Author: Tyler Bui

By Tyler Bui | Opinion EditorMoving away from home made me realize how much I love my home state.I was lucky enough to grow up in the same house in Massachusetts my whole childhood. I got to play in the same backyard, hang out with the same friends and walk my dog around the same cul-de-sac from the day I was born to age 17. It was comfortable and familiar — I never had to worry about my home ever changing.Then came my freshman year, when I moved from Massachusetts all the way to Texas and my parents got divorced.…

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Get to know your professors. Especially in a time like now, this is more important than ever. Our university prides itself on the tight-knit community we are so lucky to be a part of — and our professors are a crucial aspect to maintaining this campus-wide bond. While the first few weeks of classes are always overwhelming, take the time to introduce yourself to your professors. Show them that you’re interested in their classes and eager to learn. Creating a positive relationship with your professor will help your studies in so many ways. Most importantly, it shows respect. Baylor professors…

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We as students need to be more involved and attentive to our student government, more particularly student government elections. While it may seem easiest to either vote for your friends or pick random names on the ballot, it is important for us to pay attention to the candidates, their platform and how they’re planning to make positive changes in our community. With the right candidates in office, we can work to make Baylor a better place for everyone on campus.Not only is it important to support students that are running for office, but to realize their impact on our experiences…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News EditorMy whole life, I have had a slight obsession with cows. I had no particular reason—just that they are fluffy, cute and have giant noses. When I was young, I volunteered at an animal sanctuary and got to help take care of a cow. I’ve loved cows ever since, and it led me to become a vegetarian at the age of 10. After living in Texas for three years, I still get excited every time I drive by cows on the side of the road.Recently, I was given the opportunity to help raise a…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News Editor Students from a Reporting and Writing for Media class partnered with Act Locally Waco to create “Books Matter,” a blog to celebrate National Reading Month.“Books Matter” will post throughout the month of March, and it will feature some of Waco’s most prominent figures, including Mayor Kyle Deaver, the Waco City Council as well as other members of the Baylor community.Each post discusses the individual’s favorite book and why it is so important and influential to them.In addition to the blog posts, the Waco-McLennan County Library and Fabled Bookshop & Café will put the…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News Editor Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just looking for a classic burger, Austin offers a restaurant for every type of food-lover out there. Here are some of the best places to eat in the city during spring break. Café No SéAn all-day café located in the South Congress Hotel, Café No Sé is well-known for its brunch offerings. With a menu ranging from fresh baked pastries and traditional breakfast options to burgers, salads and bowls, Café No Sé has brunch options for any type of eater. Matt’s El RanchoMatt’s El Rancho, a family owned…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News EditorTame Impala’s fourth album, released lat Friday, features 12 tracks with lyrics that reflect on his past and uncover intimate parts of his life, while continuing to move away from his past sounds of rock.Kevin Parker is the creator of Tame Impala, a rock band popularly known for headlining music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.He produced yet another album that captures his signature psychedelic sound, while each song touches upon different subjects in his life mostly surrounding the aurora of time. With each track filled with Parker’s personal memories, audiences…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News Editor The Baylor Wellness Department is hosting the fourth “Love the Run You’re With 5k” to promote healthy relationships and celebrate Valentine’s Day at 5:30 p.m. today.The race is open to the Baylor and Waco community, and will begin outside the Baylor Sciences Building and feature a 3.2-mile track on the Bear and Cub Trail. The Wellness Department is expecting 300 to 500 attendants, and will provide snacks, tabling and music for participants.Van Davis, assistant director of Wellness and FitWell programs at Baylor, said the main purpose of the race is to unite the…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News Editor The fifth FitWell Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in room 250 of the Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation. The event, organized by FitWell, the wellness department and counseling center at Baylor, will feature five speakers centered around the theme “Eat Well, Be Well, Move Well.” Van Davis, assistant director of the wellness and FitWell programs, will speak on behalf of the “Move Well” portion of the expo. “There is so much misinformation out there. We want our students especially to come in and learn…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News Editor Baylor’s Bear Pit, the student section for both men and women’s basketball games, is a place for students to show their support with costumes, face paint and spirit. Headed by the Bear Pit Leadership Team, the Bear Pit leads basketball fans in chants, cheers and is in charge of creating the overall atmosphere and experience for fans at basketball games. Santa Maria, Calif., sophomore Lauren Engel, social media chair for the Bear Pit Leadership Team, said the Bear Pit is a great way to unite the student body through the love of basketball.…

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By Tyler Bui | Assistant News EditorThe twelfth Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon was held at noon on Jan. 22 in Cashion to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his accomplishments. The event was hosted by the Baylor Department of Multicultural Affairs. The event featured guest speakers Ke’Sha Lopez, weekend anchor for KWTX News 10 and David Pollard, director of police and security operations for Texas Medical Center. The two conducted an interview from the perspective of Dr. King titled, “What if we could interview Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2020?” Opening remarks were given by Pearl…

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By Tyler Bui and Bridget Sjoberg | Staff Writer and News Editor, Video by Grace Smith | Broadcast Reporter Jingle bells weren’t the only things ringing at this year’s Christmas on 5th. But even an accidental fire alarm didn’t deter the holiday spirit at the event, which brought between 5,000 and 8,000 members of the Baylor and Waco communities to attend. Activities at the 54th annual event included a petting zoo, bowling, pony rides, hay rides, food trucks, photos with Santa and carnival booths. Attendees were also able to enjoy performances from the Baylor Religious Hour Choir and the modern…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterGrowing up as an equestrian, my team had always consisted of just me and my horse. I spent each day at the barn riding and bonding with my horses; they were the only teammates I had. The equestrian world outside of the NCAA is very different from the college format we compete in — in a sense, it’s a very individual sport. Aside from our horses, there were no teammates. We competed as individuals against each other, and up until college, it’s the only way we knew the sport. From age six to 18, I…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer Baylor’s Academic Calendar Committee is extending Thanksgiving break to last an entire week beginning in Fall 2021. The committee recommends the schedule for Baylor’s academic year and is composed of nine faculty members. They meet and discuss topics such as the number of class days, examination days, holidays and non-academic events on campus. Dr. Wesley Null, vice provost for undergraduate education and institutional effectiveness at Baylor, said the committee has been interested in extending Thanksgiving break for several years. “The primary reason is that Baylor’s out-of-state undergraduate population is approximately 40% at this point,…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterBaylor’s All-University Thanksgiving brought thousands of Baylor students, faculty and staff to Fountain Mall for a celebration with food, friends and fellowship. The event is presented by Student Foundation, Baylor Chamber of Commerce and Student Government. Thanksgiving staples like turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls and pie were provided by Baylor Dining Services. Plano senior Alexis Layton, campus promotions chair for Student Foundation, said that All-University Thanksgiving provides a home away from home for students during the holiday season. “I think it’s a chance for Baylor students, professors and their families, really anyone from the…

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By Tyler Bui and Matthew Muir | Staff WritersThe rise of social media and smartphones during the 2010s has led to a shift in the way people interact with one another. These technologies, which were still in their early years a decade ago, have become ubiquitous parts of our daily lives, and have had widespread effects on human behavior in the process.Baylor marketing professor Dr. James Roberts has published research on the effects of social media and smartphones on their users. Roberts said the way we interact has changed with these new technologies—we rely on technology to communicate rather than…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer Over the past 10 years, the job search process has evolved due to technology advancements, with platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake becoming a near necessity in the current job search process. Kenneth Buckley, assistant dean of career management at Baylor, said technology has made the job market more accessible. “I think technology has enhanced people’s ability to get a job,” Buckley said. “I think technology is an amazing bridge to success, but I feel like it’s just a piece of the puzzle of your career. You need to know how to use it for…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer Glen Maxey, the first openly gay member of the Texas House of Representatives, will speak at Baylor about his political experiences at 6 p.m. today in 311 Cashion Academic Center. The event is organized by Baylor Democrats and is open to all Baylor students and the Waco community. Maxey is an activist for human rights, specifically same-sex marital rights in Texas. In addition, he advocated for public health issues and the proper education and resources for individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. He was elected to the Texas House in 1991, where he served…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer, Video by Igor Stepczynski | Broadcast Reporter Lacy Schneider O’Connor, class of 1981, will walk at commencement alongside her nephew in December, 38 years after her graduation from Baylor. Scneider O’Connor has known Spring senior John Crichton since he was born, and they consider each other to be Aunt and nephew. She attended Baylor from 1977 to 1980 but was unable to walk at her graduation. “I consider her just part of the family. I love my aunt so much,” Crichton said. “I’ve known her my entire life, and ever since my cousins were…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterBaylor Build, a new organization at Baylor, will serve those in need overseas by transforming shipping containers into fully functional medical clinics. The organization is an extension of Texas A&M Build, which began in 2013. The group has since built 22 medical clinics that have been shipped to 14 different countries in need. Baylor Build will work alongside Medical Bridges, a nonprofit medical supply store based out of Houston, which will help them send the medical clinics overseas. Austin senior Nick Von Waaden, chief executive officer of Baylor Build, said he was inspired to create…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer Dr. Ginger Hanchey, a lecturer in the English department at Baylor, has published her first book of poetry titled “Letters of a Long Name” inspired by her son. Hanchey specializes in Old English poetry and has been teaching at Baylor for over 10 years. She also earned both her bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. at Baylor. The book, which contains 23 poems, is inspired by her family’s experience after her second son, Atticus, was born 10 weeks premature with life – threatening complications. She began writing the book around two years after Atticus was born.…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterEvery year, the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority hosts an all-university event, Kappa Karnival, where students and faculty indulge in a variety of classic carnival games, food trucks and face painting. The sorority’s ninth annual event will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fountain Mall. Kappa Karnival is free to the Baylor community, and the sorority expects around 200 to 400 people to attend during the three-hour event. Boerne senior Savannah Cone, co-university events chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma, said this is the ninth year Kappa has held the event, and that this year will…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterBaylor’s FitWell program is hosting its third annual HALOween Bash at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the McLane Student Life Center, featuring different types of workouts like Zumba, boxing, Barre and yoga. Students are also encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes and participate in the costume contest prior to the event. Van Davis, assistant director of the wellness and FitWell programs at Baylor, said the event is an opportunity to bring students together with fitness. “It’s a way for students to come out and have a great workout; and we normally do it around…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer, Video by Nate Smith | Broadcast Reporter The College of Arts and Sciences at Baylor has approved a new military studies minor to begin in spring 2020, which is open to students of all majors. The minor will focus on combining military studies with various majors and disciplines and will teach students the importance of military activities and how they are connected to various aspects in society. Dr. Julie Anne Sweet, professor of history and director of the military studies minor at Baylor, said the program will involve a diverse group of majors available…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff WriterDr. Jennifer Cognard-Black, a finalist for the Cherry Award, presented her on-campus lecture Monday, addressing the influence of food literature on issues of food justice and the need for society to become better ethical eaters. Cognard-Black is one of three finalists for the Robert Foster Cherry Award, which honors an outstanding professor who has exemplified great teaching in their area of expertise. The winner is chosen by a committee of 12 members who are academics in various fields at Baylor, and is awarded $250,000. Dr. Michael Thompson is the chair of the Cherry Award committee.…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer, Video by Sarah Gill | Broadcast Reporter Flu season is rapidly approaching, and medical professionals across the Baylor campus have been encouraging students to get their flu shot and avoid myths about the shot. Some students are apprehensive to receive the flu shot because of the misconception that getting the shot will lead to the flu or a common cold. However, Dr. Sharon Stern, medical director at Baylor University Health Services, said there is no possible way that can happen. “There are several misconceptions about the flu vaccine; the most important one that we…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer The Alumni Golden Grad event celebrated the 50-year reunion of the class of 1969, and gave the Baylor alumni a chance to reunite at the start of homecoming. Heather Beck, director of alumni traditions at Baylor, said the purpose of the Golden Grad Reunion was to reconnect and celebrate the class of 1969. “So many of our alumni have such an incredible Baylor experience, and it’s nice to see how excited they get to come back and relive some memories, and reconnect with old friends,” Beck said. “[It’s] really just to provide an opportunity…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer, Video by Kennedy Dendy | Executive Producer To honor the centennial birthday of Doris Miller, a Waco native and World War II hero, a Gospel Explosion event was held Saturday to raise money for completing his memorial. Gospel singers Detrick Haddon, William Murphy, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson, the Waco Community Choir, the Levites and the Rhema choir performed at the event. Doreen Ravenscroft, president of the Cultural Arts of Waco Festival, said the event was held to raise money to complete the Doris Miller Memorial, located off of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard. “The purpose…

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By Tyler Bui | Staff Writer It all started 11 years ago, as 9-year-old me sat in my middle school auditorium in shock. My social studies teacher stood at the front of the room with a picture of a dead boar projected on the screen behind her. Up until then, I had considered myself a lover of both animals and McDonald’s chicken McNuggets. I had never made the connection between the animals I loved and my favorite fast food meal. As my teacher shared the details of her hunting trip where she had to kill animals in order to eat,…

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