The Power of the Pen (and Writing Lab) with Mrs. Pinson

South Carolina State University has a Push Writing Lab located inside Turner Hall which is coordinated by Mrs. Arah Pinson. Pinson, who is also a long serving professor, started at SCSU in 1989 to present day. Mrs .Valerie Goodwin was the previous coordinator. Upon Pinson's takeover, she plans to get the word spread out about the writing lab.

A lot of students don't know about the writing lab or what it's purpose is. This center is used to help students hone their writing and grammar skills. "When our students leave SCSU, they represent the University" said Pinson. Students can go there to get a better understanding of the various writing styles and rules that are applied to it.

The writing lab is also trying to gain exposure. Since it's not as much used as needed, Pinson and her trusty team are trying to make it "lit." funding is most definitely needed to help expand the writing lab. "We're looking for donations, and we want to paint and mural the wall." said Pinson.

To also help with the exposure of the lab, they are planning a spring open house as well as a soft skills for students workshop. This workshop will help students with study skills, time-management, note taking and self discipline. Pinson is a serious advocate for the success of her students and you can tell when she began to tear up and say "My passion is my students."

The writing lab can be used as a work study and all students and majors are welcome. Students must meet a certain criteria in order to become a tutor. You must also have a letter of recommendation. Take Zaire for instance. She is a grad school tutor and according to Pinson "Our right arm." She helps with grammar and organization, and thesis statements.  Pinson is looking for students like her to come help out and be a great tutor.

While big things are in the works for Turner Hall writing lab, Pinson and Zaire had five things that everyone should know about it. They are

1. They are there to help
2. Will offer workshops
3. They are not a fix it shop
4. Tutors will not guess what grade you will get
5. You leave with a lesson

(What the writing lab is for)

Bulldog News Now: A brief look inside the newscast

We had to chance to an exclusive look at how the South Carolina State University Communications department produces it's newscast  BNN which is short for Bulldog News Now. The set has that local television station look and a team of thriving students were working diligently to make sure it went well.


We watched as the news anchors sat and rehearsed their scripts while getting familiar with the teleprompter. The anchors were making sure they were pronouncing and enunciating words correctly for accuracy.

Behind the scenes, BNN students were busy at work as well. They were making sure everything ran smoothly in regards to the production, teleprompter and audio. Ms. Pryor who is over the newscast made sure each person  was doing their job effectively.
   

Dayah Barnes: Marching To The Beat of Her Own Drum

A female drummer? Quiet unless she knows you? A North Carolina native? This could only be none other than Miss Dayah Barnes herself. Let's start with a few basics shall we? She loves the colors pink and Blue, she loves the occasional crab legs, and she likes Prince.Although she gives off the quiet reserved type vibes,  this 23 year old senior Mass Communications major from Fayetteville has many interesting things that sets her apart from many. 

Dayah has a knack for playing the drums. She was a member of the South Carolina State University Marching 101 drum line. She is also apart of The Bongo Brothers which is associated with the band. After a long journey with the band, she decided to leave due to conflicts. Aside from band activities, Barnes loves to travel, create memos, and create vlogs. She is also a "cute shoe" fanatic. If a shoe is cute, then best believe she will more than likely get it. 

"I love the environment here and the family feel" said Barnes when talking about SCSU. "I wanted to come here because I've been in North Carolina all my life." Being a writer is something near and dear to Barnes's heart thus her majoring in Journalism. Her blog globetrotti showcases some of her work. After graduation, she plans to go work for the FBI. 

Avery Daniels: A man focusing on HIStory

From his hometown of Orangeburg S.C., A tuba player for the South Carolina State University Marching 101 band, to the Miller F. Whitaker library as the archivist what isn't there interesting about Avery Daniels? Daniels has a lot he has accomplished under his belt and wasn't afraid to share it.

Let's flashback a few years back shall we? Daniels graduated from Orangeburg-Wilkinson High-school back in 1996. He continued his studies at SCSU. While at college he always wanted to be a member of the Marching 101. "I never played an instrument" He had his eyes on the tuba and seeked help from his friends in  band that played the flute. He played the tuba from 2003-2006. He also joined the band Fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi

After graduating from State, he worked an the band's equipment manager. He also served in the United State Marine Corps.


At 40 years old, Daniels is currently the Head of Archives at the library on the campus of SCSU. He is the forth person that has held this position. He has always been interested in History. He did his internship at the State Archives in Columbia S.C. He gained his Masters in Library Science from The University of South Carolina. He was offered a job at Alabama A & M University, but turned it down so he can be close to home her in South Carolina.

(Daniels in his office in Archives)