Beaver's Digest Vol. 3 Issue 3

Create Experience Balance #GOBEaVS

Vol 3 Issue 3

Pg 4 Pg 14 Pg 28 Pg 34

sue

In this is

Why Doing What You Love Matters & How it can Help you overcome Your Struggles

R E I N CA R NATIO N

Create Experience Balance #GOBEAVS

Editorial Editor-in-Chief - Gabe Fleck Assistant Editor - Brittni Cooper Copy Editor - Adair Passey Copy Editor - Delaney Shea Alex Luther Brielle Farmer Emma Brown Emma Irvin Levent Arabaci Maddie Bradshaw Madison Delgado Roman Battaglia BEAVER’S DIGEST is produced three times a year and distributes 12,000 magazines around the Oregon State campus and Corvallis (4,000 each term).

When we say “by the students for the students,” we aren’t kidding. Our masthead was hand crafted by our editor-in-chief, Gabe Fleck, a senior in graphic design.

The body font you are reading is one of a kind as well, created by Jeremy Banka, a junior in graphic design. The fabulous front cover was taken by Orange Media Network’s photo chief, Zbigniew Sikora. Questions, comments and concerns are encouraged and can be emailed to beavers.digest@oregonstate.edu.

Photographers Zbigniew Sikora - Photo Chief Andrea Mitev Jacquie Gamelgaard Logan Howell Miranda Grace Crowell Stephanie Kutcher

Vol 3 Issue 3

WE APPRECIATE YOU for the continuing support in all that we do. For contributing in any way, shape or form. Beaver’s Digest is written by students, for students - showcasing the student life experience that is vital to our Oregon State community.

We give the sincerest thanks to Lanesha Reagan, Caroline Moses, Rachel Milsteine, Rebecca McDade, Milla Oliveira, Kaylee Weyrauch, Steve Hunter, Bill Mcanlis, Mons La Hire, The Shifts, Nodabi Morales, Jeff Lulay, Danielle Rivers, Emily Zamber, Jane Waite, Dr. Kathy Greaves, One Love Foundation, Yvenson Bernard, Loke Strenov and Jordan Jones. A big last thank you to our wonderful advisor, Don Boucher.

To say this publication was an easy task would be lying; to say that you make this publication possible is the truth. We are what you make us, and we thank you.

For us, Beaver’s Digest is a place where we develop as young professionals by shedding light on stories we find pertinent in creating positive change. We thrive because we support each other and we understand the importance of expressive outlets.

Thanks for supporting us and being a part of our embarrassing little family, —

2. Finding Home Through Music

Create

4. Unpacking Your Cultural Bag 6. Letting Kids Be Kids 8. An Evolving Community

12. Breaking Barriers

Experience

14. BD’s Declassified Surviving After College Guide 19. Social Justice Education Initiative

22. Release & Restoration

Balance

#GoBeavs

26. The Birds & the Bees From a Professional 28. Relationship Violence: Not On My Campus

32. Yvenson Bernard: A Tale of Humility 34. #Squad Goals: OSU Men’s Soccer

through music WRITING BRIELLE FARMER PHOTOGRAPHY JACQUIE GAMELGAARD

H

ome can sometimes be difficult to identify. It can be a physical space, a person, a city or an idea. Rebecca McDade, a senior studying psychology, uses music to help her find her sense of home.

Born and raised in Scotland, McDade has always had a love for music. She moved around often as a young girl, and has always used music to ground her. “Music was always the thing that my parents put me in to get me acclimated,” she said. McDade grew up in choir, dance and musical theatre programs and was active in the Portland musical theatre community until high school.

At age seven, McDade asked her father for piano and guitar lessons; writing songs soon followed. “As soon as I picked up a guitar I started writing,” said McDade, “I originally would just take existing songs and change the words, and then I started writing my own.” She said that the lyrics must come out of her naturally; she cannot sit down and force her creativity.

McDade recorded her first EP during her sophomore year of high school with Marv Ross and Gregg Williams from the band Quarterflash. She connected with Ross after she performed in a musical that he wrote in Portland.

Ross produced the EP and helped McDade with the writing process.

2 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

Gregg engineered it, piecing together the best lines from different takes. McDade was surprised by the engineering process. “Chances are, the vocal lines of all of your favorite songs are an accumulation of four or five chopped up takes,” she said. First they laid down a foundation track of either guitar or piano, then added layers of vocal tracks, percussion and additional guitar.

she received a standing ovation. She reflected on the experience, “I felt so small on the stage—it was just the coolest thing ever.”

A pivotal point in McDade’s music career was her year spent back home studying abroad in Glasgow, Scotland.

She became a regular performer at Nice N Sleezy, a bar that hosts an open mic night every Monday. “This open McDade enjoyed working with the duo mic night is just incredible,” she said, because they “were very receptive to “It’s not subpar at all, and very high what I wanted the EP to sound like.” caliber musicians go.” To keep up with Since then, she has recorded her own the other musicians, McDade was consongs for her SoundCloud account stantly writing new music and practic(soundcloud.com/rebeccamcdade) using ing guitar. She said, “Being surrounded GarageBand on her phone. McDade by people who are really good at what explained the process: “I’ll record the they do kept me accountable.” guitar first, and then the main vocal, and then I’ll add usually two tracks of Today, McDade is involved in multiple harmony before adding in any extra musical endeavors. She is a teacher instrumental doodles I feel like adding. at the River City Rock Star Academy, It’ll usually take me about an hour to where she trains children in guitar and voice. McDade enjoys teaching chilrecord a song.” dren ages eight to 12, in both private Her proudest musical achievement and group settings. The River City was playing at the Ten Grands Concert, Rock Star Academy also organizes prowhich was held at the Arlene Schnitzer grams for the students and teachers to Concert Hall in Portland. The concert display their musical talents. McDade was a fundraiser that raised money has gained musical recognition in Sato buy instruments for public schools. lem by working and performing with Pianists from all over the world came other local musicians. to perform. At the event, McDade sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Making connections with other muplayed ukulele while Michael Kaesham- sicians is imperative for small artists. mer, a Canadian honky-tonk pianist, McDade uses these connections to accompanied. After her performance, book gigs and collaborate with other

CREATE artists. “The more you start to play, the more people you meet and the more people you can play with,” she said, “I have just gathered connections as I go.”

In the first three months of 2017, McDade played gigs in Salem and Portland every single weekend. She has been collaborating with Tied to a Grizzly, an indie band from Salem that plays ambient, folk music. She sings with the band at local gigs, which has taken her out of her comfort zone. “It’s a lot different than anything I’ve ever done. I’ve always hated not having a guitar in front of me; I felt way too exposed without it. So it’s been cool to have this different experience.”

In the future, McDade has two “plan A’s”—a realistic one and a hopeful one.

The realistic plan is to graduate from OSU, attend graduate school and then

work behind the scenes in court cases.

The hopeful plan is to continue to write and play music.

She is taking a year off from school after graduation this spring to teach music, play gigs and record an album. In the fall, McDade will record with Gregg Williams at the Trench Studios in Portland. She is also hoping to organize a West Coast tour in the near future, spanning from British Columbia, Canada to San Francisco, Calif. McDade’s other life goals are to eventually play in all 50 states and learn five languages.

The future is bright and holds many opportunities for the ambitious Rebecca McDade. Whether she is teaching in Salem, studying in Corvallis or singing in Scotland, music will always keep her grounded and bring her home. ◊

FALL 2017 // 3

Unpacking

W

e are all a part of our own cultural ecosystems. Whether we realize it or not, our life experiences, upbringing and values influence every decision that we make. All of us move about the world, carrying with us a bag of cultural identities that make us who we are. It is this exact concept that drives the artwork of Milla Oliveira, a senior studying painting. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Oliveira has spent the past eight years trying to unpack her own cultural bag.

A romantic relationship brought Oliveira to Oregon eight years ago. She originally began studying language at Lane Community College in Eugene with the goal of teaching English as a second language. Previously, she had taught Portuguese and English back in Brazil and she felt that was a natural path for her to continue as she began her new life in the United States. However, she quickly realized that teaching wasn’t feeling as fruitful as before. “I was very lost with adapting my own cultural system to what I thought I could do here,” she said.

Oliveira felt that teaching was the easy path, but had a desire for something more. “I took a drawing class as kind of a, ‘why not?’” she said. “That class— it just changed my life, and I felt like I

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CREATE WRITING EMMA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREA MITEV wanted to know more about it.” Shortly after that, Oliveira changed her major and lifestyle to immerse herself in the art world.

Art has always been a part of Oliveira’s life, but in the past, it manifested itself in a different way. “Growing up in Brazil, I was always involved in dancing and different aspects of artistic expression.

It feels like there, you just do it as you breathe because there’s so much everywhere, but I had never really touched a paintbrush or drawn or done anything related to the visual arts until I moved here,” she said.

It’s her dancing background that helped Oliveira begin to explore her Brazilian heritage in a new light. By utilizing the kinesthetic nature of dance, she has been able to incorporate her past experiences into her work. Physically, she needs to be invested in what she is producing, whether that be through the use of fabric, clay or her current explorations in painting. Painting has been a recent discovery for Oliveira, as she has previously worked more with three-dimensional objects.

Oliveira’s passion was creating environments to ultimately destroy them.

However, she felt that there was a better way for her to truly explore

the two sides of herself; this is where painting came into play. “I feel like a lot of my work is about trying to reconcile my Brazilian heritage within being in America,” said Oliveira, “I feel like there is a beautiful metaphor with working two dimensionally and being bound by those parameters and building this negotiation within that system.”

Being a student, as well as a working artist, isn’t always easy to balance.

Between dealing with the assigned parameters of class projects and her consistent engagement with her artwork, Oliveira has managed to find harmony within her hectic life. She makes sure to continuously search for deeper meaning within her everyday interactions with others.

Art can come from anywhere, anything and anyone. “I'm getting more and more to a point where I see that all experiences are valid and as long as I’m living them fully, it's like I never know what is going to show up in a painting,” said Oliveira. Being able to look at information in a new and creative light helps her overcome possible roadblocks in her creative process.

can be easy for people with similar life experiences to connect to her work, such as those who have faced adversity or those who have created a life for themselves outside of where they grew up. However, Oliveira hopes to be surprised by the people who decide to listen.

Whether she continues down this specific art path or not, it is inarguable that art has made a lasting and life changing impression on her. “I can only say it in terms of being reborn,” she said, “I can express all of these different parts of myself that I always felt like I had to segregate; to put on different hats to operate in different positions like if I'm teaching, if I'm a scientist, et cetera. I always had different kinds of jobs where I was segregating and it's like art for me is now allowing me to unify.”

Oliveira is unsure of how she will incorporate art into her next stage of life after graduation. She may not continue creating art in the literal sense that it is being made now, but she will always see the world from an artist's perspective. “For me it's about accepting and being very excited about that and having the practice lead my life,” she said, While much of her work is personal, “Even if it ends up being materialized Oliveira also hopes to extend her au- into something different.” dience to anyone who will listen. It Whether or not you can relate directly to the art that Oliveira is creating, she encourages anyone and everyone to try. Dig deeper into that cultural bag, pull out the aspects you love, accept the ones you don’t and live your life authentically to who you are and who you want to be. ◊ FALL 2017 // 5

be kids T

WRITING MADISON DELGADO PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREA MITEV

he constructs that we learn and toy tools and more. When asked what of the OSU art circle. “My desired eflive our lives by are taught to us burning them signified Weyrauch said, fect is to reach outside the community at a very young age. Some are helpful, “I was trying to break down those con- and change foundational understandsuch as work ethic and manners. How- structs, and so I thought burning it ings,” they said, “If you start young, at ever, artist Kaylee Weyrauch, a senior would aesthetically change what you children, it's going to manifest in a way studying photography with a minor are seeing and you’d think about why that's very fluid and accepting, I think. in art history, has dedicated the last it's burnt—the destruction of inno- If you start young, you won't have to four years of their work to making us cence as well as the destruction of the ‘fix things.’ You don’t have to unlearn reconsider some of these constructs constructs within that.” The overall something to figure out what someone we have been incessantly taught composition can be a bit unsettling, is trying to say.” but it’s often good to look inward when throughout our lives. these feelings come up. These different It was at OSU that Weyrauch first reThey explained that their work is “tar- toys are so obviously gendered—the alized their art could be a voice for geted towards children, but it is asking cars and guns for the boys and the change. During a gender and sexuality adults to psychoanalyze themselves as dolls, houses and ponies for the girls. in digital imaging class taught by Lowell.” Weyrauch is attempting to shift Building Identity plainly shows us how renzo Triburgo, they began to critically the process of teaching kids a rigid we place gender roles early on in chil- think about themselves and their role gender binary through toys and stories dren and the piece creates a space for within the LGBTQI community. Weyrauch reminisced how that class was to allow for a more fluid growth pro- serious critical thinking. “the first time I realized that my [activcess where we can be open to people and not have to focus so much on un- Trying to unlearn something as in- ism] could come through the art...I took grained as gender can be an uphill strong hold of that and developed learning things later on in life. battle. However, Weyrauch knows what more within and it felt good.”

Their latest show was the culmination they are doing is important and can of their last four years of deconstruct- have a profound, positive impact. Their It might seem difficult to start someing the methods of teaching gender drive comes from a very personal place. thing as long term and profound as binary. It was an installation art piece “My motivation is my personal identity,” Weyrauch is doing, but they really reminiscent of a classroom setting. The they said, “I would like the assump- started getting into their work in colpiece was made up of spray-painted tions that are attributed to me from lege. Education and research are a big toys, an oversized book laying out the others to be shifted by them thinking part of Weyrauch’s process, and that differences between how we teach gen- about what they are saying.” If children is something that anyone can do to ders and four life-size images showing are taught from the beginning that inspire their work as well. It’s incredifigures made up out of children's toys. what defines us is not what is expect- ble to see the impact that is the result Weyrauch explained that they chose ed of our gender, there is more room of Weyrauch’s passion. Their previous their focus of gendered toys because for exploration, growth and genuine work can be found on their website at kayleeweyrauch.com. ◊ of “the cognitive development that thoughts. goes with [the toys] and the psychological choices; a lot of that is typically Weyrauch’s cause may seem like one based on the gendering colors of chil- difficult to obtain, but not from the community in which they reside. For dren's toys.” example, every figure in the four images Their previous piece, Building Identity, in their latest show is based on a friend features 41 different toys placed in they have who identifies in some way a grid in altered states after having as queer. People surround themselves been burnt. These toys range from with like people, which is why Weybaby dolls to toy houses, swords, cars, rauch wants their art to reach outside

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CREATE

An community

WRITING ROMAN BATTAGLIA PHOTOGRAPHY MIRANDA GRACE CROWELL

P

op, punk, indie, rock, electronic, synthwave, acoustic, jazz—noise; all of these genres and more play a part in the thriving musical scene of Corvallis. Bands from Seattle, Eugene and other places come to Corvallis to play for the audiences awaiting them.

Local bands practice sets in their garages, either hoping to hit it big or to just play as a hobby.

Music has always been a big part of Corvallis and the local scene ties it all together. What has the scene looked like through the ages? What is it today?

Where is local music headed in Corvallis?

Many of these questions can be answered by the very people that help

run the soundscape making its way through the bars and cafes of this small town. “Every band here has such an in-depth story,” said Steve Hunter, who is responsible for booking and promoting shows at Bombs Away Cafe and Cloud & Kelly’s. “Corvallis has a unique thing. Anyone that stays here long enough to establish a band kind of has to go a little crazy to live here,” he said, “You have to be a part of the world and the community that’s here and it drives people into unique places with their music.”

While many genres shine in Corvallis, one genre has seen its rise and prominence within the community. Punk rock, and punk in general, has experienced many different paths within

Corvallis. Mutant Pop Records was a record label that had its home here.

Started in 1995 by Tim Davenport, the label focused primarily on punk music, releasing more than 100 full length albums and EPs in its short lifetime.

Mutant Pop released music by punk bands like The Automatics and The Peabody’s, along with many others.

The label released a monthly newsletter that helped readers learn more about what was happening in punk before the Internet came into widespread use. Unfortunately, with the rise of the Internet and underground pop punk losing interest, Davenport ended up closing shop for the first time in 2001.

However, it would not be the last time Mutant Pop closed its doors; the label

FALL 2017 // 9

made comebacks in 2002 and in 2008.

If there was a way to bring the scene that we have in the bars and clubs into an all-ages venue with a 300-person capacity, I’m pretty sure that within two years we would have way more student involvement

Despite the current lack of a record label, organizations help to keep punk alive in the community, as it is still a centerpiece of the Corvallis music culture. Corvallis DIY is a collective of musicians who help shape the music scene by organizing all-ages events in town. Tied to punk culture, DIY self proclaims a rejection of capitalism and consumerism and promotes creativity and community organizing, while relying on a network of volunteers that organize punk, alternative and indie shows, among other sets. Many of these shows are booked at Interzone, the cafe located off Monroe Street that is popular among the student crowd.

Interzone was established in 1998 by Bill Mcanlis, who dreamed of owning a coffee shop during his time in Santa Cruz. Mcanlis booked shows at Interzone for 10 years before passing it off to others. Corvallis DIY currently books shows for Interzone, one of the few all-ages venues in town. “I needed someone I can trust. Justin and Caitlin were doing this before DIY started, then that formed and it really took the pressure off of them,” said Mcanlis. Justin and Caitlin are a few of the many people that make up Corvallis DIY. Mcanlis continued to talk about why Corvallis DIY has been a benefit to the community, “I don’t think that the music here has ever been terribly marketable for a lot of other types of venues anyways.” DIY and Interzone together provide a place for local bands

10 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

with unique styles and music to be able to perform for a bigger audience.

Even with DIY organizing shows and the many places for artists play, it’s important to look back to the audience. Musicians rely heavily on support from the audience to help fund their music and without a healthy audience, the music scene can’t thrive. “Without the students coming to shows, the scene would struggle quite a bit,” said Daniel Watkins of the local band Mons La Hire, which also includes Suzanne Watkins and Patrick Beesley. They released their latest EP in May.

dents into the local music scene when they’re 18, showing up here, there's nothing to do. Then by the time they’re 21 it’s been three years where they’ve already got it in their mind that there’s nothing to do in Corvallis, musically.

They’re already used to going to shows in Eugene and in Portland. If there was a way to bring the scene that we have in the bars and clubs into an all-ages venue with a 300-person capacity, I’m pretty sure that within two years we would have way more student involvement, not just at that venue but at all the venues.”

Hunter, among others like Mcanlis and other local bands, expressed his concern over the need for an all-ages music venue to be able to effectively engage students right when they arrive at OSU. While Interzone is an all-ages place for students to listen to live music, its small space leaves more well-known bands out. More places for bands to play that students can go to is something that is needed to help grow the Corvallis music scene.

Many local bands rely on student support for their shows to help cover the costs of travel, booking and to help pay rent. Local artists often play music on the side, while also attending school or working other jobs. “Since a large part of this town is made up of stu- Bands are the fabric of any creative dents..If the scene is to ever get larger town. Local musicians help foster it would first start with an increase in creativity and act as a platform for student interest and a proliferation of many to speak out about injustices. alternative art,” said Macks Johanesen, “It’s very healthy I feel, but definitely singer and guitarist for The Shifts, com- could use more bands and new faces prised of Johansen, Maci DeBlanc, Jeff in the crowd,” said Johanesen, “I would Kretsinger and Eli Tocchini. So, how love if there were more people to play do you garner student support? Bands with and more places to play.” With its and booking agents agreed, there is a history rooted in punk culture and an eccentric record label, Corvallis has need for more all-ages venues. acted as a centerpiece of music culture One issue with the music scene is in the Willamette Valley. While organithe age restriction. “It’s a bar at both zations like Corvallis DIY and booking [Bombs Away Cafe and Cloud & Kel- agents like Steve Hunter work hard to ly’s], so it’s only a small population of organize amazing shows that appeal to the student body that is actually old all genres and all audiences, the lack of enough to come out and see music a large all ages-venue leaves Corvallis here,” said Hunter. “If we don’t get stu- with room to improve upon its scene. ◊

Barriers T

WRITING ADAIR PASSEY PHOTOGRAPHY ZBIGNIEW SIKORA

he ease in going to the store, to the doctor’s office, to school and to other places is often taken for granted by English speakers here in the United States. For some, there is nothing simple or straightforward about these daily activities.

’80s and ’90s and only speak Spanish.

Her father’s education career ended by the sixth grade and her mother’s by the third. To this day her mother is still unable to read, but rather than being set back by these challenges, they inspire Morales in her journey.

Nodabi Morales, a senior studying human development and family sciences (HDFS), has experienced these difficulties first hand. Morales began her journey in the small town of Gervais, Ore., where she grew up in a Spanish-speaking household and learned to fluently speak Spanish. However, once she started public school at age six, she began learning English. While Morales was not alone in her journey and her school was supportive, it was not an easy experience.

After completing her associate degree at Chemeketa Community College, Morales transferred to OSU to pursue her bachelor’s degree in HDFS. At both Chemeketa and OSU, Morales has been involved and making an impact.

She began to utilize her bilingual abilities by working with the High School Equivalency Program at Chemeketa where she helped Spanish speaking students obtain their GEDs. She also worked as a Spanish tutor helping English speakers learn her native language.

In order to properly learn a language one must be fully immersed. For Morales, she would spend eight hours a day, five days a week speaking English, only to come home to Spanish in the evenings and on the weekends. Not only was learning English a challenge in itself, but school work was also difficult because her parents were limited in the help they could provide. Morales reflected on this challenging experience, “You get to a certain age when [your parents] can’t help you anymore and you’re on your own to figure it out.”

With hard work and commitment to her education, by middle school Morales’ English skills were on par with her fellow classmates. She went on to be the first high school graduate in her family and will soon be the first college graduate as well. This is a huge accomplishment, as both of Morales’ parents immigrated to the U.S. in the

The following year, Morales took her experience at the CDDC and began interning at the homeless shelter Community Outreach, Inc. (COI) and was later hired as a social services assistant.

In this position, Morales works directly with those experiencing homelessness by assisting the individuals staying in the living quarters at COI, making food boxes, accessing medications for the clients and more. “I try to assist [the clients] with whatever resources are available,” she said. More importantly, Morales is the only member on staff who is fluent in Spanish and is often requested to translate for the Hispanic population that COI serves.

Having had firsthand experience with Carrying over to OSU, Morales par- the Mexican-American population ticipated in Movimiento Estudiantil both through her family and her job, Chicanx de Aztalan (MEChA). Morales Morales briefly touched on the current explained MEChA’s goal: “To help un- state of how things are for Hispanics derprivileged youth get a better un- in the United States and said she bederstanding of what higher education lieves they are currently experiencing is and its importance.” At MEChA, Mo- “discrimination because, well I don’t rales worked as their historian, again want to get too political, but with evutilizing her bilingual skills. erything that is going on after the election, people feel that they are being After going on an alternative trip1 targeted.” They also struggle because over spring break her sophomore year, “people…are sometimes undocumented Morales was exposed to the home- and there’s not just that barrier, but less community in Yakima, Washing- also the language barrier as well,” she ton through volunteer work where continued. she learned more about what exactly homelessness is and the resources For Morales’ family in particular, it available for underprivileged peo- wasn’t until very recently her father ple. This inspired her to volunteer at changed doctors and now has a bilinthe Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center gual physician who can effectively com(CDDC) once she transferred to OSU. municate and provide the care that he The CDDC is a homeless shelter that seeks. Morales described the language helps by providing personal hygiene barrier she has seen her family and

1. “An alternative break is a trip that engages a group of students in service and community-based learning, typically for a week.” - sli.oregonstate.edu/cce/altbreak/zeroweek

12 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

assistance, aiding in finding employment, medical prescription assistance and more.

fellow native speakers experience, “It’s really hard for them to get the things they need when they don’t really have someone who can understand what they need or what they’re going through,” she said. Morales helps with this roadblock by translating for the Hispanic population at COI, whether it is over the phone answering questions or in person at the medical clinic. “For the most part, when I’m [at work] I always get called to help translate and help people with anything that they need,” said Morales. It is unfortunate because she is the only translator on site so many Spanish speakers are unable to be served if she is not working.

Taking her experience with individuals who struggle with language barriers and those who experience homelessness, Morales decided to combine forces and began teaching a weekly

Spanish class at COI. Starting the to obtain the services that they need.

Spanish class was Morales’ way of try- She also shared that her students ing to break down the language barrier “benefit because they’re able to not just through knowledge rather than just learn and leave, but they can also talk translating. She believes that this class to me during my shifts and they can can benefit the community and espe- start building those conversations.” cially the clients at COI because people Unlike when she learned English, her are curious to know more about Span- students can continue to practice their ish and this is an opportunity for them new skills after class. to learn. Morales explained that she is currently teaching “things that you For Morales, working at COI and can essentially use anywhere you go if sharing her native language with there’s no way of you finding someone others is her way of giving back to that can translate or there’s a language the community. Her unique story and barrier.” This includes the most import- contribution truly makes her one of ant phrases such as “where is the bath- a kind. Through her selflessness, she room?” or “where can I get some water?” helps underprivileged people find ease in their everyday activities. ◊ Teaching these classes is very rewarding for Morales because she knows what people who are disadvantaged by language barriers go through and the limitations they deal with when trying

FALL 2017 // 13

SURVIVING AFTER COLLEGE

NAME: JEFF LULAY GRAD YEAR: 2016 DEGREE(S): BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MARKETING CURRENT LOCATION: BEAVERTON, OR

I

ntroducing Jeff Lulay, OSU alumnus who you may recognize from his former involvement in OSU Athletics and his time as the president of the OSU Beaver Dam.

WRITING BRITTNI COOPER & MADDIE BRADSHAW

not a ‘same’ day. Every day’s different, especially here on campus where you have access to almost anything that you need,” he said, "Some days I'll be away at events or in meetings for half the day. It really depends on the season, but one thing that stays the same is managing my emails. There are no boring days—every day is filled with excitement and new challenges."

Lulay graduated in spring 2016 and began his career at Nike as a brand marketing specialist for Nike Football after interning with the company during the summer between his junior year and senior year of college. Lulay summa- In some ways his time at Nike has been rized his eager heart when he said, “I comparable to the sense of communinever want to be the person that’s like ty Lulay felt while attending OSU, but ‘oh, I’ll relax and unwind’—I’d rather there are still aspects of college that just keep moving the needle and make he finds himself missing. things come to life,” and through this “I’m super lucky because Nike is a commentality is where he finds success. munity, just like what Beaver Nation is,” Working at the Nike World Headquar- he said, “[I miss] the whole culture of ters in Beaverton, Lulay has experi- being able to hang out with your peers, enced a lot of diversity in his everyday be around a fun environment—not work life. “It’s pretty cliche: there’s to say that Nike’s not, but this is my

14 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

work. This isn’t where I get to play. As you transition into the adult world, I think there are less opportunities for [fun] so I miss being able to text my neighbor and be like, ‘Do you want to shoot hoops?’ I miss being able to walk over and watch a baseball game. The accessibility to watch sports and hang out with my friends was taken from me. I graduated June 10th and I started working June 20th so I had 10 days of being a kid before I had to be an adult and I miss all of the little things that came with Corvallis that I no longer have.”

Besides the feeling of community, Lulay also misses the ways in which he could utilize the college town to his advantage. “Corvallis is like a stage. It’s like, what are you going to use your weekends for? Obviously, you can go out and party and have fun—it’s a great town

Keep that excitement that you feel when you first come to campus freshman year and then understand that it’s never too late to begin building your resume or your brand

for that. But are you going to do something that can help you down the road?

Is it an event? Are you going to do a fundraiser or do stuff like the sororities and fraternities do? I miss being able to use Corvallis as a stage and I miss everything that came with it—the people, the setting—it was awesome.”

Using Corvallis as a stage and seeking new opportunities was a common occurrence in Lulay’s college experience, which is why he credits most of his current successes to OSU. “I would advocate Oregon State, specifically Oregon State Athletics, as what allowed me to get where I am right now. I was never the kid that could test well and I’m still not that kid. What I knew Oregon State had in store was what I wanted it to be and what I wanted to make it.

So, instead of using my weekends to stress over school, or maybe it’s party-

ing—whatever you do with your weekends—I used it for work opportunities and job experience and all of those came directly through Oregon State Athletics and Dixon. It really put me in a rare position where I had a resume that was so competitive that I was able to get into a company like Nike,” said Lulay, “I wouldn’t be here without Oregon State.” By seizing opportunities and building an extensive resume, Lulay made the initial cut of 50,000 applicants, after which he would join 250 interns and eventually became one of the few to return for a full-time position at Nike.

Since graduating, Lulay has been given opportunities to share his experience with students at his alma mater. “I went down [to OSU] this fall and talked to two classes—one freshman group and one group of junior and seniors. One

of the first things I realized is that the freshman ask better questions. The juniors and seniors don’t care as much because they’re coasting through the end of school and having a lot of fun, and the freshman are eager, young and hungry. I think college can wear on you and that makes you lose your hunger and your motivation,” he said, “Keep that excitement that you feel when you first come to campus freshman year and then understand that it’s never too late to begin building your resume or your brand. You have an amazing campus and school. There’s something different in Corvallis that is unlike any other college town and you have access to it, and not everyone else does, so utilize it.”

FALL 2017 // 15

NAME: DANIELLE RIVERS GRAD YEAR: 2016 DEGREE(S): BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MARKETING AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP CURRENT LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, CA

M

eet Danielle Rivers, an OSU all of these tasks, she is able to enjoy alumna who graduated in 2016 herself in this unique environment too. and immediately began a market re- “There’s a lot of fun aspects,” Rivers said, search internship working on the wet “Being on set for photo shoots, testing n wild cosmetics brand at Markwins new make up, attending PR events and coordinating our sponsorship of celebBeauty Products. rity events.” Working with celebrities— Only two months into her internship, how cool is that?

Rivers was offered her current full-time position as a brand marketing coordi- During her time at OSU, Rivers benator for the company. “I manage ac- longed to the Women’s Club Volleyball counts like Target, U.S. Walmart, Fred team. “One of my favorite memories Meyer, Ecommerce, .com retailers and was competing at National Collegiate many others. I work with operations, Volleyball Federation (NCVF) chamsales, packaging engineers, product pionships in Louisville, Kentucky,” she development, our China team, our said, “It was amazing to be with my sales team and our creative team to fellow Beavs and some of my very best facilitate the sales and promotion of friends representing OSU and actually our products across all channels,” she winning our division!” said, “I am also responsible for analyzing our business competitively to This was also one instance in which she report on performance and propose was able to expand her network, somenew or better ways to operate.” Among thing she emphasizes. “The saying ‘it’s

16 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

Look into where you want to be, and find a job there.

I love what I do and for being a year out of school, I am incredibly lucky to be at the level I am at

not what you know, it’s who you know’ couldn’t be more true. It’s amazing where a connection or a referral will get you in the business world; I don’t think I fully realized that until I saw the hiring process from the employer side,” said Rivers, “We are lucky enough to have a wide OSU network, so you are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t take advantage of it.”

In her new position, Rivers has found herself benefiting from her classroom experiences at OSU as well. “The OSU College of Business really focuses on presentations and collaborative work, which at the time seemed like busy work, but as I entered the workforce it has helped me succeed and my comfort level in presenting high level data is one of the main reasons I was hired on full-time at my job.” Finding the importance of something she once viewed as

EXPERIENCE busy work played a key role in setting Rivers apart from her competition.

also aspects of OSU itself. “I miss the sense of community, how easy it was to get involved and try new things, and the spirited, friendly student body,” she said, “I definitely enjoyed living within a few blocks of all of my friends, which is obviously not as attainable in Los Angeles.”

Having been in the “real world” for almost a year now, Rivers reflected on what she wishes she had known before graduation. “Look into where you want to be, and find a job there. I love what I do and for being a year out of school, I am incredibly lucky to be at the level I While a year may seem like a short am at, however I’m not in love with L.A. period of time, it has been a time in I had hoped to be in Portland so I still which Rivers has been able to flourish find myself thinking about moving back, and grow. From her experiences, she but it becomes much harder as you offers useful advice to undergraduate start building your life,” she said, “Also, students at OSU: “Have fun and nevthere aren’t breaks. Start prepping for er say no—within reason,” Rivers said, the fact that there are no spring, winter “You will graduate, you will find a job, and summer breaks. Go big while you you will get where you want to be. But can. Right now I work around 60 hours you will never have the time, freedom a week and find myself waiting for a and friends next door like you do now.

Take full advantage. Try everything, go break and it never comes…” everywhere and have fun. It’s also imNot only is Rivers missing the breaks portant to create lasting relationships that college provided her with, but with professors, advisors, staff and classmates. They will get you just as far as your degree.”

FALL 2017 // 17

NAME: EMILY ZAMBER GRAD YEAR: 2015 DEGREE(S): BACHELOR OF ARTS IN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION AND A MINOR IN FILM STUDIES CURRENT LOCATION: LOS ANGELES, CA

I

ntroducing Emily Zamber, OSU alum- skills to get a job working for the Nana who was recognized at Oregon tional Broadcasting Company (NBC).

State for her involvement in Greek life “Right now I am working on the season 12 live rounds of NBC’s The Voice. I and film studies. met the right person while working on There’s nothing quite like the sense of NBC’s The Wall, and they passed my incommunity that students find in Cor- formation along,” she said. Zamber also vallis. Zamber was one of many stu- noted that it has been a privilege to dents who found a home in Corvallis work for NBC. and this is something she strives to find within her career in Los Angeles, “The Voice shoots at Universal Studios Calif. “I truly just miss the comfort on stage 12, but we occupy six other of that tiny college town, everything sound stages on the back lot that we being so close and having all of my are responsible for maintaining,” said friends in the same place. It’s definite- Zamber, “We are basically everyone's ly something to not take for granted,” assistant, so anyone from another PA said Zamber. This is a common realiza- to the director to Adam Levine could ask you to do something.” Zamber is tion for many recent OSU graduates. dedicated to helping the overall film Last November, Zamber took a leap of production, which helps her gain expefaith and moved to L.A. to further pur- rience as a PA and hopefully will help sue her career in film studies. “I moved her to move forward in her film career. [to Los Angeles] by myself, solely for She is willing to do almost anything to work, and balancing work and a social get where she wants to go, and this is life that I had to build from scratch has only the beginning for Zamber. been really tough at times,” Zamber said. Since November 2016, she has Connections are of great importance been a freelance production assistant to Zamber’s career, and she empha(PA), which is someone who helps with sized building a strong professional all aspects of film production. Zamber network. “Networking is everything. works on a variety of projects to help I cannot stress that enough. At least ensure that the production process in the entertainment industry, it is all about who you know,” she said. Zamruns smoothly. ber started making connections early Eager to become more than a free- on during her time at OSU. When she lancer, Zamber utilized her networking wasn’t in the classroom, she was an ac-

18 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

tive member of Greek life, which helped her start the networking process. “Being a part of my sorority is by far my most precious memory from OSU. I miss it every day,” Zamber shared.

The four (or more) years a student spends at OSU are all in preparation for the future, but nothing can prepare one to step onto the set of their first real job. “I came into the ‘real world’ knowing most of the necessary information, and it’s still been really hard. I think it’s really just trying to be open to change and being ready for anything,” Zamber said.

She has continued to network and work hard to get where she is today. To those who still have time left to make their mark at OSU, Zamber said, “It’s temporary, so enjoy every moment and make the most of it. I feel like I did that for the most part, but sometimes I wish I could go back just for the little things,” she continued, “You have to know that you will have hard days and you will be uncomfortable sometimes, but in the end it will be worth it.” ◊

EXPERIENCE

Social Justice WRITING EMMA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY EMMA BROWN

S

ocial justice. A phrase that has From there she began focusing on a been steadily growing as a con- broader spectrum of injustices hapstant in our everyday conversations. pening within K-12 education systems.

However, it can be difficult to grasp “It really spread out into understanding what exactly social justice is and why that I really wanted to work with and it is important. This is where Jane work across all identities and work Waite comes in as the director for the deeper in the system around equity for Social Justice Education Initiative all students and so that’s what’s really driven me,” said Waite. With her extenhere at OSU. sive background in social justice eduWaite has been involved with social cation, she then got appointed by the justice for as long as she can remem- president of the university, Ed Ray, to ber. She began her practice in the field be on the Board of Visitors. by working with tribal organizations, focusing her work on implementing At OSU, the Board of Visitors has a resources and “looking at ways to sup- mission based around inclusion for port educators to teach to and about any and all students. According to the Native students with quality materials Board of Visitors page on the OSU website, “The purpose of the Board of and curriculum and pedagogy.”

Visitors for Community and Diversity is to assist Oregon State University in developing strategies to recruit and retain Native American, Hispanic American, Asian American and African American students, faculty, staff, and administrators.”

From her time there, Waite realized OSU could do more to implement this mission into the classroom and beyond, where students spend most of their academic life. She realized that simply having a mission wasn’t enough; faculty and staff needed support and training in specific areas in order to make the vision a reality. This is where the Social Justice Education Initiative came to fruition.

FALL 2017 // 19

We really hope that our goals for equalizing student success will start to move by people being able to come together

The Social Justice Education Initiative is a fairly new program at OSU. In describing the program, Waite explained, “It’s a professional development program aimed at increasing and supporting the university’s goals and mission around equity and inclusion and equalizing student success,” she continued, “We are encouraging people to think not just about who can come in the door, so to speak, but what's happening in the room.”

Institutionally, college educational systems aren’t set up for the success of every type of student. “We want to make the education system work for everybody as opposed to what it was set up for,” she said, “It was set up not for everybody so how do we shift that system?” The Social Justice Education Initiative at OSU is currently available to all faculty members and graduate students. The training programs consist of eight hours of platform curriculum. Throughout these sessions, faculty members go through a series of trainings to try and understand where students of diverse backgrounds are coming from and how they can be best

supported in a learning environment where they haven’t been as supported in the past.

programming has on the faculty. As of now, it is hard to measure just how successful the implementation has been.

Relying on the history of social injus- Over 400 faculty members, staff and tice, the Social Justice Education Ini- graduate students have gone through tiative aims to figure out the best way the Social Justice Education Initiative to move forward. “It helps people to training since its start in September. understand multiple and intersecting The rapid rate in which this program identities,” said Waite, “Then we can has been taking over gives OSU hope look at some of the ways bias and dis- that it is possible to not just undercrimination tend to show up and what stand the need for institutional change, we can do about it so we look at some but to figure out a way to implement of the more specific ways. We look at real change in systems that have existsome of the history—we understand ed for years. “We really hope that our how there is some social injustice that goals for equalizing student success occurred and still occurs in Oregon will start to move by people being able and the United States.” It can be diffi- to come together, have hard conversacult to realize and accept that Oregon tions and have these concepts and abilhas not had the happiest history in ity to have conversations,” Waite said, relation to social justice issues, but it “The OSU community to me seems very is this acceptance and understanding ready for this work.” that drives the initiative and moves it The direct impacts of social justice can forward. be difficult to physically see and while In terms of a future for students to the impacts of the Social Justice Edube involved in this work, there are po- cation Initiative may not be seen for tential opportunities ahead at OSU to a while, it’s important to realize that intern in this program. However, it’s these changes are happening. Look for dependent on the success the current ways to get involved and help make these initiatives a new reality for OSU. ◊

& Restoration

WRITING EMMA IRVIN PHOTOGRAPHY ZBIGNIEW SIKORA

T

here is never a single right answer when it comes to mental health.

There is no perfect solution that will change the way a person thinks and interacts with the world. Dealing with mental health disorders is a journey, and this past May several students from OSU shared how the arts have factored in and affected their path to a mental well-being.

The Arts Saved My Life event, organized by OSU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), provided a platform for students with diagnosable mental health disorders. They were given the opportunity to share their work

and their stories about how they have used art to overcome their personal struggles with mental illness. The sharing ranged from spoken word to musical performances to showing 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art.

Four years ago, if you asked me any of these questions I might have cried in public, but now I can talk about it and it’s nothing

Caroline Moses Caroline Moses, a senior studying fine arts, began receiving traditional therapy for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) when she became nervous that her obsessive behaviors could have adverse effects on her children in the same way the obsessive behaviors of her mother affected her. Deciding to seek therapy was difficult for Moses because “it’s not readily accepted in our society. Mental health isn’t something people want to talk about or even something people feel is part of the body, something that needs clinical attention.”

Therapy worked for a while, but eventually Moses hit a wall. “It wasn’t helping me in the way I needed anymore so I thought I would take a break and come back to it as needed,” she said. Once she decided to leave therapy, Moses began searching for a new way to deal with her obsessive behaviors and eventually turned to art. “I thought about the things I do when I have these compulsive behaviors. It’s usually counting and repetitive actions, so I thought about how I could channel that as a critique to myself,” she said, “I wanted to see if I could create something that would be therapeutic for me without outside influence, something just for me.”

Moses began creating large scale mosaics made using thousands of small wood veneer blocks that she cut, placed, painted and finished individually by hand. “The action of cut, place,

paint and finish was mirroring the repetition of checking things like if the door was locked or if the oven was on, which it never was,” said Moses, “It was so successful that I didn’t feel the need to check most of these things.”

Moses has continued to create mosaics of large images depicting the things that have been her biggest triggers in the past. Her first pieces showed images of locks and gas burners, which represent her two most compulsive behaviors. After making these pieces she took a break because “it was getting a little overwhelming and heavy,” so she began working on a mosaic journal of her behaviors.

Using a collection of light and dark cubes, Moses began logging her behaviors using light birch blocks to represent good behaviors and dark walnut blocks to represent obsessive or compulsive behavior. “Over the course of making this piece, about three months, you can see that the negative behavior decreased to the point that is almost nonexistent at the end, that there are more walnut on top and more birch on the bottom. I think that if I had continued this journal, [the negative behavior] would just continue to decrease,” she said. Moses was able to transform her art into a physical log of her progress, a way to change her behavior and to see where she had been.

When Moses’ OCD was at its peak, she felt trapped by it. “I was stuck in the house because I couldn’t stop checking,” she said. For Moses, making art

is a constant choice between deciding to indulge the obsessive-compulsive actions or taking charge to overcome them. “I love to make art and I feel like I’ve found my voice with my art,” Moses said, “I’m able to leave the house, to talk to you today about this and it’s not a big deal. Four years ago, if you asked me any of these questions I might have cried in public, but now I can talk about it and it’s nothing.”

Moses hopes that by seeing her work and hearing her story people will see that there are alternatives to traditional therapy and understand that there isn’t one right answer for everyone. “I went to traditional therapy, but then I hit a wall so I found something else that worked. It’s not necessarily better, but it is giving me what I need right now.”

Moving forward she hopes to use her work to advocate for people dealing with mental illness and to change the perception of mental health treatment and therapy. “There's so much shame on mental health issues in our society and I want to work to remove that negative stigma,” Moses said.

I want people to understand that it's okay to feel crazy sometimes

Lanesha Reagan For Lanesha Reagan, a junior studying English, reading and writing have always been big parts of her life. She was encouraged to read by her grandparents after testing lower than her classmates in elementary school and eventually found a love of reading that inspired her to become a writer.

“I want to write the way stories make me feel,” she said, “My favorite book is The Lovely Bones. I thought it was such an interesting perspective. I really wanted to be able to write something that made people feel the same way The Lovely Bones made me feel—it made me really love reading.” For Reagan, the connection between books and emotions has always been incredibly important, especially when she was struggling most with her mental health. “A big thing for me when I was really going through my depression was that I felt numb, so reading things that made me feel something was a big point for me,” said Reagan, “It was so much more important than I think I knew at the time because I could get away while I was reading.” Reagan was able to use

24 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

the writings of others to change the way she was thinking and feeling and wants to be able to create that same experience for others.

Since then, she has begun to use her love of writing to process her experiences with mental illness. “The thing about dealing with depression or an eating disorder is that you get so used to holding everything in that once you start letting it out it feels so relaxing and it feels like such a weight off your shoulders. You just want to keep doing it.” For Reagan, writing is a cathartic experience—an opportunity to work through what she’s feeling and move forward from it, instead of letting it consume her. “I feel like when I write something [my depression] kind of goes out of my head, maybe just for a few minutes—hopefully forever, but the point is just to get it out of my head,” she said.

Reagan’s experiences with depression have pushed her not only to write, but to share what she has been through in the hopes that it will show people that they are not alone in their experiences.

She wants people to understand how

writing has helped her and see that by sharing your thoughts you can move forward from them. “People have a lot more going on inside their head than a lot of people want to admit or acknowledge,” said Reagan, “I want people to understand that it's okay to feel crazy sometimes. It's okay to feel uncomfortable in what you're doing or how you’re feeling or what your thoughts are. But it’s important to put it down on paper.

It’s important to say them out loud or talk to someone because you shouldn’t feel alone ever.”

BALANCE

I felt that no one was going to be there for me or understand, but there are so many people that can help you

paintings she shared at The Arts Saved My Life event. “The title of the piece Rachel Milsteine, a senior studying fine is Anna, Ed and Mia, which stands for arts, has been an artist all her life— Anorexia, eating disorder and Bulimia,” doodling, painting and following in the she said, “So, in a way these paintings footsteps of other artists in her family. are those disorders personified.” HowThe pull to art was so strong that, in her ever, for Milsteine, these paintings sophomore year, she left the College of are anything but dark and depressing.

Business to pursue a degree doing the “Having [the paintings] physically here work she loved through the OSU Art and looking at them makes me realize Department. “It was just eating my soul, that I don’t worry about this anymore.” so I finally switched to art and I haven’t Milsteine hopes that people who view looked back since,” she said. her work will be able to understand For Milsteine, art has always been a her experiences and feel less alone in type of catharsis—a way to take what theirs. She shared that during her perifelt like an uncontrollable experience ods of depression, “One of the recurring and conquer it. “A big part of how I got feelings I had was isolation. I felt that over my demons is that I would make no one was going to be there for me or art or write poetry that was about what understand, but there are so many peoI was struggling with,” said Milsteine, ple that can help you,” she said, “CAPS “There's something about getting your helped me and my friends helped me feelings out of your head and onto pa- and there are always support systems. per—having a physical representation I always thought that getting over it of it. That for me represents overcom- was impossible, that there was no way ing it and making it beautiful, making it out, but there is—there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, you just have to perinto something that isn’t negative.” severe.”

Much of Milsteine’s work portrays dark or graphic images of eating disorders Through painting Milsteine has been and their effects, including the series of able to persevere, eventually arriving Rachel Milsteine

at a place where she is healthy and able to use her experiences to create something beautiful and triumphant.

A common theme for all three of these artists who participated in the event was the need to externalize their experiences—to take what they were thinking and feeling and share it, whether that be through writing, painting, sculpture, speaking or therapy. There is no single right answer for finding help, but every artist stressed seeking it when a person is in need. ◊

CAPS provides counseling services to all OSU students in need. Contact CAPS by phone at 541-737-2131 or by going to the fifth floor of Snell Hall.

FALL 2017 // 25

& the bees From F

or students, she’s most recognizable from the course Human Sexuality and as the outspoken professor who has been featured several times on the Facebook group, Things Overheard at OSU. Kathy Greaves has a wealth of sexual health knowledge and a blatantly honest nature, which made for a great BD Q&A on sex and relationships.

BD: What is your background in sexual health?

Greaves: My only formal education in the field is my minor for my Master’s degree. At OSU, [graduate] students can “make up” a minor, meaning I didn’t have to select an existing department or program on campus like undergrads have to do. If I could find several classes in different departments and when brought together, they represented a certain concept, then I just gave that concept a name and that was my minor.

So, my Master’s minor was Sex Education Curriculum Design, Evaluation, and Implementation. I did the same thing for my Ph.D. minor and it was Sexuality and Intimate Relationships.

My Bachelor’s degree is in Family Resources from the University of Hawaii, Manoa, and my Master’s and Ph.D. are both in Human Development and Family Sciences from OSU. I taught the Human Sexuality (HDFS 240) course

26 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

WRITING BRITTNI COOPER

at OSU for 22 years and estimate the number of students who took my classes to be around 50,000.

What sparked your interest in this field?

I received very little sex education in school. In fourth grade the girls saw the “period film” while the boys went outside to play. Not cool. Then in my sophomore year of high school, I had what I’m sure school administrators thought was formal sex education and it was horrible. It was one week in a semester-long health class that was taught by the football coach. He was so uncomfortable talking about sex that after the first day of awkwardness, he had us sit in class and read our book for the remaining four days. I was so desperate for sex information that in my senior year of high school I took Human Sexuality at the local community college and I was hooked. In undergrad, I was involved with the student health center and I did outreach presentations about contraception at the local high schools.

What are the most common myths surrounding sexual health?

I think one of the most common myths is that women have a lower sex drive than men. People then use that myth as an explanation for why women have less sexual partners than men and why

they take longer to orgasm than men do.

While it is true that women have less sexual partners than men and women take longer to orgasm, it’s not because of a lower sex drive, but rather because of social rules and gender roles that inhibit women from truly expressing their interest in and desire for sex. Women are taught that it is inappropriate for them to have multiple sexual partners.

That they should suppress their desire for certain activities that it is not their place to initiate sexual activity, and that they should not talk with their partner about what brings them to orgasm. Social rules even make women feel bad or insecure about their own bodies. Thus, they are much less likely to masturbate – which will help them figure out what brings them to orgasm.

If these social rules and gender roles treated women and men equally, women would have similar numbers of sexual partners compared to men, they would masturbate as often as men, they would initiate sex as often as men, and they would reach orgasm as often and as quickly as men do.

What’s the most useful piece of sexual health advice you have to offer?

Never say never. I encourage you to try EVERYTHING – as long as it is consen-

BALANCE sual and you aren’t breaking any laws.

It doesn’t matter what other people enjoy or don’t enjoy. You need to make that decision for yourself and the only way you can do that is to try it.

What are three aspects that every healthy relationship should have?

Respect: Don’t try to coerce someone into doing something they don’t want to do. You wouldn’t want someone doing that to you, so show them the same respect. This even applies to an ongoing relationship of many years.

Safety: If you don’t want an STI, get tested and always use a condom or dental dam. If you don’t want to get pregnant or impregnate someone (and that’s a possibility given your sexual partners) always be sure some sort of reliable method of contraception is being used. Basically, don’t be naïve and assume “it won’t happen to me” – those are always the people “it” happens to.

Fun: Sex should not only be physically satisfying, but you should have fun while doing it. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Things always go wrong.

Sometimes men prematurely ejaculate.

Sometimes women don’t reach orgasm.

Sometimes, many times, there aren’t any fireworks and it’s actually boring.

Sometimes people fart. Get used to it and laugh about it.

If OSU were an STD, which one would it be?

Chlamydia because it sounds like a pretty flower.

Do you think people’s perceptions of sexual relationships have changed in the last 10 years?

The reality is that not much has changed in the last 10 years. I know things seem to change for young adults like yourself, but perceptions of sexual relationships today aren’t that much different than they were 50 years ago during the sexual revolution. The 1960s and ‘70s were the epitome of hookup culture, but it was called free love. Free love hippies invented friends with benefits.

What are three ways to successfully prepare for sex?

Don’t expect too much. People make it out to be this amazing experience, but in truth, most people’s first time plays out more like a comedy of errors than anything. The first time you do anything isn’t all that great, right?

Think about the first time you tried to ride a bike, or snowboard, or do yoga, or dance, or drive a car. Please tell me you are better at these things now that you have practice! Sex is no different.

It gets better the more you do it, but

more importantly, it gets better the more comfortable you feel as a sexual person. That leads to the second way to successfully prepare for sex.

Try your best to figure out who you are as a sexual person before having sex. The reality is most people have sex well before they figure this out because it takes years to figure this out. So maybe the best advice here is to not be too hard on yourself if you change your mind about things.

Realize that it’s never “just sex.” There is always a relationship that is established when you have sex. Friends with benefits is a relationship. A one-night stand is a relationship, albeit one that is short lived. Even sex with a sex worker is still a relationship – not only is it an economic relationship, but there is a clear power dynamic going on as well.

So, don’t fool yourself. It’s never “just sex.”

Is there any other noteworthy information we can pass on to OSU in regards to sexual health?

If you always do things that are consensual and legal, please don’t ever regret anything. Everything you do, good or not-so-good, makes you who you are.

If you did something you feel was notso-good, learn from that and don’t do it again; however, realize that if you hadn’t done it, you wouldn’t have learned that lesson and grown into the person you are. Don’t keep making the same mistake...MAKE NEW MISTAKES. ◊ FALL 2017 // 27

Not on my campus

o

Ma yb No

Are you aware of the resources available to help with relationship abuse?

No

Yes

Maybe

Does your partner try to isolate you from others? This is another form of control.

When in a relationship, it is only natural to want to spend a large portion

Is using “I was drunk” for poor relationship behavior a sign of relationship abuse?

Does your partner seem to always accuse you of being flirtatious with others? Anyone can become jealous from time to time, but constant mistrust and accusations of flirting, cheating, etc. is a sign of an unhealthy relationship.

This should not be an incessant issue between you and your partner. Each

Does your significant other often take away your car keys so you are late to work or appointments? If so, this is also a form of control that is known as sabotage and is far from acceptable. An alternative sign of sabotage is constantly breaking up with you or starting a fight in order to make you miss important events.

Over time this will become extremely emotionally taxing, and can also result in missing important appointments, meetings, school, etc., which can directly affect your career and education.

ybe Ma

e

Does your partner get bursts of anger and become violent or threatening? This is probably the easiest form of relationship abuse to detect. This issue can quickly lead to domestic violence and is certainly not healthy within a relationship. Whether it is yelling, throwing around furniture and belongings or actual physical hitting, it is not healthy.

Although this is easily identified, it is often accepted within relationships when it shouldn’t be.

Is being accused often of flirtatious behavior by your significant other a sign of relationship abuse?

Yes

Does your partner often tell you who to hang out with, what you can and cannot wear, what and when to eat, etc.? If this is the case, that’s not cool! Being in a relationship does not give your significant other the power to control you. Expressing concern over specific behaviors and decisions is acceptable, but commanding you to do or to not do something is unhealthy. When in a relationship, part of your identity may become your significant other; never forget that you are your own person and have complete control over yourself.

We were curious to find out what students considered to be relationship violence/abuse so we asked them a series of questions pertaining to the subject. Here are just some of the answers:

Although we don’t have a universal definition of love, we do know how to define an unhealthy relationship. We aren’t taught in school how to love one another, so often-times many of us don’t know what to look for in a relationship. No one relationship is the same and different things work for different people, but here are some guidelines to help identify potential relationship abuse:

The Numbers From OSU

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partner should be able to converse with others without the consistent accusations that they are flirting or being unfaithful. Establishing trust and confidence takes time, but it is necessary for a healthy relationship.

hat is love? A need? A chemical reaction? The feeling of wanting to put someone else’s well-being before your own? No one really knows exactly what love is, as it is one of the most abstract concepts in the world.

s Ye

W

WRITING ADAIR PASSEY

Infographic courtesy of one love foundation @ joinonelove.org/define_10_signs

of your time with your significant other, but it has to be on your own terms.

If you notice your significant other is manipulating you into only spending time with them, becoming financially dependent on them and forcing you to only seek love and self-worth through them—this is not healthy. It is okay to feel as though you and your partner complete each other, but it is important to have friends and family outside of each other.

Does your partner constantly criticize you and blame you for things? Constructive criticism if communicated appropriately is very healthy, but constantly ridiculing, name calling and blaming is not okay. Your partner should not be making you feel bad about yourself or tearing down your self-esteem. Also, you should not be blamed or made to feel guilty about every bad thing that occurs. In a relationship, the goal

should be to grow and be happy with one another by embracing mistakes and learning from them, not by blaming each other.

Does your partner have the tendency to get extremely intoxicated, say hurtful things and then blame it on being drunk the next day? In college, there can be many instances of rough nights where alcohol gets the best of a person's behavior, including some water works and harsh words, but this should NEVER become a regular behavior. Using alcohol as an excuse for threatening to harm oneself, for cheating or as justification for saying mean things is not healthy. Alcohol is not an acceptable excuse for these kinds of behaviors.

It is often hard to identify whether or not a relationship is unhealthy because there is no instruction manual for love.

These are just a few warning signs to

watch out for in your relationships.

Unhealthy relationships can occur between people of all races, genders, sexual orientations and ages. All relationships are different, but it is important to always feel safe and comfortable in yours. If you are questioning whether or not a behavior is unhealthy, reach out and ask! Here on the OSU campus, both Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Student Health Services (SHS) can provide clarity, or check out joinonelove.org for more information about relationship abuse. â—Š

Looking to get Contact us @ beavers.digest@oregonstate.edu or go to sli.oregonstate.edu/omn/getinvolved

30 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

32 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

#GOBEAVS

A Tale of humility

WRITING ALEX LUTHER PHOTOGRAPHY LOGAN HOWELL

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ootball may mean nothing to some, representing just a pastime. Yet, for others, football changes their entire lives and gives them a shot at new opportunities. As an OSU football alumnus and the son of first generation Haitian immigrants, Yvenson Bernard proves the power the sport can have and is an inspiring example of how hard work and dedication open up new possibilities for the future.

with recruiters knocking and only five official college visits to base the future of his athletic career on, Bernard chose to spend one on a trip across the country to visit his best friend and Beaver Nation.

Bernard’s best friend, Sabby Piscitelli, was a year older and had chosen to spend his collegiate athletic career as a football player for OSU. Piscitelli convinced Bernard to visit the West Coast and he unintentionally fell in love with it and OSU. “The team was doing really well at the time and they won,” said Bernard.

Vince Lombardi, an NFL head coach for the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers, had a famous quote about the impact of football on life: “Football is like life—it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, “I knew the star running back at the time, sacrifice, dedication and respect for Steven Jackson, would be leaving the authority.” Of the many athletes who following year. So, I guess it was kind have played football and other sports of an easy decision where I knew my at OSU, Yvenson Bernard is one whose best friend was attending, there was life exemplifies the qualities of football going to be a hole at the position I was that Lombardi described as “persever- playing and I would have the chance to be on the West Coast. I probably never ance,” “respect” and “dedication.” would’ve been on the West Coast if it Before becoming the running back wasn’t for coming to Oregon State.” who holds the third most career rushing yards with 1,500 at OSU and be- Bernard currently works as a discovery fore obtaining fourth in career touch- officer and fundraiser for OSU Athletdowns with a total of 38, Bernard was ics, but was a star running back for the a shy high schooler in south Florida Beavers Football team from 2004-2007. with a decision to make. As a senior His spectacular stint at OSU helped

FALL 2017 // 33

lead the team through a stunning era of winning, including two bowl appearances and wins. In particular, Bernard was key to the phenomenal victory of the 2006 Sun Bowl. With 12 minutes left in the game, the Beavers overcame a 14-point deficit with two touchdowns, one of which was scored by Bernard.

With 23 seconds left and a score of 3837 in favor of the Missouri Tigers, head coach at the time, Mike Riley, chose to go for a two-point conversion that would clench the win. An incompletion of the attempt would give the victory to the Tigers and cause the Beavers to fall short of the win. Despite a strong defense barricading victory, Bernard completed the two-point conversion to secure the win for the Beavers with 22.1 seconds left in the final quarter.

When asked about his favorite memories of football at OSU, Bernard referenced the Sun Bowl as one of the top two. “I think it’s one of those games that was totally a ‘David and Goliath’ moment for us again,” said Bernard, “We’re known to be giant killers and that team was a very great team….We beat them at a really tough game that came down to the wire, so I think that this in history is a game that Oregon State fans will always remember, and I was lucky to be a part of that.”

The second memory was his brother and his father flying out to see him play his last game in Reser Stadium his senior year. After four years of only being able to experience his games via television, Bernard was able to pool a portion of his scholarship money to fly the two out for his final game. His perseverance throughout his career at OSU, fueled by a desire to pay his way through college with hard work and sweat, provided him the many experiences he had through the sport.

34 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

Despite the love for the game, Bernard misses the team bonding more than the game itself. “[I miss] the locker room, being with the boys before and after games and practices. Just talking about stuff, joking around, just being goofballs, it’s funny, it’s like a little fraternity,” Bernard reminisced, “We all have the same vision; we all want to go play in the pros and we want to all be successful. When you’re around so many people like that, you feed off of

an awesome way for me to give back in a different way besides scoring a touchdown and all that and bringing attention. It’s really neat to give back it. We had a special group when I was here. We went to bowl game after bowl game, we won a lot of games. The baseball team was hot at that time with back to back National Championships.

It was fun to be on campus.” Bernard’s thoughts about the electricity of a college campus banding around the influential wins and victorious sports programs prove OSU fostered an unparalleled atmosphere during that era.

After college, Bernard played a year in the National Football League and a few years in the Canadian Football League. The woman who would become his wife was still in Corvallis, but his heart was at home in Florida. Bernard moved to Florida, a decision he cites as being an easy one, but while there, he didn’t feel his heart in the work. With his heart and career not aligning, he once again relocated and returned to Corvallis. Though he still strongly holds to his Floridian roots and believes he is a Florida boy to his

core, he also recognizes that Corvallis is currently the right fit. “Without Corvallis, without Oregon State University, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

In 2014, Bernard came on board as a graduate coaching assistant for the OSU football team under head coach Mike Riley for what would be Riley’s final season at OSU before being hired as the head coach for Nebraska the following year. Despite the connection with Riley and extensive experience as a running back at the college level, he noted the struggles of being a running back coach during that season. “It was fun, [but] it was tough...It was tougher than playing,” he admitted. “It’s kind of hard teaching and being around kids that took stuff for granted that we didn’t...so it’s kind of weird to see that.

It was definitely challenging; it was more challenging than I thought it’d be.” Undeterred by the difficulty of the position, Bernard continued with the athletic department the following year.

Today, he continues his work by fundraising and marketing for the athletic department with a continual focus in philanthropic opportunities.

Non-profit and philanthropic work have always been a focus and interest for Bernard. As the son of Haitian immigrants, his focus has always been working hard, determined to follow the character that his parents set by establishing their lives in the United States.

College football provided him the opportunity of an education Bernard is sure he would not have been able to receive otherwise, but also has given his family a platform for their own charitable work in Haiti.

Together, Bernard and his brother, Giovani Bernard and current running back for the Cincinnati Bengals, creat-

#GOBEAVS ed the RunGio Foundation, which aims to provide quality education for the children of Haiti. Their non-profit work centers around what was once an allgirls school, but is now a boys and girls school with programs for the students such as sports, crafts and learning opportunities. The school is named after their mother who passed away in 1999; in English, the name translates to “The Garden of Josette,” but in French is “Le Jardin Vert de Josette.”

The two brothers return to the school at least once every year to spend time serving the community and help continue building the programs. “It’s very near and dear to us….It’s a really amazing foundation that’s been going on for almost eight years now,” Bernard explained, “We still can’t give our full time to it because we are so busy, but one day we definitely want to be full time.

My aunts, they’re there 24/7, so that makes it a lot easier. We basically raise

the money for it and try to go out there and give the little time that we have to give. One day we definitely want to do something that is really thriving and making a lot of money where the students can be sent off to school.”

The school and town that initially changed his and the lives of his family is now home to Bernard, his wife and their son. He noted the community feel and athletic support as highlights of Corvallis. The rallying around the teams and family aspects of the town are what he finds to be the best parts of Corvallis and Beaver Nation. Bernard feels that the job he has now gives him an opportunity to give back to the school and community that gave him so much.

He also has the chance to personally interact with the donors, who so generously donate to OSU Athletics, bringing him to a point of greater apprecia-

tion for those who choose to support the school. “I have a whole new respect for our donors and the people that give to the program,” said Bernard, “[This job] is an awesome way for me to give back in a different way besides scoring a touchdown and all that and bringing attention. It’s really neat to give back.”

Lombardi lists the characteristics “perseverance,” “respect” and “hard work” as the skills needed for both life and football. Bernard encompasses all of those things, but holds true to the greatest characteristic of all: humility. The best football players and the best players in life embody humility, staying true to their roots and genuinely caring about those they encounter. Who better than Yvenson Bernard, the football turned philanthropist advocate, to exemplify the characteristics of a football star and role model for all. Humility, hard work, and Haiti; Bernard inspires all to strive for their dreams while encouraging others along the way. ◊

FALL 2017 // 35

OSU Men’s SocceR WRITING BRITTNI COOPER PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANIE KUTCHER

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oming off of a challenging last season, OSU Men’s Soccer is moving forward with optimism. BD had the opportunity to get to know the players better as they prepare for the upcoming 2017 season.

think [it was] just the love of playing this game with my friends as a kid and so I just kept with it.” It wasn’t until around middle school that Jones realized he could use his soccer skills to find greater successes.

internationally to OSU from Copenhagen, Denmark and enjoys the team aspect he has found in Corvallis. “I love the atmosphere about [OSU],” he said, “In Denmark, it’s more [about the] individual person—you don’t have the atmosphere in Denmark so that’s the thing I love the most about Corvallis.”

For Loke Strenov, sophomore defen- Playing soccer in college is nothing sive midfielder who studies business short of a balancing act for the team. administration, his love for the sport “It’s tough at times, especially in the Jones moved to Corvallis from Pacifis nothing new. “It actually started in season when we’re on the road and ic Grove, Calif. in 2014 and has found kindergarten when I was just playing we’re missing several days a week. It similarities among the two locations. by myself,” said Strenov, “The teachers gets tough, but we have such an im- “I think compared to my hometown, in kindergarten [came] to me and they portant support staff here that helps which is a very small town on the coast asked, ‘do you play soccer at home or us and guides us through the season,” in California, it’s a real family vibe and anything else?’ and [I was] like ‘no, I just said Jones, “Out of season they do well I get that here,” Jones said, “What they love the soccer ball and just want to with making sure that we’re on top of prioritize [at OSU] is a family feel and kick it every day.’” Strenov was also our studies and our school work.” By they really put relationships first beamong the first in his family to find his mastering time management and uti- fore competition and I think that’s imlizing resources, like study hall and ac- portant for a recruit and someone that passion in soccer. ademic tutors, the players are able to wants to continue playing—to have a Much like Strenov, Jordan Jones, a se- make strides in the classroom as well family and to have brothers here as teammates.” nior forward studying sociology, has as on the field. played the sport for as long as he can remember. “I started when I was young. Neither Strenov nor Jones are Ore- When stepping onto the Paul Lorenz My parents got me going probably gon natives and moved to OSU for the Field for a home game, OSU Men’s Socaround three or four,” said Jones, “I sport that they love. Strenov traveled cer players feel one of the strongest

36 // BEAVER’S DIGEST

senses of family and community. “We’ve got a fantastic support group and fan base,” said Jones, “I think playing here in front of the people that watch us go to work every week and in front of the people that want us to succeed—it’s something special.” Strenov also noted that the OSU student body and community are “a big part of the soccer team.”

The support of the OSU community gives the team a sense of mutual belonging. “Without [the OSU community], we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing,” Jones said, “All of the donors, fans and students that help us achieve our goals are not only helping us, but the community itself and so I think it’s really important that it’s a group effort—that it’s not just us.” This group effort is something that will guide the OSU Men’s Soccer throughout their 2017 season.

With any athletic season comes a series of challenges and adversities to conquer. After the 2016 season, the team hopes to turn things around from the start. “One of the hardest parts is getting off on the right foot and to really keep it going from there,” said

Jones, “I think it’s just responding to last season and making sure that we put everything we’ve got into this one.”

Injuries also play a role in challenging the players within the sport, but Strenov has faith that his teammates will be ready. “We have a lot of injuries here and there in the spring seasons,” Strenov said, “We get eight new freshman this summer so I think we will be good.”

As veteran athletes at OSU, Strenov and Jones will both serve as mentors for the incoming players as they join the team’s brotherhood.

Relationships can vary on and off the field for athletes, however not for the everlasting bond of the OSU Men’s Soccer team. “We’re family and we stay true to what we talk about as being a family,” Jones said, “On the field it can get rough at times, you know, we’re all physical with each other, but off the field we’re family, we’re brothers and we’re going to take care of each other.” The players enjoy one another’s company whether they’re in the locker room, traveling to a match or at practice. “The locker room is always popping and everyone is happy to see each other both on the field and off the field. I think there’s a good competition

on the field,” said Strenov, “We have a good team where everyone participates and no one is greedy or anything.

It’s a good family.”

The team faced an unimaginable trial prior to last season: the loss of one of their brothers, John Chambers. Since his passing, the OSU Men’s Soccer team dedicated their 2016 season to the freshman defender and has kept his memory close to their hearts as motivation. “That was a really difficult situation for myself and for the rest of the team, but we use that as a something that we can all look back on and play for John,” said Jones, “We dedicated last season to him and he’s always in our hearts and will be for the rest of our careers here and careers after here.

He’s always a part of this.”

One common denominator is what holds this tight knit group together: a love for soccer. Together, this family will continue to progress and grow whether they are facing adversity or embracing success. ◊

FALL 2017 // 37

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NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING MEDIA We’re a modern media network made up of students who run a TV station, radio station, newspaper and three magazines, social media and digital strategy, marketing, and advertising.

Students are advised and mentored by industry professionals, experts, and alumni. Here are the different ways you can get involved with OMN.

DAMchic—This quarterly fashion magazine is the authority on all matters of style at Oregon State University. Check out the latest edition at OrangeMediaNetwork.com

AWARDS College Media Association Apple Awards 2017 Best Tweet First Place: The Daily Barometer

Prism—The quarterly literary arts journal features content created and submitted by student artists around the campus, including poems, paintings, sculpture, essays, and photography. Check out the latest edition on racks now, and at OrangeMediaNetwork.com

KBVR-TV—Ch.26 in Corvallis and livestream in HD at OrangeMediaNetwork.com, KBVR-TV is one of the only college TV stations with 24/7 student-made shows and programing. TV shows include live music and event coverage, game shows and talk shows.

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Best News Delivery First Place: Orange Media Network Best Newspaper Four Year Universities, Circulation More Than 10,000 First Place: The Baro Best Magazine Spread First Place: Beaver’s Digest Best Radio Promo First Place: KBVR-FM

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