(no title)

Worlds To Be Explored

imcclass February 19, 2019

Video games…the staple of my childhood. From Banjo-Kazooie to Apex Legends; video games have been a part of my life since I can remember. The stories told, visuals seen, and music heard has all accumulated into the so-called adult writing this.

If you have played video games most of your life you may have heard either a family, friend, or peer say, “Why are you wasting your time playing that game?” Hopefully, this did not result in you quitting spending time exploring the vast worlds video game developers have created. Instead, I hope this made you question why you truly enjoy spending your time racking up gold coins and virtual armor.

For me, it was the sense of accomplishment and escape it offered. During middle school and early into high school I often found myself spending hours playing World of Warcraft. The expansive world and stories that Blizzard created drew me in and I spent six years playing every single day after school and on the weekends. I made a lot of life long friends through the game and created amazing memories. Of course, there are other games worth noting and that is exactly what the DICE awards were made for.

wow-baf-fanart-contest

Hosted by the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, a non-profit organization recognizing interactive arts, the DICE awards allow for amazing video games to be noticed. This awards show recognizes not only the game itself, but the people who made it and the development teams who have led advancements in the massive interactive entertainment industry.

It distinguishes the people who have spent years creating this one experience to be enjoyed by people around the world. The artists who pour every resource into this one entertainment piece that allows people to escape and experience accomplishments for a couple hours every day. The DICE awards are important because they recognize the people who take their time to make someone else’s life enjoyable. This year, God of War was awarded game of the year.

They also recognized Bonnie Ross, head of 343 Industries and a strong promoter of STEM and diversity efforts across the video game industry among women and other minorities. You might recognize the name if you are a massive HALO fan.

So, next time someone asks you why you are “wasting your time” playing games, tell them you are experiencing interactive art. Explain to them the work that goes on behind the scenes and about the stories you have experienced and achievements you have made. At the end of the day if you enjoy playing video games as much as I do it will not really matter what others think. If you have made friends online you are surrounded by like minded and passionate individuals, who recognize the enjoyment video games can bring. So, keep on playing and enjoy your time exploring.

– Christian Lombardi

Friends

Celebrate SAD

imcclass February 15, 2019

You did it! You scrolled through all the sappy captions on Instagram, saw all the stories of flowers and chocolate on snapchat, and even withstood the surprise proposal video on Facebook. As a member of the single’s club, you survived Valentine’s Day.

new girl

So, what’s in it for you?

Every year, February 15^th is known as Single’s Awareness Day (that’s right, the acronym is “SAD”). On this day, single people everywhere celebrate their singleness by exchanging gifts with one another, mingling, and appreciating each other’s friendship.

Here are some simple ways to celebrate Single’s Awareness Day:

Go see a movie with friends! Whether you stay in and find a Netflix original or go to your local theater, spend time laughing (or screaming) with your fellow single pals. Let it serve as a reminder of how great your friendships are. It will leave you more thankful for your friends than pitiful about your love life.

Show someone kindness or love who needs it. Pay for the person’s coffee in front of you, hold the door for the person behind you, or compliment a stranger. Small acts like this go along way. It could be just what a person needs who may have had a rough Valentine’s Day, just like you.

Allow yourself to indulge. Buy the shirt, eat another cookie, sleep in the extra hour, etc. Whatever you choose to do, keep it within reason and see it as a way of acknowledging your singleness. Give yourself some grace and celebrate your independence!

Lastly, affirm your friends and the people you care about through words, gifts, time, etc. Let them know how much they mean to you. Even though you may not have a valentine, hopefully have people in your life who you love and trust. This is the perfect opportunity to show them appreciation.

Don’t let February 15^thbecome a pity party. Celebrate the non-romantic relationships in your life and let gratitude be your guide! Happy SAD…how will you celebrate?

-Brooke Sanderson

What if they kill me and take my organs?

imcclass February 14, 2019

Aside from February 14^th being the cliché day for lovers and lovers of chocolate, it is also National Organ Donor Day. I wanted to write a blog of some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to registering as an organ donor.

There are several explanations as to why some people are against being organ donors, including lack of knowledge, fear, or simply it just never crosses their mind. But if someone approaches you to ask you if you were willing to save someone’s life and leave a lasting legacy of yourself, would you feel differently about donating?

By choosing organ donation you have the chance of saving eight lives and also having an effect on several others included their families. If you chose, you can donate your lungs, liver, pancreas, heart, intestines or kidneys; along with tissues such as your corneas, ligaments, veins, heart valves, bones and plenty more. It is also a possibility for a living donation and donates a kidney, part of a lung, pancreas, liver or intestine.

As mentioned in the beginning, the first most common fear or myth associated with donating is that not all effort will be made to save your life if you’re a registered donor. I cannot emphasize this enough, this is not true. Organ donation cannot be considered until you’re pronounced dead. Extensive testing can determine brain death, which is made by a physician who’s not affiliated with donations. Secondly, some feel you cannot have an open casket funeral, which is also not true. There are absolutely no indications showing organ or tissue donation when one’s prepped for burial. An open casket, cremation, and burial are all still possible. Lastly, some worry they do not qualify because of health reasons, age, or even race. However, there is no medical, age, or race restrictions associated with organ donation.

After reading my blog, I hope I have at least put a thought in your mind about possibly considering organ donation if you are not already. So how do you become an organ donor? Anyone is suitable to join the registry, despite any health habits or medical history. If you want to register there are two ways, at your local NC DMV, or online with Donate Life NC. Once registered, you will receive a red heart on your license. This is legally binding consent saying you are an organ and eye donor, and all your organs are available for transplant at your time of death. However, if at any point after this you change your mind, you can go to your Donor Profile page you can remove yourself from the donor registry and this, in fact, surpasses your DMV donor record removing you from the registry for organ donation.

Give your heart in more than one way.

Screen Shot 2019-02-13 at 2.56.38 PM

Reference:

https://bit.ly/2UNTVHP

-Ashley Sinclair

Communication Studies

Galentine’s Day: Ladies Celebrating Ladies

imcclass February 13, 2019

Today is February 13th, simply known to some as the day before Valentine’s Day. However, in recent years, this date has become a popularized holiday known as Galentine’s Day, a day of “celebrating platonic friendships, usually among women.” Like every other great American holiday, Galentine’s Day has become commercialized- but before we get into that, let’s take a look back at its history.

On February 11th, 2010, many tuned in to NBC to watch the sixth episode of the second season of the beloved TV sitcom, Parks and Recreation. The show’s main character, Leslie Knope, spends the episode celebrating her female friends. She does this by starting a tradition of hosting a breakfast for all of her closest girlfriends (and even her mom) at their favorite local diner. An assortment of brunch favorites are served, such as chicken and waffles. Knope even gifts each of her friends items varying from a mosaic picture of them made out of their favorite soda bottles, to a personalized 5,000 word essay about why they are amazing.

Fast-forwarding to today, almost a decade later, Knope has created a real life holiday. When you Google who invented Galentine’s Day, surely enough Leslie Knope, a fictional television character, is credited.

So, how has this holiday become a commercialized, cultural phenomenon? With the help of social media and popularity gained from Parks and Recreation, February 13th is now a day filled with memes, brunch celebrations, and plenty of #galentinesday hashtags. I have personally seen Galentine’s Day posts on my Instagram and Twitter feeds from clothing brands and restaurants. For example, I’ve noticed that stores will have limited-time sales on clothes for women to wear while they celebrate the holiday with their friends. Restaurants have even caught on to the trend, advertising for women to come in with their friends for a Galentine’s breakfast or brunch.

However, some say this holiday is an “anti-Valentine’s” celebration. I don’t think that’s the case. To me, this is a great way for girls to celebrate the female friendships they have, regardless of whether or not they have a significant other! After all, the world could use more celebrations like this.

-Hannah Lewis

For more information, read this article: What is Galentine’s Day?

Communication Studies

The (Un)Romantic Purpose for Valentine’s Day

imcclass February 12, 2019

Valentine-day-in-France-1080x520

When I was in elementary school Valentine’s Day was one of my top five favorite holidays. There were cards, flowers, candy hearts, and the possibility that my crush might actually like me back. Every February, across the country, flowers, candy hearts, and chocolate are exchanged by couples on a day intended just for the sole purpose of being romantic and receiving gifts, all in the name of St. Valentine. What we are not taught when we are little is that Valentine’s Day was not originally about romance and celebrating your significant other, but a gruesome, religious tale. But who is this mysterious St. Valentine and where did these traditions come from?

The history of St. Valentine comes with many legends. One legend is told that in the third century, Valentine was a priest who served in Rome. An emperor, Claudius II, decided that men with wives and a family would not make good soldiers compared to those who were single. Therefore, marriage was forbidden for young men in this time period. Valentine saw the injustice of the law and went against Claudius continuing to perform marriages in secret. When the saint’s rebellious actions were exposed, Claudius ordered that he be martyred.

While many believe that this holiday is celebrated on February 14 to commemorate the death of Valentine, others believe that the roots of this day lie in the Christianization of the ancient festival Lupercalia.

lupercalia-1

Before his death on February 14, it is suggested that the priest sent the first “Valentine’s Day card” to his jailor’s daughter signed “Your Valentine”. Now when you ask that special someone to be your valentine, you will have a wealth of knowledge of where this tradition came from.

Some would say that vday is a money-guzzling marketing holiday, made just for couples to show their affection for one another one day a year, but like other holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day or Easter, Valentine’s Day has made its way into pop culture. Yes, chocolate and flowers are nice, but the next time you celebrate with your loved ones, you should be mindful of its true origin. It is not always about the gifts, but so much more.

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

-Kandy Crawford

For more information watch this video: History of Valentine’s Day

Sources: History.com

It’s All Coming to an End

imcclass December 7, 2018

grad sam I can honestly say it has felt like a lifetime since I first enrolled in college and began my studies. Having attended an early college program for high school, I took my first college course at 14. Intro to Computer Science was a breeze and I thought I had college all figured out. Little did I know the roller coaster I was embarking on.

It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do after high school and the fast track I put myself on had no time for reluctance. Sometime around the end of sophomore year it all clicked; communication was where my heart was. It’s kind of impressive how life has a way of putting everything into place. Once I got the idea of studying communication, I was coming across amazing teachers and people who encouraged me to pursue what I love. They all helped me map my journey to that goal. I was lucky to receive constant support while completing my high school diploma and associates degree and for that I’m forever grateful. I had an awesome foundation going into university.

However, as most of us know at this point, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine. I had so many bumps in the road during my time at UNCW, I can barely believe it all happened. Through it all, I just have two pieces of advice for future graduates, advice I wish I could give my eighteen-year-old self.

Show up, but remember to take time for yourself too. Show up to your classes, show up to a new club that seems interesting, show up to that event even if you’re feeling lazy! Showing up is the easiest thing you can do, though I know sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. That’s when it’s important to remember you’re allowed to take time for yourself. Going to college is overwhelming enough, but when you factor in working, extracurricular activities, and social obligations it can seem impossible. Taking some time for yourself is the only way to stay sane and it’s easy to forget how important that is when we have so much going.

When I first got to UNCW, I avoided events and anything that wasn’t my classes for the first couple of months. I found it so difficult to get involved at a school with so many students after coming from a graduating class of fifty six. I found it even more difficult to make time for things that weren’t my studies or going back to my hometown. With a little push from my roommates and realizing that the answer to my problems weren’t at home, I started to integrate myself into the UNCW community. Since then, time has flown by and I cannot believe it’s all coming to an end.

University changed me in ways I could never imagine, but I think I’m just a better version of who I came to school as. So, to all the Seahawks who still have a way to go, good luck and take care of yourselves! Time flies when you’re bleeding teal.

Rachel (12 of 30)

-Rachel Montesinos Jorro

Communication Studies

The Mama Bird’s Gift of Knowledge

imcclass December 6, 2018

As another semester comes to a close, my time left as a student at UNCW is ever so short. This being my last blog post for the IMC Hawks, I feel compelled to share my college journey in hopes to bring knowledge and faith that it is possible to obtain a college degree despite age, hardships or any obstacles that many people are facing this day and age.

_MG_0693

As an 18-year-old college freshman, I was fortunate to land a job at a local film company where I began my career in film post-production. After obtaining my associates degree from Cape Fear Community College, I was accepted to UNCW soon after graduating. The schoolwork however was hindering my film career and I was forced to make the big decision to drop out of college. Fast forward years later and I am raising two children on my own and the film company I have been working so hard for my entire career is moving their operation to Atlanta, GA. This could be a whole other blog post about the film industry being swept away from our port city but I won’t get on that soapbox. Once again I am forced to make a big life decision. Do I stay in my hometown where I have a family to help, or pack up and try to navigate a big city alone with two kids? I decided to stay home. I felt lost with no direction again and now I have two other mouths to feed. I had to figure out a plan fast before I ended up in a homeless shelter with two small children.

I spent my days searching the Internet for full time jobs requiring my skills. I felt hopeless. Then all of a sudden there it was, the perfect fit, a job with all of my skill sets. I just knew this was it. I was excited about applying for the job and as I began reading the requirements, it says must have a bachelor’s degree. I was so angry but this was my turning point. I decided right then I was going back to college to finish and provide a better future for my children. I knew there was no one to pay for it and I knew it was going to be difficult, but I was determined to find a way.

At this point in my life, I was on government assistance, receiving food stamps, Medicaid for the children and living in income-based housing. I couldn’t afford daycare for my children, so I was only able to work part time when my family could help me. I went through the necessary steps to apply for re-enrollment to UNCW and soon received my letter of acceptance. I was finally making progress. After applying for and receiving financial aid and available grants, everything was in place to return to school with money for childcare, and enough grants and loans for tuition. My children and I could now live comfortably while I pursue my post secondary education.

With all that said, I stress the fact that it would not have been possible without the assistance programs available for struggling families or individuals. There are so many charities and resources available for education but for some individuals it is hard to find the right information. Many people get discouraged because it is just overwhelming trying to navigate the steps necessary to start college. We all know someone that struggles or wants to go back to school but feels it is impossible. I ask you to encourage them and arm them with the knowledge to guide them. You could very well change someone’s life just by giving him or her the nudge they need or showing them the right place to start the process of obtaining their college degree.

2017 family christmas cardsmall