UT Best Buddies

Final Video Project for J302F Spring 2013 Garcia-Buckalew

Reporting by Erin MacInerney and Joe McMahon

Freshmen Spring Break with a Twist - Audio Feature Story

(NAT SOUND POP) Spring Break Twenty Thirteen whoop spring break!

(NAT SOUND POP) CHEEEEEERS!

(NAT SOUND POP) Drink tequila and eat with a lime!

(NAT SOUND POP) How fucked up are you? So fucked up

(NEWS REPORTER:) It was a typical start to spring break for the students at the University of Texas. The freshman stuffed their cars with luggage, groceries, and beverages and eagerly drove the 12 grueling hours to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

(MEGGIE PARKS INTERVIEW) “All three of people that I drove went out the night before and they were really hung-over, we got stuck in awful traffic. I was watching one of my friends try and throw up because she was so hung-over.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “We were singing throw back songs and occasionally got out of the car and danced on the side of the road.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) Upon arrival, the students quickly tossed their belongings into their accommodations before running for the beach to start what they hoped would be the best week of their lives.

(NAT SOUND POP) Sound of tides coming in and out on the shore

(MUSIC) “I got my toes in my water, ass in the sand not a worry in the world cold beer in my hand.”

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “We freaked out and ran around our house so excited to finally be there and then we started playing music and go out to the beach.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “And then we started drinking and then we went to a party and then we went back to the beach at night when we got home.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) A typical day in Gulf Shores consisted of students congregating on the beach, creating a large party where students enjoyed visiting with friends from other universities.

(NAT SOUND POP) from the beach mob

(NAT SOUND POP) Started from the bottom now my whole teams fucking here yeah, Clint my man what is going on?

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “During the day was when you got to see your friends from other schools because everyone was together at the same place.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “We would basically walk about a mile from where our condo was on the beach, and there would be a huge mob of people from different schools all hanging out together. It was so much fun.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) After a long day in the sun, the students would often move to the shade of the beach houses that lined West Beach Boulevard, to relax and play drinking games.

(NAT SOUND POP) Shortest waterfall of my life

(NAT SOUND POP) Four whores, all girls drink

(NAT SOUND POP) When you drink, someone else has to drink at all times

(NAT SOUND POP) 3 is me, 2 is you

(NAT SOUND POP) Waterfall again!

(NAT SOUND POP) Fuck you for making us drink the whole thing!

(MEGGIE PARKS INTERVIEW) “During the day I really enjoyed playing kings cup.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I really liked to play beer pong and kings cup with my neighbors to my condo. They were also from UT.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) As the night rolled around, the girls would head out to party, once again, occasionally having to make the mad dash down the beach to evade raiding police.

(NAT SOUND POP) The Georgia Sigma Nus are having a huge eviction party. They don’t give a shit if they get evicted. Lets get evicted then.

(NAT SOUND POP) Last night was fun as shit

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “At night we would go to these eviction parties where the frats from different schools would purposely try to get kicked out of their house.”

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “The cops tended to bust those because there was a bunch of people and it was really loud. There was a few times we had to run down the beach in order to not get in trouble.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I laughed the whole time running all the way back to our house.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) On Monday March 11^th the Spring Break fun took an unfortunate turn for students at the TCU Phi Delta Theta house party. During the event, the second story balcony collapsed, sending over 40 party-goers 20 feet below into the sand and wood, leaving over a dozen students injured, and many more in a state of shock.

(ELIZABETH CROWLEY INTERVIEW) “So we went to the house and I walked up the stairs to the balcony and stopped to talk to a guy for a minute and then all of a sudden the floor came out from below us.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I was on the balcony when it collapsed, I was talking from my best friend form high school and her boyfriend.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I honestly had no idea what was happening, I was just talking to my friend and then I felt like I blanked and next thing I knew I was on the ground with people on top of me and wood beneath me.”

(ELIZABETH CROWLEY INTERVIEW) “We were in a nice dog pile.”

(ALLISON LADDEN INTERVIEW) “It happened really slowly you could hear it, it was a weird noise, no one knew exactly what was going on, and then it just collapsed slowly from one side people were screaming. At first everyone thought it was funny because people were laughing but then when you walked downstairs you could see people were hurt.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) Moments after the collapse, ambulances arrived at the scene and began giving care to those seriously injured. The local police soon arrived to take control of the scene and to investigate the accident. Five of the injured were carried away in ambulances, while others with less serious injuries were driven to the hospital in private vehicles.

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I could hear the ambulances start to arrive and people around me were put in neck braces. The police were helping the wounded people out of the debris.”

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “I checked on my friends to make sure that they weren’t seriously injured, and once I found out that they were okay I kind of just left the scene.”

(MEGGIE PARKS INTERVIEW) “It was so weird it was a dream almost and then I started taking pictures.”

(ELIZABETH CROWLEY INTERVIEW) “I went back to my Texas Tech friends back to fill them all in.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) But unfortunately for Hannah Whipple, she realized later on that night how serious her injury was.

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “I didn’t think I was that badly bruised at the time so I left the Phi Delt house and kept going on about my day. Then that night I realized that my legs were hurting really bad and that I had bruises all over my inner thighs.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) When Hannah returned to Dallas at the end of her trip she made a visit to the doctor.

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “The doctor told me that I had bruised the arteries and tore ligaments in my inner thighs and that I needed to be on crutches for two weeks.”

(NEWS REPORTER:) Although the balcony collapse was not part of many students’ ideal spring break plan, many reported still enjoying their time in Gulf Shores. In fact some reported that the balcony incident added something unique to remember the trip by.

(NAT SOUND POP) Noise of people in the beach mob

(MEGGIE PARKS INTERVIEW) “It made it more interesting because everyone was talking about it.”

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “It was a good experience, kind of a joke, so much is going on its just crazy and a lot of things happen that weren’t expected to happen.”

(HANNAH WHIPPLE INTERVIEW) “It was a one time experience. I had so much fun but it was also such a mess that I don’t know if I would want to do the same thing again.”

(ANNA GOLDBLATT INTERVIEW) “It’s kind of like a thing to look back on and tell your friends about, a story to live by.”

(NAT SOUND POP) Tide on beach

(NEWS REPORTER:) Another Spring Break vacation over on the University of Texas campus leaving students tired, fulfilled, and in some cases injured but all in good spirits, this is Erin MacInerney, reporting.

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Nature: An Escape from College Print Story

AUSTIN – The constant hustle and bustle. Buses and cars speed past you as you walk down The Drag. The smell of cigarettes fills the air from a few students working in a quick smoke before their next class.

The sidewalk is stained with gum and vomit, from those who are too lazy to dispose their waste at the nearest trashcan...or those who could not make it to the closest dumpster.

The University of Texas campus is a concrete jungle.

While on campus there is little space to be alone, and nature is scarce. But what if you want to escape the rush of college and relax in a natural environment?

Austin has many scenic areas where students love to go and take a break from the chaos of the city. Whether it is kayaking, paddle boarding on Town Lake, or hiking up Mount Bonnell, UT students are seen taking advantage of the beautiful sites this city has to offer.

Around 5 p.m. on a Saturday evening, the sun is starting to set, and the wind around the water is picking up. The ducks are in their flocks floating along the banks of the lake as kayakers and paddle boarders calmly pass by.

The students’ faces are serene, leisurely paddling from side to side, able to take a moment for themselves as they watch the sun come down from the clouds, causing a beautiful orange and yellow glow in the sky.

“I had never tried paddle boarding before I got to Austin, and now I use it as an activity to escape from my school commitments,” said Morgan Bridges, a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin.

Bridges expressed how she loved being able to unwind on the lake, while getting a little exercise at the same time.

Other visitors of Town Lake have a similar reaction when kayaking.

“I love to wake up early on a Sunday morning just as the sun is rising and go out and kayak,” said Jean Edwards, also a freshman at UT.

Edwards proceeded to explain how much she enjoyed being able to take a breather as she made her way down the river.

“It seems like the only time when I am away from my hectic schedule,” explained Edwards.

Two students are seen fishing along the shore of Town Lake, observing the kayakers passing by, occasionally giving a friendly smile to someone that catches their eye.

The environment is tranquil.

However, if you prefer some light hiking instead of activities on the lake, Mount Bonnell has much to offer.

As you climb the stairs leading to Mount Bonnell, trees lean in all around you, enclosing you in a small forest, and prohibiting you from seeing the city around you. When you reach the top you are hit with a magnificent view.

Town Lake glimmers hundreds of feet below you as you peer off the side of the mountain. The water is still; the sun is almost completely out of the sky as the moon peaks in.

The sound of cars honking and people talking is completely gone; you are able to hear your thoughts, and small birds chirping as they head off to sleep in their nests.

Strolling down the trail, you encounter others sitting by themselves, or with their significant other, peacefully watching the sunset, and enjoying the sweet silence and the beautiful view.

“Sometimes I just like to go up to Mount Bonnell and sit and watch the sunset alone and think about my day,” said Kristin Forburger, also a student at UT.

Forburger explains that being up there allows her to open up and reflect without being distracted by others making noise in her dorm room.

“I especially like to go after Young Life,” Forburger continues. “I just feel really connected up there, and away from all of my stress.”

When the sun is completely gone, the lights around the lake light up showing that the city is coming alive for the night.

In the distance you can see the Tower and the Capitol, glowing in the evening, reminding you that you must go back to the city and your commitments, but to enjoy the nature for the time being.

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Nature: An Escape from College Photo Story

A couple sets up a picnic to watch the sunset and enjoy each other’s company on Thursday evening, February 21 on top of Mount Bonnell. 

A pair of kayakers leisurely paddle down Town Lake as the sun sets. The pair stopped to admire the flock of ducks in the water along the shore.

A kayaker takes a moment to drift down Town Lake during the 6:30 p.m. sunset on Friday, February 15. 

Two paddle boarders sit on their boards as they slowly make their way down Town Lake on the evening of Friday, February 15.

A kayaker takes strong pulls to swiftly glide across Town Lake to make it back to the shore before the sun leaves the sky.

A group of four friends take advantage of Town Lake’s many activities by renting paddle boards to explore and relax for a couple of hours on Friday evening, February 15. 

Two kayakers paddle in sync to catch up with a pair of their friends just ahead Friday evening on Town Lake.

The trees surround the stairs that hikers climb on in order to make it to the peak of Mount Bonnell.

As the sun sets on Mount Bonnell, the lake is still and peaceful on Tuesday evening, February 19.

A hiker stands close to the edge of the Mount Bonnell, peering below, appearing to be on top of the world on Tuesday evening. 

The orange sky creates a silhouette of the trees as the birds chirp from within them on top of Mount Bonnell. 

The paths on Mount Bonnell are lined with lush greenery and large stones.

A couple takes a walk on one of Mount Bonnell’s beautiful paths, enjoying the cool evening temperature on Tuesday, February 19. 

A couple finds a private spot to sit together and watch the sunset on Mount Bonnell on Tuesday evening, February 19.

A couple holds hands as they make their way down a path, commenting to each other how pretty the views were from Mount Bonnell on Tuesday evening. 

A young man sits alone to watch the sunset and listen to his music during his visit to Mount Bonnell.

A family that recently moved to Austin finds a cliff on Mount Bonnell to sit on and enjoy their new environment’s beauty.

Kristin Forburger takes a moment to look at the beautiful sunset, as she places her hands on her hips for stabilization on Mount Bonnell, Thursday, February 21. 

The photographer, Erin MacInerney, takes a minute to herself to look at the beautiful view of Town Lake below.

Kristin Forburger releases a small laugh of joy, exclaiming how pretty the sunset is and how she doesn’t want to leave Mount Bonnell and return to campus to finish homework.

Kristin Forburger smiles to herself as the sun passes below the mountain behind her.

Around 6:45 p.m. the sun creates a cotton candy skyline across the horizon on top of Mount Bonnell, Thursday, February 21.

In the distance, the University of Texas tower and downtown skyline are in clear view, painting the sky with colorful lights.

Tinder Dating App

AUSTIN - In the realm of dating, is it true that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover? What about the story you hear from a friend when she swears that her boyfriend was “love at first sight”?

But can the feeling of “love at first sight” come from simply viewing a picture on Facebook?

A new dating application for the iPhone has hit the University of Texas at Austin campus. This matchmaking application, called Tinder, uses your location to find singles within a 100-mile radius of yourself.

Perhaps some students may find their classes more exciting if they are matched with someone who is sitting in their same classroom. Maybe even the dark-haired cutie in the seat behind them.

But the question is, is this app a path to true romance or is it just a silly form of entertainment?

“Of course I have the app, almost everyone in my sorority does,” said Katharine Painter, a freshman at the University of Texas.

Painter explained that she downloaded the app and uses it from time to time, but does not have the expectation of finding a boyfriend by using it.

The creators of Tinder describe the application as “a fun way to break the ice”. The application description is: “Tinder finds out who likes you nearby, and connects you with them if you’re also interested. It’s all anonymous until someone you like, likes you back.”

By connecting with your Facebook account, the application pulls your profile picture, mutual friends, and interests and sets up your “dating profile”. Users then have the ability to like, or dislike you, solely based on this information.

Just by appearance, users decide if that particular person is compatible with them.

The idea seems surprisingly shallow.

However, most 18-24 year-olds are likely to base their relationships partly on looks. But are “looks” themselves enough to account for the chemistry between two people?

“It isn’t like those embarrassing dating websites and it is becoming popular on the UT campus,” said Lee Younger, a Tinder app promoter on campus. “It’s a great way to meet new people and maybe find that special someone.”

Being a college student herself, Younger mentioned how overwhelming dating has been in college compared to high school.

“There are so many guys to choose from. Tinder allows me to get matched with people whom are also interested in me.” She explained “Tinder narrows my field.”

But how would a student who has never used the app feel about its effectiveness?

“It seems far fetched and doesn’t seem like a good way to meet people,” said Doug Waters, also a freshman at UT.

Waters chuckled and added that he meets people by flirting or going to his classes.

Are college students really using this app as a way to find that special someone, or is it just a self-esteem booster to know that the users that you have liked have also liked you back?

“It gives me a confidence boost every time that my phone gives me the notification that I have a new match,” said Sarah Richardson, also a freshman at UT.

Richardson added that she doesn’t use the application seriously and that she just enjoys getting the random alert that someone liked her back.

Once you have been matched with someone on Tinder, you have an option of chatting with them in the application’s private chat rooms. This is where the application allows interaction between the two matches to find out more about each other.

“I have actually had some decent conversations in the chat rooms. I have met some seemingly sweet boys. One of them even asked me on a date and I am considering going out with him,” said Caroline Hall, also a student at UT.

But some boys have a different perspective on the correct usage of the application.

“I just use the chat rooms to mess around with girls. Being silly is entertaining,” said Matthew Furrow, also a freshman at UT. “Its fun because I can chat with people I don’t know, and whom I probably won’t ever meet.”

It seems that very few students have found this application helpful in finding a mate, however the majority of them report having fun while using the app. Whether it is effective or not, the unusual way that the application works has caused many college students to download it making the application very profitable.

Tinder may not become as famous as eHarmony, but according to some students it has become acceptable and encouraged to use as a young adult dating option.

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