The Chaos of 2020

The Chaos of 2020

Fall 2020

Masks in Style Covid-19 & College: The Invisible Effects

Simpson’s Greatest Football Teams

Letter From the Editor 2020 has been anything but ordinary. From not being able to be around friends, having sports canceled, to not even attending all classes in person. This is not how I expected to spend my senior year, or any year of college. Missing out on many traditions and time with my classmates has been very disappointing.

In this edition it focuses on how all of the events of 2020 have affected students at Simpson.

With COVID-19 being here for so long, the protest happening in the area and the derecho that hit Iowa there are many big events that have played a role in students life this year. Being able to find the good in this year can be challenging, but many students have come back to campus and have found ways to enjoy their time together in college. With First-years talking about their transition to school, how students and others around the world are styling their mask, and dealing with mental health during this high stress time. Students also tell about their experience with the storm that Iowa had weeks before returning to campus, or how they have been able to be involved in protest and activism over the course of the year.

This year has haad many choatic moments as well as good moments, and this is a look at some of those times thorughout the year.

Madison DePover Madison DePover Editor-in-Chief Copyright Š 2020 ID Magazine is created and produced by students at Simpson College. Opinions stated or implied by the magazine are those of the students involved and are not approved or endorsed

by Simpson College. No material may be reproduced without written permission. Send all comments, questions and concerns to idmagazine@simpson.edu.

Editorial Philosophy: ID Magazine is a publication created for Simpson Students. Our main goal is to share the many personalities of our student body and voice some of our perspectives in regard to the world around us. We want to maintain an aesthetic that appeals to our young people. Of course, we want to be taken seriously but this is not your mother’s magazine.

ID Magazine Editor-in-Chief Madison DePover

Editoral Assistant Liv Allen

Advertising Manager Corinne Thomas

Editoral Staff Liv Allen Jake Brend Evan Burley Peyton Busch Alyssa Craven Colbee Cunningham Taylor Hoffman Abby Ludwig Amelia Schafer Corinne Thomas Natalie Tryon

Photography Colbee Cunningham Madison DePover Abby Ludwig

Design Katie Burns Madison DePover Kate Furr

Special Thanks Adviser Mark Siebert

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Dorm Food Recipes

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COVID-19 & College

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In this Issue

Staying Safe During COVID

11

A Summer of Protests

13

Learn. Speak. Act.

14

First-Years Transition During COVID

17

Self-Employed: No Match for COVID

19

How to be an Activist

21

The Greatest Team

25

Derecho Hits the Midwest

27

Masks in Style

31

10 Ways to Spice Up Your Quarantine

33

Sip Sip Hooray

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Dorm Food Recipes

By: Peyton Busch Layout: Katie Burns

These recipes will be the next thing you will not want to miss. Each one of these will make you think differently on how to live the actual college life in the kitchen.

1. MUG CAKE

If you are looking for something to soothe your sweet tooth cravings, this is something you must try. It is super easy and all you need is a microwavable mug and a microwave.

• • • • • • •

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled) 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 3 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon baking powder Tiny pinch of salt 1/4 cup milk 2 tablespoons oil (canola, vegetable, or melted coconut oil) • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) 1. Grease a 12-ounce (or larger) mug with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Set aside.

2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Add the milk, oil, and pure vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined.

3. Pour the batter into the prepared mug and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.

4. Transfer the mug with the batter to the microwave and microwave for 60-90 seconds or until the center of the cake is just set.

5.Carefully remove from the microwave (the mug will be hot!) and allow to cool slightly, then top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

UP 2. SPICE YOUR RAMEN

Are you tired of eating the same, plain old ramen? Here are some great add-ins for your noodles that will taste great.

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• Sauce • Vegetables (like carrots, peas or mushrooms) • Protein (like tofu or an egg)

OMELETTE IN

3.

A MUG

Omelettes are a healthy choice that can be made for any meal. It is also great to mix and match different ingredients to change it up overtime.

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• • • • • •

SMOOTHIE

8 medium strawberries, hulled ½ cup skim milk ½ cup plain yogurt 3 tablespoons white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 6 cubes ice, crushed

In a blender combine strawberries, milk, yogurt, sugar and vanilla. Toss in the ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses and serve.

6.

BAKED POTATO

• 1 large russet potato • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine • 3 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese • salt and pepper to taste • 3 teaspoons sour cream 1. Scrub the potato, and prick several times with the tines of a fork. Place on a plate.

2. Cook on full power in the microwave for 5 minutes. Turn over, and continue to cook for 5 more minutes. When the potato is soft, remove from the microwave, and cut in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper, and mash up the inside a little using a fork. Top the open sides with butter and 2 tablespoons of cheese. Return to the microwave, and cook for about 1 minute to melt the cheese.

3. Top with remaining cheese and sour cream, add any other toppings of your choosing, and serve.

• • • • • •

2 eggs ½ bell pepper, diced 2 slices ham, diced ¼ cup fresh spinach, chopped salt, to taste pepper to taste

1. Combine all ingredients in a microwaveable mug.

2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, making sure the egg doesn’t bubble over. Stir halfway through the cooking process.

5. RICE BOWL • • • • • •

1 cup of brown rice 2 ½ cups water Chopped veggies of your choice Low sodium soy sauce (to taste) Cooked chicken or tofu Optional: spices of your choice

1. Cooking dried brown rice in a microwave can take upwards of 30 minutes, but you can cut the cooking time in half by soaking the brown rice overnight or using parboiled rice. Parboiled rice has been partially boiled (hence “par-boiled”) in the husk (the very outermost, inedible layer of a grain) giving it the benefits of brown rice with the texture of white rice.

2. Once the rice is cooked, add chopped veggies of your choice, low sodium soy sauce, and cooked chicken/tofu. Heat for 30-45 seconds and enjoy!

Add spices as needed or a ginger soy sauce for extra flavor.

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COVID-19 & College: The Invisible Effects C

OVID-19 has sparked an era of uncertainty in both the United States and worldwide. The looming concern of public safety, economic turmoil, and the livelihood of many being drastically altered has caused mental anguish for millions of Americans.

One of the groups, arguably most affected by the pandemic, is college students—who already face record levels of mental health challenges.

In a survey conducted by Active Minds in April, 80% of college students nationwide say COVID-19 has negatively affected their mental health.

A study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health concluded that of 195 students participating in the study 71% indicated increased stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Multiple stressors were identified that contributed to the increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive thoughts among student; 91% reported fear and worry about their own health and of their loved ones, 89% reported difficulty in concentrating, 86% reported disruptions to sleeping patterns, 86% reported decreased social interactions due to physical distancing and 82% reported increased concerns on academic performance.

Many psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists have seen an uptick of college students needing therapy since COVID-19 made its debut in the U.S. Dr. Ellie Olson, Licensed Psychologist and Associate Dean of Counseling, Health and Leadership at Simpson College spoke on the many impacts the pandemic has on the mental health of college students.

“We have seen an uptick in number of appointments attended and number of students attending sessions as compared with this point in the semester last fall,” Olson said. “It’s clear that some of that is attributable to COVID and its consequences, while some of that may be that there is easier access due to offering teletherapy. I think in general, COVID has caused a significant amount of anxiety because of the amount of uncertainty, change, unpredictability and loss that it has led to and continues to lead to.”

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By: Liv Allen Layout: Madison DePover + Kate Furr

Change and uncertainty can be difficult for anyone to comprehend, but especially for those struggling with their mental health.

“We don’t know when this is going to end, so we continue to anticipate for changes and losses,” Olson said. “All of that different, big and small, takes energy. When energy is given to manage COVID or the changes COVID has led to, that takes energy away from other places—school, relationships, and managing our own mental health.”

Dr. Olson is among the many professionals in her field pushing for wider access to mental health services and normalizing therapy among college students.

“Now more than ever, emotional support is necessary … I’d say that offering teletherapy is the best thing at we at Simpson and that any other college can do to support mental health right now,” Olson said. “On a larger level, working to normalize the impact and consequence of COVID on our lives is important. Being graceful, flexible, and compassionate with ourselves and others is helpful. Everyone needs to lower expectations of themselves and others because our energy level is depleted...this does not mean that we have no expectations or responsibilities.”

During unprecedented times like these, sometimes controlling the controllable can make all the difference.

“Focusing on what you can control, knowing that so much is beyond our control, is important,” Olson said. “Creating structure and predictability where we can goes a long way.”

Looking at the state of Iowa specifically, it ranks 44th in the nation in mental health care providers per capita, according to the United Health Foundation’s 2019 America’s Health Rankings.

Students from across higher education institutions in Iowa are willing to share their experiences with mental health during COVID-19. From social starvation to financial worry, to seeking therapy and more—these testimonies shed light on the many implications this pandemic has had on college students.

Here are their stories.

Jeramy Randol Simpson College ‘21 Sports Administration and Business Management Double Major “At the beginning of the pandemic, I would say that my mental health was pretty stable, but after having to be isolated from everybody for a few months it began to decline. It got to the point where I repeatedly was doing the same thing every day and at times did not even want to get out of bed. Moving to online classes was a huge adjustment for everybody but I think that took a big toll on people, including myself. My 21st birthday was also during the middle of quarantine, so it was a little disappointing to not be able to celebrate with my friends like most people get to do. It has been a draining time with so much uncertainty, especially from an athletics standpoint. Not knowing whether I was going to get to play my senior football season also played a huge part in my mental health. While there has been development of a Spring season it is still disappointing because there will not be a conference champion or a chance to play in the national playoffs. As a senior who is not coming back for a 5th year it’s a punch in the gut to not be able to get one last chance to bring a championship back to Indianola.

I do not want to say the motivation is gone for the spring season, because it’s not, but I do think that the conference could have done a better of job of thinking about the athletes’ mental health when making their decision.”

“While COVID-19 produced a lot of negative situations it also provided a few positive ones. I was able to focus a lot more on improving myself. I started to eat better and work out a lot more, there wasn’t much more I could do considering I live on a farm. This allowed me to physically become a healthier individual which was something I had been trying to do for a while.”

“I think the biggest stressor for me during this time has been all of the uncertainty. Unsure if we would come back to Simpson, unsure if there would be a football season, unsure if there would be a job market after graduation, unsure if grad school would be a possibility or not and the list goes on.

I am a person who likes to have a plan and if my plan gets messed up a little bit it stresses me out. Before COVID-19, I felt I had a good idea of what I wanted to do and had a solid plan, but when it turned into a global pandemic some of my plans fell through. It has been an adjustment for everybody, and we have to be adaptable but that is easier said than done.”

“I personally do not seek professional help for my mental health, but I think that it is very important that people realize that it is okay and should not be frowned upon to do so. Due to COVID-19, my mental health was pretty low, so I started doing research on it and came across an online conference for student-athletes across the country to talk about their struggles with mental health. This event was put on by a friend of mine who is the founder of the Dam Worth It campaign out at Oregon State University so I thought it would be a good event to sit in on. It was just what I needed, and I now am connected with athletes all over the country ranging from the PAC 12 to the Ivy League. We all have each other’s backs, which is a rewarding feeling. Because of this conference, it led to the creation of Storm Speaks here at Simpson. For me, simply talking about mental health with other people is what helps me, knowing that other people go through a lot of the same things that I do and that it is okay to feel the way that I am. The power of listening is huge in my opinion. You never know what someone is going through so by simply listening to someone when they want to talk can have a strong impact on them. Overall, by continuing the conversation of mental health and ending the stigma surrounding it my personal mental health is boosted.”

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Hannah Kelley University of N. Iowa ‘22 Sports Psychology and Social Work Double Major “COVID-19 has definitely negatively impacted my mental health, especially being someone who actually did get COVID-19 and was forced to be in isolation--couldn’t see a single person, couldn’t leave my bedroom to do anything at all--it drove me mad. I have really noticed that my anxiety has been so much worse now than it was three months ago.”

“The social aspect of COVID-19 has been the hardest. Not being able to go out and talk to people as I normally would, or go out to dinner with people as I normally do and the fear that no matter what I do could be potentially endangering somebody else really stresses me out more than I’ve ever been before.”

“I’ve noticed that during this time I’ve been reaching out to the people that I normally reach out to for help even more so, just for somebody to talk to or get support from. I’ve also been reaching out to my doctor because I almost feel like the dosage of my antidepressants needs to be up because, with all this, things just aren’t going very well mentally.”

Jon Bassier Drake university ‘22 Marketing and Public Relations Double Major

“This has taken a toll on my mental health … for the first three months I was back at home, which always tends to have a bit of an impact on my mental health--not saying my family is at fault for that, I just like being out in the world by myself. Those first three months being at home were not ideal, it was just really lonely. I would try and do a lot of Zoom calls with friends which was fun, but also just not the same. I still really felt like I was missing out on a lot of things I could be doing if school was still in session. Moving back to Des Moines still felt really lonely, you know, not being able to genuinely hang out with people and have those interactions which is something super important to me and for my personality.”

“School was a lot more stressful for me, especially the fact that I wasn’t in class. I have ADHD, so I already have a hard enough time paying attention when I’m in class and forced to pay attention and be present where I’m at, so being online was way more difficult for me to focus. Being in the same spot in my room doing homework every day when I can’t really get out and go to classrooms or go to different places on campus to study has made it really difficult for me. I also need those professor-to-student interactions, and I’m not able to get that right now. So yeah, school is way more difficult for me right now.”

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“I have had a lot of job insecurity issues since COVID-19 started. I had a couple possible internships lined up and they both ended up getting canceled. So the only thing I could find on short-notice was working as a DoorDash driver for the whole summer, which was not really my plan at all. I was really looking forward to my summer internship, so it stunk not being able to take that job.”

“Due to COVID-19, I’ve been actively trying to find a therapist for myself. I’ve kind of been neglecting making that phone call for a while. The person I used to see actually got laid off in the middle of April, once COVID-19 was really starting to hit. She had originally written my prescription for my medications, too, so I no longer have her to go to for that. I need someone else to talk to and someone else to prescribe my meds, especially since I’ve been thinking about upping the dosage. It’s difficult no longer having that person to go talk to, which has caused me to suppress some of the things I need to be talking about, which is not good. This has all really prompted me to make some changes regarding my mental health.”

Jaxen Minkalis University of Iowa ‘22 Communications Studies Major “From an economic standpoint it’s bad … it’s definitely been more of a financial stress. I had to get a second job so I could pay my f*cking bills; a full time college student shouldn’t need two jobs to support themselves, do you know what I mean?

That’s definitely something I had to learn the other side of-the grind of a college student. The one that has eight shifts in seven days with barely enough time for school and still on the edge financially.”

“There are two sides to that question [how time was spent during self-isolation/quarantine], one side, yeah, we were given all of this free time. All we have is time, and of course, there are things that you can do as far as self-improvement-eat better, get better sleep, shit like that--but then, four months later, you’re kinda out of things to do, you know?

There’s only so much you can do … There’s a plateau, for sure, and it’s a hard plateau. There are only so many outlets that we can use at the moment to better ourselves. If none of this shit was going on, we’d obviously have more opportunities to get out and better ourselves or enhance different skills. There are certain things in your life that require [social] interaction in order for you to get better. Before COVID-19, I was going to be the head party planner at the bar I work at.

I was lining up DJ spots, getting people to come fill the reservation spots, and not all of it is just gone. I was trying to get better at event-planning, or even planning in general, but now I have no way of doing that. Just as there are a lot of things we do have time to do and get better at, there are an infinite number of things that we can’t.”

“It’s so hard, losing the ability to live our lives normally … all the sh*t that we like to do we can’t do anymore. Everybody is affected by this and it’s ridiculous.”

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Jordyn Wilson Simpson College ‘22 Multikedia Journalism Major “For the most part the impact has been negative because I’m already a shy person. I kind of stick to myself anyways, but I do definitely make my own routines and that gives me the social aspect of my life. I usually go hang out with certain people and when we have these restrictions where we can’t go see those people, it makes me shut down. Now I only hang out in my room, and I usually don’t go home during the weekends, but I’ve been going home every single weekend just so I can be with my family and have someone to be with.

For the most part, it’s been pretty negative because I’m in my room almost 24/7, but it’s also caused me to focus more on school...which can be a good and bad thing, so I definitely overwork myself. It kind of helps with my grades and that sort of thing, but it can also be hard on my mental healt too.”

“During the school year I can’t work—I mentally do not have the capacity to do that, so usually I make as much money as I can during the summer working a couple jobs and then use that money to last throughout the school year. This year, I wasn’t able to do that. The places I previously worked at didn’t have any openings, or just didn’t open, so I had to make my own little businesses. I made signs and stuff to try and make extra money. So, money is definitely a big stressor and funds are low right now. Other than that, a big stressor for me is the fact that my social life has been depleted, I need that and a routine or I’ll get stressed and worry myself out. I need a routine and I need to be able to follow it.”

katie burns Simpson College ‘23 Graphic Desogn Major

“COVID has made a negative impact on my mental health tremendously. During quarantine in March, I hated not going out of the house and doing my daily routine. I’m the type of person that always has to be doing something, and when the state was ordered to quarantine, I knew it wasn’t going to be a good experience.”

“My most significant stressor is still not having a full sense of normal when it comes to my outside activities. Softball practices being in pods, Zoom meetings 24/7 and not being able to see my peers outside of my dorm as much as I want to. All those things were a sense of comfort and normality, but with all the restrictions, its not the same.”

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“Since I got to school, my mental health didn’t improve as much as I thought and it came down to meeting with a counselor on campus. I had about 2-3 sessions and being able to talk about my feelings with someone has truly impacted my mental health.

Being able to have that person you can tell anything too without being judge is very warming. I was put on medication before I got to school, but I have not increased dosage.”

Staying Safe During COVID-19 Four places you can visit with regulations

By: Alyssa Craven Layout: Madison DePover & Kate Furr

​ inding things to do during COVID-19 can be challenging, but some businesses in Iowa have found a way to entertain customers while F keeping everyone safe. These activities and more all offer college students a unique and fun outlet for those looking to get out and experience new things, while still staying safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For $14.00, students can visit the Blank Park Zoo to see a variety of animals and attractions in the exhibits that are currently open. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday and is located at 7401 SW 9th Street in Des Moines. Tickets purchased after 2 p.m. receive a dollar discount.

According to the Blank Park Zoo’s website, everyone over the age of two is required to wear a mask indoors and in outdoor places where people are not able to social distance. The zoo has also increased its cleaning and sanitizing schedule to follow CDC and IDPH guidelines and has added additional hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.

Coffee Cats is located at 312 5th St in West Des Moines. The Shop is a coffee shop that just opened this spring and allows people to spend time with cats who are looking for a forever home in the cat lounge. For $10.70 students can reserve an hour to pet and play with the cats. Coffee, tea, smoothies and Italian sodas are just a few of the treats students can purchase while they enjoy their time at the cafe. Coffee Cat is also offering a happy hour special Tuesday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Customers only have to pay $5.35 to reserve an hour slot instead of the regular $10.70.

Coffee Cats also offers cat yoga on Saturdays at 8 a.m., Tuesdays at 7 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Class sizes are limited to six people and cost $15. Customers are asked to bring their own mats. Students can reserve their spot for cat yoga or an hour at the cat lounge at https://www.coffeecatscafe.com/make-a-reservationvv. ​ ccording to their website, Coffee Cats is only allowing six reservations per hour with two A walk in customers due to COVID-19. This will change to 12 once restrictions are lifted. All customers and employees are required to wear a mask.

I​ f you’re looking for something to do without spending any money, the Des Moines Art Center offers free admission to everyone. It’s located at 4700 Grand Ave in Des Moines.

Tickets must be reserved at least an hour beforehand at https://my.desmoinesartcenter. org/events. The Des Moines Art Center exhibitions are constantly changing. According to their website, Black Stories will be on display until Jan. 17, Landscapes in Watercolor will be on display until Jan. 3 and Iowa Artists 2020 will be on display until Jan. 3.

The Art Center has taken steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. All staff and visitors are required to wear a mask while in the facility. There is a designated path through the facility to help maintain social distancing. According to their website, they have also increased cleaning and sanitization.

The Selfie Station opened this summer and offers a wide array of sets to take photos on. Tuesday through Thursday the cost of admission is $18 and Friday through Sunday costs $22. Guests are welcome to bring their own cameras. The Selfie Station is located at 3800 Merle Hay Rd Suite 912 in Des Moines. ​ here are 27 rooms that each have their own theme. Sets rotate depending on the T season. The Selfie Station has implemented frequent cleaning and sanitization of props due to COVID-19. Social distancing and masks are also recommended.

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By: Amelia Schafer Layout: Kate Furr

A Summer of

Protests

Photo submited by Soundra Buehler

S

oundra Buehler is a senior elementary education major at Simpson College looking to make a difference in children’s lives and generations.

After gaining a solid grasp on white privilege and how it’s influenced her life, Buehler realized she could use this for good and mawke a real change in others’ lives.

Buehler spent her last summer in college protesting for Black Lives Matter.

“Just using my white privilege and talking about it and if I hear a racial comment I say something, and if it’s at Thanksgiving with my family and they’re saying inappropriate things or being racist then I need to say something it’s not going to stop unless I say something,” Beuhler said.

Part of her efforts to make a difference comes with making a difference in her own life and how she perceives herself and others through learning about her privilege as a white woman and how it influences her life.

“I wasn’t one who thought I was privileged just because I didn’t grow up having money or getting everything I wanted. I had a hard life too. I had to work for things, and I never really thought that I was privileged,” Buehler said.

“After attending these events and protests, I realized that I am privileged. I have white privilege, white privilege is real, and the only way to make a difference is to use that privilege stand up, and just talk about it.”

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One instance of Buehler using her white privilege for good came from Simpson’s Sept. 2 protest, where she led the crowd of over 200 students in various chants.

“At the protest here at Simpson, I didn’t want to stand up there and lead chants and stuff, but I did because I was using my privilege to raise awareness and use my voice and lead those chants because that’s what I felt like I needed to do to help them,” she said.

s

hler

Over the summer, Buehler attended over 10 Black Lives Matter events in her hometown, Des Moines.

“One of my first ones was for supporting Black women,” she said. “We marched all around downtown all the way to the capital, and then we sat on the big hill downtown by the capital and listened to speakers speak about things like women’s rights and a few slam poetry events. It was really fun to listen to their poetry. Just listening to people my age speak about things that they’ve experienced and witnessed. Also, just the whole marching and that feeling of community and marching through our city fighting for what we believe in.”

Buehler said she felt a sense of community while marching through the city alongside her neighbors and other community members.

“It was awesome to see everyone with their signs and megaphones and just chanting. We did march through the streets, so people were stopped for us,” Buehler said.

“There were people who were there to keep us safe. We had safety people there who would block the roads, and we were directed by cars in the front and in the back. One thing I thought was really awesome that they did was we had white men on the outside to keep the people safe, and they wanted all the Black women to be in the front and in the middle just to show this is who we’re here for and these are the people who matter and why we’re fighting.”

Buehler’s mother pushed her to attend the protests over the summer, but social media was a large factor as well.

“I got started because my mom was very involved,” she said. “She had been to previous protests and then kind of was talking to the people there and then [she] encouraged me to go. Actually, a lot of people who had been running the events in Des Moines were people I went to school with and people I knew from high school. I saw on social media and showed up to any of the events I could go to.”

Buehler intends to use what she’s learned this summer to assist her in her future career as an educator and has already been using her experiences to teach future generations.

Buehler decided to focus on racial inequalities in schooling for one of her school projects this fall.

To do this, she formulated four separate surveys. One for white educators, one for educators of color, one for white students, and one for students of color. This was done to gauge different experiences that educators and students of color have from white students.

“I wanted to find a way that I could make a difference. I wanted to connect with race with school, and I thought well I’m sure that there are probably issues with racism or racial discrimination within the schools,” Buehler said. “So, I made different surveys for people to take so that I could gather data on their experiences… I wanted to see different people’s perspectives on the school as well as the way people are treated in schools. That’s what I did, and then I’m making pamphlets or brochures to give to my peers and educators that have different resources for teachers.”

So far, in her survey, Buehler has found that despite educators and students alike claiming to support students of color, nearly every response indicated a presence of racism within their schools.

“Everyone said they supported students of color, but then in the classroom, one of the questions was ‘Have you seen racial discrimination or some form of racism in the classroom’ and everyone said yes, so it was interesting to see that, yeah everyone supports them and says that they accept people of color, but everyone said that there was racism in the schools and it was an issue,” she said. “Even though everyone supports them, there was still racism. Just asking students and teachers the same questions because I did get pretty similar answers, but some of the teachers were like, no, I don’t treat them differently, whereas then the students were like yeah, I get treated differently, so it was kind of cool to see two different sides of the story because I’ve been a student my whole life but not an educator yet and in the future, I will be so ill get to see both sides as well.”

Buehler’s project also included a detailed list of books and resources that educators can include in their classrooms.

Buehler intends on teaching kindergarten or first grade, so she found books that align with the interests and development of children in these age groups, such as “A is for Activist,” a bestselling children’s alphabet book by Innosanto Nagara.

Diversifying the classroom is something that Buehler took away from her time protesting this summer.

“Even though I wanna teach kindergarten or first grade just having those conversations and starting them young and kind of just teaching it and also not hiding my beliefs,” she said. “I’m going to have posters in my classroom that say all are welcome and everyone matters here. I’m going to have Black fists in my room. I’m going to have rainbow flags because that’s what’s important to me, and I want my students to know that they all matter, and they’re all important to me.”

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Learn. Speak. Act. An Anti-Racist’s Reading List

By: Taylor Hoffman Layout: Kate Furr

2020 served not only as a call to anti-racist action but also as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our community about America’s racist heritage and our role in combatting it.

Caste

by Isabel Wilkerson

Using a blend of personal and historical narratives, Isabel Wilkerson illustrates how American society has been shaped and defined by its hidden caste system. Through her analysis, Wilkerson moves beyond the traditional categorizations of race and class as a way to explain American racism.

Instead, she explains how the creation and perpetuation of hierarchies can be used to subjugate any group of people in any culture. In Nazi Germany, it was the Jewish people; in a midwestern teacher’s classroom experiment, it was students with brown eyes; and in the United States, it is Black Americans. Race and caste are not synonymous, but they reinforce one another in the United States. According to Wilkerson, if inequality is a human body, race is the skin and caste is the bones. Race is simply the visible tool used to enforce the caste system. In C ​ aste​, Wilkerson finally peels back the skin and reveals the bones that uphold the systems of racial inequality in the United States.

Slavery by Another Name

by Douglas A. Blackmon In ​Slavery by Another Name,​ Blackmon offers a distressing and deeply moving account of neoslavery, the brutal forced labor of tens of thousand African Americans from the end of the Civil War through the 1930s. Heavily researched and based on original documents, court records, and personal narratives, the book is a dense and harrowing read. Blackmon paints a sobering picture of the systematic abuse of local sheriff departments and the court systems to uphold slavery in the south. Arrested on arbitrary (and often false) claims, black Americans were charged with outrageous fines and, when unable to pay the fines, forced into labor camps to pay off sentences that never seemed to get any shorter. Using detailed personal narratives as the framework through which to recreate the brutal system of neoslavery, Blackmon helps 21st century readers understand the evil that persisted well into living memory.

Stamped from the Beginning​

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by Ibram X. Kendi

Perhaps best known for his work ​How to Be an Antiracist​, Kendi provides another thought-provoking account of what it means to interact with race in the United States in ​Stamped from the Beginning.​Kendi offers readers a heavily-researched yet incredibly revealing account of American history and the lasting power of racist ideas. Tracing history from the first European colonies in North America to modern times, Kendi demonstrates how racist ideas were not born through natural ignorance but rather intentionally constructed and reconstructed throughout history to maintain a racial hierarchy that benefitted white people. Although lengthy, Kendi’s examination of the unending cycle of racist progress and racial progress throughout American history offers an invaluable look at the creation and mutation of racist ideas on a global level.

F

First Year’s TransitionS DURING COVID

By: Colbee Cunningham Layout: Katie Burns What was it like to start college in the midst of a pandemic? Were you anxious, excited, nervous, etc.?

It was very much expected to be different from all the other years, but I’ve grown to the customs of living in this Pandemic. To be frank, it was quite calm for me, even though I was anxious in the beginning.

n

e,​ g

How has COVID-19 impacted your college experience as a whole?

ar

COVID-19 has impacted the way of learning in my opinion, due to the fact that I am a visual learner rather than auditory or in this case, virtually. COVID has made me adapt from an in person experience to an entire new category of learning.

d

ETHAN LARBI

Undecided Major

s

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How has COVID-19 impacted your college experience as a whole?

COVID has just made my college experience harder and it feels like I am missing out on stuff. All year I have been hearing about all the cool stuff Simpson does, and we don’t get to participate in anything.

HADLEIGH MARKUN

English Major Secondary Education Minor

What was it like to start college in the midst of a pandemic? Were you anxious, excited, nervous, etc.?

I t I t c f

The pandemic gave me a very negative outlook on college and I thought we would only be here for a few weeks. I was mostly frustrated with the uncertainty of everything going on. I was just uncertain in general with what my college experience was going to be like and if I was going to get that “college experience.”

WILLIAM KECK

Political Science Major

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H e I c w b c m d

KATIE WARWICK

Political Science and International Relations Major with a Minor in Honors

Why did you choose Simpson? Did COVID-19 impact your decision?

I chose Simpson College because this campus is beautiful. When I first stepped onto this campus, I felt like I was at home. COVID-19 almost helped me solidify that my decision was right because I saw how the college was handling this pandemic, and I was grateful for their precautions.

How has COVID-19 impacted your college experience as a whole?

I think that overall my college experience can be comparative to many of the years before me. I believe wholeheartedly that the only reason I can say this is because I go to Simpson College. Our small college campus has been beneficial in helping me feel safe with my health and allowing me to become involved in these difficult times.

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Self-employed: No match for COVID

By: Corinne Thomas Layout: Madison DePover

K

endra Plathe is a basic human: clumsy, artsy and nothing less than real.

I reached out to her with her thousands of followers as a photographer, and to my disbelief, she couldn’t wait to meet me. In the hours that we ate together at a coffee shop, it had felt like I had known her my whole life. Countless times she laughed and said, “don’t put that in the article.”

The truth of it all is, the people you follow on social media are very much real-life people with genuine struggles. It is human nature to get into the habit of seeing people different on social media from behind a screen.

While Plathe’s wedding, couples, and senior photos are nothing short of incredible, it makes you wonder who is behind the camera. We chatted about life, the crazy times we’re all struggling in right now, and how crazy it is to run your own business. To add more on top of that, try running a business during a global pandemic.

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person,” said Plathe.

Plathe has never been one to blend in, even at a young age.

Duplicating someone else doesn’t give you an upper hand in anything in life.

“People need to find their own niche and start embracing it and be them,” added Plathe. “Don’t try to be that top Instagram person because I’ve watched so many people do that and fall to the bottom.”

Creating this network of clients by being her most authentic self and creating relationships has introduced her to many new people in life.

Working with clients that treat you like friends makes her job easier just as much as the clients’. Plathe gains friends for life through her photography business. This network that she created by being herself has led her to achieve her long-term goals.

While trying to create content that people want to see, it’s easy to slip between the cracks of your truthfulness on the way to the top. Plathe emphasized how important it is to make your brand “you” without taking those qualities away from yourself.

Plathe went full time just a few years ago after pursuing a few office jobs out of college. She couldn’t imagine being there now. She mentioned it was so surreal to be a full-time photographer.

“You just have to be you and embrace it and not try to be anyone else. There are always those people on Instagram that everyone wants to be like, and they try to literally be that

Plathe stated that she started from rock bottom out of high school and that life didn’t always look as great as it does now.

Mental health became a central priority not long after she

family, so I have to turn some away.”

Kendra specializes in seniors precisely because of her past as a high schooler. Being the girl who ate lunch in the art room, belonging to a smaller friend group, and having a different style in a small school didn’t always have its perks.

“This year, I’ve really found a love for seniors because of my experience in high school,” said Plathe. “I’ve had multiple seniors this year tell me, or even their parents tell me that their confidence skyrocketed, and they felt beautiful after seeing their senior photos.”

arrived at college and had to take a semester off to focus on herself. Not long after that, she welcomed her son into the world.

She started at Iowa State University while pursuing a photojournalism degree and taking photos for the Iowa State Daily. Plathe finished her, then changed, liberal arts degree at a different college with hopes of just getting a four-year degree and making it on her own.

Entrepreneurship is a feat that most aren’t willing to tackle, but Plathe had nothing to lose. As if it’s hard enough, COVID-19 struck the world with fear. Kendra’s photography skills were no match for COVID-19; however KMP Photography thrived through the global pandemic.

“It was difficult right at the beginning when it was so unknown. The hardest part was the fear of if there would be weddings this year,” said Plathe.

Plathe said she never got to experience that in high school, and she’s glad that she can create that for others. If she can make at least one high schooler feel like that, then it’s not about the job; it’s about self-love.

“It’s the same with weddings. I try to capture candid stuff, as it’s their most special day. Seeing someone excited all day long makes it hard not to be excited too. Capturing love is different, and it’s exciting,” said Plathe.

When asked her best piece of advice, she said that being an entrepreneur bears many challenges providing for yourself in many ways besides income. Mileage, equipment, props, and calculating profit requires more than just an excel sheet.

“Get someone to run your books,” said Plathe. “Make friends with an accountant and stick with them. They will be your right-hand person at the end of the day.”

The hardest part wasn’t only the unknown, but not putting fear into her couples. Staying strong for your couples is something that is of dire importance in times of crisis.

Plathe wishes she had known this from the beginning, Overcoming these feats weren’t easy for Plathe, and she hopes for even more success in the future. Providing for herself as a self-employed photographer has been challenging but well worth all of the success she is experiencing now.

COVID-19 brought challenges but also opened eyes. More people were spending time with their families while working remotely. More engagements and sentimental weddings were on quarantine lists.

Social media is an excellent tool for all ages, but even more for local businesses that disappear behind larger corporations.

Being yourself on social media, at work, or in-person holds no limits to what you can achieve, and KMP Photography has

Plathe said she was almost busier than before, thanks to COVID-19. October is the busiest month of all for photographers. Plath was so unavailable that she couldn’t help everyone out.

As often as photographers tell a client ‘yes,’ they have to say ‘no.’ Some wish days would go by faster, but Plathe wishes there were more hours in the day, but most importantly, more sunrises and sunsets.

“I mostly specialize in seniors, engagement sessions, couples, and weddings.,” she added. “I’m kind of eliminating family sessions. I like to get artsy and creative, and it’s difficult with

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How to Be an By: Taylor Hoffman

Layout: Kate Furr

In the midst of a global pandemic, 2020 became a year, not just of illness, but of global activism. In the United States, the death of George Floyd, the loss of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and the ongoing climate crisis sparked mass protests across the country both online and offline. The influence of social media on movements for racial justice and climate consciousness was such that it was almost impossible not to be impacted in some way. And while the initial social media attention has died down, there is still plenty of work to be done. However, getting involved in activism often feels much harder than it is. If you’re interested in being an activist, here are a few easy steps to start getting involved.

Decide What To Support This might seem like common sense, but activism requires a lot of work and energy. Although you will obviously support multiple causes, it’s difficult to devote yourself equally to all of them.

Figure out what your passions are and what skills you have. Then identify a specific need in the world or your community. Wherever those points meet is where you’ll find the most fulfillment in directing your energy.

activist start small Activism can be overwhelming, especially since its most visible feature is public protesting; however, you don’t have to start by organizing a massive protest – or even joining one. There are plenty of other smaller actions and alternative avenues you can take to engage in activism. Start by giving donations, signing petitions, sharing information on social media, and even having conversations with the people in your life.

Join a Local Group One of the easiest ways to get more involved is to participate in a group that shares your goals. Many larger organizations have smaller chapters across the country, and you’d be surprised what you can find in your community. You can also try to find volunteer opportunities in your area of interest (i.e. animal shelters, food pantries, homeless shelters, etc) or you can begin work with a local newspaper to bring attention to issues that are important to specific populations. If all else fails, there are countless online groups and social media campaigns you can get involved with.

educate yourself You won’t know what’s going on in the world or how to speak up about it until you take time to educate yourself. The more educated you are on a specific issue, the more prepared you will be to speak up and act. There are plenty of ways to get educated. There are extensive reading lists available online about a variety of movements and social issues. Having access to social media and reputable news sources through your phone is also helpful.

Most importantly, though, search out new and diverse perspectives. Listening is its own form of activism and the best way to learn.

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Actions Speak Louder Than Words Most importantly, live up to your beliefs in your own life. Speak out against oppression, stand up against discrimination, and call out offensive behavior when you see it. When you witness injustices, it’s important to acknowledge them in real time. However, it’s important to adjust your approach for every situation. Think about how you will address the issue depending on who is involved. Change starts with you, and you must set the example.

Interested in Student Media?

Find out how you can get involved below!

Editor-in-ChieF: Alyssa Craven (Writing stories) Photo Editor: Madison DePover (Taking photos) (Layout, design) Layout editor: Kate Furr Editor-in-ChieF: Madison DePover

Station Manager: Noah Sacco

(Writing stories)

(Music, radio show)

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The Goat:

A look back at Simpson’s greatest football teams By: Jake Brend Layout: Katie Burns

S

ince 1893, there have been two World Wars, the Titanic sunk, two separate pandemics, 21 presidents, the moon landing --- and 123 years of Simpson Football. In those 123 years, there have been some great teams like the 1997 team or the 1893 team and there have been some horrible teams, like the 1911 team or the 1962 team.

But who is the greatest team in school history?

1893 The first ever organized season for Simpson was in 1893, and that team has a great case for it. The team had no coach, but instead a senior manager, Charles B. Cheney. Before the season started, Simpson held a scrimmage between the juniors and seniors on the team. According to The Simpsonian, the scrimmage ended in a tie and “the eleven were so badly bruised up that they were unable to attend practice games for several days.”

No matter how brutal the scrimmage was, whatever happened that day built a very tough Simpson team that went 5-0 during the 1893 season. Allowing a total of 0 points throughout the entire campaign.

With wins over Des Moines East High School, Des Moines University, Des Moines YMCA and Drake University twice, the 1893 team capped off the first of four undefeated regular seasons.

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Led by Fletcher Homan and “the force of the rushline,” Simpson holds one of the only seasons in the history of football with no opposing points scored.

Over the course of the year, Simpson outscored opponents by a final score of 204, is a feat that will likely never be replicated again.

1923

Perhaps the most impressive win of the season came in a 63-0 win over Drake on Nov. 21 at the Des Moines Athletic Park, the home of the Des Moines baseball team. According to Volume 10 of the Times-Delphic, “For some reason, the Simpson team completely and utterly defeated us.”

Fast forward 30 years, to the first team to win the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship, the 1923 Simpson team coached by Noel Workman.

Workman, the former Ohio State star quarterback, led the team to an undefeated conference record, with their only loss against Iowa State 14-6. The game took place in Ames, and despite the loss, a close game against a team like Iowa State brought hope for the season ahead.

Throughout the season, Simpson benefited from a play called “the flying wedge,” where the team would lock arms and form a v-shape around the ball carrier. It was highly effective, but was banned in 1894 due to its contribution to injuries.

As edition six The Simpsonian reads, “in the first appearance of this year, the team gave promise of a successful season by playing football, real football.

Ames was lucky to get away with the a win, for the game was closer than the count would indicate.”

The 1923 team was led by all-conference tackle Joe Meek and future Philadelphia Eagles player, Kenneth “Moco” Mercer. The team rolled through the IIAC with an 8-0 record while outsourcing conference opponents 28323.

In the early 1900s, Central was not Simpson’s arch-rival, it was actually Parsons College. The highlight of the season came in a 17-0 win over Parsons that included just one pass completed for Simpson and a combined 23 punts in the game.

Despite the lack of offense, Simpson’s stout defense shut Parsons out and denied them from scoring in the red zone four separate times.

This conference championship was the first of 12 in the 20th century, and the beginning of a three-peat. However, the one loss is a bit of a blunder on the season, granted it was to a Division I team, Iowa State.

Noel Workman coached Simpson for the next two seasons, and won both IIAC championships before leaving for the head coaching position at Iowa State. The second and third championship teams were good, but no squad was near the level of the 1923 team, so they are not under consideration.

Richards led the way for the 1931 team at fullback. He was picked to the all-state team along with athletes from Iowa State, Iowa and Drake. Even more impressive, Richards was named to the all-Midwestern team that included players from Notre Dame and the Big Ten. After all of the accolades, Richards signed with the New York Giants in the summer of 1933. In his rookie season, Richards led the national professional football league in yardage with 277 yards in six games.

The knock on the 1931 team is their 0-3 record in nonconference play. The team lost to Iowa State, Drake and Ohio University.

In the 6-0 loss to Iowa State, Simpson gained just 53 yards of total offense, but allowed just 148 yards for the Cyclones.

Iowa State won the game on a trickplay in the second quarter, but after that was full of “see-sawing between the rival teams” according to The Simpsonian.

Despite the three losses, the legacy of Richards and the dominant conference record is enough to propel the 1931 team into the conversation of greatest of all time.

Once Dean retired in 1934, Simpson went through two coaches, Frank Casey and Bob Waldorf, none of which got close to conference championship. The next team in consideration is the 1949 team, coached by second-year head

Noel’s brother, Harry Workman took over the team but didn’t win any conference titles.

Simpson transitioned to the Lloyd C. “Judd” Dean era. Dean, the Cornell College graduate, coached his alma mater in basketball, track and field and football. According to “Beneath the Whispering Maples,” Dean was described as the “smartest football player Cornell ever had.”

1931 In his four year tenure at Simpson, Dean won three IIAC championships, the most impressive being his first, an undefeated, untied season in 1931. The campaign included an undefeated Nov. where they won three straight road games against Loras, Central and William Penn to close out the season as IIAC champions.

One of the all-time greats, Elvin “Kink”

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coach R.G. “Hap” Miller.

1949 The squad in 1949 came out of nowhere after a 2-7 record in 1948, but nonetheless, they still pulled off one of best single-season runs in school history. Led by three all-conference players, John Mills, Bob Mills and Jim Wright, Simpson went 8-1 with an undefeated 6-0 conference record.

Williams took over a struggling program, and after one season he had Simpson back in the running for the best team in the IIAC. Over the course of his tenure, Williams won four IIAC titles and had four NCAA Tournament appearances.

The 1949 team lost their lone game of the season against Coe, 17-23, but won games against William Jewell, Upper Iowa, Cornell, Parsons, Wartburg, Central, Luther and Iowa Wesleyan.

Throughout his 14 years at Simpson, the Storm held one of the most prolific offenses in the country, but none were better than the offense in 1997 led by senior quarterback Brad Jorgensen.

Of the teams looked at, this is probably the worst offensive team, as they never scored more than 20 points in any game. Instead, led by experience, they were one of the best defensive teams in school history, allowing just 6.3 points per game.

The 1997 team led Division III in total yards per game at 567. They also finished second in the country with points scored per game with 49.3. The high powered offense led the Storm to a dominant 10-0 undefeated regular season that landed them an IIAC championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Simpson clinched the title on Nov. 12 in a 19-0 win over Iowa Wesleyan that was described as a “walloping” in the lead of The Simpsonian’s recap of the win.

An essential win in the season was a 13-7 win over Upper Iowa that broke a three-year winning streak. The Simpsonian said that Simpson “pulled all of the feathers out of the Peacocks, handing them their first conference loss since 1945.”

At the season’s end, Simpson received the first ever IIAC championship trophy at halftime of a Simpson basketball game. The gold trophy was 3½ feet tall with a gold football standing on top of it.

Following this season in 1950, Simpson went just 1-4 in the conference and didn’t have a winning record again until 1955. The 1949 season is impressive because it is a stand-alone season in an otherwise mediocre era.

From 1950 to 1988, Simpson won only one IIAC championship, which came in 1969. During that 38 year time period, Simpson recycled through 10 different coaches. It was not the glory days for Simpson football.

It wasn’t the glory days until Jim Williams came around and accepted the head coaching job in 1987. Williams, a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, coached Dowling High School to an 118-9-3 record in his tenure.

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Williams was named the national coach of the year before joining Iowa State as an assistant.

1997

From top to bottom, there has never been as much talent on a Simpson team as there was in 1997. Nine

“I recruited all of them and they all bonded very well. They all had common goals and we moved towards those goals.”

Jim Williams, head coach Storm athletes were named to the All-IIAC first team, along with four players on the All-IIAC second team.

Jorgensen was named MVP of the conference while being placed on the first team, the senior threw for 2,218 yards and 15 touchdowns. Joining him on the first team was defensive back Kenny Fry, linebacker Zach George, offensive linemen Clint Head, Brian Valenta and Scott Wheater, wide receiver Jeremy Richter, tight end Eric Short and defensive lineman Jeremy Whalen.

Whalen was also named a second team All-American by the Division III Sports Information Directors.

Christenesen, Fry and Lemen were all honorable mentions.

going to have to play the best game we’ve ever played to win.”

The Storm did just that, winning 34-31 in Whitewater, Wis. to advance to the quarterfinals. Unfortunately in the archives, there is no recap of the historic win. After defeating the Warhawks, Simpson got a home game in the NCAA Tournament, as they hosted Augsburg.

“Beating Whitewater was quite the accomplishment,” Williams said. “They were a tremendous team. We played a tremendous game and I’ll always remember that.”

On Nov. 29, the Storm did play the best game in the history of the program, toppling the Auggies 61-21 “on a rain-soaked muddy battlefield.” Simpson dominated on offense with 222 yards of rushing, but the defense recorded six turnovers which proved to be the key to victory.

On the field, the talent produced, leading Simpson to its deepest NCAA Tournament run in school history, the National Semifinals. Simpson was granted an automatic bid as the IIAC champions. Of course, the Storm went 8-0 in conference play that season, but they nearly didn’t.

On Oct. 18, Simpson traveled to Pella to take on the unbeaten Dutch, the destiny of the conference and the season was in the hands of the winner. Simpson won a thriller over Central 31-27 in front of 4,000 people. As Blair Schilling from The Simpsonian put it, “be thankful, at least you didn’t go to Central.”

After beating Central, Simpson cruised to an undefeated season, leading them to the NCAA Tournament. The Storm were the second seed in their respective region but still had to travel to play Wisconsin-Whitewater, due to travel expenses for the NCAA. Up until 1997, Simpson had never won a postseason game, traveling to play a game that was supposed to be at home added to the challenge. On top of all of the other circumstances, Wis. Whitewater went 9-0 and was the top-seeded team in the region. It was the biggest game of the century for the Storm.

“We are in uncharted territory,” said Guy Lemen to The Simpsonian in 1997. “Every team we play from here on out is going to be the best team we’ve ever played. We’re

The win led to the first and only Regional Championship in the school’s history, giving them a place in the Final Four. In the semifinal, Simpson lost to No. 1 Mount Union, who went on to win it all. Despite the crushing 54-7 loss, Simpson still exceeded all expectations and made the deepest run in the history of the school.

“Everything worked out, except we had to play Mount Union,” Williams said. “They had five guys who played long careers in the NFL, along with transfers from Penn State and Ohio State.”

The 1997 team, even 23 years later is without a doubt the best football squad Simpson has ever seen. Coach Williams and his Regional Champions team set a high bar for Simpson football that hasn’t been reached since.

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A Derecho hits the M Simpson students are still impacted by the August 2020 Midwest Derecho.

It began in southeast South Dakota and eastern Nebraska. In the span of 14 hours, the August 2020 Midwest Derecho moved over 700 miles, stretching across Iowa, Indiana, and parts of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio.

A derecho is a severe windstorm caused by thunderstorm clusters during hot, humid weather conditions.

Frequently compared to inland hurricanes, Derechos are characterized by high speed winds, torrential rainfall, hail, tornadoes and flooding. Moving in a straight line, they are capable of causing wind damage extending over 240 miles at 58 mph.

The damage was so extensive and widespread, in fact, the office of Iowa governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for over 25 counties, activating the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program and the Disaster Case Management Program.

Former President Donald Trump also approved a declaration of a major disaster in Iowa, ordering federal assistance to aid in the recovery process.

On top of living through a pandemic, civil unrest, and growing political tension, there are Simpson students who are still impacted by the derecho’s extensive damage, even in the months afterward.

In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, business management and health services leadership student Abby Ruby was with her grandmother when the derecho hit.

“Over the summer, I take care of my great grandma,” Ruby said. “With COVID, my family needed extra help.

My stepdad has health problems, so I stay with [my great grandma] during the summer. I was with my grandma and we just finished eating lunch. Then the power went out, and I thought, ‘Oh, it should be fine.’ I didn’t know it was gonna be that bad.”

According to Ruby, the southwest side of Cedar Rapids was hit first and hit harder.

Her grandmother’s area --the northwest side--was able to recover quicker, with

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Midwest power returning after three days. Residents of southwestern Cedar Rapids waited for a week and a half, leaving residents unable to contact family members and making resources--such as medical supplies and gas--difficult to obtain.

For Ruby, being unable to comply with Simpson College’s mandatory COVID-19 check-ins and unable to purchase textbooks created an added stressor.

“I don’t want to like bash Simpson. But maybe saying, ‘You need to take time off. We understand. We get you can’t leave your family with all this wreckage if you don’t have that financial stability to do so’ would help,” said Ruby. “You might have to help your mom because she might have a disability where she can’t clean up the yard and that could take a lot of time. And the city isn’t going to clean up your yard; you have to do that yourself. It’s one of those things where you don’t know someone or what goes on in their house. You can’t assume they can just come back to school in a week.”

Ruby advised other students to plan and prepare for future disasters, be it by investing in supplies or planning ahead for problems that may arise.

“Go out and buy a $1000 or $1,500 generator. I know it seems like a lot of money at that time, but when things like that happen you don’t have that flexibility anymore,” said Ruby. “Keep like an emergency stash of water and canned goods because once your refrigerator goes out you can’t save that food. Keep propane--because I was having to grill up everything on propane--and I recommend keeping an emergency fund of cash. I don’t care if you don’t use any of it in 20 years, right? You just never know what is going to happen.”

Marshalltown, Iowa--home to human services and sociology double major Faithyna Leonard--was another area hit hard by the derecho.

“I went over to my cousin’s,” Leonard said, “and her and I were in the basement because she works from home right now with COVID. We were sitting in the basement, talking in between her calls, when all of a sudden the power started flickering, then went completely out.

We were stuck under the basement stairs--it’s an old house, over 100 years old--and we didn’t know if they were gonna

By: Evan Burley Layout: Katie Burns fall or not. We had windows everywhere in the basement, so there was worry about glass and everything.”

Adding to the stress, Marshalltown was hit by an EF-3 tornado back in July 2018 and, according to Leonard, the town still has not recovered after losing many of its businesses.

“It was really disheartening,” Leonard said, “because I was like packing for school when people still didn’t have power in town. It sucks being back at school when back home there’s still a bunch of damage. People still have trees in their front yards, and it seems like it’s never ending. We have so much damage happening to the town. [Marshalltown is] still trying to recover from one natural disaster and now we just throw another one on top of it.”

As Leonard said, the damage done to Marshalltown before the derecho was already severe. Sites like the telecommunication center, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the local gym still are not fully repaired. Local cultural sites and businesses were also lost, with some business owners permanently closing their doors. Above all, according to Leonard, because a severe natural disaster already struck the area residents’ insurance was raised, with high risk being cited as the reason. This has led to people selling their businesses to afford the increase.

Now in the wake of the derecho, Leonard says park cleanup is high on the agenda. It is especially important for the children in the community, lowering the rate of youth-involved crime in the area; however, the local park has largely been damaged, and repair efforts are costly. In the meantime, Leonard encourages fellow students to reach out to Senator Joni Earnst to apply more pressure to support communities like Marshalltown.

“I also think if you call the city you can donate money to Marshalltown,” Leonard said.

Those funds get distributed, and right now we are looking for funds to do the cleanup. To clean up one tree can cost $700, and we have probably about 20 to 30 down in one park so that’s going to add up. And that’s before we can even do damage repair. Even if you just contact the city and ask like, ‘Hey, can I volunteer for this weekend to come help with cleanup?’ I’m sure they would have no problem with that.”

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Masks in

By: Natalie Tryon & Abby Ludwig

Layout: Kate Furr

Style

Mask are now an everyday part of an outfit for many around the world. Being able to add a new aspect to the style of someones outfit. Here are how some have used thier mask.

Chaeli Moir Sophomore

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I sometimes use masks as a fashion statement because I feel like I’m not able to communicate and show my personality as much as last year. The masks help me express myself and I think others do too, by what patterns they wear or don’t wear.

Abby Bowers Sophomore

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I do not use masks as a fashion statement, but I think others do.

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Florence Taglight Teacher in England

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Because I am a primary teacher my mask hangs from my security lanyard for easy access. At the very beginning of lockdown I ordered four blue and four black Adidas (one for myself, each of my sisters and my mum) masks not realising they came in threes. I then ended up with 12 so now most of the staff [at the school] match!

“

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Grace White Roberts Wesleyan University New York Masters Student

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I try to match my mask to my outfit! I even bought a mask to match my Halloween costume. I love the masks with a clear panel in them so you can see someone’s mouth and smile.

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Ways To Spice Up Your Quarantine

By: Taylor Hoffman Layout: Katie Burns

It’s not an exaggeration to say that 2020 has been, perhaps, the worst year ever. After months of natural disasters, political turmoil, and a pandemic that ground the world to a halt, we’re all just counting down the days until Jan. 1. For many of us, quarantine is starting to feel a lot like a bad relationship. It was all so exciting and new at first, and the honeymoon phase lasted for months. No classes, no work, no distractions? It felt like no problem. We were blinded by the sheer possibilities of what we could do with all that free time. Now, nearly eight months since it began, the excitement of quarantine has worn off. However, just because that “honeymoon phase” is gone doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy our time in quarantine. While there is no simple fivestep fix to quarantine boredom, we’ve compiled a list of ways to help spice up your life and put the passion back in your quarantine.

1.) Prioritize your Free Time While quarantine restrictions have lessened, life hasn’t necessarily gotten easier. With less restrictions, you’ve had to redevote the majority of your time back to school and work. By the time you have a free minute, you just want to lay around again and scroll through Instagram or Tik Tok. And while there’s nothing wrong with shutting your brain off and doing nothing for a while, if it’s the only thing you ever do with your free time, it can leave you feeling more drained. If all your significant other ever did when you two had time alone together was sit on their phone, you’d never feel excited to see them. Just like in any real relationship, enjoying the free time you have in quarantine requires some effort. First, you have to make time to do the things you enjoy. Then, when you do get a free moment, invest that time in something that truly engages you.

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2.) Change Up Your Space

3.) Give Back

Part of spicing up your quarantine requires changing up your scenery. In any relationship, having space is important. In quarantine, sitting in the same room all day every day is the surest way to boredom. Instead, try to split your time between environments. Do your homework and other activities in different rooms, or even outside. Spend as much time outdoors as you can, especially on nice days. Indoor activities can always be done outdoors and vice versa if you’re creative enough. If your quarantine limits you to a single indoor space, build a fort, remodel, or hang up a dividing sheet to mix things up. Remember, your space might be limited due to quarantine, but the possibilities are not.

Quarantine has left many of us feeling purposeless.

Providing service to others in your community will give you a renewed sense of purpose. Although volunteer work looks different due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are still plenty of opportunities to do good for someone else. You can offer to run errands or pick up groceries for your elderly neighbors who are more at risk or send a gift to a friend who has been struggling lately. You can donate money to local charities or donate blood without risk to yourself. When in doubt, many local shelters are in need of volunteers to socialize with their animals now that COVID-19 has caused them to close to daily visitors.

Call in, learn their volunteer policies, and spend time playing with kittens or walking a dog.

4.) Focus on Graditude

This one is simple. Like in any relationship, showing gratitude is important. Take the time to be thankful for those around you, including yourself. Be grateful for the things in life that are happening for you, and you’ll begin to recognize them more plainly as they occur. Work harder to stop complaining about the things that aren’t happening and focus on what you can do to create joy in your own life and others. 2020 has been difficult enough. Actively focusing on what you’re grateful for will feel like a breath of fresh air.

5.) Let’s Get Physical And no, I don’t mean sex, though that is always an option.

Quarantine has a way of making us feel distant from one another, even if we physically aren’t. In a relationship, it’s not healthy to rely solely on one person for our social needs.

It’s important to spend time around other people. During COVID-19, spend as much time as you can with the people in your immediate bubble. No amount of Zoom calls can replace in-person contact. However, don’t forget about all your friends and loved ones also going through their own quarantine difficulties. Take the time to write letters, send little gifts, make phone calls, or go on socially-distanced outings.

6.) Dress to Impress At the beginning of quarantine, you probably dressed up every now and then. You took the time to look nice for Zoom calls and trips to the store. Then a few months passed and suddenly getting ready for the day simply meant brushing your teeth and putting on pants. It’s no secret that looking good helps you feel good. Try dressing up one or two days throughout the week. Of course, dressing up looks different for everyone.

Whether it’s a nice dress or jeans and a clean shirt, you’ll feel more productive if you take the time to get ready for your day. Revamp your quarantine by revamping your wardrobe.

7.) Challenge Your Mind

8.) Something New

9.) Something Old

Nothing sours a relationship more than getting bored. And we’re all about keeping your quarantine exciting. In quarantine, it can be boring to do the same things every day, even if you’re doing activities you enjoy. Complete on a puzzle, a Rubik’s cube, or a crossword. Read a book or work on a creative writing piece. Use apps like Duolingo to learn a new language or search for free online courses in any subject.

Remember, it’s important to keep your mind as active as your body.

The easiest way to spice up any relationship is to simply try new things.

Quarantine has restrictions, but it’s important to focus less on the limitations and more on what is still available to you. You can work on new skills like painting, knitting, dancing, baking, or playing an instrument. You can explore new places, either within your area or virtually if you’re unable to travel. Best of all, you can create new adventures for yourself. Try four-wheeling, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, or simply explore your community. The opportunities are endless.

While you’re out trying new things, don’t forget how comforting your old routines canbe. If you like to paint, paint. If you like to read, read.

If you like to go for runs, go for a run. Mixing up your routine will make you appreciate your traditional activities better. However, take time to appreciate these activities as you do them. Without quarantine, you might not have time to paint, or read, or run as much. It also never hurts to add a twist to the old. If you like to paint, try a new technique. If you like to read, try a new genre. If you like to run, maybe add an extra mile.

Enjoy what you enjoy, but find ways to make it fresh.

10.) Don’t Downplay Down Time Most importantly, like in any good relationship, it’s also important to take time for yourself. Quarantine can be draining, especially with lists like these. It constantly feels like you need to be doing ​ something.​However, downtime is called downtime for a reason. It’s okay to slow down and take time for yourself.

Whether you engage in a hot shower and a face mask, watch Netflix, or simply take a nap, you’re allowed to use your downtime to relax however you see fit. While this list encourages you to reclaim your old excitement, don’t pressure yourself to be constantly on the go. If you can find the balance between downtime and gotime, you might just make it through 2020 with a scrap of your sanity.

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By: Natalie Tryon

Layout: Kate Furr

White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha

Sip Sip Hooray!

Apple Cider Mimosas ■ Apple cider (60%) ■ Champagne (40%) ■ Rim of sugar or cinnamon sugar ■ Apple slice on side

■ Favorite blend of coffee ○ Ex: Starbucks blonde roast

■ White chocolate morsels or syrup ○ Ex: Ghirardelli

■ 2% Milk ■ 1 tablespoon heavy cream ■ 1-1.5 tablespoons of pepper mint syrup ■ Whipped cream & crushed peppermint to top ■ Sugar sprinkled as needed

Directions 1) On a stove, heat the milk and add in white chocolate morsels until steamed and well mixed.

2) In your mug, first pour your favorite coffee blend and add the white chocolate and milk mixture over your brewed coffee. * Optional: add in heavy cream or sugar for an even sweeter taste.

Directions

1.) Mix 60% Apple Cider and 40% Champagne 2.) Add sugar to the cup’s rim 3.) Pour drink into cup 4.) enjoy with Apple sclices

Cranberry Moscow Mule

Homemade Polar Express Hot Cocoa ■ cup sugar ■ ¼ cup cocoa powder ■ 4 cups of 2% milk ■ 1 tsp vanilla extract ■ 1/3 cup water (hot)

Directions 1) Mix sugar, cocoa powder and water in a saucepan. Use medium heat, boil for approximately 2 minutes. Stir the mixture while its boiling.

2) Add milk until mixture is hot. Do not boil this.

3) Add vanilla after removed from heat source. * Optional: add a few marshmallows on top to look like melting snowman * Optional: Melt white chocolate onto the glass rims & dip glass in crushed peppermint pieces

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■ 4 oz. cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail ■ 4 oz. ginger beer ■ 1-2 oz rum or vodka ■ Ice cubes ■ Cranberries ■ ½ a lime

Directions

1) Add ice to a cup 2) Then add cranberry juice, ginger beer and rum or vodka Optional: add cranberries and lime

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