Thank You Seniors

A special group to the WOUB Sports department leaves the streets of Athens and heads off into the real world. When you work with a group like this one for three years, they not only become your coworkers, but they also become some of your closest friends. Every single one of these seniors has made an impact on me, and I feel that the Internet needs to know how great of a class you guys really are. So, here we go:

Bobson: Honestly, what is WOUB going to do without you next year? You stay calm, cool, and collected no matter what goes wrong in a show. I can speak for everyone that having you direct a show that we were on was always a great cast from your standpoint. Outside of the newsroom, your love for the Blue Jackets will forever live on no matter where you go, companioned by a bag of chips and a coke. Your dry humor made anyone laugh, no matter the mood they were in. Thank you for three years of clean shows, blue jackets knowledge, and a laugh whenever I was in the newsroom. Good luck on your future ventures. I know you'll do fantastic in North Carolina.

Billy: If this picture doesn't sum up your personality, then I don't know what does. You always had a smile on your face and a way to just bring energy to a room. Whether you were on the desk in a Hardwood polo or out in a Tigger suit, you were the life of a party. Your never ending love for the Cavs will still be present in Little Hartman. Your vast knowledge on all sports astounded me as a freshman and still does to this day. This SE-OH-AL reporter will be missed next year, not only on desk but in Athens in general. Thanks for 3 years of fun buddy. Keep on keeping on and stay that energetic self in your future ventures. Good luck and you'll be a success wherever you go.

Allie: Newswatch was fun to say the least. From late newsroom nights, scrambling for a showcase package to anchoring for Newswatch, you always stayed level headed. No matter the tech issue, you found a way to fix it and manage to come out with a great piece. Keep that patience as you venture on to bigger and better things.

Takitch:I guess we have too much energy Takitch. Ranging from covering baseball games last year to every Friday night as the host, you always found a way to help me with anything I asked you. I'm still amazed that you can solve a Rubiks cube. Thanks for every bit of advice, time in the newsroom, and your amazing caring personality and attitude. Continue on with your successes for many years to come.

Morgan: Will we miss you or your dog more? I'm just kidding. It seems to be a common theme throughout this post, but patience with me is something that I appreciate out of you Morgan. Continue on with your future successes, and I know you'll make it out to L.A.!

J-Mac: Ah the lovely days in the newsroom for Newswatch... J-Mac I'm totally going to miss your snide and clever one-liners in the newsroom. Thanks for all your advice and bright humor you brought to the newsroom. Continue on to your journey to a warm place where I know you'll find success.

Chuck: Is it Chuck or Charlie? Who cares! Man, anytime Chuck Walter would be on, you always knew something punny or witty was making the show. I don't think I've ever met someone as relaxed and comfortable on a desk as you are. Ranging from shooting games with you to just editing for your sports cast, you were always a fun and funny person in and out of the newsroom. Running on Chuck time will always be present, although gettting a haircut thirty minutes before show might now. I hope you continue with your success and find a place that's just as relaxed as you are. Thanks for three years of fun buddy!

Avery: The torch has been passed on. Thanks for the consistent serenades in the newsroom, Avery. It's been a fun and hectic year to say the least. Thanks for dealing with me this year and for giving Carter and I the opportunity to continue on at WOUB. Continue with your successes.

Tomas: Tomas....so much to say...First off, you shared a 773 area code. I know you always wanted silence in control, but let's be real....that would never happen with me up there. Tomas, thanks for just dealing with me from Newswatch to Hardwood. I hope you have an amazing wedding and a fantastic future where ever you go.








Sarah: The world traveller! Man, from freshman year covering Nelsonville...it's been a ride. I don't think I've ever met anyone as nice and sweet as you Sarah. You always find the brightness in the day and always have a smile on your face, even when you're crutching all over campus. You're ridiculously dedicated, especially with that West Virginia documentary. Thanks for three years of fun Sarah and continue on with your successes!

Kelsey: From one of my favorite producers of Newswatch to joining the sports department, I absolutely loved working with you. You communicated well, you understood frustrating situations, and always stayed calm, cool, and collected. I know you left in December to join the real world and be an adult, but we will still miss you in the newsroom. Continue on with you ventures and stay successful!

Levi: Not seeing you in the newsroom this year was rough to say the least. You were an amazing director for Gridiron last year, and I'm glad you were rewarded. However, I don't think you hear enough how strong you are. Dealing with any crisis that would happen in control or just dealing with stupidity is something that not many can do. Continue being strong on your journey to success.

Singer: You are just so knowledgeable it blows my mind. From Gridiron to covering baseball, it's been a fun year. Thanks for every fun fact and tid bit of information or just cracking jokes in the press box. Have an amazing career and continue to be successful!

Alex: My favorite weather person! Alex, you astonish everyone with your on-air presence. I know every chick admires your hair-teasing expert status. On a serious note though, thanks for just bringing a sense of calmness to the newsroom on those hectic Friday nights or anytime in WOUB. Continue with weather forecasts up in Youngstown and reach for the sky, no matter how cloudy it can be.

Baucco: I know I repeat myself, and you've heard it a million times, but thank you for helping me get out of my funk. Every one hour drive to Zanesville, every Friday night, and every random run-in on a GoBus, you had that bright smile with those dimples on your face. You helped me find me again, and I don't think I can ever repay you. Even when you would get under my skin by playing sound effects from Clash of Clans in the car to Philo, you'd laugh it off and flash that smile. Your spontaneous nature is something I envy. Your consistent push to get a laugh out of every day always brightened my day. You were there for me during my darkest moments, and I truly appreciate it. The Mafia Queen will always love you! Keep that smile on while you journey to success.

Lucas: My journalistic career would not have gone in any direction without you, Lucas. God, your passion, work ethic, and determination is something I admire about you. You always strived for perfection in any script or in anything in life. You're quirky in the best possible meaning of the word, and you take pride in it. You always speak your mind and fought through any adversity that came your way. You literally helped me start here at WOUB with Nelsonville-York, and the rest is history.  Your patience with me is something that no one has ever been able to master, and I truly appreciate it. From all the stupid questions I had as a freshman to some of the things that I would say, you would poke your fun but then help me out afterwards. You taught me so much just from your determination, and I don't think you hear that enough. Thank you so much Lucas for every memory and every bit of advice. Make Los Angeles your own Cedar Point.

Jimmer: Lucas guided me, but it was you that took the risk. You gave me every single debut at WOUB, and that alone I owe you so much. You are a strong individual, both mentally and physically. You fought through so much and had every obstacle thrown your way. No matter what came your way, you found a way to get through it and come out even stronger. You offered your two cents when I was in a dilemma. You dealt with the awkward freshman Karli and still deal with me to this day. You're a goof, a dork, but also one of my mentors. You taught me so much about what a taste of the real world can give you and how to turn everything into a blessing. I honestly don't know what my career would be like had I not met you. I'm upset that we didn't close until your senior year, but that's what the future is for. Thanks for every debut, life lesson, and your snarky comebacks. Keep on fighting, and I know you'll always come out on top with the reward of success.

Dear Future Husband, Ignore Meghan Trainor

What I love about hypocrites is that they eventually expose themselves. They preach one thing and say that people need to act a certain way, and then they fulfill those stereotypes they're trying to destroy. Well, Meghan Trainor did JUST THIS with her release of her new music video to her song "Dear Future Husband." Let's just take a look at the lyrics, shall we?

"Take me on a date / I deserve it babe / And don't forget the flowers every anniversary"

News flash: not every woman wants flowers on their anniversary. Who? ME! I don't like flowers. Do I think they're pretty? Yes, but those things would die in approximately two days after receiving them. Save yourself the money, and don't fulfill the stereotype that women want flowers.

"If you treat me right / I'll be the perfect wife / Buying groceries / Buy-buying what you need"

So...being the perfect wife means grocery shopping? That's definitely not what I thought the definition of a perfect wife was. Also, men do grocery shopping, too. My father has gone grocery shopping just as much as my mother. Again, Trainor's pushing for the 1950's housewife stereotype. And this is coming from someone who said to love all bodies....oh, except skinny ones.

"You got to know how to treat me like a lady / even when I'm acting crazy"

Ok, alright. I'll give her this. Women are crazy. So are men, children, gays, lesbians, blacks, whites, latinos, asians. Everyone is crazy. Saying that women are crazy fulfill the stereotype of the "crazy girlfriend," which feminists, as Meghan calls herself, are trying to destroy.

"If you wanna get that special lovin' / tell me I'm beautiful every night"

I would rather be called intelligent, rational, logical, compassionate, loving, caring, or determined instead of beautiful. Women are not as shallow as the stereotype pushes. We are individual human beings that want to acheive our career-oriented or family-oriented goals. We're not just plastic Barbie dolls that are skin deep.

"After every fight / Just apologize / And maybe then I'll let you try and rock my body right / Even if I

was wrong / You know I'm never wrong"

WOA WOA WOA. Hold on, here. Let's take this apart piece by piece. First off, she's rewarding someone caving their beliefs or opinions with sex. Well, that's just a great idea to implant in children's heads. Good job. Secondly, Trainor is saying that the woman is always right. No, we're not. We are not perfect individuals who are always right in an argument. Men and women make mistakes, and women need to admit they're wrong when they're wrong. Stop with the stereotype, Ms. Trainor.

"Make time for me / Don't leave me lonely / And know we'll never see your family more than mine"

WHAT?!?!? Oh my God; are you kidding me? Meghan, what are you doing? You're basically saying that women are dependent creatures who cannot be independent. That's disgusting. Secondly, you will be a terrible wife. You cannot exclude your husband's family from your children's lives. That's terrible! I love both sides of my family, and I would never want one side neglected because of your stereotypical ideals. That's repugnant.

"Don't have a dirty mind / Just be a classy guy / Buy me a ring / Bu-buy me a ring"

Well aren't you just a demanding little lady? First off, men and women are sexual humans. You can't force your husband to stop thinking about sex. Be a classy guy? If you have to demand that out of your husband, then you don't know how to choose men. Period. Finally, buy me a ring? How about you use your millions to get yourself a ring...? You're so demanding.

This song, coming from the woman who was praised as someone who spread the love of body image in her song "All About That Bass," is something that no man should listen to. Not every woman wants to be the stereotypical housewife who cooks and cleans for her husband. Some of us are independent individuals who are career driven and care about their work future, not their familial future.

Why is it Gendered?

I know you’ve probably seen and/or read articles where female sports fans go on their rants about the ‘struggles’ of being a sports fan. Yes, all of them are true; BUT let me turn the table to the men so you know what it feels like when something you’re knowledgeable on is challenged by the opposite sex/gender.

For my well-dressed men out there: I bet you think you’re very knowledgeable on designers, styles, fashion eras, etc. Let’s say you’re shopping with your girlfriend, and she is getting a little black dress with ruching. You say, “Oh, I really like the ruching on that dress.” Your girlfriend responds, “Why do you know what that is? Where does the term come from? What designer made this popular?” You feel bombarded and belittled; you have no time to respond, because she keeps cutting you off.

Not into fashion? Well then, let’s continue…

For my music men: I bet you think you’re very knowledgeable on the changing chart toppers or the new underground music that’s starting to hit the scene. Let’s say a woman you’re talking to is also a big music fanatic. She starts bombarding you with questions about the biography of the band or artist, how many albums they’ve made, where they’re originally from, etc.

EVEN BETTER: Let’s say you’re a big One Direction/Justin Bieber/Taylor Swift/”girly music” band fan. You tell a woman this and she asks, “Oh, is this just a phase?” You feel insulted, because, apparently, it’s weird for men to like what’s considered girly music.

Still doesn’t apply to you? Well, hold on buddy; let me make this clear to you:

Hobbies and interests are not gendered. It’s completely acceptable for women to love football, baseball, basketball, soccer, any sport, just how it’s completely acceptable for men to like Justin Bieber or know about the fashion industry. Men, you say you want to change the perspective of women or that you’re a feminist, yet you push the old school traditional values held by our grandparents on women.

I’m not trying to bash men; that’s the last thing I’m trying to do. I’m trying to open your eyes to your actions and how it would feel if the way you treat women was done to you. The fact that women in the 21^st century are still being ridiculed or questioned for liking sports is despicable, just how men in the 21^st century are still being ridiculed or questioned for liking things that are considered to be feminine.

Let people be who they are. The only way that these old school traditional values can be erased is through action by BOTH men and women. If men want to wear pink (only REAL men wear pink) or want to be into very poppy music, because they like to do so, let them. If women want to follow sports and know the statistics of their team because they like to do so, let them. The first step to getting rid of these gender roles is through action, so let’s get started.

Don't Stand Up...Unless It's For Your Rights

I've noticed that this blog has become an outlet for me, to release stress and be a healthy way to let myself go in a matter of typing. This month's post is going to be just a tad different than in the past. In case you readers didn't know this, I wrote a piece for Thought Catalog in the summer of 2014. It discussed an issue about being asked, "Why are you still single?"

It's a nice rant for the single ladies as Valentine's Day is coming up, or as I like to refer to it as Single Awareness Day (PDAs are just too real that day, and it needs to go away). Anyway, I just went through something that no woman should ever experience. Unfortunately, I have experienced this now for the fourth time in my life, and it has me questioning things about myself and my personality.

Back in December, I was talking to this one guy, who will stay nameless. We were talking for a few weeks. Here's the twist: we met online, and yes, it was Tinder. Go ahead and judge, but that app is a great way to get an ego boost and meet people. Anyway, we started talking, and he seemed like an alright guy. I wanted to meet the kid just to feel things out. So I asked him if he was free on a Thursday night to grab a bite and just meet up in person. He told me he was available and would meet me at this sub shop back home in Chicago. We agreed to meet up at 8.

I'm at my house getting ready and having my awesome little sister pick out jewelry for me to wear. I realized I was running a little late, so I shot him a text saying I was running behind. He responded, "That's fine. I'll meet you there." I get there around 8:15, and see that he wasn't there. I texted him; no response. I waited about a half hour; again, no response. Another hour goes by; no response. By this time, I am livid and angry that, for the fourth time in my life, I have been stood up.

I drove home after some much needed retail therapy (I also justified it as a way to use the gift cards I got for Christmas). I burst in the door with bags in hand; my mom looks at me and just felt awful for me that she's seen this happen to me four times now.

Men, WHY? Why do you stand up chicks? Do you know how much effort goes into getting ready? That involves putting on a full face of makeup, doing our hair, finding an outfit that isn't a pair of sweats and a hoodie...you just made me waste about two hours of my time.

I wasn't expecting this guy to become a relationship, and that maltreatment of my time and my emotions guaranteed that. What was even worse is that he texted me the next day, completely ignoring what happened. I ignored him for days and weeks until he got the hint. I then found him subtweeting about me and how girls play mind games. Excuse me, but you toyed with my emotions and wasted my time to satisfy whatever you needed to satisfy. And women are the ones who play mind games.

Men, women are not difficult to figure out. We are quite simple. Just don't get us angry, and you will be on easy street. If you've met a girl who is way more complex than that, then I feel so bad for you. For example, as long as you respect my schedule and that I don't feel the need to speak to you every single second of the day, you will do just fine.

If you can't make the date or you feel like you're too nervous (which you know you feel), then just let us know. Just text us. We will be upset that you did make us waste a couple hours, but I know that we would still continuing talking to you because you were honest with us. That's all it takes. Learn your lesson men. You're welcome.

What the Holidays are Really About

December is always a month where everyone just seems to be in a cheerier mood. Why? It's almost Christmas time. Christmas brings out a sense of generosity in everyone to all people. It's a great thing to witness and take part in as well. However, people seem to realize what these holidays really do, and what saddens me is that not everyone can experience this.

The holidays are meant to bring family and friends together and reminisce about the past year. However, so many people have never felt this feeling of what a family truly is, and that hurts my heart. I was blessed to grow up in a loving family with parents who have been together for over 20 years and two amazing little siblings. My parents had in-laws that loved everyone in the family. I have cousins, aunts, and uncles that are all able to get along with loving grandparents.

Just a few weeks before the end of my fall semester of junior year, I was speaking with a friend of mine. They told me that they have never really celebrated the holidays with their family; everyone just goes on with their day as if there's nothing special. They also told me that they have never felt like they are a part of family. There's no unity, trust, or familial aspect to their life.

I have never felt so sad hearing this, and it really made me reflect on my life. I was blessed with a family that, obviously, has its ups and downs but will always be there for anyone in need in the family. I never knew that some people were never blessed with this familial aspect of their life.

I've also read stories on some homeless and less financially fortunate who have no one else in their life to turn to for help. They are truly alone and have nowhere to turn. They stay in raggedy homeless shelters where they can get the necessities, but they have no one to spend a holiday. This is just depressing and sad.

Merry Christmas from Me!

Why am I mentioning all this negativity with just a week before Christmas? To remind you of something. No matter how much wealth or material posessions you have, you will only find true joy in spending some time with someone close to you. That can range from your family to your best friend to a significant other. For those who feel alone, you know that deep down, there is at least one person you can reach out to in your time of need. Connect with someone who you have lost touch with and have a mini-reunion. Enjoy your holidays with just one person that will appreciate that someone cares about them.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.

Catcalling...Really?

Recently, a woman in New York City created a video with a company to show that catcalling happens, even in the 21st century. The video shocked many men, including my male friends. They texted me nonstop once the video came out, saying, "You gotta see this video. It's so eye-opening." I replied nonchalantly, "This is not shocking. This happens every day to women, no matter where it is."

They were stunned that people catcall this much, even though I've witnessed these same men catcall other women around me. When I was younger, I thought nothing of it. As I've gotten older, I've become so irritated and annoyed by catcalling that I sometimes overreact to men catcalling me. Sometimes, the catcalling becomes very physical.

For example, my friends and I were walking to my friend's place. To get there, we have to walk down Court Street, the main road of Athens, Ohio. We were looking decent; I was wearing jeans, a nice shirt, and a fleece. Out of nowhere, a guy comes up behind me, slaps my butt, and walks away. I was astonished that someone had the audacity to do something like this.

Naturally, because of my nature, I ran after him to approach him. I tapped him on the shoulder, and this was the conversation that ensued:
     "Excuse me, sir."
     "Yes?"
     "Why did you find it appropriate to slap my a**?"
     "Because I liked what I saw. You should be flattered."
     "Actually, I'm not flattered. Who do you think you are that you can go up to a random girl walking down the street and slap her butt? You're no one special, and no one should do that."
     "Jesus, girl. Calm down. Stop being such a b****."
     "Me calling you out on objectifying women makes me a b****? Really? You know what, I hope you realize that I just caused a scene about you doing something completely disrespectful to a woman you don't know in front of a boatload of men and women. You royally screwed yourself over. Have fun trying to talk to any girl tonight."

As I walked away, every girl that witnessed this gave me the biggest smile. Some complimented me on standing up for myself.

What was flabbergasting is that he believed that I should be complimented by him slapping me. Really? You disrespecting women is a compliment? Are you serious? Another thing that was shocking was that he called me a derrogatory name, because I stood up for myself.

This is something that isn't new. Strong women and women who stand up for themselves are always called horrible names. News flash men: we don't need you to be successful. I don't need a boyfriend, fiance, or husband to be happy or successful in my life. I can be happy through work and through friends and family. You are not our sole focus or priority in life.

Why is catcalling still happening? Men, grow up. Calling a random woman out on the street in a sexual manner is disgusting, pathetic, and disrespectful. A true man would approach a woman and try to initiate a conversation. You will not get anything out of catcalling a woman as you drive by her on the street or walk past her on the street. Grow up and stop this now.

What's the Deal with Award Season?

The MTV Video Music Awards, or VMAs, were this past week. Almost everyone's eyes was on their television, waiting to see who would win what award or if there would be a repeat of Miley Cyrus. Well, there was nothing as jaw-dropping as Miley Cyrus' performance last year, but Beyonce pulled on the heart strings with her whole album performance and being awarded by her husband and child.

I was one of the few people who was not watching the VMAs (in case you want to know, I was watching Bears highlights on YouTube). I read about the happenings on Twitter and watched the trends the following morning.

Thinking about the VMAs in retrospect, I kept wondering why these award seasons are ridiculously popular. I understand four awards: Grammys, Emmys, Oscars, and Tonys. Every other award, e.g. the TCA, PCA, VMAs, etc, seems absolutely pointless. Why does a singer/band need an award, because they put together a great video? There are THOUSANDS of people who can create videos at the same caliber or even better, and they are not being recognized.

The TCA & PCAs? Really? Let's give you an award because people like you? Then give everyone in the world a TCA or PCA, because at least one person likes another person. It's absolutely pointless.

Again, while I was considering the purpose of these awards, I remembered a fellow classmate from my high school. He stated, "The award season is basically watching rich and wealthy people receive awards from other rich and wealthy people for singing or portraying someone that they're not." That could not be more true. Think about it for a second.

The Oscars, Emmys, and Tonys are awards given out for acting in Hollywood and on Broadway. What is acting in reality? Acting is a way to play a person that you aren't, a fantasy, an escape from reality. There are people being REWARDED for playing something they're not. Isn't the point of life to be rewarded for being who you are? It's hypocritical.

The Grammys are awards given out to singers. Well, there are MILLIONS of people that are talented singers across the world, yet they didn't receive a grammy. Why? Because they don't have a contract with the music industry. That's really the only reason they didn't receive one. That's absolutely ridiculous.

People then say, "Well, the fashion is what I care about." You could actually wait until the next day, pick up a tabloid, and see what these celebrities wore to the event. You could also subscribe to fashion magazine and see what they will probably wear months before they decide.

"Well, I like the performances." That's what YouTube is for; you can see past live performances that these singers/bands have done. You can also go and see them in concert yourself.

After reading all this, do you really see a reason to waste three or four hours of your time to watch rich people receive an award?