through Thursday and cross-
Have past teams been just a little intimi- matches in singles and doubles). I’m sure my Flor Sorrentino SI Photo had a back problem and the pain has been training sessions on Monday and Friday.
dated by Methodist? teammates had the same mix of feelings as I getting worse and worse. Yet when she plays, For her cross-training days she lifts
weights, performs circuit workouts, and
Baseball Team Is Runner-up in Long’s Final Season she leaves everything on the court. We do does other forms of cardio. On Wednes-
The Wesleyan baseball team capped a the Panther bullpen quashed Wesleyan’s complement each other––I have a good serve days, Greco runs with Bly; they sprint
strong second-half with a successful run comeback hopes over the final seven. 8th to April 14th with 12 doubleheaders). and she’s really good on the volleys. We al- for a minute and then take a 3-minute
in the USA South Conference tourney, Q. What was your thinking in tapping ways decide where I’m going to serve, so she break, repeating the process 7-10 times.
losing in the championship to LaGrange. The tournament came after a strong can get close to the net and finish the point.
stretch run by the Bishops, who won Nate Gardner to start the LaGrange It’s important to attack and rush the net, We heard the beating of our shoes on
The Bishops won several tough contests, 10 of 14 in the last two weeks of game? What options did you and the putting the ball away. As Coach Matt (Rowe) the hard pavement as we continued down
including a 10-inning win over Piedmont, March after a rough patch—9 losses in coaching staff consider? always tell us, changing the patterns and the road. To our right we passed the golf
which snuffed Wesleyan’s playoff hopes in 10 games––earlier in the month. moving to the net makes a big difference. course, and on the left a dog ran back and
2017. The victory sent Wesleyan to the finals A. Nate wanted the ball. Our hope forth in his yard, wagging its tail at us.
against an undefeated LaGrange team. The Coach Charlie Long responded to Decree was to get five innings from him and turn Q. What will the coaching staff be focus-
Bishops needed to beat the Panthers twice, questions just before announcing that he it over to the relievers. We had another ing on as you guys prepare for the NCAAs? Greco related that March is “National
while the host school needed just one win. was stepping down after a career that lasted starter named for the next game and felt Athletic Training Month”; this year’s slogan
27 years—the last 21 as head coach––and confident that we would get there. A. I feel like there isn’t time to work on is “Compassionate Care forAll.” “It’s a nice
To the mound, the Bishops sent staff included one national championship. technique, but we should be working on tac- way the NationalAthletic TrainersAssocia-
ace Nate Gardner, who was pitching on Q.What effect will the big wins earlier in the tics to win the first three points, the doubles. tion tries to promote our profession, make it
two days’rest, after hurling a 5-hitter in the Q. In your view how did the team play? tourney have on your team going into next year? more well known, and educate more people
team’s opening win.Against LaGrange, What stood out about their performance? Men’s Team about what we do,” she said.
he yielded 10 hits and 9 runs (6 earned) in A. We followed the same scenario as After a dominating performance in
three innings of work. LaGrange’s starter A. We played with a great deal of pas- the previous season. Just like last year, the USA South Conference, the Bish- We made the final left turn back into the
lasted just two innings, giving up 4 runs, but sion during the conference tournament. We earlier in the tournament we played La- ops fell in the third round of the NCAA college with the baseball field on our left
played as a team! The results are amazing Grange, again with both of us undefeated. national tournament to its regional and the softball field to the right. Breathing
Charlie Long has announced his retire- when everyone is involved. The guys had When we didn’t win that game, we were nemesis, Emory. harder, Greco slowed to a walk for a cool-
ment from coaching after 21 years at fun, which is most important; that trans- faced with the same situation again play- The Eagles, ranked second in the down the rest of the way to the field house.
the helm of the Bishops. lated to a successful run. ing Piedmont. After the lopsided loss last nation, snapped Wesleyan’s 16-match
SI photo season to them, I believe our team was winning streak. Today’s jog was a little earlier than normal
Q. As a coach, what are the biggest chal- more determined than ever to get to the After sweeping doubles play, Emory for Greco, who likes to run the same loop
lenges in playing five games in four days? final this time. Against Piedmont we lost clinched the overall match with wins at during her lunch break.After her work-
the lead and then hung on to win in extra #4 and #6 singles. outs, she always rolls out her muscles and
A. We were fortunate to have a stretch innings; I think that game, the way it The Bishops had received a bye and stretches. “I definitely need to stretch more,”
like that a few weeks earlier with Averett, transpired, will have a tremendous carry- played its first playoff match against she admitted.
Lynchburg, and Ferrum (six games in four over into next season. The guys really Sewanee, winning 5-3, after jumping
days). When you’re playing well, the mo- showed their grit. Watching LaGrange to a lead with wins in #1 (Ioannis Bro- Our run came to an end at the fieldhouse.
mentum keeps you going. Of course the celebrate the championship will pay kakis/Roberto Puig) and #2 doubles She was headed inside to eat a snack of bell
obvious issue is pitching depth. Because dividends as well. That’s an image our (J.D. Telles/Aditya Iyer). peppers and hummus. Just before parting,
of a tough spring, weather wise, our young returners will never forget. I’m confident NCWC claimed its 10th straight con- she reminded me to stretch.
staff was forced to grow quickly because we’ll be the ones celebrating next year. ference title after posting a 10-0 record.
we had to incorporate a few more starting (SI contributed to this story)
pitchers than normal (45 games from Feb See Baseball pg 4

4 North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804 May 25, 2018

CAMPUS LIFE

Decree Drama: ‘The Interview’ by Shamon Wright
Editor’s Note:Wesleyan student Shamon MAXWELL: Stop. was good; the severity was noticeable
Wright won the college’s annual 10-Minute DANIEL immediately does so but at a point. Anxiety is a very human trait, AD John Thompson presented Athlete of the Year Awards to Sebastian Sikh,
Play Competition with one of two scripts he but that was far too much. He did seem tennis, and Ella Burkart, soccer. Sikh won for the third consecutive year. SI photo.
submitted for consideration. “The Interview” seems agitated. It seems almost as it as though he wasn’t aware he was an
isreprintedherewithpermissionoftheplaywright. the energy he was expunging from his android, but the cracks were beginning to Student-Athletes of the Year winners were Nate Gardner, baseball/football, and Kaitlyn
leg has spread to the rest of his body, show. Therein lies the problem. Should Checkan, softball. Congratulating them is Dr. Carl Lewis, the college’s NCAA rep. SI photo.
Characters: desperate for release. we destroy the unit, sir?
MAXWELL: Possibly. But not yet. Album Review: The Rise of Hobo JohnsonBy Landon Clark
MAXWELL LINUX: A technology company MAXWELL makes what seems to Maybe, just maybe, we can push these Decree Staff Writer this song is rather different in that it doesn’t follow
interviewer be a few sentences onto his clipboard. things and pass them off as human. a simple verse-hook-chorus pattern that many rap
DANIEL: A young hopeful being interviewed DANIEL notices him doing this and SIMON: Even with all the memory defects? EarlythisyearrapperFrankLopez––stagename songs do. In fact, Lopez’s creative genius shines,
SIMON: Maxwell’s co-worker looks worried. HoboJohnson––releasedanNPRTinyDeskConcert because this song slips between four different styles
MOVERS 1 & 2: (lineless) Two almost DANIEL: Mr. Linux? Am I doing some- MAXWELL stands properly and contestvideothatwentviral,sparkingaconversation of rap, beginning with a repetitive synth and push-
nameless grunts working at the company thing wrong? moves over to the door he came in through about his raw rapping style, and gloomy lyrics. ing into a hardcore rap beat all the way through to a
MAXWELL: No. It’s just interview and motions for SIMON to follow. As I began to listen to this album, I realized simplistic and spacey smooth-rap beat, and finally
Action begins in a simple business office. anxiety. It will pass. Let us continue the MAXWELL: What other choice do we that people have the same feeling about Lopez’s into a sample of “America the Beautiful.”
The walls are white. Sterile.Almost clinical. interview, if you may. have? It’s 2137. We should have figured rapping style that they had to the singing of The You can see from this song that Lopez is pushing
There are no markings on the walls, nor are this out by now. I founded this company Front Bottoms’Brian Sella; they either appreci- his agenda of hating on both the political climate in
there any windows. It gives the aura of a DANIEL seems to calm down. so long ago, and our Credits won’t run ated the sincerity and rawness in his voice or America and the political climate in the music industry.
blinding prison or isolation cube. The lights DANIEL: Yes, let’s. dry just yet. Unit 6424- “Really look into the real history.
above are wide panels of smooth LEDs, SIMON: (correcting, and cutting MAX- hated it because it wasn’t pleasing to the ears. America has @#$%ing caused a lot of
shiny like a mirror. The lights are entirely DANIEL smiles widely at MAX- WELL off) Daniel. From the first song I felt jarred into an
off on stage, casting all nearly in darkness. WELL. MAXWELL: (glaring severely at entire new world, one of pain, depression, problems for the general world,” said Lopez
There are simple furnishings in this office.A MAXWELL:Now, Daniel. Tell me, who SIMON, very coldly) Unit 6424- has had homelessness, self-indulgence, malt liquor, cig- in “Demarcus, Cousins, and Ashley.”
solitary table, sturdy, but unremarkable, sits are you? the most promise. We have more time on arettes, hunger, and a deep need to feel loved. The words come straight from his soul after
at center stage.At its sides, almost perfectly DANIEL: Well, I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m- our hands, and we are bound for some Lopez starts off the album with “Sex in the he was constantly thrown around by the Ameri-
distanced, are two chairs facing each other, breakthrough. City,” which features a mellow, airy grand piano can government during his period of homeless.
one at stage-right and another at stage-left. DANIEL suddenly has what seems SIMON: I don’t know. I’m just anxious, playing in the background that gives off the im- Many young people would describe this and
There are two doors directly behind the to be a seizure in his head. He begins is all. pression of space. He will go on to use this same the following lines as either being “woke,” or
chairs, leading off stage. twitching his head randomly and keeps sound for the majority of the album. I appreciate complaining when you’re living in the greatest
stammering out the word “I’m” at the MAXWELL and SIMON have reached how hard this song pushes you into Lopez’s country in the world. Personally, I think he
Sitting in the chair on stage-left is same pitch and volume as he began the door and begin to leave off-stage. should use his art to open people up to a different
DANIEL, completely motionless. He in the sentence. His fists clench and MAXWELL: So am I. mind with this unsure melody, which works
sits upright and proper, but his head his arms shake as he keeps saying that in tandem with his lyrics. I also love the musical understanding of the American government.
lulls forwards like he’s asleep. His eyes word over and over. SIMON leaves off-stage and MAX- build-up before the hook. It seems to represent a His next song, “Dear Labels,” is a
are closed as well. WELL goes and turns off the lights in spiraling of his mind, as he’s trying to understand perfect telling of the struggle faced by all
As DANIEL has his episode, the room, returning it to the darkness. the overcrowded atmosphere and the sexual modern-day small bands.
For a few moments, DANIEL MAXWELL looks down in dejection “Pay my rent and I’ll sell you my soul,”
remains motionless before he is joined and sighs. He has become visibly upset END OF PLAY. tension that exist in the city. This song is a good
onstage. MAXWELL enters from now. He turns away from DANIEL, “track one” because it establishes the foundation says Lopez.
stage-right carrying a simple clipboard. towards the audience, and stares out MINDS from pg 2 by introducing the ideas that will follow in the Lopez sings of the struggles artists, and
He does not acknowledge DANIEL. into the distance. rest of the album, such as homelessness, self- listeners, confront in the music business.
MAXWELL hits a button near the the real world,” he said. “It’s around us deprecation, and the complications of love. “Dear Labels” is a great representation of how
doorframe, and the lights above them DANIEL keeps having his “seizure”. all the time.” The follow-up song “Demarcus, Cousins, and labels take advantage of artists, who must either
ignite suddenly, flooding the room with DANIEL: (endlessly continuing) -I’m- Ashley,” takes a darker mood, with a hard-hitting, give in to the demands of the record companies
searing amounts of light. DANIEL does I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m-I’m- Dr. Kelly elaborated by underscoring almost industrial music-like synth melody. This or not make money and starve.
not react to the sudden light. MAX- I’m-I’m- the importance of our participation in the In this album, Lopez cuts open his soul and
WELL turns towards the table and American political process. “Every two song shows the mental instability of the artist,
DANIEL, and gets his clipboard ready. MAXWELL sighs hard and deep years, citizens are able to vote. It’s the way and his attachment to his family, and you can see his mind and hands them to you in hopes that
again and clenches his fist in very we impact government,” he said, noting that Lopez fantasizes about love and uses it as a you’ll understand what he has seen in this world.
MAXWELL: (directly to DANIEL) It’s palpable frustration. that students should be concerned about prescription for his mental depression. However, Pushing against boundaries, he isn’t afraid to
time to begin. everything from the regulation of products comment on the music industry and its problems.
As DANIEL continues to ramble to laws governing student financial aid. BASEBALL from pg 3 Lopez also is willing to explore the issues
DANIEL jolts his head upwards and on and on, MAXWELL slams his pen Q. We’d like to ask a few questions about
his eyes open finally. He is not startled onto their table hard, causing a loud Through his courses, and his one-on-one earlier in the year, March in particular. What of domestic abuse and divorce. In a way the
by MAXWELL’S voice and slowly bang. DANIEL is unfazed and contin- relationships, Dr. Kelly hopes students will were the big issues during the losing streak song “Father” is the source of the album, for
rises his head to meet MAXWELL’s ues his endless tangent. find and develop their own political beliefs in the first few weeks of the month? he blames his own relationship issues on his
eyes. DANIEL smiles at him. MAXWELL: COMMAND: SHUT- and then talk about them. “I try to lead students parents and their strained marriage. If it wasn’t
DANIEL: I’ve been waiting. I’m so DOWN, Subject number 6-4-2-4. Autho- to find their beliefs, and I want them to learn to A. Offensively, we simply left too many for his father leaving his mother and marrying a
excited for this. rization level: LINUX Dash 0-1. justify their beliefs with facts,” he said. runners on base. Methodist (the opponent “shape-shifting monster,” then Lopez wouldn’t
that kicked off the losing streak) was really have to “breathe Nicotine until you fall asleep.”
MAXWELL begins moving DANIEL suddenly stops speaking and Dr. Kelly believes that with the rise of good as well. They hit everything we
toward the table and the empty seat as convulsing and goes limp. He essentially social media,Americans today tend to only What I think is best about this album is
DANIEL speaks and sits down while returns to his status as the play began, but hear the opinions they want to hear.As a its ability to continue a story and allow it to
writing on the clipboard. seems much more like a doll than a hu- consequence, he urges students to listen to resolve not just in one song but between songs.
MAXWELL: (not looking at DANIEL) man being. But he isn’t a human being. opposing viewpoints and then, when neces- threw up there. This disappointing series If “Father” is the source of the entire album,
As am I. As am I. sary, defend their own ideas. “We’ve done carried over to the mid-week games with then “Romeo & Juliet” is the background.
He is a robot. For the moments that a good job of creating an echo-chamber,” Wittenberg. Baseball is like that at times. “Romeo & Juliet” goes through the story of
MAXWELL locks eyes with DAN- feel like bliss as the stage returns to qui- he said. “In my classes, you’re going to When you’re not getting key hits, overall how his father caught his mother cheating.
IEL as the two men sit across from et, MAXWELL sits there and ponders get information that’s in opposition to your team confidence takes a downward turn.
each other. DANIEL has not removed to himself. He eventually stands from views. You need to know how to respond.” Lopez’s deep emotion is highlighted by
the smile from his face. his seat and paces around stage-right. Q. How did the team turn it around in the screams that end “Father,” which I have
MAXWELL: Can you give me your name? He stops and then looks out towards At Wesleyan, Dr. Kelly likes that it’s the second half? interpreted as a representation of the fight
DANIEL: Daniel. off-stage-right, clearly frustrated. easy to continue discussions outside the between his mother and father when his
MAXWELL: First and last name. MAXWELL: (yelling towards off-stage) classroom. “I enjoy talking in a casual A. Confidence. We also made an effort father found out about her infidelity. The
I need two movers in here, now! Get this environment,” he said. He stated that he’s to be more aggressive offensively; the
DANIEL loses his smile and gets model back into Engineering to reset it. been eating the in the cafeteria more often screaming could represent either his father’s
confused for a moment. because it gives him time to not only get guys executed the plan. screaming or his own screams after witness-
DANIEL: Last name? I’m sorry, but it’s Quickly, the two MOVERS shuffle to know students better but help them Q. Drew Tubb established himself as a ing the traumatic experience.
slipped my mind. in hurriedly from stage-right’s door- apply his lessons. “You could talk about solid starting pitcher at the college level. After these songs, Lopez finishes off the
way, fearful to make eye-contact with chemistry over lunch, and that’s interest- You have him and Nate as the two top
MAXWELL shakes his head MAXWELL. They quickly go over ing, but it’s not as applicable,” he said. starters in 2019. Who on the current staff album by further showing his alienation not
subtlety and writes something on his to DANIEL and pick him up from his might emerge as 3rd and 4th starters? only from this world but Jesus Christ.
clipboard that only he can see. seat by the torso and legs and carry the While Dr. Kelly grew up and was
MAXWELL: Never mind that, then. Do lifeless android off-stage. educated in the North, he thinks that Wes- A. There should be a good competi- The next few songs focus on his issues with
you know who I am? leyan is an interesting place. “The faculty tion for the spots next year. relationships. In the last four tracks, he empha-
DANIEL: (immediately) Maxwell Linux. MAXWELL returns to his clipboard are great,” he said. “Students love the sizes that he’s never good enough, and at the end
MAXWELL: Good. Now, I am going as he begins to finish up his evaluation. faculty.” Dr. Kelly explained that when he Q. Do you have any incoming guys who look of the record we feel that relationships will never
to give you a series of questions and I He moves to the center of the table and first came to the college, he saw the close- work for Lopez (“Life is unfair”) and that he’ll
want you to answer them truthfully. Say leans on it as he writes. ness between professors and students. liketheymightmakethejumptostartingpitcher? continue to hope for a brighter future, no matter
the first thing that comes to your mind. I MAXWELL: Simon, get in here to finish A. We have a few that’ll make a push. how much his life throws at him.
want to know if you’re made of the right the evaluation. He believes that Wesleyan is ambitious Q. Do you recruit by position? Are This album brought so many unexpected
stuff… if you’re right for this company. in its expansion plans, but has not lost its fo- you looking to add pitching for next year?
DANIEL: Why? Although MAXWELL is not speak- cus on students. “It’s very student centered,” A. We do recruit needs. You can never emotions through my headphones. Nonetheless
ing towards anything but the general he said. It’s because of his ability to build have enough pitching depth. it’s worth a listen if you can handle the random
MAXWELL is slightly taken aback direction in front of him, his request is relationships that Dr. Kelly has been suc- Q. You had a nice offensive output this awkwardness in some of the songs such as
by this question but quickly regains heard loud and clear. cessful in his first year as a faculty member. year. You must feel excited about next year's moaning, yelling, and an alien-voice encoder.
himself. starting lineup, with only Caleb Narron
MAXWELL: You want the job, don’t you? A younger man, SIMON, comes in After finishing our meal, Dr. Kelly Once you get through the awkwardness,
DANIEL: (shaking his head, almost like slowly from the door on stage-right and and I left the cafeteria and talked all the you’ll understand that this world isn't easy on
cleaning cobwebs) My apologies. I’m cautiously approaches MAXWELL. way to his office. On entering, I saw a anyone, regardless of age; you'll be reminded that
sorry. It was my mistake to ask that. Yes, SIMON: You rang for me- s-sir? bust of John F. Kennedy and posters graduating from the current starting eight. this world is cruel and sometimes it’s that way
Mr. Linux, I want this job. It would be a MAXWELL: (coldly) The evaluation. of Presidents Richard Nixon, Barack A. I’m very excited about next season. The because of our own doing and sometimes it’s
great opportunity for me. Let’s not waste any more time on this Obama and Lyndon B Johnson. There team should be motivated to have a great year! because of things we can’t control.
MAXWELL: (undeterred) Now that faulty model than we already have. was also a Lego sculpture of the congres-
we’re back on track, answer this- SIMON: Yes, Mr. Linux, sir. sional building in D.C; we laughed over
the cost of this miniature masterpiece.
Suddenly, DANIEL begins bounc- SIMON produces what appears to
ing his left foot and leg up and down be a high-tech tablet from behind him We resumed our lunch conversation,
anxiously and rapidly; the sound of it and begins using it. now focusing on the differences between
is gnawing and unavoidable. MAX- SIMON: Our observations on his inter- neo-conservatism and conservatism. I
WELL looks down at the offending nals were stable at first, but he seemed found myself applying our discussion to
appendage with a blank expression, no to crack at the pressure. The tests have my own political thoughts. Then I real-
emotions expressed. He returns to Dan- proven very… undesirable. ized, that was his objective all along.
iel’s eyes and locks with them firmly. MAXWELL: It questioned me. It won-
dered why it had to answer my questions. Dr. Kelly not only can connect to stu-
This could be dangerous. dents and speak to them like peers, but
SIMON: The Turing Test is unreliable. he helps them reflect on their beliefs.
The fact that his glitches were almost
easily swept away as simple anxiety