Halloween in Athens, trusting locals or out-of-towners.

by: Jake Newton and Ashley Gilkerson

Ohio University's Halloween block party draws in thousands of people every year. Most of these people are OU students, but many students come from out-of-town. Is there a difference between the two types of students?  Statistically, out-of-town students are arrested more frequently than OU students. For more detail, watch this video.

#1 Party School

After receiving the #1 party school ranking, what have some issues that have occurred as a result? In these interviews we seek professional opinions and the opinons of some students on what the #1 party school ranking really means, what it means for you degree and what it means for your safety. How does this affect students at OU? Watch for a surprising glimpse of the reality of being #1 party school.

To Be or Not To Be?

This documentary consists of contrasting views pertaining to the subject of same-sex marriages. Six states currently allow homosexuals to marry. Religion seems to be the most popular opposing argument. Because of this, we must question rather or not the United States actually separates the powers of religion and government. 

Is Athens Haunted?

One of the most haunted places in America - Athens, Ohio. Whether people believe it or not is up to them but like it or not, strange things seem to happen in this little college town in Southeast Ohio. With over five cemeteries, supposedly haunted residence halls, fraternity and sorority houses, an old asylum and more than one hundred years of history, it seems that Athens may just be one of the spookiest places to be at night.

By Rachel Sheehy and Kyle Caja

Theft at Ohio University

By: Lauren Capponi and Whitney Graf

      When you think of crime on college campuses what comes to mind? Probably things such as vandalism, illegal drug use, underage drinking, assault, etc. Believe it or not, theft is also a big issue that many college students are faced with. Since Ohio University is the number one party school, you can imagine how many things get stolen at parties where everyone is drunk and careless. However, there are other places as well, including the school library. In our story we take a closer look at this particular crime that goes on at OU, and explore another side of the controversy. In the end though, it's safe to say that theft will continue to trouble college students to come.

 

Theft at Ohio University

By: Lauren Capponi and Whitney Graf

Carlos Mendez is a police officer for the City of Athens Police Department which deals with many acts of crime committed on OU's campus. In this segment of his interview he briefly addresses theft at parties. House parties are just one of the places where theft occurs. Some people even stoop so low that they steal from fellow students when they leave their computers at the library.

Sherri Saines is a librarian at Alden Library. She talks about how things actually get stolen at the library too. She also explains what the workers do when people leave their belongings unattended. Theft is clearly an issue for many people and it is discussed more in depth in the story.

Halloween in Athens: Bobcats vs. Out-of-Towners

By Jake Newton and Ashley Gilkerson

 

Ohio University has a reputation for being the #1 party school in America. At the core of this ranking is our infamous Halloween block party, which attracts thousands of people to Court Street. Our video will discuss the differences and similarities between OU students and students from out-of-town. Are Bobcats more prepared for the chaos or do out-of-towners exert more self-control?

Halloween: Harmless Fun or The Devil's Day?

By: Radostina, Jacqui, and Jill

    Our story is about the special weekend each year that is devoted to Halloween. Once a year the campus is overrun with people from all over in order to celebrate a day in which you can be someone other than yourself. This weekend is one of the most controversial times in which people are forced to face their beliefs and their interests about this issue. People stand on both sides and partygoers can see the clash of beliefs on the very day itself. Each person adds a different side to the debate.

Ohio University Underage Drinking

By: Emilee Kraus and Olivia Reaney
  
     Ohio University has acquired a stigma of an underage drinking school.  Students have opposing views on this persona and share their opinions on whether or not it is necessary to participate in the drinking.  Even after an arrest, a student still feels the same about participating in the underage drinking culture here at Ohio University.  On the opposing side, a student stands strong behind her beliefs to not participate in underage drinking.  A psychology professor shares his beliefs on the social norms and need for conformity that drinking can bring. He discusses why students feel the urge to drink underage in the city of Athens. The university's police chief expresses his concern for the amount of underage drinking he sees here. He shares his experiences of the dangers and consequences he has seen. Ohio University continues to carry this stigma, but students and professionals will continue to take opposing sides.

The Ghosts of Athens...

By Rachel Sheehy and Kyle Caja

Kara Clifton, Ohio University Sophomore, lived her entire first year on campus in Wilson Hall. Wilson Hall is supposedly the most haunted dorm on campus, with stories of demonic faces appearing in doors and haunted events. Clifton doesn't buy into the hype and thinks the stories and other 'events' that took place during her time there is all just people's over active imaginations.

Amanda Hobson is something of a self-proclaimed vampire scholar. She also knows all there is to know about the ghostly history of the town of Athens along with the history of Ohio University itself. Do ghosts exist? Of course they do. And yes, Ohio University is haunted. So next time you are walking by yourself late at night to your dorm, Hobson says you may not be as alone as you thought.

Underage Drinking: Ohio University's Persona

Kelsey
By: Emilee Kraus

Kelsey Davis describes her life without succumbing to the peer pressure the drinking culture at Ohio University.  She discusses the impact her $90,000 scholarship had on her decision and the lack of social acceptance she feels at the school. It is important to her to stay true to her morals and beliefs and to not give in to the majority.

Matt
By: Olivia Reaney

Matt Sierz discusses his views of the drinking stigma at Ohio University before and after his arrest at Palmer Fest.  He feels he should be more cautious, but the arrest was not enough to give a drastic change to his lifestyle and the drinking culture. 

OU Halloween: A Good Time or the Devil's Day?

By Jacqui, Ina, and Jill

              

                Our story is about the special weekend each year that is devoted to Halloween. Once a year the campus is overrun with people from all over in order to celebrate a day in which you can be someone other than yourself. This weekend is one of the most controversial times in which people are forced to face their beliefs and their interests about this issue. People stand on both sides and partygoers can see the clash of beliefs on the very day itself. Through law enforcement, religious believers, student, and local business owners, each person adds a different side to the debate.

             This is an interest piece for anyone who comes to OU for the weekend. They have to be aware of what is happening around them and the consequences. Another facet is for students who attend this school because the reputation can affect job offers. It affects the community because business owners benefit greatly though profit but there is also vandalism and other offenses that happen each year. 

Partying a little too hard?

By: Mo Bole and Tyler Means

The controversies about the party school ranking have been buzzing around Ohio University’s campus since the declaration of their number one ranking back in August. There was a mixture of emotions throughout the population of the school: some students feel accomplished, others feel embarrassed, faculty feels like their teaching accreditations have been demeaned, and the dean fears for our futures. Most individuals stand by their take of our ranking, backing up their declaration from day one, while others are starting to  realize the potential harms that could come from it.

'Military Brat' shares life on base

Amanda Miller and her friends walk around the Ridge last one night.

Miller competing in a bungee walk during a tailgate ear

Miller and close friend, Dani Gandolf hug outside Staple's late one night

Miller walking around in a robe during a cold winter night

    “You’re always waiting and wondering if your parents are going to come home,” said Amanda Miller, Sophomore at Ohio University. She is one of the many military “brats” on campus.
  
    Miller’s father served in the military for 20 years. As a marine, he worked his way up from private to gunnery sergeant and was eventually offered a position as an officer. He turned down the offer to retire and spend time with his family.
    Miller had lived, consequentially, on military bases until her Sophomore year of high school.
    “I lived in North Carolina until I was, actually, 12. Which is really odd because that’s 12 years of being stationed in one place...and then I was in California for four years and then I moved to Ohio after my dad retired,” said Miller.
  
    Miller’s grade school days were spent in schools located on the military base.
    “The dress code was a lot [more strict] and things that would happen on base were a lot [more strict],” said Miller.
    Miller spoke of the September 11 attacks on the United States. She was in a classroom when the attack started and because the school was located on a military base, the school was forced to undergo a complete lock-down.
    “Most schools, [parents] came and picked [their] kids up or buses dropped them off, but for us we were under lockdown until about 5 p.m.,” said Miller. “We were in our classroom, under desks, quiet. Camp Lejeune is where I lived in North Carolina and, at the time, it was the second largest military base in the country and there was a lot of worry about wether or not there would be an attack on the base.”
  
     After the 9/11 attacks, Miller’s father was “the first platoon to go out.” According to Miller, this lead to a great amount of distress. She didn’t know what was going to happen but, because it was a military base, all the families stuck together and supported one another.
    “Everyone is very close together because they are all military,” said Miller

    Today, Miller and her family have settled, due to her father’s retirement. Her father is a diesel technician, her mother is a nurse, her brother is going to high school in Medina, and Miller is attending Ohio University majoring in early childhood education.
    “It’s a normal family life now. No worries about parents leaving and not coming home.”

Chelsea Mabes

Wonder Woman

Chelsea Mabes is one of those “do it all” college students. She is taking a full class load, is a member of women’s chorale, sings in the women’s A Cappella group: Title Nine, holds positions in her sorority Alpha Omicron Pi and the honors fraternity Alpha Lambda Delta, works two jobs, plays the guitar and piano and on top of all that, Chelsea is learning how to play the ukulele. “I’d like to think I’m a typical college student,” Mabes said. She is a positive and energetic person who wants to live life to it’s fullest.

Chelsea Mabes is at MacKracken fields during Bid Day 2011 for Alpha Omicron Pi. She is holding the II in AOPi

Her Beginning

            Chelsea was born on New Years Day, 1992. She was the first child born in Shelby County in that year. Esco & Georgia Mabes adopted Chelsea when she was nine months old. Her father worked for Ford Motors as an engineer for over 30 years before retiring when Chelsea graduated from High School. Now her father installs carpets and both of her parents rent out homes as realtors. “My mom and dad are just so different, but I love them so much,” she said. “They work together really well.”

Chelsea learned she was adopted in the second grade but didn’t find her biological parents and grandparents until she was 13. She grew up with one of her biological brothers, Jordyn, and met her other two siblings when she was 10 years old. Soon after she found her biological parents, they both passed away. Her adoptive mother survived ovarian cancer and was unable to have children. They were both in their 40’s when they adopted Chelsea.  “My parents wanted me; they fought for me; they went through interviews … to have me,” she said about her parents. “So there has never been a doubt in my mind.”

Chelsea with her big, Alex Johnson at a friends house. She and her big are getting ready for a night out.

Her Goals

            Chelsea is a music therapy major here at Ohio University. She wants to use her skills in singing and playing to bring therapy to patients. “I’m still very new to the field,” she said about her future career. “Music therapy is so broad. You can work in Elementary schools, nursing homes, you can own a business, you can work in hospitals, but I’m interested in Music Therapy Hospice Care.” Chelsea keeps in contact with an Ohio University alumna who does music therapy at the Hospice Care Clinic in Dayton. She has been asking questions about the business and wants to shadow the woman to get a feel for her job. She is very interested in the goals and the objectives of Hospice care. “It’s therapy and every therapy is designed to fit the client’s needs.”

Chelsea with her fiends at AOPi Date Party 2010 at Uncle Buck's Dance Barn. She is dancing and having a good time.

Her Passion

            Chelsea performs in a musical every summer back home. She has been in Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat, Fame, The Wizard of Oz, The Pajama Game, Once Upon A Mattress, Back to the 80’s and Hairspray.

Last summer Chelsea portrayed Amber Von Tussle in the famous musical Hairspray. It was weird for her to go back to her summer musicals after she had learned so much about singing in college. She felt more prepared for the roles than the high school students. She enjoys doing musicals and puts so much time and effort into her roles because she enjoys what she does. “I wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t fun,” she said. “It’s one of my hobbies I guess.”
By:Jacqui Leonhardt

Chelsea Mabes along with her cast mates during the production of Hairspray. She is playing the role of Amber Von Tussle

Traveling to the Future

By: Lauren Capponi

Jill Rich, a junior English major at Ohio University from Cincinnati is setting her goals high when it comes to the rest of her life. “Go and find your luck” is the motto she lives by everyday. Knowing it is no one but herself that can bring her success and happiness.

Family

Growing up Jill looked up to her sister older sister Jenna.

“ I was always kind of annoying cause we were four years apart, I always tried to follow her and copy her. It was kind of cute, actually. At least I thought so.”

Jill with her parents Randy and Lori celebrating a 23-20 Bangals win over the Bills.

Even though Jill annoyed her sister daily their family has a deep bond that can’t be broken.

Jill with her Bulldogs Ruby (top) and Bucky (bottom)
hanging out in the sun porch enjoying the beautiful weather.

“We get a long great. We’re always going on trips and to the Bangals games. We’re always having fun. I love them.”

“My family is deeper then just my parents and my sister, we have two bulldogs names Bucky and Ruby. I don’t know what I would do without them. They have been in my life since I was 11.”

When Jill isn’t spending quality time with her family she is focused on the rest of her life.

Future

“I want to go to law school. I want to have a bulldog name Winston. Ya’ know husband, whatever, if there’s a pool boy involved that’s fine. Hopefully I’ll have a yacht.”

“I have some very high life expectations an honestly there’s not a lot I can do to complete some of my life goal unless I am a lawyer. A lot of my family members do it and they are doing well, and honestly I don’t like to work that much, anyway, so I figure if I have to I better be making some money.”

Having these high set goals Jill pretty much has her life planned out for the next five years. Finnish college with a major in English then go to a prestigious law school somewhere in the south. 

Travel

Jill Kissing a Royal Guard at Windsor Palace
in Berkshire, England. Asking if it was ok and to
 to blink once for no and twice for yes the guard
blinked twice.

Before she enters the Law School world she would love to travel and go back to Europe like she did summer of 2011 with a study abroad program offered here, at OU.

“I just really wanted to travel, I’ve never left the country before and it sounded like a good time and an amazing experience. I was there for six weeks and got to experience England, France, Scotland, Span, and Amsterdam.”

“Scotland was the prettiest place I went but Spain was definitely my favorite. Those people are crazy. They have siestas during the daytime where they close every store from 1 o’clock until 4 o’clock and then they go drinking. Their clubs don’t open until 4 a.m. and you always get to see the sunrise.”

After being there for six weeks seeing how Europe is different from America became very relevant.

“The service sucks. I think it’s because we don’t tip over there and they don’t expect much so they don’t give you much. It’s a lot more laid back. You’ll always be late everything is delayed. You always want to get there early ‘cause you’ll never know what the hell is going to happen. The subways are always late, the trains are always late, its ridiculous. Everyone’s just like ‘Oh well, we’re going to be late, no big deal, I guess.’”

Jill posing by the Eiffel Tower on a rainy day in Paris.

With Jill’s determination, family support, and love for traveling she is guaranteed to accomplish whatever she puts her mind to. 

Favorites:
Book	Twilight
Color	Pink
Season	Fall
Food	Chocolate or Pizza
Country	Scotland

Study Abroad Across the Pond

by Ashley Gilkerson

Oriana Catherine Alexandria Williams, better known as “Ozzy” to her friends, is a junior at Ohio University. Does the nickname ring a bell? If you’re an 80s rock and roll fan, most likely. Surprisingly, the name isn’t all they have in common; Williams is also from England. 

Ozzy Williams at her favorite restaurant in Oxford, England.

EARLY YEARS

Born in London in 1990, Williams comes from a family of four. Her father is a lawyer in Switzerland and her mother is a management consultant. While Williams doesn’t play any sports in college, her grandfather was an Olympic athlete.

Some of Williams’ favorite memories from her childhood include playing hide-and-seek and making assault courses similar to those in military training. She forced her younger brother to go through the courses after she completed them. 

Williams attended a very small primary school in London. When her father got a new job, she moved to Oxford. She went to school in Oxford until she was 13 and then transferred to a boarding school. She lived there until she was 18. Her boarding school has distinguished alumni such as Princess Kate and Princess Eugenie.

UNIVERSITY LIFE

Currently, she is enrolled in Swansea University in Wales, but she is studying abroad in America for a year. Her major is English Literature and American Studies. 

Compared to her university, Ohio University is very different.

Williams enjoys her first American football game.

“The desks here make me feel like I'm in Saved by the Bell. At home, our classes are a lot bigger than the ones I seem to have here. Also, we are only graded on about one or two papers and a final exam for each class,” Williams said.

The choice to study abroad at Ohio University stemmed from Williams’ American Studies major. She wanted to visit the United States and knew a student who had travelled to Ohio before. 

Williams loves the campus and the friendly nature of people here. She enjoyed Homecoming weekend, but the main thing she doesn’t enjoy is the weather.

“When I first got here, I thought I was going to die because it was so hot! We're just not used to the heat at home, especially this late in the year.”

US VS. ENGLAND

The weather isn’t the only noticeable difference between the United States and England. 

First, the cuisine differs greatly. Williams described how fresh produce and fresh fish are staples in the English diet. Also, there are not as many Mexican restaurants in England as there are here. The manner of mealtime varies as well. 

Williams explained that the English “tend to take quite a lot of time when we are out at a restaurant,” but the pace is faster here.

Williams’ schedule at Swansea University isn’t too similar to her schedule here, either. 

Williams eating candy corn for the first time.

She says that she wakes up a lot earlier in Athens. Throughout the day, she will go to class, eat at the dining halls, Skype her friends and family, and go to the gym. 

At her home university, she tends to be outside more. Relaxing at the beach or having a barbecue with friends wouldn’t be out of the ordinary on a weeknight. Also, she tends to go out more often during the week at home. Williams said that the weekends were more for “non-students because it’s so much more expensive on a Saturday.”

FUTURE PLANS

The things Williams will miss most about her study abroad experience include red Solo cups, candy corn (which she tried for the first time during Homecoming weekend), and the friends she has made here. 

After the school year is over, she would like to make a road-trip across the United States. She wants to visit as many places as she can before her visa expires. 

When she’s back in Europe, she plans on touring Switzerland and France throughout the summer. 

As far as her future goes, her dream job changes on a daily basis. 

“This week I have wanted to be a music video producer, a news reporter, and work for the United Nations. I mostly want to make documentaries though or make a career out of being a musician. My life goals are probably just the obvious ones: to be happy, successful and have a family. Oh, and to come back and live in Ohio again!”