Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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In 2013, Brooks Buffington and Tyler Droll, two recent Furman University graduates, had the idea to create an anonymous Twitter-style app — a place where college students could go wild and post their strangest thoughts anonymously. Today, this app is known as Yik Yak. It's safe to say Yik Yak is extremely popular amongst college students. Its layout is similar to a Twitter newsfeed and allows users to post anything (yes, anything) that comes to mind. From questions, comments and jokes, to cries for help and campus advice — you can find it all on Yik Yak. It's proven to be a good outlet for students to post their deepest thoughts without personal backlash or attacks from the community. Yik Yak builds community. I can’t imagine college life without it. It's the best source of news for students, an anonymous Temple yakker yakked. Yakkers (the self-served name for users of the app) ask for life and dating advice on the app. Other times, the app is used to discuss more serious issues or to warn others about construction on campus. Yik Yak's almost immediate response rate is definitely its most beneficial feature. No Temple student is a stranger to TUAIerts, and many yakkers are passionate about making sure everyone knows that something bad has happened. Early in September 2015, a TUAIert was sent out that just said TUAIert with no other details. It came as no surprise that almost every yak after that said TUAIert. Turns out it was only a power outage. Students also like to tell jokes or funny stories in the hopes of receiving upvotes, similar to a like on Facebook or Instagram. In anticipation for the Papal visit, this year, a student posted a Pope joke on Yik Yak. What if the Pope reveals this weekend that he is wearing a Pope suit and is actually Tupac and he faked his death to become the Pope. Students also use Yik Yak as an outlet for venting. Most of the complaints are about homework or not being able to fall asleep. There are a bunch of students awake posting on Yik Yak at 3 a.m. Many students try to comfort each other at this time and give others advice on how to get into better sleeping habits. Another anonymous student feels at home on Yik Yak. (The best part of Yik Yak is] the connectedness we have anonymously. It's almost as if we have an instant friend at all hours of the day or night.” Students may have mixed feelings about the app in general, but one thing is clear: it makes Temple more connected as a community. WRITTEN BY LAUREN WAKSMAN

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Yakkity Yak, Go Ahead, Talk Back

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Student Life Wind Takeover es Wmdiest Locations Batt in Every university-has rts flaws that are too far apart, others se™e the size 0f rclo?e«aM°Ichahsawee OwTs hate to admit it even our on campus is by far the biggest catch to being a diamond in the rough. If your route to class involves walking on Broad Street, don't bother wasting time doing your hair because the wind will probably ruin it. Whether you are trying to avoid getting completely blown over on the terrace and walkways near Morgan Hall, or shielding your face while crossing the ramp between residence halls Johnson Hardwick and Peabody, one thing is painfully clear: Temple's wind is a force to be reckoned with. Literally, just avoid them, especially in the winter, student Jen Kane said. Student Amanda Drop said the worst spot for her is a tie between Morgan Hall and the ramp between J H and Peabody. Freshman year was horrible walking through the wind tunnel of J H. It got to the point of being pushed back and broken umbrellas, she said. Morgan is bad too because when it's icy, that ramp gets really slick. I've fallen quite a few times. Since we are only humans, trying to change the weather is pretty much out of the question. But as students, we can at least try to avoid it — or better yet, battle it. Drop shared how she effectively combats Temple's wind tunnels. I wear ponytails and hoodies or hats. Invest in gloves too because the wind against fingers and hands makes for severe wind burn, she said. Many students agree that the worst season to face these brutal wind tunnels is the winter. Cold weather, frozen mgers, frozen toes and a fierce wind attacking your face’ No, thank you. Mother Nature. tTh?w°ncn,mnlSi j maki 9 S,rides t0 its campus, tne wind tunnels are a necessary evil. WRITTEN BY JENNA FACCENOA