Ethos Winter 2016

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WINTER 2016

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BEHIND THE BEER

WHAT IT TAKES TO OPERATE A BREWERY RIGHT HERE IN AMES

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BENT INTO SHAPE A JOURNEY OF ACCEPTANCE AND LEARNING TO LET GO

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OFF THE COURT STUDENTS DESCRIBE THE ATHLETE EXPERIENCE

CONTENTS 5

Letter from the Editor The positive power of change

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Quickies Being “five years old” in college and what the hell to do in Iowa

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A World of Difference One Ames store’s global impact

10 Iowa State Ingenuity Some of ISU’s most impressive inventions

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Flurry of Fun How to make campus your own winter wonderland

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Hometown Hops The ins and outs of the local brewing industry

16 Cause for Celebration Learn why every day’s a holiday

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18 More than “Greek” A guide to the diverse Greek houses at Iowa State

22 Under the Radar What’s it’s like having an eating disorder in college

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Reluctantly Flexible A type-A perfectionist tries her hand at letting go

32 A New Adventure These aren’t your traditional “college kids”

38 Behind the Jersey What you don’t see on ESPN

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Becoming a Thrifter Make Macklemore proud with these helpful tips

48 Who Do You Think You Are Learn what it takes to be a bouncer

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2016 STAFF

EXECUTIVE BOARD Editor-In-Chief: Traer Schon Senior Editor: Andreas Haffar Features Editor: Varad Diwate Features Editor: Zachary Neuendorf Visuals Director: Meredith Kestel Creative Directors: Alixandria Collins & Mikayla Larsen

Social Media/PR Director: Britta Roppe

DESIGNERS

WRITERS

Nailah Fitzgerald Mackenzie Geary Kaley Lempke Shelby Stites Sydney De Nooy

Jenna Hrdlicka Jessica Enwesi Kayli Nartatez Hannah Olson Jacqueline Cordova Jessica Cristallo Jacquelyn Bell Haley Brase Rachel Vipond Alex Ivanisevic Will Dodds

PHOTOGRAPHERS Isaac Biehl Jon Laczniak Kyle Kephart McClane Gill Korrie Bysted Sam Greene

PUBLIC RELATIONS Jenna DeMarco Amber Misek

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

You get home after a long day of classes and you look around your room. In the corner, under a pile of clothes, there are gym shoes, collecting dust from lack of use. Stacked textbooks remind you about the assignments you have due tomorrow, and your phone keeps lighting up with emails from professors and the club whose meetings you know you should be attending. You take it all in, and it’s clear what you have to do: take a nap.

Maybe that’s not exactly the advice you’d find in a self-help book, but it’s realistic, and probably the choice we’ve made more than a few times. It’s easy to talk about making positive changes like being healthier or putting more effort into school, but putting it into action is another story. Not just because of laziness, but also because we’re busy college students who have a lot of different things on our plate — literally and figuratively — and we’ve grown accustomed to a routine that allows us to manage it all. Changes to that routine are hard to implement, especially when it’s something that’s “good for you,” a phrase that often translates to “sucks so much.”

We get comfortable with our lives and become cautious of taking the next step in our self-improvement plans. It’s not easy to adjust to a new lifestyle — it takes me about two months to get used to a new Twitter update — but change is an exciting part of life that allows us to continue growing and learning. Without it, we get wrapped up in routines, or trapped in unhealthy lifestyles that make us lose sight of who we really are.

Although taking the initiative to make a change in your life can be scary, it can also be a positive decision that makes your life better and more fulfilling. As you’ll see in this issue of Ethos, the catalyst for making life changes comes in different forms. Sometimes, it’s the 9–5 grind of an unsatisfying job that pushes you to go to college at an older age. Other times, it’s the stress of being a type-A person in college that leads you to try out yoga, or the passion for a sport that fuels a dedication to intense daily training. The new choices you make can be smaller, like updating your wardrobe or shopping at a fair trade store — but they can also be more difficult and complex,

like seeking help with an eating disorder. Regardless of what problems hold you down, it’s never too late to make a commitment to bettering yourself.

You never know what could happen when you take that leap. You could discover that you were wrong and rue the day you ever decided to forego a nap, but you could also learn something new about yourself and become a stronger person. After reading the wide range of stories in this issue, I hope you’re inspired by people in the Iowa State community who made (sometimes difficult) choices to better themselves in some way. Maybe it’ll even push you to make a change in your own life.

We can’t make it happen — we’re just a magazine, not a life coach — but we’ll be happy to write about you when you do something awesome.

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QUICKIES

BY ETHOS STAFF

DESIGN SYDNEY DE NOOY

DON’T BE THE

PERSON WHO ...

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Shakes off snow on the Cyride

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Loudly chomps gum

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Says winter is their “hibernation period”

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Doesn’t pick up their dog’s poop

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Ignores the person holding the door open for them

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Takes advantage of your group project members

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Wears jeans to the gym

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Takes over every classroom discussion

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Walks in the bike lane

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Goes through their significant other’s phone

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Is a professor who ignores their mic making annoying noises

LEAPING INTO LIFE

BY BRITTA ROPPE

The odds of being born on February 29th are 1 in 1,461.

I am one of the lucky ones.

When I tell people that I was born on leap day and will be turning 5 this February, I get one of two responses: “That’s so awesome!” or “ Oh, that sucks.” But I’ve always enjoyed the uniqueness of only having a “real birthday” every four years. It guarantees that even when I’m acting childish, I’m always acting my age.

Leap day is necessary because it takes the earth a little over 365 days to orbit the sun — 365.24 days to be exact. The commonly used Gregorian calendar deals with the additional almost quarter of a day by adding a day to the calendar every four years on February 29. The Chinese calendar chooses to make up for the extra time by adding a leap month about every three years.

I like to celebrate my real birthdays by doing something representative of my leap age. For example, when I turned 4 (16), I invited all of my friends to play games at an arcade, where we ate pizza and played laser tag. I use it as an excuse to continue to participate in more youthful activities. This year, I am planning on celebrating by going to Sky Zone.

TIPS TO GET OUT OF A

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I still celebrate my birthday every year on February 28. However, many people born on leap day chose to celebrate on March 1. The confusion surrounding when to celebrate on non-leap years poses a problem on key birthdays, like 18 and 21.

Each state chooses either February 28, or March 1 to legally become leap-babies birthdays on off years. For example, when I turn 21, I will have to wait until March 1 before I can legally drink in Iowa, even though February is my birth month.

(That’s a whole day!)

On the bright side, there are also a lot of perks that come with being born on leap day. There is generally tons of free food for leap-day babies as well as discounts on everything from skydiving to shoes. Usually, there are deals for even those of you with annual birthdays. I always have a “go-to fact” whenever I’m forced to play “icebreaker” games on the first day of class.

And even when I’ve been on this earth for 100 years, it will still be age appropriate for me to go to clubs.

Appeal it Park in a 30-minute loading zone Make friends with the Parking Division employees Put a fake yellow envelope on your car Put a note on your car with a convincing sob story Research the Parking Division shifts and time your parking accordingly Park on a side street and take the bus in Add a “Parking Division” decal to your car Park off campus at the city lots (less expensive tickets) WALK

WHAT THE HELL TO DO IN IOWA

BY ANDREAS HAFFAR

You find yourself smack dab in the middle of the United States, feeling deprived of fun and exciting things to do or see. We’re here to help by presenting a handful of ideas to save you from your enervating boredom.

THE GROTTO OF THE REDEMPTION

THE IOWA 80 TRUCKSTOP

WHERE: West Bend (about 2h northwest of Ames)

WHERE: Walcott (2h 40 min. southwest of Ames)

This majestic and extravagant piece of art by Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein is the world’s largest, and quite possibly the most beautiful, man-made grotto in the world — and it’s right here in Iowa. Dobberstein, a deeply religious man from Germany, fell ill with pneumonia in the late 1800s and he pledged to construct a shrine if the Virgin Mary saved him.

Whether it be divine intervention or a stroke of good luck, Dobberstein survived his sick spell, came to America, became a priest and spent 14 years collecting rocks for his masterpiece.

He worked thoroughly and tirelessly to fulfill his promise until his death in 1954, after which many others would continue his work. The grandiose monument, sometimes referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” consists of nine other smaller grottos, each with several precious stones, multi-colored minerals and crystals and rare gems placed into the walls.

The shrine is open for exhibit 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and even holds daily mass. You can also enjoy the Grotto Museum, the Grotto Restaurant and the Grotto’s campgrounds.

This is truly a landmark of hard work and dedication.

You simply can’t just take a quick bathroom break here. With 220 acres of land and serving more than 5,000 customers a day, the Iowa 80 Truckstop is the world’s largest truck stop — and it’s not your average truck stop either. It was founded by Bill Moon in 1964, even before Interstate 80 was finished, and hasn’t looked back since. Located off Interstate-80 Exit 284, this tourist attraction gives a whole different meaning to the concept of a “service station.” In addition to the fast-food options such as Wendy’s, Orange Julius, Taco Bell and Blimpie (oh yes, that’s still around) there’s a barbershop, a dentist, a chiropractor, a 60-seat movie theater, a workout room, laundry and shower facilities, a Verizon store kiosk, a custom embroidery and vinyl shop, and the Super Truck Showroom. In 2008, the Iowa 80 Museum, a lifelong dream of Moon’s, opened with truck displays and vehicular memorabilia, available by appointment. Every year in July, they also host the Walcott Trucker’s Jamboree celebrating American truckers, with last event’s attendance reaching 44,000. It’s the one-stop gas station, museum and shop that you just have to see for yourself.

ESCAPE CHAMBERS WHERE: Des Moines (45 min. south of Ames)

It’s just like a movie — you find yourself locked in a room with a few other people. There are clues and hints on how to get out but only after you solve the riddles and puzzles. You can’t compete against each other, you have to work together. Your palms, sweaty. Your knees, weak. Your arms, heavy. The intensity, high. It’s a beat-the-clock adrenaline rush, with many different scenarios, demanding extreme mental focus and clever problemsolving abilities, all with one goal: to break out of the chamber.

The catch is you and your team only have an hour to do so or else — you die. Not really, though. It is, however, a great way to bond with coworkers and have fun with family and friends. They have many perplexing puzzles and it costs $30 per person, with all prices based on a total group amount. As they mention on their website, some Escape Chamber scenarios have “fear factor” elements as well. Like what, you may ask? Be brave, be bold and go find out for yourself.

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A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE 8

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BY JACQUELYN BELL

How a store in Ames is supporting sustainable practices around the globe

DESIGN MACKENZIE GEARY

PHOTO MCCLANE GILL

When you walk into Worldly Goods on Main Street, you are immediately submerged into a small store packed with a variety of little trinkets, brightly colored clothing and even musical instruments.

Everything is handmade. Most items are labeled with the country in which they were made — some even include a picture of the person who made it. You realize that this little shop contains a connection to more culture than you had ever expected to see in good ol’ Ames, Iowa.

Worldly Goods is a fair trade store that sells goods made by artisans from over 50 different countries, and in exchange, they are provided with a living wage and safe working conditions at home. All of the items are made from recycled or sustainable items. They have items like purses made from recycled rubber tires, journals with paper made out of elephant poop from Sri Lanka and natural soaps from India. They sell everything from jewelry and clothing to coffee and chocolates.

“Most people don’t even realize these things are happening,” says Worldly Goods’ store manager Andrea Gronau of the issues faced by some working adults in underdeveloped and developing countries.

The store was started in 1987 and is one of the few fair trade stores in Iowa. The store’s mission is to “inspire social justice, sustainable livelihood and environmental resilience by providing a marketplace for artisans of the world to earn a living wage, support their families and develop their communities.” Fair trade is based on partnerships with artisans and vendors in developing countries. They are paid a fair wage in exchange for their goods, which gives people all over the world an opportunity to provide for their families.

“We definitely believe in dignity, not charity. We are actually trying to bolster their local economies,” said Gronau.

Along with Gronau, an ISU alumna, caring volunteers from the community, including ISU students, help to run the store.

Buying even a small item can have a big impact.

“Most of our vendors are single women and this enables them to send their children to school, and that is such a proud moment because it breaks the cycle of poverty.

This gives everyone a chance around the world. This person that is now able to go to school may turn out to be their country’s next president,” says Gronav.

The store operates as part of the Fair Trade Federation, which ensures that all aspects of the trade are moral and environmentally friendly. India, Kenya, Ecuador, Peru and Nepal are just a few of the countries from which the store receives items.

The store has close relationships with the artisans and vendors that they work with. The artisans are paid upfront and many of them are allowed to work from home so they can care for their children.

Gronau and the volunteers have contact with many of the artisans and have even Skyped with them on occasion.

“Most of our artisans are women, raising the next generation of people that have to take care of our world.

They need to be supported.”

One of the vendors that the store works with, The Conscious Connections, creates a felt doll called ‘Period Patti’ that the store sells for $10. The proceeds from the dolls go directly back to these women in Nepal so they can make reusable menstrual pads for girls. This gives the girls a chance to go to school every week of the month.

“That’s something that you and I take for granted here,” says Gronau.

The store is involved with another project, Beads For Learning. The profits from

the sales of these bracelets go directly to scholarships for students in Kenya where, if families have enough money, they will only send their oldest son to school. Through these scholarships, many Kenyan girls are having their first chance at an education. Gronau says the most popular item in the store is the chocolate.

“There is such a big problem in East Africa where they use child labor to pick the cocoa beans to make chocolate.

The children have to pick the beans or their family won’t be able to eat.”

The store allows them to come in for a three-hour time period and receive 15 to 20 percent of the profits in exchange for their support of fair trade.

The store does an array of local projects, such as donating shoes, donating fair trade items for community projects and even cooking meals for the women’s shelter.

“This little place is impacting all over the world.”

Gronau says some of the most famous chocolate companies are guilty of this, but things are getting better.

“Hershey’s has finally agreed by 2020 to take child labor out of its supply chain, but Godiva chocolate still uses it.”

Gronau invests a lot of time and effort in running the store, but she says it’s worth it.

“I absolutely love my job,” says Gronau.

“I’ve always been involved in fair trade and supported the principles, so it was natural for me to connect Worldly Goods with the community. I have dedicated my life at the moment to this store.”

The store also occasionally holds benefit shopping nights for local nonprofits.

Global Gifts A few items you can find in the store • Salt stone shot glasses (perfect for tequila) • Purses made from recycled rubber tires • Soap nuts for washing clothes (no chemicals, sustainable and natural) • Purses made with bone from animals that died naturally • Purses made from leather misprinted • Wrangler jean labels • Hamper made from recycled saris • Dried fruits from Colombia • Variety of musical instruments • Paper made from elephant poop in Sri Lanka • Journals made from cruelty free leather and cotton rag paper from India • Natural soaps from India • Wooden boxes made from reclaimed wood in India • Many items made of Kisii stone from Kenya • Scarves, hats, gloves (seasonal)

“This little place is impacting all over the world.”

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Iowa State Ingenuity

From tasty treats to special swimsuits, some of ISU’s most impressive inventions As a university focused on science and technology, Iowa State has had several innovations that continue to impact our lives today. In 2012, the 4,000th invention was filed at the University Research Foundation. Here we have sampled some well-known and lesser-known inventions and discoveries by people associated with the university.

COURTESY: MANAGING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY. PATRICIA B. SWAN. NASHVILLE, TENN. WESTVIEW 2007

BY VARAD DIWATE

DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ALIXANDRIA COLLINS

Speedo Fastskin suit: Top swimmers at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 had someone at Iowa State to thank. Kinesiology professor Rick Sharp helped design the Speedo Fastsuit used by several swimmers in the Beijing Olympics.

According to an ISU news service release, swimmers wearing the specially-designed suit won 94 percent of the gold medals and broke several world records at the Olympic meet. In 2010, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) issued new rules regulating the type of materials that could be used in a swimsuit. The third edition of the swimsuit was used by American swimmer Michael Phelps who broke several records at the London Olympics. The new swimsuit with a cap and goggle allows swimmers “to cut through the water with maximum efficiency.”

SOURCE: ISU'S SHARP CONTINUES TO ASSIST SPEEDO IN DESIGN OF FASTSKIN?(R) RACING SYSTEM, ISU NEWS SERVICE

First automatic electronic data computer: The search for a faster, more advanced calculator in the 1930s led to the development of the world’s first digital computer at Iowa State.

John Vincent Atanasoff, professor of physics, worked on theoretical physics which required intensive mathematical calculations. Thus, he started to develop a calculator which could produce accurate and faster results. With help from other faculty members, he first tried to improvise analog models such as the IBM tabulator and the Laplaciometer. Eventually, he decided to work on an electronic model with his graduate assistant Clifford Berry, and developed the Atanasoff-Berry Computer, which also came to be known as the ABC model. Today, a replica of the original ABC model sits in Durham Hall.

As the machine was never patented, litigation concerning the first electronic computer dragged on for years. In 1973, a federal court finally declared that the ABC model was the precursor to the electronic digital computer.

SOURCE: JOHN VINCENT ATANASOFF AND THE BIRTH OF ELECTRONIC DIGITAL COMPUTING, DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE. HTTP://JVA.CS.IASTATE.EDU/OPERATION.PHP

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Rice Krispies Treats: Every time you bite into a Rice Krispies Treat, you can thank an Iowa State graduate. The sweet treat was invented by Mildred Day, an Iowa State graduate in home economics. After graduation in 1928, Day started working at Kellogg's cereal company in Battle Creek, Mich.

She worked in the company’s test kitchen.

Rice Krispies cereal came on the market in 1928. It is believed that in 1939, Day worked with one of her co-workers to possibly improvise an earlier Treats recipe. The key was using marshmallows so that the puffed rice would stick together in a solid block.

The Krispies product came out on the market in 1941, even as the recipe was already public. In 2001, students at Iowa State worked on a huge Rice Krispies Treat weighing almost 2,500 pounds during the Veishea celebration to honor Day. SOURCE: DATACENTRAL, FAMOUS IOWANS, DES MOINES REGISTER.

Blue Cheese Technology: Owners at Maytag Dairy Farm in Newton, Iowa were looking for a way to produce blue cheese at their dairy farm. They were willing to build a manufacturing facility and pay the university royalties for the technology. So, they approached the university’s food science department. In 1937, two microbiology professors, Clarence Lane and Bernard Hammer developed the required process using homogenized milk to make blue cheese. Hammer had studied strains of the blue mold that give the cheese its unique flavor and this process is now the industry standard for large-scale manufacturing.

The discovery was significant as it offered an alternative to the imported Danish blue cheese and French Roquefort.

SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 125TH POINTS OF PRIDE, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND LIFE SCIENCES.

Fax machine technology: The technology to send documents through telephone lines to be received at the other end might seem outdated. However, even in the age of email and social media, it is still used in some fields as a means of official communication. David Nicholas, alumnus of the electrical engineering department, developed the technology to efficiently convert text into digital information which plays an important role in fax technology. This was instrumental in creating low-cost fax models and making production commercially viable.

The research was part of his doctoral thesis.

This breakthrough was patented and used by major fax manufacturers. So far, the patent has brought in over $36 million for Iowa State, the highest for any single patent. The department created an endowed professorship to honor Nicholas’ work.

SOURCE: DAVID C. NICHOLAS PROFESSORSHIP IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

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FLURRY OF FUN

BY HALEY BRASE

DESIGN SHELBY STITES

PHOTO JON LACZNIAK

Walking across campus in the cold and trudging to class could make winter feel like a pain in the butt, but snow does not have to make you roll your eyes. In Ames, even at Iowa State, there are fun activities to partake in. Here are 10 examples of winter time shenanigans that college students can enjoy.

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ICE FISHING

If you are an outdoorsy person, there are fish ready to be caught! At the Ada Hayden Heritage Park, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reports there is a lake you could ice fish on. The park also has trails, so if you do not like fishing, going on a calm walk through a fresh snowfall can be relaxing.

SNOWSHOES

Ever seen the shoes that some Alaskans wear to get around in winter on foot? They are snowshoes. According to the Alaska Native Knowledge Network, there are two types: trail and bearpaw. The front tip of the trail snowshoes is turned up for powder snow, and bearpaw snowshoes are flat, meant for walking on hard, packed snow. That could be a fun experiment to try on campus when it snows! Iowa State’s Outdoor Recreation offers snowshoes for a day for $5 for rec pass holders or $9 for nonrec pass holders. You may get weird looks, but you will get to classes faster!

DRESS UP AS A YETI The cold weather can put a damper on people’s moods, especially after coming back to school after a much needed winter break. Dress up as a Yeti and make someone laugh or scare your enemy. The costume, depending on where you get it, would keep you warm and spread some curiosity around campus. Who is this Yeti? You could be the talk of the campus. The white squirrel would finally have some competition.

SNOWCONES

Scoop up clean, powdery snow, as much as you want to eat, and add your favorite kind of flavoring. You can either buy the flavorings in the bottles at stores or make your own. If you make your own, you need KoolAid (of your choice), sugar and warm water. Dissolve koolaid and sugar in warm water then put it in your fridge. When you are ready for a snow cone, pour the liquid over your snow cone and enjoy.

BUILD A SNOWMAN

Olaf is not the only snowman who wants to be built.

Make a snowman on central campus, by your residence halls, outside your apartments, wherever! To make it more realistic, put food coloring in a spray bottle and make your snowman come to life. You could make Cy and actually color him cardinal and gold. Sometimes, it can be tiring making a snowman. So then lay on the ground and make a snow angel. You could cover the entire center of campus with your snow angels. Make sure you are dressed warm if you take on that challenge!

HOCKEY TEAM

If you like aggressive sports, hockey is a game you should see. You will be amazed by the pace of the game. The players slam against one another while balancing the puck. It only costs five dollars for an ISU student with a student ID. Their regular season ends February 28 and the arena is by Wallace and Wilson Towers.

MILKSHAKES

Snow can make delicious treats — just make sure to check the snow before eating it. One simple recipe calls for two cups of clean snow, one packet of cocoa mix, one teaspoon of vanilla and 1⁄2 1/4 cup of milk. Mix the snow, cocoa and vanilla in a bowl and slowly add the milk until it is the texture you prefer. You can make milkshakes with clean snow too! Mix powdery snow with whipped cream out of a can until it is fluffy. Add whatever kind of flavoring you like — chocolate syrup, butterscotch or caramel. If you make ice cream or a milkshake, make sure to do it fast before the snow melts!

SHIPPING SNOW

College students are scrambling for money, so why not sell what we have an abundant amount of? Snow. Kyle Waring of Boston, Massachusetts, started a website, ShipSnowYo, and is selling six pounds of snow in an insulated Styrofoam box for $89 or a 10 pound box of snow for $119.

Many are ordering them as a gag gift to give to someone, but people from warmer climates are also buying them.

Think of other things Iowa has that other states may not be accustomed to — it’s one way to make quick money.

ICE SKATING

If watching hockey isn’t your thing, the Ames/ ISU Ice Arena offers public skating throughout the week. Hopefully, if you’ve ice skated before, you won’t end cold, hard ground, Taylor Swift-style — but that can also be part of the fun. Normal admission for an adult costs five dollars. If you’ve never skated before, now is your chance!

CHILLING FIRESIDE

After doing all of those winter activities like Buddy the Elf wants to, you could be cold, so stay inside and snuggle.

Invite some friends over, and each of you can bring your favorite movie, and a hot dish. Make popcorn, hot chocolate, brownies, cookies, soup or whatever your heart desires. Maybe your family has a secret recipe for something delicious? While you are stuffing your face and watching movies, play card games that are actually not on your phones. *Gasp!* Putting down your phones might seem terrible, but believe us, it’s worth it. Friends, food, movies and a break from technology.

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BY JENNA HRDLICKA DESIGN MIKAYLA LARSEN PHOTO MEREDITH KESTEL In the “Golden Age of Beer,” local breweries are taking over the spotlight in the ever-successful brewing industry. For centuries, beer has been one of the most widely loved alcoholic drinks in the world.

Currently the number one consumed form of alcohol in the United States, the drink primarily consists of malt, hops, yeast and water and is available in a seemingly endless variety of styles and tastes. Beer enthusiasts around the globe are discovering their love of high-quality craft beer; excellent places to experience the drink for yourself are two local breweries — Torrent and Olde Main — right here in Ames, Iowa.

The owners of these breweries have two main characteristics in common — passion for their craft and the desire to share it with others. Scott Griffen, owner of Olde Main

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Brewing Company, founded Olde Main 12 years ago as the first brewery in Ames.

“I love beer. We had been talking about this for a while, so I sent the first brewer here to brew school and we started Olde Main,” says Griffen. Andy McCormick, founder and owner of Torrent Brewing Company, started his brewery for a similar reason.

“I started as a home brewer a little over nine years ago using a cheap home brew system,” says McCormick. “Two years ago I had a crazy idea, which evolved into Torrent. I saw a niche in Ames and decided to fill it.”

The breweries have become highly successful businesses in the community, each offering unique products and experiences to customers.

The allure of craft beer and local breweries in America emerged in the late 1970s.

According to the Brewers Association, the beer industry at the time was becoming smaller and more monotonous — so homebrewing started to take over. The craft really

began to take off in the mid 1990s. As people realized their love of smaller batch craft beer, local breweries began to emerge.

Why should students venture away from their typical bars and visit these breweries?

To experience the unique atmosphere and the craftsmanship of the beer. Blaring music and packed dance floors — wellknown elements of college bars — create a constant high-energy environment.

Breweries, on the other hand, typically offer a more laid back, quiet ambience that is perfect for enjoying a beer and conversation with family and friends.

At Torrent, the tap room is where most of the action occurs. A large bar grabs the attention of guests as they walk through the door and displays the ten drink options offered on tap that day. Lights and music complement the exposed pipe ceiling and wooden tables, creating the perfect environment for conversation or a game of pool with friends.

Further exploration of the brewery leads to a more secluded room that can be rented out

for parties or gatherings. This rustic room features 12 cedar ridge bourbon barrels, reclaimed pallet walls and a large table made from reclaimed wood of an old barn.

Olde Main is set up a bit differently.

The brewery is combined with a pub and a restaurant, offering two different environments for customers. The restaurant offers more of a classy environment, while the pub is more of a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

When asked about his vision for the brewery, McCormick responds, “We’re not a huge production brewery. If we can accomplish what we want here, that’s where it’s gonna end. There’s a level of contentedness that I’m looking to achieve. I don’t need pallets of cash, the goal is to obviously be financially sound, but be happy and have a rich, fulfilling career here.

“I want anybody to feel comfortable walking in here,” says Griffen.

Both breweries also offer viewing areas where customers can see the creation process of the beer they are drinking. What most people don’t realize is the science and hard work that goes into brewing beer.

Before the mug even touches your lips, the beverage must go through a scientific process of malting and fermenting that induces various biochemical reactions. It is not easy work for brewers.

“Most of the work at a brewery is cleaning.

If you don’t have very clean equipment, you will skunk your beer,” warns Griffen.

McCormick also pointed out the hard work that goes into cleaning, stating that cleaning is about 80 percent of the brewing procedure.

McCormick said his main goal for Torrent is to make the community proud and let them participate in various aspects of the brewery. He often takes suggestions from customers for brewing inspiration, but took the community involvement a step further last year by giving individuals the chance to participate in growing hops for the brewery.

McCormick gave a group of individuals hops

root cuttings to grow on their own. He then used the hops they grew to brew an India Pale Ale appropriately named “Community Hopped.” Not only did the growers get to drink beer made from their own hops, they also received a discount on the brew. This year the brewery will be participating in this again, posting announcements on their Facebook page for all who are interested.

Olde Main stands out by offering unique seasonal brews to add variety along with their year-round brews. One of these seasonal brews is their highly popular Reindeer Fuel. This chocolate porter is brewed with chocolate malt and infused with Bavarian chocolate using a secret infusion process that Griffen refused to let slip. “It’s hard to infuse the brew with the chocolate, but we figured out a way,” he explains slyly.

Home and local brewing is an art that is steadily gaining popularity. Advice from McCormick to individuals interested in exploring the art of brewing: “Don’t be afraid to experiment, don’t be easily discouraged, and have fun. It’s about the experience.”

Torrent Brewery displays their various craft beers on a chalkboard located behind the bar

The brewing process is similar for all beer, but it changes slightly depending on the type of beer being made and preferences of the brewers. Beer can be classified into two main types: ales and lagers. Griffen gives an overview of the main differences. According to his processes, lagers are fermented at about 50 degrees for around 6 weeks and have a more blended taste composition.

Ales, on the other hand, are only fermented for about a week, at around 72 degrees, and are typically more flavorful. Ingredients can be added and the process can be changed slightly to make the brew exactly how the brewer wants it.

Local breweries typically offer a small variety of high quality beer and have the advantage of following a more flexible brewing schedule — allowing them to offer innovative brews to set themselves apart from larger brands.

“There’s no big ownership in this business to tell us what to do. [Torrent] is a small, classic family business, so we can basically do what we want,” explained McCormick.

“Honestly, I don’t know what we’re brewing next week. We don’t have a schedule of brews to make. If someone came in tonight and said they wanted a brew with roasted, mocha, espresso, crazy coffee beans — if it sounds good — we’ll go get the ingredients and make it.”

Stairs leading down to the brewery bring the Olde Main feel behind the scenes

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Cause for Celebration

You can’t take every day off...but you can find a reason to

BY HANNAH OLSON DESIGN MIKAYLA LARSEN

It takes about 12 minutes and a computer to register one of these “National Days,” so take them with a grain of salt.

FEBRUARY

2nd Groundhog Day

As Iowa State students living in the tundra of the Midwest, it doesn’t really matter whether or not Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow today — we will without a doubt be having six more weeks of winter.

National Get a

6th

National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day

Are you really a college student if you don’t participate in this one?

This day is a friendly reminder that the “Freshman 15” is no joke.

14th Valentine’s Day Otherwise known as “F*ck those happy couples, I’m so alone and eating an entire tub of Ben and Jerry’s in one sitting and crying into my Merlot, I’ll never be happy” day.

18th Drink Wine Day And it falls on Wine Wednesday this year! Could this get any more perfect?

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13th Different Name Day

Trying to hide from your significant other so you don’t have to buy them Valentine’s Day crap tomorrow? Celebrating this day is the perfect way to get off the grid. But let’s be honest here, most of us can barely stick with a major, so maybe we should keep the whole name thing set in stone.

15th Singles Awareness Day Because singles need a reminder the day after they got reminded that they were sad and alone and unloved. Like no one bringing them chocolates wasn’t already a big enough hint.

22nd Be Humble Day

Some of us need a little reminder now and then. Looking at you, Lululemon-clad frat boys.

28th Public Sleeping Day You mean class?

MARCH

4th National Grammar Day An English major’s Christmas. Mind your “P”s and “Q”s as well as your “their/there/they’re”s, “your/you’re”s, and “effect/affect”s.

14th National Napping Day

Finally a day we can all get behind!

National Napping Day annually falls the day after Daylight Savings Time, and can’t come soon enough.

National Everything

Have fun telling your professors about this one when you get a solid 39 percent on your chemistry exam. Or maybe whip this out when you’re fighting with your significant other — it’s more than a month after Valentine’s day, you’ve likely screwed up already.

Basically, March 23rd is the new Christmas.

National Something

Interpret this as you wish. Wait, who are we kidding? You’re college students.

They mean FOOD on a stick.

Also known as “How to Spot a Math Major Day.” Like vegans and CrossFit trainers, they will let you know it’s pi day.

16th You Do Is Right Day

23rd National Puppy Day

28th on a Stick Day

14th Pi Day

17th St. Patrick’s Day

ie. another excuse to get drunk and wear green. “Kiss me I’m 0.055 percent Irish and wearing a light-up shamrock tie.”

27th National Joe Day

A special day for all the “Joes” “Josephs” and “Joeys” in your life. Don’t know any Joes? Celebrating with a cup of Joe is highly encouraged.

28th Weed Appreciation Day

“No, officer, I’m not smoking, I’m just celebrating my favorite holiday.”

National Turkey

30th Neck Soup Day

While this seems extremely specific, we’re certain Seasons and UDCC will be prepared to celebrate this occasion. “You got the turkey elbow soup?! Johnson, you idiot! Do you know what day it is?”

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MORE THAN

BY JESSICA ENWESI

DESIGN NAILAH FITZGERALD

PHOTO ISAAC BIEHL

A guide to multicultural fraternities and sororities From stomping the yard during probates and calling out to their brothers and sisters during step shows, the Multicultural Greek Council and National PanHellenic Greeks make their presence felt at ISU. But who are these Greeks? You might not usually hear a lot about these groups. In fact, you may find yourself seeing waves of girls representing Alpha Chi Omega and tons of guys advocating for Kappa Sigma, but what if those organizations aren’t for you? Many MGC and NPHC Greek organizations found their start in the midst of adversity. Whether it was for protection from outside threats or for gaining a sense of cultural unity, these organizations were created to uphold a sense of community that can be hard to find elsewhere. That’s when it’s time to explore the diverse and distinct world of Multicultural and NPHC Greek life.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Founded: January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington D.C. Colors: Salmon Pink and Apple Green Affiliation: National Pan Hellenic/Divine 9 ISU President and Chapter: Zakia Brown, Eta Tau Chapter If the vibrant colors of salmon pink and apple green don’t catch your eye, you better believe the high pitch “skeewee” certainly will. The fine, fierce ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha mean seeeeerrious business (throw that pinky into the air!).

The sorority was founded on a cold January night in 1908, when eight African American women, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, came together to forge a history and bond unlike any other during that time — a time when racial inclusion in Greek life didn’t exist.

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“My founders were living during a time where black men and women weren’t allowed to join collegiate frats and sororities just because of the color of their skin,” says Zakia Brown, a sophomore in psychology. “They were being lynched, tormented and still being refused their basic rights. So during their undergrad years at Howard University, they felt they needed their own coven and formed Alpha Kappa Alpha.”

These ladies fought to establish a sanctuary where they could flourish as independent women and build a community. “Alpha Kappa Alpha’s mission is to build friendship, sisterhood and academic success among all women,” says Brown. “We are about ‘Service to Mankind’. We have annual charity events like our clothing drive, where people can come and donate their gently used clothing for others in need.”

The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha have some upcoming events in the works. “We have our food drive and bake sales coming up in the future. For these events, we like proceeds to go toward different charitable organizations,” says Brown.

Aside from working with the Ames community, the AKAs at ISU want to meet more members of our student body. “We also like to meet new people wherever we go. We love to tell people to feel free to talk to us because we want to get to know you too!” Be sure to be on the lookout for these ladies. You can’t miss a well-manicured pinky finger in the air.

Delta Phi Lambda Founded: December 5, 1998 at the University of Georgia Colors: Navy Blue and Silver Category: Multicultural; Asian based ISU President: Jasmine Au Chartered on ISU’s campus on March 1, 2015, the women of Delta Phi Lambda are a new multicultural sorority with a powerful history. Delta Phi Lambda Inc. sorority began on the southern campus of the University of Georgia in 1998. As a small minority group in a predominantly white institution of over 30,000 students, founding members Anh Ngoc Nguyen, Theresa Sung and five others, paved the way to form a space for Asian and Asian American women.

Feeling no sense of cultural community on their own campus, these women forged a sisterhood to cultivate and empower themselves through respect, integrity and academic excellence. And last spring, eight young women decided to bring these same ideals to ISU. “A lot of these [founding] women didn’t feel like they fit in with the other groups on their campus. They felt homesick and they were looking for a student organization they could connect to”, says Xinyi “Glory” Peng, a senior in psychology and secretary to the “DPhiL” sorority.

As a new organization, these dedicated female leaders have already begun to create the space that their founding members had longed for nearly 20 years ago.

“We are a new sorority here on campus so we are trying to find and establish our own road”, said Mariah Johnson, a senior in design and member of Delta Phi Lambda.

And finding their road is right — the group has started a tradition in which they travel to Perry, Iowa to volunteer their time to special needs children with The Grow program, where they plant and tend gardens.

As this organization continues to grow, they also like to highlight what sets them apart from other sororities. “I just believe there is so much potential with Delta Phi Lambda.

Yes, we are like a baby sorority right now, but the sense of unity I feel with DPhiL is what made me want to be a part of it. That connection is what drives [my sorority sisters and] myself is to keep building our organization,” says Peng.

These young women have only been chartered ISU for one year in March, but with their determination and leadership they will continue to grow as an organization.

And they will continue to live by their motto, “Let Our Light Shine Forth.”

Sigma Lambda Gamma Founded: April 9, 1990 at University of Iowa Colors: Shocking Pink and Majestic Purple Category: Latino-based Social/ Multicultural Sorority ISU President and Chapter: Griselda Rodriguez, Gamma Chapter If a lifetime bond between sisterhood, strength and morality is what you have been searching for, mixed with a flair of attitude and heart, the gracious ladies of Sigma Lambda Gamma are here to represent with pink and purple everywhere. The University of Iowa is home to the Alpha chapter of the Sigma Lambda Gamma.

With the motto “Culture is Pride, Pride is Success”, the Gammas became incorporated on April 9, 1990. “Our main goal is to empower women and prompt leadership (among them),” says Breayona Reed, vicepresident of recruitment for Sigma Lambda Gamma and a sophomore in software engineering. “Although we are a Latinobased organization, we accept all women from different places. It’s a great feeling to be a part of an organization that supports all women and celebrates diversity.”

With so many different options for those interested in joining a sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma’s rich history sets it apart. Feeling underrepresented in the University of Iowa’s student body, founders Esther Materon Arum and Mary Peterson created this sorority to help empower Latina women everywhere. “I personally joined Sigma Lambda Gamma because of [the first] time I met the girls. It was a very family-oriented atmosphere [and felt very] comfortable. I felt that I could be 100 percent me.” said Reed.

“we are trying to find and establish our own road”

There’s one more thing about the Gamma ladies: They love puppies. They hold the annual RentaPup event on campus where you can rent a cute pup for a few hours during the day. And since this is also a charity event, all proceeds go toward the Boone Area Humane Society.

Feel free to approach women of Sigma Lambda Gamma whenever you see them.

They are getting ready to showcase new members this spring semester.

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“We’re all about helping young men of color and young men in general become better.”

FRATERNITIES Kappa Alpha Psi Founded: January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Colors: Crimson and Crème Affiliation: National Panhellenic/Divine 9 ISU President and Chapter: Ontorio Drayton, Omega Chapter Let’s be honest, there isn’t any fraternity that can be as smoooth as the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi. When they aren’t shimmying for the ladies in the most dapper apparel, the Nupes can be found winning the hearts of many by holding numerous charity events throughout the year. However, don’t let them fool you. Although they may chant that they are “so pretty to their left” and “so pretty to their right”, these men strive to be the living embodiment of leadership, brotherhood and community service.

“My fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, came together during a time that was postCivil War,” says Ontorio Drayton (pictured above), a senior in psychology. “After the war, there was a lot of Ku Klux Klan activity taking place, particularly in Indiana. My ten founders came together not only because they wanted to form a brotherhood, but more so, for protection from their surroundings.” In an area where the KKK influence was particularly flourishing, these

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nine men were faced with the fact that they might be lynched every time they left their frat house. “Because of the segregation laws, my founders couldn’t even live on campus.

So every night they would literally run home, afraid that this could be the day they are snatched and murdered by the Klan,” says Drayton.

getting study tips. “Also, nearly every year, we host a scholarship pageant to help support the women at ISU. We also support other groups of minority students at ISU, attending the events like #ISUSupportsMIZZOU. We believe it is very important to stay connected and involved with our campus,” says Drayton.

But on January 11, 1911, those ten men came together and created one of the oldest historical African American Greek fraternities in the world. Leaning on each other for mental, emotional and sometimes physical support, Kappa Alpha Psi become an incorporated organization dedicated to changing their community’s future.

So when you meet a group of men, in stylish penny loafers, hitting the smoothest shimmy in the world, just know you’ve just met a Kappa in the flesh.

“Our motto, and what we literally live by, is ‘Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.’ When we say that motto, we don’t mean endeavors here and there, we mean achievement in all that we do. We believe in service to the people and serving the public. We’re all about helping young men of color and young men in general become better.” says Drayton. They don’t just talk about helping — the Nupes have dedicated several hundred hours to community service projects around Ames. They currently host “study tables” at Parks Library where students can come and feel comfortable while receiving help on assignments and

MGC

Sigma Lambda Beta Founded: April 4, 1985 at University of Iowa Colors: Royal Purple and Pure White Category: Latino-based Social/ Multicultural Fraternity ISU President and Chapter: Raul Hernandez, Omicron Chapter According to Edwin Martinez Velazquez (pictured below), publicity chair for Sigma Lambda Beta and a senior in computer engineering, there’s no organization that can build a stronger bond between brotherhood, leadership and academic success than his fraternity. “We believe in being a tight group,” says Velazquez, “but no matter what your background is, you will fit in.” He says they’re always willing to help each other out.

“We’ll help you succeed. If you need help with time management or professionalism, if you don’t know [these things] we will teach you them. We have a strong alumni field ready to connect our members and build networking connections.”

With over 10,000 alumni spanning all colleges, states and careers, Sigma Lambda Beta is a fraternity built in the name of unity and values. And it all started in a small church in Iowa City. On April 4, 1985, at the University of Iowa, in a small chapel named Danforth, 18 united men founded what is as one of the “most culturally diverse Greek fraternity in the world and largest Latinobased organization in the world.” Etching the motto “Opportunity for Wisdom, Wisdom for Culture,” these men created a space for

Latinos and other cultures to come together and create a sense of unity, at a time where that feeling had been lost. By hosting numerous events throughout the year, Sigma Lambda Beta likes to stay involved with the ISU community.

“We usually bring national speakers or show documentaries on campus to talk about a range of cultural awareness topics like immigration, college life and gender roles,” says Velazquez.

Sigma Lambda Beta wants to start dialogue and discussion about the different issues that students may face at ISU. For example, SLB has held forums to discuss the roles men play in society when it comes to rape culture and what they can do to reduce assault numbers. “We intended to not only educate men and women in things everyone can do to prevent assaults, but we also to highlight what services are available in ISU and Ames to get help or seek help for a friend,” says Velazquez Velazquez and the men of SLB have also brought guest speakers to speak upon topics like the U.S. immigration policy.

“In the fall we brought Jose Antonio Vargas, who is a Pulitzer Prize winner, to talk about undocumented immigrants and immigration reform.” As a strong group of men working together to create success on this campus as well as in the world, they are an example of what brotherhood is all about.

Delta Lambda Phi Delta Phi Lambda Gamma Rho Lambda Lambda Theta Alpha Lambda Theta Nu Lambda Theta Phi Pi Alpha Phi Sigma Lambda Beta Sigma Lambda Gamma

NPHC (Divine 9)

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.

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UNDER

THE RADAR

BY KAYLI NARTATEZ

DESIGN MACKENZIE GEARY

PHOTO MEREDITH KESTEL

The epidemic of eating disorders in college and why they run rampant away from home *names have been changed “It’s crippling — I want to be normal but my mind won’t let me,” says Maria*, a senior who has suffered with anorexia for six years. A victim of both an eating disorder, depression and anxiety, Maria fights a secret battle far beyond the average load of a college student every day of her life.

“I spent a long time denying it and my parents hovered over me a lot when I was home. When I came to school, I was completely unmonitored and no one knew my eating habits, my schedule, or anything. It was as if I could be normal,” she says, eyes averted to the floor.

For students battling any form of mental illness, college presents a new set of challenges. Those with social anxiety fear being humiliated, those with depression fear not having enough motivation to complete their studies and those with complex eating disorders fear their symptoms can only get worse without guidance.

Disordered eating can be classified as anything that diverts from normal consumption of food and beverages as well as other altered behavior regarding food. While it is estimated by the National Associations of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) that 3.7 percent of people suffer from eating disorders, 22 percent of college-aged women reported that they were “always” on a diet.

While dieting is not necessarily harmful from time to time, altering eating habits can quickly morph into something much more serious if a person happens to be suffering from other mental conditions.

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“Sometimes, I really just want to talk to someone who isn’t sick. Not just talking about my disorder in a clinical setting.”

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College is a time for finding yourself while also receiving an education and building a future, but for some students, this can be nearly impossible when there is a good chance they won’t live to see a long and prosperous future.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and other related disorders can form for various reasons. In college, stress, depression, and anxiety are common triggers for those who have been struggling with an eating disorder for many years, or even those who are slowly slipping into one.

“When I first got to school, I couldn’t handle my course load,” says, Cassie*, a sophomore. “Everything was new, and so much was expected of me. I relapsed as a way of coping,” she explains.

For Cassie, diagnosed with EDNOS, which stands for “eating disorder not otherwise specified”, learning to cope with school life while simultaneously experiencing life on her own for the first time was a rough experience. Though there are options for treatment around the Ames area, part of the healing process when dealing with mental disorders deals with trust between the patient and the healthcare provider that many people lose when they leave their “safe zones”.

“I was scared that moving to a new place would make it easier for me to stop eating again,” says Jessica, a freshman.

“When I was at home, I was recovering but in college my doctors and my parents

and all my friends aren’t watching over me, and it’s nervewracking,” Jessica’s fears are common among many people suffering from eating disorders.

There is always the fear of relapse, just like with addiction. Students have enough to worry about simply leaving home for a new experience without worrying about the aftermath of their mental illnesses.

Mental illness is something that has been getting more attention in recent years, but there is still a large stigma against those suffering from mental illnesses.

According to ANAD, anorexia nervosa is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents and young adults, and approximately 25 percent of college age women resort to binging and purging in order to maintain weight.

Symptoms of eating disorders start small — dieting or trying to skim off a few calories.

However, due to the stigma against mental illnesses and social expectations, especially for women to maintain slim, beautiful figures, many will deny having a problem even when their symptoms compile into a full blown, obvious problem.

“Sometimes, I really just want to talk to someone who isn’t sick. Not just talking about my disorder in a clinical setting,” says Jessica. She explains that while she realizes she has a problem, the main reason she finds herself relapsing is because of the people she previously surrounded herself with.

“If the only people you talk to are also battling with eating disorders, such as when I was hospitalized, you forget how to associate normal habits to eating. Life outside of rehab is confusing when people stare at you like you’re a part of a freak show.”

This is the sad truth that many people with eating disorders face. While people feel they are aware of their effects, the large stigma surrounding them can result in a deep misunderstanding.

Some common retorts are that eating disorders are a way of garnering attention, or striving for unattainable beauty.

While the media does certainly have an effect on self-esteem and body image, all the blame cannot be placed on media interactions. An estimated 50% of people with eating disorders also battle depression, according to ANAD. Depression has been proven to be genetically linked, so it is fair to say that eating disorders are not entirely existent because their ties to scary skinny media.

Just like with any other mental illness, students battling eating disorders have a hard time adjusting to new lives on their own. The changes hit them much harder than others, and with eating disorders often being coping mechanisms for even deeper mental issues, it isn’t surprising that eating disorders run rampant on college campuses. What is important is that those who are suffering know that there are options available to them on campus and around the Ames area.

OPTIONS FOR Iowa State Counseling Services Student Services Building Monday – Friday: 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. (515) 294-5056 Mary Greenley Hospital 1111 Duff Avenue, Ames, IA 50012 (515) 239-2011 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255

TERMINOLOGY Anorexia Nervosa: an eating disorder that results in extreme limitation of food consumption often coupled with a distorted body image

Bulimia Nervosa: an eating disorder that is defined by binging and then purging either through vomiting or the use of laxatives

Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS): An eating disorder that does not meet the criteria for either anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa

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Smith uses a braille watch to tell time without needing sight

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RELUCTANTLY

f lexible

Leland Smith, a legally blind sophomore, uses a cane to make his walks around campus easier

BY RACHEL VIPOND

DESIGN ALIXANDRIA COLLINS

PHOTO MEREDITH KESTEL

IN WHICH A HIGH-STRUNG PERFECTIONIST GIVES YOGA A TRY AND LEARNS TO TAKE A BREATH (KIND OF) Athletics are a socially acceptable way for competitive, type-A people to act on their intensity in public. In middle school, I was all-elbows as the tallest player on the basketball court. In high school, I moved to individual sports — long-distance track and cross-country — where I had complete control. I lived by the concept that running was better when it was so cold that my legs went numb. I like sweat and aching muscles and workouts with no surprises. Clearly, I

thought, yoga’s deep breathing and gentle stretching was so not for me.

My roommate remarked after a class I had dragged her to, “I liked the stretching, it felt nice! But I probably wouldn’t do it again — I like cardio workouts more, I feel like they give me a better workout.”

My thoughts exactly.

Why do yoga if I can burn more calories, sweat more and work out my stress on a

nice, long run? Yoga is calm — and you have to relinquish some degree of control to do it well. During my middle school volleyball career, I spent most of my time on the bench because I couldn’t serve correctly or block anything, despite my unusual height. I hated every minute.

Yoga, I feared, would be a similar experience.

I’m not the most inflexible person in the world, but there was no way I could do the complicated poses I’d seen online.

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LET’S TRY THIS YOGA THING Despite my fears, I made plans to attend a morning class at a nearby gym and subconsciously challenged myself to not just go, but to find a way to be good at it. Hey, the “Go big or go home!”s of countless coaches are hard to untangle from your mind after 20-plus years.

At my first class, I was proud of how flexible I already was. My instructor remarked that I could almost get into a full bind with one of my arms. Whatever that meant, her tone said it was impressive. I could make it halfway into a difficult balancing pose. I went home with a tidy little ego boost coiling around my chest. I was a champ at yoga without even trying, evidently.

The need to be flexible, it turns out, is the biggest misconception about yoga, says yoga instructor Claire Kruesel. “People will try to do hard classes right away, when

establishing a regular practice is more important,” she said. Oops, I thought.

She went on to explain that yoga is about embracing your natural self and working with it — a concept I diligently worked against at first, forcing my injury-prone back into far more severe bends than my body was prepared to attempt.

I was knocked down a few pegs in the next couple sessions, when my instructors lectured on the importance of breath and had us practice its connection to our bodies.

I’m going to let you in on a secret: breathing is hard. Really. My body wanted nothing more than to hold my breath through a series of difficult plank poses and core work, but I’m convinced that yoga instructors see everything. My determination to hold the pose without the coached breaths earned me a pointed look and gentle, “Remember your breathing,” from instructor June Burns.

IT’S ALL IN MY HEAD All the confidence I’d gained from my easy transition into the physical side of yoga had disappeared by the end of my first power yoga class. Unlike the gentler classes I had been attending that focused on flexibility only, this class focused on strength — and it moved fast. Within ten minutes, I was breathing heavy, and, to my great shame, I found myself in child’s pose — fetal position, practically — waiting for my heart rate to come down. The next morning, I was nearly as sore as I was after my most difficult cardio circuit workout. Success, I guess?

Wracking my brain as I rubbed my sore muscles, I realized that my mind had become my biggest challenge to overcome in my yoga practice. I’m strong and naturally athletic, but muscle wasn’t going to improve how I practiced yoga.

When I’d mention this experience, yoga advice popped up everywhere. Kelly Schiro,

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who drives with me to work multiple times a week, listened to me complain about my soreness and mentioned that she’s done yoga for years.

“If I know I can’t, I won’t,” she said, regarding the more ambitious poses. It helped to know that she didn’t consider backing down a failure, but I wanted to hear more. I reached out to an instructor for any advice she’d give a high-strung perfectionist. As it turned out, my instincts were on the right path.

Burns, the instructor whose classes I attend most often, is encouraging and accessible.

She also knows most of her students and their situations by name, and gave me tips on how to modify poses for my long limbs. Burns suggested, because I’m so predisposed to order and planning, that I physically write yoga into my schedule to give it more structure.

SMELLING MY WAY TO SUCCESS Once, Burns brought an essential oil diffuser — a small white rectangle that plugged into the wall and lit up like a night-light — to class to help improve our focus. I wasn’t sure about it, but I was open to the idea of a scent improving my day in the yoga studio, so I opened my mind and breathed deep.

Essential oils are something I’ve stayed away from in the past — I’m never sure of how to use them. I love earthy and herbinspired scents in perfumes and candles, but aromatherapy seemed like a different language.

I don’t know if it was due to the oil or the fact that I had settled into a regular yoga routine, but that class did go better for me. Meridyth Moore, a coworker of my mom’s and devoted user of essential oils for everything from

cleaning to mood improvement, put it nicely, “It could all be a placebo, but I don’t care, if it works.”

I scavenged around until I found some inexpensive oils. The lavender, sandalwood, ylang ylang and lemongrass blend I had stumbled upon boasted “improved mood and vitality,” so I applied it to my pulse points like a perfume. When schoolwork became stressful, I did as Moore instructed and applied some to my palms and breathed in, hands cupped close to my face. The act itself fostered calmness, and soon I began to associate the scents kept in my desk drawer with a lowered heart rate and focused mind. I’m not sure I’d place money on aromatherapy’s scientific soundness, but it has worked for me.

“A PRACTICE, NOT A PERFORMANCE” I spoke about my natural bend toward competition with Moore after learning that she had dealt with the same sort of anxiety — both a cause and symptom of my personality type — that I experience on a regular basis. A mother and wife, she leads a holistic lifestyle and practices yoga to remain calm and balanced. She’s always been a competitive athlete, so she understood my tendency to treat yoga like a 5K race.

“This is a practice, not a performance,” she reminded me. She told me that any pose that forced me to lose control over my breath would have to be worked up to, slowly.

“Don’t let your posture define your breath, let your breath define your posture,” she explained.

As a former cross-country athlete, I am very familiar with the concept that fitness is not just a physical concept, but a mental one. My coaches would — contradictorily — shout and yell at me during races to “Relax your frame!” As a nervous little freshman, I had no

idea how to do that, so I’d ball my fists and will myself to run harder. By the final race of my senior season, I heard this from the side of the course and kept my eyes on the painted line in the grass. I willed my body to relax, and like a switch being turned off, my shoulders dropped, my jaw slackened and my hands uncurled.

Rachel Vipond gets a yoga session in at Beyer Hall

Since my competitive running days, I’ve become somewhat mentally lazy when it comes to workouts. Without someone to keep me accountable, I lift the same weights and run the same routes I’ve completed for months. I’ve developed an affinity for group fitness classes because it’s so much easier to have someone else telling you that you can’t be done with squats quite yet. I quickly realized that yoga wasn’t like my other classes — if my mind wandered to dinner or the show I was currently binging, I wouldn’t just miss a pose. I’d find myself falling over, muscles tightening back up. In order to get better, I’d need to dust off my old “mental toughness” and do a bit of tuning up.

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MEDITATION, OR WHERE I LEARNED HOW BAD I AM AT SITTING STILL (AND QUIETING MY MIND) In my quest to solve my yoga problems, I found myself trying out guided meditation. I hoped it would help me practice the type of mental stillness I would need to improve my yoga practice. After a few disastrous sessions that actually made me more anxious than usual, I reached out again for help. Joel Geske, a professor at the Greenlee School and yoga instructor at Ames Racquet and Fitness practices meditation regularly.

Meditating for even five minutes could be a huge challenge, he explained. I was trying to get something out of the session—rest, relaxation, inspiration—and not letting it do its job, it seemed. “There is not really such a thing as multitasking,” he told me. I rolled my eyes to myself when I realized that this would be yet another exercise in learning to let things go.

I tried a few more sessions, and his advice helped. Mediation didn’t have to mean sitting cross-legged in a dark room and listening to a chant or guided thought pattern. I developed an unorthodox and relaxed version that involved the breathing I practiced in yoga classes and a breakfast of cinnamon raisin oatmeal and yogurt. It meant waking up a little earlier to enjoy a quiet apartment and enough time to empty my mind before starting another day. That being said, more often than not, I found myself swept up in YouTube videos and answering emails before something remotely close to meditation had happened.

I shouldn’t condemn this, though, according to yoga’s mental teachings. As attendance of classes and my interest in yoga grew, it was explained to me that beyond breath as a central focus, yoga is about accepting everything from pain or sensation to a negative thought, allowing yourself to feel it, and letting it go.

“Challenge yourself to detach from any ideas of success or failure,” said Burns after my class had completed an especially difficult pose.

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My competitive spirit stung, and I tried not to feel proud that I had competed the more challenging variation. The feeling of success lingered, though, as I walked out to my car.

A Facebook post by a friend and teammate from high school inspired me to consider the mental practice of yoga more seriously.

Madison Miler, a college student in her early 20s, has been traveling Asia and Europe solo for the past few months. While in Thailand, she signed up for a ten-day meditation retreat, where she meditated for nearly all waking hours during her stay. She shared her experience with me and explained that stillness could not only be difficult, but painful, too.

“After about four days I was feeling these tiny sensations so strongly that I was in extreme pain. It felt like worms were crawling through my nose, under my skin, and being pulled through my ear. There is nothing you can do to stop these sensations other than to observe them objectively, and even the slightest aversion to the pain makes the pain stronger,” she explained.

I began to realize that releasing my mind in yoga class didn’t mean betraying my natural tendency to think a mile a minute.

It meant opening my body and mind to the experiences of others. I’m well aware of how “granola” that sounds; I thought it was ridiculous before starting this project.

But, as Miler explained, experiencing things at a primitive level can result in a new understanding of the world. I“On a fundamental level humans are all so similar — we all have natural aversions to pain and misery and natural cravings toward things that can bring us happiness and joy,” says Miler.

I loved that idea, but I still had no idea how to find the stillness to experience it. I don’t even know how to make it through a conversation without bouncing my legs and glancing around the room.

“ The need to be f lexible, it turns out, is the biggest misconception about yoga.”

A BUNDLE OF NERVES Coincidentally, I found myself in the throes of panic attacks and the worst anxiety of my life around the time I started reporting on this story. My counselor, Jamie Dunn, is warm and petite. Though the job description of a counselor likely reads, “Must be a good listener,” Jamie has a special knack for it. At the end of my first session in her office — me swinging back and forth anxiously on a swivel chair as she observed quietly from her desk — she listed off a few things I should try to help with my stress levels. At the top of the list was yoga breathing. This, she explained, could have the same stabilizing effect I had begun to notice in yoga class when things started to go sour in classes or relationships.

Carrying the principles of yoga outside the studio wasn’t a new idea — plenty of instructors had mentioned it. My best friend, Sarah Thomason, swears by it.

“Sometimes it’s important to stop what you’re doing and focus on what your body is saying,” she told me.

I’m surprised to admit that I’m a yoga convert — I even bought a shiny new mat of my own. The bare feet, the challenge and the mutual respect between instructors and students have become symbols of getting out of my racing mind for just a few minutes.

The poses have squeezed themselves into my spare moments: a shaky crow pose in front of the TV, downward dog when my back stiffens from typing for too long. I still haven’t sorted out how to let things go, exactly, but I’ve found the discipline to let go for the window of time I’m in the studio. I was wrong about yoga—there’s nothing more intense and appealing than a tough mind.

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A NEW ADVENTURE Some students choose an alternate path to college after experiencing the real world

BY VARAD DIWATE

DESIGN ALIXANDRIA COLLINS

Jeff Haacke was furious after the first day in class.

Haacke used to commute from Urbandale for school and work a part-time job there. He had to attend a mandatory orientation class in the afternoon on the first day of classes of a new semester.

He was scheduled to work that day and would not be able to attend this particular class session. He explained he would have to take time off from work and asked if he could follow up over email or attend the class over webcam. But that was not going to work.

“She was dead set on me showing up, saying it was a requirement — I had to show up. She was inflexible.”

He ended up taking time off work and drove up to Ames. The instructor for his class walked in, read the syllabus for about 15-minutes and walked out.

“There wasn’t even attendance [taken]. If I had not showed up, she wouldn’t even know!” Haacke says.

“Those are the kinds of issues nontraditional students are really frustrated with,” says Haacke, senior in management information systems and supply chain management.

Haacke is just one of the many current students at Iowa State who did not follow the traditional path to college — leaving

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high school at 18 to pursue a degree for your lifetime. The paths leading to a college degree for these students are different, and so are their experiences in college.

Along with attending school, these students usually have something else going on in their lives, says Darlene Fratzke, coordinator for the Adults and Non-Traditional Students Learning Community at the College of Human Sciences. This learning community is a support and social group for nontraditional students.

The term “non-traditional students” includes those commuting, married, raising children or serving in the National Guard. This category also includes students coming back to school after a long time. ”If they have been out for a while, learning to study again is a challenge,” Fratzke says.

Iowa State does not have an official count of non-traditional students as the criteria for being a non-traditional student are far-ranging and not tracked by university records. According to the Office of Registrar, the number of adult students, aged 25 and above stands at 1540, or five percent of the total undergraduate enrollment. This number by itself is not inclusive of all nontraditional students.

Some non-traditional students shared their experiences of coming to Iowa State and spending their time on a campus dominated by 18-22 year olds.

STUDENTS’ STORIES “I guess I didn’t put as much emphasis on school and grades as I do now.”

JEFFREY HAACKE, 32 , SENIOR IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS Jeff Haacke says he now has a “professional approach” to college during his pursuit of a second degree. He sees college as a stepping stone to professional success rather than as a rite of passage after high school.

“The first time around, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do...it was something expected from my family and high school.

You get a four-year degree in something and after that you’ll have a great job,” he says. “Obviously that’s not what ended up happening.”

Haacke graduated with a degree in political science from the University of Iowa in 2006. He worked for six years before coming back to school. After graduation, he worked in AmeriCorps VISTA, a federal program that aims to eradicate poverty, and at a banking firm.

He also worked as a concierge, then supervisor at an upscale retirement home.

With his first degree, Haacke says he found that it was hard to find a worthwhile career opportunity unless he worked for the federal government or lived in Washington DC. During an internship in college, he had a chance to see what it would be like.

“I was in DC and started seeing what I could be doing, because I wanted to work on the Hill for a congressman or senator.

It really turned out that what I was getting into, I didn’t enjoy as much as I thought I was going to,” Haacke says. So, he kept looking at opportunities closer to home.

During a short gig for an insurance company, he realized he needed to go back to school to advance his career.

Haacke talked to his brother who works in the IT sector and also talked to advisers at Iowa State. He decided to go for a degree in management information systems to complement his background in project management. He was also attracted to the ever-changing nature of computer technology.

He started taking classes at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to complete his prerequisites in fall 2013. Once at Iowa State, he also added supply chain management as his second major as it was going to take just one additional semester.

The financial aspect of going back to school again was also a bit different for Haacke.

“Since I was out in the real world working and saving money, that wasn’t as much of an issue for me as it might be for some other people,” Haacke says. “It was definitely nice to be able to get scholarships to pay for my tuition here.”

It was the beginning of a new journey at a new school.

“One thing I really enjoyed was coming back to a college campus and getting the hopeful vibe,” he says. “At first it was pretty strange when I was on average 10 years older than the students in class. It definitely took some time to adjust to it.”

The social aspect of college now looks a lot different to him as a non-traditional student.

Haacke says he now usually ends up going out with a smaller group of people closer to his age and doesn’t stay out as long. He ends up meeting quite a few people through group projects and involvement with clubs.

“It doesn’t seem that they mind that I am a lot older than they are,” he says with a chuckle.

Given his background, Haacke had to transition into his new major with a technical focus.

The transition from a full-time job to being a college student was not difficult for Haacke as he was used to long hours, deadlines and assignments. Additionally, his goals are different the second time in college.

“I guess I didn’t put as much emphasis on school and grades as I do now. But hindsight is always 20/20,” he says. “I have definitely excelled while I have been here. It has been a positive experience.”

Haacke plans to work as a business analyst after graduating in May 2016.

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“I just kind of thought, ‘I have a degree and I’ll get a job.’ That’s not true!”

JILL GYULAFIA, 29, SENIOR IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS. “I guess I didn’t really have things figured out when I was 21. I thought I was going to go to grad school for medical illustration,” says Jill Gyulafia. Originally from Kansas, Gyulafia was pursuing a bachelor's degree in studio art from Baker University. That was the plan until senior year, when she came to know the program at her university was not accredited.

To pursue her plan, she would have to go back to an accredited school for the same degree. So, she decided against this option after graduating in 2008.

After graduating, she took the first job she could find at a community college bookstore.

She worked at the store for three years and at a clothing retail store for two years. She felt her work wasn’t challenging enough and wanted to do something that would offer her better employment opportunities in the future.

That led her to the decision to come back to college for another degree. Even though it was largely her decision, friends and family supported her. She took an online quiz which found that logistics would be a good career option for her. Gyulafia’s primary major, supply chain management is closely related to this field. After talking to employers at a career fair, she added MIS as a second major.

It was eventually a question of almost doubling her student debt and spending a few more years in college. She talked with a financial aid counselor to understand this option better.

“I’ll have a substantial amount of loans when I graduate, but I feel the majors I have chosen will allow me to have a good salary,” she says.

She started taking general education classes at DMACC in fall 2013. After two semesters,

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she transferred to Iowa State and enrolled in her current program in fall 2014. During her time here, she has taken classes just in her majors.

“It was intimidating...I had never taken a business class before. Accounting made me nervous because I am not good with numbers,” Gyulafia says about her transition to a new major. However, this changed after her first semester at Iowa State. “I did pretty well. I realized, ‘Oh! I can do this. It’s hard work, but this is worth it.’”

Coming to college for the second time has given Gyulafia a different outlook.

“I never really considered that I needed to make an extra effort to get a job. I just kind of thought, ‘I have a degree and I’ll get a job.’

That’s not true!” Gyulafia says. “I definitely have a better attitude of being a student this time around. I learned my lesson — you need to have a good GPA. You need to work really hard to get that internship.”

So far, she has been able to make friends with mostly other non-traditional students.

“I just try to blend in. I think a lot of people don’t realize that I am non-traditional or as old as I am,” she says. As for challenges, Gyulafia says she had to get used to being a student again with attending classes, doing homework and working on projects.

She has had at least one experience which reminded about her alternate path to college.

“While interviewing and applying for jobs, I have had someone make a comment… ’Oh! You are non-traditional. I don’t discriminate!’ during a pre-interview social.

That kind of made me think if that had been a factor for other employers and recruiters — are people taking that into consideration?”

She says this was not something she anticipated.

Gyulafia is looking forward to graduating after the fall 2016 semester.

“The first time around, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do... it was something expected from my family and high school.

You get a four-year degree in something and after that you’ll have a great job, obviously that’s not what ended up happening.”

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“I would have rather, hands down, gone to college not knowing anything than what I know now.”

EVAN ZERBY, 36, SENIOR IN GEOLOGY As someone who has worked and managed a business for several years, Evan Zerby says at times it is difficult to relate textbook concepts to what he had already seen in real life.

“I have really struggled in school because of that. I can get the answer, but not the way they want me to do it. I couldn’t do things the “freshman way,” he says. “I would have rather, hands down, gone to college not knowing anything than what I know now.”

Zerby is a super-super senior in Geology.

He says he has been around for so long as he “easily gets side-tracked by research projects.” He has spent about three semesters on research projects.

Born on the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas, Zerby grew up with technology around him. His father worked in university facilities for more than four decades which gave Zerby an opportunity to explore research on campus. Talking with researchers, he got interested in science and research.

Zerby is also interested in custom cars, space exploration and anything that has to do with making things using his hands. This is evident in his garage which doubles as a workshop for his house remodeling project.

As a teenager, he was drawn to car-stereos and eventually custom cars. He started his business in 1998 at the age of 19. He started a retail shop which bloomed into a location frequented by enthusiasts and athletes. He later started designing concept cars.

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He was doing well financially. However, he was also looking for something more.

“By then, my heart was not in it as much as it used to and I was looking for something different,” he says.

“Even though I made unbelievable money at the time, there still wasn’t the respect that I do [have] now because I didn’t have a college degree. I was a nobody because I didn’t have a degree,” he says. “I decided what I needed to do what was come back to school and get the prestigious paper — the diploma that said I knew what I had already done.”

He looked at college options and decided on Iowa State as he already knew a friend who worked here. He says when he first got to ISU campus in 2008, he definitely got a lot more “weird looks.”

He started off in software engineering with a geology minor. He eventually changed his major to geology.

Given his background, Zerby has his views on the role of college education. “Maybe I am being political for a moment here, that’s part of the problem with the world,” he says.

“For generations now, we as the society have taught people that if you get your hands dirty, it’s not as respectable if you don’t,” he says while aligning two blocks of wood to make a small door.

Today, while attending school, he also runs a business.for custom designed parts. He looks forward to graduating in summer 2016 and working with something that would allow him to merge his interests — remote exploration, space robotics and related fields.

CHALLENGES As part of the non-traditional students community, Haacke knows other students and their diverse challenges. “People who are a little older may have some reservations about how they interact with people who are a lot younger than they are. Especially so with using computers and other technical aspects.” he says.

Another issue is making older students comfortable in a class mostly filled with young people.

“I think part of it is not to constantly remind the students how old you are and that you are a non-traditional student,” he says.

Haacke says universities should be looking at being more flexible to non-traditional students — especially those married, with families or other jobs. He says, “School is a priority but it might not be the number one priority.” Flexible could mean accommodating students who are once in awhile late due to other commitments.

Or understanding students who commute to school from far-away might not be able to make it to attendance-based classes in bad weather.

For Zerby, there was a transition in terms of leading a “regular life” and a college life.

Running a business at a young age, Zerby was used to long hours and late nights.

However, things are different a decade later.

“Let me tell ya, all-nighters at 36? That’s rough!” he says.

Other challenges include aspects young freshmen today wouldn’t think about. Zerby doesn’t use a complicated graphing calculator.

“I struggle because I don’t know how to punch stuff into a calculator,” he says. “When I was a kid, you would be expelled from school if caught using a calculator. They were this new evil technology that was considered cheating.” He’s still adjusting to the exams handed out today, which assume everybody is using a calculator.

Other issues for non-traditional students Haacke mentions include finding affordable family-friendly housing. The learning community has also talked about developing an orientation session catered towards nontraditional students.

At the end of the day, these students are content about making a major decision.

“I am glad I made that leap to quit my job and go back to school,” Gyulafia says.

ANTS: Adults and Non-traditional Students Learning Community This learning community aims to serve older students and those from non-traditional backgrounds at the College of Human Sciences. In the past, the group has organized meetings, lunches and organized for peer-mentors.

According to the community’s blog, the group was started in 1986 by a counselor in the student counseling services office who felt a need to have such a group on campus.

Non-traditional students can be referred to the group by their academic advisors.

Who is an adult or non-traditional student?

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Adult students are aged 25 and above.

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Non-traditional students can be adult students or those commuting, married, raising children or serving in the National Guard, among others.

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Senior basketball player Nicole “Kidd� Blaskowsky balances being both a student and an athlete

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JERSEY PLAYING THE POSITIONS OF BOTH STUDENT AND ATHLETE

BY JACQUELINE CORDOVA

DESIGN NAILAH FITZGERALD

“We’re just regular people who play a sport,” says Naz Mitrou‐ Long, senior guard for the men’s basketball team. Yet somehow there’s always buzz around campus for these “regular people.”

You watch them sprint down the court to make a three pointer on ESPN, pin their opponent on the mat or see their names make the front page of the paper after a major win. What exactly is the divide among the athletes and non‐athletes? Are they really just your average people?

You see them consistently talked about, but they are still just students like us. You find them sitting in your math class, grabbing lunch or simply making jokes with their friends as they walk around campus.

“When I see them on campus I feel like they think they’re better than us, which just makes them intimidating. Somehow being an athlete automatically gives you a title,” says one sophomore in animal science.

Mitrou‐Long says he thinks there are some misconceptions in how other students view them. “I feel like you hear things about us, for example like that we don’t pay for school, which can put us in a category where people think we’re cocky, selfish or ungrateful —

PHOTO SAM GREENE

you can’t really be mad at people for it when it’s the stereotypes and stigmas that get put on to us.”

Walking around in their matching cardinal and gold gear they stick out like sore thumbs. With high expectations from peers, coaches, and professors, their status as athletes can complicate even their lives as students and young adults. A title comes with attachments and Mitrou‐Long acknowledges there’s a responsibility in his court when upholding a good image.

College athletes have several opinions, stigmas and stereotypes surrounding them — thus, they are likely to be misunderstood by their peers. People think they are only the person on the front page, or the person seen on TV. “It’s like they’re celebrities and somehow we’re just the smaller people under them because of the attention they get over us who don’t play a sport,“ says a junior in English education.

Nicole “Kidd” Blaskowsky, a senior guard for the women’s basketball team, doesn’t like the stereotype of athletes being separated from the rest and set on a pedestal. “I’m no different than anybody else who goes here, regardless if I play a sport or not,“ says Blaskowsky.

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THE BUSY SCHEDULES It’s 8 a.m and Lelund Weatherspoon, a junior wrestler, is already sitting AT a desk, prepared to tackle a day full of classes along with a work out, a quick lunch, therapy and a practice to end the day. Back to back to back, from the moment he opens his eyes to the moment he falls asleep. This is apart from homework, projects and other academic responsibilities. When leaving the wrestling room after practice more than ready for bed, Weatherspoon has to go home and continue his duties as a student.

“I have friends who text me and try to tell me I must have it easy as an athlete, but sometimes I wish I could see other people try and go through these busy schedules,“ says Weatherspoon.

Athletes essentially tackle their passion for a sport as a career, along with being full‐time students. Being a part of the team doesn’t just involve what you see on the screen. It includes more than just showing up to play a game or wrestle in a match — there are other commitments, like press conferences, interviews, photoshoots and workouts, to name a few. They eat, breath and sleep their sport once they’re in season, giving them little room to do anything else.

“I respect students who have to work, go to school and study. The same way, I feel they should take into consideration our practices and the hard work we put in,” says Mitrou‐Long when discussing his peers at Iowa State. Crazy hours and schedules in the life of an athlete are also accompanied by sacrifices.

For Weatherspoon, it was evident when tackling crazy schedules during the season that some things would suffer. In order to give his best and not risk hurting his career, his social life suffered a little by giving up the usual college party scene. He spends laid‐back weekends with teammates who can understand his commitment.

Just trying to go about their everyday lives puts athletes under the microscope. They walk into a room, getting stares while some start whispering. All it takes for an athlete is to walk into a room with a cardinal Nike backpack for everyone to know who they are.

For Blaskowsky, when being out on campus, all it takes is the gear to know someone is an athlete. “When everybody is given the same gear and the same backpacks you already know at least who is an athlete and who’s not — if I see a football player or a wrestler, I already know that much.”

With a barrier set by something as simple as what someone is wearing, there’s no denying that there is going to be a gap between athletes and non‐athletes — even for something like standing in line for lunch.

“We’re separated and isolated. You can clearly see the eyes and people saying things about you, but I can only try and assume it’s positive.” says Mitrou‐Long Long when discussing his life on campus.

Junior wrestler Lelund Weatherspoon is just one of many student athletes with busy schedules that include practice, studying and other obligations.

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“I have friends who text me and try to tell me I must have it easy as an athlete...�

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“We as athletes look at students who are engineers, or journalists, and we are intrigued by what they do.�

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THE END GOAL So, after all this effort, what is the end goal for college athletes?

Like any other student, they too came into college with goals and aspirations of a successful future. Weatherspoon is putting time and commitment into a sport that basically ends after graduation. Unless one wants to make it to the Olympics or join MMA, wrestling has an end point, and that last match isn’t too far from Lelund.

Working toward a degree in hospitality management, he looks forward to working with a hotel or a resort and climbing his way up the ladder. As for wrestling, being a national champion — and maybe winning even an Olympic title — are still on his radar. The passion never ends. Not only has he become a better athlete, but through wrestling, Weatherspoon says he has gained some valuable life skills.

“It has taught me discipline, responsibility, and basically taught me how to be a man, gave me every life lesson there is,” says Weatherspoon.

Blaskowsky walked into college with eyes set on the ball, and trying to figure herself out as the player she was going to be. When junior year rolled around, she began to look beyond the sport. When her time comes to cross the stage at graduation, she hopes to take a year off to travel and see the world. She wants to be just like any other person and enjoy the world beyond what she already knows. Her ultimate goal is to join the military — she hopes to enlist in the Marines. When it comes to basketball, she only hopes to walk out of Iowa State with a bang in her basketball career and be remembered in a positive way. Overall, she just wants make her family proud — something any other student wants to accomplish.

For Mitrou‐Long, earning a degree in communication studies, he’s had the opportunity to explore his options. He loves the game and that’s something he wants to pursue whether on the court or on the sidelines as a coach. As far as life outside basketball is concerned , he is ready to get his diploma, an achievement he is looking forward to. He hopes to continue to make meaningful friendships and grow in the community.

Like the rest of us, college athletes are here for the same purpose — to earn a degree in what they love, grow as a person and to have the best four years of their lives. Although athletes seem to be under a spotlight and get more attention than an average student, that doesn’t take away from the achievements of other outstanding students on campus.

Mitrou‐Long acknowledges all the hard work and accomplishments by other students around him. He admires engineering students because he says he could never be successful in one of their classes.

“We as athletes look at students who are engineers, or journalists, and we are intrigued by what they do, we respect how many hours they put into their work,” says Mitrou‐Long.

So in the end, everybody has their own talents and goals they are pursuing. For some, the talent comes in a field where all eyes are on them. All the athletes you see on campus are just like you, here to learn and pursue what they love.

“You’re put in your position by God and by your way of life, and in that position you just learn excel at it,” says Mitrou‐Long.

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BECOMING A

THRIFTER The keys to secondhand success

BY JESSICA CRISTALLO

DESIGN KALEY LEMPKE

PHOTO MEREDITH KESTEL

Ralph Lauren and all the brands, Grandpa’s sweater, denim and leather — what if you could get about all of the these and more for just a few of the crinkled dollars in your pocket? College isn’t exactly the stage of life where anyone’s rolling in cash. Ames has your back, though — there is a collection of thrift shops and they’re stocked with everything a college student needs.

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Where to go Goodwill

Overflow Thrift Store

Salvation Army

Location: 3718 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA, 50014

Location: 202 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA, 50010

Location: 207 S Duff Ave, Ames, IA, 50010

(Just a short trip from campus on the Red West Cyride)

(Jump on the Blue South Cyride from Campus to get onto Duff Avenue)

411 Kellogg Ave, Ames, IA 50010

Opening Hours:

Opening Hours:

Monday–Friday – 9 a.m.–9 p.m.

Wednesday–Friday – 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday – 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturday – 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sunday – 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Overflow may have less clothing than Goodwill but it has EVERYTHING that you could need, seriously — and everything you didn’t realize you needed either.

Goodwill is loaded with unique clothing items and all your winter needs, keep an eye out for a oneoff sweater to keep you warm this winter.

703 E Lincoln Way, Ames IA 50010 Opening Hours: The location’s opening hours change seasonally but they’re only a call away if you would like to find out (515-233-3567).

Salvation Army has a lot of clothing in addition to household needs and knickknacks galore.

Thrift Shop 101 · If you wouldn’t donate it, don’t buy it

· If it is a material you can’t wash, it’s not worth it

· Safety, support and hygiene first

· Remember, you’re supporting local charities (and your own bank account) every time you shop at a thrift store, so go all out to help those in need

· Forget the rules of fashion

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What to Buy Warm Clothes: Winter coats and jackets are made to last and to deal with the seasonal extremities Mother Nature throws our way — this is why we pay a fortune in store fronts.

Luckily, coats and jackets work just as well secondhand and Goodwill is loaded along with the other thrift stores. You can buy lined coats, thick sweaters, weather hardy jackets all for under $20, making them a mustbuy.

Statement Pieces: Everyone enjoys steering clear from the mainstream fashion front at least once in awhile — and there’s no better way to do so than with a classic ugly sweater or a heavy and oversized leather jacket. Thrift shops are the perfect place to find that one piece of clothing you want to be

identified by — that makes you, fashionably you. The best part is you know that some other girl or guy won’t have purchased the same sweater or coat.

Denim: Denim (proper denim, not imposter materials like jeggings) is made to last a lifetime — it gets better with age. For starters, jeans are in one season and out the next, skinnies are making way for flares again and highwaist cuts are on the way out too. Thrift shops have every kind of denim you can imagine in terms of colors, style, sizes and items. There is nowhere better than athrift shop — except a music festival, maybe — to buy a denim jacket.

Flannels: This is Ames, Iowa, land of the farmers, and you can’t be a true Iowan without a classic manly flannel shirt. Now, you might be able to find one in Sears or TJ Maxx, but there’s no authenticity there.

On top of that, good quality flannels aren’t cheap, but they will be if you manage to snag one from your local thrift shop. Heads up: these sell out quickly, so make sure you know when they’re in stock.

Designer Brands: Don’t assume that because it is secondhand the brands are second best If you are lucky, you can snag big brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein among the mess of styles and sizes hanging on the racks.

What to Avoid Shoes: Support and hygiene are two factors that shouldn’t be compromised. For the most part, secondhand shoes are not worth buying. They are suited to the shape of someone else’s feet, the soles are worndown and, honestly, feet are sweaty. Supporting local charities is important but so are the feet that support you.

Undergarments: If you’re not willing to keep your underwear that has lost its elasticity or your bra that is faded and stretched, then don’t buy secondhand undergarments.

Underwear is not made to last and hygienically, they’re not the best thing to share. It’s worth splashing out an extra five dollars and buying these from a retail store.

T-Shirts and the Basics: If you’re looking for basics for costumes and so on then shop till you drop. The issue with buying secondhand shirts is that these materials — cotton and polyester — aren’t made to maintain color or shape. Considering basic T-shirts and singlets are not too expensive in stores like TJ Maxx and JC Penny, this is one type of clothing best bought new.

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WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?

BOUNCER JAMES SPRUILL

MAJOR: CRIMINAL JUSTICE, GRADUATED

BY ANDREAS HAFFAR

LOCATION: ESTAS BAR AND GRILL

DESIGN SYDNEY DE NOOY

FROM: CHICAGO, IL

PHOTO MEREDITH KESTEL

James Spruill lifts a keg inside Es Tas Bar and Grill where he works as a bouncer.

The IDs are checked thoroughly. The spills are cleaned up promptly. The food is delivered quickly. The bar capacity is at an appropriate level. Everyone is having a good time, everyone is safe and everything is under control. That’s because at Es Tas Bar and Grill, James Spruill isn’t just their bouncer — he’s the meticulous guardian that sees all things good, bad, ugly, funny and just plain wrong. Like a shepherd with his flock, Spruill ensures that all of the sheep are protected, that they aren’t behaving flagrantly and that the atmosphere is a welcoming and secure one — despite dealing with a boozed-up herd.

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Ethos: How did you become a bouncer?

Spruill: Initially I didn’t have any interest in doing it. I ran into an old friend of mine a few years ago. He worked there at Es Tas and he mentioned to me that they needed some extra guys to work. When people think of the stereotypical bouncer they think of the big, mean, tough guy dressed in all black but it doesn’t always have to be that way. So they needed another bigger, more proactive guy, they said if I liked it I could stay, and I’ve been there ever since.

E: What are the duties of a bouncer, because it isn’t just being a doorman, is it?

S: On most nights there will be two of us, one person at the door checking IDs and another guy, the floater, he’s picking up glasses, delivering food, fixing things if they break — he’s an extra pair of hands. We both monitor the crowd too, we’re always trying to keep our patrons happy by getting their food on time and making sure everything is alright. We have to make sure nobody underage comes into the bar, we have to ensure that we’re not over capacity, we have to make sure people don’t get out of line, and we need to make sure everyone is out before bar close. This job isn’t really for timid people, you really have to be assertive and with bouncers that I work with who don’t necessarily fit that stereotypical bouncer build, I have to get the ferocity out of them so they can be confident and proactive in what they’re doing. You have to watch out for big groups too, because it’s likely that there’s someone underage with them, or that someone is drunk and stumbling in and you have to decide whether to let them in or not. If they’re drunk coming in, you’ll probably regret taking the risk of allowing them in.

E: When you were in school and working as a bouncer did it affect your academic or social life?

S: Being a bouncer improved my social life but at the same time it didn’t make it any better. My friends can come see me when I’m working which is nice but sometimes it sucks. I’m more concerned about making money and trying to get to graduate school. Bouncing is a temporary job but I enjoy it.

E: Do you feel more feared or respected with this position?

S: Personally, I’m very self-aware in many aspects and I’m good with people. I can gauge people, get to know them, feel them out and let them feel me out, and if you didn’t know me and didn’t see me smile, you’d probably think I was some mean guy. I’m more of a protector or the “teddy bear” kind of guy. At the same time, I handle myself accordingly at the bar, I’m laid back, I pay attention and deal with every situation as it comes. I’d say people respect me more. With bar patrons that I see regularly, we have mutual respect for each other.

The same goes with my fellow workers so when something goes down, they’re on my side and know what’s going on. Honestly, I’m not there to be an aggressive person. If a situation arises, I’ll get to a person, talk them down and get them to where they need to be and either they calm down or they’re out the door. When I was in school, people recognized me. They know I’ve seen them at their worst but at the same time, they know I’m not there to judge them, and they’re not embarrassed. They like me because I like to think I give them a reason and encourage them to come back. Even if I do have to kick someone out, I escort them and find a cab to safely take them home.

E: What is your favorite part about working as a bouncer?

S: Definitely the social aspect of it. You’re a guardian but you also have to be approachable too. After taking this job, I’ve gotten to know a lot of the bouncers at the other bars and regardless if the other bars are busy or have long lines, they still let me in, which is nice. And of course it helps to work with good people, which I do, not to mention it’s a sports bar so I’m able to watch sports while I’m working. Es Tas

is just home for me...I wouldn’t be a bouncer at a place that was just a bar. I take my job seriously but not too seriously to the point where I take it home with me — you can’t take it personally. People say and do a lot of stupid things but you’ll still see them back drinking next week.

E: What things do you least enjoy about the job?

S: Sometimes you have to be the party pooper. Also if my abilities are good enough, I’m going to catch you if you’re not supposed to be there, like someone who’s underage. What people don’t realize about being a bouncer is that you’re liable for many things. Someone could get hurt in a bar, you can get ticketed by a bar for being over capacity or for allowing minors in, even if you didn’t know it—there are a lot of things that can affect you and put you in a financial and legal burden. I understand a lot of young people want to come out to the bars and drink, but not my bar. If the police come and fine me and the bar, I’ll lose my job and worse, face legal consequences. We have to take fake IDs if we catch kids with them and then I can use them as training references for new bouncers and teach them how to identify a fake. There’s a negative to the social aspect too, where bar regulars will get to know me and after a while some will try and persuade me to let their younger friends in. I’m like ‘thanks for letting me know where we stand’ because it feels like they were using me. I’m aware of that though. Cleaning up after people isn’t fun either, like with puke and other accidents.

E: What have you learned since taking this position?

S: Working at Es Tas has taught me a lot about myself but about other people too. One issue many people don’t like to address is alcoholism and many people, including college kids, find themselves becoming alcoholics. Drinking once in a while is fine but getting wasted every night is not. I’ve gotten to understand how alcohol affects other people and how it affects me too. Working at a bar has taught me how to enjoy myself and safely have a good time. Every time you go out it doesn’t have to be a party.

E: What are some of the craziest things you’ve seen or that have happened to you while working as a bouncer?

S: There are some occasions where women think that their prowess is stronger than my will. I’m not easily moved by a pretty face even though it’s tempting at times. There’s the occasional flashing, some women will flash me to try and get in but it never works. Sure, it’s nice to see a pair of boobs every once in awhile but it’s also disappointing. Like, tell me a good joke instead or something. In all seriousness though, I’ve never knowingly allowed anyone into the bar that wasn’t supposed to be there.

Some of the visiting parents can be outlandish, they usually get the drunkest. They’ll even sneak in their own alcohol and I have to confiscate it, it’s like babysitting them!

There was one occurrence on a Sunday night that I remember very well. The bar wasn’t very packed and there were these two guys, they were playing good music on the jukebox, they were really cool, kind of douchey, but cool. So they went to the bathroom and they were in there for a long time. They came out after about twenty minutes, and they were saying some weird stuff like ‘there’s a pile of shit in the middle of the floor in there’ and they’re coming out wiping their shoes off. I was taken aback. I go in there and in the middle of the bathroom floor is a perfect, soft-serve looking turd and it was cold too. I kept thinking ‘did they pull it out of their bookbag or did they let it cool or what?’ I didn’t know how they did that. I told them they had to leave but I wasn’t even mad, I was actually pretty impressed.

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can’t make this sh*t up

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