April 29, 1997 Final Issue

Keep expansion in check
Parting Shots
Matt Russ
Writing Coach

I will be graduating next month and as my Appalachian experience comes to a close, I have been reflecting upon the impact both this university and the community have had on me over the past four years.

For those of you who are new to this town, much has changed over the past four years, and when I look around the campus and see all the construction taking place, I begin to realize just how much this place has grown since I've been here. Sadly, I also realize how much more it is going to grow after I have left.

Growth is good, but as Anheiser Busch tells us on a regular basis, everyone needs to know when to say when. There comes a time when we all need to take a look around and decide exactly where our priorities lie. I'm afraid that Appalachian State has failed to do this.

I don't have any regrets about my time spent up here and I don't intend to question the integrity of this institution, nor its ability to educate those of us who wish to be given a well rounded education. However, it seems to me that this university has taken the whole growth and expansion thing too far.

There are far too many people up here as it is, and a school growing as fast as ASU only brings more congestion to an area with limited space. I don't believe ASU has asked themselves the question, "Will increasing enrollment have a detrimental effect on the environment and uniqueness of this area?" It undeniably will.

Part of what makes this such a wonderful place to go to college is its location. It's not just the mountains that make this a beautiful and interesting place, it's also the culture and heritage that surrounds and envelops it, creating a unique atmosphere unlike any other place in the world.

Meeting the locals who have lived here for all their lives, a part of generations and generations who have given the high country a quality all its own, has been not only an invaluable experience, but also an integral part of my education. It's sad to see that part of the Appalachian experience slowly diminishing.

My plea to the youth of this university is to do all you can to preserve the quality and integrity of the community that surrounds this university. Although a seemingly tall task, you are the backbone of this institution. Without your participation there is no university.

Oppose any growth that is not vital to the overall quality of your education. Get involved in issues that directly concern the town of Boone and surrounding communities. Chain yourselves to back-hoes, create picket lines, vote NO to liquor by the drink, write petitions, go to meetings and make your opinions heard. Do whatever you have to do to make the university listen to concerns that are important to the preservation of the uniqueness of this community.

Without you, the students, who realize what is important to this university and community as a whole, there will be no hope at stopping any bureaucratic chaos that insists on building multi-million dollar convocation centers instead of upgrading out-dated libraries. Don't let the beauty of this community and university die with the birth of more bell towers that chime Christmas carols in April or more administration buildings that resemble the Emerald City.

I've enjoyed my time spent in the Appalachian mountains and I would love to be able to bring my children back to show them where I went to school and still be able to recognize it. Wouldn't you?

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Vaya con dios amigos
Ciao baby
Ryan Price
Editorials Editor

After an educational career spanning two decades here at App (yeah, that's right), I have come to realize one thing about college; I'm ready to get the hell out.

I've had a great time here in the mountains, but sometimes it's just time to get on with your life.

Graduation is an event faced by everyone with 120 or so credit hours. For some, it's a dilemma, the cause of a great deal of stress. What are you going to do after you graduate? Work? Get a post-graduate degree? Will you be able to find a job in your major?

For others, these questions are just the beginning of an exciting period in their life. Yeah, you definitely enjoyed college, but you're ready to get on with it. Some people look forward to moving out on their own, some to strange cities where they don't know a soul, others back to their hometown but out of Mommy and Daddy's reach.

The sink or swim philosophy is appealing to many people, but in this era of slackerism, who wants to work? Hey, you're only young once, you're relatively debt free, and you're single. What better time in your life to go and try something new?

Take a chance with something you've always wanted to do. Me, I'm gonna follow my lifelong dream of being a writer for dog food commercials. You know, jingles and such.

Example: "When you're in a pinch and you can't afford to feed your dog more than a scoop, try the high-fiber dog food that's a cinch to make him poop!"

Pretty good, huh? Anyways, after eight long years of going to classes, student loans, and trudging around in the snow, I'm off to Purina, Montana to pursue my dream. Wish me luck.

Farewell to valley daze

I am originally from Florida, but I've been up here for so long I feel that I'm now a full-fledged North Carolidiot. There are several noticeable differences between North Carolina and Florida, the largest being the friendliness of the people up here.

Florida is much more fast-paced, and for the most part the people are as rude as New Yawkers (not all of ‘em, but enough to count). There are a few things about Boone that I have not become quite accustomed too, and I doubt if I ever will.

First of all, there's this thing called grits. One word: nasty. About the only acceptable version of these are the ominously named "cheesy grits," and that's only if you're really inebriated and in dire need of sustenance.

Oh yeah, one more thing. I've always wondered what would happen if I ordered just one grit. Would the waitress laugh? Snicker? Threaten to call the Southern Hospitality Indoctrination Team? I dunno, but I've never had the opportunity to truly present itself to find out.

Another Boone-ism that I have neglected to adopt is some of the language. Now, while I do have non-Southerners tell me that I have a bit of an accent now and then, I try not to use a lot of the slang words that are so pervasive in this valley culture.

I've never seriously used the word "yonder" in a sentence, and I have made a concerted effort not to replace "have" with "got" every time I need something.

Example: "I went down yonder hill ‘cuz I gots ta gits me a grit."

Another difference is waving at people while you're driving. If you go through virtually any small town in NC, you need to have one hand free at all times to wave. It doesn't have to be a full-fledged wave, with wrist action and all, but can be a little more subtle than that. The raising of two fingers from the steering wheel is the easiest, and usually the most appropriate.

This also keeps your wrist from getting strained, because if it's a busy traffic day and you do the "full-fledged wave" too much, your wrist will feel like you're Lil' Miss Tobacco in the Winston-Salem Smoker's Appreciation Day parade: tired, ragged, and fussy.

Greeters beware though; never raise just one finger in salute to your fellow motorists. They may think you're flippin' them the bird, and may make full use of the contents of their gun racks. Ever see Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider?

In Florida if you wave to someone, they're likely to turn around and follow you and more than likely want to fight.

Them: "Why'd you wave at me?"

You: "Uhh, I'm sorry."

Them: "What'd you say?"

You: "Uhh, it was an involuntary reflex that happens ‘cause I hit my elbow on the dashboard. (Wave) See, it just did it again!"

If these conditions persist, always confuse your fellow agitated motorist with a foreign dialect.

Them: "For the last time, why'd you wave."

You: "I was just going down yonder road (there aren't any hills in Florida) cuz I gots ta gets me a grit."

In the ensuing confusion, jump in your vehicle and vamoose. Problem solved.

Language differences, food selection and hand gestures aside, North Carolina is a great place to live and go to school.

Year in snafu

While I enjoyed working on The Appalachian immensely the past two years, I have noticed a few things about students and their thought processes.

First, it's very interesting to gauge the levels of student response on various issues. People seemed to get fired up over some of the silliest things; NASCAR, the mere mention of Jesse Helms in columns, and freaky white girls to name a few.

Some issues, which one would think would bring tons of letters of either student protest or outrage, go virtually unnoticed. Y'all are really hard to figure sometimes.

Anyways, I had a great time here in Boone. It was really fun and I enjoyed being in the mountains immensely. I'd like to thank some people here on campus that have made my time memorable at App.

First, thanks to Dr. (Don't call me) Francis B. Without you, I have no idea what all these lame student activists would have to complain about.

Thanks to the Guerilla Grrls for being the most overhyped, lamest student activists on this campus since, well, since the 60's.

Thanks to D.W. (Free as a bird) Freeman. David, I like ya, I don't care what Renessa sez about ‘cha. (Just kidding).

And last, good luck to the staff of The Appalachian next year (Darin and Mike, make sure you turn the darkroom into that swingers pad you all were so fired up about).

Don't cry for me Appalachian, I hardly knew ye.

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Love, leaving and Bob Inman
Vanessa Urruela
Editor-in-Chief

Lately, I've begun to see things from a brand-new perspective and it's made me come upon several revelations.

Stress doesn't have to be a given in life. If you sit back and realize that bad things are life's way of making you learn, you'll stay sane. So many things are hard enough to get through without added worry. The trials and tribulations of life are going to test you, but not kill you.

At least the majority of family members, as annoying and frustrating as they can be, really do love you. I've been through a lot with mine and let me tell you, if it weren't for them, I wouldn't have been half as successful as I am. Mom, Dad, Kara, you know I love you guys. Thanks for putting up with my stubborn behind.

Above all, it's the love of your friends and family that will get you through. Nothing else is really going to matter in the scope of your life besides how much you love you gave and how much you let other people love you. Faith helps, too.

What's Bob got to do with it?

I got the chance to meet and talk with former Charlotte newscaster Bob Inman this weekend. He came to the bookstore I work at to sign copies of his new novel. In my two hour, disjointed conversation with Bob he encouraged me to write and said that getting to do what you ultimately want to do takes time and years of experience. Bob said he feels very fulfilled by his decision to leave the Charlotte CBS affiliate to write full-time. He assured me that if I work hard enough, I can really write that novel that's been floating around in my head. Bob said that there's a writer in everyone. Bob was cool.

Leaving ASU....

Now that I've only got a little time left here, I've come to realize how much I have loved being at Appalachian.

I'm going to miss the interaction with such young and energetic people and my position as Editor of this newspaper. I'd never thought I'd admit it, but my staff has taught me more about myself than they have about journalism or leadership. Thanks guys. Thanks especially to Renee who let me be her friend in addition to her boss. Heh. We both always knew who wore the pants.

It's been a fun four years. Thanks to Ali for inspiring my faith and to Betsy for listening. Ginger, hope you finally get a cow.

To my amazingly patient sweetheart Brad, thanks for four years of support and unfailing love. That about sums up what I wanted to share with you all in my last column.

In a little over 10 days, I'm off to a mid-sized city in North Carolina to continue my career in journalism. Thanks to everyone who told me I shouldn't worry about getting a job. You guys rock.

Oh, one last thing... go easy on Frank Borkowski. He's really a good and decent man.

[back]

Thanks a lot, y'all
My Turn
Renee Cagle
Managing Editor

In my long career at Appalachian State I've seen and learned many a thing. Some I've even written about in The Appalachian. In that time I've met a lot of people and made a lot of friends. My job at The Appalachian has been the most important activity in my college life.

I will always remember my time here as one of the best.

At the same time, I would also like to thank those people that have helped make my life easier.

First, I would like to thank the best secretary in the world. Margaret Allen is the secretary for the Center for Involvement and Leadership. If I ever had a problem she could fix it. I just want to say thanks for being there when I needed you.

Secondly, I would like to thank Todd Poole, SGA vice-president, for being there when I needed a quote for a story. I would also like to thank you for being a good friend, even if you are a Republican.

I also want to thank my roommate for understanding when I come home late on a production night. Thanks for not trying to shoot me when I've come in at 3:20 a.m.

Thanks to Dino DiBernardi, director of CSIL, for offering the services of his cousin, Guido, when I was having problems with certain people.

Thanks also goes out to David Freeman, our advisor, for telling it like it is all the time.

I also want to thank John Starling, features editor, for exposing me to all his weird music. It's something I will probably never forget. Thanks for also reminding me to loosen up.

Thanks to Brandon Padgett, frequently seen intern, for manipulating the many photos which decorate The Appalachian office. I also have to say thanks for teaching the staff how to put my face on someone else's body.

To our graduate assistant, Chuck Edge, thanks for not putting my picture on the web page.

To Charlie Perdue, our fearless and faithful copyeditor, thanks for not killing any of the editors or writers, even when they may have deserved it.

Thanks to Mike Daniels, sports editor, for those tasteless jokes and imitations of Beavis and Butthead.

I would also like to thank Ryan Price, editorials editor, for coming up with 80 different ways to say my name. Thanks for letting me write all those great and thought provoking editorials as well.

Thanks also goes to Chris Kinner, news editor, for teaching me about the varied plant life of Appalachian. It's always 4:20 when he's around.

Thank you Bethany Parrish, photography editor, for her great fashion sense in office wear. You're the only person I know that can wear a feather boa and black sequined pants and not look stupid.

Thanks to Julia Huskins, production manager, for caring how the ads look in the paper.

Thanks to Jeremy Ball, assistant features editor, for telling me what a contra dance is and for being a decent guy in the office.

I would like to thank Justin Griffin, assistant sports editor, for keeping Mike in line.

Thanks to Jay, assistant news editor, for writing those news briefs.

Thanks to John O'Brien, business manager, for proving that Delta Chi's don't all wear khaki pants.

Thanks to Matt Jones for everything. Thanks for listening to me when I had a problem and being my friend.

Thanks to Matt Russ for being so laid back and honest.

Lastly, I want to thank Vanessa Urruela, editor in chief, for being my editor and friend. Thanks for being there when I was about to pull my hair out from overwork. Thanks for listening when I needed you and most importantly, thanks worrying about me when I lost my father.

That's all folks!

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Staff Perspectives

Do you think Dr. Borkowski should change his name from Francis to something cool like Butch or Spike?"

Ryan Price, Editorial Editor
"I think he should change his name to Puck. It's one syllable, and when the Guerilla Grrls protest next year they can chant ‘-uck Puck, -uck Puck!"

John Starling, Features Editor
"I think he should change his name to something nifty like Buddha Jones, Afrikaa Bambatta Borkowski, Dr. Aristotle Startle. He'd be a cool punk rocker."

Renee Cagle, Managing Editor
"No, Francis is a sophisticated name that just screams class."

Vanessa Urruela, Editor-in-Chief
"Nope. He'll always be a Francis to me."

Darin Glass, Future Editor-in-Chief
"I think he should change his name to ‘Chief' or ‘Big Dog' Borkowski."

Matt Russ, Writing Coach
"I definitely thing Francis should go for Butch. Butch Borkowski has a nice ring to it."

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