Spring 2020 Issue One

CWU’S STUDENT-RUN LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE

The Effects of Boredom on the ATHLETE’S Brain

The 1-in-10 Woman

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Juice

Alone and At Home SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE

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what’s INSIDE

O N T H E C OV E R Emily Wilkinson, the 1-in-10 woman and senior Clinical Physiology and Rehabilitation Therapy major, poses with her cat Eli in her walker, which is necessary to help stabilize her during a painful endometriosis and adenomyosis flare up.

Photo by Kyle Wilkinson Design by Krista Kok

OUR TOWN

LIFE WHILE IN QUARANTINE

1 0 Adventures From Your Car

2 2 Parental Guidance: Surviving

1 4 Legends in the ‘Burg

FOOD & DRINK 1 6 The Whole Package 1 8 When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Juice

Living at Home 2 6 Effects of a Global Pandemic on Local Art 2 8 Alone & At Home

Photo by Zahn Schultz

SPOTLIGHT 3 2 The 1-in-10 Woman

AFTER DARK

4 0 Exotic Animal Conservation:

5 2 Central Secrets: Quarantine Edition

How Accredited Zoos Protect Wildlife in Washington

MIND & BODY 4 6 The Effects of Boredom on the Athlete’s Brain 4 8 Mindfulness Meditation 5 0 Crystals 101

5 4 Looking Through the Smoke: Debunking the Stereotypical Pothead 5 8 Hooked on a Killer 6 0 Man Up.

SPRING 2020 LEADERSHIP STAFF

Madeline Wilson editor-in-chief

Emily Messall associate editor

Kiersten Kimminau features editor

Krista Kok art director

Sara Roach associate art director

Spencer Clifton assistant editor

Zahn Schultz director of photography

Kassandra Eller associate director of photography

Joanna Santana social media manager

PULSE STAFF Editorial

Photography

editor-in-chief Madeline Wilson

director of photography Zahn Schultz

associate editor Emily Messall

associate director of photography Kassandra Eller

features editor Kiersten Kimminau

photographers Jayce Kadoun Casey Rothgeb Kyle Wilkinson

assistant editor Spencer Clifton

Writers E’udrice Gildon Derek Harper Max Hughes Taylor Johnson Jayce Kadoun Tapanga Krause Nidia Torres Bryce Weedman Kyle Wilkinson

Design art director Krista Kok associate art director Sara Roach designers Kayla Craig Sam Gabriel Itzel Montoya Eric Strum William Yi

Multimedia social media manager Joanna Santana

Promotions website manager Joanna Santana

Advertising business manager Cait Dalton 509-963-1026 cait.dalton@cwu.edu

Advising faculty adviser Jennifer Green 509-963-3216 jennifer.green@cwu.edu

for more exclusive content, visit us at

PULSE magazine is a student-run lifestyle magazine, both in print and online at www.cwupulsemagazine.com. PULSE produces two issues an academic quarter. Student editors make policy and content decisions for the magazine, which serves as a public forum for student expression. PULSE serves the Central Washington University community with informative, engaging and interactive content covering campus and community life, trends and issues, and providing practical magazine and multimedia training.

How to Scan Spotify Codes: Step #1:

Step #2:

Step #3:

Press the search icon at the bottom on the screen.

Tap the search bar; then press the camera icon in the top right.

Scan the code using your camera.

You’re all set! You can stream or download our playlists now.

EDITOR’S NOTE I am currently writing to you, dedicated reader, from my little apartment in Ellensburg, Washington, wishing I was in the PULSE newsroom with my staff.

Self-quarantining is not the ideal situation for producing a magazine. I’m sure many people have doubts about how a group of student journalists can pull together a 64-page magazine without ever seeing each other in person.

There have been some challenges (especially for me, who loves human interaction) with being stuck at home while also fulfilling the expectations of production. Yet, our staff has triumphantly worked together and poured our creativity into this wonderful issue.

Not only have we been successful in creating this publication, but also in finding out that PULSE has recently won a handful of regional Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Awards.

I would like to congratulate a few of our staff members on their hard work in making such possibilities a reality.

First, I am ecstatic that our website placed as the regional winner because our Website and Social Media Manager Joanna Santana has worked tirelessly to make this site engaging and eye-catching.

We also placed as the winner in the multimedia category for our story “Trout Conservation in the Teanaway Watershed”, written by Kyle Wilkinson and photographed by our Director of Photography Zahn Schultz. Attention to detail and the thoughtfulness of everyone contributing to this story are just two of the qualities that made this piece a winner.

Now I would like to outline some of the amazing stories we have for you within this issue.

If you’re tired of your parents asking you to take a walk with them every hour of the day, check out the “Adventures From Your Car” photo spread on page 10 for some ideas on how to get outside in your car while staying safe.

Also, before you head out on your adventure, be sure to watch the PULSE car care YouTube video to ensure that your vehicle is in the best shape upon embarking.

Many college students are aware that the use of marijuana carries a very different stigma than consuming alcohol. But where did this association begin? Turn to page 54 to find out.

With the release of the newfound Netflix favorite documentary, Tiger King, a wave of curiosity and excitement has swept CWU students. However, there are many hidden issues related to exotic animal ownership woven within the show. To learn more about animals in captivity and the impact of safe zoo practices, flip to page 40.

As you flip through this issue you may notice a few scan icons added to the stories. These are codes for Spotify playlists curated by our staff. Check out the previous page for a how-to guide on listening to our top picks.

If you are looking for more exclusive content from the PULSE staff, subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on new video releases. Also, follow us on social media to hear about online features and to learn more about our staff.

PULSE GOES. . .

STA YS

Reporter Jayce Kadoun is pictured catching a Largemouth Bass in Lewiston, Idaho.

That Bass does not look six feet away ‌ this isn’t proper social distancing, Jayce.

Director of Photography Zahn Schultz is pictured pretending to be a grill master.

Shortly after this photo was taken of Features Editor Kiersten Kimminau, she fell off the couch and displayed a face of pure terror. Her dog Mr. Jonathan Wayne remained calm during the crisis.

Assistant Editor Spencer Clifton flips through past PULSE’s and realizes what they were missing was him and his marijuana stories. Check him out!

Nothing sounds better than roadkill to Reporter Kyle Wilkinson who is pictured picking up meat for a late night snack.

Yummy!

Let’s get cozy! Kassandra Eller, associate director of Photography, is cuddling up for a long night of homework and quarantine boredom.

AT HOME

OUR TOWN

Adventures

From your car

Contributions by Kiersten Kimminau & Madeline Wilson Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Itzel Montoya

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It’s a Saturday afternoon and you are bored out of your mind. You’ve already finished all of your homework for the week and are ready for some fun. But while limiting your contact with others, this can be difficult to achieve.

Suddenly you realize that you could spend the afternoon driving up to Lion Rock Lookout with your roommate while jamming out to some of DaBaby’s top hits. It’s time for you to start your next adventure from your car — have fun!

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OUR TOWN

Escape the barren valley for a while and go to a field. Breath in that freshh air, but maybe stay out of the wind if you want to stay warm.

Check out PULSE’s YouTube channel for information on all of your car care needs!

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Scan for an awesome Spotify playlist curated by our staff:

One of the most accessible but challenging hikes in the area is Manastash Ridge. While others walk the steep incline, take the shortcut and drive the winding dirt path to the top of the ridge.

RISK MANAGEMENT MINOR / ONLINE CERTIFICATE Students will gain practical skills to avoid, reduce, and manage risk, and to develop and implement a balanced hazard risk financing strategy using retention, transfer, and hybrid strategies.

Combine this minor with your major and gain an advantage in the job market!

For more information, contact: Dr. Sathy Rajendran, PhD, CSP, ARM, CRIS, SHM Program Director at rajendrans@cwu.edu or 509-963-1152

Sponsored by the Risk Management Minor program using funds from the Institutes Griffith Foundation.

CWU is an AA/EEO/Title IX institution.

For accommodations, e-mail :DS@cwu.edu.

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OUR TOWN

by

by W

y Stor

ill Yi

Legends in the ‘Burg

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Bigfoot, a ghost and a hole that never ends. What do these three things have in common? They are all urban legends local to Kittitas County.

You probably have heard of an urban legend at one point or another in your lifetime. Maybe it was sitting around a campfire while your friends told scary stories, or just maybe you’ve witnessed one of these so-called ‘urban legends’ yourself. Either way there is no doubt that these stories captivate audiences.

Ellensburg has a few legends at its roots, some of which are native to one of the main focal points of the community — Central Washington University (CWU).

Lola in Kamola One of these legends is ‘Lola in Kamola’, a ghost that has been said to haunt the students that live in the residence hall, Kamola.

The Daily Record explains that Kamola Hall was built in October of 1911 and originally functioned as a women’s hall. As one of the oldest buildings still standing on CWU’s campus, you might think that there is a lot of history, and maybe a couple of stories aligned with this all-brick dorm. You would be right.

Lola was a student in the 1940s, according to the article from the Crimson & Black, CWU’s official alumni magazine, “Ask Wellington: Is Kamola Hall Haunted?” The article states that Lola’s fiancé at the time was drafted to the war and was killed; filled with remorse, Lola put on her wedding dress and hung herself from the attic ceiling.

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Students have since told stories of odd experiences in the dorm. “Late at night while walking to the bathroom I felt like there was something behind me,” says Ambree Hollenberry, senior Psychology major and former resident of Kamola. “Sometimes I would see shadows disappearing into walls, especially into the lounge near the stairwell on the second floor.”

There have been many stories told of Lola and as the Crimson & Black also points out, someone went so far as to say that Lola is responsible for four deaths in Kamola Hall.

Some have even seen these paranormal activities with their own eyes. “The doors in Kamola were thick and heavy, and I would see them open and close on their own,” says Jadin Pearson, a CWU alumnus, former Kamola resident and current lieutenant in the United State Army.

Bigfoot Next up on this trip through legends in the ‘Burg is Bigfoot. Believe it or not, Bigfoot has apparently been seen around the city limits.

You’ve likely heard of the tall, hairy beast that lurks in the forest, fields or hills. “I’m not saying Bigfoot is real, but when I was up in the hills, I saw something that didn’t look human,” Taylor Stowell, CWU alumna and firefighter for the Department of Natural Resources, says. “It was so tall and it looked ape-like.”

You might believe in Bigfoot, but a TEDTalk in February 2006 by Michael Shermer, aimed to uncover why people believe in things that others believe they shouldn’t.

Shermer tells the audience in his presentation, “Before we say something is out of this world, we should first make sure that it isn’t in this world.”

He also explains how science surrounding Bigfoot uses a lot of words that sound very intelligent, but they are really fillers until people can actually figure out what something (in this case, Bigfoot) is and explain it.

Karisa Terry, senior lecturer of Anthropology, explains that people are still trying to find information about sasquatch (another name for bigfoot), even going as far as attempting to collect hair samples. Legends such as this that have existed over many decades can still grace new followers as people discover what they believe is evidence.

Mel’s Hole So what’s next? A hole in the middle of Ellensburg that has no end. Mel’s Hole is said to be 80 thousand feet deep with paranormal powers, according to an article from The Daily Record.

Mel’s Hole was made famous because of an interview with an Ellensburg resident named Mel Waters claiming to have seen the hole back in 1960, according to the same article.

Many have searched for the hole and struck out.

KOMO 4 News even set out to find the hole back in 2002 and was unsuccessful. Even if the hole hasn’t exactly been seen recently, it remains one of the tall-tales of the town.

Local brewing company Iron Horse Brewery has even gone so far as to incorporate Mel’s Hole into one of their products. “We wanted to highlight different aspects of the valley into our brand,” says Dane Williams, chief risk officer at Iron Horse Brewery.

These legends have become so elusive that they are even being incorporated into local products.

If you find yourself believing in Lola in Kamola, Bigfoot or even Mel’s Hole, chances are you are not alone.

Additional reporting by Matt Escamilla.

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FOOD & DRINK

the whole

PackAGE Story by Derek Harper | Photos by Zahn Schultz | Design by Krista Kok

You’ve heard of the ‘Freshman 15’, but what about the ‘Quarantine 15’?

Weight gain is inevitable without the proper diet and exercise.

If you want to avoid this plague, consider switching to a whole foods diet now. Your body will thank you later.

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Making the Switch

When you think about switching up what you eat, don’t let the word ‘diet’ confuse you.

Dana Robertson, junior Nutrition major at Oregon State University, makes the point that it shouldn’t be considered a diet, but rather a lifestyle choice.

Switching to this lifestyle means choosing “foods that are as close to their natural form as possible,” according to WebMD. Annika Vahk, a Nutrition and Exercise Physiology Doctorate Program Professor at Washington State University also mentions that a whole foods diet should be viewed as a lifestyle choice or goal and not a fad or temporary fix.

Robertson recommends making a moderate transition to a whole foods diet rather than taking the leap all at once. Making this slight transition can help lead to better habits down the road.

Ethan Bergman, chair of the Department of Health Sciences and professor of Food Science and Nutrition thinks it’s best to switch to a whole foods diet in moderation.

Increasing fruits and vegetables is beneficial for most everyone, but if you start all at once, it’s not sustainable. He recommends making one change for three weeks at a time before making a second change in diet.

Some look to canned goods as a starting point, but one note to watch for aside from ingredients is iron deficiency. Robertson says, “Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency in the world and is especially common in women,” which makes it important to notice when starting this type of lifestyle change.

In eating healthier and switching to a whole foods diet, it’s best to use small steps.

Robertson further advises cutting out processed foods because that’s where a lot of saturated fats and sugars come from.

One easy way to know how much something might be processed is by simply looking at the ingredient list. When it comes to limiting these foods, going with less ingredients is almost always better.

Another point you might not think of is lowering your sodium intake. One sneaky place you’ll find sodium and added sugars is canned goods, says Robertson. Make sure to be careful when you go to grab those types of products.

Bergman explains how fruits and vegetables are important because they’re nutrient-dense foods with few calories. “Emphasizing more veggies and fruits, while [also] emphasizing moderation with meat can be positive for reducing chronic disease risk.”

Focusing on meat, Robertson says you should try to avoid processed meats at all costs, especially those with nitrates. Cutting down on meat, particularly red meat, is a common concept that a lot of people might struggle with because they don’t realize they can get that protein from other sources.

Bergman recommends adding more veggies while going one small step at a time at the beginning. “For example, instead of having a snack mid-morning of a cinnamon roll, substitute baby carrots and maybe a ranch dip.”

Vahk adds, “Start with simple swaps for snacks then work your way into meals. Swap processed snacks for minimally processed or whole foods.” This would include fruits, vegetables and nuts.

If you take away even just a little information from this, there are two key steps you might want to follow if you’re interested in switching to a whole foods diet.

Try to make the leap by beginning with small snacks, including fruits and vegetables, and then slowly start cutting out processed foods. Your post-quarantine body will thank you later.

Your New Diet

When selecting the foods that you eat, Robertson suggests varying your fruits and vegetables while limiting red meat consumption.

She also mentions if you drop red meat entirely, you need to make sure you’re getting that iron in other things such as fortified cereals, tofu and dark leafy greens.

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FOOD & DRINK

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU lemons,

Contributions by Madeline Wilson | Photos by Zahn Schultz | Design by Krista Kok

STEP 1 Choosing the Perfect (or Close Enough) Fruit

When deciding what fruits you want to juice, start by considering whether you want the juice to actually taste delish or like it’s something that’s marketed as healthy but actually tastes nasty.

Since you’ll be using mostly fruits, it’s pretty easy to do both if you pick a good mixture.

For this specific blend we will be using mouth-puckering lemons, spicy ginger, healthy (but yummy) carrots as well as sweet pears and apples. These fruits ‘pear’ nicely and will be the perfect sweetness for a morning sip.

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STEP 2 Chop it Up

This step is pretty straightforward. You will want to chop up all of your ingredients as if this is a game of Fruit Ninja (throwback to middle school).

STEP 3 Juice Like There’s No Tomorrow (It’s a Pandemic, You Can’t Be Too Sure)

Now it’s time for the fun part of this recipe, if you can even call it that. Throw all of your chopped ingredients into your juicer and watch the magic happen. Some like it chunky while others like it ultra smooth. Did you forget we were talking about juice?

It’s up to you how thick you want the juice but make sure not to add any water; this can dilute the taste and you shouldn’t be trying to make the store bought kind — it won’t work with this recipe.

STEP 4 Chug Your Juice

Don’t actually chug it because you need time to savor all of the hard work you’ve just put into making only one of the eight or nine drinks you will have today. But wasn’t that fun?

Check out PULSE’s YouTube channel for more juicy content!

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FASHION

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Life While in

Quarantine Whether you are a struggling art student, a theatre major losing out on a performance or an Ellensburg resident drivinng past the ominous streets on a daily basis, everyone is experiencing quarantine in different ways.

Despite these differences, everyone is united by the shared experiencine of the global pandemic. Take a look at the following stories and learn how students and community members just like you are surviving this uncertain tine.

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LIFE WHILE IN QUARANTINE

Parental Guidance: Surviving Living at Home Story by Max Hughes | Design By Will Yi

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Zzzzzzz. SLAM! Your eyes widen and you bounce up from a calm slumber to find your mom standing at your door. She begins to run through the list of chores you have for the day. Quickly, you reach for your phone to find that it is 8:00 a.m. on a Saturday.

For some, this is what it is like coming home from college to live with your parents again. When Gov. Inslee issued the stay-at-home order, students quickly returned to their respective homes without a second thought.

But, what exactly does this return mean for college students trying to finish their spring quarter?

Back at Home Being back home “is not the way it should be,” says Marcus Wolf, freshman Theatre Performance major, who was excited to work on an upcoming theatre production and start his new job as a student ambassador on campus; both of which are now canceled or put on hold due to the stay at home order.

Michelle Wolf, Marcus’ mother and former dental hygiene educator for 11 years, agrees that while it was a loss to see her children leave home, it also didn’t feel right to have them back.

She acknowledges that by being away from campus, they are missing out on relationshipbuilding opportunities.

While it may be hard to completely prepare for a state-wide shutdown, some parents were able to help their students adjust to the change.

“I was very proactive with all three of my kids and talked with them, worked with them and I saw this coming … Their [heads are] spinning, and my head is spinning too,” says Michelle as she talks about bringing her kids back home from college.

A quick move back home is rarely prepared for by students, although when parents are ready, it can speed up the process.

For some, the move from home to college is a moment of freedom and self-exploration; a moment now stunted by the requirement to return home.

For Marcus, he explains that things at home have gone back to the way they used to be, as much as things can be with the current situation in mind.

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On-Task Online

Though not all students are fueling the pushback, many students across the nation are now finding out what pursuing a degree online feels like.

Sophomore Film Production major Tom Sanders, says, “I’m probably doing five to six hours a day of just reading, watching lectures and taking notes,” which he says is a lot more time than he would spend on those activities if he were taking in-person classes.

A class worth one credit is supposed to have a total of three hours of work outside of class time, according to CWU Resources and Reports. But without designated in-person classes, it can feel like that outside work has increased.

Sanders feels that if he was able to be physically present in his classes, it would be easier to learn some of the material. Being in class allows for better opportunities to ask questions and interact with professors, peers and course content.

At home, Sanders says things can be “noisy and chaotic,” due to his brothers. Being in a classroom would give him a better opportunity to focus.

Marcus says the transition to working online was the hardest part of adjusting after returning home. The ability to manage time is something all students are learning in the shift.

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Michelle says that the change has forced her son to become more organized; something that was difficult at first.

In the beginning, “It’s such a shock to their system that I think all the kids, and all of us as a whole, being in lockdown, are less productive,” says Michelle.

This productivity decrease is likely caused by the complete shift from face-to-face to monitor-to-monitor.

After teaching for 11 years, Michelle believes that engagement is easier when an instructor is right in front of you. Instruction given in-person is what many students have come to understand.

For some students, the reason they go to physical classes is because it enables them to learn better. Marcus shares this sentiment because he identifies as a “visual and kinesthetic learner.”

An article by Houghton College defines the kinesthetic learning style as one that “requires that you manipulate or touch material to learn.”

While learning visually is still possible, self-motivation is a bigger part of learning.

Staying motivated in various ways is important while managing stress, schoolwork, employment and spending time with family.

Staying Connected While the world is shut down, it is important to stay connected with not only family, but also friends.

According to Beyond Blue, an Australian organization for mental health awareness, “Being connected to others is important for our mental and physical wellbeing and can be a protective factor against anxiety and depression.”

Using programs like Discord, Microsoft Teams and Zoom are only a few of the ways people have found to get out of their homes and visit others virtually.

Discord is one program Sanders uses to stay connected and stream Jackbox games with his friends. This is his way of getting together with friends virtually.

Though, not everyone has friends or family to talk to. A resource for those that are looking

for someone during this time is the Disaster and Distress Helpline, which can be called at 1-800985-5990, or be texted ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation recommends several different ways to stay connected during this isolation period, including scheduling a virtual dinner date, having a distance movie night, trying a new skill with others and even playing some games.

Whether you are spending quarantine alone or are stuck at home with family, there are many ways you can adapt your living and learning to fit your personal needs. Make sure to check-in and determine what you need from those around you in order to prosper during uncertain times.

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Effects of a

GLOBAL

PANDEMIC on Local Art Story by Tapanga Krause Photos by Zahn Schultz Design by Kayla Craig

Creating art is about experimentation, community and a little bit of failure. According to Gallery One Visual Arts Center Director, Monica Miller, this is exactly what the pandemic feels like after the closure of her well-known gallery in Ellensburg.

Due to the recent outbreak, people in the art world are being forced to adjust by finding new ways to stay creative while sheltering-in-place.

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The Online Transition When Katelyn Stewart, senior Recreation, Tourism and Events and Dance double major and dance instructor at FootLites dance studio in Selah, Washington heard that classes were being moved online, she explains that she felt devastated. “This is my last quarter in my dance classes with people I consider to be my second family.”

“I’ve always felt like the fullest version of myself in rehearsals at the dance studio, but just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t still grow and support each other in our craft,” she adds.

Each community of artists has found new ways to come together and support their passions. Stewart explains that she has been constantly inspired by the creativity, positivity and support coming from the dance department.

They have been coming up with many new ideas that allow their students to share their work and stay connected during this time, according to Stewart.

Kayla Craig, fifth year Graphic Design major and graphic designer for PULSE, adds that the art department professors have also been very accommodating to the students by providing supplies and alternate forms of running class.

Despite not attending inperson classes, many artists have been adapting to online work and teaching methods.

Craig says that initially she was very taken aback by the idea of taking her classes online, especially the art-related ones.

She explains the first thought she had was, “How am I supposed to [do] stuff without a studio?”

Stewart faced similar diffi-

culties with transitioning the dance classes she teaches to the Zoom platform but explains that many of her students have reacted well. “Seeing the kids and their ability to stay positive and continue to work on their dances from wherever they are keeps me going,” she says.

But it isn’t just students that have to find ways to cope with doing things online; galleries and museums also have to find a way to work around the closures.

Miller says, “We really miss seeing our community in person but we are trying to use this time as an opportunity to connect to each other virtually.” While having access to an art gallery online just isn’t the same as going to one in person, it might be one of the best ways to stay connected with the Ellensburg art community right now.

The Impact of Art During a Pandemic During isolation, people need outlets of creativity almost more than before, in order to release their emotions about the unknown.

Craig explains that art allows you to express your ideas in a visual and striking way.

“The arts are more critical and essential than ever,” adds Miller. Art can give people the outlet to express themselves in many ways, whether it’s through a poem, music, a painting or a dance routine, there are many mediums to choose from.

“Art means everything to me,” Stewart says.

“I can’t think of a single day in my life when I haven’t [sung] or danced. I feel lost without it … art is my safe place.”

There are a lot of negative feelings surrounding this pandemic, but there are also many positive

takeaways that people can gain from it as well.

“This pandemic has demonstrated the awesome love we can have in our community when we come together and make the effort to understand others,” Stewart explains. “I’ve seen so much love for high school seniors, healthcare workers, the sick, single parents, college students, small businesses and many other demographics that have been affected more than others.”

This dedication to supporting others during a critical time shows just how much artists have all come together as a community.

“If we can continue to make an effort to understand and have empathy for those around us . . . we can do so many great things,” Stewart says.

Remember that you are not alone in this; there are so many others out there that are going through the same thing and understand how you are feeling. Your feelings are valid and you deserve to express them in any way that you choose because, according to Stewart, “Art is what makes us human.”

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Contributions by Kyle Wilkinson & Madeline Wilson Photos by Casey Rothgeb & Zahn Schultz Design by Sara Roach

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Take a look at what it’s like on the streets of Ellensburg amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The walkways of Central are bare and the usual buzz of college students is gone.

Closed signs hang from empty buildings and only a few people walk by.

Central’s dining halls are hungry for community and student customers during the shutdown. Business is not as usual while Washington state Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order is in place.

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SPOTLIGHT

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The 1-in-10 Woman Story by Madeline Wilson | Photos by Kyle Wilkinson Design & Illustration by Krista Kok

Can you imagine attending class during a 20-degree, snowy day, while you try to avoid the hazardous ice? Yes? Well, this is pretty common for any given Central student.

Now, imagine being tasked with using a walker to navigate a snowpacked, icy campus while trying to make it through the large crowds of students all hurrying to their next class. Does this sound a bit harder? If not, here’s one more scenario.

You’ve managed to make it through the snow with your walker, and now you have to painfully stand in your Physiology class for two hours, clutching your walker while working on cadaver bodies so you can pass your class like any other student.

All three of these scenarios are a reality for senior Clinical Physiology and Rehabilitation Therapy major Emily Wilkinson, who was recently diagnosed with endometriosis and adenomyosis after fighting extreme pain for years.

The Road to a Diagnosis This crippling pain has followed Emily for most of her life. She explains, “It took 12 years for me to find a doctor who validated my pain enough … I was 21 years old.”

Emily adds that she had been experiencing pain from a young age, much earlier than most girls, starting with her period at the age of 10.

Yet, many of her symptoms such as extremely painful periods went undiagnosed because, “Doctors do not like to do pelvic exams on little girls, or put little girls on hormone therapy, so I was told to wait and see if this was something she would grow out of,” says Emily’s mother and occasional caretaker, Heidi Lewis.

However, Emily did not grow out of her pain.

Years went by, and the agony only intensified as the false diagnoses continued to flow.

“I remember thinking what she was experiencing every month seemed more like child labor; it was quite intense,” explains Lewis. “We took her to the ER once around the age of 16 because her pain was so severe and we were told she may have had an ovarian cyst.”

After many more doctors visits and false diag-

noses, she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis and later adenomyosis.

According to Elena Wagner, gynecologist with special fellowship training on minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Washington, “Endometriosis is when that tissue that normally is supposed to be growing on the lining of the uterus is growing outside of the uterus.”

She adds that it can grow in many different parts of the body including the uterus, the ovaries, the peritoneum, “which is the lining of the abdominal cavity” and many other locations, even the nose.

Adenomyosis has similar effects and is common in about 20% of women who have endometriosis, according to Wagner. “Adenomyosis has a lot of overlap with endometriosis. Instead of the endometrium, or the lining of the uterus, growing outside of the uterine cavity, it is essentially growing into the muscular walls of the uterus.”

This diagnosis and revelation was life changing for Emily. She explains, “I had been desperately searching for over a decade for a reason for my pain.”

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SPOTLIGHT

When she finally received her diagnosis, “It wasn’t a surprise to me at all. To finally have an explanation for my pain was a sigh of relief,” she adds.

Emily is among many other women who have waited for this type of diagnosis and recognition of their pain. According to Wagner, “Anywhere from 10% of women are probably going to have evidence to endometriosis at some point in their life.”

This is part of the reason Emily has coined the term the ‘1-in-10 Woman’ on her Instagram blog to represent her advocacy for herself and others with endometriosis.

Why Don’t You Believe Me? But why did it take doctors so long to give Emily an accurate diagnosis after years of suffering?

Historically, “women in pain were looked down on and told that they were just experiencing a heavy period that month,” explains Emily.

Even today there are instances where gender inequalities and lack of information may be present in the medical field. “I actually just had a doctor appointed [recently] to update my shots where I had to explain to the primary doctor what endometriosis was,” says Emily.

From Emily’s experience with endometriosis, 34

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there are many reasons why doctors are unable to diagnose it. “People aren’t interested in it. There’s no cure and not enough information,” she explains. “Women in pain are not believed.”

The reality of being ignored by doctors, both male and female, has altered the way Emily treats her conditions. “The medical trauma that has happened to me, as a result of spending 12 years begging doctors to help me and literally being ignored, has caused me to be scared of being alone with male or even female doctors,” she says.

One of these instances happened during her sophomore year of college. “The male doctor refused to give me a pelvic exam and told me to, ‘take some Midol and use a heating pad’,” Emily explains. “I passed out on the bathroom floor that night, woke up and drug myself to class and practice the next day.”

Though, not all doctors are trained in the same manner as gynecologists, such as Wagner, in diagnosing this disease and recognizing people’s pain. It may seem like waiting over 10 years for a diagnosis is a long time to be suffering in pain, but it is not uncommon.

“A lot of times there’s a long delay between the time when people start reporting their symptoms and when they finally have a diagnosis or a treatment,” explains Wagner. “The hallmark of endometriosis is painful periods or menstrual cycles. There’s no way for me to tell how much pain you are in except for you telling me,” which is what she recognizes to help her patients.

She adds that a lot of diagnoses take time because many women are told that their symptoms are just a regular level of period pain and causes them to refrain from going to the doctor.

For Emily, this experience with disbelief in her symptoms by other doctors and all of the hospital visits are balanced on top of remaining a full-time student at Central.

“Emily and [her husband] have a lot more on their plates than dealing with this disease. They take their homework to the ER and study in between contractions,” explains Lewis.

“She will spend half the night in the ER and then have to wake up and take a test the next day.

It’s just a lot to handle … I couldn’t have done what she has done. I don’t think most people could have,” adds Lewis.

Losing Her Sport In addition to keeping up with school full-time, Emily used to be a two-sport student-athlete, on

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SPOTLIGHT

both the Track & Field and Cross Country teams for Central.

“When she let me know this past fall that there were other health complications really beginning to dominate her life, it was heartbreaking,” explains Head Coach for the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field Teams, Kevin Adkisson.

However, Adkisson was very familiar with Emily’s diagnosis due to his own experiences.

He says, “My wife went through many years of painful, frustrating health issues before getting her diagnosis of endometriosis and subsequent treatment.”

“To have a fairly good understanding of what she was experiencing made the situation all the more real, and certainly helped me to give her as much understanding and support as possible as she moved through the process of getting into treatment,” Adkisson adds.

She not only forcibly lost her ability to physically run at a competitive level, but her mental passion for her sport. “I watched her go into a minor depression because of her inability to run and workout like she used to. Running was her therapy, her outlet,” explains Kyle Wilkinson, Emily’s husband, senior Digital Journalism major and PULSE reporter.

However, running is not something that she will have to give up forever. “The nice thing about running is that it can be something to do for a lifetime,” says Adkisson. “She loves running, and being able to put it aside for a while with the knowledge that it would be there for her down the road was a real comfort.”

And she has done exactly that. According to Kyle, she has begun running as much as her body allows on a regular basis, though difficult as she still regularly relies on a cane and walker for support.

Understanding the Pain Now that you know a bit of backstory about Emily’s road to present day, it’s time to unpack exactly how painful her conditions are, many of which are the cause for her use of a walker.

Unless one has felt this type of pain for themselves, it can be difficult to describe and fully understand.

Emily expresses, “The pain is so high it crushes me; it’s an out-of-body experience. I shattered my shoulder in a boating accident a couple years ago and the pain didn’t even come close to what I 36

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feel during an endo attack.”

Emily further explains that another one of the more common symptoms she experiences is false labor on a weekly basis.

“Endometriosis and adenomyosis cause false labor. Imagine going through labor without medical help and medication,” she says. “Adenomyosis causes the exact same graded contractions as someone in labor.”

However, one of the hardest times for her, both physically and mentally, was during the beginning of this year — her senior year of college.

She explains that during this time she was able to see a new doctor who wanted to do laparoscopic surgery, which both she and Kyle agreed was the right decision. “The gold standard diagnosis is through laparoscopy, looking at the abdominal cavity,” says Wagner.

Prior to surgery, she expressed how nervous she was, fearing results wouldn’t yield the answers she desired due to her long, frustrating history with wrong diagnoses.

But after the surgery she says, “We learned that the disease endometriosis was found on my nerves, ureter and ligaments [and] my fallopian tubes had completely collapsed.” The diagnosis was serious, but she now had more answers than before.

After this instance, her pain continued to progress. Emily explains, “My symptoms were so bad that I couldn’t walk across campus to class and was going to school on narcotics and nerve blockers everyday. I would go [to] the hospital and study for exams on a morphine drip.”

Marital Changes In addition to Emily’s personal struggles with her painful conditions, those who have had to watch her suffer through this pain have experienced their own range of difficulties.

“We’ve spent a lot of time in the emergency room and in hospitals. We’ve both missed school and work because of it,” says Kyle. “There were some days that I would have to call out from work 15 minutes before my shift because we had to go to the ER.” “I sometimes feel that I cannot go out and do things because I feel responsible for her,” says Kyle. “It’s not that I’m trying to get away from her. I just feel that if I go do something for a day, something bad could happen and I would not be there for her.”

This fear of abandoning his wife during a time

Emily’s Endo by the Numbers In the past six months:

23

doctors appointments

11

2

pelvic surgeries

hospitalizations

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SPOTLIGHT

of need is what has altered some aspects of how Kyle lives his life. “I feel powerless,” he says. “I feel that I have a responsibility to take care of Emily.

She is my wife, life partner and best friend.”

Not only has Kyle been there for Emily since they began dating at 17, he was also right by her side when they found out she was infertile two months into their marriage, according to Emily.

She explains, “Knowing that I didn’t get a choice was really tough for me. I want a family because I know how much my husband wants to be a dad. That’s all Kyle talks about and I know it’s been harder on him than he lets on.”

But Kyle says that this has not affected his outlook on their relationship. He explains, “After being diagnosed with endometriosis and after her first surgery, we adopted our first child, Eli. Emily was able to qualify for a Service Animal certification and we were able to adopt a cat from the local animal shelter.”

He adds, “I think that Eli has been a necessary addition to our family. He filled that void in the family where there was just something missing.”

Kyle and Emily have remained strong for each other throughout the whole process and continue to work together as a team.

Looking to the Future Endometriosis is not completely curable but there are many options for women like Emily, with this illness.

“There are some people who never need surgery. There are some who go in to have surgery and are on birth control and are good for 10 to 15 years,” explains Wagner. “Then there are some people who need to come in every couple years for a ‘tune-up’. Then there are some people who have one surgery and are done forever.”

However, there is also a ticking clock on endometriosis being present for many women later in life. “Generally speaking, once people get through menopause and are in a much lower hormone state, it doesn’t seem to be a problem any longer,” says Wagner.

Although Emily is one of the women who experiences extreme pain and has to visit the hospital frequently, her and her family have learned a lot about themselves and their strength.

“I am incredibly proud of Emily’s academic performance since she was diagnosed with endometriosis. She is actually amazing,” says Lewis.

Her persistence in spite of pain has continued throughout all of her struggles, both medical and 38

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personal. Jera Parker, friend of Emily, explains, “Using the words ‘she’s a fighter’ is so cliché, so I prefer the words ‘determined, driven and fearless’,” to describe her.

Allowing herself to invest in new hobbies is another way Emily is surviving, according to Kyle.

“Emily has recently taken up gardening. I think this helps to take her mind off of things. I think this is also a light at the end of a tunnel.”

He adds, “I see it as a restart for her. She has been able to bury the last few months of her illness and surgeries with the seeds of her plants.

Now she’s able to see those seeds sprout into new opportunities and start into a beautiful life. I think the plants reflect her ability to grow from [the] deepest and darkest of places into a wonderful thing.”

For those who are struggling to have their symptoms recognized, Emily has some closing advice. “Don’t give up on getting the medical treatment that you deserve. You’re not crazy, it’s not in your head. It’s not your fault.”

To anyone currently suffering, she finalizes, “It’s not your fault that you feel this way and are going through what you’re going through. Everyone deserves to have their story shared and to be taken care of. Your pain and sickness does not change your worth as a person and you deserve all the love and validation in the world.”

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CARING & CONFIDENTIAL SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE

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SPOTLIGHT

T U A CDA E G A C

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Exotic Animal Conservation:

How Accredited Zoos Protect Wildlife in Washington Story by Kyle Wilkinson | Design & Illustration by Krista Kok You may have seen episodes of Tiger King, a recently-released, limited series on Netflix. In this flamboyant cast of characters, a murder-forhire plot and general destruction of limb and property, the namesake for the show is quite overlooked.

The importance and safety of the tigers and other large animals held in captivity fall out of the storyline as you follow the seven episodes from the edge of your couch cushions.

There are less than 4,000 wild tigers worldwide, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Compare that to the more than 5,000 tigers held in captivity in the United States alone. Less than six percent of those tigers reside in accredited zoological institutions.

Without an accreditation through national and international organizations, some of these institutions may be operating without the conservation of tigers — among other exotic animals — in mind.

Captivity Without Accreditation At some zoological institutions, tiger cub petting and breeding is common practice, according to Lisa Wathne, a senior strategist for captive wildlife with the United States Humane Society. The issue with this is that tigers are being bred simply for generating more cubs to be used for social interaction with visitors.

Wathne points out that there is often a lack of oversight to maintain healthy genetic diversity when this happens. Once these tiger cubs grow too large for petting, they may be traded or sold to other institutions to continue the breeding process.

This is not beneficial to the conservation of big cats, according to Wathne. “A lot of people go to facilities and take part in the cub petting, believing that they are helping conservation and it just simply isn’t the case,” she says. “That’s really a ruse that these exhibitors put out there to people 42

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because they want to play on their sympathies.”

This type of interaction can be dangerous for animals and people, adds Wathne. Exotic animals require special care that some institutions may not be able to provide. Security measures also pose a concern for human safety in these types of situations.

Facilities that offer this type of interaction may only have a Class C Exhibitors license through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection.

Any institution can apply for this type of license and is subject to the standards for animal care through the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Facilities that only acquire this type of license may be called ‘roadside zoos’ for their lack of partnership with other institutions and organizations.

These are the types of institutions that you may see on shows like Tiger King. Although

these parks may be following federal and state regulations, they may not be providing the types of care required by an accreditation through an organization like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Larger, interconnected zoos often have an accreditation with the AZA. Director of Animal Care at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington, Nancy Hawkes, explains that the accreditation is an involved process.

“AZA is not just interested in animal care — that is their primary focus,” Hawkes says. “They also look at the breadth of your organization, your education programs, your field conservation programs, your governance, your finances, the whole gamut.”

Hawkes points out that having this accreditation is beneficial in providing the best animal care possible. “The most important thing is that it ensures that you’re not only providing excellent care, but you are doing it for the right reasons,” Hawkes says.

Hawkes also points out that the accreditation allows the staff to grow off of the experiences they share with each other. There is cooperation and shared knowledge between institutions that everyone can learn from.

Brian Joseph, the state veterinarian for the Washington State Department of Agriculture, has spent a lot of his life working in zoos and aquariums. During his experiences at accredited institutions, Joseph has seen how animal welfare efforts have never been spared for the sake of the animals.

“Never ever in my entire life … has anyone ever said, ‘No, we’re not going to spend that money to provide the very best animal health care for that animal’,” Joseph says. “No matter what it was, no matter what it [costs], there have been no expenses ever spared for the animals.”

Zoos may acquire additional certifications and accreditations through groups like American Humane and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks.

These are similar to an AZA accreditation, but with even more emphasis on the housing and care of certain animals and their living conditions.

While the USDA monitors the captivity of animals at a national level, it may not be as all-encompassing as other accreditations. “Really those other organizations that help us … push the envelope and raise the bar,” Hawkes says.

Zoos must also work in partnerships with entities like the United State Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to acquire certain animals.

Other regulations may fall under the jurisdiction of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some states have their own sets of laws that govern zoos and wildlife parks in their jurisdiction. According to the website for Washington State Legislature, House Bill 1418 was passed in Washington State on July 22, 2007 and placed restrictions on the housing and acquisition of exotic animals.

Under this bill, Class C Exhibitors that acquired exotic animals prior to July 22, 2007 were allowed to keep their animals so long as they didn’t acquire more and didn’t breed their animals.

The bill also states that only institutions accredited by the AZA could acquire and breed exotic animals. This makes Washington one of the strongest states in terms of exotic animal laws.

Importance of Accreditation According to their website, the AZA “helps its members and the animals in their care thrive by providing services advancing animal welfare, public engagement and the conservation of wildlife.”

This occurs through promoting public trust, increasing funding for zoological institutions and connecting professional animal care providers with animals in need.

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FASHION

AZA Fast Facts >$22.5 billion was contributed by accredited zoos and aquariums in the United States in 2018

~800,000 animals cared for by AZA-accredited zoo and aquarium professionals

~1,700 zoo and aquarium professionals have received quality education in the last five years.

$213 million

spent annually to support conservation projects

AZA Accredited Zoos in Washington State: Woodland Park Zoo Northwest Trek Wildlife Park Seattle Aquarium Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Source: American Zoologocail Association 44

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working to create conservation initiatives that promote the reintroduction of species. “That’s one of the huge parts of being accredited and having this network of support is being able to support conservation around the world,” Hawkes says. “And then be able to bring it back to our audience and talk about how your local zoo is making a difference in the world.”

But before reintroduction can occur, there must be some sort of education on why animals need to be protected and bred by zoos in the first place.

“I’m a pretty firm believer in reintroduction of species, but before you could reintroduce them, you have to correct whatever it was that pushed them to extinction. Whether it was too much use by people, whether it was changing habitat, whatever it was, you have to correct that,” Joseph says.

Accredited institutions often place an emphasis on education for animals and their native habitats. This can be beneficial when you see how a habitat is being impacted in your own backyard.

“The most important way to help all wildlife is to address the issues that are taking away wildlife habitat,” Wathne says. “Whether that’s in India with tigers or whether it’s in their own backyard, habitat loss is the greatest threat to all wildlife.”

One of the pieces of federal legislation right now that the Tiger King docu-series mentions briefly is the Big Cat Public Safety Act. This piece of legislation has been introduced to the United States House of Representatives and is awaiting further discussion.

This act would prohibit human-animal contact in regards to large exotic cats. It would also promote conservation of these species through limited breeding programs.

Hawkes also points out that this kind of advocacy is a large part of promoting conservation for accredited institutions.

“That’s a very gratifying part of the work that we do, really affecting change on a legislative level,” Hawkes says. “And I think that’s largely because of the resources that we have available to us.”

these types of experiences. Wathne points out that this should be a red flag. “So if you see those kinds of offers, turn around and walk away. Don’t support it.”

You can also go to the AZA’s website and look up accredited institutions in your area.

Most of these institutions will have their accreditation and partnerships listed on their websites. This ensures to the visitor that the zoo or aquarium is held to the highest standards.

To promote animal safety, you can reach out to local representatives to make sure legislation like the Big Cat Public Safety Act passes into law.

Advocacy for conservation of wild animals can start at the local level, Joseph says, and work its way up to a national standing.

You can get involved today with an educational program and work with local zoos and aquariums. Many of the organizations that promote animal welfare and conservation will accept donations and volunteers.

Giving back may be one of the greatest things that you can do, according to Joseph. “We don’t all have the same number of years in our lives, but we have the same number of hours in a day,” Joseph says. “And we all have the opportunity to choose how we spend that time.”

So the next time you watch an episode of Tiger King or see a news story about the show, know that the roadside zoos in this story were not accredited by the AZA. The show fails to place an accurate emphasis on the types of animal neglect that occured at these zoos.

Not all roadside zoos are necessarily bad and some may even provide great care for their animals. But if you want to truly learn about species conservation, consider supporting institutions that are accredited and engaged in your local communities.

Your Impact If you want to attend an unaccredited zoo or aquarium, be prepared for in-depth, interactive experiences with animals. You may also want to be aware of these types of institutions taking animals off-site and conducting their own breeding programs.

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MIND & BODY

The Effects of Boredom on the Athlete’s Brain Story by Emily Messall | Photos by Kassanra Eller Design by Eric Stum & Sara Roach

‘I’m bored!’ rings throughout the house as you yell to your parents in desperation for something to entertain you. Your mom responds, ‘Go outside!’ which is starting to become routine these days.

The solution to boredom isn’t that easy for athletes who are missing their sport and their team.

Due to the state-mandated stay-at-home order, boredom has become common for a lot of students. Boredom is something most, if not all, college students are familiar with, but it can be extra difficult for athletes to find ways to keep themselves busy.

Mental & Physical Challenges

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SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE

Almost every life event comes with some kind of effect on a college student’s mental health, especially during a time when you can’t be around your friends and maybe even your family.

For Cole Zarcone, fifth year Information Technology and Administrative Management major and rugby player, being away from his sport and his team has started to affect his mental health.

“Rugby is my time to have fun and get away from the craziness of life, so not having that everyday has been hard,” says Zarcone. “Not being around my teammates and coaches is hard, but I’m just doing my best to keep myself on track towards success.”

For many student-athletes, a team can be like a second family and this can make it even more challenging to be away from those people they have built such a strong bond with.

Luckily for CWU athletes, Head Men’s Rugby Coach Todd Thornley has full confidence in the

university’s athletics department. “I believe our most productive ways to battle your boredom, department’s leadership has been outstanding whether you’re an athlete or not. during this time making sure our student-athPeter Enticott, professor of Psychology in letes are doing [okay].”

Cognitive Neuroscience, says, “Maintaining the Having a department that cares about its stu- normal variation in activities is key,” to booting dent-athletes can be a game-changer for those your boredom to the sidelines. individuals who might be struggling to adapt to “People need to make sure they’re getting the a life of no sports and all-online content. essential elements of a happy and healthy life, “I am proud of how our program is responding such as good sleep, proper diet, daily exercise in a positive way to the adversity,” says Thornley. and social engagement,” says Enticott.

Tackling the consequences boredom can During this time of social distancing, Enticott have on your mental health can be difficult, but advises keeping in touch with others through athletes have to balance the mental with the phone calls or Zoom meetings. physical. Without practice on the field or the Thornley has made sure to keep his team enRecreation Center being open, it might seem gaged despite distance. He says, “We still meet impossible for student-athletes to stay in shape multiple times a week virtually and have [enfor when the stay-at-home order is lifted. couraged] our student-athletes to connect with However, Thornley notes that CWU athletics each other on a daily basis.” has “numerous training modalities available that In addition to staying in touch with others, our department’s director there are even more ways to “It is key for the studentof Strength & Conditioning beat boredom. “It can also be athletes to continue to be useful to plan fun activities, or has created for all of CWU’s athletes as it is such a big set yourself rewards for comstudent-athletes.”

He stresses, “It is key part of their identity, so we pleting tasks that you might for the student-athletes to have been encouraging find a little dull,” Enticott adds. continue to be athletes as them as much as possible As a student, Zarcone comit is such a big part of their to get after it and attack bats his boredom by “trying identity, so we have been to read more … playing card the day.” encouraging them as much games, video games and … as possible to get after it and attack the day.” enjoying time outside with [his] housemates.”

Staying in shape for when they can finally go These solutions may sound great, but is boreback to their beloved sport might be difficult for dom really a bad thing? Boredom can be rough, some athletes during this time. It can be import- and no one is going to argue against that. ant for them to have a workout schedule to stick However, Enticott says, “Boredom might serve to so that when the stay-at-home order is lifted, [as] an adaptive function, keeping us vigilant and they can pick up where they left off on the field, engaged within our environment, but also entrack or court. couraging us to explore new and different things.

Thus, boredom can motivate new experiences, creativity and discovery.”

Beating Boredom So take this time to try new things or take up Boredom is a hard thing to tackle for everyone. new hobbies. With everything being moved onSince all athletes had their competition seasons canceled in the wake of COVID-19, staying mo- line, you might find yourself with more time on tivated may be especially hard now more than your hands. Embrace the boredom and maybe use that time to try something new. ever.

“Every athlete is struggling right now due to Instead of working out, going to practice and training for competition, maybe you’ve resorted losing their sport and we have to take advantage to spending hours on TikTok, changing your of this time to get better even though it is challounging position on the couch every half hour lenging,” says Zarcone. “Together we will all get through this.” #CWUTogether. or so.

Maybe you’ve begun to boredom-snack a little bit. Or, maybe you binge watched Tiger King on Netflix … again. But none of these are really the

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MIND & BODY

Mindfulness Meditation Story by Nidia Torres | Photos by Kassandra Eller | Design by Itzel Montoya

Humans have about 6,000 to 8,000 thoughts a day according to Yakima Valley College Art Instructor and Director David Lynx. That is about 2,500 to 3,300 thoughts every hour.

Talk about a mind being full. The mind is like a rollercoaster of emotions. You might find that not a lot can be accomplished each day. A solution? Mindful meditation.

Whether you realize it or not, you are unconsciously being mindful of what you do in your daily life.

Being mindful can be important because it centers you around the present moment and helps the body stay in constant focus through practice and patience, according to Susan Nevada Barnes Nebeker, associate therapist at Heart-toHeart Psychotherapy.

The Art of Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation starts with wondering what exactly mindfulness is. Here is what you need to know.

Maren Peterson, senior Communications major and yoga instructor at Indigo Yoga Ellensburg and the Recreation Center, defines mindfulness as “an intentional moment-by-moment presence through activation of the senses. Mindfulness cultivates to our current thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations with the absence of judgement and attachment.”

According to Barnes Nebeker, the components that make up mindfulness are attention, curiosity, self-awareness and wakefulness. Barnes Nebeker says it takes effort and continuous practice to really get into mindfulness.

There are a variety of benefits from practicing mindful meditation anywhere from pain to stress to anxiety or depression.

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People With a Full Mind There are many people who enjoy practicing mindfulness, such as yoga teachers, people with busy schedules, individuals who work in highly stressful situations or those seeking change. However, you don’t have to be in any of these situations to want to practice mindfulness meditation.Lynx views mindful meditation as a life saver because through practicing mindfulness, he has been able to reduce his anxiety and stress levels.

When Lynx was learning about meditation, he discovered something called R.P.M. This stands for “rise, pee and meditate.”

According to Lynx, he would get up as the sun rose and meditate. However, to keep up with his ever changing schedule he would do something else called R.A.W which stands for “right after work.”

Peterson practices mindfulness because she says it has enhanced her life in a variety of ways.

As any student who juggles school, work and family, she has come to use mindfulness meditation to be able to keep up with her busy schedule.

“Overall, meditation and mindfulness in the workplace or in [an] academic setting helps me be more present and level-headed and therefore enhances my experiences and relationships with co-workers, customers and peers,” says Peterson.

Peterson prefers to meditate whenever she feels like it. She says that setting up a strict routine will most likely feel as if meditation is more of a chore than a therapeutic practice.

Barnes Nebeker practices mindfulness because it helps her stay focused in her day-to-day life. She is a therapist and uses her mindful meditation skills to help others who need focus and self-awareness in their lives.

Ways to Practice There are a variety of different ways to practice mindful meditation. It all depends on what you prefer and enjoy doing the most.

One easy way to practice is through breathing.

Choose a position (either sitting or standing) and become as still as you can be while straightening your spine. Set up a focal point that serves as your main focus and begin taking deep breaths and exhaling.

Keep your mind focused on your breathing.

Follow the sensations of your breath as it goes into your nose, down your throat, into your lungs and finally, out of your mouth. If your mind starts to wander, gently restart your focus back to your breathing.

Another way is by being aware of your senses.

Take notice of all of your senses and focus them on the actions taking place before you.

What do you see, smell, taste, hear and touch?

Do you see people walking in front of you, all around you? Do you smell the aroma from nearby restaurants filling your nose? Do you taste the sensations of flavor taking place in your mouth? Do you hear the echoes of conversation around you?

A third way to practice is through alternate nostril breathing. Sit in a quiet area of your choosing. Begin by closing your left nostril with your left thumb and placing your right hand on your right knee (to give it something to do).

Begin to inhale slowly through your right nostril.

Pause for five seconds. For the exhalation process, cover your right nostril and breathe out with your left nostril. Repeat this process five times.

Also, taking a walk is another way you can practice mindfulness. Simply walking can help clear the mind and relax. Enjoy the scenery and try not to give in to the urge to use your phone. Avoid distractions and focus more on what you’re doing in the present moment.

According to Lynx, there are also other natural ways to practice mindful meditation. It is the simple things you find yourself doing on a daily basis where you can include the practices of meditation.

It is best to remember that some methods might not be your preferred one, but don’t let this keep you away from trying something new.

While you eat, take the time to enjoy the taste of food. Savor each bite, chew thoroughly. Let the taste of food fill your senses. Focus on what you’re eating, tasting or smelling. The point is to focus on the present moment without having any distractions.

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing on the present moment without any distractions or judgement. It is a process of developing self-awareness and understanding.

Your mind might feel like a rollercoaster full of emotions, but it can also be as calm as the sea.

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Citrine:

Rose Quartz:

Turquoise:

Clear Quartz: Amethyst:

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CRYSTALS Story by E’udrice Gildon | Photos by Kassandra Eller Design by Sara Roach

101:

What is it like to harness something so powerful, yet so small it can even fit in your pocket?

This concept can be hard to understand for beginners to the world of crystals. Yet, for those familiar with crystals, this practice hones a sense of guidance and empowerment.

Crystals can be a hard subject to grasp, so in order to have a better understanding, you might find it helpful to learn what crystals are, how someone can benefit from them and why they are important to some people.

Understanding Crystals

In order to understand crystals, you can start by digging into the history of these ancient rocks to uncover all of their different purposes.

“A brief history about crystals is really a history about the earth, in all of the minerals and the metal and chemicals,” says Gabrielle Damiana, manager and crystal healer at 4 Sisters Holistic Remedies.

“We group crystals in respected energy based on how they are formed. So rocks can form in water, rocks can form in fire,” or by being compressed in the Earth, says Damiana.

Different types of rocks undergo different transformation

processes, which can be important for understanding what different kinds of crystals are out there.

“The crystals, some more than others, absorb energy and hold onto energy from different situations and the different people that they pass through … it brings it back to be used for what you want to use it for and carry what you want it to carry,” explains Damiana.

Damiana mentions that withholding energy does not only come within crystals, but also in a personal form of energy known as chakras.

“Chakras are energies found throughout your body; there are multiple different measures and paths that are used for different chakras,” explains Damiana.

“Chakras are an energy point in your body and your energy is not flowing freely or openly if it’s blocked or dense or dark.”

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “The chakras are conceived of as focal points where psychic forces and bodily functions merge with and interact with each other.”

The website also notes, “Among the supposed 88 [thousand] chakras in the human body, six major ones located roughly along the spinal cord and another one located just above the crown of the skull are of principal importance.”

The importance of crystals also ties into the responsibility of how someone can properly practice.

Relationship to Crystals

Crystals are not just any ordinary rock. Some people look at it as a guide to making a better you. Tashauna Jones, an avid crystal collector from Federal Way, Washington, points out the significance of crystals bringing meaning into her life.

“Crystals provide many different factors as far as energy clearing, bringing calmness and opening up certain chakras and also guiding me … when I am meditating,” Jones says.

Growing a strong bond with your crystals can help you to build a better relationship between the world and yourself.

And when you do establish that relationship, there may be a benefit that comes with it.

“If you can work with a crystal that tunes the energy for your body … then you can achieve and go into the state of healing,” says Damiana.

Crystals incorporate a level of energy and personify a relationship by retaining an energy one can carry into many different places in their life; whether that be to calm down after a stressful moment or feel energized after a draining day.

As people develop this relationship to crystals, they can gain a sense of balance with who they are. Crystals are one of many tools that can be used to achieve the mental, emotional and physical balance you may desire to find within yourself.

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Central Secrets n o i t i d E tin n a r a Qu

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Contributions by Spencer Clifton | Design & Illustration by Kayla Craig

It is day 25 in quarantine. Your toilet paper supply is rapidly depleting, you have binged every show on Netflix and your new 5 a.m. bedtime has wrecked your sleep schedule. Being stuck at home has certainly provided a unique and interesting experience for all individuals affected by the Coronavirus.

It’s time to face it — many of you have seen or done some crazy things stuck at home during the stay-athome order. PULSE reached out to students on social media to hear some of their wildest quarantine stories.

These are their experiences.

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Looking Through

the Smoke: Debunking the Stereotypical Pothead Story by Spencer Clifton | Photos by Casey Rothgeb Design by Sara Roach

Unmotivated. Stupid. Dangerous. These common negative labels have plagued marijuana consumers for decades.

With new marijuana laws still being passed and the recent birth of the legal marijuana industry, these labels that are usually negative in connotation and may be getting a long overdue update.

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Dealing with the Law

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that police officers have seen the negative sides of marijuana that few others do. Cops deal with marijuana criminal offenses, which could shed a negative light on marijuana consumers.

Marc McPherson, patrol lieutenant for Central Washington University police department explains that these marijuana violations are more frequent than you might think. “Over the last several years, the shift has been to significantly more calls to investigate potential marijuana law violations [while] calls for liquor law investigations have dramatically declined.”

The rise in marijuana violations can be explained for two reasons, according McPherson.

The demographic of people in which he is responsible for are often all under the age 21 and all students living on campus are succumbed to strict university marijuana guidelines.

Interactions with underage users have provided some interesting and diverse experiences for McPherson. “I have contacted a number of folks that would fall right into the Hollywood stereotypical ‘pothead,’ but I have also contacted some 4.0 students who you would never guess smoke frequently,” claims McPherson.

“The thing that drives those stereotypes are when people … put a priority on their substance use to the point that it consumes their lives and seems to interfere with the balance of being a responsible, functional adult,” he adds.

McPherson explains that although he is required to deal with the negative side of marijuana consumers, he makes sure to push any personal bias or negative stereotypes aside.

“We get to the point where a change in the law is just part of growing within the profession,” explains McPherson. “A good officer is capable of performing the job within the parameters that the citizens of the state, the legislature and the courts have set forth and [is] able to keep their personal feelings out of it.”

The Legal Weed Industry

The legal marijuana industry, according to the Washington State Treasurer, made 395.5 million dollars in marijuana sales and license fees in 2019.

The booming industry, which was legalized in 2012, is making millions of dollars from the plant that has held negative stigmas since the beginning of the industry.

With the start of this booming industry comes millions of careers that are specialized in the legal marijuana field.

Morgan Fox, media relations director for the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA), an organization dedicated to representing the rights of legal cannabis businesses as well as protecting state cannabis laws, says, “The cannabis industry is made up of a wide variety of skill and training backgrounds and the people involved in it are dedicated, innovative and professional.”

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The training and dedication that are required of cannabis employees can be almost as extensive as the amount of positions that the legal weed industry provides to job hunters. “Dispensary employees must receive a minimum of sixteen hours of continuing education for each two-year licensing period,” according to the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

Fox claims that the NCIA represents packers, growers, programmers and even plumbers in the marijuana industry.

The positive impact that the legal marijuana industry has provided to those seeking careers and the amount of economic profit have helped to improve negative stigmas surrounding marijuana, according to Fox. “While the stigma against cannabis and its consumers still remains in certain age and geographic demographics, it has greatly decreased overall in recent years, largely because of the relative successes of state-level legal cannabis markets and increasing public education,” explains Fox. Allison Trulson, budtender at The Green Shelf, and girlfriend of PULSE photographer Casey Rothgeb, explains further just how essential the marijuana industry has become. “The fact that I am still an essential worker in this whole COVID-19 pandemic should show that obviously the stigma has reduced,” she says.

However, just because in recent years the stig-

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ma surrounding marijuana has gone down, does not mean it does not still exist. “I have family who I have not even bothered telling about my job yet because I am worried about their responses and facing their judgment,” explains Trulson.

A Responsible Consumer

In light of these new laws and this new industry, this may be the perfect time for the community to consider defining the new consumer — a responsible cannabis user.

Jordan Hoadley, a former packager for Orange State Marijuana Producers, expresses that the harsh stigma behind marijuana could potentially come from people’s unfamiliarity with the substance. “I would say most of the people that have a negative stigma towards it, [have] not tried it,” he says.

Jordan O’Dell, Washington resident and avid marijuana consumer, adds, “If the user can still carry out a normal life and still be a functioning member of society, hold a steady job, all those things, then what is the problem?”

Though, even people such as O’Dell that are a proponent of safe recreational marijuana use hold reservations for people who misuse the substance.

“It is honestly one of those things that you have to use in moderation,” he explains. “It is not something that you should always smoke 24/7, every minute of the day. That is not what it is there for.”

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Hooked on a Killer Story by Taylor Johnson Contributions by Madeline Wilson Design & Illustration by Sara Roach Chills run down your spine and your mind begins to wander as you lay in bed listening to your favorite true crime podcast, Serial. You can’t see the horrific actions depicted but the audio conveys everything you need to know.

In 2014 this popular true crime podcast, reached five million downloads faster than any other show on Apple Podcasts. Why are so many people tuning in week after week for this gruesome content?

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Associate Professor Melanie-Angela Neuilly at Washington State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology shares, “Rare and extreme things are a lot more interesting than regular things to a lot of people.” In other words, people are collectively drawn to the unexplainable.

Scott Bonn, author, criminologist, professor and public speaker, shares in his Psychology Today article titled “The Delightful, Guilty Pleasure of

Watching True Crime TV”, “Serial killers are so extreme in their brutality and so seemingly unnatural in their behavior that society is riveted by them.”

Wanting to check to see if there are monsters under the bed is similar to “the thing that draws us to scary stories as children,” explains Kim Douthit, paranormal investigator and tour guide for Spooked in Seattle Ghost Tours and Museum. It’s the fascination with the unknown that makes people curious from a young age.

Although true crime, the exploration of criminal behavior, is not a new genre. Neuilly states, “Its modern history can be traced back to the early mass production of newspapers, and linked to information distribution regarding the outcome of criminal trials in 1800s Paris.”

Mankind has always had an interest in the strange and creepy, even before we could document and spread this information as far as we can today. If you’re curious to know more about what makes these killers notorious, take a look at the following stories.

Ted Bundy, a serial killer active in the 1970s, was convicted for killing over 25 women across seven states, including Washington according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

Yet, authorities still believe the true number of victims to be much higher. Even though the number will never be known, Bundy was sentenced to death in 1979 and executed in 1989.

One of his earliest victims, Susan Elaine Rancourt was a student at Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University) from 1973 to 1974, during which she was abducted and murdered by Bundy, according to an article published by The Daily Record.

The article also notes that a memorial garden for Rancourt was planted outside of Barto Hall in 2012. This memorial serves as a reminder of both the loss of a Wildcat and the cruel actions of a serial killer.

There have been some recent films, such as Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, that depict the true nature of Bundy’s crimes.

It is well-known that the film received backlash for the glamorization and continuation of the legacy of a killer. Critics were quick to point out casting Zac Efron as Ted Bundy continued his handsome ‘bad guy’ persona which many claim is a misrepresentation of a notorious killer.

“Hollywood always wants to cast attractive people. It is one way of drawing in viewers, and audiences are always more shocked if they believe someone attractive could do these horrible things,” explains Kevin Feeney, Program Director in Interdisciplinary Studies and Lecturer of Dangerous Woman, a course focusing on the nature of women in the criminal justice system.

“Society has a tendency to associate attractive people with ‘good qualities’ and ugly people with ‘bad qualities’ … and using an attractive person as a villain challenges these notions,” he adds.

But what are the implications of this fascination with serial killers?

“I think there is a fantasy element associated with serial killers because the individuals and their activities are generally seen as unusual or extraordinary,” explains Feeney.

It could be useful as consumers of this kind of dark material to remember these people are not heroes. With the recent rise of the popularity of true crime, one might be fooled by the Hollywood lights and interpretation of these crimes and their perpetrators.

“The problem with turning serial killers into something larger than life is that we forget the human side.

They are people who did horrible things. They are not celebrities, they should not be glamorized or revered,” warns Douthit.

Scan for an awesome Spotify playlist curated by our staff:

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MAN

Story by Kiersten Kimminau Design & Illustration by Kayla Craig

‘Man up.’

‘Boys will be boys.’

‘Stop acting like a girl.’

‘Real men don’t cry.’

How do these phrases still find their way into someone’s vocabulary?

These expressions are commonly said to young boys and men. But what you may not realize is that when someone uses these phrases, they not only have the potential to hurt men, but also women.

Understanding the meanings and implications of toxic masculinity could lead to more knowledge of the world you live in and barriers people can overcome to achieve gender equality.

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UP.

Defining Masculinity.

First of all, how do you define masculinity? Well, it turns out there may not be just one simple way of explaining the term. Sure, you could check out Webster’s Dictionary and find a straightforward answer, but the reality is that the word and its connotations are much more complex.

Judith Hennessy, director of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS), explains masculinity as “a culturally constructed set of traits, dispositions [and] expressions associated with men.”

However there is not one single way of defining the term. Hennessy adds, “The thing about masculinity is that it is expressed in different ways depending on where people live, their culture [or] historical time period.”

Depending on many different factors, masculinity could mean something different to everyone.

Katrina Whitney, assistant director of the Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) explains, “Each individual that identifies as masculine, or identifies as male has their own unique experience around that whole subject matter. I mean, it’s so complex and so multifaceted.”

Where Does it Start?

For a long time, and sometimes still to this day, society has adhered to a firm gender binary, meaning people recognize two distinct genders with opposite expressions: masculine and feminine.

Parents, peers, teachers and the media, among other factors, all have the power to influence the way people view gender from the second someone is born, sometimes even before. Consider the classic gender reveal party as an example.

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“They always have to use blue for the boy [and] pink for the girl. Why?” says Whitney.

Then, once a child is born and they begin to get older, they start figuring out their interests and exploring who they want to be. It is at this crucial stage when expression can either be encouraged or shut down.

Even clothing can be an outlet for personal expression, but those who identify as men may have less freedom in this department.

“I don’t perceive from a masculine perspective that men in our society have the flexibility that I do as feminine identified. I can wear an old pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and not have the same potential comments, stares, looks, whatever the case may be, directed towards me as maybe an individual that identifies as male or masculine going out” in more traditionally feminine clothing, explains Whitney.

Most people may have been taught that men and women need to look and act in a certain way.

Destiny Towery, senior Anthropology major, uses nail painting as another example. They say, “I think nail painting is fun. Why can only some people do it?”

People may often be taught that dresses, dolls, nail painting and the color pink are only for girls. But Towery thinks people should “do things they want to do and that they like to do,” regardless of gender.

“Phrases like ‘grow a pair of balls’ or ‘just be a man’ or ‘suck it up’... are really bad and unhealthy.”

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Exploration & Asking Questions.

Erasing the binary concepts of gender is not something that can happen overnight. First, conversations can take place that challenge people’s current ways of thinking, and all it takes is one individual to kick off a conversation.

Towery says that everything starts with an individual and the systems they follow. If there is to be any systemic change in the ways people view gender expression, it may need to start with individuals having the courage to ask questions and start discussions.

The DEC’s mission is to help people along with this by posing questions that challenge individuals to think about their own biases and opinions. “Higher [education] is about exploration,” says Whitney. “The beauty of the human experience is we get to evolve. We don’t have to keep the same thoughts or perspectives that we were raised with.”

According to Whitney, the DEC works with WGSS to explore gender and “provide opportunity for thoughtful discussion and dialogue around identity.”

She adds, “A component of that identity, of course, is our masculine or male identity.”

Introducing Change.

Next time you are going through life and having conversations, try paying attention to how your actions and language may perpetuate gender stereotypes.

“Phrases like ‘grow a pair of balls’ or ‘just be a man’ or ‘suck it up’ … are really bad and unhealthy,” says Towery. “They perpetuate situations that are bad for everyone because it doesn’t just affect these men, or these masculine individuals, it also affects the people around them and it creates a ripple effect.”

Gender norms and stereotypes can affect anyone. For this reason, when people talk about the influence of masculinity, they can start by recognizing the impacts on men and women alike.

“Yes, [men] benefit systemically,” says Towery.

However, they explain that this does not mean that men aren’t hurting in other ways.

Culturally, men and women can both be harmed by uncompromising gender expectations.

Patrick Lemmon, consultant and co-founder of Men Can Stop Rape, expresses a similar sentiment. “I want to be very clear that patriarchy hurts people who aren’t identified as male, much more than it hurts people who are identified as male, but it also really sucks for people who are

identified as male. The box is small and tight and it doesn’t fit anybody … no matter what we’re doing, we’re always trying to fit into something that doesn’t fit us.”

According to Towery, people can break out of this limiting box by “including men in feminist conversations,” making sure there are safe spaces for men and women and “making sure that women and feminine identifying people get what they need, [while] also making sure that men get what they need.”

Towery also wants to “make a clear distinction between systems and individuals, [because] we live in a very individualized society.”

This means that just because some people think one way, doesn’t mean that’s how everyone thinks. It may feel like there is pressure to be a certain way, but keep in mind that masculinity and femininity should not be limiting things.

In fact, why do certain qualities even need to be labeled as either masculine or feminine?

Hennessy says, “Wouldn’t it be better to think of a range of people with a range of different human characteristics and not assume they were attached to a specific gender?”

She lists qualities such as strength, bravery, compassion, kindness and leadership among other valuable qualities that all humans should be free to express.

Going forward, maybe challenge yourself to go against what it means to ‘act like a man’ or ‘be a lady’, because each individual has the freedom to express themselves however they may choose.

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