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  • What if they kill me and take my organs?

    Aside from February 14th 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.

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    Reference:

    https://bit.ly/2UNTVHP

    -Ashley Sinclair

  • Galentine’s Day: Ladies Celebrating Ladies

    Galentine’s Day: Ladies Celebrating Ladies

    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.

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    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?

  • The (Un)Romantic Purpose for Valentine’s Day

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    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.

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    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

    grad samI 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

  • The Mama Bird’s Gift of Knowledge

    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.

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    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

    Shannon Settlemyre

     

    Here are a few helpful links for more information on low-income assistance and help paying for college

    http://www.collegescholarships.org/grants/federal.htm

    https://www.cfnc.org/index.jsp

    https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/low-income-services

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Coming to an End

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    As I write this post, i’m in total disbelief that my time at UNCW is coming to an end. Tomorrow, I will walk out of my last college class ever. I walked into UNCW as a shy transfer student, and I will leave as a successful graduate with a full-time position at a Marketing Agency.

    The road to finding my niche wasn’t an easy one. During my entire time at UNCW I was working full-time and going to school full-time. This was not an easy schedule but somehow, my friends that I made during my time here always managed to pick me back up. Many late nights, long sighs, and lots of multi-tasking have a huge roll to play in this.

    More importantly, though, I have to say that the confidence in myself and the idea of walking across the stage has me glowing from the inside out. The professors in the COM department taught me a lot- but mainly they taught me confidence. Confidence in an interview, confidence in a group, confidence in life. I could not speak in front of an audience before I came to UNCW, nonetheless give an entire presentation.

    If I could give anyone advice before they graduate, it would be to take your time. Take your time in your classes, take your time with your friends, your work. Present things that you can be proud of, and in-turn, don’t forget to be proud of yourself. Don’t wish time away, because it will be over before you know it. Take advantage of the opportunities the COM department extends, and don’t be afraid to ask any of them for help.. even if it is with your personal budget. (Thanks, Dr. McDaniel).

    UNCW gave me so much more than an education, it gave me the stepping stones for the rest of my life.

    Good luck to all my fellow Seahawks, To UNCW, I’ll see you soon.

     

    -Kelsey Holmes

  • Is the Tassel Worth the Hassle?

    A common question that continually seems to be asked in today’s generation is, “is a college degree really worth it?” Ten years ago, maybe you could say that having your diploma with a bachelor’s degree was more valuable than obtaining one within more recent years, which may be somewhat true, but is that really the only thing to care about? Now a day everyone says college is a scam, “you’re just wasting your money”, “why would do you want to be thousands of dollars in debt”, the list goes on and on. Then there is people on the opposite side of the spectrum saying stuff like, “you won’t be able to get a good job without a degree!”, or the best one of them all, “have fun flipping burgers at McDonalds!”. None of these really hold any truth in my opinion and both types of people couldn’t be any more wrong. I say it all depends with what you want to do with your life and what you want to make of yourself.

    imagescollege

    For myself, I believe choosing to go to college was one of the best decisions that I ever made post high school. The people you meet, the experiences you have, the opportunities that arise for you, are priceless in my opinion. Not only was going to college one of the best decisions that I made, but going away from my home state was an even better choice. Attending UNCW provided me with some of the best times with people that I had no idea who they were three years ago and now I will connect with them for the rest of my life. Taking the step and going to a university so far without knowing a single person is a huge commitment. It really takes you outside of your comfort zone and enables you to see what type of person you truly are. You don’t have your parents to hold your hand every step, every time a problem occurs, or something happens that doesn’t go your way. Problem solving and critical thinking skills are quick to come into play and allows you to mature overall as an individual. It seems to me a lot of people that go away to college their first year are taken out of their comfort zone and are not sure how to react to the situation so they give up and transfer back to their home university. Which ends up leading back to the same old routines, bad habits, hanging out with the same friends who you grew up with. Take a chance and break the pattern that you are so used to being in.

    wrightsville-beach-1Of course there is the positives and negatives to every choice we make whether it is to go to college or not to go to college. I have had a ton of fun and learned quite a bit, but who is to say that going to a university half hour away instead 6 and half hours away wouldnt of done the same thing. Well the simple answer to that is, a college right down the road would not of had the Atlantic Ocean a bike ride away. All jokes aside, nobody will ever have the answer to that question and that’s what brings me to, no matter what you decide to do, everything is going to have its ups and downs. All you can really do is buckle up, don’t look back and put in 100-percent effort. 

    To all the professors, classmates, and friends that I have encountered along the way, I want to say thank you all for making my college experience the best it could possibly be. At the end of the day, there is way more to college than just receiving a piece of paper and jumping right into a career that you will do for the rest of your life. Shout out to not only UNCW, but the Communication Studies Department as well, they have taught me more than I ever could have hoped for. So to answer the question, “is the tassel worth the hassle?” in my opinion, yes, the tassel IS worth the hassle.

    ~Nick Grimaldi