Temple University - Templar Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

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College and coffee go hand in hand LAUREN WATSON ivvfiiiiiinivfv Ask any student on campus where to find the nearest coffee stand. A prompt response will probably be given within a split second, with numerous options to choose from. Between the cafes located in every building to the food trucks all around campus, a cup of joe is just about an arm’s length away at Temple University. While in many cultures the mere satisfying taste of coffee may be the attracting quality of the beverage itself, American students are particularly known to require such stimulants to wake up and pay close attention in class. Junior Kelly Hinton also acknowledged, “If I don’t have coffee at all during the day I feel like I haven’t woken up, like a constant tired feeling throughout the day... kind of that feeling of waking up on the wrong side of the bed.” Senior Kate Eingorn, who drinks between one and three cups of coffee a day on average, revealed that she will also drink more coffee when she is stressed. Some even suffer withdrawal symptoms when attempting to endure a day without the lifesaving, energy-inducing delicious caffeine chemical running through their veins. Headaches are the most common reaction, though many also reported increased irritability during an attempted caffeine-free stint. Luckily, a quick fix can be found even in the middle of the night. Starbucks opens its doors for 24 hours almost every day along with the Tech Center throughout Fall and Spring semesters. Of course the well-known chains are frequented the most (Starbucks in the Tech Center and Saxby’s on Liacouras Walk). Hinton admits that she is willing to sacrifice the high cost of Starbucks’ bev- erages in exchange for the quality of the coffee she receives. After speaking to numerous students around campus, it can be surmised that almost every student relies on caffeine to survive college. Whatever the case may be, it’s obvious that tea, coffee and energy drinks are highly coveted staples on campus, all of which fuel a majority of the student body no matter the occasion. Though one particular time of year, the end of the semester • finals week - certainly warrants an increase in consumption. Perhaps the cold, dark winter months call for a hot beverage as well, but hot chocolate probably won’t keep anyone awake at seven o’clock on a frigid January morning.

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pus and holds a substantial amount of the University Libraries’ book and journal collections. It has an extensive database service and includes information in most subject areas. There is a reference desk upon entering for students who need any kind of assistance. A mini-cafe is accessible on the first floor as well for students whose stomachs begin to growl or throats beg for replenishment while studying. While students cheer on Paley, others yell words of opposition and speak encouraging words in the name of the Tech Center. They believe the Tech Center is better because in addition to all it has to offer, there is a Starbucks, and who doesn’t love a frappuccino to accompany you when studying? said Alexandra Olivier, a junior magazine journalism major. More than the coffeehouse or cafe options available are the actual attributes each offers. The library is better than the Tech because people are actually there to help you. I know there are workers who help with computer-related issues but that doesn’t quite compare to getting constructive help with papers or learning how to do research, Goolsby said. The Tech Center is respected greatly by a range of students because, unlike Paley, it is open 24 hours almost every day and is the largest of its kind in the nation. There are 700 computers, 13 breakout rooms, specialized labs and designated social spaces for students to lounge and watch TV. The library, on the other hand, has 96 computers on the first floor and 20 computers on both the second and third floor for a combined total of 136 computers. “The Tech Center has a more comfortable feel. There are more modern resources there -better quality computers, faster computers, and newer equipment. Theo Davis, a senior finance major, said. “I usually go the Tech three to four times a week, and especially if I need accessible computers.” Samone Kyles, a junior biochemistry major feels otherwise. I like the library and I come here way more than I do the Tech because typically, people in my major come to study in the library. The only time I really go to the Tech is when I’m forced to do certain assignments that require me to use their software.” Kyles said. While the Tech Center doesn’t allow food by the computer areas and enforces everyone to speak at a whisper, the library is more lenient with both noise volume and with their food policies. Although there are a few comfortable chairs in the Tech Center for those who want to be completely cozy while doing work, the library has a larger variety of other social spaces for people to work away from sitting in front of a computer. “I like the social aspect of the Tech Center. It's more relaxing and comfortable, Davis said. I have no particular preference, but usually when writing an essay. I like to go to Paley because it’s connected to Tuttleman Learning Center where the Writing Center is located, Alexis Boney, a senior communications major, said. Preferences for Paley library and the Tech Center range greatly. There is no set ratio for students who favor one over the other, but like seasons change, as do people's preferences. The fight has been labeled a tie because there has been no knockout and both contenders have called out at the same time. Both Paley and the Tech have decided that they both serve resources that are necessary for all students and have simply agreed that the feud, although ongoing, is constructive.

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SHANELL SIMMONS The Cyph In the midst of trying to maintain a competitive GPA, having a stacked “to-do list and running on an inadequate amount of sleep, students still manage to squeeze fun into the equation. Every Friday afternoon at 1, an unofficial event dubbed Temple Freestyle Friday or “The Cyph,” takes place. Groups of students gather together at the Bell Tower all for the name of free-styling. Five years ago, rappers Mike Stuart and Matthew Berman used their talent to form a recognized mini on-campus cypher. As heads bop up and down, bodies sway in unison, and mouths are used as instruments, Omar Roper, a sophomore political science major, catches the beat. “Yeah you know me, I got hundreds of dreads, you know that monster in your closet? I live under his bed. Roper, who goes by the freestyle name “O.H.M, is the official leader of the cypher and has been coming to Freestyle Friday consistently since he was a senior in high school. “We are usually required to think before we speak. With freestyling, I get to see how my mind works when there is no time to actually think. People always say, 'Live in the moment.' Freestyling is exactly that. It requires zero preparation,” Roper said. The cypher is open to anyone who wants to join. Harmonizing and or making a beat to rap over is standard for spectators and other participants waiting their turn. John Fitzhenry, a freshman nursing major, does just that when he comes to “The Cyph.” “I come because it's a cool place to just chill. I like to listen and more than that, I like to harmonize conjointly with those making the beat.” The cypher seems to garner the attention of many Temple students as they pass by the Bell Tower walking to and from class. While the freestylers form an inner circle, an outer-circle of curious, musically-inclined bystanders is also formed. The circle formation of the cypher enforces the idea of equality. Everyone stands shoulder-to-shoulder with no one in the center. “It's a community aspect you get out of it,” said Tiene Drummond, junior political science major. “I come out all the time because it’s a cool, relaxed environment and it’s always cool to hear one of my friends rap in ‘the Cyph’.'’ The cypher has the ability to attract a diverse crowd of people. Over the years it has become increasingly diverse. The loyal participants say they hope to continue to bring out other nationalities that are not represented. Anjolee Jefferson, a sophomore communications major, intends on being one of the first females to participate on a regular basis. She hopes that her involvement will help to increase the number of women that take part. Anybody can come. We want as many people as we can get,” Roper said. As long as everyone follows the unsaid rules of a cypher, it goes smoothly. The rules are simple: be courteous when another person is free-styling, don’t cut others off, follow the order of ‘the Cyph’ to know when it’s your turn, and most importantly, don’t cross through the middle under any circumstances. It’s a live-hip-hop radio station. It’s the place where you can be yourself and just be surrounded by real nitty-gritty and straight to the point rap. It doesn’t get much better than that,” Jefferson said.