“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). These words have guided me through my life and have helped me understand that, no matter what, God has a plan for me.

When I came to North Greenville University, I did not know what to expect. I came in with the mindset that I was called to ministry, but upon arrival I felt that calling change. At freshman orientation, I met and befriended Michael Gibbons, junior broadcast media, a good man from Scotland. He wished to join the newspaper staff as a photographer and talked to me a lot about photography. Knowing I liked photography, he asked if I would like to join him in signing up for the class. I excitedly agreed and entered into the meetings not knowing what to expect. What began there helped to create my future and also secured strong relationships with other students on staff as well as print media professor Lara Eller. It was then I decided to change my major to print media.

I had never worked for a newspaper before in my life and had never even worked with a camera that was better than a click-and-shoot. When I was given my first photo assignment, I was nervous and did not know what to expect. I did my best and slowly became better at taking any kind of shot.

Since I had a little experience with Adobe Photoshop, I also was given the chance to edit my photos and design an advertisement for the paper. This helped push me to the next level and put me in a visual arts editor position. In that position I took photos, edited them and designed ads and graphics for each issue. It was fun because every layout was a new experience. There I learned everything I needed to become better.

When April Wynn took over as editor in chief, I realized I finally felt I was doing what I was supposed to do and what I was called to do. It was then I became photo editor.

After April left and the majority of the rest of the staff graduated, I decided to run for editor in chief. Through her help and Lara’s help, I got the position and decided to bring a few changes to the paper. With the help of the new adviser of the paper, Karyn Campbell, we changed the design and fixed a few things to help the newspaper flow well. And this semester, we changed the logo yet again through the help of Brent Alexander.

It is my opinion that the staff members this year have helped to improve the paper greatly. I will miss the company of all my friends on staff, but I, like the editors before me, must move on and leave the paper in the good hands of others. I hope they will realize how great an opportunity it is to be editor and that they can make an even greater impact and change for the paper.

It has been fun, NGU, but I must say adieu. Working on the paper has had its ups and downs, but I have enjoyed it from the start. I wish to thank everyone who has helped me and wish to always thank the staff for being the best I could ever ask for. I hope that those who continue the paper will enjoy it as much as I have. Thank you all. In the end, I must say it’s been awesome and, in the words of Truman from the motion picture The Truman Show, “In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight.”

Paul Thompson, department of history and political science chair, listens to students as they discuss the issues of stereotypes and how they relate to today’s culture. Gabe Franco/The Skyliner

The Faith, Race and Culture Committee is one of North Greenville University’s newest organizations. The committee started with the goal of giving students a way to express and discuss ideas about different cultures.

The committee also hopes to inform students about the various cultures, races and beliefs of people around them. Learning about these different cultures will get students to think about how to apply biblical principles to the instances when different views on subjects become an issue. The committee’s presentations and coffee house chats also give students a chance to talk about issues that are important to them.

Paul Thompson, department of history and political science chair, has been instrumental in organizing the Faith, Race and Culture Committee and its events.

Besides Thompson, there are several other faculty members involved who represent a variety of majors. Professors from the colleges of education, business, humanities, science and Christian studies make up the committee.

Tony Beam, Vice President of Student Services and Director of the Christian Worldview Center, was chosen as the administrative liaison for the committee.

There have already been two evening presentations and three coffee house chats. The evening presentations have centered on a certain topic, followed by a time of discussion. The coffee house chats were laid out to consist of simple discussions about a pre-determined topic.

At the first evening presentation, which counted as a cultural event, several hundred students were in attendance. The three coffee house chats have averaged about 20 students.

The topics at the meetings have ranged from the history of public school integration to present day stereotyping.

Thompson said that there have been many good things to come out of the presentations and chats. Students and faculty have made strides in understanding each other and the issues that are important to both. Students are learning more about issues that are relevant to their fellow students who are of a different race or culture.

“Students are beginning to see that emotionally charged issues can be discussed in a sensitive, mature way without breaking down into yelling matches, which leave everyone bitter and hurt. Faculty on the committee are developing a better understanding of the human difference issues which impact NGU student life,” Thompson said.

One controversial topic that was discussed was the Brother Sister Fellowship Black History Month chapel service. The committee held a discussion during which students were able to discuss aspects of the chapel that concerned them. Black students and faculty also had the opportunity to discuss what the chapel meant to them.

“It seemed to me that students who had been offended by elements of that chapel left with a better appreciation of some elements of black life in America and common elements of the black worship experience,” Thompson said of the chat.

Currently, there are several events in the works for next semester, but the committee members have not decided on the details. The committee is open to receiving ideas from students about topics they would like discussed.

On Tuesday, April 6, the second annual Red Carpet Film Festival was held in the Hayes Ministry Center. Myra Ruiz, reporter for WYFF Channel 4, hosted the event.

Awards were bestowed for four categories of films including public service announcements/commercials as well as 5-, 10- and 30- minute films. The top five entries in each category were recognized, with the top three winners receiving gift certificates.

The films were screened the week before the film festival by judges from the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tenn. This panel of judges consisted of Megan Alexander, correspondent for Inside Edition, Phil Bransom, president of Bransom Media Group, and Dave Jones, founder and president of MarketingMinistries.com.

A notable winner this year was the film Foxhole by Justin Robinson, freshman broadcast media.

Participation from several of North Greenville University’s departments made this event possible. Works from the art department were displayed next to the red carpet and musical entertainment was provided by Ashley Griffin, junior history, Katie Griffin, freshman psychology, Jacob Herod, junior broadcast media, and Amanda Gerrard, senior broadcast media.

Carmen Miller, senior broadcast media and president of the Film Club, was instrumental in planning the festival.

In describing the scope and purpose of the event, she said, “Basically this event is a conglomeration of arts. Film…incorporates so many aspects of art. Film first has to be written, then taken to a storyboard to be sketched out and then,…after filming the actors, there is editing involved while using computer imagery. Finally, music is added. It encompasses all of the fine arts, so we tried to express that throughout the evening with the live music, display of art work and finally showing the films that were created.

The goal for the NGU Film Club is to have this film festival take place in order to encourage students to learn more about the film industry….[In] the end, we hope to have a film major through the increased interest in film.”

St. Louis Rams-Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Even after shoulder surgery and injury concerns, Bradford is still the most pro-ready quarterback in this year’s draft. The Rams need someone who can throw the ball to take pressure off running back Stephen Jackson and keep opposing defenses from stacking the line of scrimmage. This pick is a no-brainer and any other choice would be a mistake by St. Louis.

Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
The hype that surrounded Suh early in the offseason has since cooled off, but his draft stock has stayed the same. Suh is a dominant defensive tackle that could potentially anchor the middle of the Detroit defense for years to come. For the Lions to continue improving, they must start on the defensive line and Suh would be a great addition.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Many experts have made the comparison of McCoy to former defensive star Warren Sapp. McCoy has an unstoppable motor and never gives up on any play. His combination of size, strength and quickness allows him to do things that most 300-pound men only dream of. In order for Tampa Bay to return to its winning ways, the defense must return to top form.

Washington Redskins: Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
Okung is without a doubt the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft. His athleticism makes him well suited for new head coach Mike Shanahan’s zone blocking scheme on offense. After aquiring Donovan McNabb via trade, the Redskins must do all that they can to protect his blindside and give him the opportunity to succeed in Washington.

Kansas City Chiefs: Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
The Chiefs need to protect quarterback Matt Cassell and will make this their top offseason priority. By giving Cassell time to throw the ball to his young wide receivers, the Chiefs’ offense will improve immediately. Williams is one of the top rated tackles in this year’s draft and Kansas City would love to add his athleticism and strength to the offensive line.

Seattle Seahawks: Byan Bulaga, OT, Iowa
The second most pro-ready offensive tackle, Bulaga’s stock has been on the rise of late. With two picks in the first round, Seattle can afford to secure an offensive lineman and worry about a quarterback or running back with their second pick.

Cleveland Browns: Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Cleveland would be fortunate to have Berry available at this spot in round one and it may be a possibility because of more pressing needs for teams picking ahead of the Browns. In recent years, safety has become one of the most important positions on the field due to a shift to pass-happy offense. Berry is the guy to fill the impact role and make an immediate difference.

Oakland Raiders: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
We all know how Raider’s owner Al Davis loves speed and Spiller has plenty of it. The Raiders may go with an athletic defender such as South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul with this pick but Spiller would fill a need for a steady player on both offense and on the special teams unit.

Buffalo Bills: Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
The Bills could choose from many different positions here, but this team needs a quarterback. Buffalo’s offense was terrible in 2009 and without a quarterback, 2010 will not be much different. Clausen is a born leader with a strong arm and pinpoint accuracy. The Bills need a franchise quarterback and picking Clausen is a great place to start.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Jacksonville’s leading wide receiver in 2009 amassed only 869 yards and seven touchdowns. While those numbers may be all right they are more related to most team’s number two wide out, not a number one. If the Jaguars are going to stick with David Garrard behind center, they must give him someone to throw to.

It is simple; any time pitcher Drew Provence has stepped on the mound for the Crusaders this season, it has resulted in a big win. Not to mention he has helped lead North Greenville to a record breaking 36 wins thus far this season.

Provence has accumulated a perfect 10-0 record as a starter this season, and North Greenville has earned a win in each of his 11 starts. This breakout performance from the sophomore ace can be attributed to his hard work during the offseason, as well as some key additions to the Crusader ball club.

“I put in a great summer workout routine last year and was able to build up a lot of important areas in my game,” said Provence. “Our new pitching coach, Chris Dennis, has also been instrumental to my success.”

Holding his competition to a cumulative .201 batting average and striking out a total of 59 batters on the season, Provence presents all kinds of challenges for opponents when he takes the hill. Having pitched a total of 68.2 innings, he has also acquired an impressive 1.73 earned run average this season. Provence admits that his success is partially due to the amount of runs the Crusader offense puts up when he is pitching.

“Run support [from the offense] is great. It’s always great to have some breathing room when I am pitching,” said Provence.

Head coach Travis Henson believes that Provence is a vital part of North Greenville’s success and that the ace has endless potential.

“There is not a better Division II pitcher than Drew Provence,” said Henson. “Drew is an extremely hard worker, a very dedicated individual.”

The outstanding season has Provence not only looking to rack up some individual awards, but it also has him on some MLB draft radars. The second year marketing major said that baseball has always been his dream, and he would not mind playing after college.

“It would be an honor to be drafted,” said Provence. “That is every young athletes dream at some point in their life, and I definitely want to pursue a career in baseball.”

With professional baseball dreams still a couple of years away, it is clear that Provence is focused on propelling his Crusader squad to reach some of their highest goals this season. North Greenville has been reaching for the stars the entire season, and for these players, there is only one happy ending.

“Right now we are trying to finish strong, get to 40 wins, and win a national championship,” said Provence. “Once we accomplish that, we will be satisfied.”

There are few bands in the world today like Copeland. The alternative rock group boasts four full-length albums that each showcase a different side of the band. Beneath Medicine Tree, In Motion, Eat, Sleep, Repeat and You Are My Sunshine are all equally amazing albums, not one of them surpassing another.

It is rare to see a band begin with a nearly perfect sound and keep it the entire time it is together. Of course, Copeland has matured in the 2000-2010 window of time that it has been making music, but its original, beloved sound has not been lost.

Copeland is one of those bands that fans expect to always stay the same—touring and recording more CDs at least every year or two. It is one of those groups that get established and fans assume that its members will always stay together.

Unfortunately, as time passes many things change. On Oct. 29, 2009, Copeland announced the sad news that it has come to the end of its almost 10-year run as a band. They have assured fans that this break-up is not one of bitterness, which is something often witnessed in today’s music scene, but rather the individual members agreeing that it’s time to pursue what is next. There has not been much explanation as to why they feel that Copeland has “run its course in [their] lives,” but most people will understand that sometimes things just have to come to an end.

As is expected of a band with such a great following as Copeland, they are finishing their time together with a tour around the United States as well as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan and China—“some of our favorite countries,” as they put it.

I got a chance to see Copeland one last time in Atlanta, Ga. on April 7, and the show was fantastic. They did not have any long speeches about the break-up written out for their fans. They simply played their music and allowed the people to enjoy that last show with them.

Copeland did say that it is a possibility that one more album will be recorded in the future, but besides that, this is the end. Copeland had a good run, and they inspired many with their beautiful, unique sound. It will be a long time, if ever, before another band even comes close to making music as amazing as Copeland’s.

Summer of 2010’s movies will give students a welcome break from the drudgery of exams and term papers. From superheroes to vampires to toy cowboys, moviegoers will enjoy this summer’s lineup.

Iron Man 2
Summer will just have started when Oscar nominee Robert Downey, Jr. returns to the screen as Tony Stark in Iron Man 2. In the much-anticipated sequel to 2008’s summer blockbuster, the world now knows the identity of Iron Man as the inventor Stark. Even when the government pressures Stark to reveal his suit’s secrets, Stark does not share the technology because he fears it will be used for evil. Along the way, Stark encounters a new enemy, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) and a new assistant, Natasha (Scarlett Johansson). Iron Man 2 opens in theaters on May 7.

Robin Hood
Oscar winners Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett team up in director Ridley Scott’s (Gladiator) new drama about the early days of Robin Hood. Crowe stars as the legendary outlaw as he leads his men into battle with the French and later as they try to rescue the town of Nottingham from its corrupt sheriff. While fighting for the town’s freedom, Hood meets and falls in love with Lady Marion (Blanchett). Robin Hood rides into theaters May 14.

Letters to Juliet
Amanda Seyfried stars as Sophie in this light summer comedy about a young woman who travels to Verona, Italy, the home of Romeo and Juliet, and gets caught up in the romance of the famous couple’s story. Sophie comes across a group of volunteers who reply to letters written to Juliet by other women seeking advice about their love lives. Sophie joins the group, and one of her responses inspires a woman (Vanessa Redgrave) to seek out her true love from many years ago. Sophie finds courage to follow her own heart during this experience. Letters to Juliet opens in theaters on May 14.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Following the success of producer Jerry Bruckheimer’s collaboration with Disney Pictures to create the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Bruckheimer and Disney will be transporting viewers to medieval Persia this summer in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Prince Dastan, a young prince who must work with a mysterious princess (Gemma Arterton) to prevent an evil ruler from gaining control of the sands of time. This movie should be a fun ride and full of great visual effects. Prince of Persia comes to theaters May 28.

Toy Story 3
Buzz, Woody and the rest of the Toy Story gang are headed back to the big screen. In Toy Story 3, the toys are placed in a daycare when their owner Andy heads off to college. The toys encounter adventure and new friends, including toys voiced by Michael Keaton, Timothy Dalton and Ned Beatty. Pixar’s next surefire hit opens in theaters June 18.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The third installment of the Twilight franchise revolves around the Cullen vampires and Quileute werewolves working together to stop an army of newly formed vampires. Victoria (now played by Bryce Dallas Howard) has returned to seek revenge on Edward Cullen. In the midst of the conflict with the newborn vampires, Edward and Jacob continue to vie for Bella’s heart and force her to make a choice. The Twilight Saga returns to the screen on June 30.

Inception
Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page star in director Christopher Nolan’s latest mindbender. The plot centers on a team of business workers who delve into the subconscious to steal people’s secrets. When the plans go wrong, the team must prevent the enemy (Ken Watanabe) from using the secrets for his own good. Nolan has not released much additional information about the plot, but previously released trailers have piqued interest. Inception is sure to be a summer movie that will have viewers searching their heads. Inception opens on July 16.

Kyra Alexander
Staff Writer

This is not your regular bounty hunter. It’s Gerard Butler as a bounty hunter, and he’s chasing Jennifer Aniston.

On March 19, The Bounty Hunter raced into theatres.

Milo Boyd (Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly (Aniston).

He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole.

The exes continually one-up each other–until they find themselves running for their lives. They thought their promise to love, honor and obey was tough, but staying alive is going to be a whole lot tougher.

This movie is filled with fun, laughter, love, pain and a happy ending.

It was funny from start to finish. The chemistry between Aniston and Butler is incredible. They seem to have had a great time working together in this movie.

Gerard Butler is also known for How to Train Your Dragon, Law Abiding Citizen and The Ugly Truth.  Jennifer Aniston also appeared in Marley and Me, He’s Just Not That Into You and Friends.

The director of this movie was Andy Tennant, who was also directed Fool’s Gold, Hitch and Sweet Home Alabama, just to name a few.

I would recommend this movie to anyone over the age of 13. This would be a great date movie or just a night out with the girls.

The Bounty Hunter is rated PG-13 for sexual content, including suggestive comments, language and some violence.

Despite a disappointing 2009 season, the North Greenville football team concluded their spring practices in strong fashion on April 17, hosting the annual Red and White spring game.

“When you take over a program you are trying to establish a foundation,” said head coach Jamey Chadwell. “This spring we got better in a lot of areas, and we were able to come out in this game and do some positive things.”

“You try to use the spring as a confidence builder [for the team] going into the summer and the fall, so I was very pleased with the progress we made this spring.”

The spring game, however, did not give Crusader fans a true picture of what the 2010 North Greenville football team will look like. After all, the Crusaders will be adding 24 freshmen to their depth chart this fall, and Chadwell believes they will make up a key part of this North Greenville team.

“The freshmen are going to bring a competitive winning spirit to the program,” said Chadwell. “We are expecting them to come and play. We played a lot of freshmen last year and we expected to play a lot of freshmen next season.”

Offensive lineman James Thurn, junior broadcast media, also believes that the talented group of freshmen will really benefit the Crusaders in the fall.

“Freshmen are going to have to step up because of the nature of where we are at right now,” said Thurn. “We are going to have some guys coming in offensively that are going to be expect to perform well early.”

North Greenville has had a rough off-season, as injuries have plagued the Crusaders at many different positions. Richard Harb, junior history, who was the starting quarterback last season, is coming off of a torn ACL. Backup quarterback Aaron Seigler, freshman business administration, has also been experiencing the injury bug, as he has been dealing with a toe injury.

“We are coming through adversity,” Thurn said of the injuries. “Its not about how many times you succeed, it’s about how many times you fail and get back up.”

Chadwell said that despite the injuries, the Crusaders will be back and better than ever in the fall.

“If you are going to have injuries you would rather have them happen in the spring rather than in the fall,” said Chadwell. “The silver lining in all of this is that our young guys are getting to play.”

Chadwell believes that he has the program moving in the right direction, and hopes to accomplish his goals next year.

“Our ultimate goal is to get to the Victory Bowl,” said Chadwell. “But our secondary goal is to play the very best we can play every game.”

The North Greenville baseball team kept its momentum going last week by winning series over Brevard College and Tennessee Temple University. The Crusaders, who have broken the record for most wins in a season, now stand at 36-10 on the season.

North Greenville kicked off the week by sweeping the Tornadoes of Brevard in a double header on April 13.

The Crusaders got strong outings from Michael Benjamin, junior business administration, who was credited with the win, and Nate Richards, sophomore interdisciplinary studies, who came in for relief.  Richards pitched two strong innings late in game one, allowing no runs and propelling the Crusaders to an 8-3 win.

Game two also ended in a 8-3 victory for North Greenville, as the Crusaders got hot from the plate. Derek Fulmer, sophomore business, was 2-4 with a home run, and Rand Stegall, senior business, also had a successful day with the bat going 2-4.

North Greenville ran into a feisty Truett-McConnell College team on April 14, as the Crusaders dropped a tough battle 11-10.

“This was a tough game for us,” said Henson. “Honestly we just didn’t pitch well enough to win the ball game.”

The Crusaders lead the game 6-5 in the fourth inning, but the Bears got hot in the fifth inning, reeling off six straight runs.

North Greenville bounced back quickly against Tennessee Temple on April 17, however, as ace Drew Provence pitched eight no-hit innings in a 7-3 win. Adam Taylor, freshman business administration, had the hot bat for the Crusaders going 2-4 with two runs scored. Fulmer also had an impressive game going 2-3 with two RBI and two runs scored.

After gaining a win over Tennessee Temple the day before, tyhe Crusaders then split a double header with TTU on April 18.

Game one was a heartbreaker for North Greenville, as the Crusaders had the lead until the fifth inning but could not handle the Tennessee Temple rally, dropping the game 4-3. Fulmer was 2-3 with an RBI, and Taylor also contributed offensively going 2-4 with a run scored.

Game two held better results, as the Crusaders came through with a late game rally to win 6-4. Fulmer had the game-tying RBI in the final inning, and the Crusaders added two more runs to squeak out the hard-fought win.

“Our goals are still right in sight,” said Henson. “We couldn’t be in a better spot as a team. We are closer to it, but we’re still not there.”

After losing four straight games, the North Greenville softball team was looking to rebound against Brevard College on April 15 in Tigerville. Strong performances from the pitching staff and offense led to a sweep of the Lady Tornadoes by scores of 4-3 and 9-1.

In game one, the Lady Crusaders were led by Allison Bailey, senior studio art, and Taylor Roof, sophomore health and wellness, who each finished the game 2-3 with two RBI. Kristyn Smith, junior biology, pitched 5 2/3 strong innings, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out 10 batters.

The Lady Crusaders erupted on offense in game two, scoring nine runs on 12 hits. Roof led the offense going 3-4 including a three-run home run in the sixth inning. Roof also picked up the win in the game after pitching a complete game allowing only one run on four hits. Roof also recorded three strikeouts.

North Greenville continued its winning ways on April 18, as they team swept a double header against Truett McConnell 5-1 and 11-2. Laura Hopper, freshman intercultural studies, was given the start in game one and pitched a complete game, giving up one run on four hits while striking out nine batters.

The Lady Crusaders had a strong offensive performance in game two and were led by Tia LaFreniere, senior outdoor leadership, who had three RBI in the game. Rachel Holeman, freshman biology, was 3-4 in the game with four RBI and three runs scored.

The Lady Crusaders will return home on April 21 to take on in-state rival Southern Wesleyan University. Game time is set for 3 p.m. at the Softball Complex.

The stresses of life seem overwhelming at times, especially to young college students reaching the end of the spring semester. When the burdens of balancing studying, working and socializing become too much, it is amazing to think about how awesome God is.

In Numbers 11, the Israelite people complain about the hardships of life because they are hungry and have no food. Moses becomes aggravated with the people and says in verse 14, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.” Yet God provides manna from heaven and quail to eat.

Students frequently become stressed towards the end of the semester and get aggravated at professors for making every paper due at the same time or having three tests in one day.

I believe the best remedy for students who know that stressful days are ahead is to open God’s Word and see that He is willing to take the entire burden off our shoulders if we just ask Him.

Every morning I try to remember to ask God to help me throughout the day, whether it is asking for help to focus in class or pass the test I have.

I find it comforting to know that, no matter how hard my day is going to be, God is going to be right there with me.

A few weeks ago, my church’s praise band sang the song “At the Foot of the Cross” by Kathryn Scott. It encouraged me to remember that no matter what is going on in my life, Jesus can take it all. The chorus says, “I trade these ashes in for beauty and wear forgiveness like a crown/Coming to kiss the feet of mercy/I lay every burden down at the foot of the cross.”

For seniors, it can be an exciting yet burdening time with only two full weeks of their college academics left; however, Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Seniors might be frightened to make the next step in beginning a career, but God knows exactly what to do, and we just have to trust Him.

I have always wanted a plan for my life. Last spring, I broke down with the heavy burden of not knowing what I should do with my life. I was not sure that a print media major was for me or not, but God had a plan. I continually sought His will all summer. I believe that God showed me that being in mass communication was His will for me by my being hired at The Greenville News.

When times are tough, people want to automatically give up; however, when there is that voice saying “life is too hard, just quit,” God is right there saying “just keep going.” When God is asked to help with the burdens of going to classes, studying and working, He is always faithful and never leaves.

So when students, faculty or staff are having a stressful day, God’s Word is the perfect place to leave everything that has gone wrong and be comforted by His loving words.

The time when the price of stamps will go up again is unknown, but it will be in the near future. To some, the rising stamp price is a nuisance; others realize that it is a necessity.

According to usps.com, the United States Post Office is an independent federal agency. The organization operates without tax dollars. It relies solely on the profit it makes through its shipping and other services.

With the growth of Internet services, more and more people are tending to send things via e-mail rather than snail mail.

Shannon Duncan, senior history, said, “I don’t really mail things, but if I did I wouldn’t enjoy the [rising] prices.”

Matt Sprinkle, junior youth ministry, opposes this view. He said, “It doesn’t really bother me.”

Some people think that as stamp prices continue to rise, people will stop using snail mail. Michelle Higdon, sophomore history, said, “That is crazy. They cost enough already. Just one more reason people will stop sending things [by] snail mail.”

Postal worker P.R. Horvat, however, said that it is crazy for people to complain about a penny or two every couple of years.

She said, “There is no charge for the carriers to go to the houses. That’s why prices are so cheap. Compared to UPS, our prices are very reasonable. Everything costs money.”

According to UPS.com, the cost to ship a letter is more than the price the United States Post Office charges to ship a letter. UPS charges for delivery to the home.

The United States Post Office is not expected to lose business as the price of stamps rise gradually. Packages will continue to need to be shipped. The next price rise is expected to occur closer to summer. Even with price changes, people will still find the use of the postal system a necessity.

The time of the semester for papers, cramming and exams has made its way back around at North Greenville University, which also means students will have the opportunity to evaluate their professors through the Student Evaluation of Instruction surveys.

After several months of hard work by both faculty and students, the students are assessed by grades and the professors are assessed by the SEOIs. George Hopson, Jr., Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, said that toward the end of each semester, students receive emails via their NGU email accounts that provide a link to the website where these surveys are located. After the surveys are completed, they can be printed for verification of completion. Then the link is blocked so that no changes can be made to the submitted survey.

When the deadline for submission has been reached, the data from the SEOIs is organized by course, instructor and college. The information is then given to the dean of each school, who review and distribute the information to department chairs. The data is used for general course evaluation and potential adjustment or improvement.

Hopson said, “It needs to be noted that often some courses have a very low response rate (such as two out of 20) which makes the data almost meaningless.  A number of possible scenarios could be possible–only the disgruntled replied, only the very satisfied replied, only a few in the middle replied, one disgruntled replied and one very satisfied replied, but with only a few replies it is not statistically possible to know what the distribution of replies was, therefore the data is virtually useless.”

So it is vital that students take the time to honestly fill out a survey for each of their courses.

All professors that were asked about the SEOIs appreciate the value of the knowledge the surveys provide.

Rebecca Deal, Spanish professor, said, “When the students reflectively comment, taking into account their own personal need and responsibility to be active learners, as professors we can find out and even learn more about how helpful or not the class sessions’ activities are helping the students learn and put into practical use the course information and academic material.”

Adrian Pater, Christian studies professor, pointed out an often forgotten fact: “School is never over. As professors we should be willing to learn from our students how to be an even better professor. The fact is that we evaluate the students all semester. They should have the privilege to challenge us as well.”

As the spring semester comes to a close, the theatre department is preparing to perform one final play before the summer break. Besides being the last play of the semester, there is another ending that comes with the North Greenville University production of The Importance of Being Earnest. It will be the final play held inside Turner Chapel. The new playhouse, Billings Theatre, is set to open by the fall semester.

Billings Theatre will give the theatre department new life and opportunities.

Dale Savidge, chair department of theatre, listed one of those options as being able to paint the stage and scenery.

Turner Chapel puts limitations on the theatre department in the small amount of room they are given to put their props and set pieces. Those limitations influence the simplicity of the sets in the present plays. A lot of hard work goes into creativity within the boundaries of Turner Chapel.

“Research, research, research,” said Assistant Professor of Design Marlaina Seay when asked about the creative process put into developing the sets.“It’s all in the details. If the details are off, your show is off.”

Sets have to be scaled down to their barest elements to fit into the parameters given to the department.

“It looks simple, but actors have to do a lot more,” said Becca Kosobucki, junior theatre, when asked about the obstacles that come with the limited sets.

The guidelines used in creating and designing the sets are determined by the budget resources.

A lot of time and effort is put into each performance. Every detail is scrutinized down to the placement of the birdcage, how far to open the curtains, what color flower to place on the costume and how big the candy bowl should be. Getting to opening day is a meticulous process that demands a great deal from all participants.

Every weeknight except Thursdays is used to practice performance and design. The weekend rehearsal comes right before opening night.

Bethany Sarazen, senior theatre, when asked about her challenging role said it was “really fun to leave on this note.”

.NGU’s production of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest,  will open Thursday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Chapel. It will play for three consecutive nights, April 22-24.