1. Enjoy the beach- at a distance

Most public and some private beaches along the Georgia and South Carolina coast have re-opened for use so take advantage! Remember to always practice social distancing.

2. Get crafty

Most people have tried every new hobby in the book by now, but there are always new skills you can pick up from the comfort of your own home. Things like knitting, puzzles, and baking are simple ways of passing the time.

3. Earn some extra money

If you’re like me, it seems hard to find a job right now. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make one yourself! Services likes DoorDash, UberEats, and Postmates are a great way to make money on your own time.

4. Adopt a new friend

Quarantine can be super lonely, so why not rescue a furry friend? Keep in mind that adopting a pet is a HUGE responsibility and should not be taken lightly. But if you’ve been thinking about it for a while now is a great time to check your local animal shelter.

5. Keep in touch with friends and family

Times like this can certainly make us feel more lonely so don’t forget to check in on people you care about.

Don’t forget, always be safe and do what is best for you!

Here’s a list of highly-rated and affordable skincare. Each item has some more information about the product and why I think it might work for you.
Don’t forget to always wash your hands before you start your skincare routine.

Note: If you want to learn more about your skin and get personalized suggestions for products, there’s only one solid way to get it: a dermatologist! See if an appointment would be covered by your insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, call a dermatologist office and see how much it would cost out of pocket.

These product prices will range from $7 – $19!

Cleansers

1. Cetaphil: Daily Facial Cleanser $10

This is one of the first things my dermatologist recommended for me when I went in for an appointment. Dermatologists around the country recommend Cetaphil because of its clean ingredient list and affordability. Cetaphil is a great brand for sensitive skin or if you’re looking for a product that does not clog pores. There are rave reviews both on amazon and on Cetaphil’s website.

2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Wash $7

This wash is very popular among those looking for a cleanser that will help their acne-prone skin, and it makes sense, seeing how this wash is oil-free and it’s active ingredient is salicylic acid. It’s packaging also states that it’s dermatologist recommended.

3. Innisfree Green Tea Cleansing Foam $10

This cleanser recently came on my radar when I was browsing a few bloggers’ “Top 10” lists of favorite, cheap skincare. The cleanser comes out as a foam and is infused with Jeju Green Tea Extract from “on innisfree’s USDA-certified organic (Control Union Certifications CUC) fields on Jeju Island, Korea for skin that feels clean, soft, and hydrated,” according to the website. The cleanser is also vegan!

Acne Treatments

1. Mighty Patch Original – Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patch Spot Treatment $12 

I definitely had to look up some articles before I placed this product on the list, solely because I did not know how effective sticker-like dots were for acne. After reading Cosmopolitan’s informative article, I saw that while they’re obviously not the cure-all for acne, hydrocolloid patches help regenerate skin and soak up harmful oils that can cause pimples.

2. Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment $7

This treatment reduces and treats pimples in as little as four hours, and while I have not tried this product myself, the reviews seem to share successful experiences! Clean and Clear has been trusted for years to help those with acne and has many products, all available at your local shopping center.

3. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment $13

This is a topical cream that aims to stop breakouts from within with prescription-strength treatment. It’s highly rated reviews on multiple shopping platforms and the product’s ability to target clogged pores and inflammation gives this product a good reputation. The formula is also water-based and alcohol-free!

Moisturizers

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel $8

I would not be surprised if someone you know, friend or relative, has recommended this moisturizer. It’s gel consistency intrigues many while its ability to add moisture back into the skin makes it a drugstore favorite. It can be found at any store that sells skincare, and it’s affordable price makes it even more worthwhile.

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer $7

Aveeno is a brand that is known for its longevity and moisturizing products, and it’s highly rated lotion is perfect. It has SPF 30 and promotes an even skin tone. It is made for normal skin and doesn’t clog pores.

3. Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturizer $13

This moisturizer also has SPF and is highly recommended among dermatologists since Cetaphil is known for not clogging pores and helps calm down breakouts by not adding any harmful ingredients. The name itself––oil control––lets consumers know that this is good for oily skin too!

Hopefully this list helps you stick to your skincare routine, or if you don’t have one, here’s something to get you started!

There are so many different communities and genres, each having come my favorite content creators. There’s the beauty/makeup community, the story time/rant community, the drama channel creators, the fitness creators, the True Crime community and so much more!

Below, there’s a list of YouTube channels you need to know, divided by genre.

Dance

ThePalaceDanceStudio

This is a channel that showcases multiple dance groups, originally started by Parris Goebel, an internationally known New Zealand choreographer. The Palace groups are known for their synchronicity and intensity, and you can see this for yourself on her channel. One of the most famous groups to come from the studio is The Royal Family. They are most known for being the girls who danced in Justin Bieber’s music videos for his Purpose album. Yes, Goebel choreographed Bieber’s famous video, Sorry!

Comedy

Noel Miller Live

Noel Miller is a YouTuber known for his comedic commentary videos, Twitch streams, and being in a comedy duo with Cody Ko. His channel is full of hilarious takes on videos from all corners of the internet. His classic combination of sarcasm and humor makes his channel memorable.

Social Commentary

Jubilee

This is a channel that has a range of content that they churn out every few days, but they are most known for their series “Odd Man Out” and “Middle Ground.” The popular series “Odd Man Out” has a group of people that seem to share one defining trait, sometimes it’s their sexuality or sometimes a specific identity. But one of them is lying, and the game is to see if the group can figure out who is lying. “Middle Ground” has a group of people that have different perspectives on a controversial topic, and they have a discussion figuring out why. Both series are so interesting and show various perspectives, some of which you might learn from.

Pop Culture Commentary/Educational

For Harriet

This is one of my favorite channels because I feel like there is so much to learn. The channel has countless videos where the creator, Kimberly Nicole Foster, shares her opinion on hot topics in pop culture. Foster makes a point to do her research before she shares commentary and cites this within the video & description box.

Sex Positive/Sex Education

Stevie

Stevie is a YouTuber that strives to educate her audience about sexual health and becoming comfortable with their sexuality and how they express it. She tackles topics that may be uncomfortable to talk about in a fun, informative and important way.

Music/Comedy

Terell

Have you seen those popular videos by “Elle” or “Seventeen Magazine“ with celebrities trying to match a given word to a song lyric? Well, Terell does the same thing with his guests, but they are most often people of color or those well known in the R&B, Soul or Gospel industry. His guests are always talented and hilarious to watch since Terell works interviews into every game, too. A great channel to sing along with at home!

There are so many channels that I could include, but I’m sure you’ll stumble upon some great ones in your recommendations after looking at the ones listed!

As graduation season is coming up, we have to handle things a little differently like figuring out you’re going to celebrate virtual graduation or how you’re going to get your grad pics for your invitations. I know what you’re thinking: are grad pics even necessary now? In my opinion, they are.

Not only will they give you a little memory to look back on, but you can also use them for graduation invitation (or announcement cards) to send out to family and friends–they may even send you a little graduation gift.

Right now, it is difficult to get a whole photo shoot and outfit together when every store is closed and everyone is social distancing. So, here are some tips and tricks to get your grad pics during the quarantine.

1) Shop for your outfit online

Finding an outfit is especially hard since all the stores are closed, so we have to do the next best thing. Shop online! Many online stores are offering either some type of discount or free shipping due to everything going on. Also, you can still shop at your favorite local stores. If you are still in Statesboro, you can order clothes online from the boutiques and pick them up at the store to save yourself from shipping fees. Also, I know many don’t have a graduation robe to take pictures, so it’s time to finesse it. Use your high school robe, just the cap or even order one off of amazon!

Here are some of my favorite online shops to check out: 

-Shein: https://us.shein.com/

-Zaful: https://www.zaful.com/

-Boohoo: https://us.boohoo.com/

-Pretty Little Things: https://www.prettylittlething.us/

-Princess Polly: https://us.princesspolly.com/

-Lulu’s: https://www.lulus.com/

2) Finding a photographer

You can still have your pictures taken while following social distancing guidelines. Finding someone at this time could be hard, so if your friend or parent has a nice camera (or even a phone with a good camera), see if they can take them for you! There are also a lot of student photographers that would love your business too! Just make sure it is six feet apart.

Note: There are also thousands of editing apps for photos that can help you get the best quality photograph you’re looking for

3) Finding your location

If you are still in Statesboro, you can just take a trip to campus and get your photos done there. My advice is to take them in Sweetheart Circle because it provides beautiful greenery background, and you can get a picture in from of the GSU shrubs. Try taking your photos around 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to get the perfect golden lighting.

If you aren’t in Statesboro, there are still options out there. Scope out your hometown for a unique background. Check your downtown area or, if you live out in the country, you can find some nature spots for a background!

4) Making your invitation/announcement card

Once you have your photos, you may need a card to display them on to send to your family and friends. Lucky for you, there are a handful of websites you can make them on for a reasonable price.

-CVS Photos: https://www.cvs.com/photo/photo-landing

-Paperless Post: https://www.paperlesspost.com/

-Cards and Pockets: https://www.cardsandpockets.com/

-Paper Culture: https://www.paperculture.com/

-Shutterfly: https://www.shutterfly.com/

-Snapfish: https://www.snapfish.com/home

5) Have fun with it

Don’t stress over this too much. Even though it may not feel like it, this is a celebratory time––have fun with it! 

Hopefully, these tips were helpful and can help you guide through your graduation pictures with more ease. I know these times are hard, but going out and taking some grad pictures and sending out announcements can bring a little bit of normalcy to this chaotic time.

Reflector Magazine wants to see your grad pictures! Share them below or tag us on twitter @ReflectorGSU

As more grocery chains, such as Kroger and Publix, implement new limits on how much of an item you can buy at one time, hopefully this situation will grow more manageable. There is also an increase in delivery services offered. Whether or not stores set limits, though, depends on the state.

Panic buying is not a new phenomenon. When there is snow in the South, for instance, people stock up on bread, milk and eggs. In places like Florida, it’s practically an annual occurrence due to hurricane season. However, unlike a hurricane, there is not a definite end in sight, and this affects the entire globe. 

Let’s take a closer look at what panic buying is and potential reasons behind it.

What do we mean by “panic buying”?

In an email, Elmira Shahriari, Ph.D and Georgia Southern assistant professor of marketing, defined panic buying as “when a large number of consumers buy a product(s) in larger than normal quantities because of a belief the item will become scarce or increase in price.”

Something Shahriari also pointed out is that panic buying occurs with shortages or perceived shortages of a product.

Reasons behind panic buying might include wanting to minimize risk, people being driven by their emotions and feeling a sense of relief and control when hoarding, according to PsychCentral.

But why toilet paper?

Shariari said that obvious purchases were non-perishable food items, such as canned/dried food, as well as more pandemic-specific preparations, such as bottled water, cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer.

Toilet paper doesn’t fall into either category. So why did it become one of the most sold-out items?

“American consumers heard about toilet paper shortages in other countries that were affected earlier by the coronavirus,” Shahriari said. “When it was our turn to do our pandemic shopping, we knew we [needed] to stock up.”

She also talked about the role herd mentality may have played in panic buying all the toilet paper.

“While toilet paper is something consumers must have for weeks/months of self-quarantine, it is our herd mentality that led to the many YouTube videos we have seen of people buying toilet paper in mass,” Shahriari said. “These videos, and news stories on the TP shortages, elicited a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Shahriari pointed toward social media as increasing this perceived shortage and need.

“Seeing Facebook pictures and Instagram stories of the long lines at grocery stores or the empty shelves and aisles at the supermarkets compel consumers to pile up on necessities before they run out,” Shahriari said.

What are the problems with panic buying?

Aside from generating more panic, this type of consumer behavior affects the economy and supply chain.

Shahriari said that in this situation, suppliers are struggling to get the products back on the shelves as quickly as possible. In addition, she said that, in order to stay competitive, agile suppliers need to use data and develop models to forecast how the consumers’ purchase behavior will shift in the following weeks or months.

The pandemic is changing suppliers’ predictions about what consumers will need or want in the future.

“By incorporating data into the systems and analyzing models, we can also anticipate the next wave of consumers’ needed products,” Shahriari said. “For instance, recent research shows that consumer demand for hair color kits have significantly increased since people cannot go to salons due to the stay at home orders.”

Shortages can also lead to serious problems, according to Shahriari. She personally saw a post on Nextdoor asking if anyone had isopropyl alcohol to share, with the writer stating that they needed to sterilize the needles for her granddaughter’s insulin shots. Fortunately, many commenters quickly offered donations and alternative cleaning methods, said Shahriari.

Will placing limitations help the situation?

It’s not just toilet paper or essential items that have limits on how much one person can buy. Shahriari said that it’s notable that Apple Inc. has applied purchase limits on its products.

Placing limits on what consumers are able to buy in-store, from Shahriari’s point of view, has both pros and cons.

“On the one hand, it can decrease the overall consumer stress by increasing the availability of the in-demand items; on the other hand, it may create chaos by not providing clear instructions for the consumers about why the limits are in place or how some other shoppers get around the restrictions,” Shahriari said. “Further, having to make additional trips to the store increases contact with others, thereby increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19.”

What can everyday people do to help the situation?

Shahriari said that, like the Nextdoor community offering assistance to the grandmother, Americans must work together in this time of need.

“Thinking about others when making purchases is only part of the sacrifices we must continue to make during this pandemic,” Shahriari said. “Those sacrifices include staying at home so that we can flatten the curve.”

Scheduling

One of the most important things I found that have helped me in my online classes is setting aside designated time to work on my assignments. One of the benefits of working from home is that you can work whenever you feel most comfortable–in the middle of the night with Netflix playing in the background or in the early morning with your favorite hot beverage next to you. Whichever works, be sure to remain consistent, and you’ll find yourself more motivated to work.

To-Do List

To-do lists. One of my personal favorites. Trying to remember what assignment is due can become very chaotic, especially when you aren’t in the classroom. Something I find most useful is making a list every week with all my assignments and their due dates. It doesn’t have to be complex or fancy. It can be as simple as a scratch piece of paper or a day-by-day planner.

With all of your work organized in one place, you’ll be more likely to complete it and turn it on time.

Workspace

When you are comfortable in where you work, you are more likely to succeed and be motivated. What’s great about online classes is that you are able to work on your own time and in an environment where you are most likely to thrive. This means being able to watch your favorite shows (if that’s how you focus), listen to your favorite tunes or work in absolute silence.

Click here for tips on the perfect at-home workspace.

Limiting Distractions

One of the obvious. Limit those distractions! Try placing your phone out of arms’ reach, closing your door to block outside noise or even turning off your computer’s Wi-Fi so you are less tempted to check your Twitter. We all know how easy that minute can turn into an hour.

Visualizing Success

This too shall pass.

Online classes aren’t forever and while it may seem that way, the end of the semester is only a few short weeks away. Something that always keeps me going is visualizing success and the things I’ll be able to do once it all passes. (Hint, hint, sleeping in!)

While you may struggle now, think about how you’ll feel later. Staying motivated will have been worth it.

Note: There is a widget embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's widget. ]]> https://reflectorgsu.com/where-should-you-do-for-your-virtual-date/feed/ 0 9004 https://reflectorgsu.com/scheduling-tips-how-to-make-the-most-out-of-your-semester/ https://reflectorgsu.com/scheduling-tips-how-to-make-the-most-out-of-your-semester/#respond Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:04:13 +0000 /?p=8996 College can be a very stressful time and having to figure out what classes work best for you can be a huge part of that. We want to help. Here are some insider tips on how to make the most out of a day at Georgia Southern. 

1. Listen to your advisor! 

Your academic advisor is there for you. They will know what is best for you and what the best courses will be for you to take your freshman year. Don’t be afraid to ask for a meeting with them outside of the required ones! The academic advisors at GS are amazing at their job, and they are more than happy to help.

2. Give yourself AT LEAST 15 minutes between classes.

It takes roughly 15 minutes to get from one side of campus to the other while walking. 

The buses can be a good option, but there is no telling if they’ll be at the right place at the perfect time for you. 

3. Make time for breaks.

Some people prefer back-to-back classes to get them all out of the way earlier, but it is still important to squeeze some time in for little breaks here and there. Schedule some time for lunch as well so that you can run into Lakeside or Starbucks and grab something to eat to give your brain the fuel it needs! if you have an one+ hour break, the fourth floor of the library is a great place to “rest your eyes” (but you didn’t hear it from me). 

4. Do your research. 

The typical course load of a freshmen includes the CORE classes, such as Composition, Biology and History. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to do any research! Ratemyprofessor.com is a great website to get some insight on a professor’s teaching style to see if it would be a good match for you. Take the ratings with a grain of salt though since students tend to leave bad ones more often than good ones. 

5. Register on time. 

Classes fill up fast in college, that’s for sure. Always register for classes the second your registration time opens because classes fill up fast. 

College means coming into a whole new world and something as small as picking classes can be a scary thing to conquer. Hopefully, this inside scoop can help you make the most out of your time at college!

Born in the town of Akebono-cho in Bunkyo, Tokyo, on January 5th, 1941, Miyazaki was the second of four sons. When he was three years old, Miyazaki and his family moved to Utsunomiya. After the bombing of Utsunomiya in 1945, the family moved to Kanuma. The constant moving and bombing left a lasting effect on Miyazaki, and displacement can be a reoccurring, climactic event in a lot of his films.

Concerning inspiration for his works, the fact that his father was the director of “Miyazaki Airplane”inspired Miyazaki to include a lot of airplanes in his work. His mother, who was sadly diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis, regularly questioned societal norms. This resistance to norms and cultural expectations can be found in the characters and themes in his films.

Fast forward to the start of his career. His initial aspiration was to be a manga artist, but he soon discovered that he could not draw people. He could, however, draw airplanes and cars.This can be seen throughout his works, almost all of which have detailed and thoughtfully drawn automobiles and vehicles.

His personal style of writing really developed in a monthly manga (Japanese cartoon) strip titled “Kaze No Tani No Naushika” (“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind”), published by Isao Takahata in Animage Magazine. The manga was well received and encouraged not only a film by the same name, but for Takahata and Miyazaki to pair up and start Studio Ghibli in 1985.

Studio Ghibli is the Japanese animation company created by the two, that has since churned out award-winning works like “Spirited Away” (2001), “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) and “Howl’s Moving Castle” (2004).

Miyazaki was meant to retire in 1999, according to his own announcement, but that didn’t exactly work out.

“I wanted to retire,” Miyazaki said in an interview with Roger Ebert, an American film critic. “But life isn’t that easy. I wanted to make a movie especially for the daughters of my friends. I opened all the drawers in my head they were all empty. So I realized I had to make a movie just for 10 year olds, and ‘Spirited Away’ is my answer.”

“Spirited Away” was well worth the decision, as it broke the Japanese box-office record previously held by “Titanic.”, and became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history.

To save her kidnapped parents, Chihiro gets help from supernatural beings like Haku and No-Face.

Spirited Away is exquisitely drawn, and Chihiro’s character development is shown in detail and well thought-out. The alluring flying scenes and the genuine care Haku has for Chihiro allows viewers to dive into the world Miyazaki created. One thing that makes a lot of the scenes so powerful are the visuals or lack of dialogue that lets the viewer sit with the music, characters and themes.

So many of his films explore concepts of acceptance, love and friendship. “Howl’s Moving Castle” is one that comes to mind. The film includes an oddly fitting steampunk vibe, a forbidden love, a unique backdrop of a war and the complex character of Howl. An important fact about the movie “Howl’s Moving Castle” is that it is loosely based on a book of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones.

“Howl’s Moving Castle” follows introverted and often overlooked Sophie as she stumbles into the arms of the infamous sorcerer, Howl, only after falling victim to a spell-casting witch. The layers that the characters have, the breathtaking landscape scenes and the journey to understand the personalities and morality entice audiences everywhere. The comic relief throughout the film, from Calcifer in particular, pairs well with the more emotionally intense scenes, including one where Howl quite literally slips into a depressive episode. All of this contributes to the utterly intriguing journey of “Howl’s Moving Castle.”

“I do believe in the power of story. I believe that stories have an important role to play in the formation of human beings, that they can stimulate, amaze, and inspire their listeners.” Hayao Miyazaki said, when asked about his storytelling.

Hayao Miyazaki is a well-respected and often recognized filmmaker and has worked on countless beautiful animations and films. Miyazaki’s films have received over 177 nominations, winning 120 of them.

As students began to readjust to this new reality, many student workers were left wondering where they stand now with their jobs and if they should start looking for another line of work.

The university has kept the student workers in mind during this time of transition. Students who could work remotely from home were able to continue work, but if that was not a possibility, they would find reassignment for those who needed the work hours.

Ben Phillips, who is the Coordinator of Leadership Development in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement, was selected to work and take over this project from human resources. It is his job to match students with new temporary assignments.

There are still 77 students waiting to be reassigned as of April 12. Phillips states this is due to a disproportionate amount of students needing work, and departments needing additional assistance.

Phillips has said so far his team has, “helped 97 students find temporary student worker assignments for the rest of the semester, across both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses.”

Kayla McCook, who worked at the on-campus Starbucks, was one of the lucky students who were able to be reassigned.

When campus closed and I wasn’t able to work anymore, I was so stressed out and upset. I was excited to hear the news of being reassigned, working at a whole new place on campus.

Kayla McCook

McCook was reassigned to the grounds departments where she helps with the upkeep of the campus, doing things like planting trees. She says it’s a lot different than what she is used to at Starbucks but is thankful for this new experience.

Shay Heard is among the student workers who are able to work from home during this time. Heard works as a student assistant in the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement and was surprised to hear that she was able to keep her job.

Heard said, “I’m still getting the same amount of hours, thankfully. We are now doing everything online, of course, from checking emails to doing project requests for people in the office.”

Rebecca Cortner, a work-study student who works in the office of testing services as a proctor for online exams, said the worst part during this time was trying to figure out if she was going to be paid the same amount of money she was awarded or if she needed to find a job in the midst of places already laying off workers.”

Cortner explained the university had set aside a certain amount of money for the semester that she will continue to receive weekly. She is still able to keep her job even though the campus is closed. Cortner was given the option to proctor exams, which she assumes will take place via webcam.

A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons, who wishes to remain anonymous, is one of the student workers who are still without work. In fact, the student did not even know there was a reassignment process for student workers until the interview.

I received no emails from any of my managers or even Eagle Dining Services about student workers staying home or any other type of information about reassigning us to a new department if possible. No one reached out or gave us any type of instruction on handling the situation. Even now, I have yet to receive any emails from my department.

A GS student employee who works at Lakeside dining commons

Phillips stated that students needing temporary work were supposed to have been sent forms from them that ask students to identify their home department, normal working hours, and some of the interests and skills that they have. The departments as well can share this information and form.

“It is hard to say exactly what might have happened with this particular student. One of our largest groups of students that have applied for temporary assignments has been students from the Dining Commons. It seems like it was an unfortunate oversight for this particular student,” said Phillips

Phillips also said if any students have any questions about anything or would like to communicate with him that he is open anytime, and would love to hear from them and do his best to advocate for them.

Though a lot of uncertainty is going around, the university is trying its best in helping students continue work has helped ease their stress.

“I’m thankful that I work for such a great university that amidst all of the chaos can find us a place to work, ” McCook said.

If you’re a student worker still in need of work and reassignment you can reach out to Ben Phillips @[email protected] for help.

Savannah King works for the on-campus Starbucks on the Statesboro Campus