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Read the Signs to Save a Life “Suicide? Only white people do that.” Within the black community issues such as suicide and depression are not often discussed but statistics show that “while whites might be twice as likely as African-Americans to commit suicide, the rate is growing faster among black youth.” Some behaviors exhibited by those contemplating suicide are as follows: Often, but not always, a person may show certain symptoms or behaviors before a suicide attempt, including: • Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly • Giving away belongings • Talking about going away or the need to “get my affairs in order” • Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety • Losing interest in activities that they used to enjoy • Performing self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body • Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out • Suddenly having trouble in school or work • Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt them selves • Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty • Changing sleep or eating habits Attempts of suicide in the black community have been increasing as time progresses. No longer can we as a community turn a blind eye to this problem that is steadily growing. There are several preventative measures one can take. “Project 2015”: An In-Depth Look into Dr. Tatums plans r n 1 11 Jasmine Ellis for Speiman College «****■■ At the beginning of the semester Spelmans current president, Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, revealed her much anticipated development to the student body called “Project 2015” during her opening convocation speech. “Project 2015 is a phrase that I’m using to describe out efforts to increase the graduation rate for the Class of 2015. Spelman College has a strong graduation rate already, but we believe it could be better. I know there are many reasons why students sometimes leave, the primary reason usually for financial reasons,” said Dr. Tatum. Spelmans graduation rate currently fluctuates between 77 and 80 percent due to the economic hardships America is now facing. Nevertheless Dr. Tatum is determined see this project through. “On average we talk about our graduation rate being about 80 percent, but 80 percent means that in a class of 500 that 100 don’t graduate so I call that 100 don’t graduate ‘the missing 100’. It would be a wonderful thing that in 2015 we could say almost all of the students who entered in the fall of 2011 were able to graduate in May of 2015,” said Dr. Tatum. “The Spelman College Plan for the class of 2015” as Dr. Tatum calls Spel- man’s strategic plan incorporates a lot of opportunity students will be able to ben efit from. “It [Project 2015] has in it a lot of wonderful things; global experience, op portunities for internships, alumnae connections, leadership development, service learning. These are wonderful experiences, but they won’t matter if you’re not here. So Project 2015 is really about making sure that as many students who enter in the class of 2015 are here to take full advantage of what we are offering as part of our new strategic plan,” said Dr. Tatum. Although Dr. Tatum has made the Class of 2015 a pivotal aspect of her focus with “Project 2015,” Dr. Tatum still finds Spelmans student body as a whole responsible for their actions including the choices students make that will affect their environment. In efforts to reduce Spelmans carbon footprint and help save our ecosys tem Dr. Tatum has made significant changes to the Spelman community. These changes include recycling, low project vegetation that doesn’t require a lot of water, discarding of trays in the dining hall to conserve water, and purchasing locally grown foods In today’s society health and fitness has become a crucial aspect of our de velopment. Spelman promotes students having a healthy lifestyle through both the activities conducted in Reed Hall and through smart food choices such as the fab 500 in the cafeteria. “We have invested in a pretty dynamic program. I think Chivonne Shorter, our health and wellness coordinator, has done a great job of providing interesting physical options for students who want to exercise in addition to usual elliptical machines or treadmills in the gym whether its Zumba classes, aqua aerobics, or palates. I think she does a great job trying to educate not just the students, but the employees as well and the dining hall by providing healthier food choices and mak ing healthy options available,” said Dr. Tatum Spelmans standards of excellence include civility, commitment, and consis tency. These standards will be beneficial to the Spelman community not only while at Spelman, but also when dealing with the real world. “I think we all have to work at it students, faculty, staff, everyone has to work at it. I think raising awareness about the importance specifically in a social context and I don’t just mean Spelman if you look at television, if you see the news, if you look at YouTube you see a lot of uncivil behavior. There are a lot of people who would suggest American society is getting less and less civil yet I think most people want to live in a neighborhood or community treating each other with respect and kindness. If we model this behavior we model that and this is where commitment comes in then I think that we can really making a difference. I think that if each of us takes responsibility whether you’re faculty, student, or staff if I take responsibility for my own behavior even if I get rudeness directed towards me if I make a commitment not to send it back I think we can create the kind of con sistently welcoming community we would like to have, said Dr. Tatum. The Magic of Homecoming: First Year Ayanna Runcie Staff Writer Whether it was hanging out with your friends and viewing trendy fash ions at the fashion show/concert or shining on the dance floor at the ball, there was something fun for everyone to do during homecoming week. Spelhouse homecoming was filled with a plethora of events, creating an amazing first time homecoming experience for many Spel man women and Men of Morehouse. Taylor Curry, 2015 states, “It was more than I expected it to be. Because since both of my sisters went to Spelman, I came to the homecoming when I was a small child and it was fun but this time was so much cooler because I was actu ally involved.” Homecoming week fin ished with a bang as Morehouse athletes left the field a winning team. Saturday was especially exciting for many first year students as it was their first time taking part in tailgating. Some people describe tailgating as their favorite part of homecoming, “My favorite event was So this is What College the footbaffgame not because of the game but because of the tailgating. What I liked most was seeing all the alumni in one place and they were all having fun. One thing I liked was that when I walked through tailgating it was like walking from one generation to the other because of all of the different music,” says Ju lian Booker, 2015. However some things that first year Spelhouse students state that they would do differently for next year is using op portunities, such as tailgating and homecom ing Market Friday, to network with alumni. Several students also state that they would have gone to more events to fully maximize their homecoming experience. Even though some students would have wish they did more during homecoming week, what they did do seems to have been an amazing experience for the most part. ‘The most exciting was getting to meet with Miguels band after the concert, we just loitered around after the concert and got to meet with the band” says Marlon Book er, 2015. It seems that in general homecoming for the class of 2015 proved to be a success. is Like? Lauren Hawkins Staff Writer So you thought you were the “man” or the “woman” in high school, but then you had you first day of college. You were no longer the pretty girl, or the smart girl, or the most popular girl. Instead you were a new student trying to figure out where your classes were, what you were doing this weekend, and if coming to Atlanta and Spelman was really the best decision for you. Orientation week gave you a chance to get acquainted with the school, its princi ples, and your new Spelman sisters. Do you remember feeling excited or overwhelmed at all the new information? Are you unsure how to take advantage of your newfound freedom and lifestyle? In college, you may not be sure how to stand out and make the best of the opportunities presented to you. But with these tips you are sure to exceed your expectations and truly shine at Spel man College. 1. Join Clubs On campus there are all types of clubs that bring people with similar interest together. Whether you’re into fashion, Spanish, recy cling, or music, there is a club in the AUC for you. By joining a club, you can run for a leadership position, be an active member, and plans events for fellow Spelmanites and students in the AUC. Participating in a club will also teach you how to work well with others and be creative. 2. Attend events in different social set tings Every other night there are many different events such as panel discussions, movie nights, community service projects, and pageants. The best part about these events is that you are bound to meet at least one new person that you would not run into regularly. By placing yourself in different social settings you may gain a new perspec tive on an issue, hear the latest songs, or get a good laugh. You will not know how interested you are in something until you experience it first-hand. You may be pleas antly surprised by the people you meet and the fun room? Make a habit of dropping by your teacher s office hours or speaking to them in the Cafeteria. They can give you insight that you have by attending different types of events. 3. Build relationships with your advisor and teachers. Due to Spelmans small close- knit classes, into how they grade, advice from a teacher s standpoint, and a support system when your professor already knows you even if you do not know them. Why not build good relationship them outside the class you need it the most. Take advan tage of the knowledge your advisors and professors may have about life. You can never be to close with your teachers, the better your relationship with your teachers the better you educational experience in college will be. 4. Take advantage of all Public speaking opportunities Your teacher asks for a volunteer to read aloud or at panel discussion they ask if anyone in the audience has a question. These are perfect times to build your public speaking skills and become more comfort able speaking out. The more experience you get with public speaking, the better. Being able to speak well in front of others is a great skill to possess and will take you far in life. But first you have to take that chance, raise your hand, and speak out! 5. Make conversation with strangers Whether you are waiting for the AUC library shuttle or in line at the Cafeteria, make conversation. People are willing to talk to you and you may be surprised by the interesting conversation people have to offer. By making conversation with strang ers around the AUC you may learn more about your major, be able to buy a ticket to the biggest party this weekend, or find out that you and someone are from the same city. 6. Visit Morehouse and Clark Atlanta Although Spelman has a lot to offer its stu dents, it is a part of the AUC for a reason. Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University also have events, opportunities, and people that will enhance your college experience and give you a different vibe when you walk out of the pearly Spelman gates. Work all three campuses and be involved in or ganizations on all three campuses. There is nothing like being well connected and in formed about your school and the schools around you that make up the AUC.