Great Food Great Fun

While spending time in High Point its good to get acquainted with your surroundings. Food and entertainment are a great way to spend time with friends outside of the University’s walls. There are even opportunities to use the High Point University’s declining dollars. Each one of these four places brings something different to the table with a very unique atmosphere.

Great food places and why?

First on the list is a little diamond in the ruff called Emerywood Cafe. It’s a smaller type restaurant with personalized seating for its favorite costumers. When you go to order you should get the baked artichoke dip it is absolutely delicious. It is located at 130 West Lexington Ave.

If you are a pizza lover there is no better deal in town like Lubranos Pizzeria. When interviewing the waiter named Dominick he said they give a great deal to High Point University Students only. With showing their student I.D.'s they can get 15% off on either dine in or pick up orders. It is located right down the street from the University at 1100 E. Lexington Ave High Point, NC 27262.

From pizza to pasta the most notable Italian restaurant in town would be Gianos located at 1124 Eastchester Drive High Point NC 27262. This place has great portions of fresh pasta and create your own dishes. Another important perk that makes students happy is the fact they can use their declining balance there. They do take reservations and the restaurant is full most of the time.

For the last item High Point Food would not be complete without Barberitos Southwestern Grill is a tex mex heaven. If you are somebody who enjoys larger than life burritos and fresh salsa this is your place. Everything is made right in front of you and to your likeing. You are immediatly greated by a friendly staff. It is located at 1131 Eastchesterdrive High Point NC 27262. This is the other place you can use your High Point University card. So after the break come on back and have a tasty snack on the folks.

A High Point Christmas Carol

A High Point Christmas Play
by Pat Devine

Have the holidays snuck up on you...

Boo! There here! Why not relish in the spirit?

High Point's Shakespeare Festival is putting on a production of Dicken's A Christmas Carol and it's one for the whole family.

Like most regional theatres they are a union based company. About half of thier company are union players. A third more are young professionals. This according to the manager of the Shakespeare Festival and director of the production, Pedro Silva.

Why to See It

Says Silva, we should see the play because, "it is excellent quality, we use professional actors, and because it continues to be and could become a wonderful holiday tradition. It's a timeless passionate significant story about our common humanity."

Most all of us have seen some form of the story, but that does not limit the amount with which we can enjoy reviewing this masterful and timeless classic. It helps, also, that the players really go out of thier way to keep the script fresh and look at it in new ways.

The show revolves around Ebenezer Scrooge. His story is the centerpiece for the play.

His role is being played by Allen Edwards, a highly accomplished actor who has been with the company for 9 years and has been acting most of his adult life.

"It was great to see Scrooge's journey throught the play," says Sean Scurlock, an HPU theatre student after seeing the production of the play.

When and Where

The production continues through the 21st of December.

The play is being performed in downtown High Point, six days a week, at the High Point Theatre.

Matinees on Sunday

Future Events

From February until April the company is going on a statewide school tour.

They will be performing an abridged version of Romeo and Juliet.

Growing Greek Interest Worries Sororities

Growing Greek Interest Worries Sororities

By Lee Ann Davis

Greek organizations at High Point University have always been popular on campus, but with today’s growing class size comes a greater number of students interested in Greek Life.

For girls interested in sororities, big changes are underway as the number of prospective pledges continues to increase as rush week approaches.

Sorority Life
A sorority, from the Latin word meaning “sister,” is a social organization for undergraduate students at colleges and universities. Sororities provide great opportunities to make lasting friendships, build smaller communities within university settings, and allow numerous opportunities for leadership and service work.

High Point University offers 13 Greek organizations, four of which are National Panhellenic Council sororities.

Jean Morrow, a sorority member at High Point University suggests that everyone go Greek. "The Greeks are the most involved people on campus; they host or sponsor a lot of school events and do a ton of philanthropy work on campus," the sophomore says.

A big part of sorority life is being involved. From the Zeta Tau Alpha event "Big Man on Campus," a sponsered male pageant show to raise money for their philanthropy to Kappa Delta's "Dance Your Pants Off," a 12 hour dance competetion where all proceeds go to Prevent Child Abuse America, sororities work hard to get students involved in supporting their national philanthropies.

Ms. Morrow enforces joining a sorority because it provides many opportunities to learn and grow as a leader, friend, and person. "No excuses, Greek is great!"

However, many changes await the sororites with the coming of recruitment 2009. For Zeta Tau Alpha, Kappa Delta, Phi Mu, and Alpha Gamma Delta, significant changes are being implemented in order to support the drastic number of girls interested in Greek Life.





Significant Changes
Spring recruitment 2009 is going to be an interesting process. With the number of rushees signed up for recruitment, the concern for accomodating the large amount of girls has swept across Greek Life, from one sorority to the next.

This years girls who have signed up for recruitment have nearly double the amount of girls who went through rush last year. Where a record number of approximately 129 girls signed up last year, approximately 230 girls will be going through recruitment in 2009.

Greek Life Coordinator, Meredith McCrea says, "It is excting, the amount of girls interested in Greek Life." Though it is going to be a challenge, Meredith sees the positive in the expansion of each sorority.

Two years ago, 13 girls were admitted to each sorority; this year, it is estimated that 45 girls will be added to each sorority. The extravagant amount of girls interested in Greek Life is intimidating to most sorority members.

Amanda Anderson, the newly appointed president of her sorority is more excited than nervous. "I believe that they will be a huge asset to our chapter, and it is exciting to see so many women interested in Greek Life."

Ms. Anderson says her chapter has never had a class quite as big as the anticipated number of girls. "We would like to think we are ready, but we won't know that for sure until they are here!"

In regards to preparation of the new girls, Ms. Anderson says her sorority has made many mandatory recruitment workshops to familiarize every sister with the process of rush. She also stated that her girls are learning the importance of the new member period and the role current girls will be taking among the 45 new girls.

Many other things are being done in regards to the future new girls. Both the Greek Life Coordinator and Panhellenic Council are working hard to accomodate every sororities needs.

Accomodating the Changes
With each growing class at High Point, Meredith McCrea says she has been expecting some changes to be made for recruitment.

The initial schedule for recruitment set in July has been changed significantly several times. The number of parties each potential new sorority member must attend has doubled this year in order to accomodate each new girl and each sorority.

Kerri Noppenberger, the current secretary/treasurer for Panhellenic Council said they have been working closely with each sorority to make sure every need is met.

Ms. Noppenberger says they are continuously thinking of ways to help each chapter adjust to instantly doubling their chapters. By shortening the length of parties and adding more parties throughout the week, making sure Rho Chis are not overwhelmed, and working closely with recruitment chairs, recruitment will run as smoothly as possible.

"I suggest that each sorority be patient," she says. "We are still thinking of ways and things we can do to help."


Related Sources:

How Sororities Work
Sorority Recruitment

Meredith McCrea

Greek Life Coordinator and Resident Director Meredith McCrea has been working hard to ensure a smooth running spring recruitment for sororities. As Greek Life Coordinator, McCrea oversees all aspects of Greek Life, including Greek Week, new member recruitment, and philanthropy. She is also the adviser for the Inter-Fraternity and Panhellenic Councils – the governing bodies for fraternities and sororities. McCrea is a native of Lynchburg, VA and graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Psychology. McCrea can be contacted by phone at 336-841-9059.

Small Band making Big Buzz: The Movement

Small Band Making Big Buzz: The Movement
By
Austin Horton


From Philadelphia, “City of Brotherly Love”, all the way to Columbia NC, there are a lot of moves being made to witness The Movement. Originally based in the south this up and coming Alternative, Reggae Rock & Roll band are making their way through the country creating a real buzz in college towns all over the East Coast. Performing in bars, clubs and lounges High Point was fortunate to have them here as our guest this past weekend.

The two founding members of the band and child hood friends, Jordan Miller & Josh Swain, hail from Columbia NC and have been touring for the past 3 years. Once they had lost the presence of their Dj John Ruff, the two musicians were on the search for a newly formed and ever more classic sound. The only question was where they could find such a sound and talent that could meet their own. The duo of tremendous talent has been playing here in high point for the past 5 years at a close friend’s tavern, Triangle Night Club. Over the weekend the band put on 2 soul igniting performances starting Friday night. Leaving the city of High Point in an “Ire” disposition, long time fans rejoiced.

Patrick Scarborough: High Point North Carolina
“I think the movement is the best band that I have ever heard, all around. Their music has helped me get through many hard times in my life and that makes me believe there is no better. They are under the radar and will be doing big things with their music relatively soon. I have full confidence. Keep your eyes out for The Movement."

Gary Michael Jackson born in New Jersey but a faithful resident of Philadelphia had auditioned for the position of drummer while the group was recording their highly anticipated new album “Set Sail” at the infamous Philadelphonic Studios under the production of G. Love. The group had then and there found their third member. With the element of actual percussion the band has gained a sound that has truly been classified as originality. Long time friend to Gary Jackson, Jay Schmidt also a residence of Philadelphia was chosen to be the one to bring the bass into the sanction of superstardom. After a short time the 4 had become an official band and had set sail as 4 officially righteous artists on their voyage unknown.

The versatile musicians are on their way to becoming a trendsetting talent performing with such classic acts as the world famous Wu-tang Clan, Steel pulse, Ludacris, Slightly Stoopid etc.

Jay Schmidt, Bass (Philadelphia)
“Yea, it’s been a great trip man, working hard and living. We are really making things happen right now so hopefully by February we will be making some really big moves. Keep a lookout”

Gary Jackson, Drums (Philadelphia)
"Aw man High Point is great… Always a great time, but I can’t wait to get home. Plenty of more to be played and made still, easy."

Josh Swain
“We love playing in High Point, why else you think we put on two shows back to back.” (ON STAGE)

For those who truly enjoy the loving essence of reggae and positive vibrations of an uplifting performance The Movement is one to be recognized. Currently on tour, tour dates, t-shirts, music and other related information can be found on their MySpace page below.

http://www.myspace.com/themovementvibe

Their newly released album “Set Sail” has been receiving nothing but great reviews. Fans agree that their new work has a more mature sound full of novelty and originality. Set Sail is bound to set sail into their collection of classics for the whole world of reggae fans to enjoy.

http://http//www.thepier.org/cd-reviews/Movementsetsail.html

Also making Big Noise in the City of Philadelphia -The Dialects

As The Dialects continue to produce righteous music for the time this reggae/ hip hop group has been making the proper strives for a full on cross over into the hip hop game. The roots of this reggae group run deep but their blooming essence of hip hop has yet to be seen full on. A traditionally Philadelphia performing squad, The Dialects have played with many legendary bands like the Original Wailers and have preformed from New York to New Jersey and are about to break sound barriers with their crossover.

Child Life Specialists Impact Young Lives

By: Sarah Merriman

The Survivor

When High Point University sophomore, Chen Elliot, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in the fifth grade, she was thrown into a confusing medical world that she did not understand. Doctors spoke in a complicated medical vocabulary that seemed more like a foreign language than English to her and nurses were constantly surrounding her.

Elliot desperately needed clarity to help her through this chaotic and stressful time,and then, she met Terry Spearman. Terry Spearman is the manager of Child Life Services at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC but to Chen Elliot, Terry Spearman was so much more than a staff member.

She said, "Terry was amazing...she was always there as much as she could be and she was so giving of herself." Terry Spearman was by Elliot throughout her sickness and always could cheer the little girl up whether it was through coloring sessions, painting masterpieces, or just as a friend holding her hand throughout her treatment.

Elliot keeps in touch with Terry Spearman to this day and has since donated a painting she made for one of her classes to the hospital,as seen below.



A Mother’s View

Mrs. Elliot, Chen’s mother, who was on the fundraising board for Children’s National Medical Center, had heard of child life but only because the department had asked for money to purchase a new medical doll because one of the children walked away with it. It was not until January 2000, when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer, that she actually met a child life specialist.

Mrs. Elliot said, “Terry came by the office with a medical doll to show Chen what was going to be done and what changes were going to happen to her body and Terry stayed with Chen when they wheeled her into surgery, and I believe waited with her until she was completely under her anesthesia…she’s so fantastic.”

Mrs. Elliot believes it is important for hospitals without child life programs to seriously consider investing in one, especially in a diverse community such as Washington DC, she said, “I remember during Chen’s hospitalization, we opted to not be in a study and there was a Latino family in the room next to us and I could hear that same doctor trying to get them to sign up for the study… they really needed someone to explain to them what they were doing and not just listen and accept what the doctor was telling them…I feel that a child life specialist is especially helpful for situations like that one.”

Mrs.Elliot continues to serve for the fundraising board at Children’s National Medical Center and still keeps in touch with Terry Spearman to this day, firmly believing that, “Terry was very much a key part of Chen’s whole process of getting well.”

One Amazing Child Life Specialist

Terry Spearman’s journey into child life started by serving as a guidance counselor for a local junior high school, working as a group home counselor for adolescent females and then working as a child care technician on the inpatient psychiatry unit. Ms. Spearman said,” I knew I wanted to do something that affected kids in their mental and emotional health but I wasn’t sure, so I was just playing around with my bachelor’s degree.”

Ms.Spearman decided she wanted to be a child life specialist after observing their work at a hospital. “I was intrigued by this fascinating work…I had to find out more.” She wanted to know what a child life specialist was and what did they do?

Well rehearsed in her career years later, Ms.Spearman is able to share that, “A child life specialist is someone who works in health care that focuses on the emotional and developmental needs of children and families. We use play and other forms of communication to help reduce the stress associated with the health care experience or their hospitalization and hopefully by providing them with different types of ways that they can cope, we will help them have a positive hospital experience.”

Child life specialists use play, medical play, and therapeutic relaxation techniques to make a child feel more comfortable while they are being treated. For example, Ms.Spearman likes to tell children they are getting, “a poke”, instead of a shot, and a “hug” instead of a squeeze from their blood pressure cuff.

Ms. Spearman recalls her amazement at the childrens' infinite compassion and resilience, “I had a little boy years ago who was dying from aids, you know he was so sick, and in pain but he still wanted to get up and play; he still wanted to play. That was just amazing to me.”

The Facts

Child life specialists also work with the entire family, to help them understand the process clearly. They work with siblings to make sure they do not feel left out and as Ms. Spearman said, “and to make sure they do not feel abandoned or ignored while their brother or sister is going through this and getting all the attention; they need to know why what they are doing is so important.”

Child life specialists earn an average of $36,000 according to the Child Life Council. Ms.Spearman said that the numbers really depend on what region you work in because the cost of living is different everywhere. Children’s National Medical Center’s entry level salary was recently increased to $43,000.

In order to become a child life specialist, students need to take courses that offer child development curriculum and eventually achieve a bachelors in early childhood education, child development, psychology or, sociology. There is also a rigorous certification program done through the Child Life Council that requires nearly 500 hours of internship. Though not required, many employers prefer applicants to have a master’s degree because it makes the applicant more competitive in the field today.

The child life field is a very emotionally intense one. It takes a very strong-willed person who has a true love of helping children and others to be successful. It is important to keep in mind that most of the children child life specialists work with, will not survive much longer. Chen Elliot’s case is an amazing feat and the two,of course, keep in touch to this day.

To anyone considering becoming a child life specialist, Ms. Spearman said, “Helping children is nothing to sneeze at. It’s an incredible opportunity to be that close to families and kids and to feel like you’re able to help in some way; it’s a really special job." She takes a breath and with sincere honesty in her voice, adds,“ I love my job.”

Child Life Fact Sheet

American Brain Tumor Association

Below is some audio clips of Terry Spearman's responses in her interview.

High Point's High Crime Rates: Are Students Safe?

High Point's High Crime Rates: Are Students Safe?

A windshield cracked in half, a rear view mirror ripped off, items from the glove compartment strewn all around the passenger's side: this is the state in which one High Point University student found her car after returning to campus the Sunday following Halloween. Worse yet, she found that her $400 ipod had also been stolen.

The individual, Morgan Gunn, immediately called security, who informed her that six or seven other cars had also been broken into in the lower-Blessing lot and recommended that she file a report with the High Point Police Department.

Unfortunately, this incident was not an isolated one. Similar incidents of larceny and vandalism occur frequently in the city of High Point, and a few have even occurred on Campus.

Crime in High Point

According to High Point crime statistics from a 2003 FBI report, crime in High Point is either equal to or above the national average in every category (i.e. Murder, Burglary, Robbery). In addition, High Point's Violent Crime Rate is 1.43 times the national average and its Property Crime Rate is 1.46 times the national average.

More alarming still is the number of crimes that have occurred within close proximity to the HPU campus. According to the High Point Police Department's Community Crime Map, there have been a number of crimes reported within a mile radius of campus in just the past 31 days (month). The number of reported crimes, according to this map, comes to a total of 88, including: 27 counts of larceny, 21 counts of burglary, 12 drug counts, 11 counts of vandalism, 9 counts of assault and more.

So, with such a high crime rate in the city of High Point, with many incidents occurring just within a mile of campus, the question arises: are High Point University students safe?

Is the HPU Campus Safe?

The car break-in incident in the lower-Blessing lot might seem to suggest that campus is not safe. And a more recent incident, in which a couple of residents, or "townies," allegedly forced their way into an on-campus house and stole a phone, might seem to confirm this.

But according to the Head of Campus Security, Jeffrey Karpovich, it is still unclear whether force was actually used in this case and it is still under investigation.

Furthermore, it seems possible that students may actually be more responsible for criminal activity on campus than High Point residents.

For instance, in an interview with Mr. Karpovich, he said that students were the ones responsible for one of the more recent crime-related incidents on campus, a first-degree burglary. "Which sounds pretty serious," he said, but then he went on to explain that it was just a couple of kids, "probably intoxicated," going into some one's room after dark.

Mr. Karpovich also mentioned that there have been a couple of recent thefts of property and vandalism but thinks it was "students stealing from students".

When Morgan, whose car was broken into and ipod stolen, was asked whether she thought "townies" or students were responsible, she said, "High Point residents...I'd like to think that no student would be that malicious."

What's Being Done?

Regardless, however, of who is responsible for on-campus crime, the real issue is what's being done about it. Are these matters being dealt with, or allowed to continue?

When Head of Security, Mr. Karpovich, was asked what measures were being taken to make campus safer, his response was, "How long have you got?" He says that over 125 documented improvements have been made since he came to HPU, which was about 6 months ago. Some of these improvements include: tripling the number of uniformed staff, giving transportation duties to other personnel, rather than officers, creating patrol sectors, and making minimum requirements for security officers prior to hiring, such as physical and psychological examinations, and training.

Links:

http://www.highpoint.edu/campuslife/publicsafety/

http://www.campuschronicle.org/

http://www.high-point.net/police/

5 Safety Tips
From the Head of Campus Security
Jeffrey Karpovich

1. Look out for yourself: "Safety is your responsibility"
2. Keep your valuables out of sight: "Leave it for the sky, kiss it goodbye"
3. Be aware of your surroundings: "From inside to outside: side by side"
4. "If you see something [suspicious], say something"
5. Have security and the police on speed dial

Safety Tips Video:

Immigrant Trials in the Triad

Immigrant Trials in the Triad

By: Elizabeth Boyd

For Fillippe, a fifth grader of High Point, N.C., English is not his native language. At age 10, Fillippe was placed in the fifth grade based on his age and due to the "No Child Left Behind Policy". Fillippe spends more hours on homework every night then his classmates, just to stay caught up with the rest of the class.

Fillippe's family is from Mexico and immigrated to the United States to experience a different culture and environment. Many immigrates travel to the United States for freedom, education and employment. Since Fillippe's family does not speak fluent English and cannot help him with homework, Fillippe struggles in school.


Language Barrier Solutions
To succeed in education, in the United States, fluent English is necessary. Like Fillippe, his lack of knowledge of the English language is interfering with his studies. Simple words like, "the", "car", and "book", are difficult for Fillippe to sound out and read.

Tonya McClain, a sophomore of High Point University, volunteers with the Learning Together Program at Macedonia Family Resource Center in High Point, N.C.

The program offers English education to immigrant families across the Triad. It was established when members of a local church, Christ United Methodist Church, walked through immigrant communities asking how they could help their transition to the United States.

Communicating with immigrants from Mexico and various countries from Africa, the church members found it difficult to relate. Once establishing the need for English education, the church created the Learning Together Program.

The afternoon program meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm-8pm. While volunteers watch children and assist with homework, professionals teach immigrant mothers and grandmothers English, hygiene, and other basic living information. From learning about dental hygiene to the basics of "time-out" time, the mothers and grandmothers are able to raise their families well within the American society.


Facing Reality
As immigrants enter the country, their biggest concern is not necessarily the language obstacle, but the living adjustments. Families face difficulties adjusting to the fast pace of an American lifestyle. The Learning Together Program offers educational structure in a caring environment. Within the setting, there are translators that help the mothers and grandmothers.

The majority of the parents work in similar factory-type businesses, where education is not required, only common knowledge. Since math is a universal language, the job requires them to punch in numbers in a computer and the knowledge of the English language is not necessary.


Rewarding Experiences
Andy Russell, sophomore of High Point University, experienced volunteering at Macedonia one time and claimed it was an "eye opening experience."

"I spent three hour working with Fillippe on his reading homework and felt it was one of the most rewarding experiences." As other children played games, Russell sat with Fillippe and tried to make learning fun. "We had to sound out every word, but knowing I made an impact in his life meant a lot to me" says Russell.

Macedonia Family Resource Center

"To Empower ALL People by Enriching their Spiritual, Social and Family lives, in God's Love."

Macedonia Family Resource Center was established to create a safe place for the community and to reduce the crime and violence rates.

The Wesley Memorial Methodist Church of High Point, contributed 1.5 million dollars for the center. United Way of Greater High Point gave money of $500,000 toward the construction also.

In August of 2003, Macedonia opened to the public.




Related Materials:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Macedonia Family Resource Center

HPU SUGGESTS YOU GO WORLDWIDE

High Point Suggests You Go Worldwide
By Dan Suseck

High Point University is growing. This is evident by all the loud and constant construction on campus. Given this why would anyone want to leave this little slice of heaven?

The answer, to see the world. High Point University's elaborate study abroad program is growing just as fast as its campus. Australia, Ireland, Mexico, Spain, and Germany the possibilities are endless.

HPU Study Abroad Program


High Point University, has a very elaborate study abroad program. HPU believes in the creating a world-wide opportunity for their students. Most students want to take advantage of this great experience while they are young. What better time to experience the world than, while in college.

High Point prides itself on being a very diverse school. From its professors and administration down its student body. Diversity is a common theme. Abroad programs give students a chance to grow culturally and embrace other cultures.

Students can go abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year. This gives the abroad groups a very unique range of ages. Jeff Gibbons, junior at HP, went to Australia last year. He had this to say, "The group of students I went with, I did not that well but through the trip I gained valuable friendships."

Oh The Places You Can Go

The following is a list of countries that is offered through High Point University study abroad program:

• England


• Italy


• Scotland


• Ecuador


• France


• Germany


• Mexico


• Spain
  

Two Friends, Two very Different Choices

William Shill and Jeffrey Gibbons, are close friends. Will a sophomore at HP and Jeff a junior. They both decided that they wanted to experience the study abroad program. The problem was they wanted to go to different parts of the world. Will to Ireland and Jeff to Australia.

"We thought that it was imperative for both of us follow our dreams. I had been wanting to go to Ireland, for quite some time, I have heritage there." Will said.

Gibbons said, "I had always imagined that Will and I would have gone to the same place, but we thought that this might be fun too. More importantly I was not going to Ireland, that's for sure. I wanted the beach and the babes."

Both students left about the same time. Summer of 2008, they set off apart but excited. They would keep in close contact with each other via e-mail. After three months they came back, safe and sound and with different experiences.

Recommendations

Studying abroad just like anything else has it positive and negative results. Jeff came back smiling from ear to ear. William not so much.

"The time I had in Ireland was information, but not always a blast." He continues, "Looking back I would have much rather worked over the summer and made money for school. It just was not what I expected. I would recommend long and hard about studying abroad."

"GO!" That's all Jeff Gibbons had to say about his experience in Australia. He said that he had never had more fun that summer. The time spent overseas made him a better person and overall happier.

"I love it there, I did miss home at some points, but studying abroad is just something you have to do." When asked about Will's experience in Ireland, Jeff had 4 simple words: "I told you so."

External Links:

http://www.studyabroadfunding.org/?WT.srch=1&gclid=CK7BlPb4wJcCFR8hnAodulnvSg

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/professors-guide/2008/12/10/the-top-10-myths-about-study-abroad.html

HPU Welcomes International Students

HPU Welcomes International Students

by: Charisse Duncan

What would you do if you moved to a foreign country to attend school? How would you meet friends? Would you be able to speak the language? Would you enjoy the food?

At High Point University, foreign students bring more diversity to the campus with interesting cultures as well as a sense of belonging for everyone.


International Promenade




The International Promenade is a popular attraction at High Point University. Students walk to class, talk to friends, or grab a snack at the kiosks.

There are several sights and sounds on the Promenade such as jazz or classical music playing over the speakers, the beautiful water fountains, and statues of prominent individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Aristotle.

The various flags displayed throughout the light poles makes the Promenade most appealing. There are approximately 50 flags which represent a different country for the entire HPU population. Jamie Hendrix, a junior at HPU, enjoys walking the Promenade on a daily basis. "I'm happy whenever I see the North Carolina flag as well as the one from Japan," says Jamie. "I'm half Japanese, so I feel like my ethnicity is well represented."


HPU International Students (Class of 2012)

International students from 11 countries comprise 2% of the class; the 11 countries represented are:

• Belgium
• Canada
• China
• Denmark
• India
• Japan
• Pakistan
• Peru
• Taiwan
• Russia
• Trinidad and Tobago
  

Life As An International Student

It is difficult attending a school when you're from a different state, but it is more difficult when you're from another country. Takashi Torigoe, a junior at HPU, knows how difficult it can be to adjust to a foreign country. Takashi, who hails from Hamamatsu, Japan, came to High Point University in 2006 as a freshman.

Although it was difficult at first, Takashi began to get involved in extracurricular activities such as playing soccer and becoming part of the International Club. Takashi expresses his feelings about the positive experiences he's had in America. "I like it here," Takashi says. "I still have to get use to the food."

Just like most international students, Takashi does not get to home for holiday breaks, since they are usually too short and do not allow enough time to travel half way around the world. Instead he stays with his Japanese friends, who also attend HPU, on campus.

Takashi also has thought about having a future in America after he graduates from college. As a business major, he would like to travel America for the perfect job. "I'm scared because the economy is not good here," says Takashi. "I hope it will get better."


HPU Goes International!



The International Club is one of the most unique clubs at High Point University because it aims to "promote a global and international understanding." Membership is open to international students as well as American students. Every two weeks, the club meets to discuss different international cultures. The club is best known for their International Fair and Fashion Show as well as dinners and trips.



International Club Officers of Fall 2008

Dr. Barbara Mascali (Germany) Faculty adviser
Dr. Jean-François Llorens (France) Faculty adviser
President - Manar Faraj
Vice President - Jimmy Yarbough
Treasurer / SGA Rep. - Nick Benton
Secretary - Veronica Houghton
Backup SGA - Shanta Smith
Historian - Kaitlin Evans
Historian - Sally Fowler
Historian - Roger Best



The International Club shows the importance of celebrating other cultures. Roger Best, a historian for the club agrees that the club is great for the campus. "I think people, especially Americans, should know about other cultures," Roger says. "It develops a greater appreciation for everyone."


Related Articles:

International Students-EducationUSA

International Recipes

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder at HPU

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder at HPU
By: Liz Welborn

Waiting. Anticipating. Waiting. Anticipating that phone call. For some people this is how they describe their relationship with their significant other that lives miles away.


Long distance relationships are hard enough without the element of stress that college brings, so how exactly do fellow students of High Point University conquer the battle of distance while maintaining a healthy relationship with their partner?



Love Overseas


Chelsea Wocoski, a junior at HPU, never thought that she would be dating a soldier in Iraq. When she started dating Trevor Hunter it was before he enlisted into the Army in April 2007. Hunter was just originally sent to Alaska where, upon arrival, he was informed that he would be going to Iraq that June of 2007.


The hardest thing for Wocoski is not hearing from Hunter for days. When first arriving in Iraq Hunter was stationed in Tal A’Far, a town near the Turkish border that had plenty of internet and phone access. Wocoski would receive a phone call from Hunter almost every day.


That all changed when Hunter was suddenly moved to the less stabilized Iraqi town of KirKuk. Now, because of less phone and internet connections, Wocoski is lucky if she gets a phone call weekly from Hunter. “Now when Trevor calls you can hear how much he misses home in his voice, and it makes me cry”, Wocoski says.


The scariest thing about dating someone in Iraq is that “you never know what is going on over there or if he is hurt”, Wocoski says. The one thing that helps Wocoski during the lonely times is the military support group that HPU supports. This support group is made up of students involved with soldiers in the war.

The support group does activities that help each other cope with the loneliness and the anxiousness. They also do activities for the soldiers, for example they are making care packages to send to the soldiers in the Middle East for Christmas.

Wocoski is also involved with an online military support group: Militarysos.com. This website is dedicated to the loved ones of soldiers. They send helpful messages and lend a shoulder to cry on when the worry gets to be too much.



Love Between States


When Kim Baumgartner, a senior at HPU, decided to go to HPU she had broken up with her boyfriend of three years. By the time she was accepted, they were back together and have been ever since. Her boyfriend, Matt Davidson, was angry that she chose a college so far away from their home state of New Jersey. “He got very angry with me, he could not understand why I wanted to go so far away from him”, Baumgartner says.


At the time, Baumgartner wanted a new start in a new state. However, now that Matt and she are back together she sometimes wishes she had chosen a closer college. Even though she talks to Davidson three to five times a day via telephone, she misses the “comfort that seeing him brings me,” Baumgartner says.


Although it is difficult at times, Baumgartner says the distance has caused their relationship to strengthen. “Now that we have been apart for over a year, we know that our relationship can pretty much last through just about anything”, Baumgartner says.


When Baumgartner is having a lonely day she relies on her good friends to get her mind off of being away from Davidson. “People here at HPU surround me with positive reinforcement that always encourages me,” confides Baumgartner.







Statistics on Long Distance Relationships:
According to Education Portal

• Couples live an average of 125 miles apart, and visit each other 1.5 times per month.
• Phone calls are made every 2.7 days; the average call lasts 30 minutes.
• Letters (not counting emails) are exchanged 3 times per month.
• Most couples expect to be separated an average of 14 months.

How to Make It Work

According to a recent study done by Southeastern University, over 40 percent of undergraduates in a long distance relationship believed in the statement “out of sight and out of mind” when it came to how they felt about their spouse that was far away.

So how do you make a long distance relationship work with these statistics?

Distance is what you make of it, if the person is worth it, then it is worth the loneliness of a long distance relationship agrees both Wocoski and Baumgartner. One motto that Wocoski lives by is “don’t take anything for granted…you never know when something is going to happen.”

In order for a long distance relationship to work Baumgartner says that you need to know that your partner is trustworthy and willing to communicate on a daily basis with you. Without the basic foundation of trust and honesty the long distance relationship will most likely not last.

Baumgartner emphasizes that a relationship in its stages is always the hardest when in a long distance relationship. However both Baumgartner and Wocoski agree that with distance, their love has grown into something beautiful.







Military Significant Others and Spouse Support was founded in January of 2004, and was created by a wife of a solder. The website is a place where solder’s significant others can communicate through message boards, chat rooms, e-mails, and blogs.

The website used to be called NavySOS, mainly for Navy significant others. However due to several requests, in 2006 the website converted so that it is now for all branches of the military and their spouses.

The motto of MilitarySOS is to “provide a comfortable, positive environment for military spouses and significant others to not only receive support, but to also vent, celebrate and come together in a place where everyone has something in common - a Military Significant Other .”

In order to become a member of MilitarySOS there is a yearly fee of $20 or a monthly installment plan of $2.50.



Related Articles:

• How to have a long distance relationship
• College Dating Tips
  

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