Opinion

The Consumer Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

The Consumer Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility

BY: Savanna Pruitt Over the course of the past few years, it seems that companies and corporations have become more focused on sharing their values and commenting on current events. Countless CEOs and public relations representatives have made statements clarifying their positions on movements and events such as: Black Lives Matter (BLM), COVID-19, and Stop Asian American Pacific (AAPI) Hate. Why are these companies and corporations concerned with publicizing their stances on social and political issues, and how is it impacting consumers?  According to Investopedia, “Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially…
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Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?

Do the Pros Outweigh the Cons?

BY: Lashundra Daniels There are several pros and cons to working while in college. The choice lies in the hands of students when it comes to deciding if working is beneficial to them and their school schedule.   No one wants to admit it, but I guess I will be the first to say it: College is expensive, and it is extremely difficult to get the bare necessities without some form of funds coming in. There are only so many meals you can get from the café before you either get tired of eating the same foods or either run out…
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Try Being a Little More Considerate

Try Being a Little More Considerate

BY: Lashundra M. Daniels When it comes to effectively communicating with professors, certain boundaries are to be respected  As students, we want stuff when we want it and not a minute later. Just think about it for a second: If you have an assignment due at 11:59 p.m. and you have questions about that assignment at 9:30 p.m., then you might feel as if you should email your professor at that time and get an automatic response. Is that fair? Is it fair that as students we sometimes forget to respect boundaries when it comes to our professors having lives…
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Shop Small

Shop Small

BY: Hannah Long Imagine starting your own business and spending your hard earned money to make it perfect. Then, a pandemic hits, causing you to have to shut your store down. Thousands of small businesses have had to close permanently because they cannot afford to stay open.  According to wsfa.com, “Small businesses account for 99.4% of all businesses in Alabama.” This is a struggle for not only business owners but also their employees. As a result of these small businesses closing many owners had to lay off their employees.  Small business owners had to get creative when they realized opening…
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Midterm Blues

Midterm Blues

BY: Hannah Long It is that time of year again where college students are stressed out while studying for midterms. Whether a student is taking three classes or six, the stress is real.  Everyone handles their stress differently, and everyone studies differently. I know all too well about the stress of midterms and trying to figure out how to study for them all. Taking multiple classes and having a midterm in every single one can be very overwhelming.  For freshmen, this is their first time taking midterms, so of course they’re going to be extremely overwhelmed. For the seniors, this…
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Should You Get Your Master’s Degree?

Should You Get Your Master’s Degree?

BY: Savanna Pruitt May is quickly approaching and many college seniors are getting ready to graduate. Though most are excited and relieved to be receiving their bachelor’s degree, the inevitable question still goes through almost everyone’s mind: Should I get my master’s degree?  Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that “between 2000–01 and 2017–18, the number of master’s degrees conferred increased by 73 percent, from 474,000 to 820,000 degrees.” As the numbers reflect, more people than ever are earning master’s degrees. Additionally, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that master’s degree holders do earn…
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Adopting vs. Shopping- Does It Really Matter?

Adopting vs. Shopping- Does It Really Matter?

BY: Savanna Pruitt According to the Humane Society of the United States, nearly 3.3 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters every year. It sounds like there are plenty of pets who need good homes to go around, right?  According to data from the same report, only 1.6 million dogs are adopted from those shelters each year. That number seems great, and it is definitely nothing to sneeze at. However, we have to consider what happens to the rest of the animals who don’t get adopted. Unfortunately, approximately 670,000 dogs of the remaining 1.7 million are euthanized annually, and 1.1 million…
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College Is Hard- College During a Global Pandemic is Harder

College Is Hard- College During a Global Pandemic is Harder

BY: Savanna Pruitt COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of Americans nationwide, and college students are no exception. The pandemic’s effect on enrollment rates and the college experience as a whole is unprecedented. Enrollment and Graduation Rates According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, overall undergraduate enrollment is down an average 4.4 percent as of November 2020. While national high school graduation rates stayed relatively the same for the 2019-2020 school year, the number of high school graduates who enrolled in college for the Fall 2020 semester dropped by 21.7 percent from 2019. The same report…
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No Gym, No Problem

No Gym, No Problem

BY: Hannah Long Since the COVID-19 outbreak, people’s lives have changed drastically. Before this pandemic, life seemed to be running smoothly. The classes were all in person, masks were not a thing and gyms were open to all. The Auburn University of Montgomery Wellness Center is a beautiful building that sits right off the road for everyone in Montgomery to see. Students, faculty and those with memberships all share this building, working out right beside one another. COVID-19 has changed the way this facility runs and has brought some frustration to frequent goers. Previously, you could visit the Wellness Center…
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Super Bowl LV Pre-Game Breakdown

Super Bowl LV Pre-Game Breakdown

BY: Randy Dunn When it comes to the NFL, the Super Bowl is the pinnacle of all games. This year, we are seeing two familiar faces take the field to win a ring. We have  Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (14-2) facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5), led by six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. The difference in this year's game is that the Bucs will be hosting for the fifth time in team history, and this will be their third time inside of Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.  This game will decide one of two things:…
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The Finals Stretch

The Finals Stretch

BY: Jessica Alldredge Dear AUM student,  Here we are in the last few weeks of classes. This year has been difficult in every capacity. Between Covid-19, school changing drastically, and issues with work or loved ones, everyone has faced something this year that has affected them. But here we are, with two months left in the year. For better or worse— we made it.As we go into finals, be sure to take care of yourself. Take the time to step back and reflect on how you’re doing. Check-in with yourself and track your mental health. This year hasn’t been easy.…
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How to Dispute a Grade in the Era of Virtual Learning

How to Dispute a Grade in the Era of Virtual Learning

BY: Jessica Alldredge Virtual learning has thrown many curve balls at students this year. Professors are learning how to adapt, students are learning how to manage and internet companies are learning how to keep up. We’re all learning together.  Unfortunately, one thing that falls to the wayside is personal interaction where you can talk to your professor face-to-face, mask or no mask. While some colleges still have very large class sizes, some classes at AUM have the luxury of having small class sizes. With this being the case, it’s easier to create that relationship with your professor at AUM than…
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Parler App Rises in Popularity as Twitter Alternative

Parler App Rises in Popularity as Twitter Alternative

BY: Evan Justice Parler, a micro-blogging social media service, has become the top trending app in both the Google Play and Apple Stores following the 2020 presidential election.   Parler has become very popular among conservatives who feel their voices are being silenced by large social media companies that allow liberal users to say whatever they want without any kind of repercussions. Described as a social media app that doesn’t limit free speech, Parler does not have the same restrictions on speech as Facebook and Twitter do. Because of this, many have labeled Parler as an echo chamber that could allow…
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Mental Health and the Holidays

Mental Health and the Holidays

BY: Jayla Brown The holidays are coming up quickly, and while many are rejoicing for this time of year, some are not. Many people around the world have admitted that the holidays are not exactly the best time of year for their mental health. Whether it be problems with family, friends, or just life, it is very common for stress and depression to dampen your holiday mood. A survey by the American Psychological Association showed that thirty-eight percent of people said their stress level increased during the holiday season. Here are four things you can do this holiday season to…
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Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

Jeopardy Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

BY: Evan Justice On November 7th, 2020, the official Jeopardy Twitter account announced that Jeopardy’s longtime host Alex Trebek died at 80 years old.  Although the cause of Trebek’s death was not immediately announced, many speculated it may be related to his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Trebek first announced his diagnosis on March 6, 2019, through a video posted on the official Jeopardy YouTube and Twitter accounts. Trebek stated in the video that he wanted to be the one to announce his diagnosis. Trebek stated, “It’s in keeping with my long-term policy of being open and transparent with…
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What We Know Now: Advice to AUM Freshmen

What We Know Now: Advice to AUM Freshmen

BY: Jessica Alldredge Starting a new experience is daunting. Becoming familiar with a new place and a new routine can be frustrating. Sometimes, it turns out that we look back and say, “I wish I had known that when I went through it the first time.” When it feels like you’re the only person going through this experience, you may not be sure what to do, how to prepare, or who to turn to.  Being a freshman at AUM is no different. Sure, it’s a small school, and it’s not hard to get from one side of the campus to…
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Is Spring Break Cancelled for AUM?

Is Spring Break Cancelled for AUM?

BY: Evan Justice Throughout the past few weeks, many colleges across the country have decided to cancel their spring breaks for the Spring 2021 semester. Recently, the University of Alabama and the University of South Alabama have decided to cancel their spring breaks as well.  In order to compensate for the loss of spring break, both universities decided they will begin their upcoming spring semester one week later. Although both campuses required students to test for the Coronavirus before returning to campus, no such requirement was included in either campus announcements for their plans for the upcoming spring semester. Image…
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Don’t Forget to Be Grateful

Don’t Forget to Be Grateful

BY: Jessica Alldredge We have two months left in the year 2020. We’re so close to it being over. This year has brought a lot of challenges, changes and complications. It’s easy to be upset or think negatively about how difficult this year has been for everyone.While those issues shouldn’t be brushed aside, it’s important to take a moment to stop and think about the good things we can be thankful for. Even if you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s still a good practice to take the time to notice the little things and the big things that help make life…
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The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Review

The Haunting of Bly Manor: A Review

BY: Jessica Alldredge The Haunting of Bly Manor debuted as a Netflix Original on October 9. This much-anticipated sister series to The Haunting of Hill House was an absolute delight. Whether you just like well written and directed television shows or if you’re a horror fan, there’s truly something for everyone involved in this installment of The Haunting anthology. The creator of the show, Mike Flannagan, gives the audience a mystery to be solved and keeps viewers guessing at every turn. The colors, the camera angles, and the little things that the characters do provide little easter eggs that will…
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Movie Theaters Forced to Close For the Second Time

Movie Theaters Forced to Close For the Second Time

BY: Evan Justice Despite some cites loosening their COVID-19 restrictions, many movie theaters are still struggling to stay open.  Photo of a Regal Movie Theatre provided by Deadline.com. Recently, Regal Cinemas announced that it would shut down more than 7,000 movie screens across its 536 locations in the United States due to financial concerns. Despite being the second-largest film distributor in the United States, Regal was forced to close its doors for the second time less than two months after reopening. The move to reclose came after it was announced that the next installment in the James Bond franchise, entitled…
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