Nov. 30, 2016 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Nov. 30, 2016 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 81 No. 13

PHOTO BY TOPHER MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Aryn Edwards, general business sophomore, and Mallory Rice, psychology junior, view the Peter Pan display. PHOTO BY TOPHER MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Mallory Rice, psychology junior, Jessica Wollenberger, mass communication junior, Ciera Wolinski, biology senior, and Aryn Edwards, biology senior, discuss the fantasy of lights.

Fantasy of Lights

brings holiday excitement to Wichita Falls

KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

he MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights opened Nov. 21 at 5:30 p.m. with chimes from the Hardin Bell Tower. Then, two minutes before the scheduled 6 p.m. start time, University President Suzanne Shipley, came out, welcomed the crowed of about 200, turned on the lights and welcomed the guest of honor — Santa Claus. All went according to plan. Except Santa, played by Wichita Falls County Judge Woody Gossom, Jr., wanted to turn on the lights. The $80,893 light setup has been on display at MSU since Dec. 4, 1974. Originally a family tradition of Wichita Falls locals Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Burns, Archer City offered the display to MSU on the condition that it be free of charge to the public as a memorial to the Burns family. The 20,000 lights and 35 displays are all paid for by private funds and donations, and 13 new displays have been added since MSU took over the Fantasy of Lights in 1974. “Well there are over 20,000 lights strung around campus, as well as out there on the displays. [My favorite part of the Fantasy of Lights] is just seeing the excitement, the joy in everyone that comes out and walks through. It just really helps me capture that youthful spirit in that moment, in the holiday spirit...so it really makes it ring true for me,” Dirk Welch, director of the career management center and Fantasy of Lights coordinator, said.

Welch was given the task of coordinating the Fantasy of Lights in Sept. 2016. After a culmination of ideas from various people, the Holiday Spectacular was added to the list of events for MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights on Dec. 3. 3 p.m.: Holiday Gala in Akin Auditorium 5 p.m.: MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run in Hardin Administration lawn 5-8 p.m.: Food trucks will be stationed adjacent to the lights 7 p.m.: Holiday Gala in Akin Auditorium 7 p.m.: Elf movie showing in Legacy Hall Welch smiled when asked about his experience with coordinating this annual MSU tradition. “I was approached back in September about being the coordinator for this, and I was excited to be given the opportunity. It was an honor and privilege to be asked because it’s a big undertaking and really impacts the community of MSU as well as the surrounding area. I’ve loved seeing the passion of the volunteers and watching the joy it brings to the people who come to see the lights — the smiles on their faces, the giggles, etc. It makes it doubly worth being part of it,” Welch said. Welch explained that all of these events give exposure to MSU and connects people together. “It’s estimated that more than 200,000 people visit the exhibition throughout the season. It provides MSU, Wichita Falls community and surrounding areas with a Hallmark type of activity because it is one of the largest holiday displays of its kind. It brings in people from outside the area to come and

visit, which can certainly help the community and has a potential economic impact. It also showcases MSU in a positive way and helps the university gain exposure in a different sort of way, which benefits us overall,” Welch said.

Comments

• “Peter Pan [is my favorite] because I was obsessed with Peter Pan when I was little, so it’s pretty cool how they did that one.” | Amelia Ecevido, pre-pharmacy sophomore • Shelby Emerson, early education junior, said, “I like the Cinderella one just because its Cinderella. I came last year and it’s still my favorite.” | Shelby Emerson, early education junior • “This is my first time being here, and first time seeing [the lights] on. It makes MSU pretty; it makes it more magical. Locals come here and enjoy the lights, and come see the main building.” | Christopher Cruz, theater performance sophomore • “There are figurines in one of them, and they’re super lifelike. They really freaked me out at first because I thought they were real people.” | Ciera Wolinski, biology senior • “This is rad. This is so lit.” | Tanner Conley, business sophomore • “These lights are beautiful. They’re brighter than my future.” | Rahul Joshi, finance sophomore Additional reporting by Kelsey Purcell, Alyssa Mitchell, and Jeanette Perry.

THE FANTASY OF LIGHTS IS OPEN FROM DUSK UNTIL 11 P.M. DEC. 25

2 | Nov. 30, 2016 |

STAF F E DI T O R I A L

Fantasy of Lights spreads holiday cheer OUR VIEW: Everyone should take a walk around campus to see the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights this winter.

efore Thanksgiving break, the annual MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights opened on Nov. 21. With 20,000 beautiful lights and 35 entertaining, exciting holiday displays, this is an event that everyone should attend. The 42-year tradition brings the community of Wichita Falls together with not just each other, but with our campus as well. The smiles and giggles of children looking at their favorite holiday movie display, the couples (both young and old) going on casual dates to look at the Christmas lights, the families enjoying a night out together — Fantasy of Lights presents a venue for all of this to happen. With finals quickly approaching and stress levels spiking significantly, it’s important to take a study break every now and then. Take a friend, significant other, or fellow all-night-cramming partner out for some fresh air and to see the gorgeous lights. And make sure to say a quick thank you to Dirk Welch, director of the career management center, for a fantastic job on his first run as the new Fantasy of Lights coordinator.

wichitan

the

Vol. 81 | No. 13

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com • @wichitanonline

With fear comes opportunity U

nless you’ve been living inside of a cave, you know that major changes are on the way. No matter what side you’re on, there are opportunities for something positive to happen. We all want what is best for ourselves, our families and for the country. We talk a lot about problems that continue to plague our nation, such as racism and prejudice Melissa against people with different religious views, Laussmann as well as gender inequality. This is the perfect time to take action in those issues that concern you most. Peaceful protests are symbols of democracy in action. But for real change to occur, we need to be actively engaged in

creating dialogue, and reaching out to people who need our help. We need to extend our hands of friendship to people of other cultures, nations and religions. We are so focused on differences and create border within our minds, instead of realizing how much we can learn from one another. We cannot let fear or anxiety blind us from making improvements within our country and ourselves. We have the power to change what we think doesn’t work right or is an injustice. But to do so, we need to be honest with ourselves and begin with some self-reflection. You believe wholeheartedly in a cause. So what are you going to do to make these positive changes happen? Melissa Laussmann is a grad student.

‘Thieves’ stole my pride Y ou never know how you are going to handle something until you are put in that situation. In the moments where we are tested, we learn about ourselves, and a lot of times we are surprised. I have been in numerous situations since high school where I have been humbled in a sense that I found out that I am not as brave as I once thought. During my freshKelsey man year of high school, I was put in a situation Purcell that proved just how “brave” I really was. All of my life, I thought of myself as this strong, fearless girl who would be ready to take on any “bad guy.” When my parents would ask me what I would do if someone ever broke into our home, I would respond “I’d kick him in the balls.” Oh my, oh my, I look back at my little warrior self and laugh. However, when reality hit hard one night my freshman year of high school, I learned that I had overestimated my reaction to theft. It was about 10:30 p.m., I was in my room listening to music through headphones and playing solitaire online. My door was cracked, and the house was quiet. Suddenly, I heard a scream like I had never heard before. It was my mother. Following shortly after, my sister screamed that same blood-curdling scream. I heard a loud THUMP. Someone had beaten down the door, I thought. Next I heard my sister run past my room, and shut her door. Panic started to set in. My heart raced in my ears (bum bum, bum bum), and instead of going out and facing our intruder like I had always said I would, I decided to do the logical thing, which was to hide under the covers. At the time I thought that if I was going to die, I just didn’t want to see it happen. Seconds felt like minutes as time slowly passed. Another scream. This time it’s my dad. Then, all was quiet again. I heard my dad ask, “is everyone okay?” I decided it was now safe, so I crawled out from under the protection of my sheets and headed to the living room. We were all okay, the front door was closed and locked, there was no intruder. “What happened?” After a

few confusing minutes, we pieced together what caused such a misunderstanding. My sister had gone into the living room to get wrapping paper out of the hall closet, located directly next to the front door (because waiting until 10:30 to wrap a friend’s birthday gift is a great idea). My mom had dozed off while watching TV in the recliner which is near the front door and hall closet. When my sister opened the door to the closet, it startled my mom awake and she, in her still-slightly-asleep state, screamed thinking someone was entering the house. This caused my sister to scream because she did not know why my mom was screaming, then she took off running, When my sister ran, my mom decided it was time to run too. However, my mom was in a Snuggie (one with the pocket in the bottom for your feet), so when she jumped off of the recliner, she fell (the THUMP I heard). When my mom fell, she tried to grab my sister’s ankles to help pull her along (because she was thinking so logically at the time). This made my sister believe that my mom was having a heart attack so she decided to run to her room and shut the door since we all know that is First Aid 101. Lastly, my dad came running into the living room without a weapon dressed in just his underwear (which he swears would be enough to scare away any robber), and screamed because why the hell not? Everybody else was doing it, why shouldn’t he? Meanwhile, I was tucked away under the covers safe and sound praying what I thought would be my final prayer. Boy, every member of the Purcell family would be dead meat if anyone actually broke into our home. Anyways, moral of the story is sometimes we surprise ourselves. We never know how we will react to a situation until we are actually in it. Sometimes, we will disappoint ourselves, but other times we will be proud of what we can accomplish. I think we are thrown into many situations like this is college, and I truly believe that whatever the outcome of our actions may be, there are always valuable lessons to be learned. Kelsey Purcell is a mass communication sophomore.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre

DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart

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.

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Topher McGehee, Brendan Wynne, Jeannette, Perry, Zack Santagate

ISSUE STAFF: Kelsey Purcell, Alyssa Mitchell, Jeannette Perry, Melissa Laussmann, Brendan Wynne, Dylan Hall, Stephen Gomez

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

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.

| Nov. 30, 2016 | 3 PHOTO BY BRENDAN WYNNE

Pretending to argue, Benton Fields, theater performance freshman, and George Ohmstede, campus police officer, partake in the Adult Code simulation Nov. 18

PHOTO BY BRENDAN WYNNE

Randy Case, assistant respiratory professor, briefs the attending students before the actual simulation. To show students what the code shouldn’t look like, he presented the students with a scene from the office involving a CPR mannequin Nov. 18.

Challenging BRENDAN WYNNE REPORTER

t was 8:30 a.m. As she sprinted up the stairs, Jody Settle, radiology senior, could only imagine what kind of crisis lie ahead of her. Reports of a patient who’d been in a bar fight were swarming across the hall. The crowded hospital floor was buzzing with angry patients and irritated medical staff. As she turned the corner, she was faced with nothing short of a patient suffering a collapsed lung. But she had no time to think. He’d stopped breathing. Except, only, he wasn’t real. The hospital floor was actually a classroom, and angry patients were just determined theater students. On Nov. 18, the health sciences department hosted an Adult Code simulation that included departments from all corners of campus - respiratory, radiology, nursing, mass communication, and theater. “It was very, very real,” Settle, one of the 122 health science students who participated in the simulation, said. “It really teaches you that communication is key, no matter what part of the process you’re responsible for. We went in there with a lot of mental preparation

all corners of campus

from our professors, but even then you’re really not prepared for that kind of situation. But, this kind of hands-on simulation is one of the most beneficial things we can do as students.” Upon arriving to Bridwell 108, the students were briefed by Randy Case, assistant respiratory professor, and Jessyca Wagner, assistant radiology professor. Including a presentation complete with the infamous CPR dummy scene from “The Office,” Case and Wagner reassured their students of what to expect walking into the scenario. Breaking up the students into teams, the morning’s schedule was full for health science faculty, as there were seven different sessions, all in which faculty participated. “Overall, I was pleased with the way it went down,” Wagner said. “Everyone had their roles, knew what they were, and followed through, for the most part. From a professor’s perspective, we always want to know where students, where they’re comfortable, and what they can improve on. This scenario helped us do just that.” Though professors were there to help their students when absolutely necessary, responsibility fell primarily to the students - a famil-

TAFT HAUS A P A R T M E N T S e! A place to call hom

iar sensation for students who have already begun the clinical portion of their education. “You have to anticipate chaos. You won’t be able to focus if you’re not prepared for it,” Renetta Graham, respiratory senior, said. “I was intimidated, I won’t lie, but once I met up with my team, everyone was very helpful and very aware of what we all needed to do. When we go to clinicals, it’s not uncommon for the student to sort of get pushed aside in the high-intensity situations, so it was really nice to really get our hands dirty in a code like this.” Though, health science students weren’t the only ones to “get their hands dirty,” as several theater students assisted them throughout the day by playing roles as doctors, patients, and irritable family members that kept health science students on their toes. “It’s really exciting, getting to improvise roles like these,” Benton Fields, theater performance freshman, said. “I really love improve, so this is such a great experience. Not only do we get to help out the health science students, but we get to really delve into those skills that we don’t really get to perfect when we have a set script.”

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To assist in creating the most realistic environment possible, the campus police even volunteered in handling overzealous patients and relatives. Keyvon Harrison, theater performance freshman, and one of five students who played a triage patient throughout the day, said he couldn’t have been happier to be a part of the code. “It’s just so cool to see the different areas of education get together like this,” Harrison said. “We, as theater students, get to explore these full range of emotions as these terribly rude and inconsiderate emergency room patients, and the health science students get to practice saving a life. I mean, it’s a win-win.” Mass communication students also played their role, covering the entire process as a documentary set to be completed at a later date. “Having an actual film crew was just a little shocking at first,” Obi Akammonn, nursing senior, said. “I mean, I wasn’t sure how real the simulation was going to be until I saw the waiting room, heard the noises, and then just saw this really professional-looking equipment moving around. It was a lot, but I would give anything to have more experiences like that in our curriculum.”

4 | Nov. 30, 2016 |

Kilimanjaro: from the mo

KILIMANJARO FACTS:

• It is the tallest mountain on the African continent. • It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. • Its highest elevation is 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet. • It is the highest volcano outside of South America. • It has three volcanic cones: Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira. • The Shira Plateau is 3,800 meters or 12,500 feet. • National forests cover 1,000 square kilometers or 250,000 acres • Animals present include: monkeys, lions, zebras, hyenas, cape buffalos, mongooses and elephants • There are six official routes on the mountain used to ascend: Machame, Marangu, Shira, Umbwe, Rongai and Lemosho. There is one route used to descend the mountain: Mweka. • Approximately 25,000 people try to summit Kilimanjaro every year. The most common reason they fail is due to altitude sickness.

JEANETTE PERRY REPORTER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREA HOFFMAN-WATSON

Hoffman-Watson summited Mt. Kilimanjaro at Stella Point.

he start of a journey that contains rough terrain, loose rocks, and reasons to quit. Out of breath and losing strength, hikers put one foot in front of the other. Mental strength wills them up the mountain. At the top, lessons are learned, things are left behind, and the hiker returns changed from the experience. Andrea Hoffman-Watson, alum, went through a very traumatic event- divorce. A year ago she was going through a lot of emotions. Susie Farnie, flight attendant and friend, had hiked Kilimanjaro in 2011 and it was something that kept creeping back into Hoffman-Watson’s head. “I had a friend that did that in 2011 [hiked Kilimanjaro] and it’s one of those things that resonated with me but at the time that would never have been something that I could have done. It would have been a waste of time, a waste of money and it would have been too complicated,” HoffmanWatson said. “Of course, when everything happened with the divorce I just kept landing on it. I pushed that thought away. I wasn’t in great shape. There really was nothing to say, ‘I’m a mountain climber.’” After dismissing the thought for a while, she started to remember the things she used to do and the hike didn’t seem so impossible and crazy. “It became more of a, ‘It seems a little crazy now, but maybe it is something we can work towards,’” Hoffman-Watson said. Hoffman-Watson started researching everything she could find whenever she had any free time. She consulted her friends, hours of online research and watching videos of others’ treks up the mountain. “I started researching for hours and hours online. I looked at a lot of YouTube videos people had posted of their own treks,” Hoffman-Watson said. “Researching routes. Getting paperwork in line. Getting financials in line and just chipping away at it over the course of a year.” With a goal in mind, she went to Walmart to look at what gear they had, and tried to figure out what she needed. “I was at Walmart trying to figure out what I needed to take, because there’s the concern about bringing too much gear. There’s weight allowances, but you need to have your basics because you’re in the middle of nowhere,” HoffmanWatson said. “It could be that stupid little thing that you left is absolutely what you need.” Hoffman-Watson called Farnie to get her advice on gear while there. “I remember wandering around the aisles at Walmart in the outdoor section just talking to her, trying to get a little bit of an idea what I should get, what she took, what she brought along that she didn’t need versus ‘man, I really wish I had brought… fill in the blank,’” Hoffman-Watson said. Farnie was extremely excited about Andrea’s decision to hike Kilimanjaro. Farnie said, “I’m so proud of your [Hoffman-Watson] decision to do something great… it truly is an amazing experience, like no other from start to finish.” The preparations were a major part of the trip and important to know what you’re getting into taking on an event like

Andrea Hoffman-Watson, alum, sta

this. “There was coordinating e climbing company you would go to go through a company. You c that’s a legal requirement,” Hoff about a million different compa vary greatly and the price range v climbing company] was more m ing crazy or over the top, so you them being so cheap that they w Hoffman-Watson learned a lo those who didn’t properly prepar “You have horror stories of pe this great adventure. They get o some cut-rate provider and day o some sort of illness or somethin trip is ruined,” Hoffman-Watson sure you go with somebody reput Planning the flight, where t things to consider on a trip like cheaper flight, they might run th of their money in a foreign count “You start looking at the prosp Kenya [because it’s cheaper] and you hear horror stories about t crossing where basically they wil you’re on your own, and there’s a tell you that you have to pay all Watson said. “It’s a very tough c

: life lessons ountain

anding on Mt. Kilimanjaro.

everything. Seeing which o through because you have can’t just go by yourself so ffman-Watson said. “There’s anies and the service levels varies greatly. This one [Zara middle of the road, so nothdidn’t have the concerns of were cutting every corner.” ot from the horror stories of re for the trip. eople that go to embark on over there and they go with one or two you’re out with ng like that and your whole n said. “You want to make table.” to stay, when to go are all this. If someone planned a he risk of being conned out try. pects of flying into Nairobi, then busing down but then the Kenya-Tanzania border ll unload you from the bus, all sorts of con-men that will these extra fees,” Hoffmancrossing if you are green to

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ANDREA HOFFMAN-WATSON

that. You have to navigate that crossing yourself. There’s not a lot of instruction and then the bus picks you up on the other side.” After settling on the Lemosho route, Hoffman-Watson placed her deposit on the trip, which she said was a very weird day for her. “I remember I was at lunch because at that point, before work, after work, on lunch, whatever, if it was just me I was researching something and so I pulled the trigger and put down the deposit. I went back to work and it was just the weirdest feeling like this is really happening,” Hoffman-Watson said. “It went from ‘I should work on this’ or ‘I’m going to do this someday’ to ‘I have actual dates.’” The flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 24 hours total with stops along the way. “You are mostly bouncing off the eastern seaboard, Europe, and then down, so my flight was around 24 hours.” Hoffman-Watson’s inspiration to summit Kilimanjaro was the proof that she could achieve this and to be able to look her daughters in the eyes and tell them what she accomplished. “[What kept Hoffman-Watson going] my girls. I wanted to be able to tell them that I had done this because they didn’t know at the time where I was,” Hoffman-Watson said. “I wanted to prove it to myself. Part of that was following the divorce that I’ve got this. If I can do that, I’ve got this so it was to prove to myself that no matter how hard a challenge is that I can work through it and get it done.”

| Nov. 30, 2016 | 5

DAY TO DAY:

• Sept. 15 | Arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport and shuttled to hotel in Moshi, Tanzania. • Sept. 16 | Went to a local market in Moshi and visited a local neighborhood where Hoffman-Watson drank coffee at a one room coffee shop, played with school children and observed people in traditional clothing. She bought children candy at a shop and walked back to her hotel on elevated train tracks the way the natives do. • Sept. 16 | Hoffman-Watson had a briefing session with Chombo, her guide and she met most of the group she would be hiking with. That evening at the hotel a group had just come back from summiting and had a large party. • Sept. 17 | The hiking group loaded up, checked their weight allowances and headed to their starting point. It was a four hour drive to the western side of the mountain from the hotel. They arrived at the Londorossi Gate, signed in and ate lunch. From there they drove for an hour to arrive at the Lemosho Gate which was the start of the trail they took. • Sept. 17 | Hoffman-Watson and the group started the hike in a very jungle-like environment and the start of the trail was steep. They hiked for four hours to reach their first camp for the night at Mkubwa Camp. Their porters [people assigned to accompany each hiker to hold their extra gear] carried most of the gear and hiked the mountain in thin shoes. They had to consume at least 3 liters of water per day and eat a lot as altitude sickness will make them their appetite. The group covered seven kilometers that day full of ups and downs. Sleeping the first night was hard because the monkeys in the area were yelling all night. • Sept. 18 | Hoffman-Watson’s group hiked for seven hours climbing rocks and boulders. They passed many valleys. They arrived at their next camp [Shira I]. This camp is at the base of the Shira plateau and out of the tree line. They saw their first view of the mountain from this camp. Breathing and drinking while walking is started to become difficult due to the altitude. HoffmanWatson had a sick porter and someone had to go back for part of her gear. That night they had almost a full moon, and could see the Milky Way and millions of stars. • Sept. 19 | Hoffman-Watson’s group crossed all of the Shira Plateau [3,850 meters] to get to their next camp at Shira II. From the Shira II camp, they got their first glimpse of Mt. Meru, which is a neighboring volcano. Cairns [human-made pile of rocks used to mark that others visited before] were visible. Porters were playing soccer while the hikers staying there were getting winded closing their zippers. • Sept. 20 | The guides planned to hike 10 kilometers in six hours and it took a little longer than that. It was 4,600 meters to the lava towers where they had lunch. They came to Barranco Camp for the night

•

[3,900 meters]. Hoffman-Watson’s legs were starting to spasm so she did very minimal exploring. Sept. 21 | The group hiked to the top of the Barranco Boulder which was 300 meters up. It took the group two hours to reach the top. The trails were tough on this day and although Chombo pointed out their camp, which looked close, there was a large dropoff between them and camp which added another hour and a half to the journey. With breathing becoming more difficult, they arrived at Karanga Camp. Hoffman-Watson was starting to doubt herself and her group was encouraging her to continue. She saw a beautiful sunset from Karanga Camp. The altitude is making sleep very hard and Hoffman-Watson’s legs are wanting to give out on her. She chanted her daughters’ names with every step she took. She decided to wait until morning and take a few steps before making the decision to stop. Sept. 22 | Hoffman-Watson and her hiking group went to Barafu Camp [base camp] which is four hours away from Karanga Camp, hiking through rough terrain. There was another very large drop off between them and the next camp. From Barafu Camp they could see Mt. Mawenzi. They set up their tents, ate and were briefed about their summit day by Chombo. They were told to wear everything they owned and carry a large mouth water bottle because their water pack lines would freeze. The rested for three hours, got up, ate and prepared for their last push to summit at midnight. Hoffman-Watson couldn’t catch her breath even laying down and had to calm herself because she felt her body panicking. Sept. 23 | Hoffman-Watson is experiencing leg failure. She doesn’t know how she will make it. She is getting nervous. The terrain is loose dirt and rocks, so for every step forward, it felt like two steps back. It was a battle for her. Her daughters were a constant source of inspiration for her. She summited at Stella Point after nine hours of fighting to get there. In total she hiked to a height of 18,885 feet. To put this in perspective, the cruising altitude of Hoffman-Watson’s plane home was 18,000 feet. Sept. 23 | Immediately after summiting she was hurried back to Barrafu Camp in two hours 34 minutes. Hoffman-Watson saw porters running people who had become unconscious from the mountain while she was summiting. Hoffman-Watson decided that she would stop there while the rest of her group continued up to Uhuru Peak which is the highest summit at 19,341 feet [.7 kilometers from Stella Point]. At Barafu Camp, Hoffman-Watson packed her gear and they went as a group to Mweka Camp for the night. Sept. 24 | The group left Mweka Camp and in four hours they were at Mweka Gate to catch the shuttle home. From Mweka Gate to the Hotel was 30 minutes. In total, Hoffman-Watson’s group covered 22 kilometers and hiked for 19 hours.

6 | Nov. 30, 2016 | PHOTO BY TOPHER MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Luca Lalor, a senior in finance and computer science, presents “Methods of Generating alpha from FX Trading Using Technical Analysis: Evidence from Algorithmic Simulation.” PHOTO BY TOPHER MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Sam Sutton, mass communication junior, turns in the extra credit forms to the extra credit table in the atrium of the Clark Student Center Nov. 17.

Students take part in undergraduate and creativity forum ALYSSA MITCHELL REPORTER

y the time they got to Clark, the $10 presentation posters looked pretty polished. The two-by-three feet posters looked professional and the students donned in formal attire had rehearsed their presentations dozens of times. But when it came right down to it, neither the presentations nor the work created themselves. Kevin Ellis, computer science junior, said, “It took us about a semester to do. We started by splitting up the work and determining what each of us needed to do. We also thought about what could possibly be a problem in the future and how we could avoid those problems.” Ellis and his partner, Anthony Enem, are in the process of having their project becoming an app. Ellis said, “Our project is about determining where an empty spot is at in the parking lot so later on the driver can go straight to an open spot without having to drive around the parking lot to find a spot. We don’t have the app done yet, but hopefully it will be soon.” Two groups out of more than 180 individual presenters, most in groups, that weren’t from EURECA were social work presenters. Tionne Fuller, social work junior, said, “We had surveys and split them up between each other and we were each responsible for completing a certain amount of surveys.” Fuller’s group mates Morgan Perron and Katie Eunbank, both social work juniors, elaborated on the background work for their presentation. Eunbank said, “It’s been about three

months since we started. We jumped right in on the first week of school and by the second week we had to have what we were going to do.” The social work students also work closely with their professor during this process. Perron said, ”We came up with what the questionnaires were going to consist of then we printed them out, dived them up amongst ourselves and each completed a certain amount. We split up the completed questionnaires and did the data analysis with Dr. Raj and entered it into the SPSS [Statistical Package for the Social Science]. From there we did the outline of the poster and Dr. Raj helped us with the implications of the study and the conclusion.” Kari Crowl, social work senior, also took part in the forum. Crowl said, “We started late September. It took us until about the beginning of November. We conducted our research over secondary traumatic stress among social workers working with children, specifically traumatized children. We hypothesized that those working with traumatized children would experience secondary traumatic stress we found that that was not the case.” Presenters found a few things to be difficult throughout the process. Eunbank said, “Getting people to take the survey was the hardest part because you see people in the CSC and try to get their attention but they brush you off and say they have to go to class.” Another group had the same problem. Crowl said, “The hardest part was finding participants, especially because there was another project that was similar to ours.”

Social work participants also had to get approval from their professors. Fuller said, “Getting it all approved by Dr. Raj was also hard.” While it was difficult for the presenters their work did not go unnoticed. 17 professors including some who participated in the forum, gave extra credit to students who went to the forum and filled out an evaluation form. 513 students participated not including the ones who did not fill out forms. Packiaraj Arumugham, associate social work professor, said, “I teach a course called social work research. As part of the core research requirement students have to make an actual research project which means they have to create a questionnaire or survey and collect data analysis.” Students taking part in EURECA work closely with mentor’s such as, Arumugham and Professor Magaly Rincón-Zachary. Arumugham said, “I take them through the process and the presentation is the combination of all the data.” Out of more than 70 research projects Arumugham had one that he particularly liked. “I liked all of them. I liked the quality of the work all the students had done but one thing I was impressed with was the study of international student’s cultivation into college.” Arumugham wanted his students to get some skills out of their research. Arumugham said, “First of all one of the competences of a social worker is that they should be able to have certain skills, that’s what the course and the entire project has contributed to.” These are some words of encouragement

from Arumugham. “For those who have done it already, I commend you for your hard work. It has been a very, very stressful experience for everyone but I really appreciate your hard work and willingness to cooperate throughout the process.” Magaly Rincón-Zachary, director of undergraduate research, coordinated the eighth annual forum, banquet the night before and the award ceremony. All three of the events including the print outs and publicizing cost a little more than 3,000 dollars. Rincón-Zachary said, “I enjoyed the posters a lot because I had the opportunity to talk to the students face to face. With oral presentations, students are so limited by the time and only two or three questions are allowed, so you don’t have time for a conversation whereas for the posters, you do. One presentation that caught my attention was a poster presentation that was about aquaponics. The idea is to grow leafy plants like lettuce and radishes in a fish tank and have fish also living in the aquarium.” Rincón-Zachary had a few things that she wants students who did research to take away from it and words of encouragement. “You could see the work that all the students put into it. They put a lot of time and a lot of thinking and discussion into it. I didn’t see anything that was not good. The students did a very good job not because I’m the director but from seeing how they conducted themselves, they did excellent. Yes there were winners but I think everyone is a winner. You cannot put a price tag to that because it is so valuable. I am very impressed.”

Camp Chaparral: A hidden gem

U P C O M I N G E V E NT S UPB Casino Night

Nov. 30 from 9 p.m. to midnight | CSC Wichita | UPB presents a fun night of casino based games in CSC Wichita. On November 30 from 9 p.m. to midnight, we will have games, food, and mock-tails to go along with the theme.

DYLAN HALL REPORTER

ubstantial entertainment is a rarity in Wichita Falls, particularly for international students that come from festive, fun-filled milieus’. For those looking to amp up the adrenaline in their life, there is a silver lining. Nestled between Iowa Park and Wichita Falls on 130 acres of semi-wooded, breathtaking landscape lies Camp Chaparral. “Our purpose is to serve God by serving people. We host camps for youth and children during the summer months and have exhilarating activities open year round to the public,” Nathan McDonald, director of activities, said while sipping his Red Bull. Sniffling in the cold, rustic atmosphere and surrounded by the towering challenge rope courses, McDonald elaborated on the potential the camp has due to its ideal location — only 15 minutes away — and its variety of services. “We have huge potential for growth if we spread knowledge of our activities and continue to use our location to our advantage, it’s ideal because we are located in between two decent places,” McDonald said. McDonald also stressed that although the camp is multi-purposed and can be arranged for almost any kind of event, he and his staff are trying to promote more successful turn outs in their dry season. “We have very intricate and fascinating challenge rope courses, however our dry season is outside of the summer

| Nov. 30, 2016 | 7

EURECA Proposal Deadline

Dec. 1 | EURECA Proposal Deadline

ISAT

Dec. 1 at 8:20 a.m. | Hardin South 219

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ZACK SANTAGATE

Management sophomore Greta Lazzarotto leaps for the bar during the ropes course. when we do not have official camp, so we are trying to promote those activities that are still available such as paintball and laser tag,” McDonald said. The camp has a strong religious background and is heavily influenced by God in all facets. Charles Hill, executive director, elaborated on the camp’s reliance on religion. “We believe nothing can be truly fulfilled without help from God, and God helps us serve our guests and provide a place for spiritual growth, healthy relationships and wholesome recreation,” Hill said. Rubbing his round, heavily clothed stomach, Hill said he believes camp Chaparral can fulfill customers needs in all facets, including their appetite. “Our dining facilities are constantly

improving, we are soon able to provide a variety of different meals covering a number of different cultures. We are evolving camp Chaparral to consistently welcome all kinds of people,” Hill said. Zach Tayntor, facilities and food assistant, agreed with Hill. “Our food services are definitely on the rise and we will soon be able to serve people of all ages and needs with top quality food,” Tayntor said. Tayntor, a lifelong Wichita Falls resident and Vernon College graduate, also expressed the staff’s efforts to increase their outreach to college students in particular. “We are working hard during our dry season to reach out to a wider group of people, such as college students, who would truly enjoy what we have to offer,” Tayntor said.

World AIDS Day 5K Run/Walk

Dec. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. | Sikes Lake Trail | Come join us in this run/walk and help support this cause! It will be so much fun. If you would like more information or want to help out in any way, feel free to contact christophercruz0503@yahoo.com.

Bowling Tournament

Dec. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. | This is a one day tournament! Students can sign up to participate at the event with a valid MSU ID Card. Pre-registration is NOT required. All teams and individuals can sign up at IMLeagues. com/MWSU or on the free mobile phone app Rec*It.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

eople Respecting Identity Diversity for Everyone is hosting a 5K run/walk on World AIDS Day on Dec.1 on Sikes Lake trail at 2-5 p.m. The free run/walk is open to students, faculty, and staff with all donations going towards the cure of HIV and AIDS. PRIDE welcomes all to come give support and have fun at the event. “The 5K run/walk is to show support to people living with HIV or AIDS,” Christopher Cruz, president of PRIDE, said. “It’s to fight against HIV and AIDs. It’s a way to bring the community together.” The World AIDS Day is one of the first health awareness events created in Oct. 27, 1988 by the United Nations General Assembly. The first of December has remained the World AIDS Day since Dec.1, 1988. PRIDE decided, this year, they wanted to do a 5K run/walk as well as a free HIV/AIDS test, which happened earlier this semester. “It goes back to the PRIDE objective,” Cruz, theater performance sophomore, said. “To create a safe and nonjudgemental community, not just for the LGBT people but for everyone.” The 5K run/walk was also planned to coincide with stu-

dents HIV/AIDS test results on the same day. US Department of Health and Human Services reported that more than 1.2 million people living in the US live with HIV with one out of eight, 13%, of people are infected without knowing. “We need to talk about it,” Eliza Carmon, biology pre-med freshman, said. “Some schools don’t talk about HIV/AIDS well enough and it leaves young students uninformed. Some people just don’t want to talk about it.” The cost of the event is virtually nonexistent with most of the money spent is on water, snacks, and other mundane supplies. Prizes were donated for the event and everyone will receive a red ribbon to show their support. To promote safe sex, condoms and lube will also be handed out. “There’s a stigma around HIV,” Carmon said. “I highly doubt anyone that has HIV on campus would be able to talk about it and feel comfortable too. We want to be a resource to help them.” While resources in Wichita Falls may seem limited, students have found one they can depend on. “The students have been very appreciative of the resources from the Wichita Falls - Wichita County Public Health District,” Christopher D’Amico, mass communication lecturer, said. “For helping them make life decisions.”

Dec. 2 at 7:20 a.m. | Hardin South 219

Red River Reading Series

Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. | Legacy Hall multipurpose Room | Featuring faculty member, Robert Johnson, and two student writers, Ali Ward and Jonathan Henderson.

Fantasy of Lights Musical Performance

Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. | Hardin Front Steps | Come watch Jefferson Elementary School and Tower Elementary School Choir’s.

Las Posadas

Dec. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. | CSC Atrium | Las Posadas is a traditional Mexican celebration filled with food, singing, and piñatas. We will celebrate with Christmas caroling, a re-enactment of a Posada, and dancing. Then end the night with FREE authentic Latino food and piñatas.

Music Department Holiday Gala

Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. | Akin Auditorium

SGA Meeting

Dec. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m. | CSC Comanche Suites

Dec. 1 through 3 at 7:30 p.m. | Fain Fine Arts Theatre

PRIDE to host 5K run/walk on World AIDS Day STEPHEN GOMEZ REPORTER

RACT

CRIME LOG Nov. 17

Nov. 23

Nov. 18

Nov. 29

Non-criminal – informational | 6:54 p.m. | 2517 Hampstead | Reporting person has complained about a roommates boyfriend living in the apartment and causing her to become nervous.

Non-criminal – informational | 1:52 p.m. | L.J. Rodrigues Dr. | Male student came to the MSU PD to ask for assistance to get his PlayStation back from his ex-girlfriend.

Nov. 18

Burglary: Habitation | 5:26 p.m. | Pierce Hall | Subject stated that he had two wristwatches taken from his room.

Accident: duty on striking unattended vehicle | 1:22 p.m. | Parking lot #16 | A vehicle was reported to have been damaged while parked in lot #16. Suspect vehicle fed the scene without leaving contact information.

Non-criminal – disturbance | 3:37 a.m. | Sunwatcher Village | Officer heard a disturbance at Building #3 at Sunwatcher Village.

Nov. 29

Accident: duty on striking unattended vehicle | 9:28 a.m. | | Parking lot #16 | Vehicle was involved in a hit and run accident in lot 16.

8 |Â Nov. 30, 2016 |

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR DECEMBER 3

A day of fun-filled events for all ages on the Midwestern State University campus. Join the Midwestern State University Theatre department in the Fain Fine Arts Theatre for A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm.* Starting at 3:00 pm, the Midwestern State University Music department will present the first of two FREE Holiday Gala's. The second concert will be at 7:00 pm. Both will be held in Akin Auditorium. At 5:00 pm, come join us for the MSU-Burns Fantasy of Lights 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run in the Hardin Administration lawn. From 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, several food trucks will be stationed adjacent to the lights. A variety of food, snack, and drink options are available. Seating and restroom facilities will be provided. While out at the food truck showcase, listen to DJ Maniac play a mix of holiday favorites. At 7:00 pm, head over to Legacy Hall to catch a FREE showing of the holiday classic ELF. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be served. * FREE FOR FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS

MWSU.EDU/FANTASY