Feb. 15, 2021 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Feb. 15, 2021 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 85 No. 11

Noticing the Signs

CAMPUS VOICES: Pg 2

America: The greatest country in the world?

SUICIDE PREVENTION: Pg 8-9

“I think that we need to create a culture where we consider that every student may be at risk for suicide...” Zachary Zoet M.A., LPC, counseling center assistant director, said.

MEDIA: Pg 10

NEWS: Pg 4

SATIRE: Pg 11

FEATURE: Pg 12

Feminine hygiene product bill in the works.

‘Pal-enstine’s Day’: a day for the friend-zoned.

The new head coach on the block: Kelsey Bruce

@WichitanOnline

'Palm Springs': the meaning of the perfect day.

@wichitanonline

@TheWichitan

E DI TO R I A L

Respect student America: “Greatest Country in the World” workers From student assistants, tour guides and cleaning crew, to football practice cameramen/women, resident assistants and desk attendants; student workers are one of the secret ingredients to making MSU Texas run smoothly. When the university shutdown in March, many of the student workers were left without a job. However, a program called “The Gold Crew” put student workers back on their feet and in positions of help for faculty and staff, learning along the way how to combat the pandemic to make their department run efficiently and enforce policy the university has implemented. There is a certain smell of superiority in the air when comparing on campus and off campus jobs. A kind of superiority that suggests student workers are equivalent to children because of the knowledge that they wouldn’t be working in that position unless they were in school. However, student workers signed on the dotted line to enforce policies, just like someone would for an off campus job and deserve the same respect. Mentioning how hard this pandemic has been on individuals is beating a dead horse. However, it is important to remember the community, as a whole, has had it hard, too. When interacting with a student worker, respect them. Respect goes a long way in determining whether someone goes home and is able to look at their day as a success or failure. Enforcing policy is not the failure, the reaction to the enforcement of policy determines if a day failed or succeeded.

Vol. 85 | No. 11 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

approval. How can we begin to respect ourselves if the rest of the world, including our allies, don’t approve of us. To be fair to foreign citizens who disapprove of the US, we don’t approve either. From 2017-2020, Americans’ faith in believing they reside in “the greatest country in the world” fell to 54%, the lowest recorded in this century. Furthermore, what Americans perceived as top threats were dominantly domestic, with the top three being COVID-19, domestic violence extremism, and political polarization. To amend what I commented before, we shouldn’t respect ourselves when nearly half of our country doesn’t. For those who think America is a free, equal and outstanding country, look PHOTO COURTESY OF PIXABAY again. The US is ranked 7th globally and scored an Uncle Sam has skeletons in his closet. 86/100 for global freedom, merica is considered “the greatest country with a 33 in political rights, and 53 in civil in the world” because liberties. For “the greatest and freest counof the concept of the Ameri- try” we have a pretty low freedom score. Not only did the US not rank in the top can Dream and the freedom 20 for Best Education Systems, but only 50% that the nation offers. Amerof Americans were totally satisfied with K-12 ica created the concept of education. We can’t say we have the greatest being the greatest, but has it Emily education systems. Children that are learnever really earned that title? Beaman ing how to spell their name are also learning In the 20 years, I’ve how to face and react to life-threatening situbeen on this earth, I only began to truly see ations in their own classrooms. Before they America over the past few years. The more I apply to college, they’re already desensitized learned about the world, the more I learned to some of the more horrible aspects of life. that while America may not be the worst, it’s The US ranks 37th overall for the best certainly not the best. healthcare, 33rd in infant mortality, 28th in The rest of the world doesn’t even think life expectancy, 15th in quality of life, and we’re the greatest. A 2020 Pew survey of 13 still spent three times the OECD (Organizacountries concluded that America’s reputation for Economic Cooperation and Develoption was at a record low. In the 20 years, the ment) average in Health Spending in 2020. survey has been conducted, the respondent However, being #1 in every category is not countries had never reported lower num- great. It’s not great that we lead the world bers, with Japan’s being the highest at 41% in firearm-related deaths. It’s not great that

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Bridget Reilly MANAGING EDITOR: Amos Perkins NEW EDITOR: Stephanie Robledo DESIGN EDITOR: Omar Combie BUSINESS MANAGER: Alexis Ruckus ISSUE STAFF: Emily Beaman, Bailey Graham, Shunde Hooks, Abby Jones, Brian Lang, Nick Lanier, Elizabeth Mahan, Joseph Nelson, Dallas Wabbington ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

we’re the #1 exporter of weapons. It’s not great that 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness. It’s not great that we rank #1 in prisoners and incarceration. It’s not great that the US has the highest levels of drug use in the world. And it’s not great that we rank #2 in ignorance. The reason people believe America is the greatest is because it’s spoon-fed to them from the moment they start school. The education system conveniently leaves out the aspects of history that make the US look anything less than the hero and teach that the only success is through American progress. We slaughtered the 100 million people who called America home before we colonized it when they fought back. The Emancipation Proclamation didn’t end slavery. We continued involving ourselves in two wars we knew we weren’t winning. We did not single-handedly stop communism. The My Lai Massacre, MK-ULTRA and CIA enhanced interrogation are never discussed. Even today we ignore the disproportionate rates of minorities being affected by disease, the environment and other societal factors. American citizens trade seeing things truthfully for their freedom of not knowing. So, because America tells its citizens it’s the best and to not question it, most people don’t. We don’t see how we slip every year in domestic confidence and democratic satisfaction. Not knowing the truth makes us believe that America is the freest, greatest nation in the world. America’s freedom comes at a price of ignorance, and too many citizens are willing to

PHOTO BY ANDREA PIACQUADIO | PEXELS

United States Flag.

Copyright ©2021. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

To o c o ol for sch o o l ? CAMPUS VOICES

than the virus itself. Everyone can play a part toward a collective good. As a fraternity man, I know what it means to truly be surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart. I also know all about the importance of being available and being a good listener. Throughout my time in college, I have had friends open up to me in a variety of ways, from coming out PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN of the closet to revealing they had written goodbyes to their Hardin Building, MSU Texas, July 2020. loved ones in the past few days. uring such an unprecDepression is a rotten curse. By edented time as is the showing a true desire to empower those around present, we have an ob- me, I believe I can be called a “friend” by almost ligation to protect our family: everyone I meet. I believe I have made a differour Mustang Family. Whether ence in many lives perhaps even saving some. it be through the adamant folI fully intend to suggest to my children later lowing of social distancing in life to consider MSU as a place to go to colNick Lanier guidelines or by being a shoul- lege. I will be a proud Mustang alumnus, but der to lean and cry on during a period where I will not say that my experience was perfect. inadequacy and anxiety can run more rampant There were far too many instances where bu-

reaucratic red tape prevented change and direction for progress in many areas of campus life. However, as much as we can all blame the president, the Board of Regents or the faculty, we as students must also take some blame. When I first toured MSU back in early 2017, I immediately fell in love and knew this campus would be my home for the next four years. I found the architecture breathtaking and thought the tightly-knit community, where everyone knew everyone, was truly special. Now, as I prepare to leave in May, I worry about some things I am seeing as I walk the Jesse Rogers Promenade for the last few times as an undergrad. No longer do I feel the same family-like connection from everyone I meet like I did just a few years ago. No longer do we have any pride in our campus, nor our identity. I see people not following COVID prevention guidelines. I see people littering. I see people spreading rumors and lies about others that do nothing but cause drama. I see a handful of individuals making rash decisions for the campus that affect the masses. I see more hate and divide than I ever thought I would.

Is this the Mustang experience? Is this the Mustang way? We need to look back only a few years to find real pride and real school spirit at MSU. Football games were sellouts. The Mustang Maniacs were in full force. Whatever happened to them? There are 2A high school games with louder student sections than ours. There were days where organizations would host events together and promote one another rather than attacking their peers on Twitter. Incoming freshmen were excited to take part in all the campus traditions. I remember Roundup and Stampede Week events being standing-roomonly. I remember panicking trying to find a T-shirt to exchange before the bonfire, going from store to store with no luck as they had all already been purchased by my fellow students. I remember the excitement of visiting the lights and the frantic frenzy that was finals. Now things have changed. “Oh well, it’s just another school event.” The magic of the dome, the subtle wideberth given to the seal are things of the past. And for what reason? Are we all too cool for these traditions now?

Feminine hygiene product bill to be proposed to the SGA

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY BAILEY GRAHAM | THE WICHITAN

Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas Tech and Texas State have passed feminine product bills Student Government Association president Shelbi Stogdill gives remarks at latest similar to one being proposed by the MSU’s SGA Campus Environment Committee. SGA meeting, Feb. 7. ABBY JONES REPORTER committee out of the Student Government Association will be proposing a bill this semester to the SGA cabinet that puts pads and tampons in female and gender non-conforming restrooms on campus. “It’s a really big step in the correct direction. Just because we’ve all gone to the bathroom at one point or another and someone has either needed a tampon or a pad or we needed one personally and just didn’t have one. I think having them available is really taking the next step in empowering [women] on campus,” Deanna Duensing, member of the SGA Campus Environment Committee and social work junior, said. This committee is responsible for drafting the feminine hygiene product bill. Its chair, Eric Queller, business management sophomore, is currently in the research phase of the bill. “Hopefully it gets approved this

spring, implemented this summer and then tested next semester, the fall and spring, then revisited in 2023 to see how that pilot program is working,” Queller said. “The ultimate goal is to have feminine products, tampons and pads, in select restrooms this first initial round.” According to Queller, similar bills have been approved and successful at other Texas universities such as Texas A&M Kingsville, Texas Tech and Texas State. Before MSU Texas can join them, the feminine hygiene product bill must first be put to the test. “Since this is a pilot program bill, it will get revisited at a specific time,” Queller said. “The next campus chair will have to revisit the bill and see how the pilot program is doing.” Austin Strode, general business junior, will be running for SGA president at the end of this semester. If he was to win, his cabinet would be the one assessing the bill after its trial phase. “Personally, I see no reason why

I would want to shut this bill down,” Strode said. “If our school can do it, why aren’t we doing it?” Once implemented, the bill will provide free products to students from more than just one community. “The goal is not just to put them in a female restroom but also to put them in one of the gender-neutral restrooms as well for those who don’t identify as a female but still have those issues,” Duensing said. This bill would not only contribute to a need on campus but also build up MSU’s reputation as an institution dedicated to inclusivity. “It’s another thing that shows that MSU cares, and that’s a big deal. We choose to come here, we pay tuition, we pay all this, and it’s nice to know that not only do you support and back the university, but the university backs and supports you.” Duensing said. “I think that’s going to add to the feeling that you do belong here. You are accepted here. MSU wants you here.” The Campus Environment Com-

mittee will present the feminine hygiene product bill to the SGA cabinet after establishing that it can be funded either by on-campus organizations or otherwise. “We’re trying to find funding for the bill. We can approve it but not have any funding. Then it becomes a dead bill. I don’t want that. This is a very important bill for the student population both on campus and off campus,” Queller said. Strode said he is positive that the bill’s importance will outweigh the financial stakes. “With this bill unfortunately, it sounds like it’ll be expensive, so it’ll be harder to pass, but I think it’ll be something that’ll get enough support to where the cost won’t matter as much in the decision-making process,” Strode said. Queller said he and his committee members are determined to achieve this funding so students have the products they need without worry or financial burden. “I think it should be free and it

is going to hopefully be free. We’re not going to settle for anything less,” Queller said. Duensing said this bill should encourage students to voice their concerns. “If you see something that you think could be better, speak up, take it to the SGA [and] talk to someone who’s on a committee or on an organization,” Duensing said. Duensing feels there is always room for the campus environment to be improved, which means there’s always a place for every student to speak out on their own experience. “One of the things I really love about inclusivity is it’s never 100 percent achieved. There’s always somewhere to go,” Duensing said. “There’s always going to be some form of injustice or place that we can improve, so I’m really excited to not only finish this next step but see where we can go from there.”

NEW STUDENT EMERGENCY FUND: Covering more than just Covid STEPHANIE ROBLEDO NEWS EDITOR new student emergency fund that helps students in need of financial support has opened as of the 2021 spring semester. Unlike the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund, this emergency fund is broader in its definition of an emergency. “After the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund closed in Summer 2020, the Office of University Development continued to cultivate and build relationships with donors expressing interest for supporting MSU students who experience immediate financial hardship as a result of an emergency situation, regardless of whether or not the emergency related to the pandemic,” Matthew Park, associate vice president and dean of students, said. “Support was received to create the new Student Emergency Fund, which launched at the start of the spring 2021 semester. Supplementing the availability

of existing emergency aid programs at MSU Texas such as the Mustangs Pantry and Canan Food Security program.” No funds from the university’s annual operating budget is used for this emergency fund as it is fully funded by donors. The student emergency fund will continue to distribute financial aid to students as long as the emergency fund keeps receiving donations to support the program. “An individual student can receive funds once per academic year. There is not a limit on the number of applications a student can submit; only that once a student’s application has been approved, no further applications from the same student are accepted for the remainder of the same academic year,” Park said. “The maximum award is $250. There is a question on the application form for students to enter the amount requested [up to $250]. If a student were to enter an amount less than $250 and their ap-

plication is approved, they would receive the amount they requested. Most applicants request $250.” To apply students must go to the student emergency fund page on the MSU Texas website and fill out the application. Park says the application asks for students to provide their contact information, a detailed description of their emergency and the essential expense(s) for which they are requesting assistance and to upload/attach documentation. “It was pretty easy [to apply]. It asks you questions about why you need it and if you want a specific amount,” Emma Perkins, marketing sophomore, said. According to the Student Emergency Fund page, to be eligible the student must be enrolled at MSU Texas during the time of the application and have experienced a financial hardship resulting from an emergency that has to be taken care of right away.

PHOTO BY BAILEY GRAHAM | THE WICHITAN

Dean of students Matthew Park speaks at a Student Government Association meeting, Feb. 7.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MSUTEXAS.EDU

To apply students must go to the Student Emergency Fund page on the MSU Texas website and fill out the application. “An emergency is defined as, ‘An unexpected and/or unforeseen expense, event or circumstance that could cause a loss of momentum toward student success,’” Park said. “Examples of essential expenses that may be considered for emergency funding include housing (e.g. rent or emergency shelter), food and/or water (e.g. groceries), prescriptions, health and/or medical expenses, utilities (e.g. electricity, natural gas, water/sewer), transportation-related expenses (e.g. tire repair, insurance deductible from an accident) and replacement of essential items due to accident, fire, natural disaster or theft (e.g. eyeglasses, clothing, school supplies, etc.).” Expenses that are not eligible would be university tuition and/or fees, car payments or insurance premiums. Eligibility is checked through the selection process. “After each application is received, an initial review is conducted to ensure a student and the request meets the eligibility requirements. Any application denied during the initial review is responded to with information concerning why the application was denied, including if any items were incomplete or missing so a student can update their application and re-apply, if interested,” Park said. “After the initial review, a committee comprised of university staff representing student services, support services and financial areas review and vote on each application case-by-case. A simple majority vote is required for funding approval.” Since announced last month 38 students have received funds according to Park. “I think it is [important] especially right now...so I think it’s really cool that the school is able to help us out,” Perkins said.

VIRTUAL BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING PROVIDES UNIVERSITY UPDATES

AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR hursday, Feb. 11, MSU Texas hosted the Board of Regents meeting virtually through Zoom, with a live stream link available publicly at msutexas.edu, giving an update on MSU’s current and future projects.

SGA REPORT

In her SGA report, Shelbi Stogdill, SGA president and political science, history and global studies senior, praised faculty and administration for helping students navigate the last semester. She also introduced several planned events for Spring 2021. Among these was the President’s Networking Event (an event to connect the presidents of all student organizations), tabling to promote COVID-19 guidelines, clothing recycling, the formalization of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the SGA’s textbook reserve initiative. “The next, most exciting update is our textbook initiative. I just got a report from our secretary that we have 100 textbooks that have been donated thus far, and those will all go to the library and go on course reserve. A lot of them are core classes; some are more specific,” Stogdill said.

FALL ENROLLMENT

we need to be,” Dietz said.

YOUTH PROTECTION GUIDEBOOK

The board approved the Youth Protection Program Guidebook, which protects minors in campus programs. Under the rules in the guidebook, minors must be accompanied at all times by one adult who has undergone the required training and a background check. Dr. Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, said he is open to modifications to the guidebook, such as requiring two adults to accompany a minor and for the adults to be the same sex as the minor. “The goal of the guidebook is to promote safety in minors participating in campus programs. The guidebook itself provides requirements, resources, contact information, processes, forms and just general issues. We modeled the guidebook after guidebooks at the University of Texas at Austin and Rutgers,” Lamb said.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Kyle Owens, associate vice president of facility services, provided an update on ongoing construction. The old Daniel building has begun its reconstruction into the Bridwell Activities Center with the remodeling and reconfiguring of several walls. Lights were also added

“[The Daniel Building] will be ready in the fall of next year.” - Kyle Owens, associate vice president of facilities services

to crosswalk signs to make them more noticeable to drivers. The Dillard family donated a portrait of the late A.R. “Bud” Dillard Jr., and it has since been added to the west atrium of the Dillard College of Business Administration. “[The Daniel Building] will be ready in the fall of next year. It will not be ready at the start of the semester; I expect it will be more mid-semester. We ran into some underground issues… so we’ve had to step back and redress those,” Owens said.

FINANCIAL REPORT

MSU Texas’ Annual Financial Report for the year ended August 31, 2020, listed three “internal strengths” the university believes contributed to its financial success and will allow it to achieve its future goals. These three strengths are a “positive reputation and generous support,” “membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC)” and “educational value.” The university believes its positive reputation is a result of rebranding to be known as MSU Texas and extensive recruit-

ment in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They believe their membership in COPLAC fits the current trends in universities across the nation towards public liberal arts. The university also went from number 46 to number 28 in the US World and News Report’s list of best colleges in the “Social Mobility for Regional Universities in the West” category. “When we did our budget last year, you may recall, that we did it with a foundation of conservatism.... Well, that conservatism played out very well for us. In the Fall, our enrollment both for headcount and semester credit hours was actually up. Our Flower Mound sight continues to grow in leaps and bounds. For the top fall term, in particular, we had a NET revenue pickup on tuition and fees of $233,000,” Dr. Beth Reissenweber, vice president for administration and finance, said.

The university went from number 46 to number 28 in the US World and News Report’s list of best colleges in the “Social Mobility for Regional Universities in the West” category.

Texas colleges and universities as a whole saw a roughly 3.6% decline in enrollment, with community colleges being hit particularly hard as their enrollment was down almost 9%. Fred Dietz, vice president of enrollment management, said this had a large impact on transfer student enrollment, which might explain why MSU saw a roughly 7% decline in Fall 2020 tin this category. While the number of accepted first-time students, 3,638, was higher than in 2019, the

Texas colleges and universities as a whole saw a roughly 3.6% decline in enrollment. number of enrolled first-time students, 796, was down significantly. This yield of 21% was far below Dietz’s ideal goal for it to be in the low 30’s. Dietz partially blames the low yield on less in-person recruitment. “I think what we learned the most was that it’s really important for MSU to be in front of students, to be in front of families, to be face to face, to offer on-campus visits and to do those things where we can interact. We did pivot, and we did everything virtually.... That’ll do in a pinch, but it’s not really where

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Screenshot of virtual Board of Regents meeting hosted by MSU Texas via Zoom, Feb. 11.

MODEL UN PREPARES TO REPRESENT

THE BAHAMAS IN VIRTUAL COMPETITION

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE GARRISON

2019 Team that was awarded the Distinguished Delegation in 2019 and is the second most decorated team. Pictured in the UN General Assembly with their award. JOSEPH NELSON REPORTER SU Texas’ Model United Nations team will represent the Bahamas at the National Model UN conference at the end of March, competing virtually against thousands of other college students in a simulation of international affairs, committees and negotiations. “Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations in which students role play the diplomats and ambassadors to the United Nations from a particular country. Each student team represents an assigned country and represents that country’s interests in committee meetings on topics such as non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, climate change, global development, refugee policy or global health,” according to the Model UN page on msutexas.edu Dr. Steve Garrison, an advisor for Model UN at MSU, saw the team through the cancellation of the 2020 conference but now prepares the 2021 team for the virtual competition this year. According to Garrison, the Model UN team researched their assigned country in preparation for their role in the conference, as well as how the Bahamas operates within the real world, international commu-

nity. Before the conference, teams Using a virtual environment for a little worried about how that all must also prepare position papers: such a strategically oriented compe- works in the digital world.” research-based descriptions of the tition means some coalition building While some might presume the Bahamas’ position on committee as- might prove more challenging than Bahamas to be disadvantaged as a signments. At the conference, the in previous years, as debates between smaller country in the UN, Garrison team will choose initiatives to advo- coalition leaders could turn unpre- sees a different dynamic at work. cate for and subsequently use strat- dictable. “It’s hard to stand out as being reegy, trade-offs, argument rebuttals, “When these negotiations are go- ally good at Model UN when you’re teamwork and preparation to pass a ing on, things can change like that,” one of those superpower countries,” resolution. Garrison said. “A couple years ago, Garrison said. “So, we try to go for On the first day of the conference, we had a student that developed a co- those countries that have special the Model UN team will decide from alition he thought was a majority… niches and are smaller and can rea host of possible initiatives to ad- and he went to eat lunch, and [a rival ally make a difference…. The year we vocate for. In the proceeding days, country] had blown it all up.... So, I’m were Iceland, we won the top award.” participants will establish a During the competition, path towards passing that depending on the issue and initiative through a resolucountry, members may be tion. Success in passing a forced to advocate for someresolution is the most promithing contrary to their own nent measure of success in beliefs. While advocating inithe simulation. Orchestrattiatives that participants actuing a chorus of countries really disagree with may deter quires strategy, trade-offs, arsome, Model UN participants gument rebuttals, teamwork embrace the multifaceted naand preparation. ture of the challenge. “We work on lots of things “Yes, they say it’s hard to like public speaking, negotiaadvocate for some of these tion and compromise, [as well types of things,” Garrison as] how to develop a coalition said, “but I think typically the or a group of countries that students that we select enjoy PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE GARRISON that.” might support or advocate certain types of things,” Garrison Brendon Wynne (second from left) and Dakota While the roleplaying and said, regarding how the team Tolleson (far right) working in caucus with students strategizing elements offer a prepares for the competition. at the 2018 conference. wide range of opportunities

to display logical prowess, students must devote preparation to “the room where it happens”: the committees. “There’s a financial committee, there’s a status of women, there’s an environmental assembly, there’s a world heritage site, all these various, different committees and they all have very specific purposes and jurisdictions,” Garrison said. “Each committee has to work in tandem with the other, and we have overarching initiatives that we’ll support which are reinforced in those position papers. They have to all be working together towards the same work.” Participants must research and provide an accurate picture of their country’s behavior in the international arena. They must use public speaking and negotiation skills to build coalitions and actively engage with perspectives different from their own. This toolbox of liberal arts skills is all in an effort to influence and change a simulated world of international proportions.

Before, Durin 8

H o w Yo u C a n H e l p are already struggling with depression or have a history of prior suicide attempts,” Zoet said. “We also need to consider that traditional college students – those that are entering university at age 18, 19 and continuing into their early 20s – are the age range that is most at risk of taking their own life.”

BEFORE: Warning Signs

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

In a Harvard Medical School study, one-fifth of all students surveyed in the study had thought about suicide, with 9% reporting having attempted suicide and nearly 20% reporting self-injury, Feb. 11. DALLAS WABBINGTON REPORTER uicide places second in the most common causes of death among traditional college students. Male, female, straight, gay, black or white, suicidal thoughts and tendencies do not discriminate and look different from person to person. As one of the leading causes of death in young people, the

importance of suicide prevention training is now at the forefromt of universities educational programs. “I think that we need to create a culture where we consider that every student may be at risk for suicide, and we don’t take for granted that everyone is okay just because they look okay,” Zachary Zoet M.A., LPC, counseling center assistant director, said.

According to Zoet, students going from high school to their college careers are more susceptible to suicide. According to Illinois Public Health, traditional college aged students are more likely to attempt suicide due to life stressors. “I think if we’re just answering the question at face value,I would have to say that the students most at risk for suicide are those who

When an individual is considering suicide, oftentimes they will either provide indirect or direct clues pointing towards their decision. Indirect clues include posting sad pictures or talking about being stressed to the point where they do not care if they are dead. As for direct clues, these signs are straightforward and the person clearly states they want to kill themselves. Observing these warning signs and offering help could potentially save their life. “Most people will communicate their intent through verbal, non-verbal or behavioral cues. These red flags are important to ask the person about, even if you aren’t sure if they are seriously contemplating suicide, it is important to question the person and make sure,” Kylie Kerr, M.A., LPC associate and counselor, said. According to Zoet, the best response to someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts depends on the individual, whether they are a friend or a professor; approaches are not one size fits all. “I would say that the most important thing to do is approach the person from a place of non-judgment, make sure you have time to listen to them, allow them to answer questions in a way that’s honest for them without you setting limits on what they can say, make sure you’re somewhere private and comfortable and hold that space with them in support. The active ingredient that can turn that page is often hope, and listening can be the power tool to help re-instill that hope in persons that people do care for them,” Zoet said.

DURING: In the Process

If a person discovers an individual wants to harm themselves, Kerr said one of the best options is to insure the person that they are not alone in facing the problem and encourage them to seek help.

p Prevent Suicide themselves, “I want to check in on this person but I’m afraid to, so what do I say?” Kerr said even though these questions may be difficult to ask, the most important step is to talk about changing this behavior. “Contrary to popular belief it is okay and even encouraged to ask the hard questions. Ask them about their experience and find out how they are feeling now. Be the person who they can feel safe talking about this with and not feel as though they are being judged. The best thing we can do for someone is be a support and a safe place for them to talk about their feelings,” Kerr said. Talking to someone who attempted suicide may be difficult, but Zoet said not to treat them

as if they are grotesque or avoid the individual. He recommends familiarizing yourself with an individual’s warning signs and becoming comfortable with talking about whether someone is contemplating suicide. “If every one of your friends or loved ones knows unambiguously that you’re a safe person to go to with these concerns or thoughts, then you’re creating a ripple across all of your relationships that’s insulating them from being alone with their struggling. Loneliness or the thought that we’ll be judged or not accepted for having suicidal thoughts is often what deters persons from reaching out when they most need to,” Zoet said. “Let the people in your life know through your actions and words that

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017, the suicide rate for men was 3.5 times higher than it was for women. While women attempt suicide more often, men choose more lethal means of suicide, Feb. 11. “The best way to approach someone who is in this situation is to reach out, establish support and connect the person with resources (ER, police, mental health professional). The most important thing is safety of the person in crisis. Never leave the person alone and be open about talking to the person about how they are feeling,” Kerr said. Zoet said the moment an individual is suicidal with the intent to go through with the act, the situation becomes an emergency. He said it may be helpful to have a conversation with the individual to calm them down, but no one should be expected to do the heavy lifting unless qualified. In a situation like this, people should notify the appropriate resource. “Those resources and responses vary based

on the circumstance, but a good rule of thumb is to always know that you can call 911 if you have reason to believe that somebody is in imminent danger or risk of killing themselves,” Zoet said. “On campus this would likely mean involving housing personnel if they’re a residential student, walking them to the counseling center or calling the MSU police. Off campus this would mean calling 911.”

AFTER: Check-In

Once someone is on the other side of an attempt or the thoughts of, it is important not to assume they’re ok. What to say after someone has harmed themselves or attempted suicide is not often talked about. A person may think to

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

According to the World Health Organization, every year in the United States, approximately 1,100 college students between the ages of 18-24 commit suicide, and nearly 24,000 attempt it, Feb. 11.

‘Palm Springs’ explores the

meaning of the perfect day T

he first thing “Palm Springs” bridesmaid Sarah hears every morning when her eyes pop open is “It’s gonna be a great wedding!” The unfortunate part is that she’s not going to weddings every Brian Lang day. It’s the same wedding day, every day, with no escape. Sarah’s time loop predicament feels familiar, and it should. “Palm Springs” (produced by Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island) is hardly the first film to tackle the classic “Groundhog’s Day” plot-line of reliving the same day endlessly. There have been action-thriller, horror, and even more rom-com takes on the idea, but this version feels like the freshest and funniest. Sarah (played by the wide-eyed Cristin Milioti) isn’t alone in the wedding desert oasis

though. She was originally dragged in by mistake by the party-animal goofball Nyles (Andy Samberg), a casual boyfriend to another bridesmaid, who appears to have been repeating the wedding day for years. The two become stuck in the time-loop for better or for worse, after Nyles accidentally leads Sarah to the "magic" cave that originally trapped him. After the initial shock has worn off, Sarah and Nyles have to figure out what to do with an endless supply of sunny days. They try to become good people but quickly resort to acting out at the wedding and surrounding area or indulging in weeks of laziness by the pool. It doesn’t feel much different from the weird repetitive feeling of life in the early days of the COVID lockdown, but these two feel trapped nonetheless. While Sarah and Nyles grapple with their

“no consequences” lifestyle, “Palm Springs” slowly starts heating up the romance. The two celebrate milestones in their “loop” and quickly learn to rely on each other as the only person that changes and grows with the passing days. It’s a sweet moment when the two realize that maybe being stuck together isn’t so awful after all. The leads, Samberg and Milioti, have a strong, electric chemistry that is important for any rom-com but crucial for one as convoluted as this. They easily handle the many comedic moments of the film while still showing the slow and subtle character growth of their roles. There’s a clear buildup between the two friends to two lovers that this duo executes perfectly. Unlike previous iterations of this time-loop genre, “Palm Springs” doesn’t wallow in philosophizing about living the perfect day or ul-

timately becoming a better person. Instead, the “eternity” spent in one day is framed as a way for these two strangers to come to know each other better than any other people possibly can. It’s a romantic story that’s disguised by the endless jokes and comedic moments that make the 90 minutes fly by. “Palm Springs” is the balmy escape we need as the winter weather takes hold of Wichita Falls. It's hilarious and sweet with a reassuring mixture of old and new that feels like summertime on screen. Get stuck in the time-loop with Nyles and Sarah on Hulu now.

Brian’s Film Rating: 4/5

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti in Palm Springs (2020)

Friend-zoned students across the globe celebrate

“ PA L-ENTINE’S DAY” PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Photo montage of nice guy Dwayne Simp getting friendzoned by relationship sophmore Jesse Frens. SOMA SNIKREP SATIRE SPECIALIST eb. 15, 2021, marks the first time heartbroken people around the world will be celebrating “Palentine’s Day” with their crushes, the day after their unrequited loves spent Valentine’s Day with their actual significant others. “It’s not fair every Valentine’s we have to watch all these gross couples doting on each other, having fun and displaying affection for one another, while we in the so-called ‘friend-zone’ will never get that chance,” Alli Aloan, “Pal-entine’s Day” founder, said, “which is why I had the genius idea to start ‘Pal-entine’s Day.’” Reactions to the new holiday have

been mixed. The majority around the Midwestern State campus seemed, at most, mildly annoyed by the friendzone celebration. Some halves of couples didn’t appreciate their significant others going out with someone who had a crush on them, while others just expressed sympathy. “My boyfriend took one of his friends - who has a massive crush on him - out for brunch and then to see the movie ‘Cats.’ I wasn’t even upset about it; I just felt bad for the girl. No one should have to be friend-zoned, and, more importantly, no one should ever have to watch ‘Cats,’” Catherine Suggs, theatre sophomore, said. While a portion of the unrequited loves involved seems to enjoy toying

with the emotions of their lovestruck friends, many of the “Pal-entine’s” participants seem to have no idea that the people they’re celebrating the new holiday with have romantic feelings for them at all. “It’s so refreshing to have a guy friend who’s not just trying to get with me. It was just a couple of besties hanging out. I don’t understand why my boyfriend always gets so jealous,” Oliva Blivious, human studies freshman, said. We reached out to the friend in question for a response to her comments. “No, I’m 100% trying to get with her,” Chad Broseph, alcohol studies senior, said.

“Pal-entine’s Day” was not the only unconventional celebration on display this past week. The Singles Against Dating club on campus celebrated their lack of a partner with a weekend-long S.A.D. Festival. Festivities included P.D.A. (platonic displays of affection), crying out loudly while eating ice cream and throwing eggs at happy couples who walked by. “We will not stand for this singleshaming,” Loan Lee, president of S.A.D. and political science senior, said. “How dare people actually get joy out of this clear scheme of capitalism. If you celebrate Valentine’s Day you’re just another cog in the fascist machine, unless someone were to ask

me. Then I wouldn’t mind so much.” The introduction of “Pal-entine’s” Day has added a bit of controversy to what is usually the year’s least controversial holiday. Since the university has no resident Valentine’s expert, we spoke to MSU Texas alum and harbinger of love himself, Cupid, to get his take on the new event. “Honestly I’m happy to see them having fun, even if it’s a bit odd. After all, the only reason they’re in the friend-zone in the first place is cause I had one too many White Claws and accidentally shot them with one of my arrows,” Cupid said, then adding, “Oops.”

Kelsey Bruce

took the job as new head coach and is running with it

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY BRUCE

Kelsey Bruce runs at a practice for Dallas Baptist University where she competed from 2011-2015. ELIZABETH MAHAN REPORTER he passion for running is in her blood. Her mom had the drive and determination to run competitively at the college level, and she wanted to follow in her mom’s footsteps. She always knew she wanted to teach and be a coach one day, but it wasn’t until she was obtaining a Bachelor’s degree and two Master’s degrees from Dallas Baptist University that she realized how drawn she was

to the exciting challenges that occur at universities. After winning the All-American title four times at DBU, qualifying for the Olympic trials twice and finishing fourth in the NCAA DII Cross Country Championship, became the assistant cross country and track coach at DBU for the next 4 years. A marathoner for team USA Track and Field, she has now taken on the role of MSU’s new head coach for women’s track and cross country. Coach Bruce is eager to start this new chapter in her

career and has high hopes for her athletes this season. “My first day was awesome. Everyone was super welcoming, and I really loved everything I saw, and I think that there’s a lot of potential on the team. I think we have a lot of work to do, but it’s work that I’m excited about, and I think they’re excited about,” Bruce said. Kyle Williams, director of athletics, said part of what made Bruce stand out as a candidate for the job was the calls he received from her peers that praised her high potential as a head coach and her ability to recruit talented athletes. “The intent is to certainly build both track and field and cross country. I’d love to have more ladies join the team. The hope is to show us and to show our ladies what it’s going to take to win college championships. That’s why we’re in it, is to win. This is a really tough conference,” Williams said. “This is going to be an opportunity for her to put her stamp on her program, and we look forward to what she could do.” With coaching in general, Bruce believes in the importance of building athletes up as people rather than just focusing on their performance. “You want to get them to reach their full potential in all aspects, and so I think my philosophy is to coach the whole athlete. That’s definitely developed by experiences I’ve had with people in general and trying to build those up around you. That’s why I love coaching, just because you get to help people be their best self. I had a lot of people pour into me, and invest in me, and in my life, and I want to do that for others,” Bruce said. As an athlete and now coach, knowing what it is like to be in her athletes’ shoes influences Bruce’s coaching style. “Being a competitor really impacts what I expect out of athletes, and what I know that I can try to get them to achieve because I never thought I’d be at the Olympic trials. I’ve had people push me, and my current coach who’s formerly my boss and my coach in college, he had high expectations for me. We took one step at a time, and it just eventually materialized into something that was a lot bigger than was ever intended, and I don’t want the girls I coach to sell themselves short or to miss out on really great opportunities,” Bruce said. “I think being a competitor myself has made me competitive as a coach too.” Bruce chose to apply at MSU partially because her peers encouraged her and partially

because she liked the size of Wichita Falls. “I just felt like there were a lot of things calling me to be here, and I think this is an excellent opportunity in a community that seems really close. Being in Dallas, the whole community isn’t as invested in what the university is doing as they are in Wichita Falls,” Bruce said. As Bruce and Williams talked during their interview, the fact that Bruce had always aspired to be a coach stuck with Williams. “She’s relatively young. At the same time, I just think she’s got a tremendous future. She’s still training right now. She is in the top 25 marathoners in the country,” Williams said. “We’re anticipating some really good stuff, in what she represents, not only in track and field and in cross country, but for our studentathletes. We push the grades, and we push the graduation, above anything, as we have all along.” The Mustangs track and field team’s calendar has not being posted yet, but they continue to train.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY BRUCE

Kelsey Bruce at a practice for Dallas Baptist University.

Feb. 15, 2021

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