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Chasing Horizons
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2  Horizon Magazine
Horizon Magazine
@cmuhorizon
@cmuhorizon
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  Horizon Magazine   3
Chasing Horizons
Features: 20
Birds, Bees and STDs:
24
Boys in Pink:
34
4  Horizon Magazine
Consequences of hookup culture
A Feminist Case for Men
Not Kitten Around: CMU professor rescues orphan kittens
Table of Contents 06| 08| 10| 12| 14| 16|
The Last Straw Conservation in the Grand Valley
Friends Not Food
The benefits of a plantbased diet
Meet the Mavs
What students are up to at CMU
Creatives are Crucial
Art Majors: Underrated and Understated
School Over Sanity
Tips for balancing the college trifecta
Keeping Up With Technology
20| 24| 26| 28| 29|
Technological advancements create new learning opportunities
Birds, Bees and STDs
Consequences ot today's hookup culture
Boys in Pink
A Feminist Case for Men
30| 32 | 34| 38| 40| 44| 46| 51 |
Hopeful Not Homeless
How college students can help the homeless
Voluntourism
Your selfies aren't helping as much as you might think
Not Kitten Around
CMU professor rescues orphan kittens
Get Yourself Out There
The benefits of spending time outdoors
Shop Local
Spend money here, keep money here.
White-Hooded Omens Grand Junction's history of racism
Desecrated Ground
History of the Ute population in the Grand Valley
The Horizon Collection
Photos from the contributors of Horizon Magazine
More Than a State of Mind
Why open-mindedness is essential
Y'all Need (to Talk About) Jesus Keeping an open mind about religion
Let Me Be
Learning to respect opposing beliefs
  Horizon Magazine   5
Chasing Horizons
# nottheenemy In light of the recent aversion and distrust of the media in this nation, alongside the bombardment of accusations of “fake news” against media as a whole, my greatest desire in creating this magazine was to not be fazed by the negativity. I want to remind our readership that we, as media, are not here to deceive them, but to to enlighten them, whether that be regarding current trends, issues, or even just another person’s perspective. When my social media director brought up the theme “Chasing Horizons,” it resonated with the ideas I had already formed in my mind. The thought of looking forward and progressing made me want to abandon the notion that media is not to be trusted, and simply focus our energies on what we set out to accomplish: create an awesome magazine. We created this issue not only to give you, reader, a glimpse into what matters to us, but also a look at how we can progress to create a more caring community and culture. That being said, we understand that in order to progress, we must also acknowledge the transgressions of the past. So reader, whether you casually skim or diligently read this magazine cover-to-cover (which I certainly recommend), I hope you understand that this magazine was created for you by a group of students who care and want to create something worth taking the time to read. And to my staff, I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Thank you for dedicating long hours and sleepless nights to this project with me. To quote John, “Love you.” Your Editor in Chief,
Abigail M. Garton
6 Horizon Magazine
Editorial Board: Idea makers
Abigail M. Garton editor in chief
Megan Dirksen photography editor
Jenna Kretschman managing editor
Tatiana Lopez social media director
Nick Mejia advertising director
John Spriggs art director
Contributors: Stellar content providers Jorgan Bean - writer
Tatiana Lopez - writer, social media
Ryan J. Brock - writer
Jorden Manuel - photographer
Salim Cleghorne - photographer
Lohgan McClung - writer, photographer
Maribel Diaz - writer
Breanna Meininger - designer
Summer Diedrich - illustrator
Laurian Quezada - social media, illustrator
Megan Dirksen - photographer
Megan Ramstetter - photographer, social media
Dillion Fleischmenn - writer Abigail M. Garton - writer
Margo Randol - social media, illustrator
Catherine Garcia - photographer Dejan Jestrovich - designer
Brenna Rhiness - writer, photographer, designer Stephanie Sheely - writer James Shreve - writer, photographer
Riley Kane - writer
Mia Shumway - writer
Jenna Kretschman - writer, photographer
John Spriggs - designer
Kasia Kucera - photographer
Madison Starbuck - writer, photographer, designer
Susie LaBonde - designer
Logan Wagner - designer
Andrew Lane - designer
Leah Ward - designer
Editor Acknowledgments: Those worthy of numerous high-fives Dr. William Wright, Eli Marco Hall, Jesus Almader, Sarah Coen, Gail Howe, Julie Stump, Siena Shupe, and all of our mothers and fathers.
  Horizon Magazine   7
Chasing Horizons
The Last Straw Conservation in the Grand Valley
Writer: James Shreve | Photographer: James Shreve
The Last Straw: Designer: Susie LaBonde
T
here is little doubt that anyone has missed the newest environmental debate. The single-use plastic straw has become the conservationist issue. Removing the plastic utensil has
become a hallmark for the environmentally conscious.
As companies such as Disney and cities like Seattle move to ban straws, the environmental stewardship movement has received renewed interest. While debate continues on what steps the global community can take to cut waste, a local approach is lacking. Coverage of the topic leaves many readers with enthusiasm but no clear path on how to make an impact.
Local impact and practical or short-term solutions are key to success
The
in the long term. Too often, global concerns overshadow small-scale
passionate
steps that can be made on an individual and household level. Discussing
and dedicated
global impacts absolutely helps to curb the issue, but how does the
students of the
average person affect the miles of plastic floating in the ocean?
Sustainability Council
Mavericks and members of the local community have not been sitting
want to reverse the
idly on environmental issues.
damage that has been done
On campus, a student-led group has taken the initiative. The Colorado
to our planet. Key to all of their
Mesa Sustainability Council is constantly looking for projects where
current and future success is
Colorado Mesa University can interact positively with our environment.
educating students about their
“We are expanding and making a difference in a lot of different areas
own impact. The significance
here on campus and in the Grand Valley,” Ian Thomas, marketing director
of an individual may seem
for the Sustainability Council, said. Those changes are not invisible. They
small, but to members of the
have events frequently and are always looking for students to help CMU
movement, the impact is evident.
become a cleaner campus.
The largest contributing factor
Volunteering for other organizations and the student body are crucial
for an individual is more likely
to make a positive change in the community.
to be trash generated every day
“CMU Sustainability creates lasting and positive change within
than any amount of driving or
local and global communities through the synergy of economic,
light bulbs used. Though these
environmental and social realms,” Thomas said. 8 Horizon Magazine
steps aid in the conservationist effort, tangible impact can be felt more greatly at the county level than in the atmosphere. Mesa County Solid Waste Director Barrett Jensen explained the environmental impacts of a landfill with a principal distinction. A landfill is no dump. Each pound of trash from the 600 tons they receive daily is curated. Jensen’s team reuses or recycles what they can. Tires disposed of at the landfill are shredded and used to separate layers of trash. The landfill is so meticulously designed, it is referred to in documentation as an “EngineerDesigned Sanitary Landfill.” “You can understand it when you see it,” Barrett said. “When you sit here and see 600 tons [of waste entering the facility] a day, you think, ‘Oh, that doesn't need to be here.’ We will have to deal with this again. It’s
is concerning, particularly compared to the EDSL’s own estimate that the landfill can only function for an additional 24 years at current projections. Conservation efforts are underway to extend the lifetime of the landfill. The director hikes up the slope of a hill made entirely of trash covered in an insulating layer of dirt every day. With straws being a topic at the forefront of environmental issues, Jensen explored methods of diverting the new trash boogeyman. “Paper is better, but it needs to be composted,” Jensen said about switching the material of straws. Paper straws are a better alternative, if they can be disposed of properly. There are no perfect waste disposal methods for plastic, but paper can easily be composted with other organic trash. Composting is among Mesa County’s chief conservation priorities; composting diverts critical waste from a quickly filling EDSL. Leaving organic (or green) waste at the landfill is free of charge and is turned into the Mesa Magic soil builder, which generates revenue for the facility. Knowing what to throw away, how to do so and the proper facility can make a considerable impact on the local environment. Colorado Mesa University and the county have resources to navigate the difficult process of conservationist waste disposal. Next move-out day, or when you clean out your fridge, remember that there is likely a better place for what’s being hauled off to a landfill. Just ask the experts.
not going away.” The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 200 million tons of recyclable material is thrown away in the state of Colorado alone every year. The number
•CMU Sustainability Council is happy to take new members and see you at their events. Find them on Facebook. They have meetings Wednesdays at 6 PM in Escalante Hall, room 101.
•Mesa County Landfill is located at 3071 U.S. Highway 50, Grand Junction, CO 81503. Their number is at (970) 2416846 if you have questions or to take a tour of their facility.
Chasing Horizons
FRIENDS, NOT FOOD
Writer: Jenna Kretschman Photographer: Kasia Kucera Designer: Logan Wagner
F
rom the moment we are
egg industries, according to the Humane
to prevent pecking behaviors in close
old enough to chew, we are
Society of the United States.
quarters, and they are regularly
conditioned to believe that
The overwhelming majority of these
crippled due to selective breeding that
animals belong in one of two categories:
animals are kept and killed in harrowing
allows their bodies to grow too heavy
friend or food. Many of us would risk our
conditions with very few laws to protect
for their legs and skeleton to support,
own life to save the life of our dog or cat
them, according to the American Society
according to the ASPCA. Chickens,
but then stop at McDonald’s for a burger
for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
which make up the vast majority of all
and some chicken nuggets. Our culture’s
Male cattle are routinely castrated,
slaughtered land animals, are excluded
compartmentalization of animals into
branded and dehorned without sufficient
from all federal animal protection laws.
either companion or commodity is
painkillers. Before slaughter, they are
In the egg industry, male chicks are
detrimental to animal welfare.
fattened on feedlots with an unnatural
routinely ground, gassed or suffocated
Veganism is a lifestyle that excludes
grain diet, which is often full of hormones
alive, because they are not profitable
the use of animals and their byproducts
and antibiotics to prevent infections,
to the industry.
for food, including meat, fish, dairy
according to PBS’s “Frontline.”
These cows, chickens and pigs all have
and eggs. The normalization of a
On factory farms, pigs are typically
the ability to suffer, can experience pain
plant-based lifestyle into mainstream
confined to small, dark and overcrowded
and fear and have a will to live, just like
culture has the potential to prevent
pens, covered in their own waste, often
we and our pets do.
unnecessary suffering.
with no room to even turn around. At only
“I absolutely love and adore animals
Animals that are exploited and
six months old, they are sent to slaughter.
and would never cause them harm, but
slaughtered for human consumption are
Chickens have their beaks searedoff
I didn’t know any better. It’s the craziest
primarily raised on factory farms. Every year, more than 9 billion farm animals are slaughtered for human consumption in the United States alone, not including fish or those exploited by the dairy and 10 Horizon Magazine
“People need to become more educated about what they are eating and the reasons why they are eating those things.”
and groundwater with pollutants such
every meal that I ate had animal
as nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria,
ingredients – meat, dairy, eggs – all day
pathogens, hormones and antibiotics,
long,” Rhonda Dunlap, coordinator of
according to the Environmental
Vegan Life Grand Junction, said. “How did
Protection Agency.
I not know that I was doing something
In this developed country, most
that went against what I believe? I
ofushave the luxury of choosing what we
wouldn’t harm any animal.”
eat. Eating flesh is no longer necessary
Cows, like all mammals, must be
for our survival.
impregnated and give birth in order to
In fact, some plant-based meat and
produce milk. Dairy cows are routinely
dairy alternatives provide the same
forcefully impregnated, and the calves
(or better) nutritional value and are
are often torn from their mothers soon
indistinguishable from animal products.
after birth, according to the ASPCA.
The Beyond Burger, a plant-based
Mastitis, a painful bacterial infection, is
burger primarily made of pea protein,
common in industrial dairy cows due to
has the same 20 grams of protein
unnaturally high milk production. Male
offered by meat-based hamburgers and
calves born in the dairy industry are often
tastes just as good.
slaughtered for veal, because they are of
Any food made from animal products
no use to the industry.
can be made plant-based, with no
“Drinking cow’s milk doesn’t make
animal cruelty involved. Next time you
sense when we are one of thousands
visit the grocery store, look for delicious
of mammal species on the planet, and
plant-based “milks,” “ice creams” and
we’re the only one that continues to
“cheeses” made from almonds, coconuts,
drink milk after we’re weaned from our
cashews or soy.
mothers,” Dunlap said.
We are a nation of animal-lovers. Why
Factory farming can be detrimental
not extend that compassion to the most
to the environment. The animal
exploited and abused beings on the
agriculture industry produces tons of
planet? The best way to reduce animal
manure and wastewater, which drains
suffering is as simple as shifting the
from farms and contaminates surface
balance of supply and demand. If there
These cows, chickens and pigs all have the ability to suffer, can experience pain and fear and have a will to live, just like us and our pets.
thing. I honestly did not realize that
is demand for a product, even if that product causes unimaginable suffering, there will be supply. A plant-based diet reduces the demand for factory farming. Get educated about what you are funding each time you scan an animal product at the grocery store, and adjust your behavior to align with your values.
According to Animal Clock, in the time you spent reading this article, approximately 77,000 farm animals were slaughtered in the United States. Horizon Magazine 11
Chasing Horizons
Meet the Mavs Writer: Dillion Fleischmann Design & Photography: Madison Starbuck & Susie LaBonde
BJ Long, Student Robert “BJ” Long, a mass
accounts for CMU’s athletics program as part of an internship
communications student, has bounced
through the school.
around departments in pursuit of
Long hopes to use his degree and internship experience to get a job similar to
a major that fit him. Something he
what he does for the athletics program – to manage the social media accounts of
has been a part of since coming to
teams or players. He is also interested in being part of the livestreaming aspect
CMU is the eSports club, which hosts
of eSports and producing the actual broadcasts of the games.
multiplayer video game competitions.
“I’d like to see more freshmen involved with activities and clubs, so they
Long is currently the president of the
can introduce themselves to peers with similar interests outside of their
club and the manager for the teams
department,” Long said.
that the club is putting together. Long also helps manage the social media
been heavily researched. The gold
Sam Lohse, Professor
nanoparticles are nontoxic and easily monitored, which allows students to treat the as a sandbox to some degree.
Inside Wubben Hall and Science
nanoparticles have in industry, Lohse
This frees the students of some
Center works Sam Lohse, chemistry
was quick to point to electric cars.
of the limitations that laboratory
professor, who supervises students
The batteries utilize lithium cobalt
classes provide. Students can conduct
as they research nanoparticles. The
nickel oxide nanoparticles to hold
experiments more independently and
experiments that Lohse’s students
and maintain a charge. While still a
learn at their own pace.
perform all pertain to nanoparticles
new and expanding research topic in
“Because gold nanoparticles have
composed of gold, experiments that
the field of chemistry, students work
been researched, there is enough
Lohse has been familiar with since his
with gold nanoparticles rather than
literature about them for the
days at graduate school. When asked
the nanoparticles of another element,
students to look something up if they
about some of the applications that
because gold nanoparticles have
get stuck,” Lohse said.
12 Horizon Magazine
Erin Case, Student Erin Case, a senior sociology student at
with a nonprofit working with sex
professor overseeing her research,
Colorado Mesa University, conducted
workers,” Case said. When she returned
Case plans to present her findings in
research last spring on the effects
to CMU for the fall semester, ready to
the spring at the Pacific Sociological
of pornography on males and their
start her senior year, Case wanted to
Association meeting in California.
intimate relationships. At the end
continue doing sex-related research
“I’d liketo continue doing sex-
of the semester, she presented her
similar to the research she conducted
related research [and] get the chance
findings at CMU’s annual Student
in the spring. She decided to follow her
to work on a project in a foreign
Showcase and won the award for the
previous project with a similar one,
country again,” Case said when asked
Social and Behavioral Science track.
but with a focus on females this time.
about her plans after graduation.
“I got the chance to work in Kenya
Alongside Megan Henley, the sociology
“I’d like to see more freshmen involved with activities and clubs, so they can introduce themselves to peers with similar interests outside of their department.”
Michael Dackonish, Student While interested in the compelling research being done in the development of artificial intelligence, Michael Dackonish, a sophomore computer science major, is fascinated by the smooth tones of jazz. Alongside his studies of computer science, Dackonish also furthers his musical studies by practicing the saxophone. He performs when given the chance, such as at fundraisers and with other local musicians. Dackonish has played with a salsa band from Denver, QueMando. Dackonish equally enjoys both writing code for his classes and practicing his saxophone. He is unsure about what he would like to do in the future, aside from an interest in AI technology, but is certain that he would like to continue playing music in some capacity. “My parents were both into music when they went to college, so they were very supportive of my sister and I learning to play,” Dackonish said.
Horizon Magazine 13
Chasing Horizons
Creatives are Crucial Art Majors: Underrated and Understated Writer: Brenna Rhiness | Designer: Andrew Lane & John Spriggs
“H
ow bleak, unlivable,
she changed her mind. “I was the most
insufferable existence
stressed I had ever been in my life,”
becomes when we are
Martin said. With the help of ceramics
deprived of artwork,” American
professor KyoungHwa Oh, she found
novelist, Toni Morrison said. A
studio art.
society’s culture is heavily defined
Rob Mosher, another senior
by creative outlets: art, music,
studio art major, has two focuses:
photography, literature, etc. Why then,
printmaking and sculpture.
are the arts looked down on?
“It all started out with therapy for me
Hannah Martin is a studio art
… keeping me balanced,” Mosher said. Art
major concentrating in ceramics.
was his salvation. It came to him when
She’s graduating from Colorado
he went through some of the hardest
Mesa University in May and is
times in his life. “[I] got back into it
planning her senior showcase: her
because of my mom going through
concept is memories.
cancer. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is so
“The idea is that basically
healthy; I need this,’” Mosher said.
[someone] took one of my memories
Doubters are still prevalent. People
to help create a new memory,” Martin
ask Mosher what he’s going to do once
said. She builds clay cups that look
he has his degree. The real question
like they’re made of paper. Everything
is, what isn’t Mosher doing? Over the
she makes holds a memory; it’s where
summer, he travelled to New Orleans.
she draws her creativity from. Each
“I went to all these different galleries.
new or exciting interaction she has
I built my own frames all summer.
inspires a sketch. This makes studio
I worked on pieces,” Mosher said.
art the perfect major for Martin.
Creative minds are always at work.
Originally, she planned to major
“Jobs that have a creative vein are
in art education, but after a summer
always going to be there,” Martin said.
internship with the Mesa County Fair
One of the largest setbacks in the
14 Horizon Magazine
creative job field is the assumption
Jones said.
complaint. “There was certainly a lot
from clients that they can get work for
There are job opportunities for
of pressure, you get made fun of a lot,
free or at a discount.
whatever major you’re in. “The job you
and you tell people you’re a writer and
“I’m trying to turn this into a career,” want is out there, as long as you want
people are like ‘Oh, but what do you
Mosher said. “I wouldn’t go up to a
it enough,” Martin said. It comes down
really do?’” Jones said.
carpenter and ask them to build me a
to a willingness to put in the work.
Students in creative fields shouldn’t
deck for free, right?” Art is hard work;
“I gave up some really great jobs
feel the need to validate themselves.
it’s sitting up for hours finishing a
to come back to college and change
They should be able to study their
project, it’s pouring your soul into a
my life and go in a different direction,”
passion like everyone else. People
single piece, it’s a lot of time.
Mosher said. To him, art is a full-time
seem to think money equals success,
Martin spends hours upon hours in
gig – it must have his full attention.
and if someone is in a field not known
the ceramics studio. Working from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., she fine-tunes her craft. She hand-builds pots and creates each one to hold a memory. Mosher’s process involves meditating on ideas for weeks until he decides what the piece needs to say. “Seeing stuff is not rushed and there’s so much me in it, I’d rather have the long process,” Mosher said. Martin struggles with dyslexia, so she adapted by becoming visuallyoriented; it morphed into her unique expression. “I used to memorize the pictures and the words with it, not necessarily this is what that word means kind of thing,” Martin said. Being a part of a major that relies heavily on creativity affects Martin personally. “It gave me another way to speak to the world and record what was [going on] around me – process how I was feeling and that kind of thing,” Martin said. Images are simply another way of thinking; the sheer difference between thinking in images versus working in numbers scares people. Analytical thinkers and creative thinkers tend to draw a line between each other. “We separate ourselves so much,”
“It’s a storm that’s never going to end
for being lucrative, they judge.
and it’s turbulent a lot, but you can
Mosher said it best: “Well, I might be
“Really, you weren’t brave enough.”
poor for awhile, so what? If that leads
find balance within it,” Mosher said. “I love to create because I can’t stop thinking,” Martin said. Putting things on a page or creating with her hands is a release. Art, for Martin, is about being a “maker” or creating something out of nothing.
to happiness, suffer for a little bit.” It’s the job of an eclectic campus community to support all majors. “We get focused working on ourselves and our own careers, but it’s really awesome. When you start helping other people, some other people help you,” Mosher said. Students supporting all students is infinitely more powerful than likeminded students only supporting students just like them.
For Mosher, it’s about awakening people. He wants them to be original and against the grain. “I’d rather be poor and eating ramen noodles and doing art I want to do than living wealthy and doing pieces that other people want to mass produce,” Mosher said. Many times, Martin hears people say they were going to be studio art majors, but decided they wanted to make money. “Really, you weren’t brave enough,” Martin said. Jones received a different kind of
English Professor at CMU Labecca Horizon Magazine 15
Chasing Horizons
Tips for balancing the college trifecta Writer: Jorgan Bean | Photographer & Designer: Brenna Rhiness
M
any students know of the college trifecta
unfortunately, they cannot cope with the stress of trying
which governs their lives: good grades, social
to find an equilibrium of the trifecta. Other students will
life and sleep; only two can be obtained at any
continue through their degree without ever coming to a
time, leaving the last to be ignored.
balance on managing the trifecta.
The trifecta can have very serious consequences for
Maintaining a healthy mental state is an important task for
students who do not know how to effectively manage the
college students. Without proper time management, students
three. Without proper understanding of how good grades,
can suffer from depression, high amounts of stress, fatigue
sleep and social life function together, a student can, and
and other such issues.
will, experience some form of mental decline.
Here are some helpful strategies that fellow
Most students realize early on in their degree that
undergraduates and recently graduated students utilize to
16 Horizon Magazine
Without proper management, students can suffer from depression, high amounts of stress, fatigue and other such issues.
help with balancing grades, sleep and
If I wake up at 10 a.m. on Sundays, I
for three children.
social life:
can do homework from 11 a.m. to
“The library is there to be a quiet
“My schedule is very full, and
3 p.m. and then enjoy my Sunday
place away from the distractions of our
I have … to go into every week
evening for the most part. Tuesdays
everyday lives. Don’t be afraid to go
knowing how many assignments I
and Thursdays, I pretty much accept
and get away for a while,” Mustoe said.
have and how much time I have to
that I’m not going to get anything
The first couple years of college
do them. I will work the whole week
done because of my schedule, so I get
can be tough, and figuring out how to
around my schedule. On Friday night,
as much done on Monday, Wednesday
manage sleep, grades and social life
I work until the end of the afternoon,
and Friday as soon as possible. Or, if
is no easy feat. Do not be intimidated
around 5 p.m., and then I’m done. I
I have an event or something, I plan
if the struggle seems too great.
set all my work aside, so I can hang
around it.”
Hopefully, these above mentioned
out with friends and have some ‘me’
Do not be afraid to sleep longer
tips provide a helpful foundation to
time. On Friday nights, school does
on days where applicable. Sleep is
balance out the college trifecta.
not exist,” Katie Senko, a senior
also important – without it, grades
If all else fails, ask for help.
history major, said.
may suffer. Be sure to plan your day
Senko suggests to set a day aside
accordingly so not to fall behind.
to just unwind and relax; try to get
Setting aside an amount of time to
as much work done beforehand,
work is effective. Our lives are filled
allowing time for a much needed
with countless distractions, and
escape. In other words, plan out what
avoiding those interruptions of social
needs to be done ahead of time and
media and technology is equally
factor classwork into your schedule.
important. If needed, go to the library
Then, when that lazy day comes, no
and disappear from the outside world
schoolwork is required, which allows
for one or two hours a day.
more time to sleep and freedom to
Brandy Mustoe, an English graduate
relax and be amongst friends.
and mother of three girls, explained
“Don’t waste all your free time. Get
that she would go to the library in
your homework done first, then enjoy
order to allow herself time to actually
a social life,” Caroline Gallegos, a
work. By setting time aside for herself
senior English major, said. “I pretty
to get work done, she managed to
much just do everything in time slots.
obtain her degree while also caring Horizon Magazine 17
Chasing Horizons
Keeping Up With Technology Technological advancements create new learning opportunities Writer: Tatiana Lopez Designer: John Spriggs Illustrator: Summer Diedrich
I
t seems as if every day we discover – and become addicted to – new ways to integrate
technology into our daily lives. The
futuristic technology in movies and shows like Star Wars, Star Trek and Black Mirror is already upon us; the problem is its limited accessibility. With such advanced technologies, limited accessibility, high production costs and complex software applications, it can be difficult for the average individual to get their hands on. “It’s not that accessible yet to everyone, but it’s definitely growing. To see [virtual reality] has become more accessible, but to make VR, not quite yet,” Elaine Venter, mass communications professor at Colorado Mesa University, said. Venter is known for her innovative and integrative teaching methods that work to bring a variety of media platforms and various technologies into the classroom. “The more free, accessible and easy-to-use you make these 18 Horizon Magazine
"Technology’s unconventional ways of connecting us globally will continue to create a space fit for dreamers, creators and innovators."
for kids. Exhibits like the Space Shuttle Simulator allow the user to experience flying a plane inside a life-sized model space shuttle. The Water in the West exhibit demonstrates the importance of harnessing water for energy through a lively map that shows the actual flow of water here in Grand Junction, starting at the Grand Valley Diversion Dam. The museum also offers a handful of options for summer camps, after school programs, daily tours and even events such as Lifesaving Drone Deliveries with Ryan Patterson, who works with avionic systems that deliver lifesaving medical supplies to the most remote and difficult-to-reach places on the planet.
technologies, the more we are going
It’s no secret that laws protecting internet privacy and
to see the use for them amplified,”
accessible data are still having a hard time keeping up with
Venter said.
the rapid advancements. Some of today’s biggest debates
For less than $10 online, one can
involve data privacy and questions of ethics, hacking and
buy Google Cardboard VR headsets,
the use of artificial intelligence technologies in self-
download the Google Cardboard
driving cars.
app and play an immersive video
Digital rights management is a methodical approach
game. Teachers with access to
to copyright protection for digital media with the purpose
haptic technology, or kinesthetic
of preventing unauthorized redistribution. It restricts
communication, can create immersive
the ways in which consumers can copy content they’ve
teaching environments, taking
purchased. This can include the most complex of ideas,
students on a 360-degree tour of the
such as a movie studio including software on its DVDs
Egyptian pyramids within a matter
that can limit the number of copies a user can make, a
of seconds (cue the “Magic School
music label releasing titles on a specific style of CD that
Bus” theme song). Haptic technology
includes bits of information intended to complicate ripping
uses the sense of touch by applying
software, or even a company setting its servers to block
forces and vibrations for the user to
the forwarding of sensitive emails.
experience. Hands-on learning can
Although it will continue to have its breakthroughs and
leave a lasting impression, making
setbacks, technological advancements will continue to
a student’s ability to comprehend a
influence and shape our lives in ways unbeknown to us
topic much more effective.
until they arrive. Technology’s unconventional ways of
There’s a lot to learn about the
connecting us globally will continue to create a space fit for
ways we interact with technology
dreamers, creators and innovators.
even on a local basis. Located in front of Confluence Hall, newly opened Eureka! McConnell Science Museum uses science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) based learning to integrate teaching and hands-on experiences in their exhibits designed Horizon Magazine 19
Chasing Horizons
Birds, Bees and STDs
Consequences of today’s digitally-fueled hookup culture Writer: Tatiana Lopez | Designer: Susie Labonde
possible negative consequence of having unprotected sex in college. Unplanned pregnancies are more common than one might think. According to a study by the Guttmacher Institute, about one in five women will have an abortion before the age of 30. It’s hard to know exactly how many of those abortions occur in college-age women, but some statistics estimate as many as 45 percent. Often,
S
casual intercourse doubled, while the
college women are not emotionally or
odds of condom use decreased by half
financially prepared to raise a baby
during that same time frame.
during this time.
The most common sexually
We often forget how close to home
transmitted diseases among Colorado
some of these topics can hit us. My
Mesa University students are gonorrhea
early 20s have consisted of helping
and chlamydia, according to Marketing
friends get through some of these
and Communications Director for
tough life lessons and experiences.
Community Health Karen Martsolf.
Opening accessibility to health
ex. We’re all having it –
Dating apps have created unintended
care facilities that can attend to
especially in college. Published
consequences in relationships today.
various needs is critical. Sought after
in “Casual Contraception in
“As part of a $2.5 billion dating industry,
treatments like abortion won’t get any
Casual Sex: Life-Cycle Change in
a growing number of apps and sites are
less common, just harder to safely
Undergraduates’ Sexual Behavior in
rapidly changing the rules, expanding
obtain if they are not accessible.
Hookups,” Jonathan Marc Bearak, a
and accelerating access to potential
More than 4.8 million
doctoral candidate in sociology at New
mates for hookups to long-term
undergraduate college students are
York University, found that as students
relationships,” according to the HBO
raising children, according to the
progress through college, hookups
documentary “Swiped: Hooking Up in
Pregnant on Campus Initiative. More
become increasingly likely while
the Digital Age.” The documentary also
than 3.4 million undergraduate college
condom use rates decline. In numbers,
reports that 40 million Americans use
students are mothers, and more than
the probability of unprotected casual
online dating, with adults aged 18 to
1.4 million are fathers.
sex increased from seven percent to 16
30 spending an estimated 10 hours per
“In today’s college hookup culture,
percent as the students moved from
week on dating apps.
sex is used in more ways almost as an
freshman to senior year. The odds of
Contracting an STD isn’t the only
underlying tool to measure a person’s
20 Horizon Magazine
ing and ct of dat
being in
love
s a produ rs , n o t a e h t o y b otes said. ity se it prom d likabil r at CMU u n a io a c n e y e b it s t r s o n ou ent popula anonym engagem a problem l n is a a u e ,” r x e e u n s lt o l u e d, of casua hookup c with som lly isolate tive form ests that c ia g c u g o tr s u s s g e h d in c a e Resear end up b it makes nctional because y a dysfu ok up can t b o u h b te , ’t a x r n e e o s p d o casual ents who forced to ory. Stud way are ls is u p th m in o e feel c do engag ents who d tu reports. s e il wh k Helper r o W l ia c s, So ho to set of rule tell you w ’t n o w I gh to have Althou ven how e r o , h it w ted, have sex etting tes g t a th u l tell yo hecksex, I wil annual c n o te a -d p-to ms of staying u roper for p g in in obta ome of ups and are just s n o ti c te o r n take sexual p ps one ca te s s u o dent cauti at the Stu y the many a p o c 5 ple $1 pus with a sim d on cam te a c lo r, Cente e Wellness e Hall. e least w rd Avenu D broke,” th a T d h S c n s r a y O , a b s to um next vice they Martsolf young, d e record, iece of ad ’re still “ p th e c r w ifi fo e c d il e n p h A out one s CMU, so w ondom. arents ab stable at p e r r u a o s e: use a c te to v n ra ti c te a s li y ll to e sexua continue d out we’r n can do is u fo y e s when th all gave u
r a e w d n a d e t s e ” t m o d “get n o c n m a a god d art people m s ̶
Horizon Magazine 21
Sex: A Monologue By Abigail M. Garton "It’s been good / getting to know me more." – “Gardenia,” Mandy Moore I almost signed my soul over to an ancient institution for this. So that I could appease my nature and keep gossipers from calling me “lost,” I found a man that would meet their righteous criteria, and almost contracted my body to a man that I didn’t love for a moment of pleasure.
22 Horizon Magazine
Getting to know myself was never sin, but I thought I needed someone else to do it. Loving myself was always necessary, though I was told I couldn’t do that on my own. My body was never theirs to control. This: I discovered, has always been at my fingertips. This has always been mine.
What is in between my legs was christened sinful. “Don’t touch that,” they said, but I wandered and found something sacred there. I didn’t need permission to get in touch with the parts of me that render so much trepidation.
Chasing Horizons
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Horizon Magazine 23
Chasing Horizons
Boys in Pink
but after receiving backlash for being the only male in the group, he told his peers that it was the only extracurricular activity available
A Feminist Case for Men
was I loved to sing,” Figueroa said.
Writers: Abigail M. Garton & Maribel Diaz
Society formed gender roles that
Design & Photography: Madison Starbuck
limit an individual and define what
W
due to signing up late. “But the truth
careers, hobbies, clothes, attitudes henever men are socially
downfall of men and a complete
allowed to step outside
takeover of society by women, but
the bounds of their gender
feminism is not misandry. Feminism
standards, it is typically for a cause.
fights the patriarchy, not men
Society has a long history of fearing the
themselves. Therefore, feminism also
feminine, especially when it appears
aids men.
in men. For generations, we have been
“My dad said to ‘man up’ once when
taught that men are masculine and
we were taking snow off a steep roof
women are feminine, and the lines
that was 40 feet from the ground; [I
should not be crossed. We practice
was] without a harness or anything
gender closely enough that it might as
to hold me just in case I fell. I didn’t
well be a religion. From the moment a
end up doing it, so he told me to leave,”
child is born – and even before his or her
Geovani Almanza, a junior studying
birth – society has already placed gender
construction management at Colorado
expectations on that child. Gender
Mesa University, said.
reveals, baby showers and births are
Almanza gets a haircut, his eyebrows
coated in color-coded standards: blue
done and his beard shaped every two
equals boy, pink equals girl.
weeks. “I want to look presentable for
The societal constructs of gender
whatever comes in my way like a job
standards have oppressed women for
interview, or someone who has a high
millennia, but they are often overlooked
title,” Almanza said.
when it comes to men. Society as a
“I used to love to sing ... [but] I was
whole caters to men and the patriarchy;
the only boy to have signed up for choir,”
but at what cost to men?
David Figueroa, nursing assistant from
An ignorant evaluation of feminism
Volunteers of America, said. Figueroa
would claim that it promotes the
signed up for choir in middle school,
“Society has a long history of fearing the feminine, especially when it appears in men.”
and lifestyles are acceptable in society based on one’s biological sex. This restricts not only women from exploring traditional male roles – it prohibits men from filling traditional female roles. Toxic masculinity keeps men from feeling allowed to show interest in fields like the arts, fashion or decorating. It pins them into specific household roles that suggest men should be breadwinners and not cross the gender borderline by being homemakers. “The new generation should eliminate toxic masculinity. They should realize that responding with anger and power does a better job of making you look exceedingly more insecure than it does at making you look confident,” Figueroa said. “Showing warmth or even showing compassion to a saddened friend seems to be a huge one for me. Being understanding to a specific situation with a friend is also seen as feminine,” Diego Jr Hernandez Bogarin, a junior studying business management at CMU, said. The nurture and compassion that accompany “sensitivity” in men is associated with feminine attributes and “maternal” figures,
24 Horizon Magazine
which stigmatizes these qualities as weakness because they reflect “the weaker sex.” Gender roles condition men to associate feminine attributes as undesirable. Society as a whole contributes to these constructs by continuing the trend of gender roles. Parents buy their sons trucks and guns, video games and comics, and give their daughters dolls, makeup, dresses and romance novels. Job opportunities and socially acceptable roles in relationships are dictated to men. Certain jobs, like nursing, or household roles, such as being a stay-at-home dad, are associated with the role that women filled historically and therefore deemed feminine. “Women and men both have to get rid of sexism, because parents have a huge influence on children. Equality among both sexes needs to be present. Society needs to have an open mind on what each individual can do. Everyone has different backgrounds and each one of us knows a lot of ‘something,’” Bogarin said. By seeking to create equality among the sexes, feminism undercuts toxic masculinity. The elimination of toxic masculinity frees men to define who they are rather than what society upholds as ideal masculinity.
Chasing Horizons
More Than a state of mind
Writer: Lohgan McClung Designer: Brenna Rhiness
Why Open-Mindedness is Essential
T
hough many might claim to
who don’t share the same ideology.
is truly about, we need to hear the
advocate open-mindedness,
The goal of open-mindedness is to
stories and perspectives of others.”
few are willing to have a
create a safe community to anyone
Being a young adult and going to
cordial conversation with someone
and everyone. The judgements
college is a unique opportunity to
with whom they fundamentally
that come from closed minds leave
experience the power of receptiveness
disagree. It is hard for us to set our
individuals that fall outside of
in a realistic setting. As students,
own ideologies aside in order to listen
the norm feeling unrepresented,
we are receiving our education in a
to the worldview of someone else,
The deep questions of life- understanding our purpose, identity, and the ‘why’ behind it all- won’t come from our own experiences alone, however diverse they may be.
melting-pot of cultures, ideas, beliefs
but in a world where transportation is highly accessible and cultures are mixing, we ought to ask ourselves if our own worldview is worth sacrificing our humanity over. Most often when we are having an argument with someone, we are not actually listening to what the other person is saying, instead we are formulating the next thing we are going to say. Sociological studies show that in general, people tend to only hang out and form close connections to people who think like them. Though it is comfortable to converse and make connections with people we can express ourselves to without fear of judgement, closed communities also foster discrimination. Once an individual becomes set in what they believe, they tend to block out others 26 Horizon Magazine
ostracized and alienated. “I think being open-minded is important because it leads us to the truth,” Max Anderson, Pastor and leader of the Grand Valley Campus Ministry said. “The deep questions of life- understanding our purpose, identity, and the ‘why’ behind it allwon’t come from our own experiences alone, however diverse they may be. To paint a fuller picture of what life
and mindsets. Simply existing on campus involves a certain extent of open-mindedness. Whether we like it or not, we will be put in situations where we must interact with professors, peers or bosses that think differently than we do. It is frankly unavoidable, so we must learn to adapt and collaborate with one another. There are currently 13 religious organizations and 211 academic and social clubs on campus, along with 2,192 students of a minority race and a student age range of 17 to 57 years old, according to the Colorado Mesa University Student Profile for 2017. It’s clear that our campus is ripe with diversity, which makes it an excellent place to broaden your horizons and experience the world through the eyes of someone who sees it differently.
No matter how different the individuals at this school are, everyone here shares one defining factor: we are all Mavericks. Not only that, but we all have something to learn from one another; so let’s challenge ourselves to dive into the unknown. There is no way to learn anything from one another if we do not allow ourselves to be exposed to people who are different from us. “Joining a club, introducing yourself to people in class you don’t normally talk to and simply making connections can help [you] to be more open minded,” Anderson said. Many people argue that they have a right to their own beliefs, and therefore do not need to hear what others have to say. While it is true that each person is entitled to their own convictions, it is undeniably false that they must take no heed to opposing thoughts. We all have a right to our own beliefs, but we also have a responsibility to respect others’. Frank Zappa once said that “the mind is like a parachute. It does not work if it isn’t open.” So let’s open our minds, Mavs. We may be surprised at what we find if we do.
Horizon Magazine 27
Chasing Horizons
Y'all Need (to talk about) Jesus Writer: Mia Shumway
Designer: Brenna Rhiness
Keeping an open mind about religion leads to more acceptance on campus
H
annah Reed of Loveland,
into their comfort zones.
Colorado is a member of
So, what does open-mindedness have
the Church of Jesus Christ
to do with religion? Well, to Reed, the
of Latter-Day Saints. She is a senior
hardest part about being religious
majoring in criminal justice at
is people’s ignorance. “Sometimes
Colorado Mesa University and is
people just like straight up don’t
heavily involved in her church.
know what the religion is and have
Despite being a lifelong member,
only heard outside sources, so they
college presented new challenges to
just automatically think I’m going to
her beliefs.
be different,” Reed said.
As a freshman, Reed found it
Being open-minded is not a perfect
difficult to practice her faith on
solution, but it is a start. There is no
Sundays, an important facet of
better way to understand a person’s
her religion. “I definitely attribute
values and shatter stereotypes than
[that] to the college culture and
to listen to them – really listen.
atmosphere,” she said.
“The more open you can be about any
College life and its bombardment
ideas, the better off you’ll be,” Reed
of new ideas can negatively affect
said. Open-mindedness leads to open
religious conversations. A study
conversations and in turn, a better
by the Interfaith Youth Core found
climate for differing ideas at CMU.
that “more than half of students said they felt pressured to change their worldview, and 62 percent indicated they intentionally kept their viewpoints to themselves.” One possibility for this is that by being constantly asked to question what they believe, students tend to keep their core values private and retreat 28 Horizon Magazine
There is no better way to understand a person’s values and shatter stereotypes than to listen to them—really listen.
Writer: Mia Shumway
Let me Be
Designer: Brenna Rhiness
Religion doesn’t need to be a part of college life, but respect does Jorgan Bean is a military baby who
their beliefs.
conversation,” said Tenner. Indeed,
is a self-described atheist. Michael
To avoid offending people left
conversation implies there is an
Tenner is a Denver native who
and right, one must first throw
element of give and take. Give
is religiously unaffiliated. Both
out presumptions, judgements
people the time to talk without
are students at Colorado Mesa
and stereotypes. Then let people
trying to change their views, and
Religious conversations can lead to tension. It shouldn’t matter what you believe.
you will take away new insights
University, and just want to be left to their own beliefs. “Religious conversations can lead to tension. It shouldn’t matter what you believe,” Bean said. Tradition says you should never discuss religion, politics or money in polite company, and college students seem to be taking the old adage to heart. The number of students discussing religion or spirituality drops significantly
and perhaps even a new friend.
talk without pressing personal opinions on them. “Religion on campus, it’s like a
from high school to college, according to a study by the Interfaith Youth Core. Is this just human aversion to new things presenting itself, or something deeper? Perhaps as a whole, college students are afraid to speak up for what they value because they fear not fitting in with their peers. When asked what stereotypes people tend assume about him as an atheist, Bean said, “that I’m wrong.” Not a judgement anyone enjoys having passed on Horizon Magazine 29
Chasing Horizons
How college students can help the homeless
Writer: Madison Starbuck | Photographer: Lohgan McClung | Designer: Breanna Meininger
overty is everywhere.
HomewardBound of the Grand Valley
and people living from their cars in
Out of 144,701 people in
Greg Moore said.
middle-class suburban communities.
Grand Junction, 23,633 live below the
This increase is seen not just in
What is assumed about the homeless
poverty line, according to Data USA.
Grand Junction, but all over the United
is not always true. Awareness of
Grand Junction’s poverty rate is at
States. “What we see in terms of the
prejudices can better our community
16 percent, which is higher than the
people who take part in [living on the
and improve approaches to aid those
national average of 14 percent.
streets] is a very small piece of the
who live below the poverty line.
“During the 2013-2014 school year,
iceberg; 90 percent of the problem is
Awareness can help the homeless
1.3 million people in the United States
not visible,” Moore said.
attain jobs or housing situations.
experienced homelessness at some
Even though college students
The more people know about false
point; 22 percent were children,”
usually spend all their money on
stereotypes following those who
according to Paul Gorski’s book,
school or bills, there are still ways
live below the poverty line, the less
“Reaching and Teaching Students in
to offer aid to those less fortunate
rejection they face due to prejudice.
Poverty.” As college students, what
than we are. The best way to help
The greatest aid for people living
can we do to help?
those who are homeless or living in
in poverty is to be aware of local
The prevalence of homelessness in
poverty is to be aware and informed.
resources. There are three homeless
Grand Junction characterizes the area.
Dangerous ideologies that follow
shelters in the Grand Junction area:
This illustration of the community
people who live in poverty include
Grand Junction Community Homeless,
should be in the minds of all
that they are lazy substance abusers
HomewardBound of the Grand
community members looking at what
who don’t value education, as well
Valley and Rescue Mission of Grand
can be done to improve this city.
as other stereotypes. The reality is
Junction. The HomewardBound of
“From 1991 to 2016, there was a 600
everyone who lives in poverty has
the Grand Valley shelter is one of the
percent increase of homelessness in
a different story. There are people
many resources working to build a
the Grand Valley,” Executive Director of
living on streets with college degrees
supportive community for
30 Horizon Magazine
homeless individuals.
most precious thing we can give to
As college students, we can use the
“We’re dedicated to helping people
someone is our time. Volunteering
degrees we earn to alleviate poverty in
move from that scene of just barely
for any nonprofit aids them in
our own lines of work. As a business
surviving,” Moore said. Not only does
providing the best resources to those
major, this could mean creating a
the organization offer shelter, but
in need. Even the simplest tasks
community program or working for
they work with those who contact the
that a volunteer can take on are
a homeless resource. As a nursing
shelter to better their situation. “[Our
tremendously appreciated by all who
major, be aware of patients living in
hope is] to create a space for them to
use these resources. Volunteers are
poverty and direct them to services
begin to think about, ‘How can I do
always needed and make a world
that can help. Regardless of career,
something different? What do I need to
of a difference.
anyone can aid the homeless.
do to do something different?’”
Another task that college students
Even as broke college students,
“The best way to help those who are homeless or living in poverty is to be aware and informed.”
can take on to aid
there are still actions we can take
the homeless in our
to help and assist those living in
community is to donate,
poverty. Homelessness shadows
monetarily or otherwise.
over the Grand Junction community,
Another helpful resource to be
Money is not the only thing to offer
growing each year. As students in
aware of is the Grand Valley Catholic
shelters or those living in poverty.
Grand Junction, it is our responsibility
Outreach, where they provide lunch
Shirts, pants, furniture, socks, jackets,
to confront the situation. The simple
to those who come in for assistance.
blankets, suits, dresses and many
action of staying informed of local
Being aware of places to recommend
other items are accepted by local
resources can equip any student to
to those who need assistance is a
shelters and dispersed to people who
improve the homeless community.
major component to helping those
need them. Professional clothing is
around us living in poverty.
highly appreciated at shelters to offer
Knowledge of local resources can
residents clothing for job interviews,
benefit anyone, but these resources
giving them the best chance possible.
couldn’t function without volunteers.
It is as simple as taking what you
College students have a variety of
don’t use anymore and calling a local
lifestyles and busy schedules, so the
shelter to see if they accept it. Horizon Magazine 31
Chasing Horizons
Des
Wr igne iter: R ile r: Lo gan y Kane Wag ner
Your selfies aren’t helping as much as you might think
O
ver the past decade,
danger,” according to a University
This volunteer work takes jobs away
voluntourism has become
of Pennsylvania thesis about
from local contractors who could do
one of the most popular
voluntourism by Megan Smith.
the job properly and make a living.
ways for college students to travel.
While the experience of traveling
While traveling overseas to build
Voluntourism is tourism in which
to learn more within a desired field or
something may seem appealing, it
tourists travel to do volunteer work.
even just traveling to foreign, “exotic”
actually decreases money that could
Voluntourism offers the experience
places may be appealing, it can cause
be invested into the local economy.
to travel to another country and
an enormous amount of medical
According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
provide aid to the less fortunate, but
problems for the locals receiving care.
the value of volunteer time abroad
how much is it actually helping for a
This lack of training not only
is estimated to be $2.92 billion. This
better tomorrow?
applies to the medical side of
money represents the value of the
Regardless of its altruistic
volunteering but to the construction
labor that is essentially given to
appearance, voluntourism can cause
aspect, as well. Often, volunteers
impoverished countries. While it may
more harm than good. Often, there is
come in with no prior experience
feel good to get a pat on the back
a lack of regulations overseas which
of construction and are expected to
for doing work overseas, it actually
can put volunteers into situations
construct a building, despite having
adds to the economic problems of
they are not prepared for. Volunteers
no training in the matter. In most
these impoverished countries. That
often receive little to no training and
cases, these buildings made by
$2.92 billion is money that could
are expected to help build structures
volunteers are not structurally sound.
be invested into contractors and
or provide medical assistance.
Putting up buildings that are not
professionals, but this free labor
“Despite good intentions, the
structurally sound does nothing
does not allow the local economy
avoidance of basic public health and
besides allow volunteers to feel
to become self-sufficient. Affluent
preventative measures is a health
fulfilled for doing work that will later
tourists think they are helping to
risk for patients and can put lives in
have to be corrected by professionals.
solve a problem, but volunteering
32 Horizon Magazine
overseas only adds to the problem.
called ‘indiscriminate affection.’
By providing this “support” to
They create a market where fewer
[Voluntourists] easily mistake this
lesser developed countries, affluent
businesses rely on local labor and
for genuine happiness. Some of
tourists have indiscriminately
instead rely on the free labor of
those who run orphanages will also
helped keep poor countries poor.
untrained tourists.
encourage children to be friendly
While taking clients from local
Another problem stemming from
to the visitors in the hope this will
businesses, tourists have created
voluntourism is the psychological
increase donations.”
a business that revolves around
damage that it causes to the children
The pain and suffering of young
young children who are starving
that it is supposedly helping.
children is being sold as a product
for attention and are given this
“In some cases, ‘orphans’ are
Like it or not, voluntourism is a business, and an immoral one at that.
by a revolving door of tourists for the gram. While voluntourism
orphanage numbers have doubled
to tourists. While it may feel good
otherwise. Before supporting an
during a time when the number
to think that providing this love to
immoral business that weakens
of children without parents has
less fortunate children is actually
the economy of these countries,
declined,” according to Kathleen
making them happier, it is not. The
investigate how it truly impacts the
Gribble’s article on ethics.org.au.
American Psychiatric Association
people you think you are helping.
Because of the draw of voluntourism,
defines indiscriminate affection as
children are being ripped away from
“a disturbance in social relatedness
actually created by unscrupulous organizations who pay families to hand over their children in order to collect visitor donations. In Cambodia,
families for affluent tourists to get
marked by indiscriminate sociability
their “Instagram-worthy” pictures.
or a lack of selectivity in the choice
Like it or not, voluntourism is a
of attachment figures.” This disorder
business, and an immoral one at that.
can be caused by the revolving door
While the children may seem to
of loving characters that tourists
enjoy these visits, Garble suggests
provide. These young children find
otherwise. “Necessity has forced
no problem in giving a complete
children in orphanages to act cute
stranger the same affection they
to get scarce attention – something
would give to a parental figure.
that are just trying to look good might seem like a selfless act, reevaluation of the system proves
Horizon Magazine 33
Chasing Horizons
er an hm mstett c s t a Kre nR nna : Mega e J : er d ter Wri ograph ah War t e Pho ner: L ig Des
ugh o r h t ens t t i re s k ams r ca e e t u s c fo gr es with o r cal s r o r l m p gra ugh esso ization pro f hro t n o o y, r d i e t l p i lp. za av alle r e i U s l V e h i d r t CM r & s ste ity’s e Gran and mmun , e th t cats door eir co g in y fos h t n e i i T h r t un out sp ns.
m m l i ve i n ach ies tte s– d co E bell s ki e e s y hat tten v u e t a i o o k k p s l b t s a ca ne ing bul u nsm ryo are hav ns, ng. litie h a i n a i c r e Eve i g n b a ns e e wh toeitte s, b erso e end k e y p r i l o l a n l n rs i s u a t s ts colo em. tdoo t of layf t ca tter n h u p n i i t a o r e t d f h c c o an er to orn ct t s pe ittle lots 80 p r are b e fa rou , ding ed se l h e o ) r t t t e o m s e h p a c r t t pit t nu , ac U Uni h ye re fi f the des cats of the eac mos (fish a o y d n But t e r n i o bo on un es iety sec ll Stat gly are mm Soc a o the d c e f e t o n n to ma Uni ar, ons risi the lati e Hu urp h ye u s c h p a T s po en s. E kitt nd risk mal i t n Gra a a t on e s d h e o t out n at m i c g i s t n i es ten dy sily dom ess kit ssly e ea e b l l d t n n nee hey ca cou are tt y e , bu s Vall t e stre the
rim ce g a f t and s mu ons i s t i r ond doo es. out s h c u r v i ve r n a r Stat h bo se, n’t s ens isea hey do . d Kitt f o t are ion en, ats e ks ent e v thre ing. Oft r w t te al n in eigh eonat han n orp t huma r than , ers hou ns olde helt alized s wit e m ci . o itt spe rovide d fr le k , e i t t h n p e p W o u ad eq can ks ckly uire fr elters wee qui w q h re ts st fe life, ens wha the fir d of kitt n yo or f e s b r e hou car ew f y r Eve
kittens must be bottle-fed, stimulated
fragile felines as a volunteer kitten
to urinate and defecate, kept warm
foster for Roice-Hurst Humane Society.
and monitored closely. In order to
“I take them into my house, feed them,
save them, local animal shelters need
care for them and socialize them until
community members to open their
they’re ready to be adopted, and in my
hearts and homes to these
case, that almost always means that
helpless animals.
I’m bottle-feeding orphans or kittens
Associate Professor of English at
who have been separated from their
Colorado Mesa University Jennifer
mothers,” Hancock said.
Hancock raises the tiniest, most
Hancock got her start in fostering like most kitten foster parents. In the span of one day, she and her neighbor found two litters of kittens and a pregnant cat. She knew immediately that she needed to help. “Because I grew up with lots and lots of cats, I’ve been through lots of birthing events with kittens. My neighbor asked me for help, and we took them in and decided to become fosters. The rest is history,” Hancock said. Since that day, she has raised 32 kittens over the past two years with the help of Roice-Hurst Humane Society. Roice-Hurst Humane Society provides foster volunteers with all the supplies they need to raise kittens, including formula, bottles, a heat source, blankets, carriers and more. Saving lives is at no cost to volunteers—all they need is a space at home, some extra time and plenty of love. “You give each kitten a chance at a good life. Every time I place a foster kitten with an adoptive family, I feel good. It just feels like I’m doing pretty much everything I can to help this little corner of the world,” Hancock said.
Horizon Magazine 35
Chasing Horizons
Orphaned bottle-babies aren’t the
method of Trap-Neuter-Return.
only kittens that require foster care.
Volunteers trap feral cats, have them
Nursing or pregnant cats, under-
spayed or neutered and then return
socialized kittens, weaned kittens
the cats to where they came from to
and older cats are all cared for by
live out the rest of their lives without
foster volunteers.
adding to the population.
Unfortunately, there are more
Hancock volunteers for Grand Valley
kittens that require foster care than
Cat Coalition, which is made up of
there are people to foster them. Unless
several local animal welfare agencies
members of the community are
and is currently working to reduce cat
willing to raise these animals, they
overpopulation in the 81501 ZIP code.
cannot be saved.
“The goal for TNR is to reduce the
“Kittens are often turned away
populations of feral and community
from shelters if they don’t have
cats in urban areas. We do have quite a
people who are trained. We need
problem in the Grand Valley,” Hancock
more fosters,” Hancock said.
said. “When we TNR an adult cat, that’s
This year, Roice-Hurst Humane
a massive reduction in the number
Society had more than 200 kittens
of litters that are born. For every
enter their foster care program, and
litter that’s born, there’s a chance for
that number is expected to rise in 2019
disease, for inbreeding, for those cats
if trends continue.
to become feral. It’s important that we
The best way to save kittens is
rescue kittens and that we find them
to prevent feral cat pregnancies in
homes, but even more important to
the first place. Grand Valley Pets
reduce as drastically as we can the
Alive and Grand Valley Cat Coalition
number of kittens being born.”
are two organizations that combat
It’s up to community members in
cat overpopulation by the humane
the Grand Valley to unite and help
36 Horizon Magazine
this
p ro
ble m. W het eer her peo ing , do by f solv ple n ost s e atin hou figh e r g l ing d al or e t fo , l r duc do t the W atin hei fe l i hen r g, n p e s. art i t ’s vol to ra i n unt eer ing cat c h t s l i ke H c a t s a hem n anc o c k d k i tte wit n s, ho p e n a re t h e re t arm o s. vol
unt
About the author: Jenna Kretschman is the Foster Coordinator at Roice-Hurst Humane Society and a volunteer with Grand Valley Pets Alive. To become a foster volunteer for neonatal kittens, weaned kittens, pregnant or nursing cats, puppies or adult dogs, email jenna@rhhumanesociety.org or contact any local shelter with a foster care program.
  Horizon Magazine   37
Chasing Horizons
Get Yourself Out There
The link between nature, sustainability and health
Writer: Ryan J. Brock Photographer: Jorden Manuel Designer: Andrew Lane
I
magine a world with no nature
and care for these phenomenal
University, said.
to enjoy, no birds chirping in
locations. There are many people in
Those who spend time outdoors
the morning, no fresh mountain
the community whose jobs are to care
are more likely to care for the
air, no fall colors. Life just wouldn’t
for these environments, but is that all
environment than those who do not. If
be the same. Whether you enjoy
it takes? In order for these places to
someone personally has a connection
nature through outdoor sports,
stay healthy for generations to come,
to the nature around them, they are
extracurricular activities or you just
everyone must do their part.
more inclined to treat it with respect.
experience it in your everyday life, it
Some people go out of their way to
“Before I started [working] at the
affects everyone in some way. In fact,
take special care of these areas. Those
OP, I didn’t really put a lot of thought
it may affect you more than you think.
who participate in outdoor activities
towards, say, climate change,”
The Grand Junction area is
wish to keep these places nice so that
Mattie Hlatki, a junior at CMU and
overflowing with an abundance
they can still enjoy them in the future.
staff member at the OP, said. “Now
of outdoor activities that utilize
A study on the correlation of
I know a whole bunch more about it
stunning scenery known around
time spent outdoors and views on
and … just the kind of impact we can
the world, including the Colorado
sustainability from the University of
have on that.”
National Monument, Grand Mesa and
British Columbia found that children
Though many people care for this
the Colorado River. There are many
who spend more time outdoors
marvelous environment, those who
different uses for these landscapes,
were more likely to care for the
participate in outdoor activities have a
including hiking, camping, fishing,
environment as adults than those
special place in their hearts for our local
mountain biking and kayaking. These
who did not.
landscapes and their sustainability.
areas are used often, and they go
“If you don’t know what you’re
“Being with nature makes you
through some serious abuse.
fighting for, you’re not going to fight
appreciate it more,” Brad McAllister,
In order to keep these areas
for it,” Ryan Dutch, director of the
freshman, said. “We only have one
beautiful, people need to take action
outdoor program at Colorado Mesa
home, and seeing nature and how
38 Horizon Magazine
beautiful it is really changes your
who have anxiety disorders. The
that spending time in the forest may
opinion on it.”
outdoors absolutely affects them,”
enhance anti-cancer proteins in the
Here at CMU, a large percentage of
Dutch said. Those who struggle with
human body.
the student population gets involved
mental disorders see positive benefits
Those who spend time outdoors
with the outdoor program and all of the
to spending more time outdoors.
undeniably see the positive effects
exciting, new experiences it has to offer.
It may seem hard to believe, but
of nature. Experience it yourself by
“It has completely changed my life,”
there are also physical effects of
signing up for an OP trip at CMU or
Hlatki said. “It has really broadened
spending time outdoors. A study from
even simply going for a walk through
my perspective, being able to see something that is so much bigger than myself.” The environment around us is used for pleasure and fun, but there are other uses for the beautiful scenery here in Grand Junction. There are
“If you don’t know what you’re fighting for, you’re not going to fight for it”
the park. In the Grand Valley, there are abundant opportunities to get outside, so take advantage of them. We will always leave a trace on the environment – the important thing is to minimize that trace in order to preserve the remarkable scenery
countless health benefits to spending
the Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial
around us for decades to come. And
time outdoors. Some of these include
Hospital in Taiwan found that
who knows? You might just get
anti-depression, improved memory
elementary students who spent more
something out of it.
and stress relief.
time outdoors saw improvements to
“I know from experience of working
their vision. Additionally, a study from
with troubled youth [and] … people
Nippon Medical School in Tokyo found
Horizon Magazine 39
Spend money here, keep money here. Writer: Jenna Kretschman Photographers: Jorden Manuel, Megan   Ramstetter & Jenna Kretschman Designer: Logan Wagner
Take out phone. Open Amazon. Place order. By simply tapping a few buttons on your phone, almost anything imaginable will arrive at your doorstep the very next day. Your daily commute includes a stop at Starbucks, and later to Walmart to pick up a few things. But why give your money to large corporations when you could support local
businesses and keep your dollars
“It’s also a common misconception that items online are
right here in Grand Junction?
cheaper than shopping locally, and if a product happens
“Local shops and stores recognize
to be at a bit higher of a cost, you can feel good about your
that getting products from Amazon is
purchase knowing that the money is staying right in the
growing in popularity, but shopping
community,” Love said.
local is so much more than what’s
Local restaurants and cafes offer a unique variety of items
‘easy,’” Caitlyn Love, marketing and
that you can’t find anywhere else. Instead of starting your
communications specialist for Down-
morning with a trip to Starbucks, opt for a local cafe like
town Grand Junction, said. “Getting
Copeka Coffee. Rather than buying teas and spices at the
products locally is just as convenient,
grocery store, visit Willow Creek Herbs and Teas. If you’re
and there is an added bonus of being
in the market for a new outfit, take a look at Pollux clothing
able to receive face-to-face customer
company. Nearly any item you need can be found at a locally-
service and knowledge about a product
owned shop.
you’re interested in purchasing.”
“Shopping local means that more money stays in our
When you spend $100 at a locally-
community to support the local economy, development,
owned small business, $68 stays in
programs, organizations, events and other services that
the community, as opposed to $48
everyone benefits from,” Love said.
when you shop at a local branch of
Next time you are holiday shopping, needing an item or
a national chain, and $0 when you
craving a treat, support a locally-owned business rather than
shop online, according to Downtown
a national corporation. It’s worth it – for our community, our
Grand Junction.
economy and the unique local businesses of Grand Junction.
Chasing Horizons
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42 Horizon Magazine
"What's hidden is harder to fight."
 Horizon Magazine  43
Chasing Horizons
Grand Junction’s history of racism still runs deep Writer: Stephanie Sheely | Photographer: Catherine Garcia | Designer: Dejan Jestrovich
O
n Valentine’s Day 2017, Grand Junction citizens discovered
Steven Schulte, professor of history at Colorado Mesa University, said. “For a time,
a surprise in their driveways and
[the Klan] controlled the [Grand Junction] city council,” he said. “They ran the
mailboxes: baggies with candy
police department.”
and folded-up white fliers printed
Grand Junction Daily Sentinel articles from 1925 reveal that, during this period
with two interlinked hearts which
of KKK control, potential police officers were turned down for refusing to join the
encircled the words, “Love your own race. Stop homosexuality and race mixing.” The flyer urged Grand Junction citizens to, “Join the Klan today,” and provided contact information for interested people. Jon Williams co-founded Black Lives
Klan. One story
also
reported on the
killing
It’s always been here, of a Mexican man [it’s just that] racists a police officer illegally drinking aren’t afraid anymore.
time the “valentines” came out in response to an upsurge in similarly overt displays of racism. He doesn’t, however, believe that racism has gotten worse. “It’s always been here,” Williams said, “[it’s just that] racists aren’t afraid anymore.” He alluded to the
Shortly after the “death” of the KKK, many people began to pronounce racism dead as well. But current evidence of overt, as well as covert, racism in Grand Junction challenges that theory. The KKK doesn’t end – it grows dormant. Today’s Grand Junction shows some parallels to the Grand Junction of the 1920s. The threat of progress and dissolving of the old ways motivated Klan followings in the ‘20s, as much as overt racism itself. “It wasn’t just the threat of groups, it was ideas, new ideas …. Change is their enemy,” Schulte said. “I think some of these groups today have some of that in common.” “There have been occasional outbursts of Klan activity in the last 10 or
exposure to diversity as reasons for
covered with racist leaflets [from the Klan] and that kind of thing. Every
the decrease in fear.
few years, race-targeting groups publicly reveal themselves, although they are mostly under the radar on the Western Slope, Schulte said.
diversity hasn’t changed much since
In addition to the distribution of the “valentines” in 2017, other
the 1920s, when the KKK dominated
explicit racist events in Grand Junction have made recent news,
was a member [of the KKK in the 1920s], but nobody would admit to it. Every white person seemed to be a member.
including a viral YouTube video of a woman shouting, “Learn English, b*tch,” and other racial abuse at a Latino family outside the welfare office. Another recent event involved a woman being thrown out of
It was trying to be kind of a social club,” a local bar and told, “Get out of here, you black b*tch.” Williams 44 Horizon Magazine
the
after the event.
15 years,” Schulte said. “In 2002 or 2003, [CMU] campus parking lots were
Grand Junction’s way of life. “Everybody
alcohol
prohibition. “It was only a damned Mexican,” said a Klan leader quoted
current political climate and a lack of
Grand Junction’s exposure to cultural
for
in the time of
Matter Grand Junction, a group fighting racism in our area, around the same
by
was with the woman that night. He said she was thrown out after “requesting
and has had on our town, and how
[that the DJ play] a song from the Black Panthers album. That’s literally all that
the effect of such hate still lingers
happened, and the DJ thought she was assaulting him.”
today, we can slow history’s cyclical
Williams himself was once refused entry at the same bar for showing up to the
momentum and create change.
door in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt. According to Williams, the bouncer said, “I
Black Lives Matter Grand Junction
can’t let you in because of that T-shirt; it’s a terrorist group.”
meets every third Wednesday of
For every explicit racist event that makes the news, several more get swept
each month. Visit blacklivesmatter.com
under the rug. At Grand Junction’s BLM meeting in September 2018, nearly every
for more information about how you
attendee shared an experience with hate speech, blatant discrimination or an
can get involved.
outright threat of violence while living in the Grand Valley. “It’s terrible. It’s really bad here all the time,” Williams said. According to USA.com, Grand Junction had a 76.89 percent hate crime index in 2014, compared to 31 percent for the state, and only 23.78 percent for the country. But not all racism in Grand Junction is the explicit kind. Most of it, in fact, exists on an implicit level. In other words, it underlies everyday attitudes and assumptions. Highlighting the importance of implicit racism in our current day and age, Eddie Glaude Jr. wrote in Time Magazine: “Our narrow focus on explicit racists misses a development that explains our current moment: that much of our struggle with race today is bound up in the false innocence of white suburban bliss and the manic effort to protect it, no matter the costs.” The statement “We’re all a little bit racist” has found its way into pop culture, often used to comic effect. But it has its roots in sociological evidence. According to a 2012 Associated Press poll, most people hold some degree of implicit racism. Implicit racism can be even more dangerous than explicit racism – what’s hidden is harder to fight. Implicit racist attitudes and experiences of discrimination impact mental and physical health, interfere with success and lead to segregation of residents of the affected race. “One of the best things we can do to combat racism is educate ourselves and become aware of the issues,” Williams said. This goes for everyone, regardless of race. “White people talking to white people,” he said, “makes a lot more difference than black people screaming at white people.” If you see racism happening to someone around you, “speak up,” Williams said. “Or at least be able to pull someone aside … then have a dialogue about it.” Finally, Williams suggests we work to combat the effects of all forms of oppression by acknowledging our privileges. “Every single person has [privileges] … [from] male privilege to white privilege, cis privilege to straight privilege … and dismantling systems that make it unfair for people who don’t have those privileges.” The KKK’s history in Grand Junction serves as a cautionary tale: those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. If we understand the power that the Klan can have, Horizon Magazine 45
Chasing Horizons
Desecrated Ground
Ute Population of the Grand Valley Writer: Abigail M Garton | Designer: John Spriggs
I
n today’s America, we are told
that they used for food and healing and
known as “Ute,” because there were so
to “make America great again.”
everything else,” Seebach said. The
many Ute people here,” Seebach said.
We prop up mascots of “Indians”
Grand Valley was a home base for
These treaties also initiated the
and “Redskins” without regard to what
the Utes, but during certain seasons
sabotage of the Ute tribes’ culture,
America once was and to whom the land
they would travel into the mountains
religion and native tongue. The
belonged. The sacred grounds of tribes
and after the acquisition of horses
government forced Native Americans
across the American continent are now
would travel onto the Front Range for
as a whole into what were referred to
coated in concrete.
hunting and trading.
as Away Schools, which were aimed
The people who inhabited this land
“There were probably times of the
at “civilizing” Natives, or in other
were rich in culture, in tune with their
year when Ute people would come
words, whitening them. “The goal of
surroundings and functioned as part
together for family get togethers, rituals,
this civilization campaign was to make
of the ecosystem, careful not to leave a
ceremonies of some kind, like Bear
Native Americans as much like white
damaging mark on the Earth.
Dance today, and just have a big ol’ party.
Americans as possible by encouraging
In order to find remnants of these
Whereas other parts of the year when
them convert to Christianity, learn
cultures, one most often must visit a
they were busy moving around and
to speak and read English and adopt
museum or a reservation, where this
what-have-you, they would separate
European-style economic practices such
culture is contained and separated from
into much smaller family groups
as the individual ownership of land and
what we now call America “the Great.”
in order to have less impact on the
other property,” according to History.com.
One of these unique cultures was that of
landscape,” Seebach said.
the Utes. The Utes inhabited the greater
Between 1849 and 1895, the American
corralled more and more and basically
portion of Western Colorado and parts of
Government made various “treaties”
corralled onto reservations, and that’s
Utah. “The people that we now know as
with the Ute tribes which terminated
when the whole boarding school
Ute probably arrived in this area around
their rights to land and minerals,
system happened. The boarding
1300 A.D,” John Seebach, professor
forcing them to accept the American
school that was here in Grand Junction
of anthropology at Colorado Mesa
Government as sovereign.
was originally designed to board Ute
University, said. “This really was a good
“As Euro-Americans started to move
students,” Seebach said. “They wanted
place for them to be, and it was that way
in greater and greater numbers, as has
a boarding school out here to educate/
for a long, long time.”
been historically the thing, the Native
brainwash Ute kids where there were
“They were keyed into all of the
peoples were moved further and further
many of them centered.”
economic resources here that could
from white centers of population,”
The inhabitants of the Grand Valley in
help them thrive: all the deer, elk, all of
Seebach said.
2018 are 91.78 percent white, according
the food plants we have here – and we
“One of the major centers of white
to worldpopulationreview.com. City-
do have quite a bunch. There is a whole
population was right here, Grand
data.com breaks down the demographic
book on Ute ethnobotany and the things
Junction, which actually, before it was
further, and shows that Native
founded as Grand Junction used to be 46 Horizon Magazine
“From the 30s to the 1880s, Utes were
Americans only make up 0.7 percent of Grand Junction’s population. Out of the 0.7 percent of Native Americans that inhabit the Grand Valley, it is not specified how many are Ute. “The number of Ute that I know that live up here can probably be counted on one hand,” Seebach said. Seebach stated that many Native American college students in Western Colorado attend Fort Lewis in Durango. “Because Fort Lewis used to be one of the Indian boarding schools, and when [the school] was transferred to the state of Colorado, it was decreed that all services that set of buildings ... ever [provided] would be free to Native Americans.” “Native American students can go to Fort Lewis absolutely free to this day, so why come to CMU?” Seebach said. Director of the Cultural Diversity Board and Coordinator for the Native American Student Alliance at Colorado Mesa University Chantel Pine stated that NASA currently does not have any members. “[To my knowledge,] there are not full Natives at our school except for myself,” Pine – who is full Navajo – said. “We used to have a member a while ago who was part Ute but, I believe she graduated,” Pine said. It should be eye-opening to realize that the indigenous population of this geographical location are now mere remnants in our modern residents. “If CMU is going to attract more Native Students, we’re going to have to sweeten the deal a little, and NASA, that’s a step in the right direction,” Seebach said.
Chasing Horizons
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Thank you to everyone who helped on this magazine. We couldn't have done this without your support. Love you. Ěś Horizon Editorial Staff
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