SEAM Club Stages 2021 Motlow Holiday Traditions Show

By Megan Goble
Motlow Buzz Student Editor

    SMYRNA, Tenn. – Members of the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club gathered in Room 320 of the Hiatt-Spivey Center in Smyrna on Nov. 19 to record segments of the upcoming third annual Motlow Holiday Traditions Show. 

    The SEAM Club released the video in December before Christmas Day on Motlow Buzz Radio at YouTube. To watch the video, click on this link: https://youtu.be/b21j5dBPi6M 

    It includes performances and/or presentations by Club President and Emcee Megan Goble, Vice President Tatiana Diallo, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Hill, Graphics Director Neo McLeod, Video Editor Adrian Jimenez, student Alexandria Williams, Librarian Paige Hendrickson, Professor Robert Fitzgerald, and Professors/SEAM Club Advisers Charles Whiting and Robert Davenport. 

    Motlow Speech Professor Robert Davenport explained what the show means to him. “It’s a fun time for students and faculty to share their joy of the season… to not only perform, read poetry, maybe tell stories, “Davenport said. “It’s a unique time where students and teachers can participate together.” 

    Performances will feature readings, guitar, singing, and showings of visual art. The show will include pre-recorded videos and a special holiday greeting from club members.

 

SEAM Club members cut up at Rehearsal (Photo by Charles Whiting)

 

    The club has been meeting since the end of September, planning the show by figuring out performances, writing the script, scheduling the recording of the videos, and editing them together to make the final product before the holidays arrive. 

    The show allows club members, students, administrators, and staff to be part of something together and express their meanings of the holidays. 

    SEAM Club Graphics Director and Mass Communications major Neo McLeod said why they are excited to be a part of the show. “I honestly think just being a part of something for the holidays is nice,” McLeod said. “My family is not too big on gathering together, so this is fun and new for me.”

    Students and staff alike have spoken on the “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” being a reason for them to spread their joy together, especially during a time where people may not be able to celebrate with family members and friends. 

    SEAM Club Secretary/Treasurer and Art major Mary Hill speaks on why gathering together was important to her. “Ever since this pandemic started, it was so hard finding a way to be together with others,” Hill said. “This, for me, was the best opportunity I've had in a long time to reconnect with the SEAM Club and feel that sense of togetherness and unity again.” 

    As the end of the year approaches, many students feel it is important to be part of the show and to continue spreading positivity and joy during a stressful time of the year.

    Students, as well as teachers, are rushing against deadlines. This show is an opportunity for students and staff to slow down and be reminded of the holiday season. 

    “It’s a stressful time of the year with papers and all of that, and frankly there are some students really struggling with different things,” Davenport added. “Not just academics, but personal life and so on, and I think it’s a great way for us to spread some cheer and positive encouragement, reinforcement, to get ready for the new year.” 

    Many individuals involved with Motlow State Community College have been through very rough times due to the pandemic, and it has had lasting effects. It is always important to remain kind, especially during the holidays when someone may be struggling.

    The show provides a positive outlet for the Motlow community to express their art in a shared, safe and diverse environment.

    Former SEAM Club members created the first two shows in 2019 and 2020, and current members wanted to acknowledge the hard work and keep it going. The show will be presented virtually for the second year.

    The “Motlow Holiday Traditions Show” is a perfect example of resilience during these challenging times. It proves that students and staff are still willing to contribute positivity to their community even when it is not easy. 

    “I think the students have done a really good job,” Hill added. “Considering multitasking with club duties along with school and work, it was a little difficult on all of us, but we've managed well.” 

    Although these times have been challenging, things are going back to a new normal. SEAM Club members were able to meet on the Motlow Smyrna Campus for some of their recordings. 

    While they are able to meet on campus, most of the show has been planned and accomplished through many online meetings. Current SEAM members hope to lead by example along with past members. 

    Just because so many students were physically separated for a while does not mean they have to be alone. Motlow students and staff have done a great job on keeping clubs, meeting, and togetherness around. 

    “It’s been such a long time since I’ve been in a physical classroom with other students and just got to talk and be a person,” McLeod added. “It was a great experience to have after such a long gap of time.” 

    The SEAM Club, staff and other participating members hope that everyone will take the time to watch the video once it has been released. 

    Further announcements on the release of the holiday show video will be provided by Communications Professor and SEAM Club Adviser Charles Whiting on The Motlow Buzz. The SEAM Club wishes everyone a safe and Happy Holidays! 

    SEAM Club members hope to welcome more students during the Spring semester to participate in future shows, as well as the fourth annual Talent Show. 

    For more information about the Smyrna Entertainment, Arts and Media Club, write cwhiting@mscc.edu. 

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A Nothing into Something

By Myia Jones
Motlow Buzz Reporter

            When I was a child, I was always into being famous. I couldn’t get enough of the media. Just seeing the cameras and the bright lights, along with the stars on television, has always amazed me. I loved the extravagant colors of wardrobes, and seeing people change their emotions, whether it was real life or a cartoon.

            My parents always kept me involved in sports like dance, tap dance, track, basketball, etc., but I knew that wasn’t for me -- at least the “real” athletic sports. As a child, I would beg my mom to put me on TV, or let me model, but her response would be, “This is just a scam!” I couldn’t seem to shake the feeling there is more out there in the world because I saw it on TV. Every birthday, I used to pray and wish that I would become “a somebody” by the time I was at the age of 16 to the age of 18.

            Growing up, I was bullied and doubted I could be anything. I never told my parents, so it took a hold on my heart. I was soon introduced to the performing arts, where I learned I could be myself. Once I got on stage, it was like I was a certified natural. I became addicted to the sound of “LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!”

            When social media came into play, it was like love at first sight. Social Media is what really helped me decide specifically what I wanted to do in life. I loved taking pictures and creating posts for others to relate to, as well as getting out certain feelings, or emotions, when I didn’t have anyone to talk to. It’s something about following your favorite celebrity, or keeping up with the latest fashion trends that had me.

            Fashion was never my thing. I couldn’t seem to realize what looked good on me, or what my actual style was. What really played the part in this was I had a low self-esteem from all the bullying, and at the time I didn’t know my worth. I would always wear jackets and blazers to hide my skin, and ponytails to hide my length, but there has always been a flame in me, that swore I would get it all together.

            Fast forwarding to the end of my 12th grade year, and I became more of a fashionista—without the funds. When I got to college, I exploded with the ability to not be afraid of me, and I had the funds this time. I began trying things I never thought I would, and wearing clothes I never thought I could.

            In the year of 2016, things became clear. I had just gotten a new job in downtown Nashville, and I felt as if it was exactly what I needed. I met a lot of designers, store owners; you name it. I’ve also met a lot of famous people like athletes, dancers, singers, etc. Coming from the small town of Murfreesboro, you rarely meet young people who own businesses, or a lot of black business owners. One of the most “awing” moments for me was to see people my age that are very successful. In a short time of experiencing all of this, I decided I wanted to create a blog about celebrities, gossip, and the latest fashion trends.    

            My blog, Jae’s Box, is just that. This article is intended for women and men ages 16 and up. This blog requires the viewers to subscribe where they will now be known as a “jewel,” hints the name “Jae’s Box,” as in a jewelry box. Most of my articles will be posted no later than the day the specific event will occur. We will have a comment section for each article where viewers can state their opinions, and we will have direct messenger for comments, findings or concerns. We plan on having multiple social medias in order for our subscribers to be able to take us with them anywhere.

            Now that I’ve introduced how I came about writing my blog and what my blog will be about, here are a few articles that will be featured:

           

Nike Will Be Introducing Hijabs for Their Muslim Athletes in Spring 2018

The Hijab, according to CNN Money, took 13 months to make and came into creation after Muslims athletes would complain about having to wear their traditional scarves while competing.

Nike also states the “Nike Pro Hijab” may have been in the making for more than a year. http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/07/news/nike-pro-hijab/

Katy Perry Says She Tried to “Pray The Gay Away”

Singer Katy Perry received an award from the Human Rights Campaign  in LA and openly opened up about her sexuality, deciding to thank the LGBT community.

In her speech, she spoke about growing up in a very strict and religious family. Katy mentions, she was very curious about her sexuality, but knew that it wasn’t something that would be accepted.

Katy claims she tried to “pray the gay away” at Christian camps, but she ended up finding her gift. http://www.katyperry.com/

Tomi Lahren Suspended for A Week

Tomi’s program, “Tomi,” will be off air for at least a week, according to The Hill, after what was reported as rising tensions between her and other Blaze employees.

Lahren reportedly upset her boss, Glen Beck, after her appearance on “The View”. Tomi claimed to be “pro-life” and even took shots at conservatives, calling them hypocrites according to the Daily Beast.

Glenn took it to his radio show on Monday to blast his employee.

On Monday Lahren took it to Twitter to try and do a little damage control, which prompted her boss responded back.    https://twitter.com/TomiLahren?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Tennessee Teen and Teacher Go Missing Together

Corpus Christi police said they have been unable to wrap their head around the fact that, a Tennessee school teacher and a student he’s accused of kidnapping were in the South Texas Gulf Coast city.

Tennessee authorities have been hunting for the 50-year-old Tad Cummins and the 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas for two weeks.

Cummins has been added to Tennessee Most Wanted List after being suspected of kidnapping the teen. http://people.com/crime/elizabeth-thomas-missing-tad-cummins-romantic-emails-school/

Cool Springs' Cars n' Coffee Hosts Biggest Event Yet

By Austin Mabe

            FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Thousands of car enthusiasts gathered for the annual Cars n’ Coffee event from 8-10:30 a.m. on Nov. 5 in Cool Spring’s Thoroughbred Theatre parking lot.

Cars n’ Coffee was started by a group of friends who own sports cars such as Porsches and Ferraris. Every Saturday, they would drive them after having coffee at Starbucks. They began meeting other people who loved driving their sports cars in the Franklin area, as well. They eagerly wanted to join in on the adrenaline-filled fun. As these weekend rides gained popularity, more and more people started calling to join as well.  

“Soon the crowd became too big for the local Starbucks,” said senior member Jonathan Price of Franklin.

Nevertheless, they all starting meeting at the Cool Springs Thoroughbred Theatre across the street from Starbucks after ordering their coffee in the drive-thru.

“The drive-thru line soon backed up to the main road, so most participants just went to the theatre parking lot instead,” Price said.  

Price, who owns a 2014 McLaren P1, said he loves to show it off. “It all got started by a group of close friends who owned sports cars and loved driving them”, Price said.

Franklin’s Justin Allison, who owns a 2013 Alpha 12 GTR, agrees. “I’ve been at least 230 mph on Highway 840 with this thing, “Allison said.

The cars they mentioned are nothing close to the cars one might see on the road today. The Alpha 12 GTR is capable of going as fast as 100 mph in less than six seconds, Allison added. The sports cars seen at Cars n’ Coffee are hard to forget. The owners keep the clean, tuned and ready to go so they can show them off as they please.

            The Cars n’ Coffee meet brought out over 1,000 sports cars and at least 2,000 observers on Nov. 5. The people in attendance are friendly and willing to talk about their cars to anyone curious enough to ask. The meets occur every Saturday from 8-10:30 a.m., with the first Saturday specializing in exotics. For more information about attending Cool Springs’ Cars n’ Coffee, visit http://www.carsandcoffeefinder.com/cool-springs/.