AS Review - October 08, 2012

Review

News // Events // Student Life

WHAT’S WITH THE CHICKEN?

See OUTBACK, pg. 4

EXPLORE THE NORTHWEST

See EXCURSIONS, pg. 6

The Head and the Heart, pg. 8

Vol. 28 #3 10.8.12

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The smallest rooster in the coop takes a try, and fails, at crowing at the Outback Farm on Oct. 4 Photo by Cade Schmidt// AS Review

review

Viking Union 411 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225 Phone: 360.650.6126 Fax: 360.650.6507 Email: as.review@wwu.edu Online: as.wwu.edu/asreview @theasreview facebook.com/theasreview

©2012. Published most Mondays during the school year by the Associated Students of Western Washington University.

We are a student-produced, alternative campus weekly covering news and events that are of interest to the Western community. We support all programs, offices and clubs affiliated with the AS. We have a direct connection to the AS board of directors, and although we report on board actions objectively, our relationship should be made clear.

Submissions: We welcome reader submissions, including news articles, literary pieces, photography, artwork or anything else physically printable. Email submissions, or send them to the mailing address above. They will be returned as long as you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Letters: We also welcome letters to the editor. Please limit your letter to 300 words and include your name and phone number. Published letters may have minor edits made to their length or grammar, if necessary.

Calendar/Ads: We don’t sell ad space. Sorry. Email as.review@ wwu.edu to have an event listed in the calendar.

Staff Editor in Chief Assistant Editor Lead Photographer Writers

Megan Thompson Spencer Pederson Cade Schmidt Nick Markman Lauren Prater Lauren Simmons Kylie Wade Todd Wells

Adviser Jeff Bates

Corrections:

NEWS

6

OUTDOORS Outdoor Center offers excursions throughout the quarter

EVENTS

8

POP MUSIC Popular band The Head and The Heart come back to Bellingham to a soldout show

7

EVENTS CALENDAR See what’s happening around Bellingham

STUDENT LIFE

3

ADAPTING TO COLLEGE New students talk about adapting to a new life

FEATURES

4

GO OUTBACK Explore the Outback Farm’s past and present

Review

The AS Review is currently hiring for two work study positions. Both positions provide a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience, build your resume and meet new people within the AS. Positions Include: Copy Editor - Edit stories each week - Fact checking - Page layouts - Come up with story ideas

Photographer - Take photos for AS and community events - Edit photos

2,700 people attended the Outdoor Movie on Sept. 25

To apply, visit as.wwu.edu/personnel and click on the Employment tab.

October 8, 2012 • 3

QUEER RESOURCE CENTER’S

ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF FRESHMEN ADAPTATIONS Lauren Prater • AS Review

This year's Ice Cream Social scoopers (from left) Jordan Deal, Daniel Espinoza-Gonzalez and Laura Del Villar-Fox scooped Mallard's ice cream for attendees of the first Resource and Outreach Programs event of the year on Oct. 4. Photos by Cade Schmidt // AS Review

Junior Kendall Kochmer makes a button using magazine clippers.

Former coordinator of the AS Queer Resource Center, senior Jordan Deal, scoops Mallard's strawberry ice.

College. Webster’s Dictionary describes it as an “educational institution or establishment,” whereas new students may describe it as the most incredible, yet confusing experience of their lives thus far. At first, college is a psychological marathon for the brain until it can physically and emotionally figure out what exactly is going on.

Adapting to college for a freshman or first-time college students can be be incredibly difficult, but really how difficult is it? Freshmen who leave home are thrown into an unfamiliar place and forced to adapt to living on their own. It’s a difficult experience for most people.

“I was worried I wouldn’t fit in,” freshman Siri Rigsby said. “I was afraid everyone would think I was dumb and would hate me.”

This reaction is natural for many students first encounter with college (or any new situation for that matter). The human brain naturally craves acceptance.

For some students, making friends and fitting in isn’t as hard as it is for others, but when you add the other aspects of higher education to the equation, things can seem intimidating.

“I was most nervous about falling behind in my classes,” said freshman Dallas Roberts. “I procrastinate a lot.”

No matter the fear, every freshman walks onto campus with dozens of unanswered questions and what-ifs pouring anxiously from their heads.

“Freshmen try to impress each other to kind of set a tone for who they want to be,” senior Branden Griffith said. “Once they start feeling the pressure of classwork, I think they will start caring a lot less about who they are trying to be, and will naturally figure out what works best for them.”

Freshmen, don’t stress. This transitioning experience is new to every single new student walking the campus alongside you. You are not alone. Although right now the whole college thing may seem overwhelming, it gets better. Already two weeks of school have come and gone, and the vibe on campus has changed from an anxious, uptight circus to a more easy-flowing atmosphere.

As the first few weeks of college slowly fade away behind us, the fears of new students start to slowly melt away. As everyone begins to find their routine and what works best for them, the school year will actually begin to take flight and freshman year will end up not so scary after all.

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WELCOME TO THE OUTBACK

Associated Students Outback Farm, located near Fairhaven College, builds community and agricultural awareness Photos by Cade Schmidt // AS Review

Todd Wells • AS Review

T

he Outback Farm has been an official Associated Students program for six years, yet it’s been a productive agricultural site for the community since the 1920s.

It was originally homesteaded by the Burn family where the farm sits today. Western later obtained the land and used it for the construction of school facilities and resident halls.

After construction was complete, students began to cultivate the unused land and employ it as a community garden. Under student leadership a barn was raised, a greenhouse was built and a performance stage was erected. In 1999, the potential of the land became apparent to Western, and the farm received endorsement and academic protection from the university.

Still, it wasn’t until 2006 that the first salaried student coordinator was hired and the Outback became an official part of the AS. “The Outback Farm was entirely volunteer and student-run, and for it to reach its full potential it needed continuous leadership,” Outback Farm Coordinator Roby VentresPake said.

The students had been pushing for AS sponsorship for a few years prior, VentresPake said, and when the farm was included in 2006 is was given the structure it needed to flourish.

In the last six years since its incorporation into the AS, the Outback Farm has grown immensely. The community garden is comprised of 40 individual plots, all of which are

available to students, faculty, staff and community members free of charge.

The Educational Garden, built in 2006, is a collectively managed garden where community members can work alongside one another in volunteer work parties. As of this year, the food from the Educational Garden has been distributed between Outback volunteers, work crews and the Bellingham Food Bank.

The most recent addition to the program is an outdoor classroom, which now stands at the North end of the farm. The outdoor classroom is being used to host workshops and meetings, but it will also be made available for classes, clubs and other academic programs.

The Outback work crew, composed of work-study employees and student volunteers, is the backbone of the farm. The work crew meets multiple times each week to keep the Outback healthy and productive.

Lauren Rein Caster, a current member of the Outback Work Crew, has worked at the Outback for three years.

“I would definitely recommend becoming involved in the Outback,” she said. “When I wandered out into the gardens for the first time I had basically no experience in gardening and didn’t know anyone. The Outback is one of the most welcoming and accepting places on campus. You will learn anything you need to know just by showing up and being interested.”

Fairhaven resident freshman Thomas Kaplan takes a break in the chicken coop.

HOW TO GET

INVOLVED

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, volunteer work parties gather at the Outback and tend to the various parts of the farm. This is an opportunity for anyone who is curious about the farm and wants to learn agricultural techniques from more experienced farmers, or share some of your own knowledge with those just beginning.

Over the course of fall, the farm will also be hosting a number of workshops, one of the first being a Botanical Medicine Workshop on Oct. 11 from 4-6 p.m.

For more info., visit the Outback website at as.wwu.edu/outback or contact Roby Ventres-Pake at as.outback@wwu.edu.

October 8, 2012 • 5

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NORTHWEST ADVENTURES Outdoor Center offers outdoor excursions

Todd Wells • AS Review

Bellingham is known for its bustling college campus, its friendly residents and, perhaps most of all, its access to some of the world’s best sea kayaking, rock climbing and hiking. Every year thousands of tourists travel from all over the world to hike in the Chuckanuts, backpack through the Cascades and paddle around the San Juan Islands. Luckily, these amazing wonderlands are right here in Western’s own backyard.

Western’s Outdoor Center is dedicated to getting students outdoors, and this fall their excursions are better than ever. Over the course of the year the Outdoor Center will be promoting their excursions under two different categories: single-day outings and overnight trips.

From afternoon rock climbing adventures on Mt. Erie to sunset sea kayaking trips in Bellingham Bay, the single day excursions offer a quick and exciting getaway for all students. Single day trips are great for students with little or no outdoor experience and who want to familiarize themselves with the greater Bellingham area. The over-

(From left) The AS Outdoor Center's Marketing Coordinator Angela Tsui, EDGE Coordinator Taylor Cone and Excursions Coordinator Megan Whiteside play in a kyak in the Outdoor Center on the first floor of the Viking Union. Photo by Cade Schmidt // AS Review

night options, including backpacking trips in the North Cascades and weekend surfing retreats in British Columbia, provide students with a more thorough outdoor

experience. No previous experience is necessary for any of the overnight excursions, just come prepared for a full weekend of action packed fun.

SINGLE DAY

OVERNIGHT

Sunset Sea Kayaking - $20 October 10 and 15

Surfing trip to Tofino, British Colombia - $100 October 12-14

Students can participate in Sunset Sea Kayaking tours in Bellingham Bay. Starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Marine Park, students will paddle south along the spectacular Chuckanut shoreline to Larrabee State Park.

Rock Climbing Mount Erie - $45 October 13

Join in for a daylong rock-climbing trip at Mount Erie. Learn the basics of rock climbing on mild features or advance your skills on more difficult routes.

Hike the Chuckanut Mountain Range - $5 November 3

Take a day hike through the Chuckanut Mountains. Just minutes from Western’s campus, this hike will be a great opportunity for students to explore one of Bellingham’s afternoon delights.

Anne Williams, a participant in the Outdoor Center’s Western Outdoor Orientation Trips, came away from her excursion with new friends and fresh experiences.

WOOT! is a 6 day excursion that the Outdoor Center offers to incoming Freshman at the beginning of each Fall term. Anne signed up because she wanted to get to know people who like the outdoors. During her back-

A surfing excursion to Tofino, British Columbia offers help for students to learn to surf with professional instructors, explore the beautiful town of Tofino, or even participate in the Queen of The Peak Tofino Surf Contest.

Rock Climbing North Twin Sister Peak - $70 October 20-21

With this trip, students have the opportunity to climb the 6,600-foot North Twin Sister Peak. Students will mountain bike through the Mount Baker National Forest to the base of the mountain, then have the option to attempt the summit.

Mountaineering for beginners: North Cascades - $90 November 10-12

This trip allows students to familiarize themselves with the beautiful North Cascades mountain range. In a classroom made up of ancient glaciers and towering peaks you will acquire knowledge on basic mountaineering and alpine camping.

packing trip through the Chuckanut Mountains, she recalls jumping into lakes after longer days and sharing stories around the campfire every evening. “It’s easier to connect with people without the everyday distractions,” she said. Anne plans on participating in more excursions this fall and is looking forward to skiing for her first time at Mount Baker.

Whether students want to learn more about Bellingham’s outdoor recreation or are simply looking for an escape into the wilderness, Western’s Outdoor Center Excursions are perfect for you. Learn more about Fall Excursions and other activities by visiting the Outdoor Center at VU 150 in the bottom floor of the Viking Union or by visiting their website as.wwu.edu/outdoor.

M

October 8, 2012 • 7

EVENTS CALENDAR Wednesday, Oct. 10

Monday, Oct. 8

Tuesday, Oct. 9

Capitalism in Crisis and the Socialist Alternative w/ speaker Sebastian Kugler When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: CF 120 Price: Free

L!ve

Music

Thursday, Oct. 11

Ski Movie Premier: “Choose Youre Adventure” When: 8 p.m.

Where: Backcountry Essentials Price: $12

Sunday, Oct. 14

Artisan NW Market When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Depot Market Square Price: Free

Photo by Cade Schmidt // AS Review Illustration by Spencer Pederson

Monday Oct. 8

Tuesday Oct. 9

Wednesday Oct. 10

Urarider, Lord Dog, Bright Weapons

Thursday Oct. 11

Sonido Acuario $4

Friday Oct. 12

Karaoke w/ Amy G

The Maldives, Wyatt Parks, The Mute Choir

Wild Buffalo

The Blessed Coast $3

Saturday Oct. 13

Sunday Oct. 14

Walking Stick for the Giant The Head and the Heart

Sold Out WOMP (Dubstep) $3

Hackensaw Boys, Buster Blue $8-10

Revenge of the 90’s

Break Science & Michal menert, DJ Booger

Pickwick, Learning Team $12-15

Square dancing w/ Lucas Hicks

TKP Presents

MEGA-RAN Tom Waits $3

Satya Sena, Kodiak, Pinkzilla

$5

$8-10

JP Falcon, local bands

Boundary Bay Brewery Green Frog

Saturday, Oct. 13

Documentary film/panel: Occupied Cascadia Where: Miller Hall 152 When: 7 p.m.

Price: Free

AS Productions

The Shakedown

Energy Independece Presentation w/ Speaker Dan Kammen When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Bellingham High School Auditorium Price: Free

For more events and info. go to as.wwu.edu/events

Cabin Tavern

Glow

Friday, Oct. 12

Ghosts I’ve Met w/ Great Pacific

(Indie/Folk Rock) When: 8 p.m.

Where: Underground Coffee House Price: Free

Auditions: Rocky Horror Picture Show When: 6 p.m.

Where: VU 464 Price: Free

Free Fred Eaglesmith’s Traveling Steam Show

Soul Night w/ DJ Yogoman

Electricity CD Release

Kelly Joe Phelps

Hardcoretet, Rippin Chicken

Open Mic Night

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The Head and the Heart’s first performance at Western in Spring 2011. Photo by Joe Rudko // AS Review

THE HEAD AND THE HEART Selling out... in a good way

Lauren Prater • AS Review

O

Poster by Elliot Snyder // AS Publicity Center

riginating in the Pacific Northwest, The Head and the Heart have been producing harmonic, yet danceable music since the summer of 2009. The band met during open-mic nights in a small downtown Seattle tavern. Little did they know, their small act would soon lead to national recognition.

Two years ago The Head and The Heart made an appearance at Western, and the show was booked to capacity in the Performing Arts Center. Because of the show’s success, The Head and the Heart are returning to campus.

This time, the band returns with opening acts Bryan John Appleby and Curtains for You on October 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room for another sold-out show, starting off Associated Students Production Pop Music’s year.

After the success of the last The Head and the Heart performance, ASP Pop Music Coordinator Megan Housekeeper knew the band would once again be a hit, she said. After conducting a campuswide survey to see what students wanted, The Head and the Heart had a significant amount of requests.

“It was a mix of student interest and artist buzz,” Housekeeper said. “We knew we had to jump on the opportunity.”

The band is made up of six musicians. Members include vocalists Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell and Charity Rose Thielen with Kenny Hensley on the keyboard, Chris Zasche on the bass and Tyler Williams on the drums. Originating from towns all across the country, the members first met in that small Seattle tavern.

The band’s sound is often placed in the alternative music genre with a folk twist.

“The music makes me feel free,” Western student Elenore Clarke said. “The best part about their music is the lyrics though, they have a lot of meaning, and that’s why I enjoy listening to them.”

With just four years of experience performing as The Head and the Heart, the band has been able to carve their name into the Northwest music scene, joining other recognizable names such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Band of Horses.

As a relatively young band, music fans can expect to hear and see the name The Head and the Heart on radio stations and lineup posters for years to come.

Four years ago, The Head and The Heart wasn’t even a name and now it seems to be a phrase that is well known in the Pacific Northwest and even more so at Western.