“I think of offensive lineman as a blue collar job,” said Joe Pearson, senior offensive lineman. “You don’t get much credit, but you still work your tail off everyday.”

After two seasons at Guilford, Pearson, 6-foot-2 inches tall and over 300 pounds, is primed to perform at the professional level.

His distinguished career at Guilford, featured a 2013 Dream Bowl All-Star Game appearance and performances at multiple NFL and CFL combines:

Raw beginnings

“If you look at the beginning of Joe’s career, there were a lot of red flags,” said head football coach Chris Rusiewicz.

After transferring from the University of Southern Mississippi to Appalachian State University, and finally, to Guilford his junior year, Pearson recalls that a “pretty bad attitude” was one of his red flags.

“I felt like I was better than everyone else,” said Pearson. “Coaches appreciated my talent but not my attitude.”

“You knew he was going to be a hit or miss,” said Brad Davis, assistant football coach and offensive line coordinator.

“He was that guy who could go out on the field and get three 15-yard penalties.”

The evolution: raw to real

“Seeing him grow to where he is today, it’s 180 degrees from when he arrived,” Rusiewicz said. “He went from a player no one knew to the number 57 center in college football today.”

What led to the change?

“It took a conversation with some coaches,” Rusiewicz said. “Finally, he realized that he needed to step up and dominate. And he did.”

“What my coaches told me was a light switch for me,” Pearson said. “I took their advice with me the whole season, and I dominated the opposition like no one else on our team did.”

Pearson finished the season with Second Team All-Old Dominion Athletic Conference honors and captained the Dream Bowl All-Star Game, where he led his team to a 37–0 rout.

“All season, he was such a dominant force that it was fun playing next to him,” said sophomore offensive lineman Faris El-Ali.

According to senior defensive lineman and team captain Daniel Biggerstaff, Pearson’s competitive spirit has helped him rise to the occasion.

“The guy doesn’t even believe that he can get beat,” Biggerstaff said. “You put anybody in front of him, he will take them down.”

“I’ve been one-on-one with NFL guys, and I’ve been winning every battle,” said Pearson. “I’ve trained with linebackers like Danelle Ellerbe, who won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens.

“Having guys like him push me has been rewarding.”

A promising future

“Shoot for the stars, and worst case, you’ll land on the moon,” said Pearson. “So I’m shooting for the stars — the NFL.”

Pearson has taken his talents to two NFL scouting combines, two Canadian Football League workouts, and plans to meet with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos on May 11.

“I see him going to the CFL at the very least,” said Biggerstaff. “Just the other day, a scout from the St. Louis Rams called to have lunch with him.”

Rodney Beasley, Pearson’s trainer at Proehlific Park, is confident of Pearson’s chances.

“He’s got the drive, the skill and some serious speed,” said Beasley. “We just make sure there’s no ‘can’t’ in his vocabulary.”

As Pearson eagerly awaits a call-up, trainers, coaches and teammates alike have their fingers crossed.

“Rodney, my trainer, talks about it every day,” said Pearson. “He says, ‘Joe, I can’t wait for you to give me call one day and say that I made it, man. I made it.’”

“Jubilation will fill the coaches’ suite (if Pearson makes it to the pros),” said assistant football coach David Clark.

“Knowing that I had a part in his journey would make me feel good,” said Clark. “But, knowing that he got to where he wanted would be even sweeter.”

Hong, along with numerous others, will be graduating on May 18. It is the seminal Guilford experience that has influenced and affected so many of those students graduating this year.

“My experience at Guilford has been an exceptional time of growth and change,” said senior and class speaker Tim Leisman. “I’ve gained so much knowledge and built so many relationships that I know have served me well.”

This experience is not exclusive to those students who came in as first-years in 2009. It applies to everyone graduating this year whether traditional, transfer or CCE.

“I had anxieties when I transferred to Guilford and was not sure if I made the right choice or not,” said senior Douglas Reyes-Ceron. “After years of being here and on the verge of graduating, I can say without question, it was one of the best decisions I made in my life.”

Indeed, even with many worries, students are exiting the school on a high note. They are ready, though apprehensive, to enter the real world.

“In some ways, I’m ready to leave and start a new kind of life, and I’m excited about that new life,” said senior Martha McGehee. “But at the same time, I know that my life will never be like this again: where I do not have car payments or a mortgage and I don’t have to worry about making money as the key part of my existence.”

Our Alma Mater featuring music by Austin Scott ’43 with words by Russell Pope, reminds graduates that they are not alone.

“We have an alma mater song?” asks senior Nigel Espey.

We certainly do, even if many graduates, nearly every one interviewed, had no idea it existed.

“Still undimmed dear Alma Mater/ Strengthen us, dispel our fears,” the song proclaims. “So our hearts and voices joining/ Echo Guilford’s ancient fame.”

It is this “ancient fame” that will give graduates the strength to carry forward, no matter the path.

“I’m going to geology field camp all summer,” said senior and geology major Becca Dozier. “I am also applying to GeoCorps for the fall/winter.”

Others, while still unsure about their future, march forward ready for anything.

“Sadly I don’t have many plans, but I think I’m in the same boat as a lot of people,” said Espey. “I mean we’re all still pretty young, how can any of us be 100 percent sure what we want to do? Could I become an Alaskan fisherman in the next five months? Absolutely. Though let’s be real, I probably won’t.”

Though there may be seniors who are unsure about their own futures, the community has words of wisdom to offer.

“Get jobs, go to grad school, send more students to Guilford,” charges Vice President for Student Affairs Aaron Fetrow in an email interview. “Really, what (graduates) should do is something they love.  Pursue your dreams.  Chase a passion.  Every one of them knows deep down what provides meaning for them.”

Many graduates found meaning in the friends they made while here.

“Guilford really has become a deeper part of me and adjusting to a new place just seems like a strange concept,” said senior Meg Stern. “I have such a great community here that you can’t find just anywhere else. I’m leaving my extended family and going out into the world. I think we all have that fear of going out on our own.”

No matter the paths graduates take, it is important to remember what they leave behind. The Alma Mater proclaims that each student’s endeavors shall be “hallow’d” and many at the college take this to heart.

“I will remember you forever, thanks to that annoying rash I just can’t seem to shake after you forced me into the lake,” said Fetrow. “Poetic, eh? Actually, I do not need to wish (you) luck. (You) are all well prepared for the successes that I know are inevitable. I will miss (you) all!”

For what crime? An attempt to share the news.

They are international journalists.

Robert Rosenthal is an award-winning journalist who was taken prisoner of Uganda in May 1982, just three weeks after becoming a foreign correspondent. Rosenthal was reporting on the civil war when he was taken captive. Fortunately, he was released three days later.

“I was arrested, beaten and whipped,” said Rosenthal in a phone interview with The Guilfordian. “I realized there is evil in the world and I was able to really feel what it was like to feel helpless. I’m lucky to be alive.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists — an independent, nonprofit organization —  is dedicated to the global defense of press freedom and has documented 982 total journalist deaths since 1992. In 2012, there were 232 journalists jailed worldwide.

Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was abducted and beheaded in 2002 when he traveled to Pakistan in search of a link between Richard Reid (“the shoe bomber”) and Al-Qaeda. Pearl was 38 with a child on the way when he was decapitated with a knife on video by his attackers in Feb. 2002.

“The U.S. government has little to no control over journalists who want to venture into harms way, other than the State Departments issuing travel warnings regarding dangerous countries,” said Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science Robert Duncan, in an email interview.

Associate Professor of Business Management Betty Kane pointed out that journalists are required to follow foreign law.

“When someone is abroad, they are subject to the laws and the decisions of the foreign government,” said Kane. “Just as we would impose in our country that when a foreign person was here, they would also be subject to our laws and our enforcement of those laws.”

While on a deadline to capture the truth and details of a story, language and cultural barriers can stop a journalist in their tracks. Weather and climate are also interfering factors.

“It is possible that without language or culture background the journalist could do things to offend people they didn’t realize was offensive,” said David Limburg, professor of foreign languages. “It’s also possible they might not get the best story because they aren’t as aware of what they should be.”

Steve Sapienza, an award-winning news and documentary producer, has covered a wide range of human security stories. Sapienza deals with language and culture barriers by hiring local guides and researching before adventuring abroad.

“I typically hire a local guide, someone who frequently works with visiting journalists, to help with translation and logistics,” said Sapienza in an email interview with The Guilfordian. “I research each topic I cover thoroughly online before I leave, and I also seek input from experts who work on the topic in the region.”

Iraq, the Phillippines and Algeria have the most reported deaths of journalists. More than 90 percent of killed reporters have been male.

Anna Politkoyskaya was a special correspondent for the independent Moscow newspaper called Novaya Gazeta. She was known for her investigative reports on human rights abuses practiced by the Russian military. During her career she was threatened, jailed, forced into exile, poisoned and, in 2006, found murdered in her apartment building in Moscow.

With endless risks and tragedies, many ask why journalists continue such dangerous work.

“I have witnessed a lot of famine (and seen) men, women, and children dying,” said Rosenthal. “It’s hard to deal with emotionally. You hope that your writing will reach out to people and mobilize and motivate help.”

Judy Harvey, engaged learning specialist in the Principled Problem Solving department, is leaving Guilford after 21 years of dedicated service to the community.

“Guilford was the perfect place for me to come as a student,” said Harvey. “Even though my family was mortified that I came so far, two important things happened.  I learned how to learn, and I found my voice.”

Harvey has spent her entire career encouraging students with her unwavering support in the same way she was encouraged as a student.

“I learned from Judy that our work as teachers and learners never stops,” said Mark Justad, director of Center for Principled Problem Solving.

“Patience is a necessary requirement for effective teaching,” he continued. “I will miss Judy’s presence and her contributions to the CPPS and the college greatly.”

Over the years, Harvey has held five different positions on campus: Director of Internships, Director of Community Learning, Director of Multicultural Education, Director of Interdisciplinary Leadership for Social Change, Engaged Teaching and Learning Specialist. She has always engaged with students and helped them grow.

“The most important thing I learned from her is to always keep an open mind and perspective,” said Darius Verdell ‘12. “By being relaxed and patient, one can arrive at some of the best solutions possible. Judy, along with the rest of the PPS instructors, encouraged me to think outside of my comfort zone.”

Harvey considers students to be partners in problem solving.

“I believe I have brought to Guilford a commitment to the students,” said Harvey. “I see students as colleagues first. They have challenged, used and taught me over the years. Some of my best work has been done with students.”

“One of my memories has a lot to do with students,” continued Harvey. “In the early years, I built the community-learning program with students. Their passion is what made the time exciting.”

Even beyond the classroom, Harvey worked closely with her students.

“Judy opened her home to my classmates and I last fall,” said junior Faris El-Ali. “It struck me that she was so willing to welcome her students into her home and treat them as if they were her own children.”

Harvey’s main passion as an instructor has always been getting students engaged in the world outside of Guilford.

“I use my life as a text,” said Harvey. “Learning is more complex when you mix experience and academics.

“Experiential learning like PPS is much deeper and better prepares students for life outside of college.”

All PPS students including senior Tim Leisman have felt Harvey’s encouragement to go out and become integrated in the community.

“Judy’s class was the first one that ever got me off campus and engaged in work in the surrounding community,” said Leisman. “She has certainly been one of the key figures in my academic career.”

Leisman and other PPS scholars interviewed have a deep appreciation for Harvey and memories that they will carry with them.

“A pretty good memory was hearing her reminisce about her peyote experiences in our PPS class,” said senior Erika Swiger.

Harvey used peyote and had a vision of her heart exploding, which she took to mean that she had to feel the sadness that the rest of the world was feeling.

Senior Madison Heltzel shares the same favorite memory from her time in PPS.

“My favorite stories that Judy tells are those about her experiences on the Crow reservation,” said Heltzel. “They remind me that life is full of important lessons in unexpected places.”

Harvey used those experiences as well as her Guilford experiences to leave PPS in a good place.

“I think the framework she created will really blossom with a fresh set of ideas and skills,” said Heather Sparks.

Harvey has been unselfish and always tried to help people learn new skills.

“I have benefitted from working wih Judy because she had been so generous with teaching strategies that took her 20 years to learn,” said Kim Yarbray ’05, project and communication manager at the Center for Principled Problem Solving.

Following her commitment to students, diversity remains another of Harvey’s passions.

She considers beginning the anti-racism team among her favorite memories.

“I have also gotten to know Judy through the curriculum committee, a sub-committee of the Diversity Action Committee,” said sophomore Sara Minsky. “Her work on the committee has been crucial this year.”

Those interviewed would like to send the warmest wishes for a happy retirement to Harvey.

El-Ali sums up what Harvey means to Guilford.

“Judy, while you may be retiring, I know you will never leave Guilford.”

Although these are vital parts of summer, there is much more to do. Your tan will fade, but the experienced gained interning or volunteering will stick with you.

Internships

“I would always encourage people to intern,” said junior Jamie Rodgers. “Especially if you have no idea what you want to do with your life after college, like me.”

Rodgers will intern for the Beloved Community Center as a part of the Principled Problem Scholars Program.

“I use internships as a way to see if I can actually visualize myself doing something daily for years,” said Rodgers. “I love  being able to see the information I learned in class actually be applied in a possible field I want to enter.”

First-year Lek Siu will be earning credit for her major and the Bonner Scholars program, interning for the American Friends Service Committee.

“Internships have lots of opportunities for credits and to earn leadership skills, new knowledge and abilities,” said Siu. “I definitely recommend that other students intern.”

There are tons of nonprofits and local agencies in the Greensboro and Piedmont area. Don’t be afraid to contact them.

“Employers prefer to hire graduates with experience,” said Internship Coordinator and Career Counselor Megan Corkery. “Classroom learning is wonderful, but it only allows you to go so far. Interning allows you to get hands-on experience and apply theories from the classroom.”

Informational Interviewing

Here is a great way to learn more about a career without devoting much time.

First, email everyone you know saying you are interested in interviewing someone in the specific field.

Contact the names given and say who referred you. Ask about their job likes, dislikes and schooling. It should not take more than 20 minutes.

Give them your card, which you can get for free at vistaprint.com, and get theirs. Ask for additional contacts.

Job Shadowing

Seeing someone on the job gives insight to a career and an opportunity to ask questions. Once again, contact anyone and everyone.

Jobs

Any job is important, but one that gives you experience in an area of interest does double — money and experience.

www.collegecentral.com/guilford provides pages of job listings.

Study Abroad/Travel

The best way to learn another language or improve current skills is to go where everyone speaks it.

The Study Abroad office always has someone ready to help. If you are even just considering going abroad, stop by.

This late in the year, most deadlines have passed. But visit GoAbroad.com for opportunities to intern, study, volunteer and teach abroad.

Volunteer

It is always good to give back to the community, but find something that interests you. You will be more devoted, enjoy it more and the person or organization will appreciate you more.

Know someone who needs an extra hand due to age or a disability? Do yard work or little things around the house. Besides being considerate, anyone interested in a career in working with the elderly (a growing field) can get a head start.

Just for fun

Maybe you want to take a break from school related activities — understandable. Join a club or create one. Attend surf camp or horseback riding camp. Learning a new skill is always beneficial and always exciting, and you will meet new people.

Work on a special project. Write a book, woodwork, create art or improve technical and software skills.

NBA center Jason Collins has become the first male U.S. athlete in a major professional sport to come out as gay

The 34-year-old free agent who played with the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics this past season told Sports Illustrated that he felt compelled to share his story.

“I wish I wasn’t the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, ‘I’m different,’” said Collins. “If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

Collins revealed that he tried living the straight life for a while but was chasing the wind.

“When I was younger, I dated women,” said Collins. “I even got engaged. I thought I had to live a certain way. I thought I needed to marry a woman and raise kids with her. I kept telling myself the sky was red, but I always knew it was blue.”

Regardless of his reasoning, Collins’ move is unprecedented for the NBA according to David Walters, sports information director, who recognized this as a historic moment.

“The paucity of players coming out may simply be a reflection of the lack of gays and lesbians in the sports world,” said Walters in an email interview. “It may also be a reflection of some kind of barrier that precludes folks from coming out. I don’t know how to tell the difference, especially on such an intensely personal matter.”

Senior Daniel Gaskin, a self-described sports enthusiast, said that while there might be public applause, he is not sure everything was rainbows and butterflies.

“I can assuredly say that Collins is catching hell in the locker rooms,” said Gaskin. “Who was convinced it would be years before a professional athlete would ever come out as being gay?”

Even as the Obamas sung praises for the courage it took to come out, some people like junior Rose McIntyre wondered why the media frenzy was so male-centric.

“There are several out professional female athletes,” said McIntyre. “But they are not taken into consideration because of male dominance in the media.”

Male dominance aside, community leaders like State Representative Marcus Brandon, the only openly gay member of the North Carolina General Assembly, told The Guilfordian he is grateful for Collins’ honesty regarding his personal life.

“I think his courage continues to move the conversation on LGBT equality and acceptance,” said Brandon. “Based on the comments from his teammates and other sport professionals, there could not be a better representative to move this conversation forward.”

Brandon suggested Collins’ move was one of the biggest moments in the fight for LGBT equality.

While homophobic comments made on blog threads at sites like The Huffington Post and CNN suggest bigotry is alive in the minds of some, Parker Ramey, a former Guilford student and graduating member of a gay fraternity at Ohio State University, senses the tide is shifting.

“The changing climate in America has made it more acceptable for athletes to come out and not fear backlash from both other players and from fans,” said Ramey.

While Collins’ story plays out in the court of public opinion, only time will tell what the true implications of his personal story will have.

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, former Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection Robert Liscouski published an opinion piece through CNN which stated, “IEDs are one of the biggest threats to the United States.” His advice in order to prevent future attacks is increasing the Office of Bombing Prevention’s budget.

What I ask in response is, “Why?”

“I don’t think there is an urgent need for prevention (of bombings),” said Visiting Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies Jeremy Rinker in an email interview. “At least, no more than before the Boston bombings.”

I believe there are two main reasons why bombing prevention in America is a fool’s errand: they aren’t a constant danger in our society, and the unpredictability and availability of materials renders them impossible to prevent.

“All the materials and ingredients (to make a bomb) are out there,” said Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science Robert Duncan. “You need fertilizer and diesel fuel. Washing detergent, nails, bolts.”

But one might desperately ask, “Isn’t there anything we can do to prevent these attacks?” The answer is technically yes, but Americans would be forced to cede fundamental rights.

“Sure, there are measures we could take: martial law, totalitarianism, reducing whole populations to the status of virtual prisoners in their own homes and cities,” said Max Carter, director of the Friends Center, in an email interview. “Is that what we want to do?”

I say no. There’s no need to construct a police state because of one bombing.

So, in the face of facts, is bombing prevention in America a viable prospect?

“I am not at all convinced that our form of prevention would actually work,” said Rinker. “Our tendency is to increase security without increasing our understanding and empathy of the possible root causes of such a horrible act.”

One might ask what these “root causes” are. The answer is the same as usual: dissent against inequities, either real or imagined, leads to violent protest by disturbed individuals.

“People that are pissed off, at somebody or the government, want to make a statement,” said Duncan. “As long as you have thinking like that, you’re always going to have that possibility (of bombing attacks).

“We are a very violence-prone society. Hell, our country started at the point of a gun. Our whole history sort of rests on violence.”

One thing that maddens me about the proposal of stepping up bombing prevention in the United States is that it’s raised in willful ignorance of America’s most prevalent source of violence: guns.

“It takes a little brain power to build a bomb,” Duncan said. “Any idiot can pull a trigger.”

In light of this fact, I find it almost appalling Liscouski would state IEDs are a major threat in America after the rash of massacres in 2012. Where was he last year? Vacationing on Uranus?

Notably, Liscouski is the director of Implant Sciences Corporation, manufacturers of bomb detection equipment; I suggest he has a dog in the hunt.

In all seriousness, I believe the issue of bombing prevention in the United States to be nearly a moot point. I wouldn’t advise eliminating the Office of Bombing Prevention or anything rash, but let’s calm down, accept that we can’t stop attacks like the Boston bombings and confront the more pressing problems facing our nation.

On May 3, the second annual Relay for Life brought together Guilford and members of the Triad community to walk for a cause at the Guilford’s Armfield Athletic Center.

“Relay is a fun event to get the community involved in supporting the fight against cancer,” said senior Katie Chapman. “Friends and families come together to enjoy the company of each other, good food and live entertainment, all while supporting and donating to a great cause.”

Relay for Life kicked off with a survivor’s lap, a highlight of the evening, when those who have defeated cancer walked the first lap of the night. Energy was high and spirits were even higher.

While it commemorates and honors those who have lost the battle to cancer, Relay for Life is a celebration of life and the human will.

“Seeing the emotional impact Relay events have on survivors, caregivers and family or friends of those who have passed is so inspirational and shows how important these Relay events are,” said senior Autumn Yoder.

Yoder and Chapman are both infielders for the softball team thaat organized the event.

For first-year Caitlyn Young, this year’s Relay for Life held particular value. Young, a member of the women’s soccer team, lost her mother to colon cancer in June 2012.

“This event really means a lot to me,” said Young. “This is where I honor my mother and all the people who have been lost to cancer, those who are fighting it now, and the caregivers who support them.”

Young’s relay team raised over $1,000 during the event.

“Although I never knew Caitlin’s mother, I felt as if something like that could happen to anyone, me included,” said first-year Cassie Vaughn, Young’s close friend and teammate. “Relay was the least I could do to help others that have been affected by such a tragic disease and remember those lives that were lost.”

This emotional occasion provided the last step in the grieving process, acceptance.

All around, bonds were formed and friends were made. Empathy and tranquility emanated from every face and every smile. Relay is a time of remembrance and a time of celebration.

One event in particular, the Luminaria Ceremony, was overwhelming in its power.

Everyone involved received a glow stick and questions such as, “Have you lost a loved one to cancer?” are asked. The people who identify with the questions break their glow stick. The glow sticks are then put into luminary bags, which are decorated to commemorate those who have been lost to or are currently battling the disease.

“Looking out onto the field and seeing all of the bags surrounding it, it put everything into perspective for me,” said Vaughn. “I realized exactly how many people are affected by this disease, whether directly or indirectly.”

While these bags represent the hardships and heartbreak of battling cancer, with a little light and warmth, they turn into something beautiful.

That is what Relay for Life is about: replacing dark with light, anger with acceptance, and fear with hope.

And it begins with that first step.

These players are identified as draft busts that never fulfilled their potential upon leaving for the National Basketball Association after their freshman season.

In 2005, the NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement established the rule that limits players out of high school from entering the draft. Players must be 19 years old and be removed from high school for at least one year.

This rule has spawned the term “one-and-done” because many players attend prestigious basketball colleges like Kentucky, Duke and Indiana only to play for one season.

“I think the one-and-done rule is the most ridiculous rule in all of sports,” said volunteer assistant men’s basketball coach Will Cloyd. “If a rule is going to be in place like that, then it should either be (that) you enter the league out of high school, or you go into college and it has to be for two years.”

The NBA holds all the cards in the one-and-done culture of professional basketball.

“I happen to dislike the one-and-done rule enormously and wish it didn’t exist,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert according to The Kansas City Star.

All eyes turn to David Stern, NBA commissioner, for change.

“I think it would be a great idea to change it to a two-and-done,” said Stern according to CBS Sports.

The National Basketball Player’s Association is accountable for the rule.

“Everyone says it’s a pretty good idea except the (NBPA), whose consent is necessary to change it,” said Stern.

While one year of basketball does wonders for scouts, two years would help immensely. Players would not be pressured to go to the league or transfer because they did not improve their draft stock after one season.

Even coaches dislike one-and-done.

“It’s not my rule,” said John Calipari, coach for the 2011 NCAA Champion Kentucky Wildcats according to AL.com. “I don’t even like the rule one-and-done. Whether it’s Carolina, Duke or Florida, we’re all in the same boat.”

Duke’s basketball program has a history of players staying for four years, but some players like Kyrie Irving and Austin Rivers leaped to the league after their freshman campaign.

“The NBA benefits tremendously from college basketball, which essentially serves as a free minor league system,” said Robert Malekoff, associate professor and chair of sports studies in an email interview.

The NBA and NCAA are not the only ones hurt by the rule. Fans lose connection with their team and their favorite players with the many early draft entrants.

J.J. Redick is an average NBA player, but a Duke legend. What about Kyrie Irving? Irving is a superstar in the NBA, but will he be remembered as a Duke legend? Hardly; he only played 11 games for the Blue Devils.

“College is supposed to be about school spirit,” said junior basketball player Jared Hinton. “Leaving after one season is not school spirit.”

The situation at Kentucky epitomizes the problem fans face with the rule. The Wildcats recruited one of the best freshmen classes ever. But will it last for longer than a year?

The number five, seven, eight, nine and 25 top recruits will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall. The whole starting lineup may go one-and-done after the 2013–2014 season.

The next time your team recruits a big-time player, don’t get too attached. The heart is not made to be broke.

Adequate education of students, faculty and staff alike on the issue of sexual assault is the most important element of prevention that Guilford is missing.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics defines sexual assault as “attacks or attempted attacks generally involving unwanted sexual contact between victim and offender.” Most people do not realize this definition includes much more than rape or even physical contact.

Guilford does take measures to prevent sexual assault and offer options to those who have fallen victim to sexual assault. On-campus escorts and whistles are available to students. Sexual Assault Awareness, Support and Advocacy and the annual Take Back the Night event raise awareness about the issue on campus, and Guilford’s counseling services are free to any student in need.

However, SAASA and Take Back the Night began at Guilford more recently than some may realize.

“When I first came here in 2008, Guilford did not have an institutional practice of having Take Back the Night every spring, which surprised me, given the kind of place it is,” said Julie Winterich, associate professor of sociology and anthropology and faculty advisor to SAASA.

Another recent addition is that of the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students.

“The committee has been in existence for about a year,” said Director of Counseling Gaither Terrell. “It comes at a time when colleges across the country are paying more attention to sexual assault because of the Title IX issuance of the letter and the federal mandate.”

The 2011 “Dear Colleague” letter from the office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali regarding Title IX clarifies sexual harassment and assault as a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Part of the letter emphasizes the importance of education on sexual assault in institutions of higher education.

“Schools need to ensure that their employees are trained so that they know to report harassment to appropriate school officials, and so that employees with the authority to address harassment know how to respond properly,” the letter reads.

Much of the education provided to Guilford students in the past has focused on how to prevent oneself from being sexually assaulted. While helpful in some aspects, this can contribute to a victim-blaming mentality in the community.

“It amazes me that we don’t have education about consent in middle school and high school, let alone in college,” Winterich said. “From my perspective, in education that should be a key component.”

“We decided to do a campaign for next school year focused on consent,” said Terrell. “Our main focus is going to be consent and educating not just students but everybody on campus about consent and about what to do if one is assaulted or if you see something happening or know somebody who’s been assaulted. There’s a lot of education that we need to do.”

While Guilford certainly needs to implement systematic education on sexual assault and consent, responsibility also lies with the students to educate themselves and to take the college’s core values to heart. Terrell encourages students to join the Sexual Violence Prevention Committee.