The Lumberjack -- February 27, 2020

THIRSTING FOR SUCCESS THE LUMBER JACK

FEB. 27, 2020 – MAR. 4, 2020

PAGE 12

Online at JackCentral.org

From the Editor

I

t wasn’t until the end of my second year at NAU that I was able to find a steady job in Flagstaff.

With seemingly more students every year, it felt like not a single place in all of Flagstaff was hiring. The financial pressure from expensive living and higher tax rates were starting to get to me.

As a graphic and motion design student, the starving artist trope was an impending reality.

My current job as director of illustration I found completely by chance. I had reached the end of my limit job hunting and had determined I would try again the next semester. One afternoon when I was feeling particularly down on my luck, my good friend Colton told me he was graduating and needed someone to take his place as assistant director of illustration for The Lumberjack.

He definitely piqued my curiosity — an on-campus job in close proximity and I got to fulfill my passion for illustrating?

Colton introduced me to the current staff and took me to several meetings to help me feel more comfortable with the idea of being an assistant director.

I had zero experience working for The Lumberjack and was nervous about my MADISON chances and what the job would entail. Was I qualified? What if I am not COHEN talented as an artist as I see in my head? After a few weeks of indecisiveness, I DIRECTOR OF finally overcame my anxiety about the application process and submitted my ILLUSTRATION illustrative portfolio along with my polished application.

The interview was the best interview I had ever conducted in my entire life. The executive Lumberjack staff were bubbling with charisma, had friendly faces and even noticed the illustrated blazer I had worn specifically for the interview. I presented my case for my creative, innovative and outgoing self without fidgeting or stumbling over my words. Speaking about my favorite paintings and artistic passions made me feel comfortable, confident. I felt like me. That night when I got the call that I was not only hired but also hired as the director rather than assistant, I was ecstatic. My insecurities had almost held me back from finding the job that made me come into my leadership skills and my worth.

The process of applying for my job was lifechanging. I had been underestimating my capabilities and skills my entire life. NAU provided a job for me as well as a creative outlet where I could pursue my passions in both design and writing. I only wish NAU had more jobs like mine where students can combine their passions with their studies. Flagstaff becomes more expensive every day and the students are suffering the most from it. Despite the odds, I’m incredibly lucky for what the journalism area has given me. The Lumberjack is an extraordinary place to work for people of every background.

Whether an artist, photographer or writer, The Lumberjack has endless opportunities for you.

Thank you for reading.

THE LUMBERJACK VOL. 109 ISSUE 7

Editor-in-Chief Bailey Helton Faculty Adviser David Harpster

Phone: (928) 523-4921 Fax: (928) 523-9313 Lumberjack@nau.edu P.O. Box 6000 Flagstaff, AZ 86011

Director of Digital Content Managing Editor Copy Chief Senior Reporter Sabrina Proffitt Sebastian Moore Brady Wheeler Print Chief Sports Adviser Sales Manager Photo Adviser Bella Valenzuela Rory Faust Marsha Simon Taylor Mahoney

Media Innovation Center Editorial Board Op-Ed Editor Online News Editor Director of Social Media Caitlin Burke Ray Anne Galzote Shannon Degrange Asst. Op-Ed Editor Features Editor Ryan Dixon News Editor Ash Lohmann Sports Editor Scout Ehrler Asst. Features Editor David Church Asst. News Editor Jacob Meyer Asst. Sports Editor Karin Johnson Cameron Richardson Culture Editor Director of Circulation Nathan Manni Online News Editor Anel Lamadrid Senior Reporter Asst. Culture Editor Trevor Skeen Asst. Dir. of Circulation Nayomi Garcia Micah Meehan

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Director of Illustration Madison Cohen Asst. Dir. of Illustration Aleah Green Director of Photography Morgan Fisher Asst. Dir. of Photography Bess Valdez Senior Photographer Shannon Swain Director of Multimedia Shawn Patti

“There are so many great connections of Flagstaff with the discovery of Pluto, and that’s what we’re celebrating.”

– Kevin Schindler, Lowell Observatory historian The Pluto Discovery Telescope was used to discover Pluto 90 years ago by Clyde Tombaugh at Lowell Observatory. Unlike typical telescopes, the Pluto Discovery Telescope is an astrograph, meaning it imprints a photo on to a sheet of glass, which is then studied under a microscope.

Morgan Fisher | The Lumberjack

On the cover Junior student filmmaker Angela Marie Houston poses on the set of her UTV produced film “June Heist”, Feb. 21. Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

Corrections & Clarifications The Lumberjack is committed to factual correctness and accuracy. If you find an error in our publication, please email Bailey Helton at brs289@nau.edu.

PoliceBeat Feb. 17 At 8:42 a.m., staff at parking lot 13 reported a subject carrying a possible handgun case.

NAUPD responded, and the subject was contacted. The case was found to be for a hard drive.

At 4:01 p.m., a student at the San Francisco Parking Structure called to report the theft of their phone. NAUPD responded and took a report.

At 6:05 p.m., an RA at the Honors College called to report possible drug use in the building. NAUPD responded, and one student was deferred for minor in possession of alcohol.

Feb. 18 At 3:01 p.m., NAUPD reported graffiti on a garbage can, power boxes and a fire pit on the south side of the building at Roseberry Apartments.

At 9:07 p.m., staff at McConnell Hall reported an odor of marijuana. NAUPD responded, and three students were deferred for use and possession of marijuana. Two students were deferred for minor in possession of alcohol.

Feb. 19 At 6:05 a.m., a student at McKay Village called to report a vehicle that appeared to be following them. NAUPD responded, and the driver was contacted. He was looking for his lost cat.

At 3:08 p.m., a student at the University Union called to report the theft of an Apple Watch. NAUPD responded and took a report.

Fire Department (FFD) and a Guardian Medical Transport (GMT) responded. One student was arrested and booked into Coconino County Dentention Facility for assault with a dangerous instrument, endangerment and disorderly conduct.

Compiled by ray Anne Galzote building. NAUPD, FFD and GMT responded, and one non-student was located and transported to FMC for extreme intoxication.

At 7:18 p.m., a student at the Ernest CalderĂłn Learning Community called to report a group of people yelling Feb. 20 derogatory words at them.

At 12:14 a.m., staff at NAUPD responded, and the the Honors College reported case is open pending further a resident stuck in an elevator. investigation.

NAUPD responded, and the resident exited the elevator.

Feb. 23 At 12:04 a.m., an RA At 8:41 p.m., a student at the Honors College called called to report a suspicious to request assistance for an phone call. NAUPD responded intoxicated student. NAUPD, and determined the call to be FFD and GMT responded. fake.

The student was transported to FMC for treatment and At 9:39 p.m., an RA at will be criminally deferred Mountain View Hall called to for underage consumption of report a possible intoxicated alcohol. individual.

NAUPD responded, but no contact was At 8:54 a.m., an RA at made.

Reilly Hall reported a student who had passed out. NAUPD, Feb. 21 FFD and GMT responded.

At 10:04 a.m., a student One student was transported at the Knoles Parking Garage to FMC for unknown medical called to report a blue phone reasons. malfunctioning.

NAUPD responded, and the phone was At 9:46 p.m., a Resident scheduled for maintenance.

Hall Director at McConnell Hall called to report a At 7:09 p.m., an RA at subject going door-to-door Allen Hall called to report the asking students for personal odor of marijuana. NAUPD information.

NAUPD responded, and one student responded, but no contact was was criminally deferred for made. possession of marijuana and possession of drug At 10:58 p.m., an RA at paraphernalia.

Tinsley Hall called to report a subject in the building At 10:35 p.m., a student who was believed to have a at SkyView apartments called Denial of Access (DOA) on to report loud banging. file. NAUPD responded, and NAUPD responded, and the found the subject had a letter students were informed to from the Dean of Students quiet down. rescinding the DOA.

Feb. 22 At 10:18 p.m., a student At 4:33 p.m., a student at lot 45 reported having a rock called to report a subject thrown through their vehicle sleeping at the NAU window. NAUPD, Flagstaff Performing and Fine Arts

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Media Innovation Center adapting to cutbacks Scout Ehrler

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t the start of the fall 2019 semester, it became known to students who work in the Media Innovation Center (MIC) that the award-winning television news program, NAZ Today, had been reduced from four to two shows per week.

Since then, uncertainty has permeated the media center.

NAZ Today was cut back following the termination of news director Nick Rabe. Rabe — like most School of Communication staff and non-tenured faculty — was on a year-to-year contract, allowing the administration to terminate his employment with minimal warning. He was notified of the termination 90 days before the expiration of his contract. NAZ Today staff, as well as viewers, were unaware of the change until the start of the Fall 2019 semester and were not warned about the cutback in advance.

A 2018 program review conducted by a third party external review team of faculty members from comparable communication programs across the country recommended the MIC and its programs, specifically NAZ Today, should be expanded. It outlined several recommended steps to make the MIC “topnotch.”

“Lack of local media is filled through NAZ television, and that should continue to expand, along with print, multimedia journalism and radio offerings,” the program review suggested.

Despite these suggestions, Rabe was let go. NAZ Today is currently northern Arizona’s only television news program.

Rabe said his termination was attributed to an internal budget cut and he was let go solely to save money. Rabe was told his position would be safe through the fall 2019 semester up until it was eliminated May 2019.

“I was not let go for anything I did or didn’t do. I was told very pointedly by HR and by the next level up … that I had done exceptionally, that I had raised the level of that program way more than they thought would ever happen,” Rabe said. “When I started that job, no one thought we’d win the awards we won.”

NAZ Today won the first place Broadcast Education Association (BEA) award for television newscasts airing four or more shows per week in 2018 and 2019. When its broadcast was reduced, the show ceased to qualify for the BEA award.

Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), Karen Pugliesi, has asserted that the MIC experienced no budget cuts. However, this depends on how one defines the term.

“Our budget is not being cut ... one way I would describe it is the source we are using to pay the expense of instruction is changing,” Pugliesi said September 2019. “We’re not letting anyone go, we won’t have any fewer faculty, staff or [graduate assistants]. It’s not that there’s less money being put into it, it’s just that where that money is coming from is different than what it has been in the past.”

This statement is in direct contrast with the events that have occurred within the MIC, specifically during the 2019-2020 academic year.

The budget equation for the university is complex and will inevitably wax and wane with changes in enrollment, which dropped 3% this academic year. Therefore, the university budget increases or decreases according to incoming tuition money.

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However, the MIC budget is not intended to change dramatically.

“Some of it comes from money [the MIC] generates from advertising through The Lumberjack, some of it comes from the president’s office where they give us a certain amount of money,” Director of the School of Communication Brant Short said.

“Some of it comes from a budget line — I assume it’s a state budget line that’s been designated for that — so, that kind of pools together and we run the resources there. One of the things we were talking about was not just managing the budget more efficiently, but are there ways to rethink what the MIC does.”

The MIC buget indicated it receives $75,000 from the president’s office each fiscal year, as well as an additional endowment of $75,000 that is dedicated toward journalism, and money from summer and winter classes, which is classified as over-attainment. However, these funds are not specifically dedicated to the MIC or its programs.

Funding to print The Lumberjack generally comes from advertising revenue, which is reliant on the paper and procured via MIC sales manager Marsha Simon.

Most of this funding is stagnant, but The Lumberjack’s revenue has been decreasing steadily for a while, as reflected in an official MIC budget detailing fiscal years 2014-2019.

“We are under the same stresses that every newspaper in the country’s been under for a long time,” School of Communication associate director Jerry Thull said. “Basically, [advertising] was going down $20,000 or $50,000 every year. The trend had continued from the years before, but the years before we were making a lot of money.”

Simon said this was the result of a perfect storm of clients dropping out in response to a declining local economy and increased spending within the MIC. Between 2014 and 2018, ad revenue fell from $203,484 to

Over the last decade, print journalism has been in decline. According to Pew Research Center, only 37,900 employees remain in newsrooms.

Online advertising revenue has increased by 26% since 2012.

Infographic By Brady Wheeler

NEWS $109,345, according to the MIC budget. The Lumberjack’s reliance on ad revenue lends itself to disruptions in funding, something other departments and colleges at NAU do not need to grapple with. “[The MIC is] not meant to make money, it’s a lab. I always say, what if you worked for the chemistry department and they didn’t have a chem lab? How are kids going to learn? We don’t make them go out and do sales to pay for it,” Simon said.

The MIC experienced a $30,706 deficit in 2018, which rolled over into the 2019 fiscal year. The shortfall was covered by gifts totaling $93,306 from a handful of donors, according to the fiscal year 2019 budget.

“Lumberjack ad revenue is going down.

That’s the main problem. The school and the Scripps Foundation have been covering that shortfall since [fiscal year] 2015,” Thull said in an email. “I would say they just couldn’t keep up with increasing shortfall. The only money ever designated specifically for the operation of the MIC in regards to NAZ Today and The Lumberjack was the president’s $75,000 and that has never been cut.”

NAU President Rita Cheng said spending priorities are set by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR). Large allocation of funds to certain programs, such as STEM, research and athletics, are encouraged by ABOR. Numerous construction projects dedicated to these programs are in the works across campus, such as the $46 million High Performance Athletic Center and a new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) facility slated to replace the Babbitt Academic Annex and Peterson Hall, according to previous reporting in The Lumberjack.

According to NAU’s budget for the 2020 fiscal year, tuition has decreased by $7 million, but salary and wage expenses have increased by $2.1 million.

However, the staff cuts that have occurred within the MIC contrast this university-wide figure.

“I wasn’t the only one that was hit by these cutbacks or whatever you want to call it,” Rabe said in January. “I was told, in fact, even SBS was basically told toward the end of the semester, ‘You have to cut $100,000. Don’t care how you do it, just do it.’ … In that respect, my salary may have just been one of those things that was like, ‘OK, done. We saved a large chunk of money.’”

Beginning in fall 2020, the sales manager position will be eliminated from the MIC.

NAZ Today, which was cut from two weekly shows to four last fall, was gifted a new set in 2017, Sept. 24, 2019. Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

This has direct implications for the future of The Lumberjack’s print publication. Simon said each weekly 6,000-issue run of The Lumberjack costs approximately $1,400 to $1,900 to print, which adds up to about $65,000 annually.

Without advertising, the source of this funding is undetermined.

Simon sold $113,252 in advertising last year, a total that is intended to cover print costs — approximately $63,000 in 2019 — and her salary.

If these expenses exceed incoming ad revenue, other pools of money, like the $75,000 from the President’s Office, can be used to cover the cost of print. The university would usually spend about $65,000 on a benefitseligible, full-time employee like Simon.

Cheng said she does not have intentions to withdraw the $75,000, which the MIC receives from the President’s Office.

“If print goes away, there would be other costs associated, I would think, with getting your message out and other strategies, and possibly various kinds of software or platforms that you’d have to think about,” Cheng said.

“So, it wouldn’t be an automatic decision. I think it would depend on what the budget of the unit was.”

Although no decisions have been made

“When I started that job, no one thought we’d win the awards we won.”

– Nick Rabe, former NAZ Today News Director

when it comes to the future of The Lumberjack, there are varying discussions about the direction the MIC will take. Pugliesi said in a meeting with MIC students that her vision includes podcasts, an expanded virtual reality lab, a media research lab, esports and a possible news magazine. The School of Communication’s new Advanced Media Lab, which includes esports and virtual reality, was officially unveiled this week.

As previously mentioned, the MIC primarily relies on advertising revenue from The Lumberjack to support print. There are currently no course fees associated with journalism classes and the MIC programs that supplement the education. Pugliesi attributed this to a bureaucratic glitch that resulted in the elimination of journalism course fees several years ago.

In contrast, ASU recently implemented a tiered tuition system, which is broken down into four categories depending on the school a student is enrolled in. Each student pays a baseline tuition price, either in-state or out-of-state, and a program fee is added. These fees vary from $0 to $1,050. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication absorbs a flat rate of $1,050 in addition to tuition from each student.

“The new structure replaces the approximately 150 program fees and 6,000 course fees at ASU that impacted 92% of undergraduates,” according to The State Press.

Cronkite underwent the transition from print to primarily online, supplemented by a

monthly print magazine in 2014. This studentled decision was made internally and paralleled the patterns of the journalism profession outside of universities. Julia Shumway, past editor-inchief (EIC) of Cronkite’s The State Press noted the stress a weekly issue model places on college papers.

“Something I had noticed working as an editor in the newsroom was how tough it was,” Shumway said. “We were trying to both put together this super-sized print paper every week and also be competitive online. After I became EIC, we made the call that summer of 2014 to get rid of the print paper entirely online starting fall 2014.”

The State Press soon after incorporated a monthly magazine into their model. Shumway said this change was an improvement to the publication.

Across the country, student papers are either shutting down or transitioning to a primarily online platform.

The future of MIC programs remains unknown. The Lumberjack is expected to continue with the current print model through the 2020 academic year.

Additional reporting by Brady Wheeler

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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NEWS

Targeting human trafficking at a local level Molly Brown

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lagstaff’s public transit system, Mountain Line, was recently awarded an $87,000 Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Human Trafficking Awareness and Public Safety Initiative grant to aid collaboration with Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking (FIAT) for increasing local human trafficking awareness.

Kate Morley, interim deputy general manager of Mountain Line, said five major goals they hope to accomplish are training transit drivers to identify and report human trafficking, creating materials for continued training of bus personnel, displaying “victim centered awareness” signage on the interior and exterior of the buses, developing an app for

reporting suspicious activity and coordinating a workforce development program to assist victims trying to escape human trafficking.

Morley said this campaign funding helps further Mountain Line’s efforts, alongside FIAT, to better equip the public with the knowledge necessary for combatting human trafficking.

“We have people out in the community who are watching what’s going on and can see things, and then spread the word that way,” Morley said. “It’s really just about being a community partner in the fight against human trafficking.”

The FTA also awarded 23 other organizations grants in its attempt to assist with

Illustration By christian ayala

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human trafficking campaigns and initiatives throughout the country, and identifies reasons public transit systems are sought out, according to its website.

“Traffickers use all modes of transportation to conduct their activities and often use public transit because it is low cost, offers greater anonymity in buying fare cards, and provides less direct interaction with government or transit officials,” the FTA stated on its website.

Kate Wyatt, human trafficking project coordinator and FIAT creator, said the need for this campaign is important to provide knowledge and tools for bus drivers and riders as advocates. It will also ensure the public is aware of local support through shelters, social service agencies and law enforcement.

Due to many misconceptions about human trafficking, Wyatt said it is necessary to better educate the public for identifying these situations.

“There are many misperceptions surrounding human trafficking, a couple of examples — it doesn’t happen here [or] it is like the movie ‘Taken’ where you are grabbed off the street and disappear to a foreign country,” Wyatt said. “Most of the time, traffickers are people that survivors know and trust.

They can be family members, a boyfriend, girlfriend or acquaintance.”

Wyatt went on to explain how this relationship often develops and victims feel obligated to comply.

“Oftentimes, traffickers will spend time getting to know someone, spend quality time with them and groom them into ‘the life,’” Wyatt said. “They build trust and rapport with their victim — so that the victim stays loyal to them — and uses that as part of their victimization. Saying things like, ‘I need you to do this to make money for us,’ or, ‘You are going to be a huge star, you just have to do this first.’”

Wyatt said communication between local agencies and organizations, such as Northland Family Help Center, Flagstaff Shelter Services, Catholic Charities Community Services, Sharon Manor and the Arizona Department of Child Safety, have increased the number of cases

reported.

Wyatt also said the help of sting operations run by local law enforcement has decreased the human trafficking demand in Flagstaff.

“It’s really just about being a community partner in the fight against human trafficking.”

– kate morley, interim deputy general manager of Mountain line With the internet making it easier for traffickers to pinpoint victims, Wyatt cautioned people to be aware of those attempting to befriend a person online through chat and dating apps. She also warned of some signs that a person is possibly being victimized.

“If it seems like someone you are talking to or dating is trying to cut you off from your family or friends, making you disengage from activities you typically enjoy or participate in, is asking you to have sex with friends or other people, makes you get a tattoo or brands you in some other way, you should try to disengage with this person,” Wyatt said.

Both Morley and Wyatt explained they are looking forward to working together on this campaign to have an impact on human trafficking efforts locally and statewide with increased exposure and awareness.

“Human trafficking happens to people of all socio-economic backgrounds in our community,” Wyatt said. “We have had contact with 297 adults and 40 youth who have experienced human trafficking.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting “HELP” to 233733.

Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff is also available 24/7 and can be reached at 928527-1900.

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

7

OPINION-EDITORIAL

Grappling with grief while in college frank espinoza

Dress codes are distracting

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any high schools and middle schools nationwide have a dress code policy. The majority seem to be targeted toward female students. Schools outlaw clothing items that are commonly believed to be a distraction in the classroom, such as shorts, skirts, tank tops and crop tops. The problem with these restrictions is that they are sexist against female students, as these items are primarily women’s clothing.

Dress codes, which typically affect girls who are still in high school, send a message that girls’ bodies are a distraction, and are responsible for boys losing focus.

Girls are unfairly the victims of dress code policies. Boys aren’t typically subjected to the restraints of a dress code.

The concept of distraction comes up MADELINE often when discussing school dress codes, HOLLMANN but what the word distracting actually WRITER means is subjective. Anything can be considered distracting. There are many more distracting obstacles such as texting in class, which is an issue regardless of gender, that has not been dealt with.

Dress codes are a way of controlling what girls wear.

Oftentimes the clothing items that are banned are pieces that display shoulders or upper legs. By policing what girls are wearing to school, it is sexualizing young girls. To me, it sounds like schools are saying that girls should have to cover up their natural bodies because they are too distracting to be seen.

When students don’t comply to a dress code, they are shamed for it, causing extreme embarrassment. According to ABC News, one school in Florida went as far as to force a girl, who did not follow the dress code, to wear a so-called shame suit.

Oakleaf High School in Orange Park, Florida, forced 15-yearold Miranda Larkin to wear a large neon-yellow T-shirt that had the words “dress code violation” on the front. This neon atrocity of an outfit is way more distracting than a young girl wearing shorts or a tank top.

Another case of a female student being shamed because of a school’s dress code policy is when Lizzy Martinez, 17, did not wear a bra to school due to a painful sunburn. According to The New York Times, two school officials from Braden River High School in Florida pulled Martinez out of class and demanded that she put bandages over her nipples because they deemed it inappropriate she was not wearing a bra. The most inappropriate part of the situation is that school administrators were focused on a student’s breasts, rather than her education.

Dress codes should not shame young girls. Schools embarrass girls and make them feel insecure when they decide that their outfits are inappropriate for school. It does more harm than good to control what students are wearing to school.

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ne of the most difficult challenges in life is dealing with the emotions that come after a loved one has died. For a college student, dealing with death is a much harder and more complicated process.

College is a stage of life that brings drastic change, personal growth and, most importantly, maturity. College also brings fear, pressure and a newfound understanding of independence.

To many, grades are everything. Being a college student often means sacrificing personal health for academic success.

Those sacrifices manifest as long nights studying for an exam, reading notes and doing homework.

Students are pressured to obtain a high GPA in order to secure a job after graduation. When a family member or a close friend dies, everything changes.

Overwhelming sadness can make it almost impossible to focus on the next steps in life.

When I had an experience with a family member’s death, it changed my headspace and my outlook on school.

At the beginning of the semester, my mother called me, but I couldn’t answer at the time. I called her back once I was in my room. I vividly remember she picked up the phone and spoke in such a soft, gentle tone. At that moment, I knew something was wrong.

She told me that earlier in the week, my grandfather had died. She didn’t want to tell me immediately so I could focus on school and continue thinking everything was all right.

Being so far away from home, and in college with thousands of students, I had never felt so alone. For a while, I couldn’t even focus on homework or study for a quiz.

College is already so stressful, but having to grieve alone brings feelings of alienation, even in a crowd or surrounded by friends. Everyone else seemed to be experiencing the positives of college while all I felt were the negatives.

Feeling sadness and disconnection is normal during the grieving period, but when it starts to affect your day-to-day routine, you should reach out for support.

I made myself go to class every day to try to get back on track. Failing wasn’t an option for me. As long as I tried my best at studying and turning in assignments, I knew it would be OK in the end.

For those who are struggling like I was, NAU has resources for students experiencing personal issues that impact their academic success. Student Outreach and Support provides services and advice to help students.

Some of the services provided are encouraging students’ academic, personal and fiscal responsibilities. They also meet and maintain contact with students to address further needs.

It should be known that the school has a limited role. NAU’s counseling services have previously been notorious for a very long waitlist of students wanting to meet with a mental health professional, and charges a $25 fee per session after the free initial 25-minute appointment assessment, as reported by The Lumberjack in March 2019. Since then, a new program called Path to Care is being implemented by Counseling Services, which will focus on “matching a student’s immediate needs with available resources,” according to NAU’s website. The resulting plan can include Counseling Services or off-campus resources.

NAU offers support to help students continue to follow their goals of academic success. Typically, everyone goes through some form of a rough period while in school. Grieving shouldn’t continuously impact your grades or personal health.

NAU must address these needs in a more effective manner and consider the limitations of students’ financial situations when charging for counseling appointments.

Mental health accessibility is already something students pay for through the Health and Learning Center fee of $275 per semester, according to NAU’s official website, as well as the current fee breakdown on LOUIE’s account inquiry service, which every student is required to pay alongside tuition.

Another form of support is through teachers and staff members at NAU. Reaching out to a teacher and letting Illustration By shelsey braswell them know that you’re going through a difficult time is crucial to staying on track in school. They can be understanding and sympathetic toward your struggles.

College is said to be the happiest years of one’s life, but when death in a family occurs, it makes the experience awkward and uncomfortable. There are many factors that make grieving in college a lonely and unhappy experience.

Despite these adversities, it is important to reach out and get help. A significant amount of students, at some point, have a traumatic experience during their college career. Though there are resources from the school and faculty for any student that is struggling, more should be done to support students when they need it the most.

COMIC SPOT COMIC By DIANA ORTEGA

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

9

OPINION-EDITORIAL

On-campus jobs should be prioritized trinity archie

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or many NAU students, college is not financially possible without a job. We struggle with Flagstaff’s high living costs and all the expenses that come along with attending college.

This includes books, tuition, meal plans and more. Many students rely on maintaining a job to afford rent in Flagstaff.

NAU’s Flagstaff Mountain campus student population was 22,791 as of fall 2019, according to NAU’s website. This, combined with Flagstaff’s current population of 71,975, leaves limited off-campus job opportunities for students seeking employment. In addition, off-campus jobs are an inconvenience to student schedules and add extra travel expenses.

On-campus jobs are the best option for those attending NAU. NAU needs

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prioritize student employment. This would make educational expenses less of a burden and likely increase enrollment. For many current NAU students, Flagstaff living is impractical without a job. An increase in on-campus employment could result in an influx of students who otherwise could not afford to attend NAU. According to the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, the city’s cost of living is 15% greater than the national average.

This is a huge obstacle for the typical college student who is already struggling financially.

The university should take this information into account when evaluating student employment. Instead, student hours at Sodexo have been cut.

An article published by The Lumberjack explained that NAU Campus Dining cut student hours following the start of the spring 2020 semester. Sodexo manages most on-campus dining locations.

o Illustration By amy czachowski

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The company employs 530 NAU students, as well as 255 nonstudents. Many students working for the company are employed through the Federal Work-Study Program.

“OFF-CAMPUS JOBS ARE AN INCONVENIENCE TO STUDENTS SCHEDULES AND ADD EXTRA TRAVEL EXPENSES.” A student told The Lumberjack that they may not be able to continue attending NAU as a result of the cut hours.

If student employment at the university is not prioritized, this could become a pattern.

Another grievance of current student workers is NAU’s student wage. Student wages were increased from $8 to $10 an hour in 2019. This $2 jump is still not reflective of Flagstaff’s current $13 an hour minimum wage.

This low wage pushes students to utilize online resources like Handshake to find jobs. According to NAU’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, Handshake serves as an online recruiting system for students seeking employment, either on or off campus.

A quick Handshake job search reveals that there are very few employment opportunities available. Instead, the website is flooded with companies seeking students for door-to-door sales positions disguised as internships.

Another employment resource offered is NAU Career Development. The program helps students during all stages of career advancement. Assistance is offered for employment beyond graduation as well as on-campus.

NAU Career Development works with student resumes and other employment application materials. The program also provides assistance for those looking to improve their Handshake profiles.

NAU is not the only university to have a shortage of oncampus jobs. This university is smaller than UA and ASU, and is located in a small town, so students do not have as many on- or off-campus employment options. These are the unique challenges NAU faces in expanding on-campus employment.

However, this does not negate the unique challenges we face as NAU students. As reported by The Lumberjack, NAU freshmen are required to purchase meal plans that average $2,816 per semester. The university also offers less financial aid than surrounding colleges. CampusReel, a website that compiles information on national university statistics, estimates the average ASU financial aid package is about $10,907. NAU’s average financial aid package is only $8,308.

While NAU does not have complete control over these factors, this information should motivate the university to expand student employment. More employment opportunities could lead to an enrollment increase.

OPINION-EDITORIAL

The concerning cult-like worship of politicians shawn patti

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eligion and politics have more in common than many may consider.

Self-identification is an important cornerstone of what we interact with. Modern culture dictates that we often align ourselves with groups that share our same views and opinions. Political parties have become a succinct demonstration of this phenomenon. According to an article by Stanford’s news website, political affiliations are stronger identifiers in the United States than race, gender and religion.

However, religion is an apt comparison to political parties.

Religious institutions operate on the basis of three main pillars: tenets, the individual beliefs and practices; hierarchy, the way the coalition is organized; and superiority, the unanimous opinion that one’s group is more correct than another. These three tenets are exactly what we see in political organizations, such as the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and Republican National Convention (RNC).

Candidates and political platforms are deified. We worship politicians running for office on belief structures similar to our own while rejecting the doctrine of other organizations.

This is fundamentally the political equivalent of piety.

This is a practice we should aim to change.

It is far too easy to get caught up in the pseudo-religious dogma of our personal political affiliations. We owe it to ourselves, and to those around us, to critically analyze and contemplate our beliefs outside the spectrum of party platforms and candidates. If we do not, we are vulnerable to reverting back to the old fashioned practices of dissent — violence.

The federal system of governance that the U.S. uses is built on the foundation of peaceful dissent.

The willingness to join a group for the purposes of outweighing another faction is standard practice, but it often leads to political zealotry, which means fanatically following an idea or a group.

Dissent within our own political factions seems trivial and constructive. However, speaking with someone of a rival faction is seen as shameful and grounds for isolation from your own party. This practice leads to polarization.

We should aspire to be better.

Candidates from any party must stand on their own beliefs and policies, rather than the support and backing of their respective organizations. The same goes for institutions built on the concept called identity politics, which is the practice of forming alliances with individuals of similar race, gender and background. Candidates should be forced to compare and contrast their ideas freely without

bias from or fear of the organizations that they represent.

For example, the DNC is currently conducting its nationwide primary to nominate its candidate for the 2020 presidential election.

For many, the primary is a speed bump on the way to their ultimate goal, which is the ousting of President Donald Trump.

I have heard on numerous occasions that people will vote for whoever wins the Democratic nomination.

The

majority of support for the election of a Democrat over the reelection of Trump is a common staple in many political debates throughout campus.

I ask this: Who will you vote for?

Many, I presume, would say they would vote for the DNC nominee. For a few, they would speak of voting third party, either in support or in protest. Another faction would align with the RNC and Trump. I would be surprised, as I’m sure many of us would, to hear someone say they don’t know.

Many voters don’t look at policies. If they do, they are willing to compromise with radical differences to their own standards if it means their party would be victorious.

Policy and ideas are what should guide our vote throughout any election, not blind adherence to a party platform.

In religion, we are susceptible to the marginalization of others. Loyalty over morality, and consistency over contemplation. The same goes for political affiliations, where we often treat people of differing opinions as opponents or enemies.

We are not enemies. The vast majority of humans want similar luxuries: peace, prosperity and friendship.

We have different solutions to achieving these goals, but we ultimately have similar desired outcomes. It is paramount that we provide ourselves the ability to disagree with our own party and work toward changing the current political climate.

This election season, I challenge everyone to debate with someone from the opposite viewpoint. Make a friend from another party.

Change the standard you live.

The only way to change the world around us is to change with it.

Illustration By tonesha yazzie

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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Behind the scenes of st Alliya Dulaney

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hen junior Angela Marie Houston, a creative media and film major, was 9 years old, she begged her parents for a “Pirates of the Caribbean” camcorder that could record 30 minutes of video for Christmas. Instead, she got a flip camera that could record 60 minutes.

While it was no “Pirates of the Caribbean” camcorder, Houston said she was at that age when she began making videos. From stop motion videos in her room to short movies in high school, it was always Houston and her camera — a possible foreshadowing of what was ahead.

One of her first classes her freshman year of college was CMF 129: Beginning Screenwriting. In that class, Houston said students were assigned to write a screenplay based on an adjective they drew out of a hat.

“Thirst” was the word Houston drew and it was the word that gave way to the short film “June Heist.” It was the word that eventually provided Houston the opportunity to attend the Phoenix Film Festival, an annual celebration of feature films and shorts, for the sixth time.

The idea of “June Heist” came to Houston while sitting in her dorm laundry room during her freshman year. Houston said an image popped into her head and she envisioned a woman in the laundry room.

“I saw it all in my brain and I thought that’s really interesting, I wonder who this is,” Houston said. “So, then I jotted it down on my phone and started writing, and it kind of spiraled from there.”

“June Heist,” presented by UTV Studios and written and directed by Houston, is the story of a single mother, June, as she battles the effects of poverty while fighting for her daughter’s happiness. For Houston, June thirsts for the opportunity to escape an overwhelming sense of financial turmoil, while caring for her daughter, Olivia, and trying to create a better life for both of them.

Houston said the inspiration for this short film came from stories told by others, as well as pieces of her personal life, including being raised by her single mom.

“The single motherhood came from my mom,” Houston said. “I do know a lot of people who have single moms. I think it’s important to have some sort of light in the cinema about it. As long as it’s not a straight white man as the main character. We could do so many more different things.”

The producer of “June Heist,” sophomore Ruth Nance, said she was raised by a single mother. Nance said Houston’s script reminded her of her mother and the struggles she

“I’m only the weakes te

– Angela m junior cre and fil

Actor and NAU alumna Alaina Laethem (left) and actor Maddie Andonie (right) in “June Heist.”

Photo courtesy of Angela Houston

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FEATURES

tudent film ‘June Heist’ endured.

“The first thing that intrigued me about the script was the female empowerment,” Nance said. “I believe UTV has had only one other short with a female lead. I thought that Angie’s script was different than anything else UTV had produced and I was eager to be a part of that change.”

UTV faculty adviser Bill Carter has known Houston for two years. Carter said when Houston first handed him the script during the scriptwriting process, the two went back and forth in long, creative talks about what Houston wanted to achieve with the story.

When it comes to directing and writing a film, Houston said the first part of creativity is letting oneself have the time to think about it. Even though thinking isn’t a physical act, it’s the most important part of everything that is being done.

Actor and NAU alumna Alaina Laethem, who played June in the film, first met Houston at auditions. Laethem said one of her favorite moments on set was being surrounded by creative individuals who pushed themselves toward success.

“They did not show up to be mediocre,” Laethem said.

Carter said many qualities go into being a director, including communication, artistic vision, listening, having a clear sense of the story, and how the characters in the script are rooted in tangible actions and behaviors in a scene.

As a result of creating this film, Houston said she grew a lot as a director. She experienced what it felt like to make mistakes and fix them, and that it all came with the process of being a director.

Houston said that when directing, the most important quality is collaboration. She said there are many brains in a room, and a director’s job is to use them. Essentially, collaboration is about having a team that can take advice from one another in a civil manner.

“I’m only as good as the weakest link on my team,” Houston said. “Everybody around me should be so much better than me in the sense that if everybody around me is better, it

as good as st link on my eam”

marie Houston, eative media lm major

inspires me to become better. And if everybody else is better, then I assume that they all are inspired by each other.”

“June Heist” was filmed in six, 12-hour days. Houston said the process was very draining, but filming gave her such a rush that the thought of going to bed was put toward the back of her mind. She said passion is what drives an individual to wake up the next morning to go to set.

“You do it because you love it,” Houston said. “You love it so much, with a burning passion, that you can’t think about anything else. It’s so great.”

Houston said her creativity is going to keep changing and merging styles in the future. She said that every day presents new opportunities to discover and learn. Creativity is a trait that many college students are trying to find. A campus environment is about trying to find what defines a person’s creativity, specifically their voice.

“Never limit yourself,” Houston said.

In the Independent Short Awards, an international film festival based in Los Angles, “June Heist” was awarded Silver for Best Acting Duo, Gold for Best Student Short Film and Platinum for Best Student Director (Female).

Carter said it is a fantastic testimony to how hard Houston and her crew worked to make a film that can be featured at film festivals.

“UTV Studios always hopes that our films will make it into as many festivals as possible,” Carter said. “Angie wrapped a film in late November of 2019 and by January, it was at a festival. We can’t ask for a bigger endorsement of our CMF program or what our students in UTV are doing.”

Laethem said the film receiving such awards is a milestone and a validating symbol.

She said that hard work was noted, appreciated and in one way or another, very much celebrated.

“It wouldn’t be possible without my crew,” Houston said. “None of this would be possible without my crew. In no way, shape or form could I do this by myself, and so, I would have to give the biggest thanks to anybody who ever worked on it for anything that they did because I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Having the UTV community to support

her creativity was Houston’s favorite memory of being a director. Houston said having her crew work alongside her allowed her to have the space to be creative.

At her audition, Laethem said her first impression of Houston was her unbelievable amount of energy. Laethem said Houston’s willingness to write something, but then give up that control to actors to interpret her work, was an incredible experience.

“This is a woman that is to be reckoned with and I cannot wait to see what she produces, and how her identity and thought process matures,” Laethem said. “She has such a creative caliber that is just out of this world. I would say that she is in one word: unstoppable.”

“June Heist” is set to be featured at the Phoenix Film Festival, which begins March 26, where it will be screened to the public.

Houston said it’s an honor to attend the Phoenix Film Festival with “June Heist.” She said the honor would not be in winning anything, but getting to be screened with other artists who are also passionate about what they do.

Those involved in creating “June Heist” resolved that when it comes to creativity, there are no limits. What is imagined can be possible.

The short film displayed how diverse minds can come together to make something that displays the power of collaboration and ingenuity.

Student filmmaker and junior Angela Houston poses on the set of her UTV produced film “June Heist,” Feb. 21.

Madison Easton | The Lumberjack

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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FEATURES

NAU Army ROTC ranked No. 1 in the region Camille Sipple

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he NAU Army ROTC program’s top ranking in its eightstate Southwest region is just one of its many achievements, alongside the countless successful military students the program helps mold each year. Some of the individuals in NAU’s Army ROTC sat down to discuss their experiences in the program and their dedication to academics.

Lt. Col. Timothy Sartori, professor of military science, defined Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) as a leadership course. Sartori said through the program, he and his colleagues successfully prepare the next generation of Army officers.

ROTC program students are also automatically eligible for full-tuition scholarships and financial assistance.

“We’re paying for college, we give them a job, no student loans and we just kind of set them up for success moving forward,” Sartori said.

Sartori said the instructors and cadets were extremely honored to be rated first out of a total of 36 programs.

Master Sgt. John Ozment said he is also very proud of the program receiving the top rank, even though he has not been a part of NAU’s ROTC staff for very long.

“It’s awesome,” Ozment said. “I’m fairly new to the program, so to come in and within the first few months that I’m here get ranked No. 1 in the region just makes you think, ‘Wow, I got picked to go to an awesome program.’”

Maj. Denys Buschmann said it is nice to receive recognition for all the hard work put in by both the cadets and the instructors.

He said the ranking is a type of validation, so the instructors know their training is high quality and on the right path for molding their students into productive military officers.

Senior Charles Haycraft-McKee, a current fourth-year cadet, said the organization truly allows each individual to build their own leadership style.

“I wanted to be able to join something bigger than myself, so I think an organization like the Army is a great way to do that,” Haycraft-McKee said.

In order to produce an ROTC program that is outstanding enough to be ranked first in its region, there must be a strong drive for success within the students, as well as the staff of the program. Haycraft-McKee said it is no secret within NAU’s Army ROTC that the instructors are a big part of everything the program strives to be and every success students reach.

Senior, cadet and former Master Sgt. Byron Krepcho decided to return to school after serving in the military. Krepcho said the most important aspect for any ROTC program is that the professors and staff are able to make that program function successfully in every way.

“For an ROTC program to be recognized across the nation, within all of the eight brigades, shows the level of commitment that university has to its students, along with the level of commitment that the [staff] and the cadets have toward success,” Krepcho said.

Cadet and sophomore Skylar Gilbert said although everyone

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Senior, cadet and former Master Sgt. Byron Krepcho is one of the students who has benefitted from NAU’s ROTC program, Feb. 24. Shannon Swain | The Lumberjack

in the program works hard, the instructors are the ones who truly move the program along and get everything done.

“In the Army, there are a lot of switching positions,” Gilbert said. “So, it’s incredible that we can all, especially the [staff], keep that momentum going, even with things always changing.”

Haycraft-McKee said he has noticed the professors and instructors within the program have built a culture of excellence.

He said this type of culture has impacted the mindset of cadets at NAU, creating elevated expectations of everything they do.

Similarly, Ozment reflected on the exceptional staff that NAU’s ROTC program is privy to. He said one aspect he deeply enjoys is being surrounded by professionals that share the same love and ideals he has.

Along with preparing young cadets with skills that will help them succeed in their future military aspirations, the ROTC also provides a sense of community for new students.

“We give them kind of a built-in community as well,” Buschmann said. “Instant friends, instant people to hang out with . . . [ROTC] can assist them in the transition from being a high school student to a college student.”

Buschmann explained that the basic military activities that are led within the program build friendship. He said cadets are able to come together in a squad of seven to 10 of their peers of varying ages.

“You’re going to be really close with a lot of other freshmen and sophomores,” Buschmann said. “And then you’ll have some juniors and seniors above you to get advice from, even if it has nothing to do with the military.”

Haycraft-McKee said from his experience, ROTC tends to be a very tight-knit group of students who create strong friendship ties due to their shared struggles and triumphs.

“We do everything from working out in the morning together to learning about military lifestyle and preparing to

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become officers in the Army,” Haycraft-McKee said.

From a student or cadet’s point of view, ROTC can look very different and hold many new challenges. Gilbert said ROTC provides a good learning environment that can make people very vulnerable at times because it tends to throw its cadets into new or challenging situations to help them expand their perspective.

One of the traits that ROTC training can consistently pull out of its new recruits is confidence. Sartori said general confidence and self-confidence are some of the most important qualities he sees in successful ROTC students.

Both Gilbert and Haycraft-McKee explained that throughout their time in the program, they have gained a level of confidence they never had before.

“I’ve become a lot more confident in myself,” Gilbert said.

“I’m doing stuff that I never even knew existed or never saw myself doing.”

Krepcho said there is a certain thought process to success in a program like ROTC, because it gives cadets the chance to challenge themselves and push their limits.

Gilbert also said resilience is key to finding one’s path in ROTC, as well as within the military itself. She said there are a lot of obstacles individuals must overcome to become the best cadets, and eventually military officers. Once a cadet finds their sense of resilience and confidence, there are certain military values that begin to govern their lives and become second-nature.

“We live by the Army values, so it’s leadership, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage,” Haycraft-McKee said. “So, that’s kind of what we try to emulate and live by in everything that we do here, both inside this program and out.”

Ozment said seeing cadets progress from a civilian to a soldier is one of the best parts of an ROTC program. He said he witnesses the growth and development of his cadets in ways most people can’t see.

Many of the Army ROTC instructors constantly give nonROTC students reasons why participating in this program is such a good idea, in their eyes.

“If you want an opportunity to get paid to go to school, get a job, no student loans, why not give yourself the opportunity to serve your country for 4 to 6 years,” Sartori said.

Buschmann emphasized that Army ROTC is what each student makes of it. He said if a student comes in with a positive mindset and outlook on it, then it’s going to be a great program for them.

Both Sartori and Buschmann expressed their opinion that the Army ROTC cadets are truly some of the best and definitely within the top 1% in the country. Krepcho said the mindset of the students and cadets were really what encouraged him to return to school.

An open mind is what current cadets, such as Krepcho, Haycraft-McKee and Gilbert, emphasize as one of the most important parts of joining ROTC. Each of them explained that though there are immense challenges awaiting new recruits, Army ROTC is a program that provides its students with skills that will help them to excel in every aspect of their lives.

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FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE

Downtown booming with party bikes “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Flagstaff,” Hodson said. “I think everything went he collection of four-wheeled, high occupancy perfectly.” bikes seen around downtown Flagstaff are often Of course, the party bikes are great for a night on the called party bikes because riders are seen going town but they are also great for different kinds of tours. from local stores, restaurants and bars while having a AZ Segway and Pedal Tours offers haunted and historic great time. These bikes typically fit between seven and 14 tours, where riders are taken on a one-hour-guided trip passengers and each person pedals to power the vehicle. through downtown.

For those new to Flagstaff, the bikes are a way to explore The tours are not only for the city’s newcomers. and learn about the city by taking tours downtown.

Nabours said Flagstaff natives who have taken this tour The most entertaining tours tend to be the ones often learn something new along the way. The tours offered on the party bikes through locally owned and are designed for riders to become enriched in Flagstaff’s operated companies, like AZ Segway and Pedal Tours. It history while having a blast. offers pub crawls and family friendly tours on party bikes The tour guides are also what makes the experience.

— there is truly something for everyone.

Showing the group around and guiding the party, the AZ Segway offers a variety of tours, including tour guide is there to ensure riders are having the most restaurants and bars, and a “Historic Downtown Tour” fun possible. that takes passengers through downtown and the Sasha Hales, who has been working surrounding areas, including the NAU as a tour guide for the company for five campus. The tours through years, said the transportation itself is AZ Segway tours can his favorite part. be taken on Segways, “The mode of transportation is the most fun,” Hales said. “We do it all. individual We’ve got something bikes or the party for everybody of all bikes. ages that gets them T h e excited.” company is on a This just goes bring-your-ownto show the true beverage policy. enjoyment AZ Riders are allowed Segway employees to bring alcoholic get from hosting beverages as long tours. The passion as they are not employees straight liquor or have for their in a glass bottle. work is shown Food and coolers are in the enthusiasm Illustration By Madison Cohen also allowed. they have when they talk One of the most common about their jobs. questions the owner of AZ Segway is asked is if the bikes Nabours is a Flagstaff are actually pedal-powered. The answer is yes. Riders get native and wants to see the city to have an amazing experience learning about Flagstaff prosper. He said that understanding while also getting a quick workout. the community and culture of the city is paramount in Blake Nabours, owner of AZ Segway and Pedal keeping people in town.

Tours, said there are conceptions of party bikes and how “A major problem with colleges is the retention they might be different than imagined. rate,” Nabours said. “I have a theory that if I was able to “During the ride, everyone says, ‘Oh my God, this take freshmen on tours, that they will be more inclined to is hard,’ and then once we’re finished they always say, ‘Oh stay because they’d get a better understanding of what the my God, that was so much fun,’” Nabours said.

Flagstaff community has to offer, rather than just what is Twenty-first birthdays in Flagstaff are commonly offered on campus.” celebrated with one’s first legal drink. Taking a pub crawl The party bikes are one of the many exciting activities tour through downtown is a starting point. Junior Blake in Flagstaff, and employees at AZ Segway really put their Hodson decided to spend his 21st birthday going on a hearts into making sure everyone who takes a ride has an party bike pub crawl. amazing experience.

Lisa Hall

Lost faith in humanity? Read this book

I

magine you are wrongfully charged with two counts of capital murder, sentenced to death by electrocution for crimes you did not commit and are locked away for 23 hours daily, awaiting your execution like a pig in a slaughterhouse.

Life stops immediately. You can no longer see your loved ones, kiss your children or even walk to the mailbox on your own free will. The concept of time becomes an illusion. Holidays spent with family, anniversaries, siblings aging — everything passes by while you’re running in place. Your life belongs to the government and the mice infesting the prison’s interior have more freedom than you. Hell, at least they can enter and exit the place as they please.

This was the gutting reality for Anthony Ray Hinton of Praco, Alabama, for nearly 30 years. He grew up in a church, loved his mother and best friend, Lester, more NATHAN than anything, and had never as much been in a fight on MANNI the school playground, but the state of Alabama framed CULTURE EDITOR him as a ruthless killer, one that would put a gun to your head and pull the trigger for some hundred dollars. The day he was arrested, he was mowing the lawn at his mother’s house when the police came knocking. He wrote about it in a first-person account in 2018, a memoir called “The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row.” Hinton’s life seems despairing and halted at one point, but he never lost hope. He watched as friendships made on death row were unexpectedly destroyed, as the guards would come like a thief in the night to take someone to the electric chair. Peers executed, hearing the news of his mother’s passing and having his appeal delayed repeatedly for three decades sounded like enough to kill a man’s spirit and will to live, but not Hinton. He was a beacon of light to everyone on the row and even made prison guards smile on occasion. Nobody could ever take his joy away.

I paid $5 for this book off the sale rack at Barnes & Noble, and I felt like I’ve stolen it. I would’ve paid four times more if I knew how much it would’ve moved me. Hinton speaks directly to you, telling about the one-hour walks home from high school baseball practice with Lester, his love for his mother’s cooking, taking her fishing and to church, and how all of that was taken from him for no good reason. By the end of the book, you feel like you know Hinton personally and can genuinely relate to him.

Hinton is now a free man and travels the world telling his story, fighting for prison reform and making up for lost time. Now, I’m watching his interviews on YouTube because I cannot get enough of this man’s positive spirit and passion for life itself, even after he was robbed of so much time. It is a heavy read, but one that is immensely impactful, and I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. Hinton’s story will change your life.

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Musician David Gans performed original songs and classic covers at Orpheum Theater, Feb. 19. Sharon Holtaway | The Lumberjack

David Gans becomes the voice of the Dead Olivia Charlson

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usician David Gans is a man whose passion for music knows no boundaries.

Gans is a singer and songwriter who has traveled while creating and performing his music. He is a longtime “Deadhead,” a superfan of the classic band the Grateful Dead, and has worked with the band as a music journalist and has expressed himself through their music. Gans’ story shows that a shove in the right direction can lead to all sorts of opportunities and that dreams only die if one lets them.

Gans performed Feb. 19 at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. The venue set up a lounge-style seating area with a small stage, intimate seating by the bar and dim lighting.

Gans has been performing at the Orpheum for years and tries to return every winter for shows.

He attracted a small crowd of old friends, fans and new listeners who came out for a night of live music.

Gans’ music was charming and soulful.

He inspired imagery by singing about the love he holds for his wife, long road trips and the world through his own eyes. Gans has attracted fans through their shared love of the Grateful

Dead, and many locals came out to support the performance.

Miranda Sweet is the owner of Rainbow’s End, a local clothing shop in town, and has been coming to the Orpheum since it took over as a music venue in the early 2000s. She said in all her time seeing shows, she has only been to such an intimate show a couple of times. Sweet said she is a Deadhead and has been seeing Gans for years.

“This performance was a nice opportunity to see a show with some friends,” Sweet said. “I love watching a solo artist that can really grasp your heart. It really made me feel what he was singing about.”

Flagstaff local Charles Rothe is a longtime Grateful Dead fan, and has been attending Gans’ performances for years. Rothe likes Gans’ music because it is against the norm, which Rothe said he can relate to.

“He not only plays Grateful Dead music, but he has wonderful music of his own,” Rothe said. “It’s very creative music with humor and it is very insightful. He does a really good take on the Grateful Dead.”

Gans spends most of his time performing now, but his past has given him the titles of music journalist, radio host, author, songwriter

and musician. Gans works as a radio show host talking about Grateful Dead, but he spends most of his time now trucking around and playing music.

“I call my music literate, improvisational folk rock with looping,” Gans said. “I am very much a direct descendant of the Grateful Dead in the sense that they wrote a lot of really great songs. They took a lot of songs from other people and made them into their own music, and then they stitched them all together with jams and improvisation. I do those three things in my own way.”

Gans said one of the lessons the Grateful Dead taught him is that music can come from anywhere. He originally started writing for music magazines because he wanted to learn about music and meet people. He got more opportunities to do Grateful Dead-related work and through fortunate happenstances, he got the opportunity to write books about the Grateful Dead.

Gans said he went to KFOG radio station in San Francisco to promote the book when the station was doing its weekly show about the Grateful Dead. Gans said he had told the station about his knowledge of the band and his tape collection, and he offered to help. He

was eventually hired to do the show and got contacted by radio shows across the country.

Gans said he contacted the managers for the Grateful Dead and they were excited because it was good promotion. Gans said the band trusted him to do it because other musicians knew of his work.

“So, literally it has been a series of fortunate episodes — I didn’t plan any of this,” Gans said.

“These doors opened up and I was smart enough to walk through them. I’m here 35 years later, in fact, yesterday was the 35th anniversary of my first radio broadcast. I became a scholar by virtue of being a musician, who was also a journalist and who knew the music. The guys in the band sort of trusted me to help the world understand them as musicians and not just cultural phenomena.”

Gans has a rich history of music in his life.

He has been writing songs since he was in high school, had opportunities to work very closely with his favorite band and perform his music to people that care about him. He preaches what he believes and he creates pictures for the audience.

Gans has reached out and pulled in fans who are touched by his folk rock music about life and his dedication to being a Deadhead.

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020| THE LUMBERJACK

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CULTURE resonate with the viewers like those who have ever loved or lost. he NAU Department of Theatre staged “Eurydice goes through a unique journey its first play of the spring season in the of letting others decide her fate and at the end Clifford E. White Theater, a tale of she decides what she really wants,” Lopezromance called “Eurydice.”

Castillo said.

Orpheus is known as the best musician and Beckwith said he enjoyed preparing for the poet in Greek mythology. In this play, Eurydice play with the rest of the cast and learing about dies on her wedding day, and travels to the his character. underworld. “Eurydice” is a reimagining of the “The whole thing has been a blast,” original myth by award-winning playwright, Beckwith said. “Working with people I haven’t Sarah Ruhl. In “Eurydice,” the audience sees the worked with before, finding my character and tale play out from Eurydice’s perspective, which how he is presented to the audience has been gives new insight into the love story. great.”

“Eurydice” is directed by NAU Theatre With the complexity and emotional layers professor Nathanael Johnson, a recent addition of the play, it is quite a feat that the actors to the faculty in fall 2019. The playwright’s hit all the comedic cues while still letting the direction to not have an intermission was upheld. sentimental nature of the play shine. LopezHowever, the 80-minute Castillo understood and play flies by thanks to the “The biggest challenge was captured the complexity of seamless transitions and the the character. making her bigger than immersive acting.

“I love her courage and “We have a season her joy,” Lopez-Castillo said. life.” selection committee “I hate that she is indecisive.

– Amanda Lopez-Castillo, comprised mostly of faculty,” The biggest challenge was Johnson said. “We also have making her bigger than life Lead actress student representatives from and singing and dancing. all the areas of study. We try That was totally out of my to choose works from all genres with enough element but has been a fun process. I also had to variety over four years, because this is how long work hard on creating different sides of her since a student is with the university and they can be she’s literally going on a journey to remember.” exposed to a wide breadth of works.”

The daughter and father scenes were This play interweaves earthly and other- especially engaging, as the audience is given the worldly elements, as well as the old and the new. chance to look into the special bond of these two Greek mythology is also combined with many characters. Lopez-Castillo and Beckwith elevate classic American themes. The play opens with this relationship with a special chemistry of the characters in ’50s swimwear, which later nurturing and true love. transitions to the characters dance to the classic Many of the actors thanked their director song “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” by Glenn for believing in them. Johnson said theater Miller. There is a Greek chorus but also high- should be more inclusive and welcoming. rise apartments, a wedding takes place and the “Theater needs to be more by the people audience is transported to the underworld. The and for the people,” Johnson said. “It is still, I stage set up is dynamic with a secondary level think, this intimidating, expensive thing to go built to demonstrate multiple locations at once. and see where a lot of people don’t feel like they Lighting, mist and sound effects work to create belong in a theater or that they’re welcome … the illusions of these other worlds and characters they’re watching plays by and large that are not traveling between them. written for them, that don’t speak to them. It The actors themselves reflect the play’s needs to be more accessible and more inclusive, composition with many new faces performing embrace more diversity and it needs to empower their first NAU play, and seasoned actors more voices.” performing their last. The lead couple falls into With students taking on large roles within the latter category with junior Amanda Lopez- each production, and knowledgeable and Castillo and senior Spencer Beckwith playing supportive faculty, NAU Theatre is reaching the daughter and father. high levels of inclusivity.

“I had no real training with the exception Young love can be superficial and it is the of one summer program,” Lopez-Castillo said. familial ties that bring people back to what “To prepare for the role, I read the play many is important. “Eurydice” is the antithesis of times over and always tried to be open-minded superficial, and there is still plenty of time to to guidance on creating her.” catch this love story with a twist. The show will She discussed how the audience could love run until Sunday, March 1. the Eurydice character and how her story can

Cynthia Gerber

T

‘Eurydice’ and her story of love

Eurydice, played by Amanda Lopez-Castillo, performs during a dress rehearsal in the Clifford E. White Theater, Feb. 19. Megan Ford-Fyffe| The Lumberjack

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CULTURE

NAU Salon Show: Inclusivity on display

Left: Sophomore Raymond Enriquez, art major, is the first to explore the NAU Salon Show which opened Feb. 18 in the Beasley Gallery. The show will run until March 6. Any student, no matter their major, was able to submit artwork for the exhibition. Enriquez showcased two pieces: “Desert Scuba Dive” and “Joker.” Top Right: Junior Bethany Cruz, studio art major, visits the NAU Salon Show to examine artwork done by students across other majors. Cruz also showcased two pieces in the exhibition. Bottom Left: Artwork in the exhibition ranges from canvas paintings, to pottery, to metal work. Any student, no matter their major, was able to submit artwork for the exhibition. MacKenzie Brower | The Lumberjack Full story on Jackcentral.org

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020| THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

I

MMA is more than a sport

f someone is involved in a sport, you would say they are playing that sport. You can play baseball, basketball and football, but you can’t play fighting. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a sport that requires intelligence, strength and toughness, both mentally and physically.

It takes months of training and preparation for a fighter to get ready for a fight. Even with MMA’s biggest promotion, the Ultimate Fighting Champiosnhip (UFC), making real efforts to make the sport look legitimate, some people still look at it as overly violent and unprofessional. Some would not even call it a sport at all.

Personally, MMA is one of my favorite sports to watch. Everything from the presentation of the fight event to the DAVID action that takes place inside the octagon.

CHURCH I have even done some MMA training of SPORTS EDITOR my own, mainly kickboxing and some Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

One of the main lessons I have learned from those experiences is that the sport of MMA is not about beating someone up — it teaches discipline and patience.

MMA is a violent sport, that can’t be debated. However, the respect that most fighters show after the final round surpasses any showing of respect in all other sports.

The Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva fight at the UFC 234 event is a perfect example of that. After the fight was over, the two bowed to each other, shared multiple hugs and showed that even when you are a part of a sport that requires punching and trying to submit your opponent, the respect is there.

One of the greatest aspects about the UFC is that it allows its fighters to promote themselves. Most nonsports fans would have a hard time identifying Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout. That is not the case for fighters like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey or Jon Jones.

MMA is a sport that, in my opinion, demands respect. The amount of training and preparation that a fighter goes through pales in comparison to any other sport. The months of prepping for a fight is something that has to be respected.

For me, MMA has helped me get through my own troubles and problems. If I ever find myself in a situation where I am overly upset or angry, I can take it out on a punching bag.

MMA has also helped me keep a healthy lifestyle. Instead of going to a gym, I practice my punching and kicking, as well as my jiu-jitsu moves.

MMA has been one of the best discoveries in my life. It has helped me develop physical strength and mental strength as well. I know that whatever I am going through, whatever challenges I may face in the future, I have the strength to fight through it and become a better person because of it.

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NAU women’s swimming and diving head coach Andy Johns poses for a portrait at the Wall Aquatic Center, Feb. 21.

Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

Keeping their head above water Jasmine Navarrete Noriega

N

AU women’s swimming and diving head coach Andy Johns opens the doors to the Wall Aquatic Center. He smiles at the familiar surroundings as he waits for his team to arrive. Johns has been the head coach for the women’s swim and dive team at NAU for 24 seasons. For him, he has never been out of the water.

Johns’ love for the pool began when he was 8 years old when he first developed his passion. Coming from the warm waters of Florida to the lush mountains of Flagstaff, Johns has made a name for himself at NAU. He joined the university in 1996 when he started as head coach.

According to NAU Athletics, the team has won six consecutive conference championships and holds nine conference records. In total, the team has 61 individual and relay conference titles and has set 126 school records.

“We like winning conference championships. We want to win conference championships,” Johns said. “But really, the goal is to do your best and actually improve and keep getting better.”

For Johns, winning goes beyond titles. He runs his program with consistency and the idea of the team being a family. Junior swimmer Hope Williams had a coincidental meeting with coach Johns, which led her to become part of this family.

Waiting in the elevator of a hotel lobby while on vacation in Florida, the bell rang as the door opened, and in walked Johns.

Williams was wearing her high school swim shirt and Johns asked if she swam. Little did she know that her family vacation

had just turned into recruitment.

Coming from a small town in Texas, she never thought she would be swimming at a college level.

“I loved swimming in high school and I was just like, ‘I’d never be good enough,’ just because I never swam club,” Williams said. “I kind of gave up on the dream. But when I came here and saw Andy, and he actually believed in me, it was a big eye-opener for me and I thought I can do this.”

Williams said that with faith from Johns, she made the best decision of her life to attend NAU. This program gave her a lot more confidence and her times have improved tremendously since the start of her career with the Lumberjacks. According to NAU Athletics, she holds the NAU record in the 100-meter breaststroke, and has the third fastest time in the 200-meter breaststroke.

Johns’ winning dynamic started at Clemson University, where he and Nikki Huffman, associate head coach and head diving coach, previously coached before coming to NAU. Huffman was voted to the 1996 Atlantic Coast Conference men’s diving coach of the year and coached the men’s and women’s diving teams to winning seasons at Clemson. She was also the four-time National Independant Conference (NIC) diving coach of the year and four-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC) coach of the year.

“Nikki, our diving coach, and I have been here together the whole time, in fact, we were two years together at Clemson before we came here, so that consistency is helpful,” Johns said.

Even though Johns has had a steady partner by his side,

SPORTS

Sophomore swimmer Abbie Nelson dives off the starting blocks at the Wall Aquatic Center during NAU’s meet against Boise State University, Jan. 25. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

being head of the program for 24 years has come with highs and lows. The team may be swimming around the pool with titles, but there were times when it struggled.

Before NAU joined the WAC conference, it competed in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference from 1996 to 1998. Johns was ready for a new level of competition and decided to join the first all-Division I affiliation, the NIC in the 1998-1999 season.

NAU competed fairly well in the division, placing second in the NIC Swimming and Diving Championships in the 2003-04 season.

However, when the opportunity came to join the WAC prior to the 2004-2005 season, Johns did not hesitate.

“It was a good challenge and something we needed at the time,” Johns said. “We are happy to have made that decision.”

Competing at a new level helped the team improve and since then, they have been swimming rapidly to the top.

Johns also stressed the importance of being leaders on campus and active members of the community. He knows this is a full-time job for his athletes, going from practice to school to the weight room and repeat.

That is why the program works cohesively, from the recruitment process to the training and preparation going into their conference

appearances. Johns and the coaching staff work closely with their swimmers, but the swimmers are the ones who do all the work.

“We have been fortunate to have some great athletes come here and get better,” Johns said. “They love to compete. They really love to perform.”

The team has been floating comfortably on top for years, but they want to keep performing at high levels. Former NAU swimmer Monique King will be trying out for the New Zealand Olympics team in March 2020. Even though Johns has not had swimmers at the professional level, he has not given up.

“I think it is really important to have clearly defined goals and expectations,” Johns said.

“Everyone helps each other, pushes each other and when we can achieve those goals, it is a nice accomplishment.”

Even with challenging goals for the team to meet, no dream is impossible. With continuous goals and a great support system, the individuals that make up the team believes they can make it to the Olympics.

Despite these big dreams and goals, the coaching staff wants the swimmers to have fun and not focus too much on their swim times.

The program continues to succeed, as it provides confidence and a level of comfort for the athlete in and out of the pool. Williams

never thought she would swim at a college level, yet she broke a school record. For her, NAU was the first and the only school she considered.

“They’ve literally given me the best college experience I could ask for,” Williams said.

Aquatics Center brings new recruits On Feb. 20 2016, NAU opened the doors to its Wall Aquatic Center. With its Olympicsize competitive pool, NAU’s swim program got a lot better. The team was already attracting recruits with their dominating performances, however, the opening of the facility has been a deciding factor for a few of their swimmers.

This was the case for junior swimmer Elisa Rodriguez.

“The facility is obviously beautiful and brand new,” Rodriguez said. “After looking at other schools and seeing you are going to spend most of your time here, you want it to be something very comfortable and nice.”

Rodriguez and Williams were some of the first swimmers to enjoy the complex. Williams never saw the old pool facility, but compares it to a dungeon based on old pictures she has seen. For her, waking up at 5 a.m. is exciting because the new facility does not make it feel like practice.

Not only does the facility have an exciting atmosphere, but the relationships that form in

the recruitment process help keep the program afloat. From the moment potential students fly in for their recruitment trip, a bond is formed.

“It was awesome. I came and I went to the Hot Spot with a bunch of girls and they made me feel very welcome,” Rodriguez said. “I got to tour the pool and see everything and talk to Andy. It was great, really great.”

The program takes recruitment seriously.

Johns said the program is half of it, but the city of Flagstaff is the other half. High altitude is great for swimmers and this city provides that.

Even though the program seeks ways to welcome their recruits, Rodriguez said she thinks having better communication between the players and coaches will make the recruits experience unforgettable.

“We want a bunch of girls to come here and ... love it,” Rodriguez said. “I think there needs to be more communication when touring the girls, among the coaches, just so their experience flows really well.”

The facility has marked new beginnings for the swim program at NAU. Although Johns does not believe the facility has contributed to their championships, he is looking forward to continuing to expand the program.

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

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SPORTS

NAu Hosts final Home indoor track meet of the season

Top: Sprinters leap over hurdles at the NAU Tune Up at Walkup Skydome. Bottom left: Freshman Elise Stearns leads the mile at the NAU Tune Up at Walkup Skydome. Bottom Right: A bell is rung with one lap to go in the men’s 800-meter race at the NAU Tune Up at Walkup Skydome, Feb. 21. Michael Patacsil | The Lumberjack

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SPORTS

Lumberjacks sweep the Eagles, 63-58

Left: Redshirt sophomore forward Nina Radford (30) attempts a layup against Eastern Washington University at the Walkup Skydome. Top Right: Sophomore guard Regan Schenck (1) evades an Eastern Washington University defender on her way to the basket at the Walkup Skydome. Bottom Right: Redshirt junior guard Caitlin Malvar (3) communicates with her teammates during a stoppage against Eastern Washington University at the Walkup Skydome, Feb. 22. Brian Burke | The Lumberjack

FEBRUARY 27, 2020 – MARCH 4, 2020 | THE LUMBERJACK

23

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