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Three Things You Should Do Before Classes Start

2022-07-25T14:11:00.000-05:00

Whether you’re an upcoming freshman, an experienced sophomore, or returning to college for a new career, going to school after a long break can be overwhelming. It doesn't have to be. Here are three things you should do before the school year starts to make the most of your college experience.

1. REGISTER FOR CLASSES

The first step to earning a degree is getting registered for classes. Make sure to contact your advisor to help you with this. It is important to have your advisor assist you with registration so that you can sign up for the right classes and graduate on time.

To set up an advising appointment, visit the advising page.

2. BUY BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Make sure to order school books and other class material as soon as possible. This will ensure that you are prepared on the first day of class. Classes start on August 22nd. Make sure to stock up on pencils, three-ring binders, notebooks, and anything else you might need. You can buy books and school supplies at the Vol State bookstore. Every Vol State campus has a bookstore for your convenience.

You can also order books and supplies at the online bookstore.

3. GET FAMILIAR WITH THE CAMPUS

It is a good idea to get familiar with the campus before classes start. You can do this at a Pioneer Preview event. During Pioneer Preview, you can pick up your student ID, get your parking decal, and walk your schedule to see where your classes are located.

To take a full campus tour, go to the campus tour page.

Adult Student Anamaria Defied All Expectations

2022-07-06T13:48:00.011-05:00

Proficient in five languages and a mother of eight, Anamaria Chiscociu is pursuing her dream at Vol State despite her busy life.

“Growing up in Romania, I was very poor. There was not much possibility to chase your dreams,” she said. “When I came here almost eleven years ago to the U.S., I was pregnant with my third kid. Now we have eight children.”

Anamaria felt a strong calling to finish her education, so she enrolled in the Adult Education program at Vol State. It was difficult to take care of her children, study, and improve her English skills through Vol State’s ESOL class all at the same time, but Anamaria pushed through.

“After eight o'clock, when everyone was silent, I would put the children to sleep and learn until two or three in the morning,” she said. “It is hard but it's not impossible when you are focused and really want to do it. Your dream becomes your motivation.”

When Anamaria took her final ESOL test at the end of the semester, she went from a level three language proficiency to a level five. Now that she has graduated with her GED, Anamaria plans to attend Vol State again in the spring to get a degree in Psychology. She wants to use her knowledge to help bully victims and those who have been through trauma.

When asked about balancing her personal life and school, she said, “It's not as scary as it sounds. It is possible. If we can stay on Facebook for several hours a day, I think we can find the time to do what we want to do.”

Congratulations, Anamaria! If you would like to learn more about the Adult Education Program at Vol State, go to the Adult Education Program page.

Vol State Exhibit Features World War II Artifacts

2022-06-20T14:37:00.016-05:00

A World War II exhibit titled, "Camp Forrest, TN- POW Exhibit: Friend, Enemy, or Frenemy?" is on display now in the Thigpen Library on the Gallatin campus, courtesy of Smith County Historical Tourism Society and The Camp Forrest Foundation. The World War II exhibit was curated by Dr. Elizabeth Taylor, president of The Camp Forrest Foundation.

Camp Forrest was one of the U.S. Army’s largest training, induction, and prisoner of war facilities during World War II, built specifically for the Tennessee Maneuvers. The Tennessee Maneuvers were large-scale combat training exercises conducted by the U.S. Army to prepare for World War II. These maneuvers took place all across Middle Tennessee, including in Sumner County.

"As our efforts grow to make people be aware of the Tennessee Maneuvers, we also want people to remember Camp Forrest, Tennessee," said Tressa Bush, founder of Smith County Historical Tourism Society. "Camp Forrest played an integral role in the maneuvers."

The exhibit features historical artifacts, photos, artwork, and hand-crafted items made by prisoners of war and civilian internees who were held at Camp Forrest during World War II. The exhibit also features informational posters and a short video explaining the history of Camp Forrest.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. You can view the exhibit on the second floor of Thigpen Library on the Gallatin campus during library hours until August 15th. The library is currently open:

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on Friday, July 1; Monday, July 4; and Friday, July 22

To keep up with future events, visit the Campus Events page.

Google Maps Inspired This Clay Artist

2022-05-18T11:44:00.006-05:00

If you thought that nothing interesting happens at Vol State during the summer, you thought wrong. Audry Deal-McEver is a clay artist based out of Nashville, TN, and her work is currently being featured in Vol State’s Humanities building from May 16th to July 22nd. Audry has a degree in Ceramic Studio Arts from Ohio University and has also studied at Die Burg Giebichenstein School of Art and Design in Germany. Her work has been featured in over 60 exhibits across the U.S., including the American Museum of Ceramic Art, the Reese Museum of Fine Art, the Disjecta Contemporary Arts Center, the Nashville International Airport, and more. Audry currently teaches at Belmont University's Watkins College of Art’s Community Education program and privately out of her home studio.

Over the past few years, Audry has been studying different botanical symbols seen throughout history. In her own interpretation, she carves these symbols into white clay to create beautiful ornate vessels, which are featured in this art exhibit.

“The work in this exhibit was mostly inspired by historic textiles from India,” she said. “Given that it was mostly created during the pandemic, I satiated my wanderlust by trying to follow the voyage of these botanical motifs across the world as they were spread through trade. Many of the forms also come from hours spent on Google Maps taking virtual tours of architecture from the same era.”

You can take a look at some of Audry’s work on the first floor of SRB in room 100 on the Gallatin campus. This exhibit is free and open to the public from May 16th, 8:00am to July 22nd, 4:30pm. For more information, visit Vol State's events web page.

Vol State Students Compete in SkillsUSA: Off to Nationals

2022-04-25T15:20:00.004-05:00

Triple Crown, Hat-trick, Three-run homer… There needs to be a name for winning all three competitions, because that is what Vol State students did two weeks ago!

Eight Vol State students, coached by Bradley Tracy, Tim Anschuetz, and Jonathan Pinkerton, took part in SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, educators, and industry workers that come together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. They do this by understanding what skills need to be taught for maximum potential in students transitioning out of school and into their careers.

“SkillsUSA allows the students to use the skills they have been learning, and it validates the education they have been getting here at Vol State” said Bradley, Criminal Justice Department Director.

There were a large variety of skills tested, but the students representing Vol State participated in three different sections (all of which they won): Information Technology Services (ITS), Criminal Justice (CJ), and Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). They have been practicing since the fall semester, some prior to that, to be ready for their competition this spring. The level of opportunity for participating students connecting with the workforce was large, and this year there were around 1,800 students taking advantage of it in competition.

Assistant Chief of Campus Police, Tim, said, “When we walked into the exhibition hall, my jaw dropped because there was every competition you could think of in which you can display skills: building brick walls, masonry, construction, aircraft mechanics, creative writing, public speaking, and so much more. Beyond that, the halls were lined with people giving job opportunities.”

The participating students at this year’s competition were (pictured from left to right): Chris Montini (1st Place in ITS), Hussein Alhawamdeh, Sydney Mattern (1st Place in CJ), Jacob Garret, Arlett Gonzalez (1st Place Team in CSI), Jasmine Harrison (1st Place Team in CSI), Estela Flores (1st Place Team in CSI), and Iboro Philip. Congratulations to all students for competing and to Bradley, Tim, and Jonathan for coaching!

Listen to students and coaches talk about their experience at SkillsUSA on the Vol State Chat - via Apple, Spotify, Amazon, iHeart, and other podcast sites. First place students will be attending the National SkillsUSA competition this summer, June 20-24, in Atlanta, GA. If you are a student or faculty member who is interested in participating in SkillsUSA next year, reach out to: bradley.tracy@volstate.edu

-Winnie Combs

Vol State Student Receives Full-Ride to Lipscomb University

2022-04-19T10:58:00.002-05:00

Chloe Espinosa is a Vol State student and President’s Ambassador who is graduating this semester with an Associate’s Degree in Visual Arts. Chloe recently landed a full-ride scholarship to Lipscomb University, where she will transfer this fall.

“I was not very involved at my high school,” she said. “Then when I came to Vol State, I just really took advantage of all the opportunities given to me, whether it was the Ambassador program, or an Honors Program, or a Work Study. And I think because of that, I grew as a leader.”

Chloe describes the President’s Ambassadors program as, ‘really fun.’ “The friends that I've made over there have been people that I will remember for the rest of my life, and being an Ambassador in itself really pushed me while I’ve been at Vol State,” she said.

“I applied to Lipscomb as a transfer student, and then once I had been accepted, I wasn't really seriously considering it just because I knew how expensive Lipscomb would be,” she said.

After reaching out to an advisor with her concerns, Chloe was told about a scholarship opportunity. Chloe applied for the scholarship, participated in an interview, and was awarded a full-ride to Lipscomb University as a transfer student. “I honestly couldn’t believe it,” said Chloe.

Paying for college has always been one of Chloe’s biggest priorities. “The finances of college have always been just so important to me because no one wants to graduate with debt,” she said. “I was just so adamant about just trying my best to find as many scholarships as I could.”

Chloe plans to eventually earn her Master’s degree. Her dream job is to be an art teacher. Chloe is also interested in becoming ESL certified.

“I’m very excited. I’m also very sad because I’ve loved Vol State, but I’m very ready for the next chapter,” said Chloe.

It's Never Too Late to Get Your Degree!

2022-04-18T13:24:00.003-05:00

Sonja Burton is an adult student who started school in fall 1981 and is finally graduating this semester with a degree in Business Administration. Sonja dropped out of college to pursue other things when she was 18, but now she’s graduating with her degree at age 59.

“I was an Administrative Assistant for twenty-nine years,” said Sonja. When Sonja began looking for a new job, the process was more difficult than she imagined. “An opening came up in the city for an Administrative Assistant and I applied because I thought my twenty-nine years of experience would outweigh the degree they were requiring,” she said. Unfortunately, Sonja didn’t get the job, so she decided to apply for TN Reconnect.

Sonja has experienced many hurdles while pursuing her degree and working a full time job at the same time. Several family issues even made Sonja reconsider her entire education. “My husband fell and shattered his leg, so I called to see if I could put the TN Reconnect scholarship on hold. Then my brother passed away and my mother passed away,” she said. “It’s been challenging.”

Thankfully, Sonja was able to finish many of her classes online, and is now graduating with her Associate’s degree in Business Administration this semester. Visit our website if you would like to learn more about the TN Reconnect program.

Brianna Bollinger’s Vol State Story Is Not What You’d Expect

2022-04-11T11:29:00.009-05:00

Brianna Bollinger is a passionate Music Business major at Vol State who released her debut single, “what did you expect” on April 8th. Brianna is in the Music Business program, but she wasn’t always pursuing a degree.

“Initially, my parents were very open-minded and supportive of whatever I wanted to do. They would always tell me I didn’t need a college degree, so I felt very empowered,” she said. “I took various musical classes without pursuing an actual degree.” However, Brianna later decided to finally work towards a degree in Music Business.

“I figured since I could intern while also going to college, I could learn more about the music business and be more qualified when I pursue my musical career as an artist,” said Brianna.

Brianna has a large variety of musical inspirations. “I like to say I was raised on Taylor Swift,” she said. She also enjoys listening to Guns N' Roses, Bruce Springsteen, and Olivia Rodrigo.

Brianna has a lot of good things to say about going to a community college. “So first of all, it's been phenomenal to go to a college where it's affordable. That's a big plus. The proximity to my home is also amazing because it's very close. I also like that it's a smaller institution,” she said.

Brianna has big plans once she graduates. “Once I get my degree this fall, I definitely want to release more singles this year. I would also love to get a publishing deal as a songwriter to write songs for other artists, and possibly get a job in the music industry. I just want to see where life takes me.”

Brianna is an intern at Carnival Music in Nashville, and she has written over 100 songs. You can listen to Brianna’s debut single, “what did you expect” on YouTube. And be sure to visit her website.

Adult Student Finds Her Voice At Vol State

2022-03-28T15:43:00.002-05:00

Kathryn Hoxie, professionally known as Kfhox, found her voice at Vol State. Literally. “From the time I was little, everything was a song or a commercial. Everything was my microphone,” said Kathryn. “And so, from a pretty early age, the woman that helped raise me put me in voice lessons.”

Kathryn grew up playing drums, singing in choir, and performing in a jazz ensemble. She even had the opportunity to record in Bob Marley’s studio in Kingston, Jamaica, where she recorded a reggae remix of one of her songs. She later wrote a children’s book based on that song, called Screaming To Be Free. 

“It's just always been a part of who I am. I just don’t remember my life without music.” she said.

Kathryn studied several subjects in college, but she still felt like something was missing. “My undergrad is in Political Science and Pre-Law. I have an MBA and a Masters of Management. But even after all of that, I just felt like I was fighting myself and my purpose and my path,” she said.

“I had attempted to come [to Vol State] a few years back after I moved here, but my mom got really sick and she passed away,” said Kathryn. “Especially after I lost my mom, I realized the importance of living for myself and my purpose. You don’t realize how precious life is until you lose someone- especially a parent.”

Kathryn finally decided to enroll in the Music: Associates of Fine Arts program at Vol State, and had to overcome a new hurdle.

“I literally lost my voice for like, months. I could barely talk,” she said. “I literally felt [like] I couldn't tell people that I sang.” Kathryn practiced meditation and enrolled in voice lessons at Vol State to regain her voice. 

“I was super thankful to start classes because I started voice lessons. I mean, I’ve been in and out of voice lessons my whole life, but it came right on time,” said Kathryn. “Honestly, since I started school, my voice is back and I’ve been doing shows again.”

Kathryn is continuing her education in the Music program at Vol State. She currently has several albums out on streaming platforms. Her book, Screaming To Be Free, is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and more. To keep up with Kfhox, click here: www.facebook.com/kfhox

- Chloe Duvall

Upcoming Vol State Play Explores The Relationship Between Mother and Daughter

2022-03-22T10:17:00.008-05:00

The Vol State Theatre explores the relationship between mother and daughter in their upcoming performance, A Daughter’s A Daughter by Agatha Christie. The play is a three-act psychological drama about mother Ann Prentice and her daughter, Sarah Prentice.

“‘A Daughter's A Daughter’ explores a mother-daughter relationship in which each is highly opinionated and dependent on one another,” said Assistant Director Brendan Tramel. The play, which was written under Agatha Christie's pseudonym, Mary Westmacott, is divided into three acts. Each act represents a different level in Ann and Sarah’s relationship. “Though the show itself is set post War World II in late 1940s London, the issues the characters face still resound today,” said Brendan.

“I believe people should come see this play because it really speaks to the relationships we all have with our parents versus our parents' relationships to us,” said Audrianna Fizer, who plays Ann Prentice. “It really speaks to the vulnerabilities that have always existed between mothers and their children throughout the times.”

“I think people will walk away from this show with a newfound love for Agatha Christie and how realistic the show is,” said Kyra Siciliano, who plays Sarah Prentice. “And it’s definitely going to make everyone want to go hug their moms.”

The show is happening on April 1st, 2nd, 8th, and 9th at 7:30pm in the Caudill Hall Auditorium on the Gallatin campus. The show is also happening on April 3rd and 10th at 2:30pm at the same place. The show is open to the public. Tickets are $5 at the door (cash only), and Vol State students can attend for free with their student ID. The show is directed by Edmon Thomas and assistant directed by Brendan Tramel. The play features adult themes and is recommended for a PG-13 audience. Viewer discretion is advised. For more information, visit the Vol State events page or contact brendan.tramel@volstate.edu

- Chloe Duvall

Vol State Adoption Story: A New Beginning for Two Students

2022-03-15T15:50:00.004-05:00

India Goostree and Karlee Marbry are both students pursuing a degree in the Human Services field here at Vol State, but they have a unique story beyond that, one that goes deeper than students in class together. India is an adult learner who has returned to school to finish up her degree in sociology, and Karlee is in the middle of her second semester at Vol State hoping to work towards a career in social work.

Karlee was in a youth group led by India’s husband, and that is where they first met. Over the past six months, they have built a deep relationship that has led them to become a family. India and her husband are now in the process of adopting Karlee. Marbry was the last name given to Karlee at birth, but she desires a last name representative of her new family. “Marbry is part of my testimony.” Karlee said. “I got confirmation from God saying, ‘it (Marbry) is part of who you are, and this (Goostree) is who you are going to be.’”

Between the time of meeting Karlee and her moving in, India and her husband lost contact with Karlee after she graduated high school, because she was no longer in the youth group. India and her husband hosted an event last August for the students in the Vol State Collegiate Ministry Club, and that is where they reconnected with Karlee. India said, “If it was not for me being a student at Vol State, having a heart for Vol State, and Karlee being at Vol State, I do not know if we would have ever connected again. God used Vol State to intersect our story, and it is so fun because now we go to Vol State together.”

India and Karlee are currently in statistics class together. “It just so happened that we would be in school at the same time, which is just absolutely wild” explained India. “What is beautiful too is that I was already feeling called to do foster care and orphan care (as a career focus), and now that Karlee is in our home, she has realized she wants to do it too for people who have her story.”

- Winnie Combs

Health Science Discovery Days March 23 and 24

2022-03-15T08:37:00.004-05:00

Explore a career in Health Sciences with Health Science Discovery Days. Coming up March 23 and 24. All Vol State students invited.

Tour Vol State Health Sciences Programs and Labs. In-Person Location: Gallatin Campus. Start in Wallace South Building at the check-in table. 10am to 2pm with sessions starting on the hour and half hour

We will also have online Zoom sessions:

10-10:30 am: PTA and MLT

10:30-11 am: Radiology and Ophthalmic

11-11:30 am: Sonography and Dental

11:30-12 pm: Respiratory and EMS

12-12:30 pm: HIM and Polysomnography

Zoom link: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/7403242770

Meeting ID: 740 324 2770

Attend and have your name entered for a $500 Vol State scholarship and college swag; the more sessions you attend, the more times your name will be entered.

Vol State Events for March 14-19

2022-03-14T08:43:00.003-05:00

March 14 Trevecca Nazarene representative Emily Beasley will be in the SRB 2nd floor main hallway from 11am—2pm.

March 15 Memory Garden, suicide awareness, all day, Thigpen Library Lawn

March 15 Lindsey Wilson representative Cheryl Boger will be in the SRB 2nd floor main hallway from 9am—3pm.

March 15 SGA Meeting, 11:15am-12:15pm see student email for the Zoom link

March 15 Baseball, 1pm and 4pm, Baseball Field

March 16 Belmont University representative Renease Perkins will be in the SRB 2nd floor main hallway from 9:30am—2pm.

March 16 Suicide Awareness, discussion about what you can do to help, 11:15am-12:15pm, Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/97657349263

March 16 Healthy Eating Tips, quick and healthy recipe ideas, 11:30am-12:30pm, Zoom ID: 980 4337 9500

March 16 Student Success Session, discussion of ways to handle school and personal obligations, 12:30pm, Thigpen Library- Rochelle Center and Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/98325601970

March 17 Middle Tennessee State University representative Jeana Nier will be in the SRB main hallway, 2nd Floor from 10am—2pm.

March 17 The Well: free lunch and giveaways, 11:30am-12:30pm, Bookstore Hallway in Wood

March 17 International Students Cultural Connections Club Spring Mixer, lunch and meet students from other countries, 1pm-2:30pm, Nichols Dining Room and Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/92910494715

March 18 Softball, 2pm and 4pm, Softball Field

March 18 Baseball, 2pm, Baseball Field

March 19 Baseball, Noon and 3pm, Baseball Field

March 19 Softball, Noon and 2pm, Softball Field

Get Ready for Fall and Summer Priority Class Registration

2022-03-14T08:21:00.003-05:00

Get the Fall and Summer Classes You Need at the Times You Want!

Priority Registration for Current Students Starts April 4 and 5.

The Fall and Summer schedule of classes are now available. It’s time to get ready for Priority Registration, your opportunity to sign up for classes before registration opens to the public. Get ready now by logging into your My Vol State portal and clicking on the Degree Works icon. You will see your advisor listed at the top of Degree Works. Click on the envelope icon at the top right to contact them to make an appointment. Your academic advisor can help you with your course schedule and make sure you are taking the classes you need for your major.

Priority spring course registration for current sophomores (completed 30 credit hours or more prior to this semester) starts at 8 a.m. on April 4. It opens for current freshmen (completed less than 30 credit hours prior to this semester) on April 5 at 8 a.m.

If you have problems, you can contact the Office of Advising via email at advising@volstate.edu or call 615-230-3702.

Food Trucks on the Gallatin Campus March 14-17

2022-03-11T15:24:00.008-06:00

After much anticipation, we are happy to finally announce that starting Monday, March 14, we will have dining options available on the Gallatin campus each week Mondays through Thursdays. Food trucks will be set up on the sidewalk between the Thigpen Library and Wallace North. Dining Room vendors will be in the Nichols Dining Room of the Wood Campus Center. All vendors will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will post the calendar for the week on Vol State social media and send it out via email. We will share the menus of the vendors who share them with us at: www.volstate.edu/foodtruck. However, for the weekly calendar visit social media or your email.

Monday, March 14- Food Truck: The Rolling Recipe (maybe...mechanical issues) and Dining Room: Persian Flame

Tuesday, March 15- Food Truck: The Rolling Recipe, Yayo’s Original Mexican Gourmet

Wednesday, March 16- Food Truck: The Rolling Recipe, The Table of Cuba, and Dining Room: Persian Flame

Thursday, March 17- Food Truck: After 7 Flavors

Spring Break March 7 - 12

2022-03-03T08:05:00.003-06:00

Vol State Spring Break is March 7 - 12. There will be no classes that week, but Vol State offices will be open for normal hours.

The Pioneer Softball Team Aims To Win

2022-03-02T13:04:00.003-06:00

The Vol State Pioneer softball team has been practicing hard on the field, and they have one of the most exciting games of the season coming up. Coach Johnny Lynn has been a softball coach for 28 years, and he has a lot to say about the team. “There’s some really good talent in this league,” he said. “And they’re fun to watch.

Player Kemiah Michel said that the whole team is very close. “We’re all pretty together- a big family,” she said. “There’s not a lot of drama, which I love about this team.”

There are several things that Coach Lynn teaches players. He said that confidence is key. “Softball’s a game of failure,” he said. “So, you’ve got to be really mentally tough.”

Coach Lynn also likes to teach consistency and growth. “We don’t play our competition. We play ourselves to get better. That’s my mindset,” he said.

The team has some big goals this season. “Our main goal is to finish number one at the conference tournament, because that winner goes to The Nationals,” said Coach Lynn. The tournament is happening on May 8-11 in Chattanooga, and the team aims to win.

Players have been training hard for the upcoming tournament. “We shouldn’t have finished where we did last year and I’m excited to get back at that,” said Kemiah.

The Pioneer softball team has two games happening this weekend on March 4 at 2:00 pm, and March 5 at 12:00 pm on the Gallatin campus. The games are free and open to the public. “I feel like when we have a lot of supporters, everybody’s just more hype,” said Kemiah. “And more hype wins.”

For the upcoming softball schedule, click here.

Vol State Events This Week

2022-02-28T08:03:00.000-06:00

March 1 SGA Meeting, 11:15am-12:15pm see student email for the Zoom link

March 2 Documentary: Beah-a Black Woman Speaks, 12:30-2:30pm Nichols Dining Room and Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/91694261983

March 3 College Transfer Fair, four year school reps on site, 11am-1pm, Nichols Dining Room

March 3 Read Across America Zoom Storytime Celebration, families are invited to read selected children’s books, 6-7pm, Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/99566254174

March 4 Softball, 2pm and 4pm, Softball Field

March 4 Baseball, 2pm, Baseball Field

March 5 Softball, 12pm and 2pm, Softball Field

March 5 Baseball, 12pm and 3pm, Baseball Field

March 7 – 11 Spring Break, offices open, no classes

March 9 Baseball, 2pm, Baseball Field

March 10 Softball, 2pm and 4pm, Softball Field

Vol State Student Talks About Her Eating Disorder

2022-02-21T11:33:00.022-06:00

It is estimated that between 10 and 20% of college-aged women and 4 to 10% of college-aged men suffer from an eating disorder, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. I talked to a Vol State student who has struggled with an eating disorder for several years. She asked to remain anonymous.

“Back when I stopped volleyball around senior year, I hit a point where I wasn't exercising as often,” she said. “When I stopped, immediately my metabolism shifted. I was eating regularly without exercising and I realized I was gaining weight. I felt really insecure about it and so I kind of just started starving myself. I started dropping weight immediately- more than I should have. Even my doctor said something about it. That’s when I had to realize, ‘Oh, this is an issue.’”

And then it got worse.

“I went on something called phentermine, and phentermine- it suppresses your appetite,” she said. “The average intake of calories a day for the average human is like 2000. I was eating 1200,” she said. “It was just making a lot of mental issues worse. I finally came off of it.”

There are three things to look out for. Weight concerns, low energy, mood swings, and odd behaviors after meals are all possible indicators of an eating disorder.

“Self-reflection is a huge part of realizing what you need to fix in order to actually address the problem,” she said. “Be comfortable in your own skin. That sounds a little cliché, but at the end of the day, you’re you for a reason.”

Be sure to get help. “Look for people who you know will support you,” she said. “I’m very thankful that I had that support system. You’re created in the way that you’re supposed to be created,” she said. “If we all looked the same, then this world would be really boring.”

Vol State is raising awareness this week for eating disorders for National Eating Disorder Awareness week. If you or someone you know may be struggling with an eating disorder, contact the eating disorder helpline at 888-375-7767. If you would like to get more information about eating disorders and how you or someone you know can get help, click here.

-Chloe Duvall

Vol State Pioneers: Bases Are Loaded

2022-02-15T14:52:00.002-06:00

Pioneers Baseball Player, Josh Griffin, has one thing to say to fans, “Come watch the Neers’ in action, we are gonna be good!”

The Vol State Pioneers Baseball team is about to start their 2022 season, and there is a lot that is new about the team this year. One big difference is the new Head Coach, Jim McGuire. This season will be his first full season at Vol State, and he is bringing in a holistic view. McGuire said, “It's all about development. It is about development as a player and as a student athlete, but its development as a young man too and just the life lessons that baseball and college athletics gives them. I think it is something they take with them the rest of their life… and will allow them to be good young men after they leave the program.”

The team has been practicing on and off the field to prepare for the upcoming season. Player Dalton Pyzer said, “We are out here everyday 3 to 4 hours, just getting after it.” The players also do team building exercises, such as one that took place last week. “We had Jason Kim, former Navy seal, talk to us about team, culture, and brotherhood, and I think that relates to everything we are trying to do here, for sure,” said Griffin.

McGuire coached at Middle Tennessee State University for 26 years prior to coming to Vol State. “After coaching at a big school for a long time, I think you lose sight of [community],” said McGuire. “You have your inner circle you work with, but here everybody is on board with what you are trying to do because they want to see you have success and they want to be a part of what you are doing.”

With the first home game coming up on Friday, February 18th at 2p.m., the public can expect to see a team that takes pride in representing Vol State and the Gallatin community on and off the field.

-Winnie Combs

Vol State Events Feb 14-19

2022-02-11T08:08:00.002-06:00

Feb 14 The Well: student support info and free lunch, 12:15pm-1:15pm, SRB Second Floor Hallway

Feb 14 Basketball: Women – 5:30pm, Men – 7:30pm, Pickel Field House

Feb 15 SGA student government meeting, 11:15am-12:15pm, Zoom ID 940 0891 0706

Feb 15 What Does Diversity Mean to You? Presentation, 10:30am-Noon, Livingston Room 208

Feb 15 What Does Diversity Mean to You? Presentation, 1pm-2:30pm, Cookeville Cody Hall

Feb 16 What Does Diversity Mean to You? Presentation, Noon-1:30pm, Springfield Community Room

Feb 16 Basketball: Women – 5:30pm, Men – 7:30pm, Pickel Field House

Feb 17 Documentary: I Am Not Your Negro, 12:30-2:30pm, Nichols Dining Hall and Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/93252584138

Feb 19 Softball, 1pm and 3pm, Softball Field

Feb 19 Baseball, 12pm and 3pm, Baseball Field

Vol State Video Production Student Lands a Role With Miranda Lambert and Elle King

2022-02-08T09:30:00.001-06:00

A passionate actor, director, and musician, Vol State video production student Mason Mecartea is pursuing a career in entertainment. “My dream job would be a professional working film actor,” he said. “My dad used to make a lot of home videos with me. I also did a lot of theater growing up and fell in love with performing.”

Mason has been featured in several projects including the Elle King/Miranda Lambert music video, “Drunk And I Don’t Wanna Go Home”, and he has an interesting story about how he landed the role. “I didn’t even audition for it,” he said. “They were just looking through agency catalogs and picked me. I had no idea they would feature me as much as they did.” He has also acted in music videos for artists such as Stars Go Dim and Erin Kinsey.

Mason does more than just act. He has directed two music videos, including “I Will Wait” by Prentiss and “Space” by RYMAN. “Directing wasn't something I thought I would get into. But I thought I would try it,” he said. Now, Mason plans to direct many more projects. “I think as creative people, we have to have a well-rounded spectrum. Acting will always be my number one, but directing has taught me so much about the behind the scenes.” Mason also plays piano and guitar for fun.

Mason continues to work on his craft. Last fall, he wrote a sixty-page screenplay. This semester, Mason plans to create a conspiracy-themed mockumentary about Vol State for his Capstone Experience class. “We’re still playing around with ideas, but I’m really excited,” he said.

Mason is thrilled to continue his film journey. “My next step is to lose fear and attack every opportunity I get this year.”

Check out Mason Mecartea in “Drunk And I Don’t Wanna Go Home” by Elle King and Miranda Lambert.

Learning Commons: Academic Help for All Students

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The Vol State Learning Commons can help you with writing papers, preparing speeches, and math and science tutoring. All four campuses have a Learning Commons location. You can also access services online. It’s free and available to all Vol State students. Visit: https://www.volstate.edu/learningcommons

Vol State Events This Week

2022-02-07T09:44:00.002-06:00

Feb 9 The Life of Bayard Rustin, documentary and presentation, 12:30-1:45pm, Nichols Dining Room and Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/92260289922

Feb 9 Basketball: Women – 5:30pm, Men – 7:30pm, Pickel Field House

Feb 10 CAB Game Day, games to play, free pizza, music, 11am-1pm, Nichols Dining Room

Vol State Events This Week

2022-01-31T08:23:00.006-06:00

Jan 31 Financial Security issues Lunch and Learn with lunch provided for free, 11:30am, Nichols Dining Room.

Feb 1 SGA student government meeting, 11:15am-12:15pm, Zoom ID 940 0891 0706

Feb 1 Cumberland University representative, 1pm-3pm, Wood Campus Center, near Bookstore

Feb 2 Strategies to Thrive at Vol State, student info session, 12:30pm, Thigpen Library-Rochelle Center

Feb 2 Basketball, Women 5:30pm, Pickel Field House

Feb 3 Virtual Game Night: Movie Mania Trivia, 6pm-8pm, see your student email for Zoom

Feb 3 Study Abroad info session, Noon-1pm, Zoom: https://volstate.zoom.us/j/92643079201

Feb 5 Basketball: Women - 2pm, Men - 4pm, Pickel Field House