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jPage 2 THE COMPASS Thursday, October 11, 1990 THE OPINION PAGE THE COMPASS Editors: IMevvs Craig Avondo Mark Morris Advertising Manager Darryl Brown Production Manager Avondo Circulation Manager Stone Staff Artist Kevin Cruz Photographers Eric Jones, Jackie Roundtree,Chukundi Salisbury and Renel Sample Staff Writers Pablita Batiste, Cindi Blount, Dennis Blount, Uchenna Bulliner, Sharon Chappell, Lav- enia Dameron, Wanda Jordan, Eric Jones, Tonya Moore, Becky Over ton, Miracle Perry, Kimberly Robinson, Rebecca Smithson, Chukundi Salisbury, James Sims, Tymekia Troy, Kenneth Valentine, Jr., Tarsha White, Cheryl White and Albert C.F. Woodley The Compass is published by Elizabeth City State University students under the direction of the Department of Language, Literature and Connniunication, Dr. Anne Henderson, Chairperson, and Mr. Stephen March, faculty advisor. Ths Compass welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be sent to ECSU Box 815, Elizabeth City, NC 27909. All letters must be signed and include the writer's address and telephone number. They may be edited for length, clarity, and taste, as well as accuracy and grammar. Because of limited space, not all letters can be published. No Smoking Policy While we support the University’s no-smoking ban, we are dubious about the school’s willingness to enforce the ban in an equitable manner. Attorney Bynum has been candid about the problems the Uni versity has encountered in trying to work out penalties for rule violations, saying, for example, that violations wiU be taken “on a :ase by case” basis. And we believe she is attempting to imple- nent the ban in good faith. ‘^However, rules are only as effective as the individuals who inforce them, and we worry that the University may tend to deal ;yith violaters according to who the offender is rather than in .erms of the infraction itself. . In order for the ban to be effective, it must be enforced fairly— kvithout regard for the offender’s position and/or prestige. This ineans supervisors and faculty members who light up should be leak with in the same manner as students or other University employees. . -We also urge officials to show some mercy on the smokers in the EC'^U tainily by either setting aside more smoking areas in buildings, or allowing them to smoke in designated areas outside of buildings. Ms. Bynum has said that employees would not be Slowed to smoke outside of buildings, because it isn’t consonant with the University’s image. Smoking is a powerful addiction, by some accounts as powerful ^ the addiction to heroin, and the need for a cigarette makes a smoker nervous and irritable. Setting aside more designated areas for smokers—even if outside in the falling snow—will go a long w,ay toward cutting down down on rule violations. The University has enacted the no-smoking ban, in part, to save non-smokers from being subjected to passive smoke. And while y^Q greatly admire the concern and vision behind this step, we urge officials to 1) enforce the ban fairly, and 2) consider the needs of the smokers themselves. If smoking areas can be set aside for important visitors to the school, officials should be able to extend same treatment to smokers in the the University family. I Spangler's Decision lu NC system President C.D. Spangler’s recent decision to distribute his annual salary of $142,520 to the schools in the system was a noble and generous act deserving of Ijaise. Mr. Spangler, a wealthy businessman, decided to give his salary :b^ck to the system he serves after being criticized by “editorial .“Writers and some legislators” for his salary, according to news 'reports. We disagree with this criticism, finding it petty and small -minded. However, Mr. Spangler’s decision should not only silence ■ the criticism, it should also demonstrate the UNC System Presi- ;dent’s passionate commitment to education and public service. ; Mr. Spangler is certainly a faithful friend to this University. His : sponsorship of the Incentive Scholarship Program has not only ; helped revitalize the institution academically, it has also given Jmany deserving students in the region the opportunity to become educated and to take their rightful place in society as leaders. ■ During his September, 1987 visit to the campus, Mr. Spangler ‘ told the students, “Most of you know I have taken a very special interest in ECSU. I admire the faculty and the staff but my overrid ing concern is for you, the student.” In returning his salary to the schools, Mr. Spangler commented, “Having done this let me make it clear I am fortunate to be able to work for the University.” The University, and the people of North Carolina, are even more fortunate to have Mr. C.D. Spangler as President of the UNC system. 0m Jamie Hawkins and Shana Brown: “It wasn't necessary. A new domitory should iiave been built first, or else the dorms should have been air- conditioned." Talk of ECSU: What the new is your opinion of bowling alley? Keith Crosby “I don’t thinkthe money was well spent because we have a problem with housing. They should have spend it on dorms. Instead of building a new bowling alley, they could have just made additions to the University Center." MaryCahoan “‘I am thrilled about the bowling alley. I can’t wait for it to open, but if there were other things more important that the funds could have been used for, like a dormitory, then that should have been first priority.” . ^ TonsaWoiton “Bowling is a good recreational activity for students. The bowling alley is a great idea if they don’t get dumb-dumb with it by allowing only the Students who are taking the class to use the facility.” m Guest Columnists Gantt rally shows rebirth of Viking pride By Mark Morris ECSU students have legitimate things to gripe about on campus this semester. You can gripe about the second tuition hike in as many years, or the stench that seeps from the ground near the cafeteria entrance after it rains—whichever bothers you the most. Buton Wednesday September 19, there was a sweet smell in Moore Hall Auditorium. The first major political rally of the decade at ECSU marked the rebirth of “Viking Pride. ” The students, in support of Har vey Gantt, knew what they were there for and reacted in rare form. The volume of the high-powered and energetic rally was reminiscent of Democratic conventions in Atlanta. The chant, “G-A-N-T-T! SURE SOUNDS GOOD TO ME, HAR VEY! HARVEY!,” bounced off of walls and fueled the momentum of a group of students long overdue for a political hero. But the real hero of the day was the student body. The most signifi cant event to take place in Moore Hall was the revitalization of Viking pride, which means quite a bit these days. No longer a slogan. Viking pride is a state of mind that is blowing through our institution like a March breeze. Viking pride fuels the mighty Viking football team every Saturday, and inspires the Viking Marching Band to give spectacular perform ances such as their display at the Fish Bowl on September 22. Viking pride has sparked ideas at WRVS for such programs as “Yard Talk,” and “Al pha to Omega,” and it has helped generate an increase in wattage, as well as an extra hour of air time. Viking pride has thrust The Com pass into another first place award— the third in as many years—in the ColumbiaUniversity Scholastic Press Association contest. Viking pride has uni fied the Greek organizations on campus to push for a common goal in Harvey Gantt, and it has attracted alumni such as Willie Riddick, advisor to North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones, back to the scene at ECSU to share his political fire with a new generation of Vikings. The rally for Harvey Gantt on September 19 provided a perfect medium for the rejuvination of the spirit that brings prestige to institu tions such as ECSU. A special commendation is in or- derforSGAPresident,Renel Sample, Miss ECSU, Alisa Robinson, and Mr. Kelvin “Kaz” Brown for putting a well organized program together on very short notice. Also due, is an affectionaie “thank you” for the at mosphere set by the ECSU Gospel Choir, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Gripe if you will, but be thankful, ECSU, for Viking pride. (Mark Morris, Sports Editor of The Compass, is a junior English News/Media major from Windsor, N.C.) Writer offers his advice for 'the slaps of life' By Darryl Brown Onthefirstdayof your first breath the doctor slapped you into hfe. Since then life has been one slap after an other. As you grew older life had a ten- dancy to change. You had needs to be fulfilled and goals set before you to be achieved. Once you started grade school you were slapped again. Each morning you had to get up out of that warm bed and those warm sheets just to go and get an education. You probably were thinking that these days would be everlasting, but you were really fooled. Once you completed grade school and went on to high school, pow! There came another slap. Things began to get a lot harder and more demanding; however, deep down you started thinking about the biggest slap of them all: Someday you would have to be making it on your own. As you continued through high school and graduated you went on to college and suddenly, the side of your face begins to bum tecause you were sipped again and didn’t even realize it. College was even harder and more demanding. You didn’t realize that such a slap could do such damage. As the semesters go by and time passes you foresee the big day: Gradu ation. All of a sudden that big day is here and you are slapped into reality. Suddenly you are faced with the job, bills and the family and any other things that could cause the side of your face to bum with pure agony. Here’s some advice on how to prepare for the slaps that life deliv ers: 1) Always prepare for the worst. By doing this, you can help insu late yourself from disappointment. If you are prepared for the worst, you can also develop a game plan or strategy for overcoming the prob lem. 2) Never give up. Don’t allow yourself to be over come by firustration and gloom. No one ever said life would be easy. And everyone has to deal with frustration and pain; these things are just a part of living. The trick is to pick yourself up after you fall, and try again. Just because you dont get the first job you try for, Uy for the second, and when you are hired once, you will get hired again. 3) Try to look at hardships as ob stacles to be over come, as challenges to rise above, rather than weights to drag you down. A postive attitude is, hands down, the best weapon against failure and despair. Only those who possess faith in themselves can really make it in the world. 5} Don t be afraid to pray. In the words of M.C. Hammer, “We need to pray to make it today.” Many seemingly insurmountable problems have been solved by the magic of prayer. So when the slaps of life get you down don’t forget that each slap is just another stepping stone on the pathway to success and the realiza tion of your dreams. (Darryl Brown, a senior English/ News Media major, is The Compass’ advertising manager. He is from Williamston, N.C.) >1' a eat*- i-iz... Hello Fellow Vikings: Yes, an- ! ofh^r school year has begun and there lar'e millions of things going on al- .ready. Personal and social dilemnas are constantly arising in our lives ‘ 'and sometimes we need a second opinion. That's where I come in. When there’s a situation in your life that youfeel you need some help with, write to: Dear Liz, Campus Box815, ECSU. Your name is not needed to ' get the irformationyouwant. Others may need to hear your story to know .that they are not alone. » V# ■ Dear Liz: Can old flames really reunite? In my case, the flames came rushing back in every way imaginable! The fire was even more intense than be fore. My friend just Uansferred here at school, but he broke my heart the first time around. Should I trust him again? Sincerely Confused Dear Confused: Sometimes women tend to take the passive role when it comes to their feelings in relationships. But, I’m here to say it’s time to come out of the shell and stop being door mats. Your feelings were walked on be fore; are you ready to risk the pain and disappointment that may follow reigniting the flame? If you think the relationship is worth a second try, make it known that the ball is in your court, and you’re taking control! Don’t make yourself so available to him. He should not be able to hurt you, walk out, and dance back to easily pick where he left off. Trust has to be earned. Hings last a short while and kisses never mean security. So when the fire dies down, don’t be left again standing in the smoke. Do the right thing; find the nearest exit. Liz Dear Liz, Life seems to be one big joke for me. Unlike King Midas, lately eve rything I’ve touched seemed to crumble! I can’t pass my tests, my love life is on edge. I’m tired of my size, and money is a big problem! I’ve tried to study but I can’t seem to concentrate. There are a number of problems concerning my family and I have taken the load on my own shoulders: It seemed to be the only solution. Right now. I’m just at a dead end. Do you have any words of encouragement? Out-of-It Dear Out-Of-It: Get back into it. King Midas was a fairy tale. As humans in a real world, everything we touch won’t turn to gold, because that’s life my friend. Pull yourself together. You know, it helps so much to see what other people suffer sometimes; we would be very grateful it’s not us. Every problem can be solved with time, patience, determination and prayer. As for the weight problem, start doing something about it. Your love life and your tests grades will im prove when you regroup and make up your mind to do better. Having a pity party will not get you anywhere; you could drown in your own tears! So drop the heavy load and realize that there is someone who holds every situation and yes. He knows and sees all. Everything happens for a reason, besides your power is very limited. So lift your head and smile and know that things will get better for you. Just watch and see. Liz Dear Liz, What do you do when you sud denly find out your boy friend is cheat ing on you with one of yoiu" closest friends. I feel like strangling both of them—especially her! I told her some of my darkest secrets even things that went on with my boyfriend. Little did I know that she would decide to get in on a piece of the action! Why would she do something like this to me? Why? The bastard thought he was slick and that I would never catch on to his deceit, but luckily I did. So what do I do now? Heartbroken and Frustrated Dear H & R: Life is a learning process. You leam who to trust, and who not to trust. Unfortunately, we sometimes seem to automatically trust the wrong people. Obviously, your so-called ‘ friend’ is not the friend you thought she was. Friendship cils for many sac rifices and self-discipline. Even though she may have found your boyfriend to be attfactive, a true friend would have known just where to draw the line because of her respect for and love for you. Even though she underestimated you, don’t take it personal. Remember she did not intend for you to know. As for your boyfriend, he’s just that, a boy. Do yourself a favor next time, and find a man. So let time mend yoitf broken feelings, renew your mind, and somehow carry on homegirl. Lit
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