Sharhonda Rush, MBA, MPP, optimization consulting manager at BlackLine, has been named president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Rush’s role as president follows her two-year term as president-elect, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held […]

The anticipation has finally come to an end. Sabrina Carpenter welcomes us inside the world of her sixth studio album “Short n’ Sweet.” 

She’s Sweet, But She’ll Bite

Witty, sweet and a master lyricist, Carpenter does it all in her latest album. “Short n’ Sweet” is authentically Carpenter. Her personality shines throughout the album, yet brings a refreshing sound all by being her complete self. Just like the title of the album, “Short n’ Sweet” is only 36 minutes long and has twelve songs. However, that doesn’t define the masterpiece the album is.

Her first single “Espresso,” a caffeinated, addicting track, was first released back in April, giving fans a taste of “Short n’ Sweet.” “Espresso” rose to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, making it (in my opinion) song of the summer. The piece is a synth pop beat with hints of disco and funk where Carpenter sings about her lovers being addicted to her. However, the song gained attention to what are now iconic lyrics such as “that’s that me espresso” and “I’m working late ’cause I’m a singer.” 

However, in early June, Carpenter released her second single “Please Please Please.” “Please Please Please” is more of a slower, pop-country song that resembles much of the iconic Dolly Parton in the late 80s and early 90s. Carpenter’s vocal range shines extraordinarily as she harmonizes with herself in the melodies throughout the song.

Just like “Espresso,” the song became well known for her witty but relatable lyrics such as “heartbreak is one thing, my ego’s another” and “don’t embarrass me motherfucker.” Carpenter managed to place herself on the Billboard Hot 100 again with two number one singles.

Horny, Fun and Romantic

With the release of “Short n’ Sweet” Carpenter released a new music video for her next single “Taste,” a revengeful love letter to a past lover, which stars “Wednesday” and Disney alumni Jenna Ortega. Gaining inspiration from “Death Becomes Her,” Carpenter and Ortega go through a bloody battle that ends with the two enemies becoming besties. 

The charm in “Short n’ Sweet” lies in Carpenter’s sex positivity. Horny, fun and romantic are some of the qualities in her songs “Juno,” where Carpenter desires her partner to sexually explore her, and “Bed Chem,” a 2000s R&B rendition, where she fantasizes about her sexual chemistry with a new potential lover. 

Even with her quirky and sexual lyrics, Carpenter doesn’t shed away from her more personal and emotional ballads.  “Lie To Girls” is just as vocally beautiful from her singles. “Dumb and Poetic” displays the more raw and unspoken side of Carpenter.

Carpenter is the sparkly pop girl we’ve all needed for awhile. Don’t get me wrong, I love our slow ballad, poetic singers. Carpenter however brings a refreshing sound to the scene. “Short n’ Sweet” has everything you need from R&B to country to pop. Check out “short n’ sweet” on your favorite streaming platform!

e.delgado@dailyutahchronicle.com

@elizadelgad0

The post Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short n’ Sweet’ is Pop’s Newest Treat first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Sharhonda Rush, MBA, MPP, optimization consulting manager at BlackLine, has been named president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi—the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Rush’s role as president follows her two-year term as president-elect, which came to a close at the Society’s 2024 Biennial Convention, held virtually Aug.1-2.

As president of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi for the 2024-2026 biennium, Rush will work with the Society’s board of directors and executive leadership team to develop and implement a new strategic and fundraising plan for the Society and further enhance governance and strategic oversight.

The first African American president of Phi Kappa Phi and the first president who works outside of academia, Rush was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi as a graduate student by the Jacksonville University chapter in 2016. Wanting to make a difference and eager to drive change, she became involved at the national level in 2020 when she was elected as a director on the 2020-2022 Society Board of Directors and chaired the Finance and Budget Committee. During the 2022-2024 biennium as Society president-elect, she continued as chair of the Finance and Budget Committee and served as an ex-officio member on all other standing committees.

Rush earned both a master’s in public policy and an MBA at Jacksonville University and a BSA in accounting from Christopher Newport University. Rush is a certified public accountant. Throughout her finance and accounting career, Rush has gained extensive experience in strategic thinking, collaborating with others, and implementing innovative solutions. In her role at BlackLine, she works with finance and accounting professionals to optimize processes and enhance efficiencies through the strategic use of technology.

A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Rush is actively involved in various community-based sorority initiatives. She has volunteered as a “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters and with JTA Cares programs, serving homeless individuals and families transitioning from homelessness. Rush serves as a board member for the Jacksonville University Black Alumni and the North Florida UNCF Leadership Council and is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants, where she provides mentoring to college students majoring in accounting.

“I am so excited for all that we will do together in the coming years,” Rush said during her closing remarks at the 2024 Pih Kappa Phi Biennial Convention. “I deeply value the vibrant connection that Phi Kappa Phi has with our campus chapters. Together, we form a powerful network of scholars and leaders. I am committed to nurturing and strengthening those bonds, ensuring that we not only sustain, but also elevate, our collective impact,” said Rush.

About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in the United States, its territories, and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society’s mission is to “cultivate a community that celebrates and advances the love of learning.”  For more information, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org.

Media Contact
Hope Lemoine
Marketing Coordinator
hlemoine@phikappaphi.org
225-923-7781

All eyes inevitably fixate on the presidential race in the frenzy of election season. This intense focus on who will occupy the Oval Office often overshadows an equally, if not more, critical aspect of our democratic process: congressional elections.

While the media obsessively dissects every word uttered by presidential candidates, the real power to shape our nation’s policies and future lies largely in the hands of Congress. This November, 33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats are up for grabs. These seats will determine the legislative direction of our country for years to come. It is not merely the presidency that dictates our future.

Congress has the power to pass laws, control budgets and even impeach the president. Every citizen eligible to vote must understand the significance of these congressional elections. An informed vote for Senate and House candidates is essential to ensuring a government that truly represents the people. The stakes are too high to ignore the critical impact of Congress on our nation’s trajectory.

The True Seat of Power

The legislative branch of our government is the backbone of our democracy. While the executive branch garners the most attention, it is Congress that holds the purse strings, drafts the laws and checks the executive branch. The president may set the agenda, but it is Congress that enacts — or blocks — legislation.

This was most vividly demonstrated during the Obama administration, where a Republican-controlled Congress successfully impeded much of the Democratic agenda, from healthcare reform to climate change initiatives. Similarly, during Trump’s presidency, a Democratic House counterbalanced a Republican Senate, preventing sweeping conservative legislation from passing unchallenged.

The power of Congress is real and immense. Voters must recognize that the individuals elected to these seats will wield significant influence over the direction of our country. The fate of healthcare, immigration, climate policy and countless other issues rests in the hands of these 535 elected officials.

Balancing Government Power

The U.S. Senate plays a particularly crucial role in safeguarding our democracy. With the power to approve or reject presidential appointments, ratify treaties and conduct impeachment trials, the Senate serves as a check on the executive branch.

For instance, the Senate’s confirmation of Supreme Court justices has long-term implications that far outlast any single presidency. The recent appointments of Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett have already begun to reshape the judiciary and will continue to influence American law for decades. Additionally, the Senate’s ability to conduct impeachment trials, as seen in both Trump impeachments, highlights its role as a critical counterbalance to presidential power.

A well-informed vote for Senate candidates is therefore not just a vote for or against the current administration, but a vote for the integrity and balance of our entire government. Voters must consider the importance of Senate races, especially in swing states, where a single seat can determine the majority and thus direction of the entire country.

The People’s Voice

The House of Representatives is the chamber closest to the people, with its members up for re-election every two years. The House controls the budget and is responsible for initiating revenue bills. This makes it a key player in economic policy.

Moreover, the House reflects the diversity of the American populace more than any other branch of government. It is composed of representatives from all 50 states and every conceivable demographic. The 2018 midterms, which resulted in a historic wave of new, diverse representatives, demonstrated the House’s capacity to truly reflect the electorate’s will. This diversity is crucial for ensuring that all voices are heard in the legislative process.

However, this representation can only be effective if voters participate in every election, not just the presidential one. Ignoring congressional races means surrendering your voice in the policymaking process, allowing others to dictate the laws and budgets that will affect your daily life.

The Consequences of Complacency

Complacency in voting — particularly in congressional races — will have dire consequences. When voters neglect to research and vote in Senate and House elections, they risk electing representatives who do not align with their values or interests. This will lead to a Congress that is out of touch with the needs and desires of the American people.

As the 2024 elections approach, it is crucial to remember that every vote counts. The future of healthcare, climate policy, economic recovery and civil rights depends on the individuals we elect to the Senate and the House of Representatives. The presidency may be the face of our nation, but Congress is its heart and soul. Congress wields the power to shape the laws and policies that govern our lives.

Your vote in these races is not only a right but a responsibility. This November, make sure your voice is heard where it matters most: in Congress.

l.hall@dailyutahchronicle.com

@lexihall_chrony

The post Opinion: Your Voice Matters first appeared on The Daily Utah Chronicle.

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

Moving into the dorms can be incredibly exciting, especially for first-year students who are living on their own for the first time. There are countless new freedoms that come with living in a college dorm, one of which is the opportunity for new levels of sexual exploration and experimentation.

The ability to have sex somewhere other than your parents’ house is exciting and overwhelming and should absolutely be taken advantage of in a way that is safe and respectful to not only yourself but those around you.

Having sex while in the dorms is good fun but needs to be done mindfully. Your pleasure matters, but it should not be achieved at the expense of the well-being of others in your hall.

“The dorm walls may be made of brick, but they aren’t soundproof. Remember, if you can hear your neighbor laugh through the wall, they can definitely hear you getting down and dirty. Be mindful of bed squeaks, vocalizations and everything in between.”

First and foremost, it is of the utmost importance to be as considerate to your roommate as possible. Unless you are one of the lucky folks who live in a single dorm, it is more than likely that you are going to have to plan your sexual encounters around another person’s schedule. Because the room is as much theirs as it is yours, it is essential that you respect the space and the needs of your roommate.

It can be extremely helpful to memorize your roommate’s schedule so you know the windows that you have available to get down and dirty. If your roommate has a 50-minute class and you have that time free, that would be the perfect opportunity to have some fun, whether that be solo or partnered. 

Additionally, if you feel comfortable, it never hurts to send your roommate a quick text message to let them know you need the room to yourself for some time. Most roommates will not judge you and will be thankful for the heads-up.

In addition to respecting the person you share the room with, it is also essential that you show the same courtesy to the other people who live in your hall. The dorm walls may be made of brick, but they aren’t soundproof. Remember, if you can hear your neighbor laugh through the wall, they can definitely hear you getting down and dirty. Be mindful of bed squeaks, vocalizations and everything in between.

All students should take advantage of the free sexual health supplies that can be found around campus, but be sure to dispose of used items like barrier methods properly and make sure they all end up in the trash. Improper discarding of items like condoms and dental dams is not only a biohazard but is also simply inconsiderate to those living around you. Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment for yourself and your dormmates will help to foster a harmonious living environment for everyone in the residence hall.

While there are some factors to consider when getting hot and heavy in the dorms, students who desire to be sexually active should take full advantage of their new environment to safely explore their sexuality in all the ways that they weren’t able to while living with parents or guardians.

In addition to being mindful of their environment, everyone should be utilizing Colorado State University’s numerous sexual health resources, including free barrier methods, sexual wellness visits at the CSU Health and Medical Center and student organizations like Creating Respect, Educating Wellness (by and for) Students. These resources provide everything from medical treatment to sexual health education and can help you create the dorm sex life of your dreams.

Sexual experimentation is an integral part of early adulthood for many people, and that is something that should be celebrated. Having one’s own space and the freedom to explore their sexuality is a crucial part of developing their own personal sexual identity. Have fun, be respectful and get your freak on!

Reach Astrid Thorn at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.

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IN PHOTOS

Welcome Week kicks off the year

Light Up the Night, SPARK!, the Welcome Back Bash and the Welcome Back Concert dazzled students before the semester began.

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Photos by HENRY KOFMAN & JOY WANG

Words by HENRY KOFMAN

Watch out, Trojans — USC is back. Welcome Week kicked off the fall semester with Light Up the Night on Wednesday. McCarthy Quad was ablaze in excitement Thursday night as USC Visions and Voices’ 19th Annual SPARK! Kickoff and Arts Fest rolled around. Friday night saw the Welcome Back Bash take over McCarthy Quad, and Saturday’s annual Welcome Back concert, put on by the Concerts Committee featured electric performances by Ethan Hoffman, DJ Days, Maude Latour and headliner DUCKWRTH.

August 27, 2024

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Duckwrth, Light up the Night, SPARK!, Welcome Back concert, henry-kofman, joy-wang, photo, vision and voices

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  Duckwrth was this year’s Welcome Back Concert headliner. The Los Angeles native preformed a wide gamut of his most renowned songs, including the tracks “Feel the Feels,” “Kiss u Right Now” and “Pitbull.” (Joy Wang / Daily Trojan)
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  Fans show their love for three-time National Poetry Slam Champion Javon Johnson, who documented SPARK! with a sweet video for his daughter. (Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan)
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  Luna Day, a junior majoring in popular music performance, played both the acoustic and electric guitar while singing. (Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan)
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  NSQK, a hip-hop team, showed the power of dance in their intense performance by inviting the audience onstage to move with them. (Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan)
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  Love Keyyz, a senior majoring in popular music performance and a multi-instrumentalist, took the crowd by storm, making everyone move. (Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan)
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  Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan
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  GoVanni! hypes up the crowd with DJ Day$. A slew of student performers took the stage before the crowd welcomed Maude Latour and Duckwrth. (Joy Wang / Daily Trojan)
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  Maude Latour performed as the opening act of the long-awaited Welcome Back concert. The Swedish-born American singer and songwriter expressed her love for USC, with a solemn “Fight On baby!” to the energetic crowd. (Joy Wang / Daily Trojan)
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  Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan
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  Welcome Week kicked off with Light Up the Night. The USC Housing event lit up campus with LED light swings, games and photo opportunities. (Henry Kofman / Daily Trojan)

The post Welcome Week kicks off the year appeared first on Daily Trojan.

On Sunday afternoon, ODU women’s soccer displayed comprehensive dominance, securing a 2-0 victory and dealing UNC Wilmington their first-season loss. This home triumph, in particular, marks the initial occasion on which the Lady Monarchs have prevailed over UNCW since 2008 when they emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.

The Lady Monarchs’ defense proved resolute, limiting the opposing Seahawk offense to three shots, none of which were on target. This outstanding performance facilitated a relaxed afternoon for senior Emily Bredek and graduate Erin Jones in goal, with neither goalkeeper needing to make a save.

On the offensive front, the home team faced a tentative start due to midfield errors. However, spirits were lifted in the 39th minute when senior midfielder Gry Boe Thyrsøe expertly converted a free kick from the 25-yard mark with a powerful right-footed strike to the top left corner of the goal. This free-kick goal redeemed an earlier missed opportunity by sophomore forward Makayla Jaffe that propelled ODU to a 1-0 lead, providing momentum going into halftime.

Upon commencing the second half, it became evident that Head Coach Angie Hind had ignited a fire within her team during the halftime break. A trio comprising Thyrsøe, Jaffe, and senior forward Rhea Kijowski created numerous high-quality chances, placing the UNCW goalkeeper under pressure in the early minutes of the half.

The Lady Monarchs (3-1-0) continued their relentless pursuit, converting defensive efforts into offensive opportunities in the 70th minute. A misplaced ball by the Seahawks’ goalkeeper fell to sophomore midfielder Riley Mullin, who skillfully placed the ball into an unguarded goal, securing a 2-0 lead for her team.

Subsequently, the Lady Monarchs persisted in their relentless pursuit, maintaining pressure through the final minutes. ODU dominated with nine shots on goal to none in the second half, compelling the Seahawks (2-1-1) to predominantly focus on defensive play.

During post-game analysis, Coach Hind expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing their ball possession and composure.

“Really pleased with the performance first and foremost today. I thought we had a lot of the ball and showed some good composure. UNCW is a difficult team to play against as they have a real threat in attack, but I felt our back line was solid throughout,” said Hind.

Looking ahead, Old Dominion will host SEC opponent LSU, who, like them, participated in last year’s NCAA tournament. The upcoming match is scheduled for Sunday, September 1st at 7 pm at the ODU Soccer Complex.

Early Tuesday morning, the University of Houston Police Department was notified of a robbery that occurred at Moody Towers in the north stairwell D.

The incident took place at approximately 4:01 a.m. The complainant left his room unsecured to go to the restroom and upon returning, two suspects were rummaging through his room, according to UH Security Alert. 

The suspects held the complainant at gunpoint. According to the released information, they stole the complainant’s phone when it fell out of his pocket. The complainant is unharmed. 

“One suspect took his phone and ran down stairwell D. The last seen location of the suspects was the ground area near the northwest emergency exit door,” the statement said. 

Both suspects fled on foot and there is no update on their location. UHPD had cleared the north tower and did not find any evidence. 

As of now, there is no update on the status of the investigation or the identity of the suspects. 

“At the moment, we don’t have any additional information to share beyond what is in the UH Alert,” said executive director of media relations Kevin Quinn. 

The Cougar tried contacting UHPD for further questions but no response was received. To ensure safety measures, follow these tips. 

This is an ongoing investigation and the Cougar will continue to update as needed. 

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“Breaking: Early morning robbery at Moody Towers” was originally posted on The Cougar

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

I knew one thing for certain when planning out my summer: I would not be going home.

Living in the same suburb my entire life meant coming to Colorado State University was my ticket out. Don’t get me wrong — I love my beautiful, outdoorsy town in Northern California, but I’ve always wanted more. I wanted to see more, do more and experience more than my stable, safe hometown could offer. So once I got to Colorado, I wanted to make the most of every second I had exploring this new state. With that came my determination to spend my summer at the CSU Mountain Campus.

However, Mountain Campus wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows right away. I remember how terribly anxious I was as I drove up the beautiful forest service road to Mountain Campus. I had barely been able to sleep the night before due to my nerves, and with each mile I drove, I became more and more apprehensive. 

“No one is immune to the issues of real life, but Mountain Campus gave us a momentary escape — a new world with new characters and a new plot that we authored.”

My first evening there, I sat alone in the cabin and ate cold, stale soup as I stared at the wall and cried. I remember how hopeless I felt in that moment, how uncertain I was about the future and how terrified I was of the summer becoming a repeat of my catastrophic first year of college. Little did I know, things were about to get so much better.

I eventually met the other staff as they got off of work that evening, and the night ended with what would be the first of many times playing hacky sack with my coworkers.

In fact, we almost always spent our time off of work doing such things. Being up in the mountains without restaurants, movie theaters or bars meant that during our time off, we had to play pool, jump in the river, watch DVDs or go hiking — and that’s exactly what we did.

Screams and shouts pierced through the silent valley as 20 of us stood in the rickety wooden shack that was the game room. My coworkers were soaked in sweat as they sprinted and slid around the pool table in an attempt to win the game Shit.

We spent rainy evenings partying on cabin porches as the campus band played. The sound of their guitars and keyboards echoed through the valley.

The entire staff dressed up in ridiculous costumes as we tubed down the frigid river and got pelted by rain droplets so fat and cold they stung our skin. The thunderstorm raged loud enough to shake the entire mountain as lightning illuminated the gray sky. We just giggled and squealed as shivers raked our bodies while we raced one another through the current.

We spent late nights curled up on couches, shouting at Bella and Edward on the TV, painting each other’s nails and eating way too much popcorn.

Our arms wrapped around one another as we swayed and sang at the top of our lungs around the campfire, all of us completely drenched. The smell of crackling wood and wet earth filled our lungs and fueled our bodies.

We celebrated the Fourth of July by off-roading up a mountainside and partying on the lakeshore. Campfire-roasted hot dogs and s’mores filled our bellies, and the sound of soft music soothed our ears.

At 1 a.m. we drove up the Poudre Canyon with all of the windows down and the sunroof open, the glow of the full moon casting shadows on my sleeping coworkers in the back seat. My voice was carried away by the wind as I shouted song lyrics and sped through the silent canyon.

I sharply inhaled as the icy water touched every part of my body while I held my coworkers’ hands, and we walked deeper into the inky black water of the quiet lake. The early morning moonlight illuminated the vast wilderness around us, and our laughter echoed over miles upon miles of silent forest as if we were the only people in this vast, beautiful world.

Of course, the mountain campus didn’t grant us immunity to all of life’s problems. There were still times I woke up in a funk due to reminders of what lies in the outside world. There were moments when an unsuspecting coworker would run into me in the hall, tears soaking their cheeks and eyes puffy. 

No one is immune to the issues of real life, but Mountain Campus gave us a momentary escape — a new world with new characters and a new plot that we authored.

I remember how nervous I was about the Mountain Campus at first, how intimidating it was to do something so adventurous with little knowledge as to what I was getting myself into. But if I learned anything from this summer, it’s that if you have the opportunity to do something out of the ordinary, do it. 

Now looking back, I can’t imagine a better summer. I might have only worked at CSU Mountain Campus for a mere three months, but I will never forget this place and this family. These people who come from so many walks of life who — had we stumbled upon one another on the street — we never would’ve thought to talk to, much less become close friends with. We are now forever united by that one summer we spent in the mountains.

Reach McKenna Van Voris at letters@collegian.com or on Twitter @mckenna_vv.

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