The Ferris State Torch

Time for an Open Border

Zach Smith, Interim Staff Writer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:45 +0000

We have a certain pride of our Americanism in this country and sometimes we view ourselves not as a separate people, but one entity–several individuals making up one America.

Yet there are many people who do not fit into our inborn understanding of what “American” is. We tend to believe that in order to be an American you have to be born one or permitted to become one by the government. It’s an exclusive club, and we don’t want to see other people getting in because American is something we treasure as a society.

But it was not always this way; we did not always need special permission from a governing agency in order to become an American. It used to be that all you needed to do to become one of us was to come to this country, live here and work here. The pioneering spirit of the immigrant is what built this country, what made this country great.

We need to stop scapegoating our economic woes onto the immigrant population in this country. Many economists agree that immigration is beneficial to a country’s economy and does not cost us any jobs, contrary to what anti-immigration groups say. Immigration is just a flow of labor into an economy, something which can certainly be beneficial.

A good economic concept to keep in mind in regard to immigration is that of supply and demand, because this is the only real control we need over immigration. If there are jobs available for immigrants in this country (demand) then they will come here to work (supply). If there is no demand, they’ll eventually leave as there are no jobs for them.

We as students here at Ferris are preparing to enter the economy after acquiring some specialized skills and credentials. We need to remember that world around us is fluid and ever-changing, never sticking to any one particular model. Immigration is a fact; the government hasn’t been able to really stop it. Immigration will go on and the world around us will continue to change. This change is something we must learn to accept and adapt to.

Time for an Open Border is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Think Before You Ink

Antonio Coleman, Editor in Chief — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:00:02 +0000

Tattooing has been an art form and means of expression throughout history. However, the trend of tattooing has taken on a whole new means of expression.

Colorful arm sleeves and elaborate back art are now replacing small tattoos. Areas once thought as forbidden for body ink are now acceptable places for marking. The idea of “it’s alright as long as no one sees it” has become a thought of the past. Facial tattoos, hand art and stretched earlobe plugs are part of a subculture influenced by self-expression and fashion.

Though our younger generation has accepted the sight of visible body art, there still lies a preconceived notion in regard to professional employment that can negatively influence those with visible tattoos.

The sight of visibly tattooed doctors, lawyers, professors and politicians has yet to become a societal norm that can allow those with extreme body art to show their tattoos in a hiring office without it influencing an employer’s decision. Even if hired, employers adamantly request employees cover visible tattoos with bandages to comply with company norms and dress code policies. Some companies may even have policies where visible tattoos are considered inappropriate to employment.

Though we have accepted the sight of leisurely seeing our friends with extreme body ink and other forms of body modification, wide-ranged acceptance in a professional environment has yet to be achieved.

Regardless of the personal significance, physical beauty or meaning behind a tattoo, they are often still associated with a “bad boy” personality. This can alienate would-be employers and cause individuals to feel discriminated or stereotyped in the workplace. Since it appears to be a long time before a tattoo-covered politician is accepted into the White House, consider how the people you’ll shake hands with in the business world will receive the new ink you’re thinking about getting.

Think Before You Ink is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Athlete of the Week

Alex Wittman, Sports Editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:00:48 +0000

Dontae Molden: The Torch sports staff will select a Bulldog student-athlete each week based on athletic performance. Nominations may be sent to torch@ferris.edu. Photo By: Brock Copus | Multimedia Editor

Dontae Molden

Senior

FSU Men’s Basketball

Detroit/Pershing High School

Bulldog senior guard Dontae Molden was selected as this issue’s “Athlete of the Week” following an outstanding performance against Grand Valley State University Jan. 28. Molden contributed 18 points in Saturday’s 65–57 victory over the Lakers. He was one of four FSU players who reached double-figure scoring as he connected on four three-pointers in the win. With Molden’s help, the Bulldogs moved into sole possession of first place in the GLIAC North Division standings (11–7 overall; 8–3 conference).

This season Molden has started all 18 games for FSU. He is currently averaging 9.0 points per game and has scored 162 total points this campaign. Molden is also an integral part of the Bulldog defense as he is averaging 2.0 steal per game.

Come watch Molden and the rest of the FSU men’s basketball team as they host Lake Superior State University Feb. 2. Tipoff is
scheduled for 8 p.m. inside Jim Wink Arena. n

Athlete of the Week is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Get a Haircut

Katelyn Crain, Ferris State Torch — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:10:17 +0000

The Circle K International organization is putting on a hair drive around the Big Rapids area to give back to the community.

For 11 years, this “hair harvest” has been taking place at nearly 20 salons in the surrounding area. The Circle K International organization chose to start an annual hair drive to help children with medical conditions, or treatments, who are suffering from hair loss.

At any of these 20 participating salons, customers can choose to donate their trimmed locks to the Circle K International organization.

According to Bryce Welsh, president of Circle K International on campus and first year-pharmacy student, some salons even give free hair styles and other incentives to the customers who donate hair.

“The Circle K International members are ones who organize this hair drive. We always collaborate and contact the salons in the area to see who will help harvest our hair,” Welsh said.

The Drive begins Feb. 14 and lasts until March 1. When the hair drive is over, members of Circle K take the hair to “A Touch of Class Salon” in the Mecosta Osceola Career Center, where they measure and count all of the hair that was cut.

As soon as all of the hair is counted, members of Circle K will sort the hair by length. They then donate all of the hair to two organizations including, “Locks of Love,” which is a nationwide company, as well as “Wigs-4-Kids,” a Michigan-based company.

“Last year we raised over 4,000 inches [of hair]. I would like to see over 5,000 inches of hair raised this year; however, I know that is going to be a hard goal to reach,” Welsh said. “The community has been donating a lot over the last few years, and I would like to see them outdo themselves again.”

Circle K International is an organization focused and driven on community service, with the motivation of giving back to the greater Big Rapids community. Each member participates in a variety of community service events throughout the school year.

The organization’s big event this year was a haunted house event in Paris during October. All of the money the members had raised from this event was donated to the community.

Welsh explained that after raising over $6,000 this year, the organization’s main focus is to give it all back. Circle K International adopted more than 30 children for Christmas, buying them numerous gifts and making other donations.

In the coming months, Circle K International will also be assembling Easter baskets for foster children and putting on a food drive for kids that cannot afford to eat dinner.

According to Welsh, Circle K International’s goal is to make sure they are giving back to the community.

Get a Haircut is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Calling All Artists

Grace Seymore, Interim Staff Writer — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:34 +0000

There are over 200 registered student organizations at Ferris, but none that is specifically focused on visual art.

However, Carrie Weis, director of the Rankin Art Gallery, is trying to change that. Weis first saw the need for an art RSO when a student talked to her about the possibility of starting one. Soon after, students began approaching her about setting up art competitions across campus.

By providing an RSO for students who are interested in art, she hopes to help these students accomplish their goals of providing a creative outlet for students and help them learn more about art.

One does not necessarily need to be good at art in order to join this organization; he or she simply needs an interest in art to join. Weis said this organization would assist members in interpretation, appreciation and greater understanding of art.

Ideally, a group meeting would consist of discussing an artistic concept, going out and viewing that type of art and then making art.

“You are only limited by your creativity,” Weis said. “If you have a room full of really creative people, I just see really wonderful things happening.”

The only requirements for starting an RSO is having a faculty advisor and members, and then registering with Ferris to become an official organization.

Although there are organizations for crafting and different kinds of performing arts, this would be the first RSO for visual art.

“I think there are all kinds of reasons that art is important in and of itself, whether it’s a form of expression or a form of self reflection. It’s what makes us human,“ Weis said.

Calling All Artists is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Pillow Talk

Angela Walukonis, Opinions Editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:21 +0000

If you’ve ever been in a long distance relationship, you know how difficult they may be and you may miss you significant other more than you’ve ever imagined.

For those who are currently in one, or may have to be apart from their loved one for some time, there is a new product you may want to hear about. It is called “Pillow Talk.”

Now, it sounds silly, but listen to this: Each partner wears a ring sensor that wirelessly transmits the sound of their heartbeat to a pillow insert. Once the transmission occurs, the other person’s pillow glows and the pillow begins mimicking their heartbeat.

A college graduate from Scotland, Johanna Montgomery, came up with the idea and actually created it herself as one of her final college projects. Pause. Her final college project was creating a product where you can feel someone’s heartbeat miles away through a pillow by wearing a ring. And I thought my final projects senior year would be cool. This isn’t two dimensional like Facebook, Skype, texting, or instant messaging. This could actually feel like a person is right next to you when they aren’t. It seems surreal, silly, yet completely captivates my attention at the same time.

In her Skype interview with ABC and promotional video, she explains how she wanted to create an awareness of another person, even if they are not there. The video has a few hundred thousand views, and ABC said, “This could be big.” Who knows if it will or not, but by the way our technology is improving and changing everyday this product may simply be a new fad or the way of the future.

You never know what could happen. This idea fascinates me. Our technology is so advanced, we can now sense a person who is far away through a pillow. This could go way beyond the cell phone, computer, TV, iPod or whatever other contraption you have. Pillow Talk sounds like such a funny idea, but could be a powerful tool used to connect relationships on a much deeper level, and it would be incredible if the product actually works.

This product may help ease the pain and difficulties of a long distance relationship. This makes me wonder what life will be like years from now. Check out johannamontgomery.com to see her progress on getting this product to store shelves. n

Pillow Talk is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

On Top

Alex Wittman, Sports Editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:17 +0000

Going Hard on the Hardwood: FSU sophomore guard Sarah DeShone dribbles past a Grand Valley player during the Jan. 28 game. The Bulldogs defeated the Lakers 58–50 to maintain their winning streak. Photo By: Brock Copus | Multimedia Editor

The Bulldogs are running away with GLIAC North Division and aren’t looking back.

The Ferris State University women’s basketball team defeated Grand Valley State University 58–50 to claim its seventh consecutive victory of the season. With the victory, the Bulldogs improved to 13–4 overall and 10–1 in conference play. FSU now holds a commanding lead in the GLIAC North Division standings.

“We had to have confidence in what we know we can do,” sophomore FSU guard Sarah DeShone said. “We had a good week of practice, and I think that really helped build our confidence. We just stuck to our game plan, and it worked out.”

The Bulldogs held a narrow three point lead at the break after the Lakers had a late first half scoring surge to make it 28–25 at halftime. GVSU continued its run to start the second half, but FSU fought back and led by eight point with 3:11 left in the contest.

“We just never hung our heads,” FSU head coach Tracey Dorrow said. “We just tried to consistenly make it tough [for GVSU.]”

After a threatening pair of Laker free throws with 1:42, DeShone sunk a jumper to push the Bulldogs’ lead back to five points. FSU followed with a defensive stop and clenched the victory by making five free throws in the final 40 seconds.

DeShone led the Bulldogs with a game-high 21 points. Senior guard Tricia Principe added 13 points. Both guards made nine free throws each as FSU made 25-of-34 tries from the charity stripe.

The Bulldog defense limited the Lakers to just 31.1 percent shooting and recorded one blocked shot and five steals. In addition, FSU owned a 35–38 rebounding advantage. Bulldog sophomore forward Nikki Arner and freshman Christina Branch totaled seven rebounds each.

With the loss, GVSU fell to 9–10 overall and 6–6 in league action.

FSU will return to action Feb. 2 as the Bulldogs host Lake Superior State University. The Lakers are 7–12 overall and 3–9 in conference play.

“It always feels great to be on top, but we know we have a lot of work to come,” DeShone said. “There are a lot of big games to come.”

On Top is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Pillow Talk

Angela Walukonis, Opinions Editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:14 +0000

If you’ve ever been in a long distance relationship, you know how difficult they may be and you may miss you significant other more than you’ve ever imagined.

For those who are currently in one, or may have to be apart from their loved one for some time, there is a new product you may want to hear about. It is called “Pillow Talk.”

Pillow Talk is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Real Life Tooth Fairies

Rachel Szucs, A&E Editor — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:38 +0000

With February being Children’s Dental Health Month, first– and second-year FSU dental hygiene students in the Student American Dental Hygiene Association (SADHA) are anxiously awaiting the Children’s Dental Health Fair.

Taking place Feb. 11 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the FSU Dental Hygiene Clinic, the fair aims to reach out to the community by providing much needed dental care for children. Students will be doing cleanings, sealants, x-rays, fluoride treatments, as well as providing a fun environment for the kids by providing face painting, games, snacks, and even by dressing up a couple students as tooth fairies.

“Working on kids can be difficult because they are so afraid. I know I was,” Montana Moore, first-year dental hygiene student, said. “I’m not around kids a lot so it will be interesting to socialize with someone so little and scared and to see what works and what doesn’t.”

Local dentists will also be volunteering their time and efforts.

“As hygienists there is only so much we can diagnose. But it’s a good time to help teach them about preventive practices and things they need to make a habit out of at a young age,” Moore said.

Michelle Kirby, second-year dental hygiene student and class president, said that though there is no way to know for sure what percentage of families coming in have access to quality dental care or insurance, the fair is an opportunity for those who are struggling financially to give their kids the care they need, even if it’s just education.

“It gives low income families needed dental care. We also do table clinics about diet, nutrition and child caries. I’ve been really fortunate to have dental care my whole life. I think most hygienists want everyone else to have it too,” Kirby said.

Not only does the fair benefit the children and parents, but it’s also much needed practice for the students. Working with the children gives them the opportunity to grow as hygienists, but more importantly, as people.

“You see people from all different backgrounds and life styles. I would like to work in a pediatric office eventually so I’m excited to see how another hygienist handles a child in different situations and with different needs. Sometimes it’s sad to see what comes in. But then you feel affirmed that you are helping them,” Ashley Fennema, first-year dental hygiene student, said.

Much work and preparation goes into the fair before the big day. Student committees work hard to find sponsors for prizes, campus involvement for food, and to recruit volunteers.

“It’s a busy day, a big learning experience and involves a lot of teamwork,” Kirby said.

The Children’s Dental Hygiene Fair is free for all children 13 and under. The clinic also offers $25 cleanings regularly. For more information, contact Kirby at michelleakirby@yahoo.com n

Real Life Tooth Fairies is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.

Center Finishes New Additions

Ashley Meyer, Ferris State Torch — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:33 +0000

Throughout the past six months there have been numerous changes in the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.

Last summer, the center moved to the fourth floor of FLITE and added two Faculty-in-Residence team members, as well as two Instructional Technologists.

The two-fold move was done for two purposes: to strengthen the success, by adding the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning to FLITE, as the library has enjoyed as the focal point for engaged learning and collaboration among faculty and staff; as well as to move the Office of International Education to a location on campus (the IRC) that is more accessible and visible to the entire Ferris student population.

“The goal we sought to achieve by the addition of two Instructional Technologists and two Faculty-in-Residence was to continue to provide high quality and richly diverse opportunities for faculty to explore and do work that will advance their teaching and students’ learning,” said Todd Stanislav, director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.

The center has been ramping up for an event-packed spring semester scheduled with a variety of training sessions, workshops, learning communities and more. While students are certainly welcome, the Open House is principally designed for Ferris faculty and instructional staff.

“We are especially eager to have faculty and instructional staff stop by to see our new location, meet our staff and learn about the opportunities available to them this semester,” Stanislav said. “We are also using the Open House as an opportunity to hear from faculty and staff about, in general, what we’re doing right and what we should do to improve.”

For students, the biggest advantage is the opportunity to see and interact with their faculty in an informal, fun and out-of-class atmosphere.

“When I was a student, there was always something special about meeting my instructors outside of the typical classroom setting. I think doing that built rapport between us and was an opportunity to get to know each other better,” Stanislav said.

The events and opportunities for faculty planned are intended to “support Ferris faculty and the greater educational community in their efforts to affect deep and positive learning,” coming from the mission statement of the center.

Stanislav said, “When I think back to the faculty who were mentors to me, who had the biggest influence on my education, career choice and development, in every case it was because we interacted with each other in a variety of venues such as official university activities, the classroom and social events like an Open House.”

To see a full range of activities and opportunities, visit the newsletter at http://bit.ly/z8UWta

Center Finishes New Additions is a post from The Ferris State Torch. If images or multimedia are missing, please visit the original post at the web site.