Dear Kobe, Mr. Bryant always felt insincere, you were always Kobe to the masses. It was bigger than basketball with you. You changed everything we value in sports. You were the man I never met, but knew my entire life. For many middle to late 1990’s kids, you were their icon. We shouted your name when shooting at a trash ...

  By: Lloydrica Hudson Sports Editor While most fans only see the players on the field every Saturday, a small group of students spends countless hours making sure the VSU’s football team is ready to play. For seniors Alexa Hawkins, Chase Kerlin, and junior Le vy Nguyen, being part of the VSU football equipment staff is more than just setting ...

By: Marese Hudson, Assistant Sports Editor   For the first time in two years, the Blazers came out on top Saturday against No. 8-ranked opponent, stunning Alabama Huntsville with a clutch second-half surge that brought the fire and confidence inside The Complex to win 93-91.   Entering the game, the Blazers were on a six-game losing streak to The Chargers and had a total record against Huntsville ...

By Anna Ramsey, Staff Editor   Taco lovers and coffee fanatics come together in perfect harmony at this little known yet quaint spot just outside of downtown Valdosta.   Flantastic Coffee Company, owned by Jennifer and Ricardo Muñoz, offers a variety of authentic Hispanic foods and drinks, as well as classic coffee favorites. From tasty cold brews to fresh empanadas to colorful ...

By: Staff Writer Samaria Johnson  As the holiday season approaches, Blazer Fest has brought students together to celebrate the holiday spirit, an afternoon of arts and crafts, and conversation. From Polaroid decorating fun to nostalgic carnival style fun, they even offered something heartfelt for everyone who stopped by.   One of the heartfelt stations was hosted by Omega Phi Beta sorority member Jasmine Jaimes, who led students to create holiday ...

By spectator staff  With President Richard Carvajal stepping down and Dr. William R. Crowe preparing to take charge as our new president to come spring semester, VSU is entering an important moment of change.   As a campus community, we should think about what kind of leadership VSU needs most at this moment.  At The Spectator, we strongly believe the next president should bring energy, transparency, and a true commitment ...

Written by: Megan Callahan: Spectator Staff Writer  “Wicked” has been a household name in the Broadway industry for 22 years now and has been named the fourth of the longest-running shows in Broadway theatre History.  So, when the director, Jon M. Chu, decided to take this Broadway musical to the big screen, people were both very excited yet skeptical to see if this project would be taken in the right direction.  After seeing the first “Wicked” movie, finding out how Chu took his time ...

By: Ibec Francis  In the ever-evolving world of campus life, fashion serves as both a means of self-expression and a powerful way to stand out amidst a bustling environment filled with diverse individuals. Each day, students have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and unique identities through their clothing, whether they’re attending classes, hanging out with friends, or participating in ...

Written by: Adam Peachey, Staff Writer Japanese people want to preserve their own culture, and rightfully so. But in defense of this culture, is xenophobism the solution? Some of my international friends have been cussed out in bars for lack of Japanese skills. Some of my friends and I have been denied service at restaurants, regardless of language proficiency. People ...

Written by Ashley Jones, Arts & Entertainment Editor  The moment you step into Gud Coffee Company, you’re transported into a tranquil and visually pleasing environment. This cafe is the perfect place for students or faculty members looking for a morning refresher or a quick lunch off campus but not too far from campus.   Located in Downtown Valdosta, the cafe rests ...

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