Winter 2017 VOLUME 10 - ISSUE 2
SHIFT
16 stick it to the man why punk Rock needs to make a comeback
20 Standing together
Women's basketball team unites community "as one"
48 M.D.: Mad Determination Passion fuels the strenuous journey of becoming a doctor
From The Editor
C
hange is something we’ve all encountered in our lives, and while we embrace it in certain occasions, most of the time change represents looming differences that haunt the comfort of our habits. Mustn’t we remind ourselves that we’re constantly evolving—just as the world around us is? Perhaps ‘change’ isn’t necessarily what we need in order to reap the benefits of our inner reflections. This is where ‘shift’ comes in. Being a part of the community here at UNR, we are all also familiar with the small changes that are naturally presented by the University with the change of every semester, room number, professor, or otherwise. These shifts that we make in our lives are frightening to say the least, and most of us enter new situations feeling uncomfortable no matter how much thought or preparation is had. Let us remember our true path in its entirety, for the journey at a university is one of utmost growth. Yes, a shift in lifestyle isn’t the greatest thing initially. Notice though, how it makes you feel in a month—or for
Davis goicoechea Editor-in-Chief
"The areas of consensus shift unbelievably fast; the bubbles of certainty are constantly exploding." - Rem Koolhaas some, an even shorter period of time. Learning new things progresses ourselves as individuals, in turn promoting the positivity we all contribute towards in society, both here at UNR, and in our lives elsewhere, no matter the physical location. The students I’ve been lucky enough to work with in this magazine recognize not necessarily the importance of, but rather the implications and effectiveness of the shifts in our society, both recent, and recurring. They’ve delved into topics and ideals that tug against the norms and standards constructed, and then recycled by the world around us. Yet, while these ideas may seem slightly revolutionary, there are no negative connotations attached to the
changes proposed and embraced. We simply believed a slight shift in our lifestyle, our critical thinking, and our views on standards might propose positivity that is more sustainable. In closing, I’d like to remind all of our readers how incredibly proud I am of the individuals who have created time in their uniquely hectic schedules to create something they feel passionate about at Insight. Perhaps they picked up one of our past publications and thought, “I don’t know if I could do this.” Despite that doubt, they chose to make a shift, and pursued a challenge they saw beneficial in the long run. I welcome us all to embrace those shifts we feel could do the same.
Nicole Skarlatos Art Director
Andrea Heerdt
Ana Hurt
Art Director
Copy Editor
Volunteers
Katherine Larsen Copy Editor
Claire Peterson Faith Delfin Jana Sayson Jenny Swartz Jarette Werk Quinsey Sablan Kellie Sasso Tori Todd Even Muth Taylor Harker Cameron Beck Zak Brady
Janessa Holman Social Media
about the cover Sometimes we just need an alibi, and sometimes we are one. After 2016, it seemed like everyone was on edge about the losses of the year, and the different reasons in why it all went "wrong." On December 31st, 2016, I made a decision to spend the last minutes of the year celebrating rather than dwelling. Standing at Mount Rose summit, I captured the final night sky of 2016. Each star glimmered with hope. I was ready for a shift—a shift to a new year, a shift to sunrise after a year of night, and most importantly, a shift in perspective. We are all survivors of 2016. We are living proof that sometimes life is unpredictably tragic and yet, we can still push through it all as survivors. We are the alibis of 2016.
- Kellie Sasso
corrections Insight Magazine works to correct any errors. If you find a mistake or misprint, please contact the editor at insighteditor@asun.unr.edu. Insight Magazine is proud to have placed Fifth in the 2016 National Associated Collegiate Press Conference in the category of Feature Magazine.
University of Nevada: Demolition or expansion? 6 Conflicts arising from the University's downtown expansion. By Taylor Harker
The battle over the u.k. 12 Two friends argue as to why or why not the U.K. sucks. By Janessa Holman and Ana Hurt
Stick it to the man 16 Why punk rock needs to make a comeback in the era of Donald Trump. By Andrea Heerdt
Standing together 20 The UNR Women's basketball team unites our community "as one." By Ana Hurt
Pack Profile: Pack provisions 26 ASUN brings a new attitude to underfed college students. By Faith Delfin
Book Reviews 30 Make 'Em Laugh: Short-term Memories of Longtime Friends and The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story. By Janessa Holman
Single and happy 34 The importance and power of self-reflection. By Claire Peterson
Sounds for the soul 40 The power music therapy can have on the healing process. By Stevie Ellis
M.D.: Mad Determination 48 Passion fuels the drive to make it into medical school. INSIGHT 4 By Tori Todd
5 INSIGHT Photo by Kellie Sasso
INSIGHT 6
University of Nevada Demolition or expansioon?
Words by Taylor Harker Illustrations by Andrea Heerdt
H
as the University of Nevada, Reno gone a little over its head? In the last fifteen years Reno has grown exponentially, and the University itself has brought nearly 20,000 young minds willing to get an education in Northern Nevada. However, the University found itself in an interesting situation when it came to the realization that its classrooms were filling up too quickly. Issues like this stem from the over-expected amount of students the University takes within each new year. The University soon realized it needed to start expanding in order to accommodate all the new incoming students. This sparked positive and negative feedback from the Reno community, for the University realized it would have to start expanding into downtown areas, taking over many people's homes and businesses along with it. A big goal of the University is to bridge the gap between the school and downtown—to make Reno look like a college town. Most of downtown consists of casinos and old Victorian-style houses. The planning initiative is being led by the University's Vice President, Kevin Carman, who met with officials from the the City of Reno and Regional Transportation of Washoe County. Originally, the plan was for expansion to move east, but new ideas and positive implications drove the expansion south, covering a significant amount
of downtown Reno. Expansion has already begun in some areas, for example, currently under construction is a new and improved fitness center set to open in February of 2017. One of the more important envisions from the Master Plan—the 10 year blueprint of where the University will expand and how—is the “Campus Gateway precinct,” which extends campus life to the south of the current campus (the area between I-80 and campus). The goal is to create a safe place between the interstate and downtown. This expansion is going to affect many students and citizens
noticeable gap between UNR and downtown; downtown is focused on gaming while UNR is a university. This is a unique fundamental difference not present in other college towns like Chico. The gap will always exist because the two areas have very different focuses,” Roberts said. Roberts brings up a valid point; the University might be trying too hard to “fix” something that might be essential to downtown Reno. “It makes me very angry. Eminent domain is a huge abuse of power.” Roberts said when addressed with the issue of his apartment building potentially be-
“A big goal of the university is to bridge the gap between the school and downtown to make reno look like a college town.” alike, both positively and negatively. Kyle Roberts, a student of the university, and also a tenant of an apartment complex on East Seventh that will most likely be taken over in the next few years for the Univeristy, can see the expansion going in both positive and negative directions. “It could help downtown become nicer and less reliant on gambling. It could also make it seem less sketchy. However, this alone won’t fix the
ing taken over by the University sooner than expected. Thousands of students just like Kyle will be in the same uncomfortbale boat once the University starts expanding in areas like 7th, 8th, Center, and even Lake Street. According to the Downtown Reno Makeover, a website that informs the public of all of the upcoming changes Reno is facing, the University of Nevada, Reno is a state entity. This
7 INSIGHT
means any of their permitting or demolition permits are not subject to City of Reno review, and the University is not subject to local permitting regulations. However, The Historical Resources Commission commented on the “Gateway District” proposal in hopes of stopping the expansion
to make their voice heard in this expansion any way they can. From an economic standpoint, this growth can be huge for the area. Reno, the past few years, has been dealing with economic recovery since the horrible recession of 2008; the gaming industry has gone down tremendously.
“With all of these major changes, the university has already had a run in with problems halting the expansion.”
on some of Reno's historic homes. "Historic characteristics should be respected and maintained when possible, and new development should demonstrate an effort to retain historic character throughout the city.” Although the Historical Resources Commission is a local board of government in Reno, they have almost no power in the say of this proposal, the organization just wants to get the word out and encourage more people
The University is looked at as the next thing to get Reno stabilized again by adding jobs and making Reno a bigger tourist destination. The University is the second largest employer in the region. It contains almost 5,000 workers and receives about $500 million annually. The University also brings about 6,000 students from out of state locations—mainly California—as stated by the UNR Master Plan. Among other organizations and
“Since it’s start in 1971, the war on drug
Reno reno INSIGHT 8
clubs that will be actively involved in this transformation on campus, ASUN stands out the most. ASUN is in charge of most of the events and logistics that go on around campus. "ASUN will come into play during the planning phase of this project as the University’s administration is going to want to know what it is that the students want out of the Gateway District—this could range from food and shopping options to various academic resources. ASUN will also play a key role in ensuring that the Gateway District comes with efficient means of transportation for students through and around the Gateway.“ One of President Brandon Boone’s top goals is to really make Reno feel like a college town. He states, "I give it 10-20 years before the college town atmosphere in Reno is so good that it's one of the biggest factors in a student’s decision to attend the University, and is actually one of our biggest recruiting mechanisms. Travelling to other universities over the past two years and seeing how other schools operate, I would put Reno in the middle tier of college towns,” Boone concluded. With all of these major changes, The University has already had a run in with problems halting the expansion. “One of the issues that has become
prevalent already is the shortage of land around the University itself. No matter what direction you look to expand the Unversity campus, the land is already owned by someone else. In the University’s Master Plan it has been made apparent that we will be moving south. The biggest concern with this, that has come with a significant pushback from several groups interested in historical preservation, is the need for the University to purchase and replace properties south of 9th street that have been there for decades,” said Boone. It is very clear that the University has its fair share of problems and solutions. The University of Nevada, Reno hopes to have all of the construction and expansion almost completely done by 2025, this was a new initiative created, titled, “No Walls: 2025,” a vision that includes the downtown area and school finally becoming one to create the full college town experience. Veronica Charles of Legislative affairs for the University describes this as, "a student perspective on where we would like to expand our university." Time will only tell in seeing how successful all of these plans will be. Until then, the University continues to grow physically and intellectually, taking in new students every semester to Reno’s national Tier 1 school.
gs has cost more than one trillion dollars.”
9 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 10
INSIGHT Photo by11Kellie Sasso
Why the u.k. rocks our socks words by janessa holman illustrations by andrea heerdt
Harry Potter
Just across the sea is
Europe
Lives in england, and J.K. Rowling lives there, too.
And it is so amazing
Best bands of all time 1. Black Sabbath 2. Iron Maiden 3. Led Zeppelin 4. The Beatles 5. The Rolling Stones
6. The who 7. The kinks 8. The smiths 9. The Verve 10. The animals
They have scotland Scotland is simply magical in and of itself. Period. Castles, the Fairy Isles, gingers. it deserves its own article.
p.s. INSIGHT 12
Look up Scotland’s national mascot. I dare you.
The greatest Authors to have ever
#1
Lived English happened to be
including Shakespeare, The Bronte Sisters, C.S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling
Great Britain Sucks. Here’s why words by ana hurt illustrations by andrea heerdt The World Health Organisation found That
11.1% of England’s population has a drinking problem, compared to Ireland’s 7.1%. Who’s the alcoholic now, huh?
They complain. A lot. According to Vice writer Gavin Haynes, “moaning is a traditional form of social bonding in Britain”
Ughhh
Their teeth tend to be less than hygienic. There was even an episode of The Simpsons “British Smiles” Dedicated to how awful their teeth are Cue image of Austin Power’s terrible yellow grin
Colonialism of
India. Ireland. Kenya.
44% Detention Camps
and not nicely, either:
of the british public are proud to say “yay, we invade countries and kill people,” according to Yougov
Massacre Starvation
Their accents are downright ridiculous. Have you ever heard a British person say “aluminum”? Or mom? There’s literally no reason to add in an “I” after the “N”, or use “mum” instead of “mom.” They might think it makes them sound sophisticated, but it’s really just obnoxious.
13 INSIGHT
STick it TO The
man
Why PuNK NeeDs TO MAKe A cOMeBAcK Words by Andrea Heerdt Illustrations by Jenny Swartz
F
rom the time I found out the results of the 2016 presidential election, I was pissed. For as long as I live I will never forget sitting at the kitchen table looking at live feeds on Twitter and Facebook announcing news that shocked the nation. My jaw clenched, my fists tightened, and all I wanted to do was kick a trash can over. I was angry; I still am. So much progress was just thrown away the moment Mr. Trump was officially elected to be the 45th president of the United States. My roommate and I both went to bed crying that night. This, of course, was after we spent two hours screaming at our computers in disbelief. I don’t particularly believe in violence, but I wanted to smash a bass guitar onstage like Paul Simonon from The Clash. Sure there are love songs written after breakups, but to me, punk rock is the anthem of political heartbreak.
INSIGHT 16
That’s what happened. Donald Trump broke my heart. I thought I would never have to hear his name again, but now every time I turn on the TV I have to listen to his insane, radical ideas delivered through dismissive language and derogatory slurs. Punk rock is indeed a musical style, but it’s also individuality, rebellion, a form of political protest. It’s a way for people to channel their inner frustration to their local and federal governments, so their voices can be heard. In 1985 President Ronald Reagan traveled to Bitburg, Germany to commemorate the end of World War II. Controversy arose in part because of Reagan’s visit to a German cemetery where Waffen-SS soldiers were buried, but not a German concentration camp. This led to speculation that Reagan equated Nazi soldiers to Holocaust victims and enraged the Jewish Community, specifically JewishAmerican singer and songwriter Joey Ramone of The Ramones. Joey and Dee Dee Ramone then expressed their political rebellion by writing Bonzo
Goes to Bitburg (My Brain is Hanging Upside Down). The day after the election I needed something to clear my mind. I put my earphones in, turned the volume all the way up, and played this song until my ears felt like they were going to bleed. Suddenly the lyrics blared out to me and stuck like never before. “Bonzo goes to Bitburg then goes out for a cup of tea. As I watched it on TV somehow it really bothered me.” Ramone captured the exact feeling I had watching my TV the night of the election. “You better pull yourself back together. Maybe you've got too much cash. Better call, call the law. When you gonna turn yourself in? Yeah. You're a politician. Don't become one of Hitler's children.” How did Joey Ramone know that a rich, white man was going to run for president? And how did he know that Trump’s running mate, Mike Pence, would want to “advocate diverting taxpayer dollars to so-called conversion therapy." and other extremist ideas? Punk was there to call the government out. It was there to unite members of a minority group like Jewish-Americans and say
“what’s going on isn’t right.” This is why punk needs to come back now at this point in our history. As much of a ‘fuck you’ punk rock is to many political figures and political establishments, it is still a peaceful movement. Screaming at a concert with people around you who feel the exact same way can be therapeutic in and of itself. The most American and compelling way to fight this battle against the Trump administration is
“
I waS angry. I Still am.
”
to combat their speech with speech of our own. This is in the heart of not only punk rock but the first amendment as well. A lot of punk rock bands proudly support women and other minorities as well. One of my favorite bands, Nirvana, made it apparent in several ways that they would not let their fans be oppressed by bigoted, sexist forces.
On the inside of the album “In Utero,” Kurt Cobain left a linear note saying, “If any of you hate homosexuals, people of different color, or women, please do this one favor for us—leave us alone! Don’t come to our shows, and don’t buy our records.” Cobain was also quoted saying, “Punk is musical freedom.” To me, this offers the idea that no one should ever pressure you into conforming into something you’re not. Be who you are, and don’t let someone put your inner fire out. It is more important now than ever for people to understand that it is not okay to be suppressed in any way, shape, or form. Sexism, racism, homophobia, and xenophobia cannot, and will not be tolerated in this great country. Punk rock isn’t just a creative musical style, it is protest. It screams I want change, and I want it now. Our nation is at a tipping point, and it is time for music to be more than art. Our music needs to send a message to our government that we are not okay, and we will not stand for this injustice.
17 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 18
Photo by19Kellie Sasso INSIGHT
STANDING TOGETHER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM UNITES COMMUNITY “AS ONE” Words by Ana Hurt Photos by Jana Sayson
A
thletes have been known to use their positions to speak out. A recent article in the New York times listed multiple incidents, from Tommie Smith and John Carlos’ black power Salute at the 1968 Olympics, to Muhammad Alli’s refusal to enlist in the U.S. Army for the Vietnam War, to LeBron James’ tributes to Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner. Sports fans have seen it all. Recently, with Colin Kaepernick’s decision to sit and subsequently kneel for the national anthem at all of the 49ers’ games, the University of Nevada’s athletes have had to decide what their reaction will be.
The Nevada women’s basketball team decided that, instead of kneeling, it would start the “As One” movement to unite, rather than divide, the Northern Nevada community. At each game, the players and coaching staff invite various members of the community to stand, and often join hands with them, during the national
Asian and Pacific Islanders, to name a few. Upcoming games will invite the homeless, veterans, healthcare professionals, Latinxs, African Americans, breast cancer survivors, recovery groups, and all of the above to stand with the team as one. The team's "As One" website (www.asoneunity.com) says that it hopes this movement will “promote the Unity and change we wish to see.” At the game on Wednesday, January 25, the team joined hands with members of the Latino and Hispanic communities. For the movement’s main founder—junior guard T. Moe—one of the most significant nights so far has been disability awareness, in which Tony Marini, director of slot operations at the El Dorado Resort & Casino, stood
"I think it's the reactions that we get after and how people say, like, it's just wonderful, and brings tears to their eyes and things like that."
INSIGHT 20
anthem. These games have included law enforcement, Native Americans, the disabled, armed forces, faith and religious groups, the LGBTQ community, first responders, educators, and
beside his disabled daughter. For the LGBTQ night, on Dec. 1, Moe received help from College of Liberal Arts Dean Deborah Moddelmog in her support and encouragement of LGBTQ members of the college to attend. Although she could not make it to the Dec. 1 game due to a family emergency, she hopes to be there for the Feb. 28 game, where the team will celebrate all of the groups they’ve stood with throughout the season. Moddelmog applauds the team for their actions. “I think the 'As One' movement is a very positive effort by our women's basketball team to demonstrate, celebrate, and honor the diversity of our country,” Moddelmog said. “I also appreciate that this campaign has celebrated those with identities that are often associated with 'diversity' as well as those who are connected by circumstance or career. This reminds us all of the many ways in which we are connected to communities that support us and give multiple meaning to our lives.” Unlike Kaepernick and other athletes who have chosen to kneel, the women’s basketball team has not received any negativity as a result of their actions, but positive reactions, according to Moe and coach Albright. “I think it’s the reactions that we get after and how people say, like, it’s just wonderful, and brings tears to their eyes, and things like that,” Moe says. “I think that really helps us because it hasn’t been an easy process, and things happen on our own, so, hearing that we are reaching people encourages us tremendously.” Moe’s teammate, junior center and forward Teige Zeller, agrees that there has not been any negativity resulting from their actions. “All the feedback has been very positive, but at the end of the day it’s really not about us getting praised for doing what we’re doing…” Zeller said. “Our only hope is to actually make some kind of change in the community, in our state and in the minds of all those who call themselves a citizen of the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Although Coach Albright does not agree that athletes should use their positions politically, saying that
“sports give you a political platform, but I don’t necessarily agree that that’s the place you use it.” She is thrilled with the positive reactions received for her team’s movement. She says she received a letter from University President Marc Johnson, saying, “there has never been a more important time to have something like this than right now,” and other praise from her coaching friends around the country “that are very jealous I’ve got a team like I do," Albright says. Although Albright regrets that she and the rest of the women’s basketball staff were unable to assist the players due to “bureaucratic” reasons, that didn’t stop Moe or the other members from taking it upon themselves. Moe began the “As One” club at the University for her team, and has been largely responsible for reaching out to participants and donors, she says. As a leader of the movement, she is very invested in it. “After I talked to a lot of people, something that came up was the national anthem as an ideal; we might not be living that but it’s something we’re striving for,” Moe says. “So, with that, I just kind of presented it to the team, like, why don’t we do this? We can show people that we can unite. And, basically, if you’re going to make a change, start with yourself, so we are starting with ourselves.”
Moe says that not one team member was unhappy with the decision, and Zeller agrees, saying “it was a completely unanimous agreement when T. Moe presented her idea to us, we really loved it!” Zeller believes that
"if you're going to make a change, start with yourself," the difference between Karpernick and her team’s movement is love. “Whether you agree or disagree with someone, don’t understand someone’s culture, background, or current actions…you can still love them. And that’s really what it all comes down to for me,” Zeller said. “As cheesy as it may sound, in my opinion, love is the answer to all these horrific events going on in the world. But love is an action word and we have to do a much better job at loving people.”
21 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 22
INSIGHTSasso Photo by23Kellie
PACK PROVISIONS WORKING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Words by Faith Delfin Photos by Quinsey Sablan
B
efore Pack Provisions was officially created in 2015, there was anoher food pantry on campus. The original UNR food pantry was founded in 1993 by the Student Academic Support Systems Program (SASS). SASS ran the program for over 10 years until it was handed over to the Graduate Student Association in 2003. ASUN took over the food pantry in 2011 and in 2015, it was rebranded as Pack Provisions. Their mission has been, and will continue to be to unite UNR as a whole in an effort to end hunger on campus. Now, Pack Provisions is located in the ASUN student center on the third floor of the Joe Crowley Student Union. Pack provisions now works to help students beyond food necessities. They also provide other products such as food and toiletry items. They aim to make their services convenient to all students in financial difficulty. The new office includes a roll-up window to make it more accessible to students dropping in. As of November 10th, Pack Provisions has helped serve 40 students this semester. They
INSIGHT 26
expect to surpass that number by the end of the semester. As for next semester, they are hoping to serve at least 100 students in need. Natalie Sekigawa, the former director of Pack Provisions, stresses that you should not be embarrassed if you feel you need help. “I don’t want there to be a stigma about receiving help, or even just coming into the pantry because you’re food insecure,” Sekigawa said. “That’s not the biggest characteristic about you, you’re also probably a student, daughter, faculty member, you have hobbies, you have different things. This isn’t who you are and I want people to recognize that I appreciate that.” As the outreach of this program grows, the organization would like to begin giving out fresh produce, but at this time they don’t have enough regular customers to carry perishable food items. Pack Provisions’ future goal is to be an all-inclusive resource for students that will provide more than food, such as clothing and hygiene items. Through partnerships and community connections, the program will also help students find assistance in any area of life. Sekigawa says there are three ways to get involved with the program: use,
volunteer, and/or donate. “We want everyone to eat so they can focus on school, that’s why this program is in place,” Sekigawa stated. Another way you can get involved is to volunteer. Pack Provisions is run by students, for students, making volunteer work crucial to their success. The third way to help is to donate. Canned/non-perishable food items, hygiene prodcuts, and household items are accepted as well. Let’s all join in the effort to help our peers by providing basic necessities so that we can succeed in our academic studies!
27 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 28
INSIGHTMuth Photo 29 by Even
Book Reviews Words by Janessa Holman Have you ever read a book that you literally could not put down? I mean, you’re taking this thing in the car with you, sneaking it inside of your textbook while you’re pretending to study, surreptitiously reading it while nodding along to a conversation, right? To me, those are the best kinds of books. But, man, oh, man are they hard to find! If you’ve been stuck in a book slump
for what has felt like an eternity (trust me—I’ve been there), here are a few suggestions to get you back onto your feet (that you read with, obviously)! I can only hope that this tiny list helps you in your quest to rejoin the book club, who read more than just snooze-worthy textbooks and Buzzfeed listicles. Be a true hipster this year, and say “NO!” to the opinions of the naysayers surrounding
Make 'Em Laugh: Short-Term Memories of Longtime Friends Debbie Reynolds
T
his book is both hilarious and educational (if you wanted to learn all of the dirt from old Hollywood stars). Debbie seamlessly blends her own personal life story with a series of true, yet scandalous tales of her peers (and Princess Leia, a.k.a. her daughter, Carrie Fisher). She’s frank, honest, and strangely one of the most forgiving people I’ve ever
read about (Elizabeth Taylor literally had an affair with and stole her first husband, and they were still best friends…What?). If you’re looking for a short, entertaining read about a recently dearly departed soul and her entertainment escapades, then Make ‘Em Laugh is the book for you!
The Zookeeper's Wife: A War Story Diane Ackerman
I
f you are at all like me, and want to have the bragging rights that you read the book before seeing the movie (‘cause the book is always better, trust me! Unless you’re J.R.R. Tolkien, then it’s debatable…), then you NEED to read The Zookeeper’s Wife! It juxtaposes all things bright and beautiful in the atmosphere of the Warsaw Zoo, pre-Nazi occupation,
INSIGHT 30
with the impending doom of the Third Reich takeover. It is a bit trippy I admit, but it is nevertheless a masterful illustration of hope and human compassion in the midst of a terrifying storm—in essence, it’s awesome, and you need to read it before you watch Jessica Chastain slay in her role as the title character this March (seriously, bring tissues).
you, and “HECK YES!” to the joys of reading euphoria. P.S.A. If you believe that reading’s just not for you, then contact me at aspectsofausten@gmail.com, and allow me to find the perfect book for you! I promise, there’s no such thing as a hatred of reading, so long as you find a good book.
INSIGHTSasso Photo by31Kellie
INSIGHT 32
33 INSIGHT
Photo by Kellie Sasso
Words by Claire Peterson Design by Nicole Skarlatos Illustrations by Zak Brady
V
alentine’s Day has officially passed. In its wake is the essence of disintegrating roses, discounted chocolate, and (let’s not ignore) the aftermath of what one can only describe as an over-exaggerated call to attention of one’s relationship status. But, to be happy, is it truly necessary to be coupled? Thankfully, the spirit of a new year still lingers in us. The promise of Spring is right around the corner, bringing with it a sense of freshness and clarity, allowing for an optimal time to examine, redefine and embrace a regularly misperceived relationship status: SINGLE. Yes, let's use the new year to reconcile what exactly it means to be single in today’s society; in particularly, what it means to be a single woman in 2017. Before we examine what it really means to be a single woman, it’s essential to recognize and understand how single women have previously been
portrayed up to this point. Consider, for instance, the cliché portrayals of single women in Disney films. Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty— classics surely, but through these Disney fictions we are confronted with an annoyingly-persistent plot involving a princess in desperate need of a prince to make her "ever-after" dreams of happiness come true. Or how about romantic comedies? Take the "Bridget Jones" series for example, a story that depicts a wistfully humorous female writer who resem-
you still single?” These are questions we single women have come to know all-too-well, let alone have to answer. It appears that our society likes to believe that women, especially single women live in a sad, lonely world simply hoping to one day find ‘prince charming.’ However, according to a study done by Bowling Green State University, the number of married women in the United States has been dwindling over time. In 1920 nearly 92% of women in the United States were married. Years later in 1960, that percentage was down to 72%. Today, we see that number drop to only 32%. As the number of married women decreases, we of course see the number of single women increase. What could be the underlying cause behind this continuing trend? Surely many different factors play into this decline, but the one explanation I will focus on for the premise of this article is simply the idea that more women are choosing to be single. So we've dipped into just a few examples of how single women have been portrayed—women of utter loneliness and desperation. As it turns out, there are quite a few perks to this growing
"society likes to believe that women, especially single women" live in a sad, lonely world simply hoping to one day find 'prince charming.'"
INSIGHT 34
bles (in her own quirky way), a strong in dependent women. However, much of her happiness and success is tied to whether or not she has a boyfriend. It doesn't help that movies portray a single-female identity of desperation and sympathy as being un-partnered. I myself can recall being asked irritating questions such as, “So if you aren't seeing someone, aren’t you lonely?” Or even the aggravating, “Why are
"Not being in a committed relationship allows you to plan your life according to whatever you want..."
relationship status. First and foremost is the benefit of having more time. Yes, not having to attend your boyfriend's or girlfriend's work pot luck, or their Grandpa’s 81st birthday party, etc. means you have all the more time to and for yourself. So go ahead, take a dance class, and go see that movie you’ve wanted to see, or even cozy up and read a good book. Because not having to juggle your time to accommodate a significant other frees one to indulge in true self-care and reflection. Along with more time is more freedom. Not being in a committed relationship allows you to plan your life according to whatever you want to do
and where you want to go. Not having to consider your partner's needs, wants, or obligations means you can have the freedom to accept that marketing position in Austin, or (wherever life may take someone). Furthermore, research has spoken! According to psychologist, author, and professor Bella DePaulo, as she stated to her peers at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention in regards to her research on the single lifestyle, singles “live their best, most authentic and most meaningful life.” Now that we’ve gotten a chance to re-examine, it’s time to dive into this
new year with a much better understanding of today’s modern female: a woman filled with happiness and contentment rather than distress and loneliness. As a happily (or even dare I say, proudly) single women myself, I speak in support of all single women when I urge us that it’s time to stop feeling sorry for ourselves, or one another. Single women should not only accept, but embrace the single lifestyle. This under-appreciated relationship status provides women a chance to grow, love, and enjoy oneself while realizing we no longer have to wait for a 'prince charming' in order to feel sustainable happiness. 35 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 36
37 INSIGHT
Photo by Kellie Sasso
Words by Stevie Ellis Illustrations by Nicole Skarlatos
W "Music is one of the few medicines that is holistic, treating the body, mind, and spirit..."
INSIGHT 40
When was the last time you spoke to someone who “doesn’t listen to music?” Probably never, right? We don’t trust these people. This is because music is a universal language that everyone can relate to. Not only is it all around us, but it is inside of us as well, from the fleeting songs that get stuck in our heads, to something much deeper and holistic. Music, while healing for the soul, can be immensely therapeutic for the mind and body alike. This form of diverse healing is called music therapy. Music therapy is a small, up-andcoming field of study in which patients are immersed in a new and unique experience. Patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, brain or other physical injury, Autism, and a variety of other disabilities benefit greatly from the help of a music therapist. With the use of brain monitors and many other tools, we are able to observe the brain as it performs complex cognitive motor
tasks. The findings of these observations conclude that there is no specific area within the brain that music is assigned to—in fact, it's truly quite the opposite. When a person listens to music, plays an instrument, or learns to sing, etc., it changes the brain. The areas within the organ that involve music include those that process language, auditory perception, attention, memory, executive control, and motor control. Thus, the “music part of the brain” is active in almost every single part of the brain. That’s why music therapy can be beneficial to people who have problems with motor or speech skills and have to “exercise their brain.” Although the field of music therapy is quite new, those who study it are making groundbreaking discoveries even as you read this. Music is one of the few medicines that is holistic, treating the body, mind, and spirit—which until currently was characteristic of herbal preventative medicines. Even so, researchers are working hard to explore and find new ways to heal people and bring the astonishing healing power of music to light.
41 INSIGHT
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: PEOPLE WITH BODIES
Words and Photos by Cameron Beck “Well, I know my mind’s a mess, but I’ll take a dive,” Kent Irwin—vocalist and guitarist of People with Bodies sings on the opening track of their debut release. Honest, confessional lines like this are littered throughout People with Bodies’ eponymous first EP. Their energetic, lyric-driven brand of indie-punk could also be described as ‘anti-folk,’ subverting conventional indie songwriting tropes. The band likens their sound to a plethora of different artists from Third Eye Blind to Grey Matter to punk stalwarts Buzzcocks. People with Bodies was conceived as a duo, with Fil Corbitt and Kent Irwin trading guitar, drum and vocals duties. Earlier in 2016, People with Bodies added bassist Mark Nesbitt to round out the lineup. Though the band’s name would imply three living, INSIGHT 44
breathing humans, a plant also joins the band on stage, and on tour. More than anything, the band’s name serves as a beacon of what their songs are written about. The band’s writing comes from the organic lens of human experience, a lens that encapsulates more than just personal relationships and feelings. “We try to write about being human, and that seems to cover a lot of ground,” Corbitt states. “The three of us try to travel together outside of band functions and things like the sound of wind in pine trees, the texture of a city or just the feeling of standing out in the desert makes its way into our writing.” Although most bands artists are still in the developing stages after a year of existence, Reno’s People with Bodies have already travelled thousands of miles within their first year. The group has played 10 shows
locally, with venues ranging from beloved DIY art space the Holland Project, to dimly-lit basements in friends’ homes. Although the trio is rooted in Reno, their gig history proves to be multifarious: People with Bodies toured around Brazil this past June, and through five US states in September. In 2014, Corbitt and Irwin had traveled through Peru, writing the songs “A Mirror, A Storm” and “New Border” along the way, both of which appear on their debut self-titled cassette tape. The former was written on a manmade island in Lake Titicaca, the latter written about a Peruvian/Chilean border dispute. Corbitt says “Both [songs] were mainly about idealism and reality clashing, and how being far away from home seemed to amplify that a lot.” The debut cassette weaves natural sound the two recorded while traveling in between tracks, as well as featuring
Download the app off the Apple and Android store
an interview with UNR English professor, Mike Branch. What sets People with Bodies apart from other bands is their abandonment of the traditional indie-band framework. Their artistic presence isn’t limited to just their recorded music— Corbitt says that People with Bodies works jointly as a video project; creating sketches, live videos and music videos of and for other bands. Even the manners in which they have performed have been unorthodox; their friend, and videographer, Marcelo Florentino captured a live set in which they played a few acoustic songs while walking around Saõ Paulo. The visual element is a crucial part of the band’s creative platform. Footage from their mobile shows was shot on a 1990 hi-8 camcorder, featuring scenic shots of
São Paulo and Porto Alegre. Outside of People with Bodies, the three members are occupied with a multitude of creative outlets. Corbitt hosts a podcast called “Van Sounds,” while Irwin produces content for howlsroad.com, a music and arts blog. Irwin plays in alternative folk quartet Actors Killed Lincoln, as well as his solo project Southnorth, and Nesbitt plays in local Reno bands The Encounters and The Can’t Gets. Corbitt and Irwin’s journalistic ventures have allowed them to fulfill their musical ambitions—People with Bodies tours double as work trips where the two interview artists and musicians for their separate endeavors. Despite their love for travel, People with Bodies still holds Reno’s DIY music scene close to their hearts. “I think what makes a good DIY scene is
having options, and it seems like that's happening a lot more in Reno lately,” Corbitt proposed. As for the future, People with Bodies has already recorded a full-length album with Watson Meyer of City Wolves and they’re waiting until next year to release it. There are also plans of a split and a vaporwave EP, which shows the versatility and ambition of the band. People with Bodies are more than just a trio of musicians: they are a musical project that transcends all mediums and boundaries commonplace in independent music. Follow People with Bodies Further: - www.peoplewithbodies.football/ - www.peoplewithbodies.bandcamp.com/ releases
45 INSIGHT
INSIGHT 46
47 INSIGHT
Photo by Kellie Sasso
Words by Tori Todd Illustration by Nicole Skarlatos Photos by Kellie Sasso When inquiring six-year olds as to what they want to do when they grow up, you expect to hear a plethora of answers. The typical ones being: an astronaut, a princess, a zookeeper, a dragon slayer, and other whimsical professions. If we were to rewind 15 years ago to when I was being asked this very question, you wouldn’t hear the typical answer. In turn, you would hear quite a mature one—a doctor. People would usually react to that answer with a polite, “Wow! You’ll be a great doctor someday, sweetie!” As time progressed, people’s reaction to my unchanging ambition of becoming a doctor started to morph into judgmental remarks. In middle school, my peers (as immature as they were) would laugh and say things like, “blonde girls can’t become doctors,” or, “you know you have to be smart to be a doctor, right?” Always being one to take the high road, I would ignore the snide remarks and stroll past with a vision of my future completely intact. Once high school rolled around, the reactions to my aspirations shifted to more accurate judgments. People would now gasp in a very high-school
manner, “OMG, you’re crazy! You know you’re going to be in school until you’re like fifty right?” The common rebuttal from adults being, “Oh boy! You’re going to be in tons of debt by the time you get out of school.” Surprisingly, none of these comments ever deterred me in the slightest. I wanted to fix people from the inside out, and I was determined to do so. Being in college now, I still get reactions from other students and adults in my life that like to comment on my career path. The most frequent ones being, “I’m so sorry,” and, “Hang in there.” There was a clear distinction in reactions at every stage of my life to becoming a doctor, but the
a doctor alive. As a naïve freshman, still in la-la land thinking everything was going to be handed to me, I learned very quickly that a good GPA wasn’t going to be enough to sustain my dream. I visited a pre-medical advisor towards the end of my freshman year, and I remember her saying to me, “If you want to go to medical school, you need to get your act together!” As a student with a near perfect GPA, I was taken aback. My initial reaction was one of denial. It was inconceivable that I needed to do more to improve my current situation. My entitled attitude melted away as I started to pay attention to the whispers of what other aspiring medical students were doing to diversify themselves. I compared my resume to that of others. Mine reading: good student, good grades. Others’ reading: countless hours of shadowing doctors, clinical experience in hospitals, years of volunteering, club involvement on campus, employment in research labs, employment in the medical field, a teaching assistant for science courses, and—to top it all off—good student with good grades. This became the turning point in my life thus far. It was one thing for me to say that I wanted to be a doctor when I was little, but now, in a college environment, things were all too real. With my newfound knowledge of what getting into
"STANDING OUT WAS NOW IN STYLE; IN FACT, IT WAS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO KEEP THE DREAM OF BECOMING A DOCTOR ALIVE. "
INSIGHT 48
University perspective was unique in the sense that people actually pitied my decision. I learned very quickly as to why this was. Being a science major at a prestigious University was no picnic. Being the top of your class in high school had little significance after being thrown into a setting full of reputable nerds indistinctive from yourself. Standing out was now in style; in fact, it was essential in order to keep the dream of becoming
medical school would entail, I began the journey of strengthening my resume. After all, to graduate schools, you are initially only as good as what you look like on paper. The competitive nature of getting into medical school was starting to bare down upon me. With a medical internship abroad, a job in healthcare, and the founding and involvement of a new club on campus now under my belt, I felt that I was now doing enough to stand out amongst other applicants. For once, I was excited to see my advisor. There was no way she could scold me again for slacking after all of these shiny, new achievements. My sophomore self was mistaken once again. I was still behind. My advisor very
bluntly stated, “You aren’t going to make it into med school with just these things going for you. You need to step it up.” As you can imagine, my still semi-naïve self was shocked as to why I still wasn’t getting a gold star for my efforts. At that time, I already felt like I was a teaspoon of butter being scraped over an entire loaf of bread. I was stressed and dumbfounded that other future applicants were still doing more than me. With wet eyes and a heart full of frustration, I left my advisor’s office and started to formulate how I could possibly add more to my currently full plate. After all, my parents raised no quitter. It was now nearing the end of the fall semester of my junior year of college. I
had taken summer courses to get ahead, I was submerged in a tough course load, and I had just reached 80 hours at a volunteering organization. Feeling more stressed and exhausted than I ever had before, I now understood why people looked at me with pity when I said I was an aspiring doctor. It wasn’t the debt or the number of years of school ahead of me that caused adults to feel sorry for me. It was the average of four hours of sleep every night, the intensive courses that few got A’s in, and the endless amounts of achievements and accomplishments that had to be on a resume in order to be given the time of day by
49 INSIGHT
"I would rather live through discourse that challenges my character rather than sit comfortably on a well-worn path that leads to mediocrity and settlement." a medical school admissions board. On the verge of a mental breakdown, I pondered my dream. How could a goal that involved helping people be so out of reach? Is it fair that I’m compromising my own health to become a health care professional? It all seemed so backwards to me. The more I worked towards becoming a doctor, the further away I felt from achieving it. As I trudged into my advisor’s office, I knew not to expect any praise or gold stars. I knew what she was going to tell me, but I needed to hear it. She could see in my eyes that the hope I used to cling onto was fading. She said, “You’re heading in the right direction, but your next semester is going to be the hardest of your life. You will take the MCAT and start applying for med schools. You need to get into a research lab and gain clinical hours.” I didn’t even blink at these statements. My mind questioned if I was even going to make it to medical school alive since I felt as though the energy and drive had been sucked from me completely. As soon as I left her office, I immediately took her advice and piled more onto my now stifling plate. Sleep, a social life, and free time to do as I pleased were now on the bottom of my priority list. It was time to really eat, breathe, and sleep medical school. Although the journey to becoming a doctor is still in progress, there is one thing that hasn’t dwindled since the beginning—my passion. I still think of that pure-hearted six-year old who just wanted to help heal the injured and less fortunate in order to make the world a happier place. Those ideals still reside within me, close to my heart, which is why I will never stop pursuing this dream until it is fulfilled. Am I aware that I will be INSIGHT 50
pushed to my limits even more so than I already am currently? Yes. Although extremely frightening, that doesn’t make me want to turn my back on my future. Am I also aware that I might not get into medical school right away like I planned? Absolutely; but that is what plans B and C are for. There is always a way to make a dream become reality, and even though mine hasn’t progressed exactly as I had originally expected, I truly am a better and stronger person for having to look obstacles in the face and tell them, “Get the hell out of my way, or I will take you down!” Fear means having something to lose, and although a lot is at stake for my future, I will always choose bravery and perseverance over taking the easy road. I would rather live through discourse that challenges my character rather than sit comfortably on a well-worn path that leads to mediocrity and settlement. I refuse to disappoint that little girl and let her big dreams fade away. If you ask me now what I want to do with my life, this will be my answer: “I WILL become a doctor. I WILL make a positive impact on this world and the people who inhabit it. And I WILL be a good person who lives to help others.”
"Fear means having something to lose, and although a lot is at stake for my future, I will always choose bravery and perseverance over taking the easy road."
You hold in your hands (or on a table or bed or some sort of sufficiently flat surface) the latest iteration of INSIGHT Magazine. We hope that you’ve enjoyed it; not only is this issue the result of a tremendous amount of hard work, but also a representation of a student publication over a decade in the works (with origins as the Artemisia, the former yearbook of UNR dating back to the 1800’s). We are extremely proud that, for the past three years in a row, INSIGHT has had the honor of placing in the top five at Associated Collegiate Press’s Conference in their Best in Show category. Thank you for supporting us. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. If you’re interested in getting involved with us, send an email saying so to editor@insightunr.com. Thank you, -Editor-in-Chief
51 INSIGHT
This publication is made possible by the Associated Students of the University of Nevada, Reno