Beaver's Digest VOL 5 ISSUE 1

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letter from the editor.

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verything that happens in this life has a cause and an effect. This idea is what inspired the theme of this issue to be Cause and Effect. The underlying theme really spoke to me personally because you never truly know what someone is going through. There is always a cause behind certain behaviors, feelings, decisions, etc. and these various causes have a large effect on our lives. In this issue, my team sought out to cover stories that had some connection to this theme; whether it be the reason head coach Jonathan Smith returned to OSU and his big plans to lead the Beavers to success, or the reasoning behind society’s fixation on social media and the effect this can have on body image. Let Volume 5 Issue 1 be a reminder to always pause and try to think of the cause and effect of every situation.


CONTENTS go beavs a look at the collective greek council football dos and don’ts revenge of the smith

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create fall playlist what’s the buzz on the new beats? must have essential oils vegan thanksgiving recipe

16 17 23 24

experience powered by plants highlight reel movimiento estudiantil chicanx de azctán sailing towards success in-direct messages

28 32 35 38 39



a look at the collective greek council writing by alexander vo

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raternity and Sorority Life, also referred to as Greek Life, is a well-known aspect of the college experience. The numerous fraternities and sororities at Oregon State University provide unique experiences for each and every student on campus. Greek Life works to improve the community at large and to connect students with different or similar interests in social and professional environments. Within Greek Life, there are multiple councils that organize the various fraternities and sororities. According to the Office of Student Life there are a total of five councils that make up all on-campus fraternities and sororities: the Interfraternity Council for men’s housed organization, the Panhellenic Council for women’s housed organization, OSU Unified Greek Council for both men and women’s culturally based un-housed organizations, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also referred to as the Divine Nine or Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations, and the Collective Greek Council which are Greeklettered organizations with various academic

and interest-based memberships. The smallest council that exists at OSU is the Collective Greek Council. The council holds a total of four Greek organizations: Delta Lambda Phi, Sigma Delta Omega, Chi Theta Phi, and Phi Sigma Rho. Of these, Delta Lambda Phi is the only fraternity, with the rest being sororities. These four Greek organizations make up the CGC, and each one individually has a specific focus on academics and interests. 2018 marks the first year for the CGC, according to Justin Nhat Chau, the chapter president of Delta Lambda Phi. “Because this is CGC’s first year, we’re still trying to find our identity,” Chau said. “Like Panhellenic, Non-Panhellenic, IFC, and UGC, they all have their identities and we’re still trying to find ours.” Delta Lambda Phi is an un-housed fraternity on campus with an LGBTQ+ focus. The fraternity is open to members who identify

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ΔΛΦ Φ Θ Χ ΣΔΩ ΦΣΡ as LGBTQ+, but is also open to non-LGBTQ+ members. The fraternity currently has several members within the chapter that don’t identify themselves as such. Chau took the time to talk about what it’s like to be both LGBTQ+, as well as the only fraternity within the CGC. “I don’t feel like it’s that bad. We have really good relationships with the sororities that we’re in the council with,” Chau said. “I feel like there’s no other sorority or fraternity like us though, which for the sorority side of things that might need to become a thing eventually, but on our side it’s fine that we’re unique in that aspect.” Each individual fraternity and sorority on campus has something unique about them that sets themselves apart from the others. Whether that’s the values they have, the goals they pursue or the standards that they have for their members, every Greek organization that is currently active has something that differentiates them from the others. Greek Life stands out as a unique part of the college experience, as each and every fraternity and sorority has something that makes them different from the others, whether that’s the values they hold or their ultimate goal for the chapter. For the CGC chapters however, each chapter within the council have a specific focus

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of academics when it comes to its members. Mckenzie Foster is the chapter president of Phi Sigma Rho, a sorority that is centralized on female engineers. Foster talked about her status as being president of the sorority and the balance of having that responsibility. “There definitely has been that sort of balancing, and there has been some late nights answering emails,” Foster said. “Being a part of this community of girls and doing the best I can to lead them in the direction they want to go has been fantastic. It is a lot of time, but if you feel it’s worth it, then it’s not a burden.” It is a large responsibility to be a part of Greek life. Not only do you pay dues to maintain your membership, but you also work with those around you to contribute an equal amount of effort that goes towards bettering your organization and the community. It can be a lot of hard work and it does take up a lot of your time, but the reward is seeing the fruits of your labor pay out. You make friends and create a network, do hours of community service, learn new things and get a better understanding of the collaborative effort, and you also have a good time while doing it. Aryn Lee Thomas is the chapter president of Sigma Delta Omega, which is focused on women in science. Thomas discussed being a


part of Greek Life and how it can be rewarding, despite the stereotypes that do exist. “I’m passionate about other people finding their passion, no matter where it’s at, whether it’s Greek Life or not. This campus is large enough that they can find something, but I don’t want people to be turned away from joining Greek Life because of stereotypes,” Thomas said. “It’s been the hot topic all year, and I think our campus has been doing a lot of really great things to cut back on these stereotypes. We have to meet certain criteria just to be an organization on this campus, and that includes participating in diversity inclusion workshops and being involved in the community.” While the CGC itself is only comprised of four Greek chapters, these chapters still put in the same amount of effort as any other chapter on campus. Each chapter has a charity that they contribute towards, such as Delta Lambda Phi and the Trevor’s Project which is a non-profit that focuses on preventing suicide prevention in the LGBTQ+ community, and each chapter also consistently meets with one another to plan out CGC-wide events to collaborate with one another. Even though it is currently the smallest council at OSU, it still retains the same values

and even benefits that the other councils hold and provide. Maddie Finklea is currently the chapter president of Chi Theta Phi, which is focused on women in the area of the arts. Finklea gave some insight into what it’s like being in the CGC, as well as being in a smaller sorority. “I think it’s really cool being in a smaller council,” Finklea said. “As a smaller sorority it’s easy to feel lost amongst the larger fraternities and sororities. So by us all coming together, we feel like we’re able to represent ourselves a little better in the greater Greek community.” Overall however, these four individual chapters do have a very unique trait about them that puts them individually in the spotlight. Academic and group-based focuses are an important aspect of Greek Life as the goal is ultimately to create a collective set of like-minded individuals who feel that they can co-exist with others among them that have common interests. And despite the stereotypes that exist towards the whole Greek system, the CGC maintains the fact that they will do what’s best for those around them and the community at large. ◊

The CGC posing with Benny the Beaver // Angelo Camargo of Fraternity and Sorority Life

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THE DOS & DON’TS OF BEAVER FOOTBALL

Prepare for rain.

Throw away your trash.

Cheer loud and know our fight song.

Don’t paint your face black.

Don’t be disrespectful to our opponents.

Don’t forget your I.D.



revenge of the smith writing by jarred bierbrauer

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ver twenty years ago on a football field far far away, the Oregon State Football team was holding spring practices to determine their roster for the upcoming season. Of the many who walked onto the field, a 5-foot10 man from Glendora, California stood taller than the rest.

for the rest of his collegiate career. According to the former signal-caller, Smith had a ton of pride in his years as a player.

Jonathan Smith was a redshirt freshman the year before battling with his fellow teammates Tyler Tomich and Terrance Bryant for the starting quarterback position. The coaches decided Bryant would start, which he did for the first eight games of the season, according to the 1998 football media guide.

The Beavers had a tough time winning up to that point, which made the 2000 season the pinnacle of the team’s rebuilding process, Smith added.

However, in a tense game against the University of Washington, Smith was put in after Bryant went down with an injury. The young quarterback ended up throwing for 469 yards and three touchdowns in the game, but the Beavers ended up losing by one point to the Huskies, 35-34. After his impressive debut, Smith was named the starting quarterback and kept that position

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“I made a bunch of great relationships with the guys in that locker room, it was a special time,” Smith said.

“There was a lot of hard work leading up to that. So to be a part of it was so special to me, not only the university but the community, the state itself,” Smith said. “I don’t even think we realized how special it was at the time, you get so focused on the task at hand week-in and week-out. Now being able to look back on it, it was special.” Larry Landis, the director of Collections & Archives Research been a viewer of OSU athletic since he started in 1991. Landis

the Special Center, has events ever said one of


Jonathan Smith’s official return to Oregon State University as head coach // Karl Maasdam of Beaver Athletics

his favorite Jonathan Smith moments was the 1998 Civil War game, where Smith guided the Beavers to a 44-41 double overtime win against the University of Oregon. Smith threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns in the game with no interceptions. Landis also highlighted OSU’s 2001 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl victory over the University of Notre Dame where Smith threw for 305 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and was named the offensive MVP of the game. “Smith was a really smart quarterback and understood the game. Being 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, he did not have the physical attributes of other quarterbacks, but he made up for that with his football smarts,” Landis said via email. “I remember thinking to myself that he would make a great coach, and I even pondered the possibility of him coming back to OSU someday.” Landis was not wrong. After earning his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies in 2001,

Smith was hired by then head coach Dennis Erickson to be a graduate assistant in OSU’s football program working with the offense. Smith was then hired by the University of Idaho in 2004, where he spent five years as their quarterback coach, his first time holding an official coaching position. During his final season there, the Idaho offense averaged 32.7 points and 286.7 passing yards per game. In 2010, Smith took up a job at the University of Montana to be their offensive coordinator and quarterback specialist. There, he helped the Grizzlies become a football powerhouse, assisting them to the NCAA Division I semifinals in 2011. Building on his coaching career, Smith left to be the quarterback coach for Boise State University the year after. That season, the team won the 2012 Las Vegas Bowl over the Washington Huskies. Despite the victory, Smith continued his journey

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as a coach by returning to the Pac-12 in 2014, but he went to the dark side. As the offensive coordinator, Smith spent three years with the University of Washington, each season ending in a bowl game appearance. In 2017, Smith worked closely with prospect quarterback Jake Browning on creating the highest scoring offense in the Pac-12 with 41.8 points per game.

According to Smith, the opportunity to go back to a place he had fond memories with is what brought him back to Corvallis.

Now, 20 years after his debut as a quarterback, Smith will return to Reser Stadium to make his first appearance as a head coach.

In regard to Smith’s success on and off the field, it seems that wherever he goes, winning follows.

“It feels good, it really does. Being here as a player before, I had some great memories for sure. Coming back and living in town again and seeing familiar places brings back a lot of good memories,” Smith said. “It’s been enjoyable to see some familiar faces, some new faces too, and that’s been great getting to meet people. That’s what I see Oregon State as, it’s about the great people and having a bunch of fun.” Scott Barnes, OSU vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, said they sought to hire a great head football coach. “He was on a long list of candidates. Once we interviewed him he became the standard,” Barnes said via email. “He is the right leader at the right time. His character, pedigree, level of success, leadership capacity and plan for success at OSU were all factors.”

“It’s a great conference in a great area,” Smith said. “The area, the school, the conference, the opportunity of being professional, all of that brought me back.”

In the last three seasons, the Beavers have had a 7-29 overall record with just three wins in Pac-12 play. Additionally, with star running back Ryan Nall now playing in the NFL, Smith will need to use his jedi powers once more in order for the Beavers to find success. “We’re focused on us. We’re focused on what we think and how we work,” Smith said. “Going back to last year, I look at this team and what they were doing, 1-11, they were competing for a good amount of some games. What we’re shooting to do is to compete for 60 minutes. In this league you have to bring your A-game week-in and week-out, anything can happen.”

Ultimately considered one of the greatest athletes in OSU history, Smith’s success as a coach has propelled him beyond his expectations. “I really didn’t say I wanted to be a head coach at a certain time. I was enjoying what I was doing,” Smith said. “But, I thought it was an unbelievable opportunity for me to become a head coach in a place that I love.” Barnes added that Smith was one of the top offensive coordinators in the country and that they are excited for his return. “It is rare when the stars align to where you have a legendary former player who has truly developed the attributes I’ve mentioned to come back and lead his alma mater,” Barnes said via email. Smith playing in the 2000 O’ahu Bowl // The OSU Libraries Special Collections and Archives Research Center

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Redshirt-sophomore, Hamilcar Rashed Jr., chases down a fellow teammate // Cody McDonald

According to Barnes, Smith has put together an exceptional staff, made strides in recruiting and is building a healthier culture, one of accountability and belief. “I feel really fortunate that these guys have bought into what we’re doing. I think they’re great teachers of this game and they’re positive with the kids,” Smith said. “I feel great for how we’re all on the same page. Their contributions to ideas on practice plans or how we’re working and all of this, I think we’ve got great value.” Brian Lindgren, OSU football offensive coordinator and quarterback coach, said he believes in how Smith runs things and what they’re doing as a program. “I really respect him, I’ve learned a great amount from him. All of the culture and stuff that he has brought, I really believe in it,” Lindgren said. “He’s just a great guy to work for and he’s really sharp. For him to have some input on the offense and what we’re doing is going to be great.” Additionally, the new head coach has been working closely with his players off the field as well. According to Smith, he’s been really proud about the work the team puts in the classroom. “It takes a lot to be a student-athlete, and with

football for sure. It’s a year-round sport, with all of the workouts going on and for these guys to go out and accomplish great things outside and in the classroom,” Smith said. “That’s what we really want, we want well-rounded guys who understand the importance of school and the value of getting a degree.” With a new head coach and Mike Riley being in and out of the football program, the players have had to adapt to different coaching styles during the offseason. To help with the transition, Smith said it was authentic being able to tell his story for when he was here as a quarterback. “It’s unsettling. It’s not ideal for anybody. I had three position coaches and two head coaches, but there is success that can come from that,” Smith said. “You can get some different perspective, I think the message has gotten through that it’s authentic and we’re trying to do our best to just dive into these guys.” The empire has ruled the Pac-12 Conference for too long. However, with Jonathan Smith heading the rebellion, there is a new hope. The force is with the Beavers once more and the scene is set for the greatest return in college football history: the revenge of the Smith. ◊

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fall playlist

If I Was A Folkstar // The Avalanches Freakin’ Out on the Interstate // Briston Maroney That Thing // Hazel English Light or Night // Holy Drug Next Time / Humble Pie // The Internet Song for a Friend // The Slaps Tailwhip // Men I Trust Different State of Mind // Kid Bloom Baby in Blue Jeans // L.A. Witch Soft Stud // Black Belt Eagle Scout

Playlist curated by: Martin Barker, Sienna Kaske, Max Hatala

For the full playlist, check out KBVR FM’s Spotify at https://spoti.fi/2Bj7bzo

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what’s the buzz on the new beats? writing by austin schaeffer

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ith the music industry generating upwards of 22 billion dollars in the USA alone, it’s no wonder that the public is constantly introduced to new and upcoming artists that are trying to make their way to the top of America’s playlist. With Oregon State University’s young and upcoming population glued to their smartphones, many students are being exposed to swaths of new music daily. We asked Beaver students to talk about some of the new and upcoming music they’ve been listening to. First off is Brenden Rice, better known for his artist name Gus Dapperton. From Warwick, New York, this singer and songwriter is in the alternative pop genre. Brad Simonds, a junior computer science student, said Dapperton is interesting and different from the other music that you hear out there right now. “He is uniquely different. He’s an interesting artist to listen to if you want to switch things up,” Simonds said.

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Dapperton, standing at 6’3 and wearing what some would call “the bowl cut,” is one of the most unusual artists today. He writes fluid and nostalgic singles that capture the attention of today’s youth. Songs such as “I’m Just Snacking” are the reason for his 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Although this artist has not caught any attention or popularity on a national or global scale, he is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future. Speaking of unique, there is a lot of buzz about Danielle Bradbery since her debut on NBC’s “The Voice” in 2013. Since then, Texas native Bradbery has had some success, appearing in duets with super star Hunter Hayes, going on summer tour with Brad Paisley and releasing an album in November 2013. The self-titled album had a few hits that appeared on Billboard’s Hot 100, with the successful “Heart of Dixie” peaking at number 58. Galen Chan, a junior finance student and country enthusiast, prefers 90’s and early 2000’s country. However, when asked what new and upcoming


new and upcoming artists oregon state students are listening to

artists he preferred, Bradbery was his pick. “Out of the newer country, which I’m not a huge fan of, I would say Danielle Bradbery. She’s a younger artist, and I think there’s potential there,” Chan said. Country was a popular mention among several OSU students. Shawntana Smith, a senior student studying public health and education, has been listening to Colt Ford, a newer driving force in the country rap scene. “There’s this new thing that I’ve been hearing about, and it’s country rap. Colt Ford, he’s a new one, and it’s really weird music,” Smith said. Ford, a 47-year-old Georgia native, is a big part of the upcoming country-rap scene. With over 67,000 people waiting for seats for his newest tour according to his website, it’s easy to see that Ford’s genre has a strong following with loyal fans. Ford’s No. 1 song, “Drivin’ Around,” features

country superstar Jason Aldean and has over 16 million views on YouTube. With big names at his back and a huge following, Ford has a promising future in the country rap genre. According to ABC News, the rap industry generates more than $10 billion per year, and with such a huge following, it’s no surprise that OSU students are listening in. A rapper that has recently grown in popularity is Diego Leanos, better known as Lil Xan. 21 year old Lil Xan was a breakout artist in 2017, with his number one song “Betrayed” peaking at number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100 last August. Lil Xan got his start on media platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube, and social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram. These platforms are also home to big name artists in the genre like Post Malone, Kygo and Kehlani. Artists are finding their way to the top a lot differently than they used to. There’s no need to leave the comfort of your own home when original music can go viral on the internet. In addition to Xan’s creative talent, social media

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platforms are the key to his success. Xan is bold and defiant, says OSU sophomore and business student Brandon Martin. “He is bold, his music is brave, and hits you with a meaningful message in every lyric. I think he’s next gen,” Martin said. Lil Xan was greatly inspired by controversial rapper XXXTentacion, who was killed in a shooting on June 18. Multiple mentions of Xan led to an investigation on his connection with Tentacion, and to his enormous fan base. Lil Xan was an inspired fan of “X”, and posted a video on YouTube shortly after his death to explain how broken he felt after Xan heard the tragic news of his friend’s death. X reached the hearts of many young kids with his constant effort to reach out to those who were alone, abused and neglected.

Music is an important part of campus culture, whether it be the marching band pumping up the crowd at football games, or our outstanding music majors that strive to create beautiful sound throughout campus. There is so much diversity when it comes to students and this is reflected by their unique taste in music. Music plays an essential role in their lives, and it is great to see that having different opinions and tastes can create a unique and respectful environment. That’s the buzz on the new beats, and remember...

Always Stay Humble and Kind -Tim Mcgraw

There was controversy surrounding X’s relationship, in which X was accused of domestic violence and abuse. Sophomore computer science student Brendan Murphy felt that his music was moving, and his discrepant past is shadowed by the impact of his music. “He’s been subject to a lot of hate, but when it comes down to it, he’s become an influential artist, and has interested a lot of kids across the country in music and positivity,” Murphy said. Xan and X were both huge hits on SoundCloud and social media. However, the reality show dream is still alive with the show “The Four,” a music based battle show where unique and incredible artists are judged and voted on by a panel of music industry super stars. Zhavia Ward, a female artist who appeared on the show’s first season, is the most successful artist to come out of the show thus far, even though she didn’t win. Ward would go on to appear on the soundtrack to “Deadpool 2,” and has collaborated with big name genre artists French Montana, Lil Pump and Diplo. Her big single “Candlelight” was released on July 26, and already has over 2.2 million views on YouTube. Senior political science student Robert Ellison was stunned by Ward’s music and energy following her run on the show. “Zhavia didn’t win, but she was definitely the best one on the show. Her swagger almost matched her talent for music,” Ellison said.

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FRE

SH SQUEE Z

ED

OR

A N GE JUIC

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Gus Dapperton

Danielle Bradbery

“From Warwick, New York, this singer and songwriter is in the alternative pop genre. Brad Simonds, a junior computer science student, said Dapperton is interesting and different from the other music that you hear out there right now.”

“Texas native Bradbery has had some success, appearing in duets with super star Hunter Hayes, going on summer tour with Brad Paisley, and releasing an album in November 2013.”

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Zhavia Ward

Lil Xan

“Ward is the most successful artist to come out of the show [The Four] thus far, even though she didn’t win. Ward would go on to appear on the soundtrack to “Deadpool 2,” and has collaborated with big name genre artists French Montana, Lil Pump and Diplo.”

“Lil Xan got his start on media platforms such as SoundCloud and YouTube, and social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram.”

illustrations by nathan fellows Pg. 22


must have essential oils illustrations by natalie lutz

lemon oil

lavender oil

tea tree oil

Do you often find yourself dozing off in class? Try lemon oil! Due to its citrusy, refreshing smell lemon oil is known for reducing sleepiness and providing that extra boost of energy that we all need sometimes. Do you often find yourself coming down with a cold? If so, lemon oil contains high levels of vitamin c and increases the production of white blood cells, therefore is known to efficiently boost the body’s immune system.

Do you struggle with sleep deprivation or anxiety and depression? If you do have a hard time falling asleep at night or struggle with anxiety and or depression, lavender oil may be perfect for you. This particular oil is known for aiding in falling asleep due to its calming nature. Its relaxing scent also makes it effective when being used to fight anxiety and depression.

Do you struggle with acne? Tea tree oil may be just the key to end your battle with acne. Due to its antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is known for getting rid of those pesky pimples. In addition to skin care, tea tree oil is also commonly used as a hair care product. Due to its stimulating properties and ability to increase blood flow, it can help rid of dandruff and an irritated scalp.

For more information about essential oils, check out https://www.organicfacts.net/ Pg. 23


vegan thanksgiving recipe writing by marina brazeal photography by anette gullholm

Ingredients: Spices • • • • • •

Thyme Oregano Onion Salt Cinnamon (optional) Salt Pepper

Veggies • • • •

Potatoes- Red and yellow Carrots Brussel Sprouts Broccoli

Other Goodies • • • • • •

Pumpkin seeds Cranberries Vegetable broth Olive oil Lingonberry or cranberry sauce Vegan butter

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Roasting the Veggies

Making the Potatoes

Roasted Carrots

What you’ll need:

What you’ll need: • Large package of peeled carrots • 1 tbsp olive oil • Cinnamon or brown sugar to taste • Pinch of salt • Black pepper, to taste

• • • • •

Roasted Broccoli What you’ll need: • 11/2-2 cup broccoli florets (cut large) • 1/2 tbsp olive oil • Pinch salt • Black pepper, to taste Roasted Brussels Sprouts What you’ll need: • 1 1/2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 1/2 tbsp olive oil • Pinch of salt • Black pepper, to taste What you’ll do: 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees 2. While that heats up, cut the vegetables. Brussels sprouts should be halved, and same with the carrots and broccoli pieces. 3. Use a large cooking sheet; spread the olive oil around to grease the pan. Prep the veggies in separate bowls, season to taste, and then spread on the sheet. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds and cranberries on top. 4. Once that is prepped and the oven is warm, pop that in for about 20-25 minutes. Pg. 25

Bag of mixed potatoes 1 cup vegetable broth 1 tbsp vegan butter 1/4 tsp salt A pinch of both dried thyme and oregano

What you’ll do: 1. While everything is baking you can boil your potatoes and make the gravy on the stove.


Making The Gravy What you’ll need: • 1 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil) • 2 tbsp flour • 1/4 tsp each of onion powder, thyme, and oregano • 1 cup vegetable broth

3. Cook for about a minute before slowly whisking in the veggie broth (you may need more or less depending on how you prefer the consistency). 4. Simmer for approximately 3-5 minutes until thick, adjusting the consistency with extra vegetable broth as needed.

What you’ll do: 1. In a small saucepan warm up the vegan butter over medium heat. 2. Once that is fully melted, whisk in the flour, salt, thyme, and oregano, and mix well.

Lastly, plate all of your perfectly mastered goodies, and enjoy your vegan Thanksgiving.

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powered by plants writing by megan anderson illustrations by molly von borstel

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o be, or not to be vegan: that is the real question. According to Lindsay Oberst in an article from the Food Revolution Network, there has been a 600 percent increase in people identifying as vegans in the USA in the last three years. But why are so many people switching to such a restrictive diet?

especially when going out to dinner or eating processed foods.

Being vegan means not consuming any animal byproducts at all. This includes products such as cheese, brown sugar, beer, gelatin, whey, etc. Commonly, people choose to be vegan either because they are supporting animals rights, have food sensitivities, have heard it’s a good way to lose weight or maybe a combination of all three of these factors. The most common choice to be vegan stems from the knowledge of animal cruelty within the realms of food production as a form of protest.

“Eating out was personally my biggest challenge, especially with groups of people,” Brown said. “I never wanted to be that person with the complicated vegan order, but that always ended up being me.”

Although being vegan can promote weight loss due to eating foods that are nutrientdense and have less calories, it is not the only way to live a healthy lifestyle. The reason why non-vegans generally have a higher body fat percentage is they are generally less conscious of what they are consuming. Vegans have to be very diligent of what ingredients they eat,

Olivia Brown, a senior here at Oregon State University studying graphic design, discussed the difficulties of constantly checking to make sure what she was eating was devoid of animal products.

Brown was vegan for over four years and decided to stop because it was not realistic with living in a sorority house. Today, she maintains a vegetarian diet instead. Weight loss on a vegan diet can also be attributed to the fact that it’s a plant-based diet. Therefore, those individuals will generally eat a higher consumption of vegetables and fruit. Eating more fruits and vegetables increases fiber intake, keeping you full longer and less likely to snack. Because fruits and vegetables are nutrient dense and low in calories,


it takes less consumption to fill up, therefore decreasing one’s overall caloric intake. Emily Ho, a nutrition researcher at OSU, said that a plant-based diet can provide other health benefits, such as a decreased rate of cancer and heart disease. Ho added that evidence has shown that a diet that is at least two-thirds plantbased can produce these results. While a vegan diet can promote weight loss and a healthy lifestyle, many vegan foods are heavily processed, and can be unhealthy. Dietary blog “Fact? Or Fiction? Exploring Common Beliefs About Veganism” by Melissa Girgis discusses common misconceptions of being vegan. “Some vegans may gain weight when they eat too much or just too many processed vegan products such as meat and cheese substitutes, candies, ice cream, and other junk foods,” Girgis said. The purpose of being vegan, strictly from a dietary perspective, is to fuel your body with beneficial nutrients and omit animal products. Simple, right? Well, often times it is tempting to eat the same foods but substitute them for highly processed alternatives. This diminishes the benefits of the otherwise healthy diet. Deanna Lloyd, an instructor for the College of Agricultural Sciences, warns that just because a diet doesn’t include meat doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthier. “There are plenty of vegan junk foods,” Lloyd said. “Some popular junk foods include Oreos, veggie chips, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, and more.” Alongside the common mistake of eating too much processed vegan foods is the popular myth that a vegan diet lacks the proper amount of protein. The documentary “What The Health” by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn points out

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that gorillas and rhinos, two of nature’s strongest animals, are plant-based eaters and get enough protein through their diet. Sidney Duvall, an OSU graduate, said that Andersen and Kuhn’s documentary served as inspiration for her to become vegan, as it provided evidence for the health benefits of the vegan diet. Additionally, Lloyd said Americans generally eat more than the recommended amount of protein. According to Lloyd, Americans ate almost 140 percent of the United States Department of Agriculture recommended amount of meat, eggs and nuts on average in 2015. To ensure people are getting the recommended amounts of protein per day, 46 grams for women and 56 for men, it is important to pair up incomplete foods — foods that lack the nine essential amino acids — to get a complete protein. For example, pairing up whole grain bread and a nut butter makes a complete protein. Pairing beans with rice is another great example. Kathryn Holt, a sophomore nutrition major, listed nuts, tempeh, tofu, beans, broccoli, seeds, nut butter, quinoa, lentils and edamame as a few good sources of plant-based protein. Kate Lajtha, a biogeochemistry professor, said that one of the biggest concerns for vegans is the lack of vitamin B12 in the diet. “Vegan diets, if not supplemented, can lead to deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids,” Lajtha said. “In addition, iron and zinc levels may be particularly low in vegans, as meat or animal products offer the most bioavailable forms of these nutrients.” Many vegans, such as Holt, take dietary supplements to make up for the lack of certain vitamins in their diet.


“To make sure I am consuming enough nutrients and keep my hormones stable, I take supplements, such as, B12, iron, and multivitamins, to allow my body to absorb any extra nutrients I may be lacking in my diet,” Holt said. Commonly, people choose to be vegan for reasons other than personal health. A main factor is to reduce the mistreatment of animals and the detrimental effects it has on the environment, according to Brown. “I chose to be vegan for environmental reasons. Animal agriculture is the number one leading cause of deforestation in the world, and second largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions after fossil fuels,” Brown said. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gases contribute to high temperatures on earth and can be caused by a variety of air pollutants, such as, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gas and methane. More specifically, livestock and manure produce the largest amount of methane in the world. Alongside this, deforestation continues to rise as the need for more land increases with the need to feed our growing population. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations website, global demand for food is projected to increase by 70 percent to feed a population estimated to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. With our population expected to grow exponentially, the problems our environment is facing will only continue to become a prominent issue. In fact, the environment is not the only factor in our society suffering, rather, there are many social justice issues attributed to the production of livestock as well, according to Lloyd.

of laborers in slaughterhouses, target market for cheap meat, land value depreciation, humane treatment of animals, consolidation of farms and more, many of which then tie to economic issues,” Lloyd said. Many of these issues can be generated by concentrated animal feeding operations, or farms where over 1,000 animal units are located. Raising livestock in one of these farms produces a significant amount of air, groundwater and surface pollution. In general, being vegan may not amount to a vast change in the reduction of animal production, and thus the negative impacts on our environment. However, being aware of these issues and doing anything within our control can ultimately benefit the environment and decrease social injustice, slowly but surely. “In our society, often the externalities of our lifestyles are hidden from view,” Lloyd said. “With greater understanding of how things connect, we can be more conscious consumers and begin to make, demand and dream up positive changes.” Additionally, Holt said that their quality of life has increased after having gone vegan. “Never before have I enjoyed living a life where I don’t contribute to pollution of the planet or follow society’s expectations of having to consume animals products,” Holt said. “Living a life of compassion to myself and other beings has made me a happier individual.” Choosing to be vegan can be beneficial in many different aspects, both from a personal and ecological standpoint, and making such dietary changes isn’t for everyone. However, striving to decrease animal cruelty and environmental issues should be in everyone’s best interest. ◊

“Other social justice issues to consider related to animal agriculture include health and safety

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highlight reel writing by kate brown illustrations by dan anecito

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crolling through social media can be a fun experience, but at times it can also be self-deprecating. With an overwhelming amount of what we do being shared online, it can be easy for us to begin to compare our lives to others. This act of comparison can swiftly lead to lower self-esteem. Imran Haider, an interpersonal communications professor, defines self-esteem as the “measure of self-worth or value to the world,” and body image as “our understanding of how we appear or value of how we appear, similar to selfesteem.” Haider discussed that in the end, we do have control over our self-esteem, but how society treats us and provides us with feedback does affect our measure of self-worth. Haider connects how we view our self-worth with what is known as social comparison theory. “Social comparison theory states that we establish a value on our worth in comparison to our peer groups,” Haider said. “So, while we, at the end of the day control what we are worth or how we see our body image, outside factors and people can affect how we create that measurement.”

This theory can be used to explain why we may see ourselves as lesser when we use social media, because in comparison to those people, we feel inadequate. We usually never fully know what is going on in someone’s life. The life they portray on social media could be vastly different from the life they’re living. Everyone goes through things and it’s good to keep in mind that what we’re seeing is not their full life. From “A Common Sense survey” titled “Children, Teens, Media, and Body Image”, it was found that teens on social media are worried about how they are perceived online, and girls are particularly vulnerable to this issue. The survey found that: • • •

35 percent are worried about people tagging them in unattractive photos. 27 percent feel stressed about how they look in posted photos. 22 percent felt bad about themselves if their photos were ignored.

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For those who are negatively affected by social media, here are some tips to help you avoid those negative effects, without completely deleting all of your accounts: pay attention

to who you’re following. When you see their posts, how do they make you feel? You have control over who you follow, so if they don’t make you feel good, don’t feel bad about hitting that unfriend or unfollow button.

be honest

about how you’re feeling. If things aren’t going great in life but you still want to post on social media, you don’t have to put up a front. You can still be honest without seeming like you’re doing it for attention, and maybe it will encourage others to be honest as well.

delete

those editing apps. With new technology, it’s so easy to fix your skin and flatten your stomach, but that isn’t showing the real you, and the real you is great!

get off your phone

Whether you’re alone or with others, just be aware of how much you’re picking up your phone. You don’t need to document every second of your hangout on Snapchat! Enjoy the present moment.

seek help

Sometimes, even after trying some of these tips, the weight of things can get to you. If that happens, it is perfectly OK to seek help from a professional. If you’re on campus, you can visit OSU’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) to get the support you need.

Remember that you’re not alone in the battle of self-esteem. Everyone struggles with their self-worth and how they view themselves and their body, and it’s even harder now with social media. Talk to friends you trust and make a deal to check in with each other every so often, and encourage those really having a hard time

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to seek help. In the end, social media can be a great thing, but it can also take a toll on our mental health. Work toward recognizing what your own relationship with social media is and change it to fit your life reduce the toll on your self-esteem. ◊



movimiento estudiantil chicanx de aztán writing by alex larson photography by candace song

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ith upwards of 30,000 students, Oregon State University is the largest university in the state. You can imagine that among all these students, it can be easy to feel lost and unsure of your place in school. Many students find their place within the university by joining clubs, research teams or engaging with one of the seven cultural centers on campus. For some students, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztán (MEChA) de OSU is the perfect place to get involved on campus while staying connected to their heritage. MEChA is a nationwide student organization that promotes higher education, political participation, community engagement and the embrace of culture and history. The Oregon State University chapter of MEChA, which falls under the Aztlán del Noroeste region, focuses on activism and outreach. “A lot of our focus is through activism, and we talk about a lot of what’s going around in the latino community,” said Mayranni Cervantes, the secretary of MEChA de OSU. “This year, we didn’t do as much activism as we wanted and that’s one of our goals for next year, is to do

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more and talk about what’s going on with our community, especially with this political climate.” Becoming a member of MEChA is not limited to any culture, race or identity. The purpose of the organization is to give back to the local community and promote a campus climate free of prejudice and bigotry. Cervantes is a first-year student at OSU, who will take on the position of Raza Outreach next year in addition to her secretary position. “Right now we’re brainstorming, there’s two of us, and I plan to do more of external outreach,” Cervantes said. “I will reach out to high schools and their latino population, for example Salem, Corvallis, Albany and Woodburn. I plan to do mentoring, and maybe having students come here and shadow us for a day, and reach out to our high schools, and promote higher education to the latino community.” MEChA de OSU holds multiple events per term, sometimes collaborating with other cultural centers to bring students together, Cervantes said. “The month of April was our Chicanx month,


and we did movie Mondays, each Monday was a different theme,” Cervantes said. “I know one Monday we collaborated with the Pride Center, and we showed ‘Southwest of Salem’, and for the last movie, we had Cesar Chavez’s grandson come and show a documentary that he made. A lot of the Chicanx month was different celebrations, and we collaborated a lot with the Centro de Cesar Chavez,” According to OSU’s Fall 2017 enrollment summary, only about 9 percent of students enrolled in Fall 2017 identified as Hispanic. This environment can be a huge change for students who grew up in more diverse communities. A study done by the Higher Education Research Institute at UCLA found that the most hospitable racial climates were found on campuses with high diversity. Additionally, it was found that students of color gained more social and cognitive skills from their education if the campus had a more

diverse student body. In addition to attending a university where according to OSU’s Fall 2017 enrollment summary approximately 61 percent of students identify as white in a city where 77 percent of people identify as white, the current political climate can also be a cause for concern for latinx students. Groups like MEChA can do a lot for students who may feel like they don’t belong. Knowing that there are other people going through the same experience can make all the difference. “I believe it’s important because there’s not a lot of latino students here and it can be a big culture shock,” Cervantes said. “For me, it helped me go back to my roots, because I went to a really diverse high school, and I feel like having these events really helped me still feel comfortable here, and it let me know that there’s other people like me.” ◊

Flags hung in the Memorial Union to represent OSU students’ origins

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sailing towards success writing by alex luther photography by candace song

H

ave you ever sat looking at a computer screen, painfully waiting for that paper idea to hit you? Or wondered how you would ever complete the reading assignment in time for class? What about determining how best to study for that exam that feels like its the iceberg to your Titanic? In college, these feelings are nearly impossible to avoid. Everyone sits in these situations or hundreds of similar circumstances in frustration, stress, or panic. The Academic Success Center works to help college students know that nearly all of these situations can be handled better, or can even be prevented. At Oregon State University, the ASC works to help students not only avoid the upcoming icebergs but also to detect other dangers in the water. Initially, it sometimes takes guidance to know what distractions and threats are coming your way as a student sailing towards academic success. One moment the waters seem smooth and clear, but the next they may immediately turn stormy. Learning the signs of academic storms and preparing yourself to ride the waves are crucial to completing the journey. The ASC works as a compass and guide, pointing you in the general direction of safe travel, helping you determine your bearings, and teaching you the skills to navigate the water. The ASC never wants to determine the map of travel for you, they want to help you “Learn to Learn.” In other words, they want to give you the skills to build your own map and the ability to face any obstacle along the way. With a multitude of resources, ranging from a class on study habits and time management to free drop-in consultations with fellow OSU students, the ASC has built a program that focuses on each student’s goal of academic success at no extra cost to the students.

Most students start their partnership with the ASC by meeting with an ASC Strategist. Any question on academic success and study skills is met with a friendly smile and a listening ear, no matter the state of the waters. Strategists are available to talk for as much time as any student would like to go through ideas and strategies for their topics of interest. In these meetings, students are provided with academic worksheets to aid in organization and scientifically-proven study techniques. You can find the ASC Strategists in Waldo Hall 125. With drop-in appointments, any student can speak with a strategist Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. While the strategists help outline the basics of the map, the academic coaches help determine the depth of the waters and the possible routes to take along the journey. The academic coaches offer 50-minute appointments that allow students to create strategies that are curated for their specific needs. The ability to go in-depth about academic success with a trained academic coach promotes deeper thinking and helps students uncover what they need to be successful. With many more opportunities and resources, including but not limited to a class on academic success, the ASC’s online resources, Learning Corner that provides online worksheets and videos, and Supplemental Instruction, the ASC is a great tool for any OSU student. Just as a sailor should not leave the shore without their compass, a college student should not take on the journey of college without the ASC by their side. Beyond all, success is about finding your own strategies and working to prepare yourself, something the ASC strives to help each student achieve. The journey is important, the waves will come, and the ASC will be there to guide you through it all. ◊

To learn more, visit the Academic Success Center’s website at https://success.oregonstate.edu/.

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in-direct messages writing by brooke sorenson graphic by logan hillerns

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here is no doubt that social media is more commonplace in today’s society than it has ever been before. With 328 million monthly users according to Hoot Suite, Twitter continues to be a top favorite amongst social media platforms. Snapchat is a close second with a user rate of 56 percent of people between the ages of 18 and 29. Though the prevalence of the matter has been well-established, a related argument of whether or not the use of social media has affected our communication skills continues to be debated. According to Pew Research Center’s Teens Relationship Survey, 73 percent of all teens have a smartphone and 87 percent have desktop or laptop access. “Teens” was defined as youth aged between 13 and 17 years of age. Given this data, many tend to be under the belief that there is a direct correlation between high user rate among teens and impaired communication skills. The teenage years are a very crucial time of human development, and it is thought that easy access to social media devices has a strong effect on social development in the age group. Thanks to apps like those mentioned previously and others such as FaceTime Video Call and Messenger, it is easier to quickly ask a question

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or catch up with others in a timely manner that fits into one’s schedule. Due to the lessened number of face to face conversations, the strength of today’s interpersonal communication skills are thought to be weakened. Dan Faltesek, a new media communications professor who has been teaching at Oregon State University for six years now, argues that young adult communication is different, not weaker. “Every generation experiences change,” Faltesek said. “Things are always going to be different than they were.” Faltesek said that advancements in technology and the emergence of social media over the years have not been detrimental to communication skills, but rather shaped it into something new. As shown throughout the past, there have been changes from generation to generation in the way we communicate interpersonally, including changes in slang words, sentence structure and body language. Faltesek noted that the impact of Wi-Fi must not go overlooked. Classroom Wi-Fi provides


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students with unlimited access to the internet, including social media sites. Without an instant internet connection at your fingertips, the distraction of social media in the classroom would cease to exist.

that’s kind of influencing it.” Tying this fault into social media, Robles believes the shift to more informal communication may be attributed to the short-hand often used by today’s younger generations. When platforms such as Twitter limit users to 280 characters, people are often forced to condense their words in order to cut down their character count. As such, sending information becomes an act that is quick and casual in manner.

“When I started there weren’t a lot of laptops, and when laptops came people started playing online poker,” Faltesek said. “I remember my speech used to be like ‘look, don’t play online poker. It hurts me to see you lose money.’ Then you start to see more of the social media stuff. I actually think the computer use is a little better than it was. About three years ago it really peaked out with people in large lectures just watching Netflix. I see fewer off task users and I see fewer computers.”

Though social media and technology is often blamed for the lack of communication skills in younger generations, according to Faltesek and Robles, it may not be the one to blame. Social media and technology can negatively affect its users, but ultimately it has just shaped our communication methods into something new. ◊

When asked where he sees the future of social media distractions in the classroom, Faltesek said he feels the novelty is gradually wearing away. “The first wave with Wi-Fi had people trying things out in the college classroom,” Faltesek said. “Now, I think people have the chance to try things out in high school and they realize certain things don’t work well.”

“Formal writing is not really a thing we use as often nowadays,” Robles said. “Things like letters and emails. Most of our written communication is a lot more casual like texting and instant messaging. So I would think

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Though Faltesek does not see an issue with social media when it comes to communication skills, psychology professor Rafael Robles has a different view on the subject. Robles, who recently just finished up his first year teaching at OSU and is currently working on his Ph.D, agrees with Faltesek’s opinion on whether or not social media has affected our communication skills, but only to an extent. Robles argues that today’s generation lacks the ability to communicate formally in a written manner

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WRITERS alexander vo jarred bierbrauer austin schaeffer megan anderson kate brown alex larson alex luther brooke sorenson

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