SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 VOLUME 101 ISSUE 6
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News
Apple releases new iPhone and other technology.
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Features
Coffee with a Cop event held at T-Bones.
7
Opinion
Rihanna releases diverse makeup line.
serving southern miss since 1927
Disgruntled RAs accuse department of mistreatment Hiba Tahir
managng editor Current and former resident assistants at The University of Souther n Mississippi leveled troubling accusations against the school’s Department of Housing and Residence Life, which they said often takes advantage of its workers and rarely listens to them. According to a group of RAs that prefers to remain anonymous, “higher members” in the department often disrespect their subordinates and leave them feeling unheard and frustrated. The group said that the problem has begun to impact RA retention rates as well as the retention rates of other employees in the department. Scott Blackwell, the department’s executive director, disagreed. “The Resident Assistant position continues to be a desirable student employment position at Southern Miss,” Blackwell said. “For the Fall 2017 term, we have 103 RA positions total and all RA positions are filled, with no vacant positions. We also had 18 more RA staff members retur n to their RA positions for a second year in 2017 compared to 2016. For 2017 we filled 41 RA openings from a pool of 104 applicants.” Nathan “Paco” Murrell, a former RA who consented to use his real name, said that he believes there is a bigger problem being kept from employees, though he doesn’t know what it is. “It’s not a coincidence that basically 80 percent of residence life has left, as far as residence life coordinators [are concerned],” Murrell said. Residence Life Coordinators supervise RAs and, like RAs, live in residence halls. Unlike RAs, though, they are graduate-level professionals in full-time positions. “Last year was probably the worst because we were supposed to have 10 RLCs, but we had five,” current RA Caitlin Devin* said. “And now, we’re down to three.” Blackwell disagreed with those accusations as well. “We currently have all nine RLC positions filled,” he said. “While we are fully staffed with RLCs, staff do eventually leave the position in order to advance to higher-level, middle management positions in university housing or student affairs. The RLC position is typically an entry-level position in the field of university housing administration, with many in these positions moving on after two to three years. Lack of org anization and consistency between buildings is another problem with which the group of RAs says they are often forced to contend.
Andrew Abadie, Printz Though they are all told they can work up to 10 hours a week, some live in residence halls with numerous desk assistants who share those hours. “Giving all RAs and desk assistants the maximum number of work hours each week - up to 10 for RAs and up to 20 for desk assistants - is an ongoing challenge each year,” said Blackwell. “Many desk assistants rely on their desk assistant jobs and work hours to cover some college costs, just like the RAs.” Others live in residence halls where they are forced to serve multiple shifts. RAs are only allowed to work in their specific buildings. “I want 10 hours a week, but because I live in this specific
building, there aren’t shifts open for me,” said Devin. “I can’t work other shifts in other buildings that need workers. The lack of organization and planning out is really frustrating.” In spite of the fact that the department can’t guarantee its employees the hours they require, the group said it does not allow them to pursue second jobs. I t does, h owever, prov ide compensation in the form of a dorm room - which can be anywhere between $2,483 to $3,299 - and the default $2,020 “Go Gold” meal plan. Additionally, for the past three years the department has offered RAs an optional health insurance coverage plan “at no cost to the
RAs but at considerable cost to the department,” according to Blackwell. “The benefits [of being an RA] are great,” Alyssa Cameron, another current RA, said. “You pay for my room, you pay for my meal plan… But what you don’t pay for is dayto-day expenses. Bills, car notes - there’s so many extra financial situations that you don’t know people are in.” According to frequently asked questions readily available online on the department’s website, however, RAs “may be approved outside employment up to 10 hours per week. However, if the RA fails to meet their job expectations, the Department of Residence Life may
require them to discontinue the outside employment.” Additionally, the department requires RAs seeking additional jobs to submit job proposals listing “potential job site, responsibilities and time commitment.” This differs from requirements at other universities in the state. The Department of Student Housing at the University of Mississippi lists as one of its conditions of employment, “during ter m of appointment, [community assistants may not] have any other assistantship, fellowship or other employment regardless of inside or outside the University of Mississippi.” Continued online
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The Drapeau Center for Undergraduate Research is accepting applications for the fall competitions of Eagle SPUR and Eagle Wings. The Eagle SPUR program provides undergraduates with up to $1,000 to support an independent research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty mentor. If you have any questions about Eagle SPUR, please email cur@usm.edu or call 601.266.5997.
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OPINIONS
EDITORIAL POLICY The views represented in The Student Printz’s columns and editorials do not necessarily represent those of the faculty, staff or administration of The University of Southern Mississippi. We welcome letters to the editor representing similar and contrasting opinions. To be eligible for publication, all submissions must include name, class distinction, major, phone number and email address. Submissions should be emailed to printzeditors@ gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Friday before publication. Please limit them to 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit any material on the basis of clarity, space or journalistic ethics.
Opinions expressed in The Student Printz are those of the writer and not necessarily those of The Student Printz, its publication manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning or the USM Board of Student Publications.
Competing universities’ bands collaborate at football game Chris Moran printz reporter
Souther n University from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, arrived in Hattiesburg Saturday, Sept. 9, to face against the Golden Eagles at the Rock. Though competitive energy filled the first half, when halftime began, the game did not seem to matter. Dr. Nathan Haymer, Director of Bands at SU, and Dr. Colin McKenzie, Director of the Pride of Mississippi, contacted each other weeks before the game to make the collaboration happen. The bands were able to rehearse together on Pride Field Saturday afternoon and show respect for the other’s programs. During halftime, the crowd enthusiastically cheered for Southern’s show and erupted into applause again when the Human Jukebox returned to the field to join the Pride, where the two bands played Dr. Haymer’s arrangement of America the Beautiful. Pride members responded to the event. “The opportunity to bring two completely different styles of band together was an amazing experience. It was also a chance for each band to appreciate and understand each
Kenyatta S. Ross, Printz The Human Jukebox performing during halftime.
other’s styles,” percussionist Devin Allen said. “The way we were brought together through music is incredible,” fellow percussionist
Matthew Cadow said. T h e Pe r f o r m a n c e w a s shared by thousands on social media, including WLOX and WLBT, news stations of the
Gulf Coast and Jackson areas. Haymer also commented on the musical collaboration. “There are many things that
divide us as a nation but the power of music is the one element that bridges all gaps in humanity,” Haymer said.
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Hattiesburg holds elections for state representatives Ashley Hobson social media editor
Hattiesburg held elections on Tuesday, Sept. 12 to fill District 102’s seat in the Mississippi House of Representatives. The seat remains vacant after none of the four candidates running for the position were able to obtain 50 percent of the vote plus one. Local news reported that a total of only 3,325 of the 15,753 registered voters within the Central Hattiesburg voting district turned out, a dismal 21.1 percent. Because of this, a runoff election will be held Oct. 3 between the two candidates who obtained the majority of the vote, Missy Warren McGee and Kathryn Rehner. McGee earned approximately 45 percent of the vote with 1,475 votes while Rehner trailed with 24 percent by earning 807 votes in total. Casey A. Mercier and Cory Ferraez earned 702 and 313 votes respectively. McGee, who previously worked at the University of Southern Mississippi, served as a legislative aide to former senator Trent Lott. Rehner currently resides as the project director for the Mississippi Health Access Collaborative, a project within The University of Southern Mississippi’s school of Social Work to help residents of Mississippi’s 24 southernmost counties with health coverage. WDAM 7 reported statements from McGee and Rehner concerning the runoff election below. McGee’s statement read, “I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received. This campaign for
Douglas Chambers printz contributor
For nearly two years we have politely, politely, ignored the Flaggers who defile the front of our university each Sunday with their Confederate flags. Other than Dr. William K. Scarborough, a so-called professor emeritus of history and well-known unreconstructed segregationist and white supremacist, very few of the Flaggers have any personal connection to USM. Their presence, however, and their flags of hate are an insult to and an assault on The University of Southern Mississippi. Therefore we all have a responsibility to confront them, to
me has always been about putting Hattiesburg first, it is the place that has been my lifelong home and the place that I love with all my heart. I want to congratulate all the candidates on a hard fought, positive campaign I look forward to continuing the positive dialogue about how we can best position Hattiesburg to reach the potential we know is within our grasp.” Rehner said, “I am excited.
I’m grateful for everybody that came out and supported me and that we have the opportunity to continue to work to put people first in House District 102 and try to win it all on October 3.” The seat was previously filled by Toby Barker, but Barker resigned from the state House in June 2017 after he was elected as Hattiesburg’s 35th mayor. Whoever fills the position will be elected to a four-
year term and be responsible for writing and passing legislature for the state of Mississippi. Students should be fully aware of their right and ability to vote. To vote, one must be 18 years of age. Students are also eligible to vote in local and state elections who have resided in the county or municipality where you wish to vote for at least 30 days, and intend to make the school their
residence. If a student moved from one county to another to attend university and wishes to vote in local elections, the student must register in their new country of residence (Forrest County for students attending USM). Individuals cannot be registered nor vote in more than one county. Individuals must be registered to vote 30 days before the election day they wish to participate in takes place.
We are proud that USM is the only one of Mississippi’s public universities whose student body reflects the demography of our state. And we have achieved these successes despite old hateful former professors like Dr. Scarborough, whose version of Southern history is a lie. We are proud that USM has become the “cool university” of Mississippi. We are proud of our students for showing up and standing up against the Flaggers. Because we know what their flag really means: Whites only. We who are protesting the Flaggers reject their central message of white supremacy. Our message to them is clear as day: You are not welcome here! Don’t go away mad, just go
away. To the Flaggers: How dare you bring guns and knives to our campus! How dare you bring your racist hate uninvited to our hallowed halls! How dare you. No more. To the USM students who have turned out to protest the flagloving haters, I say: We are so proud of you! Now is the time to step up. Now is the time to step forward. Now is the time to show up, together. And to the USM faculty I say: Now is the time to lead. Perhaps we can reason with such unreasonable people. But I doubt it. What I do know for sure is that after two full years, and after Donald Trump’s election, and after
Charlottesville, the racist haters are emboldened. Doing nothing is no longer an option. We can no longer politely ignore them. We must confront them, even at the risk of being rude, because their white supremacy flags are the rudest gestures of all. And though the Flaggers seem to be shameless, and certainly are dishonorable from top to bottom, we must shame them or else become complicit in their hate. Indifference will only embolden them further. Please consider joining us from 3-5 p.m. every Sunday to demonstrate in the clearest possible terms, in the most direct ways that even the least educated of the Flaggers understand, that they are not welcome at our university.
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protest them and to show them in the clearest possible ways that they are not welcome on our campus. Again, for nearly two years we ignored them, hoping that they would go away. They have freely exercised their First Amendment rights. But after Dylan Roof and Donald Trump, and after Berkeley and Auburn and especially after Charlottesville (and Heather Heyer!), enough is enough. They have no business imposing their hate on our campus. We know who they really are, who they really are fronting for. We have worked too hard and for too long to transform USM from its segregationist badold-days into the welcoming and diverse university community that it is today to ignore them.
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Students respond to the release of new Apple technology Carlton Mcgrone printz reporter
Southern Miss students shared their thoughts on Apple’s announcement of its coming hardware with a variety of perspectives. With the iPhone X (pronounced “ten”) releasing at $999, there was a slew of reactions to Apple’s bold move of effectively polarizing its audience. There is the more affordable option of the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus starting at $699 and $799 respectively, but the recent announcement had longtime Apple users questioning the company’s methods. While the iPhone X loses the home button in favor of an edgeto-edge Super Retina Display, the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus will stick with 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays. All phones will feature wireless charging thanks to their glass backs and the soon-to-be-available AirPower charger. The iPhone 8 Plus will also feature portrait lighting, which allows users to alter the lighting effect while taking photos and edit images taken in portrait mode. In place of Touch ID, the iPhone X will use Face ID, which uses the TrueDepth camera to unlock phones
regardless of how users may change their appearances. The camera will also ensure that similar images of the user’s face will not be able to unlock the phone. A new feature on the iPhone X, Animoji, will allow users to send emojis that mirror their movements and speech. When asked about their initial reactions to the announcement, students commented on whether or not they planned on getting either phone. “I will not buy the iPhone 8,” USM senior and longtime Apple customer Evan Jones said. “There’s no real reason for me to get one.” “I’m excited to see the releases, but I don’t intend to buy them,” junior Jessica Fields said. “They’re just too expensive.” Despite the overwhelmingly negative feedback, iPhone users demonstrated their loyalty to Apple and its products. “I’m not going to change. I like the UI [user interface] of both their computers and phones,” Jones said. With Apple launching another generation of innovative Apple products, users are expecting an interesting year from this company. The iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus launches Sept. 22 while the iPhone X will be coming to stores Nov. 3.
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SGA’s Mental Health Awareness Week Hosts Informative Panel Bradley Booth printz reporter
Last week, the Student Government Association provided a Mental Health Awareness Week for students. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, SGA hosted a panel of mental health professionals that discussed the importance of mental health. Portia Granger, an adjunct instructor in the department of social work here at The University of Southern Mississippi and a counselor for our counseling services, Caroline Smith, the director of Pine Grove’s intensive workshops, Chelsey Hess-Holden, an assistant professor of school counseling in the department of Child and Family Studies, Brettsey Henson, a graduate assistant for the College Recovery community, and April Estill, an Assistant director and Counselor for USM’s counseling services, were all in attendance, in order to arm students with as much mental health knowledge as possible before getting into the thick of their fall semester. These four professionals provided a panel discussion that was informative and fascinating. Mental illness and suicide is an epidemic among young people in the United States. In 2014 the CDC reported that suicide was the second leading cause of death among the age group of young adults ages 15-24. This fact was enough to drive USM students Corai Jackson and Shelby Gillis into action. Last fall Jackson and Gillis were enrolled in a class for the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement. They
were charged with conceptualizing something that would bring about social change, but the pair went far beyond what was expected and made their class assignment a reality. After gaining the consent of all collaborating departments, Jackson submitted the proposal to the SGA senate, and it was passed. Jackson expressed the impact she felt that the panel could have on students during Mental Health Awareness Week. “The panel was really designed to make more students aware of what
these illnesses are and that if you are suffering from any of these things you are not alone. There were a lot of students there last night. I believe if they hadn’t put a cap on the panel we would have gone on all night. I am glad that a lot of students came out. We really wanted to introduce students to those resources. They are resources for us, and they are typically free.” Jackson said. Lauren Parker, the director of health and wellness for SGA’s student initiatives, was charged with executing
the week Jackson has laid out in her legislation. She had to plan everything from coordinating the times and places of events to getting the rights to show the movie “Perks of Being a Wallflower.” Parker explained why she was interested in getting involved. “There is really a need to for student outreach because there is not a student run mental health group. We have all these resources on campus, and there just wasn’t really a way to publicize them as well. We are trying to reach out to students who
Bradley Booth, Printz From left to Right: Brettsey Henson, April Estill, Caroline Smith, and Chelsey Hess-Holden
may be in need or have questions about mental health. They might not know exactly where to turn for the answers.” Parker said. If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness and it is an emergency, you should contact 911 immediately, and if you would like to seek out professional help from USM’s student counseling services, you can call 601-2664829 to book an appointment.
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‘Coffee with a Cop’ held at local coffee shops Crystal Tobile printz reporter
Lt. Allen Murray waited for his small dark roast coffee as he sat facing the window, constantly scanning everyone who entered and exited the shop. It is a part of his police training to always be aware his surroundings. These are the types of officers that people are used to seeing. However, Murray smiled and answered questions about police brutality shown in media and how Coffee with a Cop is helping bridge a gap between police and citizens. Coffee with a Cop originated two years ago in the Fall of 2015 after the death of Baltimore native Freddie Gray. Gray was arrested by Baltimore Police for the possession of an illegal switchblade. It was ruled that the officers used unnecessary force, causing a spinal injury during the arrest which eventually led to Gray’s death. Communities around the country were outraged when all the officers involved in the incident were acquitted. Since then, there have been a multitude of incidents of officers being portrayed as bad guys
in the media. Allen Murray of the Hattiesburg Po l i c e D e p a r t m e n t s aw a n opportunity to bring the community and police together through it would not be easy. Murry presented the idea to his superior in hopes that the program would take off. Together, with Java Werks, they began to advertise the Coffee with Cops on through multiple social media outlets such as Facebook and twitter. The Hattiesburg community responded well to the program; however, Murray noticed that there had been a decrease in the number of people showing up to meet with the policemen. “I desperately wanted to keep that bridge of community and police officer alive. I didn’t want it to diminish because our next meet could have possibly been our last.” Murray then reached out to other local coffee shops to see if they would like to be a part of the event as well. For the first time since the event began, the Hattiesburg police held the Coffee with a Cop Program at Java Works competitor, T-Bones Records and Café. The program plans to rotate different café locations every month to meet the needs of
Hattiesburg residents. Everything was open for discussion when the citizens came to sit down in the morning with Hattiesburg’s finest. “On that first meet up of Coffee with a Cop there was obvious reluctance to talk (on both sides). I knew that we had to come up to meet with citizens, only then would they feel more comfortable with us.” Murray admits that he did not expect to start a program like this when he graduated the police academy in Huntsville, Alabama. He only believed that he would be doing community policing. With the addition of the program, it has become a part of Hattiesburg policing. “If we don’t hear what the people we are protecting have to say, we aren’t doing our jobs. We are just walking out the door, pointing a gun, and arresting without a just cause. We are better than that.” The Coffee with a Cop program is a way to meet with citizens, talk to them and get feedback on how they can make the community better together. The Hattiesburg Police has plans to continue The Coffee with a Cop Program through December 2017.
Crystal Tolible, Printz
Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! Southern Miss Recreational Sports and the Outdoor Adventures program invite all Southern Miss students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in the 4th Annual Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge. The challenge is free to enter and runs Sept. 18-Oct. 15. To participate, download the Outdoor Nation app on your mobile device and join the Southern Miss team. For more information, contact Brent Holifield, Aquatics and Outdoor Adventures Coordinator, or visit oncampuschallenge. org and OutdoorFoundation.org.
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What going home during freshman year feels like Lanie Leach printz reporter
Going home for the first time during your freshman year of college feels like one of those cliché movie scenes where a couple is running towards each other in slow motion from opposite sides of a beach after being separated. Instead of running towards a singular person, you’re running towards your family, your old friends, your bed, your peteverything that makes your home, your home. Last weekend, I knew my family would be out of town, but that had no effect on my decision in coming home. Luckily, this wasn’t my first time going home since school started (on numerous occasions, in fact,) but it was my first time to see one of my best friends since I moved into my little dorm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. After an hour and a half of driving, I spotted my best friend’s black Toyota Corolla with its University of Alabama car tag, and internally, I screamed. Seeing your best friend for the first time after a while feels literally like you’re starting right where you left off. Nothing was awkward, except for how excited we were to see each other. We embarrassingly squealed like two little girls and immediately started gossiping about how college was going. I told her about all of the protestors on Southern Miss’ campus, which took her by
surprise because apparently there are no intense protestors at the University of Alabama. We talked about new friends, classes, professors, essays and everything in between. That night, we went to our high school’s football game and visited our old teammates on the dance team. It was a very nostalgic experience as I stood under the “Friday night lights” without my uniform. The next few days for me were spent sitting in the comfort of my home with my beloved dog. I never thought I would miss her as much as I did. I slept in until 11 a.m. for the first time since the summer, and my oh my was it heavenly. I have missed my bed and my room so incredibly much. Another thing I’ve missed is having a toaster to make Eggo Waffles for breakfast. Sure, The Fresh has a waffle bar, but there has always been something about waking up in the mornings, going to the freezer to pull two chocolatechip Eggo Waffles out of their bright yellow box and putting them into the toaster before they pop out and scare the hell out of you. It’s the little things in life that keep me happy. Going home to see your family, your friends or even your pet is well worth it. Even if you don’t get to physically visit your family, call them because you have no idea just how much you miss them until you get to hear their voices over the phone after a hard day of classes and running all over campus.
Gabrielle Williams, Printz
Stephen King’s “It” floats to the top Natalie Buckley printz reporter
The second adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” is a record-breaking box office hit, receiving $13.5 million in ticket sales its opening night and becoming the third highest preview night gross of 2017 behind “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Directed by Andy Muschietti, who also directed “Mama,” the horror film follows a group of teenagers on the brink of puberty in the mysterious town of Derry, Maine: William “Bill” Denbrough, the head of the group mourning his missing brother; Richard “Richie” Tozier, the loud mouth know-it-all who curses in every sentence; Edward “Eddie” Kaspbrak, the asthmatic hypochondriac that vocally freaks out about everything; Stanley “Stan” Uris, the skeptical Jewish boy; Benjamin “Ben” Hanscom, the new kid that gets bullied for being overweight; Michael “Mike” Hanlon, the orphan boy who is bullied for being African-American; and Beverly “Bev” Marsh, the girl who is physically abused by her father. Calling themselves the Losers’ Club, the teens become inquisitive about their peers and classmates who keep coming up missing. Because of his little brother’s disappearance, Bill is determined to find out what happened to the missing children and why the people of Derry continue to do nothing about them. In their search for answers, each teen experiences their fears transformed into reality, with those fears turning into Pennywise the Dancing Clown. Keeping what they have seen a secret initially in fear of seeming crazy, the kids eventually confess to one another what they have seen, confirming that “It” is real and hunting them. With Bill’s encouragement and persistence, the group seeks to learn more about this evil being and destroy it.
The teens, watching film of the history of the town and looking at maps of present and past Derry, discover that “It” must live in the sewers and that the entrance of the sewers is in an old, abandoned house. They also find out that “It” has been in Derry for decades, contributing to numerous mass killings and missing people and only reappearing every 27 years. When “It” captures Beverly, the group of misfit boys come to her rescue through the sewers and find the dingy, circus themed lair of “It,” along with the dead missing children floating above. The team find Beverly in a trance, awaken her and seemingly defeat the shapeshifting clown. “The filmmakers honor both the pastoral and the infernal dimensions of Mr. King’s distinctive literary vision,” according to The New York Times. Before the credits, the movie ends displaying “Chapter One,” indicating that there will be a sequel to the horror hit. Although King’s novel incorporated both the group’s childhood and adult years, this version apparently splits the experiences into two movies in order to include on screen as much from the novel as possible. The second movie will be a representation of the group’s adult years. The movie is a better adaptation than the 1990 miniseries and has an outstanding cast, especially Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise and Jake Dylan Grazer as Eddie Kaspbrak. The children actors believably portrayed the story and the dynamics of the friend group. The film had a few jump scares, but successfully created a creepy atmosphere that will make this Halloween scarier than most. The movie currently has 85 percent with a certified fresh critics’ rating and an 88 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. On Metacritic, the film has also received generally positive reviews, with a critics’ score of 70 percent and an audience score of 8/10.
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Alyssa Bass
Entertainment Editor On Sept. 8, pop star and fashion icon Rihanna released her longawaited Fenty Beauty makeup line. With an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, Fenty Beauty proved to be different from other celebrity makeup lines, making it an overnight success. Upon hearing about Rihanna’s makeup line months prior to its release, I found myself annoyed and indifferent. After the release of celebrity makeup lines from Kim Kardashian West and Kylie Jenner (both of whom I am fans of,) who time and time again prove that they are not interested in creating products for those with deep, dark complexions, I thought that celebrities had no business being in the makeup world. While they are both smart women for capitalizing off of their best features (Kim’s “iconic” contour and Kylie’s lips,) we as consumers must keep in mind that these stars spend more time getting their makeup done by professional artists than they do trying new products at Sephora like the rest of us. Making and releasing products that match their pale/tan skin tones and then slapping their names on them is simply easier than studying color theory, undertones, formulas and skin types. Fast forward to the release of the official Fenty Beauty commercial, which showcased women of various skin tones walking throughout the
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streets of (presumably) New York City and eventually uniting with Rihanna over their love of lip gloss. I was underwhelmed to say the least. While everyone on social media was praising Rihanna for including a diverse group of women- many of whom, like Asian and hijabi women, are never seen in ad campaigns- I refused to get excited until I first figured out what products were being offered and tested those products myself. Consider this my formal apology letter to Rihanna. Rihanna, sweetie, I am so sorry for doubting and comparing your efforts to the Kardashians. In one launch, you proved that releasing 40 foundations, cream and powder highlighters, a universal lip gloss, cream contour, blotting powder and sheets and tools is possible. More importantly, you proved that these products could be accessible to the “average” person by releasing your products in Sephora rather than making them online-exclusives bound to be sold out in one hour. The day Fenty Beauty was released in Sephora stores nationwide, I visited my local Sephora. In the aisles of JCPenney outside of Sephora stood displays of the Fenty Beauty KillaWatt Highlighters and Match Stixs. I was surrounded by other black shoppers in awe and overwhelmed by the number of highlighters and contour sticks available. It never dawned on me to look for the other products. First, I took a look at the KillaWatt Freestyle Highlighters. Retailing at $34, the powder KillaWatt Freestyle
Highlighters are mostly offered in champagne and pink-shaded duos, one shade being more matte and the other obviously more shimmery. However, two of the six KillaWatt Freestyle Highlighters are offered as singles: “Metal Moon,” a pearlish shade, and the metallic gold shade “Trophy Wife,” the most-talked about highlighter. Intrigued but intimidated by “Trophy Wife’s” brightness, I bought the duo “Ginger Binge/Moscow Mule” after achieving a satisfying blushlike swatch on the back of my hand. But that wasn’t enough for me. After watching more than 15 YouTube reviews the next morning raving about the PRO FILT’R Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, I, to my mother’s dismay, returned to Sephora when they opened their doors at 10 a.m. This time I arrived with no makeup on my face with the intention of being color matched by a Sephora employee. The employee, modelling “Trophy Wife” on her cheeks and eyes, eagerly and quickly came to my rescue. The process took less than two minutes, and when I was prompted to look in the mirror, I didn’t initially see what she thought was my shade. That’s because the cool shade 440 matched me so perfectly that I thought the swatch was my own untouched skin. Spending another $34 didn’t faze me. Before leaving the store, I splurged on the uniquely-angled, cheekhugging highlighter brush for $32. Note: During this Sephora visit, I achieved VIB Rouge status, meaning
that I had spent at least $350 dollars on makeup in one calendar year. Regretting nothing, I went home to put on my Fenty face. After priming my face with Mario Badescu’s rose water (to get in a bougie mood,) I pumped the foundation onto the back of my hand and then proceeded to use an Elf foundation brush to apply it onto my face. After applying two layers, I fell in love with the coverage, skin-like appearance and light-weight feeling. For years I had been using the MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in the color NC50, and while it matched me well, I had been complacent with its at times cakey and oily finish- horrible for my combination skin. On the contrary, Fenty Beauty’s foundation gave me a natural, slightly dewy “I woke up like this” look. Next, using the highlighter proved to be more challenging than I had hoped. The highlighter brush, while well-intentioned with its sharp angle, made my highlight (“Moscow Mule”) difficult to blend with its harsh, linelike application. Sweeping with the highlighter brush made the glitter travel further down my cheek. After applying with the brush, I had to use my pinky finger to dab and blend the highlight. Later in the week, I found that using one of my cheap Elf highlighter brushes was much easier. However, the color payoff was strikingly beautiful from a mile away. The other shade in my duo “Ginger Binge” because of its matte finish made a nice, subtle blush. Overall, I am more than satisfied with my purchases, mostly with the
foundation, which I will definitely be buying again. My “Fenty face” made up of only two Fenty Beauty products remained flawless for 12 hours. I plan on buying a Match Stix trio that can be used for highlight, contour and even lipstick and eyeshadow, and the foundation primer next. As I examine the reason why I am so eager to buy more Fenty Beauty products, I realize that it’s because Rihanna’s belief in inclusivity is genuine, and that sincerity shows in shade range, customer testimonials, especially from those who are albino or deep-toned who before Rihanna’s line had to mix several foundation shades, and Rihanna’s interviews. As Rihanna said in an interview promoting Fenty Beauty, “In every product, I was like, ‘There needs to be something for a dark skin girl. There needs to be something for a really pale girl. There needs to be something for someone in-between. You want people to appreciate the products and not feel like, ‘Oh, it’s cute, but it only looks good on her.’” Surprisingly, it doesn’t take a lot of products to achieve a natural, but eye-catching look. All it takes is someone behind the brand to put in the effort to make people of all skin tones feel beautiful. And for that, thank you, Rihanna, for putting in that “work, work, work, work, work.” Fenty Beauty is available now on the Sephora website and stores nationwide as well as the Fenty Beauty website.
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Golden Eagles improve to 2-1 after road win over ULM Trevor Ritchie printz reporter
Ito Smith’s career-high 219 rushing yards led Southern Miss to a 28-17 win over the University of Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday night. Backup quarterback Keon Howard started at wide receiver on Saturday. With tight end Julian Allen sitting out and defensive back Picasso Nelson out for the season due to injury, things shifted around the board. Southern Miss scored its first touchdown on an opening drive wh e n q u a r t e r b a c k Kw a d r a Griggs found wide receiver Korey Robertson for a 15-yarder. The Golden Eagle defense was locked in for the majority of the first quarter, rounding things out with an 7-0 lead. Early in the second, ULM finished a drive where the Southern Miss defense began to break down with ULM’s quarterback Caleb Evans’ halfyard sneak, tying the game at seven. In response, Smith put his skills on display as his elusiveness led him to a 27-yard touchdown to regain the lead on the ensuing drive. “That was good to see him make some great runs,” said Head Coach Jay Hopson. “That’s the thing about Ito, you think he’s tackled, and he pops out and there he goes, he’s down the sideline for 50 [yards].” Later in the second, Craig Ford nailed a 19-yard field goal for ULM to cut the lead down, 14-10. However, with less than two minutes remaining in the half Griggs found Robertson once again for a 20-yard touchdown that allowed the Golden Eagles to carry a 21-10 lead into the break. Things were quiet for the first few
Kenyatta S. Ross Ito offensive player of the week. minutes of the third quarter, but Evans eventually reignited ULM’s efforts with a 67-yard breakaway score. Nevertheless, Southern Miss answered again quickly as Griggs found wide receiver Allenzae
Staggers for a 42-yard touchdown. The fourth quarter stalled on both sides but Southern Miss held on to secure their win. Griggs finished the game
17-of-32 with 250 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. “Look, a win’s a win in this deal,” Hopson said. “Certainly, we know we can play better, and that’s going
to be our journey, to play better. Southern Miss will tawke the next weekend off as it prepares for its next home game against North Texas on Sept. 30.
Southern Miss drops first C-USA matchup, 1-0 Kyle Williams sports editor
The Southern Miss w o m e n’s s o c c e r ( 6 - 3 , C-USA 0-1) team lost its first C-USA bout against UTEP (5-5) on Sunday. The one goal victory came in the 89th minute of play despite the Golden Eagles outshooting the Miners, 28-17. The M i n e r s g o a l i e, A l y s s a Pa l a c i o s, re c o rd e d s i x saves in the contest, as her efforts were another factor to UTEP’s victory. Despite the ef fective wing attack of Southern Miss, finding the back of the net was an issue. Junior Stephanie Garcia recorded sevens shots on the day, but only one of the seven was on target. Garcia was not the one to blame as the Golden Eagles only recorded six of their 28 shots on target. Southern Miss controlled the tempo of the game throughout the contest
but could not catch a break. In the 12th minute, Southern Miss recorded back-to-back corner kicks that resulted in two shots but they did not keep the momentum for long. In the 22nd minute, UTEP kicked a corner kick that resulted in Southern Miss’ goalie Kelly Brahmbhatt reaching out for a save. T h e d e f e n s i ve g a m e continued in the second half of play as Garcia hit the post in the 55th m i nu t e a n d t h e n h a d her shot blocked on the cor ner kick following after. It was not until the 73rd minute until the tide tur ned for UTEP. The Miners then started to see an abundance of offense in their favor and capitalized on it for the victor y. Sunday’s loss was the first loss at home for the Golden Eagles, but they cannot dwell on it as they host Wester n Kentucky on Thursday at 4 p.m.
Andrew Abadie Senior Becky McMullen drives downfield.